Unprecedented numbers
The Bartholomew County community takes care of its own.
Despite all of the hardships created by the pandemic, the 34th Annual Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Labor Day Concert with Yacht Rock Revue recently raised a record $157,000 — more than $30,000 than the previous record set in both 2019 and 2017.
Hospice leaders estimated the livestreamed event reached an audience of about 8,000 people.
Our Hospice, Indiana’s first such organization, cares for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
It’s encouraging to know that locals are still making an effort to help each other as COVID-19 restrictions persist.
Keeping kids healthy
On Monday, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. started offering free meals at breakfast and lunch for all students — regardless of their family’s financial status.
This change is due to a federal extension of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s summer meal program. There will be free meals at BCSC until Dec. 31, or until the federal funds are used up, whichever comes first.
BCSC is also crediting funds on student meal accounts to those who normally pay reduced or full prices, backdating to Sept. 1.
The corporation has been offering free meals for months, as many families have struggled to foot grocery bills.
Initiatives like the summer lunch program are vital to the community — especially during a pandemic.
An end in sight
After months of deliberation, it appears that a decision on Greenbelt Golf Course will be made on Oct. 6.
At Tuesday’s Columbus City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Lienhoop said that when the parks department’s 2021 general fund budget is presented to the city council, it will include funding for Greenbelt and Par 3. If approved, the vote would allow both courses to remain open for at least another year.
Lienhoop’s announcement came a week after the Columbus Parks Board approved its 2021 general fund budget without any funding for golf, with the intention to close Greenbelt and turn over management of Par 3 to Otter Creek’s management team.
The board included an addendum in their decision, saying that they would reconsider these actions if the Columbus City Council approves an additional $176,000 for the parks general fund budget.
Both sides have grown frustrated over the past several weeks, with many voicing their opinions in person, on social media, and in the newspaper.
The city needs to make a call on the golf courses on Oct. 6, ending all debate and moving on to other issues.
