WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021.
Later in the program, we have an excerpt from the latest edition of Kite Line – a radio program devoted to prison issues around the Midwest and beyond. Today’s excerpt focuses on a North Dakota activist who was recently released after nearly 3 weeks in jail for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury. More coming up in today’s feature report.
Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment hosted and produced by Richard Fish. Today’s episode is titled “March Round Up.” More following today’s feature report.
But first, your local headlines:
Indiana Covid-19 Update: 50+ Eligible for Vaccine
Indiana residents ages 50 and older are now eligible to receive a free Covid-19 vaccine.
The Indiana State Department of Health made the announcement at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. According to a press release, an additional 412,000 Hoosiers are now eligible for the vaccine.
Governor Eric Holcomb discussed the eligibility expansion during his weekly Covid-19 press conference. He said those ages 50 and older account for 80 percent of hospitalizations and 97 percent of deaths from Covid-19.
As of Wednesday, more than one million Hoosiers received their first dose of vaccine, while over 600,000 Hoosiers are fully vaccinated.
Vaccine appointments can be made over the next several weeks. To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit ourshot.in.gov, call 211 or contact one of Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging.
MCCSC School Board
The MCCSC school board held a work session to discuss the state of Indiana’s updated COVID-19 protocols. Assistant Superintendent Doctor Andrea Mobley spoke about changes in quarantine and close contacts during their March 2nd meeting.
Mobley mentioned schools can continue to contact trace anyone at a six-foot distance. She stated current close contacts are required to quarantine for 14 days. However, she stated new updates allow for shorter quarantines for asymptomatic close contacts.
Mobley said the seven-day quarantine option could be used for asymptomatic close contacts who have received a negative test result. She mentioned rapid COVID-19 testing are now available to schools.
Mobley said the rapid tests provide results in 15 minutes. Pediatrician Doctor James Laughlin
spoke about the accuracy of a negative test after day seven.
Board member Brandon Shurr stated the Centers for Disease Control still recommended a gold standard of 14 days quarantine. Board members will reach a decision about implementation of the new guidelines at their next School board meeting.
Monroe County Personnel Committee
The Monroe County personnel administration committee discussed a request for a new stormwater inspector position during their March 2nd meeting. Councilor Trent Deckard stated the position was contingent upon the stormwater rate increase approval on March 1st. Ridge described the proposed position.
Council Administrator Kim Shell mentioned once the position is approved Wagner Irwin and Scheele, or WIS, will have to classify the job position. Committee members unanimously Approved a classification review by WIS. County Commissioners will consider the job position at a later meeting.
Bloomington Board of Public Works
The Bloomington Board of Public Works approved a change order for the West 17th Street reconstruction project. Project Manager Matt Smethurst spoke about the change during their March second meeting.
Smethurst stated the project would be refunded through an Indiana Department of Transportation Interlocal Agreement.
Feature Reports:
Up first, we have an excerpt from the latest edition of Kite Line – a radio program devoted to prison issues around the Midwest and beyond. Today’s excerpt focuses on a North Dakota activist who was recently released after nearly 3 weeks in jail for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury.
Kite Line airs each Friday at 5:30 p.m. on WFHB. The program is available online and wherever you find your podcasts.
Up next, we have Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment hosted and produced by Richard Fish. Today’s episode is titled “March Round Up.” We turn to Richard Fish for more.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News
Today’s headlines were written by Aaron Comforty and Sydney Foreman, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Mia Beach.
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.
