This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, October 14th, 2020.

Later in the program, we have an excerpt from Big Talk. Host Michael Glaab speaks with Anti-nuke Activist David Keppel. Keppel is a member of the Green Sanctuary Task Force of the United Universalist Church of Bloomington.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Better Beware, your weekly consumer-watchdog segment hosted by Richard Fish.

But first, your daily headlines.

Bloomington Plan Commission 

Bloomington City Planner Eric Greulich presented a mixed- use student housing rezone request for East Brownstone Drive Property at the October 12th Bloomington Plan Commission meeting. Greulich said the project would include three multistory buildings, the tallest being 6 stories.

Gruelich cited plans for an internal parking garage and three drive cuts to 14th street. He mentioned surrounding zones were listed as Residential High Density Multifamily and Single Family. Greulich said the petitioner would NOT be allowed a private shuttle.

Neighboring resident Susan Elkins Goldsworthy expressed alarm about additional traffic density. Resident Sarah Alexander presented concerns for pedestrian convenience. She said current crosswalks and bus stops near the proposed site are unsuitable.

Greulich clarified a site plan would be discussed in a later meeting. Commissioners unanimously approved the rezone request.

Indiana To Remain in Stage 5, Dr. Kristina Box Tests Positive for Covid-19

At 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Governor Eric Holcomb announced Stage 5 will continue through the month of October.

This comes after the Indiana State Department of Health reported record highs of new positive cases and hospitalizations due to coronavirus. Stage 5 means restaurants and bars remain open to full capacity. However, masks and social distancing are still required.

Dr. Kristina Box, state health commissioner, said she contracted coronavirus along with several members of her family.

Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Chief Medical Officer for the Indiana State Department of Health, said she will get tested for Covid-19, along with the governor, members of the governor’s office and members of the state health department.

Contract tracing is in place for those who may have come into contact with Dr. Kristina Box in the aftermath of her positive coronavirus test.

Dr. Woody Myers, Democratic candidate for governor, criticized the governor’s plan – particularly the mask mandate. Myers said the mandate does not go far enough in enforcing the public to wear masks.

Governor Holcomb cited those who do not wear masks or social distance are the reason why the state’s numbers keep climbing.

More updates will be given next Wednesday during the governor’s next coronavirus press conference

Monroe County Commissioners and Plan Commission – Huff Lawsuit agreement 

The Monroe County Commissioners and Plan Commission held a joint session on October 13th to discuss a lawsuit mediation agreement between the County and William Huff, owner of lake Monroe property, over erosion by logging claims. The County Attorney Dave shilling stated thirteen agreeable terms were created.

Schillings clarified the formal agreement had not been received. He said a survey of the logged land would determine any future remedies for the land.

Schilling said an Urban Area map would be produced to regulate any future development on the Huff property. He explained the conclusion of the agreement would result in a County statement saying the site does not pose a threat to the water supply and is in compliance with County erosion control requirements. Commissioner Jerry Pittsford questioned Schilling about the Huff’s compliance.

Commissioner Trohn Enright-Randolph expressed concerns with the statement wording. He said unfavorable impact could not be certain.