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This is the WFHB Local News for September 30th, 2021.
Later in the program, we have a new edition of Prescription for Healthcare – a monthly podcast collaboration between WFHB and Medicare for All – Indiana. More in the bottom half of tonight’s show.
Also coming up in the next half hour, on Tuesday, Beacon Inc. hosted a memorial vigil for people experiencing homelessness who have lost their lives in the last year. More in today’s headlines.
But first, your Statehouse Roundup:
Last week on September 23rd, State Representative Carey Hamilton made a statement regarding the new redistricting maps that were brought forward earlier this month. Representative Hamilton advised members of the House to vote against the proposed maps as Hamilton stated, “These maps are among the most gerrymandered in the history of our nation and if signed into law will disenfranchise Hoosier voters: urban, rural, Republicans and Democrats, alike.” Hamilton proposed that the redistricting maps that were presented should be fully discarded, and the process should be restarted.
This month, there have been a few updates to the Monroe County Annexation Plan. Earlier this month, the Bloomington City Council voted and approved area 1A to be annexed into the city of Bloomington. Members of the City Council that voted against the annexation were Dave Rollo, Ron Smith, and Susan Sandberg. Rollo commented in his statement that the reason he voted against the annexation was due to its involuntary implementation. Rollo further went on to point out how the recently annexed area is home to many elderly residents with low income. “It could have been a voluntary process, it could have been recorded, it could have included more engagement, and it could have happened at a time post-pandemic.
A sentiment, by which, was also brought up by other residents who were also concerned about the financial ramifications of the annexation. Since then, the City Council has voted for 7 of the 8 areas to be annexed.
Board of Park Commissioners Discuss Trail Project at Lake Griffy Lake
At the Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners meeting on September 28th the board approved a contract with E&B Paving for the Griffy Lake Loop Trail Project and Accessible Fishing Pier construction.
Operations and Development Division Director Tim Street announced the Griffy Lake Loop Project’s final design, and explained what the project intends to accomplish.
Bloomington Resident Greg Alexander, made a public comment pointing out that the Bicentennial Bond approved funding for a section of the project that, due to budget reasons, the official design does not include anymore.
Director Paula Mcdevitt responded to the comment, reassuring the board that the design changes have been approved, and explained why the changes were made.
The construction contract was approved unanimously. The next meeting will be held on October 19th.
Beacon Inc. Hosts a Memorial Vigil for People Experiencing Homelessness
On Tuesday at the Monroe County Courthouse, local anti-poverty organization Beacon Incorporated hosted the 18th annual memorial vigil for community members who have passed away this year while experiencing homelessness.
Organizers say the vigil was a part of a national movement to protest the tragedy of homelessness and memorialize the lives lost.
Carney Strange, a volunteer at Beacon Inc., said he attended the vigil to recognize the individual names of those who died.
“Tonight is about gathering together memorializing people who have no voice in our society and to recognize them by individual names, who they are and that they were present here in our community in a very difficult circumstance. And so we can’t forget them,” said Strange.
Executive Director of Beacon Inc. Forrest Gilmore said in his speech that it’s been a hard year surrounded by loss.
“Just the sheer loss this year has been profound and deep and significant. And it’s just been a really, really hard year for so many of us who lost loved ones and who have been in the presence of loss in such an intense way,” said Gilmore.
Monroe County Commissioner Penny Githens touched on the need for permanent housing in the community.
“One of the many things I’ve learned from the folks at Beacon is the importance of housing and the many positive things that come from having a home. With that in mind, let us also remember people who are still in need of permanent housing. People who need access to health care, social services, a stable job, nutritious food and transportation,” said Githens.
State Senator Shelli Yoder said there are common sense policies that she hopes to enact in order to provide adequate housing in the community.
“I take a moment to remember the community I am representing; to remember all whose voices I am being asked to represent, to serve. And it is in this remembering tonight as I look across this lawn. I think about the intensity that we must bring to honoring the lives that we lost,” said Yoder.
One of the 32 names memorialized at the event was Melanie Kilbury. Her sister, mother, and daughter attended the vigil. Her sister said a few words in her honor.
“Melanie was a really beautiful person inside and out. She was very kind. She was 48 years old when she passed away in July. She leaves behind three children, seven grandchildren and a hole in our hearts that will never be filled because of her passing. If there’s anything that we want you to take away from today is to love yourself and forgive yourself. Life is way too short,” said the speaker.
Robert, also known as “Pops” Downham, who works as a cook and a volunteer for Beacon Inc., and has experienced homelessness, considers the people who work for Beacon and who rely on Beacon for support, his family.
“I got more than community here. I got family here,” says Downham.
The 32 names were read out loud, while volunteers placed the signs with the individuals’ names in the grass and acknowledged the names of those who did not make it to the list. People who attended placed candles beside the signs to pay their respects.
Feature Report:
Now it’s time for Prescription for Healthcare – a monthly podcast collaboration between WFHB and Medicare for All Indiana. Our guest today is Dr. Ed Weisbart, a retired family physician from St. Louis and chair of the Missouri chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program. We turn to hosts Dr. Rob Stone and Karen Green Stone for the September edition of Prescription for Healthcare.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Emily McCoy, Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Dr. Rob Stone and Karen Green Stone.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive Producer is Kade Young.
Anchors are Benedict Jones and Lucinda Larnach.
