Herald-Times, Bloomington, Ind., Hotline column

May 08--IU celebrations not enjoyed by all

Q: We (and others in our neighborhood north of the football stadium) have animals, namely dogs and cats, who get seriously shaken and distressed by blasts during Indiana University football games. I love sports, good times, celebrations, tradition and whatnot, but these cannon bursts create stressful challenges for some. Is there anything that can be done to diminish or control the noise produced by the cannon blasts other than not having the blasts?

M.B., Bloomington

A: This is one of the truly tough conflicts of living in a populated environment. There's mass entertainment, as well as those who may not be as interested living right next door.

Mark Land, IU's spokesman, sent me a reply from IU Athletics, which manages the game day experience -- such as IU's famed cannon blasts after a touchdown.

"We are required by the state to have permits for the fireworks and cannon-firing we do on football game days. IU Risk Management also has to sign off on the use of pyrotechnics on game days.

"We try very hard to be good neighbors in the community, and we understand how the noise could startle unsuspecting people (and animals). It is our hope, however, that those living around the stadium will continue to indulge us this bit of boisterousness as we try to provide an exciting game day experience for Hoosier football fans."

Per my understanding of Bloomington's noise ordinance, as listed in city code, illegal noises "disrupt the welfare, well-being, etc, of persons." Animals don't have such legislated protection, but it's a debate whether animal owners are being disrupted because they have an upset, scared pet on their hands.

I will leave you with this note of slight good news: There are only six home games this fall, compared with eight in the 2013 season.

Closed? Or taking a break?

Q: Last time I tried to get my hair cut at Ward's downtown barber shop, it was closed. I heard from the owner of another barber shop that something may have happened. Hyscel has been barbering for perhaps 50 years, spending the large majority of his time at the current shop next to Rockit's Pizza and the Bluebird. Please fill us in.

F.L., Bloomington

A: Dave Kubiak, owner of the Bluebird and the shop's landlord, said that Mr. Ward experienced an injury within the past two months. Since then, Ward has been "on the mend," and the barber shop has been closed while he focuses on his health.

Kubiak said a decision on the shop's future may be made over the summer. I'll keep you updated as more information becomes available to me.

Write to Hotline, c/o The Herald-Times, P.O. Box 909, Bloomington, IN 47402, or email [email protected], using "Hotline Inquiry" as the subject line. Include your name, city and phone number. We cannot answer all inquiries.

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