April 30, 2026: New jail financing, campaign finance reports, polling location access

Civic Solver

We don’t have a new puzzle this week. We hope to have a new one for you next week!

Weather Talk

Based on the National Weather Service forecast in text and charts here’s some advice.

Thursday: Wear a light jacket and sunglasses when you head out this morning, because we’re starting the day from an overnight low of around 40F°. It will be sunny all day with a high of around 61F°

Friday: Consider taking some rain gear with you when you head out, because the 30% chance of showers overnight will persist through about 8 a.m. After that it will be sunny with a high near 60F°.

Sign up for weather alerts: Monroe County emergency alert system

Recent articles

• Accessibility reviews completed for 28 Monroe County polling sites ahead of May 5 primary.  Monroe County says all 28 polling sites for the May 5 primary will have ADA accessibility reviews available on-site. Reports flag issues like heavy doors and restroom limits, with mostly operational fixes; an automatic opener is pending at Election Central.
• Monroe County council backs $30K for lawyers, questions new $135M jail financing plan.  On Tuesday, the Monroe County council approved a $30K appropriation to pay for outside legal counsel. Councilors also reviewed $135M jail financing plan. No bonding decision was made, as councilors raised doubts about costs, scope, and timing.
• Monroe County campaign filings show highest spending in commissioner race, lowest in assessor contest.  With a week to go before the May 5 primary, the required financial filings show a mix of amounts for Monroe County Democrats. Candidates for commissioner have spent the most so far, for a total of $36,836. In races for commissioner, prosecutor, clerk, and assessor, a big theme is in-kind donations.

Quick Notes

What do you think about public art? The Monroe County capital improvement board has released four finalist proposals for public art at the Bloomington Convention Center expansion and is inviting community feedback. People can review the proposals and submit comments online through May 1. For B Square background, see: Four finalist proposals revealed for Bloomington Convention Center art, public input sought. 

On the calendar

Purchase agreement for North Park as jail site. Appearing on the 10 a.m. Thursday (April 30) meeting agenda for the Monroe County commissioners is a purchase agreement for North Park for use as a jail and justice complex. The meeting information packet is over 100 MG. But the purchase agreement is just four pages. The commissioners are almost certain to approve it. That will set the county council up to consider the agreement as soon as May 12. For B Square background, see: Monroe County council backs $30K for lawyers, questions new $135M jail financing plan

Hoosier Hills Plant Sale. Thursday to Saturday (April 30 to May 2) at the Hoosier Hills Career Center. Student-run greenhouse sale with vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials, and houseplants. Hours: Thu–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat 9–11 a.m. First come, first served. Plants are grown and maintained by students in the agriculture program and FFA chapter. Hanging baskets and planters available for Mother’s Day. Pre-orders due Apr. 24. Information at the website.

Air Sealing and Insulation Workshop. Thursday (April 30) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Bloomington city hall. This is a free workshop on cutting energy loss and utility costs. Covers air leaks, insulation basics, and available rebates. Includes expert guidance, refreshments, and kids’ activities. Please register at https://bit.ly/showtell-energy. This is hosted by Electrify Indiana, a local volunteer-driven nonprofit, in partnership with the city of Bloomington.

Ms. Lake Lemon: May 16. Start your training regimen now. This amazing contest of skill is to be held at Riddle Point Park this year. Monitor the Ms. Lake Lemon Facebook page for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s inaugural event.

Meet Bubba!

This very, very good boy is a shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about Bubba:

Are you looking for a partner for your morning run? A champion for backyard tug-of-war? A professional ball-fetcher who also knows some basic commands. Stop scrolling—Bubba is your man! Bubba is a high-energy, joy-filled pup who is looking for an active family to keep up with his on the go lifestyle. He’s the kind of guy who wakes up excited and brings that same enthusiasm to everything he does. Whether he’s chasing a ball, tearing up the field in a game of fetch, or snuggling his favorite plushie, Bubba does it with all his heart. Bubba would do best in an active home with a yard where he can zoom around and burn off his happy energy. Or he'd love someone who loves to take long hikes! If you’re looking for a dog to join you on adventures, Bubba is your guy!

6th Street & Walnut Street

The Photo Finish items are drawn from the B There section of the B Square website. But there are no new B There items since Monday.

Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great weekend!

Dave Askins
734-645-2633
dave@bsquarebulletin.com

Sponsors stand with local civic journalism

The B Square Bulletin is made possible by financial supporters who believe in informed, engaged communities. Learn more about how you can help ensure The B Square survives to serve Bloomington residents now and for generations to come.