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Dave Askins

Dave Askins

Bloomington, Indiana

Dave Askins is editor and publisher of The B Square Bulletin. A Hoosier native with a background in math and linguistics, he previously co-founded the Ann Arbor Chronicle with his wife, Mary Morgan.

Bean Blossom added to Monroe fire district, sparking sharp words from Ellettsville leaders

Bean Blossom added to Monroe fire district, sparking sharp words from Ellettsville leaders

A 3–0 vote by the Monroe County commissioners will move Bean Blossom Township into the Monroe Fire Protection District in 2027, quadrupling fire taxes. The decision sparked sharp criticism from Ellettsville officials, who say it complicates their ongoing consolidation talks with Richland Township.

Editor’s Notebook: Embrace our shared geography, please do not let me die with stickers left over

Editor’s Notebook: Embrace our shared geography, please do not let me die with stickers left over

Christmas week is quiet in Bloomington, giving the editor time to confront an envelope of unused B Square stickers. There’s no form or QR code—just a bag of stickers. See me out and about around town, say “Hey Dave, gimme a sticker,” and you’ll get one.

Dec. 22, 2025: Annexation, historic protection, homeless encampments, basketball, fire protection, and more!

Dec. 22, 2025: Annexation, historic protection, homeless encampments, basketball, fire protection, and more!

It's easy to receive this free message in your email inbox, instead of waiting for social media to serve it up to you: Visit the B Square website and click on the red button in the upper right hand corner.

Monday, Dec. 22: Possible decision on adding Bean Blossom Township to Monroe Fire District

Monday, Dec. 22: Possible decision on adding Bean Blossom Township to Monroe Fire District

Monroe County commissioners could vote Monday on adding Bean Blossom Township to the Monroe Fire Protection District. The MFPD option would raise fire protection costs for Bean Blossom taxpayers by more than fourfold, while spreading part of the cost across other MFPD members.

Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish

Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish

Hawk quotes from the RFP for the convention center expansion RFP. (Because Hawk and Fish are civically engaged that way.) What does Fish say?

Smith Road & 3rd Street (Office Lounge)

Smith Road & 3rd Street (Office Lounge)

Local country music star Hank Ruff sits at a table in the back corner of the Office Lounge, a place which is probably a decent fit for lyrics of a recent release from Ruff: “One Thing I Can Count On.” Yeah, of course, I do know that's John Mellencamp in the right of the frame.

Vacancies: Three depart Monroe County board of health, including chair, and 36-year member

Vacancies: Three depart Monroe County board of health, including chair, and 36-year member

Three members concluded their service on the Monroe County Board of Health on Dec. 18, including longtime member George Hegeman. Their departures leave three vacancies on the seven-member board, which oversees the county health department and appoints the health officer.