{"id":8566,"date":"2023-12-11T13:41:32","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T13:41:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bloomingtonnews.online\/?p=8566"},"modified":"2023-12-13T12:18:13","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T12:18:13","slug":"local-news-headlines-december-11-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomingtonnews.online\/?p=8566","title":{"rendered":"Local News Headlines: December 11, 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bloomington Fire Chief Jason Moore resigns after Mayor-elect offers continued appointment as Chief<\/strong>
Jason Moore has resigned his position as Chief of the Bloomington Fire Department, a position he has held since 2016, when he moved his family here from South Carolina, to accept the position. Moore submitted his letter of resignation to Lame Duck Mayor John Hamilton, who will also leave office at the end of this month. The move comes after Bloomington’s Mayor-elect, Kerry Thomson, publicly announced that she would be maintaining his services as the Department’s leader with her administration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Chief has brought the Bloomington Fire Department to new heights during his reign. He has successfully arranged funding for an update of many new vehicles and significant upgrades in firefighter gear. Additionally, he has led Bloomington to an Insurance Service Office rating of a Protection Class 1, the highest possible. This measure is rare and represents an annual homeowners’ insurance savings of hundreds for residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moore alluded that his departure is based upon differences of opinion on the ‘trajectory and vision’ of the incoming administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Hamilton’s 2 terms as Mayor, Bloomington struggled to maintain staff, largely due to low wages. A few months ago, the Department’s long-standing Deputy Chief left his position, as Jayme Washel accepted the role of Chief of the Greenwood Fire Department on August 1st of this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivy Tech Bloomington offering new certified Community Health Worker course<\/strong>
Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington is now offering an 8-week, online human services course that leads to becoming a certified community health worker (CHW), credentialed by the Indiana Community Health Workers Association. Anyone can sign up for the HUMS 162 Community Health Worker<\/a> course, including new and current students and classes begin January 16, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A CHW is a frontline public health worker who serves as a link between health and social services and helps increase knowledge and access for residents. They serve communities through outreach, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy successfully completing the course, students will be a certified community health worker,\u201d Dr. Chelsea Rood-Emmick, Program Chair and Associate Professor of Human Services said. \u201cCertification demonstrates the student has mastered the competencies needed to serve in the role.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The CHW course can be used as a ramp to more education in the field and as an elective. Course credits count toward the new short-term certificate offering in Mental Health Direct Support and the long-term certificate in Human Services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivy Tech Bloomington enrolls about 100 human services students annually. Graduates are prepared to go right to work or transfer to earn their bachelor\u2019s in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivy Tech Bloomington offers more than 40 career and four-year transfer programs, with courses that start multiple times per year for quick entry and graduation. To get started, apply for free online at ivytech.edu\/bloomington<\/a>, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Attorney General Todd Rokita\u2019s litigation team wins 100% of jury trials on state\u2019s behalf in 2023<\/strong>
Attorney General Todd Rokita congratulated members of his office\u2019s litigation team, which won 100% of the eight jury trials in which it defended the state\u2019s interests in 2023. As the State of Indiana\u2019s law firm, the Office of Attorney General\u2019s dedicated litigators represent the state and its agencies, officials, elected leaders, and employees in a wide variety of legal proceedings \u2014 including federal and state jury trials. Besides the jury trial wins, the team also has saved the state of Indiana millions through ongoing successful advocacy and motion practice in other cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attorney General Rokita thanked both Erdmann and Pope for their strong leadership and effective oversight of litigation strategy and jury trial arguments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHoosiers can rest assured they are in good hands when it comes to the professional litigators representing their state government in legal matters,\u201d Attorney General Rokita said. \u201cI am proud every day to work with individuals who serve this state with servants\u2019 hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bloomington extends free City parking to encourage Downtown<\/strong><\/strong> shopping <\/strong>
The City of Bloomington is extending the hours of free downtown parking to encourage residents and visitors to do their holiday shopping at local small businesses. Parking in City garages and on the street is always free on Sundays. Additional Free downtown parking will now include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FREE GARAGE & STREET (meter) PARKING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n