This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, April 17th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, local journalist Anne Kibbler joins Civic Conversations – a podcast collaboration between WFHB and the League of Women Voters – about Indiana’s rollback of protections for wetlands. Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Sports Correspondent Jake Bedway reports on the IU Ultimate Frisbee Team.

Feature Report:

Up next, the 2025 Burning Couch Festival – an all day music and arts festival in Bloomington – has been cancelled due to anticipated rain on Saturday. Prior to the cancellation, organizers of the Burning Couch Festival joined WFHB’s Youth Radio for an in-studio interview talking about the event. We turn now to that interview.

Up next – two hundred years ago, Indiana had 5.5 million acres of wetlands, but now it has only 800,000 acres. Until 2021, Indiana had stronger wetlands protections than many other states. Since that period, however, the Indiana legislature has significantly loosened regulations, allowing people to build more in areas once designated as wetlands. We turn now to Part II of an interview with local journalist Anne Kibbler on Civic Conversations.

In today’s feature report, WFHB Sports Correspondent Jake Bedway reports on the IU Ultimate Frisbee Team. Bedway speaks with team captain, Andrew Vetne, who walks through the basics of the sport, how the team prepares throughout the season, and how the team hopes to develop a winning strategy for the upcoming tournament season. We turn to Sports Correspondent Jake Bedway for more.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, April 16th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB News Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger reports on Spencer Pride’s Health and Wellness Fair, which took place on Saturday, April 12th. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “Big Sister is Listening” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. More following today’s feature.

Bloomington Utilities Board Approves Over $62K in Spending, Discusses Lagoon Sediment Sampling and Sewer Lining Project

The Bloomington Utilities Service Board met on April 7th. The Board discussed the approval of the consent agenda which totaled to $62,831.68. Matt Havey, the Assistant Director of Finance presented the agenda.

Board Member Jeff Ehman brought up some questions related to the Enviro-Dynamics, LLC, Dillman North lagoon sediment sampling request, specifically regarding the purpose of the sampling at the location.

Assistant Director for Environmental Programs Kelsey Thetonia, responded to his question.

Ehman then asked if the pond in question had once been contaminated with PCBs. Thetonia responded.

What is found in the pond will dictate the cost of removal.

The consent agenda was approved.

During the next portion of the meeting, the Hazardous Materials Coordinator, Isabel Quiroz, requested approval for an agreement for services with S-E-T Environmental, Inc. for Sodium Hydroxide cleanup and Hydrofluorosilicic Acid tank and room cleanout at the Monroe Water Treatment Plant. Both requests were approved.

Also, Utilities Engineer Caden Swanson requested approval for bid acceptance and a contract award for the Pigeon Hill Neighborhood Sewer Lining Project. Board member Kirk White inquired about how long the linings were predicted to hold up. Swanson responded.

The Board approved the request unanimously. The next Utilities Service Board Meeting will be held on April 21st.

Feature Report:

Up next, WFHB News Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger reports on Spencer Pride’s Health and Wellness Fair, which took place on Saturday, April 12th. Spencer Pride is a not-for-profit organization working to improve the quality of life for rural LGBTQ+ people in South Central Indiana. For more, we turn to Mackenzie Lionberger.

In today’s feature report, WFHB Environmental Correspondent Zero Roze speaks with Delaney Barber-Kwon of Indiana Conservation Voters on legislative developments and our state ranking fiftieth in the nation for environmental quality.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, April 15th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger speaks with Heath Byers, co-owner of Landlocked Music, and several customers – about Record Store Day, which took place on April 12th. More in today’s feature report.

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

Monroe County Council

The Monroe County Council met on April 8th. During public comment, Monroe County Vote Center Study Committee Member Alana Stonebreaker spoke to the council about the public hearing they held on vote centers, and urged the council to continue to be involved in the process.

Also during public comment, Indiana University Economic Professor Gerard Glomm informed the public about an opportunity to learn more about tariffs. Glomm said the purpose of the presentation is to educate members of the community on how tariffs could impact residents in Indiana.

