This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, December 1st, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB News Director Kade Young speaks with Kate Galvin, Artistic Director at Cardinal Stage, about the upcoming Frog and Toad program that will take place later this month. More coming up in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “Watch Out for Level 3” on Better Beware - your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News.

But first, your environmental news brief:

Last month, WFHB reported on a routinely conducted firefighter training exercise that involved the burning of an old Bloomington home and resulted in toxic chemicals entering the area and landing in neighbor’s backyards. There is an update to this story, with Bloomington officials including the Monroe County Health Department concluding that the ash and other debris did not have unacceptable levels of lead, and thus were not in direct violation of state environmental standards. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management defines harmful levels of lead to be higher than 400 parts per million, and none of the debris was found to exceed 200 parts per million. The fire department and the Monroe County Health Department are partnering together to offer blood tests to any citizens who are still concerned about the contamination.

The alligator snapping turtle, found throughout many parts of the Midwest and Southeastern United States, might possibly receive new protections due to their endangered status. Once abundant, over the last few years there has been an increase in the destruction of the turtle’s habitat and people have begun hunting them in larger numbers for their shells, which can sell for a lot of money on the wildlife market. This species is particularly vulnerable due to its reproductive habitats, as females cannot lay eggs until they are at least 12 years old and they only mate once a year. The Fish and Wildlife service is looking for public input on the decision to increase protections for the alligator snapping turtle through January 2022.

When buying milk, most Americans primarily purchase it in plastic jug containers, and occasionally in milk cartons. However, other countries such as Canada have switched to primarily purchasing bagged milk. A recent study from “The Conversation”, a scientific magazine, has sought to determine which container is the most environmentally friendly. Their research found that milk jugs and cartons require the greatest energy consumption through the production of plastic and paper, while milk bags require less energy due to being very compact. As many countries seek to reduce single-use plastic, it is possible that the United States could begin to see this conversion of milk primarily being found in a bag.

Ellettsville Town Council Discusses Retirement Options for Firefighters

On November 22nd the Ellettsville Town Council met to discuss joining the 1977 Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement Fund. Council members said this plan would help recruit new staff members and wouldn’t cost the town much more than it already spends.

Fire Chief Mike Cornman explained what the change would entail and who it would concern.

Council member Scott Oldham supported the switch to the ‘77 plan however he had a few concerns.

Town Manager Mike Farmer agreed the change would be beneficial for employees and employers, and suggested that individuals meet with a financial advisor before making an official decision to ensure they are making the right choice for their specific situation.

Council member Sandra Hash elaborated on the differences between this plan and the current plan.

Oldham added that the town would need to join the plan sooner or later

Cities are required to join the plan as the town grows,