A stretch of the State Road 45/46 Bypass near Assembly Hall now carries Bob Knight’s name. You can fly it on our 3D map.
Top photo: President Gerald Ford meets Indiana’s 1976 NCAA champions, including coach Bob Knight, at the White House on April 20, 1976. White House, via the National Archives (public domain).
On Friday, Oct. 23, family, former players and state officials unveiled the sign for Bob Knight Memorial Way, the section of State Road 45/46 between College Avenue and Fee Lane. It passes Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
The Indiana General Assembly asked the Indiana Department of Transportation to make the change in House Concurrent Resolution 4, passed in February (WFIU). About 100 people came to the ceremony, including Knight’s wife Karen and son Pat, former players such as Quinn Buckner, athletic director Scott Dolson and current coach Darian DeVries (WFIU).
Why this road
Knight coached Indiana from 1971 to 2000. His teams won three national championships, including the undefeated 1976 team, and 11 Big Ten titles, and he coached the U.S. to Olympic gold in 1984. He died on Nov. 1, 2023, at 83 (WISH-TV).
Pat Knight said the location fits. “Anybody that’s lived in Bloomington, or if you’re an athlete or coach, when you got to 45/46, you knew you were home,” he said.
See it on the map
The new road is on the Bloomington 3D map as its own place, and you can take a low ride along it from College Avenue to Fee Lane. The Assembly Hall card now points to it too.
In February, IU announced a bronze statue of Knight for the south lobby of Assembly Hall, next to the 1976 championship statues. We have not seen an unveiling date (IU Athletics).
This feature was contributed by Tour College Towns. Bloomington Online has not independently verified its claims.Current Indiana students show prospective and admitted families the campus and the college town around it.
Part of what makes Indiana University special is where it is. Bloomington is a true college town. Kirkwood Avenue runs from the Sample Gates into downtown, lined with restaurants, coffee shops and local stores. Students live in the neighborhoods just off campus, Greek life is a big part of the social scene, and on fall Saturdays the whole town turns toward Memorial Stadium. For most IU students, Bloomington becomes as much a part of their four years as the classroom.
Memorial Stadium on a fall game night. Photo: Tour College Towns
Tour College Towns wants prospective and admitted students to see that side of IU before they decide. This fall, the company began offering private walking tours of campus and Bloomington, led by current Indiana students.
The idea behind the company is that students spend most of their time outside of class, and that time often shapes the college experience as much as anything else. Seeing the town along with the campus gives families a fuller picture of what daily life at IU will look like.
Honest and Built Around Each Family
Guides are current IU students who live this life every day. They don’t follow a script, and they aren’t there to sell anyone on the school. The goal is to provide honest answers about dorms, classes, housing, Greek life and what a normal week looks like, so families can make their own decision. Tour College Towns is independent of the university.
No two tours are the same. Before the visit, families share what matters most to them, and their guide plans the route around it. One family might want to see the Kelley School, Greek Row and the neighborhoods where upperclassmen rent. Another might care most about dorms, Kirkwood and where students spend their weekends. Families are matched with the guide closest to their student’s major and interests, and tours run seven days a week, early or late, around each family’s visit.
Limestone buildings line the streets around the IU campus. Photo: Tour College Towns
The tours are meant to add to the official IU campus visit, not replace it. The company’s advice to families is to do both if they can.
Why Families Find It Worth It
A private tour costs $150 for the whole group, not per person, and runs 60 to 90 minutes. For many families, the value shows up long after the visit is over.
Off-campus housing is a good example. Many IU students eventually move off campus, and knowing which neighborhoods students prefer, when the housing search usually starts and what to look out for can save a family real stress and money down the road. The same goes for the inside knowledge guides share about Greek recruitment, getting involved, choosing classes and settling into a new town. Small pieces of advice from a student who is a year or two ahead can pay dividends over four years.
Prospective students get a real feel for Bloomington before they apply or commit. Admitted students get a head start on the practical questions that come up before move-in. And every family leaves with a current IU student they can reach out to as new questions come up.
Jobs for IU Students and Traffic for Local Businesses
The company is also creating work for IU students. Guides get paid to show families a school and town they care about, with flexible hours that fit around class and real experience helping build a growing startup. Tour College Towns is hiring guides in Bloomington now, and IU students can apply at tourcollegetowns.com/guides.
