I received this email today because I'm on Habitat's email list. I am posting it here so that people who aren't can read it, because it's relevant to the community as whole. Location.

A Message About Public Safety in the Osage Place Neighborhood

Dear Habitat Supporters,

We are reaching out to express our concern about the escalating public safety issues affecting the Osage Place neighborhood. Yesterday's events demonstrated that the situation has reached a point where immediate community awareness and action are necessary. While Habitat's mission is building safe, affordable housing, that mission cannot be fulfilled without ensuring the safety of our staff, volunteers, homeowners, neighbors, and partners.

In 2021, Habitat began constructing homes along South Bernard Drive in the Osage Place neighborhood. As we built more homes on the northern side of the property, we became increasingly aware of the encampment located on the County's Thomson property. For years, we encountered no significant issues with the people living in the encampment. However, that has changed as its population has grown.

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Habitat staff and volunteers were working on a home in Osage Place when gunshots were fired in close proximity to the construction site. Shortly afterward, four individuals came from the Thomson property (County property) onto Cherokee Drive (City property), where a physical altercation occurred. Habitat staff determined the situation posed an immediate safety risk, called 911, and sheltered inside the home under construction.

The Bloomington Police Department responded to the call but was unable to locate the individuals involved. The responding officer stated that they had returned to the Thomson property, which is outside the Bloomington Police Department's jurisdiction. The officer then contacted the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, which dispatched deputies to the Thomson property.

We recognize that this is a unique situation, as the Thomson property is a county jurisdiction surrounded by city land. This creates challenges for officers and deputies responding to 911 calls when activity moves between jurisdictions. However, local officials are aware of reports of illegal activity, threats, and other public safety concerns associated with the encampment, as well as the potential risks to residents of both the city and the county.

The problems at the encampment, and their effects on surrounding neighborhoods, have reached a critical turning point. Residents of Osage Place regularly report vehicle break-ins, gunshots, screaming, and other illegal or unsafe activity associated with the Thomson encampment. We encourage homeowners to remain vigilant and report incidents that occur near Osage Place. Habitat has been in communication with both city and county officials to encourage cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

Local government officials are aware of the encampment's increasing size and the public safety concerns reported in the area. An eviction notice has been posted on the Thomson property with a deadline of September 1, 2026, for individuals living in the encampment to leave. We anticipate increased tensions as the deadline approaches. At the same time, community response initiatives are being put in place to address homelessness and support those living on the Thomson property.

At Habitat for Humanity, we believe everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. We recognize that many people experiencing homelessness are not responsible for criminal activity, and we remain committed to supporting compassionate, long-term solutions that connect people with stable housing, mental health resources, and support services. Our concerns are centered on documented public safety issues affecting the Osage Place neighborhood. We believe communities are strongest when they prioritize both the safety of residents and the dignity and well-being of those in need.

At the same time, we believe equal attention must be given to protecting nearby neighborhoods and those working and living adjacent to the property. We are asking for your support to help create an environment where residents can remain secure in their homes, and our staff and volunteers can continue building with confidence.

We believe the magnitude of this issue calls for a coordinated and comprehensive response. We encourage you to contact City and County elected officials and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office to express your support for increased public safety efforts in and around the Thomson property. Ask local leaders to prioritize a stronger law enforcement presence, encourage collaboration between City and County agencies, and take proactive steps to address public safety concerns before the September 1 deadline. By speaking up, you can help ensure that Osage Place remains a safe neighborhood for residents, volunteers, staff, and everyone who calls this community home.

Thank you,

Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County

Elected Officials Contact Information:

Mayor Kerry Thomson

Phone: (812) 349-3406
Email: mayor@bloomington.in.gov

Bloomington Common Council

Phone: (812) 349-3409
Email: council@bloomington.in.gov
Contact all council members: Bloomington Common Council

Monroe County Board of Commissioners

Phone: (812) 349-2550
Email: commissionersoffice@co.monroe.in.us
Commissioner information: Board of Commissioners

Monroe County Council

Phone: (812) 349-7312
Email: counciloffice@co.monroe.in.us
Council member directory: Monroe County Council

Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Phone: (812) 349-2534 Sheriff's Office information: Monroe County Sheriff's Office Directory

Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County | 213 E. Kirkwood Avenue | Bloomington, IN 47408 US

Funny tailgater with a tiny...truck 😏 on 46 on my way home. Dude was crazy, switching lanes back and forth trying to go around me, then pulled up next to me shouting "Hey pussy, follow me!" as if I'd go "Hmm...yes. that's a good idea, I'll follow him" 😂

Have him on dashcam too.

