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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, October 3rd, 2022.
Later in the program, the League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County hosted a candidate forum for Indiana House Districts 46, 60 and 62. More in the bottom half of our program.
Also coming up in the next half hour, we have some recent prison related news and announcements from the producers of Kite Line – our public affairs program devoted to prison issues in the Midwest and beyond. But first, your local headlines:
Ellettsville Town Council
At the Ellettsville Town Council meeting on September 26th, Council Member Scott Oldham introduced a request to the council about the Youth Sports League. Oldham explained that the league has asked the town to take on the responsibility of the league by forming a new league.
Council Member Dan Swafford said he had not heard enough from the Youth Sports League or the School Board to be sure that they truly want the town to take over the league.
In response, Oldham invited the Superintendent of the Richland Bean Blossom School District, Dr. Jerry Sanders to speak.
Swafford asked what Sanders’ role would be in the league. Sanders said the school system would help the parks department by offering up their facilities.
Council Treasurer Sandra Hash reminded Swafford that the board initially came to the town council asking them to make this change.
Next, a volunteer with the Youth Sports League Noelle Conyer spoke in favor of a partnership with the town and the league.
Ellettsville Resident Ron VanEve-ner spoke in support of the town taking on the Youth Sports League.
A former mother – daughter league player Valarie Dewar said that she was disappointed the council was focusing on the what-ifs instead of trying to help the community.
Van Evener added that the change would allow any child who wants to play the ability regardless of whether or not they can afford it.
Town Marshall Jimmie Durnil said that he has spoken with the board and they want to go through with this, and need to soon due to the basketball season starting.
Envision Ellettsville member Dan Rarey spoke, saying that according to the Envision Ellettsville surveys, the community wants more parks and recreation opportunities.
Ellettsville Resident Gerry Hash spoke saying that the sports in Ellettsville made a huge difference in his life.
Council Member William Ellis thanked the public for commenting, and told them that they had changed his perspective on the matter.
The council voted unanimously to direct the Parks and Recreation Board to form and run a Youth Sports League, to seek and identify those individuals as part of an advisory board to run the day to day running of it. The council will direct the Parks Department to take all necessary action that they feel appropriate to continue to run a Youth Sports League in the future.
The council will make a final vote on the 2023 budget at their next meeting on October 10th.
League of Women Voters Hosts Candidate Forum for Indiana House Districts 46, 60 and 62
Last Thursday, the League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County hosted a candidate forum for Indiana House Districts 46, 60 and 62.
Indiana House District 46 is currently represented by Republican Bob Heaton who will face off against Democratic candidate Kurtis Cummings in the 2022 general election. The district encompasses areas from Ellettsville to Terre Haute.
Republican Peggy Mayfield represents House District 60 which spans parts of Monroe and Morgan counties. The incumbent will run against Democrat Kathy Thorpe in the upcoming election.
House District 62 is currently represented by Republican Jeff Ellington who announced he wouldn’t seek reelection in the general election. Democrat Penny Githens faces off against Republican Dave Hall in the bid for the District 62 seat.
The League of Women Voters invited all of the candidates to the forum. However, only Kurtis Cummings and Penny Githens participated in the forum.
The candidates addressed a litany of issues and topics facing the state including the state budget, gun control, reproductive rights, climate change and more. To watch the full candidate forum, visit this link.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Kade Young.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
