The Caswell Sisters are set to perform Friday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at the Bartholomew County Public Library
This year, WFIU Public Radio is coming back with the much-awaited Jazz in July, a free outdoor summer concert featuring celebrated jazz artists, at Columbus. The Caswell Sisters will perform at Jazz in July on Friday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at the Bartholomew County Public Library. Should it rain, the concert will be moved indoors to the Columbus Commons.
The performance will be emceed by David Brent Johnson, host of two of WFIU’s long-running jazz programs, Night Lights and Just You & Me. Guests are free to bring lawn chairs or blankets to the concert. Food trucks will also be available at the event.
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Indiana small businesses, private nonprofits (PNP), and residents affected by severe storms and tornadoes occurring May 16. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Governor Mike Braun on May 30.
The declaration covers the counties of Brown, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan and Owen which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence. Bloomington Parks and Recreation Launches Five-Year Master Plan Process with Community Questionnaire6/11/2025 Bloomington Parks and Recreation has officially launched the process to develop its next five-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and is inviting community members to take a short three-question questionnaire to help shape the planning process from the start.
The brief questionnaire is available on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan website at ExplorePlayConnect.com and is open to all residents of Bloomington. Responses will help the department identify emerging priorities, trends, and concerns, and will influence the development of the full community needs survey, which will be scheduled this fall and sent to a statistically valid sample of Bloomington residences. “This is an early and important opportunity for the community to help set the direction of parks and recreation in Bloomington,” said Tim Street, Parks and Recreation Administrator. “We want to hear from as many residents as possible so we can make the best decisions on how to serve our community in a financially sustainable way.” The Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) proudly announces that Almvoy American Inc., a Canadian-based leader in precision-engineered steel infrastructure, is expanding its US manufacturing, with its new location to be headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for both Almvoy and the local community, reinforcing Bloomington’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
Almvoy specializes in custom steel solutions for telecommunications, infrastructure, and industrial applications, offering products such as monopoles, equipment platforms, and solar structures. The new Bloomington facility will enhance Almvoy’s ability to serve U.S. clients with faster lead times and increased production capacity, while contributing to the local economy through job creation and investment. “Our mission is to build more than structures—we build trust, partnerships, and a strong, structured future,” said Dominic Blago, President of Almvoy American. “Establishing a U.S. presence in Bloomington allows us to better serve our customers and collaborate closely with local partners. The City of Bloomington invites nonprofit organizations to apply for funding through the Digital Opportunity Grants program to support their efforts to bridge the digital divide and increase digital resources for residents. Digital opportunity refers to the fair distribution of the internet and modern technology throughout society.
Bloomington-based nonprofits may apply from Monday, June 16, to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16 to receive up to $55,000 in grant funding. Proposals will be accepted online at bloomington.in.gov/digital-opportunity. Now in its fifth year, Bloomington’s digital opportunity funding initiative began to help Bloomington recover from economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The award funds have become a regular part of the Information & Technology Services Department’s annual general fund budget. The Bloomington Fire Department (BFD) is proud to announce the opening of a brand-new Safe Haven Baby Box, a safe location where an infant can be safely surrendered with no questions asked, at Fire Station #2, 209 S. Fairfield Drive. The Baby Box at Fire Station #1, 300 E. Fourth St., has also reopened after being temporarily closed due to significant flooding in 2021 that impacted the entire station.
The new Baby Box location was made possible through a $10,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), awarded to the Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) unit in March 2024. AMI Roofing Contractors, Inc., completed free installation as a community service. “I am so proud to have been on this expansion journey, and I will continue to collaborate and raise the flag for public awareness efforts to ensure that every person knows there is a safe, legal, and anonymous way to give a child a future,” said Community EMT Trisha Rademachir, who wrote the grant for the Department. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education recognized the campus and a student for outstanding achievements in culinary arts, fire sciences, and information technology Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington is the recipient of three 2025 Indiana Awards for Excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE). The awards were presented by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in a ceremony held in May.
Ivy Tech Bloomington, the City of Bloomington Fire Department, and the Monroe Fire Protection District won an Award for Outstanding Postsecondary Partnership for their collaborative new Fire Sciences Academy program. The Academy brings together educational and emergency service professionals to provide firefighters in training with hands-on experience, Ivy Tech credentials, and a direct path into fire service careers.
Groups Collective is a series created by the collaborative duo, Jon Tonks (UK) and Roman Franc (Czech Republic). These group portraits document civic life in different communities around the world. Bloomington is the first city in America to be featured in this project, which captures a diverse range of groups. Each portrait offers a celebration of residential life in our town, recognizing the restorative power of unity and belonging.
United Way program saves South Central Indiana taxpayers hundreds of thousands in fees and boosts financial stability across the regionUnited Way of South Central Indiana is pleased to share the success and community impact of its 2025 Free Community Tax Service. This vital financial stability initiative brought back more than $1 million in tax refunds and credits to residents across the region.
This year, 78 IRS-certified volunteers helped file 851 federal tax returns, saving taxpayers an estimated $212,750 in preparation fees and returning $1,047,364 in federal refunds and credits. Many households reported using their refunds for essential needs such as food, clothing, transportation, medical care, and savings. “The Free Community Tax Service is about more than just numbers—it’s about empowering our neighbors,” said Randy Rogers, President & CEO of United Way of South Central Indiana. “These refunds can be life-changing for individuals and families living paycheck to paycheck. We’re grateful to the volunteers and partners who made this impact possible.” The City of Bloomington’s Department of Economic & Sustainable Development is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 Small Business Safety & Cleanliness Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support local businesses in enhancing their commercial properties' safety, hygiene, and appearance.
With $85,000 in funding available this fiscal year, the program aims to promote safer and more inviting business environments citywide. Individual businesses may apply for grants of up to $5,000 for physical improvements that deter crime, prevent vandalism, improve sanitation and upgrade their spaces' visual appeal or functionality. “Bloomington’s small businesses are at the heart of our community. This program gives them tools to invest in their spaces—not just for their customers, but for their employees and neighbors as well,” said Andrea de la Rosa, Assistant Director for Small Business Development. |
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