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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, November 26th, 2024.
In today’s feature report, Political Science Professor Marjorie Hershey speaks on the results of the 2024 election, grassroots efforts to change policies and increased polarization in American politics. More in the bottom half of tonight’s program.
Also coming up in the next half hour, Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund.
But first, your local headlines:
Monroe County Board of Commissioners
The Monroe County Commissioners met on November 20th.
First, Rural Transit representative, Lisa Salyers reported a total of 40,634 trips taken on the transit from January to October of 2024, which is up 12% from the same time frame as 2023. In September, they had an insurance renewal which will increase the cost to ride, but the exact cost is still being worked out.
Next, the jail commander, Kyle Gibbons, spoke about the annual inmate holiday meal. He had the idea to ask female inmates to reach out to their family members and ask for special holiday recipes. They had previously offered this for male inmates, and wanted to expand the program. Mothers, daughters, and grandmas answered back with lists of ingredients, oven temperatures, and reminders that there are lives and loved ones to come back to after serving their sentences.
The commander reads some of the letters sent.
Sixteen recipes were received in total, and all of them will be used for one big Thanksgiving feast and celebration for the ladies.
Commissioners Lee Jones and Penny Githens commented on the program and expressed their support for their Thanksgiving initiative.
Next, the health department requested approval for a Trademark License Agreement to become an official Cribs for Kids partner. It would come at no cost and would help gain access to safe sleep programming, educational resources, and infant safety products, and will address maternal and infant health outcomes in Monroe County.
Commissioners Lee Jones and Penny Githens highlight Indiana’s high infant mortality rate, believing there needs to be more maternal and infant educational resources available.
The next new business item deals with the convention center’s progress. Fleet and Building Manager Richard Crider, shared that the plumbing valves need to be installed, so the Marshall Security team, asked for $1,400, which was approved.
Lastly, County Attorney Molly Turner-King reported that the Opioid Settlement Application Review Board met on November 15th. The commissioners are now ready to approve $1,010, 809.00 for the opioid settlement fund.
Commissioner Githens was emotional when going through all of the hard work and dedication it took from the organization and the community to bring it all together.
The Monroe County Commissioners will meet again on November 27th.
Board of Public Works
At their meeting on November 19th, the Bloomington Board of Public Works discussed the ongoing downtown construction projects. The street resurfacing projects of downtown and west third street started in early September.
Public Works Director Adam Wason provided an update on the construction before thanking Milestone for being flexible with the town schedule.
The projects are wrapping up, and should be completed by the end of the year.
Bloomington Resident Joe Davis spoke during public comment representing Taxpayers Objection Petitioners to oppose moving forward on designing the convention center expansion.
The North Park property between Ellettsville and Bloomington was recently selected as the site of the new Monroe County Jail.
During the meeting, the board approved a sidewalk closure on 8th Street until December 8th; a sidewalk closure on 9th Street near Indiana Ave. for the week; and a repaving contract for the alleys on the block with Nick’s, Runcible Spoon, and Osteria Rago.
The Board of Public Works will meet next on Tuesday, November 26th.
Feature Report:
In today’s feature report, Political Science Professor Marjorie Hershey speaks on the results of the 2024 election, grassroots efforts to change policies and increased polarization in American politics. Hershey has written extensively on political parties and campaigns publishing four books and writing dozens of articles in professional journals. According to her university webpage, her most recent work is on party activists and also on media coverage of the Trump campaign and presidency. WFHB Correspondent Zero Roze has more.
Up next, Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn now to that segment on the WFHB Local News.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Jasmine Wright and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Zero Roze.
Christine Brackenhoff and Stacy Bridavsky produced Lil Bub’s Lil Show.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
