This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, August 17th, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB Producer Michael Glab speaks with Dave Askins of the B-Square Bulletin, during an excerpt from Big Talk - a one-on-one interview program with different guests each week, learning about their lives, their hopes, and their accomplishments.

In today’s excerpt, Askins discusses, independent journalism here locally and his news and civic service website, the B-Square Bulletin. More coming up in today’s feature report.

Public Safety Local Income Tax Committee

The Public Safety Local Income Tax Committee discussed the county’s local dispatch budget. At the August 13th meeting, United Central Dispatch Policy Board representative Amy Hensley requested funding for additional staff. She said that neighboring counties have more staff and higher pay, which could drive interested candidates away from jobs in Monroe County.

Committee member Jim Sims pointed out that central dispatch wants to have a "healthy reserve" of funds. He questioned what group gets to decide how much reserve money would be considered healthy. City Attorney Mike Rouker responded that ultimately the Central Dispatch Policy Board decided. He added it would be wise to create a working group to establish and review a 10 year capital plan to help determine how much central dispatch needs in reserves.

The committee voted to adopt the budget as presented 7 to 0.

Bloomington Utilities Service Board

The Bloomington Utilities Service Board discussed the ongoing water rate case. At the August 16th meeting, City of Bloomington Utilities Director Vic Kelson presented a request to hire a consultant for the C-B-U’s current water rate case. He explained the consultant would help analyze the city’s rebuttal and help answer questions presented during the case.

Kelson said that the C-B-U was pushing for a settlement. He added that the City would need more funds in case a settlement isn’t reached.

Board members approved the funding unanimously.

Bloomington Redevelopment Commission 

CEO of Fine Tune Rich Ham made his case to buy the downtown Showers Administration building to the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission. At the August 16th meeting, Ham talked about the company’s bid to purchase the Historic Showers Administration building. He said Fine Tune wants to use the building as its headquarters.

Ham emphasized Fine Tune’s connection to Bloomington. He said his company staffs many of its finance functions with interns from the Kelly School of Business.

Commissioner Deborah Myerson asked if the petitioners were confident that they could get the supplies necessary to finish renovations in one year. Petitioners clarified that Fine Tune needed to commit to the renovations within one year, so supply delays would be ok. Commissioners approved the agreement unanimously.

Richland Bean Blossom School Board 

The Richland Bean Blossom School Board opened a project bond at their August 16th meeting. Bose McKinney and Evans LLP Partner Jacob McClellan talked about the process authorizing a bond. He said the funds for the bond would be used for a number of facility improvements including upgraded technology and general renovation.

Board members voted to approve the bond unanimously. The School Board also discussed hiring a therapist. RBBCSC Superintendent Jerry Sanders introduced the position, which he said is possible through a partnership with family health clinic Adult and Child. He explained the position would be at Edgewood High School, and that funds could be split between Medicaid and other local funding.

Board members voted to approve the position unanimously.

Feature Report:

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, August 16th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have the latest edition of A Few Minutes with the Mayor - a weekly segment where we pose questions to Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton on community issues. More coming up in the bottom half of tonight’s program.

Also coming up in the next half hour, The U.S. Supreme Court will not block Indiana University’s mask mandate. WFHB Correspondent Robert Robinson has that story.

Coronavirus Press Conference 

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton revealed that another city employee had tested positive for COVID-19 at the biweekly Coronavirus Press Conference. He said the county is going through a third surge and that the best thing we can do to help fight it is mask up and get vaccinated.

Indiana University Health President Brian Shockney echoed Mayor Hamilton’s call to mask up and get vaccinated. He said IU Health hospitalizations due to the coronavirus have surged to their highest numbers since February.

The next Coronavirus Press Conference will be on August 27th.

Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission 

The Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission discussed building an artist studio. At the August 12th meeting, Commissioner and Petitioner Sam DeSollar presented plans to build a 2-story artist studio in an empty lot on Morton Street near the B-Line. He said the McDoel Gardens neighborhood features a mix of residential and industrial buildings, which he wanted to incorporate into the studio design.

Resident Elizabeth Cox Ash spoke in support of the project. She said the McDoel Gardens neighborhood plan emphasized the importance of spaces like artist studios.

Commissioner Chris Sturbaum showed concern for the modern design. He suggested the design could represent historic patterns and still have space for the amenities of an artist studio.

Commissioners voted to approve the COA, 4 to 0, with Commissioners Sam DeSollar and Chris Sturbaum abstaining.

Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Board 

The Monroe County Solid Waste Management District looked at its 2022 budget. Board member Isabel Piedmont-Smith asked about the Metal Recycling budget at the August 12th meeting. She wondered if the 2022 metal recycling budget should be higher, considering that spending on it has nearly reached the 2021 budgeted numbers. Executive Director of the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Tom McGlasson suggested the market might be inflated due to the coronavirus. He said the board could wait a year and see if the numbers stayed high.

Board member Cheryl Munson praised the board’s decision to raise the minimum wage for all solid waste management employees. She identified that, in 2022, employees would not be making less than 15 dollars an hour.

Board members approved the 2022 budget 6 to 0.

Bloomington Economic Development Commission 

The Bloomington Economic Development Commission discussed issuing notes at its August 11th meeting. Director of the Bloomington Housing Authority Amber Skoby presented the request for notes to help acquire and fund renovations at Crestmont Park. She explained the proposed renovations will improve handicap accessibility and help modernize the units.

Commissioners voted to approve the resolution 3 to 0. The resolution will now move on to the Bloomington City Council for final approval.

Feature Reports:

On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Indiana University to require students to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. WFHB Correspondent Robert Robinson has that story.

Photo courtesy of the City of Bloomington.

Now it’s time for A Few Minutes with the Mayor - a weekly segment where we pose questions to Bl...

This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, August 12th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have the latest edition of Prescription for Healthcare - a monthly segment dedicated to increasing the understanding of healthcare issues for the WFHB listening community through interviews with and commentary from medical and community experts. That’s coming up in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Emily McCoy provides a rundown of the latest in Indiana news and politics during our segment, the Statehouse Roundup. More following today’s headlines.

Local News Brief

By Robert Robinson

The City of Bloomington has begun excavation work at Lower Cascades Park, as part of their Streambank Stabilization and Trail Construction project. This project will include installing new storm drains, road resurfacing, and refurbishing the stream bank walls. A new paved trail and boardwalk leading to the waterfall will also be installed.

A tract of land along I-69 to the north of Bloomington that was up for annexation has been removed from consideration, after pushback from residents and city council members. Residents, among other concerns, feared an increase in their property taxes, and some council members expressed skepticism about the viability of the land for development. Annexation will continue for other slated areas, as the city of Bloomington seeks to keep its municipal services at pace with urban development.

Monroe County’s universal mask mandate remains in effect, after being reinstated last week. Monroe County’s vaccination rate remains at roughly 60%. Indiana University-Bloomington has also reinstated their universal mask mandate for the upcoming academic year, with the rate of vaccination among students and faculty currently at 85%.

Bloomington City Council

By Jake Jacobson 

On August 11th, the Bloomington City Council reconvened to continue its August 6th public meeting on annexation. Monroe County Commissioner Lee Jones talked about the county jail. She said the county would need financial support to make the changes necessary to reduce the prison population, and that annexation would take away a large chunk of those funds.

Resident Pamela Tier-Snyder showed concern over public safety. She wondered how an allegedly understaffed Bloomington Police Department could provide better service than what the Sheriff’s Department already provides.

Resident Kyleen Crane commented on the economic effect of annexation. She said she opposes annexation because it may reduce funding for county schools and libraries.

Council members officially closed the public hearing. The City Council motioned to meet for a special session on August 31st for first readings and amendments for the annexation ordinances.

Monroe County Commissioners

By Jake Jacobson

Monroe County Commissioners talked about health order enforcement at their August 11th meeting. County Attorney Jeff Cockerill presented a contract with a security company to help enforce the county’s emergency health order. He said the county would be hiring the same company they hired to help enforce the last Coronavirus-related health order.

