WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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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
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
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 for the time being,” he said.
As of this week, 110 positive Covid-19 test results have been reported by city workers since the start of the pandemic. That includes workers for Bloomington Utilities, Bloomington Transit and the Bloomington Housing Authority. Furthermore, Covid-19 was listed as a cause of death of one city worker.
Wason touched on how the city hopes to prevent transmission of Covid-19 among city workers.
“As with most large employers and with basic common sense, we’re requiring the basic precautions. So, we still have a mask mandate in place that whenever you’re within six feet of another human being, you need to have your mask on. You know, encouraging the hand washing and encouraging folks to social distance when possible,” he said.
Wason says he hopes sanitation services will pick up again starting next Monday. However, he said it depends on whether the city workers who either tested positive or were close contacts, can be cleared to return to work.
Feature Report:
Now it’s time for A Few Minutes with the Mayor – a weekly segment where we pose questions to Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton on community issues.
In today’s Minutes with the Mayor, Assistant News Director Noelle Herhusky-Schneider asks the mayor about annexation, the parks department, renewable energy and more.
A Few Minutes with the Mayor airs each Tuesday at 5 p.m. during the WFHB Local News. We now turn to Herhusky-Schneider for that interview.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
Anchors are Benedict Jones and Tod Wicks.
