Commissioners highlight Stamp Out Hunger drive, local housing repairs and express concern about Hoosier National Forest burn

In remarks at the start and close of the May 1 meeting, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners promoted community events and programs and raised environmental concerns.

Commissioners asked residents to participate in the Stamp Out Hunger food drive on May 10, coordinated with the letter carriers’ union and the Hoosier Hills Food Bank; the board noted that letter carriers in Monroe County collected more than 36,000 pounds of food last year and encouraged the community to exceed that total. The board also announced a forthcoming blood drive on May 8 at Ivy Tech (Room C130 A and B) and encouraged appointments through redcross.org.

Commissioners said remaining ARPA-funded rural housing repair funds were transferred to the Bloomington Foundation to continue repairs for owner-occupant households (roof, windows, carpentry, HVAC), and asked residents to contact their township trustee for eligibility; officials said funds are limited.

Commissioner remarks also addressed a recent burn in the Hoosier National Forest, with one commissioner saying they collected water samples and measured turbidity and urging residents to contact the governor’s office to oppose further work on the “Houston South” project. The transcript named “Mike Braun” as governor; the county official’s comments were corrected in reporting to refer to the state governor’s office (Governor Eric Holcomb as of 2025). Commissioners also reminded residents to sign up for the county alert system at co.monroe.in.us and noted NOAA worked to restore weather-radio service.