This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020.

Later in the program, the League of Women Voters bring you the second installment of its podcast, “Civic Conversations.” Today’s program focuses on the problem of gerrymandering.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner reports on Part 2 of her feature on a federal lawsuit that alleges the Indianapolis Power and Light Company repeatedly violated the Clean Air Act.

Today's Local News Brief

728 new cases of COVID-19 and ten new Covid related deaths were reported in Indiana on Tuesday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.

Locally, Monroe County saw 37 new confirmed cases yesterday, that’s just shy of the county’s moving average. The mostly rural surrounding counties are typically seeing between zero and five new cases a day. 

***

The county’s statistics do not appear to incorporate the vast majority, if any, of Indiana University’s Covid-19 testing results, although county health officials say that they are in touch with the state health department and are trying to fix the reporting issue.

The university reported that, since mid-August, 1,226 positive cases had been documented at its Bloomington Campus alone, and last week it reported another 345 positive tests.

This morning, Indiana University reported last week’s mitigation testing brought another 242. The university website did not state how many of the newly reported tests belonged to unique individuals, but emphasized that positivity is trending downward across all testing categories. 

***

Beginning Monday, September 28th, the Monroe County Library will resume limited in-building services at the Main Library and Ellettsville Branch.

This includes the use of technology, as well as the ability to browse the shelves and pick up holds. Both curbside pickup locations will be replaced by drive-up pickup at the Main Library.

Patrons can drive, walk, or bike up, and no appointment will be required.

Bloomington City Council - Sustainable Development Committee

Director of Economic Alex Crowley requested a letter of recommendation for the trades district technology center from the Bloomington City Council Sustainable Development Committee during their September 21st meeting. Crowley said the center would be funded by a coronavirus aid relief and economic Security Act grant.

Crowley said the technology center would Construct critical infrastructure and facilities that will support economic recovery and job creation. Bloomington economic Development Corporation president Jennifer Pearl said technology is a key cluster for job growth and could strengthen other industries. She presented services that the project would provide.

Pearl mentioned the benefit of federal information connections. Crowley said approximately 7 million dollars would come from federal funding in two million from city Tax Increment Financing. He stated the land and building would continue to be owned by the redevelopment Commission. Committee members signed a recommendation letter on September 22nd, Councilman Steven Volan was absent.

Bloomington Redevelopment Commission

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission approved a Feasibility Study Endorsement, Development Strategy Endorsement, and a Funding Match for the construction of a Trades District Technology Center, during their September 21st meeting. Bloomington Economic Development Corporation President Jennifer Pearl said a third-party feasibility study was required for the grant application which to pay for construction.

Pearl said the grant was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. Commission member Cindy Kinnarney asked Director of Ec...

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020.

Later in the program, the League of Women Voters bring you the second installment of its podcast, “Civic Conversations.” Today’s program focuses on the problem of gerrymandering.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner reports on Part 2 of her feature on a federal lawsuit that alleges the Indianapolis Power and Light Company repeatedly violated the Clean Air Act.

Today’s Local News Brief

728 new cases of COVID-19 and ten new Covid related deaths were reported in Indiana on Tuesday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.

Locally, Monroe County saw 37 new confirmed cases yesterday, that’s just shy of the county’s moving average. The mostly rural surrounding counties are typically seeing between zero and five new cases a day. 

***

The county’s statistics do not appear to incorporate the vast majority, if any, of Indiana University’s Covid-19 testing results, although county health officials say that they are in touch with the state health department and are trying to fix the reporting issue.

The university reported that, since mid-August, 1,226 positive cases had been documented at its Bloomington Campus alone, and last week it reported another 345 positive tests.

This morning, Indiana University reported last week’s mitigation testing brought another 242. The university website did not state how many of the newly reported tests belonged to unique individuals, but emphasized that positivity is trending downward across all testing categories. 

***

Beginning Monday, September 28th, the Monroe County Library will resume limited in-building services at the Main Library and Ellettsville Branch.