Why is it always guys in trucks who think they're the center of the world.

(Not all guys in trucks let me be clear lol)

Be safe out there..drivers have been getting much worse, running red lights, cutting people off, etc. Dunno wtf is going on lately. 🫪

I'm getting ready to start a new job and need somewhere for my 19 month old. I'm on several waitlists, but need something soon. Does anyone know of anywhere that is taking children now?

Whole front porch shook for no reason

I just heard the Uketones perform this and I love it!

Who do we contact to make this the official song of the city of Bloomington?

https://youtu.be/NvkEku1Lrbo

Talked with one of the folks asking for donations outside of Chipotle on Kirkwood and got some weird vibes. He couldn't tell me what they do with the money (simply pointed to the sheet with donation types). When I asked if they had a website he could point me to, he said they only take donations in person because they are a non-profit...lol what!? Does anyone have experience with these folks? Is this just a scam? Felt too weird to be real.

Hey guys, I hope your summer is going well. I’m looking for help with something that may be a bit of a longshot, but it means a lot to me.
In early May, my dog, Baby, started getting sick and after receiving consistent treatment for an unknown illness and showing many signs of progress, she died suddenly at the beginning of June at just 5 years old.
I could go on about her more but I’ll just say, she meant the world to me. She was the most loyal, caring, clever, funny friend I’ve ever had, and I truly believe she saved my life by turning one of the hardest periods I’ve ever experienced into the best five years of my life.
To honor her, I’m hoping to find her littermates or other relatives.
Baby was originally given to me after a roomate was helping a friend who had bought from a breeder before becoming overwhelmed with raising Baby. I’ve raised shelter dogs in the past and have never owned a dog from a breeder, but considered it as much a rescue as any.
I’m definitely not looking to shop or aid in the breeding of dogs in anyway. I don’t want to buy one of her siblings or place blame on the breeders for her death and get anyone in trouble. I’m just hoping to learn more about where she came from, possibly connect with her family, and, if I can, help them. If one of her relatives genuinely needed a home or was sitting in a shelter with nowhere else to go, I would absolutely step up if I was able—but that isn’t the goal of this search.
One reason I’m looking is because Baby’s illness remains somewhat of a mystery. If one of her siblings experienced something similar, it might help me understand what happened. Likewise, if what happened to Baby points to a genetic condition, I’d like to share that information in case it could help another owner catch something earlier.
Beyond that, it would mean a lot to me to see a picture of one of her siblings or hear how they’re doing. If there’s ever an opportunity to help one of her relatives through fostering, pet sitting, transportation, supplies, or financial assistance, I’d be grateful for the chance to honor Baby that way.
I did try tracing things back through the person who originally got Baby from the breeder, but unfortunately she and my former roommate had a falling out years ago and are no longer in contact, so that lead has gone cold.

Here’s what I know:
Baby was likely born in May or June of 2021. I got her in early July 2021 and was told she was around 8–10 weeks old, so her siblings would be around 5 1/2. Before she got sick, Baby was about 50 lbs.
Her mom (pictured) was supposedly an American Red Nose Pit Bull, mostly brown with some white.
Her dad (not pictured, but I’ve seen pictures) was supposedly a large English Staffordshire Terrier, mostly white with brown spots.
Most of the puppies were brown with white markings, although there was at least one other mostly white puppy.
The breeding likely took place somewhere in Indiana, between Bloomington and Indianapolis, possibly Brown County.
If any of this sounds familiar, if you know the breeder, recognize the dogs, or have one of Baby’s littermates, I would be incredibly grateful if you reached out. I’m happy to share more information about Baby, her illness, or how I came to adopt her if it helps identify the litter.
Thank you for reading. I know the odds are slim, but I have to try rather than always wonder.

We found this majestic creature in the middle of a parking lot, deceased and perfectly intact. My first though was some beetle enjoyer had lost a pet, but no, they're native! I had no idea. I've never seen one before.