Bloomington Chamber of Commerce representative Jim Shelton expressed support for the contract. He said having a company handle enforcement and education takes those burdens away from regular employees.

Commissioners ratified the contract unanimously.

Monroe County Stormwater Management Board 

By Jake Jacobson

The Monroe County Stormwater Management Board considered additional funding for the Lake Monroe Water Fund. At the August 11th meeting,

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, August 11th, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB News speaks with Bruce Kettler, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, about grant funding for farmers impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. That’s coming up in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Better Beware - your weekly-consumer watchdog segment. In today’s installment - The Unsubscribe Scam - a new twist on installing malware on your computer or digital device.

But first, your Environmental News Brief:

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has recently released a study that indicates that state recycling goals have not been met. Of the 8.8 million tons of waste collected in 2019, only 19% were able to be recycled, which is far below the 50% goal set by the department. The recycling industry directly supports 8,533 jobs which adds $1.7 billion dollars to Indiana’s economy. The study also concludes that messaging around recycling can be improved through a focus on the economy. By recycling, Hoosiers are not just saving the environment but they are also helping their fellow citizens who work in the industry.

In southern Indiana, citizens have coined a new nickname for a proposed pipeline under the Ohio river as the “pipeline to nowhere”. Texas Gas Transmission LLC, a Kentucky based company, is seeking approval to build a natural gas pipeline under the Ohio river to connect out-of-state fuel to proposed Indiana power plants. This project corresponds to CenterPoint Energy’s plan to build two new-gas fired turbines in Posey County. Citizens Action Coalition, a group in support of renewable energy, believes that the project will set Indiana’s movement away from fossil fuels back a few years. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has not yet approved the project and denied a similar petition in the past.

The final story of the day is about the main takeaways from the recently released United Nations climate report. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concluded that humans have reached a tipping point, and that the world will be unable to avoid some of the most disastrous effects of climate change. This includes widespread droughts, flooding, and heat waves. However, if the world acts with a sense of urgency and aggressively cuts emissions as soon as possible, the report concludes that damage can be limited to the effects of a 1.5 degrees Celsius rise in temperature. Activists urge folks to contact their representatives and tell them to support immediate actions to protect the climate.

Bloomington Commission on Sustainability 

The Bloomington Commission on Sustainability discussed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's report. At the August 10th meeting, Assistant Director of Sustainability Lauren Clemens summarized the report, which the IPCC released on August 9th. She outlined the two major take-aways.

Commissioner Kristina Anderson wondered what commissioners could do broadly to help reduce Bloomington’s carbon footprint systemically. Clemens said that the Commission on Sustainability exists as a connection between residents and the City Council. She suggested the commission could use this link to help educate residents.

The next Commission on Sustainability meeting is September 14th.

Monroe County Council 

At the August 10th Monroe County Council meeting, County Counsel Margie Rice talked about the county Health Order. Rice addressed the Ellettsville Town Council’s suggestion that Monroe County health orders do not affect Ellettsville. She said some cities are authorized to have their own health departments, but she does not believe that applies to towns.

Margie added that she believed state law required charter schools, such as Seven Oaks Classical School, to follow county health orders,

This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, August 10th, 2021.

Later in the program, we revisit a feature from WFHB Correspondent Tilly Robinson about the state of Indiana restarting federal pandemic unemployment benefits - despite Governor Eric Holcomb’s attempts to end them earlier this summer. That’s coming up in today’s feature reports.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Indiana has not issued a statewide mask mandate - despite all of its 92 counties posing either “high” or “substantial” risks of transmission. But first, your daily headlines:

Monroe County Board of Health 

Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill gave an update on the Coronavirus to the Monroe County Board of Health. At the August 9th meeting, Caudill talked about the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Monroe County. She said that 57 percent of eligible county residents are fully vaccinated, but the delta variant is spreading quickly through non-vaccinated residents.

