Local News Headlines: February 25, 2021

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COVID Vaccine available to those 60 and older
The COVID vaccine is now available to individuals who are 60 years of age or older, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. You can make an appointment by going to www.ourshot.in.gov website or call 211 for assistance. We encourage Monroe County Residents who have mobility issues to choose the Convention Center location when setting up an appointment for easier accessibility. Please spread the word to individuals who are in this age range so they can receive the vaccine if wanted. Continue to wear your mask, stay safe and be well.

Handgun carry permits one step closer to elimination by March of 2022
Indiana House Bill 1369, passed the Indiana House, which will eliminate the requirement for a license to carry a handgun in the state. The Bill will ensure that any person who is lawfully able to carry and possess a firearm to do so without a government-issued permit or license, although this will not apply to those currently legally unable to possess a gun. Some in Law Enforcement are concerned over the potential for lost revenue, as the licenses raise $5.3 million per year, which is allocated to train local law enforcement officers.

Bloomington Awarded LEED for Cities and Communities Certification
Mayor John Hamilton announced that the City of Bloomington has achieved LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the world’s most widely used green building rating system, and is designed to help buildings, communities and cities achieve high performance in key areas of human and environmental health. LEED offers a framework that the City can use to measure, and track data related to energy, water, waste, transportation, education, health, safety, prosperity, and equitability across the community. With this announcement, Bloomington joins a global network of approximately 100 LEED-certified cities and communities. Bloomington achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at improving sustainability and the standard of living for residents.  Some of the criteria on which Bloomington’s sustainability was rated included water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, quality of life, and transportation and land use. The City led the process of gathering and presenting the information for certification, but metrics comprising the entire community’s efforts toward sustainability were considered in the evaluation process.