New service offered by Bloomington Transit
Bloomington Transit is launching a new service, called Blink. Developed to improve access to underserved areas, the on-demand microtransit service is used through a downloadable app from which riders can request a ride from 150 different pick-up points in either the Northside, Eastside, or Downtown Bloomington. Rides can cost between 2 and 4 dollars and the program will kickoff in mid July. BLink vehicles are ADA-friendly and seat up to 13 passengers The Blink app will be available by the 19th of June.
IU Police Captain arrested on charges of Fraud and Theft
Captain Christopher Carl Collins of the Indiana University Police Department has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal process after being arrested last week by Bloomington Police. Collins allegedly received and spent $8000 in stolen money from a surgical design business. Collins is charged with both fraud and theft, charges that carry up to 2 and a half years behind bars.
Tri-North Middle-schooler does well in national Spelling Bee
Congratulations to Reid Shaw, a rising 8th grader at Tri-North Middle School who was one of 6 from the state of Indiana competing at the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee last week. Reid earned the 46th spot in the national competition of 245 finalists from across the country.
Monroe Lake beaches officially opened after week-long delay
The beaches at Monroe Lake officially opened for the season this past weekend. Typically open by Memorial Day Weekend, both Fairfax and Paynetown Recreational Beaches remained closed this year due to raised water levels. While the Lake Beaches are now open, water levels are still above normal, and swimmers are advised to exercise caution.
Digital Equity Grant application now available
The City of Bloomington invites nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to support their efforts to bridge the digital divide and increase digital resources for residents. The Digital Equity Grants program will award $50,000 in funds to Bloomington-based nonprofits, with 2024 proposals accepted digitally until Friday, June 14th at bloomington.in.gov/digital-equity.
Bloomington’s Digital Equity Grants program, now in its fourth year, began as part of the Recover Forward initiative to help Bloomington recover from the pandemic and economic collapse, and advance racial, economic, and climate justice. Beginning in 2022, the award funds have become a regular part of the Information & Technology Services Department’s annual general fund budget. Since 2020, the City’s Digital Equity Grant Program has awarded more than $190,000 to local nonprofits.
This Week in Hoosier History
1950 – Deniece Williams, American pop singer, born in Gary. described as “one of the great soul voices” by the BBC. She is best known for the songs “Free”, “Silly”, “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” and two Billboard Hot 100 No.1 singles “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” (with Johnny Mathis). Williams has won four Grammys with twelve nominations altogether. She (with Johnny Mathis) is also known for recording “Without Us”, the theme song of Family Ties.
For more local news . . . Check out our archived episodes of What’s Happenin’ and Talkin’ Sports with Nick Jenkinson