# The B Square Bulletin
> Bloomington Total News: Future. Present. Past.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).
## Pages
### 2012 Bloomington City Council Redistricting Maps
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2012-bloomington-city-council-redistricting-maps/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:10.000Z
When Bloomington’s city council considered maps for redistricting in 2012, based on the 2010 census, it was a committee of the three at-large council members who met to consider redrawing the lines. The three were: Andy Ruff, Timothy Mayer, and Susan Sandberg.
Here’s a link: \[[2012 committee notes](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2012-council-deliberations-on-districts.pdf)\]
Several maps were considered. Here’s a list of links to .pdf files:
**Maps considered for Bloomington city council districts in 2012**
- [CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanA2](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanA2.pdf)
- [CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanD2](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanD2.pdf)
- [CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanI](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanI.pdf)
- [CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanJ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanJ.pdf)
- [CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanL](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanL.pdf)
- [CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanM](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanM.pdf)
- [CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanP](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanP.pdf)
- [CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanP2](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanP2.pdf)
- [CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanQ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanQ.pdf)
- [CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanQ2](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CityCouncil2012RedistrictionMapPlanQ2.pdf)
- [redist12A](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/redist12A.pdf)
- [redist12B](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/redist12B.pdf)
- [redist12C](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/redist12C.pdf)
- [redist12D](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/redist12D.pdf)
- [redist12E](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/redist12E.pdf)
- [redist12F](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/redist12F.pdf)
- [redist12G](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/redist12G.pdf)
- [redist12H](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/redist12H.pdf)
- [redist12K](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/redist12K.pdf)
### 2019 Bloomington General | At-Large Council Candidate: Jim Sims
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-at-large-council-candidate-jim-sims/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:11.000Z
Jim Sims is running in the general election for one of three at-large councilmember seats on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council), with two other candidates, Susan Sandberg and Matt Flaherty.
Because the three are not opposed by any other candidates on the ballot or as write-ins, [no election will be held for the at-large seats on Nov. 5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/08/01/county-election-board-makes-it-official-no-general-elections-in-bloomington-except-for-district-2-and-district-3/) and they’ll win by default.
*Jim Sims*
No Republicans appeared on the primary ballot, and the party did not “caucus in” any candidates for the general election. No [independent](http://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) or [write-in](http://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) candidates filed to be a candidate for city council’s at-large seats.
The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\] Other candidates for seats in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary were [Vauhxx Booker](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-vauhxx-booker/), [Jean Capler](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jean-capler/), and [Andy Ruff.](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-andy-ruff/)
Sims has served on council in an at-large seat since August 2017\. He was chosen by the Monroe County Democratic Party caucus to replace Tim Mayer, who resigned.
In 2003 Sims ran for the common council to represent District 1, but voters in the Democratic primary that year gave the nomination to Chris Sturbaum in the two-candidate race.
In an interview with the [Herald-Times](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/sims-seeks-to-retain-at-large-council-seat/article%5F0cf4cb83-6818-5d7f-8c82-7cc13d6aa8d8.html), Sims said that he hopes to continue serving on council to promote job growth, infrastructure improvement and social equity.
Sims is president of the [Monroe County chapter of the NAACP](https://www.facebook.com/MonroeCountyNAACP/) and is a member of the [Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus](https://www.facebook.com/MCBlackDems/). He co-founded the Bloomington Black Strategic Alliance (BBSA), and has been a frequent co-host of the WFHB talk show [Bring It On](http://wfhb.org/category/public-affairs/bringiton/).
Over the years he has served on several city advisory boards and commissions. He is currently a member of the [Public Safety Local Income Tax Committee of the Monroe County Local Income Tax Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/public-safety-local-income-tax), the [Common Council Sidewalk Committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/sidewalks), and the [Utilities Service Board](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/utilities-service) (ex-officio).
Sims has lived in Bloomington since the mid-1970s, and has a general studies degree from Indiana University. He retired in February 2019 from IU, where he has worked as facility manager for the northwestern residence halls.
He is married to Doris Sims, director of the city’s [Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND)](https://bloomington.in.gov/departments/hand). They have two children, Camisha and James.
For the primary, Sims served as his own campaign chair and treasurer. In April, Louis B. Robinson became his campaign treasurer.
## Links to Additional Information
Campaign website: NA
Email: jimsims1212@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/jim.sims.5220)
Twitter: NA
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549460379%5F2457.pdf)
- [Statement of organization (amended)](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555427171%5F77988.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549460179%5F0396.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549460254%5F32259.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555951707%5F39362.pdf)
## In the News: Jim Sims
[Contested Bloomington elections set for fall: None citywide, two of six council districts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) – *B Square Beacon*, July 3, 2019
[Filing deadline passes with no independent candidates for Bloomington mayor on the ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) *B Square Beacon*, July 1, 2019
[Sandberg, Sims, Flaherty earn Democratic at-large city council nominations; Ruff out](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/sandberg-sims-flaherty-earn-democratic-at-large-city-council-nominations/article%5Ff4e30be1-f6f1-5b67-a1ec-3cf4a8dbfe96.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[City council at-large candidates discuss affordable housing, parking](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-council-at-large-candidates-discuss-affordable-housing-parking/article%5F7ac949ba-e93f-5480-a9dc-27fc90a0e3ce.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 3, 2019
[City candidates discuss inclusivity, guns at North’s election forum](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-candidates-discuss-inclusivity-guns-at-north-s-election-forum/article%5Fc4a25408-27f6-58a9-97eb-46650c79371b.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 17, 2019
[Sims runs for re-election to support new jobs, affordable housing, diverse voices](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/sims-runs-for-re-election-to-support-new-jobs-affordable-housing-diverse-voices) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 16, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[At-large city council candidates talk climate, development, equality at forum](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/03/at-large-city-council-candidates-talk-climate-development-equality-at-forum) – *Indiana Daily Student,* March 26, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Jim and Doris Sims: Dedicated to improving the community](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/jim-and-doris-sims-dedicated-to-improving-the-community/article%5Fc866fca3-d5a9-5501-9e06-87d255b72a8f.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 13, 2019
[Sims seeks to retain at-large council seat](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/sims-seeks-to-retain-at-large-council-seat/article%5F0cf4cb83-6818-5d7f-8c82-7cc13d6aa8d8.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 8, 2019
[Bloomington City Council Votes Down Fourth Street Garage Reconstruction Proposal](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-city-council-votes-down-fourth-street-garage-reconstruction-proposal.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Dec. 20, 2018
[Bloomington Black Strategic Alliance: A Black Voice for the Black Community](http://www.magbloom.com/2018/10/bloomington-black-strategic-alliance-a-black-voice-for-the-black-community/) – *Bloom Magazine*, Oct. 23, 2018
[City Council introduces proposed parking and hunting changes](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/09/city-council-approves-hazard-plan-introduces-parking-and-hunting-changes) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Sept. 6, 2018
[City Council approves agreement to purchase hospital property](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/04/city-council-approves-agreement-to-purchase-hospital-property) – *Indiana Daily Student,* April 19, 2018
[IU employee elected to Bloomington City Council](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2017/08/iu-employee-elected-to-bloomington-city-council) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Aug. 23, 2017
[Candidate statement for at-large vacancy](http://www.monroedems.org/jim%5Fsims%5Fcandidate%5Fstatement) – *Monroe County Democratic Party*, August 2017
### 2019 Bloomington General | At-Large Council Candidate: Susan Sandberg
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-at-large-council-candidate-susan-sandberg/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:11.000Z
Susan Sandberg is running in the general election for one of three at-large councilmember seats on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council), with two other candidates, Jim Sims and Matt Flaherty.
Because the three are not opposed by any other candidates on the ballot or as write-ins, [no election will be held for the at-large seats on Nov. 5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/08/01/county-election-board-makes-it-official-no-general-elections-in-bloomington-except-for-district-2-and-district-3/) and they’ll win by default.
*Susan Sandberg*
No Republicans appeared on the primary ballot, and the party did not “caucus in” any candidates for the general election. No [independent](http://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) or [write-in](http://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) candidates filed to be a candidate for city council’s at-large seats. No election for at-large city council candidates will be held on Nov. 5.
The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\] Other candidates for seats in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary were [Vauhxx Booker](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-vauhxx-booker/), [Jean Capler](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jean-capler/), and [Andy Ruff.](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-andy-ruff/)
Sandberg is a career advisor at the [Career Development Office](https://spea.indiana.edu/about/directory/profiles/staff/sandberg-susan.html) of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA).
Sandberg has served on council since January 2007 when she was chosen by the Monroe County Democratic Party caucus to replace Chris Gaal, following his election as Monroe County prosecutor. She was elected to an at-large seat in November 2007, then re-elected in 2011 and 2015.
Sandberg first ran for council in 2003 in District 2, but was defeated by Republican Jason Banach by a vote of 477 to 562.
In a recent [Herald-Times](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/sandberg-seeking-fourth-city-council-term/article%5F261e6da1-7930-5f1f-852c-5006025754fe.html) report, Sandberg said that public safety and basic city services will remain budget priorities.
Over the years Sandberg has served on a variety of city advisory groups. She is a current member of the [Plan Commission](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/plan), the [Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding Committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/jack-hopkins), and the [CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Funding Citizens Advisory Committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/cdbg-funding). She served as council president in 2008, 2011 and 2017.
Sandberg is a campaign co-chair for mayor John Hamilton’s 2019 re-election bid. She is a founding member of the [Democratic Women’s Caucus](https://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/), a political action committee, and previously served as the vice chair of the Monroe County Democratic Party.
Her community work has included serving on the board of the [South Central Community Action Program](http://insccap.org/) and volunteering with [New Leaf/New Life](http://newleafnewlife.org/).
She is a member of a ukulele band, [The UkeTones](https://www.facebook.com/theuketones/). Sandberg graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Sandberg is serving as her own campaign chair. Iris Kiesling – a former Bloomington councilmember and former Monroe County commissioner – is serving as honorary chair. Sarah Sandberg is campaign treasurer.
## Links to Additional Information
Campaign website: NA
Email: susan@susansandberg.org
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sandbergforcouncil/)
Twitter: [@SusanJSandberg2](https://twitter.com/SusanJSandberg2)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1551899710%5F05525.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1547489930%5F39393.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1547490131%5F7666.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555525322%5F00354.pdf)
## In the News: Susan Sandberg
[Contested Bloomington elections set for fall: None citywide, two of six council districts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) – *B Square Beacon*, July 3, 2019
[Filing deadline passes with no independent candidates for Bloomington mayor on the ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) *B Square Beacon*, July 1, 2019
[Sandberg, Sims, Flaherty earn Democratic at-large city council nominations; Ruff out](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/sandberg-sims-flaherty-earn-democratic-at-large-city-council-nominations/article%5Ff4e30be1-f6f1-5b67-a1ec-3cf4a8dbfe96.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[City council at-large candidates discuss affordable housing, parking](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-council-at-large-candidates-discuss-affordable-housing-parking/article%5F7ac949ba-e93f-5480-a9dc-27fc90a0e3ce.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 3, 2019
[At-large city council member runs for fourth term on arts and affordable housing](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/at-large-city-council-member-runs-for-fourth-term-on-arts-and-affordable-housing) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 22, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Sandberg seeking fourth city council term](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/sandberg-seeking-fourth-city-council-term/article%5F261e6da1-7930-5f1f-852c-5006025754fe.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Jan. 11, 2019
[Bloomington City Council Votes Down Fourth Street Garage Reconstruction Proposal](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-city-council-votes-down-fourth-street-garage-reconstruction-proposal.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Dec. 20, 2018
[The Bicentennial Journal: History of Women in Politics ](http://wfhb.org/news/the-bicentennial-journal-susan-sandberg/)– *WFHB*, May 15, 2018
[City councilwomen address #MeToo movement](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/02/cacouncilwomen013118) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Feb. 28, 2018
[Bloomington City Council approves master plan](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/01/bloomington-city-council-approves-master-plan) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Jan. 19, 2018
[Bloomington police turn cars into offices on wheels](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2017/09/bloomington-police-turn-cars-into-offices-on-wheels) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Sept. 14, 2017
[City council president considers solutions to Bloomington Police Department understaffing](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2017/09/city-council-president-considers-solutions-to-bloomington-police-department-understaffing) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Sept. 7, 2017
### 2019 Bloomington General | Clerk Candidate: Nicole Bolden
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-clerk-candidate-nicole-bolden/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:11.000Z
Nicole Bolden is seeking re-election to a four-year term as [Bloomington city clerk](https://bloomington.in.gov/clerk) and will win that election by default. She is unopposed in the general election, so [no election will be held for city clerk on Nov. 5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/08/01/county-election-board-makes-it-official-no-general-elections-in-bloomington-except-for-district-2-and-district-3/).
No Republicans appeared on the primary ballot, and the party did not “caucus in” a candidate for the general election. No [independent](http://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) or [write-in](http://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) candidates filed to be a candidate for city clerk.
Bolden was unopposed in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\].
*Nicole Bolden*
Bolden was also unopposed in 2015 for both the primary and general election. She was the first African-American woman elected to a citywide office in Bloomington.
At that time she was Bloomington’s deputy city clerk, a position she’d held since 2010\. She’d been hired in 2009 as a hearing officer for the city.
The city clerk maintains the municipal code and official records of the city council, posts public notices, certifies council minutes, processes boards and commissions openings, hears parking ticket appeals, serves as a satellite voter registration office, and performs weddings and civil ceremonies, among other duties.
Bolden is serving as co-chair for the 2019 re-election campaign of Bloomington mayor John Hamilton. She is on the board of the [Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools](https://mccsfoundation.org/about/board/), and is a former board member of [Pinnacle School](http://www.pinnacleschool.org/). She serves on the advisory committee for the [10/100 Committee](https://ten100committee.com/), a group that’s raising funds to develop “a pipeline of candidates of color.”
She was party secretary for the Monroe County Democratic Party and served on the Democratic Women’s Caucus steering committee. She is co-founder of the [Monroe County Indiana Democratic African American Caucus](http://www.monroedems.org/monroe%5Fcounty%5Fdemocrats%5Fform%5Fafrican%5Famerican%5Fcaucus%5Fchapter).
Bolden earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 2005 and was a member of the IU School of Law [class of 2008](https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/composite/33/).
Bolden has two children, Taegan and Zora. She is the daughter of [Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Valeri Haughton](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/department/?structureid=104) (Division II) and Frank Motley, who retired as assistant dean of the Indiana University School of Law in 2015.
Bolden is serving as her own campaign chair. Her campaign treasurer is her daughter, Taegan Bolden-Davis.
## Links to Additional Information
[Campaign website](https://www.nicolebolden.com/)
Email: fnicole.bolden@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/fnicole.bolden)
[Twitter: @ClerkNicoleB](https://twitter.com/ClerkNicoleB)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1551899982%5F36745.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1547492995%5F62517.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1547492596%5F05032.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555949113%5F24009.pdf)
## In the News: Nicole Bolden
[Contested Bloomington elections set for fall: None citywide, two of six council districts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) – *B Square Beacon*, July 3, 2019
[Filing deadline passes with no independent candidates for Bloomington mayor on the ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) *B Square Beacon*, July 1, 2019
[Hamilton, Smith, uncontested Democrats look to fall election](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/hamilton-smith-uncontested-democrats-look-to-fall-election/article%5F5bc27ba3-ab88-5099-89de-14473fbb23ab.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City candidates discuss inclusivity, guns at North’s election forum](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-candidates-discuss-inclusivity-guns-at-north-s-election-forum/article%5Fc4a25408-27f6-58a9-97eb-46650c79371b.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 17, 2019
[Nicole Bolden files for re-election as city clerk](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/nicole-bolden-files-for-re-election-as-city-clerk/article%5Ffdae981d-397a-55e4-9a0e-4a390d9b8aa4.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Jan. 14, 2019
[Bring It On! (podcast)](http://wfhb.org/news/bio-february-27th-2017/) – *WFHB*, Feb. 27, 2017
[City clerk could get pay boost, but not as much as she wanted](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-clerk-could-get-pay-boost-but-not-as-much/article%5F1842c772-04a7-5f91-8b1a-8718079e55c3.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times,* Oct. 4, 2016
[New city clerk says desire to serve fueled candidacy](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/new-city-clerk-says-desire-to-serve-fueled-candidacy/article%5Ff23101ad-7b92-5e11-8090-5fe2dd453104.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times,* Jan. 23, 2016
[Bloomington City Council remains the same, but different, too](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/bloomington-city-council-remains-the-same-but-different-too/article%5Febf33a2d-ad20-5810-99ce-ad5aa9d9a953.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Nov. 4, 2015
[First day of early Monroe County voting draws 3 generations of politically active family](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/first-day-of-early-monroe-county-voting-draws-generations-of/article%5Fa8a63ce5-49d5-5307-b12f-c81d9d3180d1.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Oct. 19, 2015
[Bring It On! (podcast)](http://wfhb.org/news/bring-it-on-october-12-2015/) – *WFHB*, Oct. 12, 2015
[Candidate responses to questionnaire](http://democracyformonroecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Candidates-responses-2015.pdf#page=38) – *Monroe County Democratic Party,* April 2015
### 2019 Bloomington General | District 1 Council Candidate: Kate Rosenbarger
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-1-council-candidate-kate-rosenbarger/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:12.000Z
Kate Rosenbarger is running for a four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) representing District 1\. She is unopposed in the race, so [no election for District 1 will be held on Nov. 5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/08/01/county-election-board-makes-it-official-no-general-elections-in-bloomington-except-for-district-2-and-district-3/), and Rosenbarger will win the race by default.
Rosenbarger won the Democratic Party primary for District 1 with 619 votes (65.92 percent), compared to 264 votes (28.12 percent) for incumbent Chris Sturbaum and 56 votes (5.96 percent) for Denise Valkyrie. \[[Full results here\]](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)
No Republican candidate contested the primary and the party did not “caucus-in” a candidate. No independent or write-in candidates filed paperwork to be a candidate.
*Kate Rosenbarger*
District 1 covers portions of Bloomington’s west and south sides. ([Click here for a map of city districts.](https://bloomington.in.gov/interactive/maps/councilmap))
On her [campaign website](https://kateforbloomington.org/issues/), Rosenbarger organizes her priorities into three main categories: (1) inclusive, responsive and transparent city government; (2) neighborhoods and housing affordability; and (3) sustainability and climate change. She describes herself as “an experienced, next-generation leader who will bring a new perspective to council.”
Rosenbarger is executive director for [TEDxBloomington](https://www.tedxbloomington.com/). In 2018 she worked as deputy campaign manager for Liz Watson, a Democrat who ran for Indiana’s 9th District Congressional seat but lost to Republican Trey Hollingsworth.
From 2011 through 2017, Rosenbarger was a manager with [NeighborWorks America](http://www.neighborworks.org/), a D.C.-based nonprofit focused on affordable housing and community development. Prior to that she was director of communications for the AFL-CIO in Colorado.
She is the sister of Beth Rosenbarger, the city’s [planning services manager](https://bloomington.in.gov/departments/planning-and-transportation). Beth Rosenbarger is married to Matt Flaherty, who is running as one of the Democratic Party’s at-large candidates for council.
Kate Rosenbarger and Flaherty were co-chairs of [Friends of the IU Cross Country Course.](https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofIUXC/) The group tried to save the course from development of the new Regional Academic Health Center, which is being constructed on the same site. Flaherty and Rosenbarger held a [joint campaign kick-off event](https://www.facebook.com/FlahertyForBloomington/videos/539730916518724/?hc%5Fref=ARRnBpWe0S4ATjtFlXZkhgqfWMhQaNXKiPIZ7w%5FWo2odpheUhdWMCgJUIjDPNE8R8Nc&%5F%5Fxts%5F%5F[0]=68.ARDdzMKODvhpegPPdtoRG4GUDKtfGInqfOrYSk6fCRdos029VH7EKPT%5Fj1Y5vBAapE9fTtjhwcestjtaGaDwcxEN6gILXN44bbhpW3dU9wUGRj5nC7TBWHS6fbzz%5FeJ%5F%5F15OUtl1bjkS7-890lgSGwoVuTnJJmXhBPY2wuLzkLuiDjOmsNX%5FOEcuS-I06Lr0uh7a2PBBjMLkLQDIo0cd4OWtiEAn7ogLaDzDMqqxfx7nR67dmDOfGqizusfKwXb1qLUGpdgcvwT2RVMk2WB4N1jBI-cIOvVUtPc7GfT0IIYgthz9rNmElMnutsDLm9JsTleZj0oMy-xUIemRpFN63VsNnAHKY-YAoEugYmkFBPIHtX9WYJ1tG9xn8DnO8SoAnDuYKEc0tGGeT-dKBnRLqAugYTWfbcbsIqZfiXzCwKuORVWgXqua%5FUB6veRjlZHMT1T5I7Yb%5FF5leWa-31XLev9%5FiL114q03P%5FdS%5F4AjXaPwqK2swkvrh5eWEAt8bnNv3AUaWg&%5F%5Ftn%5F%5F=FC-R) in February.
Rosenbarger grew up in New Albany, Indiana. She received both an undergraduate degree and a law degree from Indiana University.
She is married to Ryan Hesselink, who works for ZWZ Bearing USA Inc.
Elizabeth Aubrey is Rosenbarger’s campaign treasurer. Rosenbarger is serving as her own campaign chair.
## Links to Additional Information
[Campaign website](https://kateforbloomington.org/)
Email: krosenbarger@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/kateforbloomington/)
Twitter: NA
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549051271%5F76938.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548351040%5F73834.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548351093%5F85695.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555948400%5F15349.pdf)
## In the News: Kate Rosenbarger
[Contested Bloomington elections set for fall: None citywide, two of six council districts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) – *B Square Beacon*, July 3, 2019
[Filing deadline passes with no independent candidates for Bloomington mayor on the ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) *B Square Beacon*, July 1, 2019
[Rosenbarger, Sgambelluri upend Sturbaum, Granger; Rollo, Piedmont-Smith win](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/rosenbarger-sgambelluri-upend-sturbaum-granger-rollo-piedmont-smith-win/article%5F9fbae3c9-26c1-5a5d-8f1f-bb51315553e8.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[District 1 city council candidates talk hospital, annexation and growth](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/district-city-council-candidates-talk-hospital-annexation-and-growth/article%5F06941539-63ea-59d9-a410-26830bccc254.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 4, 2019
[City candidates discuss inclusivity, guns at North’s election forum](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-candidates-discuss-inclusivity-guns-at-north-s-election-forum/article%5Fc4a25408-27f6-58a9-97eb-46650c79371b.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 17, 2019
[Council candidates say 2016 election, demographic representation made them run](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/council-candidates-say-2016-election-demographic-representation-made-them-run) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 7, 2019
[Council candidates discuss Fourth Street parking garage, housing development](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/council-candidates-discuss-fourth-street-parking-garage-housing-development-bloomington) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 2, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[Executive director of TEDxBloomington running for city council seat](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/executive-director-of-tedxbloomington-running-for-city-council-seat) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 1, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Big Talk Interview with District 1 Candidate Kate Rosenbarger ](http://wfhb.org/news/council-dist-1-candidate-kate-rosenbarger/)– *WFHB*, Feb. 21, 2019
[Rosenbarger takes aim at District 1 council seat](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/rosenbarger-takes-aim-at-district-council-seat/article%5Fde951ce7-b6f0-5b8a-afc7-feb42b8e643a.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Jan. 8, 2019
[Bloomington City Council Votes Down Fourth Street Garage Reconstruction Proposal](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-city-council-votes-down-fourth-street-garage-reconstruction-proposal.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Dec. 20, 2018
[New hospital’s impact on IU cross country course drawing concern ](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/new-hospital-s-impact-on-iu-cross-country-course-drawing/article%5F42b52600-cca2-5f15-b783-44a1a63ed4ad.html)– B*loomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 14, 2018
[Residents Worry New IU Hospital Could Impact Running Course](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/residents-concerned-iu-hospital-impact-running-140419/) – *Indiana Public Media*, Feb. 9, 2018
### 2019 Bloomington General | District 2 Council Candidate: Andrew Guenther
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-2-council-candidate-andrew-guenther/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:12.000Z
Andrew Guenther is the Republican Party nominee for a four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) representing District 2\. Guenther was unopposed in the primary. In the Nov. 5 general election he’ll face the winner of a 3-way Democratic Party primary, [Sue Sgambelluri](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-2-council-candidate-sue-sgambelluri/).
*Andrew Guenther*
District 2 covers portions of Bloomington’s north and northwest sides. ([Click here for a map of city districts.](https://bloomington.in.gov/interactive/maps/councilmap))
According to his [campaign website](https://www.guentherforbloomington.com/platform.html), Guenther’s priorities include: (1) community health and safety; (2) public maintenance and accessibility; (3) sustainable economic growth; and (4) affordable high-quality housing. He lists specific action items in each of these categories.
Guenther is chair of the city’s [Environmental Commission](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/environment), a mayoral appointment for a term ending Jan. 31, 2020\. He previously served on the city’s [Board of Housing Quality Appeals](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/housing-quality-appeals) and on the [Monroe County Environmental Commission](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/department/board.php?structureid=41).
Originally from Valparaiso, Guenther has lived in Bloomington since 2013, when he came to attend Indiana University. In 2018 he earned a bachelor’s degree in law and public policy from IU’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
Guenther is serving as his own campaign treasurer and chair.
## Links to Additional Information
[Campaign website](https://www.guentherforbloomington.com)
Email: guenther4bloomington@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/GuentherForBloomington/)
Twitter: [@guenther4btown](https://twitter.com/guenther4btown)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549311893%5F12356.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549032546%5F94009.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549032106%5F26972.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555950297%5F87139.pdf)
- [Supplemental “Large Contribution” Report](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1564684646%5F59954.pdf)
- [Pre-Election Report of Receipts and Expenditures (due on Oct. 18, 2019)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2019-Guenther-large-contriubution-report-1571250355%5F45201.pdf)
- [Supplemental “Large Contribution” Report](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2019-Guenther-Pre-Election-1571338682%5F80027.pdf)
## In the News: Andrew Guenther
[Bloomington city council candidate forum: Indiana University connections](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/11/03/bloomington-city-council-candidate-forum-indiana-university-connections/) – *B Square Beacon*, Nov. 3, 2019
[Inside baseball: Guenther swings away with farmers market “winning issue” accusation in District 2 city council race](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/29/guenther-swings-away-with-farmers-market-winning-issue-accusation-in-district-2-city-council-race/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 29, 2019
[Campaign finance injects interest in Bloomington’s District 2 city council race](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/23/campaign-finance-injects-interest-in-bloomingtons-district-2-city-council-race/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 23, 2019
[Bloomington city council campaign filings: Party support means Republican candidate enjoys 20-to-1 funding advantage over Democrat](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/19/bloomington-city-council-campaign-filings-party-support-means-republican-candidate-enjoys-20-to-1-funding-advantage-over-democrat/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 19, 2019
[Bloomington city council candidates asked: What are you going to do to combat white supremacy in your support of the arts?](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/09/20/bloomington-city-council-candidates-asked-what-are-you-going-to-do-to-combat-white-supremacy-in-your-support-of-the-arts/) – *B Square Beacon,* Sept. 20, 2019
[Lone Republican looks ahead to November](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/lone-republican-looks-ahead-to-november/article%5Ffbbcf179-e8dd-51ff-89fa-26bd0e3d0ffd.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City candidates discuss inclusivity, guns at North’s election forum](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-candidates-discuss-inclusivity-guns-at-north-s-election-forum/article%5Fc4a25408-27f6-58a9-97eb-46650c79371b.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 17, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[Big Talk Interview with District 2 Candidate Andrew Guenther](http://wfhb.org/news/dist-2-city-council-candidate-andrew-guenther/) – *WFHB*, March 7, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Recent IU grad is the only Republican running for city council so far ](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/02/recent-iu-grad-is-the-only-republican-running-for-city-council-so-far-bloomington)– *Indiana Daily Student*, Feb. 11, 2019
[Guenther files as lone Republican for city council District 2](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/guenther-files-as-lone-republican-for-city-council-district/article%5Fc9179181-6d59-5335-8cbf-48d80837a281.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 7, 2019
### 2019 Bloomington General | District 2 Council Candidate: Sue Sgambelluri
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-2-council-candidate-sue-sgambelluri/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:12.000Z
Sue Sgambelluri won a three-way primary and is the Democratic Party nominee for a four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) representing District 2\. \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\]
She faces Republican [Andrew Guenther](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-2-council-candidate-andrew-guenther/) in the Nov. 5 general election.
*Sue Sgambelluri*
District 2 covers portions of Bloomington’s north and northwest sides. ([Click here for a map of city districts.](https://bloomington.in.gov/interactive/maps/councilmap))
On her [campaign website](https://www.sueforcitycouncil.com/my-priorities), Sgambelluri describes her priorities as: (1) encouraging economic growth and vitality; (2) supporting vulnerable neighbors; (3) strengthening neighborhoods; and (4) promoting responsive, collaborative government.
Sgambelluri is [director of development at the Indiana University College of Arts & Sciences](https://college.indiana.edu/alumni-giving/contact.html), a position she’s held since 2003\. From 1992 to 2003 she was associate director at the IU Career Development Center.
In 2014 she was appointed by the council to the [Bloomington Redevelopment Commission](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/redevelopment), for a term expiring at the end of 2019\. She is a member of the city’s [citizens advisory committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/cdbg-funding), which provides guidance in distributing federal Community Development Block Grant funding.
Sgambelluri also is a trustee for the [Monroe County History Center](https://monroehistory.org/board-members/) and president of the board for the FUMCB Foundation Inc., serving the [First United Methodist Church of Bloomington](http://www.fumcb.org).
Originally from Merrillville, Indiana, Sgambelluri has lived in Bloomington since 1994\. She holds an undergraduate degree from Purdue University in organizational development, and a master’s degree in higher education administration from IU.
For the primary election, Jenny Olmes-Stevens served as Sgambelluri’s campaign chair and treasurer. Geoff McKim, a Monroe County councilmember, is treasurer for the general election and Sgambelluri is serving as her own campaign chair.
## Links to Additional Information
[Campaign website](https://www.sueforcitycouncil.com/)
Email: sue@sueforcitycouncil.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SueForCityCouncil/)
Twitter: [@SueSgam](https://twitter.com/SueSgam)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/ad286dda%5Fdac6%5Ffb5c%5Fe233%5F3bf1a95e298a.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/55a4277b%5Fd9c6%5F57b5%5Ff819%5F222d4ed17fcd.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/5894f237%5Fd713%5F2081%5Fb6f8%5F5885a2614b11.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555609035%5F99197.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures – Amendment](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1556281169%5F96593.pdf)
- [Report of Receipt and Expenditures – Outgoing Treasurer](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1566232996%5F08907.pdf)
- [Statement of Organization and Designation of Principal Committee-2](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1566232911%5F4974.pdf)
- [Pre-Election Report of Receipts and Expenditures (due on Oct. 18, 2019)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2019-Sue-Sgambelluri-1571328411%5F3918.pdf)
## In the News: Sue Sgambelluri
[Bloomington city council candidate forum: Indiana University connections](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/11/03/bloomington-city-council-candidate-forum-indiana-university-connections/) – *B Square Beacon*, Nov. 3, 2019
[Inside baseball: Guenther swings away with farmers market “winning issue” accusation in District 2 city council race](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/29/guenther-swings-away-with-farmers-market-winning-issue-accusation-in-district-2-city-council-race/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 29, 2019
[Campaign finance injects interest in Bloomington’s District 2 city council race](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/23/campaign-finance-injects-interest-in-bloomingtons-district-2-city-council-race/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 23, 2019
[Bloomington city council campaign filings: Party support means Republican candidate enjoys 20-to-1 funding advantage over Democrat](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/19/bloomington-city-council-campaign-filings-party-support-means-republican-candidate-enjoys-20-to-1-funding-advantage-over-democrat/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 19, 2019
[Bloomington city council candidates asked: What are you going to do to combat white supremacy in your support of the arts?](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/09/20/bloomington-city-council-candidates-asked-what-are-you-going-to-do-to-combat-white-supremacy-in-your-support-of-the-arts/) – *B Square Beacon,* Sept. 20, 2019
[Rosenbarger, Sgambelluri upend Sturbaum, Granger; Rollo, Piedmont-Smith win](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/rosenbarger-sgambelluri-upend-sturbaum-granger-rollo-piedmont-smith-win/article%5F9fbae3c9-26c1-5a5d-8f1f-bb51315553e8.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[District 2 candidates talk UDO, housing, parking](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/district-candidates-talk-udo-housing-parking/article%5F5d00e6a9-3e45-5e83-b3ca-6abc3675f2bd.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times,* May 2, 2019
[Council candidates say 2016 election, demographic representation made them run](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/council-candidates-say-2016-election-demographic-representation-made-them-run) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 7, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[First day of filing kicks off 2019 elections](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/first-day-of-filing-kicks-off-elections/article%5F8fab45c6-0c20-53a2-a9e4-49068c5eff88.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Jan. 8, 2019
[Dreamers, Doers & Entrepreneurs (video)](https://bloomington.in.gov/dreamers-doers/Susan-Sgambelluri) – *City of Bloomington*
### 2019 Bloomington General | District 3 Council Candidate: Marty Spechler
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-3-council-candidate-marty-spechler/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:12.000Z
Marty Spechler collected at least 89 signatures to qualify as an independent candidate to represent District 3 on the Bloomington city council. He faces Democratic Party nominee Ron Smith and independent Nick Kappas in the Nov. 5 general election. The incumbent Democrat, Allison Chopra, is not seeking re-election.
*Marty Spechler*
District 3 covers portions of Bloomington’s northeast and east sides. ([Click here for a map of city districts.](https://bloomington.in.gov/interactive/maps/councilmap))
Spechler is professor emeritus of economics at Indiana University.
He previously was elected to the Bloomington council in 2011 and served from 2012 through 2015\. In 2015 he entered the Democratic Party primary, seeking re-election—that race was won by Allison Chopra. Before that, he contested the Democratic Party primary in 2007, a race won by incumbent Mike Satterfield.
In 2016 he was a candidate for the District 6 seat on the Monroe County Consolidated School Corporation board, a race won by Lois Sabo-Skelton. In 2018 he was elected as a Democrat to the [Bloomington Township Board](http://www.bloomingtontownship.in.gov/).
For the 2019 city council campaign, Spechler says he favors expanding free parking downtown. He also encourages renovating older structures with rent subsidies as a way to make housing affordable. He says Bloomington should address climate change by using more solar panels and requiring environmentally responsible new construction.
Spechler is married to Dina Rome Spechler, who is a professor of political science at Indiana University.
## Links to Additional Information
Campaign website: in progress
Email: mspechler@gmail.com
Facebook: in progress
Twitter: NA
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item;id=9236)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1566232559%5F9344.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1566232591%5F46366.pdf)
- [Pre-Election Report of Receipts and Expenditures (due on Oct. 18, 2019)](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item;id=9237)
## In the News: Marty Spechler
[Bloomington city council candidate forum: Indiana University connections](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/11/03/bloomington-city-council-candidate-forum-indiana-university-connections/) – *B Square Beacon*, Nov. 3, 2019
[Inside baseball: Guenther swings away with farmers market “winning issue” accusation in District 2 city council race](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/29/guenther-swings-away-with-farmers-market-winning-issue-accusation-in-district-2-city-council-race/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 29, 2019
[Bloomington city council campaign filings: Party support means Republican candidate enjoys 20-to-1 funding advantage over Democrat](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/19/bloomington-city-council-campaign-filings-party-support-means-republican-candidate-enjoys-20-to-1-funding-advantage-over-democrat/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 19, 2019
[Key topics for District 3 city council race forum: convention center, transportation](http://Key topics for District 3 city council race forum: convention center, transportation)– *B Square Beacon,* Oct. 17, 2019
[Democratic Party mulls how to say: Bloomington’s District 3 city council race features exactly one Democrat](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/08/27/democratic-party-mulls-how-to-say-bloomingtons-district-3-city-council-race-features-exactly-one-democrat/) – *B Square Beacon,* Aug. 27, 2019
[Spechler’s council run is city’s first independent candidacy](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/spechler-s-council-run-is-city-s-first-independent-candidacy/article%5F0614ef51-8bf5-5e7b-9f10-b8aa394be0ee.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, June 17, 2019
### 2019 Bloomington General | District 3 Council Candidate: Nick Kappas
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-3-council-candidate-nick-kappas/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:13.000Z
Nick Kappas collected at least 89 signatures to qualify as an independent candidate to represent District 3 on the Bloomington city council. He faces Democratic Party nominee Ron Smith and independent Marty Spechler in the Nov. 5 general election. The incumbent Democrat, Allison Chopra, is not seeking re-election.
*Nick Kappas*
District 3 covers portions of Bloomington’s northeast and east sides. ([Click here for a map of city districts.](https://bloomington.in.gov/interactive/maps/councilmap))
Kappas works for Cook Medical.
His campaign website presents a four-point platform: infrastructure repair; east-side development; environmental sustainability and governmental efficiency.
In connection with the topic of development, Kappas cites his experience as a current member of Bloomington’s [plan commission](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/plan) and [zoning board of appeals](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/zoning-appeals).
Kappas earned a bachelor’s degree in science from IU-SPEA in policy analysis in 2010\. Four years later he earned a master’s degree in public affairs from IUPUI-SPEA.
Kappas is married to Sophia Percival, who is employed by Catalent Biopharma Solutions.
Kappas is serving as his own campaign chair and treasurer.
## Links to Additional Information
Campaign website: [kappasforbloomington.com](https://www.kappasforbloomington.com)
Email: kappasforcouncil@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/kappasforcouncil/?%5F%5Ftn%5F%5F=%3C-R&eid=ARD6JXUMXHl1PeQsbYLNwv1gWYEfXpKOK1rTYVhN9wyHHFrtInRHSBMdXtF7C0%5Fl0PbGw1wq18AO6UPE&hc%5Fref=ARSM78nXaINwJ1QibbJgxEy47dIorG%5FaHtR4cE7r2qM5CNgNocHgxLqVKB-mlBlPN7k)
Twitter: NA
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1566232660%5F12172.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1566232484%5F84039.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1566232525%5F07455.pdf)
- [Pre-Election Report of Receipts and Expenditures (due on Oct. 18, 2019)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2019-Kappas-finance-1571410241%5F11585.pdf)
## In the News: Nick Kappas
[Bloomington city council candidate forum: Indiana University connections](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/11/03/bloomington-city-council-candidate-forum-indiana-university-connections/) – *B Square Beacon*, Nov. 3, 2019
[Inside baseball: Guenther swings away with farmers market “winning issue” accusation in District 2 city council race](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/29/guenther-swings-away-with-farmers-market-winning-issue-accusation-in-district-2-city-council-race/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 29, 2019
[Bloomington city council campaign filings: Party support means Republican candidate enjoys 20-to-1 funding advantage over Democrat](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/19/bloomington-city-council-campaign-filings-party-support-means-republican-candidate-enjoys-20-to-1-funding-advantage-over-democrat/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 19, 2019
[Key topics for District 3 city council race forum: convention center, transportation](http://Key topics for District 3 city council race forum: convention center, transportation) – *B Square Beacon,* Oct. 17, 2019
[Bloomington city council candidates asked: What are you going to do to combat white supremacy in your support of the arts?](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/09/20/bloomington-city-council-candidates-asked-what-are-you-going-to-do-to-combat-white-supremacy-in-your-support-of-the-arts/) – *B Square Beacon,* Sept. 20, 2019
[Bloomington plan commission to take up city’s 4th Street parking garage site plan again in August amid doubts about legal authority to act on it](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/09/bloomington-plan-commission-to-take-up-citys-4th-street-parking-garage-site-plan-again-in-august-amid-doubts-about-legal-authority-to-act-on-it/) – *B Square Beacon*, July 9, 2019
[Kappas 2nd independent in District 3 council race](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/kappas-nd-independent-in-district-council-race/article%5Fdb4d76fa-4b7b-59a2-8f4d-8b22b2072a59.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, July 1, 2019
### 2019 Bloomington General | District 3 Council Candidate: Ron Smith
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-3-council-candidate-ron-smith/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:13.000Z
Ron Smith won the primary and is the Democratic Party nominee for a four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) representing District 3\. \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\]
He faces independents Marty Spechler and Nick Kappas in the Nov. 5 general election. The incumbent Democrat, Allison Chopra, is not seeking re-election.
*Ron Smith*
District 3 covers portions of Bloomington’s northeast and east sides. ([Click here for a map of city districts.](https://bloomington.in.gov/interactive/maps/councilmap))
After retiring from a career with the state’s Division of Aging and the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning, Smith now works as a care manager for [Area 10 Agency on Aging](http://www.area10agency.org/). He was appointed to the city’s [Commission on Aging](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/aging) earlier this year for a term ending Jan. 31, 2020.
The [Herald-Times](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/first-day-of-filing-kicks-off-elections/article%5F8fab45c6-0c20-53a2-a9e4-49068c5eff88.html) reported that Smith intends to focus on the needs of senior citizens, if elected.
Smith previously ran for the District 3 seat in 2011 by participating in a four-way Democratic Party primary, which was won by Marty Spechler.
Smith has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University and a master’s degree in social work from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Smith is married to Lynn Schwartzberg, general manager for [One World Catering](https://www.oneworldcaters.com).
He is serving as his own campaign treasurer and chair.
## Links to Additional Information
Campaign website: NA
Email: ronforcitycouncil2019@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1298874420)
Twitter: NA
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/f634ba4a%5Fb217%5Fcb5b%5Fa125%5F80d0f5ac5fa0.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/ebd4f825%5F9e78%5Fbe5a%5F79fa%5Faa942b2e3874.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/4742bdf0%5F714e%5Fc8d8%5F610b%5F20f515eed10a.pdf)
- [Pre-Election Report of Receipts and Expenditures (due on Oct. 18, 2019)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2019-Ron-Smith-city-council-1571409877%5F30284.pdf)
## In the News: Ron Smith
[Bloomington city council candidate forum: Indiana University connections](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/11/03/bloomington-city-council-candidate-forum-indiana-university-connections/) – *B Square Beacon*, Nov. 3, 2019
[Inside baseball: Guenther swings away with farmers market “winning issue” accusation in District 2 city council race](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/29/guenther-swings-away-with-farmers-market-winning-issue-accusation-in-district-2-city-council-race/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 29, 2019
[Bloomington city council campaign filings: Party support means Republican candidate enjoys 20-to-1 funding advantage over Democrat](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/10/19/bloomington-city-council-campaign-filings-party-support-means-republican-candidate-enjoys-20-to-1-funding-advantage-over-democrat/) – *B Square Beacon*, Oct. 19, 2019
[Key topics for District 3 city council race forum: convention center, transportation](http://Key topics for District 3 city council race forum: convention center, transportation) – *B Square Beacon,* Oct. 17, 2019
[Bloomington city council candidates asked: What are you going to do to combat white supremacy in your support of the arts?](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/09/20/bloomington-city-council-candidates-asked-what-are-you-going-to-do-to-combat-white-supremacy-in-your-support-of-the-arts/) – *B Square Beacon,* Sept. 20, 2019
[Hamilton, Smith, uncontested Democrats look to fall election](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/hamilton-smith-uncontested-democrats-look-to-fall-election/article%5F5bc27ba3-ab88-5099-89de-14473fbb23ab.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[Bloomington races not over, despite candidates’ actions; independent plans mayoral run](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/bloomington-races-not-over-despite-candidates-actions-independent-plans-mayoral/article%5F4e4f3286-59ee-5e9f-851d-5522467dc3e1.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, March 29, 2019
[Blickensdorf drops out of city council race, resigns from parking commissions](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/03/blickensdorf-drops-out-of-city-council-race-resigns-from-parking-commission) – *Indiana Daily Student*, March 27, 2019
[Blickensdorf resigns from city council race, parking commission](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/blickensdorf-resigns-from-city-council-race-parking-commission/article%5F2e89c821-8a2a-5adf-8f91-42e4fcb82de6.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, March 27, 2019
[District 3 candidate Ron Smith to advocate for ‘responsible’ development,’ neighborhoods](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/03/ron-smith-to-advocate-for-responsible-development-and-neighborhood-wellbeing-in-district-3-bloomington-city-council-candidate) – *Indiana Daily Student*, March 25, 2019
[Big Talk Interview with District 3 Candidate Ron Smith](http://wfhb.org/news/dist-3-city-council-candidate-ron-smith/) – *WFHB*, March 21, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[First day of filing kicks off 2019 elections](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/first-day-of-filing-kicks-off-elections/article%5F8fab45c6-0c20-53a2-a9e4-49068c5eff88.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Jan. 8, 2019
### 2019 Bloomington General | District 4 Council Candidate: Dave Rollo
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-4-council-candidate-dave-rollo/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:13.000Z
Dave Rollo is seeking re-election for a fifth four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) in District 4\. He is unopposed in the race, so [no election for District 4 will be held on Nov. 5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/08/01/county-election-board-makes-it-official-no-general-elections-in-bloomington-except-for-district-2-and-district-3/), and Rollo will win the race by default.
*Dave Rollo*
Rollo won the Democratic Party primary for District 4 with 1,079 votes (65.20 percent), compared to 576 votes (34.80 percent) for [Miah Michaelsen](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-district-4-miah-michaelsen/). \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\]
No Republican candidate contested the primary and the party did not “caucus-in” a candidate. No independent or write-in candidates filed paperwork to be a candidate.
District 4 covers parts of east and southeast Bloomington. ([Click here for a map of city districts.](https://bloomington.in.gov/interactive/maps/councilmap))
Rollo is a partner in [Stranger’s Hill Organics](http://www.strangershillorganics.com/), an organic farm located about six miles west of downtown Bloomington. First elected to council in 2003, he is the current council president and previously held that role in 2015 and 2007.
During his council tenure Rollo has co-authored the city’s [“green building” ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/legislation/Ordinance/2009/09-04) and served on several city advisory groups, including the [Commission on Sustainability](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/sustainability), the [Sidewalk Committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/sidewalks), and the [Economic Development Commission](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/economic-development).
In 2012, Rollo chaired the Bloomington-Monroe County Deer Task Force, which recommended culling deer at the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve. That stance contributed to a [tight re-election bid in 2015](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/deer-kill-influences-bloomington-city-council-race-81895/), when Rollo narrowly defeated Philippa Guthrie in that year’s Democratic Party primary.
In 2005 Rollo co-founded Bloomingpeak, a local peak oil awareness group. In 2007 he sponsored a resolution creating a [peak oil task force for the city](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/peak-oil), which filed a final report in 2009.
A native of the Detroit area, Rollo earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in plant sciences from Indiana University.
Rollo is married to Heather Reynolds, an [associate professor of biology](http://www.indiana.edu/~reynolab/) at Indiana University. She is Rollo’s campaign treasurer. He is serving as his own campaign chair.
## Links to Additional Information
[Campaign website](https://daverollo.com/)
Email: daverollo2011@yahoo.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6853554)
Twitter: NA
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1550177615%5F00353.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549634642%5F95003.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549634585%5F34318.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555947394%5F19077.pdf)
## In the News: Dave Rollo
[Contested Bloomington elections set for fall: None citywide, two of six council districts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) – *B Square Beacon*, July 3, 2019
[Filing deadline passes with no independent candidates for Bloomington mayor on the ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) *B Square Beacon*, July 1, 2019
[Rosenbarger, Sgambelluri upend Sturbaum, Granger; Rollo, Piedmont-Smith win](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/rosenbarger-sgambelluri-upend-sturbaum-granger-rollo-piedmont-smith-win/article%5F9fbae3c9-26c1-5a5d-8f1f-bb51315553e8.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[District 4 candidates talk affordable housing, business development and other priorities](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/district-candidates-talk-affordable-housing-business-development-and-other-priorities/article%5Fe2eb1bcd-2e00-52e1-97b0-05a109d2d238.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 1, 2019
[Rollo, first to introduce city sustainability, seeks fifth council term](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/rollo-first-to-introduce-city-sustainability-seeks-fifth-council-term) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 14, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[‘Divorced from reality’: Vote on city’s contested transportation plan postponed](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/02/divorced-from-reality-vote-on-citys-contested-transportation-plan-postponed) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Feb. 6, 2019
[Meadowood Retirement Expansion Receives Approval From Bloomington City Council](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/meadowood-retirement-expansion-receives-approval-from-bloomington-city-council.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Dec. 6, 2018
[City council postpones decision on 4th Street, Trades District parking garages](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/11/city-council-postpones-decision-on-4th-street-trades-district-parking-garages) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Nov. 15, 2018
[City council rejects Century Village housing project](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/11/city-council-rejects-century-village-housing-project) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Nov. 15, 2018
[Local Hunter-Led Deer Cull Approved For Griffy Lake Preserve](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/proposed-deer-cull-to-move-forward-with-city-council-approval.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Sept. 20, 2018
[City council moves ahead with IU Health hospital purchase agreement after ejecting protester ](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-council-moves-ahead-with-iu-health-hospital-purchase-agreement/article%5Fc679c904-9a2f-5f74-951d-070b62128396.html)– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 11, 2018
[Bloomington Tax Increase Would Pay For Sidewalk Repairs](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-sidewalk-cracks-fixed-tax-increase-passes-141082/) – *Indiana Public Media*, Feb. 15, 2018
[Deer Kill Debate Influences Bloomington City Council Race](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/deer-kill-influences-bloomington-city-council-race-81895/) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 5, 2015
[Meet Dave Rollo: Incumbent for Bloomington City Council District 4 ](https://blogs.hoosiertimes.com/govtracker/?p=6083)– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 30, 2015
[Bloomington Council Backs ‘Super TIF’ Measure](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-council-backs-supertif-measure-78693/) – *Indiana Public Media*, Feb. 26, 2015
[Bloomington City Council Approves Tax Break for New Hotel](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/city-council-approves-tax-break-hotel-49078/) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 9, 2013
### 2019 Bloomington General | District 5 Council Candidate: Isabel Piedmont-Smith
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-5-council-candidate-isabel-piedmont-smith/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:13.000Z
Isabel Piedmont-Smith is seeking re-election to a third four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) representing District 5\. She is unopposed in the general election, so [no election for District 5 will be held on Nov. 5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/08/01/county-election-board-makes-it-official-no-general-elections-in-bloomington-except-for-district-2-and-district-3/) and Piedmont-Smith will win the race by default.
*Isabel Piedmont-Smith*
Piedmont-Smith won the Democratic Party primary for District 5 with 1,027 votes (81.38 percent), compared to 235 votes (18.62 percent) for Ryan Maloney. \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\] No Republican candidate contested the primary and the party did not “caucus-in” a candidate. No independent or write-in candidates filed paperwork to be a candidate.
District 5 covers portions of south and southeast Bloomington. ([Click here for a map of city districts.](https://bloomington.in.gov/interactive/maps/councilmap))
Piedmont-Smith is fiscal officer and department administrator for Indiana University’s [Department of French & Italian](http://frit.indiana.edu/people.shtml), a job she’s held since 1998\. She was first elected to council in 2007\. Citing family obligations, she did not seek re-election in 2011, but returned in 2015 to win another four-year term.
During her council tenure, Piedmont-Smith has co-authored the city’s [“green building” ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/legislation/Ordinance/2009/09-04) and served on several advisory groups, including the [Plan Commission](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/plan) and the [Environmental Commission](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/environment). She currently is a member of the [Common Council Land Use Committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/land-use), the [Policy Committee of the Bloomington/Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/mpo-policy), the [Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding Committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/jack-hopkins), and the [Public Safety Local Income Tax Committee of the Monroe County Local Income Tax Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/public-safety-local-income-tax).
She is known for holding monthly constituent sessions, which are posted on her [council web page](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/smith).
Piedmont-Smith grew up in Bloomington. She received a bachelor’s degree in history from Oberlin College and a master’s degree in social studies education from Boston University.
She is married to David Smith, who works for Baxter Pharmaceuticals.
Penny Githens is Piedmont-Smith’s campaign treasurer. Piedmont-Smith is serving as her own campaign chair.
## Links to Additional Information
[Campaign website](http://www.piedmontsmith.us/)
Email: piedmontsmith4council@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/isabel.piedmontsmith)
[Twitter: @piedmontsmith](https://twitter.com/piedmontsmith)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548700360%5F79043.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548700425%5F08394.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548700466%5F62098.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555946456%5F45345.pdf)
## In the News: Isabel Piedmont-Smith
[Contested Bloomington elections set for fall: None citywide, two of six council districts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) – *B Square Beacon*, July 3, 2019
[Filing deadline passes with no independent candidates for Bloomington mayor on the ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) *B Square Beacon*, July 1, 2019
[Rosenbarger, Sgambelluri upend Sturbaum, Granger; Rollo, Piedmont-Smith win](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/rosenbarger-sgambelluri-upend-sturbaum-granger-rollo-piedmont-smith-win/article%5F9fbae3c9-26c1-5a5d-8f1f-bb51315553e8.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[District 5: Hospital, parks and transportation key issues](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/district-hospital-parks-and-transportation-key-issues/article%5F3959fc86-f8eb-55ee-8781-8cc79b0a6af1.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 29, 2019
[Council candidates discuss Fourth Street parking garage, housing development](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/council-candidates-discuss-fourth-street-parking-garage-housing-development-bloomington) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 2, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Bloomington City Council Votes Down Fourth Street Garage Reconstruction Proposal](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-city-council-votes-down-fourth-street-garage-reconstruction-proposal.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Dec. 20, 2018
[City council rejects Century Village housing project](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/11/city-council-rejects-century-village-housing-project) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Nov. 15, 2018
[Protesters say mayor’s decision on armored truck will not end discussion](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/03/protesters-say-mayors-decision-on-armored-truck-will-not-end-discussion) – *Indiana Daily Student*, March 29, 2018
[Council Adjourns Seconds Before Armored Vehicle Protesters Disrupt Meeting](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/city-council-ends-seconds-black-lives-matters-protesters-disrupt-meeting-144106/) – *Indiana Public Media*, March 28, 2018
[City councilwomen address #MeToo movement](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/02/cacouncilwomen013118) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Feb. 28, 2018
[Bloomington City Council approves master plan](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/01/bloomington-city-council-approves-master-plan) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Jan. 19, 2018
[Bloomington City Council Votes In Favor Of Granny Flats](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-city-council-votes-favor-granny-flats-126994/) – *Indiana Public Media*, Sept. 7, 2017
[Contested Bloomington City Council district seats go to a veteran and a newcomer](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/contested-bloomington-city-council-district-seats-go-to-a-veteran/article%5F709577ee-66cf-5697-8cc3-d9d90a493663.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Nov. 4, 2015
### 2019 Bloomington General | District 6 Council Candidate: Steve Volan
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-district-6-council-candidate-steve-volan/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:14.000Z
Steve Volan is seeking re-election to a four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) representing District 6\. He is unopposed in the general election, so [no election for District 6 will be held on Nov. 5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/08/01/county-election-board-makes-it-official-no-general-elections-in-bloomington-except-for-district-2-and-district-3/) and Volan will win the race by default.
*Steve Volan*
Volan ran unopposed in the District 6 Democratic Party primary and won with 176 votes. \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\] No Republican candidate contested the primary and the party did not “caucus-in” a candidate. No independent or write-in candidates filed paperwork to be a candidate.
District 6 covers most of Bloomington’s downtown area, and a dogleg along Atwater. ([Click here for a map of city districts.](https://bloomington.in.gov/interactive/maps/councilmap))
This will be Volan’s fifth term on council. He was first elected in 2003 and has held various council leadership roles over the years. He is now the council’s parliamentarian.
During his tenure he has served on numerous city advisory groups, and is currently a member of the [Parking Commission](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/parking), which he helped create, and the [Common Council Land Use Committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/land-use).
In a [Herald-Times article](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/volan-bases-city-council-bid-on-understanding-students-role-in/article%5F79145888-1d54-588e-be5d-a90381327853.html) published earlier this year, Volan noted that the majority of residents in District 6 are Indiana University students, but that basic issues – landlord/tenant relations, parking, trash, quality of life – concern everyone. He also cited the need to continue work on parking and public transit issues.
Volan has lived in Bloomington since the mid-1980s. In 1994, he was a founding board member of the [Lotus World Music and Arts Festival](https://www.lotusfest.org/) and has been an emcee for the annual event. In 1995 he founded BlueMarble, an Internet service provider that he sold eventually to [Smithville Fiber](https://www.smithville.com/).
From 2002 to 2009 Volan owned The Cinemat, a downtown Bloomington video store and performance venue. He is also a long-time volunteer at [WFHB](http://wfhb.org), and has hosted the “Siren Songs” program on that station. He posts occasionally on his [Councilmanic](http://councilmanic.us/) blog, and is known for having [worn a chicken suit to council](http://councilmanic.us/2016/11/01/a-decade-later-the-chicken-suit-lives-on/).
Volan grew up in northwest Indiana and earned an undergraduate degree from Indiana University. He recently completed a master’s degree in geography at IU and plans to publish his master’s thesis – [“Gownsburg: The Campus As a Municipal Phenomenon”](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?fbclid=IwAR0Y8DPRtdqd2BJmtjHc4hM3gO2EIwoOl3uDJO50HZQBQPQIP07UOqYJNg8&list=PLnyTByOPJ2bm%5F9EjU-vo52dFrAbMwGyH4) – as a book.
Volan is serving as his campaign’s treasurer and chair.
## Links to Additional Information
Campaign website: NA ([Personal website](http://volan.org/))
Email: vote@volan.org
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/VolanCouncil/)
[Twitter: @sgv](https://twitter.com/sgv)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548782265%5F33496.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548782312%5F60805.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548782349%5F2575.pdf)
- [Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555445219%5F91078.pdf)
## In the News: Steve Volan
[Contested Bloomington elections set for fall: None citywide, two of six council districts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) – *B Square Beacon*, July 3, 2019
[Filing deadline passes with no independent candidates for Bloomington mayor on the ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) *B Square Beacon*, July 1, 2019
[Hamilton, Smith, uncontested Democrats look to fall election](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/hamilton-smith-uncontested-democrats-look-to-fall-election/article%5F5bc27ba3-ab88-5099-89de-14473fbb23ab.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[Steve Volan runs unopposed for fifth city council term in District 6](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/steve-volan-runs-unopposed-for-fifth-city-council-term-in-district-6) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 21, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Volan bases city council bid on understanding students’ role in city](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/volan-bases-city-council-bid-on-understanding-students-role-in/article%5F79145888-1d54-588e-be5d-a90381327853.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 6, 2019
“[Gownsburg: The Campus As a Municipal Phenomenon](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?fbclid=IwAR2uSmrXC2o%5FCe2%5F6qQSPRaxVoFTH1sxG0Phd276fJizFzO15udU-CnYH-U&list=PLnyTByOPJ2bm%5F9EjU-vo52dFrAbMwGyH4)” (YouTube video of Steve Volan’s [master’s thesis colloquium talk](https://anthropology.indiana.edu/news-events/events-calendar/geography-colloquium-1-25-2019.html)) – Jan. 25, 2019
[4th St. Garage Debate Part Of City’s Future Transportation Plan](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/4th-st.-garage-debate-part-of-citys-future-transportation-plan.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Dec. 12, 2018
[IU, Bloomington relations could strengthen with new student position](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/08/iu-bloomington-relations-could-strengthen-with-new-student-position) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Aug. 16, 2018
[Councilmember Volan advocates for more transparency in recycling services](http://wfhb.org/uncategorized/councilmember-volan-advocates-for-more-transparency-in-recycling-services/) – *WFHB*, Jan. 27, 2016
[Approaching autism theatrically (video)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN1bKV5nxy0) – *TEDxBloomington*, June 30, 2011
### 2019 Bloomington General | Mayoral Candidate: John Hamilton
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-mayoral-candidate-john-hamilton/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:14.000Z
John Hamilton is running for his second four-year term as mayor of the City of Bloomington. He is unopposed in the general election, so [no election will be held for mayor on Nov. 5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/08/01/county-election-board-makes-it-official-no-general-elections-in-bloomington-except-for-district-2-and-district-3/).
No Republicans appeared on the primary ballot, and the party did not “caucus in” a candidate for the general election. No [independent](http://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) or [write-in](http://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) candidates filed the necessary paperwork to be a candidate for mayor.
Hamilton won the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary over [Amanda Barge](http://bsquarebulletin.com/mayoral-candidate-amanda-barge/). \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\].
*John Hamilton*
On his [campaign website](http://www.johnhamiltonformayor.com/), Hamilton describes a platform that focuses on affordable housing, job creation and economic development, quality of life, democratic engagement and government transparency. His accomplishments mentioned on the site include development of the downtown [Trades District](https://bloomington.in.gov/trades/), the 2019 [National Award for Local Arts Leadership](https://bloomington.in.gov/index.php/news/2019/01/25/3867), [solar energy initiatives](https://bloomington.in.gov/index.php/news/2017/07/31/2761), and “[Mayor at the Market](https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2016/03/31/2389)” program.
Hamilton’s tenure has also generated some controversy. He has been criticized for how he handled [efforts to annex parts of Monroe County](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/bloomington-annexation-plan-effectively-killed-with-passage-of-state-budget/article%5F028ed4f3-3255-5dd4-a3d8-caf4e5b151bf.html), the [BearCat armored vehicle purchase](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/07/armored-truck-source-of-debate-and-protest-arrives-in-bloomington), and the [publishing of private addresses of drug overdose victims](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/display-of-overdose-death-data-on-city-s-website-continues/article%5F247c0ec6-89e3-5eef-88f5-12aa8742adb7.html).
Hamilton first ran for mayor in 2011 but lost in the Democratic Party primary to incumbent Mark Kruzan. In 2015, Kruzan did not seek re-election and [endorsed council president Darryl Neher](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/darryl-neher-announces-candidacy-bloomington-mayor-77007/) in the Democratic primary. Hamilton [prevailed with 58% of votes cast](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/hamilton-defeats-neher-bloomington-democratic-primary-81763/). He defeated Republican John Turnbull in the November general election.
A Bloomington native, Hamilton’s first experience as an elected official was on the [Monroe County Community School Corp](https://www.mccsc.edu/). board. He served one term from 2008 to 2012, representing District 6\. His other community work includes chairing Bloomington’s [Commission on Sustainability](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/sustainability) from 2005 to 2009, and serving as president of the [Shalom Community Center](http://shalomcommunitycenter.org/) board from 2013 to 2015.
From 2001 to 2003 he was secretary of the [Indiana Family and Social Services Administration](https://www.in.gov/fssa/), appointed by Gov. Frank O’Bannon. Previously he had been appointed by O’Bannon as commissioner for the [Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management](https://www.in.gov/idem/), a position he held from 1997 to 1999.
In 1998, Hamilton founded [City First Bank of D.C.](https://www.cityfirstbank.com/node/60), a certified [Community Development Financial Institution](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cdfi.asp) focused on financing for low-to-moderate-income communities.
Hamilton, the nephew of former U.S. Congressman Lee Hamilton, holds an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and a law degree from Indiana University. He is married to [Dawn Johnsen](https://www.law.indiana.edu/about/people/bio.php?name=johnsen-dawn), an Indiana University law professor. The couple has two sons, Matthew and Eric.
Former Bloomington mayor Tomi Allison is serving as Hamilton’s campaign manager. His campaign treasurer for the primary was Jen Pearl, who was recently hired as CEO of the [Bloomington Economic Development Corp. (BEDC)](https://bloomingtonedc.com/). Pearl is married to Larry Allen, the City of Bloomington’s assistant city attorney who is now serving as Hamilton’s campaign treasurer.
## Links to Additional Information
[Campaign website](http://www.johnhamiltonformayor.com/)
Email: johnhamiltonformayor@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/johnhamiltonformayor/)
[Twitter: @john4btown](https://twitter.com/john4btown)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/272d59a1%5F3260%5Fb7fd%5F781b%5F2d9ff3c29f4b.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1547493049%5F44333.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1551899814%5F00813.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555949361%5F71628.pdf)
- [Candidate’s Statement of Organization and Designation of Principal Committee (updated)](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1557766295%5F59025.pdf)
- [Report of Receipts and Expenditures — Outgoing Treasurer](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1558008792%5F42655.pdf)
## In the News: John Hamilton
[Contested Bloomington elections set for fall: None citywide, two of six council districts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) – *B Square Beacon*, July 3, 2019
[Filing deadline passes with no independent candidates for Bloomington mayor on the ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) *B Square Beacon*, July 1, 2019
[Hamilton, Smith, uncontested Democrats look to fall election](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/hamilton-smith-uncontested-democrats-look-to-fall-election/article%5F5bc27ba3-ab88-5099-89de-14473fbb23ab.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[Hamilton’s campaign funds bolstered by small group](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/hamilton-s-campaign-funds-bolstered-by-small-group/article%5F373e3489-0d62-574a-8039-1eb93771eebe.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 5, 2019
[City candidates discuss inclusivity, guns at North’s election forum](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-candidates-discuss-inclusivity-guns-at-north-s-election-forum/article%5Fc4a25408-27f6-58a9-97eb-46650c79371b.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 17, 2019
[Ask The Mayor: Bloomington’s Hamilton On Lack Of Primary Opponent, Buttigieg](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/ask-the-mayor-bloomingtons-hamilton-on-lack-of-primary-opponent,-buttigieg.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, April 17, 2019
[Bloomington races not over, despite candidates’ actions; independent plans mayoral run](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/bloomington-races-not-over-despite-candidates-actions-independent-plans-mayoral/article%5F4e4f3286-59ee-5e9f-851d-5522467dc3e1.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, March 29, 2019
[What Happens Next In The Bloomington Mayoral Primary Election](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/what-happens-next-in-the-bloomington-mayoral-primary-election.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, March 27, 2019
[Barge, Hamilton receive endorsements](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/barge-hamilton-receive-endorsements/article%5F821bc143-8a0e-5232-b25b-a8b0ef964f64.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, March 25, 2019
[Ask The Mayor: Bloomington’s Hamilton On Preservation, Annexation Lawsuit](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/ask-the-mayor-bloomingtons-hamilton-on-rental-fees,-annexation-lawsuit.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, March 20, 2019
[Barge, Hamilton talk housing at second debate](http://wfhb.org/news/barge-hamilton-debate-housing-in-second-debate/) – *WFHB*, March 19, 2019
[Bloomington Mayoral Candidates Debate Development, Healthcare, Sustainability](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-mayoral-candidates-weigh-in-on-city-issues-during-public-debate.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, March 19, 2019
[Mayoral candidates Barge, Hamilton offer contrasting views at forum](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/mayoral-candidates-barge-hamilton-offer-contrasting-views-at-forum/article%5Fd2c880a7-8596-5104-8c25-478dae400757.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, March 19, 2019
[Hamilton and Barge clash on the definition, importance of progressivism](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/03/hamilton-and-barge-clash-on-the-definition-importance-of-progressivism) – *Indiana Daily Student*, March 19, 2019
[Mayoral candidate forum](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=banner&webquery=democracy+for+monroe+county) (video) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, March 18, 2019
[Hamilton’s well-funded campaign dwarfs Barge’s](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/hamilton-s-well-funded-campaign-dwarfs-barge-s/article%5F657e1bc0-9b13-5558-9b48-e3e2702e3407.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, March 10, 2019
[After three years in office, Hamilton is running again. Here’s what he’s done so far.](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/03/after-three-years-in-office-hamilton-is-running-again-heres-what-hes-done-so-far) – *Indiana Daily Student*, March 6, 2019
[Bloomington mayoral candidates Hamilton, Barge visit IU campus, debate affordable housing](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/02/bloomington-mayoral-candidates-hamilton-barge-visit-iu-campus-to-debate-affordable-housing) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Feb. 26, 2019
[Mayoral candidates discuss affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/mayoral-candidates-discuss-affordable-housing/article%5Fdceb2654-e58e-5dea-8e18-9f9b2759315d.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 26, 2019
[Mayor condemns state government, discusses city’s accomplishments and challenges](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/02/mayor-condemns-state-government-discusses-citys-accomplishments-and-challenges) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Feb. 22, 2019
[State of the City addresses power dynamics](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/state-of-the-city-addresses-power-dynamics/article%5F08f67e01-978e-57ba-9d00-a50b60a19b57.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 21, 2019
[City’s Facebook page promoted mayor’s re-election yard signs](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-s-facebook-page-promoted-mayor-s-re-election-yard/article%5F82592f29-1f26-5973-882b-8536c7dea2cf.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 21, 2019
[Ask The Mayor: Bloomington’s Hamilton On New Hospital Traffic, State Of City](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/ask-the-mayor-bloomingtons-hamilton-on-new-hospital-traffic,-state-of-city.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Feb. 20, 2019
[City to sign letter urging state legislators to pass hate crime legislation](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/01/city-to-sign-letter-urging-state-legislators-to-pass-hate-crime-legislation) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Jan. 30, 2019
[Food and commercial workers union endorses Hamilton](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/food-and-commercial-workers-union-endorses-hamilton/article%5F6562c91f-3d7e-5b94-8084-2dc72aa006b2.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Jan. 24, 2019
[Ask The Mayor: Bloomington’s Hamilton On Reelection, Parking](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/ask-the-mayor-bloomingtons-hamilton-on-reelection,-parking.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Jan. 16, 2019
[Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton announces 2019 re-election campaign](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/12/bloomington-mayor-john-hamilton-announces-2019-re-election-campaign) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Dec. 5, 2018
[Hamilton launches re-election campaign for mayor](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/hamilton-launches-re-election-campaign-for-mayor/article%5Faf84a51c-1720-50f0-a3c9-d4064a835868.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Dec. 4, 2018
[City council postpones decision on 4th Street, Trades District parking garages](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/11/city-council-postpones-decision-on-4th-street-trades-district-parking-garages) – I*ndiana Daily Student*, Nov. 15, 2018
### 2019 Bloomington General |At-Large Council Candidate: Matt Flaherty
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-general-at-large-council-candidate-matt-flaherty/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:14.000Z
Matt Flaherty is running in the general election for one of three at-large councilmember seats on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council), with two other candidates, incumbents Susan Sandberg and Jim Sims.
Because the three are not opposed by any other candidates on the ballot or as write-ins, [no election will be held for the at-large seats on Nov. 5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/08/01/county-election-board-makes-it-official-no-general-elections-in-bloomington-except-for-district-2-and-district-3/) and they’ll win by default.
*Matt Flaherty*
No Republicans appeared on the primary ballot, and the party did not “caucus in” any candidates for the general election. No [independent](http://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) or [write-in](http://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) candidates filed to be a candidate for city council’s at-large seats.
The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\] Other candidates for at-large seats in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary were [Vauhxx Booker](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-vauhxx-booker/), [Jean Capler](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jean-capler/), and incumbent [Andy Ruff.](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-andy-ruff/)
Flaherty is a graduate student at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), studying energy and climate issues. He holds a law degree from IU and previously practiced patent law with [Winston & Strawn LLP](https://www.winston.com/en/) in Chicago.
He operates [Run Flaherty Coaching](http://www.runflaherty.com/p/coaching.html), a personal coaching business for runners.
Flaherty and Kate Rosenbarger were co-chairs of [Friends of the IU Cross Country Course.](https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofIUXC/) The group tried to save the course from development of the new Regional Academic Health Center, which is being constructed on the same site. Rosenbarger is the Democratic Party candidate for council in District 1, running unopposed in the Nov. 5 general election. They held a [joint campaign kick-off event](https://www.facebook.com/FlahertyForBloomington/videos/539730916518724/?hc%5Fref=ARRnBpWe0S4ATjtFlXZkhgqfWMhQaNXKiPIZ7w%5FWo2odpheUhdWMCgJUIjDPNE8R8Nc&%5F%5Fxts%5F%5F[0]=68.ARDdzMKODvhpegPPdtoRG4GUDKtfGInqfOrYSk6fCRdos029VH7EKPT%5Fj1Y5vBAapE9fTtjhwcestjtaGaDwcxEN6gILXN44bbhpW3dU9wUGRj5nC7TBWHS6fbzz%5FeJ%5F%5F15OUtl1bjkS7-890lgSGwoVuTnJJmXhBPY2wuLzkLuiDjOmsNX%5FOEcuS-I06Lr0uh7a2PBBjMLkLQDIo0cd4OWtiEAn7ogLaDzDMqqxfx7nR67dmDOfGqizusfKwXb1qLUGpdgcvwT2RVMk2WB4N1jBI-cIOvVUtPc7GfT0IIYgthz9rNmElMnutsDLm9JsTleZj0oMy-xUIemRpFN63VsNnAHKY-YAoEugYmkFBPIHtX9WYJ1tG9xn8DnO8SoAnDuYKEc0tGGeT-dKBnRLqAugYTWfbcbsIqZfiXzCwKuORVWgXqua%5FUB6veRjlZHMT1T5I7Yb%5FF5leWa-31XLev9%5FiL114q03P%5FdS%5F4AjXaPwqK2swkvrh5eWEAt8bnNv3AUaWg&%5F%5Ftn%5F%5F=FC-R) in February.
Flaherty is married to Beth Rosenbarger, planning services manager for the City of Bloomington. Beth and Kate Rosenbarger are sisters.
Flaherty currently serves on the City of Bloomington’s [Commission on Sustainability](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/sustainability), a council appointment for a term ending Jan. 31, 2020\. He is vice president of the [Energy Leaders Student Association](https://speacareerhub.indiana.edu/blog/2018/10/09/energy-student-leaders-association-elsa/), a SPEA group focused on sustainability, climate change, and environmental impacts of the energy system. He is also a contributor to the [Limestone Post](https://www.limestonepostmagazine.com/author/mattflaherty/), a local online magazine.
He [told the Indiana Daily Student](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/02/two-iu-students-to-run-for-bloomington-city-council) that he’s interested in approaching issues like affordable housing through the lens of sustainability, and that he could help bridge the gap between the city and the university.
Flaherty is serving as his own campaign treasurer and chair.
## Links to Additional Information
Campaign website: [flahertyforbloomington.com](https://www.flahertyforbloomington.com/)
Email: MattAFlaherty@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mattaflaherty)
Twitter: [@MattAFlaherty](https://twitter.com/mattaflaherty)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548781146%5F54931.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548781623%5F96571.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548781069%5F28047.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests-2](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1554207862%5F72304.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555947913%5F4303.pdf)
## In the News: Matt Flaherty
[Contested Bloomington elections set for fall: None citywide, two of six council districts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/03/contested-bloomington-elections-set-for-fall-none-citywide-two-of-six-council-districts/) – *B Square Beacon*, July 3, 2019
[Filing deadline passes with no independent candidates for Bloomington mayor on the ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/01/filing-deadline-passes-with-no-independent-candidates-for-bloomington-mayor-on-the-ballot/) *B Square Beacon*, July 1, 2019
[Sandberg, Sims, Flaherty earn Democratic at-large city council nominations; Ruff out](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/sandberg-sims-flaherty-earn-democratic-at-large-city-council-nominations/article%5Ff4e30be1-f6f1-5b67-a1ec-3cf4a8dbfe96.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[City council at-large candidates discuss affordable housing, parking](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-council-at-large-candidates-discuss-affordable-housing-parking/article%5F7ac949ba-e93f-5480-a9dc-27fc90a0e3ce.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 3, 2019
[Council candidates discuss Fourth Street parking garage, housing development](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/council-candidates-discuss-fourth-street-parking-garage-housing-development-bloomington) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 2, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[At-large city council candidates talk climate, development, equality at forum](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/03/at-large-city-council-candidates-talk-climate-development-equality-at-forum) – *Indiana Daily Student,* March 26, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Two IU students to run for Bloomington City Council](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/02/two-iu-students-to-run-for-bloomington-city-council) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Feb. 4, 2019
[Flaherty enters council race for citywide representation](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/flaherty-enters-council-race-for-citywide-representation/article%5Fca355613-b29a-560d-9044-265ce6c09748.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Jan. 8, 2019
### 2019 Bloomington Primary | Council Candidate At-Large: Jim Sims
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jim-sims/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:38:41.000Z
*Outcome: The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\]*
Jim Sims is running for a four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) as an at-large councilmember. He is one of six candidates vying for three at-large seats in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary. Other at-large candidates are [Vauhxx Booker](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-vauhxx-booker/), [Jean Capler](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jean-capler/), [Matt Flaherty](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-matt-flaherty/), [Andy Ruff](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-andy-ruff/), and [Susan Sandberg](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-susan-sandberg/).
Jim Sims
No Republicans have filed for the at-large seats in the May primary.
Sims has served on council in an at-large seat since August 2017\. He was chosen by the Monroe County Democratic Party caucus to replace Tim Mayer, who resigned.
In 2003 Sims ran for the common council to represent District 1, but voters in the Democratic primary that year gave the nomination to Chris Sturbaum in the two-candidate race.
In a recent interview with the [Herald-Times](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/sims-seeks-to-retain-at-large-council-seat/article%5F0cf4cb83-6818-5d7f-8c82-7cc13d6aa8d8.html), Sims said that he hopes to continue serving on council to promote job growth, infrastructure improvement and social equity.
Sims is president of the [Monroe County chapter of the NAACP](https://www.facebook.com/MonroeCountyNAACP/) and is a member of the [Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus](https://www.facebook.com/MCBlackDems/). He co-founded the Bloomington Black Strategic Alliance (BBSA), and has been a frequent co-host of the WFHB talk show [Bring It On](http://wfhb.org/category/public-affairs/bringiton/).
Over the years he has served on several city advisory boards and commissions. He is currently a member of the [Public Safety Local Income Tax Committee of the Monroe County Local Income Tax Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/public-safety-local-income-tax), the [Common Council Sidewalk Committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/sidewalks), and the [Utilities Service Board](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/utilities-service) (ex-officio).
Sims has lived in Bloomington since the mid-1970s, and has a general studies degree from Indiana University. He is retiring in February 2019 from IU, where he has worked as facility manager for the northwestern residence halls.
He is married to Doris Sims, director of the city’s [Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND)](https://bloomington.in.gov/departments/hand). They have two children, Camisha and James.
Sims is serving as his own campaign treasurer and chair.
## Links to Additional Information
Campaign website: NA
Email: jimsims1212@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/jim.sims.5220)
Twitter: NA
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549460379%5F2457.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549460179%5F0396.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549460254%5F32259.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555951707%5F39362.pdf)
## In the News: Jim Sims
[Sandberg, Sims, Flaherty earn Democratic at-large city council nominations; Ruff out](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/sandberg-sims-flaherty-earn-democratic-at-large-city-council-nominations/article%5Ff4e30be1-f6f1-5b67-a1ec-3cf4a8dbfe96.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[City council at-large candidates discuss affordable housing, parking](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-council-at-large-candidates-discuss-affordable-housing-parking/article%5F7ac949ba-e93f-5480-a9dc-27fc90a0e3ce.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 3, 2019
[City candidates discuss inclusivity, guns at North’s election forum](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-candidates-discuss-inclusivity-guns-at-north-s-election-forum/article%5Fc4a25408-27f6-58a9-97eb-46650c79371b.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 17, 2019
[Sims runs for re-election to support new jobs, affordable housing, diverse voices](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/sims-runs-for-re-election-to-support-new-jobs-affordable-housing-diverse-voices) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 16, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[At-large city council candidates talk climate, development, equality at forum](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/03/at-large-city-council-candidates-talk-climate-development-equality-at-forum) – *Indiana Daily Student,* March 26, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Jim and Doris Sims: Dedicated to improving the community](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/jim-and-doris-sims-dedicated-to-improving-the-community/article%5Fc866fca3-d5a9-5501-9e06-87d255b72a8f.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 13, 2019
[Sims seeks to retain at-large council seat](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/sims-seeks-to-retain-at-large-council-seat/article%5F0cf4cb83-6818-5d7f-8c82-7cc13d6aa8d8.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 8, 2019
[Bloomington City Council Votes Down Fourth Street Garage Reconstruction Proposal](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-city-council-votes-down-fourth-street-garage-reconstruction-proposal.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Dec. 20, 2018
[Bloomington Black Strategic Alliance: A Black Voice for the Black Community](http://www.magbloom.com/2018/10/bloomington-black-strategic-alliance-a-black-voice-for-the-black-community/) – *Bloom Magazine*, Oct. 23, 2018
[City Council introduces proposed parking and hunting changes](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/09/city-council-approves-hazard-plan-introduces-parking-and-hunting-changes) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Sept. 6, 2018
[City Council approves agreement to purchase hospital property](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/04/city-council-approves-agreement-to-purchase-hospital-property) – *Indiana Daily Student,* April 19, 2018
[IU employee elected to Bloomington City Council](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2017/08/iu-employee-elected-to-bloomington-city-council) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Aug. 23, 2017
[Candidate statement for at-large vacancy](http://www.monroedems.org/jim%5Fsims%5Fcandidate%5Fstatement) – *Monroe County Democratic Party*, August 2017
### 2019 Bloomington Primary|Clerk Candidate: Nicole Bolden
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-primary-clerk-candidate-nicole-bolden/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:15.000Z
*Outcome: Nicole Bolden won the Democratic Party primary for city clerk with 4,530 votes. \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\]*
Nicole Bolden is seeking re-election to a four-year term as [Bloomington city clerk](https://bloomington.in.gov/clerk). She is unopposed in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary and no Republicans will appear on the primary ballot.
*Nicole Bolden*
Bolden was also unopposed in 2015 for both the primary and general election. She was the first African-American woman elected to a citywide office in Bloomington.
At that time she was Bloomington’s deputy city clerk, a position she’d held since 2010\. She’d been hired in 2009 as a hearing officer for the city.
The city clerk maintains the municipal code and official records of the city council, posts public notices, certifies council minutes, processes boards and commissions openings, hears parking ticket appeals, serves as a satellite voter registration office, and performs weddings and civil ceremonies, among other duties.
Bolden is serving as co-chair for the 2019 re-election campaign of Bloomington mayor John Hamilton. She is on the board of the [Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools](https://mccsfoundation.org/about/board/), and is a former board member of [Pinnacle School](http://www.pinnacleschool.org/). She serves on the advisory committee for the [10/100 Committee](https://ten100committee.com/), a group that’s raising funds to develop “a pipeline of candidates of color.”
She was party secretary for the Monroe County Democratic Party and served on the Democratic Women’s Caucus steering committee. She is co-founder of the [Monroe County Indiana Democratic African American Caucus](http://www.monroedems.org/monroe%5Fcounty%5Fdemocrats%5Fform%5Fafrican%5Famerican%5Fcaucus%5Fchapter).
Bolden earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 2005 and was a member of the IU School of Law [class of 2008](https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/composite/33/).
Bolden has two children, Taegan and Zora. She is the daughter of [Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Valeri Haughton](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/department/?structureid=104) (Division II) and Frank Motley, who retired as assistant dean of the Indiana University School of Law in 2015.
Bolden is serving as her own campaign chair. Her campaign treasurer is her daughter, Taegan Bolden-Davis.
## Links to Additional Information
[Campaign website](https://www.nicolebolden.com/)
Email: fnicole.bolden@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/fnicole.bolden)
[Twitter: @ClerkNicoleB](https://twitter.com/ClerkNicoleB)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1551899982%5F36745.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1547492995%5F62517.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1547492596%5F05032.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555949113%5F24009.pdf)
## In the News: Nicole Bolden
[Hamilton, Smith, uncontested Democrats look to fall election](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/hamilton-smith-uncontested-democrats-look-to-fall-election/article%5F5bc27ba3-ab88-5099-89de-14473fbb23ab.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City candidates discuss inclusivity, guns at North’s election forum](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-candidates-discuss-inclusivity-guns-at-north-s-election-forum/article%5Fc4a25408-27f6-58a9-97eb-46650c79371b.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 17, 2019
[Nicole Bolden files for re-election as city clerk](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/nicole-bolden-files-for-re-election-as-city-clerk/article%5Ffdae981d-397a-55e4-9a0e-4a390d9b8aa4.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Jan. 14, 2019
[Bring It On! (podcast)](http://wfhb.org/news/bio-february-27th-2017/) – *WFHB*, Feb. 27, 2017
[City clerk could get pay boost, but not as much as she wanted](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-clerk-could-get-pay-boost-but-not-as-much/article%5F1842c772-04a7-5f91-8b1a-8718079e55c3.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times,* Oct. 4, 2016
[New city clerk says desire to serve fueled candidacy](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/new-city-clerk-says-desire-to-serve-fueled-candidacy/article%5Ff23101ad-7b92-5e11-8090-5fe2dd453104.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times,* Jan. 23, 2016
[Bloomington City Council remains the same, but different, too](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/bloomington-city-council-remains-the-same-but-different-too/article%5Febf33a2d-ad20-5810-99ce-ad5aa9d9a953.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Nov. 4, 2015
[First day of early Monroe County voting draws 3 generations of politically active family](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/first-day-of-early-monroe-county-voting-draws-generations-of/article%5Fa8a63ce5-49d5-5307-b12f-c81d9d3180d1.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Oct. 19, 2015
[Bring It On! (podcast)](http://wfhb.org/news/bring-it-on-october-12-2015/) – *WFHB*, Oct. 12, 2015
[Candidate responses to questionnaire](http://democracyformonroecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Candidates-responses-2015.pdf#page=38) – *Monroe County Democratic Party,* April 2015
### 2019 Bloomington Primary|Council Candidate At-Large: Andy Ruff
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-primary-council-candidate-at-large-andy-ruff/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:15.000Z
*Outcome: The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). Andy Ruff received 2,337 votes (16.82 percent). \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\]*
Andy Ruff is running for a four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) as an at-large councilmember. He is one of six candidates vying for three at-large seats in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary. Other at-large candidates are [Vauhxx Booker](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-vauhxx-booker/), [Jean Capler](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jean-capler/), [Matt Flaherty](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-matt-flaherty/), [Susan Sandberg](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-susan-sandberg/), and [Jim Sims](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jim-sims/).
*Andy Ruff*
No Republicans have filed for the at-large seats in the May primary.
Ruff is an academic advisor for the [Indiana University human biology program](https://humanbio.indiana.edu/about/staff/index.html). He was first elected to council in 1999, and is seeking his sixth term as a councilmember. His council tenure is the third longest in the modern era.
According to his [campaign website](https://www.andyruff.org/platform), Ruff’s platform focuses on social services, quality of life, sustainability and labor. His cites several legislative accomplishments during his tenure, including sponsorship of Indiana’s first [living wage ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2017-10/932.pdf) and a [“responsible bidder” ordinance](https://bsquarebulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ord%5F09-18.pdf).
He currently serves on the city’s [Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding Committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/jack-hopkins) and the [CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Funding Citizens Advisory Committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/cdbg-funding).
Ruff earned an undergraduate degree in natural resources from Cornell University. He also holds a secondary level teaching certification from the IU School of Education, and a master’s degree in public administration from the IU School of Public & Environmental Affairs.
He is a singer/songwriter and member of [The Dew Daddies](https://www.facebook.com/DewDaddies/), a local country honky-tonk band. He is married to Susan Bollman, who works at [Eskenazi Hospital](https://www.eskenazihealth.edu/) in Indianapolis.
Ruff is serving as his own campaign treasurer and chair.
## Links to Additional Information
[Campaign website](https://www.andyruff.org/)
Email: andyjruff@yahoo.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/andy.ruff.90)
Twitter: NA
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1550177517%5F9788.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549634762%5F72631.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1549634693%5F02463.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555948452%5F49134.pdf)
## In the News: Andy Ruff
[Sandberg, Sims, Flaherty earn Democratic at-large city council nominations; Ruff out](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/sandberg-sims-flaherty-earn-democratic-at-large-city-council-nominations/article%5Ff4e30be1-f6f1-5b67-a1ec-3cf4a8dbfe96.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[City council at-large candidates discuss affordable housing, parking](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-council-at-large-candidates-discuss-affordable-housing-parking/article%5F7ac949ba-e93f-5480-a9dc-27fc90a0e3ce.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 3, 2019
[Andy Ruff runs for city council re-election a sixth time](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/andy-ruff-runs-for-city-council-re-election-a-sixth-time) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 22, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[At-large city council candidates talk climate, development, equality at forum](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/03/at-large-city-council-candidates-talk-climate-development-equality-at-forum) – *Indiana Daily Student,* March 26, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Bloomington City Council Split On Vote For Proposed Housing Complex](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-city-council-split-on-vote-for-proposed-housing-complex.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, Dec. 6, 2018
[Bloomington adopts sustainability plan](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/11/bloomington-adopts-sustainability-plan) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Nov. 1, 2018
[Bloomington City Council picks up the pace after slow start to year](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/bloomington-city-council-picks-up-the-pace-after-slow-start/article%5F959a00fd-3861-5348-ab4f-91087bf3c85a.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Dec. 28, 2016
[Council member Andy Ruff reacts to SOTC](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/council-member-andy-ruff-reacts-to-sotc/video%5Fd4d214f9-f64b-577b-9abf-6833b14dae86.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 16, 2016
[Bloomington City Councilman Says I-69 Did Not Cost Him Votes](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-city-councilman-i69-cost-votes-23582/) – *Indiana Public Media,* Nov. 16, 2011
[Council candidate statement (video)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG7FBaoF7gc) – *Monroe County Democratic Party*, Nov. 2, 2011
### 2019 Bloomington Primary|Council Candidate At-Large: Jean Capler
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-primary-council-candidate-at-large-jean-capler/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:15.000Z
*Outcome: The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). Jean Capler received 2,338 votes (16.82%). \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\]*
Jean Capler is running for a four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) as an at-large councilmember. She is one of six candidates vying for three at-large seats in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary. Other at-large candidates are [Vauhxx Booker](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-vauhxx-booker/), [Matt Flaherty](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-matt-flaherty/), [Andy Ruff](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-andy-ruff/), [Susan Sandberg](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-susan-sandberg/) and [Jim Sims](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jim-sims/).
*Jean Capler*
No Republicans have filed for the at-large seats in the May primary.
On her [campaign website](https://www.jeanforbloomington.com/platform), Capler provides action items under four general categories: 1) integrated approaches to complex issues; 2) affordable housing; 3) transportation; and 4) substance use disorders – treatment and harm reduction.
A licensed clinical social worker, Capler works for the [Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI)](https://www.rhin.com/) as a resource facilitator. She has served as board vice president for the [Indiana chapter of the National Association of Social Workers](https://www.naswin.org/).
Capler is a member of the city’s [Utilities Service Board](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/utilities-service), appointed by mayor John Hamilton for a term ending Dec. 31, 2022.
Capler was named 2016 Bloomington Woman of the Year, an award given by the City of Bloomington [Commission on the Status of Women](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/status-of-women). She was chosen for her LGBTQ+ advocacy work as well as for working on behalf of people who have experienced brain injuries. She is a co-founder of FairTalk, an advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.
Capler is treasurer for the [Indiana 9th District Democratic Party](http://www.ninthdistrictdems.com/party-contact-list.html). In 2017, she was one of six candidates seeking to fill a vacancy on the Bloomington council following the resignation of Tim Mayer. The Monroe County Democratic Party caucus [chose Jim Sims](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/sims-named-as-new-city-councilman/article%5Fa5477ad4-af15-5a58-9378-d916c964fb69.html) for that spot.
Capler holds a master’s degree in social work from Indiana University. She is married to Jenny Austin, a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state of Indiana.
Shannon McCann is Capler’s campaign treasurer. Her campaign chair is Ashley Pirani.
## Links to Additional Information
[Campaign website](https://www.jeanforbloomington.com/)
Email: jeancaplerforbloomington@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/jcapler)
Twitter: [@jc\_65](https://twitter.com/jc%5F65)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1547489991%5F35961.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1547490060%5F92568.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1547490202%5F38665.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555948834%5F62671.pdf)
## In the News: Jean Capler
[Sandberg, Sims, Flaherty earn Democratic at-large city council nominations; Ruff out](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/sandberg-sims-flaherty-earn-democratic-at-large-city-council-nominations/article%5Ff4e30be1-f6f1-5b67-a1ec-3cf4a8dbfe96.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[City council at-large candidates discuss affordable housing, parking](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-council-at-large-candidates-discuss-affordable-housing-parking/article%5F7ac949ba-e93f-5480-a9dc-27fc90a0e3ce.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 3, 2019
[Council candidates discuss Fourth Street parking garage, housing development](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/council-candidates-discuss-fourth-street-parking-garage-housing-development-bloomington) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 2, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[At-large city council candidates talk climate, development, equality at forum](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/03/at-large-city-council-candidates-talk-climate-development-equality-at-forum) – *Indiana Daily Student,* March 26, 2019
[Big Talk Interview with At-Large Candidate Jean Capler](http://wfhb.org/news/at-large-council-candidate-jean-capler/) – *WFHB*, March 14, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Capler seeks citywide representation with bid for council seat](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/capler-seeks-citywide-representation-with-bid-for-council-seat/article%5Face110e3-0690-591d-b046-c535fd8f9254.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Jan. 8, 2019
[‘Nobody Is Above the Law’ protest gathers activists in Bloomington ](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2018/11/caprotest110818)– *Indiana Daily Student*, Nov. 8, 2018
[6 Democrats vie for open city council seat](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/democrats-vie-for-open-city-council-seat/article%5F45fe8e45-1d2a-5a33-b502-1dc653783af0.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Aug. 19, 2017
[Candidate statement to fill council vacancy following Tim Mayer’s retirement ](http://www.monroedems.org/jean%5Fcapler%5Fcandidate%5Fstatement)– *Monroe County Democratic Party*, August 2017
[Monroe County ‘die-in’ calls attention to health care concerns](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/monroe-county-die-in-calls-attention-to-health-care-concerns/article%5F24796b84-353f-59d4-8b3a-4e2415765834.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, June 26, 2017
[Jean Capler: Social Worker](http://www.magbloom.com/2017/06/jean-capler-social-worker/) – *Bloom Magazine*, June 14, 2017
[BloomingOUT interview with Jean Capler](https://beta.prx.org/stories/172693) –
[Jean Capler to receive Woman of the Year honor](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/jean-capler-to-receive-woman-of-the-year-honor-wednesday/article%5Fc08fc0e5-8499-55c0-820e-e314378da07a.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, March 22, 2016
[Guest column: Don’t justify discrimination with religion](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/opinion/guest-column-don-t-justify-discrimination-with-religion/article%5Fff09c930-012c-5833-a283-f89e679e3859.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Nov. 12, 2014
[At least 19 same-sex couples marry in Bloomington](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/hto%5Fnow/at-least-same-sex-couples-marry-in-bloomington/article%5F4aec0e26-88b3-5f5f-88dc-47005f0f5305.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, June 25, 2014
### 2019 Bloomington Primary|Council Candidate At-Large: Matt Flaherty
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019-bloomington-primary-council-candidate-at-large-matt-flaherty/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T15:13:16.000Z
*Outcome: The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). \[[Full results here](http://monroecountyvoters.us/images/2019%5FPrimary%5FOfficial%5FVoting%5FElection%5FResults.pdf)\]*
Matt Flaherty is running for a four-year term on the [Bloomington Common Council](https://bloomington.in.gov/council) as an at-large councilmember. He is one of six candidates vying for three seats in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary. Other candidates are [Vauhxx Booker](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-vauhxx-booker/), [Jean Capler](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jean-capler/), [Andy Ruff](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-andy-ruff/), [Susan Sandberg](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-susan-sandberg/) and [Jim Sims](http://bsquarebulletin.com/council-candidate-at-large-jim-sims/).
*Matt Flaherty*
No Republicans have filed for the at-large seats in the May primary.
Flaherty is a graduate student at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), studying energy and climate issues. He holds a law degree from IU and previously practiced patent law with [Winston & Strawn LLP](https://www.winston.com/en/) in Chicago.
He operates [Run Flaherty Coaching](http://www.runflaherty.com/p/coaching.html), a personal coaching business for runners.
Flaherty and Kate Rosenbarger were co-chairs of [Friends of the IU Cross Country Course.](https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofIUXC/) The group tried to save the course from development of the new Regional Academic Health Center, which is being constructed on the same site. Rosenbarger is also running for council as a District 1 candidate in the Democratic primary. They held a [joint campaign kick-off event](https://www.facebook.com/FlahertyForBloomington/videos/539730916518724/?hc%5Fref=ARRnBpWe0S4ATjtFlXZkhgqfWMhQaNXKiPIZ7w%5FWo2odpheUhdWMCgJUIjDPNE8R8Nc&%5F%5Fxts%5F%5F[0]=68.ARDdzMKODvhpegPPdtoRG4GUDKtfGInqfOrYSk6fCRdos029VH7EKPT%5Fj1Y5vBAapE9fTtjhwcestjtaGaDwcxEN6gILXN44bbhpW3dU9wUGRj5nC7TBWHS6fbzz%5FeJ%5F%5F15OUtl1bjkS7-890lgSGwoVuTnJJmXhBPY2wuLzkLuiDjOmsNX%5FOEcuS-I06Lr0uh7a2PBBjMLkLQDIo0cd4OWtiEAn7ogLaDzDMqqxfx7nR67dmDOfGqizusfKwXb1qLUGpdgcvwT2RVMk2WB4N1jBI-cIOvVUtPc7GfT0IIYgthz9rNmElMnutsDLm9JsTleZj0oMy-xUIemRpFN63VsNnAHKY-YAoEugYmkFBPIHtX9WYJ1tG9xn8DnO8SoAnDuYKEc0tGGeT-dKBnRLqAugYTWfbcbsIqZfiXzCwKuORVWgXqua%5FUB6veRjlZHMT1T5I7Yb%5FF5leWa-31XLev9%5FiL114q03P%5FdS%5F4AjXaPwqK2swkvrh5eWEAt8bnNv3AUaWg&%5F%5Ftn%5F%5F=FC-R) in February.
Flaherty currently serves on the City of Bloomington’s [Commission on Sustainability](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/sustainability), a council appointment for a term ending Jan. 31, 2020\. He is vice president of the [Energy Leaders Student Association](https://speacareerhub.indiana.edu/blog/2018/10/09/energy-student-leaders-association-elsa/), a SPEA group focused on sustainability, climate change, and environmental impacts of the energy system. He is also a contributor to the [Limestone Post](https://www.limestonepostmagazine.com/author/mattflaherty/), a local online magazine.
He [told the Indiana Daily Student](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/02/two-iu-students-to-run-for-bloomington-city-council) that he’s interested in approaching issues like affordable housing through the lens of sustainability, and that he could help bridge the gap between the city and the university.
Flaherty is serving as his own campaign treasurer and chair.
