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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, March 3rd, 2025.
Later in the program, a look into how the Spencer Pride Banned Book Club finds strength in discussing perspectives that some would rather keep off the shelves. More in today’s feature report.
That’s Ava Hartman from CanopyBloomington, a local nonprofit throwing shade on our town – the good kind of shade! Stay tuned to hear about spring tree plantings later in the show on a new episode of Activate!
But first, your daily headlines:
Monroe County School Board Sounds Alarm on Statehouse Bills Impacting School Funding
At the Monroe County Community School Corporation Board of Trustees meeting on February 25th, MCCSC Board member, Ashley Pirani, provided an update on weeks 4-7 of the statehouse legislative session, starting with comments regarding Senate Bill 1.
Piriani also shared information in regards to House Bill 101, which relates to school budgets.
Furthermore, she condemned a bill requiring public schools to share their funds with charter schools.
Pirani drew attention to one more bill that might be problematic for the district, Senate Bill 287.
Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston concluded the meeting by sharing an update about the financial situation of MCCSC in light of declining enrollment and state and national policy changes.
Winston went on to reassure the Board that wage increases would continue to match cost of living and inflation.
Winston also pointed out that state and federal changes could similarly impact the district’s budget. In light of these impending financial changes, Dr. Winston revealed a new plan for maintaining financial stability for MCCSC schools.
She shared that the district would be carefully and efficiently managing its budget going forward.
She reaffirmed that the district could focus on what she calls “sustained excellence”.
The Monroe County Community School Corporation Board of Trustees next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25th.
Monroe County Council Sets Timeline for New Jail Construction
The Monroe County Council discussed the timeline of the new jail construction at their meeting on February 25th. According to Project Manager Scott Carnegie, construction should start in July of 2026 and be substantially completed in 2029.
Carnegie highlighted steps already taken on the jail, including a completed pre-design package to be shared with the council. The meeting to discuss this was held on the the 27th.
During public comment, community member Seth Mutchler urged the council to reconsider the jail construction before it begins. He noted that Bloomington does not share the same ideals as Washington, D.C., and this could be an opportunity to fight for local values.
Mutchler emphasized that he believes the funds for the jail could be better used in Monroe County.
Next, Financial Solutions Group Municipal Advisor Greg Guerrettaz provided a deep dive into the county’s financial status. He highlighted the strong general fund balance, but cautioned the council not to expect the same returns in the future.
Guerrettaz explained that high interest rates have contributed to the strong fund balance, but the Federal Reserve is discussing lowering rates. With a 2.5-year jail construction project ahead and construction costs rising 7-12% annually, Guerrettaz recommended the county find areas to reduce the budget.
Councilman Trent Deckard referenced a recent Herald Times article about ambulance services, emphasizing that the council’s actions directly impact local services.
He emphasized that legislators need to consider the impact of their actions on communities and their needs before making cuts. Guerrettaz urged the county to plan ahead with its budgets, not just focus on the current year, noting that considering only one year is how counties “miss the boat.”
The council approved requesting a donation fund for contributions made in memory of Council Member Cheryl Munson, which will be used for funding applications from the Sophia Travis Community Service Grants.
The council also approved a resolution opposing Indiana Senate Bill 1, arguing it would have a negative impact on local municipalities, exceeding $2 billion. Senate Bill 1 aims to reduce property taxes.
The Monroe County Council will meet next on March 11th.
Feature Reports:
Book bans are on the rise across the country, with many targeted titles telling the stories of marginalized communities. But in Spencer, Indiana, one group is pushing back—by reading. The Spencer Pride Banned Book Club was founded over three years ago by Julie Parmenter, and each month, members gather to explore books that have been banned or challenged, particularly in conservative-led states. From The Diary of Anne Frank to 1984, the club finds strength in discussing perspectives that some would rather keep off the shelves. Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger has more on how this group is reclaiming the power of literature.
CanopyBloomington provides Bloomington residents with access to green spaces. They host volunteer-led tree planting events that help expand the urban forest while offering people a chance to give back to the community. Ava Hartman is the executive director of CanopyBloomington. She emphasizes the importance of engaging in conversations about trees and their role in our environment. She’s here to encourage everyone to get involved on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Laurie Frederickson, Elyse Perry and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Mackenzie Lionberger.
Morgan Reynolds produced today’s episode of Activate!
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
