Indiana House Bill 1015 advanced to Governor’s desk
Indiana House Bill 1015 has passed both the Indiana House and the Senate, now sitting on the desk of the Governor, awaiting a signature in order to become law. The bill requiries the Indiana Department of Transportation to establish the worksite speed control pilot program (pilot program) for the purpose of enforcing worksite speed limits. Requires that the department: (1) work with the state police department to administer the pilot program; and (2) enter into an agreement with the state police department to share information regarding the pilot program. Permits the department to contract with a third party vendor to assist in implementing the pilot program. Provides that an individual who is recorded by a worksite speed control system may not be assessed a civil penalty unless the violation is at least 11 miles per hour above the established worksite speed limit. Replaces the term “work zone” with “worksite” throughout the relevant statutes.
Utilities Experiences Sanitary Sewer Breach at Grimes Lane and Clear Creek
On Wednesday, April 26, the City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) identified a possible sanitary sewer breach at Grimes Lane and Clear Creek flowing south through Switchyard Park. A contractor operating in the area damaged the sanitary sewer pipe resulting in leakage into Clear Creek. Residents are advised to avoid the creek within the park as it may contain bacteria that can cause serious illness. Individuals who have come into direct contact with untreated sewage are advised to wash their hands and clothing thoroughly.
As with all sanitary sewer breaches, wastewater staff has reported to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and will work with that office to ensure clean-up meets all state regulations. CBU staff will monitor and test the creek for any harmful bacteria. Any unintended discharge in the public infrastructure is in violation of federal and state rules and is reported by CBU.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the City of Bloomington Utilities at 812-339-1444 or stormwater@bloomington.in.gov. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available at: bloomington.in.gov/utilities
Connie Ferguson to be awarded honorary degree at Ivy Tech Commencement
Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington will host the 2023 Commencement Ceremony Friday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at Indiana University Auditorium. An Honorary Associate of College and Community Service will be awarded to Connie Ferguson, Chairwoman of the Ivy Tech Bloomington Campus Board of Trustees and Owner of CS Property Management.
Ferguson has been a trustee since 1998 and was elected chairwoman in 2001 when Ivy Tech Bloomington became a stand-alone region. With the unwavering support of Ferguson and her husband, Ivy Tech Bloomington built its own main campus, the Connie and Steve Ferguson Academic Building, in 2002 and added an expansion, the Cook Pavilion, in 2015.
She has served on the Ivy Tech Foundation board for 10 years and established endowed scholarships for Ivy Tech Bloomington students pursuing associate degrees in biotechnology, nursing, and radiation therapy. Ferguson is a founding and lifetime member of Ivy Tech’s women in philanthropy group, Circle of Ivy. Ferguson earned her bachelor’s degree from the Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences in 1986. She has served on numerous boards and committees, including president of the Convention and Visitor’s Commission of Monroe County, member of the board of directors for the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, and chairwoman of the Monroe County History Center’s Build History Fund, among others.
Visit and fish at DNR properties for free on May 7th
The DNR is offering free admission to state parks, recreation areas, forests, and reservoirs on Sunday, May 7, which is also a Free Fishing Day. On Free Fishing Days, all Indiana residents can fish the state’s public waters without a fishing license or trout/salmon stamp. All size and bag limits remain in effect. For public places to fish near you, see on.IN.gov/where2fish. Free admission provides a great opportunity to enjoy your favorite DNR property or visit a new site. Find DNR properties across the state and the facilities they offer.
This Week in Hoosier History
1893 – Harold Urey, American physical chemist was born in Walkerton. Urey won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on isotopes. He played a significant role in the development of the atom bomb.
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