WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, January 26th, 2021.
Later in the program, we’ll air the second part of the interview that WFHB Correspondent Aaron Comforty did with the founders of the Bloomington based “Terran Robotics start-up,” which is using artificial intelligence and drone technology to construct environmentally sound buildings out of natural materials.” Terran Robotics is a recent recipient of a National Science Foundation grant worth about a quarter of a million dollars.
Also coming up in the next half hour, we have an update on Indiana’s vaccine plan. That’s coming up in today’s headlines.
But first, your local headlines:
Indiana Covid-19 Vaccine Update
State health officials say the demand for the Covid-19 vaccine is high, but the state’s supply of vaccines are scarce.
Dr. Kristina Box, state health commissioner, said the state is working to expand vaccine clinics, but the amount of vaccines distributed by the federal government is limited.
As for expanding eligibility, Box clarified which age demographic will be next in-line to receive the vaccine.
Indiana seniors ages 60 and older make up 22.5 percent of state residents. However, according to the state health department, this age group accounts for over 93 percent of deaths and 64 percent of hospitalizations as a result of Covid-19.
In last week’s coronavirus update, Dr. Box said more than 362,000 Indiana residents have received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine . She said nearly 88,000 state residents have received both doses (these numbers will be updated in Wednesday’s local news.)
Indiana Lawmaker Wants to Limit Local Authority on Covid-19 Restrictions
An Indiana lawmaker wants to limit state and local authority from imposing coronavirus restrictions.
House Representative Robert Morris, a Republican from Fort Wayne, drafted House Bill 1519. The bill would prevent state and local governments from limiting the hours of a business, regulating hospital procedures and placing restrictions on religious services or private schools.
Less than two weeks ago, the bill received its first reading, and it was then referred to the Indiana House commerce committee. The commerce committee could vote on the bill as early as next week.
As of Monday, Indiana has seen 9,432 deaths with about 2,000 people currently hospitalized due to Covid-19.
Ellettsville Town Council
The Ellettsville Town Council approved a program agreement with Enterprise for fleet management during their January 25th meeting. Town Manager Mike Farmer spoke about the
Farmer mentioned program review could allow additional vehicles to be added throughout the 5 years. He mentioned a half ton truck would be part of the purchase agreement.
Clerk Treasurer Sandra Hash described the program as a car finance where Enterprise is the bank. She stated Enterprise would hold the vehicle titles until the town has paid them off.
Enterprise Fleet Account Executive Michael Fitzpatrick stated Ellettsville partners with Sourcewell which solicited Enterprise for this agreement.
MCCSC Moves to Phase Green
All Monroe County Community School Corporation students will have the option to attend school in person, as MCCSC moves into phase green operation.
Some elementary schools, Hoosier Hills Career Center, the Academy and the Bloomington Graduation School have already been holding 5 day a week in person instruction. However, starting Monday, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South and middle schools will also begin in-person instruction, five days per week. Online students may remain virtual in phase green.
This decision was made, yesterday, by the MCCSC Metrics Committee based on a downward trending 7-day positivity rate and fast test result turn around. The Metrics Committee is made up of a variety of individuals including County Health Department personnel, members of the Monroe County Education Association, IU Health Riley Physicians, former teachers, and parents.
The last time the metrics committee moved MCCSC into phase green was in October of last year.
Lake Monroe Eagle Watch
Monroe Lake’s interpretive naturalist Jill Vance is hosting Eagles Over Monroe, a week full of eagle watching and related activities at Lake Monroe. Activities began on January 23rd and will run through January 31st.
The event is a 9 day experience with, “a mix of virtual, self-directed, and small group activities,” according to Visit Bloomington. Vance is hosting sunset eagle watches on the 23rd, 25th, 29th, and 31st. Volunteers will provide spotting equipment and hot cocoa on the eagle watch nights. All sunset watches are restricted to 12 people and registration closes 3 days prior to each date.
Virtual programming will also be hosted via facebook. Vance spoke with WFHB about what would be offered in the virtual events.
Vance mentioned self guided eagle watch tours would also be available for participants. She said a map with suggested routes and times would be given to individuals to design their own experience, for those who do not want to be in larger groups.
Your Feature Report:
Up first, WFHB Correspondent Aaron Comforty speaks with the founders of the Bloomington based “Terran Robotics start-up,” which is using artificial intelligence and drone technology to construct environmentally sound buildings out of natural materials.” This is the second part of the interview.
Up next, we turn to WFHB Correspondent Alex Dederer who anchored a report on Monday’s local news, about a shooting in Indianapolis on Sunday, which resulted in five deaths, including a pregnant woman.
A 17-year-old suspect was arrested on Monday in relation to the killings. We turn to WFHB Correspondent Alex Dederer for more.
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 engineer and executive producer is Kade Young.
Today’s feature report was produced by Aaron Comforty.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