This includes the use of technology, as well as the ability to browse the shelves and pick up holds. Both curbside pickup locations will be replaced by drive-up pickup at the Main Library.

Patrons can drive, walk, or bike up, and no appointment will be required.

Bloomington City Council – Sustainable Development Committee

Director of Economic Alex Crowley requested a letter of recommendation for the trades district technology center from the Bloomington City Council Sustainable Development Committee during their September 21st meeting. Crowley said the center would be funded by a coronavirus aid relief and economic Security Act grant.

Crowley said the technology center would Construct critical infrastructure and facilities that will support economic recovery and job creation. Bloomington economic Development Corporation president Jennifer Pearl said technology is a key cluster for job growth and could strengthen other industries. She presented services that the project would provide.

Pearl mentioned the benefit of federal information connections. Crowley said approximately 7 million dollars would come from federal funding in two million from city Tax Increment Financing. He stated the land and building would continue to be owned by the redevelopment Commission. Committee members signed a recommendation letter on September 22nd, Councilman Steven Volan was absent.

Bloomington Redevelopment Commission

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission approved a Feasibility Study Endorsement, Development Strategy Endorsement, and a Funding Match for the construction of a Trades District Technology Center, during their September 21st meeting. Bloomington Economic Development Corporation President Jennifer Pearl said a third-party feasibility study was required for the grant application which to pay for construction.

Pearl said the grant was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. Commission member Cindy Kinnarney asked Director of Economic and Sustainable Development Alex Crowley about community involvem...

Welcome to the second installment of our podcast series from the League of Women Voters titled “Civic Conversations.” 

In today’s segment, host Jim Allison talks to guest George Hegeman, professor emeritus of microbiology at Indiana University. Hegeman is a long time advocate and member of the League of Women Voters Redistricting Committee. 

The topic today is gerrymandering. Listen to find out more about the problem of gerrymandering and what we as active citizens can do about it.

Gerrymandering is when a governing party redraws a district to them through two main practices: packing and cracking. The League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County bring you a podcast which covers what it means and why you should care (Photo courtesy of Cornell Policy Review).

Welcome to the second installment of our podcast series from the League of Women Voters titled “Civic Conversations.” 

In today’s segment, host Jim Allison talks to guest George Hegeman, professor emeritus of microbiology at Indiana University. Hegeman is a long time advocate and member of the League of Women Voters Redistricting Committee. 

The topic today is gerrymandering. Listen to find out more about the problem of gerrymandering and what we as active citizens can do about it.

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, September 21st, 2020.

In today's program, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner reports on a lawsuit against Indianapolis Power and Light for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. Also, our 22nd installment of A Few Minutes with the Mayor. In today’s segment, Mayor John Hamilton talks about the failed local income tax increase proposal for Monroe County.

First, today's local news brief:

535 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Sunday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.

According to the CDC website, “There is generally less reporting on weekends.” The reduced reporting may contribute to the apparent drop in cases, and might have something to do with why yesterday's positive case count is about 300 under the state’s average.

Monroe County saw 14 new cases yesterday. The county’s positivity rate for unique individuals tested is at 8.8 percent.

The county’s statistics do not appear to incorporate the vast majority, if any, of Indiana University’s Covid-19 testing results. The university reported that, since mid-August, twelve hundred and twenty-six positive cases had been documented at its Bloomington Campus alone.

Since then, it reported another 345 positive tests. The university website did not state how many of the newly reported tests belonged to unique individuals.

***

WRTV reports that fire crews are actively attempting to extinguish multiple house fires on South Wickens Street in the Highlands neighborhood on the south side of Bloomington. The number of houses on fire is unclear at this time.

***

The Monroe County Correctional Center continues to come under scrutiny after multiple jail employees tested positive for Covid-19, and reports began to surface online that legal mask mandates were not enforced within the jail. In response, the jail’s commander, Sam Crowe, pointed out that no inmates have had Covid-19 to date. It should be mentioned that no inmates have been tested to date either.

***

And the Monroe County Community School Corporation is holding a school board candidate forum on Wednesday evening. The forum is an opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves and answer questions. While schools are meeting in-person, this forum will be held on Zoom.

Joint COVID-19 Press Conference 

Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton reported another city utilities employee with a positive COVID-19 case, totaling 13 CBU COVID-19 cases. During the September 18th COVID-19 Press Conference Monroe County Health Administrator said the positivity rate was 7.3 percent.

Caudill said a person should only seek testing if they are experiencing symptoms or potential exposure. She advised against general routine tests. She mentioned flu vaccination clinic plans.

Caudill said plans are being developed for administering COVID-19 vaccinations once accessible. Indiana University Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Kirk White reported a decrease in IU’s positivity rate.

White said IU is conducting 10,000 mitigation tests per week. He mentioned testing has raised stress levels in students.

White clarified testing is not a punishment. He reported a high level of student counseling and psychological services visits.

Hoosier Amy Coney Barrett - A Lead Contender for the U.S. Supreme Court

Indiana judge Amy Coney Barrett is now a lead contender to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Ginsberg died on Friday after complications with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Ginsberg was the second woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. She helped pave the way for women’s equality in the courtroom and in society at large.

Her death means there is an open seat on the Supreme Court — which President Donald Trump wants to fill.

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, September 21st, 2020.

In today’s program, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner reports on a lawsuit against Indianapolis Power and Light for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. Also, our 22nd installment of A Few Minutes with the Mayor. In today’s segment, Mayor John Hamilton talks about the failed local income tax increase proposal for Monroe County.

First, today’s local news brief:

535 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Sunday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.

According to the CDC website, “There is generally less reporting on weekends.” The reduced reporting may contribute to the apparent drop in cases, and might have something to do with why yesterday’s positive case count is about 300 under the state’s average.

Monroe County saw 14 new cases yesterday. The county’s positivity rate for unique individuals tested is at 8.8 percent.

The county’s statistics do not appear to incorporate the vast majority, if any, of Indiana University’s Covid-19 testing results. The university reported that, since mid-August, twelve hundred and twenty-six positive cases had been documented at its Bloomington Campus alone.

Since then, it reported another 345 positive tests. The university website did not state how many of the newly reported tests belonged to unique individuals.

***

WRTV reports that fire crews are actively attempting to extinguish multiple house fires on South Wickens Street in the Highlands neighborhood on the south side of Bloomington. The number of houses on fire is unclear at this time.

***

The Monroe County Correctional Center continues to come under scrutiny after multiple jail employees tested positive for Covid-19, and reports began to surface online that legal mask mandates were not enforced within the jail. In response, the jail’s commander, Sam Crowe, pointed out that no inmates have had Covid-19 to date. It should be mentioned that no inmates have been tested to date either.

***

And the Monroe County Community School Corporation is holding a school board candidate forum on Wednesday evening. The forum is an opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves and answer questions. While schools are meeting in-person, this forum will be held on Zoom.

Joint COVID-19 Press Conference 

Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton reported another city utilities employee with a positive COVID-19 case, totaling 13 CBU COVID-19 cases. During the September 18th COVID-19 Press Conference Monroe County Health Administrator said the positivity rate was 7.3 percent.

Caudill said a person should only seek testing if they are experiencing symptoms or potential exposure. She advised against general routine tests. She mentioned flu vaccination clinic plans.

Caudill said plans are being developed for administering COVID-19 vaccinations once accessible. Indiana University Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Kirk White reported a decrease in IU’s positivity rate.

White said IU is conducting 10,000 mitigation tests per week. He mentioned testing has raised stress levels in students.

White clarified testing is not a punishment. He reported a high level of student counseling and psychological services visits.

Hoosier Amy Coney Barrett – A Lead Contender for the U.S. Supreme Court

Indiana judge Amy Coney Barrett is now a lead contender to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Ginsberg died on Friday after complications with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Ginsberg was the second woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. She helped pave the way for women’s equality in the courtroom and in society at large.

