This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, July 1st, 2024.

Later in the program, local journalist Dave Askins of the B-Square Bulletin provides his weekly column on the WFHB Local News. Today’s entry is titled Red-tail hawk rehab: “She’s a fighter.” More in today’s feature report.

That’s Dani Ansaldo, chair of operations at Bloomington Community Orchard. She is here to share the orchard’s summer bounty with you later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

But first, your daily headlines:

Dr. Markay Winston Begins As New Interim Superintendent for MCCSC

The Monroe County Community School Corporation has announced that Dr. Markay Winston will serve as its new interim superintendent.

This comes after the school corporation bought out the remainder of former Superintendent Jeff Hauswald’s contract. MCCSC did not leave an explanation for the move. However, several initiatives under Hauswald’s leadership drew controversy, such as proposed scheduling changes and a widely opposed merger of Childs and Templeton schools.

Hauswald served as Superintendent of MCCSC schools since July of 2021. Meanwhile, Dr. Winston has been with the school system since 2017, working in a variety of positions including as Assistant Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent. In a press release, Communications Director Kelby Turmail said that Winston brings a wealth of experience and a history of educational excellence to her new role.

Dr. Winston said in a statement, “I am honored to serve as Superintendent of MCCSC and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our talented trustees, students, staff, and community to build upon our exceptional achievements and addressing the challenges ahead. Strong schools build strong communities and I pledge to do my part for our great schools within MCCSC so we can continue to fulfill our role in our community’s success. I look forward to having opportunities to listen, to learn, and to lead as we work together on behalf of every student, in every school, in every classroom, and in every seat throughout our corporation.”

School Board of Trustees President April Hennessey stated, in a statement, “We’ve been so lucky to have Dr. Winston leading the way in our district in so many capacities for nearly eight years. Her transition to Interim Superintendent feels like a natural progression of her work with us, and we are so energized by the skills, deep integrity, and compassionate leadership that she brings to this role. We wholeheartedly support the work she’s already begun and look forward to what she and her team will accomplish in the year ahead.”

Dr. Winston will start in her new position on July 1st. To view Winston’s welcome letter and entry plan, you can visit this link.

Monroe County and Bloomington Begin Debris Pickup After Last Week’s Storm

Agencies and contractors from Monroe County and the City of Bloomington will be picking up debris caused by last week’s supercell storm.

According to a news release on the county’s website, if you have tree debris in your yard, move it to the curbside or near the end of your property for pickup. Local officials say to avoid placing the debris in the roadway or ditches. Only tree and vegetation debris is being picked up.

If you are in need of assistance for collecting debris in your yard or if you live in the county and have debris ready for pick-up, there are two forms available on the county’s website.

https://forms.office.com/g/fmQiv8M3Yf 

https://forms.office.com/g/QeHLgSWmFD

Monroe County Emergency Management says that debris removal begins today and will last for several weeks.

Monroe County Chairwoman Steps Down, Cites High Housing Costs

Bryant cited lack of options and affordability in the rental and housing market in Monroe County as the reason for her stepping down.

In a written statement, Bryant said, “This is not a decision I came to lightly, especially in the middle of an election cycle… Monroe County has become too unaffordable for the people who have lived here their entire lives, like myself, and we must elect leaders who can change that.”

Bryant has been involved with local politics since she was 13 years old. She was a founding member of the Bloomington High School Republicans, and several years ago she became the youngest county chair in Indiana state history.

Bryant was interviewed by host Michael Glab on WFHB’s Public Affairs Program Big Talk in 2022. To listen to that interview, visit this link.

Vice Chair William Ellis will now assume the role of the Monroe County Republican Chair. Ellis currently serves on the Ellettsville Town Council and has lived in Monroe County since 1999.

The Monroe County Council met this Tuesday, June 25th. During their meeting, the council members heard an update from DLZ’s Scott Carnegie on estimated costs during the pre-design phase of the project. Costs and square footage estimates were separated between the sheriff’s office & jail and the justice center, using both a $180 million and a $200 million budget. The meeting also began with many public comments concerning the jail.

DLZ presented their estimated costs.

Council Member Kate Wiltz spoke to the contentious project and the decision to be made.

As did Council Member Peter Iverson…

Councilmember Wiltz and Carnegie discussed the timeline and details to be determined.

Council member Cheryl Munson asked DLZ to provide a timeline.

Council President Trent Deckard concluded DLZ’s portion of the meeting.

Council President Trent Deckard concluded the meeting with a final word on the project.

The next Monroe County Council meeting is Tuesday, July 9th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, local journalist Dave Askins of the B-Square Bulletin provides his weekly column on the WFHB Local News. Today’s entry is titled Red-tail hawk rehab: “She’s a fighter.” For more, we turn to Dave Askins.

Dani Ansaldo calls the Bloomington Community Orchard “a public edible park.” It’s a place where you can walk, eat, and learn to grow fruits and veggies and herbs. But it’s also about building community, by sharing space, sharing food, and sharing resources. As chair of orchard operations Danny is always looking for more volunteers, and she is here to share the orchard’s summer bounty with you on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.

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