During department updates, the Sheriff’s Department gave an update on a new staff member. Sheriff Ruben Marté introduced the new Jail Transition Director Major Todd Smith.

Smith spoke to the council expressing their interest in the position.

Also during department updates, the Soil and Water Conservation District, shared a video with the council on the importance of conservation in the community. District Manager Martha Miller shared that members of the public can access the video at the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District website.

After watching the video council members expressed their interest and support for the work Miller has been doing. Council Member Kate Wiltz asked Miller to explain for the public listening, how the staffing for her position works. Miller responded.

Wiltz also asked about no-till and low-till farming practices.

The Monroe County Council will meet again on April 22nd.

Feature Report:

Up next, WFHB Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger speaks with Heath Byers, co-owner of Landlocked Music, and several customers – about Record Store Day, which took place on April 12th. For more, we turn to Mackenzie Lionberger.

Now it’s time for Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn now to that segment on the WFHB Local News.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, April 14th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, Mayor Kerry Thomson delivered a town hall at the Banneker Center last week – answering questions about accessibility and green space along with Parks Director Tim Street. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, you will hear Shayna Grossman, student president of IU Hillel. Hear more later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

Monroe County Board of Commissioners Discusses Measles Cases in Indiana, Discounted Bus Services for County Employees

The Monroe County Commissioners met on April 10 and discussed the ongoing measles outbreak. There are 6 reported cases of measles in Allen County. Health Administrator Lori Kelley highlighted that measles has a highly successful vaccine.

Measles is highly contagious, especially for those who are unvaccinated. Even vaccinated individuals should remain cautious.

Commissioner Jody Madeira says measles has become a cause for concern.

The health department is hosting an MMR vaccine mobile clinic at noon through 6 pm on April 23 at the Ellettsville branch of the Monroe County Library.

The commissioners approved a Bloomington Transfer Agreement, ensuring that county employees continue to have access to discounted bus services. Commissioner Thomas says she appreciates the program.

Additionally, the commissioners approved agreements with three on-call services including seal coating and paving, land surveying and civil engineering, and HVAC and plumbing.

Madeira says approval of on-call services is a straightforward decision, highlighting that on-call services are needed to run the county.

The commissioner also approved accepting the completion of a project extending N Lintel Dr as part of the North Park PUD.

The next Monroe County Commissioner meeting will be on April 17th.

Bloomington Board of Public Works Approves Trash Abatement at South Walnut McDonald’s, Lane Closures, and Night Construction Projects

The Bloomington Board of Public Works met on April 8th. The first item on the agenda was a request by the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department to approve a continuous abatement on the McDonald’s property on South Walnut Street. The property was notified of having repeatedly violated Bloomington Municipal Code against the littering of trash on any public or private premises.

Board President Kyla Cox Deckard clarified the purpose of establishing a continuous abatement to the public.

The board passed a motion of approval unanimously.

The Board also approved a request for lane closure of Pete Ellis Drive by The Peterson Company. The company has been working on the construction of a Crew Car Wash location, with an estimated day needed for the paintwork of bike lanes.

Engineering Field Specialist Kyle Baugh specified that they have asked the Peterson Company to not work on the project during peak traffic hours. President Cox Deckard reviewed the time frame of the project.

Finally, the board heard and approved a request by Blackwell Contractors to conduct night work for water installation for 361 and 371 West Country Club Drive.

Engineering Field Specialist Alex Gray explained the reason for this request, citing concerns over congestion.

Gray also clarified that Blackwell Contractors would be working on the project in early May rather than the early April timeframe that was previously established. Both lanes will be open during the day, and only one will be closed during the nighttime, allowing for traffic flagging.

Public comment was heard from former Traffic Commissioner Greg Alexander, who brought attention to the railing surrounding the sidewalk that cuts west of the Monroe County Convention Center on West 3rd Street. According to Alexander, the railing had been failing progressively for a decade, with the city recently putting precautions around the sidewalk. He was concerned that this would be the extent of Bloomington’s management of the sidewalk.

