This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, April 12th, 2022.

Later in the program, the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition will organize a strike tomorrow. During tonight’s news, we will feature the voices of graduate students in light of the strike. More in the latest installment of our segment, Strike Mic.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have some arts news - WFHB DJ Cindy Beulé speaks with Abi Zagel of the Arts Alliance Center. That’s coming up after the feature report.

Monroe County Election Board Talks Early Voting

At the Monroe County Election Board meeting on April 7th, Election Supervisor Karen Wheeler gave an update on how early voting has been going.

Former Board member Hal Turner stood in for Board Member Donovan Garletts who was unable to attend.

County Clerk Nicole Browne shared information in response to an anonymous call Garletts received regarding the proper way to write disclaimers on campaign signs.

The board recessed until the next Election Board meeting scheduled for May 5th.

Ellettsville Town Council Discusses Police Vehicles, Lawn Mower Purchase and Flood Report

Photo courtesy of Elletsville.

On March 28th at the Ellettsville Town Council meeting, Town Marshal Jimmie Durnil asked the council to approve the disposal of Surplus Property for the Police Department.

Durnil explained that a vehicle’s engine broke down.

Council member Dan Swafford asked how they sell the vehicles, and if the system is successful.

Durnil said that they sell them on eBay, and that there are often people waiting to bid on them. The council approved of the disposal unanimously.

The council also approved of a 2022 Ferris lawn mower purchase for the Public Works Street Division. Water and Wastewater Utilities Operation Manager Mike Farmer gave an update on the permits needed to start the Vine Street Project.

Farmer said he thinks they might be able to start digging by October. Next Farmer gave a flood report.

At the next Ellettsville Town Council meeting, council members will discuss Updating the Personnel Policy.

Bloomington Utilities Service Board Approves Water Rate Adjustment

Photo courtesy of Schmidt Associates.

At the Bloomington Utilities Service Board meeting on March 28th Board Member Kirk White shared the Financial Subcommittee’s recommendation for the Water Rate Adjustment.

Board member Amanda Burnham asked for clarification on how the adjustment would affect the budget.

Director of Utilities Vic Kelson responded.

He said it would only affect rate payers by reducing the rate by 1.16 percent. The board approved the water rate adjustment unanimously.

The next board meeting will be held on April 11th.

Feature Reports:

Up next, the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition-United Electrical Workers will organize a strike on Wednesday, April 13th. WFHB gathered field recordings from members of the student-led union in our latest segment, Strike Mic - an update from local residents working to highlight the voices of Indiana University students and staff. We now turn to Strike Mic.

Up next, WFHB DJ Cindy Beaulé spoke with Abi Zagel of the Arts Alliance Center during today’s Afternoon Music Mix. We turn now to an excerpt of that conversation.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,

Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats - Community Access Television Services.