This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, March 15th, 2023.

Later in the program, we have Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate – where we look into issues regarding Health, Housing, and the Environment that directly impact residents of Monroe County. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Latest Updates on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. More following today’s feature.

Feature Report:

In today’s report, we have Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate – where we look into issues regarding Health, Housing, and the Environment that directly impact residents of Monroe County. In today’s edition of Deep Dive, WFHB News and Limestone Post spoke with Executive Director of Beacon, Inc. Forrest Gilmore, Director of Housing Security for United Way Mary Morgan and IU Campus United Way Coordinator Catherine Blankensop regarding Heading Home of South Central Indiana and the idea of “housing-first” as an approach to address the issue of homelessness in the community. This is the first edition in a four-part series looking at potential solutions to the housing crisis in Bloomington and Monroe County. 

Up next, Latest Updates on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. We turn to host and producer Richard Fish for more.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, March 14th, 2023.

Later in the program, we have an excerpt from Bring It On – WFHB’s Black Affairs program – regarding a recently passed anti racism policy in the MCCSC school system. More in today’s feature report.

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

But first, your local headlines:

Monroe County Community Justice Response Committee

At the Monroe County Community Justice Response Committee meeting, Care Not Cages member Micol Seigel said she wants to see the committee make the current jail livable and up to constitutional standards.

Director of Focus Initiatives Justin Huerta described his experience in the prison system for minor drug charges. He said that he doesn’t believe locking people up is the answer.

President of the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus Nicole Bolden criticized the committee’s conduct during recent meetings, particularly the way Sheriff Ruben Marté and Monroe County Council member Jennifer Crossley have been treated.

Next, the Monroe County Commissioners shared their goals and vision for the committee. Commissioner Julie Thomas said she wants to provide better treatment and reduce recidivism in the criminal justice system.

The C-J-R-C will host their next meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 20th.

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

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, March 13th, 2023.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Zyro Roze sat down with Woodie Bessler and Anne Hedin, both members of the Center for Sustainable Living or CSL, to talk about their efforts to promote renewable energy alternatives and ways to make solar power more affordable and accessible for local low-income households. More in today’s feature report.

That’s longtime local theater volunteer Isadore James Torry talking about his passion for bringing characters to life to tell impactful stories. We’ll hear more from him later in the show on a new episode of Activate!, featuring real people working for positive change in our community.

But first, your daily headlines:

Monroe County Commissioners Hear Covid-19 and Flu Update, Noise Violation

At the Monroe County Commissioners meeting on March 8th, Health Department Director Lori Kelley gave an update on Covid-19 rates in the community, and a new at-home flu and Covid test she shared will be available soon.

Commissioner Penny Githens asked if the test would be able to differentiate between the three viruses. Kelley said it can.

During Public Comment Sara Gale Tala shared a noise complaint she has with the Porthole Restaurant. She has struggled to receive assistance with enforcing the noise ordinance, and asked if the commissioners could help.

Commissioner Julie Thomas asked County Attorney Jeff Cockerill to speak with her to see what can be done.

Next, the commissioners heard from Director of Emergency Management Jamie Neibel, who asked the commissioners to approve the purchase of a 12-month subscription to Salamander Technologies to help their department keep track of their inventory.

The commissioners approved funding for the subscription unanimously.

The next Monroe County Commissioners meeting will be held on March 15th.

Feature Reports:

WFHB Correspondent Zyro Roze sat down with Woodie Bessler and Anne Hedin, both members of the Center for Sustainable Living or C-S-L, to talk about their efforts to promote renewable energy alternatives and ways to make solar power more affordable and accessible for local low-income households. SIREN and Solar For All are projects under C.S.L’s umbrella nonprofit. We turn to Zyro Roze for more.

Up next, we have Activate – narratives from people making positive change – done in collaboration with the Bloomington Volunteer Network. In this episode, longtime community theater volunteer Isadore James Torry talks about his passion for bringing characters to life to tell impactful stories. Activate! features real people working for positive change in our community.

This segment is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org or by emailing [email protected].

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, March 8th, 2023.

Later in the program, we have Deep Dive – WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate – where we look into issues regarding Health, Housing, and the Environment that directly impact residents of Monroe County. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Slam the Scam Day on Better Beware – your weekly consumer watchdog segment. More following today’s feature. But first, your local headlines:

Bloomington Board of Public Works

On February 28th at the Bloomington Board of Public Works meeting Engineering Department Senior Project Manager Roy Aten asked the board to approve a change Order for the 7th Street Protected Bike Lane Project.

He also asked them to approve change orders for the 17th Street Multi-Use Path East Project.

The board approved both of the change orders unanimously.

Next Project Engineer Patrick Dierkes asked the board to approve a resolution for the Public Need to Purchase Right-of-Way for the Adams Street Sidewalk Project.

Board Member Jennifer Loyd asked about the size of the property the right of way would be. Dierkes responded.

The board voted to approve the resolution unanimously.

The next Bloomington Board of Public Works meeting will be held on March 14th.

Monroe County Community School Corporation

During the February 25th meeting of the Monroe County Community School Corporation School Board, an MCCSC teacher spoke in support of a proposed racial equity policy during public comment.

Then, local resident Ruth Aydt also spoke in favor of the racial equity policy facing the school board.

Next, President of the Monroe County Branch of the N-A-A-C-P, Maqube Reese supported the policy proposal, saying that it’s an important antiracist initiative.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Hauswald offered some background on the policy proposal to the members of the school board.

The racial equity policy passed by a unanimous vote. The next M-C-C-S-C meeting will happen on Tuesday, March 28th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, have Deep Dive – WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate – where we look into issues regarding Health, Housing, and the Environment that directly impact residents of Monroe County.

Up next,Slam the Scam Day on Better Beware – your weekly consumer watchdog segment. We turn to host and producer Richard Fish for more.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,

This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, March 7th, 2023.

In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Ruth Flegmann reported on a protest and march criticizing Indiana University’s response to recent acts of discrimination. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Disabulletin – where we cover the top stories impacting the disability community across the country and around the world – hosted by Abe Shapiro. But first, your local headlines:

Monroe County Commissioners

At the Monroe County Commissioners meeting on March 1st Health Department Director Lori Kelley gave an update on Covid-19 and flu transmission in the county.

Commissioner Penny Githen congratulated the Health Department staff for their work searching for grant funding to fight opioid issues in the county.

Next, Highway Department Director Lisa Ridge shared that they are starting construction on the Bicentennial Pathway Project this week.

Next the Commissioners voted on a contract with Susan Brackney for communications services. County Attorney Jeff Cockerill explained what services would entail.

Monroe County Council Member Marty Hawke asked what the purpose of the contract was. Cockerill responded.

Commissioners’ Administrator Angela Purdie shared that the position was approved in the budget that passed the Monroe County Council.

The commissioners unanimously approved the contract.

The next Monroe County Commissioners meeting will be held on March 8th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Ruth Flegmann reported on a protest and march criticizing Indiana University’s response to recent acts of discrimination. Flegmann has more.

Now it’s time for Disabulletin – where we cover the top stories impacting the disability community across the country and around the world – hosted by Abe Shapiro. We turn to Shapiro for more.

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

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, March 6th, 2023.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Zyro Roze speaks with Dr. Joel Fuhrman, best selling author and renowned physician specializing in preventative nutrition and natural healing. This interview segment is titled Foods or Fads: Do-s and Don’ts. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Activate – narratives from people making positive change – done in collaboration with the Bloomington Volunteer Network. But first, your daily headlines.

Bloomington City Council Committee of the Whole Tackles CBCI, Traffic Commission Member, Kirkwood Outdoor Seating

On March 1, at the Bloomington City Council Committee of the Whole meeting, Deputy Mayor Mary Catherine Carmichael summarized the actions taken thus far by the office of the mayor in creating a non-profit organization, C-B-C-I, to help the city in implementing special work projects.

Councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith asked Deputy Mayor Carmichael about how the C-B-C-I would be financed.

Piedmont-Smith clarified with Carmichael about when the amount of spending by the C-B-C-I would require approval by the council.

The council then moved into a report from the committee of Council Processes regarding the removal of Greg Alexander from Bloomington’s traffic commission.

Councilmember Matt Flaherty delivered the findings of the committee, the first being the withdrawal of the resolution to remove Alexander. Instead, the commission suggested that he should be given time to respond.

Council Member Stephen Volan said that he thinks they need to take their time to establish the process in which someone is removed from a board or commission.

The council withdrew their resolution to remove Alexander, however, a new resolution will potentially be considered at a future meeting.

Next, the council considered a resolution to authorize the renewal of the outdoor dining program in the downtown corridor.

Special Projects Manager Chaz Mottinger shared that they collaborated with Bloomington Engineering to address Trinity Episcopal Church’s concerns about the outdoor seating area blocking off access to their building.

The council voted to renew the expanded outdoor dining program.

The next Bloomington City Council meeting will be held on March 8th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Zyro Roze speaks with Dr. Joel Fuhrman, best selling author and renowned physician specializing in preventative nutrition and natural healing. This interview segment is titled Foods or Fads: Do-s and Don’ts. This week, the conversation begins with our guest discussing various vegetable oils and whether or not they are good for you. Zyro Roze has more.

Up next, we have Activate – narratives from people making positive change – done in collaboration with the Bloomington Volunteer Network. Today’s episode features Aubrey Seader of the Community and Family Resources Department at the City of Bloomington. We turn now to the latest installment of Activate on the WFHB Local News.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, March 1st, 2023.

Later in the program, we have the latest edition of Deep Dive: Limestone Post and WFHB Investigate – where we look into issues regarding Health, Housing, and the Environment that directly impact residents of Monroe County. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Going Whole Hog on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB. More following today’s feature. But first, your local headlines.

Bloomington City Council – Committee of the Whole Climate Action Resilience Committee

The Bloomington City Council Committee of the Whole Climate Action Resilience Committee met on February 21st to continue their discussion on phasing out gas powered machinery.

Chair of the Committee Dave Rollo introduced the discussion and summarized their objectives.

City Attorney Steven Lucas spoke on behalf of Public Works Department Adam Wasson about the department’s machinery.

Parks and Recreation Operations and Development Division Director Tim Street gave an update on the parks and recreation department’s transition to battery powered machinery.

Next, Rollo shared findings from the survey they sent out to learn more about how stakeholders use gas powered and electric machinery.

The Bloomington City Council Committee of the Whole Climate Action Resilience Committee will meet again in a month to explore how other cities have implemented similar ordinances and to meet with other stakeholders like M-C-C-S-C, Indiana University, construction companies, etc.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, we have Deep Dive: Limestone Post and WFHB Investigate – where we look into issues regarding Health, Housing, and the Environment that directly impact residents of Monroe County.

Up next, Going Whole Hog on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB. We turn to host and producer Richard Fish for more.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,

This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, February 28th, 2023.

Later in the program, Big Talk producer Michael Glab speaks with 2023 mayoral candidate for the City of Bloomington, Kerry Thomson. Thomas has served as executive director for Indiana University’s Center for Rural Engagement since 2018. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have the latest edition of Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. But first, your local headlines:

Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission

At the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission meeting on February 23rd, Historic Preservation Program Manager Gloria Colom Braña shared a request for a demolition delay at 1017 South Walnut Street. Braña presented her historic research on the house.

The petitioner Michael Bridavsky, explained why he would like permission to do a full demolition of the main house and garage.

Commissioner Allison Chopra asked if the staff had any findings on the building being structurally unsound. Braña said that the staff didn’t have any reports on its structural integrity.

Commissioner Doug Bruce said that he has seen the building degrade over time and would support the demolition.

Commissioner Sam Desollar asked the petitioner to consider donating any salvageable and original materials from the house, to the Historic Preservation Commission.

In response, Bridavsky shared some plans he has for the property.

Chopra added that she was disappointed the designation as historically significant was not applied here.

The commission voted unanimously to waive the rest of the demolition delay waiting period.

The next Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission meeting will be held on March 9th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, Big Talk producer Michael Glab invited all declared candidates for the City of Bloomington’s 2023 mayoral race to appear on the program in weekly installments. This week, we hear a conversation with mayoral candidate Kerry Thomson. Thomson has served as executive director for IU’s Center for Rural Engagement since 2018. Stay tuned to Big Talk and the WFHB Local News for more editions featuring mayoral candidates before the 2023 municipal primary on May 2nd.

Up next, we have the latest edition of Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn now to that segment.

Credits: