This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, July 8th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have the latest edition of Prescription for Healthcare - a podcast collaboration between WFHB and Medicare for All Indiana. More coming up in today’s feature report. Also coming up, we have coverage on Envision Ellettsville - a local initiative that aims to hear from the town of Ellettsville to make long-term improvements to the community. More in today’s headlines.

But first, your local news brief:

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

Coronavirus cases for Indiana have jumped in the last week, rising 39% higher than the previous week. A total of 2,025 cases were reported according to USA Today. Indiana is one of 28 states that has seen more cases this past week than the week before.. In the latest week cases in the United States have overall increased by 10.4%. Many cases and deaths were not reported during Fourth of July which could shift the week-to-week comparisons. Indiana counties Lake, Marion and Vanderburgh have seen the worst increases so far.

After the storms affected Indiana businesses and residents in June, federal officials have decided to open two Disaster Loan Outreach Centers this week. Both centers are scheduled to open Friday at 8 a.m. and will be located at the Monroe County Convention Center in Bloomington and the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce in Jefferson County. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 10th from noon to 5 p.m. The sites will close on Friday, July 16th at 5 p.m. According to the U.S. Small business Administration administrator Casillas Guzman certain low-interest disaster loans were a cause of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb requesting a disaster declaration. WFIU News stated that there will be a borrowing limit of $2 million for businesses and nonprofits and loans of up to $200,000 available to homeowners. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. The deadline for filing for property damage is September 7th.

Bloomington Digest released their daily weather forecast for the week. Today's high is 84 degrees with a low of 63. There are chances of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day with 7 mph winds. Tomorrow’s high will be 81 degrees and low of 65 degrees. Chances of showers and thunderstorms overnight but partly sunny throughout the day with 3 mph winds.

Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals

At its July 7th meeting, the Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals discussed variances to an area in Perry Township. County Planner Drew Myers presented two slope variances and a front yard variance for property in the 3300 block of South Spring Branch Road. He said the city recommended approval of the front yard setback but denial of the slope variances. Myers stated the petitioners could avoid the slope variances by redesigning the home.

Resident Peter Chadwick showed concern that the lot for the home was only 1.4 acres. He said the other neighborhood homes were built on at least 2 acres of land.

Board member Margaret Clements questioned why the petitioner did not have to obtain a lot size variance. Myers clarified that it did not have to abide by certain zoning restrictions because the lot was recorded before the zoning ordinance. Board member Skip Daley asked Myers if the resident objections were relevant to the Board’s decision.

Clements moved to deny the front yard setback variance due to remonstrances by residents of the neighborhood. Board members voted to deny the variance 3 to 1, with board member Skip Daley voting no.

Bloomington Board of Public Works

The Bloomington Board of Public Works discussed multiple lane closures. At the July 7th meeting,