The Bloomington Board of Public Works will meet again on April 22nd.

Mayor Thomson Talks Parks, Policing, and Accessibility at Banneker Center Town Hall

Last Monday, Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson hosted a Traveling Town Hall at the Banneker Center.

Tim Street, Director of Parks and Recreation for the city, joined Thomson at the Town Hall, helping to answer questions about green space and recreation.

Thomson opened the town hall by providing updates on various city projects. She highlighted a reduction in violent crime based on a recently released report on crime data from last year.

Also related to policing, Thomson reiterated her intention of relocating police department headquarters to 714 South Rogers Street near the Hopewell neighborhood site.

Then, Parks Director Tim Street rattled off a list of current city projects related to accessibility – namely improvements to Building Trades Park and Switchyard Park.

Street said the parks department is currently working on its 5-year master plan.

Next, the mayor answered questions from the public. One resident commented about accessibility concerns as a bicyclist.

Local resident Corey Hawkins took to the public mic to point out failing infrastructure in the city, including the condition of the Banneker Center where the town hall was held. Street responded that the parks department faces challenges with the historic nature of the building.

Another resident asked what the city plans to do with properties it purchased near Lower Cascades Park. Street said the city doesn’t have any formal plans – it aims to preserve the natural landscape of the area.

The mayor also answered questions about vote centers, daycare services and the Hopewell neighborhood. To watch the full town hall, visit this link.

Feature Report:

It’s been a tough school year for some students at IU Hillel, the Jewish culture center on the Indiana University Bloomington campus. In September Hillel hosted a memorial service mourning the deaths of six Israeli hostages in Gaza. Then last month the U.S. Department of Education included IU in its callout of sixty universities under investigation for antisemitism. Shayna Grossman is president of IU Hillel’s Student Executive Board. She wants Hillel to be a safe place for students missing the support of their Jewish community back home. Shayna says you don’t have to be Jewish to support Hillel and its mission on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, April 10th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB correspondent Brookelyn Lambright brings to us another segment of Unbound. Today, she features the life and legacy of the Lawrence Family Glassblowers from Nashville, Indiana. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, local journalist Anne Kibbler speaks to the importance of wetlands on Civic Conversations – a podcast collaboration between WFHB and the League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County.

IU Grad Workers Protest Visa Revocations, Demand University Action to Protect International Students

Photos by Jessie Grubb

On Thursday, demonstrators gathered for a protest at the Sample Gates. This comes after the Department of Homeland Security revoked visas for several graduate students at Indiana University.

The Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition, who organized the protest, demanded that the university ensure the safety of students impacted by providing emergency academic leave. Furthermore, the grad workers union are demanding the university to publicly communicate how these students can complete their degrees.

Elijah Beaton, a graduate student in the history department at IU, said that members of the grad workers union had their visas revoked.

“It’s a direct attack, not only on the IGWC as a union, but on IU as a whole,” said Beaton.

Beaton says he wants people to understand the severity of the situation. He said this has serious consequences for the students whose visas were revoked.

“Frankly, if IU doesn’t step in and make sure the students complete their degrees, this is a career-ruining thing to happen,” said Beaton. “As graduate students, we spend 5 to 10 years of our lives working towards this and to have that interrupted – it’s just a waste of the previous years.”

He described his concerns for the implications this has on international students’ rights at IU. In his opinion, international students are essential to the grad school programs at the university.

“The university doesn’t function without international students. And I think IU knows that,” he said. “As graduate students and as friends with all these people, we know that for sure.”

Beaton said the graduate workers coalition wants to to support the students impacted in the best way they can – using both protests and working with university officials.

“I think one of the most important things we can do is make a big deal on their behalf,” said Beaton. “We’ve seen across the country, the universities that have been unprepared or didn’t respond quickly have had the most sort of intense repression.”

He said that it brings him no joy to be at the Sample Gates protesting. In his view, an injury to one is an injury to all.

