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.

We are living in challenging times. No question about it. As the COVID-19 global pandemic continues to restrict nearly every phase of life, a new trial was added on May 25th.

On the 25th of May, African-American George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota by local police. Protests, riots, discussion, and awareness followed. Law enforcement offices across the country were put in the crosshairs of negative public perception, with many calling for the defunding of police.

The death of George Floyd, coupled with the onslaught of anger directed at law enforcement, has brought about a whirlwind of emotions for Tyreese Griffin. Griffin is African-American, and a Lebanon Police Department Patrolman. "Officer Ty" shares his perspective, as he reflects on how these global issues are being felt here at home, in Lebanon.

Baseball players are referred to as "The Boys of Summer," but for major leaguers Reid Schaller and Travis Herrin, their summer has been "safe at home" in Lebanon. The COVID-19 pandemic sidelined the pair, and the two pitchers have been occupying their time working out, spending time with family and friends, fishing, and golfing. 

Recently, Major League Baseball and the MLB player's union agreed to a 60 game season, set to begin on July 1st. Travis and Reid are both in the league's developmental affiliates, so their respective 2020 seasons are still influx. They know the call could come at any moment.

In this episode of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, both hurlers talk about training during coronavirus, spending quality time with family, and what they miss most about "America's Pastime."

In this COVID-19 Special Report, public mental health is the topic of discussion with Mental Health America of Boone County President & CEO Pascal Fettig. Fettig updates listeners on preparations MHA took for the organization's summer programming, as well as steps taken to continue to provide its year-round services during the pandemic.

Fettig also talks about the ripple effect of the coronavirus, as the public deals with "the new normal."

Finally, Fettig talks about the positives that he has noticed in the wake of COVID-19, from law enforcement, public health professionals, to who he calls "little heroes. 

In this edition of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, Lebanon Fire Chief Chuck Batts shares how procedures have been tweaked, thanks to coronavirus. The department's fire training has undergone some changes as well, as Chief Batts shares.

Chief also discusses positive tests for some firefighters, updating  how those tests affected the department, leading to daily temperature checks for fire personnel. 

Finally, Chief Batts talks about the positives he's seen from the pandemic, specifically the effort of area High School seniors. Those seniors chose to serve others, through the added stresses of their final year of high school.