Her death means there is an open seat on the Supreme Court — which President Donald Trump wants to fill. Regarded as the front runner for Ginsberg’s replacement,

Local News Brief

623 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Tuesday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. That's almost 300 less than the state's moving average, which is at about 900 newly diagnosed cases a day.

Yesterday, there were 11 new deaths in the state, while Monroe County saw 24 new confirmed cases. Monroe County’s case numbers have fluctuated more than they usually do in the past week. The newly reported cases are less than a sixth of the previous day’s reported cases. It’s unclear what is causing the fluctuations.

***

Indiana University was expected to publish new statistics about its Covid-19 testing results yesterday, but the results weren't published until today, and its website now says that it will update its statistics every Wednesday going forward.

Unlike the previous update, this one did not specify how many positive cases were documented by the university. The change in language was not explained on the online dashboard.

The previous week, the university reported that, since mid-August, over 1,200 positive cases had been documented at its Bloomington Campus alone. Since then, the university reported another 345 positive tests.

***

Smoke from wildfires on the west coast has made its way to Indiana. The sun can appear hazy, and although the unusual sight is often associated with poor air quality, the smoke is about fifteen to twenty thousand feet in the air and does not pose a serious health risk, according to the National Weather Service.

Monroe County Council - Budget Hearing

The Monroe County Council discussed the 2021 County Council General Budget during their September 15th meeting. Budget Administrator Kim Shell said a part time hourly position was added to the budget.

Shell mentioned an increase in the contractual budget for a contract with Waggoner, Irwin, Scheele and Associates or WIS for job salary studies. Council member Geoff McKim questioned if more funds would be needed to compensate the WIS study.

Shell said a final bill has not been received. Council member Marty Hawk said WIS would not be necessary to research what elected officials make. Councilor Eric Spoonmore said only a small cost would be used for that service.

Shell reported increases for travel and training and the Sofia Travis Community Services. Council members approved the 2021 general fund budget for approximately 5 hundred sixty one thousand 5 hundred dollars, with Hawk voting against.

 

Bloomington City Council to Vote on Raising Local Income Tax in Wednesday Meeting

Bloomington City Council will vote on a 0.25 percent increase in local income tax on Wednesday.

The proposed tax increase is a part of Mayor John Hamilton’s “Recover Forward” initiative. Mayor Hamilton said the taxes will be used for economic development — while expanding on racial and climate justice.

"We want to do the right thing to protect our vulnerable citizens," said Mayor Hamilton.

The tax would be expected to generate $8.7 million — $4 million to the city and the remainder to the county. Over 50 percent of the tax would come from residents who earn over $100 thousand per year.

The proposed tax increase faces opposition from several parties. City council member Susan Sandberg said the city needs to be transparent in how the tax revenue is spent.

"This is almost too large of a project. It’s too much of a kitchen sink approach, and it’s very very hard to take this message out to the constituents," said Sandberg.

Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce issued a statement calling for council members to reject the proposal. Members of Monroe County Council and Ellettsville Town Council expressed their opposition for the county-wide tax increase.

On Monday,

Local News Brief

623 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Tuesday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. That’s almost 300 less than the state’s moving average, which is at about 900 newly diagnosed cases a day.

Yesterday, there were 11 new deaths in the state, while Monroe County saw 24 new confirmed cases. Monroe County’s case numbers have fluctuated more than they usually do in the past week. The newly reported cases are less than a sixth of the previous day’s reported cases. It’s unclear what is causing the fluctuations.

***

Indiana University was expected to publish new statistics about its Covid-19 testing results yesterday, but the results weren’t published until today, and its website now says that it will update its statistics every Wednesday going forward.

Unlike the previous update, this one did not specify how many positive cases were documented by the university. The change in language was not explained on the online dashboard.

The previous week, the university reported that, since mid-August, over 1,200 positive cases had been documented at its Bloomington Campus alone. Since then, the university reported another 345 positive tests.