“I am sad to be out here,” he said. “An injury to one is an injury to all. I think that’s the one thing I’m trying to tell everyone I interact with.”

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, WFHB correspondent Brookelyn Lambright brings to us another segment of Unbound. Today, she features the life and legacy of the Lawrence Family Glassblowers from Nashville, Indiana. Listen along to hear how twin brothers Jim and John Lawrence got their start and their reflections on the craft after 57 years of glassblowing. Plus, Jim walks listeners through the process of making a glass horse.

Two hundred years ago, Indiana had 5.5 million acres of wetlands, but now it has only 800,000 acres. Until 2021, Indiana had stronger wetlands protections than many other states. Since that period, however, the Indiana legislature has significantly loosened regulations, allowing people to build more in areas once designated as wetlands.

We turn now to Part 1 of an interview with local journalist Anne Kibbler on Civic Conversations. Stay with us next Thursday to hear Part II.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.

In today’s program, WFHB News speaks with Desiree DeMolina, Communications Director for the Mayor’s Office, about the State of the City Address last week. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “QR Codes Quick Ripoffs” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. More following today’s feature.

But first, your local headlines:

County Commissioners Approve Surplus Items, Paving Contracts, and Discuss Fire District Merger

At their meeting on April 3rd, the Monroe County Commissioners approved declaring surplus items, including 10 file cabinets from the Sheriff’s Department, 3 dump trucks from the Highway Department and a patrol truck from the Commissioner’s Office. The cabinets will be scrapped, and the vehicles will be auctioned.

Commissioner Jody Madeira highlighted the county’s effective use of resources.

The Clerk’s Office also declared a scanner for surplus. They will recycle it.

The commissioners discussed financial options for the Bean Blossom fire district to merge with Ellettsville or Monroe County. County Attorney Jeff Cockerill noted that Bean Blossom residents want to know more about the problems with their fire department and the impacts of merging.

Madeira said that the county should be praised for their efforts.

The commissioners also awarded two contracts — one to Milestone and one to E&B Paving — for Community Crossings Matching Grant paving projects. The grants, awarded by INDOT, provide funds for local road and bridge improvements.

Jones applauded Highway Director Lisa Ridge for securing the grant, but expressed concern about the future of the program.

Several roads around the county will be resurfaced as part of those paving projects over the next few months.

The Health Department requested approval for an agreement with Limelight Recovery to provide mental health and substance use treatment. Health Administrator Lori Kelley highlighted the program’s growth.

Between May 2024 and January 2025, the program served 39 clients with a total of 336 sessions for $5,000. The commissioners approved the agreement.

Kelley also reported a decline in flu cases and emergency visits for COVID-like illness in Monroe County.

The commissioners ratified an ordinance to create a Monroe County Council Donations fund, which will receive donations in the memory of late Monroe County Councilmember Cheryl Munson.

The next meeting of the Monroe County Commissioners will be held on April 10th.

Feature Reports:

The Monroe County Storm Water Management Board met last week, approving funding for a stream flow gauge at Lake Monroe and hearing updates on local projects and water quality monitoring. WFHB Correspondent Amelia Bucher has more.

Last week, Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson delivered the State of the City Address at the Waldron Arts Center. Mayor Thomson focused on transparency, community engagement and housing during her speech.

Following the address, WFHB News spoke with Desiree DeMolina, Communications Director for the Office of the Mayor, about the state of the city and what the future holds. To watch the full State of the City Address, visit wfhb dot org following this broadcast.

A local group in Spencer is pushing back against nationwide book bans — by reading the very titles under fire. WFHB Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger reports on Spencer Pride’s Banned Book Club, a monthly gathering that explores challenged literature and celebrates diverse voices.

Up next, “QR Codes Quick Ripoffs” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. For more, we turn to host and producer Richard Fish. (4 mins)

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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, April 8th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB Correspondent Laurie Frederickson reports on Mayor Kerry Thomson’s State of the City Address last Thursday. More in today’s headlines.

