This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, September 4th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB Environmental Correspondent Max Jancich, speaks with Dr. Thomas Butts from Purdue University about herbicides and how farms manage weeds. More in the bottom half of our program.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB News covers the latest meetings of the Monroe County Zoning Appeals Board and the Ellettsville Town Council.

More coming up next in your daily headlines:

Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals Postpones Vote on South Shady Side Drive Variance Requests After Lengthy Hearing

The Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals met on August 25th. The board heard from the Huff Revocable Trust for 10 variance requests on their property located on South Shady Side Drive. Some of the variance requests were for accessible dwelling units, new roads, and slope encroachments among others. Nearby residents expressed opposition to the variance requests.

Assistant Director of Planning Tammy Behrman gave background information on the area of proposed development. She shared staff recommendations on the variances. Huff Legal Representative Todd Borgman explained what the purpose of the variances are for. In his view, Borgman said the widening of the roads is a safety issue.

In support of the variances, Nearby Resident Lynn Rogers said that she felt that Joe Huff has been cooperative and has taken her preferences into consideration.

During public comment on the variances, Nearby Resident Michael Cain spoke against the development and said they have engaged in litigation against the petitioner in the past.

Also in opposition to the petition, was Mark Gallhousen who said he has lived on the road for forty years.

The board voted on some of the variances. The board voted to postpone the other variances due to the time constraints as the meeting had gone past 9 p.m. The meeting was 4 hours and 14 minutes long. The full meeting is available on CATS. The board will continue to discuss the variances at a future meeting. The Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals will meet again on September 18th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, WFHB Environmental Correspondent Max Jancich, speaks with Dr. Thomas Butts from Purdue University about herbicides and how farms manage weeds. This is Part II of that interview, which previously aired on our environmental program, Eco Report. That interview is coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

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