Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
Hawk says: Parsley, sage, and rosemary were trying to book a room in the host hotel for the Bloomington Convention Center. Guess why they couldn't do it. What does Fish say?
Dave Askins
Sheriff asks public for footage after bicyclist critically hurt in northern Monroe County crash
A Friday afternoon collision between a Honda Accord and a bicyclist near North Bottom and West Maple roads left a 19-year-old IU student in critical condition. The Monroe County sheriff’s office is seeking witnesses and video as its Major Crash Investigation Team reviews the crash.
Homeless camp removal: Monroe County grants 1-week pause after activists disrupt meeting seeking 4-month delay
Monroe County commissioners delayed the planned Dec. 8 removal of the Thomson encampment by 1 week, after activists urged more time for relocation amid frigid weather. The move followed a tense meeting featuring sharp criticism and a brief recess. Notices were issued Dec. 1 to 40–50 residents.
Monroe County election board weighs cuts to early voting hours, polling sites for 2026, as vote center debate simmers
Monroe County’s election board is preparing for 2026 under a tight budget. Thursday's meeting featured debate about whether to cut early voting hours and reduce Election Day polling sites. The debate over vote centers also resurfaced.
Bloomington council turns down quadrupled septic hauling rate jump; wants different path to a needed increase
On Wednesday, Bloomington’s council unanimously rejected a four-fold septic hauling rate hike but agreed some increase is needed. Councilmembers are hoping for rates that distinguish between holding tanks and drain-field systems. CBU is expected to return in 2026 with a different proposal.
Jessica McClellan to step down as Bloomington city controller; Geoff McKim to take role in 2026
Bloomington controller Jessica McClellan will leave her post later this month, and former county councilor Geoff McKim is set to take over in January. Mayor Kerry Thomson praised both officials in announcing the transition. McKim will resign from the CIB to assume the role of controller
Bloomington council OKs fiscal plan for single-parcel voluntary annexation, but bigger votes loom
The Bloomington council unanimously approved a fiscal plan for annexing a single Cory Drive parcel but stressed it doesn’t necessarily support annexation or rezoning. Neighbors questioned missing cost estimates, and raised karst and “service island” concerns ahead of Dec. 17 votes.