Board member Ashley Cranor asked Caudill if she had discussed enforcement with the county commissioners. Caudill said that the Commissioners approved a contract for compliance officers. She clarified that fines were on the table, and that closure was a lost resort option. Legal Counsel Margie Rice clarified that the county has discretion when pursing compliance cases. She said last year, every case of non-compliance with COVID-19 restrictions wa s solved with voluntary compliance.

The next Board of Health meeting is August 23rd.

All 92 Counties in Indiana Pose High or Substantial Risk for Covid-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend everyone in Indiana to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. According to data from the CDC, all of Indiana’s 92 counties are at either “high” or “substantial” levels of risk.

Over the last seven days, the Indiana State Department of Health reported 27 new deaths. Hospitalizations have also increased. On Monday, the state health department reported that the total number of hospitalized Covid-19 patients is about three times as many patients who were hospitalized a month ago.

Meanwhile, Governor Eric Holcomb has not issued a statewide mask mandate despite CDC guidance. The governor says he will leave it to local governments, businesses and schools to issue their own mask policies.

This comes after pressure from state lawmakers who have criticized the governor’s executive authority when it comes to enacting public health orders.

The recent uptick in Covid-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations follows a trend from the week prior. During the state’s July 30th Covid-19 press conference, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box walked through rising coronavirus numbers during that week.

Dr. Box warned of Covid-19 variants on the rise, particularly in the Delta strain of the virus.

“Today we’re battling multiple variants, but the biggest threat is from the Delta variant, which is fueling our current increase in cases,” said Box.

According to numbers from Our World in Data and the New York Times, 44.7 percent of Indiana residents are fully vaccinated. This is about 6 percentage points below the national average. Indiana Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver addressed Indiana residents who are hesitant to get the vaccine.

“Research credible science-based sources,” advised Weaver. “These are the most studied vaccines given our robust event monitoring systems.”

According to the CDC, a small percentage of people fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will still develop the illness. These are known as “vaccine breakthrough cases.” The CDC assures that symptoms might be less severe or even non-existent in these breakthrough infections. It also assures that the vaccines authorized for use in the United States are...

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, August 9th, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Brianna Devin covers a story of community activism in the face of environmental catastrophe. Devin speaks with professor and journalist Steve Higgs and community activist Linda Greene about the history of PCB contamination in Bloomington. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Robert Robinson covers the latest development of a lawsuit filed by Indiana University students challenging the university’s vaccine requirement. But first, your local headlines:

Monroe County Election Board 

Monroe County Clerk Nicole Browne started the August 5th Monroe County Election Board meeting by introducing its new Democratic representative Shruti (shrew-thee) Rana. Board member Rana promised she would work hard to ensure fair elections.

The Monroe County Election Board also discussed Richland precincts. Election Supervisor Karen Wheeler presented a request to change /to remove the county designation for Richland precincts 1, 2, and 8. She said these areas will always be considered town and removing the designation will eliminate some redundancies.

Board member Hal Turner asked if this decision could be reversed if things changed in the future. Wheeler said it was. Board members voted to approve the change unanimously.

Human Rights Activist Vauhxx Booker Condemns Felony Charges in Racist Incident at Lake Monroe

Jeremy Hogan / SOPA Images/Sipa USA

Human rights activist Vauhxx Booker was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury in Monroe Circuit Court on Friday.

On July 4, 2020, Booker says he was physically attacked and had racial slurs yelled at him at Lake Monroe by a group of individuals.

The charges against Booker were filed by special prosecutor Sonia Leerkamp after Monroe County Prosecutor Erika Oliphant recused herself from the case.

During a news conference at the Monroe County Courthouse, Booker said he was not surprised that charges were filed against him over a year after the incident.

“There is nothing more American than charging a Black man in his own attempted lynching,” said Booker.

Attorney Katherine Liell criticized the special prosecutor. She said in three decades working as a criminal defense lawyer, she has not seen anything like this.

“It is unprecedented,” she said. “I’ve never seen a special prosecutor open a new case and file against somebody a year later.”

Guy Loftman of the Monroe County branch of the NAACP, said the latest charges against Booker are, “a miscarriage of justice.”

“Vauhxx Booker, a Black man, was the victim of a vicious hate crime,” he said. “The criminal justice system itself has joined in the attack on him.”

Following the incident, two of the men received felony charges. Sean Purdy and Jerry Coxx II were charged with three felonies, which included criminal confinement, battery and intimidation.

At the time, Booker said he suffered a mild concussion, bruising, patches of hair ripped out and was called racial slurs.

Booker says this process has been “humiliating and defeating.” He said, “for some folks it was a year ago. For me, it’s happened every day.”

IU Mask Mandate Could Be Reviewed by Supreme Court

A group of students challenging Indiana University’s mask mandate has requested that IU’s policy be reviewed by the Supreme Court.

The appeal, which comes as part of an ongoing lawsuit, follows previous rulings against the students in federal district and circuit courts. The students have been seeking a preliminary injunction against the policy, which would prevent it from going into effect while the court deliberate...

This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, August 5th, 2021.

Later in the program, Human Rights Activist Vauhxx Booker condemned felony charges against him related to a racist incident at Lake Monroe over one year ago.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the Bloomington City Council presented ordinances for the annexation of 8 areas in Monroe County. During the meeting, several county residents spoke out against the city’s proposed annexation of roughly 10,000 acres of county land.

But first, your local news brief:

In an effort to reduce the still ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus, Monroe County will begin requiring face masks for all residents regardless of vaccination status while inside public spaces. The order began today at 8a.m. and will last until September 30th, when it can then either be repealed or extended. The order was approved Wednesday by the Monroe County Board of Commissioners on a 3-0 vote. All businesses and places open to the public must also post signage at front entrances stating that face masks are required. Monroe County Health Department administrator Penny Caudill explained that the state is acting now before we become an orange or red status state, and added that the delta variant, which is more contagious, is a big factor this time. Exceptions for the requirement were listed by the county, which includes children two and under, those hearing or speaking impaired, people who are incarcerated and those sitting down at a restaurant or bar. Updated today by the New York Times, Monroe County is showing 20 cases per day right now which is an 82% increase from two weeks ago. Only 52% of the county fully vaccinated. Patients hospitalized by covid-19 have increased by 59% since two weeks ago and there have been 2 deaths in the last two weeks.

The Monroe County Community School Corporation welcomed back students in-person yesterday. MCCSC elementary schools had open houses on Tuesday, with an online option as well for virtual students by choice. The corporation has information posted on “COVID-19 re-entry plan adjustments for 2021-2022," however these recommendations may be subject to change. No direct statements have been made yet to the public on the MCCSC’s response to the mask order. Governor Eric Holcomb made an announcement back in March of this year, that he expected Indiana schools to return to full-time in-person teaching in the fall.

The body of a 29-year-old man from Plainfield was recovered Tuesday evening from Lake Monroe. Ambachew Nigatu went missing after swimming with family members off Fairfax beach, according to a news release from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. 911 received a call at 5:40 p.m. After the call, Indiana Conservation Officers, the Monroe County Sheriff's office and the IU Hospital Bloomington EMS responded. Nigatu’s body was found at 6:50 in 6 feet of water. He was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene, according to a news release. Both beachers at Fairfax and Paynetown had been closed due to flooding but just opened this past Monday.

Bloomington City Council

The August 4th Bloomington City Council Meeting started as a hybrid meeting, with several council members attending in-person. However, out of respect for the health and safety of attendees, council member Matt Flaherty moved to recess the meeting and pick back up over zoom. He apologized to those attending in-person, saying the City Council could not have changed the meeting without making the motion at the meeting.

The City Council voted unanimously to recess and reconvene for its regular session on Zoom.

After the recess, council member Jim Sims presented the ordinances for annexation of 8 areas in Monroe County. He talked about the history of the ordinances, which were first presented back in 2017.

Resident Mark Farrell spoke in opposition of annexation.

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, August 4th, 2021.

