#LovinLebanon Podcast

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.

Channel 13 photojournalist and Lebanon resident Scott Allen has been in the broadcasting business for more than 20 years. During that time he's covered a wide variety of stories in various parts of the world, but the content grabbing headlines so far this year won't soon be forgotten for the Lebanon High School graduate.

First it was coronavirus and the challenges of broadcasting the news during a pandemic. Then came the wide range of emotions that came with covering the protests following the May 25th incident in Minneapolis, Minnesota involving George Floyd and Minneapolis police.

Allen gives unique perspective on what it has been like to be so close to those issues, so close to home. 

In this edition of our COVID-19 Special Report, we hear about the past, present, and future of Lebanon High School Athletics, from Athletic Director Phil Levine. Levine shares the hope he had of having Spring Sports at LHS, and the difficulty of having to cancel due to the coronavirus. 

Mr. Levine also shares the excitement of the present, thanks to some exciting improvements being made at LHS. He gives the specifics of each individual project, including their progress.

Lastly, Phil talks about the future of LHS athletics, continuing to contend with COVID-19, and what the Fall athletic season could bring. 

In this latest COVID-19 Special Report, we catch up with Lebanon Parks & Recreation Director John Messenger. John gives updates on how he and his staff have been maintaining the city's parks and amenities, all while adhering to local and statewide safety directives.

Moving forward, John passes along details of how the Parks & Rec Department will begin to phase in park features, including Seashore Waterpark, the splashpad, as well as playground equipment. 

Get the latest info on our great parks system here! 

In this COVID-19 Special Report of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, Dr. Herschell Servies gives his thoughts on Governor Holcomb's "Back on Track Indiana" outline. He shares why he recommends all of us to approach the Governor's five stages with "cautious optimism." 

Dr. Services also shares updated coronavirus case numbers, as well as information on a COVID-19 test site coming soon to Boone County.

LHS Seniors: Carson Burtron, Luke Ferrell, Jackie Terrill, along with LHS Principal Kevin O'Rourke were guests on the latest COVID-19 Special Report of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. While the end of the school year didn't go as planned, in May, LHS Seniors are serving.

BACKGROUND:                          

April 25th was the originally scheduled date for the Lebanon High School Junior-Senior Prom.  May is going to look very different than it has in years’ past, and the whole community is going to miss many of the great Lebanon traditions.  However, the seniors have felt such great support from the school administration and community through yard signs, care packages and thoughtful re-planning, that they want to say thank you.

Additionally, while many of them are hoping to head to college this fall or starting new careers, they want to ensure that the hometown they come back to is a thriving community with restaurants where they can reconnect with friends and family. 

With the administrative support of the Lebanon Sports Boosters, they are asking the community to join them in honoring our LHS class of 2020 by making a donation. Through a generous donation by the Terrill family there is a matching gift for the first $5,000 so that donations will count 2:1. 

SUMMARY:

Operation “Seniors Bring the Love” - Make a donation in honor of a senior and a local restaurant will receive catering business to provide a meal to local healthcare workers.  The first $5,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous gift from the Terrill family.

• $20 to honor a 2020 graduate, becomes $40 – feeds 4 nurses
• $100, becomes $200 – feeds 20 healthcare workers and first responders
• $200, becomes $400 – feeds the entire ER shift change
• Other matching gift opportunities available

Ways to donate (will receive a receipt for tax purposes):

• Write a check to the Lebanon Sports Boosters and give it to your honored senior or mail to 1110 Brookside Dr. Lebanon, IN 46052
• Email [email protected] and you will receive a phone call back to use a credit card
• Text (765) 336-9736 and you will receive a phone call back to use a credit card
• Paypal @phylferrell or 317-332-4588
• Venmo @Phyllis-Ferrell-1

U.S. Senator Mike Braun and Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry join this Special Edition of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. Senator Braun provides national perspective on the sense of urgency emanating from Capitol Hill, to find a coronavirus vaccine, while working towards what the Senator calls a "Smart Restart."

Both men share economic development updates, pertaining to both large and small businesses as well.

Coronavirus assistance is available on Senator Braun's website:

https://www.braun.senate.gov/coronavirus-assistance