This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, May 25, 2020.

In today's newscast, WFHB Correspondents break down Stage Three of Indiana’s plan to reopen. Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman interviews John Hamilton, Mayor of Bloomington, in our segment, A Few Minutes with the Mayor.

But first, your local headlines.

According to the state’s dashboard, Indiana State Department of Health reported 354 new positive cases with 8 new deaths. This comes after 5,498 new tests.

Altogether, there are 31,715 total positive cases of Covid-19 in Indiana. 1,832 total people have died from the virus. The total number of Indiana’s residents who were tested climbs to 226,251 people. 14.1 percent of total tests came back positive.

In Monroe County, there are 160 positive cases of Covid-19 with 10 deaths. Over 2,500 tests have been issued. In Brown County, there are 33 positive cases with one death confirmed. This comes after 185 total tests were issued in Brown County.

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President of Indiana University Health Brian Schokney said last week the IU Bloomington Hospital discharged their 100th COVID-19 patient, during a COVID-19 Press Conference on May 22nd. He said by June 8th every clinic will be available online. County Health Administrator Penny Caudill said positivity rates are decreasing.

Caudill said the state webpage coronavirus DOT i-n DOT gov will direct people to testing facilities. She announced the operating hours for the OptumServe testing site to be Monday through Thursday 8am to 8pm and Friday 8ma to 4pm. Caudill explained the move of the OptumServe testing site to the National Guard Armory.

Monroe County Emergency Management Director Allison Moore said a blood drive is scheduled for June 23rd.

Indiana University assistant Vice President for Strategic Partnerships Kirk White said on June 1st IU Faculty and student research projects will resume.

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The Brown County 4-H fair will not hold any in-person events this year. However, there will be virtua events, according to Sara Clifford of the Brown County Democrat.

In a breaking alert from the BC Democrat, a letter was sent from the 4-H council, the fair board, the livestock auction committee and the 4-H office.

The letter reads, “Ultimately, both the 4-H Council and 4-H Fair Board felt that with our current resources, we would be unable to comply with the safety requirements set forth by Purdue Extension to ensure the safety of all those in attendance.”

4-H fair and Brown County leaders say grandstand events, the carnival, baby and toddler pageants, commercial vendors, open class exhibits and the livestock auction will not happen this year.

Last week, both Monroe County and Bartholomew County canceled their in-person fairs but will be offering virtual activities.

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The Bloomington City Council Administration Committee discussed hiring a new Administrative Attorney in light of the retirement of Dan Sherman during their May 22nd meeting. Counselor Stephen Volan said Deputy Administrator Stephen Lucas was qualified.

Council member Jim Sims said Lucas would still be asked to submit an up to date resumé. Administrative Attorney Dan Sherman said the hiring process for the Deputy Administrator position does NOT require a committee and is conducted by the Administrative Attorney. Volan said the city hopes to continue a full staff through August 1st.

Council members approved a do-pass recommendation to the Full council for the appointment of Stephen Lucas for the Administrative Attorney position.

Feature Reports:

* Up first, a slew of WFHB News Correspondents break down what Stage Three means for Indiana residents.

* A Few Minutes with the Mayor hosted by Sydney Foreman.

Credits: