This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, July 7th, 2021.

Later in the program, you will hear about the Envision Ellettsville project - a volunteer-led initiative with a focus on the future of the town of Ellettsville. In today’s feature report, WFHB News Director Kade Young speaks with Christa Curtis, co-chair of the Envision Ellettsville committee and member of the board of directors at the Greater Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the Small Business Administration and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security are offering free walk-in assistance to Monroe County residents interested in applying for financial relief for flood damages. More in today’s headlines.

But first, your local news brief:

Photo courtesy of Cardinal Stage.

Professional theatre Cardinal Stage is seeking out a diverse community for input on shows for the 2022-2023 season. The Artistic Advisory Committee will be formed to create a more diverse selection of shows for viewers in the Bloomington area - focusing on members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, millennials and Gen-Z. The committee will meet three times a year to discuss show ideas. Members of the committee will also receive two free tickets to each show and invitations to private readings. People are able to apply at the Cardinal Stage website until July 16th.

Police are looking for the culprit of a shooting on Friday at Crestmont park that injured two adults. Those at the incident told the police they didn’t know what happened or who could be responsible. Witnesses told police that they saw a man being shot, then put into a car and sped away. Police later found the man at the hospital but when questioned, refused to share what had happened or who had shot him.

On Tuesday a man was taken to the hospital after driving a pick-up truck into the side of the IU Optometry School Building. Extensive damage to the lobby was reported, but no injuries. According to IU Police Department Chief Jill Lees, investigators are looking for a connection between the culprit and the school of optometry.

Bloomington Utilities Service Board

Photo courtesy of Community Access Television Services.

The Bloomington Utility Service Board discussed resolutions regarding Monroe County wastewater plants. At the July 6th meeting, Capital Projects Manager Daniel Hudson presented multiple resolutions that would improve Monroe County’s chemical feed system. Board member Jeff Ehman asked about the relationship between an amendment to the Monroe Water Treatment Plant chemical feed system and a resolution to award the contract for the improvements to that system. Hudson clarified that one funds the design and the other funds the engineering.

Board member Amanda Burnham wondered if the construction contract would go to bid to save money. Utilities Director Vic Kelson responded that it made the most sense for the designers to oversee construction of the project.

Board members approved each resolution unanimously.

Bloomington Redevelopment Commission

Photo courtesy of Community Access Television Services.

Commissioners discussed the future Retreat at Switchyard apartment building at the July 6th Bloomington Redevelopment Commission meeting. City Attorney Larry Allen requested the Redevelopment Commission give RealAmerica Companies permission to apply for approval to build. He said the Redevelopment Commission owns the land, and RealAmerica needs permission from the land owner before requesting governmental approval.

Vice President of Development at RealAmerica Jeff Ryan clarified the affidavit would only let them apply for permits. He said this was for basic building approvals, not for grants.

Commissioners approved the request 5 to 0.