***

Smoke from wildfires on the west coast has made its way to Indiana. The sun can appear hazy, and although the unusual sight is often associated with poor air quality, the smoke is about fifteen to twenty thousand feet in the air and does not pose a serious health risk, according to the National Weather Service.

Monroe County Council – Budget Hearing

The Monroe County Council discussed the 2021 County Council General Budget during their September 15th meeting. Budget Administrator Kim Shell said a part time hourly position was added to the budget.

Shell mentioned an increase in the contractual budget for a contract with Waggoner, Irwin, Scheele and Associates or WIS for job salary studies. Council member Geoff McKim questioned if more funds would be needed to compensate the WIS study.

Shell said a final bill has not been received. Council member Marty Hawk said WIS would not be necessary to research what elected officials make. Councilor Eric Spoonmore said only a small cost would be used for that service.

Shell reported increases for travel and training and the Sofia Travis Community Services. Council members approved the 2021 general fund budget for approximately 5 hundred sixty one thousand 5 hundred dollars, with Hawk voting against.

 

Bloomington City Council to Vote on Raising Local Income Tax in Wednesday Meeting

Bloomington City Council will vote on a 0.25 percent increase in local income tax on Wednesday.

The proposed tax increase is a part of Mayor John Hamilton’s “Recover Forward” initiative. Mayor Hamilton said the taxes will be used for economic development — while expanding on racial and climate justice.

“We want to do the right thing to protect our vulnerable citizens,” said Mayor Hamilton.

The tax would be expected to generate $8.7 million — $4 million to the city and the remainder to the county. Over 50 percent of the tax would come from residents who earn over $100 thousand per year.

The proposed tax increase faces opposition from several parties. City council member Susan Sandberg said the city needs to be transparent in how the tax revenue is spent.

“This is almost too large of a project. It’s too much of a kitchen sink approach, and it’s very very hard to take this message out to the constituents,” said Sandberg.

Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce issued a statement calling for council members to reject the proposal. Members of Monroe County Council and Ellettsville Town Council expressed their opposition for the county-wide tax increase.

On Monday, an anonymous letter from two local businesses owners was posted on Reddit addressed...

This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, September 11th, 2020.

Later in the program, we present a new podcast on the WFHB Local News titled Prescription for Healthcare. In this week’s episode, Karen Green Stone talks to Dr. Rob Stone, former emergency physician about healthcare reform in the U.S. Also coming up, we breakdown Governor Eric Holcomb’s latest update on the state's response to coronavirus and how Monroe County’s daily numbers will be impacted.

Local News Brief

A record breaking day in Indiana, as the state saw 1,281 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday, its highest number to date.

That’s according to the Indiana State Department of Health, which also reported that Monroe County shattered its single day record, with 253 new cases of Covid-19 reported on Thursday.

That’s almost three times its previous record of 83. Monroe County reported more positive cases than any other county in Indiana yesterday. 

Indiana University reported over twelve hundred positive cases on its Bloomington Campus since August 22nd.

Including the university’s cases from the past three weeks into the county’s totals, almost doubles Monroe County’s total number of cases since the pandemic began, bringing it to 3,040. 

Normally, laboratory testing results are posted on the state health department’s website, but Indiana University’s complete testing results don’t appear to be there.

Both in an email to WFHB and publicly, the university has claimed that it is reporting all of its testing results to the State Department of Health.

When WFHB asked the Monroe County Health Department about the issue, health department officials explained that some Covid-19 testing results are only sent to the state, while other results are sent to a shared database between counties and the state.

This would seemingly put the onus on the state health department for at least part of the reporting problem, which has persisted for weeks, if not months.

The Monroe County Health Department says that it is in contact with the state and is working to fix the problem, which it chalks up to complications in the bureaucratic and administrative process.

When WFHB reached out to the State Department of Health, they did not respond directly to our questions about the reporting problem, although, today for the first time, the department included an advisory on its dashboard that may be related to the university’s testing results.

