#LovinLebanon Podcast

The City of Lebanon's budget, and how it's been affected by COVID-19, is the subject of this podcast. The 2021 budget has been finalized, and Mayor Matt Gentry sits down to break the budget down. The mayor gives an inside look at the game plan to continue to supply increased city services, all while balancing the budget during the uncertainty of a pandemic. 

Mayor Gentry also gives a sneak peek into a couple new additions residents can expect to see in 2021, and beyond!

Hey everyone, welcome to another #LovinLebanon Podcast. We’re doing something a bit different this time around. A little more than a week ago former Major League Baseball pitcher, and Lebanon graduate, Doug Jones gave of his time to sit down for an on-camera interview. Jones was 5-time MLB All Star. He was closer, racking up more than 300 saves, while playing on seven different teams.

City of Lebanon staff will use portions of the video was part of the city's "Lebanon Legends" video series. Because there was just too much "good stuff," we're passing along the entire interview - as a podcast. We hope you enjoy Doug Jones’ stories of life on the road as a minor leaguer, and his outlook on life that he still utilizes now that his playing days are over.

Lebanon Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Jon Milleman joins the #LovinLebanon Podcast COVID-19 Special Report to update listeners on updates taking place within LCSC. 

Students in grades 6-12 are now back in school classrooms four days a week. Dr. Milleman talks about safety protocols still in place during this time in the school year. Superintendent Milleman also outlines a pandemic influenced Fall Break for students this year.

Additionally, Dr. Milleman outlines some of the great capital improvement projects that are wrapping up around the corporation. The school's football field, tennis courts, and welding lab are nearing completion. Dr. Milleman shares the details of how a Lebanon business was instrumental in the process. 

In this COVID-19 Special Report, Missy Krulik and Patrick Klooz with The Heart of Lebanon stop by to discuss two upcoming October events: Mischief on Meridian, and Augtoberfest. The coronavirus delayed Augtoberfest(usually held in August), and has significantly altered how the Mischief on Meridian trunk-or-treat event will operate.

For more details on both events visit:

http://www.heartoflebanon.org/

This episode of the podcast features the exciting details of the potential addition of a bike park to the Lebanon community! The President of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, Steve Matous, along with City of Lebanon Engineer Kevin Krulik sit down to discuss the steps that are being taken to make the park a reality. Stay in the know with what is poised to be the city's next great amenity! 

During typical years, the Boone County Community would be celebrating memories made at the organization's annual Battle of the BBQ. During the 12 previous years, the event was held outdoors, with grill masters and event-goers interacting within Lebanon's Memorial Park. Lucky 13. The "Battle" in 2020 took on a different feel.

Boone County Cancer Society Executive Director Joy Kaylor joins the podcast to talk about the uniqueness of this year's event, and why it was still a success. Kaylor also talks about how the coronavirus has stretched and challenged the Cancer Society to find new ways to meet the needs of those who benefit from the society's service.

To find out more on the Boone County Cancer Society visit: https://www.boonecountycancersociety.org/

You have questions, and we've got answers in the latest edition of the #LovinLebanon Podcast COVID-19 Special Report. Planning Director Ben Bontrager, and City Engineer Kevin Krulik cover a wide range of topics, from stop light installation to a once-in-a-lifetime development. Other topics include: an update on the former Holiday Inn site, the Gateway Marketplace Development, and the latest on new homes headed to the community.

You have a question you want answered? Send an email to [email protected] 

It's high school football season, and needless to say, LHS Football Coach Jeff Smock is excited for the season. The COVID-19 pandemic has added extra hoops to jump through, and precautions to take, but Coach Smock and his team willing to do whatever it takes to be able to safely play this year.

Within the walls and halls of LHS, Mr. Smock is thankful to lead in-person classes...instead of dealing with 100% e-learning. Smock admits the extra precautions have taken some getting used to, but he understands the reasoning, and is willing to tackle the challenge.

In this COVID-19 Special Report, Smock shares his hopes for the year, both on and off the field. He also gives the reasoning behind the phrase "control the controlables," and why he often shares it with his players and students. 

After a unique and challenging spring, it's time for graduation in Lebanon. And while the circumstances may not be ideal, the Lebanon Community School Corporation is taking great strides to ensure that outgoing seniors feel appreciated, while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Dr. Jon Milleman is our guest this time around. The superintendent of Lebanon schools takes us behind the scene from a graduation planning perspective, but also to 2020-2021 school year prep as well. Dr. Milleman also shares some concerns from a statewide school funding perspective. Dr. Milleman provides insight into an issue that will be making headlines, soon. 

City of Lebanon welcome signs. The unique penny farthing bike racks and benches downtown. Signage within city parks. These are all examples of the work Signworks has undertaken in the Lebanon community.

The President & CEO of Signworks, Andy Chapman, joins us for the latest COVID-19 Special Report of the podcast. Chapman grew up in Lebanon. He graduated from Lebanon High School in the mid 80s. Andy still remembers one of his first art-related jobs...painting backstops for Lebanon Little League. 

Andy shares his memories of growing up in Lebanon, and why taking on projects in his hometown are still near and dear to his heart.