Aug. 13, 2026: Write-in candidate blocked, IOSHA at justice building, Bloomington zoning changes, Hopewell South plat OK’d
This morning's edition includes reports on Joe Davis’s blocked write-in bid for Monroe County clerk, an IOSHA visit to the justice building over sewage complaints, Bloomington zoning changes and a legal dispute over housing incentives, and plan commission approval of the Hopewell South plat.
Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is another 10-question news quiz about events that took place in the last week.
Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in text and charts here’s some advice.
Thursday: Slow down early, and you might need rain gear later in the day. There will be patchy fog before 9 a.m. Then the day will turn partly sunny, with a high near 86F°. The chance of rain and thunderstorms hits 30–50% by around 4 p.m. and increases to 70% overnight.
Friday: Rain gear is probably called for, or else just dress light and breezy for the heat, and also so that you dry out quick after you get soaked. Before 2 p.m. the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms is better than 50%. It will be a miserable 89F° with heat index values as high as 102.
Sign up for weather alerts: Monroe County emergency alert system
Recent articles
- Candidate’s write-in bid blocked by Monroe County election board, court challenge planned. Monroe County’s election board voted 3–0 to bar Joe Davis from running as a write-in candidate for clerk under Indiana’s “sore loser” law. Davis argues the restriction violates constitutional rights of candidates and voters and says he will seek review in circuit court.
- Monroe County councilor warns commissioners after IOSHA visits justice building over sewage complaints. IOSHA inspectors visited Monroe County’s justice building Tuesday after sewage-related employee complaints. County councilor David Henry said responsibility for fixing building conditions rests with commissioners and warned they could face tough questions when budget hearings start in September.
- Plan commission backs big Bloomington zoning changes, attorneys disagree on incentives. Bloomington’s plan commission voted 6–2 to recommend UDO changes that ease small-scale housing development and end parking minimums. The commission heard two different legal opinions about the city’s existing affordable-housing incentives and whether they violate Indiana law.
- Hopewell South plat wins 8–1 Bloomington plan commission OK after waiver request dropped. Bloomington’s plan commission voted 8–1 to approve Hopewell South’s primary plat after the city withdrew a disputed 1st Street tree-plot waiver. The vote moves the 98-home project closer to construction after months of debate over affordability, street design and city process.
On the calendar
Justice building cleanup. On the 10 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 13) meeting agenda for the Monroe County commissioners are a few items related to the cleanup after the sewage flood of July 24. They include contracts for replacement of flooring and carpet tile as well as HVAC controls. It looks like the work was done on an emergency basis and that the contracts are getting ratified formally at Thursday’s meeting.
Thomson Encampment (aka Powerline Camp) cleanup. On the 10 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 13) meeting agenda for the Monroe County commissioners is a $70,000 contract with Bio-One for cleanup of the encampment at the Powerline Camp. That encampment is supposed to be closed by Sept. 1.
Actual ice cream for Traffic Cones: Aug. 26! Hats off to Bloomington’s planning and transportation crew for the greatest name and concept for a public engagement event ever. Free ice cream from Chocolate Moose just for talking about traffic! From the official announcement: “Curious about bike lanes, sidewalks, transit, traffic safety, trails, or future projects? Stop by and chat with a City planner over ice cream! ... As a thank you for stopping by, you’ll receive a free ice cream from Chocolate Moose. This event is part of the City’s August safety week.” The event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Garden Gala: Aug. 28. Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard will hold its annual Garden Gala fundraiser Friday, Aug. 28, from 6:30–9 p.m. at 1100 W. Allen St. The evening will include a light dinner, drinks, live music by Don’t Call Me Betty, a photo booth, community art projects and a raffle featuring prizes from local businesses. Tickets cost $45, with sponsored tickets also available for community members. Proceeds support MHC’s accessible garden and kitchen education programs.
Secretly 30th Anniversary: Magnolia & Johnson Electric: Aug. 27. Magnolia & Johnson Electric Co., Early Day Miners and June Panic perform Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Bluebird, 216 N. Walnut St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; music starts at 7:30 p.m. Ages 21 and older: tickets.
Secretly 30th Anniversary: Sharon Van Etten and Kevin Morby: Aug. 28. Sharon Van Etten, Kevin Morby and Jordan Patterson perform Friday, Aug. 28, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music starts at 7 p.m. All ages: tickets.
Secretly 30th Anniversary: Durand Jones & The Indications: Aug. 29. Durand Jones & The Indications, Jensen McRae and Angela Autumn perform Saturday, Aug. 29, at Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St. Doors open at 5 p.m.; music starts at 6 p.m. All ages: tickets.
New Leaf New Life benefit book event: Sept. 23. Authors Chastidy Mader, Ryan Mader, Nordia McNish and Trunnis Goggins II will discuss resilience, recovery, purpose and second chances Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 6–8 p.m. at Redbud Books, 408 W. Kirkwood Ave. Tickets cost $20, with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
Meet Diddly Squat!
This very, very good boy is a shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about Diddly Squat:
Diddly Squat is a young puppy who is incredibly energetic and lively. Like many Shepherd puppies he is in the alligator stage of his youth and could use a consistent and steady person to guide him into being the best boy he can possibly be! He's impressively getting the hang of 'Sit' and loves playing fetch and sometimes you even get the toy back! Diddly will grow up to be a large dog who'll love to be the activity buddy in your home!
Photo Finish: 6th Street & Madison Street
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the B There section of the B Square website.
Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great weekend!
Dave Askins
734-645-2633
dave@bsquarebulletin.com
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