WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020.
Later in the program, you will hear from Scott Shackleford, Cyber Security Program Chair at IU-Bloomington, about a recent study on election security. That’s coming up in today’s feature report.
Local News Brief
Monroe County reported 55 new cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday, the second highest number of confirmed cases in one day, ever reported by the county.
That’s according to the Indiana State Department of Health, which reported 873 new positive cases yesterday and 13 new deaths in the state over the past 5 days.
Since the first day of classes, Indiana University has reported 274 new positive test results at the Bloomington campus. It’s unclear how many of those positive tests reflect unique individuals, versus multiple positive tests for the same individual.
The university’s COVID-19 statistics are not represented in Monroe County’s statistics and reporting, despite city and university officials who have claimed that the university’s covid statistics would be represented in the county’s reporting.
Based on the State Health Department and University websites, it’s unclear whether Indiana University is reporting its Covid-19 statistics, and whether the university’s statistics are represented in the state dashboard.
The Monroe County Health Department ordered another 5 sorority and fraternity houses to quarantine after a number of members tested positive for COVID-19.
The new order brings the number of Greek houses at Indiana University that have been ordered to quarantine, to a total of 19, almost half of all fraternities and sororities.
The Herald Times reported that four Monroe County Sheriff’s office employees have recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The positive test results mark the first time that any county sheriff’s office employees have tested positive.
Monroe County Council
The Monroe County Council approved Public Safety and Local Income Tax fund distributions to local fire departments during their August 31st meeting. Council member Eric Spoonmore said the council denied the sub-committee recommendation to not approve 2021 funding.
Council member Cherly Munson said fire departments were asked to prioritize their needs in their fund request applications. She said requests were for multiple remodels, repeaters, exhaust system improvements. The Stinesville Fire Department Chief said exhaust fumes are a common cause of cancer among firefighters.
During public comment, multiple residents expressed their support of funding local fire departments. Council member Geoff McKim said allocating funding provides opportunity for county and city fire protection collaboration.
COVID-19 Cases in Monroe County Jail, Sheriff’s Department
Two Monroe County Jail officers and two sheriff administrative staff employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
These positive tests follow months of no reported cases within the jail or amongst sheriff’s office employees. According to the Herald Times, Sheriff Brad Swain said one jail officer tested positive after their domestic partner contracted the virus. In the HT, Swain said, “Some are back to work, others are at home.”
Earlier in the year Monroe County Council approved the use of a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act grant funds by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department for an ionization system at the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Building and the Monroe County Jail.
Portable UV sterilizers were also purchased. The employee office spaces are arranged to be socially distant and utilize clear plastic partitioners.
Bloomington Utilities Service Board
The Bloomington Utilities Service Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with local property owners for the demolition of a Lake Lemon building. City Attorney Chris Wheeler said the now abandoned home was illegally built on City of Bloomington Utilities property.
Wheeler said Lake Lemon property owners do not own land up to the lakeshore. He said this creates multiple encroachment and trespass issues.
Wheeler said CBU could still build utilities structures on the property.
Local Officials Launch a New Parks Program
A partnership between the Bloomington Parks Department, Centerstone, IU Health Bloomington and Monroe County Health Department launched a new program called “Public Health in Parks.” The program was approved in a Board of Park Commissioners special meeting on Tuesday.
The program branched off an existing jobs program between Centerstone and the Parks Department, according to the B-Square Beacon. The jobs program provides work in landscaping and maintenance tasks for people at Centerstone in need of mental health and substance use disorder services.
In the new program, a Centerstone outreach staffer would monitor park activity and connect people experiencing homelessness with any needed services.
According to the Beacon, “A popup tent will be set up as a distribution point for disposable masks and gloves, sanitizing products, winter accessories, and snacks.”
The parks included in the program are Seminary, Switchyard, Butler and Building Trades parks.
Monroe County Women’s Commission
The Monroe County Women’s Commission approved a partnership with the Center for Excellence for Woman and Technology for a Nevertheless film event. Commissioner Michelle Bartley-Taylor said the event would include a feature film screening and a panel discussion, during their August 31st meeting.
Michelle said the panel would discuss the Me-Too Movement and empower women to be successful. She said the event would take place on September 15th.
The Bloomington Walk to End Alzheimers will be hosted on Sunday, September 13th.
However, participants are encouraged to walk as individuals, or as small groups on their own, in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Certain aspects of the Walk to End Alzheimers will be reproduced. The opening ceremony will be done virtually, and a “view only” version of the Promise Garden will be created by Alzheimer’s Association staff and volunteers at Twin Lakes Sports Park from noon to four p.m.
To register for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimers, or to see more information, visit alz.org/indiana/walk.
Feature Report
WFHB News Director Kade Young spoke with Scott Shackleford, Cybersecurity Program Chair at IU-Bloomington, about a recent study titled “Defending Democracy: Taking Stock of the Global Fight Against Digital Repression, Disinformation and Election Security.”
Shackleford offers suggestions to protect elections in the United States from foreign interference. He discusses steps that Australia and the European Union have taken to secure elections while the U.S. remains far behind. The study finds that paper ballots and risk-limiting audits can help defend elections and democracy.
Credits
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Aaron Comforty, Jake Jacobson and Sydney Foreman, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Kade Young.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Executive producer is Kade Young.
