This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025.

In today’s newscast, Justin Baker of Monroe County Emergency Management highlights disaster recovery efforts from the county following the tornado and storm that swept through the community on May 16th. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Lil Bub’s Lil Show, a co-production between Lil Bub’s Big Fund and WFHB.

Ellettsville Council Updates District Maps, Sets Heritage Center Fees

The Ellettsville Town Council met on May 27th, agreeing to pass an ordinance recertifying the current legislative body districts of the town.

Council President Scott Oldham noted that the maps of the current districts were created using data during the census conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have interfered with true population growth.

Council Member Dan Swafford added that the district lines would likely have to be redrawn after the next census, when more accurate data is available.

The council also discussed an ordinance surrounding fees for the rental of the Ellettsville Heritage Center, a new gathering space designed for weddings, concerts, and other events. Planning Director Denise Line shared that the parks board had voted in a recent meeting to set the rental fee for the facility at $250, with a $500 safety deposit.

Oldham expressed concern with the pricing, arguing that a public asset such as the Heritage Center should be more affordable for the general public

Town Manager Mike Farmer stressed the importance of the deposit in ensuring that the building won’t be damaged. Clerk Treasurer Noelle Conyer shared the price points of other, cheaper pavilion options. Council Member William Ellis suggested two possibilities; one in which residents of the town are charged $125 and non-residents are charged the full $250, and one in which those who acquire event insurance can have the deposit waived. The council voted to pass the ordinance.

During public comment, Ellettsville Resident Dennis Pence addressed the council, expressing concern about the high speed of traffic on the streets by his home. He suggested the possibility of the installation of speed bumps in the area, as well as increased police presence to hand out tickets to speeders.

Public Works Department Street Commissioner Kip Headdy shared that speed strips could be placed in the area once the department receives updated ones.

The Ellettsville Town Council will meet again on June 10th.

Redevelopment Commission Reviews TIF Parcel Boundaries

The Ellettsville Redevelopment Commission met on May 27th. The commissioners worked on clarifications of TIF Parcel numbers and descriptions.

Town Attorney Darla Brown explained that a few errors were found with the parcels, but noted that there were not that many.

Browne explained that Parcel C had not been included in the platt map, and would be left out of the TIF district for the time being.

Planning Director Denise Line asked for clarification, and said she thought that the parcel had been included. Browne said she would check to confirm.

Commissioner Member William Ellis asked if it was part of the tech park. Line responded the tech park was not a part of Parcel C.

They also discussed other areas that had not been annexed. The commission expressed that they would rather omit them from the TIF district to ensure they didn’t run into any legal trouble.

Town Attorney Darla Browne said she would find out more and get back to the commission.

The Ellettsville Redevelopment Commission will meet again on June 9th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, WFHB News speaks with Justin Baker of Monroe County Emergency Management, about recovery from the tornado that hit on May 16th. Baker offers information on financial assistance, debris cleanup and disposal, and how community members can help. We turn to WFHB Correspondent Kade Young for more.

Up next – Lil Bub’s Lil Show, a co-production between Lil Bub’s Big Fund and WFHB. We turn now to that segment on the WFHB Local News.

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