This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.

In today’s program, WFHB News speaks with Desiree DeMolina, Communications Director for the Mayor’s Office, about the State of the City Address last week. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “QR Codes Quick Ripoffs” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. More following today’s feature.

But first, your local headlines:

County Commissioners Approve Surplus Items, Paving Contracts, and Discuss Fire District Merger

At their meeting on April 3rd, the Monroe County Commissioners approved declaring surplus items, including 10 file cabinets from the Sheriff’s Department, 3 dump trucks from the Highway Department and a patrol truck from the Commissioner’s Office. The cabinets will be scrapped, and the vehicles will be auctioned.

Commissioner Jody Madeira highlighted the county’s effective use of resources.

The Clerk’s Office also declared a scanner for surplus. They will recycle it.

The commissioners discussed financial options for the Bean Blossom fire district to merge with Ellettsville or Monroe County. County Attorney Jeff Cockerill noted that Bean Blossom residents want to know more about the problems with their fire department and the impacts of merging.

Madeira said that the county should be praised for their efforts.

The commissioners also awarded two contracts — one to Milestone and one to E&B Paving — for Community Crossings Matching Grant paving projects. The grants, awarded by INDOT, provide funds for local road and bridge improvements.

Jones applauded Highway Director Lisa Ridge for securing the grant, but expressed concern about the future of the program.

Several roads around the county will be resurfaced as part of those paving projects over the next few months.

The Health Department requested approval for an agreement with Limelight Recovery to provide mental health and substance use treatment. Health Administrator Lori Kelley highlighted the program’s growth.

Between May 2024 and January 2025, the program served 39 clients with a total of 336 sessions for $5,000. The commissioners approved the agreement.

Kelley also reported a decline in flu cases and emergency visits for COVID-like illness in Monroe County.

The commissioners ratified an ordinance to create a Monroe County Council Donations fund, which will receive donations in the memory of late Monroe County Councilmember Cheryl Munson.

The next meeting of the Monroe County Commissioners will be held on April 10th.

Feature Reports:

The Monroe County Storm Water Management Board met last week, approving funding for a stream flow gauge at Lake Monroe and hearing updates on local projects and water quality monitoring. WFHB Correspondent Amelia Bucher has more.

Last week, Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson delivered the State of the City Address at the Waldron Arts Center. Mayor Thomson focused on transparency, community engagement and housing during her speech.

Following the address, WFHB News spoke with Desiree DeMolina, Communications Director for the Office of the Mayor, about the state of the city and what the future holds. To watch the full State of the City Address, visit wfhb dot org following this broadcast.

A local group in Spencer is pushing back against nationwide book bans — by reading the very titles under fire. WFHB Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger reports on Spencer Pride’s Banned Book Club, a monthly gathering that explores challenged literature and celebrates diverse voices.

Up next, “QR Codes Quick Ripoffs” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. For more, we turn to host and producer Richard Fish. (4 mins)

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