This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, January 18th, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Aaron Comforty speaks with Reverend Forrest Gilmore, executive director of Beacon Inc, about the opening of the organization's new Winter Homeless Shelter.

Also coming up, we have the latest edition of A Few Minutes with the Mayor - where listeners pose questions to Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton on issues in our community.

But first, your local headlines:

Bloomington COVID-19 Press Conference 

Indiana University Assistant Vice President for Strategic Partnerships Kirk White reported that IU-operated COVID-19 vaccination clinics are in Bloomington’s future. He spoke about vaccinations during the January 15th COVID-19 Press Conference.

White stated the clinics still await state approval before their operation could begin. Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill mentioned vaccination appointments can be made online at Our Shot DOT in DOT gov. She reported appointments will open as the county received the vaccination.

Caudill stated the state has also planned partnerships with local pharmacies to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Indiana University Health South Central Region President Brian Shockney reported on a decrease in COVID-19 inpatients at the hospitals.

Shockney stated 58 percent of COVID related deaths since March occurred over the last 90 days. He mentioned IU Health can now offer over 700 vaccines per day.

Bloomington City Council Public Safety Committee - Public Outcry Over Seminary Park Eviction

The Bloomington City Council Public Safety Committee held a discussion on the unhoused population in Bloomington during their January 14th meeting. Community member Tassy Gniady spoke about Wheeler Mission.

Bloomington Homeless Coalition member Mark Teller stated Seminary Park residents have chosen to stay in the park. He said the location provides comfort.

City Resident Timothy Clark said the city’s homeless evictions do not keep the community safe. Community member Tyler Burkabile mentioned his experience with Wheeler Mission.

Homeless Coalition member Heather Lake explained her involvement bringing encampment residents warm drinks in the morning. She expressed concern for the residents’ safety.

Resident Kay Goodman stated the homeless population is in crisis. Council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith mentioned a meeting would be held on January 25th to discuss long term hopelessness solutions.

Bloomington City Council

Bloomington City Council took a vote on the consolidation of council standing committees. Council member Steve Volan presented the resolution during their January 13th meeting.

Council members amended the resolution to allow the Transportation Committee to take the responsibility of the sidewalk committee. Council member Sue Sgambelluri proposed an amendment to maintain the Climate Action and Resilience Committee.

Sgambelluri worried that without the Climate Action Committee climate issues would be lost within other committees. Council members unanimously adopted the amendment. Council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith proposed an amendment to preserve the Housing Committee.

Piedmont-Smith mentioned the Land Use Committee already has a large amount of work and housing issues could get overlooked if combined. Council members approved the proposed amendment, and the resolution as a whole.

2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration

Every year, the City of Bloomington organizes a public celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which normally takes place at the Buskirk-Chumley theater.

However, this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event will happen virtually through the video-conferencing app, Zoom.