This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, December 14th, 2022.

Later in the program, we rebroadcast an interview related to the Buffalo Springs Restoration Project – an initiative that puts thousands of acres of pristine forest at risk. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have the latest edition of Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB. More following today’s feature. But first, your local headlines.

Monroe County Commissioners

On December 7th, at the Monroe County Commissioners meeting, Monroe County Health Administrator Lori Kelley gave an update on the rising cases of Omicron and Influenza.

Commissioner Lee Jones emphasized the importance of getting the flu vaccine this year due to less people having a natural immunity to it.

Kelley responded that there are higher rates of hospitalization from this flu variant as well.

Commissioner Julie Thomas thanked Kelley for the update and commented to the public that it is not too late to get vaccinated.

During public comment Monroe County resident Laurie Borman spoke out against the trees cut down on Gordon Pike asking the commissioners to consider the trees when taking on a project.

The commissioners later heard from County Attorney Jeff Cockerill who presented an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with The Monroe County Convention Center.

Commissioner Penny Githens said the rate hasn’t been increased since 2014 and agreed it was time.

Journalist Dave Askins asked how the Convention Center Management is funded.

Convention Center Management Company Executive Director Talisha Coppock responded.

The commissioners unanimously approved the Convention Center Management agreement amendment.

The next Monroe County Commissioners meeting will be held on December 14th.

Feature Report:

Earlier this year, Inside Outdoors hosts Rich Reardin and Don Jordan spoke with activist Andy Mahler from ‘Heartwood.’

This show covered aspects of the Indiana Forest Service project at Buffalo Springs that puts thousands of acres of pristine forest at risk.

Although it first aired in February of this year, it is still timely because the period for public comment ends at midnight on December 19th. We turn to host Rich Reardin for more.

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