Every tour also walks families down Kirkwood and past Bloomington’s shops and restaurants. Out-of-town visitors leave knowing where to eat and spend time when they come back for move-in, Parents Weekend and game days.
Where It Started
Tour College Towns began at the University of Colorado Boulder, where student guides have helped more than 200 prospective students, families and alumni and earned more than 40 five-star Google reviews. Bloomington is the company’s next college town.
Families who can’t visit yet can schedule a 30-minute video call with a current IU student for $50, and custom group tours are available. More information is at tourcollegetowns.com/indiana-university.
About Tour College Towns
Tour College Towns offers private, student-led walking tours that go beyond campus into the college town. Tours are led by current students and shaped around what each family wants to see. Tour College Towns is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Indiana University. Learn more at tourcollegetowns.com.
A confirmed tornado touched down in Bloomington, Indiana on the night of February 19, 2026, carving a path of destruction across the west side of the city and into residential neighborhoods including Fieldstone and Stonechase. No fatalities have been reported, but property damage is extensive.
The storm moved through with sustained winds exceeding 60 miles per hour. In the Fieldstone neighborhood, entire roofs were lifted from homes, gutters and siding were stripped, trees were damaged, and outdoor furniture was scattered across yards. Debris was reported throughout the area, and the damage extended well beyond individual streets.
This reporter and family are among those affected. While our family is safe, we sustained roof and gutter damage, a downed backyard tree, and lost outdoor furniture. Our neighbor’s home was among the hardest hit on our street, with their roof completely gone and garage door destroyed.
A neighbor’s home in Bloomington’s Fieldstone neighborhood shows the aftermath of a tornado that struck the west side of the city on the night of February 19, 2026. The roof is missing and the garage door was completely destroyed. Photo: Dave Martin / BloomingtonOnline.com
Fifth Third Bank and Commercial Damage
Among the most visually dramatic damage was to the Fifth Third Bank branch off Third Street near I-69, where the roof was entirely stripped from the building, exposing the structural framing. The drive-through canopy was heavily damaged and debris was scattered across the parking lot. Storm Track 8 Meteorologist Drew Narsutis, reporting from Bloomington, confirmed the bank as one of the hardest-hit commercial structures from the evening’s storm.
The Monroe County Humane Association (MCHA) campus also took a direct hit. In a statement released overnight, Executive Director Andrew Krebbs confirmed significant structural damage to the facility and the total loss of a storage building containing the organization’s food and supply inventory. All animals were safely evacuated and relocated to trusted care partners including Animal Care and Control and The Ranch Cat Rescue.
“To the community, we’ll need you once we assess next steps. Please avoid our campus for now, as it’s unlikely usable in the near future.”— Andrew Krebbs, Executive Director, Monroe County Humane Association
Krebbs also thanked Shane and Scott from Electrical Services, Police Chief Diekhoff and the Bloomington Police Department for helping secure medical supplies, and the many community members who reached out overnight.
⚠️ Please avoid the MCHA campus. If you have an upcoming appointment, MCHA will contact you proactively in the coming days. Physical donations cannot be accepted at this time — follow their official Facebook page for updates on how to help.
Stonechase Neighborhood Near the Airport
The Stonechase neighborhood, located near the Monroe County Airport, also sustained significant damage. Reports from residents and storm spotters describe windows blown in, walls cracked, siding stripped, and interior debris. Meteorologist Todd Klaassen noted the damage was consistent with the radar rotation he had been tracking as the storm moved through.
Unconfirmed reports from community members describe significant damage at the Monroe County Airport, including hangar doors blown completely off, aircraft dragged across the tarmac, and private jets and vintage vehicles reportedly destroyed or overturned.
Lightning Over Rose Hill Cemetery
The Bloomingtonian captured dramatic images of lightning streaking across the sky over Rose Hill Cemetery as severe storms moved through the area, underscoring the intensity of the weather system that preceded and accompanied the tornado. 📷 See the photo on Facebook
Community Response
As word spread overnight, Bloomington’s community response mobilized quickly. Volunteers, licensed electricians, animal care workers, and organizations from as far as Indianapolis and Lafayette offered assistance. Stephanie Miller offered a large building as a potential temporary shelter for MCHA animals. Hal E. Kae indicated a volunteer team from Indianapolis-based PAAW could be deployed.