The advisory notes that a new testing facility has been onboarded into the departments’ data reporting. The health department noted that all of the negative tests from the facility have not been counted yet.

As WFHB and WFIU have previously reported, it's clear that the majority of the university’s positive cases have not been counted either.

Monroe County Council - Budget Hearing 

Monroe County Commissioners proposed their 2021 general fund budget with a salary raise to the Monroe County Council during its September 10th budget hearing meeting. Commissioner Lee Jones described an increase of work since joining the commission.

Jones mentioned many appearances and speeches occur during the evening or weekends. She said the current salary and hours limit the applicants willing to take on the job.

Commissioner Penny Githens said being a commissioner has never been a part time job. Commissioner Julie Thomas said it is an issue of pay equity. County Council member Geoff McKim proposed a commissioner salary of $46,000, approximately 10,000 more than last year's salary. Councilwoman Cheryl Munson said commissioners should be properly compensated.

Council member Kate Wiltz thought the request was premature. She mentioned results from a county salary study are not yet available.

This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, September 11th, 2020.

Later in the program, we present a new podcast on the WFHB Local News titled Prescription for Healthcare. In this week’s episode, Karen Green Stone talks to Dr. Rob Stone, former emergency physician about healthcare reform in the U.S. Also coming up, we breakdown Governor Eric Holcomb’s latest update on the state’s response to coronavirus and how Monroe County’s daily numbers will be impacted.

Local News Brief

A record breaking day in Indiana, as the state saw 1,281 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday, its highest number to date.

That’s according to the Indiana State Department of Health, which also reported that Monroe County shattered its single day record, with 253 new cases of Covid-19 reported on Thursday.

That’s almost three times its previous record of 83. Monroe County reported more positive cases than any other county in Indiana yesterday. 

Indiana University reported over twelve hundred positive cases on its Bloomington Campus since August 22nd.

Including the university’s cases from the past three weeks into the county’s totals, almost doubles Monroe County’s total number of cases since the pandemic began, bringing it to 3,040. 

Normally, laboratory testing results are posted on the state health department’s website, but Indiana University’s complete testing results don’t appear to be there.

Both in an email to WFHB and publicly, the university has claimed that it is reporting all of its testing results to the State Department of Health.

When WFHB asked the Monroe County Health Department about the issue, health department officials explained that some Covid-19 testing results are only sent to the state, while other results are sent to a shared database between counties and the state.

This would seemingly put the onus on the state health department for at least part of the reporting problem, which has persisted for weeks, if not months.

The Monroe County Health Department says that it is in contact with the state and is working to fix the problem, which it chalks up to complications in the bureaucratic and administrative process.

When WFHB reached out to the State Department of Health, they did not respond directly to our questions about the reporting problem, although, today for the first time, the department included an advisory on its dashboard that may be related to the university’s testing results.

The advisory notes that a new testing facility has been onboarded into the departments’ data reporting. The health department noted that all of the negative tests from the facility have not been counted yet.

As WFHB and WFIU have previously reported, it’s clear that the majority of the university’s positive cases have not been counted either.

Monroe County Council – Budget Hearing 

Monroe County Commissioners proposed their 2021 general fund budget with a salary raise to the Monroe County Council during its September 10th budget hearing meeting. Commissioner Lee Jones described an increase of work since joining the commission.

Jones mentioned many appearances and speeches occur during the evening or weekends. She said the current salary and hours limit the applicants willing to take on the job.

Commissioner Penny Githens said being a commissioner has never been a part time job. Commissioner Julie Thomas said it is an issue of pay equity. County Council member Geoff McKim proposed a commissioner salary of $46,000, approximately 10,000 more than last year’s salary. Councilwoman Cheryl Munson said commissioners should be properly compensated.

Council member Kate Wiltz thought the request was premature. She mentioned results from a county salary study are not yet available.

County Council members approve the 10 thousand dollars raise on a 5 – 2 vote with council members Marty Hawk and Kate Wiltz voting a...