Later in the program, Indiana will receive 1 million dollars in federal money to deal with ramifications of the opioid crisis. WFHB Correspondent Robert Robinson has that story in the bottom half of tonight’s show.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Katrine Bruner provides a short rundown of local and state environmental news in today’s Environmental News Brief.

But first, your local news brief:

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has granted Indiana Farm Bureau a statewide permit for members to perform takes on black vultures. According to federal law, “takes” can include hunting, capturing and killing birds. Black vultures have been known to often prey on young cattle and sheep, which is an issue particularly present in southern Indiana. The Indiana Farm Bureau explained in a news release Monday that the birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so they can’t be killed without a migratory bird depredation permit.

The Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation will be requiring all students and staff to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The first day for school in the county is August 11th. The new requirement was put in place over the weekend via an email to families by the R-BB superintendent, Jerry Sanders. Sanders explained to parents that the change was made as a result of the Monroe County Health Department’s announcement of a new health order up for approval due to worsening COVID-19 data for Monroe County. This new health order will be discussed at the board of health meeting today and will go to the Monroe County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday.

Monroe County Board of Health 

The Monroe County Board of Health discussed a new mask mandate at its August 3rd meeting. Board of Health members discussed signing a new Health Order that would require all Monroe County residents to wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status. Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill talked about the growing spread of the COVID-19 delta variant. She said that 100 percent of recent cases have been the delta variant.

Resident Jeff Houser suggested that masks don’t help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Board member Doctor Carol Touloukian pushed back on this suggestion. She clarified that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention initially asked people to not buy masks so that healthcare workers could have enough of them.

Monroe County Commissioner Penny Githens vocalized her support to add a signage requirement to the health order. She pointed out that residents from surrounding counties, which have lower vaccine rates and higher incident rates, come to visit Monroe County frequently.

Board member Mark Norrell suggested the Health Order either expire on September 30th or if Monroe County enters blue status on the Indiana State Department of Health Coronavirus dashboard. Board members agreed, with the caveat that they would meet before September to discuss extending the order. Board members voted unanimously to sign the Health Order. The Health Order and enforcement actions go to the County Commissioners for final approval.

Monroe County Personnel Administration Committee 

Human Resources consulting firm Waggoner, Irwin, Scheele, and Associates gave a presentation to the Monroe County Personnel Administration Committee on job description and salary compensation. At the August 3rd meeting, WIS representative Addie Rooker said they spent a large amount of time sorting out job descriptions. She revealed that each department had multiple versions of a job’s description, and that many did not match their salary ordinances.

Rooker said WIS received feedback around offering additional compensation for positions that do not qualify for overtime pay,

This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Max Campbell reports on both the City of Bloomington and the Monroe County perspectives on annexation.

Campbell has spent weeks conducting interviews and reporting on the city’s effort to annex 10,000 acres of Monroe County land. Today’s feature, which aired last Thursday, concludes his series on annexation.

Also coming up in the next half hour, a joint task force between the City of Bloomington and Indiana University submitted its final recommendations to rename Jordan Avenue. More in today’s headlines.

But first, your local news brief:

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has granted Indiana Farm Bureau a statewide permit for members to perform takes on black vultures. According to federal law, “takes” can include hunting, capturing and killing birds. Black vultures have been known to often prey on young cattle and sheep, which is an issue particularly present in southern Indiana. The Indiana Farm Bureau explained in a news release Monday that the birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so they can’t be killed without a migratory bird depredation permit.

The Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation will be requiring all students and staff to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The first day for school in the county is August 11th. The new requirement was put in place over the weekend via an email to families by the R-BB superintendent, Jerry Sanders. Sanders explained to parents that the change was made as a result of the Monroe County Health Department’s announcement of a new health order up for approval due to worsening COVID-19 data for Monroe County. This new health order will be discussed at the board of health meeting today and will go to the Monroe County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday.

The Gary Jet Center is welcoming ten puppies today who will all become service dogs for the center. The eight week old puppies will be flown out by volunteer pilots and arrive around 3:30 p.m. Canine Companions provided the dogs. Canine Companions is a non-profit business that gives adults, children and veterans with disabilities service dogs at no cost. They are based in Santa Rosa, California. After 18 months the puppies will begin professional training with the organization.