## Links to Additional Information
Campaign website: [flahertyforbloomington.com](https://www.flahertyforbloomington.com/)
Email: MattAFlaherty@gmail.com
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mattaflaherty)
Twitter: [@MattAFlaherty](https://twitter.com/mattaflaherty)
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- [Statement of organization](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548781146%5F54931.pdf)
- [Declaration of candidacy](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548781623%5F96571.pdf)
- [Statement of economic interests](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1548781069%5F28047.pdf)
- [Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures](https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1555947913%5F4303.pdf)
## In the News: Matt Flaherty
[Sandberg, Sims, Flaherty earn Democratic at-large city council nominations; Ruff out](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/sandberg-sims-flaherty-earn-democratic-at-large-city-council-nominations/article%5Ff4e30be1-f6f1-5b67-a1ec-3cf4a8dbfe96.html)
– *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 7, 2019
[City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary](https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/smith-wins-council-district-3-democratic-primary.php) – *Indiana Public Media*, May 7, 2019
[City council at-large candidates discuss affordable housing, parking](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/local/city-council-at-large-candidates-discuss-affordable-housing-parking/article%5F7ac949ba-e93f-5480-a9dc-27fc90a0e3ce.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, May 3, 2019
[Council candidates discuss Fourth Street parking garage, housing development](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/04/council-candidates-discuss-fourth-street-parking-garage-housing-development-bloomington) – *Indiana Daily Student*, April 2, 2019
[Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video)](http://catstv.net/government.php?issearch=govt&webquery=candidate&searchonly=&minyear=2019&minmonth=3&maxyear=2019&maxmonth=4&meeterid=) – *Community Access Television Services (CATS)*, April 2, 2019
[City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/city-council-candidates-discuss-parking-the-downtown-and-affordable-housing/article%5Fe2391199-9cde-5a94-bb95-29d26fdccde5.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, April 2, 2019
[At-large city council candidates talk climate, development, equality at forum](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/03/at-large-city-council-candidates-talk-climate-development-equality-at-forum) – *Indiana Daily Student,* March 26, 2019
[Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/newcomer-city-council-candidates-ages-trend-downward/article%5Ffb888f06-a867-5ea0-b0f4-089733399d1c.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Feb. 25, 2019
[Two IU students to run for Bloomington City Council](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2019/02/two-iu-students-to-run-for-bloomington-city-council) – *Indiana Daily Student*, Feb. 4, 2019
[Flaherty enters council race for citywide representation](https://www.hoosiertimes.com/herald%5Ftimes%5Fonline/news/elections/flaherty-enters-council-race-for-citywide-representation/article%5Fca355613-b29a-560d-9044-265ce6c09748.html) – *Bloomington Herald-Times*, Jan. 8, 2019
## Posts
### Oct. 22, 2026: Monroe County budget; commissioner salaries; IU luncheon; deer crashes; IOSHA safety fine
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/oct-22-2026-monroe-county-budget-commissioner-salaries-iu-luncheon-deer-crashes-iosha-safety-fine/
Last updated: 2026-10-22T04:29:06.000Z
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Slow down. Before 9 a.m. there could be some patchy fog. Wear a light jacket or sweater to start the day, because we’re starting from an overnight low in the mid forties. But you can shuck off that outer wrap soon enough, because it will be sunny and clear with a high temperature around 70F°.
**Friday:** Rinse repeat from Thursday. And looking ahead through Sunday, we’ll see more of these 70-degree days with clear sunny skies.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Bloomington Convention Center update: $660K bid OK’d for Seminary Pointe demolition](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-convention-center-update-660k-bid-okd-for-seminary-pointe-demolition/). Bloomington's convention center expansion is on track for Jan. 8 completion. The CIB OK’d a $660,000 bid to demolish Seminary Pointe buildings for hotel construction staging, despite objections over lost affordable housing. Hotel development talks continue, with a completed hotel expected in 2029.
- [Monroe County council sticks with proposed 2027 salaries, keeps commissioners at 85%](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-sticks-with-proposed-2027-salaries-keeps-commissioners-at-85/). The Monroe County Council adopted a $147 million budget for 2027, but rejected an appeal from county commissioner Julie Thomas to bring commissioner salaries in line with other elected officials. Councilor David Henry called for a broader review of county administration in January.
- [Editor’s Notebook: Big names did their jobs at the luncheon. So did the servers.](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-big-names-did-their-jobs-at-the-luncheon-so-did-the-servers/). At an economic development luncheon featuring Indiana's governor and IU's president, one of the servers was the mother of a Bloomington man held in immigration detention. As officials discussed jobs and opportunity, she was working to serve lunch on the day her son was granted a $15,000 bond.
- [Slow down for deer on the move: Fall brings bigger crash risk to Bloomington roads](https://bsquarebulletin.com/slow-down-for-deer-on-the-move-fall-brings-bigger-crash-risk-to-bloomington-roads/). October and November are peak months for deer collisions as mating season sends bucks running across roads. DNR estimates put Bloomington’s deer population at roughly 2,258\. With Monroe County deer crashes rising from 169 in 2024 to 185 in 2025, drivers are urged to slow down, especially at dusk.
- [Monroe County plans chemical safety program in effort to avoid proposed $3K fine by IOSHA](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-to-make-written-safety-plan-to-avoid-3k-fine-for-chemical-violation-at-justice-center/). Indiana workplace safety inspectors say they'll impose a $3K penalty against Monroe County for lacking a written chemical safety plan, unless such a program is created by a Nov. 12 deadline. The finding followed an August drain-cleaner incident that sickened justice center workers.
### Other notes
**Early voting numbers.** Through the first 12 days of voting at the [North Showers](https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+N+Morton+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47404/@39.1707495,-86.5369779,684m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66d92d3cc4f5:0xb79ecc8d1acb583d!8m2!3d39.1708482!4d-86.5373847!16s%2Fg%2F11yq8cq5y6?entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) location on Morton Street, 6,770 people have cast a ballot. That’s around 2,200 more than in 2022, but about 2,700 less than in 2018 for the same period.
This is a stat that’s easy to check for yourself on the [early voting dashboard](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/2980211891404743a0b6a45b6b1422d2) that Monroe County government has set up. Remember that this Saturday (Oct. 24) early voting is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
### On the calendar
**Report from health department.** Listed on the [10 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 22) agenda for the county commissioners](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQCuYIyp7GeeQpHaGzHCtXQ-AcmyZyH2C6FhT5ElaPAlxWg?e=YyFVpa) under departmental updates is one from the health department. That will come against the backdrop of possible action by the board of health a few hours later to remove the health officer. At the end of every agenda for commissioners is a slot for appointments. Given the two current vacancies on the board of health, it’s possible the commissioners could fill one or both of those vacancies on Thursday morning.
**Potential removal of health officer.** Set to start after the [regular 4:30 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 22) meeting](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQCjqQVkWrzKTpNmr6if1LqOAYvuxJon%5F-A-lACZVwVUw30?e=XQKCUW) of the board of health is a [hearing on the removal of health officer Sarah Ryterband](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQABRtSJGI91Q61yuR1HrvzuAXQjzHNsJrjvdBNMswG6-qM?e=nEgGE5). For B Square background, see [Monroe County health board sets Oct. 22 hearing on possible removal of health officer](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-health-board-sets-oct-22-hearing-on-possible-removal-of-health-officer/).
Last [Friday (Oct. 16) at 3 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/board-of-commissioners-hybrid-continued-9288), the county commissioners were expected to come out of recess. That’s after they recessed instead of adjourning their meeting from the week before. But before the appointed time, the online calendar item changed from just “continued” to “canceled and concluded.”
**Decisions on future local income tax.** A second meeting of the MUST (Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce) of Monroe county is set for 1 p.m. on Friday. That’s the group that will help shape local income tax policy for Monroe County starting in 2029\. For B Square background, see: [Monroe County local income tax group mulls shared municipal rate approach](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-local-income-tax-group-mulls-shared-municipal-rate-approach/)
---
**Oct. 25: A Harvest of Voices with Jacinda Townsend.** Women Writing for (a) Change Bloomington will host a benefit reading featuring award-winning author Jacinda Townsend, whose books include *Mother Country* and *Trigger Warning*. Townsend previously served on the Monroe County Community School Corporation’s board of trustees. The event takes place 4–6 p.m at the Unitarian Universalist Church, [2120 N. Fee Lane](https://maps.app.goo.gl/npVzVfQrbVLXQmfv9).
Writers from the organization’s creative writing programs will also share their work. A reception with light refreshments will follow. [Tickets are $30](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a-harvest-of-voices--2026). There is a pay-what-you-can option. Proceeds support the organization’s writing programs.
**Pizza Trail: Oct. 1–31.** October is pizza month. And in Bloomington this is commemorated with a [Pizza Trail](https://www.visitbloomington.com/restaurants/passports/pizza-passport-trail/) that Visit Bloomington is promoting. The idea is you sign up for a mobile pass, which sounds like a kind of digital punchcard. Every time you check in with one of 20 different local pizza joints, you get a credit. And at the end you can redeem the points for gift cards to ... pizza joints. There
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Stella!
Up for adoption, as of Oct. 21 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Stella](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/88084). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good girl is a German shepherd. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Stella](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/88084).
> Stella is a clever and active girl who loves running around with her sister Leia. She is the calmer of the two, acting more like the mom or older sister to Leia's silly antics. However, Stella does love to chase her sister's tail while Leia fetches her ball! Once she tires of that game, Stella is much more interested in sitting at your feet to receive adoring words and scratches.
### Photo Finish: Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
Seasonal flower installation in the concrete beds. If you know what kind of flowers they are please: Shhhhhhh! Shut your yap! Button it up! Because, you know, well ... (Dave Askins, Oct. 21, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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### Bloomington Convention Center update: $660K bid OK’d for Seminary Pointe demolition
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-convention-center-update-660k-bid-okd-for-seminary-pointe-demolition/
Last updated: 2026-10-22T04:20:59.000Z
****Left:** From College Avenue looking southwest, a sign in front form the boarded up building formerly occupied by Jeff’s Warehouse reads: “The hotel belongs on College Square. This MUST become permanently affordable cooperatively-managed housing. SAVE SEMINARY POINT.” ****Right:** A [schematic](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-21-Monroe-County-CIB-Hotel-Logistics-Plan-Weddle-Bros-.pdf) presented to the Monroe County CIB at its Oct. 21, 2026 meeting showing the planned area for hotel construction and staging.
View looking southwest from College Avenue of the Seminary Pointe apartments which were boarded up [starting in late July](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-units-boarded-up-after-removal-of-unauthorized-occupants-reports-of-drug-use/) to prevent people from squatting in them. (Dave Askins, Oct. 21, 2026)
Construction of the Bloomington Convention Center expansion continues to move toward a Jan. 8, 2027, completion date. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m.
At its Wednesday (Oct. 21) meeting, the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) voted unanimously to approve a $660,000 bid from Denney Excavating to demolish five structures on the Seminary Pointe properties south of the existing convention center. The board also authorized CIB president John Whikehart to sign the contract once the final terms are worked out.
The first actual use of the land after the buildings are demolished will be for temporary storage and staging area for construction materials and equipment. That’s activity that comes in connection with a host hotel that is supposed to be built on a parcel north of the buildings, but still south of the existing convention center.
In August, Whikehart said that the land that’s not used for the host hotel could be kept for future development by the CIB, or offered for sale through a separate public process. The proceeds would have to be used for the convention center or another tourism-related purpose. That’s because the real estate was purchased with proceeds from the countywide innkeeper’s tax, which state law says must be used for some tourism-related purpose.
Demolition is expected to begin in November and be completed by the end of December, subject to environmental remediation requirements.
Denney’s was the fourth-lowest of [six bids received](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-21-Monroe-County-CIB-Seminary-Pointe-Demolition-Weddle-slide-deck.pdf ). The lowest bid, $478,800 from Green Demo, was rejected. That’s because Weddle Brothers, the project’s construction manager, determined that Green Demo omitted significant work, lacked on-site supervision and did not adequately account for local requirements. The next two bidders failed to submit required financial statements.
Responding to a question from CIB member Jay Baer, CIB controller Jeff Underwood said the demolition will be paid from the CIB’s food-and-beverage tax funding, through its soft-cost contingency, not from the bond proceeds financing the convention center construction.
The [environmental testing done on demolition site](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-21-OCR-CIB-Monroe-County-Weddle-Bros-environmental%5Ftesting%5Fdemolition%5Fslides.pdf ) shows relatively clean soil and groundwater, although a few samples showed elevated arsenic levels, according to Weddle Brothers project manager Andrew Scere. Tests for lead paint and asbestos identified possible remediation needs in the Seminary Pointe apartment building and the Friendly Beast building. Final laboratory results are expected this week, according to Scere.
The board also reviewed a preliminary site plan showing how the cleared land would be used during construction of a proposed 200-room convention center hotel. The plan includes space for construction equipment, cranes, material storage, offices, dumpsters and worker parking. After demolition, the land would initially be covered with topsoil and seeded.
The plan drew objections from two representatives of Bloomington Homes for All, which has over the last several months consistently advocated preserving Seminary Pointe’s 29 low-rent apartments as permanent affordable housing, and the commercial buildings as community spaces.
From the public mic on Wednesday, Homes for All advocate Amber Corr questioned why the entire site needed to be cleared when the proposed hotel would occupy only part of it. She called the construction staging plan an excuse to demolish affordable housing. She renewed the group’s call for a land swap involving the former Bunger & Robertson property, also known as College Square.
Bryce Greene followed Corr to the mic and likewise criticized the decision to demolish housing despite opposition from community members and objections raised even by elected officials. He said the decision amounted to permanently eliminating housing at rental rates that would be difficult to replace in Bloomington.
“On a human level, it’s just wrong, and it’s just bad city policy,” Greene said.
At the CIB’s Sept. 21 meeting, CIB president John Whikehart reported that all of the Seminary Square residential tenants had moved out before Aug. 31, and all four commercial tenants had found new locations.
The months-long saga of the attempted land swap is part of a [years-long history](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29) of the current convention center expansion project. CIB selected Dora Hospitality in July to develop the host hotel on the southern parcels, effectively setting aside the land-swap proposal.
Also during public comment, Visit Bloomington executive director Mike McAfee thanked the board and Weddle Brothers for accelerating renovations to the existing convention center. The renovation completion date has been moved from June 28 to June 16\. That will allow the center to accommodate a weeklong sporting event involving about 900 people beginning June 20\. The event contract was signed Tuesday and is estimated to have a $500,000 local economic impact, according to McAfee.
McAfee said securing enough hotel rooms for the June 20 event had been difficult even with the adjusted construction schedule. He said that illustrates why the proposed host hotel is essential to realizing the convention center’s potential.
McAfee also recalled how the property with the buildings that are now proposed to be demolished were purchased with innkeeper’s tax revenue in 2012 with the intention of supporting a convention center and hotel.
After Wednesday’s meeting, Whikehart told The B Square that negotiations with Dora Hospitality on a definitive hotel development agreement are progressing. Dora was [selected by the CIB as the hotelier](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/) in mid-July. He expects an agreement before the end of the calendar year, possibly in time for the CIB’s December meeting. The anticipated completion of the hotel is sometime around the first quarter of 2029, Whikehart said.
From the B-Line Trail side of the property, a panorama of the Seminary Pointe apartments (right) and the commercial property to the north and west. (Dave Askins, Oct. 21, 2026)
The Bloomington Convention Center expansion looking west across Walnut Street at 3rd Street, with the Bloomignton Transit downtown center caught in the reflection. (Dave Askins, Oct. 21, 2026)
### Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-walnut-street-15/
Last updated: 2026-10-21T22:02:12.000Z
Seasonal flower installation in the concrete beds. If you know what kind of flowers they are please: Shhhhhhh! Shut your yap! Button it up! Because, you know, well ... (Dave Askins, Oct. 21, 2026)
### Monroe County council sticks with proposed 2027 salaries, keeps commissioners at 85%
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-sticks-with-proposed-2027-salaries-keeps-commissioners-at-85/
Last updated: 2026-10-21T12:06:49.000Z
****Left:** County commissioner Julie Thomas. ****Right:** County councilors from left to right are David Henry, Peter Iversen, Trent Deckard, Kate Wiltz, and Liz Feitl. (Dave Askins, Oct. 20, 2026)
The president of the board of Monroe County commissioners made another attempt Tuesday evening (Oct. 20) to convince county councilors to bring salaries for commissioners salaries into line with other full-time elected county officials.
But the county council adopted its proposed 2027 salary ordinance, as well as the [whole 2027 budget](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQCg2dsqxXUJRYVxApjnRofMAcPs3yNEQPV4uoRpMq7Kn3w?e=yZ85YU), without making the requested change.
Without much fanfare, the Monroe County Council voted 5–0 on Tuesday to adopt a $147,020,534 budget for county government in 2027, an increase of 12.3% over the [adopted 2026 budget](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/EXJsHt2ouqpJqVG4rUvKypcBWhbK9MH4m7%5FR7vOjI2I8lw?e=TDuimX). Councilors Marty Hawk and Jennifer Crossley were not able to attend Tuesday’s meeting.
This year’s total comes from $126,881,726 in funds listed on the state’s budget forms, including the $49,085,325 general fund, plus another $20,138,808 in home-rule funds that are not reviewed by the state Department of Local Government Finance. The council also unanimously adopted separate budgets for the Monroe County Public Library, Monroe Fire Protection District and Waste Reduction District.
Under the [salary ordinance for elected officials](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQCg2dsqxXUJRYVxApjnRofMAcPs3yNEQPV4uoRpMq7Kn3w?e=yZ85YU), each of the three commissioners will receive $70,512 next year, or 85% of the $82,955 base salary paid to other elected officials, including the auditor, clerk, recorder and treasurer.
Monroe County board of commissioners president Julie Thomas urged the council to raise salaries of the three commissioners to the full base amount, citing both the demands of the job and the council’s recent decision to increase compensation for the elected county surveyor.
“Simply put, we are seeking pay equity,” Thomas said.
Thomas proposed using an additional $45,485.39 from the county’s stormwater fund to cover the difference for all three commissioners, which would include the cost of benefits. She said the money was available and the change could be made at the next meeting of the stormwater board, without affecting the county general fund.
The county council made no change to the proposed compensation and approved the elected-official salary ordinance on a unanimous 5–0 vote.
Councilor David Henry said the question of commissioners’ compensation should be considered as part of a broader examination of county government administration, including the full-time position of county administrator. That scrutiny, he said, would take more than a brief exchange during the final adoption of the budget.
“That’s a January conversation and not an October one,” Henry said.
A January discussion would take place with a board of commissioners that has a different composition. County councilor Trent Deckard is a Democrat who is unopposed on the Nov. 3 ballot for the District 1 commissioner seat currently held by Lee Jones. So Deckard is expected to join the three-member board in January. Thomas and commissioner Jody Madeira will continue in office.
### Surveyor’s salary provides opening for argument
The immediate backdrop for Thomas’s renewed appeal is the county council’s treatment of the elected surveyor’s salary.
For several years, the county’s [compensation formula](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/files/2025-Salary-Ordinance-Amended-2025-04-25.pdf#page=4 ) assigned the surveyor 90% of the base salary paid to most other full-time elected department heads. County commissioners received 85%, and the coroner received 70%. County councilors were, and still are, slotted in at 30%.
But the salary ordinance adopted Tuesday for 2027 assigns an unregistered surveyor the full $82,955 base amount. It also establishes a $124,433 salary for a registered surveyor, or 150% of the base amount.
The difference between a registered and an unregistered surveyor is required by [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-2-12-15) which says county councils have to set different salaries for registered and unregistered surveyors. State law specifically requires a registered surveyor to get one and a half times the salary of a surveyor who is not registered under state law.
The surveyor’s former 90% salary factor had a different rationale from the 85% factor for commissioners. The lower amount for the surveyor was not meant to represent a determination that the surveyor worked only 90% of a full-time job. It was meant to limit the county’s potential obligation, if the incumbent surveyor became professionally registered.
During [deliberations in October 2023](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2024-budget-notebook-monroe-county-council-looks-to-do-more-for-lower-paid-workers/), then-county councilor Geoff McKim said the reduced percentage represented a compromise between fairly compensating the surveyor and limiting the county’s financial exposure to a substantially higher mandatory salary.
In her comments on Tuesday, Thomas grouped the surveyor and commissioners together under the principle that full-time elected officials should receive the same base compensation. Thomas also included the coroner in her characterization of the salary grid, calling the compensation for commissioners and the coroner unusual outliers. The 2027 salary grid, as in past years, puts the coroner at 70% of the base salary, which is $58,069 this year.
For the commissioners, Thomas’s justification rests on the duties of the office. “We are both the legislative and executive branch of county government,” she told councilors. The legislative work requires research and preparation, while the executive responsibilities make the position a “24/7 on-call position,” she said.
Thomas added that the commissioners operate with a small staff, which has been one position short for several years. The commissioners have left that vacancy unfilled and handle numerous administrative tasks themselves, she said.
### Henry raises question of administrator’s role
Henry’s response focused less on whether commissioners work full time than on how their responsibilities fit with the county government’s existing administrative structure. He said the county should examine its overall executive compensation system before committing to paying all three commissioners at the full-time elected-official rate.
“I think we can count on one hand how many counties in the state of Indiana have a full-time county administrator position and a full-time executive-legislative county commission,” Henry said. He questioned the idea of paying all three commissioners as full-time executives and maintaining a fourth full-time administrative position with a salary, benefits and pension.
Monroe County’s [staff directory](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/contact/staff-directory/) lists the current position for Angie Purdie as the “commissioners’ administrator,” which is not the same position that is specified in [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-2-2-14).
State law authorizes a county executive to appoint a “county administrator” to serve as the county’s administrative head under the executive’s supervision. Under Indiana law, the board of commissioners itself is the county executive. The statute lists possible responsibilities for the county administrator as including supervising government operations, preparing reports, keeping the executive informed about county finances and preparing a budget.
Henry’s point was that compensation should be considered alongside the distribution of administrative responsibilities between the commissioners and the staff. He said that would require a more sustained discussion than could be accomplished at the end of the annual budget process.
There was no motion to amend the salaries for commissioners during Tuesday’s consideration of the elected-official salary ordinance.
### A point of friction going back years
The limited airing of the topic on Tuesday evening came against a longer historical backdrop.
In [September 2020](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-get-preliminary-ok-for-10k-salary-increase/), the commissioners requested an increase from $36,000 to approximately $60,000\. The county council agreed instead to raise the amount to $46,000 for 2021.
At the time, councilor Geoff McKim described the $10,000 increase as a “downpayment” on a potentially larger future increase. He agreed that commissioners were underpaid, but the council was awaiting the findings of a comprehensive county salary study.
In [November 2021](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-countys-new-job-grid-gives-raises-to-most-leaves-salary-sore-point-for-commissioners-on-spoonmores-last-day-of-service/), the council adopted a new job classification and compensation grid, increasing commissioner salaries to $48,886 for 2022.
Thomas objected at the time to treating commissioners like employees in the professional, administrative and technological classification, rather than in the executive classification. She said commissioners were doing full-time executive work and should be compensated accordingly.
In [December 2021](https://bsquarebulletin.com/no-salary-change-for-monroe-county-commissioners-as-added-increase-fails-on-0-5-1-vote-by-council/), the commissioners sought an increase, this time to $67,158, matching the salaries of other elected county officials. That effort failed. The county council voted 0–5–1 on the request, and a compromise amendment from McKim that would have set compensation at $58,000 failed for lack of a second.
At that meeting, councilor Peter Iversen said that concentrating resources on increasing the compensation of elected officials would divert attention from other public needs. McKim, meanwhile, said that comparisons with other Indiana counties continued to show that Monroe County commissioners were undercompensated.
In [October 2023](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2024-budget-notebook-monroe-county-council-looks-to-do-more-for-lower-paid-workers/), the council again considered its elected-official salary grid. Councilors approved an 8.5% increase for elected officials, which was the same cost-of-living adjustment for other county employees. But they decided against changing the underlying percentage of a base salary for individual offices. At that time, councilors said the purpose of such a percentage was to avoid having to reconsider the relative compensation of individual elected officials every year.
The subsequent salary ordinances continued to reflect the same percentage structure. For 2025, the county’s [published salary grid](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/files/2025-Salary-Ordinance-Amended-2025-04-25.pdf) set the base for most elected department heads at $78,959, with commissioners receiving $67,116, surveyors $71,064 and the coroner $55,272.
The council kept a 3% cost-of-living increase for 2026, then approved a 2% adjustment for 2027\.
For 2027, the compensation for commissioners increases to $70,512, but that remains at 85% of the base elected-official rate. The surveyor’s unregistered rate, by contrast, is now set at 100%. That difference is the basis for Thomas’s latest appeal.
Whether the compensation for Monroe County commissioners is reconsidered in January will depend in part on the willingness of the new configuration of commissioners to pursue the question, and the county council’s interest in having the conversation.
### 2027 budget reflections
Although the budget passed without controversy Tuesday evening, councilors offered some reflections on the spending plan and the work ahead.
For Trent Deckard, it’s his last budget. He is leaving the council at the end of the year, as he is unopposed in the Nov. 3 election for county commissioner. So the occasion prompted a look back to 2019, when he first joined the council. He recalled more predictable state funding and lower inflation, but said the fundamental challenges of providing public services had not changed. He also warned that no adopted budget remains accurate for long. “The minute it is passed, it will be wrong in some way,” he said, noting that revisions are inevitable as circumstances change.
David Henry compared the budget to a meal that was satisfying without being particularly exciting. “It would be a ham sandwich,” he said. He credited the budget with getting the job done, but urged councilors to start earlier next year in identifying resources for emerging community needs, including homelessness, substance abuse and assistance for refugees and asylum seekers.
Peter Iversen, who presided over Tuesday’s meeting in Crossley’s absence, highlighted the 2% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, the county’s financial reserves and $1,162,000 appropriated for direct relief of residents experiencing homelessness. But he also pointed to challenges ahead, including the jail, employee compensation and changes in state tax law. He cautioned that continued reliance on economic development income tax revenue was not a viable long-term fiscal strategy.
Council president Jennifer Crossley, who offered comment remotely from the public mic, but could not vote, thanked department heads for holding their budget requests largely flat. She also urged an early start on discussions of employee pay, longevity and benefits for 2028\. Referring to the uncertainty surrounding state legislation and property taxes, Crossley observed that the county was entering “spooky season.” She urged her colleagues to approve the budget, saying the work on the next one would begin almost immediately.
Monroe County elected official salaries: 2027
Elected office
2026
2027
Change
Assessor, Level 3
2026: $81,328 |
2027: $82,955 |
Change: +2.0% |
Auditor
2026: $81,328 |
2027: $82,955 |
Change: +2.0% |
Clerk
2026: $81,328 |
2027: $82,955 |
Change: +2.0% |
Commissioner
2026: $69,129 |
2027: $70,512 |
Change: +2.0% |
Coroner
2026: $56,930 |
2027: $58,069 |
Change: +2.0% |
County council
2026: $24,399 |
2027: $24,887 |
Change: +2.0% |
Recorder
2026: $81,328 |
2027: $82,955 |
Change: +2.0% |
Surveyor, not registered
2026: $73,196 |
2027: $82,955 |
Change: +13.3% |
Treasurer
2026: $81,328 |
2027: $82,955 |
Change: +2.0% |
### Editor’s Notebook: Big names did their jobs at the luncheon. So did the servers.
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-big-names-did-their-jobs-at-the-luncheon-so-did-the-servers/
Last updated: 2026-10-20T17:50:01.000Z
****Left:** Panelists from left are Pat East (Co-owner, Darn Good Soup), Brad Wisler (Partner, Paragraph Venture Studio), Pamela Whitten (President, Indiana University), Tina Peterson (President and CEO, Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County), Kyle Werner (Deputy technical director, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division), and Gerry Dick (Inside INdiana Business). (Dave Askins, Oct. 19, 2026) ****Right:** Jenny Ortiz, mother of Manuel Alejandro Nadal Ortiz, in the Hall of Champions before the OSU vs. IU football game on (courtesy photo)
At the Henke Hall of Champions at Indiana Memorial Stadium on Monday (Oct. 19), Indiana Gov. Mike Braun had a job to do. He was there to talk about Indiana’s economic future and his administration’s efforts to promote business growth.
Indiana University President Pamela Whitten also had a job to do. As host of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Innovate South Central Indiana luncheon, she highlighted IU’s role in creating jobs, developing talent and supporting the regional economy.
Pat East, who is now probably best known locally as the guy who brought Darn Good Soup back to downtown Bloomington, also had a job to do on Monday. As one of the panelists, he talked about the importance of preserving existing small businesses, whose owners are retiring in large numbers. Unless someone takes over those businesses, East pointed out, the jobs they support will disappear.
The servers at the luncheon also had jobs to do. They brought food to the tables, attended to the guests, and helped make the event run smoothly.
One of those servers was Jenny Ortiz.
Her son, Manuel Alejandro Nadal Ortiz, has been held in federal immigration custody since Sept. 1, when immigration agents [detained him and another man](https://bsquarebulletin.com/immigration-judge-sets-10k-bond-for-bloomington-man-after-federal-habeas-win/) outside the Walmart on Bloomington’s west side.
When Manuel was detained, had a job. He worked as a delivery driver, with authorization to work in the United States while his asylum case was pending.
On Monday, at the same time when his mother was helping to serve lunch to the governor, an immigration judge was holding a bond hearing. The judge granted Manuel a $15,000 bond. The amount of such bonds has to be paid in full.
That was the latest development in a legal struggle that had already lasted almost seven weeks. A federal judge [ruled last Thursday](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-bloomington-immigration-detainee-wins-federal-court-order-for-bond-hearing/) that Manuel was entitled to an individualized bond hearing or else release from custody. The $15,000 bond means he has a potential path out of detention, if his bond can be paid, while his underlying asylum case continues.
Early in Monday’s program, Whitten made a point of recognizing the VIPs in the room. She wasn’t talking about the governor, or the business executives. She meant the students. Whitten asked the IU students in attendance to stand so everyone could recognize them.
It was a fitting gesture for an event devoted to the region’s economic future. The students represent the workforce, entrepreneurs and community leaders of the next generation.
Of course, the servers didn’t need to be asked to stand for recognition, because they were already standing, doing their jobs, delivering around 180 plates of baked chicken and vegetables to 25 different tables.
That’s not any kind of argument against efforts to support economic development. Bloomington and the surrounding region need businesses, investment and jobs. The people onstage Monday were doing work that matters.
But economic opportunity isn’t just a matter of creating new jobs or attracting new people. It also involves the lives of people who are here, already doing work that needs to be done.
Like the governor, and the business leaders and the servers on Monday, I was there to do a job—as a journalist. I went to the Hall of Champions to listen to what the people at the microphones had to say about Bloomington’s economic future, and weave some words together into some kind of story about it.
Of all the stories from Monday’s event, the one I found most compelling was about someone who wasn’t speaking into a microphone. She was serving lunch.
---
Manuel’s family is raising money to cover his legal expenses and his bond with a [GoFundMe fundraiser](https://www.gofundme.com/f/bring-manuel-nadal-ortiz-home).
### Slow down for deer on the move: Fall brings bigger crash risk to Bloomington roads
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/slow-down-for-deer-on-the-move-fall-brings-bigger-crash-risk-to-bloomington-roads/
Last updated: 2026-10-20T13:33:16.000Z
****Left:** Doe and fawn grazing at 2nd Street and Ballentine Road. (Dave Askins, Aug. 2, 2026) ****Right:** Deer density for city of Bloomington was measured at more than 40 per square mile. \[Department of Natural Resources [dynamic map](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/693144fd02db41209c39c21fdb62bbc6/page/Page)\]
Chart and map by The B Square with data from Bloomington’s [crash dashboard](https://bloomington.in.gov/arcgis/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=e27a24953eae4dc7beb360639285263a). \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=10jQguviUdsFWaHe0TcgZ%5FnT5BaEVq5k&usp=sharing )\]
Fall in Bloomington means persimmon pudding, IU football, changing leaves, and ... a bigger chance of hitting a deer while driving.
The basic advice is the same as always: Slow down, then slow down even more, especially in the hours between 6 and 10 p.m.
October and November are the peak months for deer-vehicle collisions in Indiana. The reason is the rut, the mating season for white-tailed deer, when bucks travel more in search of does and are less cautious about crossing roads. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources [advises motorists to slow down](https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/animals/white-tailed-deer/living-with-deer/deer-vehicle-collisions), particularly around dawn and dusk, when deer are most active.
For Monroe County, the DNR pegs [Nov. 8 as the average peak date of the rut](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/693144fd02db41209c39c21fdb62bbc6/page/Page#data%5Fs=id%3A5959eb8efc8c48b9a66ba114fc855716-19d9163cd76-layer-19%3A74). But that’s not a direct biological measure. The agency calculates the date by averaging the annual peak day for deer-vehicle collisions since 2003\. So collision data is used as an indicator of breeding activity.
Crashes with deer are not just a rural phenomenon. The DNR’s [deer information map](https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/animals/white-tailed-deer/living-with-deer/deer-info-map) puts most of the city of Bloomington in the densest population category of anywhere in the state, which is more than 40 deer per square mile.
Bloomington’s geographic area covers [23.23 square miles](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/bloomingtoncityindiana/PST040223). A density of 40 deer per square mile across the city works out to 929 deer as city residents. But a more detailed estimate in the DNR’s [2025 white-tailed deer repor](https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/files/fw-deer-summary-report-2025.pdf#page=104)t puts the citywide density at 97.2 deer per square mile. Multiplying that figure by Bloomington’s area gives an estimated 2,258 deer within city limits. The DNR used a model-based estimate using earlier camera-trap research and drones, not a count of individual deer.
During Bloomington’s Aug. 24 departmental budget presentations to the city council, councilmember Dave Rollo asked animal shelter manager Virgil Sauder about the possibility of establishing a more comprehensive count of the city’s deer population. Sauder said the city had worked with the DNR on deer surveys during the spring. He described a preliminary density estimate of roughly 90 deer per square mile.
Sauder agreed that a broader survey would be worthwhile but said his department’s workload could make it difficult to organize. Rollo cited concerns about vehicle collisions, tick-borne illnesses and damage to backyard food gardens.
According to [DNR figures](https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/files/fw-deer-summary-report-2025.pdf#page=52), Monroe County recorded 169 deer-vehicle collisions in 2024, increasing to 185 in 2025.
A separate [roadway-crash dataset](https://bloomington.in.gov/arcgis/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=e27a24953eae4dc7beb360639285263a) hosted by the city of Bloomington doesn’t classify crashes just for deer. It includes the broader category of an animal or object in the roadway. For animals or objects in the roadway, the 2024 and 2025 numbers for Monroe County are 205 and 237.
Comparing figures on deer crashes from Indiana DNR over the last half dozen years shows that deer account for roughly three-quarters of crashes classified as involving an animal or object in the roadway. That makes the animal-object category a useful indicator of deer-related crashes, even if it’s not precise.
The DNR offers several recommendations for avoiding collisions:
- Slow down, especially around dawn and dusk and where roads pass through wooded areas.
- When one deer crosses the road, watch for others. Deer often travel together.
- Use high beams at night when conditions permit.
- If a deer appears in the road, brake instead of swerving into oncoming traffic or off the roadway.
- Wear a seat belt and leave enough distance between vehicles to allow time to react.
If you crash into a deer, the DNR recommends moving the vehicle to a safe location, contacting police. Don’t get close to an injured deer, because they can behave unpredictably.
The most straightforward precaution is simply: Slow down.
### Monroe County plans chemical safety program in effort to avoid proposed $3K fine by IOSHA
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-to-make-written-safety-plan-to-avoid-3k-fine-for-chemical-violation-at-justice-center/
Last updated: 2026-10-19T20:24:40.000Z
Ant's eye view of the [penalty letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-15-IOSHA-Monroe-County-letter.pdf) from IOSHA to Monroe County government dated Oct. 15, 2026\.
Indiana workplace safety inspectors have [proposed a $3,000 penalty](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-15-IOSHA-Monroe-County-letter.pdf ) against Monroe County for lacking a written safety program for employees handling hazardous chemicals at the justice building.
An Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) report ties the finding directly to an Aug. 4 incident, saying: “Appropriate employee training on the use of the drain cleaner may have prevented the 8/4 incident from occurring.”
On that day (Aug. 4), jail maintenance workers used Liquid Fire drain cleaner, causing a [strong rotten-egg odor spread through the building](https://bsquarebulletin.com/use-of-drain-cleaner-fills-monroe-county-justice-building-with-rotten-egg-odor-workers-report-vomiting-nausea/). Employees reported vomiting, nausea, headaches and watery eyes.
The Oct. 15 [order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-15-IOSHA-Monroe-County-letter.pdf) says the county “failed to develop, implement or maintain a written hazard communication program” for employees handling hazardous chemicals, including Liquid Fire Drain Line Opener. IOSHA classified the violation as serious and proposed a $3,000 penalty. That is the order’s proposed penalty for the missing written safety program. It’s not a penalty stemming from the odor incident itself.
The fine is only “proposed,” because the county government has until Nov. 12 to correct the violation by creating a written safety plan. As the IOSHA [letter to the county legal department](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-15-IOSHA-letter-to-Monroe-County-legal-department.pdf ) puts it: “It is IOSHA’s intention to work cooperatively with you in improving the safety and health conditions of our public sector employees.” The letter seems to indicate that Monroe County government’s working conditions are being handled differently from the way a private sector workplace would be treated.
County attorney Jeff Cockerill told The B Square the county intends to create the written safety plan by the deadline.
The inspection report also places the citation against a backdrop of several other problems at the Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center. A July 24 [sewage backup sent wastewater through ceilings](https://bsquarebulletin.com/oct-19-2026-no-kings-rally-plate-reader-ban-6-87m-bond-plan-immigration-court-ruling-jail-pop-below-threshold/) into offices below, closing the building for several days. On Aug. 17, [condensation got into a clerk’s-office light fixture](https://bsquarebulletin.com/initial-report-monroe-county-clerks-office-closed-due-to-condensation-into-light-fixtures/) and caused it to spark, prompting repairs and a temporary closure of the office.
In its Oct. 15 report, IOSHA lists the inspection period as Aug. 11 through Sept. 25\. Its report discusses all three incidents and says the agency received seven separate complaints about conditions at the justice building. The report includes follow-up information from additional complainants after IOSHA’s site visit.
IOSHA didn’t issue a safety order over the sewage backup itself or the odor itself. But the report separately cites the county government for not providing complete injury logs within four business hours. That cited violation was corrected during the inspection and carries no proposed penalty.
### Oct. 19, 2026: No Kings rally; plate-reader ban; $6.87M bond plan; immigration court ruling; jail pop below threshold
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/oct-19-2026-no-kings-rally-plate-reader-ban-6-87m-bond-plan-immigration-court-ruling-jail-pop-below-threshold/
Last updated: 2026-10-19T10:01:46.000Z
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Wear your happy pants. Even though the day will start off at around 40F° and you’ll need a light jacket or sweater, it will warm up to 68F° under clear sunny skies.
**Tuesday:** Wear the same happy pants you wore the day before, because it will be the same kind of day. We’ll be starting from an overnight low of 40F° so wear a light jacket or sweater, but clear sunny skies will get the temperature up to 69F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Demonstrators gather in downtown Bloomington for ‘No Kings: Vote Early’ rally](https://bsquarebulletin.com/demonstrators-gather-in-downtown-bloomington-for-no-kings-vote-early-rally/). Under sunny skies, demonstrators gathered Saturday at Bloomington’s courthouse for the nationwide anti-Trump “No Kings: Vote Early” effort. Speakers urged early voting, defended immigrants and linked national concerns to Seminary Pointe and Flock cameras.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-83/). Halloween is coming up and Hawk and Fish are ready. How would a ghost campaign for Bloomington city council? And why did the mayor hire a vampire as public engagement director?
- [Monroe County property transfers through Oct. 14, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-oct-14-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Sept. 17 through Oct. 14, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population stays below ACLU threshold for 11 straight days](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-stays-below-aclu-threshold-for-11-straight-days/). Monroe County’s jail population fell to 214 on Saturday, marking 11 straight days below the ACLU’s functional capacity figure of 229\. Over 89 days of tracking, the population has declined from 247, with at least 822 departures. The median stay among those who left was two days.
- [Bloomington proposes $6.87M bond issue for fire truck, street safety, plans for regular borrowing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-proposes-6-87m-bond-issue-for-fire-truck-street-safety-plans-for-regular-borrowing/). Bloomington is considering about $6.87 million in bonds to replace its aging aerial fire truck and fund street safety projects. The borrowing would raise property taxes. A public hearing and possible final city council vote are scheduled for Nov. 4.
- [Second Bloomington immigration detainee wins federal court order for bond hearing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-bloomington-immigration-detainee-wins-federal-court-order-for-bond-hearing/). A federal judge ordered immigration officials to give Manuel Alejandro Nadal Ortiz a bond hearing by Oct. 22, or release him. The government must report compliance by Oct. 23\. He is the second Bloomington man arrested Sept. 1 to win a similar ruling.
- [Bloomington council votes 7–0 to ban license plate readers, after debate over some exceptions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-votes-7-0-to-ban-license-plate-readers-after-debate-over-some-exceptions/). Bloomington’s city council voted 7–0 to ban automated license plate readers and certain surveillance cameras. A disputed amendment allowing access to recordings for criminal investigations passed 5–2, despite concerns it could weaken the ban. At least 29 people spoke from the public mic.
### Other notes
**Early voting numbers.** Through the first nine days of voting at the [North Showers](https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+N+Morton+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47404/@39.1707495,-86.5369779,684m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66d92d3cc4f5:0xb79ecc8d1acb583d!8m2!3d39.1708482!4d-86.5373847!16s%2Fg%2F11yq8cq5y6?entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) location on Morton Street, 5,269 people have cast a ballot. That’s almost 2,000 more than in 2022, but about 2,000 less than in 2018 for the same period.
This is a stat that’s easy to check for yourself on the [early voting dashboard](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/2980211891404743a0b6a45b6b1422d2) that Monroe County government has set up. In years gone by, I would check in at early voting and collect those numbers daily so that I could report them. Now I don’t have to do that, because the county government is reporting the numbers for everybody.
### On the calendar
**Hopewell South, Visit Bloomington.** On the [5 p.m. Monday (Oct. 19) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17619/download ) for Bloomington’s redevelopment commission is a $5,000 expenditure related to completion of the secondary plat for Hopewell South and an $11,000 reimbursement for part of the cost of installing a fire suppression system in Visit Bloomington’s space at the Fourth Street parking garage.
**Details of items unknown.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 20) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17630/download) for Bloomington’s board of public works are several items that could be interesting, but the links all lead to Google Drive objects that don’t have the correct permissions set for access to the general public.
**Monroe County 2027 budget adoption.** On the [5 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 20) agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQDhGe15ZIhyQLmhwkGH24eZAY0o02YIpa0F1iGKv5T43K8?e=WnYhIo) for the Monroe County council is the adoption of the 2027 budget.
**Demolition of Seminary Pointe buildings.** On the [3 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 21) agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQDCiWncHCXeSrn5nZ-d6D9vAXkLyZLyk3xOCmZEI86AOSE?e=Bv53Nf) for the Monroe County capital improvement board is the award of a contract for demolition of the buildings south of the existing convention center known as the Seminary Pointe block.
**City council public safety discussion.** On the [6:30 p.m. work session agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17632/download) for the Bloomington city council is the second part of a community discussion about public safety.
---
**HHFB Book Fair: Oct. 15-20.** Hoosier Hills Food Bank’s 42nd annual Community Book Fair opens Thursday (Oct. 15) at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, with more than 100,000 books and other items for sale through Tuesday (Oct. 20). Admission is $10 on Thursday (free for veterans and active-duty military) and free the rest of the fair, with regular prices including $3 hardcovers and $1 paperbacks. Sunday is half-price day, followed by $10-a-bag Monday and $5-a-bag Tuesday, with all proceeds benefiting the food bank’s hunger-relief programs \[[book fair map and schedule](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-reviews-problems-with-accessible-ballot-system/)\].
**Pizza Trail: Oct. 1–31.** October is pizza month. And in Bloomington this is commemorated with a [Pizza Trail](https://www.visitbloomington.com/restaurants/passports/pizza-passport-trail/) that Visit Bloomington is promoting. The idea is you sign up for a mobile pass, which sounds like a kind of digital punchcard. Every time you check in with one of 20 different local pizza joints, you get a credit. And at the end you can redeem the points for gift cards to ... pizza joints. There
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Bubba!
Up for adoption, as of Oct. 18 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Bubba](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/79869). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is a shepherd mix. **And he let the shelter staff dress him up like a pumpkin!** Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Bubba](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/79869).
> 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!
### Photo Finish: 6th Street & Walnut Street
The skeleton riding on the back of this Honda Shadow motorcycle seems like a setup for a joke: Bone to be wild. Or: “Yea, though I ride through the valley of the Honda Shadow of Death, I will fear no Evel Knievel.” (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a good start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Demonstrators gather in downtown Bloomington for ‘No Kings: Vote Early’ rally
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/demonstrators-gather-in-downtown-bloomington-for-no-kings-vote-early-rally/
Last updated: 2026-10-18T14:55:12.000Z
The air was a nippy 54 degrees Saturday afternoon (Oct. 17), but bright sunshine took the edge off as demonstrators gathered on the Monroe County courthouse lawn in downtown Bloomington for an anti-Trump “No Kings: Vote Early” rally.
Earlier in the day, Army Black Hawk helicopters had flown over Memorial Stadium for Indiana University’s noon football game against Ohio State. The courthouse rally featured a much more low-key kind of flyby, when went mostly unnoticed by the crowd. A red-tailed hawk swooped in and perched for a while atop the courthouse dome, before taking flight eastward towards the IU campus.
An hour into the demonstration, news of IU’s 19-15 loss to Ohio State filtered through the crowd, where it was met with much, but not universal, disappointment. The university’s leadership has itself been a target of criticism among local activists, particularly over free speech and the handling of campus protests.
Saturday’s [nationwide demonstrations](https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-midterm-elections-02d78e3dc4f1f75f8f8a5c327ba79008) opposed President Donald Trump, with a focus on encouraging participation in the Nov. 3 midterm election.
Like other events nationwide, the Bloomington edition of the rallies focused on early voting, helping others get to the polls, and volunteering with organizations working on political and community issues. Tables around the courthouse set up by community groups offered information about voting and chances to get involved.
Among the speakers was Mark Fraley, a former Monroe County Democratic Party chair. He pointed to Indiana’s historically low voter turnout. Fraley urged people to encourage friends, neighbors and family members to vote, even in elections where some races are uncontested. “You don’t vote just because your vote matters. You vote because *you* matter,” Fraley said, describing voting as an expression of personal dignity.
Erin Aquino, Bloomington resettlement director for Exodus Refugee Immigration, criticized the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. She described the fear experienced by immigrant families, including some who are reluctant to go to work or send their children to school. Aquino urged those eligible to vote to consider the interests of people who cannot cast ballots themselves. “Vote for people who cannot vote,” she told the crowd.
Bryce Greene, an organizer with Bloomington Homes for All, connected the national political message to local issues. “The fight against fascism starts at home,” Greene said. He criticized plans to demolish Seminary Pointe, a downtown block containing low-cost apartments and small businesses, in connection with the Bloomington convention center hotel project.
Greene also pointed to the local campaign against Flock surveillance cameras and the Bloomington city council’s recent vote to ban automated license plate readers as an example of what sustained organizing can accomplish. Greene’s message was that voting matters, but political participation cannot end at the ballot box. People need to join organizations and work collectively between elections, he said.
The Midwest Liberation Front, made up of Bill and Glenda Breeden, Mark Blackwell and Rob Mills, provided music on guitar, banjo and washtub bass. The group performed several protest-song standards, including Woody Guthrie’s “I Ain’t Got No Home” and John Prine’s “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore.” Singing Resistance Bloomington led the crowd in call-and-response-style songs.
Toward the end of the gathering, the crowd was invited to line up along the courthouse sidewalk with “Vote Early” signs for a photograph to be taken by a friendly drone.
Although early voting has started in Monroe County, the voting location at the Monroe County Government Center at [501 N. Morton St. in downtown Bloomington](https://maps.app.goo.gl/imEPZMEVKxQvWnan7) was closed on Saturday. Voting resumes Monday (Oct. 19), with additional Saturday hours scheduled for Oct. 24 and Oct. 31.
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
No Kings Vote Early Rally. (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-83/
Last updated: 2026-10-18T13:07:09.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #84 (Oct. 18, 2026)**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through Oct. 14, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-oct-14-2026/
Last updated: 2026-10-18T12:57:05.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Sept. 17 through Oct. 14, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=13w41Qkb-whfQZ2Y19S5BDsk2yhOpyro&usp=sharing).\]
- On October 14, 2026, the property at 1122 S Morton ST was sold to HA1HE1, LLC by BRIAN CHARLES KEESE FKA BRIAN W KEESE for $380,000.
- On October 13, 2026, the property at 8275 S Stone Ridge RD was sold to DELANEY LITTLEJOHN by LORI E PATZNER for $595,000.
- On October 13, 2026, the property at 2317 E Linden Hill DR was sold to NATHAN WRIGLEY by ANN L MCNAIR for $575,000.
- On October 13, 2026, the property at 4452 W Popcorn RD was sold to HALEY MOORE by JAMES AARON ROSS for $366,900.
- On October 13, 2026, the property at 7548 W Rose Creek DR was sold to VICTORIA DAWNELL LANGLEY by Haviland, Mary L for $175,000.
- On October 12, 2026, the property at 3350 S Oaklawn CIR was sold to TIDY RENTALS LLC by QIANRU LI for $158,000.
- On October 12, 2026, the property at N Lydy RD was sold to DAVID GLASS by Robinson, Terry W for $119,900.
- On October 9, 2026, the property at 2511 N Dunn ST was sold to ADAM WILL by PAUL R PRUITT for $530,000.
- On October 9, 2026, the property at 3953 W Ribbon LN was sold to DAVID M KIRKHOFF by Stella, Dominick J for $464,900.
- On October 9, 2026, the property at 409 S Swain AVE was sold to DUGUY PROPERTY GROUP LLC by Sinn, Sue Ann Trust for $418,000.
- On October 9, 2026, the property at 4251 W Geranium LN was sold to MAYRA MAYRINK COSTA by KENDRA KIRKOFF for $395,000.
- On October 9, 2026, the property at 2430 N Fritz DR was sold to JAESOO LLC by AMANDA BLAKE WARREN-MAY for $376,000.
- On October 9, 2026, the property at 5304 E State Road 46 was sold to AMANDA BLAKE WARREN-MAY by ZACHARY HAGEMEYER for $310,000.
- On October 9, 2026, the property at 3118 S Cuffers DR was sold to KODY A NIESE by COURTNEY KAY HENDERSON FKA COURTNEY KAY LADYMAN for $240,000.
- On October 9, 2026, the property at 5010 N Lakeview DR was sold to BAMBI L CHANDLER by FARRIS STORAGE ONC for $185,000.
- On October 9, 2026, the property at 2061 E Charles WAY was sold to BRETT AND CHERYL FRANKLIN JOINT REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST by FOX PROPERTY ENTERPRISES, LLC for $170,000.
- On October 8, 2026, the property at 3401 E Cleve Butcher RD was sold to MILES OF STORAGE BLOOMINGTON 2 LLC by BRAWLEY STORAGE LLC for $740,000.
- On October 8, 2026, the property at 111 S Maple ST was sold to JAMES ANDREW RAY by KATHLEEN BENSON for $400,000.
- On October 8, 2026, the property at 3226 E Kensington Park DR was sold to COURTNEY HENDERSON by HOKE, JUDY D for $395,000.
- On October 8, 2026, the property at 9730 N Low Gap RD was sold to CALEB HUNTER DAVIS by MICHELS HOLLOW LLC for $331,250.
- On October 8, 2026, the property at 3764 S Cramer CIR was sold to HANGZHOU ZHANG by CPW Properties LLC for $258,000.
- On October 8, 2026, the property at 425 N Roosevelt ST was sold to NORTH COLLEGE PARTNERS LLC by JOHN C MACKEY for $250,000.
- On October 8, 2026, the property at 9359 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to MICHAEL FRANKLIN by Simon, Mark for $215,000.
- On October 8, 2026, the property at 1101 N Forest View DR N was sold to PAUL A WALDEN by JONI B BROWN for $140,000.
- On October 8, 2026, the property at 435 S Poplar DR was sold to LAK PROPERTY PARTNERS LLC by ESTATE OF ANTHONY LEE LAY for $45,000.
- On October 7, 2026, the property at 5425 S Old State Road 37 was sold to BELLE & BOONE LLC by JEFFREY W BLAND AND TERESA J BLAND LIVING TRUST for $300,000.
- On October 7, 2026, the property at 2305 W Beaumont LN was sold to ANDRIES NICOLAAS SCHREUDER by TRBAYLY ENTERPRISES LLC for $275,000.
- On October 6, 2026, the property at 601 S Woodlawn AVE was sold to PAUL R COLBERT by THE ESTATE OF JEAN ANN MAUGER COLBERT for $0.
- On October 5, 2026, the property at 1427 W Adams Hill CIR was sold to DUY DUC NGUYEN by MATTHEW J AND MARIA E BUCHKOWSKI TRUST for $400,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 8626 S Gore RD was sold to RICHARD MEADOWS by WILLIAM J PELTOLA for $100,000.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 9225 S Foggy Ridge LN was sold to JEFFREY STINSON by ROSANN COOK STURM WTTA ROSANN BRENDA COOK STRUM for $900,000.
- On September 17, 2026, the property at 111 S Maple ST was sold to KATHLEEN BENSON by NICHOLAS DETRICH for $0.
### 6th Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-29/
Last updated: 2026-10-17T22:35:33.000Z
The skeleton riding on the back of this Honda Shadow motorcycle seems like a setup for a joke: Bone to be wild. Or: “Yea, though I ride through the valley of the Honda Shadow of Death, I will fear no Evel Knievel.” (Dave Askins, Oct. 17, 2026)
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population stays below ACLU threshold for 11 straight days
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-stays-below-aclu-threshold-for-11-straight-days/
Last updated: 2026-10-17T15:19:34.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s jail population stood at 214 on Saturday (Oct. 17), which is down 6 from a week ago. That marks the 11th day in a row when the count of prisoners has been below the ACLU’s version of the jail’s functional capacity, which is 229.
The day before, on Friday (Oct. 16), the population was 212, which is the lowest number since The B Square started tracking daily population 89 days ago on July 21.
The highest number in the last week was 223, on Monday, which was still 6 under the ACLU’s functional cap.
Monroe County’s [jail data dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/195880a3c67c41fa998f56ff8e9aabb4 ) includes snapshots of basic counts, demographic profiles, and the types of crimes prisoners are charged with. The dashboard is updated routinely, which means Monroe County residents don’t need to wait for weekly updates from a news outlet.
Chart by The B Square with data from the Monroe County jail.
The B Square has tracked the numbers starting on July 21, when the jail held 247 people. Ten days into that span, the 10-day rolling average was about 254\. The most recent rolling 10-day average, on Saturday (Oct. 17) was about 218.
That’s 11 under the number that the ACLU gives as the jail’s functional capacity in its [federal lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf), which it filed in July on behalf of jail inmates. Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté has given a lower figure for functional capacity. His July [overcrowding report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf) started with 294 reported beds, subtracted housing that he said cannot be treated as general-population space, leaving 233 available general-housing beds. Applying the same 80% principle yields a functional capacity of 186.
The difference between the two jail population snapshots at the start and the end of the period The B Square has tracked does not capture the turnover in the jail during that period. Of the 247 people who were there on July 21, 92 of them were still there on Oct. 17\. That means 155, or nearly 63%, of the people who were in jail at the start of the period, had left by the end.
At the same time, 122 people who arrived after July 21 were still incarcerated on Oct 17\. The 92 people who were present at both endpoints, together with those 122 later arrivals, account for the current population of 214.
That comparison still does not capture people who arrived after July 21 and then left before Oct. 17\. There were at least 822 departures from the jail during that span. Some of those departures could have been by the same person.
Among those who departed during the time The B Square has tracked the numbers, the median length of stay was 2 days.
Over the full 89-day period, the average daily population was about 235\. The highest count was 264 on July 31\. The lowest was 212 on Oct. 16.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Bloomington proposes $6.87M bond issue for fire truck, street safety, plans for regular borrowing
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-proposes-6-87m-bond-issue-for-fire-truck-street-safety-plans-for-regular-borrowing/
Last updated: 2026-10-17T14:04:52.000Z
B Square file photo of Bloomington fire department’s aerial platform truck in action at the [First Christian Church fire](https://bsquarebulletin.com/fire-at-downtown-bloomington-church-quickly-contained-no-injuries-reported/) on Oct. 1, 2025\.
Bloomington could replace its only aerial platform fire truck, which has been out of service for more than four months, and pay for several street safety improvements, through a roughly $6.87 million bond issue that would be financed by additional property taxes.
The proposed [general obligation (GO) bonds](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-14-Bloomington-city-council-2026-GO-Bonds-First-Reading-Presentation.pdf ), introduced at Wednesday’s (Oct. 14) city council meeting, would provide $2.5 million for the fire truck and $4.23 million for transportation projects. The debt would be repaid over slightly more than six years.
The proposal is also the first installment of what city controller Geoff McKim described as a planned three-year cycle of borrowing for capital improvements.
Beyond the individual projects, the proposal highlights an important feature of Indiana’s property tax system: The city can impose additional property taxes to repay qualifying bonds without counting that revenue against its ordinary property tax levy limits. Its ability to raise additional taxes to save for future purchases is more restricted.
The [ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download#page=51) is scheduled for a public hearing and possible final vote on Nov. 4.
### Fire truck replacement: $2.5 million
The largest single expenditure to be funded by the GO bonds is $2.5 million to replace Bloomington’s only aerial platform fire truck.
Deputy fire chief Max Litwin told the council that the truck has been out of service for more than four months, with repairs estimated to exceed $100,000\. It has seen downtime in each of the last three years, with the periods growing progressively longer.
The problems reflect both the aging equipment and the availability of replacement parts. Some components are no longer manufactured and have to be custom-fabricated, which adds expense and extends the time the truck remains out of service.
The big truck can do things that the department’s other vehicles can’t. Its 100-foot hydraulic ladder can reach people trapped on upper floors of burning buildings when firefighters can’t safely reach them from inside. It can also put huge amounts of water on a fire from above a building, which is key when flames have spread through the roof.
Litwin said the department hopes to purchase a stock model rather than commission a custom-built truck. A custom order could take three years or more to arrive; a stock model could substantially reduce the wait.
The department operates on a roughly seven-year replacement cycle for such equipment, which is comparable to the proposed bond repayment period.
The truck is a concrete example of the potential advantage of borrowing rather than waiting to save enough money for a purchase. Keeping deteriorating equipment in service can produce repair costs, downtime, and risks that might not be factored into a pure financial analysis.
### Transportation projects: $4.23 million
Five categories of transportation improvements account for the remaining $4.23 million of the proposed bond issuance.
The largest allocation of the other allocations is $1.7 million, which would support improvements along 10th Street between College Avenue and Park Avenue, connecting Indiana University’s campus with the Trades District. Possible improvements include wider sidewalks, raised intersections, curb ramps, crosswalks and traffic calming. Design is underway, with construction targeted for 2028.
Another $1.5 million would go toward 3rd Street safety improvements, which could include modernization of the traffic signals at Rogers and Madison streets. City engineer Andrew Cibor told the council on Wednesday those are among Bloomington’s oldest signals and are in poor condition. The city’s goal of upgrading two signalized intersections annually amounts to replacing each intersection’s equipment approximately once every 40 years.
The remaining proposed expenditures are $500,000 for sidewalk and bikeway improvements, $280,000 for crosswalk safety projects, and $250,000 for street lighting improvements.
The crosswalk work includes a planned pedestrian refuge island at 17th Street and Willis Drive, near Tri-North Middle School, and improvements to the unusually wide intersection of Covenanter Drive and Auto Mall Road.
Some of the bond proceeds would pay for design and inspection services rather than immediate construction. One crosswalk project is not scheduled for construction until 2030.
Cibor said the proposed allocations are estimates and could shift as designs and costs become more definite. The bond proceeds would also be combined with other funding sources, including federal transportation grants.
### Bond payments and property taxes
The proposed bonds would be backed by Bloomington’s full faith and credit, with the city pledging to levy sufficient property taxes to pay the principal and interest.
The ordinance authorizes borrowing up to $6.868 million, with an interest rate no higher than 5.5% and a repayment period no longer than seven years. The administration anticipates an interest rate around 5%.
The ordinance also requests a $7 million appropriation, which McKim said would accommodate investment earnings on bond proceeds before they are spent. The city’s proposed 2027 budget already includes a new bond fund with a property tax levy of $1,568,814, at a rate of $0.0337 per $100 of assessed value.
What is the impact on property owners? At the proposed rate, the annual additional tax would amount to $33.70 for each $100,000 of net taxable assessed value, before any circuit-breaker credits.
The amount that taxpayers ultimately pay would exceed the principal borrowed, because of interest and issuance expenses. The actual total will depend on interest rates at issuance and the final repayment schedule.
The property tax mechanism is an important part of the financing strategy.
Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/6#6-1.1-18.5-8), property taxes pledged to repay qualifying bonds are excluded from the state’s ordinary limits on local government tax levies. Bloomington’s proposed 2027 property levy is already at its maximum of $43.76 million.
So the city has authority to impose additional taxes for qualifying bond payments that it generally could not impose as an unrestricted increase in its ordinary levy, just to accumulate savings.
But debt-service taxes are still subject to Indiana’s constitutional property tax caps, which can reduce actual collections.
### An alternative: The cumulative capital development fund
Borrowing is not the only way Indiana law allows cities to raise property taxes for capital improvements.
Bloomington already has a cumulative capital development (CCD) fund, which allows money from a dedicated property tax to be accumulated for future purchases. The fund can support specified capital investments without requiring the city to borrow.
The [adopted 2027 budget](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-bloomington-immigration-detainee-wins-federal-court-order-for-bond-hearing/) includes $3.1 million in expenditures out of the cumulative capital fund. The fund balance for the cumulative capital fund at the end of 2025 was about $2.7 million. The proposed 2027 budget includes $2.74 million in CCD property tax collections at a rate of $0.05 per $100 of assessed value. That is the statutory maximum under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-9-15.5-6).
The city only recently restored the rate to that maximum. State calculations tied to assessed property values had gradually reduced Bloomington’s CCD rate from $0.0493 in 2020 to $0.0477 by 2022\. The lower rate remained in place through 2025.
The city could have restored the rate sooner, but doing so required a separate legal procedure. Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/6#6-1.1-41), a city that wants to increase an established cumulative fund’s rate must formally reestablish the fund. Bloomington’s council completed that process in March 2025, adopting an [ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/legislationFiles/5857 ) to restore the 5-cent rate for taxes payable beginning in 2026\. Once the rate is established and certified, the city can continue imposing it annually.
The cumulative capital fund receives special treatment in calculations of the state’s property tax levy limits. But unlike a bond levy, the cumulative capital tax rate is capped by a separate statute. Bloomington’s 5-cent rate for the cumulative capital rate is at the maximum.
The difference matters when comparing financing strategies: Bonding can support additional property taxes to repay debt, while Bloomington’s existing capital savings tax is capped at 5 cents per $100 of assessed value.
The proposed $6,868,000 bond issue is just $664 below the state’s 2026 “controlled project” threshold of $6,868,664, which is established under [state law ](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/6#6-1.1-20-1.1 )Above the threshold, capital projects can become subject to taxpayer petition-and-remonstrance procedures or, for larger projects, a referendum.
### Borrowing versus saving: Who pays, and who benefits?
In its [memo](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download#page=51), the Thomson administration offers another argument for borrowing: It allows the taxpayers who are to pay for it to benefit from the expenditure as soon as they start paying for it.
Councilmember Hopi Stosberg said Wednesday that the argument helped persuade her to support it. Stosberg said her instinct had been that governments should approach expensive purchases as households ideally would: Save the money first, then buy what is needed.
On Wednesday night, McKim used the fire truck to explain why borrowing could be preferable. “If we saved up for seven years for that fire truck, you’d have seven years of taxpayers paying and not benefiting, and seven years of taxpayers benefiting but not paying,” he told the council.
That argument is especially persuasive for a specific purchase when money has not already been accumulated. But the distinction becomes less clear when borrowing and saving are considered as permanent financing strategies.
Under a routine savings plan, current taxpayers contribute to future purchases while benefiting from equipment and infrastructure purchased with money accumulated by earlier taxpayers. Under routine borrowing, current taxpayers make debt payments on earlier purchases while benefiting from those assets.
The more consequential differences involve financing costs, the investment earnings that savings could generate, the consequences of delaying improvements, and the availability of tax revenue under Indiana law.
The fire truck example illustrates why waiting to accumulate cash can be costly in ways that a purely financial analysis might overlook.
### Borrowing every three years
McKim said the administration envisions issuing capital bonds every three years, combining debt with grants and existing resources to pay for major improvements.
With the bonds scheduled to be repaid over about six years, new issues would overlap with older ones. The city could maintain a relatively stable level of debt, if new borrowing and repayments were balanced, but it would also establish an ongoing stream of property tax revenue dedicated to debt service.
The strategy is intended to be guided by a five- to 10-year capital improvement plan. However, McKim said the city has not completed that plan. Department heads have submitted their needs, and financial adviser Reedy Financial Group has assembled an initial draft. A more developed version is expected by year’s end.
A companion parks bond issue has been deferred until 2028 at the earliest because of [grant opportunities](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-grant-opportunity-with-10m-in-play-could-reshape-bloomington-parks-capital-plan/) the parks department is pursuing.
Bloomington also has recent experience with more frequent short-term borrowing. In 2024, the council [approved $4.3 million in GO bonds](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-oks-4-3m-in-bonds-for-capital-projects-property-owners-to-pay-more-tax-as-a-result/) , primarily for engineering projects, with repayment over approximately two years. The borrowing increased the city’s property tax rate.
Indiana subsequently enacted SEA 1 , which imposed a waiting period after certain short-term bond issues. Bloomington’s now proposed six-plus-year bonds would fall outside the statute’s definition of short-term GO bonds.
Under the [new state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/5#5-1-14-17), “short-term” GO bonds are defined as having terms of five years or less. Such bonds now trigger a one-year cooling-off period before another such bond can be issued.
Monroe County government, which had routinely issued about $3 million in one-year GO bonds annually, responded to the change in state law by [shifting to a $6 million bond issue with a six-year term](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-plans-6m-bond-despite-cooling-off-period/), approved in late October 2025\. An [initial GO bond proposal](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQC09QBEPtO4RZejA6bQv7yiAQvKWpD3p%5Fl6kWUiQc0IVn8?e=38IRDG) for this year was formally introduced to the Monroe County council at its meeting this past Tuesday (Oct. 13).
Bloomington’s 2024 bonds had a two-year term, but its currently proposed six-plus-year bonds, like Monroe County’s, fall outside the new law’s definition of short-term GO bonds.
As for borrowing capacity, Justin Chang of Reedy Financial Group told the council on Wednesday that Bloomington has a constitutional debt limit of about $36.55 million. Existing GO bonds account for approximately $8.39 million, leaving about $21.29 million in capacity after the proposed issuance.
That establishes how much the city can legally borrow, not whether borrowing is its least expensive financing option.
On Wednesday, councilmember Andy Ruff raised a question about the council’s control over the eventual expenditures. Ruff said the fire truck purchase was clear and specific, but some of the transportation projects were not yet fully defined.
Ruff asked the administration to explain what opportunities the council and public would have to influence the projects funded by the bonds, particularly transportation improvements whose designs have not been finalized. He requested more information before the Nov. 4 hearing. The administration did not answer the question during Wednesday’s meeting.
From the public mic came a question about whether the borrowing would divert resources from addressing poverty and homelessness. Councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith responded that bond proceeds must be spent on capital projects, not social services.
Another kind of typical response that municipalities often give to the concern about social services funding is to point out that financing capital improvements through bonding helps to conserve existing city revenues, which can be spent on social services.
The council is expected to take up the ordinance again on [Nov. 4](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings) with a possible final vote on the bond issuance at that time.
### Second Bloomington immigration detainee wins federal court order for bond hearing
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-bloomington-immigration-detainee-wins-federal-court-order-for-bond-hearing/
Last updated: 2026-10-19T23:57:32.000Z
B Square file photo of ant's eye view of a judgment in a habeas corpus filing.
A second Bloomington man detained by federal immigration agents on Sept. 1 has won a court ruling requiring the government to give him a bond hearing or release him from custody.
In an [opinion](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-16-1-26-cv-02694-mauel-alejandro-nadal-ortiz-habeas-corpus-opinion.pdf ) and [judgment](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-16-1-26-cv-02694-mauel-alejandro-nadal-ortiz-habeas-corpus-judgement.pdf ) issued on Thursday (Oct. 15), a U.S. district judge ruled that Manuel Alejandro Nadal Ortiz could not lawfully be held under the government’s mandatory-detention interpretation of federal immigration law. Nadal-Ortiz is a Venezuelan who was detailed in Bloomington by immigration officials on Sept. 1.
The judge ordered the government to give Nadal Ortiz an individualized bond hearing within five business days or release him immediately. That works out to a deadline of Oct. 22\. The government has to report back to the court by the day after the deadline that the bond hearing took place, including the outcome of any bond hearing. \[*Updated Oct. 19, 2026: The bond hearing was held on Monday, Oct. 19, and Nadal Ortiz was granted a $15,000 bond.*\]
The ruling does not order Nadal Ortiz’s unconditional release. An immigration judge could still deny bond after considering his individual circumstances.
Nadal Ortiz was arrested in the parking lot of Bloomington’s west-side Walmart along with Cesar Augusto Cepeda Gomez. Both men, who worked as delivery drivers, were eventually transferred to an immigration detention facility in Michigan.
Cepeda Gomez won a similar federal court ruling on Sept. 29\. An immigration judge subsequently [granted him a $10,000 bond](https://bsquarebulletin.com/immigration-judge-sets-10k-bond-for-bloomington-man-after-federal-habeas-win/) on Oct. 2\. According to a source close to the family, he has posted the bond and has been released.
Both federal rulings rely on a May decision by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals establishing that the immigration detention provision allowing individualized bond determinations governs cases like theirs. But the U.S. Supreme Court has [now agreed to review that ruling](https://bsquarebulletin.com/immigration-judge-sets-10k-bond-for-bloomington-man-after-federal-habeas-win/).
Thursday’s federal district court ruling means both Bloomington men have now prevailed in their separate federal challenges to detention without a bond hearing. Neither ruling decides their underlying immigration cases, or whether they will ultimately be permitted to remain in the United States.
### Bloomington council votes 7–0 to ban license plate readers, after debate over some exceptions
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-votes-7-0-to-ban-license-plate-readers-after-debate-over-some-exceptions/
Last updated: 2026-10-15T14:13:29.000Z
Bloomington’s city council deliberates on the ordinance prohibiting automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Bloomington. It passed 7–0\. (Dave Askins, Oct. 15, 2026)
Bloomington’s city council voted 7–0 on Wednesday (Oct. 14) to prohibit city agencies from using automated license plate readers (ALPRs), along with certain surveillance camera systems that allow outside entities to access recordings and data.
The unanimous outcome came after nearly three hours of discussion that surfaced some disagreement among councilmembers over an amendment to the [ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download#page=148), related to how broadly the prohibition should apply.
The council chambers were full, and the balcony was unlocked to accommodate overflow. At least 29 different members of the public spoke on the ordinance and its amendments. Councilmembers Matt Flaherty and Kate Rosenbarger were absent.
The ordinance was sponsored by councilmembers Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Sydney Zulich and Isak Asare.
The council changed the order of its agenda to consider the surveillance ordinance ahead of other items, most notably the [final adoption of the 2027 budget](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-approves-2027-budget-6-1-with-president-as-lone-dissenter/). Dave Rollo made the motion to change the agenda, saying he wanted to respect the time of residents who had come to speak. Hopi Stosberg cast the lone vote against changing the agenda, because delayed consideration of the budget.
From the motion to change the agenda until the final vote on the ordinance, the proceedings on the ALPR ordinance took 2 hours and 52 minutes. The full council meeting, which started at 6:30 p.m., lasted roughly five and a half hours, ending shortly after midnight.
### What the ordinance prohibits
The [purpose of the new ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download#page=148) is to prohibit “the City and its agencies from acquiring, operating, or accessing Automated License Plate Reader technology or surveillance cameras controlled or accessed by an external entity.” The restriction also extends to recording and storing ALPR data.
The prohibition is not limited to cameras installed in Bloomington. It also restricts city agencies from searching, requesting or obtaining ALPR data collected by other agencies or private companies. That part of the prohibition is especially impactful because police agencies could otherwise use information collected by cameras in other jurisdictions to locate suspects or vehicles involved in crimes.
Beyond license plate readers, the ordinance restricts the city’s use of certain camera systems equipped with automated detection, recognition, classification or tracking technology when third parties can independently access the information they collect.
Conventional security cameras that do not fall within that definition are still allowed. The ordinance also requires the city to publish guidelines for permitted surveillance cameras, addressing matters such as access, storage, retention and public reporting.
One amendment added a requirement that even surveillance cameras that are otherwise allowed cannot be used for facial recognition, biometric identification or automated tracking of people without authorization by city council ordinance.
### Months of controversy
Wednesday’s vote followed more than eight months of public controversy over Bloomington’s relationship with Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company that makes ALPR cameras and other surveillance technology.
On Jan. 30, an estimated [700 people gathered outside city hall](https://bsquarebulletin.com/protestors-call-for-the-end-of-flock-camera-contract-with-city-bloomington-mayor-says-that-is-one-of-the-options/) to demand cancellation of Bloomington’s Flock contracts. Much of the demonstration focused on concerns that federal immigration authorities were using ALPR databases to locate immigrants.
On the day of that demonstration, Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson said that ending the city’s Flock contract was “one of the options” under consideration.
On March 4, the council unanimously [adopted a resolution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-council-adopts-resolution-on-flock-license-plate-reader-cameras-as-first-step/) calling for a report on Bloomington’s ALPR program, limits on expansion and development of legislation governing the technology. More than 30 people spoke on that resolution.
On April 15, Thomson announced that Bloomington [had not renewed its Flock ALPR contract](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-flock-camera-contract-expired-march-5-mayor-reveals-non-renewal-6-weeks-later/) when it expired March 5, six weeks earlier. Her announcement indicated that the administration would continue evaluating alternative technology and vendors.
Police chief Mike Diekhoff later provided the council with a briefing on the city’s contracts and use of the technology. The briefing included descriptions of investigations in which ALPR information had been useful.
In one case, Bloomington police said Flock camera information [helped locate a suspect](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-man-arrested-on-charge-of-attempted-murder-with-aid-of-flock-cameras/) who was arrested on attempted murder, aggravated battery and arson charges after an April 21 fire on South Rogers Street left a woman critically injured.
On July 23, Monroe County commissioners v[oted to end the county government’s Flock contract](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-vote-to-end-flock-contract-remove-six-license-plate-cameras/) and remove six license plate readers.
### Thomson administration wanted narrower legislation
Although Thomson’s administration had already ended the city’s ALPR contract, it did not favor the entire ordinance that was enacted Wednesday night.
In an [Oct. 7 memorandum](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17585/download#page=26 ) that was included in the council’s Oct. 12 packet addendum, deputy mayor Gretchen Knapp, Diekhoff and corporation counsel Margie Rice proposed splitting off the ALPR prohibition from the wider camera restrictions.
The administration’s first recommendation was to address just ALPRs in the current legislation.
The administration proposed forming a small working group, potentially including councilmembers, to review existing camera uses and policies. That work would become the basis for separate legislation defining which surveillance practices would be prohibited and which cameras could continue to be used for criminal investigations, building security and routine city operations.
The administration also expressed interest in preserving the possibility of considering ALPR technology for parking enforcement in the future, if warranted by recommendations from the city’s parking study.
According to the administration’s Oct. 7 memo, four fixed Flock security cameras remain in use, along with four security trailers that are not being used. The memo disputes the ordinance’s description of those cameras as connected to Flock’s nationwide network, saying their recordings are stored on a separate server accessible only to Bloomington police. The administration said it was seeking replacement security cameras, not replacement ALPRs.
The memo says the administration is seeking replacements for security cameras, not replacement ALPRs.
One of the administration’s most consequential objections concerned the prohibition on obtaining ALPR data from outside agencies.
The memo said that the language could prevent Bloomington police from obtaining essential investigative information when someone commits a serious crime in Bloomington and flees elsewhere. It cited possible investigations involving kidnapping, murder and drug dealing.
Other concerns included the possibility of inadvertently prohibiting police body cameras, dashboard cameras, interview-room recording systems, security cameras at city facilities and equipment used by other municipal departments.
The administration also questioned whether vendors providing secure cloud storage would count as prohibited third parties.
### Amendments address some concerns
At Wednesday’s meeting, the council considered four amendments, all of which passed. But the last one drew opposition from two of the ordinance’s three sponsors.
Amendment 1, sponsored by Piedmont-Smith, removed the reference to “Flock” from the ordinance title. That’s because the prohibition applies to ALPR technology generally, not just one company’s equipment.
Amendment 2, sponsored by Zulich, revised the definition of surveillance cameras. Its wording requires both the collection or monitoring of images and the use of automated detection, recognition, classification or tracking technology.
Amendment 3, sponsored by Piedmont-Smith, clarified the prohibition on acquiring ALPR systems and accessing ALPR data collected by others. It also allowed limited technical access to internal systems for maintenance, subject to documentation, and added the provision addressing facial recognition and biometric identification.
The first three amendments passed unanimously. There was an Amendment 4 that did not get introduced.
But the fifth numbered amendment generated extended debate.
### Disagreement over Amendment 5
Amendment 5, sponsored by Piedmont-Smith, was intended in part to respond to the administration’s concerns about law enforcement access to camera recordings.
It explicitly allowed police body-worn cameras, and clarified the ordinance’s application to the jointly operated city-county central dispatch system. The amendment also provided an exception involving surveillance recordings used in criminal investigations that were assigned a case number.
Piedmont-Smith offered an example of a murder outside a convenience store. If the store’s cameras had recorded useful evidence, she did not want police to be prohibited from obtaining it.
Several members of the public objected that the amendment could substantially weaken the ordinance.
Thomas Westgård argued that the exemptions were inadequately defined and potentially expansive. Referring to the body-camera provision, he said it was “a hole you can drive a truck through.” Seaforth Breeze also questioned whether permitting exceptions for police cameras could simply shift surveillance from fixed cameras to devices carried by officers or mounted on vehicles.
Asare questioned whether the investigative exception was necessary. He suggested that established legal procedures already allow police to obtain evidence. Asare worried that the proposed language would allow requests to third parties to collect surveillance information.
Council attorney Larry Allen confirmed that the exception could permit police to receive recordings from cameras with tracking technology, including potentially Flock cameras operated by another agency, if they were connected to an assigned criminal investigation. Without the exception, police might need to obtain such recordings through a subpoena or other legal process.
Corporation counsel Rice posed a hypothetical involving a murder and a neighbor’s Ring camera. She asked whether the council intended to make investigators obtain a subpoena before receiving potentially useful recordings.
Stosberg said she did not want police officers responding to a crisis to have to worry that accepting voluntarily provided footage would undermine a case.
Piedmont-Smith rejected the suggestion that the amendment would defeat the purpose of the ordinance. She said maintaining police body cameras was important for accountability and that she wanted investigators to be able to obtain evidence needed to bring justice to victims.
Amendment 5 passed 5–2\. Voting for it were Piedmont-Smith, Rollo, Stosberg, Andy Ruff and Courtney Daily. Asare and Zulich voted against it.
The dispute did not end with the vote on the amendment.
During final council comments, Zulich reminded colleagues who had supported Amendment 5 that one of them could move to reconsider it, particularly if public testimony had changed their thinking.
Rollo, who had voted for the amendment, subsequently described his vote as difficult and said he was open to reexamining its specifics.
Later, Zulich returned to the subject, noting that because she and Asare had voted against Amendment 5, neither could move to reconsider it under Robert’s Rules of Order. But any councilmember who had voted in favor could do so.
No one made a motion to reconsider Amendment 5, which left it intact.
Piedmont-Smith said during her final remarks that the amendment might not have been the ideal way to address the concern about criminal evidence. “Maybe the answer was not in Amendment 5,” she said, which indicated the council might revisit the issue. She stressed that her goal with Amendment 5 was to make the ordinance clearer, not to weaken protections for constitutional rights.
### Public testimony: Safety, privacy and accountability
Most of the 29 people who spoke from the public mic supported the prohibition of ALPR technology. But some opposed the investigative exceptions added through Amendment 5.
Sarah Owen, community engagement coordinator for the Bloomington office of Exodus Refugee Immigration, described experiences involving immigrants helped by her organization after their encounters with federal immigration enforcement.
Owen said she understood the police department’s public safety objectives. But she said that collecting more information and relying on private surveillance companies would make immigrants less likely to trust police, even when they themselves are victims of crimes.
Scott Tibbs urged the council to reject the ordinance, saying that restrictions on access to ALPR data would be preferable to an outright ban. Tibbs acknowledged documented abuses of ALPR technology, but said that misuse did not invalidate legitimate applications. He cited investigations involving kidnapped children, stolen vehicles and violent criminals.
Seaforth Breeze, who had previously told the council about a Flock camera facing their home, reported that the camera had since been removed. That removal, Breeze said, had been a major personal relief.
The city council’s consideration of the ordinance drew attention from outside Bloomington. Cara Silver, representing groups opposing ALPR use in Palo Alto, California, spoke through a remote Zoom connection. Bloomington and Palo Alto are sibling cities. Silver said Palo Alto advocates had been following Bloomington’s actions and described Bloomington as a “north star” for the effort to restrict surveillance technology.
Chris Doran, who introduced himself as a member of the Bloomington Democratic Socialists of America, criticized Bloomington’s mayor Thomson for what he described as spending much of the public comment period looking at her phone. He also pressed the administration to release internal audits of police ALPR searches and to commission an independent audit.
Doran singled out the three sponsors of the ordinance for praise, referring specifically to “mayoral candidate Sydney Zulich.” Zulich [announced her candidacy](https://bsquarebulletin.com/zulich-announces-for-2027-bloomington-mayors-race-putting-district-6-council-seat-in-play/) or Bloomington mayor on Aug. 22, setting up a congested race in the 2027 Democratic Party’s primary. Thomson is expected to make her formal announcement on Nov. 10.
### Unanimous final vote
In their final comments, the sponsors returned to the broader question of what kind of government surveillance Bloomington should permit.
Zulich cited examples from Indiana and Ohio of law enforcement personnel accused of misusing license plate reader systems, including searches involving former romantic partners and other people with whom officers had personal relationships.
Piedmont-Smith described the legislation as a response to risks extending beyond individual instances of misuse. She cited the potential for surveillance databases to track people not suspected of crimes, as well as the consequences for immigrants, people seeking reproductive health care and residents participating in lawful protests.
Asare framed the vote as a decision about the relationship between government and the people it serves. “A safe society must protect people from all forms of violence,” he said, “and a free society must also protect people from the unchecked power of the very institutions that are established to protect them.”
Despite their disagreements over Amendment 5, all seven councilmembers present supported the ordinance on the final roll call.
Assuming Thomson signs ordinance into law, her administration will have [60 days](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download#page=150) to post on the city’s website the use guidelines for any surveillance cameras that are not subject to the ban in the new ordinance.
\[[audio recording](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-15-Bloomington-city-council-audio-recording.m4a) of Oct. 14, 2026 Bloomington city council meeting\]
### Oct. 15, 2026: Bloomington 2027 budget approved 6–1; Monroe County ballot problems; new deputy police chief; housing code changes; Health officer removal hearing
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/oct-15-2026-bloomington-2027-budget-approved-6-1-monroe-county-ballot-problems-new-deputy-police-chief-housing-code-changes-health-officer-removal-hearing/
Last updated: 2026-10-15T10:38:31.000Z
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** It’s a close call, but take an umbrella or rain gear. You might not need it early in the day, but chances of showers increase as evening approaches, and you’ll feel extra smart if you have a way to keep dry. The temperature will reach a high of 78F°.
**Friday:** Take a rain jacket. If you don’t get caught in the rain, it will still help keep you warm on a day when the high temperature is supposed to reach just 57F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Bloomington council approves 2027 budget 6–1, with president as lone dissenter](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-approves-2027-budget-6-1-with-president-as-lone-dissenter/). Bloomington’s city council adopted the 2027 budget on a 6–1 vote, with Isak Asare dissenting over whether city spending delivers clear, measurable benefits to residents. The council withheld millions for housing and parking projects. Matt Flaherty and Kate Rosenbarger were absent.
- [Monroe County election board reviews problems with accessible ballot system](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-reviews-problems-with-accessible-ballot-system/). Questions about Monroe County’s electronic absentee ballot system dominated Wednesday’s election board meeting, with about a dozen voters reporting problems. The board took no action to change systems.
- [Ryan Pedigo named deputy chief of Bloomington police department](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ryan-pedigo-named-deputy-chief-of-bloomington-police-department/). Ryan Pedigo has been named Bloomington police deputy chief, replacing Scott Oldham, who requested a return to the rank of lieutenant. Pedigo, a 19-year department veteran, will continue for now as public information officer, including conducting daily 11 a.m. press briefings.
- [Bloomington plan commission gives nod to housing code changes, zoning for 2 voluntary annexations](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-gives-nod-to-housing-code-changes-zoning-for-2-voluntary-annexations/). On Monday (Oct. 12), Bloomington’s plan commission recommended the new zoning for two voluntary annexations. The commission also recommended UDO changes easing rules for duplexes, cottages and ADUs.
- [Monroe County health board sets Oct. 22 hearing on possible removal of health officer](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-health-board-sets-oct-22-hearing-on-possible-removal-of-health-officer/). Monroe County’s health board voted 5–0 to schedule an Oct. 22 hearing on whether to remove health officer Sarah Ryterband, less than two years into a four-year term. The board disclosed no specific allegations and raised the possibility of terminating her contract without cause.
### Other notes
**Ban on ALPRs.** On a 7–0 vote on Wednesday night, the city council passed an ordinance banning automatic license plate reader technology in Bloomington. The total meeting time was five and a half hours. The B Square hopes to have coverage published by the end of the day on Thursday.
**Early voting numbers.** Through the first seven days of voting at the [North Showers](https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+N+Morton+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47404/@39.1707495,-86.5369779,684m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66d92d3cc4f5:0xb79ecc8d1acb583d!8m2!3d39.1708482!4d-86.5373847!16s%2Fg%2F11yq8cq5y6?entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) location on Morton Street, 3,906 people have cast a ballot.
This is a stat that’s easy to check for yourself on the [early voting dashboard](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/2980211891404743a0b6a45b6b1422d2) that Monroe County government has set up. In years gone by, I would check in at early voting and collect those numbers daily so that I could report them. Now I don’t have to do that, because the county government is reporting the numbers for everybody.
### On the calendar
**County Commissioners.** There is no regular meeting for Thursday (Oct. 15). But on Friday at 3 p.m. they are supposed to come out of recess from their meeting that started last Thursday (Oct. 8). The meeting on Oct. 8 was recessed until after their 3 p.m. executive session on Friday (Oct. 9).
But when Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira came out of recess last Friday, they immediately recessed the meeting again until this Friday (Oct. 16). The topic of the executive session was pending litigation, which is one of the topics that Indiana’s Open Door Law allows public officials to discuss behind closed doors. The apparent pending litigation was the planned lawsuit by the former county health director, Lori Kelley, who [alleges her termination was unlawful](https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-administrator-fired-plans-wrongful-termination-suit-against-monroe-county/).
It’s not clear if the business the commissioners want to take up when they come out of recess is connected to the health board’s now public intent to [hold a hearing ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-health-board-sets-oct-22-hearing-on-possible-removal-of-health-officer/)on the removal of health officer Sarah Ryterband.
---
**HHFB Book Fair: Oct. 15-20.** Hoosier Hills Food Bank’s 42nd annual Community Book Fair opens Thursday (Oct. 15) at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, with more than 100,000 books and other items for sale through Tuesday (Oct. 20). Admission is $10 on Thursday (free for veterans and active-duty military) and free the rest of the fair, with regular prices including $3 hardcovers and $1 paperbacks. Sunday is half-price day, followed by $10-a-bag Monday and $5-a-bag Tuesday, with all proceeds benefiting the food bank’s hunger-relief programs \[[book fair map and schedule](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-reviews-problems-with-accessible-ballot-system/)\].
**Pizza Trail: Oct. 1–31.** October is pizza month. And in Bloomington this is commemorated with a [Pizza Trail](https://www.visitbloomington.com/restaurants/passports/pizza-passport-trail/) that Visit Bloomington is promoting. The idea is you sign up for a mobile pass, which sounds like a kind of digital punchcard. Every time you check in with one of 20 different local pizza joints, you get a credit. And at the end you can redeem the points for gift cards to ... pizza joints. There
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Bunny!
Up for adoption, as of Oct. 14 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Bunny](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/88205). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good girl is a mix of an Anatolian shepherd and a Great Pyrenees. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Bunny](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/88205).
> Bunny is a friendly, wiggly young dog who is just a total sweetheart!
### Photo Finish: Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue
Photog Lisa Wilson is doing a fashion shoot for [Gather](https://www.gathershoppe.com/) shopkeep Talia Halliday, who has new offerings at the store a half block to the north. (Dave Askins, Oct. 12, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope you have great weekend!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Bloomington council approves 2027 budget 6–1, with president as lone dissenter
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-approves-2027-budget-6-1-with-president-as-lone-dissenter/
Last updated: 2026-10-15T14:13:56.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington city council president Isak Asare ****Right:** Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson (Dave Askins, Oct. 14, 2026)
Bloomington’s city council voted 6–1 on Wednesday (Oct. 14) to adopt the city’s [2027 budget](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download#page=110), with council president Isak Asare casting the lone dissenting vote.
Councilmembers Matt Flaherty and Kate Rosenbarger were absent. Flaherty had previously announced that he would vote against the budget if were able to attend.
The vote came after a week of deliberations when the council rejected a broad $2.5 million general fund spending cut, but withheld millions of dollars in spending authority for housing development and parking improvements.
The original budget proposal totaled about $171.4 million across all city funds, excluding Bloomington Transit (BT) and city of Bloomington utilities (CBU). Of that amount, about $63.7 million was in the general fund, which supports much of the city’s day-to-day operations.
The [six amendments approved by the council](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2027-budget-bloomington-council-rejects-2-5m-general-fund-cut-still-withholds-millions-for-housing-parking-projects/) a week ago, on Oct. 7, reduced proposed appropriations by about $6.5 million, leaving an amended budget of roughly $164.9 million, based on the original proposed total and the adopted reductions.
The original proposal called for general fund spending of about $6 million more than projected revenues, with the difference covered by cash reserves.
The final vote came late in a meeting dominated by long public comment and council debate on a separate ordinance, which prohibited the city’s use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and restricted certain video surveillance technology. That legislation passed unanimously, 7–0\.
The council altered the order of the agenda in the middle of the meeting in order to hear the ALPR item ahead of the budget approval. The meeting lasted until midnight, with the vote on the 2027 budget coming around 11:15 p.m., after a 6:30 p.m. start.
### Why Asare voted no
Asare did not explain his dissent from the dais before the final budget vote. But in an interview with The B Square immediately after the meeting, he said his opposition reflected disappointment with the direction of the budget.
“Our budget, first and foremost, is a value statement,” Asare said.
He said the Thomson administration has repeatedly told councilmembers over the past several years that financial constraints make it impossible to undertake new initiatives or invest in programs that councilmembers want to pursue.
But the city then presented a proposed budget that Asare described as roughly $8 million higher than the previous year’s, while claiming that the spending plan was balanced and sustainable. “I don’t think that that is true,” Asare said.
At the same time, Asare acknowledged that Bloomington is in a strong fiscal position. His objection, he said, is to how the city is using that position to improve the lives of residents. He put it like this: “I don't think that we’re leaning in to that strong fiscal position correctly, and so I wanted to be clear about that.”
Asare rejected the suggestion that his proposal for a $2.5 million reduction was simply an effort to cut spending for the sake of cutting. He said the purpose was to compel a conversation about spending priorities and measurable results. That’s a conversation he believes the council, as the city’s fiscal body, should be leading.
“Everything that we do needs to have clear, demonstrable benefits to the residents of Bloomington,” Asare said. Asare said that his questions during the budget process had failed to produce satisfactory explanations of how the proposed spending would achieve specific outcomes for residents.
His criticism was not that the city necessarily should spend less on everything, but that it should be more deliberate about what it is trying to accomplish with its spending. “I fundamentally think that there’s so much more we can be doing with the budget to improve the lives of people in Bloomington,” Asare said.
He said city officials and elected representatives appear to have accepted the notion that “the city that we have is the best we can afford.”
For Asare, that acceptance represents a failure of ambition as much as a question of fiscal sustainability.
### What the council changed
At its Oct. 7 special meeting, the council rejected Asare’s proposal to reduce the general fund budget by $2.5 million, or about 4%. The amendment failed 2–5, with only Asare and Flaherty supporting it.
Asare had proposed setting a lower overall appropriation target and leaving the administration to identify specific reductions, rather than having the council choose individual positions or services to eliminate.
Controller Geoff McKim and other administration officials opposed that approach, saying that reductions of that size could not responsibly be identified and implemented on the short timetable remaining before adoption.
Instead, the council approved six targeted amendments, including withholding $3 million in housing development fund appropriations, and $2.5 million for parking system improvements. Withholding those appropriations is not the same as permanently eliminating the spending. The administration can return to the council in 2027 with more specific proposals and request new appropriations.
The council also eliminated $272,000 for technology to monitor city-owned vehicles, $10,000 for the mayor’s branding initiative and funding for a vacant transportation demand manager position. It reduced a planned subsidy for sanitation operations by $600,000, anticipating that higher household trash-cart fees would make up the difference. The fee increase would require separate council approval.
At Wednesday’s meeting, councilmember Hopi Stosberg asked McKim, who joined the meeting remotely, about changes she had identified in the revised budget figures.
McKim confirmed that a $143,894 reduction in the economic development local income tax fund reflected removal of both salary and benefits for the vacant transportation demand manager position.
Deputy mayor Gretchen Knapp, who initially spoke for the administration, said the approved amendments had been incorporated into the budget and the revised state form had been generated.
McKim participated remotely because he was serving on federal jury duty in Indianapolis.
The final budget vote itself was brief. No members of the public spoke on the appropriation ordinance. Before the vote, councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith thanked McKim for his work on the budget and his willingness to explain the city’s internal budget calculations to the council’s fiscal committee.
Mayor Kerry Thomson did not speak during the final budget discussion. In her report to the council earlier in the meeting, she addressed other city business, including plans for a [possible new police headquarters at 714 S. Rogers St.](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-looking-for-architect-to-design-30m-police-hq-project-at-714-s-rogers/) and the future use and [costs of the Showers West building](https://bsquarebulletin.com/showers-west-notebook-rdc-members-question-continued-ownership-as-city-offices-move-in/).
### Flaherty’s three objections
Flaherty, who was absent Wednesday, had said at the Oct. 7 meeting that he would vote against the overall budget if present. His objections centered on three disagreements with the Thomson administration, rather than the budget’s bottom-line figures.
Flaherty thinks the Thomson administration is breaking local law, because it has continued using temporary traffic regulations imposed by the city engineer, beyond the 180-day period that Bloomington city code allows.
He also objects to what he considers inadequate enforcement of the city’s sidewalk snow-removal requirements, including on city-owned property.
His third objection concerns the administration’s decision not to proceed with previously discussed Indiana Avenue safety improvements following opposition from Indiana University representatives, even though the project had been part of an earlier budget negotiation, and without returning to the council.
Flaherty has characterized the budget vote as one of the few means available to councilmembers to hold the administration accountable over such disputes.
### Looking ahead to 2028
Despite his no vote, Asare identified to The B Square some positive results from the budget process, particularly the council’s decision to withhold housing and parking appropriations pending further scrutiny and public input.
He said his next steps will include constituent meetings to discuss how residents want the city to invest its money, as well as conversations with the mayor and controller about a proposed plan for investing city reserves.
Asare also wants to use future council legislation, potentially including resolutions, to establish clearer expectations for the outcomes city programs should achieve. He cited accessibility as one area in which the city could define specific improvements and measure whether residents are receiving tangible benefits from their tax dollars.
Another, he said, is the city’s stated goal of attracting and retaining young professionals and families. He wants the city to develop a clearer plan for what investments would advance that goal.
The city has also been pursuing new budgeting software intended to better identify spending outcomes. Asare said he was skeptical about whether the technology would produce meaningful change, but welcomed the possibility.
Separately, Thomson’s administration has committed to bringing the council a proposal by June 1, 2027, for possible departmental reorganization and staffing reductions. That review comes against a backdrop of changes in Indiana’s [property tax system and local income tax rules](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-local-income-tax-group-mulls-shared-municipal-rate-approach/), including changes scheduled to take effect in 2029\.
Asare contends that the council should not wait until the next budget, for 2028, is presented, to start deciding what the city should accomplish with its resources.
---
The council also voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a separate $65.27 million budget for city of Bloomington utilities, including $28.87 million for water operations and $36.4 million for wastewater operations, which also include stormwater. The 2027 Bloomington Transit budget had already been approved at the Oct. 7 meeting.
\[[audio recording](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-15-Bloomington-city-council-audio-recording.m4a) of Oct. 14, 2026 Bloomington city council meeting\]
### Monroe County election board reviews problems with accessible ballot system
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-reviews-problems-with-accessible-ballot-system/
Last updated: 2026-10-14T19:01:39.000Z
Questions about an electronic absentee ballot system used by Monroe County voters took up much of Wednesday’s (Oct. 14) special election board meeting.
The discussion ranged from how problems were resolved, to whether the board should have formally approved the system before its use. The issues apparently affected as many as a dozen voters.
The discussion came less than three weeks before the Nov. 3 general election, as [early in-person voting](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/2980211891404743a0b6a45b6b1422d2) reached 3,359 ballots cast through Tuesday, and election officials considered additional staffing to manage lines.
At issue is Enhanced Ballot, which is an online system provided by Enhanced Voting, LLC. It’s available for military and overseas voters, as well as absentee voters who can’t independently mark a paper ballot because of blindness, impaired vision or a physical disability. Indiana election law refers to such a person as a [voter with print disabilities](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ryan-pedigo-named-deputy-chief-of-bloomington-police-department/).
The Enhanced Ballot software lets eligible voters access and mark their ballots electronically, including through assistive technology such as screen readers. Depending on the authorized return method, voters can return their ballots electronically or print and mail them. The system does not itself tabulate votes.
In Monroe County, as elsewhere in Indiana, absentee ballots returned by email or fax have to be processed by a bipartisan team. The team transfers the voter’s choices onto an optical-scan paper ballot before it can be counted by the county’s voting equipment. Monroe County’s equipment is manufactured by Hart InterCivic.
The questions arose last week when Monroe County clerk Nicole Browne received an email from a member of an absentee voter board warning about problems with the system. Browne told the board on Wednesday that she responded by contacting other county clerks and the Indiana secretary of state’s office.
Among the problems: Required signatures did not appear on ballot affidavits received by the county, even though voters said they had signed them. Election supervisor Kylie Farris said Enhanced Voting had attributed nearly all the reported problems to user errors, with perhaps one or two exceptions that the company said it was able to fix.
Farris said an estimated 12 voters had encountered problems. She said election staff had worked with Enhanced Ballot and contacted affected voters to resolve the problems. In cases involving missing signatures, the county has emailed affidavits for voters to sign and return, Farris said. According to Indiana’s [2026 Voter Registration Guidebook](https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/files/2026-Voter-Registration-Guidebook.FINAL.pdf#page=58), voters with print disabilities returning ballots electronically must complete an ABS-25 affidavit, which accompanies their ballot.
Browne said at Wednesday morning’s meeting: “To blow this up ... like something nefarious is going on was simply unnecessary at a time where we are trying to get through a better-than-expected turnout election.”
Browne stressed that the number of affected voters was small relative to the county’s 91,488 registered voters. Farris said 601 voters were eligible to use the system, making the 12 reported cases about 2% of that group.
Browne also read aloud an [Oct. 13 letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-13-SOS-letter-on-Enhanced-Voting-for-print-disabled-Monroe-County-election-board.pdf) from Jerold Bonnet, who is deputy secretary of state and chief legal counsel. Bonnet’s letter said Enhanced Voting software had been reviewed and approved by the bipartisan co-directors of the Indiana Election Division before the May primary.
The letter said the state was unaware of other similar problems in Indiana counties or states using the service. It also stated that all concerns submitted to Enhanced Voting had been addressed within one business day.
“We would not recommend changing accessible ballot vendors or discontinuing use of the Enhanced Voting application at this time, less than 3 weeks from the General Election,” Bonnet wrote.
Election board member Penny Githens questioned Farris about staff training, missing signatures on ballot affidavits, and whether ballots mailed back without the usual signed return envelopes would remain valid. She said an email forwarded by the Monroe County Democratic Party chair (Chrissie Geels) indicated that some military or overseas voters had mailed their ballots instead of returning them electronically.
Farris responded by saying she and two full-time staff members had received training from Enhanced Voting. For missing signatures, election staff have been emailing voters affidavits to sign and return, Farris said. As for mailed ballots, Farris said the state had authorized that option. Farris said ballots returned by mail are placed in separate envelopes for safekeeping. Ballots completed through Enhanced Ballot are then remade on official paper ballots on Election Day by a bipartisan team before being scanned by the county’s voting equipment.
Githens also questioned whether the election board should have taken a vote to approve the system before the county began using it. County attorney Jeff Cockerill said use of Enhanced Ballot was optional for counties, and he assumed the decision to use it would have been made by the local election board. But he did not know whether the Monroe County election board had actually approved its use.
Browne and Farris said the system had been presented at state conferences as the one that counties were expected to use, rather than as an option requiring local approval. Githens said the state’s contract with Enhanced Voting described the system as being made available to counties, not as mandatory.
Cockerill confirmed that Enhanced Voting’s contract is with the state, which pays for the service. So it’s not something Monroe County’s legal team would have reviewed, he said.
In 2024, Monroe County used a different electronic ballot system, called OmniBallot. Farris asked whether that system had been formally approved by the election board before its use. Browne said she was unaware of any such approval.
Githens said that regardless of how few voters were affected, the board had a responsibility to make sure their votes counted.
The board took no action to change systems.
### Early voting turnout, staffing
Farris reported that 3,359 Monroe County voters had cast early in-person ballots through Tuesday (Oct. 13). Tuesday’s turnout of 673 voters was the highest single-day total so far.
The county’s online [early voting dashboard](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/2980211891404743a0b6a45b6b1422d2 ) tracks daily totals and provides comparisons with previous elections.
Farris said lines at Election Central, in the North Showers building at 501 N. Morton St., have sometimes backed up into the entrance foyer. She planned to consider increasing staffing beginning Thursday, to keep voters moving through the line.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is Oct. 22.
### Nearly 200 high school students recruited
At its Wednesday morning meeting, the election board also approved a resolution appointing poll workers, including students recruited through Indiana’s [Hoosier Hall Pass program](https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/voter-information/voters-rights/voting-systems-in-indiana/hoosier-hall-pass/), which allows 16- and 17-year-olds to serve as paid election workers.
Students must have parental and school approval, meet other eligibility requirements and complete election worker training.
Farris reported that Bloomington High School North had recruited 94 students, compared with 84 from Bloomington High School South. The friendly competition between the two schools has produced 178 prospective workers, with additional students signing up from Edgewood High School, Seven Oaks Classical School, Lighthouse Christian Academy and homeschooling families.
Farris said the combined total of Hoosier Hall Pass workers could easily exceed 200.
### Ryan Pedigo named deputy chief of Bloomington police department
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/ryan-pedigo-named-deputy-chief-of-bloomington-police-department/
Last updated: 2026-10-13T20:13:29.000Z
****Left:** Courtesy photo of Ryan Pedigo from city of Bloomington supplied with news release. ****Right:** File photo by the B Square of Pedigo on the scene of a [police operation in September 2022](https://bsquarebulletin.com/believed-armed-suspect-extracted-from-bloomington-stormwater-system-after-day-long-saga/) that involved a suspect who had fled into a storm drain.
Ryan Pedigo has been named deputy chief of the Bloomington Police Department, moving up from his position as captain of administration, which he has held since 2019\. The appointment was announced Tuesday (Oct. 13) in a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-13-pedigo-named-deputy-chief.pdf).
Pedigo has 24 years of law enforcement experience, including 19 with Bloomington police, according to the release. Pedigo will continue for now as the department’s public information officer, which includes conducting the daily 11 a.m. briefings for members of the press, Pedigo confirmed to The B Square.
According to the release, Pedigo’s previous responsibilities have included recruitment and hiring, emergency dispatch, records, mental health professionals and departmental accreditation. He led the department’s effort to achieve national accreditation in 2018, a status that has been maintained through subsequent reviews.
Police chief Mike Diekhoff is quoted in the news release saying, “Ryan understands this department from the ground up and has demonstrated the judgment, discipline, and leadership required to move it forward.”
Pedigo replaces Scott Oldham in the position of deputy chief, who has served in that role for the last four years, [starting in August 2022](https://www.facebook.com/BloomingtonPolice/posts/several-promotion-processes-have-been-underway-at-bpd-after-the-recent-retiremen/430386002460291/). Responding to a question from The B Square, Diekhoff said Oldham requested a return to his last permanent rank of lieutenant, allowing him to resume more direct involvement in day-to-day police operations. Oldham’s shift assignment has not yet been determined, Diekhoff said.
### Madison Street & 10th Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/madison-street-10th-street/
Last updated: 2026-10-13T18:29:36.000Z
On North Madison near 10th Street. Indianapolis Colts blood drive bus in the Trades District. (Mary Morgan, Oct. 13, 2026)
### Bloomington plan commission gives nod to housing code changes, zoning for 2 voluntary annexations
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-gives-nod-to-housing-code-changes-zoning-for-2-voluntary-annexations/
Last updated: 2026-10-13T14:40:54.000Z
Zoning for areas shaded light and dark green were considered by Bloomington’s plan commission on Monday (OCt. 12). Dark versus light shading distinguishes the different ownership of the parcels. The area shaded purple was voluntarily annexed in late 2025\. Maps by The B Square Bulletin with information provided by the city of Bloomington. \[link to [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1iTSrQX6PEJob-f6G7pGz6TbWP9GEHpU&usp=sharing )\]
Bloomington’s plan commission voted unanimously on Monday (Oct. 12) to recommend zoning for two voluntary annexations along Johnson Avenue, near West 3rd Street and I-69.
The commission also gave a favorable recommendation to changes in the city’s unified development ordinance (UDO) intended to make some housing types easier to build.
All three recommendations passed unanimously among the five members present, which was the minimum number needed on the nine-member commission.
Final decisions on annexation, zoning for the annexed territory, and UDO amendments will be made by the city council.
### New zoning for area to be annexed
Even though the land in the unincorporated part of the county already has defined zoning under county government zoning code, any areas to be annexed into the city, have to get their zoning set under the city’s unified development ordinance (UDO). It’s the city council, not the plan commission that will eventually decide whether the territory is actually annexed into the city.
Monday’s first annexation zoning petition involved about 0.77 acres, where commissioners recommended mixed-use corridor (MC) zoning. That matches neighboring commercially zoned property owned by the petitioner.
The second involves a larger collection of long, narrow parcels, recommended for residential multifamily (RM) zoning. Commissioner Hopi Stosberg wondered whether less-intensive R4 zoning would provide a better transition to the surrounding neighborhood. In the end, she supported the RM recommendation.
Representing the owners, local realtor and former city plan commissioner Chris Cockerham said at Monday’s meeting that the owners hope to attract an affordable-housing developer, possibly Habitat for Humanity. Cockerham specifically mentioned access to city sewer service as a positive factor. Access to sewer service has been a key issue in the context of annexation. Bloomington’s basic policy is not to extend sewer service outside city limits.
The properties considered on Monday lie in an unincorporated “island” surrounded by city territory. They are another case of the kind of parcel-by-parcel annexation approved by the city council in December 2025, when a quarter-acre lot at 2005 W. Cory Drive was [voluntarily annexed on a 6–3 vote](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-grows-by-a-quarter-acre-after-6-3-vote-to-ok-owner-requested-annexation/).
Both “islands” have been part of Bloomington’s [disputed, long-running effort](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FAnnexation ) to annex surrounding territory, which dates to 2017\. That litigation is on two separate tracks, one of which has wrapped up February 2026, when the Indiana Supreme Court declined to review a ruling that blocked annexation of Areas 1A and 1B.
But in the other track, which affects the “islands,” the city’s separate constitutional challenge to a 2019 state law remains pending before the state’s high court. The 2019 law invalidated many agreements waiving the rights of property owners to oppose annexation.
The city contends that the 2019 law unconstitutionally impaired its contracts with property owners. An appeals court ruled against Bloomington in February 2025\. The constitutional case is approaching the first anniversary of the Oct. 30, 2025, Supreme Court oral arguments.
### Housing-related UDO amendments
The [UDO amendments](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FG1m2gp2qJomEaSlQw5-eZbFUZhO7JCELRJbpn5G%5F-4/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p) recommended Monday would eliminate the annual limit of 15 duplex approvals and the two-year, 150-foot separation requirement for certain duplexes. They would also increase permitted cottage-development densities, relax some related development standards, and allow individual exterior entrances for units in triplexes and fourplexes. Design comparisons for duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes could take account of houses on both sides of a street.
Another change would align the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) definition with the state’s limit of 75% of the primary dwelling’s habitable area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. That definition has been made a part of Indiana law, under [IC 36-7-1-1.5](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-7-1-1.5). The current cap for ADU square footage in Bloomington’s UDO is 840 square feet. The recommended changes will be in front of the city council sometime in the coming weeks.
The recommendations come ahead of a special plan commission hearing on [Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 5:30 p.m.](https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2026/10/06/6667) in city hall, devoted to public input on housing and development regulations.
The hearing is required under House Enrolled Act 1001, enacted this year. Under [IC 36-7-4.3](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-7-4.3-3), local governments must review development regulations for barriers to housing, including density limits, parking requirements, ADUs and permitting procedures, and report the results to the state by Jan. 1, 2027\. The Oct. 28 meeting is for receiving public input, not voting on amendments.
In a [planning staff memo](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XnW2XJDVqURylRmT%5F6Afv0haOZrM5Gv9qPn7udmWXMo/edit?tab=t.0) written for some UDO amendments to be considered by the plan commission at its Aug. 10, 2026 meeting, the hearing on those amendments was described as fulfilling the HEA 1001 requirement: “\[T\]his hearing fulfills the public hearing requirements of IC 36-7-4.3 as added by HB 1001.” Those UDO changes were later [enacted by the city council](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-approves-citywide-zoning-changes-5-3-eliminates-minimums-for-motor-vehicle-parking/) in mid-September.
### Monroe County health board sets Oct. 22 hearing on possible removal of health officer
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-health-board-sets-oct-22-hearing-on-possible-removal-of-health-officer/
Last updated: 2026-10-14T10:09:44.000Z
****Left:** Sarah Ryterband, Monroe County health officer. ****Right:** Lisa Hanner-Robinson, chair of Monroe County's board of health. (Dave Askins, Oct. 12, 2026)
Counterclockwise from right in the frame: Monroe County board of health members Kay Leach, Stephen Pritchard, Lisa Hanner-Robinson, Michael Teague, Kevin Moore, and health officer Sarah Ryterband. (Dave Askins, Oct. 12, 2026)
Monroe County’s board of health voted unanimously Monday (Oct. 12) to hold a hearing on whether there is cause to remove county health officer Sarah Ryterband. She is less than two years into a four-year term, scheduled to run through the end of 2028.
The 5–0 vote came at a special meeting of the board, which started at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the county health department’s building at the corner of 7th Street and College Avenue in downtown Bloomington.
The hearing on Ryterband’s removal has been scheduled for Oct. 22, right after [the board’s regular meeting](https://events.in.gov/event/board-of-health-2026-2329), which starts at 4:30 p.m. Ryterband attended Monday’s meeting, but did not speak.
No specific allegations against Ryterband were described during Monday’s meeting. Board president Lisa Hanner-Robinson stressed that the decision to hold a hearing did not mean the board had already decided to remove her.
The possibility of Ryterband’s removal comes against a backdrop of allegations made by former health administrator Lori Kelley, who [was fired in September this year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-administrator-fired-plans-wrongful-termination-suit-against-monroe-county/) after roughly four years in the position. Kelley’s attorney, Mark Waterfill, has said she was sexually harassed at work and fired in retaliation for complaining about the treatment.
Waterfill said Kelley had filed a charge with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and intended to pursue litigation. The board did not say Monday whether Kelley’s allegations have any connection to its consideration of Ryterband’s removal.
Monday meeting’s [announced purpose](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-12-Board-of-Health-Special-Session-Agenda-Packet.pdf) was for the board of health to decide whether to hold a hearing under state law, which establishes the grounds and procedures for removing a local health officer.
Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/16#16-20-1-28), a health officer can be removed for failure to perform statutory duties, failure to enforce state health department rules, or other “good cause.” The law also says that a health officer facing removal is entitled to at least five days notice, a hearing open to the public, and representation by an attorney.
“The board has made no decision, and none will be made until after the hearing in open session, once Dr. Ryterband has had full opportunity to respond,” Hanner-Robinson said.
Hanner-Robinson also raised a separate possibility, which was ending Ryterband’s employment under the terms of her contract, without establishing cause for removal.
Hanner-Robinson said the board was not waiving what she described as a contractual right to terminate Ryterband’s employment at will, without cause. She later added that even if the board pursued that option, it would allow Ryterband an opportunity to present her case publicly.
That raises a legal question about the relationship between the employment contract and the statutory office of county health officer.
Indiana law establishes a four-year term for a local health officer and specifically limits the circumstances under which the officer can be removed. The board chair’s description of an at-will contractual provision indicates a different potential standard for ending the employment relationship. Whether exercising such a provision would legally accomplish removal from the statutory office, notwithstanding the requirements of state law, was not discussed at Monday’s meeting.
### Procedures for Oct. 22 hearing
After voting to hold the hearing, the board unanimously adopted a [set of procedures](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-12-rules-of-procedure-of-Oct-22-hearing-health-board.pdf) intended to govern the proceeding and any similar hearings in the future.
Under the procedures to be used on Oct. 22, a designated board member will have up to 30 minutes to present evidence and arguments supporting removal, including testimony from witnesses. The burden of establishing cause for removal will rest with that presenter.
Ryterband will then have up to 30 minutes to present her response, including witnesses and other evidence. She may be represented by an attorney. If the board grants additional time to the board’s presenter, Ryterband will receive an equivalent extension.
Each side will also have an opportunity for a five-minute rebuttal or response. Witnesses will be asked to testify under oath, and board members may question those offering testimony. Time spent answering board members’ questions will not count against the allotted presentation time.
The resolution says written evidence will become part of the hearing record, with copies furnished to the board and the opposing party.
During discussion of the procedures, board member Stephen Pritchard raised a question about whether evidence had to be presented in writing or through direct witness testimony. County attorney David Schilling clarified that the rules would permit oral testimony and statements that were not submitted in writing. Such statements would become part of the recorded proceeding.
After the evidence and arguments are presented, the board will close the hearing, discuss the matter and decide whether cause for removal exists and what action to take.
Hanner-Robinson noted that under state law Ryterband needed to receive written notice at least five days before the hearing. Schilling agreed to arrange the notice.
### Ryterband’s four-year appointment, contract
Ryterband [took over as health officer](https://bsquarebulletin.com/brittain-resigns-as-monroe-county-health-officer-ryterband-recommended-as-replacement/) at the beginning of 2025, after the resignation of Clark Brittain. The board of health selected her as Brittain’s successor at its Dec. 11, 2024 meeting. That appointment was subsequently approved by the county commissioners at their Dec. 18, 2024 meeting.
At the Dec. 18 commissioners meeting, county administrator Angie Purdie described the term of Ryterband’s appointment as running from Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2029.
At the Dec. 18, 2024, meeting, Molly Turner-King, an attorney for the county, presented the employment contract, saying it was similar to the agreement with the previous health officer. She described a four-year contract with eligibility for reappointment.
The commissioners approved the contract unanimously, after correcting the compensation amount in the original motion from $48,800 to $43,800.
Ryterband, who had served on the health board before accepting the health officer position, attended the meeting. She told commissioners that her fellow board members had asked her to take the position and that she had given the decision considerable thought. “When my fellow board members asked if I would step up into this new role, I thought about it long and hard,” Ryterband said. She described her decision in terms of serving the community in a larger role.
Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/16#16-20-2-16), a local board of health appoints the health officer to a four-year term, with the possibility of reappointment. The health officer is the executive officer of the local health department.
The health officer also has significant authority over department personnel. Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/16#16-20-1-14 ), the health officer may hire the staff needed to carry out the department’s responsibilities, subject to county executive approval. That includes the health administrator position formerly held by Lori Kelley.
The board of health is responsible for appointing the health officer. In turn, the health officer is responsible for overseeing the department’s operations and personnel.
The prospect of removing Ryterband comes against the backdrop of a four-year period of turmoil for the Monroe County Health Department, which has seen significant employee turnover, the collapse of a longtime family-planning clinic, repeated changes in leadership, and, more recently, a staffing crisis affecting basic public health services.
### Four years of turmoil at the health department
The period began with a leadership transition in summer 2022, when longtime health administrator Penny Caudill retired and Lori Kelley took over the department. By December of that year, enough employees [had begun leaving the department](https://bsquarebulletin.com/at-least-3-gone-from-monroe-county-health-department-staff/) that it generated questions about staff morale and management.
At the time, health board member Stephen Pritchard acknowledged challenges associated with the leadership transition, but disputed the characterization of the departures as a large exodus. At least some employees left due to other life circumstances separate from conditions at their health department work.
The board itself experienced controversy in February 2023, when county commissioners removed Ashley Cranor, a 13-year member who had previously chaired the board. Cranor had indicated that she intended to resign because she was planning to move away, but had not yet submitted a resignation.
As justification, commissioners cited her absences from meetings during 2021, when the board was meeting frequently because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was also a need to appoint a licensed physician to satisfy the board’s statutory membership requirements. Cranor is not a physician. Cranor questioned the circumstances of her removal.
The commissioners initial decision had not been made at a public meeting. After The B Square questioned whether that violated Indiana’s Open Door Law, commissioners [took a public vote on Feb. 15, 2023](https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-board-member-removed-by-monroe-county-commissioners-before-she-could-resign/), to remove Cranor.
There was turnover in the county health officer position, too. Thomas Sharp, who had held the position since 1976, [resigned effective April 30, 2023](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sharp-resigns-as-monroe-county-health-officer-brittain-appointed-to-post/). His successor, Clark Brittain, served for less than two years before [resigning at the end of 2024](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-11-26-Resignation-letter-of-Dr-Clark-Brittain-Monroe-County-health-officer.pdf), saying the job had become more demanding than he had anticipated.
The board selected one of its own members, physician Sarah Ryterband, as his replacement.
The most publicly visible controversy involving the department during that period was the closing of Futures Family Planning Clinic, which had been operated by the county government since 2006\. Futures provided reproductive health care supported by federal Title X funding, administered locally through the Indiana Family Health Council (IFHC). The clinic had experienced extensive staff turnover and had been without a clinic manager during its final months.
On Aug. 21, 2024, the board of health voted to [suspend county government operation of Futures](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-govt-operation-of-family-planning-clinic-to-stop-at-least-for-now-maybe-for-good/) for 30 days and terminate its last remaining employee while trying to preserve the possibility of reopening. Two days later, IFHC informed the county that it would [terminate the Title X contract](https://bsquarebulletin.com/key-contract-terminated-for-monroe-countys-family-planning-clinic-will-close-after-18-years/), effectively ending the county’s operation of the clinic after 18 years.
In its [Aug. 27, 2024, announcement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-08-27-IFHC-Futures-Clinic-Monroe-County-Press-release-8%5F27%5F24.pdf), IFHC attributed the decision to continuing staffing problems. The county did not subsequently reopen Futures. Instead, IFHC [established its own Bloomington Family Planning Center](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-02-08-Bloomington-Family-Planning-Center-Press-Release%5Ffinal.pdf), which began seeing patients Feb. 10, 2025.
The loss of Futures came against a backdrop of broader staffing losses. In August 2024, county personnel administrator at the time, Elizabeth Sensenstein, told The B Square that 21 full-time employees and seven part-time employees had left the health department since June 2022\. The department’s full complement of staff was roughly 50 employees.
The closure [did not end questions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/timeline-for-futures-family-planning-clinic-closure-theres-still-plenty-to-say-here/) about the administration of Futures. Former employees questioned whether county leadership had responded adequately to staffing concerns, communicated with employees or worked effectively with the organization supplying its federal funding.
By the end of 2025, the health board was also experiencing turnover in its own membership. At its Dec. 18 meeting, [three members concluded their service](https://bsquarebulletin.com/vacancies-three-depart-monroe-county-board-of-health-including-chair-and-36-year-member/) simultaneously: chair Dawne Aurora DiOrio, Lee McKinley and George Hegeman.
Hegeman had served for 36 years and had reached the end of his term. The terms of DiOrio and McKinley were not scheduled to expire until later years. Their departures left three vacancies on the seven-member board.
Meanwhile, the department was confronting another challenge in its effort to provide services. IU Health announced in 2025 that it would [end a contractual arrangement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-could-face-public-health-services-gap-as-iu-health-ends-long-time-contract/) under which its nurses had provided public health services for Monroe County for more than 60 years. That work included vaccinations, communicable-disease testing, case investigations and contact tracing.
The arrangement ended Dec. 31, 2025, leaving the county responsible for finding another way to provide those services.
By August 2026, the department had no public health nurses on staff. At an Aug. 20 health board meeting, Kelley reported that 60 of 108 disease investigations in the department’s work queue had not yet been started. Employees in other positions were covering some of the nursing duties.
At the same [Aug. 20 meeting](https://catstv.net/m.php?q=16332&t=408), former public health nurse Christina Kempf alleged that staffing shortages, inadequate training and difficulties with department leadership had contributed to her resignation.
The latest major leadership upheaval came last month, when Kelley [was fired](https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-administrator-fired-plans-wrongful-termination-suit-against-monroe-county) after roughly four years as health administrator. County officials initially acknowledged only that there had been a change in administration, without publicly explaining the circumstances.
Kelley’s attorney, Mark Waterfill, said she contended that she had been sexually harassed at work and fired in retaliation for complaining about the treatment. Waterfill said Kelley had filed a charge with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and intended to pursue litigation.
### Who serves on the board of health?
Because it has two vacancies, the board that will consider Ryterband’s removal has five members, rather than the seven prescribed by state law.
As of Monday, its [members](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/boards-commissions-and-committees/board-of-health/) were chair Lisa Hanner-Robinson, vice chair Michael Teague, Stephen Pritchard, Kay Leach and Kevin Moore. Six of the seven authorized board appointments are controlled by county commissioners, with the seventh made by the county council.
A change in state law that took effect July 1, 2026, broadened the authority of county commissioners to remove certain appointed board members without establishing cause. Under the [revised state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/16#16-20-2-8), a health board member appointed by county commissioners serves at their pleasure as long as the three-member board of commissioners retains the same membership it had when the appointment was made. The statute also retains separate grounds for removal based on attendance or failure to perform statutory duties.
Of the five current health board members, one was appointed by the county council rather than the commissioners. That one is the current chair, Lisa Hanner-Robinson. Leach was most recently appointed by the commissioners in March 2023, before the current lineup of commissioners took office.
The other three members (Teague, Pritchard and Moore) were appointed by the current three commissioners, Julie Thomas, Lee Jones and Jody Madeira. Under the new law, those three board members are subject to removal at the pleasure of the three county commissioners, while the trio that appointed them is unchanged. It’s due to change at the end of the year, when Lee Jones leaves office and is succeeded by Democrat Trent Deckard, who is the only candidate on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Last Friday (Oct. 9) county commissioners held an executive session, closed to the public, on the topic of pending litigation. The apparent pending litigation was the planned lawsuit by the former county health director, Lori Kelley, who [alleges her termination was unlawful](https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-administrator-fired-plans-wrongful-termination-suit-against-monroe-county/).
The executive session was followed by the resumption of the meeting of the county commissioners from the day before, which they had recessed for a day, until after their Friday executive session. But when Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira came out of recess on Friday, they immediately recessed the meeting again until next Friday (Oct. 16).
---
For Ryterband, it’s not the county commissioners who will directly decide the question of her continued service as health officer. It’s the board of health that will make the call.
The first question is what evidence the board will hear on Oct. 22\. After the evidence is heard, the question will fall to the five current members of the board of health: Is there sufficient cause for ending Ryterband’s service as Monroe County health officer, before the conclusion of the four-year term approved in December 2024?
### Appointment of Ryterband as Health Officer: Dec. 18, 2024
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### Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-walnut-street-14/
Last updated: 2026-10-12T16:52:47.000Z
Trojan Horse kitchen through the window. Last day at this location was Saturday (Oct. 10). (Dave Askins, Oct. 12, 2026)
### Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-kirkwood-avenue-6/
Last updated: 2026-10-12T16:13:55.000Z
Photog Lisa Wilson is doing a fashion shoot for [Gather](https://www.gathershoppe.com/) shopkeep Talia Halliday, who has new offerings at the store a half block to the north. (Dave Askins, Oct. 12, 2026)
### Oct. 12, 2026: Bloomington AI ban; murder charge; Showers West costs; Stinesville ICE agreement; 2027 city budget
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/oct-12-2026-bloomington-ai-ban-murder-charge-showers-west-costs-stinesville-ice-agreement-2027-city-budget/
Last updated: 2026-10-12T11:17:18.000Z
### Thank you!
Thank you to all the readers who added themselves to the distribution list for this newsletter at a paid tier in response to this recent column: [Editor’s Notebook: Getting The B Square unstuck from the ‘dangerous middle’](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-getting-the-b-square-unstuck-from-the-dangerous-middle/). If you’re one of those new readers, this edition follows the same basic format as they all do, starting with the weather.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** *Slow down*. Dense fog could make sight lines very short. After the fog lifts, the high will be around 85F°.
**Tuesday:** Wear shorts, sandals or whatever is left out of your summer clothes. It will be sunny and clear with a high of 88F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Analysis: Bloomington’s proposed superintelligence ban raises questions about authority, enforcement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/analysis-bloomingtons-proposed-superintelligence-ban-raises-questions-about-authority-enforcement/). Bloomington councilmember Dave Rollo’s current effort to address AI risks would ban superintelligent systems within city limits, even when hosted elsewhere. Unlike a resolution, the proposed ordinance would carry penalties, but raises legal questions about city authority, enforcement and repeal.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-82/). Hawk is thinking very hard about the colors of autumn leaves. Maybe a little too hard.
- [Monroe County property transfers through Oct. 7, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-oct-7-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Sept. 9 to Oct. 7, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Week finishes on 4-day stretch under functional capacity](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-week-finishes-on-4-day-stretch-under-functional-capacity/). Monroe County’s jail population fell to 220 Saturday, down 11 compared to a week ago. It also marked the fourth straight day under the ACLU’s 229-person functional capacity. Over the last 82 days, the jail averaged 237 inmates, with at least 803 departures and a median stay of two days.
- [Bloomington man, 23, charged with murder in fatal shooting on northwest side](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-man-23-charged-with-murder-in-fatal-shooting-on-northwest-side/). A 23-year-old Bloomington man faces a murder charge after a 24-year-old man was shot in the head Thursday evening near Crestmont Park. Police city witnesses saying the suspect approached the victim on a porch and fired. Witnesses cited a suspected relationship involving Gilreath's ex-girlfriend.
- [Showers West Notebook: RDC members question continued ownership as city offices move in](https://bsquarebulletin.com/showers-west-notebook-rdc-members-question-continued-ownership-as-city-offices-move-in/). Bloomington’s redevelopment commission has paid nearly $77,000 in electricity bills for Showers West this year, while city departments occupy much of the building without leases. Commissioners are considering transferring ownership or establishing leases to clarify who should pay the bills.
- [Rokita backs Stinesville ICE agreement, but town board puts off up-or-down decision](https://bsquarebulletin.com/rokita-backs-stinesville-ice-agreement-but-town-board-puts-off-up-or-down-decision/). Indiana AG Todd Rokita says Stinesville’s ICE agreement is valid without town board approval. Immigration attorney Christie Popp disputes his legal reasoning. On Tuesday, the board delayed a decision a month, and created a fund to receive the federal money. County commissioners drew criticism.
- [2027 Budget: Bloomington council rejects $2.5M general fund cut, still withholds millions for housing, parking projects](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2027-budget-bloomington-council-rejects-2-5m-general-fund-cut-still-withholds-millions-for-housing-parking-projects/). Bloomington’s city council rejected a $2.5 million general fund cut, but withheld $5.5 million in housing and parking appropriations and cut vehicle-monitoring funds. The debate exposed tensions over spending oversight and staff morale. A final budget vote is expected Oct. 14.
### Other notes
**Early voting numbers.** Through the first four days of voting at the [North Showers](https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+N+Morton+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47404/@39.1707495,-86.5369779,684m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66d92d3cc4f5:0xb79ecc8d1acb583d!8m2!3d39.1708482!4d-86.5373847!16s%2Fg%2F11yq8cq5y6?entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) location on Morton Street, 2,101 people have cast a ballot. That’s way more than the first four days in 2022 (1,351) but not nearly as many as in 2018 (3,170).
This is a stat that’s easy to check for yourself on the [early voting dashboard](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/2980211891404743a0b6a45b6b1422d2) that Monroe County government has set up. In years gone by, I would check in at early voting and collect those numbers daily so that I could report them. Now I don’t have to do that, because the county government is reporting the numbers for everybody.
It’s always a risk to highlight individuals, because you never know exhaustively who should be on the list. But for the early voting numbers here’s a minimal list of civic heroes: Kylie Farris (election supervisor); county clerk Nicole Browne (Farris’s boss); John Baeten (county GIS coordinator); county surveyor Trohn Enright-Randolph (Baeten’s boss)
### On the calendar
**Special meeting of county board of health.** Set for a special meeting at [4:30 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 12)](https://events.in.gov/event/board-of-health-special-meeting) is the Monroe County board of health. I don’t see an agenda posted yet, but when one is available, it will likely show up on the [board’s agenda page](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/boards-commissions-and-committees/board-of-health/agendas-and-packets/).
Monday’s special board of health meeting is potentially related to last Friday’s executive session held by the county commissioners. The session was followed by the resumption of Thursday’s meeting of the county commissioners, which they had recessed until after their Friday executive session.
When Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira came out of recess on Friday, they immediately recessed the meeting again until next Friday (Oct. 16). The topic of the executive session was pending litigation, which is one of the topics that Indiana’s Open Door Law allows public officials to discuss behind closed doors. The apparent pending litigation was the planned lawsuit by the former county health director, Lori Kelley, who [alleges her termination was unlawful](https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-administrator-fired-plans-wrongful-termination-suit-against-monroe-county/).
**Voluntary annexation, ADU revisions.** On the [5:30 p.m. Monday (Oct. 12) meeting agenda](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ecgC0kR9uLwqCqAlGU60OHLYSXEVpb3O0zGg2Tt8Nss/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.xd9rqma3ired) for Bloomington’s plan commission are the rezones required for two voluntary annexations. Also on the agenda are revisions to the unified development ordinance (UDO) sections on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), cottage development, and duplexes.
**$6.5 million in GO bonds.** On the [5 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 13) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/mccouncilgroup/IQAqbe0h5WwZS4Wq94mn8uUvAW1sCXsBnL3lfvra-CXssAY?e=dYWZNJ) for the Monroe County council is the first reading for the issuance of general obligation (GO) bonds for the county, which are not to exceed $6.5 million. On the list of projects are the following: (1) fees associated with the issuance of bonds; (2) in-car and body cameras; (3) tasers; (4) Jail shower and floor repair; (5) Jail cameras; (6) Karst Farm blacktop; (7) Splash pad/Playscape parking and ADA; (8) Shelter; (9) parking and top lot ADA; (9) Fields 9-12 dog park lot G parking and ADA; (10) Prosecutor Office renovation; (11) Courthouse dome repair; (12) elevator repair; (13) drones and cameras; (14) vehicles; (15) Highway equipment (including salt spreader boxes); and 16) Emergency Management siren replacement as well as all related improvements and the incidental expenses in connection with these projects.
**Special meeting election board.** Set for [9 a.m. on Wednesday (Oct. 14)](https://events.in.gov/event/special-election-board-meeting-7548) is a special meeting of the county election board. I don’t see an agenda posted yet, but when one is available, it should be posted on the election board’s [agenda page](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/clerk-of-court/monroe-county-election-board/election-board-agendas/).
**City council money: Final budget vote, $6.8 million in GO bonds.** Set for a final vote for the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 14) meeting](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download) of Bloomington’s city council is the 2027 budget. Also on the agenda is the introduction of an [ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download#page=51) that would authorize the issuance of around $6.8 million in general obligation bonds.
**City council bans: Automatic license plate readers, superintelligence.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 14) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download) for Bloomington’s city council for possible enactment is an [ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download#page=148) that would ban the use of automatic license plate readers. Also on the agenda to be introduced is an ordinance that would ban deployment of superintelligence within the city limits. For B Square coverage of the superintelligence ban, see: [Analysis: Bloomington’s proposed superintelligence ban raises questions about authority, enforcement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/analysis-bloomingtons-proposed-superintelligence-ban-raises-questions-about-authority-enforcement/).
**City council: Accessibility transition plan.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 14) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download) for Bloomington’s city council is a [resolution](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download#page=153) adopting revisions to the city’s ADA transition plan. It’s not clear why a previous section from the 2024 plan on best practices for Zoom meetings has been dropped completely. I think there’s also inadequate attention in the plan to the city’s strategy for ensuring that documents provided to the city as deliverables by vendors are ADA-accessible. Between now and Wednesday’s meeting, I hope to have written something on the topic for publication on the B Square’s website.
**City council: Removing an HPC member.** Possibly to be considered at the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 14) meeting](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17579/download) of Bloomington’s city council is the removal of Reynard Cross as a non-voting member of Bloomington’s historic preservation commission (HPC). Voting members of the HPC are appointed by the mayor subject to approval by the city council. But the city council can appoint non-voting members.
It’s far from clear what might happen Wednesday. The council had Cross’s removal listed explicitly on its agendas for on its Sept. 2 and Sept 16 agendas. On Sept. 2, the council postponed the matter until Sept. 16\. On Sept. 16, the council referred the matter to Interview Committee C with direction to report back on Oct. 14\. At the committee’s Sept. 24 meeting, it recommended that Cross be removed on a 3–0 vote. That outcome is contained in a city clerk memo buried in the information packet for Oct. 14\. There’s no removal listed explicitly on the agenda.
In an [email message to city council officers](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-11-Dave-Askins-email-to-council-officers-RE%5F-potential-action-on-removal-of-Reynard-Cross-from-HPC.pdf) sent on Oct. 11, I chronicled some of the challenges presented to any local journalist who is trying to cover this story. Here’s how I put it: “I am at a loss as to what I can report to B Square readers about what they might reasonably expect to see unfold procedurally on Wednesday, when it comes to Reynard Cross’s removal.”
---
**Pizza Trail: Oct. 1–31.** October is pizza month. And in Bloomington this is commemorated with a [Pizza Trail](https://www.visitbloomington.com/restaurants/passports/pizza-passport-trail/) that Visit Bloomington is promoting. The idea is you sign up for a mobile pass, which sounds like a kind of digital punchcard. Every time you check in with one of 20 different local pizza joints, you get a credit. And at the end you can redeem the points for gift cards to ... pizza joints. There
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Indy!
Up for adoption, as of Oct. 11 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Indy](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87384). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good girl is a shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Indy](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87384).
> Indy is an active and friendly young dog who would love a family that is ready to play and explore! **Indy is a part of our Sit, Stay, Adopt! program for animals with additional behavioral needs. Please contact Emily Herr at herre@bloomington.in.gov for more information.**
### Photo Finish: Switchyard Park
Two deer grazing. (Crispy, Oct. 11, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
**Read this:** Today’s photo was taken by a reader I don’t know, with an “app” that I do know. It’s because I built the app to make it easier for readers to submit B There items. The URL for the app is: You can add that to your phone’s home screen for easy access. It will let you take a new photo, or upload a photo you have already taken. Give it a try. I’ve tested it out on an Android and an iPhone.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Switchyard Park
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/switchyard-park/
Last updated: 2026-10-11T22:27:22.000Z
Two deer grazing. (Crispy, Oct. 11, 2026)
### Analysis: Bloomington’s proposed superintelligence ban raises questions about authority, enforcement
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/analysis-bloomingtons-proposed-superintelligence-ban-raises-questions-about-authority-enforcement/
Last updated: 2026-10-12T10:59:49.000Z
B Square file photo of Bloomington city councilmember Dave Rollo from June 12, 2024.
Bloomington city councilmember Dave Rollo is making a third effort in a little more than three years to get government to do something about the dangers he sees in artificial intelligence.
His first two efforts asked other levels of government to act. This one wouldn’t wait for others. It would change Bloomington’s local law to prohibit the deployment of superintelligent systems inside city limits.
Rollo’s [ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-14-Bloomington-city-council-Ord-2026-29-Artificial-Intelligence-Rollo.pdf) is set for introduction at the council’s Wednesday (Oct. 14) meeting. That means it could get some discussion, but wouldn’t see final action until the council’s following meeting, which is on the calendar for [Nov. 4](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings/2026 ). The key section of the proposed new local law reads like this: “No person or corporation shall distribute or permit to be distributed nor deployed into the premises of any citizen or business in our City, any Superintelligence for any purpose.”
The ordinance is based on the idea that advanced superintelligent AI systems can escape human control, and the idea that human extinction at the hands of superintelligent AI is highly likely.
The phrase “in our city” has a broad intended meaning. The ban would apply to a superintelligent system hosted on a computer anywhere, as long as someone uses it from within city limits.
That geographic reach raises some questions. Among them: Does Bloomington have the legal authority to regulate technology supplied from outside its boundaries?
The ordinance is intended as a kind of stop-gap measure until state legislation is enacted. A [five-page memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-14-Bloomington-city-council-Ord-2026-29-Artificial-Intelligence-Rollo.pdf) from Rollo and the council office calls the ordinance an “interim safety perimeter” to protect Bloomington until state and federal governments establish adequate regulation.
Rollo’s proposed local law has an automatic path to dissolution if Indiana’s General Assembly enacts legislation establishing a “comprehensive framework for Provably Safe Superintelligence.” Without action by the state legislature, lifting the ban would require approval by more than 95% of the city’s registered voters. That, too, raises questions about Bloomington’s legal authority, to hold a referendum.
Rollo says in the memo that if other cities follow Bloomington’s example, it will create a cumulative regulatory burden on companies developing superintelligent AI.
### From resolutions to an ordinance
Rollo’s first effort to get the city council to take action against the dangers of superintelligence came in July 2023\. He introduced a resolution that called for a moratorium on developing artificial general intelligence until it could be guaranteed to align with human values and well-being.
The resolution was nonbinding. Its effect would have been to tell state and federal officials where the council stood on the topic. But Indiana University relayed concerns about possible effects on research funding. After about an hour of discussion, at the council’s meeting on July 26, 2023, Rollo [withdrew the measure ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-resolution-on-hazards-of-general-ai-withdrawn-after-indiana-university-weighs-in/)when it became clear his proposal lacked enough votes.
Rollo tried again this year, this time successfully. On June 10, the council unanimously approved a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-10-Artificial-Intelligence-Res%5F2026-10.pdf ) urging elected officials to address the risks of artificial general intelligence, and calling for a federal moratorium on its development until safety could be guaranteed.
The [ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-14-Bloomington-city-council-Ord-2026-29-Artificial-Intelligence-Rollo.pdf) Rollo is introducing this coming week does more than a resolution could. Instead of asking federal officials to impose a moratorium, Bloomington would impose its own, written into the municipal code, with penalties and lawsuits on the table.
### What counts as superintelligence?
The [ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-14-Bloomington-city-council-Ord-2026-29-Artificial-Intelligence-Rollo.pdf) would add Chapter 14.25, “Prohibition of Superintelligence,” to [Title 14](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT14PESA ) of the municipal code, which covers peace and safety. It’s the chapter that includes the noise ordinance.
The proposed ordinance describes superintelligence as an advanced form of artificial general intelligence (AGI) with superhuman capabilities involving agency, generality and intelligence. The definition mentions systems capable of modifying their own algorithms, running code outside restricted environments, or operating without continuous human oversight.
The definition ends with what it calls the AI industry’s standard terminology: “Any intellect that greatly exceeds the cognitive performance of humans in virtually all domains of interest.”
The ordinance doesn’t establish a test, name a certifying authority or say who decides whether a system has crossed the line to superintelligence. The ordinance also doesn’t say what evidence the city would need to prove a violation.
### Could using a website break the law?
One of the most consequential provisions of Rollo’s proposed ordinance is about location.
Under the ordinance, deployment includes using superintelligence through “a locally accessed user interface, browser, application programming interface (API), or connected local hardware within the geographic boundaries of the City of Bloomington,” no matter where the server running it is located.
So this isn’t just a prohibition against building a superintelligence data center somewhere in the city of Bloomington. It attempts to regulate what comes in over the internet.
The ordinance appears to cover a scenario where a California company develops a system that Bloomington considers superintelligent, and a Bloomington resident from their home computer visits the company’s website to use the system. In that scenario, based on the wording of the ordinance, it looks like both the resident and the company could be breaking the law.
The ordinance doesn’t spell out a separate responsibility for the user and the provider. It also doesn’t say how Bloomington would discover that someone accessed a prohibited system.
To justify its authority, the preamble to the ordinance points to the city’s powers over zoning, land use and utilities, comparing superintelligence to hazardous materials that local governments can regulate.
But regulating a hazardous facility located inside the city limits Bloomington doesn’t raise questions about jurisdiction and interstate commerce in the way the proposed ordinance regulating artificial intelligence does.
### Enforcement would be discretionary
One section of the proposed new law would authorize Bloomington’s legal and police departments to enforce the ban through civil penalties and court orders. It also allows referrals to the Monroe County prosecutor if the conduct might violate existing state criminal law.
Violations would fall under the municipal code’s [general penalty provision](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT1GEPR%5FCH1.01CO%5F1.01.130VIEN) which allows fines up to $2,500\. Continuing violations can bring separate penalties for each day.
But enforcement is discretionary. The ordinance doesn’t require the city to investigate or stop every violation, and it preserves the city’s existing legal immunities. The wording of the ordinance puts it like this: “Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to create a mandatory duty on the part of the City to prevent or abate every violation …”
That helps explain why the fiscal impact statement predicts no effect on city finances.
Some Bloomington residents might think to use laws already on the books to litigate against an AI company for injuries they have suffered. The ordinance says that the new local law would preserve whatever remedies injured persons and businesses already have under state or federal law.
But preserving existing remedies is different from creating new grounds for lawsuits. Rollo’s memo claims such an ordinance could also help plaintiffs pursue litigation against AI developers.
It’s not clear how Indiana state law would factor into the mix, given the [statutory prohibition](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-1-3-8 ) against municipalities prescribing the law that governing civil lawsuits between private parties.
### How the ban could end
The ordinance says Bloomington’s ban on superintelligence will expire 91 days after a state law takes effect establishing a comprehensive framework for provably safe superintelligence.
But there’s no fixed expiration date. Without qualifying state action or a local repeal, the ban could remain on the books indefinitely.
The ordinance sets two conditions for the council to lift the ban.
First, the council would have to find broad scientific consensus that superintelligence can be developed and controlled safely, with an assessment showing 99.9999% certainty of safety. The proposal compares that threshold to nuclear power plant safety standards. It doesn’t identify a specific engineering standard or explain how the probability of catastrophic harm from superintelligence would be calculated.
Second, more than 95% of Bloomington’s registered voters would have to approve the development of superintelligence. The distinction between registered voters and ballots cast matters. Even unanimous approval among those voting wouldn’t satisfy the requirement, unless turnout exceeded 95% of all registered voters.
There’s also a question of how such an election could legally take place. Indiana’s Home Rule Act gives municipalities broad powers, but [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-1-3-8 ) specifically prohibits local governments from conducting elections without explicit statutory authorization.
A successful referendum alone would not lift the ban. The proposed ordinance says the prohibition on superintelligence cannot be lifted unless the council passes another ordinance finding that both the scientific and voter-approval conditions have been met. So a successful referendum wouldn’t itself lift the ban.
### What about simple repeal?
There’s a more basic legal question: What would prevent a future council from simply repealing the ordinance, without meeting either condition?
That is, it’s not clear why a future council couldn’t just repeal the entire ordinance itself, without first demonstrating 99.9999% safety for superintelligence, or obtaining approval from 95% of registered voters.
Nothing about the proposed ordinance appears to prevent a future city council, or even the current edition of the council, from repealing the ban through the ordinary legislative process.
Bloomington’s [municipal code](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT2ADPE%5FCH2.04COCO%5FARTIVORRE%5F2.04.340OREPMO) talks explicitly about ordinances being repealed or modified by later ordinances. A repeal would require a simple majority of the nine-member council, unless the mayor vetoed the repeal, but could be overridden by the ordinary override procedure., which would need six votes.
### Aiming for a national effect
The ordinance affects only Bloomington’s local law, but Rollo’s [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-14-Bloomington-city-council-Ord-2026-29-Artificial-Intelligence-Rollo.pdf#page=4 ) makes clear that his intent extends beyond the city.
He envisions hundreds of cities following Bloomington’s example. His memo puts it like this: “If those (approximately 350) cities passed similar ordinances in the coming weeks or months, this would create a massive regulatory burden for companies creating ASI.”
It identifies the SAFE AI Forever Institute and other nonprofits as potential promoters of similar legislation. So the strategy isn’t just about enforcing a local ban. It’s about encouraging a model that other cities could adopt, adding regulatory and legal pressure on technology companies.
### The question in front of the council
Rollo’s earlier two proposals asked higher levels of government to deal with the dangers he sees in increasingly capable AI. The proposal that will be in front of the Bloomington council next Wednesday would have Bloomington enact its own ban.
That would go beyond a statement of concern. But a central legal issue is whether everything that new local law would try to do would be within an Indiana city’s reach.
Next [Wednesday (Oct. 14)](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17580/download), the ordinance could see some discussion, but won’t get a vote. But if any discussion does unfold, it might at least become clear how much support Rollo’s effort has from his colleagues.
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-82/
Last updated: 2026-10-11T11:16:06.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #83 (Oct. 11, 2026)**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through Oct. 7, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-oct-7-2026/
Last updated: 2026-10-11T11:14:29.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Sept. 9 to Oct. 7, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1l4offU7FEo8hhp1HRxFraXt4SQj-%5FEI&usp=sharing ).\]
- On October 7, 2026, the property at 7520 E Pine Grove RD was sold to STEPHANIE MARIE BARANKO LINCOLN by ROSALIND K BERTRAND for $425,000.
- On October 7, 2026, the property at E Rush Ridge RD was sold to JAMES P LEEDS by Stratman, Brian S for $274,530.
- On October 7, 2026, the property at 7453 E Rush Ridge RD was sold to JAMES P LEEDS by Stratman, Brian S for $274,530.
- On October 7, 2026, the property at 6655 E Gross RD was sold to SHAUN COY by Ziarani, Alireza Karimi for $85,000.
- On October 7, 2026, the property at 2933 N Louden RD was sold to MARK BRADLEY SINIARD by TERRY L TRISLER for $55,000.
- On October 7, 2026, the property at 2933 N Louden RD was sold to MARK BRADLEY SINIARD by TERRY L TRISLER for $55,000.
- On October 6, 2026, the property at 2321 E Rechter RD was sold to JULIE ELIZABETH MARKER by THOMAS H HOLLINGSWORTH AND MARY BETH HOLLINGSWORTH JOIN REVOCABLE TRUST for $635,000.
- On October 6, 2026, the property at 913 W Gourley PIKE was sold to KONNER J GRABER by STEPHANIE PENNY NICHOLAS LOOKENBILL for $169,260.
- On October 6, 2026, the property at 6176 N Leighanne DR was sold to BURKS & HAYS LLC by Harman Farms Development LLC for $96,000.
- On October 6, 2026, the property at 7645 W Micks ALY was sold to BURKS & HAYS LLC by Harman Farms Development LLC for $96,000.
- On October 5, 2026, the property at 9002 E Agate AVE was sold to LAGINA WINDERS by Janis, Julie A for $652,000.
- On October 5, 2026, the property at 1796 S Garrison Chapel RD was sold to KIMBERLY ANNE DOAK by FRANCISCO RUIZ LEMUS for $118,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 4775 N Louden RD was sold to NATHANIEL R MYERS by LANE, RACHAEL A for $730,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 4775 N Louden RD was sold to NATHANIEL R MYERS by LANE, RACHAEL A for $730,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 2700 W Burma RD was sold to DEAN UNGERECHT by THE DEWANA SUE PAGE REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $700,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 2901 S Dale CT was sold to DAVID MCDONALD by THE RICHARD H SMALL AND ELIZABETH JANE HEWITT REVOCABLE TRUST for $610,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 7778 W State Road 45 was sold to JUSTIN EDWARD MEDIGE by JOHN E DEMOSS AND HEATHER DEMOSS for $505,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at S Harrodsburg RD was sold to HOLLY NIGH by Hardin, Jacob P for $365,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 4665 N Happy Hollow RD was sold to JENNIFER KIRBY by Turner, Jonathan for $275,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 3762 W Maple Leaf DR was sold to ALAN E JEWART by ESTATE OF PHYLLIS L JEWART for $250,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 2005 N Kinser PIKE was sold to HAWA D MITCHELL by UNSUPERVISED ESTATE OF BARBARA J STRAIN for $220,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 1385 E Dillman RD was sold to WHIPPOORWILL HOLDINGS LLC by ESTHER J HYDE for $203,000.
- On October 2, 2026, the property at 935 W Kirkwood AVE was sold to JONATHAN TURNER by Ross, Jay aka Payne, Erica for $140,000.
- On October 1, 2026, the property at 2904 S Dale CT was sold to HEATHER MARIE GROVES by AMY JEANNE ROBINSON REVOCABLE TRUST for $930,000.
- On October 1, 2026, the property at 106 S Yancy LN was sold to TRIPLE DOUBLE LLC by MONARCH CREEK HOLDINGS I LLC for $750,000.
- On October 1, 2026, the property at 1590 S Renwick BLVD was sold to NEVER DAUNTED LLC by THE TIM W ROHLEDER AND MARY ANN ROHLEDER REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $605,000.
- On October 1, 2026, the property at 4720 W Teresa LN was sold to CAYCE COSMO COLLINS by ROBERT H CASE for $359,000.
- On October 1, 2026, the property at 5735 S Fairfax RD was sold to NOLAN CRAIG ALLEN by Scholtz Road Properties LLC for $315,000.
- On October 1, 2026, the property at 8252 W Chafin Chapel RD was sold to PAUL A HUSTON by GREGORY D HENDRICKS for $290,000.
- On October 1, 2026, the property at 1193 E Buckingham East ST was sold to OSCAR M MEZA by ROBIN CRABTREE PUGH for $201,505.
- On October 1, 2026, the property at 2125 S White Tail RUN was sold to SEAN F FITZGERALD by ESTATE OF MARTHA J FITZGERALD for $0.
- On September 30, 2026, the property at 2919 N Ramble RD W was sold to LUKE CASEY by DENISE E LESSOW for $360,000.
- On September 30, 2026, the property at 407 S Madison ST was sold to VICTORIA STAUDINGER by DAVID DONALD for $358,000.
- On September 30, 2026, the property at 101 N Clark ST was sold to ELIZABETH EWESSON LIVING TRUST by RIDGETOP INVESTMENTS LLC for $330,000.
- On September 30, 2026, the property at 523 E Hickory Stick DR was sold to GEZIM LIKA by MARY A MCMICHAEL for $292,000.
- On September 29, 2026, the property at 5701 W Stoneview WAY was sold to RHEDCY SCHOACKER by ERMA MINOZA BURCH for $270,000.
- On September 28, 2026, the property at 905 S Timothy CT was sold to RENZO EDUARDO HENAO GORDILLO by Bemis, Quentin A for $288,000.
- On September 28, 2026, the property at 2776 N Hartstrait RD was sold to THE POODLE BOYS LLC by ESTATE OF JULIA SHARON LATIMER for $250,000.
- On September 28, 2026, the property at N Shuffle Creek RD was sold to JEAN E FURLONG by TERRY W ROBINSON for $40,000.
- On September 28, 2026, the property at E State Road 45 was sold to JEAN E FURLONG by TERRY W ROBINSON for $40,000.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 9225 S Foggy Ridge LN was sold to JEFFREY STINSON by ROSANN COOK STURM WTA ROSANN BRENDA COOK STRUM for $900,000.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 340 E Brittany WAY was sold to LOGAN M BENTLEY by LUNA CAP LLC for $280,900.
- On September 24, 2026, the property at 4055 S Eastmont AVE was sold to LOUIS E KOLINEK, JR. by LOUIS E KOLINEK, JR. for $0.
- On September 22, 2026, the property at 505 E 11th ST was sold to SACKSTEDER PROPERTIES LLC by E DOUGLAS HORN for $1,100,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 9301 S Pointe Lasalles DR was sold to WILLIAM WAYNE NEAL, II by NICHOLAS D MORRISON for $315,000.
- On September 9, 2026, the property at 6500 E Knob Creek RD was sold to ALEXANDRA FENDER by THE ESTATE OF ETHEL MAGNETTA RICHARDSON for $185,000.
### Monroe County jail notebook: Week finishes on 4-day stretch under functional capacity
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-week-finishes-on-4-day-stretch-under-functional-capacity/
Last updated: 2026-10-17T15:05:43.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s jail population stood at 220 on Saturday (Oct. 10), which is down 11 from a week ago. The jail finished the last four days of the week under the ACLU’s version of the jail’s functional capacity, which is 229.
The 220 figure is the lowest population total since Aug. 28, when the population was 216.
The highest number in the last week was 241, on Tuesday, which was still lower than the numbers in late July and early August when there was a six-day stretch over 250.
The jail saw one notable addition on Friday night, when the suspect identified in the [Sept. 6 Kirkwood Avenue shooting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-identify-suspect-in-sept-6-kirkwood-shooting-warrant-issued/) was arrested and booked into jail.
Chart by The B Square with data from the Monroe County jail.
Monroe County’s [jail data dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/195880a3c67c41fa998f56ff8e9aabb4 ) includes snapshots of basic counts, demographic profiles, and the types of crimes prisoners are charged with. The dashboard is updated routinely, which means Monroe County residents don’t need to wait for weekly updates from a news outlet.
The B Square has tracked the numbers starting on July 21, when the jail held 247 people. Ten days into that span, the 10-day rolling average was about 254\. The most recent rolling 10-day average, on Saturday (Oct. 10) was about 229.
That’s right at the number that the ACLU gives as the jail’s functional capacity in its [federal lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf), which it filed in July on behalf of jail inmates. Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté has given a lower figure for functional capacity. His July [overcrowding report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf) started with 294 reported beds, subtracted housing that he said cannot be treated as general-population space, leaving 233 available general-housing beds. Applying the same 80% principle yields a functional capacity of 186.
The difference between the two jail population snapshots at the start and the end of the period The B Square has tracked does not capture the turnover in the jail during that period. Of the 247 people who were there on July 21, 100 of them were still there on Oct. 10\. That means 147, or nearly 60%, of the people who were in jail at the start of the period, had left by the end.
At the same time, 120 people who arrived after July 21 were still incarcerated on Oct 10\. The 100 people who were present at both endpoints, together with those 120 later arrivals, account for the current population of 220.
That comparison still does not capture people who arrived after July 21 and then left before Oct. 10\. A total of at least 803 people departed the jail during that span, but some of those departures could have been by the same person. It’s “at least” because some people booked into jail don’t stay in jail long enough to appear in the daily population report.
Among those who departed during the time The B Square has tracked the numbers, the median length of stay was 2 days.
Over the full 82-day period, the average daily population was about 237\. The highest count was 264 on July 31\. The lowest was 216 on Aug. 28.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Bloomington man, 23, charged with murder in fatal shooting on northwest side
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-man-23-charged-with-murder-in-fatal-shooting-on-northwest-side/
Last updated: 2026-10-09T18:50:42.000Z
Maps by The B Square with information from Bloomington police.
A 23-year-old Bloomington man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a shooting Thursday evening (Oct. 8) on Bloomington’s northwest side. That’s according to a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-09-Bloomington-Police-news-release-Shooting-Investigation-1000-N-Illinois-St-10%5F9%5F2026.pdf ) issued early Friday afternoon by Bloomington police.
The victim is described in the news release as a 24-year-old man who was sitting on the porch with another man in the 1000 block of North Illinois Street, which is on the western edge of Crestmont Park.
Witnesses said the suspect approached the two on foot, took a handgun from his waistband, and shot the victim in the head, according to the release. According to the release, witnesses told police the shooter believed the victim was having a relationship with the shooter’s ex-girlfriend.
According to the news release, the call came in around 8:15 p.m. and officers found the suspect, Jaymon Trey Gilreath, walking a few blocks away from the scene at 8:23 p.m. Officers found a 9mm handgun in a holster near a park bench on 13th Street that they believed was the weapon used in the shooting.
The victim, who is not named in the release, was taken by ambulance IU Health Bloomington Hospital and was declared deceased at the hospital at 9:49 p.m.
Jail records show that Gilreath was booked into the Monroe County jail at 12:52 Friday morning.
### Showers West Notebook: RDC members question continued ownership as city offices move in
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/showers-west-notebook-rdc-members-question-continued-ownership-as-city-offices-move-in/
Last updated: 2026-10-09T17:22:31.000Z
****Top row:** Showers West offices for the Bloomington fire department, engineering department, and the city council. ****Bottom row:** Showers west lobby. (Dave Askins, Oct. 9, 2026)
Who should own Showers West, and who should pay the bills for it?
Those questions surfaced at the end of Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) meeting on Monday (Oct. 5), as commissioners discussed the costs of maintaining a building increasingly occupied by city government offices.
Showers West is the western portion of the former Showers Brothers Furniture building that also houses city hall in its eastern portion, and county government offices in its northern part. It’s a brick building that is more than a century old.
Even though in casual conversation the Bloomington RDC and the city of Bloomington are mostly interchangeable, when it comes to legal ownership, for the members of the RDC, of course, it makes a big difference.
The immediate financial context for Monday’s discussion was a report that the RDC has paid [$76,957.93 in Duke Energy bills](https://bloomington.spending.socrata.com/#!/year/2026/explore/1/priority?x-return-url=https:%2F%2Fbloomington.finance.socrata.com%2F%23!%2Fdashboard&x-return-description=Return to Open Finance) for Showers West since January.
RDC member John West raised the possibility of transferring the building out of the commission’s ownership.
“Is there some scenario or opportunity for the RDC to transfer the ownership of Showers West to some other entity, or we get out from under?” West asked.
The RDC bought Showers West for $8.75 million in January 2023, under an initiative by then-mayor John Hamilton’s administration, to turn it into new headquarters for fire and police. Mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration [abandoned that plan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-mayor-cites-cost-as-big-reason-to-nix-showers-west-remodel-for-police-hq-but-fire-department-projects-to-proceed/) in February 2024\. The fire administration did move to the Showers West building.
But at the same meeting on Monday, the RDC approved the [issuance of an RFP](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-looking-for-architect-to-design-30m-police-hq-project-at-714-s-rogers/) for an architecture firm to create a design for the rehab-reuse of the former Bloomington Convalescent Center at 714 S. Rogers as Bloomington’s main police station.
The history of Showers West since its purchase by the city has included a legal fight with private tenants whose leases the RDC assumed when it bought the property. Bond restrictions requiring public use of the building prompted the city to try to terminate those leases using inverse condemnation.
After losing in court, the RDC [agreed to settlements totaling $381,650](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-to-pay-381k-to-settle-showers-west-disputes-after-court-losses/), plus a year of free rent for one tenant. That means for another year there will be a portion of the building still unavailable for the city’s use.
At Monday’s RDC meeting, city controller Geoff McKim told commissioners that the city’s engineering department, fire department and city council now occupy space in Showers West.
RDC president Deborah Myerson questioned the arrangement under which the RDC owns the building and pays its expenses, while city departments occupy it without lease agreements.
“I would like to request a lease agreement,” Myerson said. “I think that that would be an appropriate way to manage the responsibilities and expenses.”
Myerson said she had not known that the city council was moving into Showers West. “We own it. We don’t have any lease agreement. We’re paying. We hear how much utilities costs,” Myerson said.
West favored pursuing an ownership transfer rather than spending time drafting leases. Myerson agreed that a transfer was worth exploring, but said a lease arrangement might be needed in the meantime. She suggested determining whether ownership could be transferred by the end of the calendar year. Otherwise, she said, the commission should revisit the idea of leases.
“This gray area is not tolerable right now,” Myerson said.
McKim said he would need to research the process for transferring ownership. RDC executive director Anna Killion-Hanson told commissioners that the Thomson administration was already working on the ownership question and would provide an update.
No formal action was taken.
### Rokita backs Stinesville ICE agreement, but town board puts off up-or-down decision
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/rokita-backs-stinesville-ice-agreement-but-town-board-puts-off-up-or-down-decision/
Last updated: 2026-10-08T17:00:01.000Z
A Monroe County government snowplow truck travels the parade route for the Stinesville Stone Quarry Festival with a sign that reads: “READY FOR AN ICE STORM.” (B Square reader, Sept. 26, 2026)
Indiana attorney general Todd Rokita has sided with the Stinesville police department in a local dispute over the department’s agreement with federal immigration authorities.
Rokita has concluded that the agreement was legally valid even though it was never approved by the town’s three-member elected board.
At its regular meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 6), the Stinesville town board was set to vote either to ratify or terminate the agreement. Instead, the board put off any decision until November. That’s after receiving Rokita’s six-page letter on the same day of the meeting.
Bloomington immigration attorney Christie Popp, who has previously questioned the legality of the agreement, disputed Rokita’s conclusions, telling The B Square his letter contains errors and contradicts the plain language of Indiana law.
The [letter from Rokita](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-06-Rokita-to-Stinesville-2026%5F10%5F6-Letter-to-Stinesville-FINAL.pdf) was prompted by a [Sept. 17 resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-17-Monroe-County-commissioners-signed-Resolution-2026-36%5F-Stinesville-Task-Force.pdf ) adopted by Monroe County commissioners. The resolution questioned the authority of the Stinesville police department to enter into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without formal approval by the town board.
The dispute in Stinesville, a town of just 203 residents according to the 2020 census, has implications across Indiana.
Based on a [B Square review](https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-police-agencies-have-signed-dozens-of-ice-agreements-did-local-governments-authorize-them/) a month ago, there were 45 agreements with ICE involving 42 Indiana state and local law enforcement agencies. Those numbers come from ICE data that was downloaded on Sept. 5\. Of those agreements, 36 use the same Task Force Model that Stinesville signed.
That model gives trained local officers specified federal immigration-enforcement powers while carrying out ordinary police duties outside a jail. It is broader than ICE’s other models, which focus on people already in custody.
Some Indiana towns, including Waterloo and Andrews, have publicly voted to authorize participation. Others have signed agreements without a similarly clear record of approval by their elected governing bodies.
### Rokita rejects legal argument by commissioners
Stinesville’s [agreement with ICE](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-01-30-Pittman-Stinesville-PoliceDeptIN%5FTFM%5FMOA%5F02102026-3.pdf) was signed on ICE’s side on Feb. 10\. For Stinesville it was signed by Shane Pittman, who was deputy police chief at the time.
Pittman has said he signed the agreement at the direction of the previous chief, who had told him the town board supported it. Board members have said they did not authorize the agreement.
The resolution approved by the county commissioners expressed disappointment that the agreement had been signed without a public vote. It requested that the town board suspend work under the agreement pending public deliberation, then take formal action to rescind, ratify or modify it.
The commissioners based their objections in part on Indiana’s Interlocal Cooperation Act, which governs agreements involving governmental entities and establishes procedures for public authorization and oversight. Rokita flatly rejected that interpretation.
His letter concluded that police chiefs and town marshals have sufficient operational authority to enter into 287(g) agreements on their own and that the Interlocal Cooperation Act does not apply.
Rokita also warned that local governments interfering with such agreements could violate Indiana law restricting local limitations on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. His office could seek civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation.
The letter raises the possibility that Monroe County commissioners could improperly pressure Stinesville by threatening to withhold economic development funding. The county commissioners resolution doesn’t include such a threat and does not make county funding contingent on Stinesville terminating its agreement.
Popp pointed to that distinction in her commentary to The B Square about Rokita’s letter. “Contrary to \[Rokita’s\] assertion, nothing in the Monroe County Commissioners’ Resolution stated that funding to Stinesville would be contingent on the Town Board rescinding the MOU with ICE,” Popp said.
Popp characterized Rokita’s letter as “in many ways self-serving,” pointing to his broader efforts to require cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
### Dispute over the law’s plain language
Popp told The B Square she had identified several problems with Rokita’s interpretation.
The first is his repeated characterization of the agreement as having been signed by Stinesville’s police chief. Pittman, Popp noted, was the deputy chief when he signed it. “So even under Rokita’s own interpretation, the agreement is invalid,” Popp said.
Rokita also cites a state law giving police chiefs exclusive control of their departments. But Popp pointed out that the statutory language qualifies that authority by making it subject to the rules and orders of the appropriate safety board.
Another point of contention concerns the [Interlocal Cooperation Act](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-1-7-1) itself. Rokita argues that the law applies to agreements between local governments, not agreements between local police and federal agencies. Popp pointed The B Square to the [wording of the act](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-1-7-1), which explicitly lists federal agencies among the governmental entities to which the chapter applies.
Popp also cited a separate provision specifically addressing interlocal agreements involving law enforcement. She rejected Rokita’s suggestion that applying the statute would effectively prevent Indiana police departments from entering into 287(g) agreements.
Her position is that the agreements are permissible, but must be authorized through the proper public process. “Requiring a state or local political subdivision to follow the statute and the democratic process when signing an agreement with ICE does not restrict cooperation with ICE,” Popp said.
She also stressed that federal law does not require local governments to sign 287(g) agreements.
### Town board postpones vote, establishes fund
At Tuesday’s meeting, town attorney Darla Brown said she had prepared two alternative resolutions: One to ratify the ICE agreement and another to terminate it.
Rokita’s letter had arrived too late for her to evaluate his legal arguments before the meeting. She said she had not yet checked the citations in his letter.
With only two of the town’s [three board members](https://www.in.gov/towns/stinesville/departments/town-board/town-board-staff/) present, board president Scott McGlocklin favored waiting until November. “I personally am not comfortable with going either way tonight,” he said.
Brown had told the board at its Sept. 22 work session that it needed to decide publicly whether to continue or terminate the agreement. Rokita’s opinion calls into question the necessity of such approval.
The decision also has financial consequences for the small town.
Pittman has described the ICE program as an opportunity to obtain resources for a police department whose officers have often purchased their own equipment.
At Tuesday’s meeting, McGlocklin said the town had already received $122,500 in federal funds associated with its participation in the 287(g) program. The money has not been spent.
But the money needed to be deposited somewhere. So at its Tuesday (Oct. 6) meeting, the town board approved Ordinance 2026-11, establishing a Homeland Security Law Enforcement Support Fund to hold the money. The ordinance allows the fund to receive additional federal payments and reimbursements. But board members stressed that establishing the fund did not settle the underlying question of whether to continue the ICE agreement.
Pittman has also said the department applied for a federal grant that could fund two full-time officers and an administrative position for three years. That funding has not yet been awarded.
### Parade sign adds to friction with county commissioners
The legal disagreement has also spilled into a more personal dispute between town and county officials.
During Tuesday’s meeting, McGlocklin read a prepared statement criticizing Monroe County commissioners, both for their resolution and for what he described as a stunt involving a Monroe County snowplow truck in the Stinesville Stone Quarry Festival parade held on Sept. 26.
McGlocklin noted that the truck carried a sign reading, “ARE YOU READY FOR THE ICE STORM?”
He said the display was inappropriate and interpreted it as an effort by county commissioners to bully the town. “I want to make it perfectly clear: The Monroe County Commissioners will not tell this town how it will run,” McGlocklin said. He stressed that he was speaking for himself, not on behalf of the town board.
McGlocklin also complained that the county government owns two properties in Stinesville where weeds and grass have not been properly maintained. He said the town would issue notices requiring compliance with its ordinance, with citations or cleanup charges possible if the violations are not addressed.
Even though he conveyed his personal ire at the commissioners on Tuesday, McGlocklin has not firmly committed himself to either side of the ICE agreement. He said he disapproves of some of ICE’s activities, but also sees the federal money as a potentially important resource for the town’s police department.
---
For now, the ICE agreement remains in place, and the federal money remains unspent. And the town board has put off a decision until its [November meeting](https://www.in.gov/towns/stinesville/departments/town-board/meetings/).
### 2027 Budget: Bloomington council rejects $2.5M general fund cut, still withholds millions for housing, parking projects
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2027-budget-bloomington-council-rejects-2-5m-general-fund-cut-still-withholds-millions-for-housing-parking-projects/
Last updated: 2026-10-08T16:27:48.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington councilmembers front to back: Matt Flaherty, Hopi Stosberg, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Sydney Zulich, Isak Asare, Courtney Daily, and Andy Ruff. Dave Rollo and Kate Rosenbarger were absent. ****Right:** Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson. (Dave Askins, Oct. 7, 2026)
Bloomington’s city council rejected a proposal Wednesday night (Oct. 7) to cut $2.5 million from the city’s 2027 general fund budget, but approved six targeted amendments that removed more than $6 million in proposed appropriations.
The most sweeping amendment, proposed by council president Isak Asare, failed 2–5, with only Asare and Matt Flaherty supporting it. The voting tally added to 7 not 9, because Kate Rosenbarger and Dave Rollo were absent.
The final vote on the budget is yet to come, now set for next Wednesday (Oct. 14).
With his amendment, Asare wanted to set a spending target $2.5 million lower than the administration’s proposed amount, leaving mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration to identify the specific cuts.
Instead, the council approved amendments removing $5.5 million in spending authority for housing development and parking system improvements. In both cases, the money could still be spent later, but councilmembers want to review more specific proposals before approving the appropriations sometime during 2027.
Other amendments eliminated $272,000 for technology to monitor city-owned vehicles, cut $10,000 in mayor’s-office branding money and eliminated the $104,683 in salary for a vacant transportation demand manager position. The council also reduced a planned transfer into the sanitation fund by $600,000, anticipating that higher trash-cart fees would replace the subsidy.
Several of the amendments included in the meeting information packet and that were [ready for consideration](https://bsquarebulletin.com/council-president-proposes-2-5m-across-the-board-target-for-bloomington-general-fund/) were not even introduced on Wednesday.
The council did not take a final vote on the budget at its Wednesday night meeting. That is expected a week from now at its next regular meeting, which is [Oct. 14](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings).
Bloomington’s [proposed 2027 budget](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Original-Packet-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet.pdf#page=87) totals about $171.4 million across all city funds, excluding City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) and Bloomington Transit (BT). About $63.7 million is in the general fund, which supports much of the city’s day-to-day operations.
The original general fund proposal calls for spending about $6 million more than projected revenues, with the difference covered by cash reserves. That prompted deliberations over whether current spending is sustainable as Indiana’s property tax changes are phased in and new local income tax rules take effect in 2029.
The amendments also exposed differences over the council’s role as the city’s fiscal body: whether to set broad spending limits or exercise more detailed oversight of significant expenditures.
The discussion also drew comment from the public mic by a city employee who criticized the approach the council was taking to budget reductions, because of the impact it is having on staff morale.
Iris Bull, an administrative assistant in the engineering department, put it like this: “I’m not the only one who’s been paying attention this week and has been totally demoralized by the process. And that is also taking up staff time because instead of talking about our work, we’re talking about how bummed out we are, and that sucks.”
### $2.5M general fund cut fails 2–5
Asare’s [Amendment 16](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Addendum-1-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet%5F.pdf#page=33) would have reduced the general fund appropriation from about $63.7 million to $61.2 million, a reduction of just under 4%.
Rather than specifying positions or programs to eliminate, the amendment directed the administration to identify $2.5 million in reductions, preferably recurring savings. It recommended distributing the cuts among departments roughly in proportion to their shares of general fund spending.
Asare said preparing individual amendments had demonstrated how difficult it is for councilmembers, who lack the administration’s staff and operational knowledge, to identify specific cuts.
Asare said that the council’s responsibility is to set fiscal boundaries and priorities, not manage departments. “Reserves do not make recurring operating deficits sustainable,” he said. Using reserves can be justified for investments producing identifiable benefits, he said.
Thomson opposed the amendment, saying that a $2.5 million reduction on the timetable remaining before budget adoption could disrupt services and force poorly considered staffing decisions.
In a [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Addendum-1-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet%5F.pdf) submitted to the council, Thomson and her department heads committed to bringing a proposal for departmental reorganization, including possible staffing cuts, by June 1, 2027\. Thomson said a responsible review would take at least six months and might improve services without necessarily saving money.
Controller Geoff McKim illustrated the scale of Asare’s proposal. A strictly proportional reduction would mean cuts of about $765,000 from police, $718,000 from fire, $183,000 from information technology services and $120,000 from planning, among others.
McKim said reductions of that magnitude could not responsibly be developed and implemented within the available time.
Hopi Stosberg opposed the amendment, noting that Bloomington has spent several years trying to reduce reserves considered larger than necessary. Actual spending has sometimes fallen enough below budgeted amounts that reserves increased, she said.
McKim acknowledged that the reserves are substantial. He expects to complete a formal reserve policy by the end of the year.
Asked whether the city’s current spending is sustainable, McKim said he believes the proposed budget has reached a sustainable level, particularly with the scheduled end of the city’s $3.8 million annual transfer to BT. But he acknowledged that future local income tax decisions could force substantial reductions.
Isabel Piedmont-Smith agreed with Stosberg that the proposed cuts were unnecessary and impractical on such a short timetable.
Flaherty questioned whether there would ever be an acceptable time for the council to demand significant reductions. Before the administration develops its budget, he said, specific proposals could be dismissed as premature. Afterward, the deadline makes them impractical.
That dynamic, Flaherty contended, makes meaningful council control over spending priorities difficult.
Andy Ruff defended the logic of Asare’s approach but ultimately opposed the amendment, along with Stosberg, Piedmont-Smith, Sydney Zulich and Courtney Daily.
### Housing: $3M withheld pending better strategy
An amendment removing $3 million in appropriations from the housing development fund passed 6–1, with Daily casting the only opposing vote.
Asare, one of the sponsors, emphasized that the objective was not to prevent spending on affordable housing. He said he would support spending the entire amount, potentially even more, if the city had a better-defined strategy for using the money.
He questioned an approach that appeared to be driven largely by requests from developers as opportunities arise.
Piedmont-Smith said the fund has less than $6 million available and is not being replenished quickly enough to maintain its current spending pace. She proposed discussing a revised strategy before the end of the year, potentially allowing a new appropriation in January.
Thomson said the administration was willing to reconsider its strategy but objected to withholding the appropriation. Developers need to know whether assistance is available, she said, and additional council approvals could delay construction or cause opportunities to be lost.
Councilmembers differed over what additional oversight should involve.
Asare favored agreeing on an overall strategy, then allowing the administration to implement it without council approval of every project.
Stosberg wanted large awards to private developers to receive public scrutiny. She noted that the administration’s memo identified projects seeking more than $1 million apiece in city assistance. Flaherty agreed that assistance above some threshold should come before the council.
The amendment does not eliminate the fund or prevent spending the money later. It requires the administration to seek an additional appropriation before doing so.
### Vehicle monitoring: $272,000 cut over surveillance concerns
An amendment from Piedmont-Smith, which was not included in the meeting information packet, eliminated $272,000 for a vehicle telematics system on a 5–2 vote.
The proposed technology could monitor the locations, speeds, braking and other driver behavior on city-owned vehicles. Some systems include cameras capable of detecting cell phone use and other unsafe actions.
Piedmont-Smith opposed the expenditure because of employee privacy concerns, including the prospect of tracking workers’ movements and sharing location information with a third-party vendor.
A related concern to the one expressed by Piedmont-Smith is reflected in an [ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17445/download#page=60) that the council could possible vote to enact at its Oct. 14 meeting, which would ban the use of automatic license plate readers in Bloomington. The ordinance was introduced on Sept. 16\.
On Wednesday, corporation counsel Margie Rice defended the technology as a way to reduce costly accidents and improve safety. She described an incident involving an excavator that tipped over while being transported, saying better driving data might have helped determine the cause.
Public works director Adam Wason described other possible benefits, including more efficient sanitation and snow-removal routes and reduced fuel consumption.
Asare questioned whether the investment would produce at least $272,000 in savings.
Wason said vendors and systems were still being evaluated. He could not quantify the expected savings or determine how much of the expenditure would be a one-time cost rather than an ongoing subscription.
Stosberg supported the technology, saying she had observed city vehicles driving unsafely and believed monitoring could improve accountability.
Stosberg and Daily voted against the amendment. The other five councilmembers supported eliminating the appropriation.
### Parking meter fund: $2.5M placeholder removed
The council unanimously removed $2.5 million in proposed spending authority for parking system improvements.
Asare said he generally supports improvements recommended in the city’s parking study, but wanted more specific plans before approving such a large appropriation.
Stosberg said the council should provide a recognizable venue for public review of major spending decisions. Piedmont-Smith raised concerns about automatic license plate readers, which were among the technologies recommended in the Walker parking study.
The administration did not object to the amendment. It can request another appropriation when particular improvements are ready to proceed.
As with the housing amendment, the action does not necessarily mean the city will spend less. It means that spending the money will require another council decision.
### Sanitation: $600,000 less in subsidy, higher rates expected
The council unanimously reduced the planned transfer into the sanitation fund from $1.6 million to $1 million. The $1 million remaining in the proposed 2027 budget would help cover the difference between the cost of curbside trash and recycling collection and revenues generated from cart fees.
Stosberg said the reduction anticipates higher trash-cart fees, but emphasized that the amendment does not itself approve any rate increase.
The administration plans to bring a rate proposal to the council this fall. If the increases are rejected, the city could seek an additional appropriation.
Ruff cautioned against treating a reduced subsidy as a savings for residents. The cost of the service would simply shift from the subsidy to household sanitation bills.
### Planning studies spared
Asare’s proposal to eliminate $490,000 for corridor, subarea and other planning studies failed 1–6\. Ruff cast the only vote in favor, while Asare voted against his own amendment.
Asare questioned the value of repeatedly commissioning studies without clear prospects for implementation.
Interim planning and transportation director Lynn Coyne said studies are necessary groundwork for future projects, particularly those requiring state or federal grants. Transportation-related work could also qualify for reimbursement through the city’s $1.44 million Safe Streets for All grant, he said.
The discussion touched on Kirkwood Avenue, where Piedmont-Smith asked whether seasonal closure to vehicles could be considered before completing a broader study. Thomson said the administration wants the corridor study completed first.
Deputy mayor Gretchen Knapp acknowledged the challenge of keeping planning studies grounded in realistic costs. She cited the [College and Walnut study](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/cwcs), which produced recommendations with an estimated $120 million implementation price tag. The challenge, she said, is giving consultants room to explore ambitious ideas without producing plans too expensive to carry out.
Stosberg opposed cutting the studies, citing their importance for land use, economic development and traffic safety.
### Mayor’s office: Branding
The council unanimously approved Piedmont-Smith’s amendment eliminating $10,000 for implementation of the city’s branding initiatives.
Piedmont-Smith called the branding effort a waste of time and said she did not want to commit more money to it. She had already expressed that view the night when the branding consultant presented his firm’s work, including a [new logo](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-note-proposed-new-bloomington-logo-looks-like-a-butt/). The administration supported the reduction.
### Transportation demand manager: Position defunded
The council unanimously removed salary and benefits funding for the vacant transportation demand manager position in the economic and sustainable development department.
The salary portion totals $104,683, with the controller directed to calculate associated benefit reductions.
Piedmont-Smith said the position had not accomplished enough to justify continuing the appropriation.
Flaherty agreed that the position had fallen short of expectations but wanted the money redirected toward transportation improvements, such as neighborhood traffic calming.
Piedmont-Smith preferred spending the money on climate action priorities involving local food systems and food security.
The position can remain authorized in the salary ordinance without being funded in the 2027 budget.
### Travel and other proposals: Not introduced
Asare withdrew his proposal to cut employee travel appropriations by 25%, or $41,925, following objections about the importance of professional development.
He also declined to advance proposed reductions involving financial software replacement, information technology subscriptions and parks program-guide printing.
A broader amendment involving mayor’s-office expenses was withdrawn after the council approved the narrower branding reduction.
Zulich did not introduce her amendment to reduce election-related appropriations.
### Budget debate brings personal tensions to the surface
During discussion of the $2.5 million general fund reduction, city staffer Iris Bull returned spoke from the public mic to oppose Asare’s approach. They described proposing substantial cuts without specifying where they would fall as reckless. “This is like a manufactured hostage situation,” they said. Bull pointed to the negative impact on staff morale.
The comments about staff morale were only one part of an increasingly strained exchange between the council and administration.
During deliberations on the housing development fund, Stosberg criticized the administration’s contention that requiring additional council approval for housing expenditures would impose unnecessary bureaucratic burdens.
She said major expenditures involving public money deserved review by the city’s elected fiscal body, not merely administrative decisions. During her remarks Stosberg observed that Thomson got up and left the council chambers while she was speaking.
Stosberg drew attention to the mayor’s departure: “And for those of you not in this room, Mayor Thomson just walked out of the room instead of listening,” Stosberg said. She called the departure disrespectful to the council and to Bloomington residents who pay taxes.
Thomson later addressed that criticism while discussing Asare’s proposed $2.5 million reduction. The mayor acknowledged that she had left during Stosberg’s comments.
“We have gotten to a point that the cabinet and other staff, and even members of the public, expect to be demeaned when we come to this podium,” Thomson said. She said, “I told myself that I was going to let our cabinet know that when they’re called names or when somebody is speaking down to them in a demeaning way, anywhere, if they’re not in a position to say something, they can leave.”
After giving it a beat, she added, “And I was reminded that if we leave, we don’t get the city’s work done.”
Thomson said employees had described experiences that made the workplace feel hostile. She called for respectful public disagreement, even when councilmembers and the administration hold sharply different views. She said, “I have been told by members of our staff, by members of your staff, that it can be a hostile work environment.” She continued, “That’s not a city I want to be part of, and I think we can do better. ” Thomson added, “The highest priority for me is how we work together.”
Stosberg did not respond immediately to the mayor’s remarks. But after the council had finished voting on amendments, she returned to the issue during final comments on the budget.
She again acknowledged that some amendments had placed employees in an uncomfortable position, particularly when discussions of possible staffing cuts were put into writing. But Stosberg objected to any implication that expressing frustration during council meetings is inherently inappropriate.
“If you want to tone-police me, which I really don’t appreciate in general, and generally speaking, I think is really inappropriate,” Stosberg said, then the tone of the administration’s written communications should also be open to criticism.
She said frustration can be expressed through memos as well as spoken remarks, and elected officials should be able to express it from the dais.
Stosberg defended her approach to the amendments as an effort to make government spending more transparent and accountable to residents. She closed by again apologizing to employees whose jobs had been made to seem uncertain through the budget discussion.
### Final budget vote Oct. 14: Early dissent from Flaherty
The council is expected to take up the amended city budget Wednesday (Oct. 14), after the administration incorporates the approved changes into the final state budget forms.
Flaherty said he will be absent, but would vote against the overall budget if present.
He said his opposition reflects broader dissatisfaction with Thomson’s administration, particularly what he considers failures of governance.
Flaherty cited three concerns: the administration’s continued use of temporary traffic regulations beyond the 180-day period he believes city code allows; inadequate enforcement of sidewalk snow-removal requirements, including on city-owned property; and the decision not to proceed with previously discussed Indiana Avenue safety improvements following opposition from Indiana University representatives.
He said the Indiana Avenue project had been part of an earlier budget negotiation and that abandoning it without returning to the council represented a failure to honor those commitments.
For Flaherty, the budget vote is one of the few available mechanisms for holding the administration accountable over such disagreements.
With Asare’s $2.5 million reduction defeated, the budget heading toward final adoption leaves the administration’s principal operating appropriations largely intact.
But the council’s rejection of that reduction leaves a question for next year. Thomson’s administration has committed to bringing the council a proposal for possible reorganization and staffing reductions by June 1, 2027.
Asare has said on different occasions that such a review could cover the economic and sustainable development department, the community and family resources department, the mayor’s office, the city clerk’s office, and the city council office.
Whether the administration’s proposal will include all those offices, and whether it will produce recurring savings or at least better outcomes for residents, remains to be seen.
### Oct. 8, 2026: Bloomington budget cuts, $2.5M proposal fails; Habitat water deal; early voting; $30M police HQ; food inspections
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/oct-8-2026-bloomington-budget-cuts-2-5m-proposal-fails-habitat-water-deal-early-voting-30m-police-hq-food-inspections/
Last updated: 2026-10-08T08:31:58.000Z
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Keep wearing a smile, because it’s again perfect sunny weather with a high near 79F°.
**Friday:** Don’t change anything you have been doing for the last four days. It’ll be sunny with a high near 82F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [2027 budget: Council president proposes $2.5M across-the-board target for Bloomington general fund](https://bsquarebulletin.com/council-president-proposes-2-5m-across-the-board-target-for-bloomington-general-fund/). Bloomington council president Isak Asare has proposed cutting $2.5 million from the city’s 2027 general fund, leaving Mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration to identify the specific reductions before final adoption. Council takes up 16 possible amendments Wednesday night. *\[Note: Just six of the amendments passed. The $2.5-million across-the-board amendment failed. The B Square expects to publish coverage early Thursday morning, probably after this newsletter is sent.*\]
- [Bloomington utilities, Habitat settle Osage Place water dispute](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-utilities-habitat-settle-osage-place-water-dispute/). Bloomington utilities approved a settlement letting Habitat for Humanity get water service for Phase 2 of Osage Place while a Phase 1 stormwater dispute continues. Habitat will withdraw its appeal, and CBU keeps authority to require approved drainage fixes by Oct. 30, 2027\. The vote was unanimous.
- [Polls open for early voting in Monroe County ahead of Nov. 3 election](https://bsquarebulletin.com/polls-open-for-early-voting-in-monroe-county-ahead-of-nov-3-election/). Early voting for the Nov. 3 election began Tuesday at Monroe County’s North Showers building. About a half-dozen voters waited outside in 42-degree air before the 8 a.m. opening. Clerk Nicole Browne gave the legally required proclamation that the polls were open.
- [Bloomington looking for architect to design $30M police HQ project at 714 S. Rogers](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-looking-for-architect-to-design-30m-police-hq-project-at-714-s-rogers/). Bloomington is seeking architects to design a new police headquarters at 714 S. Rogers St., with proposals due Nov. 6\. The city wants to reuse as much of the 56,000-square-foot former convalescent center as possible while keeping construction costs at or below $30 million.
- [Monroe County Retail Food Inspections: August 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-retail-food-inspections-august-2026/). During 70 of the 92 inspections of retail food establishments done by the Monroe County health department in August 2026, no violations were found. During 11 of them at least one core violation was found, but nothing more severe. During 4 of them, at least one priority violation was found.
### Other notes
**Early voting numbers.** Through the first two days of early voting in Monroe County, 991 people have cast a ballot at the early voting location, at the [North Showers](https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+N+Morton+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47404/@39.1707495,-86.5369779,684m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66d92d3cc4f5:0xb79ecc8d1acb583d!8m2!3d39.1708482!4d-86.5373847!16s%2Fg%2F11yq8cq5y6?entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) location on Morton Street. This is a stat that’s easy to check for yourself on the [early voting dashboard](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/2980211891404743a0b6a45b6b1422d2) that Monroe County government has set up.
### On the calendar
**$35K more for encampment cleanup.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 8) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D10%2D08%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for the Monroe County commissioners is an item approving an additional cost for the cleanup of the Thomson property off South Rogers Road for an amount not to exceed $35,000\. This looks like it’s the *second* time such an increase has been authorized, the [first one on Sept. 24](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-adds-35k-for-encampment-cleanup-50k-for-patrols-162k-for-housing/). That brings the total cost, so far, for the cleanup of the property [after the encampment was cleared](https://bsquarebulletin.com/powerline-camp-emptied-tuesday-morning-after-monroe-county-moves-up-deadline/) in late August, to $140,000\. (The [original contract](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-shots-fired-report-at-powerline-camp-monroe-county-mulls-moving-up-sept-1-deadline/) was for $70,000.)
---
**Pizza Trail: Oct. 1–31.** October is pizza month. And in Bloomington this is commemorated with a [Pizza Trail](https://www.visitbloomington.com/restaurants/passports/pizza-passport-trail/) that Visit Bloomington is promoting. The idea is you sign up for a mobile pass, which sounds like a kind of digital punchcard. Every time you check in with one of 20 different local pizza joints, you get a credit. And at the end you can redeem the points for gift cards to ... pizza joints. There
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Missy!
Up for adoption, as of Oct. 7 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Missy](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86922). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good girl is a bully breed mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Missy](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86922).
> If you’re looking for a lovable companion, Missy will be happy to move right in. She’s a very happy dog who loves her people! She’s house trained and is quiet and content at night in her crate. She knows basic commands and is quickly learning good manners. She will love going for walks or runs or hikes with you and playing in water. She will also be happy napping by your feet or sitting on the couch next to you (or on your lap). Although she has the shortest little minute where she is shy with new people, she warms right up and will park herself in your lap if you let her. She’s a delightful dog with so much love to give!
### Photo Finish: College Avenue & 6th Street
RIP Spudshacks. The business was there [only about a year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-6th-street/). The sign says to call Omega Properties at 812-333-0995 for inquiries about renting the space. (Dave Askins, Oct. 6, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website. Today’s photo was taken with an “app” that I have built to make it easier to for readers to submit B There items. The URL for the app is: You can add that to your phone’s home screen for easy access. It will let you take a new photo, or upload a photo you have already taken. Give it a try. I’ve tested it out on an Android and an iPhone.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great weekend.
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Courthouse square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-24/
Last updated: 2026-10-07T22:08:47.000Z
Alley off of 6th Street between College and Walnut. Some kind of photo shoot underway. (Mary Morgan, Oct. 7, 2026)
### College Avenue & 6th Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-6th-street-5/
Last updated: 2026-10-07T19:53:14.000Z
RIP Spudshacks. The business was there [only about a year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-6th-street/). The sign says to call Omega Properties at 812-333-0995 for inquiries about renting the space. (Dave Askins, Oct. 6, 2026)
### 2027 budget: Council president proposes $2.5M across-the-board target for Bloomington general fund
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/council-president-proposes-2-5m-across-the-board-target-for-bloomington-general-fund/
Last updated: 2026-10-07T12:32:16.000Z
Ant's eye view of proposed Amendment 16 from city council president Isak Asare. (Dave Askins, Oct. 7, 2026)
Bloomington city council president Isak Asare has proposed cutting $2.5 million from the city’s 2027 general fund budget, without specifying exactly which departments or programs should absorb the reductions.
Instead, Asare’s amendment would require mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration to come back with the details before the council takes its final vote on the budget.
The proposal is the last of 16 budget amendments now set for consideration when the council meets Wednesday night (Oct. 7). Asare’s amendment was released Tuesday night in a [meeting packet addendum](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Addendum-1-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet%5F.pdf), along with responses from the administration to other amendments proposed earlier.
Asare’s newest amendment is separate from any of the other amendments that have been floated or reduced to writing up to now.
Bloomington’s proposed 2027 budget totals about $171.4 million across all funds. About $63.7 million of that is the general fund, which supports much of the city’s day-to-day government operations. Asare’s proposed $2.5-million reduction is about 4% of that fund. None of those figures include city of Bloomington utilities or Bloomington Transit.
Underlying Asare’s approach, he has said, is the idea that revenue growth is expected to slow under the revisions to property tax law that are already being phased in, and local income tax changes that will take effect in 2029, due to state legislative action. At last week’s city council work session he summarized that view with two words: “Lean times.”
Asare’s [Amendment 16](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Addendum-1-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet%5F.pdf#page=33 ) would reduce total general fund appropriations from $63.73 million to $61.23 million, a reduction of just under 4%. It directs the mayor to identify $2.5 million in specific account-level reductions, and to “prioritize recurring, long-term savings.” The cuts are supposed to be distributed among departments in “rough proportion” to their shares of general fund spending.
The specific document to be amended is Budget Form 1, which is included in the packet as [Exhibit D](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Original-Packet-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet.pdf#page=87). That’s why all of the council’s proposed amendments refer to Exhibit D.
Asare’s Am 16 does not simply set a $2.5-million target for Thomson. Before the final vote, the administration would have to give the council a schedule showing the affected department and account, the amount of each reduction and the anticipated effect on services.
The amendment does not exempt the police and fire departments from the proportional cuts
The proposed reduction would also substantially narrow the gap between general fund spending and revenue that was built into Thomson’s original budget proposal. Based on the city’s [Form 4-B](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Original-Packet-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet.pdf#page=49 ), the original budget proposal calls for roughly $6 million more in general fund expenditures ($63,752,216) than 2027 revenues ($57,760,197). The difference would tap the fund’s cash balance, which was projected to decline from about $59.5 million at the end of 2026 to $53.6 million at the end of 2027.
The new proposal follows a Sept. 30 council work session when Asare [floated potentially bigger changes](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2027-budget-talks-for-bloomington-city-council-turn-to-potential-staffing-cuts/) to city staffing and organization, including the mayor’s communications operation and the economic and sustainable development (ESD) department.
At that work session, Asare suggested that all ESD positions could be funded for only part of 2027, which would force a decision during the year about which functions belong in city government and where they should be located. He also raised possible cuts involving the mayor’s vacant public engagement director, communications staff, and legislative affairs specialist.
The administration has not agreed to that immediate ESD restructuring. But in a [30-page memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Addendum-1-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet%5F.pdf) added to Wednesday’s meeting packet, Thomson and her department heads showed signs of movement towards some changes.
The administration says it is willing to consider “broader reorganization and staffing cuts” and promises to bring the council a proposal by June 1, 2027\. The administration says it wants time to consult department heads and consider how offices should be organized before making those decisions.
In the memo, the administration says it believes “there can be effective reorganization and cuts in personnel, even in the offices of elected officials.” On the mayor’s communications operation specifically, the administration continues to say that centralized communications staffing is needed, but says it could reduce the current two full-time positions to 1.5\. It asks the council not to eliminate the legislative affairs specialist, who works out of the mayor’s office.
In the memo, there’s an implicit commitment to review the now-vacant public engagement director in the mayor’s office before posting it. It’s not currently advertised on the [city’s jobs board](https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/bloomingtonindiana ). From the memo: “We do believe that before any vacant position is posted, the City should re-evaluate the need for the position. The Mayor commits to personally examining each role going forward.”
Those are not the administration’s only areas of agreement with proposed cuts by the council.
Thomson’s administration supports eliminating the vacant transportation demand manager position, supports cutting $10,000 reserved for branding work, and supports reducing the city’s ED-LIT subsidy to sanitation from $1.6 million to $1 million, with higher trash-cart rates expected to make up the difference.
On other proposals, the administration is offering reductions, but smaller than those proposed by the council. Instead of a council proposal to cut non-police and non-fire travel by $41,925, the administration says it can identify [$35,000 in targeted travel cuts](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Addendum-1-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet%5F.pdf#page=19). Parks officials oppose a $48,145 reduction in program-guide printing and postage, but offer savings of [$18,000 to $25,000 instead](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Addendum-1-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet%5F.pdf#page=24).
The administration has no objection to removing a $2.5-million placeholder in the parking meter fund for new parking systems. In that case, however, the reduction does not necessarily mean the city ultimately spends $2.5 million less. The administration could return to the council later for a new appropriation once specific parking projects are ready.
That distinction between actual reductions in the cost of city government and simply postponing spending authority is a theme of the administration’s response. Thomson’s administration contends that some of the proposed amendments would merely cause departments to return later for additional appropriations, adding council meetings and staff work without ultimately saving money.
### Am 16: $2.5M cut would have to get specific
Asare’s new general fund amendment ([Amendment 16](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Addendum-1-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet%5F.pdf#page=33)) raises a practical question that does not exist for other proposed amendments: What happens if the council approves the $2.5-million total reduction, but the administration does not identify the underlying line-item cuts?
The amendment itself attempts to answer that question by requiring Thomson to submit the detailed schedule before final budget adoption.
City controller Geoff McKim has told the council that amendments have to work their way through the city’s accounting system and the state’s Gateway budget system, before a new state Form 4 can be generated. “It is ultimately the Form 4 that the Council is voting on,” McKim wrote.
For a single-line change, McKim said that process might take only minutes. Larger revisions can require days of recalculation and checking. If the changes approved Wednesday cannot be incorporated into Gateway that night, McKim says the council will have to put off the formal budget adoption to another date so it can vote on a completed Form 4.
That makes the $2.5-million proposal effectively a two-stage decision. The council could vote Wednesday to set the lower general fund ceiling. But before final adoption, the overall $2.5-million reduction would have to turn into actual appropriations. Somebody would have to decide which departmental accounts get smaller.
Under Asare’s amendment, Thomson gets the first chance to make those individual reductions. If the administration just refuses to do it, the council would still have to reconcile the detailed appropriations with its lower general fund total, by specifying the detailed cuts itself, revising the amendment with the $2.5-million cut, or delaying final adoption.
The administration has already signaled that it considers Oct. 14 as the likely date for a final vote, if council members approve enough amendments Wednesday to require substantial recalculation. But state law [allows another two weeks](https://www.in.gov/dlgf/files/2026-memos/260218-Culy-Memo-2026-Budget-Calendar.pdf#page=7) before a municipal budget has to be adopted.
### Table of Potential Amendments
Some or none of the following 16 amendments could be introduced at the city council’s Oct. 7, 2026 meeting. It starts at 6:30 p.m. in city council chambers at city hall. The table below is based on one included in the [administration’s memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-07-Addendum-1-City%5FCouncil-20261007-Packet%5F.pdf#page=4).
No.
Sponsor(s)
Reduction
What it does
Administration response
01
Stosberg, Piedmont-Smith, Asare
$600,000
Cuts the ED-LIT sanitation subsidy from $1.6 million to $1 million. Higher cart rates are intended to replace the subsidy.
**Supports.** Administration plans to bring new sanitation rates to council.
02
Asare
$600,000
Cuts funding for replacement of the city’s financial system.
**Opposes.** Says the aging system needs replacement and integration with HR systems. Asare indicated Sept. 30 that this amendment had lost momentum.
03
Asare
$490,000
Removes funding for downtown corridor/subarea and other planning studies.
**Opposes.** Says planning studies are needed to make projects competitive for state and federal implementation funding.
04
Asare
$475,230
Collection of line-item reductions based largely on recent actual spending.
**Opposes overall.** Administration disputes the need or assumptions behind the individual reductions.
05
Asare
$25,750
Cuts mayor’s-office spending for supplies, Cabinet development, events and branding.
**Partly supports.** Accepts the $175 supplies cut and $10,000 branding cut; offers a $775 event cut but wants Cabinet-development funding retained.
06
Asare
$41,925
Cuts non-police/non-fire travel by 25%.
**Counteroffers $35,000** in targeted travel reductions.
07
Asare
$90,609
Cuts ITS dues and subscriptions pending more detailed documentation.
**Opposes.** Says additional tools are needed for cybersecurity and accessibility.
08
Asare
$168,328
Cuts special legal services from $518,328 to $350,000.
**Opposes.** Says actual spending supports the higher amount and unpredictable litigation requires flexibility.
09
Asare
$405,599
Applies a 1% civilian personnel vacancy factor.
**Opposes.** Says it does not reduce actual costs. Asare said Sept. 30 he would not pursue it.
10
Asare, Piedmont-Smith, Rosenbarger
$3 million
Removes unspecified Housing Development Fund appropriations until projects are identified.
**Opposes.** Says later appropriations could delay housing projects and increase costs.
11
Asare
$48,145
Funds two printed Parks program guides instead of three.
**Opposes as written.** Offers an $18,000 cut, or $25,000 as a second choice.
12
Asare, Stosberg, Piedmont-Smith
$2.5 million
Removes the Parking Meter Fund placeholder for parking-system work.
**Neutral/no objection.** Administration can seek a specific appropriation later.
13
Zulich
$418,020
Reduces election-support funding to $800,000.
**Neutral.** Administration thinks costs may be higher but can seek another appropriation; election costs ultimately must be paid.
14
Piedmont-Smith
$10,000
Eliminates mayor’s-office branding implementation money.
**Supports.**
15
Piedmont-Smith
$104,683 + benefits
Eliminates funding for the vacant Transportation Demand Manager position.
**Supports,** subject to verification of salary and benefit amounts.
16
Asare
$2.5 million
Cuts total General Fund appropriations and directs the mayor to propose the specific reductions before final adoption.
**No specific response in the memo.** Administration separately says staffing and reorganization cuts may be warranted, but proposes bringing its own plan by June 1, 2027.
### Bloomington utilities, Habitat settle Osage Place water dispute
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-utilities-habitat-settle-osage-place-water-dispute/
Last updated: 2026-10-06T19:20:05.000Z
Left is the view southward along the disputed stormwater swale at Habitat for Humanity's Osage Place behind he houses on Bernard Drive. Right is the view northward. (Dave Askins, Sept. 24, 2026)
Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County will be able to get drinking water hookups to homes under construction in Phase 2 of its Osage Place neighborhood. That’s even while it continues to work out a separate stormwater dispute with City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) over Phase 1 Osage Place work.
That’s the practical compromise in a [settlement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-05-stormwater-swale-Habitat-and-CBU-Settlement-Agreement%5F20261005.pdf) unanimously approved Monday (Oct. 5) by Bloomington’s utilities service board (USB) at its regular meeting.
Osage Place is a Habitat neighborhood planned for 69 houses, which [first broke ground](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dirt-gets-moved-for-69-house-habitat-for-humanity-neighborhood-in-southwest-bloomington-hope-is-the-thing/) six years ago. It’s to the east of RCA Community Park and to the south of the county-government-owned Thomson property.
CBU had been withholding water meters for Phase 2 until a dispute over a drainage swale in Phase 1 was resolved. A swale is just the technical name for a shallow, sloped channel that is supposed to carry stormwater away from an area.
Under the settlement, those two issues are now separated: CBU will process Habitat’s applications and provide water service, while Habitat remains responsible for designing and building replacement stormwater infrastructure.
The settlement also ends, without a ruling, Habitat’s [appeal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-21-Utilities-Service-Board-stormwater-swale-Osage-Place-6A-Habitat-for-Humanity-Appeal-Memo.pdf ) challenging the way CBU decided to withhold the meters.
Assistant city attorney Chris Wheeler told the board Monday that Habitat and CBU had negotiated the agreement during the two weeks since the board first heard Habitat’s appeal on Sept. 21\. Habitat had already signed the agreement when Wheeler read the full text aloud into the record.
Under the agreement, Habitat has to respond to comments CBU made Sept. 21 on Habitat’s latest stormwater design, which was submitted Sept. 2\. The two sides will then meet on a mutually agreed date between Oct. 19 and Oct. 30 to try to resolve any remaining design questions. The meeting will be facilitated by Bloomington’s deputy mayor, Gretchen Knapp.
Habitat has until Oct. 30, 2027, to install the new stormwater infrastructure in accordance with plans approved by CBU. If the two sides reach an impasse over the design, or if Habitat fails to install the eventual approved design by that deadline, CBU can pursue enforcement and penalties under the city’s local utilities ordinance.
The settlement gives Habitat the immediate result it was looking for through its appeal, which was access to water service for Phase 2\. But the USB did not have to decide whether CBU acted properly when it withheld that service.
### How the dispute developed
Osage Place is a Habitat development on Bloomington’s southwest side that is planned for 69 single-family homes. Phase 1 includes 30 homes along Bernard Drive. Phase 2 includes 39 homes along Hope, Cherokee, Chambers and Duncan drives and Guy Avenue. The two phases were separately permitted and bonded.
The stormwater dispute concerns a drainage swale running through the backyards of homes on the west side of Bernard Drive in Phase 1.
Habitat’s written appeal describes the original CBU-approved design as a steep, grass-covered open swale. According to Habitat, the swale has successfully carried stormwater away from the homes, but its steep slopes are difficult for homeowners to maintain and vegetation washes away during intense rain. Habitat says those concerns led it to propose replacing most of the open drainage with a buried drain.
At the Sept. 21 appeal hearing, Wheeler told the board that what Habitat actually built did not match the stormwater plans CBU had approved. By the time the problem was being addressed, houses had already been built in a location that made it impossible to build the original design as drawn, according to CBU. That means CBU and Habitat spent considerable time considering alternatives.
The latest proposal centers on an underground pipe. At the Sept. 21 meeting, CBU utility engineer Ginger Davis said the concept could work, but utilities staff had concerns about inlets becoming clogged, water potentially leaving the drainage area and reaching homes, and water moving through the pipe faster than CBU standards allow. Davis told the board she believed those problems were fixable.
### Disagreement about process
But Habitat’s appeal was not focused on the engineering dispute. Habitat was not asking the USB to decide what the replacement drainage system should look like. It was asking the board to decide whether CBU had followed the proper process when it used the unresolved Phase 1 stormwater issue as a reason to withhold water service in Phase 2.
Habitat’s [written appeal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-21-Utilities-Service-Board-stormwater-swale-Osage-Place-6A-Habitat-for-Humanity-Appeal-Memo.pdf) says a subcontractor sought meter pits on Aug. 28 for two Phase 2 homes at 828 and 832 W. Guy Ave. CBU denied the request. Habitat operations director Kari Bennett then asked for the basis of that decision, and CBU director Katherine Zaiger responded on Sept. 2 that the meters were being held until there was a solution for the “undersized swale” and other deficiencies.
Habitat contended that CBU had never given it the kind of formal written notice contemplated by the city code. It also disputed CBU’s characterization of the swale as undersized and argued that withholding water in separately permitted Phase 2 was an improper remedy for a dispute involving Phase 1.
CBU’s response was that there had been no issuance of a formal violation that would have required the notice that Habitat says was missing. Wheeler told the board on Sept. 21 that CBU viewed the problem as a deficiency in development infrastructure, not a municipal-code violation. He said withholding water meters until development deficiencies are corrected is part of CBU’s ordinary process for making sure approved utility infrastructure is actually installed.
That distinction did not seem entirely satisfy board member Jim Sherman. “The outcome is the same,” Sherman said at the Sept. 21 meeting. “There’s no water meter.” He questioned why a developer facing the same practical consequence should not receive formal notice.
The board ultimately decided it did not have enough information that night to resolve the legal and procedural question. It tabled the appeal until Oct. 5 and asked the two sides to submit proposed findings for the board to consider. The eventual solution did not require the USB to choose sides by deciding which set of findings to adopt.
### Reaching a settlement
During the intervening two weeks, Habitat and CBU reached the [settlement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-05-stormwater-swale-Habitat-and-CBU-Settlement-Agreement%5F20261005.pdf) that Wheeler presented Monday. Under its terms, Habitat will withdraw its appeal, so the board will never decide whether CBU’s original decision to withhold the meters complied with the city code.
Before the vote Monday, board president Kirk White thanked Habitat and city staff for working out a solution. He said the utilities board’s broader concern is making sure stormwater systems in new developments protect the people who eventually live there.
“When you have new homeowners particularly, we don’t want them to ever be in a spot where we need to go back in and do remediation,” White said. He added, “I think will be a really good resolution for our ratepayers and for developers and for the utilities.” The board approved the settlement unanimously.
For Habitat, the agreement means construction in Phase 2 does not have to wait for the Phase 1 drainage dispute to be completely resolved. For CBU, it preserves the requirement that Habitat ultimately install stormwater infrastructure that the utility approves.
And for the USB, it avoids having to answer the actual question that Habitat’s appeal put before board: Did CBU have the right process in place when it linked the two phases in the first place?
### Polls open for early voting in Monroe County ahead of Nov. 3 election
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/polls-open-for-early-voting-in-monroe-county-ahead-of-nov-3-election/
Last updated: 2026-10-06T23:49:47.000Z
This is the view on Tuesday morning, looking south along the walkway to the door to the [North Showers building](https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+N+Morton+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47404/@39.1707495,-86.5369779,684m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66d92d3cc4f5:0xb79ecc8d1acb583d!8m2!3d39.1708482!4d-86.5373847!16s%2Fg%2F11yq8cq5y6?entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) on Morton Street, where early voting takes place. (Dave Askins, Oct. 6, 2026)
Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election started at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Monroe County’s one early voting location. That’s the county-owned North Showers building at [9th and Morton streets](https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+N+Morton+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47404/@39.1707495,-86.5369779,684m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66d92d3cc4f5:0xb79ecc8d1acb583d!8m2!3d39.1708482!4d-86.5373847!16s%2Fg%2F11yq8cq5y6?entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) in downtown Bloomington.
Voting got off to a smooth start. Before the doors opened, as the morning sky was just starting to brighten, a half-dozen early voters were already waiting in the 42-degree air.
At 8 o’clock sharp, Monroe County clerk Nicole Browne opened the doors to the North Showers building and gave the customary announcement that the polls were open: “Hear ye, hear ye, the polls are now open!”
Monroe County clerk Nicole Browne: "Hear ye, hear ye, the polls are now open!"
0:00
/5.004
1×
The announcement is not just for fun. It’s a requirement of state election law, which says the announcement about the start of voting must be made “in a loud tone of voice” to “the people outside the polls.”
To keep track of the voting pace, Monroe County’s GIS division has set up a [dashboard](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/2980211891404743a0b6a45b6b1422d2). It will be updated every evening after the day’s voting activity.
\[*Added at 7:48 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2026\. The first day early voting total for Monday (Oct 6) was 515.*\]
### Early Voting Schedule
Early in-person voting takes place in the [North Showers Building](https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+N+Morton+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47404/@39.1707495,-86.5369779,684m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66d92d3cc4f5:0xb79ecc8d1acb583d!8m2!3d39.1708482!4d-86.5373847!16s%2Fg%2F11yq8cq5y6?entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) on Morton Street.
Date
Open
Close
Location
DateOct. 6–9
Open8 a.m.
Close6 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateOct. 12–16
Open8 a.m.
Close6 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateOct. 19–23
Open8 a.m.
Close6 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateOct. 24
Open9 a.m.
Close4 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateOct. 26–30
Open8 a.m.
Close6 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateOct. 31
Open9 a.m.
Close4 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateNov. 2
Open8 a.m.
CloseNoon
LocationElection Central
### Bloomington looking for architect to design $30M police HQ project at 714 S. Rogers
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-looking-for-architect-to-design-30m-police-hq-project-at-714-s-rogers/
Last updated: 2026-10-06T02:15:28.000Z
****Left:** Hopewell looking northeast. (Kelton O’Connell, July 1, 2025) ****Right:** File photo of 714 S. Rogers looking southwest from February 2025.
Architectural and engineering firms have until Nov. 6 to submit proposals for designing a new Bloomington police headquarters at 714 S. Rogers St. That’s the former Bloomington Convalescent Center building.
The city wants to reuse as much of the existing 56,000-square-foot building as it can, within a $30-million construction budget. The building sits on a parcel at the southeastern corner of the city’s Hopewell redevelopment project, which aims to transform the former site of the former IU Health hospital and the surrounding area.
The Nov. 6 deadline is set in the request for proposals (RFP) that Bloomington’s redevelopment commission approved unanimously at its regular meeting on Monday (Oct. 5). The RFP is set for issuance Tuesday, with optional site tours Oct. 13 and Oct. 16\. Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 6.
The timetable after Nov. 6 was left less specific.
In the [draft RFP originally presented to the RDC](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-05-Bloomington-RDC-meetingResolution-26-68-Attachment-1-Request-for-Proposals-RFP-Architectural-and-Engineering-Services-BPD-Project.pdf ), it called for possible interviews during the week of Nov. 16, notification of the selected firm during the week of Nov. 23 and signing a contract on Dec. 7\. Commissioners struck those dates Monday, leaving the schedule after the proposal deadline open for the RDC and city staff to determine.
RDC member John West said he thought the RFP itself was “pretty well done,” but did not think the commission could realistically review the proposals, collaborate and potentially conduct interviews on the proposed timetable.
“I don’t see us getting this review and selection done the way it’s stated,” West said.
But the Nov. 6 submission deadline remains unchanged. RDC president Deborah Myerson summarized the amendment to the RFP as leaving interviews, presentations and subsequent selection deadlines open-ended, so that commissioners have enough time to complete the selection process.
---
The RFP leaves a key question for the selected firm to answer: How much of the building can be converted into a police headquarters within the city’s $30-million construction cap? The first part of the assignment for the selected firm will be figuring out what project that amount of money can actually buy.
The RFP says that the selected firm’s first task will be to determine “the extent to which the building may be repurposed within the budget.” The RFP describes the construction budget as “not to exceed $30,000,000.”
That initial work will include determining how much space the police department and central dispatch actually need. The RFP specifically asks for recommendations on “shelling out” portions of the building that are not needed for police operations as a way to reduce costs.
According to the RFP, the existing building at 714 S. Rogers is about 56,000 square feet, BPD’s current headquarters at 220 E. 3rd St. is about 21,000 square feet, and the existing central dispatch center at 322 E. 3rd St. is about 2,000 square feet.
Specified as required elements in the RFP for the Rogers Street facility include central dispatch, an emergency operations center, a secure sally port, a real-time crime center and a domestic violence support area. The RFP also calls for dual backup power for 911 dispatch, servers and radio towers. Community space, a swearing-in and reception area and a catering kitchen are listed as desired elements, subject to the budget.
The task that the selected firm has to complete also comes with uncertainty about the condition of the building itself. Complete original drawings and confirmed as-built documentation have not been located. The city has only partial drawings, making structural investigation and other due diligence an early part of the architect’s job.
Assistant city attorney Dana Kerr told commissioners Monday that the RFP was intentionally written to allow architectural firms some room for creativity while keeping the emphasis on reuse and the $30-million limit. The work is also divided into phases so the city can change direction if investigation or cost estimates show that an initial approach does not work.
Under the RFP, the first phase consists of programming and schematic design. The document still calls for that work to be completed by Feb. 1, 2027, followed by a construction-manager budget validation by March 1 and RDC approval of the budget on March 15 before design development proceeds.
The city would have to authorize each subsequent design phase and would be financially obligated only for work in phases it has approved.
City controller Geoff McKim told commissioners Monday that the city has also relaxed its anticipated bond schedule so financing does not force a premature decision on the professional team.
“We didn’t want the bond timeline to drive the process,” McKim said. He said the aim is to make sure officials are comfortable having the necessary subject-matter experts in place.
The RDC took an earlier major step on the project three weeks ago (Sept. 14), when it [formally backed 714 S. Rogers](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-backs-714-south-rogers-for-police-hq-eyes-up-to-30m-in-financing/) as the new police headquarters location and said it was willing to consider issuing as much as $30 million in bonds backed by tax increment financing revenue. The [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-Resolution-26-59-To-Approve-BPD-Headquarters-at-714-South-Rogers-Street.pdf) did not itself authorize issuance of the bonds.
Police chief Mike Diekhoff’s support of the project was given in person at the Sept. 14 RDC meeting as well as in a [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-RDC-714-S%5F-Rogers-Diekhoff-police-headdquarters-hq-Staff-Memo-BPD-Project-Next-Steps-for-RDC-Meeting-9%5F14%5F26-Google-Docs.pdf).
The current process grows out of feasibility work that began formally in November 2025\. The RDC hired American Structurepoint for $58,250 to study whether the former convalescent center and office building could be adapted into a public safety facility.
Structurepoint’s [April report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-10-American-Structure-Point-feasibility-714-S-Rogers-fomer-convalescent-center-Bloomington-Feasibility-Study-Report.pdf) concluded that the site could support the use, but its concept-level cost estimates were higher than city officials had anticipated. Its four concepts carried “hard bid subtotal” estimates ranging from about $39.5 million to $45.3 million, while leaving some potential costs unresolved. City officials subsequently brought in KGA Advicon to look for a less expensive approach by narrowing the scope and assumptions.
That background is reflected in the RFP. Instead of locking the architect into the earlier conceptual layouts, it asks the selected firm to establish the police department’s actual space needs, investigate the existing structure and develop a project that can be reconciled with the $30-million ceiling.
The Rogers Street proposal is Bloomington’s second major effort in recent years to move BPD out of its aging 3rd Street headquarters.
Under former mayor John Hamilton, the city [bought the western portion](https://bsquarebulletin.com/colocation-of-police-with-city-administration-big-theme-of-bloomington-council-deliberations-on-5-4-approval-of-showers-building-deal/) of the former Showers Brothers Furniture factory for $8.75 million with plans to move police headquarters there. The city council had authorized up to $29.5 million in public-safety bonds for the police move and fire department projects.
After Kerry Thomson became mayor in January 2024, her administration [dropped the plan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/7-months-into-term-bloomington-mayor-gives-update-throwing-back-the-curtains-on-inherited-problems-from-previous-administration/) to move police into Showers West.
Thomson said the public-safety bond proceeds were not sufficient to complete the police move while also covering fire department projects, which costs had increased. Police representatives had also raised concerns about security and vehicle access at Showers West.
Besides the choice of an architect for the project, the RDC will eventually be choosing an owner’s representative. That’s an outside firm to manage the project on the RDC’s behalf.
The RDC has received three owner’s-representative proposals: from [KGA Advicon](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-3rd-Party-Document-KGAADVICONPMOWNERREPBPD.pdf), [J.S. Held](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-3rd-Party-Document-J%5FS%5F-Held-for-Project-Manager-Owner%5Fs-Representative-Bloomington-Police-Department-Headquarters.pdf), and [Shrewsberry & Associates.](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-3rd-Party-Document-Shrewsberry-Submittal%5FBloomington-Police-Department-Headquarters.pdf)
For the Rogers Street police headquarters project, the next big event on the horizon is the Nov. 6 proposal deadline. The RDC has not committed itself to a date for choosing the architect after the proposals arrive.
### Bloomington city hall
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-hall-4/
Last updated: 2026-10-05T20:49:10.000Z
Sign posted on the entrance to city hall says “No Election Campaign Materials Permitted on City Hall Grounds.” Another sign points to the other end of the Showers building complex, where early voting starts tomorrow. (Dave Askins, Oct. 5, 2026)
### Monroe County Retail Food Inspections: August 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-retail-food-inspections-august-2026/
Last updated: 2026-10-05T16:25:16.000Z
Monroe County’s GIS team now maintains a [map-based interface for the entire corpus](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3553ac491b25400592b18a62d4084972) of retail food inspection reports, which is updated on what is essentially a rolling basis. The B Square publishes the reports in monthly batches, usually near the end of the month following the batch of inspections.
Today’s report includes the August 2026 batch
#### About retail food inspection reports
In order of severity, from least to most severe, these are the [three categories of violations](https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/retail/food-code-updates-410-iac-7-26) that are noted:
**Core (CORE): Item that usually relates to general sanitation, operational control, sanitation standard operating procedures, facilities or structures, equipment design, or general maintenance*
**Priority foundation (Pf): Item that requires the purposeful incorporation of specific actions, equipment, or procedures by industry management to attain control of risk factors that contribute to foodborne illness or injury such as personnel training, infrastructure or necessary equipment, HACCP plans, documentation or record keeping, and labeling*
**Priority item (P): Item that contributes directly to the elimination, prevention, or reduction to an acceptable level of hazards associated with foodborne illness or injury, and there is no other provision that more directly controls the hazard*
For The B Square’s color coding scheme, an establishment’s most severe violation for any inspection report is encoded numerically: 3 for a priority item (red); 2 for priority foundation (orange); and 1 for a core item (yellow).
If an establishment had no violations of any kind, it is assigned green.
The list of inspections is sorted by the most severe violation (not by date). The hyperlinks over the date of the report lead to the .pdf of the inspection report.
During 70 of the 92 inspections of retail food establishments done by the Monroe County health department in August 2026, no violations were found. During 11 of them at least one **core violation** was found, but nothing more severe. During 7 of the inspections, at least one **priority foundation violation** was found, but nothing more severe. During 4 of them, at least one **priority violation** was found.
\[If you’re reading this in your email inbox, the map probably will not load: [direct link to map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hwTovH2cdgw22Oxry%5FKbD53D0JnxoNQ&usp=sharing )\]
In the list below are several “temporary” inspections listed for Aug. 1, 2026\. Taste of Bloomington fell on that day.
1. In a routine inspection on [August 31, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBX-nLQDUdHQqwFjbwwYhcBAX0-yceHe%5FEq3idiqZ2mlP8), no violations were found at Kroger J330.
2. In a routine inspection on [August 31, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDNAA6Uak71QIUsQ1lJW5I2AaE74ocQ9TnDe0r6xrKaAOc), no violations were found at Supreme Produce at Kroger J330.
3. In a routine inspection on [August 29, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQA5oOWoEnyNSqbeS5h90VCTAYh5JA0sz%5FG6uxmPkk7hhW0), no violations were found at The Summer Kitchen.
4. In a routine inspection on [August 28, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBhvqRxdEHTR6MOI7OjdgVnAcefg%5FBJwn-yBfifOwG39Pc), no violations were found at Hive.
5. In a routine inspection on [August 28, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB-FCu0CKJ7T75kSfScbQDEAag7qzm1Qi8Afyziq3n3b-g), no violations were found at Rongcheng Asian Cuisine.
6. In a complaint inspection on [August 27, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBUNLLZG7hdTaY%5F3f8Z%5Fo0jASJ9kV5mjRPCkjc%5FI9BuJ9c), no violations were found at Hoosier Bar and Grill.
7. In a routine inspection on [August 25, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDp7J-g7DNoQoHG5UV1ZbN2AaRWDEpR0DReJfF0gs0IfpY), no violations were found at Bloomington Bagel Company Morton.
8. In a routine inspection on [August 21, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBnlU7zVqW6RI5u-JztvftxAezl0V5I9cTqOfmPNB71vsY), no violations were found at The Fishin Shedd.
9. In a routine inspection on [August 19, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDx96Vs0CfURr%5FQAYrQDcHoAd8spOSMmdP3IGxBCQiGUhg), no violations were found at Fazolis 1627.
10. In a routine inspection on [August 19, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDX6Lfl0KV0TrMzVPA8sssEAXILKa5r1eR7tUEN9396oEo), no violations were found at Sweetgreen.
11. In a routine inspection on [August 13, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBEpp-GHseBSZPbH-35ivqrAeGHJFhWqbqZiNu2hXw%5FFjI), no violations were found at Kilroys on Kirkwood.
12. In a routine inspection on [August 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDuDpx6z-xpSYc1AwWFkp%5FAAcI7O8RtLb5FvfDTWIYDAws), no violations were found at Dominos Pizza East.
13. In a routine inspection on [August 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBk-tAnuS3FQq0d%5Fnp0Yg2UASDHixkr7Ekl9L4YZq0eHXA), no violations were found at Kilroys Sports.
14. In a routine inspection on [August 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAzNRmZyKvuRLNLM95bK40uAYm8-Lo1XO8KB-dOBWpAlFc), no violations were found at The Bluebird.
15. In a routine inspection on [August 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQATCaMSJoijRoRui8jiD-BhAcCvqR76-i6Jx7QvetZv7V4), no violations were found at Aldi 30.
16. In a routine inspection on [August 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBn4oOXIkNKSobOQhlf0IqEAckRkP8-XiocUuvPncPGth4), no violations were found at Menards.
17. In a routine inspection on [August 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBaqflPIEOpSKlxfzTenvAHAS0N6WbglxwKnm4hanXiprI), no violations were found at Bell Trace Senior Living.
18. In a complaint inspection on [August 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDhbHjMNcmrS66-FimZFd4RAZatcGQp0T1CLVU7V20x%5F2w), no violations were found at BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse.
19. In a routine inspection on [August 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAWJoLzan2iTrgcGrrh04RaAcNwq0v4Szme5mrYqUXLr2s), no violations were found at Speedway 1327 East.
20. In a routine inspection on [August 5, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQA4NeDXhRVYTbf7pBUsaHEuATBS4ntF6t6dkE%5Fy%5FkaPhl0), no violations were found at CVS Pharmacy 6698.
21. In a routine inspection on [August 5, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAGBYj6OgbfQKrZVBJZELj3ASfoXx2NPK0iAH8-sIsMbhA), no violations were found at Dollar General 6174.
22. In a routine inspection on [August 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAo-2YU7OKSQZ5opNI%5FUto3AQMf5MrQdEPJj6ZMUbyKgqo), no violations were found at 4th Street International Market Dats.
23. In a routine inspection on [August 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAO8x%5FgaYsWT7N9%5Fc1JIPqVAUEnYUH-P6mr36IM2el5%5FFM), no violations were found at Bangkok Thai Cuisine LLC.
24. In a routine inspection on [August 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAae4xBMVuyTK0oRMphtul%5FAcGc9B07FKMqki%5F4Fry9CIc), no violations were found at Btown Indoor Golf Corp.
25. In a routine inspection on [August 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCWRW7gbBxbQrn2mwqpNughAfrzMzqFBeYTPDKkf3LzYvo), no violations were found at Siam House.
26. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAZ9cjWjoIKSL1hhb%5FpEjLCARKljgzzOxr1bwQszv5AV8Y), no violations were found at Ales Ice Cream Shop.
27. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB%5FxxW6Po4pS4Y0YBRR%5FFAvAUHcwpg%5FC%5FWbfdyzu6dalK8), no violations were found at Avers Pizza North.
28. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBOWgITBg38S7DuQNpIUpKIAf7dHGP1OpbJjb%5FRKXQamYY), no violations were found at Baked of Bloomington.
29. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDmKFKEMacqRLCGnehZNpJkARn0YKYj9Mr6kuw%5FMcLUCco), no violations were found at Big Woods Bloomington.
30. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCdkTnURl-ERq0M2C5vRXBwARxQYbW%5FYv1JzBE5aHiHfGc), no violations were found at Buffalouies at Taste of Bloomington.
31. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBgfQtFRiekQ7wMbFLPt3oxAWnUBHM1DuCZSFnmkXnTNm0), no violations were found at Carson's BBQ at Taste of Bloomington.
32. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDhdSSv1YCVRJfjWUzsD0VPAY6VgWRBi6CFQx0gd%5FuAMmk), no violations were found at Coaches Bar and Grill.
33. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAkWt-EMgkwQoe8Np3luf1hAX4zBcJ3UoK8kqvHSD6NbRY), no violations were found at Considerate Burrito.
34. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCPPswyrW9ESYjcSuVTA5cnAXQ%5FUfHi1TfeQCTMX5gVth4), no violations were found at Everbowl at Taste of Bloomington.
35. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQATv37%5Fxe7uSoclFOf-QuOPAQDUPUdHqp4SCDj6cS%5FAe%5F4), no violations were found at Farm Restaurant LLC.
36. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBtaGAfNo%5FNRYONo9mYd7JSAR1jwLh5t45kcd1JWvKa%5FtU), no violations were found at Feta Kitchen.
37. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAvVQtyselVRLEKi7tQhbApAS6qJf15X30Q4HVlbBiX%5F44), no violations were found at Gables Bagels.
38. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBDzqy2tDXRSa8lEAPeC4NRAW8KBsU0H%5FvbYszjKLXs1%5F4), no violations were found at Garnish Catering.
39. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBqV-MBbm8xTLlxZ-XmevQ8Adw84xPVr8G0AD2830IbWlU), no violations were found at Hartzells Ice Cream.
40. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAv26SO9NqVSIQoC6bweRHOAQl9ClAcD3aP18Z1ds8B8hg), no violations were found at Heartwork Brewing Co.
41. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQC5QELwpSBDSqx7I7PaE76MAUeXlEyMlxmzoje0BcNRzkU), no violations were found at Hive.
42. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAT9FQQVS%5FFS7a0SwU98r59AR55tNAjS439pOCD0HdlkLY), no violations were found at Japones.
43. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDONomjhwPoSqmY-ctWjFLuAasMMgzzPEPhgkiVNYbmVWg), no violations were found at Jennys Baking Co.
44. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQApLdqQO3D4S5DQY66q85FyAVBmSrto%5F9OBRKoBHa1j7h4), no violations were found at Kirkwood Sweet Shop.
45. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB21iJz4ijSSJIfM1xCAmh4AbpqFHNp7KTQwuh2SDLkHlU), no violations were found at La Bodega 1 LLC.
46. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAxjWVhiDyrSaPpeXt51bbYAW%5FbVgeR2q87xqwdQsoj3eo), no violations were found at La Dulce Chocolate.
47. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAJ2RnQOToOToaNuY07Je07AWxO-1NaWagvzkFyuSbaJ28), no violations were found at Lennies at Taste of Bloomington.
48. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCRRGfHUyZ-SakjJVIKrSLKAQx6sw7212pEYSy6MEZVIYE), no violations were found at Little Black Dog Bakery.
49. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDGCtmZwBNCTraTsDjQUnFtAS9Lv-MIX6y0BINRyzKNozI), no violations were found at Lost Farm Meal Service.
50. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDvqyd%5F60JPRrhWl54osKZqATNTw1c6upRVpHuHmSVOB%5F4), no violations were found at Macros and Nutrition.
51. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAEjyrm2VhvS5sZK9UstORdASVCkrJfnq7r0AP3ht7a2l8), no violations were found at Mama Dukes Hawaiian Barbeque.
52. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAIjiTuppKkQqFmBXH-GG%5FPAVO4XAXPTCYGXM-WRJN-UcY), no violations were found at Max's Place.
53. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAOEFgR%5FzuPTaLksc38hbUwAShtXCsF-MrMKVZT7Scikqo), no violations were found at Michaels Uptown Cafe.
54. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAPT1sUexcwRbXUoCjTjXGoAQEc2JS5Q8DlwHRYGQGymJM), no violations were found at Mother Bears Pizza Campus.
55. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQALiNIPfm1TSrDE2hSZKsyfAbtScSShR74zH2Dv5jEha3Y), no violations were found at Nicks English Hut.
56. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB3AmJOTeU5T7J9QFlCe-fkAcWjV6hV7y6twhq-6YSWG1M), no violations were found at Osteria Rago.
57. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDdKYJULBo3T7tHy5ndInocAfJry6UioJpHsf2aBl2rA4Q), no violations were found at Piccoli Dolci Market Cafe.
58. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQC0%5FJWuc3UMTp3nvtvy3oq%5FAUoIDfgryKteZCM12npLY5o), no violations were found at Pizza X Downtown.
59. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQC2jiaF6ulDSKFhQY7RHg9dAVPt003eO3aPJyMW-V6JaKo), no violations were found at Segovia.
60. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDkpV8ZGwoZQZ5I7Xe9wu38AWs9DWNzBCDw2eXEM-AUEqs), no violations were found at Social Cantina and Smokeworks.
61. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDOzsbbR2zSSpFJ%5FrhaO35CAfQweaai3UfB2FbOwacdBGI), no violations were found at Soma Coffeehouse and Juice Bar Downtown.
62. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBHufHXVqLZRaM17-Jst6iFAQII7CGzm8T1G3rszOcVyGg), no violations were found at Taste of India.
63. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAJGdgYA%5FADT6NIEX%5FwG7o9AdoNvVRfQqXsKHiytnqfKMM), no violations were found at Tastes of Perfection at Taste of Bloomington.
64. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCAn2SsRnvQRqZyE3I-Jj6dAUgjMxyLSzqEUp3LZsuSQb4), no violations were found at The Cabin Restaurant and Lounge.
65. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBo9wHHnfbySIpVIeOn4cWtASkeoMZ3JmyOwO4ZR0DQm6k), no violations were found at The Olive Leaf.
66. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD2DH64tokHT77JYEujvkoGAVFiq6KAlbcxQ1xMcCZ39kg), no violations were found at The Vault Pub.
67. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQC54xLu2oAKSJ-r4N3O3jRnAaTc17mu4LosEgZl9zgrtLo), no violations were found at The Village Deli.
68. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCI3xCQhqiTRZS3T3w-W70vAUDPYyGhT-TEKrU7ZurBYeI), no violations were found at Turkuaz Restaurant.
69. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCIR9vhnPfySrOdmYCzjhSeAc9aNk9DSfkHTb-diEIToJ8), no violations were found at Upland Brewery.
70. In a temporary inspection on [August 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCwzJxVABULR4hqm9-HjFkoAZbMBNtOxQZ9QUtmAxXJBZU), no violations were found at Vivencia Latin Flavors.
71. In a routine inspection on [August 28, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDIdTu027C2TZVO6GbpqXhHATGi1jLFwF6An5mOIMnZ5fE), 1 core violation was found at Jersey Mikes Subs.
72. In a routine inspection on [August 28, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAjaOAyH9VnR4s49kedvLZGASFDGkT9JlhpDenfAyCSG40), 2 core violations were found at Mamas Korean Restaurant.
73. In a routine inspection on [August 28, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQC8gGYIkW2-Rpm6Mch0Am0mAR8iOJcQLW2mhZmJ6etuo4s), 1 core violation was found at Wings Xtreme.
74. In a routine inspection on [August 27, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDtrHjzaluzToLxyvqu7tSnAQ1qJfdNMaiLcQoLGsaiilQ), 1 core violation was found at Parlor Doughnuts.
75. In a routine inspection on [August 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDtsngxWNB-TY5tyxoOgmKuAbV%5FHuJNykjQaThf06wGqm0), 1 core violation was found at Happy Thai Restaurant.
76. In a routine inspection on [August 19, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAF6EVc%5FInRQqaxZOUMTDn5Aa-kfBTbl%5FUXTKu5yMau2Es), 1 core violation was found at Jimmy Johns 379 Downtown.
77. In a routine inspection on [August 19, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDnbW%5F%5FwibySI82AiEK41gsAV4o5bnD2Mr3AAf4%5FC6Bqsk), 1 core violation was found at The Upstairs Pub.
78. In a routine inspection on [August 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQARDqhq7ZmSR4oDh-CAmUNNAb38Cwsv16dCppm8GR82XFw), 1 core violation was found at Homey Hot Pot and Sushi.
79. In a routine inspection on [August 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBirtZwvRnIQrQee6uu3XNlAVUZpSWvK2tr0UkPZngB1rI), 2 core violations were found at Video Saloon.
80. In a complaint inspection on [August 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCQYCLmHXg5Qpi7ArgJt2H2AefrgmiktXiJ7X67PbZDOZM), 1 core violation was found at Burger King 842 West.
81. In a routine inspection on [August 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCf%5F%5FOeigwHR7YhKt7ilQVEASlnz2Hfph0BLz4tfAiBj5E), 3 core violations were found at Burger King 842 West.
82. In a routine inspection on [August 31, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD58nhBmP73R5Beo6XWGY41AfxsBB5LQQa8M66I0QrVSqw), 1 priority foundation violation was found at AFC Sushi at Kroger J330.
83. In a routine inspection on [August 27, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCGBvKOdqNMQZ4swJHfGnzmAayJCQBJhpc-70ybrvMZCBs), 3 priority foundation violations and 1 core violation were found at Hoosier Bar and Grill.
84. In a routine inspection on [August 26, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD0Pg21%5FREeQI7YaZHupF9lAQ%5FFj1PvHLkj2MXTMTKguFI), 1 priority foundation violation was found at Hometown IGA 464.
85. In a routine inspection on [August 21, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBqCu9Jx3qQTo9lrD72nhG%5FAU0Ihz%5FleqLhGwW9N1tYu8Y), 1 priority foundation violation was found at Sakura Japanese Restaurant.
86. In a routine inspection on [August 12, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCdYfYCfn8NQYUzjdV1fv4kAQ%5F0QitRtcqqqczRHWmIgxs), 1 priority foundation violation was found at Hopscotch Coffee LLC.
87. In a routine inspection on [August 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDDF0MgH0XwRIZk15Jn5tnBAXMzZu7JmosRi9vanLXrHzs), 1 priority foundation violation was found at Freddys Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.
88. In a routine inspection on [August 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAhu-goaRJyQrrwCaNKGoedAXjlGn7R9mpY7FRFubU4Wjc), 2 priority foundation violations and 1 core violation were found at Korea Restaurant.
89. In a routine inspection on [August 25, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAOMf6%5FS4GESrjEkGUiuxUuAWnf-22b8JuF1f%5FQPgt5BLs), 1 priority violation and 2 core violations were found at Autumn Park at Litten Estates.
90. In a routine inspection on [August 21, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAvbNhiMBakSJZsq564X4PkAao-m5izKSsOO-BcPgmm46I), 1 priority violation and 1 priority foundation violation were found at Trailhead Pizzeria.
91. In a routine inspection on [August 20, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDCPQWfUzLqTIQgReorJuBwAfdR2HcmzTd9Ka0CGkkykuI), 1 priority violation was found at Redbud Hills.
92. In a routine inspection on [August 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCrZRbL-wutRJuHFduQEhcYAcCmky7oYPJkAqelGSew7EA), 1 priority violation was found at Yogis.
### Oct. 5, 2026: Early voting starts; Bloomington budget cuts; Kirkwood shooting warrant; ICE bond; jail report; B Square’s future
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/oct-5-2026-early-voting-starts-bloomington-budget-cuts-kirkwood-shooting-warrant-ice-bond-jail-report-b-squares-future/
Last updated: 2026-10-05T09:41:42.000Z
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Wear a smile because weather in southern Indiana at this time of year does not get any better than this: Sunny with a high of 73F°.
**Tuesday:** Keep smiling, because it will be another perfect day: Sunny with a high of 74F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Editor’s Notebook: Getting The B Square unstuck from the ‘dangerous middle’](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-getting-the-b-square-unstuck-from-the-dangerous-middle/). A Syracuse University study finds independent local publishers can get stuck in a “dangerous middle”: established enough that readers depend on them, but without the revenue to spread the work. The B Square fits that pattern, and is asking readers to help build a sustainable future.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population down to 231 with recent trend slightly downward](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-down-to-231-with-recent-trend-slightly-downward/). Monroe County’s jail population fell to 231 on Oct. 3, down six from a week earlier. The 10-day rolling average dropped to about 233\. Over 75 days, the jail has averaged 238 people. Of the 247 jailed on July 21, 108 were still there Oct. 3.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-81/). A pumpkin’s circumference divided by its diameter and the best kind of chart for visualizing it. Hawk and Fish have all the answers.
- [Monroe County property transfers through Sept. 30, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-sept-30-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 21 to Sept. 30, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Bloomington police identify suspect in Sept. 6 Kirkwood shooting, warrant issued](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-identify-suspect-in-sept-6-kirkwood-shooting-warrant-issued/). An arrest warrant has been issued for Dajhon Lee Branson-Orellana, 21, in the Sept. 6 shooting outside Bloomington’s downtown library. Police identified him through surveillance video and witness accounts. Prosecutors filed four felony charges, but not attempted murder.
- [Immigration judge sets $10K bond for Bloomington man after federal habeas win](https://bsquarebulletin.com/immigration-judge-sets-10k-bond-for-bloomington-man-after-federal-habeas-win/). On Friday, an immigration judge granted a $10,000 bond to Cesar Augusto Cepeda Gomez, one of two Bloomington men detained by ICE on Sept. 1\. He remains held in Michigan pending release. Manuel Alejandro Nadal-Ortiz is pursuing a parallel habeas corpus case seeking a bond hearing.
- [Monroe County early in-person voting starts Tuesday, absentee ballot pace ahead of 2022](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-early-in-person-voting-starts-tuesday-absentee-ballot-pace-ahead-of-2022/). Early voting starts Oct. 6 in Monroe County, with absentee voting ahead of the 2022 pace. Election officials report 1,348 ballots issued and 265 returned. A judge also upheld the state’s “sore loser” law, blocking Joe Davis as a write-in for the county clerk race.
- [2027 budget talks for Bloomington city council turn to potential staffing cuts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2027-budget-talks-for-bloomington-city-council-turn-to-potential-staffing-cuts/). Bloomington council president Isak Asare floated new personnel and organizational cuts during Wednesday’s 2027 budget work session. They including changes to the mayor’s communications operation and the economic and sustainable development department. Votes on changes are expected Oct. 7.
### Other notes
**Patience required for Monroe County government website.** Here’s the word from IT at the county (emphasis added in bold):
> We are writing to inform you of an upcoming data migration that will have an impact on the County website. Our website host, the State of Indiana, has partnered with a new content management company. This requires that all data on our site be migrated from the previous company to the new partner. The migration is planned to begin on September 30th and run through October 15th. **During this time, our site may experience issues to include but not limited to temporary outages, broken links, or missing data.** Please note that our website address and navigation of the site will remain the same as it is currently. The Technical Services Department is working closely with the State and their partners to limit disruption to services. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.
### On the calendar
**Police station RFP.** On the [5 p.m. Monday (Oct. 5) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17548/download) for Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) is a resolution to issue a request for proposals for architectural and engineering services for the reuse of the 714 South Rogers Street property and building as the new Bloomington police department headquarters. For B Square background, see: [Bloomington RDC backs 714 South Rogers for police HQ, eyes up to $30M in financing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-backs-714-south-rogers-for-police-hq-eyes-up-to-30m-in-financing/)
**Habitat appeal on stormwater swale.** On the [5 p.m. Monday (Oct. 5) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17543/download) for the utilities service board (USB) is an appeal from Habitat for Humanity over a water hookup denial by CBU. Habitat for Humanity was denied a water hookup by CBU for two of its houses that are a part of the Osage Place development. The basis for the denial is an allegedly inadequate swale that is supposed to be a part of the stormwater management for the property.
Two weeks ago, Habitat presented its appeal to the USB. The two sides (CBU and Habitat) were supposed to submit proposed findings to the USB within a week, so that USB board members could have a week to review and consider. That consideration is supposed to come at the Oct. 5 USB meeting.
**Early Voting.** Early in-person voting starts Tuesday (Oct. 6) at 8 a.m. Early in-person voting takes place in the [North Showers Building](https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+N+Morton+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47404/@39.1707495,-86.5369779,684m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66d92d3cc4f5:0xb79ecc8d1acb583d!8m2!3d39.1708482!4d-86.5373847!16s%2Fg%2F11yq8cq5y6?entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) on Morton Street. The [deadline](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf) to register or update a registration for the Nov. 3 general election is Monday, Oct. 5\. That’s a day ahead of the start of in-person early voting on Oct. 6.
Voters who want an absentee ballot mailed to them have until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, to get their application to election officials. Absentee ballots can be requested through Indiana’s [online voter portal](https://indianavoters.in.gov/).
**2027 budget hearing.** Set for [5 p.m. on Tuesday (Oct. 6)](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-2027-budget-session-7) is the hearing on the 2027 budget for the county government. Adoption is scheduled for Oct. 20\.
**Hopewell South.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 6) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17547/download) for the Bloomington board of public works is an increase to the engineering contract with CrossRoad Engineers, by $58,609 to $521,809\. The increase is supposed to cover development of individual plot plans necessary for individual site plan approvals and building permits in Hopewell South.
**2027 Bloomington budget amendments.** Set for a possible adoption vote by the Bloomington city council on [Wednesday (Oct. 7) at 6:30 p.m.](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17550/download) is the budget for 2027\. There are several proposed amendments in the meeting information packet. The numbering on the amendments has changed since the [work session last week](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2027-budget-talks-for-bloomington-city-council-turn-to-potential-staffing-cuts/). At the work session some significant personnel reductions were floated by council president Asare, but there are no corresponding amendments in the [meeting information packet](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17550/download). Responding to a B Square question, Asare said that it’s possible those amendments will be included in some form in an addendum to the packet to be posted before Wednesday.
---
**Pizza Trail: Oct. 1–31.** October is pizza month. And in Bloomington this is commemorated with a [Pizza Trail](https://www.visitbloomington.com/restaurants/passports/pizza-passport-trail/) that Visit Bloomington is promoting. The idea is you sign up for a mobile pass, which sounds like a kind of digital punchcard. Every time you check in with one of 20 different local pizza joints, you get a credit. And at the end you can redeem the points for gift cards to ... pizza joints. There
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Thor!
Up for adoption, as of Oct. 4 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Thor](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/88105). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is a shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Thor](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/88105).
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
### Photo Finish: Miller-Showers Park
A great blue heron stands on one of the weirs, between the detention ponds, looking south. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website. Today’s photo was taken with an “app” that I have built to make it easier to for readers to submit B There items. The URL for the app is: You can add that to your phone’s home screen for easy access. It will let you take a new photo, or upload a photo you have already taken. Give it a try. I’ve tested it out on an Android and an iPhone.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start.
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
## Sponsors stand with local civic journalism
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---
### Miller-Showers Park
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/miller-showers-park-2/
Last updated: 2026-10-05T08:50:01.000Z
A great blue heron stands on one of the weirs, between the detention ponds, looking south. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
### Miller-Showers Park
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/miller-showers-park/
Last updated: 2026-10-05T16:55:39.000Z
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
Miller-Showers Park hawk and heron. (Dave Askins, Oct. 4, 2026)
### Editor’s Notebook: Getting The B Square unstuck from the ‘dangerous middle’
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-getting-the-b-square-unstuck-from-the-dangerous-middle/
Last updated: 2026-10-04T11:23:38.000Z
[](https://idjc.syracuse.edu/wp-content/uploads/A-Hard-Reality-Full-Report.pdf)
A new [report](https://idjc.syracuse.edu/wp-content/uploads/A-Hard-Reality-Full-Report.pdf ) from Syracuse University describes a trap that many independent local news outlets fall into. The researchers describe it as a “dangerous middle.”
Here’s the trap: A founder builds a publication into something substantial enough so that readers rely on it, without yet building enough revenue to spread the regular workload across more than one person. The publication survives, but only as long as that one person can carry it.
The B Square Bulletin fits that description.
The report, [A Hard Reality: Independent Local Journalism in the United States](https://idjc.syracuse.edu/wp-content/uploads/A-Hard-Reality-Full-Report.pdf ), surveyed 112 independent local news operators in 37 states and Washington, D.C. The B Square was one of them. I filled out the survey and was one of the publishers interviewed afterward.
The researchers found the greatest stress was among publishers with 100 to 500 paying subscribers. In that group, 77.3% cited sustainability as a challenge. The B Square has nearly 600 recurring contributors, so that study result lands pretty close to home.
### Total News: A different kind of outlet
There’s a label I like to use to describe The B Square’s approach to reporting: It’s called [Total News](https://bsquarebulletin.com/about-the-b-square-bulletin/#TotalNews).
That means treating the present, future and past as vital parts of the news operation.
If you have ever wondered why The B Square’s reporting feels different, part of the answer might be that it is buttressed by a [collection of timelines](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail), and [public documents](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-identify-suspect-in-sept-6-kirkwood-shooting-warrant-issued/), that let readers check the reporting against the underlying record.
That’s not the only way The B Square is unusual. Just 6.3% of publishers in the Syracuse survey rely on subscriptions alone. Most combine subscriptions with advertising, sponsorships, grants, events and other revenue.
Up to now, The B Square has relied almost entirely on voluntary contributions from readers. There is no paywall. People who contribute financially get exactly the same information as everyone else on the planet.
That’s on purpose. Local news about Bloomington should be available to everyone who lives here, and it’s paid for by the people who value it enough to make that possible.
I’m still working to build out the corporate sponsorship program in the coming months. For now, my request is to individual readers.
### What you’re actually paying for
Don’t think about local news in terms of how many articles are available for you to read. Think about it as important work that other human beings do, to make Bloomington an easier place to live.
Last week, on air with WFHB news director Kade Young during their fundraising drive, I put it like this: “You’re not paying for a story, you’re not paying for the information, per se. You are paying for a human being to dedicate themselves to the task of gathering the information, gathering the facts, and putting it together into a form that is accessible to you.”
For The B Square right now, the human element is one person. If that one person stumbles, grows too weary, or just up and dies, the work will stop.
### Today’s request
Those of you who already contribute make it possible for one person to do this work full time. I’m grateful for that. Thank you!
But there’s a big difference between surviving and a future that transcends the effort of any single person.
If you’ve always meant to contribute, but never got around to it, I hope today is the day you decide to follow through!
[**Start a Recurring Contribution**](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/signup)
It’s time to get serious about moving The B Square beyond mere survival and building something that can sustain this work for the long haul. Thanks for considering!
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population down to 231 with recent trend slightly downward
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-down-to-231-with-recent-trend-slightly-downward/
Last updated: 2026-10-04T11:11:37.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s jail population stood at 231 on Saturday (Oct. 3), which is down 6 from a week ago. The jail continues to routinely exceed the ACLU’s version of the jail’s functional capacity, which is 229.
But the jail is finishing a five-day stretch that included two days below 229 and no days more than 231.
The highest number in the last week was 245, but that was still lower than the numbers in late July and early August when there was a six-day stretch over 250.
Chart by The B Square with data from the Monroe County jail.
Monroe County’s [jail data dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/195880a3c67c41fa998f56ff8e9aabb4) includes snapshots of basic counts, demographic profiles, and the types of crimes prisoners are charged with. The dashboard is updated routinely, which means Monroe County residents don’t need to wait for weekly updates from a news outlet.
The B Square has tracked the numbers starting on July 21, when the jail held 247 people.
Ten days into that span, the 10-day rolling average was about 254\. The most recent rolling 10-day average, on Saturday (Oct. 3) was about 233.
It’s still 4 more than the 229 that the ACLU gives as the jail’s functional capacity in its [federal lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf), which it filed in July on behalf of jail inmates.
Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté has given a lower figure for functional capacity. His July [overcrowding report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf) started with 294 reported beds, subtracted housing that he said cannot be treated as general-population space, leaving 233 available general-housing beds. Applying the same 80% principle yields a functional capacity of 186.
The [latest activity in the lawsuit](https://bsquarebulletin.com/federal-court-sets-timetable-for-monroe-county-jail-lawsuit-with-key-motions-due-in-march-2027/) was the filing of [witness lists](https://bloomdocs.org/) by both sides in the last couple of weeks.
The difference between the two jail population snapshots at the start and the end of the period The B Square has tracked does not capture the turnover in the jail during that period. Of the 247 people who were there on July 21, 108 of them were still there on Oct. 3\. That means 139, or more than half, of the people who were in jail at the start of the period, had left by the end.
At the same time, 123 people who arrived after July 21 were still incarcerated on Oct 3\. The 108 people who were present at both endpoints, together with those 123 later arrivals, account for the current population of 231.
That comparison still does not capture people who arrived after July 21 and then left before Oct. 3\. A total of at least 731 people departed the jail during that span. It’s “at least” because some people booked into jail don’t stay in jail long enough to appear in the daily population report.
Among those who departed during the time The B Square has tracked the numbers, the median length of stay was 2 days.
Over the full 75-day period, the average daily population was about 238\. The highest count was 264 on July 31\. The lowest was 216 on Aug. 28.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-81/
Last updated: 2026-10-04T09:54:24.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #82 (Oct. 4, 2026)**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through Sept. 30, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-sept-30-2026/
Last updated: 2026-10-04T09:50:58.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 21 to Sept. 30, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1rFtfrNLmRvO3TldvqCAeYnOEaegRI6k&usp=sharing ).\]
- On September 30, 2026, the property at 6430 W Maple Grove RD was sold to BLUE SLOPE LLC by THE ROBERT E GIBSON REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $812,000.
- On September 30, 2026, the property at 1830 E Thornton DR was sold to JOSEPH CIESLIK by LYNNE LEE CHANG for $355,000.
- On September 29, 2026, the property at 2032 S Hawksmoore DR was sold to NANCY D FAGAN REVOCABLE TRUST by JEREMY T ZEICHNER for $843,000.
- On September 29, 2026, the property at 2060 E Waters Edge DR was sold to MIRAMAR HOLDINGS, LLC by THE REVOCABLE TRUST AGREEMENT OF STEVEN MOFFETT for $540,600.
- On September 29, 2026, the property at 2719 S Mccartney LN was sold to THOMAS L CARTER by CYNTHIA HAMSTRA for $237,000.
- On September 29, 2026, the property at 4121 W Heritage WAY was sold to KIRK B WILLIAMS by REBECCA S POE for $180,500.
- On September 28, 2026, the property at S Peach Tree LN was sold to HALO PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC by SOUTHERN INDIANA PLASTIC SURGERY LLC for $450,000.
- On September 28, 2026, the property at 2955 E Carowinds CT was sold to JAXON SHANE SMITH by BENJAMIN S CARTER for $400,000.
- On September 28, 2026, the property at 711 W Estate DR was sold to STEVE SUMMITT by PRIORITY HOME INVESTMENTS LLC for $369,900.
- On September 28, 2026, the property at 502 E Dixie ST was sold to CHRISTOPHER SCOTT MILNE by Cisney, Joshua Lee for $320,000.
- On September 28, 2026, the property at 305 W Coolidge DR was sold to SURYA MAHERN by TIMOTHY A SHIER for $190,000.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 8031 E Hardin Ridge RD was sold to RACHEL WINTERS by Bunjan, Steve S for $813,818.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 8303 S Anne AVE was sold to KEVIN A CAMPBELL by ROBERT D O'CALLAGHAN for $483,750.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 5295 N Ranch Acres PL was sold to ALICE ROSE NETTLETON by Dasenbrock, James for $380,000.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 5993 S Handy RD was sold to ROBINSON ROBIN LLC by ETHAN HETHCOTE for $335,000.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 4977 N White River DR was sold to ANDREW MICHAEL ROBERTSON by Menden, Morgan R for $330,000.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 3796 W Prather RD was sold to WILLIAM L COOLEY by DAVID R EMERSON for $325,900.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 1515 E Dunstan DR was sold to SARAH STARKS by SEGYDE, SARAH E for $320,000.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 8380 S Fairfax RD was sold to SIMMONS RENTALS LLC by JAMES BOTTORFF for $284,900.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 340 E Brittany WAY was sold to LOGAN M BENTLEY by LUNA CAP LLC for $280,900.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 2566 S Addisyn LN was sold to BAILEY DEMIER by RICHARD HARDY for $239,000.
- On September 25, 2026, the property at 4062 E Eagle Bay DR was sold to TONY W THEURER by OLIVIA SHERI HALL for $175,000.
- On September 24, 2026, the property at 5451 W Channing WAY was sold to MELISSA BLACK by ELIZABETH BOEGLEN for $335,000.
- On September 24, 2026, the property at 6372 S Burch RD was sold to JULIA F ELLIOTT-FELTON by THE ESTATE OF BERNADENE SUE KOONS for $259,900.
- On September 24, 2026, the property at 7007 S Ketcham RD was sold to CHARLES N KOTHE by MARSHA KAY HALL for $250,000.
- On September 24, 2026, the property at 6352 W Woodland RD was sold to LEONARD LEE SPINKS by BRIAN K LADY for $160,000.
- On September 24, 2026, the property at 9479 S Pointe Lasalles DR was sold to PAULA M NEALE by DEBRA D ULAND for $150,900.
- On September 24, 2026, the property at 6133 N Wallace Harman WAY was sold to ROBERT LABIS by HARMAN FARMS DEVELOPMENT LLC for $81,500.
- On September 24, 2026, the property at 7425 W Ison RD was sold to DEBRA J HINDS by CAROL LYNN NEILL-JONES for $55,000.
- On September 24, 2026, the property at 648 N Hartstrait RD was sold to JOHNATHON MOFIELD by CHARLES RUSSELL CORLETTE for $45,000.
- On September 23, 2026, the property at 5506 W Bedrock RD was sold to YING JIANG by JULIA F ELLIOTT-FELTON for $328,000.
- On September 23, 2026, the property at 7160 W Upland CT was sold to DAVID STOLZ by PEI-JUNG LI for $290,000.
- On September 23, 2026, the property at 516 E Graham PL was sold to KALVAL GAJRAJ, LLC by NILS-MARTIN BUSK for $166,000.
- On September 23, 2026, the property at 2300 S Brown AVE was sold to JAK REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT LLC by FELISA SPINELLI for $155,000.
- On September 23, 2026, the property at 7717 N Fox Hollow RD was sold to DEVIN T BROWN by ESTATE OF THOMAS E BROWN for $0.
- On September 22, 2026, the property at 3730 W Arlington RD was sold to KYLE S RICHMOND by RILEY BOCK for $212,000.
- On September 22, 2026, the property at 4130 W Stoutes Creek RD was sold to MICHAEL ISRAEL by TIMOTHY E DAY for $110,000.
- On September 22, 2026, the property at 8281 N Sycamore ST was sold to JAMES WESLEY BIDDLE by BRADLEY EUGENE TAYLOR for $8,000.
- On September 22, 2026, the property at 733 S Village DR was sold to DENISE DAWN BRILES by TY BRILES for $0.
- On September 21, 2026, the property at 4279 S Mallard CT was sold to ROBERT GRANGER by Abdoo, Mark for $660,000.
- On September 21, 2026, the property at 3631 S Wickens ST was sold to ALEC PURCELL by ROBERT EDWARD GRANGER for $365,500.
- On September 21, 2026, the property at 5271 N Ranch Acres PL was sold to THOMAS LAMBDIN by JULIE DENNIS for $349,900.
- On September 21, 2026, the property at 2606 E 2nd ST UNIT D was sold to JEFFREY R VAN SLYKE by LEO J DIERCKMAN for $219,000.
- On September 21, 2026, the property at 2606 E 2nd ST UNIT D was sold to HENLEY VAN SLYKE by JEFFREY R VAN SLYKE for $0.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 3177 N Russell RD was sold to NINA SOSSAMON-POGUE by HALE NEWMAN for $600,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 7530 S Strain Ridge RD was sold to JESSICA HUFFMAN by URBAN DWELLING LLC for $309,000.
- On September 10, 2026, the property at 1202 W East Branch RD was sold to A&I GROUP LLC by KEYGLEE HOLDINGS INC for $182,500.
- On August 31, 2026, the property at 1202 W East Branch RD was sold to KEYGLEE HOLDINGS, INC by Craig, Kenneth R Revocable Trust for $145,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 8535 S Old State Road 37 was sold to FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FANNIE MAE) by RUBEN D MARTE for $154,200.
### Bloomington police identify suspect in Sept. 6 Kirkwood shooting, warrant issued
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-identify-suspect-in-sept-6-kirkwood-shooting-warrant-issued/
Last updated: 2026-10-10T13:22:20.000Z
In the MyCase online information system, a 'W' indicates an outstanding warrant.
An arrest warrant has been issued for a 21-year-old Bloomington man accused of shooting a 19-year-old in the neck during an early-morning confrontation outside the Monroe County Public Library nearly a month ago.
Dajhon Lee Branson-Orellana was charged Thursday (Oct. 1) with Level 3 felony aggravated battery, Level 5 felony battery with a deadly weapon, Level 5 felony criminal recklessness and Level 6 felony pointing a firearm. As [described in court records](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDItMjYxMC1GMy0wMDA5NTMiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==), the warrant calls for Branson-Orellana to be held without bond until an initial hearing. \[*Updated: 8:35 a.m. Oct. 10, 2026\. According to the Saturday morning (Oct. 10) jail book-in reports, Branson-Orellana was arrested at 10:10 p.m. on Oct. 9, and booked into jail.*\]
The charges stem from a [Sept. 6 shooting on Kirkwood Avenue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/shooting-in-downtown-bloomington-leaves-19-year-old-man-wounded/) in front of the downtown branch of the Monroe County Public Library. At the time, Bloomington police said the victim would not cooperate with investigators and that no suspect had been identified.
In the probable cause affidavit, signed Sept. 23, Bloomington police concluded there was probable cause to arrest Branson-Orellana for attempted murder, criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm.
According to the probable cause affidavit, while at the hospital, a police officer heard the victim say about Branson-Orellana, “He tried to kill me. He put it to my head. He thought I was gonna be scared of that.” But that statement did not appear to come during an interview with police. The attempted murder charge was not a part of the warrant issued.
Court [records](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDItMjYwOC1GNS0wMDA4MTciLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==) show Branson-Orellana already had an outstanding arrest warrant when police began investigating the early September shooting. The warrant stemmed from a separate August case where prosecutors charged him with felony intimidation involving a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.
A judge found probable cause on Aug. 26 and ordered the warrant issued. The next day, Branson-Orellana failed to appear for hearings in two [older pending misdemeanor cases](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDItMjQwNS1DTS0wMDA3NTIiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==). In both of those cases the court noted the active warrant in the new felony case and said the matters would be reset after his arrest.
For the Sept. 6 shooting, the investigative timeline from the original press release and the probable cause affidavit both say that police were dispatched at 1:08 a.m. to the block of East Kirkwood Avenue between Lincoln and Grant streets. That’s the block where the Monroe County Public Library is located. Officers found a pool of blood on the sidewalk near the library’s Kirkwood Avenue entrance, close to the iconic limestone bear sculptures, but the victim was gone.
Officers soon learned that the victim had arrived at IU Health Bloomington Hospital with a bullet wound that entered the left side of his neck and exited near his left shoulder blade. He was stable, but declined to tell a detective what had happened.
Other people did talk with police during the hours after the shooting. According to the affidavit, investigators learned that a confrontation grew out of a dispute over three ounces of marijuana believed to have gone missing from an apartment. A group arranged to meet downtown, where an argument escalated into pushing.
According to the affidavit, surveillance video obtained by police appeared to show Branson-Orellana being pushed and then firing a handgun. From the footage, investigators estimated that Branson-Orellana and the victim were within 10 feet of each other and possibly much closer.
Based on the probable cause affidavit, on Sept. 6 police were given “Dejohn Lewis” as the suspect’s name, which they were able to determine pointed to Branson-Orellana, based in part on prior police contacts.
Police eventually got a stronger identification. A witness selected Branson-Orellana from a double-blind photo lineup and picked him “with 100% certainty.” The probable cause affidavit does not explicitly state when the lineup took place, but based on the narrative in the affidavit, it could have come as early as Sept. 8.
The probable cause affidavit was signed on Sept. 23\. The arrest warrant on the charges of aggravated battery, battery with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm was issued on Oct. 1.
Branson-Orellana was not listed in the 8:15 a.m. Saturday morning (Oct. 3) book-in reports for the Monroe County jail, or the 10 a.m. Saturday morning jail population report.
### Courthouse square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-23/
Last updated: 2026-10-04T18:54:11.000Z
0:00
/0:38
1×
Projection mapping for Lotus Festival by Blockhouse Studios. (Dave Askins, Oct. 2, 2026)
### Immigration judge sets $10K bond for Bloomington man after federal habeas win
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/immigration-judge-sets-10k-bond-for-bloomington-man-after-federal-habeas-win/
Last updated: 2026-10-16T15:43:22.000Z
Ant's eye view of the judgment in the habeas corpus filing for Cesar Augusto Cepeda Gomez. (Dave Askins, Oct. 2, 2026)
An immigration judge on Friday (Oct. 2) granted a $10,000 bond for Cesar Augusto Cepeda Gomez, one of two Bloomington men detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a month ago.
The granting of the bond came after a federal court ruled that ICE could not continue holding him without giving him a chance to seek release.
While Cepeda Gomez is now on a clear path to release, a man who was detained in Bloomington at the same time, is still working to get a bond hearing. As Cepeda Gomez did, Manuel Alejandro Nadal-Ortiz has filed for a writ of habeas corpus, and is waiting for a response from the government. Both men are Venezuelans.
Even though he was granted a bond, Cepeda Gomez was still being held Friday afternoon at the North Lake Processing Center in Michigan. His attorney, Nora Galindo, told The B Square he is likely to stay there through the weekend.
Unlike criminal bail bonds that permit partial percentage payments, an immigration cash bond has to be paid in full, which is in this case $10,000, Galindo said. For payment, ICE uses an online system called [CeBONDS](https://www.ice.gov/bonds), which still requires several steps. Galindo said Friday afternoon that those steps had not yet been completed.
“He’ll be there over the weekend,” she said, adding that the facility does not process releases outside of the work week. She estimated that Cepeda Gomez might not actually leave custody until around the middle of next week.
Cepeda Gomez’s release will come from North Lake Procession Center which is a [GEO Group-owned](https://www.geogroup.com/facilities/north-lake-processing-center/ ), 1,800-bed detention facility used by ICE in Baldwin, Michigan. That’s roughly six hours by car from Bloomington. Galindo said ICE does not arrange transportation back to the community where a detainee was arrested, so someone will have to travel to Michigan to pick him up.
Friday’s bond hearing was itself conducted remotely by WebEx, Galindo said. The hearing was the result of a successful petition for a writ of habeas corpus that Cepeda Gomez filed in federal court in Michigan.
A habeas corpus petition gives someone being held by the government a way to ask a court to determine whether the detention itself is lawful. It does not decide the underlying immigration question. In Cepeda Gomez’s case, that question is whether he will eventually be permitted to remain in the United States.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday (Sept. 29), U.S. District judge Robert Jonker had [granted Cepeda Gomez’s habeas petition](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-29-1-26-cv-02529-cesar-gomez-Opinion-habeuous-corpus-09918019802.pdf ), ordering the government to either release him or hold a bond hearing. Friday’s bond hearing was held because of Jonker’s order.
### Nadal-Ortiz pursuing parallel habeas case
Cepeda Gomez was detained Sept. 1, along with Manuel Alejandro Nadal-Ortiz.
The Indiana Daily Student [reported](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2026/09/bloomington-grapples-with-aftermath-of-ice-arrest-surge) that ICE agents detained the two men at about 9:45 a.m. in the parking lot of the Walmart on Bloomington’s west side. Both worked as delivery drivers for Walmart, and their families told the IDS that both were Venezuelans with pending asylum cases.
Nadal-Ortiz is now pursuing a habeas challenge similar to Cepeda Gomez’s, but his case has a few steps left to go. Nadal-Ortiz filed his petition on Sept. 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. On Wednesday (Sept. 30), U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney issued an [order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-30-1-26-cv-02694-order-to-show-cause-MANUEL-ALEJANDRO-NADAL-ORTIZ-09918022250.pdf ) directing the government to “show cause” why the petition should not be granted.
In plain terms, Maloney has required the government to explain why Nadal-Ortiz is legally being held before the judge decides whether his detention can continue.
The government has until Monday (Oct. 5), the third business day after the order, to respond. Nadal-Ortiz then gets three business days to reply.
That means the two men’s cases are following basically the same path, but Cepeda Gomez is farther along.
In Cepeda Gomez’s case, Jonker issued the [show-cause order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-11-show-cause-order-cesar-augusto-cepeda-gomez-1-26-cv-02529.pdf) on Sept. 11\. Jonker ruled in his favor on Sept. 29, leading to Friday’s bond hearing.
Nadal-Ortiz, by contrast, is now at the earlier show-cause and briefing stage. The judge has not yet decided the merits of his habeas petition.
The proceedings are in Michigan, instead Indiana, because habeas petitions are filed in the federal district where a person is being held. Both men were eventually transported after their Bloomington arrests to the North Lake facility in Michigan.
### Attorney: Cepeda Gomez entered U.S. legally
On Friday, Cepeda Gomez’s attorney, Nora Galindo, provided more detail about Cepeda Gomez’s immigration history.
She told The B Square he used the federal government’s program in effect at the time, which was [CBP One](https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/cbp%5Fone-user%5Fguide%5F-%5Ftraveler-land-submit%5Fadvance%5Finformation-english%5F508.pdf), to request an appointment at the border. He appeared for that scheduled appointment and was allowed into the United States by the Department of Homeland Security.
“He did what the government asked him to do,” Galindo said.
According to Galindo, Cepeda Gomez then filed his asylum application on time. The application remains pending, and he has valid employment authorization based on that application. She said he has been working, paying taxes, and has no criminal history, Galindo said.
Winning the habeas case and obtaining bond do not resolve his pending asylum case or determine whether he ultimately can remain in the United States.
### Key for Cepeda Gomez: Sixth Circuit Court decision
The legal issue that produced Friday’s hearing turns on two different sections of federal immigration law: 8 U.S.C. Section 1225 and Section 1226.
The government contended that Cepeda Gomez fell under Section 1225(b)(2)(A). Under that interpretation, he had to remain in detention while his removal proceeding continued, and could not receive the ordinary individualized bond determination available under Section 1226(a).
Cepeda Gomez argued that Section 1226(a) applied instead. Under that provision, the government can detain someone while removal proceedings are pending, but an immigration judge can also consider releasing the person on bond.
Jonker, the judge in the case, did not have to resolve that legal question from scratch.
In May, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had decided the same issue, in a case called [Lopez-Campos v. Raycraft](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-05-11-25-1965-et-al-6th-Circuit-admission-26a0139p-06.pdf). Because Michigan is within the 6th Circuit, that appellate ruling was binding on Jonker.
In his opinion, Jonker wrote: “Based on the facts presented by the parties, and the reasoning of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Lopez-Campos, … the Court concludes that Section 1226(a), not Section 1225(b)(2)(A), governs Petitioner’s detention.”
The 6th Circuit also concluded that detaining the petitioners before it without the opportunity for an individualized bond hearing violated their Fifth Amendment due-process rights.
For Cepeda Gomez, the practical consequence was Friday’s hearing. The appellate decision did not require the immigration judge to release him or dictate a particular bond amount. It required that his detention be treated under the provision that allows the judge to make that individualized decision.
### “Applicant for admission” versus “seeking admission”
The disagreement among federal courts turns in significant part on two phrases that sound almost interchangeable in ordinary conversation, but have produced opposite legal results.
Immigration law says that a noncitizen who is physically present in the United States but has not formally been “admitted” is treated as an “applicant for admission.”
But Section 1225(b)(2)(A), the provision the government says requires mandatory detention, refers to an applicant who is “seeking admission.”
Nine federal appeals courts have concluded that being an “applicant for admission” does not necessarily mean that a person is presently “seeking admission.”
Put another way, “applicant for admission” is a legal status, while seeking admission”” describes an activity.
Under that interpretation, a person who is already living inside the United States and is arrested there can be legally classified as an applicant for admission without currently seeking to enter the country. For such detainees, those courts have held that Section 1226(a) applies, with its opportunity for an individualized bond determination.
The 5th and 8th circuits have reached the opposite conclusion. They have held that people legally designated as applicants for admission fall within Section 1225(b)(2)(A) and are therefore subject to mandatory detention.
That means the split is now 9–2 among the 11 numbered federal appeals courts.
Only the Fifth and Eighth circuits have adopted the government’s Section 1225 interpretation.
These rulings all involve the question of whether noncitizens who entered the United States without being formally admitted and were later arrested in the interior must be detained without bond under 8 U.S.C. § 1225(b)(2)(A), or instead are detained under § 1226(a), which allows for an individualized bond hearing.
Click the case name to read the court opinion.
§ 1225(b)(2)(A): Mandatory detention without bond
Circuit
Case
Outcome
Reasoning
Circuit
**5th**
Case
[ *Buenrostro-Mendez v. Bondi* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-02-06-25-20496-5th-Circuit-admission-25-20496-CV0.pdf) Feb. 6, 2026 · No. 25-20496
Outcome
Held that an unadmitted noncitizen apprehended in the interior is subject to mandatory detention under § 1225(b)(2)(A), rather than the bond provisions of § 1226(a).
Reasoning
“An ‘applicant for admission’ is necessarily someone who is ‘seeking admission.’”
Circuit
**8th**
Case
[ *Avila v. Bondi* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-03-25-25-3248-8th-Circuit-admission.pdf) March 25, 2026 · No. 25-3248
Outcome
Held that an unadmitted noncitizen living in the interior remains subject to mandatory detention under § 1225(b)(2)(A).
Reasoning
“The ordinary meanings of the phrases ‘applicant for admission’ and ‘seeking admission’ are the same.”
§ 1226(a): Eligible for an individualized bond hearing
Circuit
Case
Outcome
Reasoning
Circuit
**1st**
Case
[ *Guerrero Orellana v. Moniz* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-08-13-25-2152-1st-Circuit-admission-25-2152P-01A.pdf) Aug. 13, 2026 · Nos. 25-2152, 26-1094
Outcome
Held that § 1226(a), not § 1225(b)(2)(A), governs people who entered without inspection but were later arrested in the interior.
Reasoning
“‘Seeking admission’ means seeking lawful entry.”
Circuit
**2nd**
Case
[ *Barbosa da Cunha v. Freden* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-04-28-25-3141-2nd-Circuit-admission.pdf) April 28, 2026 · No. 25-3141
Outcome
Held that § 1226(a) governs an unadmitted noncitizen who had already been living in the United States and was not seeking lawful entry.
Reasoning
He was “not ‘seeking admission’ because he is not requesting lawful entry into the United States.”
Circuit
**3rd**
Case
[ *Buele Morocho v. Warden Philadelphia FDC* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-08-28-26-1150-3rd-Circuit-admission-261150p.pdf) Aug. 28, 2026 · Nos. 26-1150, 26-1454
Outcome
Held that petitioners arrested after living in the interior were not subject to § 1225(b)(2)(A) mandatory detention and affirmed habeas relief.
Reasoning
“Because Petitioners are not taking such action, they are not within the scope of § 1225(b)(2)(A).”
Circuit
**4th**
Case
[ *Lopez Garcia v. Guadian* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-09-10-25-7044-4th-Circuit-admission-257044%5FP.pdf) Sept. 10, 2026 · Nos. 25-7044, 25-7050
Outcome
Held that § 1226(a) governs noncitizens arrested after living within the United States, making an individualized bond determination available.
Reasoning
“Section 1226(a) properly governs the detention of noncitizens like the Petitioners who are present in the United States.”
Circuit
**6th**
Case
[ *Lopez-Campos v. Raycraft* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-05-11-25-1965-et-al-6th-Circuit-admission-26a0139p-06.pdf) May 11, 2026 · Nos. 25-1965, 25-1969, 25-1978, 25-1982
Outcome
Held that interior noncitizens who were not seeking lawful entry were governed by § 1226 rather than § 1225(b)(2)(A).
Reasoning
“Because no Petitioner is alleged to be seeking admission or lawful entry into the United States,” § 1225 does not apply.
Circuit
**7th**
Case
[ *Cirrus Rojas v. Olson* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-07-30-25-3127-7th-Circuit-admission-processWebInputExternal.pdf) July 30, 2026 · No. 25-3127
Outcome
Held that a person present in the country without admission but not presently seeking admission is eligible for a bond hearing under § 1226(a).
Reasoning
“Section 1225(b)(2)(A) unambiguously does not apply to Cirrus Rojas.”
Circuit
**9th**
Case
[ *Rodriguez Vazquez v. Bostock* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-07-30-25-6842-9th-Circuit-admission-25-6842.pdf) July 30, 2026 · No. 25-6842
Outcome
Held that § 1226 governs unadmitted noncitizens apprehended in the interior rather than the mandatory-detention provision in § 1225(b)(2)(A).
Reasoning
An interior noncitizen does not remain “in the perpetual state of ‘seeking’ entry.”
Circuit
**10th**
Case
[ *Santillan Quiroz v. Mullin* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-06-30-26-6019-10th-Circuit-admission-010111461009.pdf) June 30, 2026 · No. 26-6019
Outcome
Held that § 1225(b)(2)(A) does not govern someone arrested after living in the interior; § 1226(a) applies instead.
Reasoning
“Based on the statutory text and context, we conclude that § 1225(b)(2)(A)’s application is limited to the border.”
Circuit
**11th**
Case
[ *Hernandez Alvarez v. Warden, Federal Detention Center Miami* ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-05-06-25-14065-11th-Circuit-admission.pdf) May 6, 2026 · Nos. 25-14065, 25-14075
Outcome
Held that § 1225(b)(2)(A) generally governs arriving noncitizens seeking entry, while § 1226 applies to people in the petitioners’ circumstances in the interior.
Reasoning
“Congress has ... preserved the longstanding border-interior distinction for purposes of detention.”
### A dramatic increase in habeas cases
The legal fight over the wording is new, under the Trump administration, Galindo said. In fact, she said, the court fight in the Cepeda Gomez habeas case is a type of litigation that didn’t even exist in her own immigration law practice, until this year.
Galindo said she has practiced immigration law for about 10 years and had never filed a habeas corpus petition before 2026\. But so far this year she has filed 141 and was working on the 142nd one the day The B Square talked to her. According to [habeasdockets.org](https://habeasdockets.org/dockets/court/miwd/) in the Western District of Michigan alone there are 875 active habeas corpus petitions pending. The number nationwide is 62,641.
Galindo attributed the change to the government’s decision beginning in 2025 to treat a much broader group of people arrested in the interior as subject to mandatory detention under Section 1225.
She told The B Square that in the past, people in similar circumstances could either be released by ICE itself, or ask an immigration judge for bond, while the new interpretation forced detainees into federal habeas litigation to get access to the bond process.
That history is also a significant part of the federal appellate litigation. Courts of appeal that rejected the government’s interpretation have pointed to nearly three decades in which the executive branch generally treated people present in the interior without formal admission as eligible for bond under Section 1226.
The [government’s position](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-07-24-26-104-Supreme-Court-cert-petition-2nd-Circuit-Rhoney-v-Barbosa-da-Cunha%5Fpdf.pdf ) is that the longstanding practice of allowing bond hearings for such detainees rested on an incorrect reading of the statute, and that Congress’s 1996 immigration overhaul made the key distrinction lawful “admission,” rather than mere physical entry into the country.
That disagreement is now headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
### Supreme Court agrees to resolve the dispute
This week on Thursday (Oct. 1), one day before Cepeda Gomez’s bond hearing, U.S. the Supreme Court [agreed to accept the case](https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/26-104.html ) from the Second Circuit called [Barbosa da Cunha v. Freden](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-04-28-25-3141-2nd-Circuit-admission.pdf).
The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, is on the same side of the split as the Sixth Circuit, which ruling was the authority cited for Cepeda Gomez’s required bond hearing.
The [question](https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/qp/26-00104qp.pdf) the Supreme Court agreed to decide, which is included in the [government’s petition](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1225b2A-versus-1226a-2026-07-24-26-104-Supreme-Court-cert-petition-2nd-Circuit-Rhoney-v-Barbosa-da-Cunha%5Fpdf.pdf), is whether Section 1225(b)(2)(A) mandates detention during removal proceedings for people who are present in the United States without having been admitted.
The Supreme Court’s acceptance of the case does not itself change anything related to the Cepeda Gomez case. Unless and until the justices rule otherwise, the Sixth Circuit’s decision remains controlling precedent for the federal courts in Michigan.
But the Supreme Court’s eventual decision could determine nationally which of the two interpretations is correct. Is the correct decision the one that gave Cepeda Gomez access to Friday’s bond hearing, or the mandatory-detention interpretation adopted by the Fifth and Eighth circuits.
---
For now, Cepeda Gomez remains at North Lake with a $10,000 bond set and the administrative process for paying it still ahead.
Nadal-Ortiz, arrested beside Cepeda Gome in Bloomington on Sept. 1, remains at an earlier stage of the same kind of federal challenge, which is waiting for the government to explain to a judge why he can lawfully continue to be detained.
### Monroe County early in-person voting starts Tuesday, absentee ballot pace ahead of 2022
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-early-in-person-voting-starts-tuesday-absentee-ballot-pace-ahead-of-2022/
Last updated: 2026-10-01T22:16:21.000Z
Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election starts next Tuesday (Oct. 6) in Monroe County, with absentee voting so far running ahead of the pace from the last midterm election in 2022.
That was the update from election supervisor Kylie Farris to the Monroe County election board at its regular Thursday (Oct. 1) meeting. Farris reported that 1,348 absentee ballots had been issued and 265 had already been returned. The election office had also received 36 requests for the travel board, which starts making visits Oct. 15.
A traveling board is a bipartisan team of election workers that brings an absentee ballot to voters who cannot make it to a polling place, because of illness, injury or disability. The deadline to [apply for a mail-in absentee ballot](https://indianavoters.in.gov/) is Oct. 22\.
At the same point in the election cycle in 2022, the county election division had issued 1,271 absentee ballots, received 154 back and had received no traveling-board requests, Farris said.
That means this year’s voting (265 versus 154) is easily outpacing the 2022 rate. But there’s still a long way to go until Nov. 3\. In 2022 a total of around 40,000 voters cast ballots in Monroe County.
Farris reported the current count of registered voters in Monroe County as 90,456, which a figure that comes from adding 76,238 active to 14,218 inactive voters.
She also told the board that the county’s legal notice for the general election had been sent for publication Monday, well ahead of the Oct. 18 deadline.
The [deadline](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf) to register or update a registration for the Nov. 3 general election is Monday, Oct. 5\. That’s a day ahead of the start of in-person early voting on Oct. 6\.
Voters who want an absentee ballot mailed to them have until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, to get their application to election officials. Absentee ballots can be requested through Indiana’s [online voter portal](https://indianavoters.in.gov/).
### Davis loses “sore loser” court challenge
In other election related news, Monroe County circuit court judge Kara Krothe rejected Joe Davis’s challenge to the state’s so-called “sore loser” law, leaving in place the election board’s decision that Davis cannot pursue the county clerk’s office in the general election after losing the Democratic primary for the same office.
Davis finished third in the May Democratic primary and later filed to run as an independent write-in candidate. The election board voted [3–0 in August](https://bsquarebulletin.com/candidates-write-in-bid-blocked-by-monroe-county-election-board-court-challenge-planned/) to disqualify that candidacy under [Indiana Code 3-8-1-5.5](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-8-1-5.5 ), which bars a person defeated in a primary from becoming a candidate for the same office in the general election later that same year.
Davis challenged the law on federal and state constitutional grounds. In her [Sept. 25 order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-25-53C06-2608-MI-002289-Davis-sore-loser-judicial-review-Krothe.pdf ), Krothe concluded that Indiana’s restriction is constitutional and denied Davis’s petition for judicial review.
### Early Voting Schedule
Early in-person voting takes place in the [North Showers Building](https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+N+Morton+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47404/@39.1707495,-86.5369779,684m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66d92d3cc4f5:0xb79ecc8d1acb583d!8m2!3d39.1708482!4d-86.5373847!16s%2Fg%2F11yq8cq5y6?entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDkyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) on Morton Street.
Date
Open
Close
Location
DateOct. 6–9
Open8 a.m.
Close6 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateOct. 12–16
Open8 a.m.
Close6 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateOct. 19–23
Open8 a.m.
Close6 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateOct. 24
Open9 a.m.
Close4 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateOct. 26–30
Open8 a.m.
Close6 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateOct. 31
Open9 a.m.
Close4 p.m.
LocationElection Central
DateNov. 2
Open8 a.m.
CloseNoon
LocationElection Central
### 2027 budget talks for Bloomington city council turn to potential staffing cuts
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2027-budget-talks-for-bloomington-city-council-turn-to-potential-staffing-cuts/
Last updated: 2026-10-01T16:11:28.000Z
Bloomington city council president Isak Asare makes a point during Wednesday’s work session on budget amendments. Attending the work session were Asare, Courtney Daily, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Hopi Stosberg, Sydney Zulich, Kate Rosenbarger, and Dave Rollo (remote). (Dave Askins, Sept. 30 2026)
Wednesday night’s (Sept 30) Bloomington city council work session was scheduled to [review proposed 2027 budget cuts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/councils-proposed-bloomington-budget-cuts-add-to-millions-but-savings-are-much-smaller/) that had been released just the day before. But on Wednesday, council president Isak Asare went beyond those written proposals, by putting additional personnel and organizational cuts on the table that have not yet been submitted in writing as budget amendments.
Among the possible set of cuts to the budget proposed by Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson was a reduction of three public-facing positions in the mayor’s office, along with one that is more internally focused. Up for discussion are the vacant public engagement director position, two currently filled communications positions, as well as a legislative affairs specialist.
Having a potentially bigger impact was another idea that Asare introduced on Wednesday, which would restructure the economic and sustainable development (ESD) department, potentially funding its personnel for only part of 2027\. Asare said that would force conversations about which functions should stay inside the city government and where they should be housed.
Underlying Asare’s approach, he said, is the idea that personnel costs have grown to consume a larger share of the city budget, while revenue growth is expected to slow. So he questions whether Bloomington can sustainably keep funding every existing position.
None of those ideas floated by Asare on Wednesday are close to a done deal. But councilmembers who attended the Sept. 30 work session showed some appetite for reconsidering the city’s organizational structure, even if there is also significant hesitation about using the budget to force rapid personnel changes.
Hopi Stosberg said she was “really nervous about cutting any positions.” Isabel Piedmont-Smith said she would need “a whole lot more information” before cutting anything in ESD.
At the same time, the council’s review narrowed the list of written amendments that were released on Tuesday. Asare said he would not pursue proposed cuts involving health insurance, the proposed nonunion pay increase or a 1% personnel vacancy factor. He also said his proposed reduction in fuel appropriations was unlikely to move forward.
A proposed $600,000 cut to funding for new financial software also appeared to lose momentum after city controller Geoff McKim explained that the expenditure was needed for a broader replacement of the city’s aging financial and human-resources systems.
Meanwhile, there was clearer agreement among councilmembers who were present on Wednesday about reducing the transfer into the sanitation division of public works to make up for the difference between the cost of curbside trash and recycling collection, and revenues from cart fees. The plan will be to increase carts fees to make up for the $600,000 reduction.
There was also a clear consensus among councilmembers about eliminating the vacant transportation demand manager position and removing a $2.5-million parking meter fund capital expenses placeholder until actual projects are identified.
No votes were taken Wednesday. The council is expected to deliberate and vote on amendments at its Oct. 7 meeting. If substantial changes are approved, controller Geoff McKim said staff will need a few days to recalculate the budget and prepare revised state forms. That would mean postponing final adoption, making Oct. 14 the likely date for the final budget vote.
Asare acknowledged that the personnel discussion would be uncomfortable. Speaking specifically about the mayor’s communications operation, he said: “I think that’s a hard conversation to have, but I think it’s a conversation that we have to have.”
### Mayor’s communications operation
Asare’s proposal about mayor’s office staff involves at least three positions.
The public engagement director is currently vacant. The administration provided written responses to council questions submitted about the 2027 budget in a [Q&A document](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-22-Council-Budget-Questions-2026-Responses-Questions-and-Answers-by-Dept.pdf#page=10), which included some about the public engagement director position. That document indicates the position has been open since September 2025 but that recruitment is active.
Filling the position took until April 2025, which was more than a year into Thomson’s term. The newly hired director’s departure in September that year made for just a five-month tenure.
The [Q&A document](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-22-Council-Budget-Questions-2026-Responses-Questions-and-Answers-by-Dept.pdf#page=10 ) says the mayor’s office has been collaborating to cover some of the work during the vacancy, but lacks a dedicated employee to provide citywide engagement expertise and track engagement across departments. Asare said Wednesday that the public engagement director position could be eliminated.
On Sept. 23, when the budget was formally introduced, the question of the public engagement director came up. On that occasion, Thomson stepped to the mic to make it clear she was opposed to cutting the position: “This position was originally created to fill a need, really, to engage especially marginalized voices and people who don’t usually either feel welcomed or get to engage, and find some equality in city life.”
Asare also named the mayor’s second communications position, identified in the city’s organizational material as the communications coordinator, as a position that could be eliminated. That position is currently filled. The position handles much of the day-to-day work of social media, photography, website content updates, and media support.
In the [Q&A document](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-22-Council-Budget-Questions-2026-Responses-Questions-and-Answers-by-Dept.pdf#page=10), the administration responded to the question about what would happen if the position were eliminated: “If the Coordinator position were eliminated, the volume of daily tasks would require the Communications Director to simply drop most of that work, thus reducing the flow of daily and weekly communications from the City to constituents.”
Asare’s view on Wednesday was essentially that the city already has communications capacity distributed across its departments and should ask whether all of the centralized structure in the mayor’s necessary.
Asare pointed to the city’s recent [branding analysis](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-paid-full-95k-branding-contract-key-deliverables-still-not-finished-4-months-later/) done by an outside consultant, which included the statement: “There is tons of helpful content on social, but it can feel a bit mayor-specific.” The analysis continues, “It’s good to humanize government social media and capitalize on this administration’s momentum, but we will need to be careful that the rollout of the brand does not get too wrapped up with one mayor/office.”
The administration’s written budget responses describe the communications director as responsible for overall city communications strategy, crisis communications, media relations, guidance to departmental public-information contacts, recurring publications and major projects such as the city website.
Asare also questioned whether centralized communications in the mayor’s had produced the claimed benefit of good crisis communications that the administration has used to justify it. As an example, he cited the recent [countywide boil-water advisory](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cbu-fills-in-some-details-behind-countywide-boil-water-advisory-including-1-06-ntu-reading/%C2%A0), pointing out that the public notification came at midnight, after the problem was identified at 5 p.m.
Asare did not propose simply eliminating the communications director position outright. Instead, he suggested funding it for only about half of 2027\. His purpose, he said, would be to force a decision during the year about whether the centralized structure is justified and, if so, where the function belongs.
He described the partial-year funding as leverage to require the conversation and to “prove … that outcomes are justified by what we're spending on it.”
Sydney Zulich expressed sympathy with Asare’s concern, saying that putting communications in the mayor’s office can turn information into a political or public-relations issue, when the focus should be on how government works. Piedmont-Smith added that communication between the administration and council also needs improvement.
Responding to Piedmont-Smith’s concern about improved communication between the administration and the council, Asare also said the mayor’s legislative affairs specialist should be reviewed for possible elimination.
### ESD: Big restructuring?
Asare’s most far-reaching idea concerned the economic and sustainable development (ESD) department. ESD includes staff roles for sustainability and the arts as well as economic development.
Asare said ESD has grown into a structure he does not think is optimal. In his view, some functions could be shifted to other city departments or outside municipal government altogether. He suggested economic development could be led by an empowered point person in the mayor’s office. Roles that are intended to support sustainability might fit in parks and recreation or planning and transportation, Asare said.
Asare also singled out the city’s efforts in the area of public art as an example of what he considers growing administrative overhead. His concern, he said, was not that the city should spend less supporting the arts, but that too much of the funding can wind up supporting a governmental system for administering those programs rather than flowing into the community.
Asare suggested funding ESD personnel for only part of 2027 as a way to force a restructuring conversation.
When Piedmont-Smith asked what exactly he meant to fund for only half a year, Asare answered: “All of the ESD positions.”
Stosberg questioned whether six months was workable. Half-year funding would expire around the time the council itself has typically decided to take a summer recess, Stosberg said. That also falls around the time when preparation of the next budget is underway. Stosberg suggested that nine months worth of funding might make more sense, if councilmembers wanted to force a restructuring discussion.
Stosberg’s broader concern was personnel stability. She said talking about cuts before they are financially necessary could cause employees to leave before the city wants them to.
Piedmont-Smith agreed that ESD’s current “cobbled together” functions of economic development, sustainability and other functions deserves another look. But she said she wanted substantially more information before voting to cut positions.
Kate Rosenbarger likewise showed interest in redistributing some functions, but questioned using the threat of ending funding after six or nine months as the mechanism for forcing that restructuring.
### Shrinking list of amendments
While Asare expanded the personnel discussion, several amendments that he had already put in writing headed in the opposite direction.
The most notable was his proposal to cut $600,000 from money intended for new city financial software. Asare had focused on the budget’s references to outcomes-based budgeting. Because the administration had not presented what he considered even a minimum implementation plan for outcomes-based budgeting, he questioned why the council should appropriate the money.
Stosberg opposed the reduction, saying the current New World system is old enough that city staff sometimes have to assemble financial reports manually in spreadsheets.
City controller Geoff McKim said the planned expenditure was really about replacing the city’s underlying enterprise system. The city needs to modernize its core financial software before layering on a new human-resources information system, he said.
“Makes sense,” Asare responded.
The discussion moved on with little indication that he intended to continue pressing the $600,000 cut.
The status of other amendments that Asare put forward was even clearer.
Asare said he would not introduce the $288,078 insurance reduction after learning that the larger appropriation was intentional, rather than the result of a mistaken or carried-over estimate. He said the $533,463 fuel reduction was unlikely to be introduced because fuel costs are too uncertain.
He also dropped the proposed $280,000 reduction in nonunion COLA increases, saying it did not move the budget enough to justify it. “Why make people make people sad for no reason?” he asked. Asare also abandoned the $405,599 vacancy-factor amendment, agreeing that reducing payroll appropriations merely because some positions are expected to be vacant was not particularly useful.
### Clearer consensus on some cuts
The councilmembers who spoke showed much stronger agreement on the $600,000 reduction in the ED-LIT subsidy to sanitation. Stosberg said the sanitation division’s planned rate increases assume the subsidy will decline from $1.6 million to $1 million. Piedmont-Smith had made essentially the same proposal as Stosberg. They will be merged.
There was also substantial support for eliminating the vacant transportation demand manager position. Piedmont-Smith said the city could not show that the position had achieved its original purpose of changing how people travel. Asare supported eliminating it, and Stosberg said it had never quite performed the role originally envisioned.
A $2.5-million parking meter fund placeholder also remains a target. Councilmembers seem inclined to cut the appropriation in the 2027 budget and have the public works department ask for it when specific projects are ready.
Other proposals seem less unsettled, including cuts to planning studies and special legal services, as well as a group of reductions based on historical underspending. Several councilmembers said they want to see the administration’s written response before deciding how to vote on the historical underspending. That’s Asare’s Amendment 07\.
### Oct. 7 for amendments, a week later for adoption
The council is expected to formally consider the amendments Wednesday, Oct. 7.
City controller Geoff McKim warned on Wednesday that if councilmembers approve more than a handful of changes, city staff will need time afterward to put the revisions into the financial system, update the submission to the state and generate a revised Form 4 for adoption.
That makes Oct. 14 the likely final adoption date, if councilmembers approve substantial amendments on Oct. 7.
### Summary table of proposed amendments
**How to read this table:**An appropriation reduction is not necessarily the same thing as savings. Some amendments eliminate proposed spending, while others reduce budgeted amounts to reflect expected costs, vacancies or spending that could be requested again later.
**Status update:** The shading reflects discussion at the Sept. 30 council work session. No votes were taken, and proposals can still be revised before formal consideration.
Yellow: appears still in play Gray: appears out or superseded
Sponsor(s)
Amendment
Appropriation reduction
Savings?
Condensed synopsis
Sponsor(s) Stosberg Still in play
Amendment no number
Appropriation reduction $600,000
Savings? No
Synopsis Reduces the ED-LIT subsidy to sanitation from $1.6 million to $1 million. Reduces the transfer, but does not by itself establish that sanitation will spend $600,000 less. The point is that the council intends to raise trash cart prices to reduce the amount of transfer needed to pay for the service.
Sponsor(s) Zulich Still in play; may change
Amendment Z-01
Appropriation reduction $418,020
Savings? No
Synopsis Reduces Public Works funding by $418,020 to $800,000, which is supposed to bring the appropriation closer to prior election costs. The amount specified in the budget book for muncipal election support in 2027 was $650,000\. The city of Bloomington was billed for $471,803.88 by Monroe County for the 2023 municipal elections.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith Still in play
Amendment PS 1 (budget)
Appropriation reduction $10,000
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Eliminates funding reserved in the mayor’s office for branding initiatives.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith Still in play
Amendment PS 2
Appropriation reduction $104,683 + benefits
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Eliminates salary and related benefit costs for the vacant Transportation Demand Manager position.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith Still in play
Amendment PS 1 (salary)
Appropriation reduction Position eliminated
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Deletes the currently vacant Transportation Demand Manager position from the salary ordinance. Companion to PS 2; no separate dollar reduction should be added to PS 2.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith Superseded duplicate
Amendment PS 3
Appropriation reduction $600,000
Savings? No
Synopsis This looks like the same as Stosberg’s amendment. Reduces the ED-LIT subsidy to sanitation from $1.6 million to $1 million. Reduces the transfer, but does not by itself establish that sanitation will spend $600,000 less.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith Still in play
Amendment PS 4
Appropriation reduction $2.5 million
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Removes a parking-study implementation placeholder. The department could seek an additional appropriation after specific projects are identified.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith Still in play
Amendment PS 5
Appropriation reduction $2 million
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Reduces Housing Development Fund appropriations for programs not yet specified; the department could seek additional appropriations later.
Sponsor(s) Asare, Stosberg Superseded duplicate
Amendment 01
Appropriation reduction $2.5 million
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Looks like its the same as Piedmont-Smith's amendment above. Removes a parking-study implementation placeholder. The department could seek an additional appropriation after specific projects are identified.
Sponsor(s) Asare Appears out
Amendment 02
Appropriation reduction $600,000
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Reduces ITS equipment funding associated with outcomes-based budgeting from $943,000 to $343,000 pending a clearer implementation plan.
Sponsor(s) Asare Still in play
Amendment 03
Appropriation reduction $490,000
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Removes funding for corridor, subarea and other planning studies until specific scopes, deliverables, schedules and results are presented.
Sponsor(s) Asare Still in play; may change
Amendment 07
Appropriation reduction $475,230
Savings? Mixed
Synopsis Reduces a collection of accounts based largely on recent actual spending and identified needs. Some reductions are budget right-sizing; others could represent spending forgone.
Sponsor(s) Asare Still in play; may narrow
Amendment 09
Appropriation reduction $25,750
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Removes funding for branding, Cabinet development, events and related materials.
Sponsor(s) Asare Still in play; tentative
Amendment 12
Appropriation reduction $41,925
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Reduces non-police and non-fire travel appropriations by 25%.
Sponsor(s) Asare Pending information
Amendment 13
Appropriation reduction $90,609
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Reduces ITS dues and subscriptions to $509,124 pending a detailed vendor, license, user, utilization, renewal and overlap schedule.
Sponsor(s) Asare Out
Amendment 14
Appropriation reduction $288,078
Savings? No
Synopsis Adjusts health and life insurance appropriations from the preliminary 9% planning assumption to the 5.8% renewal increase. The syopsis says the $288,078 reduction is calculated after Budget Amendment 04 is assumed to pass, but Amendment 04 was not included in the work session information packet.
Sponsor(s) Asare Appears out
Amendment 15
Appropriation reduction $533,463
Savings? No
Synopsis Reduces citywide gasoline and diesel appropriations to $2.5 million while preserving department-level fuel authority; principally a budget-estimate adjustment.
Sponsor(s) Asare Pending information
Amendment 16
Appropriation reduction $168,328
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Reduces Special Legal Services from $518,328 to $350,000 pending identification of matters, outside counsel, rates, encumbrances and expected need.
Sponsor(s) Asare Out
Amendment 17
Appropriation reduction $280,000
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Reduces the proposed nonunion pay increase from 2.7% to 2.0%, including associated variable payroll costs.
Sponsor(s) Asare Out
Amendment 18
Appropriation reduction $405,599
Savings? No
Synopsis Applies a 1% civilian personnel vacancy factor. The reduction reflects anticipated vacancy-related underspending rather than a policy decision to eliminate positions or reduce compensation.
**Savings?** “Yes” indicates a substantive reduction in proposed spending; “No” indicates primarily budget right-sizing, a funding-source change or recognition of expected underspending; “Conditional” indicates spending authority removed now that could be requested again later; “Mixed” indicates an amendment containing more than one of those types of reductions.
### Oct. 1, 2026: Possible cuts to 2027 Bloomington budget, new money for parks capital planning
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/oct-1-2026-possible-cuts-to-2027-bloomington-budget-new-money-for-parks-capital-planning/
Last updated: 2026-10-01T08:43:58.000Z
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** You won’t need rain gear through the day, but this is the final day of dry weather for a bit. The partly sunny skies will push the high temperature to 88F°.
**Friday:** Take an umbrella or a rain jacket. Especially before noon, there’s at least an 80% chance of rain. The high will hit just 67F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Council’s proposed Bloomington budget cuts add to millions, but savings are much smaller](https://bsquarebulletin.com/councils-proposed-bloomington-budget-cuts-add-to-millions-but-savings-are-much-smaller/). Bloomington councilmembers will review millions of dollars in proposed 2027 budget cuts Wednesday, but many would trim placeholders or align appropriations with expected spending rather than produce new savings. Policy-driven proposed reductions total about $452,000.
- [New grant opportunity with $10M in play could reshape Bloomington parks capital plan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-grant-opportunity-with-10m-in-play-could-reshape-bloomington-parks-capital-plan/). Bloomington parks is reworking its capital plan after a Lilly-backed grant created the possibility of up to $10 million more for projects. Priorities include pools, ice, pickleball, baseball, trails and a possible sale of the department’s South Walnut Street property.
### Other notes
**Patience required for Monroe County government website.** Here’s the word from IT at the county (emphasis added in bold):
> We are writing to inform you of an upcoming data migration that will have an impact on the County website. Our website host, the State of Indiana, has partnered with a new content management company. This requires that all data on our site be migrated from the previous company to the new partner. The migration is planned to begin on September 30th and run through October 15th. **During this time, our site may experience issues to include but not limited to temporary outages, broken links, or missing data.** Please note that our website address and navigation of the site will remain the same as it is currently. The Technical Services Department is working closely with the State and their partners to limit disruption to services. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.
### On the calendar
**County roadwork.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 1) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQD-YRyDvObXSI4JebTdSM98AYVUwjSzutyN4Sgpu4Ytqh4?e=ty5ugd) for the Monroe County commissioners are a few items involving county roads. One is the award of a paving contract for parts of Liberty Hollow Road, Bowman Road, and Brown Road. Another is a contract for construction inspection services for the high friction surface treatment at four locations on Fairfax Road. A third road-related item is a contract to engineer and develop a scope for the necessary repairs on Russell Road.
**Election board.** A regular meeting of Monroe County’s election board is set for [Thursday (Oct. 1) at 1:30 p.m.](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting%5FM2Q5NTQwNDItMGIxOC00ODIwLWIwZTUtZDBlM2MwMzVjYTlj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2249a60700-4c0c-4ece-b904-fb92c600e553%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22db83725f-c48f-476f-8894-d4bb087d29f8%22%7d) The board will likely get a briefing on preparations for the start of early voting, which is next Tuesday, Oct. 6 at [Election Central](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3sb5u89jEKS8siRr9) in Showers North on Morton Street.
**Pizza Trail: Oct. 1–31.** October is pizza month. And in Bloomington this is commemorated with a [Pizza Trail](https://www.visitbloomington.com/restaurants/passports/pizza-passport-trail/) that Visit Bloomington is promoting. The idea is you sign up for a mobile pass, which sounds like a kind of digital punchcard. Every time you check in with one of 20 different local pizza joints, you get a credit. And at the end you can redeem the points for gift cards to ... pizza joints. There
**Bloomington Paint Out: Oct. 3.** The fifth annual Bloomington Paint Out takes place rain or shine on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bryan Park, with artist check-in from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Woodlawn Pavilion. Artists of all ages and skill levels can paint anywhere in Bloomington, with finished work due by 3:15 p.m. for judging in several age and experience categories. Free classes, supplies and artist demonstrations will be offered at the pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no registration fee or advance registration.
---
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Redford
Up for adoption, as of Sept. 30 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Redford](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87872). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is a Staffordshire bull terrier. Here’s what his previous owner has written about [Redford](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87872).
> Redford is a velcro dog. He loves chewing on sticks and will thrive in a fenced in backyard. He can be a bit particular with other dogs but has lived in a home with another dog and cat. He'll do best with older kids. Redford is currently roommates with a cat and dog. He needs to be supervised when interacting with the cat, he wants to play but is strong and clumsy. He will thrive in a home with a backyard and older kids. We do a lot of walks and he loves to play catch. Red is a stick connoisseur and loves to break them down! He may be allergic to peanut butter. As long as you let him out regularly he is housetrained; however, he hasn't figured out how to let you know he needs to go. Red is a fun dog and loves to cuddle but unfortunately we are allergic to him. He's about 65lbs but has short stubby legs. He kind of looks like Scrappy Doo!
### Photo Finish: Kirkwood Avenue & Washington Street
The poster advertising the Lotus Festival highlights the Backyard Comedy Showcase, which takes place Friday, Oct. 2, at 9 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. Admission is free. (Dave Askins, Sept. 29, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
Here’s some news about B There. It was conceived as a way for Bloomington residents to document the new and interesting things they encounter in this town, as they go about their ordinary business. Each item is just a photo with a caption and a headline that just gives the closest street intersection.
Participation has been very light so far. But here’s an uppercase thank you to those of you who have submitted items! THANK YOU! It’s still me who files the vast majority of items, and I live downtown. That means readers might wonder: Does anything in Bloomington happen outside of downtown? Anyhow, I’m currently testing out an app to make taking and submitting a B There photo simpler. Look, I have installed the test app on my own phone! Hope to roll it out sometime soon. If you would like to help test it out, send me a note.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great weekend!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Kirkwood Avenue & Washington Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-washington-street-9/
Last updated: 2026-09-30T13:16:41.000Z
The poster advertising the Lotus Festival highlights the Backyard Comedy Showcase, which takes place Friday, Oct. 2, at 9 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. Admission is free. (Dave Askins, Sept. 29, 2026)
### Council’s proposed Bloomington budget cuts add to millions, but savings are much smaller
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/councils-proposed-bloomington-budget-cuts-add-to-millions-but-savings-are-much-smaller/
Last updated: 2026-10-02T22:27:11.000Z
This image is from an "ant's eye view" of a B Square table of potential 2027 budget amendments included in a [packet](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17531/download) released on Tuesday night. (Dave Askins, Sept. 29, 2026)
Bloomington city councilmembers will spend Wednesday evening (Sept. 30) sorting through a batch of [proposed amendments](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17531/download) to mayor Kerry Thomson’s 2027 budget. The changes range from reductions in travel and consulting accounts to the elimination of one vacant city position.
The amendments were released shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 29) as part of the information packet for a council work session set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. The work session agenda is devoted to possible changes to the city’s 2027 basic budget and salary ordinances.
The amendments would reduce appropriations by millions of dollars. There are no proposed amendments that add spending, because Indiana state law doesn’t allow a city council to make changes that add spending.
But the total amount cut from the budget in the council’s proposed amendments is not the same as the city would actually save. Some amendments represent policy choices to spend less. Others simply bring budgeted amounts closer to what the city is already expected to spend, or remove placeholder appropriations that could be restored later.
That distinction could become a central part of Wednesday’s discussion.
The proposed 2027 budget [authorizes about $165.7 million in spending](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-2027-budget-no-new-full-time-positions-still-taps-5-5m-in-general-fund-reserves/) across the city’s tax-supported and special-purpose funds, not counting utilities or general-obligation debt-service funds. Estimated 2027 revenue for those funds totals about $137.7 million. The city’s general fund, which is the city’s main operating fund, calls for $63.7 million in spending, compared to $58.3 million in expected revenue. That means a projected $5.47-million reduction in general fund reserves.
The distinction between an appropriation and actual spending was underscored at the council’s formal budget hearing last Wednesday (Sept. 23). City controller Geoff McKim told councilmembers that the state budget forms assume every authorized dollar will be spent. In practice, he said, that rarely happens because of vacant positions, unspent capital money and similar factors.
As an example, one of council president Isak Asare’s proposed amendments would reduce personnel appropriations by $405,599 by applying a 1% vacancy factor to the civilian payroll. That does not mean the amendment would reduce personnel spending by $405,599\. It just reflects the fact that some positions are expected to sit vacant for portions of the year anyway.
Another amendment proposed by Asare would reduce health and life insurance appropriations by $288,078, reflecting a renewal increase of 5.8% instead of the 9% planning assumption that was used when the budget was assembled. The appropriation would go down if the amendment is adopted, but the amendment does not itself make insurance cheaper.
By contrast, other amendments would make an explicit choice not to spend money that the administration has proposed.
### Proposed amendments that mean savings
Isabel Piedmont-Smith has proposed eliminating the vacant transportation demand manager position in the economic and sustainable development department. The corresponding budget amendment cuts $104,683 in salary funding, plus associated benefits. That would translate into actual savings, because the position would not be filled for any part of the year.
Asare proposes reducing the administration’s planned increase for nonunion employee pay from 2.7% to 2%, for an estimated $280,000 reduction including related payroll costs.
Another Asare amendment cuts non-police and non-fire travel by 25%, reducing appropriations by about $41,925\. And an amendment targeting spending in the mayor’s office would eliminate $25,750 for branding, cabinet staff development, events and related materials.
After accounting for overlap between different amendments, those clearly policy-driven spending reductions total at least about $452,000.
That figure is substantially smaller than the millions of dollars in total reductions that are included in the work session information packet.
### Big reductions could come back later
Several of the largest amendments would remove money from the 2027 budget without necessarily foreclosing the spending.
One example is a $2.5-million parking meter fund appropriation, which is described by the administration as placeholder money for implementation of recommendations from the city’s recent parking study.
Piedmont-Smith has proposed taking the full $2.5 million out and requiring the administration to return later with an additional appropriation after specific investments and costs have been identified.
Asare and Hopi Stosberg have proposed a separate amendment that does essentially the same thing to the same $2.5-million appropriation. Their version says a future proposal should identify the project scope, cost, implementation schedule and expected results.
Piedmont-Smith also proposes reducing housing development fund appropriations by $2 million. Her amendment would leave $1 million appropriated and allow the Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) department to return with additional appropriation requests as specific programs are identified.
Asare proposes cutting $600,000 from an ITS equipment account associated with implementation of outcomes-based budgeting, saying the administration has not presented a sufficiently clear implementation plan.
Another Asare amendment would remove $490,000 from planning and transportation department studies, including $265,000 for a corridor and subarea study and $225,000 for additional studies and projects, until specific scopes and deliverables are presented.
Councilmember Sydney Zulich has proposed reducing a Public Works appropriation by $418,020, from about $1.22 million to $800,000\. The proposed 2027 city budget included $650,000 for Bloomington’s share of conducting the municipal elections in 2027\. Zulich’s proposed reduction of $418,020 would leave the allocated amount to cover municipal elections at around $231,000\. In 2023, the last Bloomington municipal election year, Monroe County [billed the city 471,804 for election costs](https://bsquarebulletin.com/election-board-roundup-bloomington-municipal-election-cost-472k-talk-on-vote-center-timeline/). That was the total from $198,127 for the primary and $273,676 for the general election.
### Additional cuts?
The proposed amendments released Tuesday night do not include some of the more sweeping personnel reductions that Asare has circulated to at least some of his council colleagues.
At the council’s Sept. 23 budget hearing last week, Asare seemed to preview a broader set of reductions than the amendments that eventually appeared in Tuesday’s packet. Last week he said he had “a bunch of amendments that are related to reduction in positions,” including vacant positions, along with another amendment dealing with “general reorganizations of staffing and positions.”
Asare summed up the package this way: “So in total, all of the things that I'm going to be suggesting is about $7 million in cuts across the budget.” At the end of his remarks, Asare said the proposals would be circulated after the meeting: “We'll send them around in writing after this meeting …”
One set of draft amendments that Asare circulated to at least some council colleagues goes substantially beyond the personnel amendments included in Tuesday’s official work session packet. Among the possibilities in the draft set are cutting the public engagement director in the mayor’s office and the grant compliance manager in HAND (Housing and neighborhood Development), which are both currently vacant positions. The draft would also eliminate two other mayor’s office positions: the legislative affairs specialist; and the homelessness response coordinator.
More sweeping proposals from Asare would have eliminate all economic and sustainable development (ESD) department personnel, except its director and all community and family resources department (CFRD) personnel, except its director.
The council is currently scheduled to take its final budget votes at a special meeting on [Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m.](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings/2026) Indiana’s Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) lists Bloomington’s Sept. 23 public hearing and Oct. 7 adoption meeting in the [state budget-notice system](https://budgetnotices.in.gov/unit%5Flookup.aspx?ct=53000 ).
The Oct. 7 date is not the council’s last legal opportunity to act. The state’s 2026 [budget calendar](https://www.in.gov/dlgf/files/2026-memos/260218-Culy-Memo-2026-Budget-Calendar.pdf) sets Nov. 2 as the last possible date for local governments to adopt 2027 budgets. That means Bloomington’s city council could continue consideration through the end of October if councilmembers do not finish on Oct. 7\.
Wednesday’s (Sept. 30) work session [starts at 6:30 p.m.](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17531/download), which is the usual time for the council to meet. But the location will not be the customary one. Wednesday, the council will hold its work session in the McCloskey Room, which is down the hall from the council chambers.
### Summary table of proposed amendments
This table of the amendments in the work session meeting information packet was assembled by The B Square with annotations added in places.
**How to read this table:**An appropriation reduction is not necessarily the same thing as savings. Some amendments eliminate proposed spending, while others reduce budgeted amounts to reflect expected costs, vacancies or spending that could be requested again later.
Sponsor(s)
Amendment
Appropriation reduction
Savings?
Condensed synopsis
Sponsor(s) Stosberg
Amendment no number
Appropriation reduction $600,000
Savings? No
Synopsis Reduces the ED-LIT subsidy to sanitation from $1.6 million to $1 million. Reduces the transfer, but does not by itself establish that sanitation will spend $600,000 less. The point is that the council intends to raise trash cart prices to reduce the amount of transfer needed to pay for the service.
Sponsor(s) Zulich
Amendment Z-01
Appropriation reduction $418,020
Savings? No
Synopsis Reduces Public Works funding by $418,020 to $800,000, which is supposed to bring the appropriation closer to prior election costs. The amount specified in the budget book for muncipal election support in 2027 was $650,000\. The city of Bloomington was billed for $471,803.88 by Monroe County for the 2023 municipal elections.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith
Amendment PS 1 (budget)
Appropriation reduction $10,000
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Eliminates funding reserved in the mayor’s office for branding initiatives.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith
Amendment PS 2
Appropriation reduction $104,683 + benefits
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Eliminates salary and related benefit costs for the vacant Transportation Demand Manager position.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith
Amendment PS 1 (salary)
Appropriation reduction Position eliminated
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Deletes the currently vacant Transportation Demand Manager position from the salary ordinance. Companion to PS 2; no separate dollar reduction should be added to PS 2.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith
Amendment PS 3
Appropriation reduction $600,000
Savings? No
Synopsis This looks like the same as Stosberg’s amendment. Reduces the ED-LIT subsidy to sanitation from $1.6 million to $1 million. Reduces the transfer, but does not by itself establish that sanitation will spend $600,000 less.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith
Amendment PS 4
Appropriation reduction $2.5 million
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Removes a parking-study implementation placeholder. The department could seek an additional appropriation after specific projects are identified.
Sponsor(s) Piedmont-Smith
Amendment PS 5
Appropriation reduction $2 million
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Reduces Housing Development Fund appropriations for programs not yet specified; the department could seek additional appropriations later.
Sponsor(s) Asare, Stosberg
Amendment 01
Appropriation reduction $2.5 million
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Looks like its the same as Piedmont-Smith's amendment above. Removes a parking-study implementation placeholder. The department could seek an additional appropriation after specific projects are identified.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 02
Appropriation reduction $600,000
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Reduces ITS equipment funding associated with outcomes-based budgeting from $943,000 to $343,000 pending a clearer implementation plan.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 03
Appropriation reduction $490,000
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Removes funding for corridor, subarea and other planning studies until specific scopes, deliverables, schedules and results are presented.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 07
Appropriation reduction $475,230
Savings? Mixed
Synopsis Reduces a collection of accounts based largely on recent actual spending and identified needs. Some reductions are budget right-sizing; others could represent spending forgone.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 09
Appropriation reduction $25,750
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Removes funding for branding, Cabinet development, events and related materials.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 12
Appropriation reduction $41,925
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Reduces non-police and non-fire travel appropriations by 25%.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 13
Appropriation reduction $90,609
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Reduces ITS dues and subscriptions to $509,124 pending a detailed vendor, license, user, utilization, renewal and overlap schedule.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 14
Appropriation reduction $288,078
Savings? No
Synopsis Adjusts health and life insurance appropriations from the preliminary 9% planning assumption to the 5.8% renewal increase. The syopsis says the $288,078 reduction is calculated after Budget Amendment 04 is assumed to pass, but Amendment 04 was not included in the work session information packet.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 15
Appropriation reduction $533,463
Savings? No
Synopsis Reduces citywide gasoline and diesel appropriations to $2.5 million while preserving department-level fuel authority; principally a budget-estimate adjustment.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 16
Appropriation reduction $168,328
Savings? Conditional
Synopsis Reduces Special Legal Services from $518,328 to $350,000 pending identification of matters, outside counsel, rates, encumbrances and expected need.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 17
Appropriation reduction $280,000
Savings? Yes
Synopsis Reduces the proposed nonunion pay increase from 2.7% to 2.0%, including associated variable payroll costs.
Sponsor(s) Asare
Amendment 18
Appropriation reduction $405,599
Savings? No
Synopsis Applies a 1% civilian personnel vacancy factor. The reduction reflects anticipated vacancy-related underspending rather than a policy decision to eliminate positions or reduce compensation.
**Savings?** “Yes” indicates a substantive reduction in proposed spending; “No” indicates primarily budget right-sizing, a funding-source change or recognition of expected underspending; “Conditional” indicates spending authority removed now that could be requested again later; “Mixed” indicates an amendment containing more than one of those types of reductions.
### Kirkwood Avenue & Washington Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-washington-street-8/
Last updated: 2026-09-30T13:05:36.000Z
Construction on the condominium and restaurant project has now reached to top of the CVS. (Dave Askins, Sept. 29, 2026)
### Courthouse square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-22/
Last updated: 2026-09-30T12:59:52.000Z
The posting on the vacant storefront window that says "No Posting" which went up a few days ago, after a layer of postings had accumulated, seems to be working so far. (Dave Askins, Sept. 29, 2026)29
### College Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-kirkwood/
Last updated: 2026-10-08T09:15:09.000Z
The flyer is advocating for the ordinance that Bloomington’s city council will be considering for a vote at its [Oct. 14, 2026 meeting](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings), which would ban the use of automatic license plate reading technology like that used in Flock Safety cameras. (Dave Askins, Sept. 30, 2026)
### New grant opportunity with $10M in play could reshape Bloomington parks capital plan
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-grant-opportunity-with-10m-in-play-could-reshape-bloomington-parks-capital-plan/
Last updated: 2026-09-29T09:52:02.000Z
Bloomington parks and recreation director Tim Street presents the funding options to the board of park commissioners at their special meeting held at the Switchyard Park pavilion on Monday: $7.1 million in general obligation bonds; a $200,000 planning grant; and a $10-million grant through the Lilly-backed Indiana Community Parks Initiative. (Dave Askins, Sept. 28, 2026)
Bloomington’s parks department had been building a [capital investment plan](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/BPRD-Investment-Priorities-Plan-2026.pdf) based on roughly $7 million in borrowing. Then, just as staff were finishing the draft, a new statewide parks grant opportunity backed by Lilly Endowment Inc. changed the math.
At a special meeting held on Monday (Sept. 28) at Switchyard Park, parks director Tim Street told the board of park commissioners that Bloomington is among the Indiana communities invited to participate in the Community Parks Initiative. The city can apply for up to $200,000 for planning, which would make it eligible to compete for an implementation grant of up to $10 million. Nearly $400 million in Lilly Endowment funding has been allocated statewide for the initiative, Street said.
Added to the roughly $7 million general obligation bond that parks staff had been considering for 2027, that puts in play potentially as much as $17 million. But in his remarks on Monday, Street cautioned that the city is not proposing to spend $17 million on the parks capital program.
But it’s clear the grant has changed the department’s approach. Staff will now determine which projects are good candidates for the grant, which can be covered through regular capital spending or other revenue, and how much still needs to be borrowed. Street called the draft investment plan a “jumping-off point” for a conversation.
The $200,000 planning-grant application is due at the end of October. Street said staff expects to update the parks board at its October meeting. The implementation grant would come later in the process. No action on the capital plan was taken Monday.
The draft is intended as a supplement to the recently adopted [2026–2030 parks master plan](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/City-of-Bloomington-IN-Parks-and-Recreation-Department-Master-Plan-2026%5F2030.pdf ), which made “invest in what we have” one of its central priorities. Its 15 recommendations are neither ranked nor exhaustive.
Street called the Community Parks Initiative “a game-changing opportunity.”
### 349 S. Walnut
One of the more [significant recommendations](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/BPRD-Investment-Priorities-Plan-2026.pdf#page=5) in the capital plan does not involve a park at all. Bloomington’s parks and recreation department could sell its building at 349 S. Walnut St., which is currently leased to The Project School.
Two appraisals put the property’s value at around $2.7 million. The school currently pays $4.50 per square foot, compared with an estimated low-end market rent of $9\. If parks and recreation keeps the building, the plan recommends raising the rent to at least the low end of the market when the current lease expires in 2029\. Sale proceeds or increased rent would go into the parks and recreation non-reverting fund for capital improvements.
Street said Monday that the question is whether the parks department needs to continue to own the downtown property when converting that asset to cash could help address needs elsewhere. He said Project School leadership has already been told that the department is considering the issue.
The property was acquired by the parks and recreation department in 1979 as part of a land swap for the property at 115 East 6th Street, which at the time housed the city’s Center for Older Americans. The negotiations on the deal were [reported by the Herald Times](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/OCR-News%5FArticle%5F%5FHerald-Times%5FBloomington%5FIN%5Fpublished%5Fas%5FThe%5FHerald-Telephone%5F%5F%5FSeptember%5F17%5F1979%5F%5Fp6.pdf) in September 1979\. Based on the [appropriation ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1979-11-07-Owl-Sleep-Center-Swap-Parks-and-rec-App%5FOrd%5F79-14.pdf) approved at the time by the city council, it looks like the city acquired the property on South Walnut in exchange for the 115 East 6th Street property plus $70,000\.
### Advocacy: Pickleball, turf baseball, ice arena
Several of the other recommendations in the capital plan drew organized contingents to Monday’s meeting.
Six speakers advocated for pickleball. The plan calls for spending about $50,000 to convert two tennis courts at RCA Community Park into six pickleball courts. Speakers generally welcomed that proposal, but said it falls short of current and anticipated demand. They described crowded courts and waits to play, urged the city to develop a longer-range pickleball plan and suggested adding courts elsewhere without necessarily converting additional tennis courts. Several also urged the parks department to establish clearer rotation rules and signage when courts are crowded.
Eight speakers advocated for the proposed turf investment at Winslow Sports Park. The plan calls for turf infields on four junior baseball diamonds, and LED lighting. That recommendation also calls for coordination with city utilities on stormwater improvements, at an estimated cost of at least $2.5 million. In their support of investing in turf baseball fields, speakers pointed to rainouts, field-maintenance demands and opportunities to attract tournaments and their associated visitor spending.
The same recommendation would leave two Bryan Park diamonds and one Butler Park diamond as grass multipurpose fields and phase out the Lower Cascades ballfields because of declining use and floodplain constraints.
Three speakers focused directly on preserving or improving the ice operation at Frank Southern Ice Arena. They cited heavy demand for ice time, the limitations of Bloomington’s seasonal one-sheet operation and the travel required for hockey and figure skaters looking for additional ice time.
Two bike polo players also spoke, making five commenters whose remarks touched on recreational uses tied to the arena or related facilities. During the off-season without ice, Frank Southern was used earlier this year for a [two-day bike polo tournament](https://bsquarebulletin.com/16-teams-converge-for-bike-polo-in-bloomington-at-hoosier-tenderloin-classic-tournament/). Bike polo speakers also supported the proposed $170,000 multi-use games area at Building Trades Park.
Frank Southern presents one of the plan’s biggest financial decisions. Parks proposes spending $125,000 now on building repairs while continuing to study longer-term choices. The two basic longer term alternatives are: spend around $2 million for an indirect ammonia refrigeration system; or spend about $4 million for a more complete replacement. A third option, which sounds unlikely, would be to spend more than $15 million for a new arena. The plan calls for a decision by the end of 2028.
### Other recommendations, next steps
Other major recommendations in the plan include $5 million to $9 million for Bryan Park Pool, including bathhouse modernization, accessibility and mechanical improvements. Mills Pool would receive only sustaining repairs rather than an equivalent renovation. The plan says that the age and lower use of the Mills Pool could eventually lead to its closure.
The plan also calls for $350,000 to $400,000 for an inclusive playground at Olcott Park. Trail and asphalt repairs are estimated at $500,000 to $1 million. Banneker Community Center appears in the plan for $200,000 to $250,000 for an elevator and other work. A future $2 million to $3 million revenue bond might be used to replace the 1981 irrigation system at Cascades Golf Course. Work on the Griffy Lake North Shore trail is estimated at $200,000 to $300,000\.
Beyond those one-time projects, the parks department is proposing to increase the share of its general fund devoted to routine capital investment. The goal is to increase capital spending to at least 4% in 2028, 5% in 2029 and 6% in 2030\. Over the previous decade, capital spending averaged only about 2.2% of general-fund expenditures, according to Street.
Monday’s big turnout from the public prompted a caution from park commissioner Ellen Rodkey. She noted that most of the people who showed up to speak at the meeting represented organized constituencies for baseball, pickleball and ice sports. Trail users, pool users and other residents do not necessarily have clubs that can mobilize people to attend a meeting, Rodkey pointed out.
Street agreed that public-comment turnout could not by itself determine priorities. He pointed to the statistically valid survey conducted for the master plan and other usage, condition and financial data that staff will weigh alongside comments from organized groups. Trails, for example, ranked first in the community survey even though trail users did not turn out Monday as an organized bloc. An [online form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexQFvq2i3YorD-WQuvsbgG7cy5af8p6VzkiYFpUg3Kd-qfcg/viewform) is still open for residents to submit comments on the parks master plan.
Balancing the interests of the general public and various organized interest groups would be somewhat easier with the possibility of more money from the Lilly-backed Community Parks Initiative. But even if Bloomington eventually secured the full $10 million implementation grant, Street told the board, the needs identified across the parks system would use up the money quickly.
### Smith Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/smith-street-walnut-street/
Last updated: 2026-09-28T17:02:17.000Z
Darn Good Soup has been back for a few weeks after a seasonal hiatus. A new flavor is delicious: Chorizo Potato Poblano. (Dave Askins, Sept. 28\. 2026)
### Sept. 28, 2026: MCCSC redistricting, jail numbers, absentee voting, courthouse clock, Young council bid, homelessness spending
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sept-28-2026-mccsc-redistricting-jail-numbers-absentee-voting-courthouse-clock-young-council-bid-homelessness-spending/
Last updated: 2026-09-29T13:52:30.000Z
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Slow down. There will be patchy fog early. Then it will clear off for a sunny day with a high of 78F°.
**Tuesday:** Slow down. There will be patchy fog early. Then it will clear off for a sunny day with a high of 80F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [MCCSC redistricting priorities: Socioeconomic balance, savings](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-redistricting-priorities-socioeconomic-balance-savings/). MCCSC has set numerical guardrails for possible redistricting, reorganization or restructuring. Socioeconomic balance and projected savings were given the most weight. A separate eight-month facilities study is also underway and could shape future scenarios.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-80/). What if the Monroe County courthouse dome were painted to look like a pumpkin?
- [Monroe County property transfers through Sept. 22, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-sept-22-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 21 to Sept. 22, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population still up, but just two recent drug arrestees remain](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-still-up-but-just-two-recent-drug-arrestees-remain/). Monroe County’s jail held 237 people Saturday, while its 10-day rolling average stood at about 234, down from 254 in late July. Despite heavy turnover, the population continues to exceed the ACLU’s 229-person functional capacity. Only 2 of the 7 Seminary Park arrestees on Tuesday are still in jail.
- [Monroe County election board: 1,075 absentee ballots issued as registration deadline looms](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-1-075-absentee-ballots-issued-as-registration-deadline-looms/). Monroe County election officials reported 1,075 absentee ballots issued as the Nov. 3 election approaches. Voter registration closes Oct. 5, with early voting starting Oct. 6\. A Sept. 30 town hall will be held for Ellettsville–Richland voters on the proposed government reorganization.
- [Timepiece notebook: Monroe County courthouse clock has no hands for now, waits on a new gearbox](https://bsquarebulletin.com/timepiece-notebook-monroe-county-courthouse-clock-has-no-hands-for-now-waits-on-a-new-gearbox/). A broken gearbox has left the ornate wall clock in Monroe County’s Nat U. Hill Room without hands. The county has ordered a replacement gearbox for the 1908-era timepiece, which operates separately from the courthouse tower clocks and bell timer.
- [Lilliana Young launches 2027 bid for Bloomington city council at-large seat](https://bsquarebulletin.com/lilliana-young-launches-2027-bid-for-bloomington-city-council-at-large-seat/). Lilliana Young will seek a Democratic nomination for Bloomington city council in 2027, less than five months after challenging state Rep. Matt Pierce. Young, a democratic socialist, is campaigning on housing, infrastructure, human rights and opposition to surveillance technology.
- [Monroe County adds $35K for encampment cleanup, $50K for patrols, $162K for housing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-adds-35k-for-encampment-cleanup-50k-for-patrols-162k-for-housing/). Monroe County commissioners approved more spending tied to homelessness Thursday: $35,000 for Powerline Camp cleanup, up to $50,000 for security patrols, and $162,379 for Heading Home’s direct-to-housing initiative
### Other notes
**Patience required for Monroe County government website.** Here’s the word from IT at the county (emphasis added in bold):
> We are writing to inform you of an upcoming data migration that will have an impact on the County website. Our website host, the State of Indiana, has partnered with a new content management company. This requires that all data on our site be migrated from the previous company to the new partner. The migration is planned to begin on September 30th and run through October 15th. **During this time, our site may experience issues to include but not limited to temporary outages, broken links, or missing data.** Please note that our website address and navigation of the site will remain the same as it is currently. The Technical Services Department is working closely with the State and their partners to limit disruption to services. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.
### On the calendar
**Parks investment priorities plan: Sept. 28.** Bloomington’s board of park commissioners will hold a special meeting at [5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28,](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17513/download) at the Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St., to review a [plan for investing in aging parks facilities](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nxvGNhUF74pIZMAfSuLIp88EZjBoOrR7/view?usp=sharing.) and addressing maintenance needs. The proposed 2026 Investment Priorities Plan includes projects at Bryan Park Pool, Winslow Sports Park, Olcott Park, Banneker Community Center, RCA Community Park and Cascades Golf Course, as well as long-term options for Frank Southern Ice Arena. The plan also explores a possible $7.3-million general obligation bond in 2027\. No final action is scheduled, and public comment will be taken.
**City council 2027 budget amendments??** At its meeting last Wednesday (Sept. 23), the various elements of the Bloomington city budget were introduced, for possible adoption on Oct. 7\. On Wednesday there were some vague allusions to various amendments to the budget that councilmembers wanted to consider. In fact, a work session on the topic of amendments was set for this [Wednesday (Sept. 30) at 6:30 p.m.](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings) None of the amendments have been posted for public viewing as of Monday morning, as I write this. That’s disappointing. If and when they are publicly available, the link where I think they will be posted is the [usual place](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings).
**Ellettsville–Richland reorganization town hall: Sept. 30**. The League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County will host a town hall from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Monroe County Public Library’s Ellettsville Branch, 600 W. Temperance St. The public can ask questions about the proposed Ellettsville–Richland Township reorganization and its possible consequences. Panelists are James Perry and Justin Ross of IU’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and IU Maurer School of Law student Colby Wicker.
Organizers say the event is intended as an informational session, not a debate. Questions may be submitted in advance to league@lwv-bmc.org Background on the reorganization is available at https://ellettsvillerichlandinfo.org For B Square background see: [Ellettsville–Richland reorganization headed to November ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ellettsville-richland-reorganization-headed-to-november-ballot/)
**Bloomington Paint Out: Oct. 3.** The fifth annual Bloomington Paint Out takes place rain or shine on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bryan Park, with artist check-in from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Woodlawn Pavilion. Artists of all ages and skill levels can paint anywhere in Bloomington, with finished work due by 3:15 p.m. for judging in several age and experience categories. Free classes, supplies and artist demonstrations will be offered at the pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no registration fee or advance registration.
---
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Odin!
Up for adoption, as of Sept. 27 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Odin](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86355). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is an Akita. I am surprised the shelter does not say anywhere that he is, of course, the king of the dogs. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Odin](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86355):
> Odin is a big ole handsome gentleman who loves people and has been very polite meeting other dogs! He came to the shelter with his son, who has since been adopted. Odin is a gentle giant and proudly parades the yard showing off how handsome he is. He absolutely loves to eat, but he is on a special diet due to some allergies. It's very important that he stick to his food, no matter how adorably he requests to share your snacks!
### Photo Finish: 6th Street & Washington Street
Middle Way House's annual [Wrapped in Love](https://middlewayhouse.org/wrapped-in-love/) display is now being installed. Plenty of tree sweaters are left to sponsor. But this one is proudly supported by The B Square. (Dave Askins, Sept. 24, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### MCCSC redistricting priorities: Socioeconomic balance, savings
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-redistricting-priorities-socioeconomic-balance-savings/
Last updated: 2026-09-27T16:41:11.000Z
[](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1cBZTjB59nwePs2kDLx0f5QFwk5MRTDM&usp=sharing)
Image links to \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1cBZTjB59nwePs2kDLx0f5QFwk5MRTDM&usp=sharing )\].
In the first part of September, at a three-hour work session on numerical guardrails for possible school redistricting and restructuring, the Monroe County Community School Corporation board settled on some specific parameters. That comes as a separate eight-month facilities planning process gets underway.
A posted summary by MCCSC lists the major redistricting parameters as: socioeconomic status balance; projected annual net expenses; utilization rate; class size integrity; transportation time; and percentage of students reassigned.
The redistricting parameters were highlighted at the end of the school board’s regular meeting last Tuesday (Sept. 22), when board president Erin Cooperman called attention to the results of the Sept. 8 work session. Cooperman noted that the guidelines from that work two weeks earlier had been [posted on the district’s website](https://news.mccsc.edu/2026/09/22/mccsc-school-board-discussed-parameters-and-goals-for-redistricting-at-public-work-session/).
The parameters are supposed to guide administrators as they develop and compare possible scenarios, in a process the board has broadened beyond attendance-boundary changes to include reorganization and restructuring.
The district’s summary of the Sept. 8 work session indicates that the board set numerical targets, constraints and weights for evaluating possible changes. The summary says that the two factors given the most weight were socioeconomic balance and projected annual expenses, but doesn’t go into detail.
For each factor, trustees set a target and a constraint. The target is the goal, while the constraint is supposed to be an absolute, non-negotiable threshold.
At the work session, board members gave socioeconomic balance and projected annual net expenses half of the total weight, splitting them evenly with 25% apiece. Building utilization and class-size integrity were weighted at 15% each. Transportation time and the percentage of students reassigned each received 10%, rounding out the total to 100%.
For socioeconomic balance, the board’s target is to have every school fall within 15 percentage points of MCCSC’s average percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price meals. A scenario would fail, if any school were more than 20 percentage points from the corporation average.
For finances, the target is a projected annual net savings of 1% to 3%, calculated over a fixed period. The board listed any projected increase in costs as a hard constraint.
The board set an 85% target for building utilization, with less than 70% or more than 100% treated as unacceptable. The 85% figure had previously been used in MCCSC’s redistricting study as an industry-standard target.
For class sizes, the board’s target calls for all classrooms to remain below the board-approved average, with a constraint of more than 20% of classrooms that exceed that average.
The board wants fewer than 20% of students reassigned under a restructuring scenario, with more than 30% treated as unacceptable. Trustees added that schools with higher percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price meals should not bear the greatest burden of reassignment.
Transportation is the least settled of the six measures. The target is essentially to maintain the status quo for student transportation times, but the board left the corresponding constraint to be determined.
The parameters do not amount to approval of any particular attendance map. No school has been selected for closure or consolidation, and the board has not decided to move sixth-graders into middle schools.
But the board has made clear that the scope of the exercise goes beyond simply drawing different elementary school attendance boundaries. During the Sept. 8 work session, trustees specifically discussed consolidation and school closures as possibilities that could be evaluated. Moving sixth grade to middle school was cited as an example of the kind of “restructuring” that could be tested against the same criteria.
During the Sept. 8 work session, trustees also flagged MCCSC’s current intra-district transfer policy as something that may have to change if redistricting moves forward. Some questioned whether broad school-choice transfers could coexist with new attendance boundaries. Trustee April Hennessy suggested that transfers might have to be capped saying the current “free for all” transfer approach probably could not continue.
### Summary of Sept. 8 work session
At its Sept. 8 work session, the MCCSC board reached working agreement on the factors, weights, targets and constraints in the table below for evaluating possible redistricting, reorganization or restructuring scenarios. The table is a B Square summary of that discussion. The framework was not adopted on a formal vote as official board policy.
Factor
Weight
Target
Constraint
Socioeconomic-status balance
Weight 25%
Target 100% of schools within 15 percentage points of the MCCSC average free- and reduced-price lunch rate
Constraint Any school more than 20 percentage points from the MCCSC average
Projected annual net expenses
Weight 25%
Target 1%–3% projected savings
Constraint Any projected increase
Building utilization
Weight 15%
Target 85% utilization
Constraint Below 70% or above 100%
Class-size integrity
Weight 15%
Target 100% of classrooms below the board-approved average
Constraint More than 20% of classrooms above the board-approved average
Transportation time
Weight 10%
Target Maintain the status quo
Constraint To be determined
Students reassigned
Weight 10%
Target Fewer than 20% of students reassigned
Constraint More than 30% reassigned; schools with higher numbers of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch should not bear the greatest burden
The six factors and weights were developed by the MCCSC board during its Sept. 8, 2026 work session.
### Facilities master plan
Another process now getting underway could have a direct bearing on what kinds of restructuring make sense.
At Tuesday’s meeting, consultants hired by MCCSC laid out an approximately eight-month process for producing a 10-year facilities master plan. The work will include assessments of building conditions and costs, enrollment information, use of space and educational programming. The consultants are CSO Architects and The Skillman Corporation, which the school board [hired in August](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-moves-toward-redistricting-talks-board-president-calls-change-inevitable/) to develop the 10-year facilities master plan.
Briefing the board at Sept. 22 meeting were Skillman’s Victor Landfair and CSO’s Brent Hite.
The first few months of the process will focus on gathering information, including enrollment data and conversations with school principals about building efficiency and programming. From there, the consultants said they will begin evaluating scenarios and trade-offs, eventually refining those into one or more possible directions for consideration by the school board. The consultants expect to return to the board at several points for validation and direction before any final plan is adopted.
The facilities study is not itself a redistricting study. But trustees have acknowledged that the two efforts are closely connected.
At the Sept. 8 work session, board member Ross Grimes said the facilities review should be a guiding consideration in redistricting, reorganization and restructuring decisions, because the physical condition of a building could affect decisions about where programs and students should be located. Superintendent Markay Winston said at the work session that the facilities planning process was expected to take six to eight months.
Trustees also discussed comparing the long-term facilities investments MCCSC would have to make, if nothing changed, against the costs required under a particular restructuring scenario. In other words, the financial question is not simply whether redistricting costs money, but whether a particular configuration saves money compared with what MCCSC otherwise would have to spend.
At the end of the Sept. 8 work session, Winston called the parameters a starting point that gave the administration concrete information about where the board stood. She said staff could begin running different scenarios and “crunching some numbers.” They could bring information back to trustees to see whether the results matched what they intended.
All this means that MCCSC has not yet reached a stage when the board will choose from among proposed attendance maps or restructuring plans. The board has instead established a numerical rubric for judging future possibilities. The facilities study will produce another set of information about the condition, cost and usefulness of the buildings that students would occupy in any redistricting scenario.
According to the district’s summary of the Sept. 8 work session, the board has requested another public work session, to continue the redistricting work.
The current effort grew out of a school board discussion that [started in late 2023](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2023/12/15/mccsc-board-wants-public-to-mull-elementary-school-merger-meant-to-balance-socio-economic-status/) over the large socioeconomic differences among MCCSC elementary schools.
In February 2024, the board launched a comprehensive study of elementary attendance boundaries. A 92-member redistricting study commission formed in 2025 and examined about 50 possible scenarios without recommending a particular map.
Its [findings](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-MCCSC-Findings-of-the-Redistricting-Study-Commission-in-the-Monroe-County-Community-School-Corporation.pdf) were [presented to the board](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-to-start-digesting-findings-from-yearlong-redistricting-effort/) this spring. In August, trustees agreed that the next step was to [establish measurable parameters](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-moves-toward-redistricting-talks-board-president-calls-change-inevitable/) before asking administrators to evaluate new scenarios, while broadening the discussion to include reorganization and restructuring.
###
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-80/
Last updated: 2026-09-27T12:19:28.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #81 (Sept. 27, 2026)**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through Sept. 22, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-sept-22-2026/
Last updated: 2026-09-27T12:16:10.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 21 to Sept. 22, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1fHpY1NLJlm6yKax9Sp9KtjcBlrqQfAs&usp=sharing ).\]
- On September 22, 2026, the property at 505 E 11th ST was sold to 306308 NORTH JEFFERSON STREET LLC by E DOUGLAS HORN for $1,100,000.
- On September 21, 2026, the property at 1732 W Ezekiel DR was sold to RONALD JOSEPH MARTIN by JOE KEMP CONSTRUCTION LLC for $465,750.
- On September 21, 2026, the property at 3437 S Glasgow CIR was sold to KYLE C ARNOLD by SHANNON TOMSHACK for $370,000.
- On September 21, 2026, the property at 3801 W Woodmere CT was sold to TRAVIS VICKERS by KEELY SIMS for $260,000.
- On September 21, 2026, the property at 116 E 19th ST was sold to KEVIN NGUYEN by THOMAS J DECKARD for $190,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 400 E 19th ST was sold to 408 E 17TH ST LLC by UNIVERSITY VILLAGE V LLC for $1,175,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 1016 E Maxwell LN was sold to THE JOHN E HEITLER JR AND LYNN MARIE RYAN REVOCABLE TRUST AGREEMENT by FREDRICK M PAVALKO for $769,900.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 2111 S Summerwood CT was sold to NHI THIEN LE by LEONARD F SJOGREN for $375,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 9677 W Reeves RD was sold to VICTOR PRIADKIN by ROBERT J HOPKINS for $324,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 230 W Church LN was sold to WOAD LLC by ALEXIS CULVER for $310,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 4345 N Deer Park DR was sold to DANIEL COWAN by WILLIAM R HOOD for $287,500.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 1738 N Lincoln ST was sold to KELLY BROWNELL by HAPPY HEART ENTERPRISES LLC for $260,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 411 E Glendora DR was sold to BASIR SAEEDI by PAUL PRITT for $260,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 504 S Crimson CT was sold to MICHELLE BARTLETT by DONALD E DICKENS for $250,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 2046 E Waters Edge DR was sold to RANDY MUEGGE by VINCENT S SOMMERS for $242,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 3702 S Tyler LN was sold to ANNA A HALLIDAY by MELISSA J IRA for $234,900.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 115 E Southern DR was sold to HAT & CO LLC by JON A HANSEN for $200,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 801 N Paddington WAY was sold to DYLAN A CRUSENBERRY by PRESTON L STONE for $195,000.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 1010 E Maxwell LN was sold to THE JOHN HEITLER JR AND LYNN MARIE RYAN REVOCABLE TRUST by FREDRICK M PAVALKO for $155,100.
- On September 18, 2026, the property at 1756 W Ezekiel DR was sold to EQUITY TRUST COMPANY CUSTODIAN FBO TODD SACKSTEDER by JOE KEMP CONSTRUCTION LLC for $96,000.
- On September 17, 2026, the property at 885 S Woodscrest DR was sold to SIMON C KINSMAN by CHERI JONES DEBRUICKER for $1,449,000.
- On September 17, 2026, the property at 1048 E Chris LN was sold to LETHI TU TRINH HOANG by RYAN ERICKSON for $442,700.
- On September 17, 2026, the property at 1010 W 10th ST was sold to FRANCES ANNE MONTGOMERY by MATTHEW W BLACKBURN for $199,900.
- On September 16, 2026, the property at 403 N Dunn ST was sold to BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC by BMI 2020 LLC for $1,673,800.
- On September 16, 2026, the property at 319 N Dunn ST was sold to BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC by BMI PROPERTIES LLC for $1,596,200.
- On September 16, 2026, the property at 1114 E Berkshire CT was sold to CARRIE G WINKEL by FREDONNA CURRY for $375,000.
- On September 16, 2026, the property at 1108 E Azalea LN was sold to OPENDOOR PROPERTY TRUST I by DONGEOOK MIN AKA DONG WOOK MIN for $361,200.
- On September 16, 2026, the property at 4595 W Johanna DR was sold to TITHOUDAM KHANN by PRO-ANGLE PROPERTIES LLC for $313,500.
- On September 16, 2026, the property at 707 E Grimes LN was sold to ALEXANDRA HODGE by THE JOINT REVOCABLE TRUST AGREEMENT OF DWIGHT PREWITT AND ESTHER E PREWITT for $289,000.
- On September 16, 2026, the property at 2180 E Fox LN was sold to EDDIE AND BEVERLY DECKARD JOINT REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST by FOX PROPERTY ENTERPRISES LLC for $170,000.
- On September 15, 2026, the property at 3200 N Browncliff LN was sold to MICHAEL J TAYLOR by ROBERT J FLEETWOOD AND CONSTANCE L FLEETWOOD FAMILY TRUST for $555,000.
- On September 15, 2026, the property at 602 E Barton Woods LN was sold to SHALEEN GUTHRIE by CONNER HOENE for $530,000.
- On September 15, 2026, the property at 2745 S Pine Meadows DR was sold to MARIO MENDOZA MENDEZ by STEINHAUS LLC for $257,000.
- On September 15, 2026, the property at 8401 S Stone Ridge RD was sold to DUSTIN N CARVER by DAVID B CLARK for $105,000.
- On September 15, 2026, the property at 9450 N Mt Pleasant RD was sold to MILDRED SNYDER by JANICE DIANE BELL for $75,000.
- On September 14, 2026, the property at 7575 S Shady Side DR was sold to BAHMAN NASSIM by MICHAEL O CAIN for $720,000.
- On September 14, 2026, the property at 3620 N Armstrong DR was sold to SAMUEL DOWNS by JOANNE M MARSHALL for $425,000.
- On September 14, 2026, the property at 367 E Cardinal Glen DR was sold to SCOTT D HELN by RHEDCY SCHOMACKER for $320,000.
- On September 14, 2026, the property at 9415 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to JEFFREY DENNY by ROBERT GORDON HENDERSON AND CLARA M HENDERSON LIVING TRUST for $319,900.
- On September 14, 2026, the property at 3882 S Westmont AVE was sold to CARTER L MYERS by JOSHUA R KUMMER for $295,000.
- On September 14, 2026, the property at 3200 E John Hinkle PL UNIT J was sold to NASER HASSANZADEH by MATTHEW WATSON for $196,900.
- On September 14, 2026, the property at 9305 S Pointe Retreat DR was sold to BRENT MICHAEL BREWER by JOSEPH FERRARA JR for $92,500.
- On September 11, 2026, the property at 4755 E Donington DR was sold to RUTH A HARPOOL by SHERRI ANNE HELLUMS for $450,000.
- On September 11, 2026, the property at 2003 S Sussex DR was sold to LUCIA STAVIG by DIANA CAROLINE OJEDA for $410,000.
- On September 11, 2026, the property at 1545 E Moffett LN was sold to ANDREW T TODD by WATER M KILLION AND BEVERLY J KILLION REVOCABLE TRUST for $265,000.
- On September 11, 2026, the property at 3498 S Oaklawn CIR was sold to JOY LIN by MOORE LUTES INVESTMENTS LLC for $218,000.
- On September 11, 2026, the property at 2930 W Winterberry CT was sold to IRMA HODGES by CASEY ULINSKI for $190,000.
- On September 11, 2026, the property at 3306 S Tulip AVE was sold to JAMIE L GRAEBE by ERIC E GRAEBE for $0.
- On September 10, 2026, the property at 302 N Jefferson ST was sold to ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES LLC by SACKSTEDER PROPERTIES LLC for $1,450,000.
- On September 9, 2026, the property at 5780 W Monarch CT was sold to ZIWEI XUE by COREY NEAL BARKER for $253,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 1531 S Dorchester DR was sold to A-1 TOWN HOMES AND APARTMENTS LLC by JACLYN BRAUNECKER for $1,000,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 3101 N Kinser PIKE was sold to MITCHELL A WALLS by CHRISTOPHER A WALLS for $225,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 1006 N Monroe ST was sold to JACOB MILLER by DAVID L FRIEDEL for $200,000.
- On September 4, 2026, the property at 5800 W May RD was sold to REBEKAH SCHOLL by ESTATE OF CEBER T SIMPSON for $260,850.
- On August 27, 2026, the property at 701 N College AVE was sold to BPG STATION 11 IN LLC by STATION 11 LLC for $16,350,000.
- On August 27, 2026, the property at S Rockport RD was sold to JOSEPH D KNEPP by CHARLES F NEWMAN for $300,000.
- On August 25, 2026, the property at 9701 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to DANIEL HUBBARD by RICHARD RUEHL for $233,500.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 929 N Plymouth CT was sold to KIRKWOOD REALTY by RUBEN MARTE for $270,101.
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population still up, but just two recent drug arrestees remain
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-still-up-but-just-two-recent-drug-arrestees-remain/
Last updated: 2026-10-04T10:50:28.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s jail population stood at 237 on Saturday (Sept. 26), which is one more than a week ago. The jail continues to routinely exceed the ACLU’s version of the jail’s functional capacity, which is 229.
The mid-week number pushed as high as 248, but that was still lower than the numbers in late July and early August when there was a six-day stretch over 250.
On Wednesday (Sept. 23) this past week, the city of Bloomington issued a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-23-Bloomington-Police-Department-News-Release-Seminary-Park-Arrests-9%5F23%5F26.pdf ) about eight drug-related arrests made the day before, in Seminary Park. Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson is quoted in the release saying, “Let me be clear: criminal conduct, including drug dealing, will not be tolerated in Bloomington.”
But Tuesday’s drug arrests did not serve to swell the overall jail population figures. The day right after the arrests, the total population dropped to 233 from 248\. Based on daily population reports, as of Saturday, only two of the eight arrested on Tuesday were still in jail. Two were released the same day they were booked in. The B Square has compiled the known information about the eight arrestees in a table below.
Chart by The B Square with data from Monroe County jail.
Three weeks ago, Monroe County’s GIS team rolled out a new [jail data dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/195880a3c67c41fa998f56ff8e9aabb4). The dashboard is updated routinely, which means Monroe County residents don’t need to wait for weekly updates from a news outlet. The dashboard breaks down the demographic profile of inmates, and provides a statistical breakdown of the types of offenses inmates are charged with.
The B Square has tracked the numbers starting on July 21, when the jail held 247 people.
Ten days into that span, the 10-day rolling average was about 254\. The most recent rolling 10-day average, on Saturday (Sept. 26) was about 234.
It’s still 5 more than the 229 that the ACLU gives as the jail’s functional capacity in its [federal lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf), which it filed in July on behalf of jail inmates.
Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté has given a lower figure for functional capacity. His July [overcrowding report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf) started with 294 reported beds, subtracted housing that he said cannot be treated as general-population space, leaving 233 available general-housing beds. Applying the same 80% principle yields a functional capacity of 186.
The difference between the two snapshots at the start and the end of the period The B Square has tracked does not capture the turnover in the jail during that period. Of the 247 people who were there on July 21, 117 of them were still there on Sept. 26\. That means 130, or more than half, of the people who were in jail at the start of the period, had left by the end.
At the same time, 120 people who arrived after July 21 were still incarcerated on Sept. 26\. The 117 people who were present at both endpoints, together with those 120 later arrivals, account for the current population of 237.
That comparison still does not capture people who arrived after July 21 and then left before Sept. 26\. A total of at least 656 people departed the jail during that span. It’s “at least” because some people booked into jail don’t stay in jail long enough to appear in the daily population report. An example of that are two of the arrestees in Seminary Park this past Tuesday.
Among those who departed during the time The B Square has tracked the numbers, the median length of stay was 2 days.
Over the full 68-day period, the average daily population was about 238\. The highest count was 264 on July 31\. The lowest was 216 on Aug. 28.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Status on 8 Arrestees in Seminary Park on Sept. 22, 2026
Based on daily jail book-in reports and daily population reports, and lookups in the state’s MyCase system, The B Square has compiled known information about the [eight people arrested](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-23-Bloomington-Police-Department-News-Release-Seminary-Park-Arrests-9%5F23%5F26.pdf) in Seminary Park on Sept. 22, 2026\. For most of them, the arrest on Tuesday was not their first, and some were in the middle of already pending judicial proceedings.
Booking no. 49357
Charges:
- Possession of a controlled substance, Class A misdemeanor
- Dealing in a Schedule I, II or III controlled substance, Level 2 felony
Cause numbers:
- [53C02-2609-CM-001744](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDItMjYwOS1DTS0wMDE3NDQiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==)
- [53C02-2609-F2-000930](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDItMjYwOS1GMi0wMDA5MzAiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==)
Custody status: Still in jail as of Sept. 26, 2026
Next court date: Oct. 6, 2026, 9 a.m.
Proceeding: Bail review hearing, Hon. Valeri Haughton
Trial date: None listed on the MyCase docket
Booking no. 49354
Charges:
- Possession of paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanor
- Dealing in cocaine or a narcotic, Level 2 felony
- Two probation holds
Cause numbers:
- [53C09-2609-F2-000931](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiIDUzQzA5LTI2MDktRjItMDAwOTMxIiwiQ2l0ZU51bSI6bnVsbCwiQ3Jvc3NSZWZOdW0iOm51bGwsIkZpcnN0IjpudWxsLCJNaWRkbGUiOm51bGwsIkxhc3QiOm51bGwsIkJ1c2luZXNzIjpudWxsLCJEb0JTdGFydCI6bnVsbCwiRG9CRW5kIjpudWxsLCJPQU51bSI6bnVsbCwiQmFyTnVtIjpudWxsLCJTb3VuZEV4IjpmYWxzZSwiQ291cnRJdGVtSUQiOjkyLCJDYXRlZ29yaWVzIjpudWxsLCJMaW1pdHMiOm51bGwsIkFkdmFuY2VkIjp0cnVlLCJBY3RpdmVGbGFnIjoiQWxsIiwiRmlsZVN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJGaWxlRW5kIjpudWxsLCJDb3VudHlDb2RlIjpudWxsfX0=)
- [53C09-2505-F5-000494](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDktMjUwNS1GNS0wMDA0OTQiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==)
- [53C09-2505-F5-000497](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDktMjUwNS1GNS0wMDA0OTciLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==)
Custody status: Still in jail as of Sept. 26, 2026
Next court date: Sept. 28, 2026, 11 a.m.
Proceeding: Pretrial conference, Hon. Darcie L. Fawcett
Trial date: Jan. 25, 2027, 9 a.m.
Booking no. 49359
Charges:
- Possession of a controlled substance, Class A misdemeanor
- Possession of paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanor
Cause number: [53C03-2609-CM-001741](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDMtMjYwOS1DTS0wMDE3NDEiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==)
Custody status: Released Sept. 22, 2026, at 10:34 p.m.
Next court date: Oct. 27, 2026, 1:45 p.m.
Proceeding: Pretrial conference, Hon. Christine Talley Haseman
Trial date: None identified
Booking no. 49356
Charge: Possession of paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanor
Cause number: None identified
Custody status: Released Sept. 22, 2026, at 10:15 p.m.
Next court date: NA
Trial date: NA
Booking no. 49355
Charges:
- Deal/manufacture methamphetamine, Level 4 felony
- Possession of paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanor
Cause number: [53C09-2609-F4-000928](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDktMjYwOS1GNC0wMDA5MjgiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==)
Custody status: Not listed on the Sept. 26 population sheet
Next court date: Oct. 22, 2026, 3 p.m.
Proceeding: Pretrial conference, Hon. Darcie L. Fawcett
Trial date: Jan. 25, 2027, 9 a.m.
Booking no. 49353
Charges:
- Possession of a controlled substance, Class A misdemeanor
- Possession of paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanor
- Possession of methamphetamine, Level 6 felony
Cause numbers:
- [53C03-2609-CM-001743 ](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDMtMjYwOS1DTS0wMDE3NDMiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==)[53C03-2609-F6-000927](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#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)
Custody status: Not listed on the Sept. 26 population sheet
Next court date: Oct. 27, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
Proceeding: Pretrial conference, Hon. Christine Talley Haseman
Trial date: March 8, 2027, 8:30 a.m.
Booking no. 49360
Charge: Possession of paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanor
Cause number: [53C02-2609-F6-000856](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDItMjYwOS1GNi0wMDA4NTYiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==)
Custody status: Not on the Sept. 24 population sheet
Next court date: Oct. 27, 2026, 2 p.m.
Proceeding: Pretrial conference, Hon. Valeri Haughton
Trial date: None listed on the MyCase docket
Booking no. 49358
Matter: Probation violation
Cause number: [53C05-2408-F5-000654](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDUtMjQwOC1GNS0wMDA2NTQiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==)
Custody status: Not on the Sept. 24 population sheet
Sept. 23 court activity: Initial hearing on petition to revoke; warrant served
Next court date: No later hearing date listed on the MyCase docket
Custody status reflects the Monroe County jail population reports cited for the dates indicated. Charges are merely allegations unless a court finds the accused guilty.
### Monroe County election board: 1,075 absentee ballots issued as registration deadline looms
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-1-075-absentee-ballots-issued-as-registration-deadline-looms/
Last updated: 2026-10-01T21:55:23.000Z
With the Nov. 3 general election drawing closer, Monroe County election officials reported Thursday (Sept. 24) that 1,075 absentee ballots had been issued through the previous day.
Election Day is a little more than five weeks away, but early voting starts in 10 days, on Oct. 6.
Election supervisor Kylie Farris told the Monroe County election board at a special meeting on Thursday that the total absentee ballots included 822 mail applications and 253 online applications. She said election workers were preparing additional ballots for mailing later on Thursday. The first batch went out Saturday, Sept. 19\.
Turnout is expected to be high, according to the county election division. In 2022, the most recent mid-term election, about 40,000 total ballots were cast in Monroe County.
Farris reported 90,350 registered voters in Monroe County—76,029 listed as active and 14,321 as inactive. Another 554 registrations were pending and 18 were incomplete.
The “inactive” designation does not have an impact on a voter’s eligibility to vote. Showing up to early voting or on Election Day will automatically reset the voter’s status to active without an additional step required before voting.
Inactive status can stem from election-related mail getting repeatedly returned as undeliverable, including through the state’s periodic voter-list maintenance process. Registration status and a voter’s current address in the system can be checked through Indiana’s [online voter portal](https://indianavoters.in.gov/). Farris said on Thursday voters can update their information online, by mail or by visiting [Election Central](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cXy4sgHJMqryEP1b7) on Morton Street.
The [deadline](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf) to register or update a registration for the Nov. 3 general election is Monday, Oct. 5\. That’s a day ahead of the start of in-person early voting on Oct. 6\. Voters who want an absentee ballot mailed to them have until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, to get their application to election officials. Absentee ballots can be requested through Indiana’s [online voter portal](https://indianavoters.in.gov/).
Thursday’s election board meeting also highlighted a lingering problem with state-issued election forms. Githens noted that the state’s absentee-mail ballot application still lists Election Central’s former address on West 7th Street.
Farris noted that the correct location is [501 N. Morton St.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cXy4sgHJMqryEP1b7) She said Monroe County notified the Indiana Election Division of the move months ago, before this year’s primary election. The state has not yet updated the current address in the myriad places where it appears on state forms, Farris said. Mail forwarding remains in place, she said, so material sent to the former address should still reach her office.
On Thursday, the board also approved a resolution appointing absentee voter board workers. The resolution also allows county clerk Nicole Browne to add workers as needed before training, which is scheduled for Oct. 1\. The delegation of authority to the clerk is intended to avoid requiring another special election board meeting just to approve additional appointments.
In another administrative update, Farris said [campaign-finance and candidate-filing documents](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/clerk-of-court/candidate-filings/) had temporarily been removed from the county website. That came after some website visitors complained about getting prompted to log into Microsoft accounts to see the files. Staff also encountered performance problems as more documents were added. Farris said the documents are being reorganized, but there is not yet a timeline for completion of the work.
### Ellettsville–Richland voters can learn more Sept. 30
One question appearing on the Nov. 3 ballot will ask voters in Ellettsville and Richland Township whether the two governments should [reorganize as a single political subdivision](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ellettsville-richland-reorganization-headed-to-november-ballot/). Under the proposal, Richland Township government would be dissolved into a reorganized Town of Ellettsville governed by a seven-member council. The proposal has to receive majority support both inside the current town and in the township for the reorganization to take effect.
The League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County will host an informational town hall from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Ellettsville branch of Monroe County Public Library’s Ellettsville branch. Panelists will be James Perry and Justin Ross of Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and IU Maurer School of Law student Colby Wicker.
Organizers are describing the event as an informational session, not a debate. Questions can be submitted in advance to [league@lwv-bmc.org](mailto:league@lwv-bmc.org). Documents and other information about the proposed reorganization are available on a [website](https://ellettsvillerichlandinfo.org/ ) that has been set up on the topic.
### Courthouse square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-21/
Last updated: 2026-09-26T11:25:02.000Z
0:00
/1:05
1×
The light show on the Monroe County courthouse dome has been dialed in with precision by Blockhouse Studios. This weekend promotes the local college football game. Stay tured for more during [Lotus World Music & Arts Festival](https://www.lotusfest.org/), which is Oct. 1–4 this year. (Dave Askins, Sept. 25, 2026)
### Timepiece notebook: Monroe County courthouse clock has no hands for now, waits on a new gearbox
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/timepiece-notebook-monroe-county-courthouse-clock-has-no-hands-for-now-waits-on-a-new-gearbox/
Last updated: 2026-09-25T13:55:51.000Z
Photos of the Nat U. Hill Room clock by Monroe County. Cropping and lupe annotations by The B Square.
The Nat U. Hill Room of the Monroe County courthouse, where the county council and county commissioners hold their meetings is an impressive space. Its high, domed ceiling and ornate woodwork from decades ago suggest it’s a place where important business gets done.
But for the last few weeks, the room has cued up an obvious soundtrack to play inside the heads of those who gather there: the rock band Chicago’s 1970 Top 10 hit, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”
That’s because the ornate clock mounted high above the dais on the room’s west wall has no hands.
The missing hands are just the visible part of the problem. A replacement motor gearbox has been ordered after the mechanism stopped working, according to Richard Crider, who is the county government’s building and fleet director. Cincinnati-based [Verdin](https://www.verdin.com/clocks/), which services large clocks and bell systems, is working with the county on the repair.
The meeting-room clock is a standalone system. It is separate from the courthouse tower mechanism, which runs the four exterior clock faces visible from the outside around the square. And those two systems are separate from the timer that controls the courthouse bell. The three timepieces have to be synchronized separately.
The clock has some history behind its face. Crider showed The B Square a photograph of the back of its marble dial, which has a handwritten notation reading “June 1908.” That matches the year of the building’s construction. Other penciled markings offer possible evidence of earlier work on the mechanism.
Crider says there is no firm date yet for the gearbox replacement.
Until then, even if you can’t tell the time from the Nat U. Hill clock, as the song says, “We’ve all got time enough to cry.”
### Lilliana Young launches 2027 bid for Bloomington city council at-large seat
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/lilliana-young-launches-2027-bid-for-bloomington-city-council-at-large-seat/
Last updated: 2026-09-25T12:22:58.000Z
Lilliana Young (photo from the Young campaign)
Lilliana Young [announced](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-25-Lilliana-Young-Council-Press-Release.pdf) on Friday (Sept 25) that she will seek the Democratic Party nomination for one of the three at-large seats on the Bloomington city council in the 2027 municipal election.
Young made an unsuccessful bid to challenge longtime state representative Matt Pierce in the Democratic Party primary this May.
In her [campaign announcement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-25-Lilliana-Young-Council-Press-Release.pdf), Young identifies housing affordability, infrastructure and public works, and human rights programs as her leading priorities. She also pledges to oppose artificial intelligence data centers and surveillance technology in Bloomington.
Young frames her campaign in explicitly class-based terms, describing herself as a democratic socialist, saying local government should be responsive to working-class residents.
“When faced with threats of this magnitude to our politics, our economy, and even our foundational quality of life, it’s time for the working class to rise and take back the power that’s been stolen from us,” Young says in the announcement.
Bloomington’s nine-member city council has three members elected at large, in addition to six members elected from geographic districts. The current at-large members are Matt Flaherty, Isak Asare and Andy Ruff. Their four-year terms run through the end of 2027.
Young’s city council campaign comes in the first possible election cycle after her first run for elected office.
In the May 5 Democratic Party primary for Indiana House District 61, Young challenged Pierce, who has represented the Bloomington-centered district since 2002\. Pierce won with 3,820 votes (67%) compared to 1,879 votes (33%) for Young. \[[May 3, 2026 primary results](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-03-primary-Indiana-all-offices-statewide-results.csv)\]
The contest was Pierce’s first Democratic primary challenge in more than two decades.
Young, who was 40 when she launched that campaign last year, grew up in the Dallas area and moved to Indiana about a decade ago. In an [October 2025 profile](https://www.idsnews.com/article/2025/10/lilliana-young-challenging-demoncratic-primary), the Indiana Daily Student quotes Young from an interview saying, “Rather than just watching my political YouTube videos and being mad all day, I think I want to take that anger and channel it into something more serious and productive.”
During her statehouse campaign, she made her experience as a low-income worker a central part of her political argument, contrasting it with what she described as the backgrounds of elected officials who are more economically secure. On her [former campaign website](https://web.archive.org/web/20260514221754/https://youngfor61.com/#about ), she describes herself as “an out and proud trans woman.”
Young’s [current campaign website](https://youngforbtown.com/#https://youngforbtown.com/#about) chronicles her work on transgender rights and anti-surveillance efforts.
Before seeking elected office, Young became involved in local transgender-rights advocacy when she served on the Bloomington/Monroe County human rights commission. Young received a mayoral appointment to the commission for a term beginning Feb. 1, 2024 and ending Jan. 31, 2026.
Young was also involved in the effort that led to the Bloomington city council’s June 2024 [adoption of a resolution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-council-declares-bloomington-a-safe-haven-for-gender-affirming-healthcare/) protecting access to gender-affirming health care. A human rights commission [quarterly report](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/reports/361/download) says the commission worked with Young and London Montgomery to propose the resolution to the council.
In Friday’s announcement, Young points to her work on that commission as one of her qualifications for city council. She also cites her membership in Bloomington Democratic Socialists of America and work involving affordable housing, assistance to unhoused residents and political organizing.
Young says her city council campaign would put particular emphasis on housing costs and city infrastructure. She also promises that serving on the council would be her “first and primary job.”
Her opposition to surveillance technology puts one of her campaign themes squarely in the middle of an issue that has already produced significant city council debate this year.
Bloomington’s use of automated license plate readers supplied by Flock Safety drew public protests and council scrutiny during the first part of 2026\. In March, the council unanimously [adopted a resolution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-council-adopts-resolution-on-flock-license-plate-reader-cameras-as-first-step/) calling for greater transparency and oversight of the technology. Mayor Kerry Thomson later [announced that the city would not renew](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-flock-camera-contract-expired-march-5-mayor-reveals-non-renewal-6-weeks-later/) its Flock license-plate-reader contract.
An [ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17445/download#page=60) to restrict license plate reading technology is also currently pending in front of the city council. It was introduced at the council’s Sept. 16 meeting, and could see a vote on Oct. 14.
Young’s announcement pledges to “fight to keep AI data centers and surveillance systems like Flock and Axon out of Bloomington.”
Friday’s announcement also makes clear that Young intends to run to the left of at least some other Democrats.
“I’m not part of the corporate, establishment Democrats that have sat on their hands and allowed things to become so bad,” Young said. “I’m a Democratic Socialist, and that means I get on the ground level and keep going until the work is done.”
In her announcement Young describes Bloomington as the place where she “found myself, found purpose to strive towards, and community to pick me up when I needed it.”
“My home, our home, is worth protecting from the greed of corporations and the cruelty of the state government,” she said. “I promise to do everything I can to protect our city.”
### Monroe County adds $35K for encampment cleanup, $50K for patrols, $162K for housing
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-adds-35k-for-encampment-cleanup-50k-for-patrols-162k-for-housing/
Last updated: 2026-10-02T17:24:12.000Z
Powerline Camp was cleared a month ago by Monroe County government. Some, but not all of the campsites have been cleaned up. (Dave Askins, Sept. 24, 2026 )
Homelessness was a main theme of the regular Thursday (Sept. 24) meeting for Monroe County commissioners.
They approved another $35,000 to clean up county-owned land where a homeless encampment was located. They also approved $50,000 to secure the land to prevent people from returning to set up camp. Commissioners also approved a change to county code that makes it easier to remove belongings left on county land.
Commissioners also approved about $162,000 to support an initiative by a local nonprofit, which is aimed at moving people who are now sleeping outdoors directly into housing.
The votes were unanimous by the three commissioners, who were all present in person.
The $35,000 for cleanup of the county-owned Thomson property off South Rogers Street came on top of the $70,000 that had already been approved. The $50,000 for security is to cover a contract with Marshall Security, Inc. for patrols at the Thomson property and another county-owned piece of land on West 3rd Street.
In a related move, commissioners also approved $162,379 in funding for Heading Home of South Central Indiana’s Streets to Stability initiative. The program provides a year of rental assistance and intensive case management to people who are currently living unsheltered.
### Powerline Camp cleanup, security
Commissioners approved an additional 10 days of work by Bio-One to continue hazardous-material cleanup at the Thomson property off South Rogers Street, commonly known as the Powerline Camp. The work is priced at $3,500 a day, for a maximum of $35,000.
That comes on top of a $70,000 contract that commissioners [approved on Aug. 13](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-shots-fired-report-at-powerline-camp-monroe-county-mulls-moving-up-sept-1-deadline/) for up to 20 days of cleanup, at the same daily rate. That puts the total maximum Bio-One cleanup cost at $105,000.
The county [cleared the encampment](https://bsquarebulletin.com/powerline-camp-emptied-tuesday-morning-after-monroe-county-moves-up-deadline/) a month ago, on Aug. 25, when sheriff’s deputies arrived early in the morning. An estimated 40 to 50 people were living on the property. Several had lived there for well more than a year.
On Thursday, commissioner Julie Thomas said the additional contract was needed because conditions at the property were “obviously pretty bad.” On a visit to the property after the commissioners meeting, The B Square confirmed that while some of the individual campsites were cleaned up, there was still a substantial amount of trash in surrounding ravines. Cleanup did not appear to have started on some of the campsites.
To prevent people from returning to the wooded area to set up camp, at their Thursday meeting commissioners also approved a contract with Marshall Security LLC worth up to $50,000\. Under the agreement, the company will make two patrols a day at the Thomson property and one patrol a day at another county-owned, seven-acre parcel near the At Home store on West 3rd Street. Each patrol costs $35, with time-and-a-half rates on specified federal holidays. The contract runs through Dec. 31, 2027, and allows the county to adjust the frequency of patrols.
When commissioner Jody Madeira asked whether the patrols would extend into the properties rather than simply around their edges, county building and fleet director Richard Crider confirmed they would.
Crider said the county parks department has also cut new trails through the thickly wooded areas, making it possible to drive through them. Madeira said that access would be important for maintaining security at the sites.
The West 3rd Street property has already generated substantial county government spending connected to homelessness. In June 2022, Monroe County [cleared several encampments ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/encampment-on-county-owned-land-local-disaster-declared-by-monroe-county-commissioners/)from the wooded county-owned land behind the At Home store at 3175 W. 3rd St., displacing at least 17 people, according to a census by Beacon Inc.
That cleanup four years ago grew considerably beyond the original scope that was specified in a [five-day Bio-One contract](https://bsquarebulletin.com/content/files/2022/06/OCR-2022-06-01-Bio-One-Conctract.pdf). Commissioners ultimately authorized up to $70,000 for Bio-One to remove trash and hazardous material. They also declared an emergency so the county could quickly hire a contractor to clear undergrowth and smaller trees, improving sight lines into the property. At the time, county officials estimated the combined work could cost as much as $200,000
### Changes to rules for property left behind
At their Thursday meeting, commissioners also changed county rules regulating personal property left on county land, which county attorney Jeff Cockerill connected to the ongoing cleanup of the Powerline Camp.
Cockerill said the existing code generally required a three-day notice before the county could remove property. That had created a problem at the Thomson site, because new belongings could be placed on the property, even while crews were still trying to clean it up.
Under the ordinance approved Thursday, county officials will no longer always have to wait three days before removing property. The county will still have to provide information about how belongings can be recovered. And property that is removed generally will have to be kept for seven days before being considered abandoned.
Cockerill said the immediate-removal authority could also make the rules more sensible for ordinary lost property. For example, it allows the county to pick up a wallet rather than technically leaving it in place for three days. Commissioners stressed that the change would not apply to an obviously legitimate use such as a bicycle locked to a bike rack.
### $162,379 for direct-to-housing effort
Later in Thursday’s meeting approved an agreement that will use $162,379 from the county’s Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund to support the [Streets to Stability initiative](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-nonprofit-initiative-aims-for-leases-not-shelter-beds-as-camping-ban-starts/) that Heading Home of South Central Indiana has launched. The item did not appear on the posted agenda. Commissioners added it during the Thursday meeting. The Monroe County council had previously approved the appropriation.
Because the LATCF money is federal, the agreement is formally between Monroe County and the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, which will oversee documentation and compliance associated with the grant. But the money will be used for Heading Home’s Streets to Stability program.
Streets to Stability was [announced in early summer](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-nonprofit-initiative-aims-for-leases-not-shelter-beds-as-camping-ban-starts/) as a “direct-to-housing” approach. Instead of moving people from an encampment into an emergency shelter and then trying to find permanent housing, the program works through one geographic zone at a time and tries to move participants directly into leased apartments.
On Thursday, Heading Home executive director Mary Morgan told commissioners that approval of the LATCF money made Monroe County the first governmental entity to provide direct financial support for Streets to Stability.
Participants receive a 12-month rental subsidy and intensive case management that is intended to put them in a position to remain housed after the subsidy ends.
Morgan said the initiative’s first phase has already housed 13 people. Housing for two additional people is in the works. In addition, one person was reunited with family in another state. Three or four others are considered “complex needs” cases for whom ordinary housing may not be sufficient, Morgan said.
Heading Home is bringing together service providers, IU Health, Centerstone, HealthNet and people from the criminal justice system to work on those more difficult cases, Morgan said.
Heading Home estimates about 150 people are sleeping outside, in vehicles or in other places not fit for habitation in Monroe County. Morgan told commissioners the organization now estimates Streets to Stability would require about $4 million over multiple years to address that population.
The first phase received about $350,000 from Community Solutions, a national nonprofit that has supported Heading Home’s work through the Built for Zero program. Morgan said Community Solutions is also providing consulting assistance through Clutch Consulting.
Morgan told commissioners that the $162,379 they were approving that morning will primarily support rental subsidies. Morgan said Heading Home budgets about $1,300 per month per participant for rent and utilities. Participants also get furniture and basic household supplies when they move in. Case managers, whose caseloads are being kept at 15 people or fewer, then work on needs that can include food assistance, benefits, transportation, employment, substance-use or mental-health treatment and household budgeting.
Morgan told commissioners that the Clutch Consulting model that Heading Home is following has a success rate of 85% to 90%. That’s the percentage of people staying housed after the initial 12-month period. She said Heading Home expects to begin another phase, in another zone, of the local initiative in October.
Morgan said Heading Home is also expecting support through the city of Bloomington’s tenant-based rental assistance program, which she pegged at about $300,000\. The details of that are still undergoing city legal review. Other potential sources include Community Foundation grants, private foundations and the business community.
Thursday’s county action comes two days after the Monroe County council [added $1 million](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-adds-1m-in-support-for-beacon-center-to-proposed-2027-budget-after-4m-financing-setback/) to its proposed 2027 budget to help out with Beacon Inc.’s planned housing and shelter complex on West 3rd Street.
Morgan pointed to the juxtaposition of the LATCF award with the encampment cleanup and security items on the agenda. “Homelessness is going to be an impact on the community in some way,” she told commissioners. “We feel like housing is a better investment if possible.” \[*Added Oct. 2, 2026\. On Oct. 2, 2026, Heading Home issued a* [*news release*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-02-Streets-to-Stability-Press-Release-2Oct2026.pdf) *about its Streets to Stability initiative.*\]
Madeira made a similar point, saying local government ultimately pays in one form or another, through encampment cleanup, health care or other services. “I’d rather invest in humans than pay it on the back end,” Madeira said.
\[*Editor’s note: The reporter is the spouse of Mary Morgan, executive director of Heading Home of South Central Indiana.*\]
### 6th Street & Washington Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-washington-street-7/
Last updated: 2026-09-28T10:03:14.000Z
Middle Way House's annual [Wrapped in Love](https://middlewayhouse.org/wrapped-in-love/) display is now being installed. Plenty of tree sweaters are left to sponsor. But this one is proudly supported by The B Square. (Dave Askins, Sept. 24, 2026)
### Sept. 24, 2026: New local income tax framework, $1M for Beacon, convention center updates
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sept-24-2026-new-local-income-tax-framework-1m-for-beacon-convention-center-updates/
Last updated: 2026-09-24T09:14:31.000Z
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** No rain gear is needed after Wednesday’s all-day drizzle, but it will be cloudy. The high will be around 73F°.
**Friday:** Take your sunglasses along, because it will be the same as Thursday, but with mostly sunny skies. The high will be around 72F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [New members join CIB, CVC as Bloomington convention center approaches operational handoff](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-members-join-cib-cvc-as-bloomington-convention-center-approaches-operational-handoff/). Two Monroe County convention-related boards added members this month as the convention center expansion nears completion. The CIB also approved up to $296,000 in added limestone-support costs, while the CVC reviewed the shift to CIB oversight and new bookings for the expanded center.
- [Monroe County council adds $1M in support for Beacon Center to proposed 2027 budget, after $4M financing setback](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-adds-1m-in-support-for-beacon-center-to-proposed-2027-budget-after-4m-financing-setback/). Monroe County’s proposed 2027 budget now includes $1 million in ED LIT money for Beacon Inc.’s planned West 3rd Street housing and shelter complex, helping fill a $4 million financing gap that forced the nonprofit to split construction into two phases.
- [CBU fills in some details behind countywide boil-water advisory, including 1.06 NTU reading](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cbu-fills-in-some-details-behind-countywide-boil-water-advisory-including-1-06-ntu-reading/). A power outage and equipment failures at Bloomington’s water plant led to a brief turbidity violation and countywide boil-water advisory. The measurement showing levels too high came about 5 p.m. Saturday, and fell below the limit by 6 p.m. It was not announced to the public until 12:04 a.m. Sunday.
- [Monroe County local income tax group mulls shared municipal rate approach](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-local-income-tax-group-mulls-shared-municipal-rate-approach/). Monroe County’s MUST ended its first meeting without recommending a local income tax rate. But members showed support for a shared municipal-services approach that could let Bloomington replace revenue a city-only rate could not. Bloomington Transit funding is an open question.
### On the calendar
**$35,000 more for encampment cleanup.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (Sept. 24) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQAv2spdgcG4TrxAin3BB9heAe9yp68pY3RzrlHHr3Q5SH0?e=BL97by) for the Monroe County commissioners is an additional 10 days of work from Bio-One at $3,500 per day to clean up the Powerline Camp, which was [cleared a month ago](https://bsquarebulletin.com/powerline-camp-emptied-tuesday-morning-after-monroe-county-moves-up-deadline/). The original contract was for 20 days of work for a total of $70,000\.
**Elections update.** On the [1:30 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 24) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FElection%20Board%2F2026%2D09%2D24Monroe%20County%20Election%20Board%20Agenda%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FElection%20Board&p=true&ga=1) for a special meeting of the Monroe County election board is an update on absentee ballots.
**WFHB fundraiser: Listen to Kade and Dave.** On Thursday (Sept. 24) starting at 5 p.m. I will be joining WFHB news director Kade Young on the mic for a fundraising round with our friends over at the community radio station. If you are wondering how you can possibly listen to the radio without a radio, head over to the [listen live link](http://www.radiorethink.com/tuner/?stationCode=wfhb&stream=hi) that streams the signal over the internet. If listening to two men with names that almost rhyme talk shop and ask you for money is not your idea of fun, head straight to the [donate](https://wfhb.org/ways-to-donate/wfhb-merch-store/) link and chip in for WFHB.
---
**Nerd Nite Bloomington: Sept. 25.** Bug sex, imperfect maps and the Great Molasses Flood get the 15-minute-talk treatment at Nerd Nite Bloomington #6\. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, with presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. at The Bishop Bar in Bloomington. Organizers would like people to [RSVP](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nerd-nite-bloomington-6-tickets-1999395946097?utm%5Fsource=sendfox&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=save-the-date-nerd-nite-6-bug-sex-perfect-maps-and-the-great-molasses-flood ).
**From the Ground Up: Sept. 26.** The [Monroe County Master Gardener Association](https://www.mcmga.net/) will host its annual fall gardening program [Saturday, Sept. 26](https://www.mcmga.net/from-the-ground-up), from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College’s Shreve Hall, 200 Daniels Way. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. This year’s program focuses on vegetable gardening, with sessions on soil health, community and urban gardening, natural pest control and container gardening, plus a panel discussion. [Registration is $25](https://forms.gle/3XnQKtb8wjKitU8W8).
According to the gardeners: “Monroe County Master Gardeners provide food for this event, and boy can they make a delicious snack! The event is not on a football game day, so if folks are looking for something else to do, come learn about veggie gardening.”
**Parks investment priorities plan: Sept. 28.** Bloomington’s board of park commissioners will hold a special meeting at [5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28,](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17513/download) at the Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St., to review a [plan for investing in aging parks facilities](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nxvGNhUF74pIZMAfSuLIp88EZjBoOrR7/view?usp=sharing.) and addressing maintenance needs. The proposed 2026 Investment Priorities Plan includes projects at Bryan Park Pool, Winslow Sports Park, Olcott Park, Banneker Community Center, RCA Community Park and Cascades Golf Course, as well as long-term options for Frank Southern Ice Arena. The plan also explores a possible $7.3-million general obligation bond in 2027\. No final action is scheduled, and public comment will be taken. The plan is available at
**Ellettsville–Richland reorganization town hall: Sept. 30**. The League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County will host a town hall from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Monroe County Public Library’s Ellettsville Branch, 600 W. Temperance St. The public can ask questions about the proposed Ellettsville–Richland Township reorganization and its possible consequences. Panelists are James Perry and Justin Ross of IU’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and IU Maurer School of Law student Colby Wicker.
Organizers say the event is intended as an informational session, not a debate. Questions may be submitted in advance to league@lwv-bmc.org Background on the reorganization is available at https://ellettsvillerichlandinfo.org For B Square background see: [Ellettsville–Richland reorganization headed to November ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ellettsville-richland-reorganization-headed-to-november-ballot/)
**Bloomington Paint Out: Oct. 3.** The fifth annual Bloomington Paint Out takes place rain or shine on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bryan Park, with artist check-in from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Woodlawn Pavilion. Artists of all ages and skill levels can paint anywhere in Bloomington, with finished work due by 3:15 p.m. for judging in several age and experience categories. Free classes, supplies and artist demonstrations will be offered at the pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no registration fee or advance registration.
---
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Gourdy!
Up for adoption, as of Sept. 23 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Gourdy](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87801). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is a bully breed mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Gourdy](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87801):
> Gourdy is a large and enthusiastic guy who loves spending time with people, has enjoyed meeting dogs here at the shelter and keeps a tidy kennel!
### Photo Finish: Courthouse square
Testing of the light show to be projected on the Monroe County courthouse dome for [Lotus World Music & Arts Festival](https://www.lotusfest.org/), which is Oct. 1–4 this year. Blockhouse Studios is handling the projections. Tonight is just for calibration and testing. This weekend will be promoting the local college football game. The B There item includes a [short video clip](https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-20/). (Dave Askins, Sept. 23, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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---
### Courthouse square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-20/
Last updated: 2026-09-26T11:23:16.000Z
0:00
/0:14
1×
Testing of the light show to be projected on the Monroe County courthouse dome for [Lotus World Music & Arts Festival](https://www.lotusfest.org/), which is Oct. 1–4 this year. Blockhouse Studios is handling the projections. Tonight is just for calibration and testing. This weekend will be promoting the local college football game. ****The** [****final version**](https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-21/) **is oh-so-much better than the test.** (Dave Askins, Sept. 23, 2026)
### New members join CIB, CVC as Bloomington convention center approaches operational handoff
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-members-join-cib-cvc-as-bloomington-convention-center-approaches-operational-handoff/
Last updated: 2026-09-23T21:03:31.000Z
****Left:** Geoff McKim reviews innkeepers tax numbers with his CVC colleagues. (Dave Askins, Sept. 23, 2026) ****Right:** Kyle Hannon is sworn in as a member of the Monroe County CIB at its meeting last Wednesday. (Dave Askins, Sept. 16, 2026)
Two public bodies at the center of Bloomington’s tourism and convention center operations have each added a new member this month. One is because of a resignation and the other because the Indiana legislature created a new seat.
Kyle Hannon joined Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB) at its Sept. 16 meeting. One week later, Bloomington city controller Geoff McKim attended his first meeting of the convention and visitors commission (CVC) as a mayoral appointee. McKim was filling a newly created sixth seat, which is appointed by Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson.
The additions come as the convention center expansion moves into its final months of construction and the CIB prepares to take over its role in operating the convention center.
### Two new appointees
McKim’s seat is the result of a change approved during the General Assembly’s session earlier this year. Effective July 1, the [amendment to state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/6#6-9-4-2 ) preserved the CVC’s existing five appointments, which are three by the county council and two by the county commissioners. But one seat was added, appointed by the executive of each city in the county. In Monroe County, that adds one Bloomington mayoral appointee, expanding the commission to six.
For McKim, the appointment is a return to familiar territory. As an elected Monroe County councilor, which predates his service as city controller, McKim served for several years on the CVC as a county council appointee. The [current CVC appointee](https://secure.in.gov/counties/monroe/boards-commissions-and-committees/convention-and-visitors-commission/) from the county council’s membership is David Henry.
At Tuesday’s meeting, McKim and other members got an update on the CVC’s main revenue source, which is the county’s [5% innkeeper’s tax](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-23-CVC-Mtg-Pkt.pdf#page=20). CVC president Mike Campbell reported that collections were running ahead of last year and projected about $4.3 million in receipts for 2026\. The commission’s general-fund balance stood at about [$5.07 million](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-23-CVC-Mtg-Pkt.pdf#page=19) at the end of August.
McKim also served a stint on the CIB, after he didn’t seek re-election to the county council. When Eric Spoonmore didn’t seek re-appointment to the CIB, the Monroe County council put McKim in the seat where Spoonmore had been serving. After she appointed McKim as city controller, the county council appointed Galen Cassady to the CIB seat.
Hannon is filling a different CIB seat, which had been vacant since Adam Thies resigned in March. Thies left Indiana University for a job as a principal with RATIO Design and told the CIB that the move created potential conflicts of interest he wanted to avoid. The seat is one of two mayoral appointments to the [seven-member CIB](https://secure.in.gov/counties/monroe/boards-commissions-and-committees/capital-improvement-board/).
According to his [Linkedin profile](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-23-Kyle-Hannon-Linkedin-Profile.pdf ), Hannon is director of the MYPath trail system and Nonprofit Alliance for the Owen County Community Foundation. His earlier work includes nearly 15 years with the Greater Elkhart Chamber, including almost five years as president and CEO, and a stint as an at-large member of the Elkhart city council. He also spent five years as media director for the Indiana House of Representatives.
### CIB construction update
Hannon’s first CIB meeting, held last Wednesday, included approval of a sizable addition to the convention center expansion’s construction costs.
The CIB unanimously approved two change authorizations tied to structural support for large limestone feature walls. One added about $21,000 to earlier work on the north wall, bringing that work to roughly $121,000\. The other authorized up to $275,000 for changes to the west feature wall. CIB member Jim Silberstein asked a pointed question based on the familiar building material: “Limestone, that’s pretty common in Indiana, and I'm just wondering why … we’ve got $400,000 worth of missed anchorage here. How does that happen?”
Jason Larrison, with JS Held, which is the owner’s representative on the project, told the board that the original design had not adequately incorporated the structural support and anchorage needed for the large limestone pieces. He said the stone is not conventional stacked masonry and that some of the pieces ultimately procured were larger than expected.
CIB president John Whikehart said the board was still getting the limestone treatment it had approved in early 2025\. The problem, he said, was that the size and weight of the stone, and the additional support it required, had not been fully accounted for.
Had that been known earlier, Whikehart said, the cost would have been part of the original project budget and the board could have decided then whether it still wanted the design.
The new costs come late enough in the project that board members also asked how much of the construction contingency remains. Project manager Andrew Scere estimated the expansion itself was in the mid-70% range of completion. Whikehart summarized the status of the contingency as about 54% spent, leaving roughly $1.1 million, on the project, which has a $52 million construction budget.
For the expansion project, which is under construction between College Avenue and Walnut Street on the south side of 3rd Street, the completion target is Jan. 8\. A ribbon cutting is set for Jan. 12\. Right after that, there is a substantial renovation project that will start for the existing convention center, connected with a skywalk to the expansion over College Avenue.
### CVC transition update
At the CVC meeting a week after the CIB met, the focus shifted from how the building is being constructed to how it will be operated.
Talisha Coppock of Downtown Bloomington Inc. said vendor contracts are being moved over to the CIB as part of the transition, with the new arrangement expected to be in place by Oct. 1\. The people operating the convention center will largely remain the same even though the public body overseeing the operation is changing.
After Tuesday’s CVC meeting, CIB controller Jeff Underwood described the change to The B Square as the CIB taking over the county government’s former role in management of the convention center. It will be the CIB that continues the contract with Convention Center Management Company (CCMC), which employs the convention center staff and which is owned by Downtown Bloomington Inc.
Coppock said she will continue working with both DBI and CCMC. DBI itself is not disappearing, Coppock said, and its broader downtown mission will continue.
The county government will no longer be the entity directly contracting for convention center operations. But it does not disappear from the structure entirely. Underwood noted that the city and county remain parties to the interlocal agreement that created the current CIB arrangement. Under that agreement, the fiscal bodies of both governments will continue to approve the CIB’s operating budget each year.
The financing path for operations is also changing without shifting the underlying tax source. At the Sept. 16 CIB meeting, officials stressed that the convention center’s operating budget is funded from innkeeper’s-tax revenue through the CVC, not from Bloomington’s general city revenues. The [interlocal agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-02-21-Version-of-Capital-Improvement-Board-Interlocal-Agreement-Approved-by-Monroe-County-Commissioners-Feb-21-2024-Convention-Center.pdf ) requires both the Bloomington city council and Monroe County council to approve that operating budget.
The CVC meeting also offered an early look at the kind of new bookings the expanded center is planning to pursue. In connection with that, Visit Bloomington staff said they are developing more detailed reports that track convention center revenue, hotel-room bookings and prospective business. An Oct. 13-14 event is planned to bring meeting planners into the center for hard-hat tours. As of Monday, 23 planners had RSVP’d for the mid-October event.
Visit Bloomington staff said on Wednesday that bookings for the expanded convention center are beginning to show the payoff from the bigger space, with 21 conferences already in the system for 2027\. That includes seven that are new to Bloomington. Staff highlighted several state-level groups that have become definite bookings and said the larger facility is putting Bloomington in contention for events it previously could not accommodate. Farther out, the North American Lake Management Society is booked for a six-day gathering in November 2028 expected to draw about 550 people and generate roughly 900 hotel room nights.
---
That sales push and the governance changes are arriving at roughly the same time. As construction on the expansion winds down and the renovation of the existing facility starts to ramp up, the CIB’s focus will expand from building the new convention center to running it.
### Monroe County council adds $1M in support for Beacon Center to proposed 2027 budget, after $4M financing setback
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-adds-1m-in-support-for-beacon-center-to-proposed-2027-budget-after-4m-financing-setback/
Last updated: 2026-09-23T22:38:24.000Z
Beacon, Inc. executive director Forrest Gilmore (in right of frame) addresses the Monroe County council. Seated next to Gilmore is county commissioner Julie Thomas. Seated on the bench behind them is county commissioner Jody Madeira. (Dave Askins, Sept. 22, 2026)
Monroe County’s proposed 2027 budget now includes $1 million for Beacon Inc.’s planned housing and shelter complex on West 3rd Street, after the nonprofit lost a key piece of financing this summer.
The Monroe County council voted Tuesday night (Sept. 22) to add the $1 million to expenses to be paid out of the economic development local income tax (ED LIT) fund.
The county government’s 2027 budget is scheduled for a first reading on [Oct. 6](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-2027-budget-session-7), with adoption set for [Oct. 20](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-2027-budget-public-hearing).
County commissioners Jody Madeira and Julie Thomas were present for Tuesday’s discussion. The council and commissioners worked through the division of expenses among funds like ED LIT, county general, cumulative capital, and a proposed general obligation bond.
On a separate vote from the one the county council will take on the budget, the commissioners will still have to approve the ED LIT spending plan. But it was Thomas who essentially proposed the $1 million contribution to the Beacon project. So the approval by commissioners of an ED LIT spending plan with support for Beacon seems all but certain.
For Beacon, the county money would help fill a $4 million hole that opened this summer, when anticipated New Markets Tax Credit financing fell through. Commissioners talked about the possibility of $500,000 this year and another $500,000 later, or putting the full $1 million into the budget now. But they said they preferred making the full amount available sooner. They said they have also asked Bloomington city government to contribute. \[*Added Sept. 23, 2026 at 6:36 p.m. The city’s* [*online financial system*](https://bloomington.spending.socrata.com/#!/year/All%20Years/explore/1-/priority?x-return-url=https:%2F%2Fbloomington.finance.socrata.com%2F%23!%2Fdashboard&x-return-description=Return%20to%20Open%20Finance) *shows a payment from ARPA funds of $600,000 by the city to Beacon, Inc. on Dec. 20, 2024 for development of the Beacon Center.*\]
Beacon executive director Forrest Gilmore told councilors the larger point of the new Beacon Center is not simply to increase the number of shelter beds, but to improve how housing and other services work together.
Gilmore said, “While there is some expansion of shelter beds, for example, the real focus was on what are the solutions that our community needs, and how can we bring together a center that truly includes quality of service for people struggling with homelessness, so that they get out of homelessness, not just sit there and remain.”
### $4 million financing gap
Beacon’s [plans](https://beaconinc.org/beacon-center/) call for a new center on 3rd Street south of Rose Hill Cemetery, which would consolidate permanent supportive housing, an overnight shelter and a daytime resource center in one location. Beacon says community partners will provide services including health care, mental health treatment and legal assistance at the center.
The project had already received a $7 million grant of federal American Rescue Plan (ARPA) money through the [Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA)](https://www.in.gov/ihcda/). When Bloomington’s plan commission [unanimously approved the site plan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/beacons-supportive-housing-site-plan-on-3rd-street-gets-ok-from-bloomington-fundraising-work-remains/) in April 2024, it called for a roughly 45,000-square-foot, two-story building with a day shelter, a 50-bed overnight shelter, 20 one-bedroom permanent-supportive-housing apartments and five work-to-live units for staff.
Even then, fundraising remained unfinished. Gilmore told The B Square after the 2024 plan commission vote that nothing was a “done deal” until the financing was complete.
By June of this year, Beacon reported a project budget of $20 million. In a [June 3 update](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-03-Beacon-news-on-new-facility.pdf ), the nonprofit said it had raised more than $16 million, more than half of it from local donors, governments and organizations. But $4 million, which Beacon had expected through the federal New Markets Tax Credit program, was no longer available, leaving a corresponding gap in the financing plan.
Beacon attributed the loss to changes in the federal funding and economic landscape. At that point, Beacon’s board was considering additional fundraising, financing and changes to the project, including building it in phases.
By late August, Beacon had settled on a two-phase approach rather than waiting to raise the entire amount.
Phase 1, which Beacon said in an [Aug. 27 update](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-27-Beacon-news-letter-new-facility.pdf) is scheduled to begin in December, calls for construction of 20 permanent-supportive-housing apartments and two work-exchange apartments in the west wing of the building. Phase 2 would complete the day center, kitchen, and overnight shelter in the east wing, after additional money is raised.
Gilmore told the county council Tuesday that without closing the remaining funding gap, the second phase cannot move ahead. “Right now phase two is completely off the table until we close that money gap.” He said a successful fundraising push could still minimize the delay between the two phases.
So the county’s $1 million would not be the money that gets the first 20 supportive apartments started in December. Instead, it would help Beacon get closer to finishing the rest of the center, which means the overnight shelter, day center, and kitchen.
Gilmore also told councilors Beacon is pursuing several other sources. Gilmore said Beacon plans to return to existing campaign donors about extending their pledges by one year from five years to and is talking with local foundations.
### Project background
Beacon’s effort to consolidate services on West 3rd Street dates back to at least 2023.
The project required a [conditional-use approval](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2023/10/19/bloomington-oks-zoning-requirement-for-beacons-new-shelter-supportive-housing-facility-on-3rd-street/) for supportive housing from Bloomington’s board of zoning appeals, which approved the request in October 2023\. The plan commission followed with [unanimous site-plan approval](https://bsquarebulletin.com/beacons-supportive-housing-site-plan-on-3rd-street-gets-ok-from-bloomington-fundraising-work-remains/) in April 2024\.
The central idea has been to move Beacon’s currently separate facilities under one roof. Beacon currently operates the Shalom Community Center day shelter and Friends Place overnight shelter in separate locations.
Beacon has also emphasized permanent supportive housing, which are apartments combined with continuing services intended to help people who have experienced chronic homelessness remain housed.
That part of Beacon’s work is also at the center of an unrelated dispute involving Crawford Apartments on South Henderson Street.
### Crawford dispute remains pending
Gilmore alluded Tuesday to Beacon’s situation at Crawford Apartments, where Beacon provides supportive services but does not own the 61-unit complex.
He was responding to a question from council president Jennifer Crossley about whether Beacon had approached the city of Bloomington with a funding request. Gilmore was circumspect, saying that litigation between the city and the nonprofit he leads precludes certain kinds of negotiations.
In August 2025, Bloomington [sued the Crawford ownership entities](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-alleges-contract-breach-by-crawford-apartments-seeks-685k-beacon-among-defendants/), and named Beacon one of the defendants, alleging breaches connected with agreements governing the federally supported housing development, and asking for recovery of $685,000 in federal HOME money. Gilmore said at the time that Beacon had no ownership or financial interest in the property and said the nonprofit was “completely befuddled” about why it had been named as a defendant.
The lawsuit remains pending. Meanwhile, 32 of Crawford’s 61 apartments were [vacant as of July](https://bsquarebulletin.com/update-some-bloomington-supportive-apartments-stay-closed-to-new-tenants-after-failed-inspections/), but could not be leased because the two buildings had not passed the city inspections required for renewal of their rental permits. Beacon continues to provide supportive services there.
### Next steps for county money
Tuesday’s council vote does not immediately transfer $1 million to Beacon. It puts the amount into the ED LIT portion of the 2027 budget, which will come back in a few weeks for formal action.
The move to tap ED LIT money to help fund Beacon’s project reflects a change in basic policy that was already evident last year. After the ED LIT was [enacted by Bloomington’s city council in 2022](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-council-enacts-0-69-point-tax-increase-for-monroe-county-residents-on-9-0-vote/), the county council took a hand-off approach to revenues from the new tax, treating the new money stream as a way to accumulate money for construction of a new jail.
But last year, the council departed from that approach, choosing to [move $4.6 million in expenses](https://bsquarebulletin.com/longevity-pay-for-2026-restored-by-monroe-county-council-after-pushback-from-employees/) for the 2026 budget out of previously budgeted lines into the ED LIT fund. The [2025 year-end fund balance](https://gateway.ifionline.org/report%5Fbuilder/Default3a.aspx?rpttype=afr&rpt=cash%5Finv%5Fcombined&rptName=Cash and Investments) for Monroe County’s ED LIT was $23,475,065\.
The county government’s 2027 budget is scheduled for a first reading on [Oct. 6](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-2027-budget-session-7), with adoption set for [Oct. 20](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-2027-budget-public-hearing).
### 9th Street & Morton Street (Election Central)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/9th-street-morton-street-election-central/
Last updated: 2026-09-22T11:31:52.000Z
0:00
/0:28
1×
Part of a test deck is run through one of the half dozen voting machines subjected to a logic and accuracy test. Preparation of the test deck required hand-marking 5,000 ballots. (Dave Askins, Sept. 21, 2026)
### CBU fills in some details behind countywide boil-water advisory, including 1.06 NTU reading
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/cbu-fills-in-some-details-behind-countywide-boil-water-advisory-including-1-06-ntu-reading/
Last updated: 2026-09-22T11:26:36.000Z
B Square file photo of the water treatment plant fro 2023\.
Between a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-21-Water-Boil-Advisory-Lifted-CBU-Bloomington.pdf) Monday morning (Sept. 21) announcing the end of Monroe County’s boil-water advisory, and a Monday night briefing given to the city’s utilities service board, many of the questions related to the weekend advisory got answers.
The [original advisory](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-20-annotated-boil-water-advisory-News-Release-City-of-Bloomington-Utilities.pdf ) was issued based on a turbidity level that was measured at a level higher than state standards. Turbidity is a measure of cloudiness, which in itself is not a health risk, but can be an indicator of improper filtration, might interfere with disinfection, and can provide a medium for microbial growth.
Among the details released on Monday was the peak measurement for turbidity, which was 1.06 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) at about 5 p.m. on Saturday. That’s just over the regulatory ceiling of 1.00, and was back below the limit by 6 p.m. Turbidity is measured hourly. The public notification went out around midnight, roughly seven hours after the standard was exceeded.
Another detail released Monday was that the water treatment plant had gone about 10 and a half hours without treating and pumping water normally, after a storm-related power failure that began around 6 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 18).
The advisory itself was lifted Monday morning after samples collected at locations throughout the water distribution system came back clear. CBU director Katherine Zaiger told the USB at its regular Monday meeting that the samples require 24 hours to run and that CBU allowed about 26 hours before relying on the results.
Zaiger praised the work of the CBU staff: “I want to give a lot of kudos to our staff, our operators, and our maintenance staff who are on site, who are incredible, quick thinking, calm problem solvers who were able to get it done very quickly.”
### Power outage followed by equipment trouble
The chain of events started around 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, when a storm knocked out power at the Monroe water treatment plant.
CBU’s existing backup generators can operate the plant at about 50% capacity, according to [Monday’s news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-21-Water-Boil-Advisory-Lifted-CBU-Bloomington.pdf ). But additional electrical problems at the intake tower meant the plant could not treat and pump water normally for about 10 and a half hours. The release identified problems involving raw-water pumps, alum pumps, the plant’s supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA), and communications equipment.
At Monday’s USB meeting, assistant utilities director Hector Ortiz Sanchez said Duke Energy power was unavailable for roughly four hours. The other six hours when the plant wasn’t treating water were spent troubleshooting CBU’s own systems after utility power was restored. One issue involved a depleted battery backup and the controls governing the transition between generator power and utility power.
Once the intake was operating again, the plant still was not at full capacity. Zaiger said an alum feed pump was damaged when the power came back on. A replacement alum pump was also damaged, before staff established a temporary alum-feed arrangement. By Monday evening, the plant was producing at a rate of 22 million gallons per day, which is toward the high end of its normal production capacity, while storage tanks continued to refill, Zaiger said.
The alum pump failure connects the electrical problems directly to the high turbidity level. Alum is an aluminum sulfate-based coagulant. It causes very small particles that would otherwise remain suspended in the water to join together into larger clumps, called floc, which can then settle out or be caught by filters.
Losing the alum feed interfered with formation of floc and removal of suspended particles, causing turbidity in the water to increase. Low levels in the Monroe distribution tank also contributed to the high turbidity, according to CBU.
Turbidity is a measure of how much light is scattered by suspended material when it passes through the water. It does not by itself identify what those suspended particles are or show that bacteria or other pathogens are present. But high turbidity can indicate that treatment and filtration are not working as intended.
### Exceedance lasted less than an hour
The specific reading that triggered the regulatory issue was 1.06 NTU at approximately 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19\. That reading was 0.06 NTU over the 1.0-NTU maximum. CBU says readings were back below 1.0 NTU by 6 p.m. and remained below the limit after that. The B Square has made a records request for a dataset of the turbidity levels from the start of the year to now.
The [federal drinking-water rules](https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations) require turbidity to be 0.3 NTU or lower in at least 95% of measurements during a month, with no measurement allowed to exceed 1 NTU.
After the USB meeting, Zaiger told The B Square the plant has two instruments that produce hourly readings for turbidity. At 5 p.m. on Saturday, one was below the limit and the other reading was over it. Staff initially considered whether the instruments were clean and whether the measurements triggered the advisory, she said. The outcome of that conversation was to proceed with the advisory.
Zaiger said that the basic question of the triggering threshold was resolved within the first hour. So that doesn’t explain the whole time lag before the public notification. The rest of the time was spent on internal coordination and preparing a news release that could be linked from the customer notification, Zaiger said. Zaiger alluded to IDEM’s (Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s) 24-hour requirement for notification.
The original release was sent at 12:04 a.m. Sunday, putting roughly seven hours between the 5 p.m. measurement and the announcement.
“I wish we could have got it out sooner,” Zaiger told The B Square after the meeting.
The timing of the release meant that restaurants serving dinner on Saturday night were not affected, but those offering breakfast Sunday morning had to tweak their operations. Village Deli on Kirkwood was like many, who [posted a sign](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dunn-street-kirkwood-avenue-3/) on their door reading: “We are not serving water or soda due to the Bloomington water advisory. We will be selling bottled water. Thanks for your understanding.”
### IDEM’s 24-hour rule
After the USB meeting, Zaiger referred in her comments to The B Square to an IDEM 24-hour requirement.
For a violation caused by a single exceedance of the maximum turbidity limit, [Indiana’s Administrative Code (IAC)](https://www.in.gov/health/eph/files/327-IAC-8.pdf#page=131 ) says the water system has to consult with the IDEM commissioner “as soon as practical,” but no later than 24 hours after learning of the violation, to determine whether a Tier 1 public notice is required to protect public health.
If IDEM determines that Tier 1 notice is required, IAC requires the notice as soon as practical, and no later than 24 hours after the system learns of the violation. If the required consultation does not take place within the first 24 hours, the rules call for a Tier 1 notice within the following 24 hours, which means no later than 48 hours after the utility learns of the violation. That put CBU’s notification well within the required time frame.
A Tier 1 notice is Indiana’s most urgent category of drinking-water public notice. It applies to violations or situations with a significant potential for serious adverse health effects from short-term exposure. IAC says a [Tier 1 notice](https://www.in.gov/health/eph/files/327-IAC-8.pdf#page=130) has to be “reasonably calculated to reach all persons served” by the utility.
Although turbidity at the plant dropped below the 1.00 limit just hour after the 1.06 measurement, that did not establish the condition of water already moving through storage tanks and distribution mains.
Zaiger told the USB that CBU sampled at locations throughout the distribution system. After running the samples through tests that take 24 hours, those samples came back clear, providing the basis for lifting the advisory Monday morning.
The announcement lifting the advisory also warned that some customers could continue to see lower-than-normal water pressure because storage tanks were still recovering from the period of reduced production.
### 2023 outage, lessons learned, preparation for future
Monday’s USB discussion at times returned to another prolonged power interruption at the Monroe plant in June 2023.
USB president Kirk White described that episode as a “close call” in which CBU “dodged a bullet.” He said the experience had already demonstrated that the utility cannot operate the plant indefinitely at full production on its existing generator capacity.
The [July 3, 2023 meeting minutes](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/12187/download) for the USB describe a roughly 10- to 12-hour interruption after storms, with a failed electrical relay preventing the intake from receiving power from either the grid or the generator. A temporary intake that was already in place for construction work helped keep storage levels from falling farther during that episode.
White said Monday that the latest incident should be viewed as a failure of interconnected systems rather than of one employee or one piece of machinery.
“It’s a failure of systems,” he said, naming the Duke Energy connection, electrical equipment, generators, SCADA and other controls. He called for a comprehensive after-action review. White said the system has roughly 10 to 12 hours of water in its tanks if production stops, which puts a practical limit on how long CBU has to resolve an outage before conditions become much more serious.
Some of the equipment White was talking about is already scheduled for investment.
On Sept. 9, the city [announced a $2.375 million EPA grant](https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2026/09/09/6645) for resilience improvements at the its water treatment plant, including backup generators and improvements to its control systems. The city’s announcement noted that the plant sits in a rural, heavily wooded area near Lake Monroe, where high winds and fallen trees make electrical outages a recurring concern.
Zaiger told the USB that the grant will supplement projects funded through CBU’s recently implemented drinking-water rate increase. She said CBU has four planned projects involving electrical or control-panel work, along with broader modernization of the SCADA system.
White said the review should also cover public communication. When a water plant has stopped producing water and storage levels are falling, he said, CBU should have more aggressive communications ready to deploy, including simple instructions and graphics.
Zaiger said CBU initially used its Everbridge notification system, drawing on contact information associated with customer accounts. But many county residents either had outdated information or were not CBU account holders. Bloomington sells water wholesale to other utilities around Monroe County, which means customers of other utilities would not have received the initial notification.
CBU later sent notice through the county emergency-management system, which Zaiger said accounted for some of the differences in when people were notified.
From the public mic, former USB member Julie Roberts told the board she received an automated phone call around midnight but did not receive the text notification until much later, at 9:19 a.m. She urged CBU to coordinate more closely with Monroe County and to use simpler instructions. For example, she said news releases should talk about “brushing your teeth” instead of “oral hygiene.” She also suggested telling residents to conserve water when tank levels are critically low.
### Information still to come
Monday’s release and briefing USB meeting filled in many of the major blanks left by the original advisory.
Questions about routine turbidity levels, the water levels in storage tanks, and more chronological details about the turbidity episode could get answers when the city responds to a records request filed by The B Square over the weekend.
> Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, I request electronic copies of the following records concerning the turbidity event at the Monroe Water Treatment Plant that resulted in the countywide boil-water advisory issued around midnight on Sept. 20, 2026:
>
> 1\. Records showing all turbidity measurements at the plant from Jan. 1, 2026 through Sept. 21, 2026 including the time the measurement was taken and the NTU measurement.
>
> 2\. Records showing all water level measurement in the plant’s primary storage tank during that same period, from Jan. 1, 2026 through Sept. 20, 2026\.
>
> 3\. SCADA logs, trend data, alarm histories, event logs, or other records generated by the plant’s SCADA system that document the turbidity incident from Sept. 18 to Sept. 20, 2026\.
>
> 4\. Records sufficient to show when electrical power was lost and restored. Records sufficient to show which plant equipment lost power. Records sufficient to show whether backup or emergency power was available or used. Records that document any equipment or process that did not operate normally because of the outage.
>
> 5\. Records showing plant water-production rates from Jan. 1, 2026 through Sept. 21, 2026 preferably at the smallest time interval maintained by CBU.
>
> 6\. Communications starting Sept. 18, 2026 through Sept. 21, 2026 between CBU and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management concerning the turbidity exceedance, boil-water advisory, required sampling or testing, and the conditions that must be met before the advisory can be lifted.
>
> 7\. Records showing any bacteriological, microbial or other water-quality testing conducted in response to the turbidity event, including sampling times, locations and results.
>
> 8\. Any written incident review, preliminary assessment, chronology or other record describing the cause of the elevated turbidity and the operational steps taken in response.
>
> For database, SCADA, spreadsheet or other structured electronic records, please provide the records in their existing native electronic format, such as CSV or XLSX, where reasonably available. If any portion of a responsive record is withheld or redacted, please identify the specific statutory basis for the withholding and disclose the reasonably segregable remainder. To the extent that a faster response could be possible if this request were modified or narrowed, please don’t hesitate to let me know so that I can consider such modification. Thank you!
### Monroe County local income tax group mulls shared municipal rate approach
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-local-income-tax-group-mulls-shared-municipal-rate-approach/
Last updated: 2026-10-14T19:31:53.000Z
Monroe County MUST from left: Bloomington controller Geoff McKim; Ellettsville clerk-treasurer Noelle Conyer; Stinesville clerk-treasurer Leah Fiegle; and county councilor Peter Iversen. Seated to Iversen’s left is Greg Guerrettaz, with Financial Solutions Group. (Dave Askins, Sept. 18, 2026)
Monroe County’s MUST (Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce) wrapped up its first meeting Friday (Sept. 18) without recommending a local income tax rate.
But one approach seemed to have at least some support. It would put Bloomington and the county’s towns into a shared municipal-services local income tax (LIT) base, which would also include residents of unincorporated Monroe County.
No formal decision was made on that approach. But on Friday, Bloomington controller Geoff McKim explicitly supported the shared municipal services approach. One [financial model](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-18-MUST-Committee-FSG-handhout.pdf ) presented at Friday’s meeting by the county’s financial consultant, Financial Solutions Group (FSG), assumed Bloomington, Ellettsville and Stinesville would all participate. The four voting members also agreed Friday that they should not recommend a specific rate yet.
The MUST is a temporary, optional county-level body created under Indiana’s new local income tax framework to discuss how future LIT revenue should be structured and distributed.
The four members with a seat at the MUST table on Friday were: Monroe County council representative Peter Iversen; Bloomington controller Geoff McKim; Ellettsville clerk-treasurer Noelle Conyer; and Stinesville clerk-treasurer Leah Fiegle. That reflects state law, which defines the membership as one county council representative, plus the fiscal officer of each city and town in the county.
Under the new system, which scraps most of the different kinds of local income tax in the current system, it’s ultimately the seven-member Monroe County council that has the most control over how the new LIT rates are set. Iversen said on Friday that it gives the seven councilmembers “immense power” over the county’s 41 taxing units. He said it made him personally “pretty uncomfortable to be given that much power and control.”
The next meeting of the MUST was tentatively set for Friday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. It’s possible at the meeting that a vote will be taken on a [non-committal statement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-18-MUST-meeting-draft-statement.pdf) that essentially says that there are too many knowns to recommend any specific rate.
### Impact on Bloomington
For Bloomington, the difference between the shared approach and going it alone is substantial.
Bloomington’s goal is to maintain its current LIT revenue and make up for an estimated $2.43 million in property-tax revenue that the city is projected to lose in 2029\. Under Indiana’s new LIT framework, Bloomington could impose its own municipal income tax just on residents of the city.
But that rate would be capped at 1.2%. And based on an estimated adjusted gross income of $2.44 billion for Bloomington residents, FSG calculates Bloomington would need a 1.7923% municipal rate to hit the revenue replacement goal. The needed rate to hit the goal just wouldn’t be legally possible.
Bloomington’s estimated 2027 LIT revenue is $41.32 million: $17.24 million in certified shares, $4.90 million in public safety money and $19.18 million in economic development revenue. FSG added the projected $2.43 million property-tax loss, to arrive at what it called a $43.74 million 2029 LIT “goal” for Bloomington.
Based on FSG’s estimated adjusted gross income base for Bloomington of $2.44 billion, the maximum 1.2% city-only rate would generate about $29.29 million. That would leave Bloomington about $14.46 million short of the $43.74 million target.
The shared-rate calculation looks a lot different. FSG modeled a 1.049% municipal-services rate applied across Bloomington, Ellettsville, Stinesville and unincorporated Monroe County. That would produce about $51.47 million, with an estimated $43.75 million going to Bloomington, $3.68 million to Ellettsville, $112,000 to Stinesville and $3.93 million to the county government for the unincorporated area.
### What “opt in” means
Under the new framework, municipalities with populations of at least 3,500 can choose to participate in the county municipal-services system instead of imposing their own separate municipal rate. That’s called opting in.
The shared-rate revenue would be distributed primarily according to population, but not on a simple per-capita basis. Under the formula in [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/6#6-3.6-6-6.1 ), if all the municipalities participate in the shared rate, each gets a share equal to 1.5 times its share of the total county population, with the remainder going to the county government.
So under the scenario modeled by FSG, a resident of unincorporated Monroe County would pay the shared municipal-services rate even though that person does not live in Bloomington, Ellettsville or Stinesville. The unincorporated population would be included by the statutory formula that gives the remainder revenue to county government.
In FSG’s model, Bloomington would receive about 85% of the $51.47 million pool, based on its share of the population used in the formula.
### Fire and EMS would be additional
There is another significant part of the FSG model: Its $43.74 million Bloomington “goal” does not appear to include the proposed fire and EMS LIT, which has a separate rate that can be enacted by the county council.
FSG separately modeled a 0.1885% countywide fire and EMS rate that would generate $9.25 million. Its [preliminary allocation](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-18-MUST-Committee-FSG-handhout.pdf#page=10) is shown by FSG as $3 million to the Bloomington fire department, $550,000 to Ellettsville fire department and $5.7 million to the Monroe Fire Protection District.
For Bloomington, that means the model contemplates $43.75 million in municipal-services revenue plus $3 million for fire and EMS, or about $46.75 million altogether.
That is about $5.43 million more than Bloomington’s current $41.32 million LIT distribution. The difference consists of roughly $2.43 million to replace projected property-tax losses plus the separate $3 million fire and EMS distribution.
Another way to look at the arithmetic: A maximum 1.2% Bloomington-only rate would leave a $14.46 million gap against the $43.74 million municipal target. Even adding the proposed $3 million fire and EMS distribution would leave an $11.46 million gap.
The $3 million would not simply be unrestricted city revenue. McKim noted Friday that Bloomington currently pays fire expenses from multiple funds, making it difficult to identify one existing LIT-supported portion of the fire budget.
Under state law, county councils will have flexibility in dividing fire and EMS LIT revenue, but have to consider each provider’s service boundaries and the population within them.
FSG’s full analysis comes to a 2.389% LIT rate, compared with Monroe County’s current 2.205%. That difference of 0.184 percentage points works out to about $92 a year on $50,000 of taxable income.
FSG’s Greg Guerrettaz stressed at Friday’s meeting that those numbers are scenarios, not recommended rates.
### Bloomington Transit: A $3.8 million question
Bloomington Transit presents another wrinkle in the effort to preserve existing local-government revenue.
FSG’s model [shows BT](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-18-MUST-Committee-FSG-handhout.pdf#page=9) doing relatively well under the new nonmunicipal-unit LIT structure. Its estimated direct LIT distribution rises from $723,907 in 2027 to $809,580 in 2029\. After accounting for a projected $74,260 property-tax loss, that would put BT about $11,400 above FSG’s “made whole” target. The model uses a 0.0165% rate for the special-district category, which is below the 0.05% statutory cap.
During Friday’s presentation, FSG consultant Greg Guerrettaz specifically pointed to Bloomington Transit as a local unit that appeared to fit within the new framework, in contrast to the Monroe County Public Library, whose modeled revenue falls well short of its target. “There’s nothing more important than getting people up and down the road that don’t have a car,” Guerrettaz said.
But that analysis does not separately preserve another much larger stream of LIT money that BT has been receiving from the city of Bloomington for the last few years.
Under a five-year agreement running from 2023 through 2027, Bloomington has committed $3,806,100 a year to BT from the city’s economic-development LIT revenue. The 2027 payment is the fifth and final installment under the existing agreement.
That money is different from BT’s direct LIT distribution. The $723,907 shown for BT in FSG’s 2027 column is revenue allocated directly to the transit corporation under the existing LIT distribution system. The separate $3.8 million comes out of Bloomington’s share of ED LIT. FSG’s analysis treats that revenue as part of Bloomington’s existing LIT base when establishing the city’s $43.74 million revenue target. It does not establish a separate $3.8 million target for Bloomington Transit.
So the FSG model could technically “make Bloomington Transit whole” while BT still loses a revenue stream several times larger than its direct LIT distribution. The current city-BT agreement provides no automatic continuation after Dec. 31, 2027\. Continuing some or all of that support would require a new decision about how Bloomington uses its future municipal revenue.
And the $3.8 million has been used for one-time capital purchases of buses and land for a new operations center. But BT has also used portions of the city LIT allocation for ongoing expenses, including $300,000 a year for Sunday bus service. In its [2024 budget](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-budget-for-presentation-to-city-council-plans-for-limited-replacement-of-rural-transit-service/), BT also allocated $200,000 of the city LIT money to two staff positions, for marketing and development, and grants and procurement, as well as $200,000 for microtransit service. Those same types of operating expenses continued to appear in later budgets.
That means the transition to the new LIT system raises a big question for the county council to make on when it comes to a rate for Bloomington Transit. Should the county council enact a rate that is only adequate to replace the roughly $724,000 BT now receives directly, or should it enact a rate that allows BT to continue its recent new initiatives or possibly even more? At the maximum rate of .05%, BT could receive around $2.4 million a year.
### Thoughts from four MUST members
McKim gave the clearest support for the opt-in approach. He said Bloomington’s own modeling, done with the city’s financial adviser, produced a roughly 1.09% break-even rate. That’s close to FSG’s 1.049%. He also said the city needs better geographic income data from the state before final decisions are made. He also raised concerns about preserving funding for 911 dispatch, schools, and libraries, and providing predictable fire and EMS funding.
Conyer said Ellettsville’s goal is stable and predictable LIT revenue while limiting the impact on taxpayers. She also pointed to the proposed Ellettsville-Richland Township reorganization, which could change municipal boundaries and affect the calculations.
Fiegle said Stinesville, with roughly 200 residents and little room for growth, has few alternative revenue sources, making LIT especially important to the town.
Iversen stressed how much authority the new system gives the seven-member county council over revenue affecting dozens of local units. With another legislative session approaching, he said the county wants to preserve flexibility rather than commit now to numbers that could soon be superseded by changes the legislature makes in its 2027 session.
### One more meeting, then possibly a vote, but not on rates
The MUST itself is optional. Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/6#6-3.6-3-13) allows counties to convene one before Oct. 1, 2026\. Any agreement it reaches has to be unanimous, but the statute does not require the members to reach an agreement at all.
That makes the likely next step for Monroe County’s MUST relatively simple.
FSG prepared a [draft statement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-18-MUST-meeting-draft-statement.pdf ) recommending no specific rates. Instead, it says Monroe County does not yet have enough information to sign off on 2029 rates. It asks lawmakers for more flexibility in funding townships and libraries, continued flexibility in distributing fire and EMS revenue, protection against revenue losses for existing units, and authority to include school corporations in future LIT distributions.
At Friday’s meeting, all four MUST members agreed that no specific rate should be recommended. FSG’s Greg Guerrettaz said one more meeting should be enough to review the statement, revise it if necessary, and vote.
The draft is likely to see at least one revision. Ellettsville’s Conyer asked for some wording that addresses municipal boundary changes if the Ellettsville-Richland Township reorganization is approved on Nov. 3.
The underlying state law could change, too. That uncertainty was one of the main reasons members Friday favored a statement preserving as much local flexibility as possible rather than locking Monroe County into particular rates.
The MUST members tentatively set their meeting for Friday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m.
---
FSG model: Estimated 2029 Monroe County LIT rates
County rate
County services
0.9400%
Fire and EMS
0.1885%
Nonmunicipal civil taxing districts
0.1165%
Juvenile Corrections Special Purpose LIT
0.0950%
County subtotal
1.3400%
Single municipal rate
1.0490%
Total estimated 2029 rate
2.3890%
Current 2027 Monroe County LIT rates
COIT
0.9482%
Public safety
0.2500%
EDIT
0.6900%
Jail LIT
0.1700%
Property tax relief
0.0518%
Juvenile Corrections Special Purpose LIT Proposed for 2027
0.0950%
Total county rate
2.2050%
Bloomington LIT: What it would take to stay whole
Current estimated 2027 city LIT
$41,317,835
Estimated 2029 property-tax loss
+$2,426,700
FSG municipal revenue “goal”
$43,744,535
Estimated Bloomington income base
$2.441 billion
City-only rate needed to reach goal
1.7923%
Maximum city-only rate
1.2000%
Revenue at maximum 1.2% city-only rate
$29,287,645
Shortfall under city-only approach
$14,456,890
Separate proposed Bloomington Fire/EMS distribution
+$3,000,000
Shortfall if Fire/EMS money is added
$11,456,890
FSG shared municipal rate
1.0490%
Bloomington distribution under shared-rate model
$43,746,164
The shared-rate model includes Bloomington, Ellettsville, Stinesville and unincorporated Monroe County. The proposed $3 million Fire/EMS distribution is separate from Bloomington's $43.74 million municipal-services goal.
Indiana's new LIT framework: Maximum rates and key caps
Category
Maximum
Who pays
Where it goes / limit
County services
1.20%
County residents, including municipal residents
County services
Fire and EMS
0.40%
County residents, including municipal residents
Qualifying fire and EMS providers
Nonmunicipal units
0.20%
County residents, including municipal residents
Townships, libraries and other eligible units; each unit type is capped at 0.05%
Combined cap: county services + fire/EMS + nonmunicipal units
1.70%
County residents, including municipal residents
These three categories cannot exceed 1.70% in total, even though their individual maximums add to 1.80%
Municipal services (shared “opt-in” rate)
1.20%
Residents covered by the shared county municipal-services rate
Participating municipalities plus the county/unincorporated share
Municipal services (separate municipality-specific rate)
1.20%
Residents of that municipality
That municipality
Overall expenditure-rate cap
2.90%
Any one taxpayer subject to the expenditure LIT
Maximum total equals the 1.70% combined county-controlled cap plus up to 1.20% for municipal services
The 2.90% figure is the overall maximum expenditure rate. Special-purpose LITs are governed separately. In practice, a taxpayer could face up to 1.70% for county services, fire/EMS and nonmunicipal units, plus up to 1.20% for either a shared municipal-services rate or a separate municipality-specific rate.
### Sept. 21, 2026: Cloudy water, big zoning changes, appointment to transit board, failed rental inspections
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sept-21-2026-cloudy-water-big-zoning-changes-appointment-to-transit-board-failed-rental-inspections/
Last updated: 2026-09-22T14:00:50.000Z
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Take an umbrella for the possibility of early showers, but after 10 a.m. you’re probably OK. It might feel chilly compared to this past week, but a high of 75F° is still plenty warm. You won’t need a sweater.
**Tuesday:** The overnight low will dip into the high 50s, so it’s going to start to feel like fall around here. You won’t need rain gear, but it will be cloudy all day, with a high around 72F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-79/). What’s another word for pamphlet? Fish knows! Do you?!
- [Monroe County property transfers through Sept. 11, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-sept-11-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 21 to Sept. 11, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Countywide boil-water advisory in effect through Monday (Sept. 21) after turbidity spike at Bloomington water plant](https://bsquarebulletin.com/countywide-boil-water-advisory-in-effect-through-monday-sept-21-after-turbidity-spike-at-bloomington-water-plant/). A countywide boil-water advisory is in effect after storm-related power outages reduced production at Bloomington’s water treatment plant and turbidity exceeded the federal limit. Residents should boil water for drinking, cooking and oral hygiene until at least 3 p.m. Monday (Sept. 21).
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population still routinely over functional capacity](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-hits-week-long-stretch-over-aclu-functional-limit-2/). Monroe County’s jail held 236 people Saturday, Sept. 19, above the ACLU’s 229-person functional-capacity estimate. The 10-day rolling average was about 232, down from roughly 254 in late July. At least 585 people left the jail during the 61-day span. The median stay was 2 days.
- [Update: Some Bloomington supportive apartments stay closed to new tenants after failed inspections](https://bsquarebulletin.com/update-some-bloomington-supportive-apartments-stay-closed-to-new-tenants-after-failed-inspections/). Thirty-two of 61 apartments at Bloomington’s Crawford supportive housing complex are vacant but cannot be leased because both buildings failed city inspections. Officials say restoring the units is increasingly urgent amid limited housing options for people experiencing homelessness.
- [Bloomington council appoints Ammerman to transit board, sends Cross removal question to committee](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-appoints-ammerman-to-transit-board-sends-cross-removal-question-to-committee/). Bloomington’s city council appointed Zach Ammerman to the Bloomington Transit board. The council referred the proposed removal of historic preservation commissioner Reynard Cross to a council committee, which is expected to report back Oct. 14.
- [Bloomington council approves citywide zoning changes 5–3, eliminates minimums for motor-vehicle parking](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-approves-citywide-zoning-changes-5-3-eliminates-minimums-for-motor-vehicle-parking/). Bloomington’s city council voted 5–3 to approve zoning changes that shrink minimum lot sizes, and eliminate motor-vehicle parking minimums among other things. Supporters said the changes could ease housing construction. Opponents warned of parking and redevelopment impacts.
### Other notes
**Absentee election ballots mailed.** When The B Square checked in with county election staff at the end of the week last week, they were preparing to send the first wave of absentee ballots out on Saturday (Sept. 19). That’s the [deadline](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf) for sending absentee ballots to people who have already filled out an approved application. That means campaign literature will be hitting your mailboxes soon, if it hasn’t already.
**Constitutional challenge to “sore loser” law.** On the docket for [Monday (Sept. 21) at 2 p.m.](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDYtMjYwOC1NSS0wMDIyODkiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJPcGVuIiwiRmlsZVN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJGaWxlRW5kIjpudWxsLCJDb3VudHlDb2RlIjpudWxsfX0=) is a hearing in front of Monroe County circuit court judge Kara Krothe on the [case that Joe Davis has filed](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-21-Joe-Davis-Monroe-County-Election-Board-county-clerk-sore-loser.pdf), challenging the constitutionality of Indiana’s so-called sore-loser law. Davis finished third in the Democratic Party’s primary for county clerk, and then registered as a write-in candidate for the Nov. 3 election unaffiliated with any party. For B Square background, see: [Candidate’s write-in bid blocked by Monroe County election board, court challenge planned](https://bsquarebulletin.com/candidates-write-in-bid-blocked-by-monroe-county-election-board-court-challenge-planned/).
### On the calendar
**Voting equipment test.** The voting equipment test for the Nov. 3 general election will be held next Monday (Sept. 21) at 9:30 a.m. at the early voting space on Morton Street at Showers North.
**Drinking water.** Set for a regular meeting at [5 p.m. on Monday (Sept. 21)](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17474/download) is the utilities service board (USB). It is likely, I would guess, that a briefing will be provided on the topic of the boil water advisory that was issued by CBU (City of Bloomington Utilities) around midnight Sept. 20\.
But the agenda includes another item that is interesting. Habitat for Humanity has been denied a water hookup by CBU for two of its houses that are a part of the Osage Place development. The basis for the denial is an inadequate swale that is supposed to be a part of the stormwater management for the property. The item on Monday’s agenda is an [appeal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-21-Utilities-Service-Board-stormwater-swale-Osage-Place-6A-Habitat-for-Humanity-Appeal-Memo.pdf) by Habitat of the denied hookups. I don’t know how the USB appeals process works. I might be able to find out by using this one weird journalist trick: Show up to the meeting, listen to what people say, write down the words, and report back.
**Contract with veterinarian.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 22) draft agenda ](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17453/download )for Bloomington’s board of public works a contract with a veterinarian to provide services at the city’s animal shelter.
**$324,000 for elections.** On the [5 p.m Tuesday (Sept. 22) meeting agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-22-Monroe-County-Council-Agenda-Packet.pdf ) for the Monroe County council is an additional appropriation for $324,000, to cover the cost of elections.
**2027 formal city of Bloomington budget presentation (including Bloomington Transit).** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 23) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17486/download) for Bloomington’s city council is the formal presentation of the various parts of the city budget for 2027\. Right after the formal introduction of the six separate ordinances that make up the “budget” is a so-called committee-of-the-whole meeting of the council to discuss the budget.
All other things being equal, the council will vote on the adoption of the various parts of the budget on Oct. 7\. But there’s room on the statutory calendar for the council to undertake amendments and put off an adoption vote until the end of October.
---
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
**Nerd Nite Bloomington: Sept. 25.** Bug sex, imperfect maps and the Great Molasses Flood get the 15-minute-talk treatment at Nerd Nite Bloomington #6\. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, with presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. at The Bishop Bar in Bloomington. Organizers would like people to [RSVP](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nerd-nite-bloomington-6-tickets-1999395946097?utm%5Fsource=sendfox&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=save-the-date-nerd-nite-6-bug-sex-perfect-maps-and-the-great-molasses-flood ).
**From the Ground Up: Sept. 26.** The [Monroe County Master Gardener Association](https://www.mcmga.net/) will host its annual fall gardening program [Saturday, Sept. 26](https://www.mcmga.net/from-the-ground-up), from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College’s Shreve Hall, 200 Daniels Way. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. This year’s program focuses on vegetable gardening, with sessions on soil health, community and urban gardening, natural pest control and container gardening, plus a panel discussion. [Registration is $25](https://forms.gle/3XnQKtb8wjKitU8W8).
According to the gardeners: “Monroe County Master Gardeners provide food for this event, and boy can they make a delicious snack! The event is not on a football game day, so if folks are looking for something else to do, come learn about veggie gardening.”
**Bloomington Paint Out: Oct. 3.** The fifth annual Bloomington Paint Out takes place rain or shine on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bryan Park, with artist check-in from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Woodlawn Pavilion. Artists of all ages and skill levels can paint anywhere in Bloomington, with finished work due by 3:15 p.m. for judging in several age and experience categories. Free classes, supplies and artist demonstrations will be offered at the pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no registration fee or advance registration.
---
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Saint!
Up for adoption, as of Sept. 20 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Saint](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86544). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is a bully breed mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Saint](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86544):
> From his previous owner: Saint would benefit off living in a home with a backyard and somewhere he can run around. He has a lot of energy and loves people and attention.
### Photo Finish: 2nd Street & College Avenue
At the Seminary Square Kroger, the shelves that hold jugs of water are nearly empty as shoppers buy up the inventory after the [boil water advisory](https://bsquarebulletin.com/countywide-boil-water-advisory-in-effect-through-monday-sept-21-after-turbidity-spike-at-bloomington-water-plant/). (Dave Askins, Sept. 20, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### 2nd Street & College Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/semin/
Last updated: 2026-09-20T18:07:16.000Z
At the Seminary Square Kroger, the shelves that hold jugs of water are nearly empty as shoppers buy up the inventory after the boil water advisory. (Dave Askins, Sept. 20, 2026)
### Grant Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/grant-street-kirkwood-avenue-4/
Last updated: 2026-09-20T18:04:14.000Z
A monarch butterfly is nectaring in the flower bed in front of the Monroe County Public Library. (Dave Askins, Setp. 20, 2026)
### Dunn Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/dunn-street-kirkwood-avenue-3/
Last updated: 2026-09-20T18:00:56.000Z
Impact of boil water advisory. The sign on the door of Village Deli says “We are not serving water or soda due to the Bloomington water advisory. We will be selling bottled water. Thanks for your understanding.” (Dave Askins, Sept. 20, 2026)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-79/
Last updated: 2026-09-20T13:19:08.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #80 (Sept. 20, 2026)**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through Sept. 11, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-sept-11-2026/
Last updated: 2026-09-20T13:10:16.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 21 to Sept. 11, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1TGon5kIv9H6Fw1EW4rC38cWfsAQWgcI&usp=sharing ).\]
- On September 11, 2026, the property at 1414 E Commander CT was sold to JOYCE LORRAINE WERNER by Perantoni, Daniel T for $750,000.
- On September 11, 2026, the property at 1201 W Aspen CT was sold to SCOT DEWEES by JONES, NANCY K for $385,000.
- On September 11, 2026, the property at 851 S Park Square DR was sold to BRUCE CONDER by DOROTHY APARTMENT RENTALS INC for $200,000.
- On September 11, 2026, the property at 4446 N Seabiscuit CIR was sold to GENERATIONS HOMES LLC by Bardi Builders LLC for $95,000.
- On September 10, 2026, the property at 724 S Park AVE was sold to ANNA L WEGERSON by McDonald, David for $565,000.
- On September 10, 2026, the property at 7605 W Julia DR was sold to VU NGUYEN by ROBERT LABIS for $440,000.
- On September 10, 2026, the property at 570 S Cobblestone CT was sold to KEUMSOON MOE by THE ESTATE OF MERLE DILLMAN for $246,000.
- On September 9, 2026, the property at 416 N Lincoln ST was sold to NORTH COLLEGE PARTNERS LLC by BMI PROPERTIES LLC for $1,450,000.
- On September 9, 2026, the property at 4390 S Rotterdam DR was sold to R BRADLEY NIGHT by Smith, Kelsey Lynn for $610,000.
- On September 9, 2026, the property at 4737 N Hite RD was sold to VAUGHN RICHARD MILLER by LAWRENCE PEJEAU for $525,000.
- On September 9, 2026, the property at 155 W Smithville RD was sold to WILLIAM J TESH by DENNIS E MILLER for $512,500.
- On September 9, 2026, the property at 3502 N Kingsley DR was sold to WADE CATT by MICHAEL A GORDY for $205,000.
- On September 9, 2026, the property at 5996 W State Road 45 was sold to WESTER ENTERPRISES LLC by EVERWISE CREDIT UNION for $147,500.
- On September 9, 2026, the property at 9020 S Snow RD was sold to SNOW FARM LLC by MARK W SMITH for $30,622.
- On September 9, 2026, the property at S Snow RD was sold to SNOW FARM LLC by MARK W SMITH for $30,622.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 4155 S Walnut Street PIKE was sold to ELLEN K BENNETT by PAUL L FARMER for $575,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 867 S Coriander CT was sold to JOSEPH M PIERONI by NICHOLAS J BARTALONE for $515,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 7660 W Julia DR was sold to SARA ELIZABETH MARTINDALE by Equity Trust Company Custodian FBO Todd Sacksteder IRA for $379,900.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 4812 W Hidden Meadow DR was sold to LORRELLE M MCNAUGHT by Zimmerman, Gary D for $360,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 4216 N Rosewood DR was sold to YVETTE DIAZ by BEACON BUILDERS LLC for $335,830.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 3701 E Barrington DR #A202 was sold to CASSIDY CROSBY by ROSEMARY C WINCHESTER for $220,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 1006 N Monroe ST was sold to JACOB MILLER by DAVID L FRIEDEL for $200,000.
- On September 4, 2026, the property at 4791 N Harrington CT was sold to ERIC WHITAKER by BRENDA ASHER for $393,750.
- On September 4, 2026, the property at 5800 W May RD was sold to REBEKAH SCHOLL by ESTATE OF CEBER T SIMPSON for $260,850.
- On September 4, 2026, the property at 1311 W Gourley PIKE was sold to PATRICK SIMMS by TIDY RENTALS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY for $175,000.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 1611 E Thornton DR was sold to LISA C WEIDENBENER by TIMOTHY BAADSGAARD for $380,000.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 9545 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to GAILLFREY, LLC by Colver, Robert for $332,000.
- On August 31, 2026, the property at 5390 S Victor PIKE was sold to ONI THOMAS by GARY KIEFFABER for $240,000.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 1824 E Waters Edge DR was sold to THE CHARLES AND JANE JOHNSTON REVOCABLE TRUST by PHYLLIS G MERRILL REVOCABLE TRUST for $650,000.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 2910 N Smith PIKE was sold to SAMUEL S SMITH by BRANDON ALLEN RUTHERFORD for $265,000.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 322 S Second ST was sold to ALICSHA KERA SCOTT by RICHARD WHITEMAN for $254,900.
- On August 26, 2026, the property at 1506 S Nancy ST was sold to ERICH A HIRSCH by CHRISTOPHER D DESANTE for $385,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 1611 E Cherry LN was sold to NEWREZ LLC by RUBEN D MARTE for $227,500.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 4083 N Brookwood DR was sold to MAX LITWIN by ESTATE OF MARY JO VANDEVENTER for $170,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 8535 S Old State Road 37 was sold to FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FANNIE MAE) by RUBEN D MARTE for $154,200.
### Now Lifted: Countywide boil-water advisory in effect through Monday (Sept. 21) after turbidity spike at Bloomington water plant
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/countywide-boil-water-advisory-in-effect-through-monday-sept-21-after-turbidity-spike-at-bloomington-water-plant/
Last updated: 2026-09-21T14:25:53.000Z
\[*Updated at 9:55 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026\. The boil water advisory has been lifted. That’s according to a text message sent out on the Monroe County emergency alert system. That was followed a short time later with a* [*news release*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-21-Water-Boil-Advisory-Lifted-CBU-Bloomington.pdf) *from the city of Bloomington.*\]
All Monroe County residents are being advised to boil water used for drinking, cooking and oral hygiene for at least two minutes. That’s after City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) recorded turbidity at the Monroe water treatment plant above the maximum allowed level.
The [precautionary boil-water advisory](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-20-annotated-boil-water-advisory-News-Release-City-of-Bloomington-Utilities.pdf) is scheduled to remain in effect until 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, unless CBU issues different instructions before then.
If water coming from a faucet is cloudy, CBU says residents should first run cold water from a sink or tub until the water runs clear. Water used for drinking, cooking or oral hygiene should then be boiled for at least two minutes before using it. Boiling is not necessary for bathing, laundry or other household uses, according to CBU.
Turbidity is essentially a measurement of cloudiness. It can be caused by very small particles of clay, silt, organic material, microorganisms or material associated with the treatment process itself.
In connection with a boil water [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-08-17-boil-water-advisory-for-Monroe-County-from-City-of-Bloomington-utilities.pdf ) issued two years ago, CBU said that high turbidity itself has no health effects, but turbidity can interfere with disinfection, and provide a medium for microbial growth.
The [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-20-annotated-boil-water-advisory-News-Release-City-of-Bloomington-Utilities.pdf) about the current boil water order was issued around midnight on Sept. 20.
According to the news release, residents with questions can call CBU at 812-339-1444 or email wq@bloomington.in.gov or check the CBU [website](https://bloomington.in.gov/utilities). CBU says it will issue another announcement when the advisory is lifted.
During a turbidity incident in 2024 incident, CBU gave an explanation why the alert applied to all of Monroe County, rather than just customers billed directly by CBU. It’s because Bloomington supplies water to other utilities in the county as wholesale customers.
### Power outages, low tank level cited
According to CBU, the elevated turbidity followed overnight storm-related power outages that caused lower-than-normal water production at the Monroe water treatment plant. The reduced production in turn caused a low water level in the plant’s primary storage tank, which CBU says “contributed to” the elevated turbidity.
CBU says its staff increased water-quality monitoring and adjusted plant operations to stabilize production and turbidity. The release says staff are continuing to monitor turbidity and other water-quality indicators as the system returns to normal operating conditions.
The news release does not say how high the turbidity actually got. CBU reports only that routine monitoring found a level above the 1.0-unit maximum cited in the release. It does not give the peak reading, the time when the threshold was crossed, how long the elevated readings persisted, or what the most recent reading was when the announcement was issued.
The release also does not say what testing or other conditions that CBU and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management will require before Monday’s advisory can be lifted.
The release does not provide detail about the power failure, like its duration, what plant equipment lost power, whether backup power was available or how low the levels in the primary storage tank got.
CBU’s [public data set](https://data.bloomington.in.gov/Utilities-Water/MWTP-Elec-Daily/rzw5-gzjt/data%5Fpreview) for electricity usage at the Monroe water treatment plant production appears to be updated monthly, which means it goes only through Aug. 31\. When the September data is uploaded, it should be possible to see exactly how production at the plant was affected in the time leading up to the Sept. 20 advisory.
### Technical details on turbidity
The [turbidity measurement](https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-07/parameter-factsheet%5Fturbidity.pdf?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) is generally expressed in NTUs (nephelometric turbidity units). A nephelometric measurement works by shining light through a water sample and measuring how much of that light is scattered by particles in the water. Higher scattering produces a higher turbidity reading.
So turbidity measures an optical property of the water. It does say what the particles are. A turbidity reading by itself does not establish whether bacteria, viruses or parasites are present. EPA describes turbidity as an important indicator of treatment performance. That’s because an increase in filtered-water turbidity can signal that particles are getting through the filtration process.
For water systems using conventional or direct filtration, [federal drinking-water rules](https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations) require turbidity to be 0.3 NTU or lower in at least 95% of measurements during a month, with no measurement allowed to exceed 1 NTU.
### Similar countywide advisory in 2024
The current situation resembles a countywide boil-water advisory issued a little more than two years ago, on Aug. 17, 2024, when CBU also [reported a turbidity measurement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/required-precautionary-boil-water-alert-for-all-of-monroe-county-due-to-violation-of-turbidity-standard/) above the 1-NTU limit.
The cause described at the time was different. In the 2024 incident, CBU said water containing sand from the plant’s filtration system had moved forward into a later stage of treatment during a filter-backwashing operation. That advisory was ultimately lifted on the morning of Aug. 19.
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population still routinely over functional capacity
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-hits-week-long-stretch-over-aclu-functional-limit-2/
Last updated: 2026-09-26T18:03:54.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s jail population stood at 236 on Saturday (Sept. 19), which is one less than a week ago, but still more than the ACLU’s version of the jail’s functional capacity, which is 229.
The mid-week number dipped as low as 221 on Thursday morning, before book-ins on Thursday and Friday night pushed the total to 236 by Saturday morning
Two weeks ago, Monroe County’s GIS team rolled out a new [jail data dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/195880a3c67c41fa998f56ff8e9aabb4 ). The dashboard is updated routinely, which means Monroe County residents don’t need to wait for weekly updates from a news outlet. The dashboard breaks down the demographic profile of inmates, and provides a statistical breakdown of the types of offenses inmates are charged with.
The B Square has tracked the numbers starting on July 21, when the jail held 247 people.
Chart by The B Square with data from Monroe County jail.
Ten days into that span, the 10-day rolling average was about 254\. The most recent rolling 10-day average, on Saturday (Sept. 19) was about 232, or 18 less than at the start of The B Square’s reports.
It’s still 3 more than the 229 that the ACLU gives as the jail’s functional capacity in its [federal lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf), which it filed in July on behalf of jail inmates.
Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté has given a lower figure for functional capacity. His July overcrowding report started with 294 reported beds, subtracted housing that he said cannot be treated as general-population space, leaving 233 available general-housing beds. Applying the same 80% principle yields a functional capacity of 186.
The difference between the two snapshots at the start and the end of the period The B Square has tracked does not capture the turnover in the jail during that period. Of the 247 people who were there on July 21, 125 of them were still there on Sept. 19\. That means 122, or almost half, of the people who were in jail at the start of the period, had left by the end.
At the same time, 111 people who arrived after July 21 were still incarcerated on Sept. 19\. The 125 people who were present at both endpoints, together with those 111 later arrivals, account for the current population of 236.
That comparison still does not capture people who arrived after July 21 and then left before Sept. 19\. A total of at least 585 people departed the jail during that span. It’s “at least” because some people booked into jail don’t stay in jail long enough to appear in the daily population report. An example of that is the man who was [arrested on a charge of street camping](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-man-released-from-jail-after-second-arrest-under-indianas-new-street-camping-law/) on Aug. 7, who was released about a half hour later. Among those who departed during the time The B Square has tracked the numbers, the median length of stay was 2 days.
Over the full 61-day period, the average daily population was about 239\. The highest count was 264 on July 31\. The lowest was 216 on Aug. 28.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Update: Some Bloomington supportive apartments stay closed to new tenants after failed inspections
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/update-some-bloomington-supportive-apartments-stay-closed-to-new-tenants-after-failed-inspections/
Last updated: 2026-09-18T22:22:58.000Z
The aerial image of the Winslow Road and Henderson Street location of Crawford Apartments is from the Eagleview module of Beacon, which is Monroe County’s parcel management and GIS system.
Thirty-two of the 61 apartments at Bloomington’s Crawford I and Crawford II permanent supportive housing complex are unoccupied, but still unavailable for new tenants. That’s because both buildings have failed their most recent round of city inspections, which came in July. \[[Crawford I inspection](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-14-Crawford-2440-S-HENDERSON-QUARTERLY-3RD-CYCLE.pdf)\] \[[Crawford II inspection](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-15-Crawford-2446-S-HENDERSON-QUARTERLY-3RD-CYCLE.pdf)\]
The 61-unit two-building complex on South Henderson Street near Winslow Road provides permanent supportive housing for people who have experienced chronic homelessness or have disabilities.
The failed inspections mean the city of Bloomington has not renewed rental occupancy permits for either of the buildings. That makes about half of the apartments that will continue to be unoccupied.
The failed July inspections are the latest development in a situation that had persisted even before last summer, when conditions at Crawford reached the point that they prompted the city to take enforcement action.
Rental-code problems at the property date back at least to 2023\. A year ago, the city of Bloomington started pursuing the owners and other parties through both code-enforcement cases and a [breach-of-contract](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-08-06-53C01-2508-PL-002172-FILED-Crawford-Breach-of-Contract-Comp.pdf ) lawsuit. The breach of contract lawsuit which is still pending with a [status conference set for Nov. 4](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDEtMjUwOC1QTC0wMDIxNzIiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==). \[[Crawford I enforcement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-06-25-crawford-53C04-2506-OV-000010.pdf)\] \[[Crawford II enforcement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-06-25-Crawford-53C04-2506-OV-000011.pdfhttps://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-06-25-Crawford-53C04-2506-OV-000011.pdf)\]
The city’s Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) department responded to B Square questions this week saying the rental permits for both Crawford buildings have expired and remain pending renewal. They have not been revoked.
But until each building meets the city’s requirements, management cannot execute a new lease for any vacant unit in that building. That’s even if inspectors found nothing wrong inside that particular apartment.
“Each building is permitted as a whole and management may not execute new leases in vacant units until the applicable building rental permit is renewed, even where an individual unit has no cited violations,” HAND director Anna Killion-Hanson wrote in response to B Square questions. “The exterior, common areas and units within the building must comply.”
Killion-Hanson wrote that getting the apartments back into service has become increasingly urgent.
“There is urgency in getting these properties back into compliance,” she wrote. “The goal is to get those \[29\] units safely back online as quickly as possible—a need made even more pressing by SEA 285 and the limited housing options available to people experiencing homelessness.”
Indiana’s [SEA 285](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-1-31.5-1), which took effect July 1, prohibits unauthorized camping or sleeping on state or local government property, subject to warning and other requirements before a person can be charged. At least one person has been [charged locally](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-man-released-from-jail-after-second-arrest-under-indianas-new-street-camping-law/) under SEA 285\.
The shortage of immediately available housing was underscored a few weeks ago, on Aug. 25, when Monroe County government [cleared the Powerline Camp](https://bsquarebulletin.com/powerline-camp-emptied-tuesday-morning-after-monroe-county-moves-up-deadline/ ) from county-owned property off South Rogers Street. An estimated 40 to 50 people had been living there, and it was not clear that morning where many would stay for the longer term.
An initiative from Heading Home of South Central Indiana called Streets to Stability was [announced early this summer](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-nonprofit-initiative-aims-for-leases-not-shelter-beds-as-camping-ban-starts/) with the goal of moving people directly from unsheltered situations into leased housing, rather than first placing them in shelter beds. Its initial phase was planned to house around 10 to 12 people.
Heading Home has not yet publicly released information about that initial phase. But the [regular newsletter](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Latest-news-from-Heading-Home-.html?soid=1141368960582&aid=gqRG77YdrEE) from the nonprofit in early August reported that a $350,000 grant had been received from [Community Solutions](https://community.solutions/) to support Streets to Stability.
### Crawford problems stretch back years
Crawford consists of two buildings: a 25-unit building at 2440 S. Henderson St.; and a 36-unit building at 2446 S. Henderson St. The development combines long-term housing with supportive services intended to help residents remain stably housed. Beacon Inc. provides the supportive services, and Continental Management manages the property.
Bloomington filed separate ordinance-violation cases against the two Crawford properties in June 2025 over continuing rental-code violations. \[[2440 S. Henderson ordinance case](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-06-25-crawford-53C04-2506-OV-000010.pdf )\] \[[2446 S. Henderson ordinance case](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-06-25-Crawford-53C04-2506-OV-000011.pdf)\]
In August 2025, Bloomington [filed](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-alleges-contract-breach-by-crawford-apartments-seeks-685k-beacon-among-defendants/) a separate [breach-of-contract lawsuit](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-alleges-contract-breach-by-crawford-apartments-seeks-685k-beacon-among-defendants/) against the Crawford ownership entities and Beacon. The city is seeking recovery of $685,000 in federal HOME funds that had gone into the development of the apartments.
The inability to lease vacant Crawford apartments is not new. City inspectors conducted quarterly inspections of both buildings on Jan. 15\. \[[2440 S. Henderson Jan. 15, 2026 report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-01-15-Crawford-Apartments-2440-S-HENDERSON-QUARTERLY-INSPECTION.pdf )\] \[[2446 S. Henderson Jan . 15, 2026 report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-01-15-Crawford-Apartments-2446-S-HENDERSON-ST-QUARTERLY-INSPECTION.pdf )\]
A [Feb. 9 reinspection](https://bsquarebulletin.com/crawford-apartments-fail-feb-9-re-inspection-blocking-occupancy-permits-from-bloomington-as-lawsuit-proceeds/) did not clear the buildings for renewed occupancy permits. Seven months later, the buildings have not passed the most recent inspections that would have allowed occupancy permits to be renewed
### July 2026 inspections: Many vacant units had no violations
The latest quarterly HAND inspections were conducted July 14 and 15\. \[[Crawford I inspection](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-14-Crawford-2440-S-HENDERSON-QUARTERLY-3RD-CYCLE.pdf)\] \[[Crawford II inspection](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-15-Crawford-2446-S-HENDERSON-QUARTERLY-3RD-CYCLE.pdf)\]
Those inspection reports identified a total of 32 vacant apartments. Nine of them were at 2440 S. Henderson and 23 at 2446 S. Henderson. Of those 32 vacant units, 18 had no violations noted inside the unit, while 14 had at least one cited violation.
The reports indicate 29 occupied apartments. Eight had no violations noted, 20 had violations cited. One apartment at 2440 S. Henderson was not inspected because inspectors could not access it.
The violations found during the July inspections ranged from maintenance problems to pest, electrical and building-safety issues.
At 2440 S. Henderson, inspectors cited roaches in several occupied units, plumbing and appliance problems, damaged walls and flooring and other deficiencies. Vacant units had issues including missing window stops, ants, malfunctioning exhaust fans and damaged fixtures. Inspectors also cited emergency lighting in a common hallway and problems with exterior wall panels, an exterior light, drain lines and electrical-conduit supports on the roof.
At 2446 S. Henderson, inspectors cited roaches in several occupied units and bed bugs in two vacant units, as well as electrical, plumbing, HVAC and maintenance problems. The report also cited a leak and damaged ceiling near the first-floor elevator and deficiencies in the common kitchen.
### Permit process continues
Under HAND’s ordinary rental-inspection process, an owner receives a report identifying needed repairs after an inspection and generally has 60 days to complete them. If violations remain at re-inspection, additional re-inspections are required before compliance is achieved.
But Killion-Hanson stressed in her response to The B Square that HAND is not treating expiration of the permits as grounds to remove people already living at Crawford.
“The City’s goal is not to displace residents who are already living at the properties solely because a permit has expired or is pending renewal,” she wrote.
Crawford is also subject to annual certification inspections for compliance with federally regulated property-condition standards. HUD has requested quarterly inspections as well, Killion-Hanson said, with the next one scheduled for October.
Killion-Hanson said conditions at the buildings have improved since enforcement intensified. She cited a significant reduction in Bloomington police department calls to the complex as evidence. She also said discussions with ownership and management have been productive.
She also said the current owner and its attorney have evicted tenants whose behavior resulted in noncompliance, which she described as evidence of the owner’s desire to meet [city code](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT16REREUNLOESINPR%5FCH16.03ADREREUN%5F16.03.010CORE).
But the threshold for new leasing has not yet been reached. “Full compliance, however, has not yet been achieved,” Killion-Hanson wrote. “If compliance is not achieved, the City will continue to withhold permits per \[city code\].”
\[*Note: The reporter is the spouse of Mary Morgan, director of Heading Home of South Central Indiana, the nonprofit mentioned in this report in connection with its Streets to Stability initiative.*\]
Vacant Crawford apartments in July 2026 HAND inspections
“No violations noted” refers only to the individual vacant unit. A unit cannot be newly leased until the rental permit for its entire building is renewed.
Building
Vacant
No violations noted
Violations cited
Crawford I
2440 S. Henderson St.
9
3 Units 211, 305, 311
6 Units 203, 205, 210, 303, 304, 307
Crawford II
2446 S. Henderson St.
23
15 Units 130, 225, 227, 229, 230, 325, 326, 327, 330, 421, 424, 426, 428, 429, 430
8 Units 126, 220, 322, 323, 324, 328, 420, 427
Total
32
18
14
Occupied Crawford apartments in July 2026 HAND inspections
Occupied units are those not identified as vacant in the inspection reports. Unit 310 at Crawford I was not inspected because inspectors could not access it.
Building
Occupied
No violations noted
Violations cited
Crawford I
2440 S. Henderson St.
16
7 Units 112, 113, 114, 208, 209, 306, 308
8 Units 115, 116, 202, 204, 206, 207, 302, 309 Unit 310 was not inspected.
Crawford II
2446 S. Henderson St.
13
1 Unit 423
12 Units 128, 221, 222, 223, 224, 226, 228, 320, 321, 329, 422, 425
Total
29
8
20 Plus 1 unit not inspected
### Bloomington council appoints Ammerman to transit board, sends Cross removal question to committee
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-appoints-ammerman-to-transit-board-sends-cross-removal-question-to-committee/
Last updated: 2026-09-17T19:06:00.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington city council (Dave Askins, Sept. 16, 2026) ****Top right:** Zach Ammerman at the public mic in a screengrab from Bloomington city council CATS recording of the June 10, 2026 meeting. ****Bottom right:** Reynard Cross at the June 25 meeting of the Bloomington historic preservation commission. (Dave Askins, June 25, 2026)
On Wednesday (Sept. 16), Bloomington’s city council appointed Zach Ammerman to the Bloomington Transit board.
In a separate boards-and-commissions matter, the council referred the proposed removal of historic preservation commission member Reynard Cross to a council committee for further review.
Both actions came with unanimous support during the council’s Wednesday meeting. The three-member committee reviewing Cross’s case is supposed to report back to the full council on Oct. 14.
### Ammerman to Bloomington Transit board
Ammerman’s appointment came one day after longtime Bloomington Transit board member Kent McDaniel [announced that he was leaving the board](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-keolis-management-contract-3-2-mcdaniel-now-says-hes-out/), following its 3–2 vote to hire Keolis as its new management company. McDaniel, who had served 36 years, voted against the Keolis contract and left the meeting immediately after the vote. His four-year term had expired at the end of July, but he had continued serving during a holdover period.
It was Kate Rosenbarger who made the motion to appoint Ammerman. She was one of three members of a council interview committee, which had interviewed four applicants for the seat. The four were McDaniel, Ammerman, Hank Duncan and Perry Maull. The committee, which consisted of Rosenbarger, council president Isak Asare, and Hopi Stosberg, had not settled on a recommendation while [McDaniel’s intentions remained uncertain](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-pick-hangs-in-balance-before-sept-15-vote-on-management-firm/).
Rosenbarger said Wednesday that Ammerman would bring two things she thought the five-member board was missing. One was the perspective of someone who regularly relies on Bloomington Transit and the other is experience working with data. “What it is missing right now is someone who consistently rides transit,” Rosenbarger said. She described public transit as Ammerman’s primary transportation and pointed to his background in data mapping and analysis.
During his Aug. 13 interview with the committee, Ammerman described himself as a data visualization expert and map maker and said a transit board’s role should be independent oversight rather than direct management of the agency. He said his priorities would be frequency, reliability and route optimization. He also told the committee that he rides the bus regularly and encounters the system’s shortcomings firsthand.
Rosenbarger also raised the possibility of expanding the transit board from five members to seven, which [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-9-4-15) allows. The transit board itself [created a committee Tuesday (Sept. 15)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-keolis-management-contract-3-2-mcdaniel-now-says-hes-out/) to explore that possibility. Bloomington Transit is eyeing the possibility of adding a representative from Indiana University and Monroe County.
### Removal of Cross from HPC?
The council’s handling of Cross’s situation was less conclusive.
Cross was appointed by the council April 22 as a nonvoting advisory member of the city’s historic preservation commission. The council can appoint up to four non-voting members. The mayor appoints all of the voting members, subject to city council approval.
An [Aug. 21 letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-21-notification-to-reynard-cross-about-removal-from-HPC-for-cause-20260821-Notice-Letter-of-Hearing-for-HPC-Removal-Cross.pdf) from interim council attorney Larry Allen told Cross that city staff had substantiated claims that he had disrupted commission business at its July 9 and July 23 meetings, violated the city’s board-and-commission code of conduct and violated Indiana’s Open Door Law through attempts to communicate with commissioners outside a noticed meeting. The letter said council appointees can be removed for cause under Bloomington Municipal Code.
The June 25 meeting that became part of the dispute involved the proposed demolition of two buildings on the Seminary Pointe block south of the convention center. The buildings at 424 S. College Ave. and 222 W. Second St. were rated “contributing” in the city’s 2018 historic survey, triggering demolition-delay reviews after Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB) sought permission to clear the block for possible development of a convention center host hotel.
On separate 4–2 votes, the HPC [released the demolition delays](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/) rather than allowing more time for review or recommending historic designation. Cross, as a nonvoting member, advocated for taking more time to investigate.
Cross disputed the allegations in a [13-page Aug. 25 response](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-approves-citywide-zoning-changes-5-3-eliminates-minimums-for-motor-vehicle-parking/). He argued that the notice did not identify the specific conduct or evidence underlying the accusations, challenged the Open Door Law theory and contended that his efforts to revisit the commission’s handling of a June 25 demolition-delay case were permitted under the commission’s parliamentary rules. He also asked that the matter be referred to committee rather than decided immediately.
In an [email sent to councilmembers](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/20026-09-16-formatted-Crossley-Email-Reynard-Cross-Removal-Historic-Preservation-Commission.pdf) late Tuesday (Sept. 15), deputy city clerk Jennifer Crossley recommended that Cross be removed for cause. Crossley is the deputy clerk responsible for coordinating the various matters related to board and commission appointments. Crossley wrote that at the July 9 meeting Cross repeatedly interrupted the chair and staff and was ruled out of order several times. At the July 23 meeting, she wrote, discussion of earlier issues turned into a roughly 45-minute exchange that delayed other commission business.
On Wednesday, however, several councilmembers said the situation warranted more consideration before a removal vote.
Councilmember Hopi Stosberg said she had watched the meetings at issue and agreed with Crossley that the code of conduct had been violated, but suggested sending the question to a committee. Councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith said she was not comfortable voting on removal that night. She said other commission members had also failed to follow Robert’s Rules of Order and that Cross had raised legitimate concerns about what happened at the June 25 meeting.
“I think we need to act very deliberatively here,” Piedmont-Smith said. She added that removing Cross would not by itself solve the underlying problems on the commission.
After some discussion about which committee should take up the matter, Stosberg moved to send it to Interview Committee C for a recommendation to the full council. That’s the committee with responsibility for making recommendations to the full council on historic preservation commission appointments. Its members are Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Sydney Zulich, and Dave Rollo. The committee is supposed to report back to the council on Oct. 14.
Wednesday was the second time the council has told Cross that it would be considering his removal, without taking a vote on it. The first time was in Allen’s letter, which told him the council would consider his removal on Sept. 2\. At the council’s Sept. 2 meeting, the council put off the matter for two weeks, until Sept. 16\. Cross attended both the Sept. 2 and the Sept. 16 council meetings, but was not given a chance by the council to say anything on his own behalf.
Wednesday’s lack of any final action by the council means Cross will wait at least another month to find out if the council will remove him from the HPC.
### Bloomington council approves citywide zoning changes 5–3, eliminates minimums for motor-vehicle parking
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-approves-citywide-zoning-changes-5-3-eliminates-minimums-for-motor-vehicle-parking/
Last updated: 2026-09-17T11:49:41.000Z
Photo by [Jakub Żerdzicki](https://unsplash.com/@jakubzerdzicki?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit)
After more than two and a half hours of discussion Wednesday night, Bloomington’s city council voted 5–3 to approve a [package of zoning changes](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17445/download#page=67) aimed at making small-scale housing development easier, reducing some minimum lot dimensions, and eliminating minimum off-street parking requirements for motor vehicles.
Voting for the ordinance were Isak Asare, Matt Flaherty, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Kate Rosenbarger and Hopi Stosberg. Voting against it were Courtney Daily, Dave Rollo and Andy Ruff. The tally did not add to nine because Sydney Zulich was absent.
The final vote on the ordinance came at 10:30 p.m., roughly two and a half hours after the council began its consideration of the ordinance, which included amendments approved Wednesday night.
Flaherty was the council sponsor and the main advocate for the ordinance. Rollo was a voice of opposition.
It was in May when the council [initiated the ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-20-city-council-initiation-of-UDO-amendments-Res%5F2026-05.pdf) with the UDO amendments using its authority under Indiana’s [state zoning code](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-7-4-602). The council’s resolution put the ball in the plan commission’s court, and the plan commission batted it back to the council in August with a [recommendation on the resulting package](https://bsquarebulletin.com/plan-commission-backs-big-bloomington-zoning-changes-attorneys-disagree-on-incentives/) that passed on a 6–2 vote.
The plan commission version would already have substantially reduced minimum lot sizes and widths in several residential districts, eliminated minimum lot sizes in the RM and RH multifamily districts, changed subdivision standards, established electrification requirements for projects using the city’s sustainable-development incentives.
An [amendment to the ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17457/download), proposed by Flaherty on Wednesday night, and adopted by the council on a split vote, reduced the R3 and R4 minimum lot area further still. Under the amendment, lots in those zoning districts dropped from the plan commission’s proposed 2,500 square feet to 2,000 square feet. Flaherty’s amendment also reduced the minimum lot width from 30 feet to 25 feet.
The ordinance also eliminated motor-vehicle parking minimums, which produced one of the clearest policy divisions of the night.
### Parking minimums
As recommended by the plan commission, the ordinance eliminated minimum requirements for motor-vehicle parking citywide. It does not prohibit developers from building parking or reduce maximum parking allowances. Flaherty described the change as giving builders discretion to provide the amount of parking their projects actually need, instead of requiring a minimum amount through city zoning code.
Piedmont-Smith offered an amendment that would have kept most existing parking minimums. Her proposal would have eliminated the minimums only for live-work dwellings, cottage developments, mobile-home parks, noncommercial urban agriculture and student housing or dormitories.
In support of her proposal, Piedmont-Smith pointed to older residential neighborhoods with narrow streets, including areas where redevelopment has brought duplexes with more bedrooms and more vehicles. She said Bloomington needs a broader solution for managing on-street parking, potentially including charging residents for use of scarce curb space, but argued that eliminating parking minimums before such a system is in place could make existing problems worse.
Flaherty agreed that Bloomington’s on-street parking system needs additional changes, but disagreed about using zoning requirements to address those problems. He said neighborhood parking permits, pricing, enforcement and restrictions on parking along especially narrow streets are more direct tools.
“The idea that we’re going to prioritize incumbents, some incumbent preferences on how they want to store their private cars on public space over housing affordability and housing development,” Flaherty said, “I think is just a misguided policy aim.”
Rollo supported Piedmont-Smith’s amendment. He said Bloomington is unusual because of the size of Indiana University’s student population and the number of students who live off campus and bring cars with them. Residents of older neighborhoods where houses were built without much off-street parking are already competing for curb space, he said.
Stosberg described herself as torn. She pointed to a cluster of newly constructed duplexes in her District 3 where the number of residents has increased sharply and where student vehicles have generated substantial parking pressure. At the same time, she said, she accepted the argument that requiring parking adds to the cost of multifamily housing.
Piedmont-Smith’s amendment on parking minimums failed on a 4–4 vote. It had support only from Piedmont-Smith, Stosberg, Ruff, and Rollo. That left the citywide elimination of motor-vehicle parking minimums as a part of the ordinance.
### Bicycle parking minimums, tree-preservation
The council went the opposite direction on bicycles. An amendment from Stosberg restored the UDO’s existing bicycle-parking minimums, which the plan commission had voted to eliminate.
Flaherty supported restoring them, saying that bicycle parking is much less expensive to provide than automobile parking and that encouraging bicycling is an explicit city transportation goal. The amendment passed unanimously among the eight councilmembers present.
The council also unanimously approved a Piedmont-Smith amendment restoring tree-preservation requirements on small existing R3 and R4 lots that the plan commission version would have exempted.
### Multi-topic amendment
Flaherty’s proposed amendment that further reduced lot sizes and widths encompassed several other topics. They included exempting PUDs consisting of 100% affordable housing from the sustainability-incentive requirements and spelling out exceptions to the electrification standard for commercial kitchens, technical or grid constraints, and backup power for critical services.
At the request of Rollo and Ruff, Flaherty’s amendment was divided into three questions. The first question covered the smaller R3 and R4 lot dimensions and elimination of minimum lot dimensions in MN and MM zoning districts. Rollo and Ruff initially voted for that, which meant the tally was 7–1 with Daily as the lone dissenter.
Later, Rollo and Ruff indicated that they had not understood which question was in front of the council at the time, and wanted to change their votes from yes to no. Because changing their votes did not alter the outcome, under [local law](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT2ADPE%5FCH2.04COCO%5FARTVPRMO%5F2.04.360VOPR ) the council was able to allow the corrections without a formal reconsideration. The corrected tally was 5–3: Asare, Flaherty, Piedmont-Smith, Rosenbarger and Stosberg voted yes; Daily, Rollo and Ruff voted no.
The second question arising out of Flaherty’s amendment, which exempted PUDs with 100% affordable housing from the sustainability requirements, passed 8–0\. Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County’s Kari Bennett had told the council that Habitat supported the exemption as well as the smaller lot dimensions, which she said could make it possible to build more affordable homes on residential land.
The third question, setting out specific exceptions to the electrification standard, also passed.
Piedmont-Smith’s final amendment clarified subdivision wording governing access to a newly created lot behind an existing one. The ordinance allows one new lot to be reached through a 6-foot-wide no-build easement, subject to distance and fire-access requirements, or through a 20-foot access easement and fire-access road meeting state fire code. That amendment also passed.
### From the public mic
Public comment reflected essentially the same split as the council discussion.
Greg Alexander urged approval, arguing that Bloomington zoning has blocked developers and individual landowners who would otherwise build smaller homes on smaller lots. He said the ordinance would not solve Bloomington’s housing problems, but would incrementally allow more supply and make small-scale development possible without going through a PUD process.
Kari Bennett, speaking for Habitat for Humanity, likewise supported the ordinance and asked the council to consider still more flexibility in the future, including smaller rear setbacks and ways to make greater use of alleys for access.
Others urged the council to slow down. Kathy Berry said the city should allow more time to see the effects of UDO changes adopted beginning in 2021, before making another substantial round of changes. She also pushed back against framing parking chiefly as space devoted to cars, saying access to a vehicle can be essential to the way people organize work and family responsibilities.
Eric Ost urged postponement until Oct. 14 so the council could consider the ordinance alongside another set of UDO amendments still moving through the plan commission. He said that the combined changes could increase redevelopment pressure on existing lower-cost houses.
Former councilmember Steve Volan, now a member of the city transportation commission and speaking for himself, urged the council not to let parking policy determine housing policy. He said that shortages of curb parking should instead be handled through permit pricing. He suggested “parking benefit districts,” where revenue above the cost of managing parking could be reinvested in the neighborhood where it is collected.
### Final councilmember thoughts
In his final remarks before the vote, Rollo said his opposition went beyond parking. He contended that allowing lots to be subdivided more easily could increase the value of properties with modest houses as redevelopment sites, encouraging investors to replace relatively inexpensive houses with higher-rent units. He said some lots, like particularly oversized or corner lots, could be good candidates for subdivision. But he called the citywide approach too broad.
Flaherty closed by acknowledging that the ordinance did not address every obstacle to small-lot housing. He said, for example, that he had intended to propose reducing rear setbacks further, but had not gotten that provision into his amendment. Those details could be revisited later, he said.
Flaherty and the ordinance’s supporters argued that allowing smaller lots, eliminating mandatory vehicle parking and loosening other development constraints would remove barriers to additional housing.
Rollo contended that in Bloomington’s particular housing market, the same changes could make existing modest properties more valuable for redevelopment without ensuring that the housing replacing them would be less expensive.
The council sided with Flaherty’s approach by a 5–3 tally.
### Sept. 17, 2026: New management for Bloomington Transit, possible police HQ at Hopewell
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sept-17-2026-new-management-for-bloomington-transit-possible-police-hq-at-hopewell/
Last updated: 2026-09-17T10:21:14.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week and probably a few more weeks. The news operation is stretching me ever thinner. Puzzles seemed like a good place to conserve time and effort.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Wear the coolest clothes you own and don’t worry about rain gear. It will be sunny and blazing hot with a high around 93F°.
**Friday:** You can probably get away without any rain gear, but there will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after that. The basic forecast is for mostly sunny, with a high near 87F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Ways to get B Square reports
Besides this newsletter, which is sent to email inboxes and is [archived on the website](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/), you could also decide to have every individual news report sent directly to your inbox at the same time it is published to the website. How do you make that happen? When you’re [logged in to your account](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/#/portal/account), just add My Inbox Now to the options under Manage Emails.
Or if you mainly prefer to rely on social media to sprinkle links into your stream, try [@BSquareBulletin](https://www.facebook.com/BSquareBulletin) for Facebook. Or on Bluesky: [@bsquarebulletin.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/bsquarebulletin.bsky.social)
### Recent articles
If you don’t want to wait until Monday or Thursday for the Almost Daily Bulletin, and you’d prefer to check whenever you like on the most recent headlines from The B Square, complete with their synopsis, here’s the link: [The B Square’s Most Recent 20](https://bsquarebulletin.com/latest-posts/)
- [Bloomington Transit board OKs Keolis management contract 3–2, McDaniel now says he’s out](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-keolis-management-contract-3-2-mcdaniel-now-says-hes-out/). Bloomington Transit’s board voted 3–2 to hire Keolis as its new management firm, replacing RATP Dev starting Oct. 1\. Nick Standefer, the new general manager, introduced himself to the board and staff.
- [Bloomington RDC backs 714 South Rogers for police HQ, eyes up to $30M in financing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-backs-714-south-rogers-for-police-hq-eyes-up-to-30m-in-financing/). Bloomington’s RDC backed converting 714 S. Rogers St. into a new police headquarters, with up to $30 million in potential TIF-backed bonds. Residents raised concerns about arts uses and public engagement, while police and city officials supported the reuse plan
### Other notes
**Vote on finalist names for new streets.** The city of Bloomington is looking for public input on the names of two new streets in the Hopewell South neighborhood. There’s an [online form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflkVlQaHAWEHOlEqt5KTj90fe9KezVNyC5Q50xY7368%5Fw-hQ/viewform) for voting on the five finalists that have been chosen: W. Fellowship Lane, W. Heartwell Lane, W. Perseverance Lane, W. Possibility Lane, and W. Welcome Lane. (For anyone who wonders if the old Portlandia episode about street naming is preserved on the internet somewhere, the answer is yes: [How a street gets named](https://youtu.be/bXn-7WzRQ5g?si=tfBBhS8%5F1JhS4T6-).)
### On the calendar
**GO bonds.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (Sept. 17) agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/TSDHelpdesk/IQBAYg1lQd8PRaVBxtCp7pZHAfYL4HuydDCUr6C8W0Q01KA?e=TmjAFp) for Monroe County commissioners is an item covering up to $4.2 million of general obligation bonds. The projects come from several different parts of county government: sheriff's office (in-car and body cameras, and tasers); jail (shower and floor repair, and cameras); parks (Karst Farm blacktop, splash pad/playscape parking and ADA, Shelter 9 parking, Fields 9-12 dog park parking and ADA); and county commissioners (prosecutor renovation, courthouse dome repair, elevator repair, drones and cameras, vehicles, highway equipment including salt spreader boxes, siren replacement)
**Personnel at county health department.** The board of health has canceled its regular meeting for Thursday (Sept. 17), but has scheduled an executive session (not open to the public) for the same time to discuss personnel issues. For B Square background: [Health administrator fired, plans wrongful termination suit against Monroe County](https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-administrator-fired-plans-wrongful-termination-suit-against-monroe-county/)
**Trash rate increase.** On the [8:30 a.m. Friday (Sept. 18) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17459/download) for the city council’s fiscal committee is consideration of an increase to the city’s curbside trash and recycling fees.
**MUST meeting.** Set for [1 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 18)](https://events.in.gov/event/municipal-unit-strategic-taskforce-meeting-must ) is a meeting of the Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce. The MUST is composed of representatives of city, county and town government. They will start trying to sort out how local income taxes might be structured starting in 2029, after SEA 1 was enacted.
**Voting equipment test.** The voting equipment test for the Nov. 3 general election will be held next Monday (Sept. 21) at 9:30 a.m. at the early voting space on Morton Street at Showers North.
---
**Big Book Sale: Sept 18-21\.** The Friends of the Library will be hosting their Big Fall Book Sale in Meeting Room 1B/C at the Downtown Library with thousands of items at bargain prices. The 2026 Big Fall Book Sale will be open to the public Sept. 18–21 with a special early-bird sale for Friends members on Sept. 17\. For hours on specific days, check the [book sale webpage](http://mcpl.info/bigsale).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
**Nerd Nite Bloomington: Sept. 25.** Bug sex, imperfect maps and the Great Molasses Flood get the 15-minute-talk treatment at Nerd Nite Bloomington #6\. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, with presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. at The Bishop Bar in Bloomington. Organizers would like people to [RSVP](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nerd-nite-bloomington-6-tickets-1999395946097?utm%5Fsource=sendfox&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=save-the-date-nerd-nite-6-bug-sex-perfect-maps-and-the-great-molasses-flood ).
**From the Ground Up: Sept. 26.** The [Monroe County Master Gardener Association](https://www.mcmga.net/) will host its annual fall gardening program [Saturday, Sept. 26](https://www.mcmga.net/from-the-ground-up), from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College’s Shreve Hall, 200 Daniels Way. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. This year’s program focuses on vegetable gardening, with sessions on soil health, community and urban gardening, natural pest control and container gardening, plus a panel discussion. [Registration is $25](https://forms.gle/3XnQKtb8wjKitU8W8). ***Act now: Registration ends on Sept. 18.***
According to the gardeners: “Monroe County Master Gardeners provide food for this event, and boy can they make a delicious snack! The event is not on a football game day, so if folks are looking for something else to do, come learn about veggie gardening.”
**Bloomington Paint Out: Oct. 3.** The fifth annual Bloomington Paint Out takes place rain or shine on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bryan Park, with artist check-in from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Woodlawn Pavilion. Artists of all ages and skill levels can paint anywhere in Bloomington, with finished work due by 3:15 p.m. for judging in several age and experience categories. Free classes, supplies and artist demonstrations will be offered at the pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no registration fee or advance registration.
---
**Book crawl Oct. 23–24.** You probably know what a bar crawl is. It’s that, but with bookstores. From the organizers:
As we continue to sell [tickets](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/an-evening-with-wright-thompson-michael-koryta-october-25-2026/), we wanted to let you know along with the keynote speakers on [Oct. 25](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/events), Wright Thompson and Michael Koryta, we are also launching our first Bloomington Book Festival Book Crawl. It will be happening Oct. 23–24.
Here is what the book crawl will look like: 9 participating bookstores — [Book Corner](https://thebookcorneronline.com/), [Caveat Emptor](https://www.caveatemptorbloomington.com/), [Knitting Romance](https://knittingromance.com/), [MCPL Friends of the Library](https://mcpl.info/friends/friends-library), [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/), [Naughty Dog Books](https://www.naughtydogbooks.com/), [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/), [Steve’s Book-O-Rama](https://stevesbookorama.com/home/), and [Vintage Phoenix](https://vintagephoenixcomics.com/home.html).
- Begin at any of the above participating bookstores to pick up your passport.
- A single purchase (ANY purchase, no minimums) from EACH store gets you a stamp in your passport. (A purchase is necessary to receive a stamp.)
- Each stamp is an entry into a raffle to receive 2 free tickets to [The Bloomington Book Festival](https://www.bloomingtonbookfestival.com/) on Oct. 25, 2026.
- Each fully completed passport is an entry into a raffle for the grand prize: over $500 in gift cards, autographed copies of Wright Thompson’s “The Barn” and Michael Koryta’s new release “Die Famous,” and 2 free tickets to this year’s Bloomington Book Festival.
- Once your passport is completed or you are finished with the book crawl, leave your passport with the last bookstore you visited.
- The drawing for the prizes will take place the morning of Oct. 25.
- The winners will be contacted that morning via email and text and announced on our social media!
### Meet: Lady Bug!
Up for adoption, as of Sept. 16 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Lady Bug](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87810). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good girl is a Great Dane. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Lady Bug](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87810):
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting stop by the shelter for a visit.
### Photo Finish: 7th Street & Morton Street
There are seven parking tickets on the windshield and one notice of towing on the driver's side window. (Dave Askins, Sept. 14, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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### 7th Street & Morton Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-morton-street-3/
Last updated: 2026-09-16T15:29:16.000Z
There are seven parking tickets on the windshield and one notice of towing on the driver's side window. (Dave Askins, Sept. 14, 2026)
### Bloomington Transit board OKs Keolis management contract 3–2, McDaniel now says he’s out
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-keolis-management-contract-3-2-mcdaniel-now-says-hes-out/
Last updated: 2026-09-16T10:37:41.000Z
Nick Standefer (standing) introduces himself to the Bloomington Transit board and staff. (Dave Askins, Sept. 15, 2026)
At its regular meeting on Tuesday (Sept. 15) Bloomington Transit’s board made final a decision that had been taking shape since July. Keolis Transit Services will replace RATP Dev as the agency’s management firm.
The new general manager who has been designated by Keolis is Nick Standefer. He will take over day-to-day leadership of the local bus system at the start of October.
Standefer attended Tuesday’s meeting in person and sat in the audience. Outgoing general manager John Connell, who had been RATP Dev’s designee for the last four years, attended his final board meeting through a remote electronic connection.
The Sept. 15 vote on the Keolis contract was 3–2, with James McLary, Don Griffin and Doug Horn voting yes, and Kent McDaniel and Nancy Obermeyer voting no. The same three-member majority had [voted in July](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-pick-hangs-in-balance-before-sept-15-vote-on-management-firm/) to begin negotiations with Keolis.
Immediately after the vote, McDaniel said he would be resigning from the board over the decision to change management firms. “So I’m retiring, and I’m going to get out of here,” McDaniel said. McLary thanked him for his 36 years of service.
McDaniel’s term was up at the end of July and the city council has been weighing McDaniel and at least three other candidates as the appointment for the next four-year term. McDaniel left the meeting right after the vote on the management firm, before the board reached some other big topics on the [agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-15-BPTC-Packet-09-15-2026-OCR.pdf).
On Tuesday, the board also approved its annual interlocal agreement with Indiana University. The board also authorized submission of a roughly $29-million federal grant application tied to Bloomington Transit’s planned new administration, operations and maintenance campus on Profile Parkway and the purchase of two diesel-hybrid buses.
The board also started work on two longer-term questions. One is how Bloomington Transit might respond when Rural Transit ends its Bloomington-to-Ellettsville service at the end of this year. The other is whether the five-member Bloomington Transit board should be expanded to seven members.
The final vote on the Keolis contract came after a final effort from the public mic by RATP Dev to convince the board to reconsider. But the 3–2 split on the board remained. Obermeyer and McDaniel covered ground from previous meetings. Obermeyer said, “Why don’t we look around here and hire somebody from our own staff. They have way more experience than this person with about eight years of experience in public transit.” She added, “I just think this is a very poor decision.”
McDaniel said, “The staff member here that I would like to hire would be John Connell.” Board chair James McLary then moved things to a vote by asking: “Do we have anything new to add to the discussion?” After several beats, the roll was called and it came out 3–2.
### Keolis contract starts Oct. 1
The [management contract](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-15-BPTC-Packet-09-15-2026-OCR.pdf#page=4) approved on Tuesday begins Oct. 1, immediately after the current RATP Dev agreement expires, and runs through Sept. 30, 2029\. It can be extended by mutual agreement for two additional one-year terms. Bloomington Transit can also terminate the agreement on 90 days written notice.
Under the contract, Keolis will provide Bloomington Transit with a resident general manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations of all of the agency’s departments. The agreement identifies Standefer as the initial general manager. Keolis can’t reassign him to another position without first providing a replacement reasonably acceptable to Bloomington Transit.
The monthly management fee starts at $25,781.30 for the first contract year, increases to $26,758.05 in the second year and $27,785.33 in the third. That puts the management fees for the three-year base contract at about $964,000\. If both one-year extensions are exercised, the monthly fees would rise to $28,867.33 and then $30,000.63.
Those payments cover more than just the salary for the general manager. It covers advisory services from Keolis, corporate oversight, consultation, training materials and visits from senior management personnel. The contract separately allows reimbursement of up to $15,000 in actual and reasonable relocation expenses for Standefer. Those relocation expenses have to be documented and approved by the Bloomington Transit board before payment. Business-related cellphone and travel reimbursement is generally capped at $1,250 per contract year without prior written approval.
The relocation provision had been one point of contention when the board [first discussed the contract in August](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-pick-hangs-in-balance-before-sept-15-vote-on-management-firm/). At that meeting, Obermeyer objected that an estimated $20,000 moving expense had not been shown as a specific amount in Keolis’s original pricing. McDaniel likewise argued that an estimate should have appeared in the proposal’s summary. McLary said at the time that the proposal contemplated transition expenses but that the actual amount had not been known when Keolis submitted its proposal. The final contract sets the ceiling at $15,000.
The board did not have a completed contract to consider at its meeting last month on Aug. 18\. On Tuesday, McDaniel said he had not received his copy until Friday afternoon. He asked for he board to consider postponing action and suggested that the public get at least seven calendar days to review a proposed agreement before a vote. McLary said Bloomington Transit’s outside counsel had advised that such a public review period was not legally required.
### RATP Dev makes one last effort
Before the board took up the ordinance on the Keolis contract, it held the required public hearing.
During comment from the public, RATP Dev chief development officer Steve Sherrer asked the board to reconsider replacing his company, which has provided Bloomington Transit’s management for more than three decades.
Sherrer said RATP Dev did not believe its history in Bloomington entitled it to another contract. Instead, he pointed to what he described as demonstrated performance under current general manager John Connell, including fleet electrification, securing federal funding for the proposed new facility, negotiating two labor agreements and expanding service beyond Bloomington’s city limits.
RATP Dev had formally [challenged the procurement process](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-28-Bloomington-Transit-RATP%5F-Bloomington-Procurement-Concerns-7-28-26.pdf) after the board’s July decision. Bloomington Transit rejected that challenge in August. The [scoring](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-15-RATP-Dev-Bloomington-Transit-BPTC-Procurement-Response-Letter-8%5F14%5F26.pdf ) later released by Bloomington Transit showed Keolis with the highest overall score despite RATP Dev’s advantage on price.
Sherrer told the board Tuesday that the scoring showed RATP Dev’s disadvantage came mostly in the category of its proposed general manager and corporate support. He asked the board to weigh that assessment against Connell’s record, RATP Dev’s lower price and the disruption that could accompany a management change.
“What will Bloomington Transit gain from this change?” Sherrer asked. He asked if that gain outweighed the demonstrated performance, price advantage, and the continuity that BT would get from remaining with RATP Dev.
Ryan Adams, chief performance officer for Keolis North America, spoke next. Adams introduced himself as an IU graduate and former Bloomington Transit rider. He pointed to Keolis’s worldwide transit operations and said Standefer would have access to the company’s global “Center of Excellence,” its accumulated operating practices and its North American corporate support.
### Standefer introduced
Near the end of Tuesday’s meeting, McLary gave Standefer a chance to introduce himself.
Standefer told the board he had been “in the transit game for almost 10 years” and said many of the issues discussed during Tuesday’s meeting were familiar problems being faced by transit agencies elsewhere. He said Bloomington Transit appeared to have a solid foundation and that he hoped Keolis could help the agency “bridge the gap and turn the corner.”
Standefer’s [LinkedIn history](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-backs-714-south-rogers-for-police-hq-eyes-up-to-30m-in-financing/) includes work as a general manager for MV Transportation in Decatur, Illinois, and as assistant general manager for the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District/CityLink. His profile describes work on fleet electrification, federal and state grants, unionized workforces and development of a new operations and maintenance facility. It also lists a master of public administration degree from Webster University.
### McDaniel, Obermeyer repeat objections
Before the vote, McDaniel told his colleagues his position had not changed.
“I’ve been on the board for 36 years, and this is the biggest mistake I’ve ever seen Bloomington Transit make,” McDaniel said. He said he expected the agency to “suffer for it in the future.”
That echoed what McDaniel had said when the board first chose Keolis in July. At the [Aug. 18 meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-pick-hangs-in-balance-before-sept-15-vote-on-management-firm/), he and Obermeyer also raised concerns about the transition expense, the amount of information made available to board members before decisions, and the extent to which Bloomington Transit employees had been consulted.
Obermeyer on Tuesday again objected to replacing Connell. She contrasted Connell’s roughly three decades in public transit, including Indiana experience, with Standefer’s shorter transit career. She said Bloomington Transit already has employees with greater local experience and institutional knowledge and questioned why one of them would not be considered instead.
### IU agreement: Same money, new warning about ridership
After McDaniel’s departure, the board turned to its annual interlocal agreement with Indiana University that covers fares for university affiliates.
Under the [2026-27 agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-15-BPTC-Packet-09-15-2026-OCR.pdf#page=24 ), IU will pay Bloomington Transit $1,251,726\. It’s the same amount as the previous year. It covers fixed-route service on Routes 6, 7 and 9\. IU students, staff and faculty can also continue to use other Bloomington Transit fixed routes with a valid CrimsonCard.
Connell said the agreement contained only a few changes, including some wording reflecting the electronic fare-collection validators and a new provision dealing with service utilization. “They’ll want to take a close look at the utilization during the upcoming school year,” Connell told the board. He called the agreement “a fair deal.”
The new wording on ridership is fairly pointed. It says: “Indiana University will continue to evaluate utilization of Bloomington Transit services by the IU community throughout the term of this Agreement.” It continues: “Continued declines in utilization may result in a review of the scope, terms, and financial structure of the arrangement when considering renewal for FY28.”
That provision comes as Bloomington Transit continues to see lower overall ridership. Planning and special projects manager Shelley Strimaitis told the board later during Tuesday’s that [overall ridership for August this year](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-15-BPTC-Packet-09-15-2026-OCR.pdf#page=34) compared to 2025 was down about 5.7%.
That’s not as bad as the year-to-date decline, which is around 12.6%. She said the decline was spread across both campus-oriented and non-campus routes, although campus routes accounted for the largest raw number of lost rides, because they carry so many passengers.
### Federal ask: $29 million for new campus, hybrid buses
The board also approved a revised resolution authorizing Bloomington Transit to [submit a federal Section 5339 grant application](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-15-BPTC-Packet-09-15-2026-OCR.pdf#page=28) for its planned operations campus and two diesel-hybrid buses.
The formal resolution gives staff authority to seek as much as $35 million in federal funding, with up to $8.75 million in local share. But the project summary prepared for the board says Bloomington Transit’s planned federal request is $29,005,208\.
Bloomington Transit has been planning to replace its Grimes Lane headquarters with a new campus on property it bought this summer at Profile Parkway and Curry Pike. The project summary puts the facility cost, spread across three phases, at roughly $56.8 million.
The first phase, estimated at $22.54 million, would use money Bloomington Transit has already reserved to complete site work and build the maintenance facility. Phase two, estimated at $19.28 million, would add the administration and operations building and the foundation for bus storage. Phase three, estimated at $14.96 million, would enclose the bus-storage structure.
The grant application will also include two 40-foot New Flyer diesel-hybrid replacement buses with an estimated combined price of $1.9 million. According to Bloomington Transit’s project summary, including low-emission buses makes the application eligible for the Low or No Emission portion of the federal Section 5339 program, where most of the available competitive money is concentrated.
The planned request is structured so Bloomington Transit could still proceed if the federal government awards less than the full amount. Grants and procurement specialist Zac Huneck told the board the minimum scaled request would be about $16.2 million, enough for phase two and one replacement bus. The project summary puts the anticipated local match for the planned $29 million request at about $7.13 million, which uses local income-tax money and the in-kind value of the [Profile Parkway property that BT purchased](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-3-6m-land-buy-for-ops-center-after-getting-idem-comfort-letter/) in June.
Connell told the board a consultant had recommended the more detailed resolution to strengthen the application, even though the board had already authorized a Section 5339 application in May. The application was expected to be submitted the day after Tuesday’s meeting.
### Ellettsville service after Dec. 31
The board also began considering whether Bloomington Transit could help fill a transportation gap that will open when Rural Transit ends its service between Bloomington and Ellettsville on Dec. 31.
Bloomington Transit had already studied service to Ellettsville after Monroe County approached the agency in 2024\. Staff had developed alternatives that included Ellettsville, Park 48 or both. The Monroe County government ultimately funded service only to the Park 48 area, an arrangement that became Route 13 and is now incorporated into Route 16.
McLary called for a board committee to begin talking with Ellettsville and Monroe County about possible options. But staff cautioned that Bloomington Transit’s own resources are stretched. During the discussion, the board was told the agency had logged more than 800 hours of overtime in the latest pay period just to cover existing routes, and vehicle availability could also constrain an expansion.
### Expansion from five to seven board members?
On Tuesday, the board also established a committee to investigate expanding the Bloomington Public Transportation Corporation board from five members to seven. It’s something that is allowed under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-9-4-15).
The idea had surfaced at the August meeting as part of a broader discussion about Bloomington Transit’s increasingly regional role. McLary has suggested that a larger board could potentially create room for representation connected to Monroe County or Indiana University, although the details remain unresolved.
On Tuesday, McLary said the committee would need legal advice on state law and the city’s existing authority before recommending how an expansion should work.
### Bloomington RDC backs 714 South Rogers for police HQ, eyes up to $30M in financing
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-backs-714-south-rogers-for-police-hq-eyes-up-to-30m-in-financing/
Last updated: 2026-09-15T09:43:38.000Z
Hopewell looking northeast. (Kelton O’Connell, July 1, 2025)
Bloomington police chief Mike Diekhoff, standing at right, addresses Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) on the topic of the 714 S. Rogers building as a new police headquarters. (Dave Askins, Sept. 14, 2026)
Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) has formally backed the reuse of the former Bloomington Convalescent Center at 714 S. Rogers St. as the city’s next police headquarters. The plan would renovate the existing building and add newly constructed space for other public safety functions.
At its Monday meeting (Sept. 14), the RDC voted unanimously to approve a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-Resolution-26-59-To-Approve-BPD-Headquarters-at-714-South-Rogers-Street.pdf ) that declares support for renovating and expanding the building for the Bloomington police department, central dispatch and potentially other uses.
The resolution also puts the commission on record as willing to investigate issuing bonds backed by tax increment financing (TIF) revenues, for up to $30 million. But the resolution does not itself authorize a bond issuance. City controller Geoff McKim stressed that distinction before Monday’s vote.
If the RDC decides to issue bonds, McKim said, a separate resolution would formally start that process and would then go to the Bloomington city council for approval. McKim told commissioners the $30-million figure was one the city believes could both accomplish the project and fit within the RDC’s potential bonding capacity. The $30-million figure would still leave room for other possible RDC commitments involving projects like the Hopewell neighborhood, McKim said.
Hopewell is the neighborhood that is being redevelopment by the RDC at and around the site of the former IU Health hospital at 2nd and Rogers streets.
The working concept is adaptive reuse rather than demolition and replacement. The existing 56,000-square-foot building would be renovated for police operations. But an addition is envisioned for central dispatch, an emergency operations center, and a sally port, along with parking and other site improvements. A sally port is a secure, enclosed vehicle entryway where someone in custody can be transferred between a transport vehicle and the holding facility inside a building.
Dispatch could be co-located at the site, but police chief Mike Diekhoff told the RDC in a [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-RDC-714-S%5F-Rogers-Diekhoff-police-headdquarters-hq-Staff-Memo-BPD-Project-Next-Steps-for-RDC-Meeting-9%5F14%5F26-Google-Docs.pdf) that doing so would require further coordination with Monroe County. A final design and construction budget have not yet been established.
Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson attended Monday’s meeting in person. Thomson said the Rogers Street site has two clear advantages. One is that the existing building appears reusable. Second, it sits within about a block of an area police had previously identified as their preferred location for a new headquarters. Tearing down the large concrete building would be a detriment from a climate standpoint and “frankly wasteful,” Thomson said. She called the proposed reuse a win and recommended approval.
Diekhoff told commissioners the existing 3rd Street headquarters has “basically outlived its life.”
“It leaks. We are making offices out of storage units. We just don’t have any room for growth in the current facility,” Diekhoff said. He said 714 S. Rogers offers a location and amount of space that the department thinks could meet its needs for as long as 50 years.
### Questions about arts use, public engagement
The vote came after public comments questioning both the choice of a police use for the building and the city’s neighborhood engagement process.
From the audience, Leila Reichert described herself as a resident who lives about a quarter-mile from the building. Alluding to remarks by the mayor, Reichert said she did not recall public outreach about using the property for a police station. She pointed instead to an earlier arts feasibility study that concluded the building was suitable for uses other than a police station. The [study](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Bloomington%5FArts%5FFeasibility%5FStudy%5FReport.pdf ) was done in 2022 by Trahan Architects.
Reichert also disputed the idea that putting police headquarters there would not convey an increased police presence. The building “does loom on a hill” in a neighborhood with a substantial unhoused population, she said, adding: “As a community member who was not asked my opinion of this, I think that building is suitable for many things other than a police station, and I am disappointed in this trajectory.”
Holly Warren, the former assistant director for the arts in the city’s economic and sustainable development (ESD) department, attended the meeting through a remote electronic connection. Warren also urged the RDC to reconsider an arts use for the building. Warren pointed to the [same study](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Bloomington%5FArts%5FFeasibility%5FStudy%5FReport.pdf) as Reichert, pointing out that it recommended 714 S. Rogers for a facility with individual artist studios, shared workshop space with specialized equipment, and areas for music, dance and other performances.
Warren said there remains a substantial shortage of affordable artist studio space in Bloomington and recalled that community gathering and creative development had been among the goals for the new Hopewell neighborhood. Warren also said that the community art spaces that are promised as part of Indiana University’s recent [READI 2.0 grant](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-12-news-release-READI-3-million-READI-2%5F0-Arts-Culture-Initiative-grant-from-the-Indiana-Economic-Development-Corp.pdf) are not adequate to house the number of deserving artists for that purpose.
RDC president Deborah Myerson followed up on Warren’s comments by asking whether the city had reconsidered the needs for arts space described in the 2022 study. ESD director Jane Kupersmith said Warren had accurately described the 2022 recommendations and acknowledged that the need remains.
Kupersmith took up the topic of the [recently announced READI grant](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-12-news-release-READI-3-million-READI-2%5F0-Arts-Culture-Initiative-grant-from-the-Indiana-Economic-Development-Corp.pdf), which Warren mentioned, saying that it includes an arts incubator project at the former Showers administration building. Plans there call for 12 artist studios, space for creative entrepreneurs and public performance space, Kupersmith said.
The public commentary gave additional perspective on Thomson’s description of neighborhood reaction. Earlier in the discussion, the mayor said the city had held a large public meeting, that she had attended a neighborhood association meeting and that she had gone door-to-door on five occasions. Thomson said most residents who answered and offered an opinion were supportive, although “a handful” opposed locating police there. The mayor also stressed that moving to a larger building should not be understood as signalling a plan for a dramatic increase in the size of the police force.
After the criticism during public comment, Myerson asked specifically what further outreach was planned. Thomson said the administration had contacted the McDoel Gardens Neighborhood Association about returning to one of its meetings and had been keeping the Prospect Hill neighborhood informed. RDC executive director Anna Killion-Hanson also said a larger public meeting about the Hopewell neighborhood generally, including potentially the 714 S. Rogers project, is planned. A date and location for that meeting has not yet been set.
Bloomington councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith, whose District 1 includes the site, was seated in the audience. RDC member Randy Cassady asked Piedmon-Smith if the neighborhood is generally supportive. She responded: “I cannot answer that. Sorry.” After a beat, she added: “There are mixed responses to this.”
Piedmont-Smith also questioned the documentation underlying the recommendation. Piedmont-Smith pointed to American Structurepoint’s April feasibility work and asked for more transparency about the subsequent review by KGA Advicon that led the city toward the current, less expensive concept. City staff said the KGA material could be made publicly available or added to the meeting packet.
### Police union supports Rogers Street site
Two Bloomington police officers who represent department employees attended Monday’s meeting and spoke in favor of the plan.
Paul Post, president of the police union, told commissioners that police representatives had worked with Thomson and Diekhoff on possibilities for the property. “We’re here to say we have no objection,” Post said.
BPD officer Jeff Rogers, a longtime union representative, contrasted 714 S. Rogers with the earlier plan to put police headquarters in Showers West. Rogers said police had been heavily involved in evaluating Showers West, but two of its primary problems were “accessibility” and “the longevity of the building.” The Rogers Street site, by contrast, could work for 40 or 50 years and is centrally located, he said.
“It really checks off a lot of boxes that we are going to need,” Rogers said, adding that he, Post, Diekhoff and other police representatives favor the location.
RDC member Randy Cassady said he wanted assurance that the city could provide the specialized new construction needed for critical functions without replacing the whole building. After hearing that the proposed addition and the roughly $30-million working budget were intended to address that need, Cassady said: “I would love to say we have enough money to give them a brand new building as much as they need for 50 years, but we have to be fiscally responsible. And if this is the best solution, I'd like to see that we move forward.”
The commission then approved the resolution on a 4-0 vote, with Sue Sgambelluri, Cassady, Laurie McRobbie and Myerson voting yes. John West did not attend the meeting.
### Existing building plus Category 4 addition
The discussion on Monday also sharpened what the current proposal actually entails.
American Structurepoint’s [April 2026 report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-10-American-Structure-Point-feasibility-714-S-Rogers-fomer-convalescent-center-Bloomington-Feasibility-Study-Report.pdf) reviewed several approaches, including two that reused the existing building, a demolition-and-new-construction alternative and partial-demolition possibilities.
A significant constraint is that the existing precast-concrete structure cannot itself be readily established as meeting the higher Category 4 structural standard contemplated for critical emergency operations by the International Building Code. Original construction drawings for the building are not available, leaving unanswered questions about its structural capacity. That also makes it difficult to determine whether the existing structure could meet the higher standards contemplated for critical emergency operations.
The approach that is being taken is not to make all 56,000 square feet meet the Category 4 standard. The existing building could be used for offices, interview rooms, training and other police functions, while a structurally independent addition that meets the Category 4 standard could house the emergency operations center, dispatch and other functions that need to keep working after a major disaster. Thomson noted that neither the current police headquarters nor current dispatch facility meets the Category 4 standard. She described it as a best practice rather than a hard requirement.
The [concept-level cost table](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-10-American-Structure-Point-feasibility-714-S-Rogers-fomer-convalescent-center-Bloomington-Feasibility-Study-Report.pdf#page=42) in American Structurepoint’s April report put the four options at roughly $39.5 million to $45.3 million in “hard bid subtotal” costs, while leaving bedrock, structural reinforcement and Hopewell detention costs as unknowns.
Those initial Structurepoint concepts were more expensive than city officials had expected. That prompted the RDC to bring in KGA Advicon to develop a lower-cost version of the project by narrowing its scope and assumptions. Monday’s resolution says KGA concluded that the property, and likely the existing building, could support the public-safety use at a lower cost if the scope and assumptions were narrowed. Further discussions with Structurepoint reached a similar conclusion.
Monday night’s vote reflects the latest step in work that started formally in November 2025, when the RDC [approved a resolution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-5m-for-roads-145k-for-hopewell-south-rezone-58k-for-police-hq-study/) and a [$58,250 contract ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Resolution-25-131-Approval-of-Agreement-with-American-Structurepoint-Inc%5F-for-Feasibility-Study-of-714-S-Rogers-Street-for-Reuse-as-a-Public-Safety-Facility.pdf) with American Structurepoint to study whether the building could be converted into a public-safety facility. The agreement specifically called for evaluating adaptive reuse, space planning and next steps toward design.
### No owner’s representative chosen yet
Approval of the Rogers Street resolution did not include a decision on who will manage the project on the RDC’s behalf.
The commission received three owner’s-representative proposals: from [KGA Advicon](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-3rd-Party-Document-KGAADVICONPMOWNERREPBPD.pdf), [J.S. Held](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-3rd-Party-Document-J%5FS%5F-Held-for-Project-Manager-Owner%5Fs-Representative-Bloomington-Police-Department-Headquarters.pdf ), and [Shrewsberry & Associates](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-3rd-Party-Document-Shrewsberry-Submittal%5FBloomington-Police-Department-Headquarters.pdf .).
.
At Monday’s meeting, no recommendation was given for any of the three options. Commissioners were told the proposals were difficult to compare on equal terms. RDC executive director Anna Killion Hanson called it an “apples to oranges” situation. She said the question of an owner’s representative could possibly return for a decision at the RDC’s Oct. 5 meeting.
The owner’s representative would serve the RDC’s interests through design and construction, separate from the architect/engineer and the construction manager. Those three roles as the keys to delivering the project within budget.
### The move from 3rd Street police HQ
The project would eventually get Bloomington police out of its longtime headquarters at 220 E. 3rd St., which the department [says it has outgrown](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-14-RDC-714-S%5F-Rogers-Diekhoff-police-headdquarters-hq-Staff-Memo-BPD-Project-Next-Steps-for-RDC-Meeting-9%5F14%5F26-Google-Docs.pdf). Interior spaces, including storage areas and former closets, have been converted to accommodate staff. The electrical system has reached its limit. The building also continues to deal with the effects of the [June 2021 downtown flood](https://bsquarebulletin.com/damaged-in-flood-downtown-bloomington-fire-station-closed-for-unknown-time/), which sent water into basement areas and at one point put stored evidence at risk. The flood caused significant damage to electronic and computer equipment, although police were able to continue normal operations.
Monday’s action represents not the first relocation plan, but a second major attempt to get police moved out of the 3rd Street station.
Under former mayor John Hamilton, the city’s plan was to buy and renovate Showers West, the western portion of the former Showers Brothers Furniture factory that also houses city hall, and consolidate the entire police department and fire administration there. The city council authorized up to $29.5 million in public-safety bonds in late 2022 and, in January 2023, voted 5-4 to [approve the RDC’s $8.75-million purchase](https://bsquarebulletin.com/colocation-of-police-with-city-administration-big-theme-of-bloomington-council-deliberations-on-5-4-approval-of-showers-building-deal/) of Showers West.
Hamilton’s financing plan also contemplated selling the 3rd Street police station. In December 2023, the administration recommended a $4.4-million offer from GMS-Pavillion Properties, with proceeds intended to help pay for the Showers West renovation. But the city council [rejected the sale 0-9](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-council-rejects-sale-of-police-station-on-0-9-vote-but-door-seems-ajar-for-future-deal/), amid questions that included a century-old deed restriction associated with the adjoining Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park.
After Thomson took office in January 2024, her administration abandoned the police portion of the Showers West project. Thomson’s [stated reason](https://bsquarebulletin.com/7-months-into-term-bloomington-mayor-gives-update-throwing-back-the-curtains-on-inherited-problems-from-previous-administration/) was that the public-safety bond did not provide enough money to complete the police relocation while also paying for fire-department projects that were already underway or considered more urgent. A fire logistics and training center that had been budgeted in the bond at a “very conservative” $2.5 million was by then expected to cost about $6.5 million, even after its scope was reduced. Police officers had also opposed the Showers West location, raising concerns about security and vehicle access.
Fire administration ultimately did move into Showers West. But dropping the plan to move police there did not eliminate another problem created by the way the building had been financed. Private tenants remained in space purchased with public-safety bond proceeds. Bond counsel advised the city that continuing to rent space to private tenants was inconsistent with the public-use restrictions on the bonds.
That issue eventually produced two lawsuits. The RDC tried to terminate leases held by Warrant Technologies and the Bloomington Board of Realtors, now the Indiana Uplands Realtor Association, using an “inverse condemnation” theory. Monroe Circuit Court judge Kara Krothe rejected that approach in March 2026, ruling in favor of both tenants. The RDC appealed, then mediated the disputes and on Aug. 17 ratified settlement agreements.
The settlements called for a total of [$381,650 in cash payments](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-to-pay-381k-to-settle-showers-west-disputes-after-court-losses/). The Realtors association also received its final year in Showers West rent-free. The agreements ended the litigation and cleared a path for the city eventually to control the entire bond-financed space.
---
Monday’s decision on 714 S. Rogers now puts the city on a specific path different from Showers West for the police headquarters.
Instead of putting police operations into Showers West, the city is pursuing a dedicated public-safety facility at the southeast edge of Hopewell South.
With a resolution now approved, the next work is to refine the scope, select an owner’s representative and architect, and determine whether a renovation-and-expansion project can in fact be delivered within the city’s emerging $30-million financing target. The next meeting of the RDC is set for [Oct. 5](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/redevelopment/meetings).
### Sept. 14, 2026: Health administrator fired, wrongful termination suit planned; new liquor-permit rules; judges nix inmate-transfers
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sept-14-2026-health-administrator-fired-wrongful-termination-suit-planned-new-liquor-permit-rules-judges-nix-inmate-transfers/
Last updated: 2026-09-14T08:57:21.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week and probably a few more weeks. The news operation is stretching me ever thinner. Puzzles seemed like a good place to conserve time and effort.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Don’t worry about rain, or about overheating. It will be sunny with a high of just 79F°.
**Tuesday:** Summer’s over but it’s not fall yet, so wear the coolest clothes you haven’t put into storage yet. It’s going to be sunny and hot, hot, hot with a high of around 93F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Ways to get B Square reports
Besides this newsletter, which is sent to email inboxes and is [archived on the website](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/), you could also decide to have every individual news report sent directly to your inbox at the same time it is published to the website. How do you make that happen? When you’re [logged in to your account](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/#/portal/account), just add My Inbox Now to the options under Manage Emails.
Or if you mainly prefer to rely on social media to sprinkle links into your stream, try [@BSquareBulletin](https://www.facebook.com/BSquareBulletin) for Facebook. Or on Bluesky: [@bsquarebulletin.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/bsquarebulletin.bsky.social)
### Recent articles
If you don’t want to wait until Monday or Thursday for the Almost Daily Bulletin, and you’d prefer to check whenever you like on the most recent headlines from The B Square, complete with their synopsis, here’s the link: [The B Square’s Most Recent 20](https://bsquarebulletin.com/latest-posts/)
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population hits week-long stretch over ACLU functional limit](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-hits-week-long-stretch-over-aclu-functional-limit/). Monroe County’s jail population stood at 237 Saturday, ending a full week above the ACLU’s 229 functional-capacity figure. The jail’s 10-day rolling average has fallen by about 20 since late July, while records show substantial turnover among people who are incarcerated.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-78/). Fish shows he’s oh so fancy by using an umlaut in his street name suggestion. Because nothing says you’re smart and sophisticated better than two dots over a letter!
- [Monroe County property transfers through Sept. 8, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-sept-8-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 18 to Sept. 8, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Health administrator fired, plans wrongful termination suit against Monroe County](https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-administrator-fired-plans-wrongful-termination-suit-against-monroe-county/). Monroe County health administrator Lori Kelley has been fired, her attorney says, and plans an EEOC charge and lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. Her departure comes as the health department is struggling with nursing vacancies.
- [Bloomington adopts liquor-permit rules covering new state slots, historic district](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-adopts-liquor-permit-rules-covering-new-state-slots-historic-district/). Bloomington’s city council has adopted rules for deciding which businesses get city backing for lower-cost liquor permits outside the normal population-based quota. The framework includes a 50% local-ownership standard.
- [Order from judges means no big inmate-transfer costs for Monroe County sheriff’s 2027 budget](https://bsquarebulletin.com/order-from-judges-means-no-big-inmate-transfer-costs-for-monroe-county-sheriffs-2027-budget/). A multimillion-dollar plan to move 50 to 100 Monroe County jail inmates to other counties is absent from Sheriff Ruben Marté’s proposed 2027 budget after judges declined to authorize the transfers. Jail population remains above Marté’s functional-capacity benchmark.
### Other notes
**Suggest names for new streets.** The city of Bloomington is looking for suggestions for names of two new streets in the Hopewell South neighborhood. They have to start with West and end with Lane. Example: West Quirkwood Lane. There’s an [online form](https://forms.gle/6wep8egmCwG8cFJg6) for submitting suggestions. Act fast, because the deadline for submitting suggestions is tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 15).
### On the calendar
**Police headquarters: 714 S. Rogers.** On the [5 p.m. Monday (Sept. 14) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17444/download#page=44) for Bloomington’s redevelopment commission is a proposal to turn the former convalescent center building at 714 S. Rogers St. into a new police headquarters. The concept calls for renovating the existing roughly 56,000-square-foot building and constructing an addition for central dispatch, an emergency operations center and a sallyport, plus parking and site improvements. But the dispatch piece would still require coordination with Monroe County. The RDC is being asked to support the project and consider up to $30 million in TIF-backed borrowing.
At their Monday meeting, commissioners will also consider owner’s representative proposals from J.S. Held and Shrewsberry & Associates.
**Interim housing for street homeless?** Not on the RDC’s agenda for Monday, but getting a mention in a set of executive-session minutes in the meeting information packet is [DignityMoves](https://dignitymoves.org/). That’s a [501(c)(3) nonprofit](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/871111468) that develops rapidly built “interim supportive housing” for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
Four DignityMoves representatives attended the RDC’s [Sept. 1 executive session](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17444/download#page=41), which was held to discuss strategy involving a real-property transaction. The organization’s model generally uses small, private prefabricated rooms clustered with shared facilities and on-site services intended to help residents move toward permanent housing. DignityMoves has developed communities in places including San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and San José.
**Monroe County health department budget.** On the [5 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 15) meeting agenda](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-2027-budget-session-4) for the county council is the [health department’s proposed 2027 budget](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025-2026%2FCounty%20Council%2F2027%20Budget%20Session%205%20Agenda%20Packet.pdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025-2026%2FCounty%20Council&p=true&ga=1). For B Square background see: [Health administrator fired, plans wrongful termination suit against Monroe County](https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-administrator-fired-plans-wrongful-termination-suit-against-monroe-county/)
**Final vote on Bloomington Transit management contract.** No agenda is yet posted for the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 15) Bloomington Transit board meeting](https://bloomingtontransit.com/bt-staff/). But the board is expected to take a vote on the contract for Keolis as the new management firm for the city’s public transportation agency. Board member Kent McDaniel has told a city council committee that is mulling the next appointment to the seat where McDaniel currently serves, and is considering him as a candidate for re-appointment, that he will resign if the Keolis contract is approved. For B Square background see: [Bloomington Transit board pick hangs in balance before Sept. 15 vote on management firm](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-pick-hangs-in-balance-before-sept-15-vote-on-management-firm/).
**Removal of a historic preservation commission member.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 16) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17445/download) for the Bloomington city council is the removal of Reynard Cross as a non-voting member of the historic preservation commission. Interim city council attorney Larry Allen sent Cross a [letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-21-notification-to-reynard-cross-about-removal-from-HPC-for-cause-20260821-Notice-Letter-of-Hearing-for-HPC-Removal-Cross.pdf) notifying him of the council’s potential action at its Sept. 2 meeting, but the council postponed any action. Cross has responded with a [90-paragraph rebuttal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-25-reynard-cross-HPC-historic-preservation-commission-removal-for-cause-7%5FResponse-to-Notice-of-Removal-Hearing.pdf) of the claims in Allen’s letter.
**Big zoning changes.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 16) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17445/download) for the Bloomington city council is an ordinance that changes the city’s Unified Development ordinance in a way that are intended to ease small-scale housing development and end parking minimums. For B Square backrgound, see: [Plan commission backs big Bloomington zoning changes, attorneys disagree on incentives](https://bsquarebulletin.com/plan-commission-backs-big-bloomington-zoning-changes-attorneys-disagree-on-incentives/)
---
**Big Book Sale: Sept 18-21\.** The Friends of the Library will be hosting their Big Fall Book Sale in Meeting Room 1B/C at the Downtown Library with thousands of items at bargain prices. The 2026 Big Fall Book Sale will be open to the public Sept. 18–21 with a special early-bird sale for Friends members on Sept. 17\. For hours on specific days, check the [book sale webpage](http://mcpl.info/bigsale).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
**Nerd Nite Bloomington: Sept. 25.** Bug sex, imperfect maps and the Great Molasses Flood get the 15-minute-talk treatment at Nerd Nite Bloomington #6\. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, with presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. at The Bishop Bar in Bloomington. Organizers would like people to [RSVP](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nerd-nite-bloomington-6-tickets-1999395946097?utm%5Fsource=sendfox&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=save-the-date-nerd-nite-6-bug-sex-perfect-maps-and-the-great-molasses-flood ).
**From the Ground Up: Sept. 26.** The [Monroe County Master Gardener Association](https://www.mcmga.net/) will host its annual fall gardening program [Saturday, Sept. 26](https://www.mcmga.net/from-the-ground-up), from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College’s Shreve Hall, 200 Daniels Way. This year’s program focuses on vegetable gardening, with sessions on soil health, community and urban gardening, natural pest control and container gardening, plus a panel discussion. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. [Registration is $25](https://forms.gle/3XnQKtb8wjKitU8W8).
**Bloomington Paint Out: Oct. 3.** The fifth annual Bloomington Paint Out takes place rain or shine on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bryan Park, with artist check-in from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Woodlawn Pavilion. Artists of all ages and skill levels can paint anywhere in Bloomington, with finished work due by 3:15 p.m. for judging in several age and experience categories. Free classes, supplies and artist demonstrations will be offered at the pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no registration fee or advance registration.
### Meet: Thor!
Up for adoption, as of Sept. 13 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Thor](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87857). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is a Labrador retriever mix . Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Thor](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87857):
> Thor is a happy older puppy whose owner describes as "smart and loving". Thor has been around small children and is curious but pretty shy meeting new dogs.
### Photo Finish: Stillwater Marsh Water Fowl Resting Area
I believe this is a Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum). It declined to be interviewed. (Dave Askins, Sept. 13, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Stillwater Marsh Water Fowl Resting Area
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/stillwater-marsh-water-fowl-resting-area/
Last updated: 2026-09-13T22:27:30.000Z
I believe this is a Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum). It declined to be interviewed. (Dave Askins, Sept. 13, 2026)
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population hits week-long stretch over ACLU functional limit
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-hits-week-long-stretch-over-aclu-functional-limit/
Last updated: 2026-09-19T15:58:34.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s jail population stood at 237 on Saturday (Sept. 12), which made for a solid week when the total population of the jail was more than the ACLU’s version of the jail’s functional capacity, which is 229.
The end of the previous week started at 227 and ticked up to as high as 242 and dipped to 230 on Friday, before bumping back up on Saturday.
Chart by The B Square with data from Monroe County jail.
A week ago Monroe County’s GIS team rolled out a [new jail data dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/195880a3c67c41fa998f56ff8e9aabb4 ). The dashboard is updated routinely, which means Monroe County residents don’t need to wait for weekly updates from a news outlet. The dashboard breaks down the demographic profile of inmates, and provides a statistical breakdown of the types of offenses inmates are charged with.
The B Square has tracked the numbers starting on July 21, when the jail held 247 people. By Sept. 12, the population had fallen by 10 to 237.
Ten days into that span, the 10-day rolling average was about 254\. The most recent rolling 10-day average, on Saturday (Sept. 12) was about 234, or 20 less than at the start of The B Square’s reports.
It’s 5 more than the 229 that the ACLU gives the as the jail’s functional capacity in its [federal lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf ) that it filed in July on behalf of jail inmates.
Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté has given a lower figure for functional capacity. His July [overcrowding report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf) started with 294 reported beds, subtracted housing that he said cannot be treated as general-population space, leaving 233 available general-housing beds. Applying the same 80% principle yields a functional capacity of 186.
The difference between the two snapshots at the start and the end of the period The B Square has tracked does not capture the turnover in the jail during that period. Of the 247 people who were there on July 21, 131 of them were still there on Sept. 12\. That means 116, or almost 47% of the people who were in jail at the start of the period, had left by the end.
At the same time, 106 people who arrived after July 21 were still incarcerated on Sept. 12\. The 131 people who were present at both endpoints, together with those 106 later arrivals, account for the current population of 237.
That comparison still does not capture people who arrived after July 21 and then left before Sept. 12\. A total of at least 514 people departed the jail during that span. It’s “at least” because some people booked into jail don’t stay in jail long enough to appear in the daily population report. An example of that is the man who was [arrested on a charge of street camping on Aug. 7](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-man-released-from-jail-after-second-arrest-under-indianas-new-street-camping-law/), who was released about a half hour later. Among those who departed during the time The B Square has tracked the numbers, the median length of stay was 2 days.
Over the full 54-day period, the average daily population was about 239\. The highest count was 264 on July 31\. The lowest was 216 on Aug. 28.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-78/
Last updated: 2026-09-13T08:56:15.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #79 (Sept. 13, 2026) The City of Bloomington is asking the public to suggest names of two new streets in the Hopewell South neighborhood using an** [****online form**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFjejTUX7HXAPWeDZMZqUP4%5F2ESAc0qR55nKtn7vyR%5F8itNw/viewform)****.**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through Sept. 8, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-sept-8-2026/
Last updated: 2026-09-13T08:46:32.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 18 to Sept. 8, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1FG1tSPBbiERzlT1nsv6usmgHRsP6Ybk&usp=sharing ).\]
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 4743 W Vernal PIKE was sold to VERNAL PIKE HOLDINGS LLC by AGNL CHARCUTERIE, L.L.C. for $6,214,500.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 215 W Chester DR was sold to JUSTICE NIKOLE BEYERS by RYAN D WILLIAMS for $485,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 3795 N Collins DR was sold to EVAN STOCKER by LEVI TOBIN BEYERS for $339,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 9510 S Snow RD was sold to COLE MILES by BRADLEY SPICER for $280,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 5915 N Ajuga CT was sold to WILLIAM F CRESPO by PORCHLIGHT HOMES LLC for $217,500.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 323 S Paul ST was sold to JEREMY LEONARD ELKINS by JENNIFER BECKER for $215,000.
- On September 8, 2026, the property at 614 W Dixie ST was sold to BRYANT CORNELIUS by JAMES M GWALTNEY for $55,000.
- On September 4, 2026, the property at 509 N Washington ST was sold to BRENT R PHILLIPS by BMI PROPERTIES LLC for $1,475,000.
- On September 4, 2026, the property at 1008 S Greenwood AVE was sold to JONATHAN MCDONALD by ANNE L HAZELTINE REVOCABLE TRUST for $500,000.
- On September 4, 2026, the property at 3528 S Glasgow CIR was sold to YU RA KIM by KENNETH W HOWARD for $387,000.
- On September 4, 2026, the property at 4113 S Clear View DR was sold to WILLIAM D WILSON by RYAN M COLE for $383,500.
- On September 4, 2026, the property at 571 S Fieldstone BLVD was sold to COLE CADWELL by DEBRA TERZINO for $255,000.
- On September 4, 2026, the property at 1311 W Gourley PIKE was sold to PATRICK SIMMS by TIDY RENTALS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY for $175,000.
- On September 3, 2026, the property at 7654 W Julia DR was sold to SUSAN ARNOLD by WEST CONCRETE INC for $352,500.
- On September 3, 2026, the property at 9471 S Pointe Lasalles DR was sold to CHRISTY WELLS by ROBERTA A RINGHAM for $145,000.
- On September 3, 2026, the property at 614 W Fleming PL was sold to BARBERRY LLC by Buchanan, James Michael for $140,000.
- On September 3, 2026, the property at 4700 N Benton DR was sold to KRISTIE LAMANTIA by CB HOMES & RENOVATIONS LLC for $77,000.
- On September 2, 2026, the property at 5800 S Ornamental DR was sold to DANIEL D LETMAN by ANN M JUSTICE for $475,000.
- On September 2, 2026, the property at 1201 E Zinnia DR was sold to LEE STOCKWELL by TODD D DECKERD for $347,500.
- On September 2, 2026, the property at 3332 N Windcrest DR was sold to ALEXANDER SCHALK by BEKTESH, ALLISON for $236,500.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 2800 S Olcott BLVD was sold to FRANCIS WILLIAM FENSTERER, IV by CHARLES R SHORT JR for $1,100,000.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 4291 S Windmill LN was sold to STEPHANIE J WILLIAMSON by Warnick, Austin for $720,000.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 6262 W May RD was sold to MADISON RAE PRUETT by GUARDIANSHIP OF MARILYN JOYCE DECKARD for $470,000.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 2031 E Doc Mitchell ST was sold to JASON METZGER by Koontz, Mary E Rev Trust for $444,000.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 3439 S Weeping Willow WAY was sold to ROBIN JO EDMUNDSON by VIRGINIA G STOGSDILL for $298,418.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 5225 N Knight CT was sold to JACKSON A HOLBROOK by WILLIAMS, JAMES G for $255,000.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 3911 W Forrest Park DR was sold to OPENDOOR PROPERTY TRUST I by BERT WALKER for $245,000.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 7215 W Dinsmore RD was sold to ROBERT TYLER MOSCRIP by Pruett, Ethan for $231,000.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 1605 W 7th ST was sold to KAREN E ANNESE GRANGER by HOGAN, STEVEN for $179,000.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 5353 E State Road 46 was sold to ASHLEY D INSELMAN by TIMOTHY F SLAPER for $0.
- On September 1, 2026, the property at 308 S Poplar CT was sold to DAKOTA J HALL by DAKOTA J HALL for $0.
- On August 31, 2026, the property at 349 E Varsity LN was sold to MDL STADIUM CROSSING OWNER LLC by Stadium Crossing III LLC for $73,550,000.
- On August 31, 2026, the property at 409 E Woodridge DR was sold to SARAH MARIE LONDON by Sparks, Malissa L for $410,000.
- On August 31, 2026, the property at 521 S Village DR was sold to COURAGE TO CHANGE SOBER LIVING INC by TAYLOR E ODLE for $325,000.
- On August 31, 2026, the property at 800 W Fairway LN was sold to DIEGO ALANIS by Robbins, Scott for $280,000.
- On August 31, 2026, the property at 3712 W Indian Creek DR was sold to KEVIN FOSTER by DANIEL JACOB HAVERT for $261,500.
- On August 31, 2026, the property at 718 E Bayberry CT E was sold to MARTHA B WITWER by SEAN BOBAY for $210,000.
- On August 31, 2026, the property at 1202 W East Branch RD was sold to KEYGLEE HOLDINGS, INC by Craig, Kenneth R Revocable Trust for $145,000.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 2008 E Ashwood LN was sold to JAMES H HALLAGAN by THE BENNETT AND MERYL BERTENTHAL JOINT REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $727,500.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 4138 W Woodyard RD was sold to JOSHUA DAVID TOMLIN by Wadsworth, Kelly Matthew for $436,250.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 1211 S Lincoln ST was sold to CORY CARTER by RONALD J MARTIN for $409,350.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 702 W 7th ST was sold to ALEXIS CULVER by VERNON AND CHERYL SWEENEY JOINT REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $360,000.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 103 E Dewey DR was sold to AARON CLAUSMAN by KELSEY N PORTER for $200,500.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 459 W Hickory DR was sold to GERRY HASH by PAMELA A COMBS for $195,000.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 2346 E Winding Brook CIR was sold to THE MAIDLOW-BURTON LIVING TRUST by SHREYAAN RE LLC for $195,000.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 2074 E Charles WAY was sold to MICHAEL L DILK by Fox Property Enterprises LLC for $179,000.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 724 W Ladd AVE was sold to DANIEL WAYNE KEY by ESTATE OF WILLIAM EVAN HARRIS, JR. for $140,000.
- On August 27, 2026, the property at 9982 S St Andrews LN was sold to CHRISTOPHER J WHEELER by Frist, Alexander E for $525,000.
- On August 27, 2026, the property at 4713 W Teresa LN was sold to ERMA A WICKSTROM by Wheeler, Christopher J for $325,000.
- On August 26, 2026, the property at 2484 S Brittany LN was sold to MARIELA RODRIGUEZ by JAMES SAUSER for $138,900.
- On August 24, 2026, the property at 438 S Cedar DR was sold to MURPHY PARTNERS LLC by LAK PROPERTY PARTNERS LLC for $95,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 3924 W Ashbrook LN was sold to MARGARET LOREAN TRIMBLE by BLACKWELL CONTRACTORS INC for $410,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 702 S Washington ST was sold to THE J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST 2007-CH3 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERT SERIES 2007-CH3 by RUBEN D MARTE, AS SHERIFF OF MONROE COUNTY, STATE OF INDIANA for $231,017.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 3900 W Walnut Leaf DR was sold to U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION by RUBEN D MARTE for $188,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 2835 E Ramp Creek RD was sold to PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC by RUBEN D MARTE for $118,149.
- On August 18, 2026, the property at N Moon RD was sold to FERNANDO MORALES by MICHAEL COUCH for $50,000.
### Health administrator fired, plans wrongful termination suit against Monroe County
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-administrator-fired-plans-wrongful-termination-suit-against-monroe-county/
Last updated: 2026-09-12T16:54:22.000Z
File photo of Monroe County health administrator Lori Kelley (nearest to camera) addressing the Monroe County council on Oct. 14, 2025\. Seated next to Keley is health officer Sarah Ryterband.
By midmorning on Friday (Sept. 11), it was apparent that something had changed in the leadership of Monroe County’s health department, but no one in county government was saying exactly what. Every county official reached by The B Square directed any inquiries to human resources.
In a statement given to the B Square by the county’s human resources and legal departments, the county said: “There has been a change in administration within the Monroe County Health Department. The county remains committed to ensuring the needs of our community are met, and services continue without interruption.”
The statement did not say whether health administrator Lori Kelley had resigned, been terminated, been placed on leave, or remained a county employee in some other capacity. But late morning on Friday when The B Square visited the health department building at 7th Street and College Avenue, Kelley was not there.
Confirmation that Kelley had been fired came from Kelley’s attorney, Mark Waterfill, who specializes in employment law. He told The B Square: “Lori Kelley adamantly contends that she’s the victim of wrongful termination, that she was sexually harassed at work and complained about that, and fired in retaliation for her complaints. And she intends to file an EEOC \[Equal Employment Opportunity Commission\] charge and then pursue a lawsuit against Monroe County.”
Waterfill added, “Lori Kelley provided excellent service to Monroe County and regrets that she’s been fired.”
According to the Monroe County [salary ordinance for 2026](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-11%5FCouncil%5F2026-Salary-Ordinance%5FAmended.pdf#page=12 ), the health administrator position this year is paid $86,092.
Kelley has headed the department since the summer of 2022\. Kelley’s departure comes at a challenging moment for the department, which is still trying to rebuild its public-health nursing operation after IU Health last year [ended a 60-year long relationship](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-could-face-public-health-services-gap-as-iu-health-ends-long-time-contract/) with the department.
Just three weeks ago, the health department apparently had no public health nurses on staff. At an Aug. 20 county board of health meeting, Kelley reported that 60 case investigations had not yet been started, out of 108 then in the department’s work queue. Lower-priority cases were “just sitting there” until the department had more capacity, she said. Public health functions were being performed in part with pitched-in efforts from staff who happen to have some nursing credentials, but whose jobs are not nursing per se.
At the same Aug. 20 meeting, a former department employee publicly accused Kelley and county health officer Sarah Ryterband of contributing to working conditions that led her to resign.
Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/16#16-20-1-14), it’s the health officer (Ryterband) who hires “requisite staff,” which includes the health administrator (Kelley). Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/16#16-20-2-16), it’s the [board of health](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/boards-commissions-and-committees/board-of-health/) that appoints the health officer.
The board of health itself has been under stress for the last few years. In early 2023, the county commissioners [removed a board member](https://bsquarebulletin.com/health-board-member-removed-by-monroe-county-commissioners-before-she-could-resign/) before she could resign. In late in 2025 the board saw [three departures at the same time](https://bsquarebulletin.com/vacancies-three-depart-monroe-county-board-of-health-including-chair-and-36-year-member/) and the current board is now two shy of the [number prescribed by state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/16#16-20-2-4), which is seven.
Current board members are: Lisa Hanner-Robinson (chair), Michael Teague, Stephen Pritchard, Kay Leach, and Kevin Moore. Six of the board of health members are appointed by county commissioners, with the seventh named by the county council.
### Allegations from former public health nurse
At the [board of health’s Aug. 20 meeting](https://catstv.net/m.php?q=16332&t=408), Christina Kempf told the board of health that she had resigned the previous month from her position as a public health nurse. Kempf had worked in public health for nearly 20 years, including about a decade with the Monroe County health department in several roles.
Kempf told the board that from February until she left, she had effectively been the department’s only public health nurse, apart from a brief period when another nurse was getting trained. Kempf also said there was some public health nursing assistance from another employee who covered work with tuberculosis patients.
Kempf alleged that she was denied additional training that she considered necessary to perform her nursing duties safely. She further alleged that she was denied leave requests and faced threats of termination. She also said she had gone to the county’s human resources department over workplace issues.
Kempf further alleged that, after an HR intervention, Ryterband had been prohibited from coming into Kempf’s office or speaking with her alone. But Kempf said that the behavior of Ryterband’s that she found objectionable continued even in Kelley’s presence.
Kempf told the board that she eventually concluded she could no longer accept responsibility for work that amounted to several nursing positions or risk making clinical mistakes without adequate training. Her departure left the county with no public health nurses. The B Square has not independently investigated Kempf’s allegations.
Later in the same meeting, Kelley gave an update to the board acknowledging the staffing challenge. She said two recent nursing candidates had not moved forward. One had not yet taken a licensing exam, while the other had concerns about joining a department without a manager in place. Kelley proposed hiring a health services director first, followed by nurses and a clinical assistant, with a nurse-supervisor position eventually to be added, which would provide day-to-day clinical oversight.
The current nursing staffing challenge stems from a decision announced a year ago by IU Health.
IU Health told the county in 2025 that on Dec. 31 of that year it would [end a public-health services arrangement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-could-face-public-health-services-gap-as-iu-health-ends-long-time-contract/) that had existed in some form for more than 60 years. Under the contract, IU Health nurses provided vaccinations, communicable-disease testing and investigations, contact tracing and other public-health services. The county was still legally responsible for ensuring those services were provided.
Three IU Health nurses had been doing that work in 2025\. Kelley’s preferred approach was to bring the work inside county government, operating from the health department building at 7th Street and College Avenue. That would have used some space formerly occupied by Futures Family Planning Clinic, another county-run health operation whose collapse in 2024 had generated controversy.
By November 2025, the county had [posted three public-health nursing jobs](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-posts-three-nursing-jobs-to-bridge-public-health-service-gap-looks-to-morgan-county-for-help/). The work assigned to those positions included communicable-disease investigations, contact tracing, vaccinations, screenings, health education, school health work and emergency response.
In August 2026, however, the three nursing positions were vacant.
### Contract for nurses approved, then rescinded
The staffing issue that followed the end of the IU Health arrangement led Kelley this year to pursue temporary contract nurses through Amergis Healthcare Staffing.
On July 23, Kelley told county commissioners that the department was receiving applications for permanent nursing jobs but was struggling to recruit experienced applicants at the county’s entry-level pay rate. Under the proposed Amergis agreement, the county would pay $65 an hour for a registered nurse and $55 an hour for a licensed practical nurse. Amergis would employ the workers and provide their benefits.
Commissioners voted 2–0 to approve the agreement contingent on a review by human resources.
But on Aug. 20, commissioners rescinded that approval. Commissioner Julie Thomas [said at the Aug. 20 meeting](https://catstv.net/m.php?q=16319&t=597) that a review of the paperwork showed the contract had not yet gone through the board of health. She also said the commissioners agenda material had indicated that the county legal department had reviewed and approved the contract when it had not.
Thomas said she wanted to wipe the slate clean and allow the proper process to start again. The rescinding of the contract passed 2–0\. That did not prevent the health department from bringing the proposed staffing arrangement back through the required channels.
Later that same day, Kelley told the board of health that the department’s longer-term nursing structure needed more than simply filling vacant jobs. The public-health duties that were filled historically through IU Health had been added to the department’s existing responsibilities, including other work required through Health First Indiana (HFI). That’s a state program that gives local health departments more funding to provide a standardized set of core public health services, like disease prevention and maternal and child health among others.
Kelley told the board the department was effectively trying to reconstruct a management structure that had existed under the IU Health arrangement, while at the same time asking county nurses to perform additional Health First Indiana work.
Her proposed sequence was to bring in a health services director first, then three nurses and a clinical assistant, with a nurse supervisor eventually added to provide hands-on clinical oversight.
When one board member asked at that meeting who is currently performing some of the vacant nursing duties, the initial answer was: “Nobody.” Staff from several other parts of the department were covering pieces of the work, including tuberculosis cases, lead case management and vaccine inventory.
### Transition to Kelley
Kelley’s time as health administrator started with a significant leadership transition.
Longtime health administrator Penny Caudill introduced Kelley to county commissioners [on June 22, 2022](https://catstv.net/m.php?q=11352&t=103), as her replacement. Kelley formally started as administrator on July 15.
At the time Kelley was introduced, Caudill briefed commissioners on Kelley’s graduate degrees in health administration and philanthropy and experience with accreditation, grants and staff development. Kelley spent a transition period getting acquainted with county procedures and department heads before Caudill retired.
By the [end of 2022](https://bsquarebulletin.com/at-least-3-gone-from-monroe-county-health-department-staff/), staff retention had become an issue.
One of the departures that year was Chris Husted, who had managed the Futures Family Planning Clinic since 2015\. Husted left in October 2022\.
More than two years later, during [an April 2025 Board of Health meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/timeline-for-futures-family-planning-clinic-closure-theres-still-plenty-to-say-here/), Husted would tell the board that Kelley’s leadership was one of the reasons she left. At the same meeting, other former employees [delivered public comment](https://catstv.net/m.php?q=14496) critical of health department leadership.
### Futures clinic closes after 18 years
Futures had been operated by the county Health Department since 2006\. Its services were supported through Title X, the federal family-planning program, with the Indiana Family Health Council serving as the intermediary funding organization.
The clinic provided a government-run, nonreligious family-planning option. When it was established, part of the rationale was to provide a neutral alternative for patients who did not want to seek care either from Planned Parenthood or from a faith-based provider.
By 2024, Futures was struggling with staffing. Its staff had completely turned over, and during its final months it did not have a clinic manager. The Indiana Family Health Council also raised concerns directly with Kelley about staffing and administration of the program.
On Aug. 21, 2024, the Board of Health voted to announce a [30-day suspension](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-govt-operation-of-family-planning-clinic-to-stop-at-least-for-now-maybe-for-good/) of county operation of Futures while officials sought a way to preserve the service. The board also authorized the termination of the clinic’s last remaining employee. If the Indiana Family Health Council could provide temporary coverage, county officials hoped Futures could be rebuilt with a completely new staff.
Two days later, the Indiana Family Health Council informed Monroe County that it was [terminating the Title X contract](https://bsquarebulletin.com/key-contract-terminated-for-monroe-countys-family-planning-clinic-will-close-after-18-years/). The county arranged short-term coverage through HealthNet, Planned Parenthood and Pace Community Action Agency.
At the time, county personnel administrator Elizabeth Sensenstein told The B Square that 21 full-time and seven part-time employees had left the entire Health Department since June 2022\. A full complement of staff in the department was roughly 50 people.
The Indiana Family Health Council eventually replaced Futures with its own Bloomington Family Planning Center, which opened in February 2025.
### Health officer turnover
Kelley’s four years as administrator also spanned turnover in the separate position of county health officer.
Thomas Sharp, who had served as Monroe County health officer since 1976, resigned effective April 30, 2023\. The board of health [selected physician Clark Brittain ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sharp-resigns-as-monroe-county-health-officer-brittain-appointed-to-post/)as his replacement.
Brittain served just through the end of 2024\. When he resigned, the board of health [recommended Sarah Ryterband](https://bsquarebulletin.com/brittain-resigns-as-monroe-county-health-officer-ryterband-recommended-as-replacement/), who was then a board of health member, to succeed him. County commissioners confirmed Ryterband as Monroe County health officer on Dec. 18, 2024.
---
For now, the county government has said nothing official beyond confirming a change in administration.
In the next several weeks, after Kelley’s EEOC charge and subsequent lawsuit are filed, some additional details of what is alleged to have happened inside the health department, and the county’s response to Kelley’s allegations, will likely emerge in the court filings.
In the shorter term, next [Tuesday (Sept. 15)](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-2027-budget-session-4) Kelley and Ryterband had been scheduled to present the [health department’s proposed 2027 budget ](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared Documents%2FWeb Content Monroe County 2025-2026%2FCounty Council%2F2027 Budget Session 5 Agenda Packet.pdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared Documents%2FWeb Content Monroe County 2025-2026%2FCounty Council&p=true&ga=1)to the county council. That task will now likely fall to Ryterband alone.
### Bloomington adopts liquor-permit rules covering new state slots, historic district
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-adopts-liquor-permit-rules-covering-new-state-slots-historic-district/
Last updated: 2026-09-11T09:56:30.000Z
Map by The B Square \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1OEmjXcJd47H4FK1jWqpHR1o%5Fhz0gBbM&usp=sharing )\]
A little more than a week ago, Bloomington’s city council finally put rules in place for deciding which businesses the city will support for a limited number of lower-cost liquor permits.
It’s a framework that had been [under discussion for a few months](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-to-weigh-liquor-permit-rules-with-reach-beyond-two-new-state-slots/), but has origins that can be traced to a [2005 state law](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2005-liquor-permits-Engrossed-Version-Senate-Bill-0382.pdf ) that was on the radar of Bloomington city councilmembers [as soon as 2008](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2008-02-20-liquor-permit-mention-City%5FCouncil-20080220-Minutes.pdf#page=2).
At its regular meeting on Sept. 2, the council unanimously adopted the [ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Ordinance-2026-18-Establishing-Guidelines-for-Special-Alcoholic-Beverage-District-Permits-Amended-and-Adopted-Corrected.pdf) putting the rules in place. The ordinance does not itself issue any liquor permits. Instead, it establishes the city’s screening process and conditions for recommending applicants to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC), which has the authority to issue the permits.
One thing that spurred the council to act now was legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly this year \[[SB 89](https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0089/SB0089.05.ENRH.pdf)\]. The bill made two additional three-way permits available specifically for Bloomington, outside the normal population-based quota. Based just on the formula of one three-way permit for every 1,500 residents, Bloomington gets 53 permits. A three-way permit allows sales of beer, wine and liquor for consumption on the premises.
Those two new permits carry an initial cost of $40,000\. That is substantially less than the private-market price of an existing quota permit. The [February 2026 edition](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-02-Liquor-license-beer-wine-3-way-Transfer-sale-price-by-jurisdiction.pdf) of the [ATC’s statewide transfer-price report](https://www.in.gov/atc/files/Transfer-sale-price-by-jurisdiction.pdf) showed 19 Bloomington three-way permit transfers with a median price of $235,000.
But the city’s new rules reach beyond those two permits. They also cover permits connected to the Courthouse Square Historic District and could apply to other qualifying districts the city creates in the future, including a possible riverfront district.
The [historic-district provision of state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/7.1#7.1-3-20-16 ) already provides another route to permits outside the population quota. It allows up to 15 new three-way, two-way or one-way permits for restaurants located within, or within 1,500 feet of, a qualifying historic district. The 15 permits connected to a historic-district cost $25,000 initially, with a $1,000 renewal fee.
The possibility of using a similar mechanism through a riverfront district [surfaced last year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-council-again-mulls-stadium-district-as-name-for-area-around-bloomington-urban-wetland-park-as-liquor-zone-question-looms/) in connection with the area around Miller-Showers Park. The council would first need to establish such a riverfront district.
Under the new city rules, a business seeking the city’s backing has to be located in Bloomington and within the geographic area required by the specific state permit program. It also has to meet whatever restaurant, food-service or other use requirement state law imposes.
The council ultimately stopped short of imposing its own numerical food-sales test. An earlier draft of the ordinance would have required at least 60% of a restaurant’s gross retail income to come from food. The adopted ordinance instead says the city will impose no additional minimum food-sales percentage beyond any requirement of state law or the ATC.
The guidelines still say the city intends to “prioritize restaurant-oriented uses over alcohol-consumption-focused use.”
Galen Cassady, co-owner of the Uptown Cafe, supported leaving the rigid food-sales percentage out. From the public mic, during the Sept. 2 city council meeting, Cassady pointed to craft breweries as an example of why a fixed food-sales percentage might not fit every business model.
Later, Cassady pointed to the state legislation that had long been in place, telling councilmembers that “a version of this ordinance is over 20 years in the making.” Cassady said the lower-cost permits could lower barriers for younger entrepreneurs trying to launch restaurant, bar or other concepts.
Several restrictions in the original draft were eliminated by an [amendment](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17393/download#page=10 ) put forward by council president Isak Asare. The final ordinance does not require a business to operate at least 216 days a year, does not impose a default midnight closing time and does not require a business entity to have been formed in Indiana or maintain its principal office in Monroe County.
Proposed hours instead become part of the city’s review, with the council able to impose conditions, they are justified by public safety, neighborhood compatibility or another public-interest concern.
The adopted rules keep a strong local-ownership requirement. More than half of the applicant’s ownership interests have to be held by people whose primary home addresses are in Monroe County. That’s unless the council determines that a different ownership structure would substantially advance the purposes of the program.
That 50% local-ownership provision survived the late round of amendments at the Sept. 2 meeting. Council president Isak Asare had proposed removing the local-ownership percentage as part of his significant amendment with several changes that were intended to make the rules less restrictive. After concerns from councilmembers Dave Rollo and Hopi Stosberg, Asare offered a second amendment restoring the 50% requirement.
Applications are to be handled by the city’s economic and sustainable development Department. Businesses can be asked for ownership information, proof of control of the proposed location, a menu, proposed hours, a responsible-alcohol-service plan, an economic-vitality statement, insurance and good-standing documentation. The city can also require an applicant to make a public presentation before the council or one of its committees.
Before Bloomington sends a favorable recommendation to the ATC, the business has to sign a formal written commitment with the city. State law [explicitly allows](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/7.1#7.1-3-19-17) a municipal legislative body to require such a commitment regarding the character or type of business as a condition of eligibility for these special permits.
The council then decides whether to approve that agreement and recommend the applicant to the state. The city’s recommendation does not guarantee a permit. The ATC remains the agency that issues, renews, transfers, suspends or revokes alcoholic beverage permits.
In other words, the new ordinance does not make one of the cheaper three-way permits automatic for a qualifying downtown business. It establishes, for the first time, the rules Bloomington will use to decide which applicants get the city’s backing.
---
Businesses have to apply through the city’s [online licensing system](https://energov.bloomington.in.gov/energov%5Fprod/civic-access-public/home ). The economic and sustainable development department will review the application. The city council can require a public presentation. Any business receiving city support has to sign a formal agreement before the council forwards its recommendation to the ATC, which makes the final decision on issuance of a permit.
### Order from judges means no big inmate-transfer costs for Monroe County sheriff’s 2027 budget
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/order-from-judges-means-no-big-inmate-transfer-costs-for-monroe-county-sheriffs-2027-budget/
Last updated: 2026-09-10T14:19:37.000Z
****Left:** From back to front are Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté, jail commander Kyle Gibbons, and the jail's financial manager, Jordan Miller. ****Right:** Monroe County councilors from back to front are Marty Hawk, David Henry, Peter Iversen, Jennifer Crossley, Trent Deckard, Kate Wiltz, and Liz Feitl. (Dave Askins, Sept. 9, 2026)
A plan that two months ago looked as if it could add several million dollars to Monroe County’s jail costs is absent from sheriff Ruben Marté’s proposed 2027 budget.
During Wednesday’s (Sept. 9) county council budget session, Marté and his staff presented the [budgets](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-09-Monroe-County-Council-2027-Budget-Session-3-Agenda-Packet.pdf#page=10) for both the jail and the sheriff’s office. On the jail side, Marté said the only requested increase was for medical services. On the sheriff’s-office side, he said the only increase was for the merit-deputy pension.
But there was no new request to pay other counties to house Monroe County prisoners or to staff the large-scale transportation operation Marté had proposed this summer.
That is a big change from July, when Marté told county commissioners that overcrowding had reached the point where Monroe County should prepare to move 50 to 100 inmates to other county jails. His [initial estimate](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency-Appendix-A.pdf#page=3 ) put the first-year cost for housing and transportation at between $2.94 million and $5.09 million. The plan contemplated 14 to 17 transport officers, additional supervisors and administrative staff, and seven vehicles.
At the time, the commissioners [declared an overcrowding emergency](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/) and encouraged the county council to identify funding for housing, transportation, medical and related operating costs. But the plan still required action by the county’s judges before the sheriff could carry it out.
### Judicial OK did not come
On Aug. 7, Marté [filed a verified petition](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-07-53C04-2608-Ml-002164-petition-Marte-overcrowding-emergency-26%5F09%5F10-David-Askins-RQD.pdf) asking the Monroe Circuit Court to authorize inmate transfers under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/35#35-33-11-3). Under the law, a court can order inmates transferred, if the sheriff says the jail is overcrowded or inadequate and there is another facility that agrees to take them.
But on Aug. 14, all nine Monroe circuit court judges, acting together, issued an [order dismissing Marté’s petition](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-14-53C04-2608-Ml-002164-request-for-prisoner-transfer-Marte-Monroe-County-judges.pdf).
The reason given by the judges was the federal lawsuit over jail conditions that the ACLU of Indiana had filed a month earlier.
The judges noted that Marté’s petition itself cited the ACLU lawsuit and its challenge to the constitutionality of conditions at the Monroe County Correctional Center. Because the federal lawsuit alleges overcrowding and unconstitutional conditions, and Marté was citing those same conditions as the basis for transferring inmates, the judges invoked the legal principle of “comity.” That’s essentially declining to act on a matter involving the same subject already in front of another court.
The dismissal was “without prejudice,” meaning Marté was not permanently barred from asking for transport of prisoners later.
### Federal lawsuit now moving ahead
The pending federal case is a [class action filed on July 10](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf ) by the ACLU of Indiana on behalf of people incarcerated in the Monroe County jail. The defendants are the Monroe County council, county commissioners and sheriff Marté.
The plaintiffs allege that overcrowding, the condition of the aging downtown facility and the way it must be operated have produced unconstitutional conditions. County officials acknowledge substantial shortcomings with the existing jail, but deny that the conditions amount to constitutional violations.
The newest development in the lawsuit came Sept. 2, when the judge [approved a case management plan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/federal-court-sets-timetable-for-monroe-county-jail-lawsuit-with-key-motions-due-in-march-2027/) that could keep the litigation on the calendar through much of 2027\. Initial disclosures required by the federal rules are due Sept. 10\. Liability discovery is supposed to be completed by Feb. 10, with motions that could resolve some or all of the case without a trial due by March 10\. The parties have requested a three-day bench trial in October 2027, although the court has not yet set that as a trial date.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Two different capacity numbers
The question of whether the jail is overcrowded also depends on which functional-capacity figure is used.
Marté’s July [overcrowding report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf ) starts with the facility’s nominal 294 beds, but subtracts housing that cannot ordinarily be used for the general population. That leaves 233 general-housing beds. Applying an 80% operating threshold produces Marté’s functional-capacity figure of 186\. The 80% figure is supposed to factor in enough space to separate prisoners by sex, security classification, medical needs and other considerations.
The ACLU calculates the jail’s functional capacity at a higher number. The ACLU arrives at a figure of 229 people by starting with 287 permanent beds and applying the same 80% operating threshold. So Marté is excluding more beds from the usable general-population inventory than the ACLU is, before applying the same 80% threshold.
The [most recent figure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-at-or-below-aclu-capacity-mark-for-3-days-county-rolls-out-new-data-dashboard/) from the weekly B Square jail population reports was 227 inmates on Sept. 5\. That put the jail just below the ACLU’s 229-person benchmark for a third consecutive day, but still 41 people above Marté’s 186-person figure. Over the 47 days tracked by The B Square through Sept. 5, the average daily population was about 240.
### Some transports can continue
The order from the board of judges does not mean no prisoners held at the Monroe County jail can be moved elsewhere.
Jail commander Kyle Gibbons told The B Square that transports can continue to other facilities involving prisoners who have been sentenced and are awaiting a place in an Indiana Department of Corrections facility. That kind of transfer is different from the broader program Marté sought to establish through his petition to the judges.
Before the Aug. 14 order, Monroe County had already begun [sending some DOC-linked prisoners](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-6-doc-inmates-transferred-to-brown-county-as-population-trends-up/) to neighboring Brown County. Six were transferred in late July. Three were people who had already been sentenced to the state prison system and were waiting for IDOC placement, and three were being held on IDOC parole violations.
Because IDOC pays county jails a per diem to hold those prisoners, the arrangement did not require Monroe County to pay Brown County a new housing per diem out of local funds. Instead, the state payment that Monroe County had been receiving followed the prisoners to Brown County.
Even without the proposed 50-to-100-inmate transfer program, transportation remains a significant part of the routine activity of operating the jail and sheriff’s office. That’s something drawn out on Wednesday night by councilor David Henry. He asked how much staff time is consumed by transporting people to hospitals, mental-health facilities, other counties and sometimes other states.
Kyle Gibbons, the jail commander, said the jail staff and sheriff’s deputies share that workload and that the jail keeps a transport log recording time, mileage, officers and prisoners involved. Chief deputy Phil Parker said the transport burden has increased substantially over the last three or four years, while Marté said the number of deputies available to handle it has decreased.
---
The bottom line is that the multimillion-dollar emergency transfer operation that Marté outlined in July is not part of the 2027 spending plan now in front of county councilors.
But the situation that prompted the sheriff’s emergency plan persists for the county council and the county commissioners: the jail’s limited functional capacity, whatever the precise number; the expense and difficulty of moving prisoners; the question of how long the existing facility can continue to operate; and lingering decisions about where to build a new jail and how to pay for it, if that’s the solution county officials pursue.
### Sept. 10, 2026: Local income tax increase, jail lawsuit timetable, end of summer
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sept-10-2026-local-income-tax-increase-jail-lawsuit-timetable-end-of-summer/
Last updated: 2026-09-10T08:28:04.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week and probably a few more weeks. The news operation is stretching me ever thinner. Puzzles seemed like a good place to conserve time and effort.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Take rain gear, because it will rain, possibly all day long, so you will need it. The high will be around 80F°.
**Friday:** You won’t need rain gear until maybe around 5 p.m. and until then it will be partly sunny with a high around 81F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Ways to get B Square reports
Besides this newsletter, which is sent to email inboxes and is [archived on the website](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/), you could also decide to have every individual news report sent directly to your inbox at the same time it is published to the website. How do you make that happen? When you’re [logged in to your account](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/#/portal/account), just add My Inbox Now to the options under Manage Emails.
Or if you mainly prefer to rely on social media to sprinkle links into your stream, try [@BSquareBulletin](https://www.facebook.com/BSquareBulletin) for Facebook. Or, new this weekend, the B Square now has a Bluesky account: [@bsquarebulletin.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/bsquarebulletin.bsky.social)
### Recent articles
If you don’t want to wait until Monday or Thursday for the Almost Daily Bulletin, and you’d prefer to check whenever you like on the most recent headlines from The B Square, complete with their synopsis, here’s the link: [The B Square’s Most Recent 20](https://bsquarebulletin.com/latest-posts/)
- [Monroe County income tax rate to rise to 2.205% in 2027](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-income-tax-rate-to-rise-to-2-205-in-2027/). Monroe County’s income tax rate will rise from 2.14% to 2.205% on Jan. 1 after the county council voted unanimously to restore the juvenile-services rate to 0.095%. The increase amounts to $32.50 a year more for a taxpayer with $50,000 of taxable income.
- [Federal court sets timetable for Monroe County jail lawsuit, with key motions due in March 2027](https://bsquarebulletin.com/federal-court-sets-timetable-for-monroe-county-jail-lawsuit-with-key-motions-due-in-march-2027/). A new federal court order puts the Monroe County jail lawsuit on a schedule stretching into 2027, with discovery starting this month and key motions due in March next year. Meanwhile, county officials remain divided over where and how to replace the aging jail.
- [Editor’s Note: Summer in Bloomington is over](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-note-summer-in-bloomington-is-over/). Labor Day weekend, Bloomington’s 4th Street Festival, music and dancing all point toward summer’s end. But a typewritten poem about the courthouse hawk and fish gives the season one last gift, and captures a piece of what makes Bloomington home.
### Other notes
**C’mon B Square readers, shape the future of your library!** From the public library: “We’re creating a new strategic plan for the Monroe County Public Library, and we want to hear from you! [Take our short survey and share your experiences and ideas](https://mcpl.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df878337c54fade8a56f211b3&id=3d993d89a5&e=c70de7b347). Your feedback will help us better serve you, your household, and our community.”
### On the calendar
**County council 2027 budget presentations.** The fourth night of the Monroe County council’s budget sessions is set for [Thursday (Sept. 10) at 5 p.m.](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FCounty%20Council%2F2027%20Budget%20Session%204%20Agenda%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FCounty%20Council&p=true&ga=1) Presenting on Thursday will be the county fair, planning department, extension services, assessor’s office, aviation department, and auditor’s office.
---
**Friends of Lake Monroe hits the decade mark: Sept. 13** Friends of Lake Monroe marks its 10th anniversary with live music from Frank Jones and the Undertones, a look back at a decade of work, and light appetizers on Sunday, Sept. 13, at The Fields Clubhouse. Doors open at 6 p.m., with remarks at 7 p.m. and music at 7:30\. Tickets are $35 for members, $40 for non-members or $250 for a table of eight, and [sales close Sept. 7](https://www.friendsoflakemonroe.org/events-page/lake-monroe-day-2026-ten-year-anniversary).
**Big Book Sale: Sept 18-21\.** The Friends of the Library will be hosting their Big Fall Book Sale in Meeting Room 1B/C at the Downtown Library with thousands of items at bargain prices. The 2026 Big Fall Book Sale will be open to the public Sept. 18–21 with a special early-bird sale for Friends members on Sept. 17\. For hours on specific days, check the [book sale webpage](http://mcpl.info/bigsale).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
**Nerd Nite Bloomington: Sept. 25.** Bug sex, imperfect maps and the Great Molasses Flood get the 15-minute-talk treatment at Nerd Nite Bloomington #6\. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, with presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. at The Bishop Bar in Bloomington. Organizers would like people to [RSVP](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nerd-nite-bloomington-6-tickets-1999395946097?utm%5Fsource=sendfox&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=save-the-date-nerd-nite-6-bug-sex-perfect-maps-and-the-great-molasses-flood ).
### Up for adoption?
For the last few hours, the city of Bloomington’s [animal shelter website](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com) has been down, so there’s no featured animal up for adoption today. Maybe the website will be back up by the time you are reading this!
### Photo Finish: College Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue
A [9/11 memorial installation](https://www.cfcproperties.com/commemorative-art-installation-for-25th-anniversary-of-9-11/) stands at Fountain Square in downtown Bloomington, marking 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The work, by Bloomington artist Jerry Collins, uses colored stripes to encode the names of nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks. (Dave Askins, Sept. 9, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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### College Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-kirkwood-avenue-5/
Last updated: 2026-09-10T08:13:13.000Z
A [9/11 memorial installation](https://www.cfcproperties.com/commemorative-art-installation-for-25th-anniversary-of-9-11/) stands at Fountain Square in downtown Bloomington, marking 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The work, by Bloomington artist Jerry Collins, uses colored stripes to encode the names of nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks. (Dave Askins, Sept. 9, 2026)
### Monroe County income tax rate to rise to 2.205% in 2027
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-income-tax-rate-to-rise-to-2-205-in-2027/
Last updated: 2026-09-09T08:56:48.000Z
Chart by The B Square with data from Indiana's Department of Local Government Finance and the Monroe County auditor. The numbers for 2026 are year to date. The trend shows how the revenue to the fund dropped after the special purposes rate dropped, and required tapping the fund balance.
Monroe County’s local income tax rate will rise from 2.14% to 2.205% on Jan. 1, 2027, after the county council voted unanimously Tuesday (Sept. 8) to increase the special-purpose rate that pays for juvenile services.
The council took final action on the ordinance the same night it was introduced, after a public hearing when no member of the public spoke. County attorney Molly Turner-King told councilors that adopting it on first reading required a unanimous vote. And all seven councilors voted yes.
Only one piece of the county’s overall income tax rate will increase. The special-purpose rate increases from 0.03% to 0.095%. The correctional facilities (jail) rate stays at 0.17%, and all the other components remain unchanged. The result is an overall increase of 0.065 percentage points.
In dollars and cents, that increase amounts to 65 cents for every $1,000 of income subject to the county tax. For a taxpayer with $50,000 of such income, the increase is $32.50 a year.
The increase restores a juvenile-services tax rate that the council twice reduced in the last couple of years, as part of its effort to create, and then increase, a separate income tax to build a new jail.
In 2023, the council [established the correctional facilities (jail) LIT at 0.01%](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-shifts-local-income-tax-rate-by-a-smidgen-frees-up-money-for-jail-health-services/), giving the county a new revenue stream that could help pay for requested mental-health positions at the jail. At the same time, it cut the special-purpose juvenile-services rate from 0.095% to 0.085%. The two changes canceled each other out for taxpayers, leaving the overall LIT rate at 2.035%. The new correctional rate was expected at the time to generate about $425,000 annually.
The idea was to draw down the considerable fund balance in the special purpose fund, which had started to accumulate. At that point, it was thought that the fund balance would last for a decade or more, without a return to the higher rate.
The council used the same approach on a larger scale in 2024 as it moved toward generating enough correctional LIT revenue to help finance a new jail and justice center. The [special-purpose rate was cut again](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-update-proposed-lit-rate-cut-to-0-175-north-park-purchase-on-sept-25-agenda/), from 0.085% to 0.03%, cushioning the effect of the much larger jail-tax increase. The correctional rate ultimately landed at 0.17%, producing the current combined rate of 2.14%.
But the more substantial cut to the rate meant that the special purposes fund balance would be drawn down way quicker. That 0.03% juvenile-services rate was not intended to be sustainable for very long.
At the county council’s Aug. 25 meeting, Turner-King said the existing 0.03% rate was not enough to sustain operations at their current level. Councilor Kate Wiltz said a review of FSG’s financial analysis and budget requests from the courts, probation and Youth Services Bureau showed that a 0.095% rate should be sufficient to fund those requests for the next two years.
At that point, a new tax system will be in place that erases all the different categories of local income tax. A meeting of officials from Monroe County, Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Stinesville is set for [Sept. 18](https://events.in.gov/event/municipal-unit-strategic-taskforce-meeting-must) to discuss the new income tax system. It’s a meeting of the so-called MUST (municipal unit strategic taskforce). The MUST is a creature of the SEA 1 legislation that dramatically revised the property and income tax systems in the state of Indiana.
Tuesday’s vote effectively completes the unwinding of the offsets that had softened the introduction of the jail tax. Before the correctional LIT existed, the county’s total rate was 2.035%. With the juvenile-services rate restored to 0.095% and the correctional rate remaining at 0.17%, the total will be 2.205%. That’s exactly 0.17 percentage points higher than the pre-jail-LIT rate.
Before approving the ordinance Tuesday, councilors also corrected its legislative history in the whereas clauses. The original version said the most recent change to the special-purpose rate had been its 2023 reduction to 0.085%. The council amended that wording to reflect the subsequent Oct. 8, 2024 reduction to 0.03%.
The adjustment in the special services LIT on Tuesday, with its historical ties to the jail LIT, comes against the backdrop of questions about a potential new jail that are mostly unanswered. A new lawsuit, which was filed against county government officials in July over conditions at the existing jail at College Avenue and 7th Street, now has a [timetable that stretches well into 2027](https://bsquarebulletin.com/federal-court-sets-timetable-for-monroe-county-jail-lawsuit-with-key-motions-due-in-march-2027/).
### Monroe County LIT rates: Before and After
Allocation rate category
Existing LIT rate
2027 LIT rate
Certified Shares (IC § 6-3.6-6)
0.9482%
0.9482%
Public Safety (IC § 6-3.6-6)
0.25%
0.25%
Economic Development (IC § 6-3.6-6)
0.69%
0.69%
Property Tax Relief Rate (IC § 6-3.6-5)
0.0518%
0.0518%
Special Purpose Rate (IC § 6-3.6-7-16)
0.03%
0.095%
Correctional or Rehabilitation Facilities (IC § 6-3.6-6-2.7)
0.17%
0.17%
Emergency Medical Service (IC § 6-3.6-6-2.8)
0.00%
0.00%
Staff Expenses for State Judicial System (IC § 6-3.6-6-2.9)
0.00%
0.00%
Total Tax Rate
2.14%
2.205%
Source: Monroe County Council, Ordinance 2026-26\.
### Federal court sets timetable for Monroe County jail lawsuit, with key motions due in March 2027
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/federal-court-sets-timetable-for-monroe-county-jail-lawsuit-with-key-motions-due-in-march-2027/
Last updated: 2026-09-08T09:41:53.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
A new [federal court order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-02-1-26-cv-01460-Monroe-County-Jail-ACLU-Case-Management-Plan-073112000487.pdf) has put the latest Monroe County jail lawsuit on a schedule that could stretch well into 2027\. The order comes even as county officials continue to disagree over where and how to replace the aging downtown jail and justice center building.
Last Wednesday (Sept. 2) U.S. Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker approved a case management plan in the [class-action lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf) filed in July by the ACLU of Indiana on behalf of people incarcerated at the jail. The defendants are the Monroe county council, Monroe County commissioners and sheriff Ruben Marté.
The very next step is not a trial or a ruling on whether conditions at the jail are unconstitutional. Under the case management plan ordered by the court last Wednesday, the case now moves into a discovery process, where the two sides exchange documents, information and testimony.
The first set of disclosures required under the federal rules of civil procedure are due this Thursday (Sept. 10). Those are the basic pieces of information each side has to give the other without waiting for the other side to ask. Examples are the names of people likely to have relevant information and categories of documents that may be used to support claims or defenses.
Under the case management order, preliminary witness and exhibit lists are due later in September, and the deadline for adding claims or parties is Oct. 13.
The more consequential deadline comes Feb. 10, 2027, when non-expert discovery and discovery on liability must be completed. A month after that, on March 10, motions are due asking the judge to resolve some or all of the case without a trial. In legal terms those are “dispositive” motions. That category includes motions for summary judgment, which assume that key facts are not genuinely disputed and that the law alone requires a particular result.
Based on the reported position of the ACLU in the case management plan it believes that the case could be resolved at least partly through summary judgment. The plan says the ACLU thinks discovery to show there are no factual disputes about whether the jail is outdated, overcrowded and dangerous, and that its conditions violate the constitutional rights of those held there.
The county defendants dispute the point about the constitutional condition of the jail, but there is substantial agreement about problems with the building itself.
The sheriff and commissioners agree that the jail has exceeded its structural and functional life expectancy, is difficult to operate because of its multistory linear design and does not have enough permanent beds for current and projected needs. They say a new jail is the only prudent and fiscally responsible solution, while denying that existing conditions amount to constitutional violations.
The county council likewise acknowledges that the jail is inadequate and sometimes lacks a permanently installed bed for every prisoner, but also denies the constitutional claims. The council says alternatives to the North Park proposal from the commissioners could be more prudent.
There’s a deadline slotted in for a settlement conference, which translates to Jan. 10\. But the ACLU doesn’t think a settlement is likely to be a viable path. From the case management order: “Due to the long history concerning unsuccessful attempts to negotiate a resolution of the problems at the Monroe County Jail, the plaintiffs do not believe that a settlement conference would be useful in this case.”
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
The current legal fight is the newest chapter in a dispute that dates to an ACLU jail-overcrowding lawsuit filed in 2008 and a private settlement reached in 2009\. After years of studies and attempts to choose and fund a replacement, the old litigation was dismissed in June 2026, following the county council’s rejection of the $11.375-million North Park purchase proposed by commissioners. The ACLU filed the new lawsuit on July 10.
One step that has not yet been completed in the current litigation is class certification. That’s when the judge formally decides whether the named plaintiffs can pursue the lawsuit on behalf of a larger group of people in similar circumstances. The ACLU has asked the court to certify the case as a class action, and the defendants have agreed to that request, but the judge had not yet ruled on it at the time the case management plan was ordered.
If the case isn’t resolved earlier through a dispositive motion, expert discovery would continue into June, with final witness and exhibit lists due in July. The two sides have requested a three-day bench trial in October 2027\. A bench trial is one where a judge rather than a jury would decide the case. That October date is a request in the case management plan, not yet a trial date set by the court.
So for the next several months, the jail saga will proceed on two tracks. County officials can continue trying to settle the unresolved questions of location, design and financing for a replacement facility. The federal case will accumulate a factual record that could ultimately leave a judge to decide whether the county has to remedy conditions at the existing jail and by when.
### Editor’s Notebook: Summer in Bloomington is over
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-note-summer-in-bloomington-is-over/
Last updated: 2026-10-03T22:50:36.000Z
Shana Ritter’s “The Hawk and the Fish” commissioned by The B Square at the Writers Guild booth at the 4th Street Festival of the Arts. (Dave Askins, Sept. 6, 2026)
Labor Day is the traditional marker of summer’s end.
In Bloomington, there’s other ways to tell. One of them is the 4th Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts.
This year Bloomington’s Writers Guild had set up a “Poetry on Demand” booth at the festival. It worked exactly like you’d expect: Give a poet a subject, wander away for 20 minutes or so, and return to collect the result, banged out on a typewriter.
I was set to describe my poetic demand, when a woman I did not recognize walked up. I absolutely did not know her. By way of introduction she said she figured I must be asking for a poem about the hawk and the fish on top of the Monroe County courthouse.
*She* obviously knew *me*.
Because that was, of course, exactly what I was asking for. It made my day. Even my week. It might even get me to the end of the year.
Twenty minutes later, Shana Ritter had banged out the requested verse on a typewriter:
> **The Hawk and the Fish**
>
> The courthouse stands in the middle
> of the square in the midwest town
>
> at the top of the courthouse
> the copper fish created in 1826
>
> and at the top of the fish, when
> the weather permits, perches
>
> adoringly, the red-tailed hawk
> one from the earth, one from the sky
>
> one shaped by history, the other
> by wind, they guard the secret
>
> of what we do not really know.
>
> —Shana Ritter
I have spent a fair amount of time watching hawks perch on the high spots on Bloomington’s downtown skyline. It’s rare that a hawk will actually sit on the courthouse weathervane shaped like a fish. But sometimes it does.
In a few lines, Ritter managed to capture what it is that keeps me looking up to check every time I walk past. It’s one thing made of copper and the other thing made of feathers, which brings the metal thing to life, by sharing some space with it for a while on the courthouse dome.
Down at street level, the 4th Street Festival was taking an ordinary piece of downtown and, for a couple of days, bringing it to a different kind of life.
People wandered among the booths, stopped to talk, bought art, and ate festival food. Every year on Labor Day weekend in Bloomington, 4th Street proves that a road is sometimes more useful when you close it to cars and fill it with people.
A swing time band played. Young people from the Indiana University dance club came out onto the pavement and cut loose to the music.
Of course, popular music is also a way to mark the changing of the seasons.
For younger readers who ache to know what songs the nostalgia people cue up to mark the end of summer, here’s one view: [Jimmy Buffett](https://youtu.be/O%5Fhlsi5XP9U?si=0xIarVqW-R85uMi2) and [John Prine](https://youtu.be/7iRTC6WVcks?si=w4Dq48npUXGKagDh) always deliver what is asked, even when it’s someone else covering their famous songs.
Buffett’s “Come Monday” is about the day following a Labor Day weekend. And when Buffet’s line is sung, “Come Monday, it’ll be alright,” I believe it every time.
And whoever sings Prine’s lyric “Summer’s end came faster than we wanted,” they’re talking about something bigger than a change in the weather. And when they sing “come on home,” how could you not?
Labor Day weekend, the Fourth Street Festival, a swing time band, dancing in the street, Buffet and Prine playing in my head. At home in Bloomington, on Sunday afternoon, all signs pointed to the same thing.
Summer here is over.
But this year before it left, Shana Ritter sat down at a typewriter and let the rest of the world know what some of us locals already do: The hawk and the fish on top of the courthouse are guarding a secret.
0:00
/0:57
1×
Writers Guild “Poetry on Demand” at the 4th Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts. (Dave Askins, Sept. 6, 2026)
0:00
/0:50
1×
Dancing to the Bloomington Swing Time Band at the 4th Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts. (Dave Askins, Sept. 6, 2026)
### Sept. 7, 2026: Downtown Bloomington shooting; Indiana ICE agreements; jail population dashboard; election complaint dismissal; Trent Green
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sept-7-2026-downtown-bloomington-shooting-indiana-ice-agreements-jail-population-dashboard-election-complaint-dismissal-trent-green/
Last updated: 2026-09-07T10:51:49.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week and probably a few more weeks. The news operation is stretching me ever thinner. Puzzles seemed like a good place to conserve time and effort.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Get your Hush Puppies on, because you were never meant for glitter rock and roll. And they will help keep you nice and cool even though slightly cooler weather is already forecast for today. It’ll be sunny with a high of 84F°.
**Tuesday:** Shorts, T-shirts, and sandals are in order for the brutally sunny, hot day in the forecast. The high will be around 90F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Stop scrolling!
Right now, only *one in five* Almost Daily Bulletin subscribers [makes a recurring financial contribution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account). If you’re one of them: Thank you! You are the reason The B Square can do any of this work.
If you read The B Square, rely on its reporting, find it useful in any way, or just think Bloomington and Monroe County are better off with a local press that pays close attention, please consider [signing up for a monthly contribution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account) right now.
### Recent articles
If you don’t want to wait until Monday or Thursday for the Almost Daily Bulletin, and you’d prefer to check in at any time you like on the most recent headlines from The B Square, complete with their synopsis, here’s the link: [The B Square’s Most Recent 20](https://bsquarebulletin.com/latest-posts/)
- [Shooting in downtown Bloomington leaves 19-year-old man wounded](https://bsquarebulletin.com/shooting-in-downtown-bloomington-leaves-19-year-old-man-wounded/). A 19-year-old man was shot in the neck and shoulder near Kirkwood Avenue and Lincoln Street early Sunday and was taken to IU Health Bloomington in stable condition. Witnesses told police the gunman fled in a vehicle. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspect has been identified.
- [Indiana police agencies have signed dozens of ICE agreements. Did local governments authorize them?](https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-police-agencies-have-signed-dozens-of-ice-agreements-did-local-governments-authorize-them/). ICE now has 45 immigration-enforcement agreements with 42 Indiana agencies, including tiny Stinesville. But a B Square review found the public record does not always show whether local elected bodies properly authorized the deals before they got signed.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-77/). Fish learns that Camus doesn’t rhyme with famous.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population at or below ACLU capacity mark for 3 days, county rolls out new data dashboard](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-at-or-below-aclu-capacity-mark-for-3-days-county-rolls-out-new-data-dashboard/). Monroe County’s jail population fell to 227 Saturday, marking three straight days at or below the ACLU’s 229-person functional-capacity figure. A new county dashboard now provides daily jail data. Since July 21, the population has fallen by 20, with substantial inmate turnover.
- [Monroe County property transfers through Aug. 28, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-aug-28-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 17 to Aug. 28, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Former IU quarterback Trent Green on keeping the ball: ‘Know the down and distance.’](https://bsquarebulletin.com/former-iu-quarterback-trent-green-on-keeping-the-ball-know-the-down-and-distance/). Former IU quarterback Trent Green returned to Bloomington Friday to unveil Dr Pepper’s “Fan Wall of Fame” mural on Kirkwood Avenue. Green also answered a question from The B Square about Fernando Mendoza’s championship-game run and his own two rushing TDs in the 1991 Copper Bowl.
- [Monroe County election board dismisses complaint against assessor candidate Trimble](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-dismisses-complaint-against-assessor-candidate-trimble/). Monroe County’s election board dismissed dueling election-law complaints between Democrat incumbent assessor Judy Sharp and independent challenger Lisa Jeneé Trimble. That leaves their dispute to voters to decide on Nov. 3.
### Other notes
**C’mon B Square readers, shape the future of your library!** From the public library: “We’re creating a new strategic plan for the Monroe County Public Library, and we want to hear from you! [Take our short survey and share your experiences and ideas](https://mcpl.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df878337c54fade8a56f211b3&id=3d993d89a5&e=c70de7b347). Your feedback will help us better serve you, your household, and our community.”
### On the calendar
**Fast charger in Trades District garage.** Among several other items, on the [5:30 p.m Tuesday (Sept. 8) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17417/download) for the Bloomington board of public works is a $38,725 item to install a fast charger for electric vehicles in the Trades District garage.
**Income tax increase.** On the [5 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 8) meeting agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-08-Monroe-County-council-9-8-Council-Agenda-Packet.pdf#page=9) for the Monroe County council is an income tax increase. It’s not unexpected. Back in 2023, the county council [imposed the jail tax for the first time](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-shifts-local-income-tax-rate-by-a-smidgen-frees-up-money-for-jail-health-services/) at a rate of 0.01%, which came with a corresponding decrease of .01 points in the special purpose tax for juvenile services—from 0.0950 to 0.0850\. The decrease was meant to draw down the fund balance for juvenile services, and the new jail tax that first year was meant to fund health services in the jail. That 0.085 number got ratcheted down even more, to 0.03, when the county council increased the jail tax to 0.17\.
The idea was eventually to restore the special services rate to 0.0950\. For this latest increase, the overall income tax rate would increase from 2.14% to 2.205%.
**County council budget presentations.** Set for [Wednesday (Sept. 9) at 5 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-2027-budget-session-2) is the third night of departmental budget presentations for the Monroe County council. Presenting will be the clerk’s office, treasurer’s office, jail, and the sheriff’s office.
**Public safety working session.** The Bloomington city council has a work session set for [Wednesday (Sept. 9) at 6:30 p.m](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17415/download) to host a community discussion about public safety.
---
**Friends of Lake Monroe hits the decade mark: Sept. 13** Friends of Lake Monroe marks its 10th anniversary with live music from Frank Jones and the Undertones, a look back at a decade of work, and light appetizers on Sunday, Sept. 13, at The Fields Clubhouse. Doors open at 6 p.m., with remarks at 7 p.m. and music at 7:30\. Tickets are $35 for members, $40 for non-members or $250 for a table of eight, and [sales close Sept. 7](https://www.friendsoflakemonroe.org/events-page/lake-monroe-day-2026-ten-year-anniversary).
**Big Book Sale: Sept 18-21\.** The Friends of the Library will be hosting their Big Fall Book Sale in Meeting Room 1B/C at the Downtown Library with thousands of items at bargain prices. The 2026 Big Fall Book Sale will be open to the public Sept. 18–21 with a special early-bird sale for Friends members on Sept. 17\. For hours on specific days, check the [book sale webpage](http://mcpl.info/bigsale).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
**Nerd Nite Bloomington: Sept. 25.** Bug sex, imperfect maps and the Great Molasses Flood get the 15-minute-talk treatment at Nerd Nite Bloomington #6\. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, with presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. at The Bishop Bar in Bloomington. Organizers would like people to [RSVP](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nerd-nite-bloomington-6-tickets-1999395946097?utm%5Fsource=sendfox&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=save-the-date-nerd-nite-6-bug-sex-perfect-maps-and-the-great-molasses-flood ).
### Meet Blade!
Up for adoption, as of Sept. 6 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Blade](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/81602). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is a Siberian husky. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Blade](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/81602):
> Blade is a very good husky boy! He walks well on leash, enjoys meeting other dogs and knows several commands!
### Photo Finish: Washington Street & Kirkwood Avenue
The Dr Pepper “Fan Wall of Fame” mural is now complete. The interactive work, by Indianapolis artist Nate Baranowski, will be [unveiled Friday at 3 p.m.](https://bsquarebulletin.com/former-iu-quarterback-trent-green-on-keeping-the-ball-know-the-down-and-distance/), which is just about one hour from now, with former IU quarterback Trent Green. (Dave Askins, Sept. 4, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Shooting in downtown Bloomington leaves 19-year-old man wounded
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/shooting-in-downtown-bloomington-leaves-19-year-old-man-wounded/
Last updated: 2026-09-06T17:01:24.000Z
Maps by The B Square with information from Bloomington police.
Around 1 a.m. on Sunday (Sept. 6) a man was shot once in his neck and shoulder then taken to IU Health Bloomington hospital where he is believed to be in stable condition. That’s according to a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-06-Bloomington-police-news-release-Kirkwood-Shooting-9%5F6%5F2026.pdf) from Bloomington police issued later the same morning.
The scene of the shooting was near the intersection of Kirkwood Avenue and Lincoln Street in downtown Bloomington.
According to the release, the 19-year-old victim declined to provide any information to police when officers attempted to question him.
The investigation is active, and no suspect has yet been identified, according to the release. Bloomington police are asking anyone with video or information about the shooting to contact detective Chris Scott at 812-339-4477 or scottc@bloomington.in.gov
The scene of the shooting is described in the release as “near the southwest corner of the Monroe County Public Library.” When officers arrived at the scene they found blood and personal belongings on the sidewalk, but no victim.
According to the release, a little while later officers were notified that a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his neck and shoulder had arrived at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. That’s where officers tried unsuccessfully to question him.
According to the release, officers did talk to several witnesses who were in the vicinity at the time of the shooting. They told officers that there appeared to be an altercation between two men and that one of them then drew a handgun and pointed it at the other one. Witnesses heard a single gunshot, and people started running from the area.
According to the release, officers checked the front of the Old National Bank across the street from the shooting scene and found damage to the brick that appeared to have been caused by a bullet. Witnesses also told officers that after the shooting, the suspect got into a nearby vehicle and fled the scene before officers got there.
### Indiana police agencies have signed dozens of ICE agreements. Did local governments authorize them?
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-police-agencies-have-signed-dozens-of-ice-agreements-did-local-governments-authorize-them/
Last updated: 2026-10-07T18:34:57.000Z
Map by The B Square with data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The image links to a [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=147PcHgW6kq%5FGpnzjCyeJ8XWBlDFIr8o&usp=sharing ). If available, a link to the signed agreement is provided when a placemark is clicked. An outline of the Monroe County is provided to help orient local readers. It does **not* indicate an ICE agreement with Monroe County government.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made 49,571 arrests nationwide in July, the highest monthly total of President Donald Trump’s second term and a 70% increase from February, according to an [Associated Press analysis of ICE data](https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-customs-enforcement-data-statistics-f07f56a34bda225e5afa356781ac1740).
Nearly 20,000 of those July arrests took place in Texas and Florida, where state and local law enforcement have become important partners in federal immigration enforcement. The AP reported that ICE has increasingly relied on state and local agencies operating through agreements made under Section 287(g) of federal immigration law.
The stepped-up activity has reached Indiana.
In Bloomington on Tuesday (Sept. 1), ICE agents arrested two Venezuelan men outside the Walmart on Bloomington’s west side. Indiana Public Media [reported that both men had federal work permits](https://www.ipm.org/news/2026-09-03/two-bloomington-men-in-ice-custody-after-tuesday-arrests) and pending asylum matters. Bloomington police spokesperson Ryan Pedigo told IPM that city officers had not assisted in the detentions. Monroe County sheriff’s deputy Jeff Brown likewise said ICE had not contacted his department and that he was unaware of any assistance give by sheriff’s deputies.
Those two arrests coincided with reports of widespread ICE activity around Indianapolis. But across Indiana, figuring out when federal immigration officers are acting alone, and when local police are participating, is getting harder.
That’s because dozens of Indiana law enforcement agencies now have formal agreements with ICE that can give specially trained local officers some federal immigration-enforcement authority.
A Sept. 5 [download of ICE’s Indiana data](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-05-indiana-287g-agreements-geocoded.csv) reviewed by The B Square contained 45 separate 287(g) agreements involving 42 state or local agencies. Of the 45 agreements, 36 use ICE’s Task Force Model, six use its Warrant Service Officer model, and three use its Jail Enforcement Model.
The agreements cover state agencies such as the Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Correction as well as police departments serving some of Indiana’s smallest towns.
One of them is the Stinesville Police Department in northwestern Monroe County. Stinesville had just [203 residents](https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/tigerwebmain/Files/acs26/tigerweb%5Facs26%5Fincplace%5F2020%5Ftab20%5Fin.html) according to the 2020 census.
ICE links to a Task Force Model [agreement](https://www.ice.gov/doclib/287gMOA/StinesvillePoliceDeptIN%5FTFM%5FMOA%5F02102026.pdf) signed by Stinesville on Feb. 10\. But whether that agreement was properly authorized by the town is not clear.
Bloomington immigration attorney Christie Popp told The B Square that the question matters for reasons that go beyond whether a town followed a paperwork procedure. A 287(g) agreement delegates powers that an ordinary Indiana police officer does not otherwise have, namely the authority to carry out specified functions of a federal immigration officer.
That’s why Popp said local residents should know when their government is considering accepting that authority, what resources it will consume, and who made the decision.
At the very least, she said, scrutiny of the agreements could force agencies “to go through the democratic process rather than just the sheriff’s or police department or whoever it is signing them.”
\[*Updated Oct. 7, 2026\. In a* [*letter*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-10-06-Rokita-to-Stinesville-2026%5F10%5F6-Letter-to-Stinesville-FINAL.pdf) *sent to the Stinesville town board, dated Oct. 6, 2026, Indiana attorney general Todd Rokita gives his opinion that no authorization from the township board is required for signing of such agreements.*\]
### Three kinds of 287(g)
Section 287(g) has been around for decades, but not every 287(g) agreement gives local officers the same authority. ICE currently offers [three models](https://www.ice.gov/287g/).
The Jail Enforcement Model is aimed at people already being held in a jail or detention facility. It lets designated local officers identify and process people ICE considers removable who have pending or active criminal charges.
The Warrant Service Officer program is narrower. It allows designated officers to serve and execute ICE administrative warrants on people who are already in the local agency’s custody.
The Task Force Model is fundamentally different. It allows designated local officers to exercise limited federal immigration authority while carrying out ordinary police duties outside the jail. ICE gives as an example an officer identifying a potentially removable person during a DUI checkpoint and communicating directly with ICE. Task Force officers can also participate in ICE-led enforcement operations.
That third model accounts for 36 of Indiana’s 45 agreements in The B Square’s Sept. 5 tally. Only nine Indiana agreements use either of the two custody-based models.
The Task Force Model is also the most controversial of the three. It is not new. An earlier version allowed local officers to investigate immigration status during their routine police work. But the Obama administration discontinued the Task Force Model in 2012 amid criticism over racial profiling and inadequate federal oversight, [according to the Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/2a5673cd6c922edd597cb31b532a6b6d ). The Trump administration revived the model in 2025 as part of its expansion of immigration enforcement through state and local police.
Under the [revived program](https://www.ice.gov/doclib/about/offices/ero/287g/factsheetTFM.pdf ), a Task Force officer completes a 40-hour online course covering subjects that include immigration law, civil-rights law, the officer’s scope of authority, cross-cultural issues, liability and complaint procedures. ICE says participating officers remain subject to its direction and supervision when exercising the delegated federal authority.
Popp sees the combination of broad field authority and comparatively short training as a problem.
Immigration law is complicated even for attorneys and federal officers who work with it every day, she told The B Square. Giving local officers 40 hours of online instruction and then allowing them to inquire about immigration status during ordinary policing creates a particular risk, in Popp’s view, that judgments about who warrants immigration scrutiny will be influenced by race or ethnicity.
For its part, ICE says 287(g) provides local departments with training and federal resources, improves information sharing and helps remove people subject to immigration enforcement who have been involved in crimes. ICE’s curriculum specifically includes instruction on avoiding racial profiling.
Now, there is also substantial federal money attached to Task Force participation.
Starting Oct. 1, 2025, DHS [offered to reimburse participating agencies](https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/09/02/dhs-announces-new-reimbursement-opportunities-state-and-local-law-enforcement) for the annual salaries and benefits of eligible trained Task Force officers, plus overtime coverage of up to 25% of an officer’s annual salary. DHS also established quarterly performance payments for participating agencies.
So participation can bring money into a local police department. But Popp said that reinforces rather than eliminates the need for a public decision. She points out that accepting federal reimbursement, assigning officers, deciding how they spend their working hours and assuming responsibility for the program are still governmental choices. Her reading of Indiana law is that those choices cannot be made solely by a police chief.
Popp points to Indiana’s [interlocal cooperation law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-1-7-2 ), which she says means that an agreement between an Indiana local government and a federal agency has to go through the local legislative body “either \[by\] an ordinance or a resolution,” with staffing and budget questions accounted for.
That is where the 287(g) question transcends the substance of federal immigration policy and becomes a local-government procedural issue.
### Some town councils: Decision on 287(g) is on the record
At least two Indiana towns provide clear examples of elected councils taking a public vote right before their police agencies appeared on ICE’s 287(g) list.
The town of Waterloo, in DeKalb County, is the clearest. At its May 12 meeting earlier this year, the Waterloo town council considered an agenda item called “Law Enforcement Agreement.” According to the [approved minutes](https://waterlooin.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Waterloo-Town-Council-Meeting-May-12-2026.pdf), town marshal Tim Oberholtzer presented “an agreement to participate with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
The minutes say the program would allow officers to report people believed to be unlawfully present and could provide funding for salaries, vehicles and equipment. Town councilor Michael Caudill raised concerns about training. Council member Dave Hobbs noted that immigration was a “hot topic” and said he wanted to make sure participation would not have a negative impact.
The Waterloo town council then voted to approve the agreement. ICE’s dataset [links to an agreement](https://www.ice.gov/doclib/287gMOA/WaterlooMarshalsOfficeIN%5FTFM%5FMOA%5F05132026.pdf) signed by the Waterloo marshal’s office the next day, on May 13\.
Andrews, a town in Huntington County, has a similar legislative trail even if its minutes do not explicitly mention the words “ICE” or “287(g).”
According to Andrews [town council meeting minutes](https://www.in.gov/towns/andrews/files/Signed-June-22,-2026-Minutes.pdf), at a public meeting on June 22, town marshal Josh Platt reported on police training, and the minutes state that “the town council approved Platt’s request to enroll in a US DHS partnership program offering financial incentives.”
Three days later, ICE’s data shows the Andrews police department signing a Task Force Model 287(g) agreement on June 25, even if the link to the signed document is indicated as “pending.”
Those records don’t establish that Waterloo or Andrews completed every step that Indiana’s interlocal law requires. They do establish the part that is plainly visible, which is that elected town council members considered the issue and acted on it in public.
When [IC 36-1-7](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-1-7 ) is applied to 287(g) agreements, there are [additional required steps](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-1-7-6) under the statute. The agreement has to be recorded with the county recorder. And within 60 days after taking effect, it has to be filed with the State Board of Accounts for audit purposes.
The B Square has not investigated whether Andrews and Waterloo completed those additional filing steps.
### Other towns: Harder to evaluate
It’s harder to evaluate a town like Silver Lake, in Kosciusko County. ICE’s dataset says its police department signed a Task Force agreement on May 21 and [links to a copy of the agreement](https://www.ice.gov/doclib/287gMOA/SilverLakePoliceDeptIN%5FTFM%5FMOA%5F05212026.pdf).
Silver Lake has a relatively detailed online archive of town council records. Eight days before the date that ICE says the agreement was signed, the town council held a meeting. The [May 13 meeting minutes](https://townofsilverlake.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/May-13-2026-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf) include a marshal’s report covering calls for service, K-9 training and overtime, mowing and the purchase of a used cage for a patrol car. There is no reference in those minutes to ICE, immigration enforcement or a 287(g) agreement.
That doesn’t mean the town council failed to take up the matter. In fact, the council did vote two and a half months later, at its Aug. 12 meeting, to “ratify” the 287(g) agreement, according to the [Aug. 12 meeting minutes](https://townofsilverlake.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/August-12-2026-Meeting-Minutes.pdf). But that puts it outside the 60-day time windows for filing with the recorder’s office and with the State Board of Accounts.
The town of Stinesville, in northwest Monroe County, makes [recordings of its town council meetings](https://sgisolutions2-my.sharepoint.com/personal/shane%5Fpittman%5Fstinesville%5Fin%5Fgov/%5Flayouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fshane%5Fpittman%5Fstinesville%5Fin%5Fgov%2FDocuments%2FTown Board Meetings&ga=1) available beginning in November 2024 and links to a separate [collection of meeting minutes and agendas](https://sgisolutions2.sharepoint.com/sites/TownBoard/Shared Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTownBoard%2FShared Documents%2FBoard Meetings%2FBoard Meeting Documents %28Public%29&p=true&ga=1).
The B Square was not able to find meeting minutes or recordings that show the Stinesville town council authorizing Stinesville’s [287(g) agreement](https://www.ice.gov/doclib/287gMOA/StinesvillePoliceDeptIN%5FTFM%5FMOA%5F02102026.pdf) ahead of the Jan. 30, 2026 date on ICE’s copy of the agreement.
Stinesville police chief Shane Pittman has given an account of the approval process that itself raises questions. In a Sept. 3 email responding to an inquiry from a news organization in the Indianapolis market, Pittman wrote that the 287(g) agreement “was signed by me at the direction of the previous chief.” The Indy news outlet is not pursuing the story at this time.
Pittman added: “The Town Board has been briefed individually, along with the Town Attorney, and they have expressed support for the program.” What Pittman did not point to in that email was an ordinance, resolution or public vote authorizing Stinesville to enter the agreement.
### Who has to sign the agreement?
Support by individual council members is not the same thing as formal action by the town’s legislative body. That distinction is important under a plain reading of the federal statute.
The question of who signs is answered by the wording of [Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-1376/pdf/COMPS-1376.pdf#page=419), which authorizes a written agreement “with a State, or any political subdivision of a State” under which qualified officers or employees of that state or subdivision can be trained and authorized to perform specified functions of an immigration officer. The same section says the delegated functions are to be performed “to the extent consistent with State and local law.”
In other words, the federal statute separates the governmental entity that signs the agreement from the individual officer who later exercises authority under it. ICE’s own standard Task Force agreement uses the same kind of wording: “Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security, or her designee, to enter into written agreements with a State or any political subdivision of a State …”
For an Indiana town, [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-5-2-2) adds another wrinkle. IC 36-5-2-2 says the town council is the town’s legislative body, while the president of the council is the town executive. It does not give similar status to the police chief.
Stinesville’s current [staff directory](https://www.in.gov/towns/stinesville/our-staff/) lists Scott McGlocklin as town board president and Pittman as police chief. Even if the town board president had the authority as executive to authorize the police chief to sign a 287(g) agreement, it’s not clear how that could satisfy the requirement that intergovernmental agreements be enacted through an ordinance or resolution.
Popp told The B Square that if an officer makes an immigration arrest while relying on a 287(g) agreement that was not valid, a lawyer representing the arrested person could have grounds to challenge the detention.
She said that an invalid delegation could raise Fourth Amendment questions and, depending on the facts, create arguments over detention or the use of evidence obtained in the encounter. As one example, she pointed to the prospect of litigation, if an unlawfully authorized officer stopped and arrested a U.S. citizen and put them into removal proceedings.
### What difference does a public vote make?
There is a big difference between putting a potential 287(g) agreement in front of a town council or county board for a vote and having individuals sign agreements out of public view.
Indiana’s Open Door Law generally requires meetings of governing bodies to be open so members of the public can observe and record them. Final action has to occur at an open meeting, and minutes documenting the meeting and votes become public records.
The case of Waterloo’s 287(g) agreement illustrates why that’s important. Councilors heard the proposal, discussed potential funding, raised concerns about training and possible negative effects, and voted. The resulting minutes tell residents not just that town officials knew about the ICE partnership, but that the elected body made a decision about it.
Pittman’s description of Stinesville is different. Board members were “briefed individually.” And it’s not clear if those individual briefings were ever followed by the formal action needed to commit the town to the agreement.
A public meeting would also give residents a chance at least to watch the deliberation. If the local governing body accepts public comment at ordinary meetings, residents could voice support for or opposition to joining ICE’s program.
### The jail option, different approach in Monroe County
ICE’s Jail Enforcement Model allows trained local officers to identify and process people for immigration enforcement while they are already held on pending or active criminal charges. The Warrant Service Officer model lets designated officers execute ICE administrative warrants on people who are already in their agency’s custody.
Those arrangements are distinct from an ICE detainer, which is a request asking another law enforcement agency to continue holding someone so ICE can assume custody.
That distinction has become central to a two-year legal fight between Indiana attorney general Todd Rokita and Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté.
Marté has taken an approach almost opposite to signing 287(g) agreements. His policy says the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will not keep someone jailed past the point when the ordinary criminal-law basis for detention has ended solely because ICE has sent an administrative immigration detainer that is not accompanied by the kind of criminal judicial warrant required by his policy.
Marté argues that continued detention in that circumstance amounts to a new seizure under the Fourth Amendment. Rokita contends Indiana law requires the sheriff to comply with ICE detainer requests. That litigation [remains pending](https://bsquarebulletin.com/partial-settlement-of-rokita-marte-immigration-fight-but-main-ice-detainer-dispute-remains/).
A consent decree approved in August settled other portions of Rokita’s case but deliberately left the detainer dispute unresolved.
One of those settled issues involved 287(g). An earlier version of Marté’s policy declared that the sheriff would not enter a 287(g) agreement. Under the consent decree, the sheriff’s office cannot maintain a blanket policy prohibiting itself from ever entering such an arrangement. But the decree expressly says Marté or a future sheriff can decide not to enter a particular 287(g) agreement and that decision, by itself, does not violate the settlement.
That means two law enforcement agencies in the same county are really far apart on the spectrum of local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Stinesville’s police department signed onto the Task Force Model, which is the 287(g) version that moves federal immigration authority out of the jail overlapping with ordinary police work. The Monroe County sheriff, meanwhile, has gone to court over whether state law can force his jail to extend a person’s detention solely so ICE can take custody.
### Work left to do: Who made the decisions?
For 42 Indiana agencies or governmental entities now represented in ICE’s data, sorting out who made a decision on the 287(g) agreements means looking jurisdiction by jurisdiction for the ordinance, resolution, public vote or other legal authority behind each agreement.
It also means tracking down a county-recorder filing and a State Board of Accounts filing that should follow, under Indiana’s interlocal cooperation law.
Waterloo and Andrews have meeting minutes showing their elected councils considered participation before the agreement was signed, which is the start of a trail to follow. For other jurisdictions, the path is not clearly marked.
\[*Added Sept. 18, 2026\. At its Sept. 17, 2026 meeting, Monroe County commissioners passed a* [*resolution*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-17-Monroe-County-commissioners-Resolution-2026-36-Stinesville-ICE-287g.pdf) *that expresses disappointment about the way the Stinesville 287(g) agreement was approved.*\]
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-77/
Last updated: 2026-09-06T10:11:52.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #78 (Sept. 6, 2026)**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population at or below ACLU capacity mark for 3 days, county rolls out new data dashboard
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-at-or-below-aclu-capacity-mark-for-3-days-county-rolls-out-new-data-dashboard/
Last updated: 2026-09-13T15:37:22.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s jail population stood at 227 on Saturday (Sept. 5), which made for a three-day span when the total population of the jail was at or below the ACLU’s version of the jail’s function capacity, which is 229.
The week started at 237 and ticked up to 239 the next day before starting a slight downward trend.
This past week also marked the rollout of a new [jail data dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/195880a3c67c41fa998f56ff8e9aabb4 ) from Monroe County’s GIS team. The dashboard is updated routinely, which means Monroe County residents don’t need to wait for weekly updates from a news outlet. The dashboard breaks down the demographic profile of inmates, and provides a statistical breakdown of the types of offenses inmates are charged with.
Chart by The B Square with data from Monroe County jail.
The B Square has tracked the numbers starting on July 21, when the jail held 247 people. By Sept. 5, the population had fallen by 20 to 227.
Ten days into that span, the 10-day rolling average was about 254\. The most recent rolling 10-day average, on Saturday (Sept. 5) was about 229.
That’s the figure (229) that the ACLU gives the jail’s functional capacity in its [federal lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf) that it filed in July on behalf of jail inmates.
Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté has given a lower figure. His July [overcrowding report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf) started with 294 reported beds, subtracted housing that he said cannot be treated as general-population space, leaving 233 available general-housing beds. Applying the same 80% principle yields a functional capacity of 186.
The difference between the two snapshots at the start and the end of the period The B Square has tracked does not capture the turnover in the jail during that period. Of the 247 people who were there on July 21, 139 of them were still there on Sept. 5\. That means 108, or almost 44% of the people who were in jail at the start of the period, had left by the end.
At the same time, 88 people who arrived after July 21 were still incarcerated on Sept. 5\. The 139 people who were present at both endpoints, together with those 88 later arrivals, account for the current population of 227.
That comparison still does not capture people who arrived after July 21 and then left again before Sept. 5\. A total of at least 446 people departed the jail during that span. It’s “at least” because some people booked into jail don’t stay in jail long enough to appear in the daily population report. An example of that is the man who was arrested on a charge of [street camping](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-man-released-from-jail-after-second-arrest-under-indianas-new-street-camping-law/) on Aug. 7, who was released about a half hour later. Among those who departed during the time The B Square has tracked the numbers, the median length of stay was 2 days.
Over the full 47-day period, the average daily population was about 240\. The highest count was 264 on July 31\. The lowest was 216 on Aug. 28.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Monroe County property transfers through Aug. 28, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-aug-28-2026/
Last updated: 2026-09-06T10:03:51.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 17 to Aug. 28, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1UQbtF8KZtJ9l8h8RZ9H8c2Bkwo%5F3tFQ&usp=sharing ).\]
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 712 E Moss Creek DR was sold to STEPHEN LEN WARREN by PING XUE for $264,000.
- On August 28, 2026, the property at 236 S Cave Creek DR was sold to DENNIS WINDSOR by LUCAS DEAY for $447,500.
- On August 27, 2026, the property at 4219 N Rosewood DR was sold to MADISON C BOX by BEACON BUILDERS LLC for $328,875.
- On August 26, 2026, the property at 5704 W Vinca LN was sold to REBECCA STREIT by RILEY M WALKER for $215,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 7800 N Mt Tabor RD was sold to LANDON BELL by RALPH EDWARD RICHARDSON, JR. for $499,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 6435 E Wellston DR was sold to DOUGLAS A MASSEY by D. BROADUS KEELE JR for $390,000.
- On August 17, 2026, the property at 3203 E Moores PIKE was sold to 3203 E MOORES OIKE ABA REALTY LLC by 3203 MOORES PIKE, LLC for $5,445,000.
- On August 17, 2026, the property at 2770 S Adams ST was sold to 2700 ADAMS ST ABA REALTY LLC by 2770 S ADAMS, LLC for $1,485,000.
### Former IU quarterback Trent Green on keeping the ball: ‘Know the down and distance.’
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/former-iu-quarterback-trent-green-on-keeping-the-ball-know-the-down-and-distance/
Last updated: 2026-09-05T12:32:56.000Z
Former IU quarterback Trent Green laughs it up with fans at the unveiling of the Dr Pepper ”Fan Wall of Fame” on Kirkwood Avenue. (Dave Askins, Sept. 4, 2026)
Former IU quarterback Trent Green was back in Bloomington on Friday, one day before the defending national champion Hoosiers open their 2026 season against North Texas at Memorial Stadium.
Saturday’s game kicks off at noon. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff is in town for the season opener.
Green’s assignment on Friday was a way less strenuous than anything he faced under center as QB for the Hoosiers. He was helping Dr Pepper unveil a “Fan Wall of Fame,” a new mural at the corner of Kirkwood Avenue and Washington Street.
The mural, painted on the Alumni Hall building at 124 E. Kirkwood Ave., was created by artist Nate Baranowski, according to a news release. The news release calls it “interactive” because it features a blank space that lets visitors step into the artwork and be crowned the teams “#1 fan.” Dr Pepper commissioned the mural as a tribute to IU fans after the Hoosiers won the national championship last year.
The visit also offered a chance to connect the championship Hoosiers won with an earlier bright chapter of IU football history.
In the 1991 Copper Bowl, Green scored both the [first and last touchdowns](https://youtu.be/m-PQ-wDqhQw?si=Ecv9BEhSEo0ATp3x&t=8362) in IU’s 24-0 win over Baylor. He put the ball in the end zone on a 1-yard run in the first quarter and a 4-yard run in the fourth.
That was the backdrop for the one question The B Square had for Green. Here’s how that interview unfolded:
> **B Square:** Trent, taking you back to the Copper Bowl in 1991, you bookended the scoring for the team that game. You started with a one-yard quarterback sneak into the end zone, and then the last score of the game was a faked handoff that you then took four yards into the end zone. When you saw Fernando Mendoza take off with fourth and short in the national championship game, what thoughts or instincts or memories did that activate for you as a quarterback, when you make that decision in a moment in time during a game that you’ve got to go ahead and get this one yourself?
> **Trent Green:** There’s a few things that have to go into it. One is you have to know the down and distance. Like, is it last play of the game? Like, do you have to get in the end zone? Those are different set of circumstances. When Fernando took off and ran, he only needed like three, four yards to get the first down. So I was like everybody else in the stands yelling, once he got the first down, I was like, "Get down, get down, get down!” Because I was worried about him getting hit and fumbling. … And so I'm going: “Get down, get down!” and then he spins, dives, and gets in the end zone, and I'm like everybody else: “Oh, great job! Way to go! Way to go!” So, yeah, it's one of those things when you go to take off and run, and as quarterbacks that don't necessarily that’s not their thing, you have to understand the down and distance. And … when is the time to lower your shoulder and try and get it, and when is the time where you need to get down. But I love the fact that he went for it!
Trent Green: QB thoughts on running the ball
0:00
/60.288
1×
Trent Green at unveiling of Dr Pepper “Fan Wall of Fame” (Dave Askins, Sept. 4, 2026)
Trent Green at unveiling of Dr Pepper “Fan Wall of Fame” (Dave Askins, Sept. 4, 2026)
Trent Green at unveiling of Dr Pepper “Fan Wall of Fame” (Dave Askins, Sept. 4, 2026)
### Video: Unveiling of Dr Pepper “Fan Wall of Fame” (Sept. 4, 2026)
0:00
/0:28
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Trent Green at unveiling of Dr Pepper “Fan Wall of Fame” (Dave Askins, Sept. 4, 2026)
### Washington Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/washington-street-kirkwood-avenue/
Last updated: 2026-09-04T17:58:14.000Z
The Dr Pepper “Fan Wall of Fame” mural is now complete. The interactive work, by Indianapolis artist Nate Baranowski, will be unveiled Friday at 3 p.m., which is just about one hour from now, with former IU quarterback Trent Green. (Dave Askins, Sept. 4, 2026)
### Monroe County election board dismisses complaint against assessor candidate Trimble
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-dismisses-complaint-against-assessor-candidate-trimble/
Last updated: 2026-09-04T21:47:08.000Z
Monroe County election board from left: Monroe County clerk Nicole Browne, Republican proxy Jack Schmidt, and Democratic Party appointee Penny Githens. (Dave Askins, Sept. 3, 2026)
The Monroe County election board has dismissed an election-law complaint filed by incumbent county assessor Judy Sharp against her independent challenger, Lisa Jeneé Trimble.
At its Thursday (Sept. 3) meeting, the board decided not to hold a hearing on whether Trimble improperly offered property-tax advice in return for help collecting the signatures she needed to get on the ballot. The vote to dismiss the complaint was 2–1.
Dissenting was the Democratic Party’s appointee Penny Githens. Voting to dismiss were the elected county clerk, Nicole Browne, and Jack Schmidt, a proxy for Republican Party chair Danny Shields.
Also at its Thursday meeting, the board also formally accepted, then unanimously dismissed, a separate complaint that Trimble had filed against Sharp. That complaint reportedly ran more than 100 pages.
The result leaves the dispute between the two candidates to be settled at the polls on Nov. 3\. Sharp, a Democrat who has served as Monroe County assessor since 1991, is seeking another term against Trimble, a former employee of the assessor’s office who qualified for the ballot as an independent.
Before the board took up either complaint, Shields yielded his seat over to Jack Schmidt, his proxy for that portion of the meeting.
Shields said he wanted the complaints handled without an argument about whether he had already taken sides. At the board’s [Aug. 6 meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-sets-hearing-on-davis-write-in-bid-delays-on-trimble-complaint/), Trimble had accused Shields during public comment of targeting her candidacy and of showing up at an Ellettsville petition-signing event to see who was participating. Shields denied the accusation, saying he and his wife had gone to a restaurant in the same shopping center and that his presence was coincidental.
On Thursday, Shields said he wanted “the truth to come out” and the law to be followed, and that substituting a proxy would avoid claims that he was biased before the complaints were considered.
### Sharp’s complaint against Trimble
Sharp’s [complaint](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-15-J-Trimble-OCR.pdf) dates to April and stems from a Facebook post Trimble made while gathering signatures to qualify as an independent candidate.
In the post, Trimble offered to help property owners understand their assessments and the property-tax appeal process. The assistance, she wrote, would “come with a price”: one petition sheet containing 10 voter signatures, supplied in advance.
In May, the election board [put off considering Sharp’s complaint](https://bsquarebulletin.com/election-complaints-target-monroe-county-clerk-hopeful-over-signs-electioneering-in-chute/) because Trimble had not yet completed the process of becoming a candidate. Independent candidates for county office have to collect signatures to qualify for the ballot. Trimble ultimately submitted more than 797 signatures by the June 30 deadline, enough to secure her place on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The legal question centered on a specific part of election law: [IC 3-14-2-1](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-14-2-1 ). That law makes it a Level 6 felony if someone “pays or offers to pay” someone else “any property based on the number of signatures obtained to place a candidate or public question on a ballot.” The statute also says that it is not unlawful to pay someone to gather signatures when the compensation is not tied to the number of signatures collected
Indiana criminal law defines “property” broadly enough to include labor and services. That raised the question whether Trimble’s offer of property-tax assistance qualified as something of value and, more specifically, whether requiring a petition sheet containing 10 signatures amounted to tying that value to the number of signatures collected.
At its [Aug. 6 meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-sets-hearing-on-davis-write-in-bid-delays-on-trimble-complaint/), the board stopped short of either dismissing Sharp’s complaint or scheduling a hearing. Instead, on a 2-1 vote, it asked county attorney Molly Turner-King to seek additional guidance from the Indiana Election Division. Clerk Nicole Browne voted against the delay and favored dismissing the complaint right then.
The response that Turner-King got from the state did not produce a definitive interpretation.
Turner-King told the board Thursday that Indiana Election Division attorney Matthew Kochevar said there apparently is no court decision interpreting the relevant part of state law. Kochevar said the legislature added it primarily to prevent petition circulators from being compensated according to the number of signatures they produced. That scenario tends to create an incentive to forge signatures.
Kochevar also told the county that Indiana election law does not generally make it illegal to offer something of value to a voter simply in exchange for signing a petition. A county election board that does not believe enough facts have been presented to support a reasonable belief that election law was violated can decline to investigate further, Turner-King told the board.
That left the three-member board with essentially the same division it had faced a month earlier.
Browne said her position had not changed and that she did not support moving the complaint to a hearing. Democratic appointee Penny Githens said she still believed there was enough of a question to warrant one.
Githens said the issue was not an offer made simply to someone who personally signed Trimble’s petition. Instead, she understood Trimble to have offered her services to someone who went out and obtained a specified number of signatures for her.
“For me, it is a fine line here,” Githens said, because those signatures were part of what allowed Trimble to get onto the ballot. Githens moved to hold a hearing at which Sharp and Trimble could present evidence. The motion died for lack of a second.
Browne then moved to dismiss Sharp’s complaint. The motion passed, with Githens opposed. Following up on a question from the board at its Aug. 6 meeting, Turner-King told the board on Thursday that the dismissal does not prevent Sharp from taking her allegation directly to law enforcement.
### Trimble complaint against Sharp
The board then turned to the complaint Trimble had submitted against Sharp on Aug. 6.
Unlike Sharp’s complaint against Trimble, the board had not previously taken the procedural step of formally receiving Trimble’s filing. On Thursday it voted to do so before considering whether there was a reasonable basis to believe an election-law violation had occurred.
Githens said that although it had been some time since she had read the entire filing, she did not recall seeing a citation to any specific election law that Sharp was alleged to have violated.
The filing included photographs, Githens said, but she could not determine who was associated with them, where or when they had been taken, or how they established an election-law violation by Sharp.
Browne moved to dismiss Trimble’s complaint against Sharp as well.
“We read it. We acknowledge it,” Browne said, before making the motion to dismiss without a hearing. Githens seconded it, and the board approved the dismissal unanimously.
### Looking ahead
The election board’s actions Thursday do not resolve the broader dispute between Sharp and Trimble over the operation of the assessor’s office. Trimble, who previously worked in that office, has made several allegations about assessment practices and her treatment as a county employee. Sharp has disputed those claims.
The [remaining case in circuit court](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase?ref=bsquarebulletin.com#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDYtMjUwNS1DVC0wMDE0OTYiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==) is Trimble’s lawsuit against Monroe County auditor Brianne Gregory for wrongful termination from her position in the auditor’s office, where she started work after leaving the assessor’s office. A pre-trial conference for that case is set for Sept. 11.
In other business at its Thursday meeting, the election board took care of some routine issues related to the upcoming Nov. 3 election. Those included approval of an election worker list.
On Nov. 3 in the race for assessor, voters will choose between Trimble and Sharp.
### Sept. 3, 2026: City council hires attorney; potential $8.8M student housing deal; street-camping arrest; food inspections
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sept-3-2026-city-council-hires-attorney-potential-8-8m-student-housing-deal-street-camping-arrest-food-inspections/
Last updated: 2026-09-03T10:49:26.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week and probably a few more weeks. The news operation is stretching me ever thinner. Puzzles seemed like a good place to conserve time and effort.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Slow down, dress cool. It will be sunny and hot, with a high near 96F°. Heat index values will be as high as 103.
**Friday:** Same as Thursday. Slow down, dress cool. It will be sunny and hot, with a high near 95F°. Heat index values will be as high as 104.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Stop scrolling!
Right now, only *one in five* Almost Daily Bulletin subscribers [makes a recurring financial contribution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account). If you’re one of them: Thank you! You are the reason The B Square can do any of this work.
If you read The B Square, rely on its reporting, find it useful in any way, or just think Bloomington and Monroe County are better off with a local press that pays close attention, please consider [signing up for a monthly contribution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account) right now.
### Recent articles
- [Bloomington city council picks deputy Monroe County prosecutor as new staff attorney](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-council-picks-deputy-monroe-county-prosecutor-as-new-staff-attorney/). Bloomington’s city council voted unanimously to hire Monroe County deputy prosecutor Jake Rossman as its new staff attorney, ending a search that began after both council lawyers resigned in February. Rossman’s start date is not yet set, but is expected by mid-October.
- [Monroe County Retail Food Inspections: July 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-retail-food-inspections-july-2026/). During 38 of the 59 inspections of retail food establishments done by the Monroe County health department in July 2026, no violations were found. During 5 of them, at least one priority violation was found.
- [Methodists OK step toward $8.8M deal for student housing at old post office lot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/methodists-ok-step-toward-8-8m-deal-for-student-housing-at-old-post-office-lot/). First United Methodist Church is moving toward an $8.8 million sale of its downtown South Lot to Core Spaces for a 350- to 400-bedroom student housing project. It’s the old post office lot. The church would own 100 spaces in the newly constructed parking garage.
- [Bloomington man released from jail after second arrest under Indiana’s new street-camping law](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-man-released-from-jail-after-second-arrest-under-indianas-new-street-camping-law/). A man arrested for the second time this month under Indiana’s new street-camping law was ordered released from the Monroe County jail Monday. Judge Darcie Fawcett released nine of 13 people appearing from custody during the largely procedural initial-hearing docket.
### Other notes
**Bloomington worker detained by ICE.** A Venezuelan man who worked at Walmart in Bloomington was taken into custody on Tuesday (Sept. 3) by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to the man’s family and friends. He has an asylum case pending.
Supporters have started a [GoFundMe](https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-cesar-cepeda-gomez) to pay for legal representation and efforts to seek his release.
ICE’s [online detainee locator](https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search) has since shown him at three facilities. He was first held at the Clay County Justice Center in Brazil, Indiana, a county jail that also houses ICE detainees. He was then moved to the Broadview Service Staging Area in suburban Chicago, an ICE-operated hold room used for processing people pending immigration review or deportation. By Wednesday night, the locator showed him at the North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin, Michigan, a privately operated, 1,800-bed facility used exclusively by ICE.
The B Square has also heard reports of other ICE arrests in the Bloomington area this week, but does not have any confirmed details about those possible cases.
**C’mon B Square readers, shape the future of your library!** From the public library: “We’re creating a new strategic plan for the Monroe County Public Library, and we want to hear from you! [Take our short survey and share your experiences and ideas](https://mcpl.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df878337c54fade8a56f211b3&id=3d993d89a5&e=c70de7b347). Your feedback will help us better serve you, your household, and our community.”
**Monroe County health department: Check your measles vaccination status.** The Monroe County Health Department has issued a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-01-Measles-Update-Press-Release.pdf) urging residents to check their MMR vaccination status because measles cases have increased in Indiana and nationwide. No cases have been reported in Monroe County, but Indiana has recorded five cases in 2026\. The U.S. total has topped 2,900, which is already more than all of 2025\. The department also says that unvaccinated children exposed to measles at school or daycare can be excluded from school and related activities for 21 days.
### On the calendar
**Public review of general election ballots**. On Thursday (Sept. 3) the public review of ballots for the Nov. 3 general election will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Monroe County Government Center That’s on Morton Street: [501 N. Morton St., Suite 101](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4v5PmRfTSN5fZgWe8). It’s a chance for the public and the candidates to flyspeck all the versions of the ballots for typos, and omissions or other mistakes.
**Communications help for Monroe County.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (Sept. 3) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D09%2D03%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for Monroe County commissioners is a $20,000 contract with Allowell Consulting Services, to provide “professional communication assistance to MCG \[Monroe County government\], through strategy and positioning, messaging and content development, media relations and public engagement, and providing deliverables on progress, outcomes, and recommendations.”
**Board of elections regular meeting.** The Monroe County election board has a regular meeting set for [1 p.m. on Thursday (Sept. 3)](https://events.in.gov/event/election-board-2026-8128). I don’t see an agenda posted yet.
**County council budget presentations.** Set for [Thursday (Sept. 3) at 5 p.m.](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FCounty%20Council%2F2027%20Budget%20Session%202%20Agenda%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FCounty%20Council&p=true&ga=1) is the second night of departmental budget presentations for the Monroe County council. Presenting will be: legal department, veterans services office, employee services department, weights and measures, building department, emergency management, highway department, technical services department, and the board of commissioners.
---
**Friends of Lake Monroe hits the decade mark: Sept. 13** Friends of Lake Monroe marks its 10th anniversary with live music from Frank Jones and the Undertones, a look back at a decade of work, and light appetizers on Sunday, Sept. 13, at The Fields Clubhouse. Doors open at 6 p.m., with remarks at 7 p.m. and music at 7:30\. Tickets are $35 for members, $40 for non-members or $250 for a table of eight, and [sales close Sept. 7](https://www.friendsoflakemonroe.org/events-page/lake-monroe-day-2026-ten-year-anniversary).
**Big Book Sale: Sept 18-21\.** The Friends of the Library will be hosting their Big Fall Book Sale in Meeting Room 1B/C at the Downtown Library with thousands of items at bargain prices. The 2026 Big Fall Book Sale will be open to the public Sept. 18–21 with a special early-bird sale for Friends members on Sept. 17\. For hours on specific days, check the [book sale webpage](http://mcpl.info/bigsale).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
**Nerd Nite Bloomington: Sept. 25.** Bug sex, imperfect maps and the Great Molasses Flood get the 15-minute-talk treatment at Nerd Nite Bloomington #6\. Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, with presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. at The Bishop Bar in Bloomington. Organizers would like people to [RSVP](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nerd-nite-bloomington-6-tickets-1999395946097?utm%5Fsource=sendfox&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=save-the-date-nerd-nite-6-bug-sex-perfect-maps-and-the-great-molasses-flood ).
### Meet Doug!
Up for adoption, as of Sept. 2 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Doug](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87707). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is a chocolate Labrador retriever mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Doug](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87707):
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
### Photo Finish: Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
ICE agents are reportedly in Bloomington. A group of a dozen protesters do some laps around the courthouse square area. (Dave Askins, Sept. 1, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Bloomington city council picks deputy Monroe County prosecutor as new staff attorney
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-council-picks-deputy-monroe-county-prosecutor-as-new-staff-attorney/
Last updated: 2026-09-03T10:52:46.000Z
B Square file photo of Bloomington's city hall.
The Bloomington city council has picked a deputy prosecutor for Monroe County, Jake Rossman, as its new staff attorney. That brings to an end a search that started after both of the council’s lawyers resigned in late February.
The unanimous vote to hire Rossman came at the council’s Wednesday (Sept. 2) meeting. The hire is contingent on the completion of a standard background check by the city’s human resource department, and a negotiated start date.
The council is hoping Rossman will be able to start as soon as possible, but that might not be until mid-October, according to council president Isak Asare’s remarks at Wednesday’s meeting.
The city council is keen to fill the position because all three positions in the council’s office are currently vacant. The three positions are administrator/attorney, deputy administrator/attorney, and legal researcher. For the last several months, they have used a former city attorney, Larry Allen, on a temporary part-time basis to fill in for some of the job responsibilities.
Rossman is currently a deputy prosecutor in the Monroe County prosecutor’s office, where he is [assigned as the misdemeanor prosecutor](https://www.monroeprosecutor.us/criminal-justice/misdemeanor-felony-prosecutions/) for the Monroe County circuit court. He has worked in the prosecutor’s office since 2024.
Rossman is a 2006 Indiana University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Before going to law school, he worked in journalism and public relations. As an IU student, Rossman wrote for the Indiana Daily Student.
Rossman [received his law degree](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-rossman-332685102) from Yeshiva University’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York, where he attended from 2008 to 2011\. He served as an editor of the school’s Journal of International and Comparative Law.
Rossman later returned to IU, where he worked as a prelaw adviser in the university’s Health Professions and Prelaw Center from 2019 to 2024.
The council’s authority to hire its own lawyer, separate from attorneys who work for the mayoral administration, is based in [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-4-6-24). Bloomington has taken advantage of that authority for decades.
Dan Sherman served as the council’s administrator and attorney for about 30 years before retiring July 31, 2020\. His deputy, Stephen Lucas, had worked in the council office for about nine months as Sherman’s deputy when councilmembers decided in May 2020 to [offer him Sherman’s old job](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-council-votes-to-offer-staff-job-to-current-deputy-without-a-search/) without conducting an outside search.
Before joining the council staff, Lucas had worked for about three years as chief deputy to Bloomington city clerk Nicole Bolden. He graduated from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2014 and previously worked as an associate attorney at the Bedford firm Pittman, Emery & Nikirk. The council [formally approved Lucas](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-council-oks-hire-of-next-administrator-attorney-at-85k/) for the job in June 2020\.
\[*Added at 11:16 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2026: Heather Lacy served as deputy administrator/attorney from about Sept. 2020 to April 2022.*\]
Lucas remained in the position until July 2024\. With a search for his successor still underway, the council [appointed then-deputy administrator/attorney Ash Kulak](https://bsquarebulletin.com/content/files/2024/11/Draft-Meeting-Minutes-July-31-2024.pdf) as interim council administrator/attorney until the position could be permanently filled.
Lisa Lehner was hired as the permanent council administrator/attorney later that year. Kulak returned to the deputy role. By the start of 2026, Kari Bennett was serving as the council’s deputy administrator/attorney.
That staffing arrangement fell apart in late February. By Feb. 26, both Lehner and Bennett had [turned in their resignations](https://bsquarebulletin.com/feb-26-2026-kirkwood-downtown-land-values-former-h-t-building-jail-planning-elections/), and the council convened a special meeting to work out how to replace them. Councilmembers also considered whether to separate the two functions reflected in the traditional slash title of administrator/attorney.
In mid-April the council had Larry Allen take over the city council’s legal work on a temporary part-time basis. Allen had previously worked in Bloomington’s city legal department, and [served for a time as deputy mayor](https://bsquarebulletin.com/carmichael-to-step-down-as-bloomington-deputy-mayor-hamilton-taps-assistant-city-attorney-for-job/) under mayor John Hamilton’s administration. More recently Allen was [tapped as city attorney](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-mayor-elect-kerry-thomson-picks-larry-allen-as-city-attorney-some-interims-for-other-slots/) at the start of mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration in 2024, before [leaving for private practice](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-attorney-to-leave-post-join-paganelli-law-group/) at the end of the year.
Rossman’s move from the county prosecutor’s office to the city also comes with a salary increase. Monroe County’s 2026 [salary ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-11%5FCouncil%5F2026-Salary-Ordinance%5FAmended.pdf#page=12) assigns $83,180 to the deputy-prosecutor position corresponding to Rossman’s job.
Under Bloomington’s current 2026 salary ordinance, the council administrator/attorney is a Grade 12 position, out of a maximum of 14, in the city’s salary grading scheme. For 2026, the five-step Grade 12 salary range runs from $101,411 to $131,836\. Rossman’s announced salary at Wednesday’s meeting was $101,411, which is the start of the Grade 12 range.
Timeline by The B Square with data from the city of Bloomington's payroll system.
### Monroe County Retail Food Inspections: July 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-retail-food-inspections-july-2026/
Last updated: 2026-09-02T08:54:43.000Z
Monroe County’s GIS team now maintains a [map-based interface for the entire corpus](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3553ac491b25400592b18a62d4084972) of retail food inspection reports, which is updated on what is essentially a rolling basis. The B Square publishes the reports in monthly batches, usually near the end of the month following the batch of inspections.
The July 2026 batch is delayed a few days, because developing the workflow for such reports took more time than expected.
#### About retail food inspection reports
In order of severity, from least to most severe, these are the [three categories of violations](https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/retail/food-code-updates-410-iac-7-26) that are noted:
**Core (CORE): Item that usually relates to general sanitation, operational control, sanitation standard operating procedures, facilities or structures, equipment design, or general maintenance*
**Priority foundation (Pf): Item that requires the purposeful incorporation of specific actions, equipment, or procedures by industry management to attain control of risk factors that contribute to foodborne illness or injury such as personnel training, infrastructure or necessary equipment, HACCP plans, documentation or record keeping, and labeling*
**Priority item (P): Item that contributes directly to the elimination, prevention, or reduction to an acceptable level of hazards associated with foodborne illness or injury, and there is no other provision that more directly controls the hazard*
For The B Square’s color coding scheme, an establishment’s most severe violation for any inspection report is encoded numerically: 3 for a priority item (red); 2 for priority foundation (orange); and 1 for a core item (yellow).
If an establishment had no violations of any kind, it is assigned green.
The list of inspections is sorted by the most severe violation (not by date). The hyperlinks over the date of the report lead to the .pdf of the inspection report.
During 38 of the 59 inspections of retail food establishments done by the Monroe County health department in July 2026, no violations were found. During 6 of them at least one core violation was found, but nothing more severe. During 10 of the inspections, at least one priority foundation violation was found, but nothing more severe. During 5 of them, at least one priority violation was found.
\[If you’re reading this in your email inbox, the map probably will not load: [direct link to map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1WoSvllPw%5FTy2h3Swm8MOqkMxHQXlKjc&usp=sharing)\]
1. In a routine inspection on [July 30, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAp8vPl9mSHSKYaB8O%5F%5FmrOAUisU3gkI5PHbUCVdhkUenE), no violations were found at McDonalds 16666 Ellettsville.
2. In a routine inspection on [July 30, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAxPEV10iMmSKNo1X1g5H9JATtJcg%5FOzpgdF6SFO-4uFPo), no violations were found at McDonalds 289 North.
3. In a routine inspection on [July 30, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBx%5FjoHWlPYQrjpMX--DSRwAc4Q9D3QshnOFiQSM23jE-w), no violations were found at McDonalds 3310 West.
4. In a routine inspection on [July 30, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAbfKh0HRsmRqVitQ%5FsbxSgAYLrqcr-1ffy93IujUPu43Q), no violations were found at McDonalds 4785 South.
5. In a routine inspection on [July 29, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBeoK3wuCkkSai2MT5-sDpfAVYp5TBkxrpsdJFmK8p48eY), no violations were found at The Back Door.
6. In a routine inspection on [July 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDnNWHGtX5JQ7Q8bRInZKxMAeOBICN8o-44GlXqDb3kwXU), no violations were found at Circle S Mart 50.
7. In a routine inspection on [July 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB7dkU8eOK5R6uqJBLeplkiAc3TGace9s%5FLhqEZuH24yUg), no violations were found at The Alley Bar.
8. In a routine inspection on [July 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAKcLQ%5FSabXSb5z2rVrHvs6Aba0csQ8hNJcDxRPkZzexjU), no violations were found at The Atlas Ballroom.
9. In a routine inspection on [July 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDO5SNzCFR6QZmcAPLTOqPvAU5tE9IRopq5QKHFq5NB6fY), no violations were found at The Bishop Bar.
10. In a routine inspection on [July 22, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDZ8FXzpiBoQZEibx6e1GtWARKDxfEMpdDfPCci42mHgCw), no violations were found at Chipotle Mexican Grill 563.
11. In a routine inspection on [July 22, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBU5mdVMVGGTqcaWtZV1nlwAXpZE9VzubHrYekI0ZvPPlM), no violations were found at Runcible Spoon Restaurant and Cafe.
12. In a complaint inspection on [July 20, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAV7fwUMn8DQqiBxzzrLztAAcd0OVCn-s3GPZ0iSj1LbIM), no violations were found at Outback Steakhouse 1516.
13. In a routine inspection on [July 20, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQByZpz7IwbDT7iJAHuvNsabAQBvT30vB369ghXhQRGSY-o), no violations were found at Peach Cobbler Factory.
14. In a routine inspection on [July 14, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAPnIp0F1ImQYoGM3T0Wo8rAQrzpMFsmnla3zChZ75G5uA), no violations were found at 7 Star Indian Cuisine.
15. In a routine inspection on [July 14, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDzyBuL5lr8SZdjVgaaqRnGATk4KrA4q7ScvaGzBkJf0jQ), no violations were found at Chef Lee In Your Home LLC.
16. In a routine inspection on [July 14, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDiJ313usADQqSYs%5FrohcosATcepIY2GO%5FBL1X9WOFMJSQ), no violations were found at Cloverleaf Family Restaurant.
17. In a routine inspection on [July 14, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDIVmUvwhVLSq0I2PkrxN13AcK5rdQizk8YWYag6lRbU-I), no violations were found at The Chocolate Moose Retail.
18. In a routine inspection on [July 13, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBf4o-4n-aLRYllt6ko-uFkAeJCTAFOMqrVEaESclDBW4o), no violations were found at Dave and Busters.
19. In a routine inspection on [July 13, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCzYufvgpilRbyNqnb9erdFATtH5L3fe13rGaNicULzEpg), no violations were found at Family Dollar 25431.
20. In a routine inspection on [July 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAPnzxRmpDKSaZfcwsIjB7AAYtf20nZf52Q-zkVguAQr8I), no violations were found at Dominos Pizza North.
21. In a routine inspection on [July 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDaUK%5FgUSllSYIdtGF13W0sAeRvZvyYF7B4w8s5finK%5FY0), no violations were found at Jennys Baking Co.
22. In a routine inspection on [July 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDnS9stcr80TJVJfLrde%5FnPAXTtGT7pl3esxZ8%5FbmOoIwY), no violations were found at Rush Bowls Bloomington.
23. In a routine inspection on [July 9, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAGNaHieuF%5FRaKkCWkeBZo-AXh-6TAAWTG4FCRnLbpp718), no violations were found at Hartzells Ice Cream.
24. In a routine inspection on [July 9, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDo89K25TV6R6KKqcSTubw2AcZIJrKNsApuTDrnASiw7xA), no violations were found at Viva Mas.
25. In a routine inspection on [July 8, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDFm6g-KiJ5Rpi%5FwHlVn4A5AQ1X0a2uhC7St17cAWNODRY), no violations were found at Mayes Grill BTown LLC.
26. In a complaint inspection on [July 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAGavcPdzssRJ7ByvtCeBYBAXMXqkiKzQnBzX17mtoEdeE), no violations were found at El Ranchero III.
27. In a routine inspection on [July 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDjGMnE-EOgRbfj41V90kzPAb1mxMT4RGJLI9Ty8YDWKLI), no violations were found at Maje Sushi.
28. In a follow-up inspection on [July 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD6zKykaULlSqALtBYCK57eAf2aVcjrD4coXb-oqQ1GaaM), no violations were found at Mr Pot Hot Pot.
29. In a complaint inspection on [July 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQC6Smodj29ET6-Non%5FzodQrAVQ-%5FAkFoAVPojn90qCDRMo), no violations were found at World Foods Market.
30. In a complaint inspection on [July 6, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCzqG9o8B8jSooYM-yhKAlwAU-oR1yd9adqRwbWOknUEXk), no violations were found at Night Moves.
31. In a temporary inspection on [July 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDVs5mgLqLGS53XvHL1d6PDAZEswjqMTz2uSNrTXRIRyvo), no violations were found at Dotties Cinnamon Rolls.
32. In a temporary inspection on [July 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCFUjniN9gzTb%5FOmVod2HqKATG%5F%5FVNOgT1eP-qqokKGdi0), no violations were found at Holts Cafe.
33. In a temporary inspection on [July 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCvP8FX7hhpQb9F1hJrIbRaAUVOpDByfAhKPpMX9WsGw68), no violations were found at JDs Ribeyes.
34. In a temporary inspection on [July 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAtnI2ng9G%5FRroqZyBcOt0HAdkW9S43NC7HuBi%5FE%5FrvysA), no violations were found at PMC LLC.
35. In a temporary inspection on [July 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBdrwmvfLEURp4y8C8lTQxfAbdyEfUSwXNy988z2Ruh1PQ), no violations were found at RE Smith Concessions.
36. In a temporary inspection on [July 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBlJREI%5FbO5Q6AZRRvo8lF2Ab64AQs-Q2zMU2XMz2BQ5Aw), no violations were found at S and J Sugar Shack.
37. In a routine inspection on [July 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCZTjx2wrMATJtMWJZHgJQOAa5kLunhF7NnE6To2ULMMpo), no violations were found at Snak Shak LLC.
38. In a temporary inspection on [July 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD54uzB4tAySJH8MvUlJPV8AZSjQCS124mSxp8I1OC238o), no violations were found at Super Twist Ice Cream.
39. In a routine inspection on [July 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBTJk%5F4LdtISKwJVgqww1StAdwgUhJQlTzpURtmOthYeaY), 1 core violation was found at Hampton Inn.
40. In a routine inspection on [July 20, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB8SiTTCcnMR4jWDf8oFDy0AQgD8gKfbtKZzPCLV43gvjk), 1 core violation was found at Outback Steakhouse 1516.
41. In a routine inspection on [July 16, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCBSmaHLc5QSKjQzIgxrPcPAUGBLjErOAsnVO3a9azvS%5FI), 1 core violation was found at The Office Lounge.
42. In a routine inspection on [July 14, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDMugqJed2cRp-mdDdgvrRIAa5OHhW5h5m3iIE%5FPJXxCYY), 1 core violation was found at 55 Southern Stone.
43. In a routine inspection on [July 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB0iJ-9oyEsT4a3cW0NILGgAQ1mXAXs1wvzTJbbRHJQWYw), 1 core violation was found at Greeks Pizzaria.
44. In a routine inspection on [July 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQA-idndPB67TbJkW4aVxCDLAdvy7-O8t-NZ%5FpJhgfhfYdg), 2 core violations were found at Crumble Coffee and Bakery Downtown; one was a repeat violation.
45. In a routine inspection on [July 23, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAOBsJvGNpwQYIoY0y4wk4OATwyEP%5FubIy6H0iReaqNKJo), 1 priority foundation violation and 2 core violations were found at El Ranchero I.
46. In a routine inspection on [July 22, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQALvuA-aW%5FzS4SAaLkq5u3zAaljEvCawpKRekjxdEgXeN0), 1 priority foundation violation was found at The Village Deli.
47. In a routine inspection on [July 20, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCWrIfhw54EQ4%5F4wK6cHtD6AVRgt1B%5Foc4Lq0tWyXX9DzE), 1 priority foundation violation and 1 core violation were found at Subway 25605.
48. In a routine inspection on [July 16, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCbD7FwHMEAR5XKkOF83iifARHrLaJPnzNSI-FnfdsLBak), 1 priority foundation violation and 1 core violation were found at Btown International Market.
49. In a routine inspection on [July 14, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBd97LQfQ6fQ7VyJozPQT6rAU8S2cBHw4%5FfLwlPqfTCYlE), 2 priority foundation violations and 2 core violations were found at Kbap Cafe; 3 were repeat violations.
50. In a routine inspection on [July 13, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBwEdw1cqF1Q73DC%5FwKRRHCAd4ksvBgq4qGILej4CQb0hs), 1 priority foundation violation and 1 core violation were found at Subway 13442.
51. In a routine inspection on [July 9, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDO1zD86wAZTJsqENcADA8kAVaWD25ZTWXUpMtchGFjlbY), 1 priority foundation violation and 1 core violation were found at Bloomington Bagel Company Dunn.
52. In a routine inspection on [July 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBreP7gBJkFTLkfESwrHpMWAXRUw1DIT8W2GlbMFOWwW%5FM), 1 priority foundation violation was found at 3 Amigos Restaurant; one was a repeat violation.
53. In a routine inspection on [July 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDqu5C5o9%5F8Sp54bPbFiVcfAVeDDen%5FJ2s5-83Klx86oRU), 1 priority foundation violation was found at Friendly and Fresh Food Express.
54. In a routine inspection on [July 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAmWNCdoNA5T5MbGOkgoO5ZAYb3wjXu%5FvsTckmlKK9UdgQ), 1 priority foundation violation and 1 core violation were found at Springhill Suites Bloomington; one was a repeat violation.
55. In a routine inspection on [July 30, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCu5vDqOZvoSKfG3mby-zavAdgrX%5FgyjTRwdNN%5FIhez0Fs), 1 priority violation was found at McDonalds 2020 East.
56. In a routine inspection on [July 29, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB06Yb8kprsS4DvD92agGFJAalCHU6sDRe8g4Tv7npv%5FM0), 1 priority violation, 4 priority foundation violations and 1 core violation were found at Subway 29232.
57. In a routine inspection on [July 23, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCwID5ko86dSY--JwfBx4bXAdOTcfUHM6Pd7YoH4wQiu7k), 1 priority violation, 1 priority foundation violation and 1 core violation were found at El Ranchero II.
58. In a routine inspection on [July 14, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDvVgIL8kB2Rr-CpDZ8iVI7AfMT3QcLonHvxV9l%5FSlyNiQ), 1 priority violation and 1 core violation were found at Cloverleaf South Restaurant.
59. In a routine inspection on [July 7, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCbDnnNqqZRQIlwFz2x7SzWAZnc1%5F-ZGN5cd9D2KwlSMd0), 2 priority violations and 1 core violation were found at El Ranchero III.
### Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-walnut-street-13/
Last updated: 2026-09-02T09:16:06.000Z
ICE agents are reportedly in Bloomington. A group of a dozen protesters do some laps around the courthouse square area. (Dave Askins, Sept. 1, 2026)
### Kirkwood Avenue & Washington Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-washington-street-7/
Last updated: 2026-09-01T20:51:40.000Z
Muralists paint a Dr Pepper “Fan Wall of Fame” on the side of the Alumni Hall building. The interactive work, by Indianapolis artist Nate Baranowski, will be unveiled Friday at 3 p.m. with former IU quarterback Trent Green. (Dave Askins, Sept. 1, 2026)
### Methodists OK step toward $8.8M deal for student housing at old post office lot
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/methodists-ok-step-toward-8-8m-deal-for-student-housing-at-old-post-office-lot/
Last updated: 2026-09-01T10:50:37.000Z
Both images are from the Eagleview module of Beacon, which is the platform used by Monroe County for its property and parcel information system. ****Left:** An image from 2011 which shows the old post office building still intact. ****Right:** An image from 2026 showing the familiar grassy field where Core Spaces now wants to build a 400-bed student housing complex.
[](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1D-NDZajniVnSkSqBOxi%5F9VfPdewI7Sk&usp=sharing)
Map by the B Square showing the Methodist South Lot in relation to College Square. [\[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1D-NDZajniVnSkSqBOxi%5F9VfPdewI7Sk&usp=sharing)\]
Bloomington’s First United Methodist Church is moving toward an $8.8-million sale of its downtown South Lot to Core Spaces for a student housing development of roughly 350 to 400 bedrooms.
The church’s governing board voted unanimously at an Aug. 17 open meeting to approve a letter of intent (LOI) with the Chicago-based developer, according to lead pastor Lisa Schubert Nowling. The LOI has now been signed by both parties, she wrote in response to emailed B Square questions. That sets the stage for the nuts and bolts of negotiations.
According to an [Aug. 13 message](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-13-Methodist-South-Lot-core-Spaces-A%5FWord%5Ffrom%5FPastor%5FLisa%5Fon%5Fthe%5FSouth%5FLot.html) from Nowling to the congregation, the LOI gives the church and Core Spaces 120 days to reach agreement on a purchase contract. If they don’t, she wrote, “we all walk away.”
The roughly 1.6-acre property fills the block just south of the church, bounded by 3rd and 4th streets and Lincoln and Washington streets. The church acquired the property in 1999 and demolished the former downtown post office there in 2013.
Under the Core Spaces proposal, the church would receive $8.8 million and get ownership of 100 parking spaces in a garage that would be incorporated into the new development, with a separate entrance for church users. The existing surface lot has 144 spaces.
At an [Aug. 9 church town hall](https://youtu.be/74KpryJTKH0?si=F3joJgfRrYtILSci), a Core Spaces representative said the project is expected to have about 350 to 400 bedrooms. The onsite units would be market-rate housing. Core Spaces says it expects to use Bloomington’s affordable-housing incentive described in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). That means making a “payment in lieu” to the city’s housing development fund instead of including income-restricted units in the project itself.
The zoning for the parcel in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is Mixed-Use Downtown University Village. The zoning district is “intended to serve as a dynamic and key transitional activity center that connects the courthouse square with Indiana University ...”
The MD-UV zoning generally allows a three-story, 40-foot building, with Bloomington’s affordable-housing incentives potentially increasing that to five stories and 64 feet. It’s smaller for projects that meet the technical definition of “student housing or dormitory” which includes tests like whether the project has more than 10 dwelling units and more than 33% of the units have three bedrooms.
That is, just because the building will be marketed to students, doesn’t mean it would be caught in the [technical definition](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT20UNDEOR%5FCH20.07DE%5F20.07.010DEWO) of student housing, which would make it [ineligible for affordability incentives](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT20UNDEOR%5FCH20.04DESTIN%5F20.04.110IN).
### Why the church wants to sell
The proposal is attractive to the church in large part because it combines a higher purchase price than previous offers, with a solution to a problem that had stymied earlier attempts to develop the land: parking.
Chris Cockerham, a commercial real estate broker, church member, and member of its South Lot Task Force, told the congregation that previous developers had been unable to come up with a project that kept enough parking.
Core’s offer was different, Cockerham said. In addition to the $8.8 million, the developer would construct a parking garage as a part of the development, and the church would have condominium ownership of 100 parking spaces in the garage. Cockerham estimated the value of the parking construction at another $3 million.
The church also sees the sale as a way to address a long-term financial challenge.
According to the [information sheet](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-09-FUMC-information-sheet-South-Lot-Development-2.pdf) distributed for the town hall, the average in-person attendance at worship services is 175 to 225\. But it maintains a building and staff structure designed for a larger congregation. Church leaders also point to an aging donor base and millions of dollars in deferred building maintenance. That includes roof repairs for $1 million and masonry work estimated at $880,000.
The church’s current plan is to invest the sale proceeds in its endowment. Church leaders estimate an $8.8-million investment could generate about $450,000 a year for building needs and church ministries.
In the Aug. 13 message to the congregation, Nowling described the motivation for sale in broad terms: “To ensure our congregation and ministries can thrive for generations to come, we must secure outside sources of income.”
The LOI is not itself a sales contract. The actual contract would require another formal approval under United Methodist denominational rules. Nowling told The B Square that due to the LOI, the church cannot currently consider an offer from another prospective purchaser.
### Development landscape
Core Spaces already has a substantial Bloomington footprint, even if it’s not in the central downtown area.
Its Hub Bloomington I project at 2038 N. Walnut St., on the former Great Wall restaurant site, was [approved in 2023](https://bsquarebulletin.com/8-story-student-apartment-building-on-north-walnut-okd-by-bloomington-plan-commission/) by the Bloomington plan commission with 172 apartments and 463 bedrooms.
Hub Bloomington II, which was a much larger Core project, was [approved in 2024](https://bsquarebulletin.com/1-143-bedroom-student-apartment-building-okd-in-bloomingtons-student-housing-zoning-district/) for property north of 17th Street between Lincoln and Washington streets. It includes 411 apartments and 1,143 bedrooms.
The Methodist South Lot is one of two whole city blocks in the downtown area that are currently the focus of development interest.
In April, Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) [put its College Square property at 4th Street and College Avenue on the market](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/) through a formal public offering with a minimum price of $7.59 million. Two development teams ultimately submitted [competing hotel-and-housing proposals](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-concord-pitch-rival-college-square-projects-bloomington-rdc-mulls-decision/). The RDC’s [public offering](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-College-Square-Offering-Sheet-Bloomington-RDC-redevelopment-commission.pdf ) explicitly excluded student housing from consideration.
For both proposals to the RDC, which the commission is still weighing, the proposed total price was $4 million. The $8.8 million offered by Core Spaces for the South Lot is a measure of how much more lucrative the market seems to be for student housing.
Nowling told The B Square that the church did not approach prospective buyers for the South Lot. It was Core Spaces that approached the church.
### Site briefly mentioned in the jail debate
Another specific possible use for the property, as the site of a new jail and justice center, was apparently never explored by either the church or Monroe County government officials.
But the idea did get a mention this spring, almost in passing, as Monroe County continued its years-long search for a solution to the failing facility of its jail.
Former Bloomington mayor John Hamilton included the “old post office site” on a list of possible downtown locations in a May [guest column](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-25-North-Park-John-Hamilton-Guest-Column-on-Proposed-Jail-2026-5.pdf) arguing against construction of a large new jail at North Park.
Hamilton did not lay out a proposal to construct a jail on the Methodist property. Instead, he argued for reducing the jail population through investments in services and reconsidering the assumption that the county needed a large, one-story jail complex.
As examples of possible downtown space, Hamilton wrote that the county could consider adding four stories above the county-owned Curry Building just west of the existing jail, “or the old post office site. Or the current county health building site. Or Showers West. Or plenty of other options for scattered site housing.”
No such conversation ever developed around the First Methodist property.
Nowling told The B Square that use of the South Lot for a jail or justice center was not discussed by the governing board, the South Lot Task Force or other church leadership. The church didn’t reach out to the Monroe County government to ask whether it might want to purchase the property.
Monroe County commissioner Jody Madeira responded to emailed B Square questions saying that she was not aware of any conversations between county officials and First Methodist about corrections-related use of the South Lot.
### Jail site question remains unresolved
Even if the Methodist South Lot had been a part of conversations, it likely would not have gotten much traction with county commissioners. Madeira responded to The B Square saying she does not support a multisite jail plan. The comparatively small South Lot would not accommodate the one-story jail that sheriff Ruben Marté supports, she said, or allow for eventual co-location of other justice functions.
Splitting detention operations among multiple sites, Madeira said, would increase operating and staffing costs, complicate classification of prisoners and delivery of medical and mental-health services, and introduce additional development risks.
“Right now, we don’t need a more complicated jail plan,” Madeira told The B Square. “We need a legally defensible, operationally coherent, buildable plan that can actually be completed.”
The county’s jail problem remains unresolved. In mid-July, a subcommittee of government officials recommended [expanding into the county-owned Curry and Fiscus properties](https://bsquarebulletin.com/renovation-plus-curry-plan-edges-out-thomson-site-for-jail-panels-recommendation/) with renovation of the current justice building. That was its top choice of sites. But the subcommittee’s work was subject to the condition that its recommended site had to be inside the Bloomington city limits. That recommendation has yet to be taken up by county commissioners or the county council.
The county is also again defending jail conditions in federal court. A long-running settlement stemming from a 2008 lawsuit ended this summer. On July 10, the ACLU of Indiana filed a new proposed class action against the county commissioners, county council and Marté, alleging that overcrowding and deteriorating conditions violate prisoners’ constitutional rights.
The commissioners and sheriff have acknowledged in court filings that the jail is inadequate and has reached the end of its useful life, while denying that conditions violate constitutional rights. The county council has likewise called the jail outdated and inadequate while denying the central constitutional allegations. The lawsuit is in its early states with a case management plan still in the works. \[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
---
In any case, for the Methodist South Lot the immediate path now points clearly towards a large student housing rather than any role in resolving the jail location question.
### Bloomington man released from jail after second arrest under Indiana’s new street-camping law
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-man-released-from-jail-after-second-arrest-under-indianas-new-street-camping-law/
Last updated: 2026-09-03T10:36:51.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
A man was ordered released from the Monroe County jail Monday (Aug. 31), a day after Bloomington police arrested him for the second time this month for violating Indiana’s new street-camping law.
The most recent arrest came at 11:55 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 30) on Westplex Avenue, in the vicinity of Wheeler Mission, according to the Monroe County jail’s daily book-in report. He was booked into the jail about 15 minutes later on a charge of street camping.
His first arrest on the same charge came Aug. 7, also on Westplex Avenue. That time, police arrested him in the 200 block of South Westplex. He was booked into the jail at 9:56 a.m. but released about a half-hour later, according to the jail's daily book-in report.
On Monday afternoon, he appeared from custody before Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Darcie Fawcett for initial hearings on both cases. The earlier case includes two counts of street camping. The new case includes one.
Street camping became a crime in Indiana on July 1 under a law enacted this year as Senate Enrolled Act 285\. The [new law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-1-31.5-1) prohibits camping, sleeping or using state or local government land for long-term shelter unless the land has been authorized for that purpose.
But the law does not require an arrest the first time a law enforcement officer encounters someone sleeping or camping on public property. Among other requirements, the officer has to first issue a warning and provide information about shelter or services. A criminal charge can result, if at least 48 hours have passed and the person is again found camping, sleeping or using public land for long-term shelter within 300 feet of where the warning was issued.
The crime is a Class C misdemeanor. Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/35#35-50-3-4), a Class C misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail and a possible fine of up to $500.
Monday’s exchange between the judge and the man charged with street camping was purely transactional and typical of much of the afternoon’s initial-hearing docket.
Fawcett confirmed that the man understood the charges and his rights, then worked through the questions used to determine whether he qualified for a court-appointed attorney: Was he working? Did he have money saved in the bank? Did he rent or own his home?
His answer to the last question was: “No, I’m homeless.” The jail book-in report gives 620 S. Walnut as his address, which is the location of the Shalom Community Center, which is Beacon’s day shelter. The community center offers mail service for people, which can help them get a job, healthcare benefits, government IDs, and stay in touch with family.
Fawcett appointed the public defender’s office to represent him and ordered him released, with telephonic notifications to remind him of court dates. His next hearing was set for Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. “You’ll be released later today,” Fawcett told him. “Be patient with the jail.”
The final instruction was a frequent admonition on Monday from Fawcett to those who were still prisoners, even though she’d just ordered their release. Of the 13 people who appeared Monday from the jail, nine were ordered released, based on The B Square’s count in the courtroom. An order of release does not necessarily mean someone walks immediately out of the courtroom into the outside world. First, it’s back to the jail, where paperwork has to be processed.
Initial hearings are purely procedural. At the outset, Fawcett told defendants that the purpose was to tell them what charges had been filed, make sure they understood the possible penalties and advise them of their rights. She cautioned them against using the hearing to explain their version of events, because what they said could later be used against them. She also told them to listen to the cases ahead of theirs, because they’d hear mostly the same questions.
The morning also included one proceeding conducted with the help of a Spanish-language interpreter reached by telephone. Fawcett waited while court staff connected to the interpreting service, then instructed the interpreter to translate her questions and only the defendant’s answers.
For the [man charged with street camping](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDMtMjYwOC1DTS0wMDE1NTQiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==), the result of the afternoon’s initial hearing was release from jail for now, with the requirement that he appear for a hearing on the merits of his case on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. That hearing will be in front of judge Christine Talley Haseman.
### Aug. 31, 2026: Bloomington’s butt logo; ICE-detainer fight; jail population; District 6 race; transit budget
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-31-2026-bloomingtons-butt-logo-ice-detainer-fight-jail-population-district-6-race-transit-budget/
Last updated: 2026-08-31T14:00:04.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week and probably a few more weeks. The news operation is stretching me ever thinner. Puzzles seemed like a good place to conserve time and effort.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Move slow, wear the coolest clothes you own, and don’t forget your sunglasses. It will be pure sun and hot with a high around 92F°.
**Tuesday:** The sunny hot wear from Monday will continue with a high around 96F°. Would that be a record for Bloomington? No, according to the [archive of measurements](https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/#) at the IU weather station, the highest temperature for the period of record on Sept. 1 was 100F° in 1953.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Stop scrolling!
Right now, only *one in five* Almost Daily Bulletin subscribers [makes a recurring financial contribution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account). If you’re one of them: Thank you! You are the reason The B Square can do any of this work.
If you read The B Square, rely on its reporting, find it useful in any way, or just think Bloomington and Monroe County are better off with a local press that pays close attention, please consider [signing up for a monthly contribution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account) right now.
### Recent articles
- [Editor’s note: Proposed new Bloomington logo looks like a butt](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-note-proposed-new-bloomington-logo-looks-like-a-butt/). Bloomington paid $95,000 for a new visual identity that is polished but generic—and whose giant “B” looks unmistakably like a butt. The city council should use its power of the purse to stop the administration from spending even more to put it everywhere.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-76/). Which elected officials does Fish talk to when he wants to get something done? The answer might surprise you!
- [Monroe County property transfers through Aug. 26, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-aug-26-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 7 to Aug. 26, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population hits nearly 7-week low, rolling 10-day average below 229](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-hits-nearly-7-week-low-rolling-10-day-average-below-229/). Monroe County’s jail population hit a nearly 7-week low of 216 on Friday before rising to 235 Saturday. The latest 10-day average, 225, is below the ACLU’s 229-person functional-capacity estimate, but above the county’s 186-person figure.
- [Partial settlement of Rokita-Marté immigration fight, but main ICE-detainer dispute remains](https://bsquarebulletin.com/partial-settlement-of-rokita-marte-immigration-fight-but-main-ice-detainer-dispute-remains/). A consent decree narrows Indiana AG Todd Rokita’s two-year legal fight with Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté, but leaves the central ICE-detainer dispute unresolved. A hearing on competing summary-judgment motions is set for Oct. 27.
- [Stockton launches bid for District 6 Bloomington city council seat](https://bsquarebulletin.com/stockton-launches-bid-for-district-6-bloomington-city-council-seat/). Joshua Stockton has announced a run for Bloomington City Council District 6, the seat Sydney Zulich is leaving to run for mayor. His campaign stresses housing affordability, infrastructure and keeping more city contracts and economic activity local. He's seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination.
- [Monroe County commissioner: Councilor Henry’s ‘body armor’ reference was a violent threat](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioner-councilor-henrys-body-armor-reference-was-a-violent-threat/). Monroe County commissioner Julie Thomas called councilor David Henry’s “body armor” remark a threat of violence and faulted the rest of the council for staying silent. Henry said he remains focused on justice building conditions as the dispute heads into September budget hearings.
- [Bloomington Transit looks to $37.6M budget vote amid pending management shakeup](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-looks-to-37-6m-budget-vote-amid-pending-management-shakeup/). Bloomington Transit’s proposed $37.6 million 2027 budget is almost twice the size of this year’s, driven largely by a $20 million first phase of a new operations complex. The budget approval by the city council comes amid a management change as well as a potential new board appointment.
### Other notes
**Update on county commissioner Jones.** In October 2025, Monroe County commissioner Lee Jones [talked about her leukemia diagnosis](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioner-will-continue-to-serve-during-cancer-treatment/) and her intention to continue to serve through her treatment. Responding to an emailed question from The B Square last week about her recent absences from meetings, and whether she was planning to attend the Aug. 27 meeting, county commissioner Lee Jones wrote:
> I’m sorry I didn't get back to you earlier. I have been having some problems with my County computer. It had been my intention to attend that \[Aug. 27\] meeting on Teams, but I got sick with a virus the day before and didn’t feel confident that I had the stamina for it. I do hope to be able to be at the next meeting. ...
> I have spent most of the past 4 months in the hospital receiving a bone marrow transplant due to acute myeloid leukemia.
**C’mon B Square readers, shape the future of your library!** From the public library: “We’re creating a new strategic plan for the Monroe County Public Library, and we want to hear from you! [Take our short survey and share your experiences and ideas](https://mcpl.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df878337c54fade8a56f211b3&id=3d993d89a5&e=c70de7b347). Your feedback will help us better serve you, your household, and our community.”
### On the calendar
**First round of Monroe County county council budget presentations.** Set for [5 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 2)](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-02-2027-Budget-Session-1-Agenda-Packet.pdf) is the first round of departmental budget presentations in front of the county council. Up for the first night are: public defender, coroner’s office, surveyor’s office, parks department, recorder’s office, and prosecutor’s office
**Bloomington city police and fire collective bargaining.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 2) Bloomington city council meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17380/download) are resolutions approving the new collective bargaining agreements for the police and fire unions. This is the regular bargaining cycle: the existing police and fire contracts are expiring, and the city has negotiated successor agreements: Four years for police (2027–30) and two years for firefighters (2027–28).
Both agreements provide 3% annual salary increases. The police deal also increases longevity and specialty pay and is estimated to require an additional $5.95 million investment over four years, while the fire deal adds several benefit and pay enhancements and will require an additional $2.8 million over two years.
**Liquor licenses.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 2) Bloomington city council meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17380/download) is an ordinance that would establish Bloomington’s local review process for special on-premises alcohol permits that are available outside the normal state quota system. The ordinance would require applicants in eligible districts to meet city guidelines and sign a formal written commitment as a condition of receiving the city council’s recommendation. The geographic areas in question include the Courthouse Square historic district and the downtown redevelopment district.
**Removal of HPC member.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 2) Bloomington city council meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17380/download) is the potential removal of Reynard Cross as a non-voting member of the city’s historic preservation commission (HPC). Cross is not named in the agenda item, and there does not seem to be any related documentation in the council’s 655-page meeting information packet. It is not common for a city council agenda item to have no supporting documentation in the meeting information packet.
The background includes Cross’s pursuit of procedural issues in connection with a vote the HPC took in late June, which [released the Seminary Pointe buildings](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/) for demolition. A city council-appointed member of the HPC (non-voting), Cross has raised the procedural points at subsequent meetings. Interim city council attorney Larry Allen sent Cross a [letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-21-notification-to-reynard-cross-about-removal-from-HPC-for-cause-20260821-Notice-Letter-of-Hearing-for-HPC-Removal-Cross.pdf) notifying him of the council’s potential action at its Sept. 2 meeting. And Cross has responded with a [90-paragraph rebuttal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-25-reynard-cross-HPC-historic-preservation-commission-removal-for-cause-7%5FResponse-to-Notice-of-Removal-Hearing.pdf) of the claims in Allen’s letter.
While local law says that a commissioner can be removed for cause, and the city council has enacted a code of conduct, it’s not clear what, if any, due process was followed to put the question in front of the council. For example, who had standing to make a complaint and what criteria were applied to determine if the complaint had enough merit to be put in front of the council? The B Square made a records request last week for any written documentation of such a process. The city has not responded to the request except to acknowledge its receipt.
---
**Big Book Sale: Sept 18-21\.** The Friends of the Library will be hosting their Big Fall Book Sale in Meeting Room 1B/C at the Downtown Library with thousands of items at bargain prices. The 2026 Big Fall Book Sale will be open to the public Sept. 18–21 with a special early-bird sale for Friends members on Sept. 17\. For hours on specific days, check the [book sale webpage](http://mcpl.info/bigsale).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
### Meet Allen!
Up for adoption, as of Aug. 29 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is Allen. Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is a shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about Allen:
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
### Photo Finish: Bryan Park
Kidical Mass is achieved! A short, family-friendly bike ride with games, helmet decorating, bike-blended smoothies and other activities to celebrate the start of the school year. Watching over the activity is a giant traffic cone. (Anne Crecelius, Aug. 27, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. Enjoy the last day of August. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Editor’s Notebook: Proposed new Bloomington logo looks like a butt
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-note-proposed-new-bloomington-logo-looks-like-a-butt/
Last updated: 2026-10-03T22:50:17.000Z
The "B" is the proposed new logo for the city of Bloomington developed by CivicBrand under a $95,000 contract, which the city paid in full before the end of 2025 The fart cloud was added by The B Square. Between the final payment last year and Aug. 28, 2026, the city denied two records requests for the material delivered by Civic Brand, claiming it did had not yet been delivered.
There are some features of Bloomington’s [proposed new visual identity](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-02-Civic-Brand-package-Bloomington-logo.pdf) that suggest it was probably not developed by rank amateurs.
The color palette that CivicBrand has developed is attractive. The heavy sans-serif typography is contemporary but not fussy. The giant geometric “B” is simple enough to work on a website, a truck, a T-shirt or a sign. It can be reproduced in one color. It will survive shrinking to the size of an app icon.
Those are real virtues. And the consultants have built a coherent visual system around it.
But I don’t think we paid $95,000 for a competent graphic design. We paid for a distinctive brand.
That difference matters.
A good city logo does not have to contain the courthouse dome, a limestone block, a bicycle, a tree or any other literal Bloomington symbol. In fact, trying to incorporate any of those iconic references would almost certainly be a mistake. But if the design is going to be abstract, the abstraction still needs enough personality to become unmistakably ours.
This one dramatically fails that test.
The B is handsome, but completely interchangeable. By itself, it could theoretically belong to a bank, a bus company, a technology startup, or myriad other types of organizations with names that begin with B. The existing marks for an [app](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Boolo-2026-08-29-at-8%5F13%5F06-PM.png), a [law firm](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/brillant-Screenshot-2026-08-29-at-8%5F13%5F50-PM.png) and a [boat-listing website](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/boatseekr-Screenshot-2026-08-29-at-8%5F14%5F58-PM.png) are remarkably similar to the design that CivicBrand is recommending for Bloomington.
The proposed logo’s lines are clean, but the negative space created by the two big, curved pillows doesn’t do any work in service of a brand.
Sure, it looks professionally designed. But it does not look much like Bloomington.
That is a problem when the branding document itself talks about preserving the “talent, energy, and identity that make \[Bloomington\] special.” The strategy promises distinctiveness. The symbol delivers only generic competence. But there is another problem.
It looks like a butt.
Once seen, you can’t unsee it. The two enormous rounded lobes, pinched together at the center, do not just allow that interpretation. They practically invite it. Add a little puff of air at the point where the two cheeks meet and the logo is transformed into an illustration of Kurt Vonnegut’s famous line: “We are here on Earth to fart around.”
Rotate the logo 90 degrees clockwise, and it cannot be denied: It’s the image of someone using the common technique of lifting one butt cheek to quietly release a fart.
At some point, any proposed new logo should be shown to a focus group of some teenagers. Or elderly men like me who can reflexively adopt the mindset of a teenager. And if this one had been properly vetted, the butt cheeks would have been spotted as a problem to be solved with further refinement.
What makes this hard to laugh off is the way the city has handled the work itself. The city has twice refused to release the completed branding materials in response to formal public-records requests this year, even after the $95,000 contract was paid in full in November 2025.
So the public was in the odd position of having paid for the branding work, but was not allowed to look at it through the ordinary public-records process.
Bloomington councilmembers should keep that in mind when the administration presents the logo at the council’s regular meeting next [Wednesday (Sept. 2)](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17381/download).
The $95,000 is gone. That is not an argument for spending more. New signs, vehicle graphics, uniforms, printed materials, and myriad other applications could turn a dumb design into an unnecessary expense.
The council does not need to declare the logo is ugly. I don’t think it is ugly.
Councilmembers should ask a simpler question: Is this mark distinctive enough, durable enough, and unmistakably Bloomington enough to justify paying to put it everywhere?
I don’t think it is.
The council has the power of the purse. It could prevent the rollout of the branding package by prohibiting any spending to support it.
Mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration already made taxpayers fund a literally half-assed branding package. The city council should refuse to put another half on the public dollar.
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-76/
Last updated: 2026-08-30T10:09:50.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #77 (Aug. 30, 2026)**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through Aug. 26, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-aug-26-2026/
Last updated: 2026-08-30T10:07:11.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from Aug. 7 to Aug. 26, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1OOsoLXROJokqE3I8Sa2eDUqqX1i-nRA&usp=sharing ).\]
- On August 26, 2026, the property at 3905 S Baytree LN was sold to JASON T JACKSON by THE HAROLD AND JOY PERRY IRREVOCABLE HOME TRUST for $320,000.
- On August 26, 2026, the property at 1441 W Rockcrest DR was sold to JOSHUA MICHAEL KRAMME by CPW PROPERTIES, LLC for $260,000.
- On August 26, 2026, the property at 810 N Walnut ST was sold to ANDREW D RAHN by NORTH COLLEGE PARTNERS, LLC for $210,000.
- On August 25, 2026, the property at 866 E Meadowlands DR was sold to NATHAN JENKINS by Cassady, Jason for $345,000.
- On August 25, 2026, the property at 9701 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to DANIEL HUBBARD by RICHARD RUEHL for $233,500.
- On August 25, 2026, the property at 9701 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to DANIEL HUBBARD by RICHARD RUEHL for $233,500.
- On August 25, 2026, the property at 117 W Hoosier ST was sold to PATRICE TANKAM by RYAN DAILY for $152,000.
- On August 24, 2026, the property at 305 N Dunn ST was sold to DUNN MEADOW SOUTH LLC by ELSIE MARIE WEBB REVOCABLE TRUST for $1,120,760.
- On August 24, 2026, the property at 1101 N College AVE was sold to 1101 NORTH COLLEGE LLC by Webb, Elsie Marie Revocable Trust for $750,000.
- On August 24, 2026, the property at 5219 W Pimlico CT was sold to EDWARD K SANCHEZ AND JENNIFER M SANCHEZ TRUST by ARNOLD NEMCEK for $660,000.
- On August 24, 2026, the property at N Dunn ST was sold to DUNN MEADOW NORTH LLC by Webb, Elsie Marie Revocable Trust for $454,240.
- On August 24, 2026, the property at 2205 S Laurelwood DR was sold to RILEY A LIECHTY by SHELLIE M FRANKLIN for $310,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 217 W 6th ST was sold to RAMBLER BLOOMINGTON PROPCO LLC by HHI YELLOW CAB LLC for $6,200,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 4504 N Triple Crown DR was sold to TIM M LANG by Lynch, Andrew S for $800,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 8616 S Gore RD was sold to MELANIE ARTHUR by Grubb, Daniel II for $535,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 3685 S Sowder SQ was sold to DEBAYAN MITRA by KIM J DROESSLER for $441,500.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 3851 S Mill Stone CT was sold to RACHEL PALMER by LOREN L HENRY for $423,500.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 6913 E Windfree LN was sold to ANGEL BEARD by Buckley, Keith for $349,900.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 3068 N Natasha DR was sold to ASHTYNN E POWELL by EDNA M DENEWETT for $299,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 4850 S Stansifer LN was sold to CAMERON PATTERSON by Richardson, Jeffery S for $259,900.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 154 N Park Ridge RD was sold to NATALIE LUNTS by LESLEY SPATTA for $230,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 2724 N Smith PIKE was sold to AMY LONG by ROBERT MAX GLAZE for $220,000.
- On August 21, 2026, the property at 4050 N Crider DR was sold to MAX LITWIN by ESTATE OF MARY JO VANDEVENTER for $170,000.
- On August 20, 2026, the property at 9425 S Pointe Lasalles DR was sold to GARY E SANDERS by Mehrle, Arthur J III for $285,000.
- On August 19, 2026, the property at 929 S Eagleson AVE was sold to JEREMY T ZELCHNER by Mooney, Sian for $1,329,000.
- On August 18, 2026, the property at N Smith RD was sold to WILLIAM CLYDE ALSTROM by AHMED ZESHAWN for $3,000.
- On August 18, 2026, the property at 8107 S Whitherbee DR was sold to LISA P HEIN by Hein, Scott D for $0.
- On August 17, 2026, the property at 1977 S Bernard DR was sold to VIZQUEL D RINCON GARCIA by Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County Inc for $229,900.
- On August 11, 2026, the property at 3150 E Will Sowders RD was sold to CAROLYN J KILDEGAARD by NIS KILDEGAARD for $0.
- On August 7, 2026, the property at 9183 S Greenridge LN was sold to JILL A BORUFF by Roe, David Joseph for $415,000.
### Courthouse square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-19/
Last updated: 2026-08-29T21:44:17.000Z
Bar crawl tonight. Walking down the sidewalk is like navigating a literal mime field. (Dave Askins, Aug. 29, 2026)
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population hits nearly 7-week low, rolling 10-day average below 229
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-hits-nearly-7-week-low-rolling-10-day-average-below-229/
Last updated: 2026-08-29T21:08:20.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s jail population stood at 235 on Saturday (Aug. 29), after hitting an almost 7-week low the day before, at 216.
The B Square has tracked the numbers starting on July 21, when the jail held 247 people. By Aug. 29, the population had fallen by 12, to 235\.
The 10-day rolling average 10 days into that span was about 254\. The most recent rolling 10-day average, on Saturday (Aug. 29) was about 225, which is about 11.5% lower.
The difference between those two snapshots at the start and the end of the period does not capture the turnover in the jail during that period. Of the 247 people who were there on July 21, 146 of them were still there on Aug. 29\. That means 101, or about 41% of the people who were in jail at the start of the period, had left by the end.
At the same time, 89 people who arrived after July 21 were still incarcerated on Aug. 29\. The 146 people who were present at both endpoints, together with those 89 later arrivals, account for the Aug. 29 population of 235.
That comparison still does not capture people who arrived after July 21 and then left again before Aug. 29\. A total of 356 people departed the jail during that span. Among those who departed during that period, the median length of stay was 2 days.
Over the full 40-day period, the average daily population was about 241\. The highest count was 264 on July 31\. The lowest was 216 on Friday (Aug. 28).
The most recent 10-day rolling average of 225 is below the function capacity calculated by the ACLU in the [federal lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf) that it filed in July on behalf of jail inmates. In the complaint, the ACLU says the jail’s functional capacity is slightly more than 229 people, based on 80% of what the complaint describes as its available beds.
Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté has given a lower figure. His July [overcrowding report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf ) started with 294 reported beds, subtracted housing that he said cannot be treated as general-population space, leaving 233 available general-housing beds. Applying the same 80% principle yields a functional capacity of 186\.
The answer to the ACLU’s complaint, [filed by commissioners and the sheriff](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-05-1-26-cv-01460-commissioners-answer-to-complaint-073111950623.pdf) with the court on Aug. 5, gives the same figure of 186 as the jail’s functional capacity.
The county council, which is also named as a defendant in the ACLU’s lawsuit, [filed its answer to the complaint](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-21-1-26-cv-01460-county-council-answer-to-complaint-073111980869.pdf) a week ago on Friday (Aug. 21).
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Partial settlement of Rokita-Marté immigration fight, but main ICE-detainer dispute remains
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/partial-settlement-of-rokita-marte-immigration-fight-but-main-ice-detainer-dispute-remains/
Last updated: 2026-08-29T12:52:14.000Z
****Left:** Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita from the [AG's website](https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/images/ag-rokita.jpg). ****Right:** Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté. (B Square file photo)
Some of a two-year legal fight between Indiana attorney general Todd Rokita and Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté is headed toward settlement.
But the issue at the heart of the dispute remains unresolved: Whether the sheriff can refuse to keep someone in jail past the time they otherwise would be released, based solely on an ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detainer request that is not backed by a criminal judicial warrant.
That remaining question is now still the focus of litigation in both local and federal courts. In the Monroe County [circuit court case](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiIDUzQzA2LTI0MDctUEwtMDAxNzMzIiwiQ2l0ZU51bSI6bnVsbCwiQ3Jvc3NSZWZOdW0iOm51bGwsIkZpcnN0IjpudWxsLCJNaWRkbGUiOm51bGwsIkxhc3QiOm51bGwsIkJ1c2luZXNzIjpudWxsLCJEb0JTdGFydCI6bnVsbCwiRG9CRW5kIjpudWxsLCJPQU51bSI6bnVsbCwiQmFyTnVtIjpudWxsLCJTb3VuZEV4IjpmYWxzZSwiQ291cnRJdGVtSUQiOjkyLCJDYXRlZ29yaWVzIjpudWxsLCJMaW1pdHMiOm51bGwsIkFkdmFuY2VkIjp0cnVlLCJBY3RpdmVGbGFnIjoiQWxsIiwiRmlsZVN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJGaWxlRW5kIjpudWxsLCJDb3VudHlDb2RlIjpudWxsfX0=), a hearing on competing motions for summary judgment is now set for Oct. 27.
The latest narrowing of the dispute came from a [consent decree](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-26-53C06-2407-PL-001733-marte-rokita-ICE-holds-Consent-Decree.pdf ) signed by Rokita and Marté and filed on Aug. 26 and approved by Monroe County circuit court special judge Luke Rudisill the following day. The decree would settle Rokita’s challenges to several parts of the sheriff’s immigration policy, known as MCSO-012.
But the decree explicitly says it does not resolve the dispute over immigration detainer requests. It does not require Marté to change his policy of refusing to honor those requests when they are not made together with the kind of warrant his policy requires.
An ICE detainer is a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement asking a jail to continue holding someone so that federal immigration authorities can take custody. Such requests generally ask for someone to be held for as long as 48 hours after the person otherwise would have been released.
Marté’s position is that once the criminal-law basis for holding someone has ended, keeping the person locked up solely on an administrative immigration detainer amounts to a new seizure under the Fourth Amendment.
So Marté’s policy says his office will not extend someone’s detention solely on a non-criminal or administrative immigration detainer that is not accompanied by a criminal judicial warrant.
The [initial local lawsuit](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiIDUzQzA2LTI0MDctUEwtMDAxNzMzIiwiQ2l0ZU51bSI6bnVsbCwiQ3Jvc3NSZWZOdW0iOm51bGwsIkZpcnN0IjpudWxsLCJNaWRkbGUiOm51bGwsIkxhc3QiOm51bGwsIkJ1c2luZXNzIjpudWxsLCJEb0JTdGFydCI6bnVsbCwiRG9CRW5kIjpudWxsLCJPQU51bSI6bnVsbCwiQmFyTnVtIjpudWxsLCJTb3VuZEV4IjpmYWxzZSwiQ291cnRJdGVtSUQiOjkyLCJDYXRlZ29yaWVzIjpudWxsLCJMaW1pdHMiOm51bGwsIkFkdmFuY2VkIjp0cnVlLCJBY3RpdmVGbGFnIjoiQWxsIiwiRmlsZVN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJGaWxlRW5kIjpudWxsLCJDb3VudHlDb2RlIjpudWxsfX0= ) was filed by Rokita against Marté two years go, in July 2024\. But this year Indiana lawmakers sharpened up state law with Senate Enrolled Act 76\. Among other provisions, the law says a governmental body holding someone named in an immigration detainer request has to “comply with all requests made in the immigration detainer request.” The law also gave Rokita authority to seek civil penalties of up to $10,000 for knowing or intentional violations.
On June 30, Rudisill [gave Marté temporary protection](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-sheriff-wins-narrow-injunction-against-indiana-ice-detainer-law/) from that provision. The judge barred the state from imposing penalties on Marté under the new detainer-compliance mandate while the case proceeds. The ruling was narrow. It applies only to Marté and the Monroe County sheriff’s office, and it was not a final declaration that the statute is unconstitutional.
But Rudisill found that Marté had shown a reasonable likelihood of succeeding on his Fourth Amendment argument. Among the considerations cited by the judge was that an ICE officer, rather than a neutral judge, makes the probable-cause determination behind an immigration detainer, and that the determination concerns removability under civil immigration law rather than probable cause that the person has committed a crime.
Rokita [appealed that preliminary injunction](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiMjZBLVBMLTAxNzM3IiwiQ2l0ZU51bSI6bnVsbCwiQ3Jvc3NSZWZOdW0iOm51bGwsIkZpcnN0IjpudWxsLCJNaWRkbGUiOm51bGwsIkxhc3QiOm51bGwsIkJ1c2luZXNzIjpudWxsLCJEb0JTdGFydCI6bnVsbCwiRG9CRW5kIjpudWxsLCJPQU51bSI6bnVsbCwiQmFyTnVtIjpudWxsLCJTb3VuZEV4IjpmYWxzZSwiQ291cnRJdGVtSUQiOjkyLCJDYXRlZ29yaWVzIjpbIkNWIl0sIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJPcGVuIiwiRmlsZVN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJGaWxlRW5kIjpudWxsLCJDb3VudHlDb2RlIjpudWxsfX0=) to the Indiana Court of Appeals. It is what’s known as an interlocutory appeal, which is one filed about a ruling in a case while it is in progress, before a final ruling is issued. On Friday (Aug. 28) a [ruling](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-28-26A-PL-1737-Rokita-Marte-interlocutory-appeal-order-denying-motion-to-stay.pdf) was made on the interlocutory appeal, denying Rokita’s appeal of the preliminary injunction.
After the interlocutory appeal was filed, Marté asked Rudisill to put the remaining circuit court dispute on hold until the appeals court had ruled. Rudisill [rejected that request](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-26-53C06-2407-PL-001733-marte-rokita-ICE-holds-Order-Denying.pdf). In his order, the judge said the underlying issues already had been extensively briefed and were ready for a decision on the merits. He also reasoned that the appeals court might decide the preliminary-injunction appeal on grounds that would shed little light on the ultimate constitutional question.
At that point, Rudisill had set for Sept. 18 the oral arguments on the cross-motions by the parties for summary judgment. But then came a mundane scheduling issue.
On Aug. 21, Marté’s attorneys asked Rudisill either to skip the oral argument and decide the motions based on the written submissions, or move the hearing until sometime after Oct. 12\. That [request](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-21-53C06-2407-PL-001733-marte-rokita-ICE-holds-Motion-to-Submit-on-papers-or-orgal-argumentpdf.pdf) was based on the availability of Marté’s attorneys.
Rokita’s office did not oppose postponing the hearing, but did oppose deciding the case without oral argument. So the hearing is now set for Oct. 27.
### What the consent decree settles
While the detainer question continues, the Aug. 26 consent decree would resolve the rest of Rokita’s challenge to MCSO-012.
Earlier versions of the sheriff’s policy restricted deputies from checking immigration status except when required in carrying out their duties. The policy also said the sheriff would not enter a 287(g) immigration-enforcement agreement with the federal government, and contained other limits that Rokita contended violated state law. A 287(g) agreement deputizes trained local officers to carry out some immigration-enforcement duties for ICE.
After SEA 76 was enacted, Marté revised his policy. The version effective July 1 now says deputies may communicate and cooperate with federal immigration officials, exchange information, check immigration status and otherwise assist federal immigration enforcement when state and federal law allow it. Under the policy, the sheriff’s assistance generally remains a matter of the individual officer’s discretion rather than a requirement.
Under the consent decree, the sheriff could not return to a policy that prohibits or restricts deputies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. It also could not adopt a blanket prohibition against entering a 287(g) agreement with ICE, even if Marté could still decide not to enter such an agreement in some specific situation.
The settlement would last more than a decade. For 12 years, the sheriff’s office would have to give the attorney general advance notice of substantive changes to MCSO-012 and notify the AG office about complaints from sheriff’s employees alleging violations of the policy or the state-law provisions addressed by the decree. The sheriff also would have to post a notice for employees explaining their ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The decree says Marté and the sheriff’s office admit no liability.
### Federal court case
Running alongside Rokita’s state lawsuit is a federal case in which the positions are reversed: Marté is the plaintiff and Rokita is the defendant.
Marté filed that case in April, asking the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana to find that SEA 76’s detainer requirements violate the Fourth Amendment and to block their enforcement.
On June 18, U.S. District Court judge James Patrick Hanlon [denied Marté’s request](https://bsquarebulletin.com/federal-court-declines-to-block-indiana-ice-detainer-law-before-july-1-effective-date/) for a preliminary injunction. But Hanlon did not decide whether holding someone on an ICE detainer violates the Fourth Amendment. Instead, he concluded that the federal court appeared to lack jurisdiction under the “political subdivision doctrine.” That’s the principle that generally prevents a local arm of state government from invoking the U.S. Constitution in a lawsuit against its own state.
That federal lawsuit itself has not yet been dismissed. Rokita’s May 26 [motion asking Hanlon to dismiss it](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-26-1-26-cv-701-Rokita-motion-to-dismiss-for.pdf) is still pending. Rokita argues, among other things, that the political-subdivision doctrine bars Marté’s suit, that Marté lacks standing, that the federal court should defer to the older state-court proceeding, and that honoring an ICE detainer does not necessarily violate the Fourth Amendment.
So the rulings from the two different courts issued in June point favor different sides in the dispute, but don’t contradict each other. The federal judge said Marté probably cannot use federal court to litigate his dispute against the state. The local judge, meanwhile, concluded that Marté had made a strong enough Fourth Amendment showing to receive temporary protection from state penalties while the merits are decided.
### Bloomington vigil focuses on ICE detention
The latest court activity came in the same week when immigration detention drew protests locally and across the state.
Just after sunset Friday (Aug. 28) more than 70 people gathered on the Monroe County courthouse lawn for a candlelight vigil calling for an end to ICE detention at the state-run Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, north of Kokomo.
The gathering was part of a statewide weekend of events [coordinated by the Indiana Organizing Project](https://indianaorganizing.org/projects/end-ice-miami/). Organizers had initially hoped for at least 50 events around Indiana. More than 60 demonstrations, marches, and vigils reportedly took place.
At the Bloomington event, participants sang, prayed and listened to readings and reflections about immigration detention. Near the end of the roughly hour-long gathering, attendees read aloud names of people detained at Miami Correctional Facility.
It was in 2025 when the Indiana Department of Correction [entered an agreement with the federal government](https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2026/05/12/feds-owe-indiana-millions-for-immigration-detention-at-state-prison/) to make as many as 1,000 beds at Miami Correctional Facility available for ICE detainees. IDOC’s annual report says the federal government reimburses the state $291 per detainee per day and that about 550 immigration detainees were housed there at the end of 2025, with the state expecting the ICE portion of the facility eventually to reach its 1,000-bed capacity.
The ACLU of Indiana reported that two ICE detainees have died at Miami Correctional Facility this year and has cited reports of medical neglect.
---
The campaign against use of the Miami Correctional Facility for ICE detention and the Marté-Rokita litigation involve different stages of immigration-enforcement. Friday’s vigil was about people already in federal immigration custody. The lawsuit involving Marté concerns the earlier question of when a county jail can or must keep someone in custody long enough for ICE to take over.
For the Monroe County lawsuit, that narrower question is the one that remains even after the proposed consent decree: Once Monroe County otherwise has no legal basis to keep someone jailed, can the state of Indiana require the sheriff to continue holding that person just because ICE has asked him to?
### Stockton launches bid for District 6 Bloomington city council seat
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/stockton-launches-bid-for-district-6-bloomington-city-council-seat/
Last updated: 2026-08-28T13:13:40.000Z
****Left:** Map of District 6 by The B Square \[[dynamic version of map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1xH-MPT7zMqompFLTvzb2OFPXx0-Q-u4&usp=sharing )\] ****Right:** Photo provided by Joshua Stockton.
Joshua Stockton has [announced](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-28-District-6-Bloomington-city-council-Joshua-Stockton-Letter-of-Announcement.pdf) a run for Bloomington city council District 6\. The district is in central Bloomington, with the Indiana University campus and nearby student housing making up most of it.
The seat will be open in 2027, because Sydney Zulich, the incumbent councilmember representing that district, is [running for mayor](https://bsquarebulletin.com/zulich-announces-for-2027-bloomington-mayors-race-putting-district-6-council-seat-in-play/).
Stockton’s announcement identifies housing affordability, road and water infrastructure, and the local economy as the main issues for his campaign.
An Indiana native who says he has lived in Bloomington for six years, Stockton has a bachelor’s degree in public affairs earned in 2024 from Indiana University and is now pursuing a master’s degree in public affairs with a concentration in local government management. He also has a Purdue University certification in watershed management. His announcement also says he is pursuing an accounting certification.
Stockton’s city government experience includes work beginning in 2025 as a water treatment operator. More recently, he completed an internship with Bloomington’s engineering department, where his announcement says his work focused on street-lighting infrastructure. According to Stockton, that work revealed “minimal planning and no comprehensive inventory of our street lighting assets.”
On transportation infrastructure, Stockton’s announcement calls for continued work on crosswalks, potholes, street lighting and pavement, with an emphasis on safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
On housing, Stockton calls for changes to local regulations that would allow smaller and less expensive housing, while preserving existing affordable housing. He also calls for zoning changes intended to make construction cheaper and faster.
Some of the wording in Stockton’s announcement echoes themes in Sydney Zulich’s mayoral campaign launch just six days earlier. Zulich is also a recent IU grad.
Zulich’s announcement said she is running “to create lasting affordability, invest in the city and keep Bloomington local.” It also quoted her saying: “We’re in a spiral of corporatizing our city and hiring out-of-town consultants to solve our problems.”
Stockton’s announcement uses similar language: “A strong local economy requires remaining local.” He continues: “This means working with local partners to complete projects and consulting inquiries. It means promoting local businesses, not outside entities.”
Stockton’s announcement does not state a political party affiliation, but he confirmed to The B Square that he will be seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party.
No candidate can formally file a declaration for a 2027 Bloomington city office until Jan. 6.
The District 6 seat has not had a contested primary since 2011\. The historical turnout in the area covered by District 6, which has a high percentage of college students, is notoriously low.
In the general election for secretary of state in 2022, just 475 votes were cast for that office by District 6 voters. Here’s how that stacked up against other city council districts that year:
### Votes cast for SOS in 2022 general election by Bloomington city council district
District
2022 SOS votes
District 1
3,053
District 2
2,792
District 3
2,367
District 4
3,697
District 5
5,214
District 6
475
### Monroe County commissioner: Councilor Henry’s ‘body armor’ reference was a violent threat
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioner-councilor-henrys-body-armor-reference-was-a-violent-threat/
Last updated: 2026-08-28T08:30:53.000Z
File photos from the B Square’s 2024 Democratic Party primary coverage, from left: David Henry (then county council candidate) and Julie Thomas (then incumbent commissioner candidate).
A statement from Monroe County commissioner Julie Thomas on Thursday (Aug. 27) added energy to a dispute with county councilor David Henry. Thomas called Henry’s [earlier suggestion](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-councilor-warns-commissioners-after-iosha-visits-justice-building-over-sewage-complaints/) to “bring your body armor to budget season” a threat of violence. She also criticized the rest of the county council for not objecting to it.
At Thursday morning’s regular meeting, Thomas described Henry’s statement as a “despicable, cowardly utterance.”
Henry’s remarks were delivered at the [Aug. 11 county council meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-councilor-warns-commissioners-after-iosha-visits-justice-building-over-sewage-complaints/) after another incident that underscored the dilapidated condition of the justice bulding. He said: “If you \[meaning the county commissioners\] have a direct responsibility over that facility and it is not still cleaned up as of nearly two weeks later, I hope you bring your body armor to budget season, because I have a lot of questions to ask as to why people in that building are still working in conditions that are unsanitary—if it is true that that’s the case.”
Two days later, Thomas and commissioner Jody Madeira gave an [initial response](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-rebut-councilor-over-justice-building-conditions/) to the issues Henry had raised about the physical condition of the building, and what it meant for employees who work there. Madeira said professional remediation crews arrived about an hour after the [July 24 sewage backup](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/), and pointed out that the building was closed for four working days. Damaged carpet, drywall and other materials were removed while affected areas were cleaned, sanitized and dried, Madeira said.
Madeira noted that responsibility for responding to an incident is not the same as causing it or being indifferent to it. Alluding to Henry’s mention of “budget season,” Madeira said commissioners would come to September budget hearings with “facts, remediation records, project needs, and funding requests,” and said the process should not become “an occasion for threats or assumptions about one another’s motives.”
That was where things stood after the Aug. 13 meeting of the commissioners.
### Sharp words at Aug. 27 commissioners meeting
At the Aug. 25 meeting of the county council, Thomas had intended to deliver in person a sharper critique of the “body armor” reference, and Madeira a defense of the commissioners’ response to the June 17 tornado. But they were not both able to attend that meeting, according to Thomas. That’s why Thomas’s statement condemning Henry’s “body armor” statement didn’t come until Thursday’s (Aug. 27) meeting of the commissioners.
On Thursday morning Thomas said, “We have been very concerned about the level of respect that has not been shown to us as commissioners, us as women,” Thomas said. “There is a basic level of respect that is owed to any public official of any political party.”
Thomas continued: “Councilor David Henry crossed the line by issuing a threat of violence at a meeting about two weeks ago. He warned us to wear body armor in order to attend a county council meeting.”
Thomas said the remark was “especially awful because it was uttered against women,” and framed it as part of a broader problem of violence and hostility toward women in public life.
Thomas directed her comments at Henry: “There are women across this community who heard your threat of violence, and they are outraged and demand your respect. And what about … women and girls across this county, who now wonder if this is how women should be treated or will be treated if they choose to become a public servant, a public official, or work as an employee of Monroe County?” She added, “Misogyny is not acceptable—from the White House to the bullies who hide behind a keyboard on social media, and boy, we have a lot of them.”
Thomas also faulted Henry’s six council colleagues for not objecting in the moment. “Silence is complicity,” Thomas said. “So shame on you, Mr. Henry. Shame on all of you on the council for failing to speak up and failing to do the right thing. You have to do better.”
### