This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, May 21st, 2026.

That’s legendary composer Hoagy Carmichael, with fond memories of Bloomington – his hometown. Hear more vintage Hoagy audio from IU’s Archives of Traditional Music later in the show in a feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the Monroe County Capital Improvement Board approved a public art installation for the new convention center. That’s coming up next in your daily headlines.

A $400,000 public art installation wrapping the new convention center skybridge in a sweeping, illuminated sculpture was approved by the Monroe County capital improvement board at its Wednesday (May 20) meeting.

The skybridge will connect the existing convention center across College Avenue to the 60,000-square-foot expansion. The construction center expansion is well underway between Walnut Street and College Avenue on the south side of 3rd Street, and is planned for completion near the start of 2027.

On a unanimous roll-call vote, the board approved “A Form of Connection” by Ball-Nogues Studio, lead by Benjamin Ball, following months of public input, community surveys, and a review by a committee and the Bloomington Arts Commission.

Presenting the public art recommendation was CIB member and BEAD (Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District) advisory group chair Galen Cassady. He opened by crediting the network of volunteers and arts leaders who helped shape the process.

Cassady gave special praise to former city assistant director for the arts, Holly Warren. Cassady told the board: “We really would not be here without the leg work that Holly put into this.” Warren, who attended the meeting, received applause from the audience. CIB president John Whikehart underscored Warren’s role when he wrapped up the agenda item, saying to her, “Holly, thank you again so much for your leadership and assistance in all of this—much appreciated.”

The approximately 8,000-pound installation will be fabricated from marine-grade aluminum and attached to the bridge at 14 structural connection points. Integrated lighting will illuminate the faceted surfaces at night. The proposal emphasized digital modeling, custom fabrication, and engineering precision to create what artist Benjamin Ball described as a “one-of-a-kind civic form.”

Whikehart commented on the reception of the selected design among those who reviewed the finalist proposals, indicating it was the most provocative: “If I recall correctly, this particular piece had the most public reaction. Both strongly for and strongly against, which shouldn’t be too surprising—we’re talking about art.”

Bloomington Utilities Board Approves $197K College Mall Sewer Design Study, Retreat Agreement

By Elyse Perry

The Bloomington Utilities Service Board met on May 18th and discussed the College Mall Road sewer system design study. Capital Projects Coordinator Kevin White explained it.

White said a contract with Commonwealth Engineers for the study will cost $197,461. Engineer Phil Peden said there has been an action plan in the area since 2004 to fix undersized pipes.

Board president Kirk White asked if the area was mostly affected by heavy rain. Peden responded that problems only occur during rain, and it has only been once in the past year.

The board passed the agreement for the design study unanimously. It moved on to discuss a memorandum of understanding with The Retreat at Switchyard that was tabled at the last meeting. Utilities Director Katherine Zaiger introduced the resolution.

Board member Megan Parmenter said the legal team has looked over the M-O-U and she hopes the agreement is holding The Retreat to the board’s expectations.

The MOU was approved unanimously. The next Utilities Service Board meeting will be on June 1st.

Community Rallies Behind Kyra Campbell During Richland-Bean Blossom School Board Meeting

By Ben Sharpe

The Richland-Bean Blossom School Board met on May 19th. Much of the meeting’s public comment period focused on support for the appointment of Kyra Campbell as the next director of the Edgewood High School choir program. Parents, students, alumni, and educators spoke about Campbell’s impact on students and the future of the program.

Community members pointed to Campbell’s history with the Edgewood program and her familiarity with students and families. Jessica Foster said Campbell could help create continuity between programs and strengthen student connections.

Several speakers described Campbell’s mentorship and influence on students’ confidence and personal growth. Andrea Andrews said Campbell had already developed strong relationships with students and families.

Students also spoke about Campbell’s role in helping them develop confidence and leadership skills. Ethan Staggs said Campbell encouraged him to stay involved in choir and helped him believe in himself.

Parents continued to describe the impact Campbell had beyond the classroom. Molly Osgood said Campbell helped her son gain confidence through show choir participation.

The board voted to extend public comment beyond its planned thirty-minute limit to allow additional speakers to finish their remarks.

Public comment continued for nearly the first hour of the meeting, with speakers repeatedly emphasizing Campbell’s leadership, mentorship, and connection to students and the choir program.

The board later approved its consent agenda, AI guidebook, and other classroom items, as well as three new faculty hires. The school board will meet again on June 16th.

Featured Segment:

Hoagy Carmichael is considered one of the most important American composers of the twentieth century. Songs like “Stardust,” “Heart and Soul,” and “Georgia on My Mind” are some of the most influential and enduring tunes in American popular music. Hoagy was born and raised right here in Bloomington and graduated from Indiana University with a law degree, so it is perhaps no surprise that IU’s Hoagy Carmichael Collection represents the largest holding of materials pertaining to Hoagy Carmichael available anywhere in the world. Recently items formerly kept in the Hoagy Carmichael Room in Morrison Hall were moved to the Simon Music Center along with the rest of the Archives of Traditional Music, where you can sit for a spell in the reading room next to Hoagy’s piano. Correspondent Ben Winn has that story in a feature report produced in partnership with The Media School at Indiana University.

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