The outpouring reflects what Bloomington does best — showing up for neighbors when it matters most.
What to Do Now
If your property was damaged, document everything thoroughly with photos and video before cleanup begins, and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Monroe County Emergency Management is the primary point of contact for disaster assistance resources. Avoid damaged structures, downed power lines, and debris-filled roads until they are cleared and assessed.
BloomingtonOnline.com will continue updating this story as more information becomes available. If you have photos, video, or damage reports to share, contact us directly.
Media credits: Original video and photography by Dave Martin / BloomingtonOnline.com. Please share original posts directly where possible.
Sources: MCHA Executive Director Andrew Krebbs (official statement), Storm Track 8 / WISH-TV Meteorologist Drew Narsutis, Meteorologist Todd Klaassen, The Bloomingtonian, community reports via Facebook.
Monroe County has just taken a major step toward preserving natural beauty for future generations—thanks to a remarkable donation from the trust of Nancy Huntington, 409 acres on the southeast side of Bloomington will become the site of a brand-new county park.
📍 The land sits near E Moores Pike, S Smith Rd, and SR-446, and will be protected for recreational and nature-based uses only—no non-recreational development will be allowed.
County leaders say plans are still in the works, but trails for hiking, walking, and biking are already envisioned, along with a deep commitment to protecting the site’s ecological value in the Monroe Lake basin.
🗣️ What Local Leaders Are Saying
“Not often do we have this historic opportunity to ensure over 400 acres are set aside from development to be cherished by future generations,” — Julie Thomas, President, Monroe County Board of Commissioners
“This park represents a commitment to the history, people, and natural environment of Monroe County,” — Julie Thomas
“This natural area will provide significant benefits to nearby residents and families while continuing the county’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” — Commissioner Lee Jones
“Monroe County is once again showing federal and state leaders what responsible governing looks like.” — Commissioner Jody Madeira
🌿 Why It Matters
At a time when state and federal park systems are facing budget cuts and staffing reductions, this move sends a powerful local message: 🛠 Invest in access. Protect green space. Plan for the future.
This land won’t just be a place to play—it’s a symbol of environmental stewardship, community wellness, and generational foresight.
📫 For more information, contact: Kelli Witmer, Director, Monroe County Parks and Recreation 📧 kwitmer@co.monroe.in.us
It’s been an exciting week for Indiana University Athletics, with several major developments that Cream and Crimson fans will want to know about. For a comprehensive rundown, be sure to check out the latest “6-Banner Sunday” at InsideTheHall.com.
A Historic Roar Returns: The Bison Mascot
One of the most talked-about announcements is the return of a historic mascot: the Bison! After some teases, IU Athletics has officially confirmed its comeback. Head over to InsideTheHall.com to learn more about the Bison’s history with IU and its upcoming appearances.
Hoosier Pride on the Big Stage: NBA Finals
In professional sports news, former Hoosier Thomas Bryant is heading to the NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers! InsideTheHall.com has all the details on Bryant’s role and the Pacers’ journey.
Hoosier Roundup: News Across IU Sports
Beyond these headlines, there’s a lot happening across various IU sports programs. InsideTheHall.com is covering updates on:
IU Men’s Basketball
Coaching staff updates, details about their trip to Puerto Rico, and continued player and opponent previews.
Other IU Sports
Including IU Football’s game times and preseason recognition, women’s basketball staff additions, soccer’s schedule changes and transfers, volleyball’s fall schedule (including a match at Gainbridge Fieldhouse), softball’s All-American honors, Lily King’s retirement announcement from swimming, and updates from track & field and rowing.
For all the in-depth coverage and analysis of these stories, be sure to read the full “6-Banner Sunday” article over at InsideTheHall.com.
What IU news has you most excited this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below!!
In the heart of Bloomington, Indiana, amidst the fervor of the Little 500, one man stands as a pillar of support and guidance: Greg Souder. For the past seven years, Greg has been the sole mechanic ensuring that every rider’s bike is race-ready, embodying the spirit of dedication and community that defines this iconic event.
