This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, February 3rd, 2022.

Later in the program, residents of Central Indiana are hunkering down to avoid the current winter weather conditions. WFHB Environmental News Correspondent Nathaniel Weinzapfel explains some interesting information about the storm. More in the bottom half of our program.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the Bloomington Music Expo happens this weekend and will feature vinyl records, live music and more. In today’s program, Executive Director of Visit Bloomington Mike McAffee talks about the upcoming music expo. But first, your local headlines.

Local Officials Discuss Pandemic Response at Covid-19 Press Conference

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

At the Covid-19 Press Conference held on January 28th, IU Health President Brian Shockney, said that the IU Health South Central Region has just had the second highest number of patients on record since the start of the pandemic. He also asked community members to seek out the proper level of care to keep the hospital beds available for those patients who need them the most.

Indiana University Vice Provost of Communications Kirk White reported on the rate of cases of Covid-19 at IU, and announced that they have made masks available to the public.

Indiana University Chief Health Officer, Aaron Carroll answered a question on whether or not the cold weather could affect at-home Covid-19 tests if they are left outside for an extended period of time.

Mayor Hamilton answered a question from Journalist Dave Askins, about whether or not the sanitation department has made changes to allow them to keep working despite the city reporting higher numbers of employees testing positive.

The next Covid-19 Press Conference will be held on February 11th.

Bloomington Utilities Service Board Talks About FOG Program and Covid Sampling at Wastewater Plant

Photo courtesy of Schmidt Associates.

On January 31st at the Utility Service Board meeting, Assistant City Attorney Christopher Wheeler asked the board to approve updates to the rules, regulations, and standards for the City of Bloomington Utilities.

The Fat, Oil, and Grease Program also known as the FOG Program ensures restaurants and businesses know how to properly dispose of their fat, oil, and grease waste.

He said that the rules are not new, however, they are making changes to make sure they are easier to find.

The board approved the changes unanimously.

Director of the Utilities Department Vic Kelson gave a brief update on the Covid samping at the wastewater plant.

The next Utilities Service Board meeting will be held on February 14th.

Residents of Central Indiana are Hunkering Down to Avoid the Current Winter Weather Conditions

Nathaniel Weinzapfel

Hope all you listeners are staying safe and warm out there! As of writing this story, I’m sheltering in my home on the north side of Bloomington, working virtually today. Out my window I can see the peaceful falling of snow in my backyard, with red cardinals interrupting the sea of white. 

Coming from a meteorological background, this storm is of particular interest to me. To begin, it is the first significant winter storm of the season. This is of no surprise considering how varied the weather has been in Bloomington. According to information from the National Weather Service’s historical database of Bloomington weather, this last December was warmer than average, especially around Christmas time. While January was slightly colder than average, in terms of precipitation, it was very dry compared to an average year. In total, the amount of snow during the winter months was 0.5 inches in December and 1.2 inches in all of January.