For many locals, life is better when they're swimming.

The Times-Gazette has received several calls recently in regard to the temporary closing of Shelbyville Recreation Center's indoor pool. I wish I had better news.

It seems patrons are going to have to wait a bit longer for a leisurely swim at the Rec Center.

I enjoy swimming recreation as it "does a body good." So I have a great deal of empathy for our Rec Center swimmers right now, especially those with chronic illnesses who seek the solace of the pool.

One caller told me the closing has literally wrecked her physical fitness program. I apologized to her, because I know once you start a health program, you have to stick with it.

By the way, I also apologize profusely for all the "sayings" associated with this column. It's one of those weeks where it works for me.

I've also had a caller say how she believes the city is "pulling the wool over my eyes," that is, regarding the pool closings. The caller claimed the city has "screwed up" the pool permit situation and should 'fess up.

As I told the caller, if there is a permit problem with the city pools, it certainly hasn't become public information. That is, not yet.

Of course, I don't have an office at City Hall where I can eavesdrop every day on city officials. I also cover several other beats and stories.

Sometimes as a reporter I find this phrase to be so true: "You can't get blood out of a turnip." (If you're not into gardening, that might not make much sense.)

What I mean is, when you ask public officials a point-blank-question, such as "what's going on out there with the pools?" as I did this week, you might not always get a straight answer.

I know patrons are getting weary of the "pool crisis," as it's coming to be known.

I do understand how "time is of the essence" with spring break, swim classes, summer, etc., right around the corner, to get this finished.

Here's one thing I know for sure. Printing stories from the rumor mill, without substantial facts, isn't my style. That is particularly true when callers want to remain anonymous. Nor do I believe in making "mountains out of molehills," that is, writing an incomplete story just to get a juicy scoop.

I'm also not fond of having to run corrections in the paper for missed fact-checks. That's just me, sorry. I don't feel that makes me an inefficient reporter, but one who is cautious, fair and objective.

I am aware of how long this pool project has been going on. But, call the coverage thus far however you see it.

For me, not everything is always "rotten in Denmark," or specifically, here. I believe that comes with spending a fair amount of time with public officials. A good reporter should have good peripheral vision.

I do believe we keep up with what's going on in local government. That's why I sat through grueling classes in political science years ago.

One thing I learned is to print the truth and demonstrate an objective balance on the subject at hand. In essence, there's "always two sides to every story." Find it, write it, print it, my professors used to insist.

I did reach out to Recreation Center director Mike Alsup and Shelbyville City Manager Shanna Boyette a few days ago about the pool situation.

I will say the city manager is always forthcoming with comments, which I appreciate.

According to Boyette, the city did not anticipate the pool being closed for months. It was the city's goal that the indoor pool be open by now, but with any construction project, timelines can change, as well as the scope of the work, she advised.

"The City Council, within the current fiscal year budget, approved capital improvement projects for both the indoor and outdoor pool," Boyette said. "We scheduled the work for the outdoor pool to be done during the offseason in order to limit the disruption to guests. However, with the indoor pool it is operational throughout the year, thus making it difficult to close the pool without disruption.

"The scope of the indoor pool project has included replacing pumps, filter, and VFD; adding a UV system and other associated work. The scope of the outdoor pool project included replacing the concrete deck around the pool and replacing the fence."

Boyette said permits for both projects are required as well as inspections in order to obtain the permits.

She explained, "At this time punch list items for both projects are being finalized by the contractors and engineers, and once those items have been completed inspections will be completed and the necessary permits would then be issued."

Boyette apologized on behalf of the city for the disruption and inconvenience. She said all involved are working hard to finish the pool project.

She said that it's the city's desire to have a pool system which can be enjoyed for many years. With such a vested interest, why would the city really want anything otherwise concerning its Rec Center?

For now, swimmers will have to dip their toes into other recreation venues. Or, stay home and call the Times-Gazette until the situation is rectified, which is okay with me. And by the way, "thanks for calling."

Given the situation, I leave you with some pool phrases:

*"Chlorine is my perfume."

*"Swim hair don't care."

*"Home is where the pool is."

I like that last one, as I suspect many local pool patrons do as well.

-- Dawn Hankins is a Times-Gazette staff writer. She can be reached at dhankins@t-g.com.