This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, September 10th, 2024.

Later in the program, WFHB News continues its series on the construction of the new jail. Stay tuned to hear Part II of our interview with Care Not Cages, a group of concerned community members, who oppose building a new jail. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund.

But first, your local headlines:

Mayor Thomson Hosts Traveling Town Hall at Binford Elementary

On Monday, Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson heard from city residents at Binford Elementary. Mayor Thomson gave an update on recent city projects and initiatives. Then, Thomson and District 4 City Council representative Dave Rollo answered questions from local residents. The appearance was a part of the mayor’s “Traveling Town Hall” series, which takes place every other month. According to the office of the mayor, the traveling town halls are meant to provide residents with the opportunity to engage with their local government officials and learn more about city services.

The first question she responded to was about annexation, asking if she has heard from anyone who does want to be annexed into the city, and if they have had any conversations with the county about the jail being connected to the city’s sewer system.

Council Member Dave Rollo remarked after Thomson’s response that he disagrees with the mayor’s ideas for growth and said he was skeptical about the need for annexation.

During the question-and-answer portion of the town hall, one local resident asked about city and county relations when it comes to initiatives such as the new jail or housing. Thomson responded that even though priorities may look different from the perspectives of the county and the city, they share some common goals.

The mayor’s traveling town hall series will continue in November. For that listening session, Mayor Thomson will field questions from residents in City Council District 5.

Feature Report:

The complex issues with Monroe County’s current jail, and the task of building a new jail has been looming over county officials’ heads for several years.

Right now, the county commissioners have their sights set on a property located at North Park on West Hunter Valley Road. Last Tuesday, the county council voted 6-1 to support advertising a local income tax increase by 0.2 percent for a new jail.

Earlier this year, WFHB News spoke with Care Not Cages, a group of concerned community members, who oppose the construction of a new jail. In their view, local officials should pause the process of building a new jail and consider alternatives to expanding incarceration.

Over the next several weeks, we are revisiting our interviews with Care Not Cages and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. We now turn to Part II of our interview with Care Not Cages on the WFHB Local News.

Up next, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn now to that segment on the WFHB Local News.

Credits: