This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, July 17th, 2020.

Later in the program, we have a national affairs report from WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner. Bruner has a report on the future of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Also coming up in the next half hour, an excerpt from our latest sports podcast “Social at a Distance” with Danielle Patterson.

But first, your local headlines.

Up first, your daily coronavirus briefing. Jake Jacobson files this brief report.

 

Monroe County Health Department released a Health Order mandating masks. Beginning today at 5pm all people in Monroe County must wear a mask or face covering while in an indoor location that is not their home or the home of immediate family members. The covering must cover the individual's mouth and nose at all times. The Health Order Alert states Quote “A face shield, face covering, or mask must be worn outdoors in a situation when adequate physical distancing of 6 feet or more is not possible. There are exceptions to this mandate.” The order in full can be found at co.monroe.in.dot.us.

Charges were issued from the Monroe County Prosecutor’s office on Friday for several people involved in the July 4th racist attack on Vauhxx Booker. Aaron Comforty contributed to this next report. We turn to Jake Jacobson for more.

The Monroe County Council approved use of a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grant funds by the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. Sharif Brad Swaine said the funds would be used for disinfectant equipment during their July 14th meeting.

Swain said within an hour large rooms could be sanitized. He said the Monroe County Correctional Center has Not experienced any COVID-19 cases. He said not proposed items were previously budgeted in the Sharif’s general fund. Swain said the ionization system will save money.

Swain said the ionization system installation began on July 14th.

Also during the meeting, Council member Eric Spoonmore proposed a statement in light of racially charged events.

Council member Marty Hawk said the statement was from the democratic caucus. She said she would not support the statement.

Hawk said the movement has lost its intent and brought terror into the county. She left the meeting before the council took a vote. Council members adopted the statement.

The Brown County Democrat reported a positive case from a person working at the Brown County Courthouse. For more on the story, we turn to Jake Jacobson.

Woman’s Commission Chair Nichelle Whitney proposed a series of employee training to the Monroe County Commissioners during their July 15th meeting. She said the training is through Projects Do Right and would provide training in cultural competency and diversity education for Monroe County Employees.

Whitney said 50 percent of the community has a form of diversity. She said there are three training package options. She explained the most inclusive package.

Whitney said the cost would be 12 hundred dollars per employee. She said the training would happen over a two-year period. She said progress could be assessed throughout the two-year period. She said after the period videos would be available for continuous learning. She said the training will be individualized.

Commissioner Penny Githens mentioned if all employees participated the program would cost about 700 thousand dollars. She said she would not be comfortable spending that much money. Commissioners tabled the proposal until a later meeting.

Now it’s time for your feature reports. WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner filed this national affairs report.

Last week, U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg issued a ruling which requested that the Dakota Access Pipeline be shut down by August 5 for an additional environmental review.