STRAWTOWN — The White River is much healthier after a chemical dump killed millions of fish 25 years ago. The man who led the charge to clean the river now has a permanent place next to it.
A fishing pier at the White River Campground in Hamilton County is now named for John Bundy. It was dedicated on Earth Day, which was also Bundy's 76th birthday.
Bundy founded White River Rescue in 2000 after a massive fish kill caused by the Guide Corporation's Anderson plant the year prior.
"We will not allow this river to be destroyed and stand by and do nothing," Bundy said shortly after founding the organization.
Bundy passed away in 2022. His widow Valerie, who led White River Rescue along with her husband, restocked fish into the river in his honor.
"I got a hold of that net and took one step, and I knew that my husband was here among us," Valerie Bundy said.
Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Director Chris Stice believes the White River would not be as enjoyable now without John Bundy's advocacy.
"Prior to the fish kill, most businesses and the community turned their back on the river," Stice said. "Now, people recreate on this and want to preserve and protect it."
Valerie Bundy hopes the people not alive during the Guide Corporation fish kill learn about the work they did to restore the river.
"The photos do a lot of it for us, it saves us a lot of talking," Valerie Bundy said. "All you have to do is show the folks what was going on. There were piles of dead fish. Piles and piles."
-
Former Indiana Women's Prison guard convicted of rape, sexual misconduct
A former corrections officer at the Indiana Women's Prison has been found guilty on multiple charges stemming from the sexual assault of an inmate just weeks before he left his position.
106-year-old downtown business Windsor Jewelry reopens with new ownership
Windsor Jewelry reopened its doors to the public with new ownership on Tuesday, after being on the brink of closing forever.
Bike lanes open on New York and Michigan Streets, making it easier to get around
More bike lanes are coming to Indianapolis, making it easier to get around the city. It's a step in the right direction, advocates said; they have been pushing for quite some time.
UPS worker killed in shooting on Indy's northwest side
On Tuesday, IMPD responded to the 5400 block of West 81st Street at around 9:55 p.m. Officers at the scene located a victim suffering from injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