Bloomington Redevelopment Commission

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission discussed a contract for the West 17th Street Reconstruction Project. At the August 2nd meeting, Engineering Department Project Manager Matt Smethurst requested more funds for the project. He identified two parts of the project that went over the requested budget.

Commissioner Nick Kappas asked if this would be the last change order for 17th street. Smethurst assured commissioners that the only remaining change order would be in the City’s favor.

Commissioner Kappas clarified the commission likes to keep a 5 to 10 percent buffer for projects. He hoped the returned money could bring the 14 percent overage into that acceptable range.

Commissioners approved the change order unanimously.

Joint Task Force Submits Recommendations to Rename Jordan Avenue

A joint task force between the City of Bloomington and Indiana University completed a report with recommendations to rename Jordan Avenue.

The task force recommended renaming the section of Jordan Avenue from Davis Street to 17th Street to “Eagleson Avenue” and the section from 17th Street to Fee Lane to “Fuller Lane” or “Mattie Fuller Lane.”

The street was named after IU’s seventh president, David Starr Jordan, who was a major figure in the American Eugenics Movement, an ideology that influenced Nazi Germany during the Holocaust.

In October 2020, the IU Board of Trustees voted to remove the s...

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, August 2nd, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB Assistant News Director Jake Jacobson interviews Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton in our segment, A Few Minutes with the Mayor. In today’s episode, Mayor Hamilton discusses new Covid-19 protocols. More coming up in the bottom half of the program.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill says that the county will require residents to wear a mask indoors, for both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. More coming up in today’s headlines.

But first, your local news brief:

Human rights activist Vauhxx Booker was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury in Monroe Circuit Court on Friday, according to the Herald-Times. On July 4, 2020, Booker says he was physically attacked and had racial slurs yelled at him at Lake Monroe by a group of individuals. The charges against Booker were filed by special prosecutor Sonia Leerkamp after Monroe County Prosecutor Erika Oliphant recused herself from the case.

Last Wednesday, Monroe County returned to the yellow advisory level on the Indiana State Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard after 29 new positive cases but no additional deaths. A yellow advisory indicated moderate spread of the virus and local health officials are advised to consider restrictions on sizes of gatherings, restrictions on common areas in workplaces and reviewing plans for face coverings and social distancing for school extracurricular activities and assemblies.

Last Thursday shots were fired near apartments on Bloomington’s northwest side - the fourth time gunshots have been reported this month. According to the Bloomington police said no one was hurt and no property damage was reported after gunshots were reported at 11 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing about 7 and 10 shots. Police found 8 shell casings from a handgun. Anyone with information about any of the shootings can contact the police department at 812-339-4477. Callers can remain anonymous.

Coronavirus Press Conference 

At the July 30th Coronavirus press conference, Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill talked about the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases. Caudill announced that the Board of Health would see a regulation that requires masks be worn indoors in Monroe County. She said the mandate will be in effect for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated residents.

Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Indiana University Kirk White said I-U’s mask policy will not change at this time. He added that the University does require masks in some situations.

The next coronavirus press conference will be August 13th.

Bloomington Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission 

The Bloomington Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission talked about its struggle to meet quorum. At the July 29th meeting, Commissioner Nejla Routsong asked whether quorum counted a commission’s empty seats. Commissioner Kamala Brown-Sparks asked Council Attorney Stephen Lucas for clarification on what number the Commission had to reach for quorum.

Lucas clarified the commission could still meet without a quorum. He said they would not be able to take any actions until at least 6 commissioners were present.

If you are interested in sitting on the Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission, you can apply online by going to Bloomington.in.gov/boards then scrolling down to Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission.

Monroe County Commissioners 

County Highway Director Lisa Ridge presented an amended contract for work on Hunters Creek Road to the Monroe County Commissioners. At the July 28th meeting, Ridge said the amendment includes additional utility cost...