This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, August 27th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, we share a segment from Bring It On! where hosts Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell talk with leaders of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center and the African American Arts Institute at IU Bloomington. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “Badgers and Smackers” on Better Beware, your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. More following today’s feature.

But first, your local headlines:

Board of Health Finalizes Public Comment Policy, Discusses Stricter Eligibility Rules

The Monroe County Board of Health met on Thursday, August 21st. The meeting began with board members finalizing legislation for the public comment policy. Chairperson Aurora DiOrio explained the new policy.

Then, Manager of Coordinated School Health, Lisa Greathouse, for I-U Health Bloomington Hospital, presented her departmental update. She explained the progress her department has made in order to meet their goals within the schools.

Health Administrator Lori Kelly went on to discuss how Monroe County’s funded Health First programs have implemented stricter eligibility requirements. The board members expressed their frustration with this new Indiana law that resulted in two individuals being turned away from county resources due to their documentation and citizenship status.

Chairperson DiOrio explained a new decision from I-U Health that will shift the responsibilities of communicable disease case investigation, TB followup, and vaccinations to the Monroe County Board of Health. She elaborated that IU Health has terminated this contract with Monroe County as of January first. The Board of Health will now retain the funds that were previously provided to IU Health and carry out these responsibilities.

The meeting wrapped up with a comment on the fluoride in the county’s water. Chairperson Stephen Pritchard, a Doctor of Dental Surgery, presented concern that the fluoride equipment has been malfunctioning for a number of years. He expressed how he believes this is a problem that could be related to an increase in tooth decay. The Board voted unanimously to invite individuals from the City of Bloomington Utilities to provide information on this topic and open discussion. The Board subsequently adjourned the meeting. The next Board of Health meeting will take place on Thursday, September 18th.

Justice Center Reopens After Mold Repair and Ongoing Testing

The Monroe County Commissioners met on August 21st. Health Department Director Lori Kelley issued an update for the Department, reporting more than 10 cases of infant deaths due to unsafe sleep across the state.

An agreement between the Monroe County Women’s Commission and the Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering was accepted in order to provide middle-schoolers with a camp that would allow students to develop website design and STEM skills. County Attorney Molly Turner-King provided the details.

Finally, during announcements, Commissioners’ Administrator Angie Purdie described the current conditions at the Justice Center, which she said resulted in the accumulation of mold and fungal spores.

The Justice Center closed on Tuesday and re-opened on Thursday after the conclusion of disruptive mold

The Monroe County Commissioners next meet on August 28th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, we share a segment from Bring It On! where hosts Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell talk with leaders of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center and the African American Arts Institute at IU Bloomington. The discussion focuses on the history of these institutions and the upcoming performances and events that showcase African American music, dance and culture. We turn to that segment from Bring It On on the WFHB Local News.