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

Mayor Thomson Delivers State of the City Address 

Mayor Thompson hosted the State of the City address on Thursday. The Thomson administration touted staffing boosts, new housing initiatives and drops in violent crime.City leaders highlighted progress in mobile health, economic development, and efforts to increase transparency, accessibility, and community engagement. WFHB Correspondent Laurie Frederickson has more.

Feature Report:

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

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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, April 7th, 2025.

Later in the program, WFHB News Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger reports on the “Hands Off” protests on the Monroe County Courthouse square on Saturday.

More in today’s feature report. That’s Mark Marc Tschida, Managing Director of Stages Bloomington, currently prepping a run of “Alice in Wonderland” produced entirely by local kids in grades 3 through 8. Learn more about this theater education non-profit later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

But first, your daily headlines:

Up next – WFHB Environmental Correspondent Noelle Herhusky-Schneider speaks with Cody Kirkpatrick, Senior Lecturer in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Indiana University. Kirkpatrick discusses recent storms that hit Bloomington and surrounding areas. For more, we turn to Herhusky-Schneider.

Nationwide, protests erupted over the weekend over how President Donald Trump is handling the country. Bloomington had its own Hands Off protest on Saturday on the Courthouse Square. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the rain to voice their opposition to the Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk in their role in cutting funding for federal agencies, economic backlash from tariffs and rollbacks on LGBTQ+ rights. For more, we turn to WFHB News Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger.

Stages Bloomington is the only local theater company that fills all acting roles with youth. From building sets to the final performance, kids are in charge of every aspect of each production. Right now a troupe of local kids in grades 3 through 8 are hard at work prepping for a run of “Alice in Wonderland” with public performances April 17th through April 19th at The Warehouse at 1525 South Rogers Street. Managing Director Marc Tschida says the Stages Bloomington educational mission means that instead of actors serving the show, the show serves them. Learn more on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, April 3rd, 2025.

Later in the program, we welcome back Dr. Ed Weisbart, a St. Louis-based physician and board secretary of Physicians for a National Health Program, on Prescription for Healthcare. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB’s Youth Radio has a feature on the record label, RTR Tapes.

But first, Prescription for Healthcare:

In today’s edition of Prescription for Healthcare, a monthly collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Medicare for All Indiana, we welcome back Dr. Ed Weisbart, a St. Louis-based physician and board secretary of Physicians for a National Health Program, or PNHP. As Chair of the Missouri Chapter of PNHP, Dr. Weisbart has long been a vocal advocate for Medicare for All. In this episode, he discusses the growing threats to Medicare and why defending it is a fight for democracy itself. Stay with us as we dive into the conversation.

This is Spaces for All Ages, a WFHB Youth Radio series highlighting opportunities for teens in Bloomington. Today’s guest is Chance Allen from RTR Tapes, a local record label and booking group dedicated to all-ages hardcore shows. He shares how RTR Tapes supports bands, builds community and keeps Bloomington’s music scene thriving. For more, we turn to Lena Swayze of Youth Radio.

Credits:

This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025.

In today’s newscast, we continue our series on political polarization for Deep Dive: WFHB and Limestone Post Investigate. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “Smarter Than You Think” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. More following today’s feature.

Monroe County Council Reviews Software Funding and Budget Issues at March 25th Meeting

The Monroe County Council discussed a $200,000 software funding request, tabling the decision to explore payment options. Council Member Marty Hawk raised concerns about spending, while the board approved a new public defender hire. The council also addressed funding for Adult Protective Services and considered a fire district merger.

Deep Dive – Political Polarization (Part 3)

This is 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.

As political discourse in the U.S. continues to feel increasingly polarized, some historians and analysts suggest that taking a step back—and looking at historical patterns—can provide much-needed perspective. Indiana University political scientist Marjorie Hershey discusses how historical trends often repeat themselves and why looking at past presidencies can offer insight into current political shifts. To read the full article, written by Majorie Hershey; and photographed by Jeremy Hogan, visit LimestonePostMagazine.com.

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