A Serendipitous Beginning
Greg’s journey with the Little 500 began unexpectedly. After moving to Bloomington from Markle in 2017, he stumbled upon a classified ad his wife found, seeking a bike mechanic for the race. Despite initial doubts about his age being a barrier, Greg’s mechanical prowess and passion secured him the role. Since then, he’s become an integral part of the race’s fabric, mentoring countless students and ensuring the smooth operation of every bicycle on the track.
Greg Souder’s mechanic station awaits riders during Little 500 practice.A playful mascot adds some charm to the serious business of bike racing.Greg Souder’s toolkit—a key part of Little 500 tradition.Greg Souder shares his mechanical expertise with student cyclists.
Mentorship Beyond Mechanics
Beyond fixing bikes, Greg serves as a mentor and confidant to the student riders. He recalls with pride how freshmen, initially unfamiliar with basic bike maintenance, evolve into team captains by their senior year, often imparting knowledge to newcomers. His approachable nature and willingness to teach have made him a beloved figure among the riders. IDS News
Facing Challenges with Resilience
In 2021, Greg faced a personal health challenge with a cancer diagnosis. The support from the Little 500 community was overwhelming, with students and staff rallying around him during his treatment. This outpouring of care reaffirmed his deep connection to the event and its participants. Remarkably, just two months after surgery, Greg was back at the track, embodying resilience and dedication.IDS News
A Lasting Legacy
As Greg continues his tenure, he hopes to reach a decade of service, dreaming that the bike shop might one day bear his name. His story is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on a community, turning a simple role into a legacy of mentorship, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
Precision and care: Greg Souder ensures every bike is race-ready.
For a more in-depth look into Greg’s journey and contributions, you can read the full feature here: IDS News.
Get ready to dive into the vibrant life of Bloomington with the latest issue of Bloom Magazine! The April/May 2025 edition is packed with fascinating stories, community updates, and the much-anticipated results of their second annual restaurant survey.
Wondering where to eat in B-town? This issue has you covered! Discover which local spots readers voted as the 10 Best Restaurants in Bloomington. Plus, find out the winners and top contenders across 24 delicious categories, including:
Best Fine Dining
Best Cocktails
Best Italian & Pizza
Best Steak
Best Burgers & BBQ
Best International Cuisines (Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian & more!)
Best Breakfast/Brunch
Best Sandwiches & Fries
Best Vegetarian Options
Best Coffee, Beer & Wine
Best Sweets & Bakeries
Beyond the fantastic food focus, the April/May issue delves into important community topics, including a comprehensive feature on “The Battle to Reverse the Rise in Mental Illness Among Indiana Youth”. Learn about the factors contributing to the current crisis and the steps being taken to find solutions.
You’ll also find stories on:
The new POSH on Kirkwood, Bloomington’s first luxury boutique hotel.
An investigation into the AI-generated local news site, “Today in Bloomington”.
Updates on recent restaurant openings and closings around town.
A guide to Bloomington’s diverse bakery scene.
Profiles of interesting local figures and community leaders.
Arts and entertainment news, including an IU course on Dolly Parton and Bloomington’s own Mariachi band.
Don’t miss out on this exciting issue packed with insights into Bloomington living!
Despite persistent April rain falling on Bloomington Saturday, April 5th, 2025, residents gathered in impressive numbers at Monroe County Courthouse Square, proving their concerns wouldn’t be dampened by the weather. The local demonstration was part of a nationwide “Hands Off!” day of action, aimed at protesting policies under the Trump administration and adviser Elon Musk, particularly those affecting Social Security, government restructuring, and other critical services.
Protesters line the streets of Bloomington, advocating for the protection of social security, education, and healthcare.
The turnout reflected Bloomington’s determination to add its voice to a broader call for accountability.
Undeterred by Downpour: Arriving at the Square
By noon, the entire Courthouse Square was bustling with determined residents, their umbrellas forming a colorful patchwork against the gray sky. Despite rainwater slicking the sidewalks and soaking through signs, the energy was unmistakable.
All four corners of the square were filled with people—older adults clutching handmade signs, young families with children on their shoulders, and college students wrapped in raincoats. The turnout, despite the weather, spoke volumes even before the organized chants and speeches began. Passing cars honked in solidarity, providing a steady backdrop of support throughout the event.
