This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, September 28th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have 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, we have an update on the local mask mandate, which has been extended through the month of October. More in the top half of tonight’s show.

Local Officials Discuss the Extension of the Monroe County Mask Mandate

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

At the September 24th Covid-19 Press Conference, Monroe County Board of Health Public Information Officer Kathy Hewitt, announced the Board of Health’s decision to extend the mask mandate until October 31st. She also explained the CDC guidelines on Booster shots.

IU Health President, Brian Shockney reported that the number of Covid-19 cases at the hospital has slightly decreased.

Indiana University Chief Health Officer, Aaron Carroll, shared IU’s positive Covid-19 cases decreased last week, only reporting 62 cases on campus.

Journalist Dave Askins asked how individuals who have not gotten the vaccine so far and might not want to get the vaccine, can be encouraged to get vaccinated now. He asked specifically on behalf of individuals who might feel as though they are admitting that up until this point they have been wrong.

Carroll explained that individuals have gotten a lot of new information recently - the increased risk of the delta variant and the official FDA approval of the vaccine, which make changing one’s mind on the Covid-19 vaccine very reasonable.

Shockney also gave a reminder that vaccines are confidential, and no one will know that you received the vaccine unless you tell them.

The next Covid-19 Press Conference will be held on October 1st.

Ellettsville Town Council Approves Annual Budget

Photo courtesy of Elletsville.

At the Ellettsville Town Council meeting on September 27th the council approved the 2022 budget unanimously. During public comment, Ellettsville resident Russ Ryle, informed the council about a flooding concern he has.

The council members suggested he contact the sewer department. The next meeting will be on October 12th.

City Recycling Services on a Weeklong Hiatus Due to Spike In Covid-19 Cases Among City Workers

Due to rising Covid-19 cases, the City of Bloomington has placed a week-long pause on recycling services.

According to a city press release, after a spike in Covid-19 cases and close contacts at the Sanitation Division, the workforce numbers are currently half of what is needed for normal operations. Public works director Adam Wason elaborated on what caused the week long halt in sanitation services.

"Well unfortunately it was a spike in COVID positive cases among staff members and the resulting close contacts by the nature of that work that resulted in 10 staff members being off this week," said Wason.

The city asks households not to place recycling bins at the curb this week. In the meantime, you can take your recyclables to one of the Monroe County Recycle Centers. More information on locations and how to recycle can be found at gogreendistrict.com.

Wason explained initiatives the sanitation division explores as temporary solutions until regular recycling services resume.

"We've communicated with the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Go Green District on South Walnut and their rural drop off sites are available for any city residents to use, as they always are. But we gave them a heads up that they may see some increased volume with our suspension services fo...