WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Good evening. This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, January 21st, 2021.
Later in the program, we have an excerpt from the latest edition of Bring It On. Hosts Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell speak with Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, who was the MLK Day keynote speaker for the City of Bloomington. He is the founder and curator of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, a collection of over 7,000 original artifacts of Black memorabilia dating from the trans-Atlantic slave trade era to hip-hop culture.
Also coming up, we have Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment hosted and produced by Richard Fish.
But first, your local news brief:
3,733 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Wednesday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. There were 64 newly reported deaths.
Locally, Monroe County saw 78 new confirmed cases yesterday as well as one confirmed COVID-19 death. Lawrence County reported 19 new cases and one confirmed death. Brown County reported three new cases.
The age requirement to sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccination from the Indiana Department of Health is currently 70 years of age and older. If you qualify, you can sign up by visiting ourshot.in.gov, or by calling 211 for assistance.
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This morning, the Indiana Democratic party joined Indiana Republicans in calling on Governor Eric Holcomb to prioritize COVID-19 vaccinations for teachers.
In a press release, Indiana Democrats cited President Joe Biden’s recommendation that vaccinations be immediately available for essential workers, which includes teachers, and Americans 65 and older.
John Zody, Indiana Democratic Party chairman, believes this is a necessary step to getting back to normal.
“Indiana’s teachers are essential workers, and the faster they receive a vaccine, the quicker we can return to some sense of normalcy in our public schools,” said Zody. “This idea is not only backed by both Republicans and Democrats, but it’s common sense.”
Governor Holcomb’s 2021 State of the State Address
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb touted the state’s “recovery” from the Covid-19 pandemic in his state of the state address on Tuesday – despite over 600,000 total positive cases and over 9,000 total deaths from the virus.
The governor’s state of the state address was in many ways defined by coronavirus. The speech was pre-recorded in a studio. Despite a year dominated by the pandemic, Governor Holcomb said 2021 should be about moving forward.
“This has been a year unlike any other,” said Holcomb. “For Indiana, the future is now.”
One of the key elements of the governor’s speech included the coronavirus vaccine, now available to seniors, 70 years-old and older. However, the demand for a vaccine outweighs the state’s capacity to administer them, as seniors have reported long wait times to make an appointment and many received error messages on the state’s website.
During his speech, the governor laid out his 2021 agenda, which included teacher pay, Covid-19 relief and police reform.
The governor also touched on the I-69 construction project, the importance of rural broadband internet connectivity, infant mortality and the state’s economy.
Monroe County Commissioners
Beacon Inc. Executive Director Forrest Gilmore requested continued support of weekend services from the Monroe County Commissioners. Gilmore spoke of the request during their January 20th meeting.
Gilmore mentioned over 21 thousand meals new were served in 2020 on weekend services. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
Also during the meeting, Commissioners considered a request to help fund alternate spaces for people experiencing homelessness at the Seminary Park encampment. Commissioner Penny Githens presented the request.
Githens mentioned a request of 20 thousand dollars was made by Gillmore to support a winter, low barrier shelter, living alternative to the campsite. Commissioner Julie Thomas stated Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Grant funds would be used to support the shelter.
Gilmore stated the winter shelter was created around survey responses which questioned why people were not going to shelters and camping outside. He mentioned more space was needed than originally thought.
Gilmore mentioned the shelter will be off of the B-Line trail next to Switchyard Park. Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution.
Monroe County Public Library
The Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees heard design plan updates for the new Library branch. Architect Chris Lloyd spoke about energy efficiency designs during their January 20th meeting.
Lloyde mentioned the wall system would include three inches of installation. He mentioned large glass windows would take advantage of natural light.
Lloyde mentioned Eastern and Western facing windows would utilize vertical fins for shading. Circle Design Mechanic David mentioned individual rooms could be temperature controlled. He mentioned air purifying systems are under consideration.
Lloyde said no windows would be able to open.
Monroe County Plan Commission
Planner Drew Myers presented a Planned Unit Development amendment and expansion into a new PUD to be called Clear Creek Urban. Myers mentioned the petitioners proposed to develop a mixed-use development on the new PUD during their January 19th meeting.
Myers stated the development site is at the intersection of South Rogers Street and West That Road. He mentioned the site plan includes two drainage areas with additional storm water drainage along South Rogers Street. Commissioner Jerry Pittsford said the development seemed out of place.
Commissioner Larry Wilson stated the proposed development placed too much density on the lot. Commissioner Trohn Enright-Randolph stated the area is facing expansion.
Petitioner Tamby Wikle-Cassady mentioned surrounding schools and services attract families, but the area lacks apartment and condominium living. Resident Liz Erwin spoke in favor of the development during the meeting.
Commissioners will hold a second hearing during a future meeting.
Feature Reports:
Up first, we have an excerpt from Bring It On – our public affairs program which airs each Monday and is available wherever you get your podcasts.
In today’s excerpt, hosts Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell speak with Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, who was the MLK Day keynote speaker for the City of Bloomington.
Dr. El-Hakim is the founder and curator of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, a collection of over 7,000 original artifacts of Black memorabilia dating from the trans-Atlantic slave trade era to hip-hop culture. He will speak on “The Truth Hurts: Black History and Healing the Racial Divide”.
Up next, we have Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment hosted and produced by Richard Fish.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Jake Jacobson, Kade Young and Sydney Foreman in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Clarence Boone and edited by Chantalle LaFontant.
Better Beware is produced by Richard Fish.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
