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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.

Aug. 20, 2026: North-South football kickoff; transit board, Keolis vote; county clerk office repairs; 2027 budget gap; alleycat race

Aug. 20, 2026: North-South football kickoff; transit board, Keolis vote; county clerk office repairs; 2027 budget gap; alleycat race

This morning's edition includes reports on the Bloomington North-South football opener, the Transit board and looming Keolis vote, temporary Monroe County clerk operations during condensation repairs, Bloomington’s 2027 budget gap, and an alleycat bicycle race around town.

Bloomington Transit board pick hangs in balance before Sept. 15 vote on management firm

Bloomington Transit board pick hangs in balance before Sept. 15 vote on management firm

The paths for two decisions are now running in parallel: Bloomington Transit’s Sept. 15 vote on a Keolis management contract, and a city council decision on Kent McDaniel’s board seat. McDaniel plans to vote no next month, but whether he gets to cast that vote could depend on council action.

Courthouse square

Courthouse square

A mushroom is standing tall on the dewy grounds of the historic Monroe County courthouse grounds.

Monroe County clerk services move for condensation repairs

Monroe County clerk services move for condensation repairs

The Monroe County clerk’s office will perform its public-facing functions in other locations for two weeks as crews address condensation from uninsulated ductwork. Payments will be handled on the child-support side, while in-person court filings are expected to move to the a judges conference room.

Mayor: Transit payment, election costs account for nearly all of Bloomington’s 2027 budget gap

Mayor: Transit payment, election costs account for nearly all of Bloomington’s 2027 budget gap

Bloomington’s proposed 2027 budget continues a four-year reduction in its planned general fund shortfall. Mayor Kerry Thomson says a final $3.8M payment to Bloomington Transit and $650K for municipal elections account for nearly all of the remaining operating gap.

Initial report: Monroe County clerk’s office closed due to condensation into light fixtures

Initial report: Monroe County clerk’s office closed due to condensation into light fixtures

Monroe County’s clerk’s office closed Monday after condensation from unwrapped pipes sent water through the justice building ceiling and into light fixtures. Employees reported popping sounds. The incident follows recent sewage, drain-cleaner and HVAC problems at the aging building in downtown.

Manifest celebration of community: Alleycat bicycle riders race through Bloomington

Manifest celebration of community: Alleycat bicycle riders race through Bloomington

Saturday’s alleycat bicycle race hosted by Bloomington Homes for All sent riders racing across town, where checkpoints involved bike repair, potato tossing, SCOBY eating, drawing and academic card trading. The sweaty afternoon ended at Friendly Beasts Cider Company.