June 4, 2026: College Avenue closure, fire department logistics center, Hopewell South, public transit for everyone

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Civic Solver

We’re skipping the puzzle for this week.

Weather Talk

Based on the National Weather Service forecast in text and charts here’s some advice.

Thursday: Wear something that will keep you cool as a cucumber. It’s not going to rain. It will be sunny with a high of 84F°.

Friday: Wear something that will keep you cool as the other side of the pillow. It’s not going to rain. It will be mostly sunny with a high of 85F°.

Sign up for weather alerts: Monroe County emergency alert system

Recent articles

• College Avenue to close June 30 for Bloomington Convention Center skywalk enclosure.  College Avenue between 3rd and 2nd streets is set to close June 30 through July 24 for work to enclose the skywalk linking the convention center expansion to the existing facility. City officials are coordinating paving work on Rogers Street, which is one detour route.
• New logistics center for Bloomington’s fire department on track for September finish.  Bloomington’s new fire logistics and training center on South Walnut Street is expected to finish construction in September and open in November. The $7.95 million facility will consolidate PPE and reserve equipment, expand training capacity and serve as a backup station.
• Bloomington RDC moves Hopewell South housing from concept towards construction.  Bloomington’s RDC accepted the city council’s Hopewell South PUD conditions and cleared staff to pursue plats and permits for Hopewell South. Three western lots could see builders picked by late summer, with homes under roof by year’s end and broader infrastructure done in 2027.
• Bloomington Transit rolls out broader on-demand service, now includes even Griffy Lake.  Bloomington Transit’s June 1 service changes include a new route, free fares for Passenger Appreciation Week and an expanded BLink microtransit service. A B Square test ride on BLink to Griffy Lake revealed some rough spots for the app, but it was workable. The trip worked in both directions.

Quick Notes

No action on closure of Kirkwood to cars. On the 6:30 p.m. Wednesday (June 3) meeting agenda for Bloomington’s city council was an ordinance that would close Kirkwood Avenue to motor vehicles every year between April 1 and Nov. 15. The council postponed action until its meeting on June 10. For B Square background, see: Kirkwood proposal, power struggle over Bloomington streets, cued up for June 3

On the calendar

Elimination of 30-day notice for homeless encampment removal. On the 10 a.m. Thursday (June 4) agenda for Monroe County commissioners is an item to give notice that the 30-day prior notice in a homeless encampment policy that was enacted by commissioners last year is no longer relevant and “any person removed from a county owned property by law enforcement after July 1, 2026 may have personal property removed under the terms of Monroe County Code Chapter 257.”

Hearing on election law violations. Likely to appear on the 1:30 p.m. Thursday (June 4) meeting agenda for Monroe County’s election board is a hearing on the allegations against Joe Davis for electioneering in a disallowed area outside a polling place. Davis was an unsuccessful candidate for county clerk. For B Square background, see: Election complaints target Monroe County clerk hopeful over signs, electioneering in ‘chute’.

Monroe County History Center Garage Sale: June 10–15. The Monroe County History Center’s annual Garage Sale, now in its 45th year, returns in June at 4015 Profile Parkway. The sale is the center’s biggest fundraiser, with donated antiques, household items and other goods supporting artifact preservation, exhibits and programs.

An early-access day for current MCHC members, Cook employees and Simtra employees is set for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday (June 10). Public sale days: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday (June 12–13); and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday (June 15).

Bloomington Handmade Market: June 6. This year’s event, held on the downtown courthouse square, is supposed to include over 120 artists, food trucks, live music, and more. The time is Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s promoted as a free, family-friendly event featuring everything from ceramics, jewelry, clothing, prints, candles, home goods, and fine art to specialty foods and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Garden Walk: June 6-7. The Bloomington Garden Club will host its 37th annual Summer Garden Walk on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour will feature six private gardens around Bloomington, along with a flower show at Hilltop Garden and Nature Center. You can buy $10 tickets are from local vendors, with proceeds supporting children’s gardening education programs and other local beautification projects.

4th of July Parade: June 15. The last day to file paperwork for entries for Bloomington’s Fourth of July Parade is June 15.

Bingo Brunch at Cardinal Spirits: June 28. It’s every Sunday 12-2 p.m. at Cardinal Spirits: Bingo Brunch with celebrity callers! You might wonder: What is the Cardinal Spirits definition of celebrity? It needs to be flexible enough to include ... me, the founder of The B Square. I plan to apply all the principles I have learned about government meeting procedures to bingo calling—in the best possible way! You have never heard letters and numbers sound so great.

Carwash fundraiser: July 18. Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at 235 South Pete Ellis Drive or 3430 West 3rd Street.

Meet Banjo Lilywhite!

This very, very good boy is a Labrador retriever. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about Banjo Lilywhite:

I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.

Photo Finish: Walnut Street & Smith Avenue

The Photo Finish items are drawn from the B There section of the B Square website.

Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great weekend!

Dave Askins
734-645-2633
dave@bsquarebulletin.com

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