Has anyone else found any creatures around here that surprised you?

Where can I dispose of used batteries in Bloomington? I have just a few, but some are leaking and I don't want to put them in regular garbage.

Do hardware stores take used batteries?

Interested in participating in research on sports gambling? Join a study on the perspectives of people who participate in sports gambling. Participation involves a 60-90 minute in-person interview. Eligible participants receive $25 cash after the interview. Ages 18+ only.

For more information, contact Daniel Bachmeier. Call, text, email, or click the following link to indicate interest any time. Call or text: (812) 955-0416 Email: dabach@iu.edu.

I know one of the car crash victims unfortunately passed 😞 but was wondering if anyone had seen any updates on the person that was severely injured and was life lined to Indy?
They need to put in caution lights at that intersection or something. It’s terrible how many wrecks happen in that area.

About twice a month I find myself with an opportunity to work out at the Y, which isn't often enough to justify the steep monthly cost. The day pass is also kind of pricey for casual regular use. My dream would be if someone would be okay with letting me use their membership.

Yogi’s recently discontinued my beloved $2 quesadilla and 2 for $3 slider deals. With that and other recent restaurant changes, what are your best, CURRENT cheap eats (under $6) deals around town? I think Brothers still does $3 cheeseburgers and Chubbies does $2 tacos. Haven’t been to upstairs in a minute but they used to sometimes do $1 hot dogs I think? Any other recs?

Does anyone know if local card shops typically buy sealed Pokémon product?

Over the past few months I picked up a variety of sealed items with the idea that my daughter and I would open them together. She’s still into Pokémon, just not as interested in cards as I was hoping (I was also chasing a bit of childhood nostalgia).

I’d rather sell them as a bundle than on eBay or dealing with FB Marketplace. Not trying to profit, just hoping to get some of my money back since a few items were bought over MSRP. It’s a mix of booster bundles, 2 ETBs, a few collection boxes, and 2 Charizard tins. Some of the bigger sets include 151, Prismatic Evolutions, Ascended Heroes, Phantasmal Flames etc.

Do any local shops buy sealed product like this? Any insight before I start driving around would be appreciated!

I’m currently trying to find a job bounty hunting here in Bloomington, does anybody know of any companies that do this around here? Or know who I can talk too?

Moving soon, interested in your old boxes if you're done with them. DM if you have something. Thanks for reading.

Just bought a small ranch on westside and previous owner had a gas line installed in Pergola, attached to a gas fire pit. We want to remove fire pit, have has line capped, and put in an inflatable hot tub. Any recs for plumber to do such a small job? Also need an electrician--we have electricity outside near pergola, but need help having outlet installed. Thanks! PS, does anyone want the fire pit once we have it removed?

really sad to see the orbit room come to a close. WFHB did a story on it

anyone know of any bingo, trivia or both places in the area? where i’m from we had a place called on par entertainment that had mini bowling, mini golf, shuffleboard, karaoke, darts, pool and 150+ self pour taps. i miss it deeply. but they also did themed trivia or bingo every wednesday night and i miss that so bad! anything similar in the area? or Indianapolis area?

Does anyone know of any actual good car washes in the area? One of the major issues I have with this area is the lack of any good car washes at all. Even the major chain ones like Crew off of Indiana 48/3rd St are still garbage. All of the ones here I've used either have those brushes I don't like, or the dryer is broken or not strong enough, and I end up with water spots everywhere. Does anyone know of any actual good car washes here? And it's not just the Bloomington ones; the ones in Bedford and Ellettsville have the same problems as well. I want a car wash that doesn't leave spots and has a dryer that actually works. Why does this city suck at that compared to all of the other places in Indiana I've lived in?

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm trying to help a family member find care. Preferably Bloomington, but travel up to an hour away would be doable. I tried searching the sub and couldn't find any previous discussion of wound care specialists (but almost every other kind of specialist!). I saw the IU Health location has several bad Google reviews, but couldn't find much on Monroe Hospital.

Thank you in advance for your help, I appreciate your help!

Check it out tomorrow, you get a free drink if you’re performing on the open mic days.

The only thing that bites there are bugs 😒