This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, September 25th, 2020.

Later in the program, we present an excerpt from Bring It On – Indiana’s only weekly radio program committed to exploring the people, issues and events impacting the African-American community.

This week, the Bring It On team welcomes a panel discussion for a program titled “Race in Monroe County and Beyond.” Hosts Clarence Boone and William Hosea spend time peeling back the layers of racial understanding, conflict and harmony with a number of notable agents from the Bloomington area.

But first, today’s local news brief:

Almost 1,200 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Thursday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. 18 new Covid related deaths were added to the state’s tally as well. Locally, Monroe County saw 25 new confirmed cases yesterday. Surrounding counties saw between zero and seven new cases.

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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 it reported an additional 587 positive tests. The university’s online Covid-19 dashboard does state how many of those positive tests belonged to unique individuals. For the past two weeks positivity is trending downward across all testing categories at Indiana University Bloomington.

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Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced on Wednesday that Indiana will be entering the final stage of its reopening plan this Saturday. In this stage all restaurants, bars, gyms, and venues will be allowed to open at full capacity. The size limit for social gatherings, which is currently 250 people, will also be lifted. The state-wide mask mandate, however, will still be in effect. It requires Indiana residents to wear facial coverings in public spaces.

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Currently, the state considers Monroe County to have a high degree of community spread. While the state has not mandated that Monroe County enforce any Covid-19 related restrictions, the City of Bloomington’s restrictions on the size of gatherings and mask-wearing are still in effect.

MCCSC School Board Meeting – An Update on Virtual and In-Person Classes

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Doctor Markay Winston presented an update on virtual and in class learning to the Monroe County Community School Board. She spoke of four different teaching methods during their September 22nd meeting.

Winston said teachers created interactive online materials for students at home. Board member Sue Wanzer asked Winston about an increase in the teacher’s workloads.

Superintendent Doctor Judith DeMuth said a certain number of school hours and one hundred and eighty days of school are required for each grade. She mentioned school days could be extended or added to accommodate teacher planning. Board member Keith Klein asked Winston about online success rates.

Board member Brandon Shurr asked about a mask policy for students. DeMuth said if a mask appears unfit, personal protective equipment could be provided to any student. She relayed M-C-C-S-C has a storage unit full P-P-E for students and staff.

Richland Bean Blossom School Board – A Final Plan for the Future of In-Person Classes to be Announced on October 2nd

The Richland Bean Blossom School Board approved the second nine-week learning plan during their September 21st School Board meeti...