Local News Headlines: June 19, 2024

IU sets $4.5 Billion Budget for 2024-25
During their June meeting The Indiana University Board of Trustees approved a $4.5 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2024-25. The new budget kicks off July 1st and includes increases in salary of up to 3 percent for university employees. This is the 3rd consecutive year for IU with a 3 percent bump in pay.

Monroe Lake turns 60
Monroe Lake celebrates its sixtieth birthday this year and will be offering opportunities to celebrate throughout the Summer and fall, culminating on Oct. 24 the anniversary of the original dedication. Part of the celebration, a July 13th BEACH BASH at Fairfax on the private beach of the Fourwinds. Proceeds support the Lake Waterfund and can be purchased at lakemonroewaterfund.org/events.

Indiana Cooling Centers
Cooling centers will be open across the state for those in need of a safe and cool place to stay during the extreme heat. Indiana 211 is your community’s resource for updated locations and hours of cooling centers in your area. To hear a list of current cooling centers dial 211.

Dispose of unused medication in Ellettsville
Ellettsville residents can now dispose of their unused and expired medications at a year-round drop box! Unused medications in your home pose a risk for accidental poisoning, theft, and drug abuse. The secure drop box is located in the lobby of the Ellettsville Police Department, and is accessible 24/7/365. Drop off is anonymous, and no appointment are necessary. If you do not have the original container for your medicine, place your items in a sealed plastic bag.

MCPL Annual Meeting on June 24th
The Friends of the Monroe County Library will host their 2024 Annual Meeting June 24th at the Southwest Branch, kicking off at 545in the evening. Speakers include Liobrary Board members and the Library’s Executive Ditrector.This meeting is Free and open to the public. Those attending should enter through the staff entrance off of the main parking lot.

Indiana Republican Chair steps down
Party Chair Anne Hathaway and Executive Director Joe Elsener The two top Indiana Republican Party officials have announced that they are stepping down, effective next week. Hathaway was the first woman to lead the Indiana Republican Party when she was chosen 10 months ago on an interim basis.. She said her plan was to lead the party through the 2024 primary process and then allow the Gubernatorial candidate the opportunity to choose the new leadership team. The new state party chair will be formally elected June 24 by the Republican central committee.

Ivy Tech hires new Chair of Education
Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington has hired Elizabeth Stelle as the new Department Chair of Education. She took the helm  few weeks back after Marjie Risen retired after 25 years of service. A Bloomington native, Stelle has a significant background in local education. She attended Bloomington High School South and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. And is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Literacy, Culture,, and Language Education at IU

Colombus Police Officer saves 2 from high waters
Columbus police officer Andrew Plank is a hero after saving a woman and her daughter from a river near Mill Race Park on Saturday afternoon. Officer Plank was the first on scene where a young girl and her mother were caught up in the current, keeping afloat by holding on to a fallen tree/ He quickly removed his body amour and jumped to action. He swam to those trapped carried the child on his back as he swam her to safety, and then returning for the mother. Local Officials urge park visitors to wear floatation devices while near or in the water.

This Week in Hoosier History

James Lane

1814 – James Henry Lane, U.S. General during Civil War (Union) and Senator (Kansas), born in Lawrenceburg. The son of Amos Lane, Lane was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where he practiced law when he was admitted to the state bar during 1840. Brigadier-General James Henry Lane was an American politician and military officer who was a leader of the Jayhawkers in the Bleeding Kansas period that immediately preceded the American Civil War. During the war itself, Lane served in the United States Senate and as a general officer in the Union Army. Although reelected as a Senator in 1865, Lane died by suicide the next year.

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