Is West Side’s case enough to save its BMV branch?

Plus, Natalia Barnett testifies in neglect case against her father, Michael Barnett. And, Tim’s Picks with five choice ideas for the Greater Lafayette weekend

(Photo: Dave Bangert)

It’s fair to say that West Siders weren’t all that excited Wednesday night about the prospect of losing the Bureau of Motor Vehicle license branch on Navajo Street, one of two BMV branches in Tippecanoe County.

“I think I can speak for the council,” West Lafayette City Council Peter Bunder said, “we think this is a rotten idea.”

BMV Commissioner Joe Hoage, in town to defend a proposal to close the branch at 720 W. Navajo St., told a crowd of about 40 people who came to the Bean meeting room at West Lafayette City Hall that he gets that a lot in moments like these.

“I’ve never had someone at one of these say, ‘This is a great idea,’” Hoage said.