Voices Rise: Energy and Engagement at the Heart of the Protest
Civic Leadership Takes Center Stage
Isak Asare, a well-known voice in Bloomington’s civic engagement circles, led the crowd with steady chants that echoed through the rain. His presence helped unify the diverse gathering, providing focus and intensity to the protest.
The rally quickly found its rhythm as participants discussed concerns ranging from the stability of Social Security to broader issues of democracy and governance. The conversations felt urgent, reflecting local frustrations with what many viewed as an erosion of essential rights and services.
A Constitutional Lesson from Dawn Johnsen
Dawn Johnsen, a prominent constitutional law scholar and former head of the Office of Legal Counsel, added intellectual heft to the rally. Her appearance was met with clear appreciation from the crowd, especially when she drew on her extensive legal knowledge to offer practical guidance.
Producing a well-worn pocket Constitution from her coat, Johnsen emphasized the importance of civic participation and legal advocacy. Her message was as much about education as it was about action. Many in attendance appeared energized by her words, nodding in agreement and discussing her advice long after she spoke.
Her presence served as a reminder that effective activism involves understanding both legal principles and practical steps for change.
A Sea of Signs and Supportive Sounds
The visual impact of the protest was striking. Homemade signs bobbed above the crowd, emblazoned with messages addressing concerns over democracy, Social Security, government accountability, and human rights.
While the demographics of the protest skewed older—many well into their fifties and beyond—there was also a notable presence of younger attendees. Families with children, college students, and professionals on lunch breaks gathered under umbrellas or simply braved the rain to show solidarity.
From Kirkwood Avenue, drivers honked in support. The steady chorus of horns seemed to buoy the crowd’s spirits, providing a constant reminder that even those passing by were taking note.
Mayor Kerry Thomson Engages with Attendees
Mayor Kerry Thomson’s presence added an official layer of acknowledgment to the day’s events. She could be seen engaging with various groups of protesters, listening to their concerns, and sharing information about potential follow-up actions. Her willingness to interact directly with participants underscored the significance of local advocacy.
Thomson’s participation signaled a clear acknowledgment that the issues raised were being heard and registered by local officials. Her presence also suggested that Bloomington’s local government was prepared to consider these concerns moving forward.
Why This Matters for Bloomington
The resilience of those who turned out on a cold, rainy Saturday spoke volumes about Bloomington’s engagement with national issues. This wasn’t just a passive agreement with broader concerns—it was active, vocal, and unyielding.
Mayor Thomson’s engagement underscored that local government was listening. Meanwhile, the strong turnout from older residents likely reflected direct anxieties over Social Security and healthcare, while younger attendees voiced concerns about the country’s future direction and governance.
The presence of civic leaders like Isak Asare and Dawn Johnsen highlighted a shared drive for accountability and change. The turnout demonstrated a commitment to preserving essential rights and services, with a particular emphasis on practical, sustained activism.
A Statement Made, Rain or Shine
The “Hands Off!” protest at Courthouse Square may have been damp, but the determination of Bloomington residents was anything but. The national call for action was met with energy, resilience, and a readiness to keep the conversation going—rain or shine.
Hey Bloomington music lovers, we’re thrilled to share some exciting news from our local music scene! Mark Need has just dropped his brand-new record, Songs of the Siren Wires, available today on all major streaming platforms through Maker-Ō Records.
This record is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a heartfelt project infused with love, energy, and the collaborative spirit of our community. Mark’s latest release features contributions from talented local Bloomington musicians, as well as special appearances by members of Passenger, creating a rich and vibrant sound that you won’t want to miss.
Songs of the Siren Wires is now streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. If you enjoy Mark’s music, a follow on these platforms helps him reach new listeners. Your support means the world, so be sure to hit that follow button and dive into the musical journey he’s crafted.
Mark hopes that you find a connection with this record, as it’s filled with the kind of passion and authenticity that makes Bloomington’s music scene so special. So, plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and let Songs of the Siren Wires carry you away.
Share the love, spread the word, and let’s give Mark’s new release the warm reception it deserves. Happy listening!
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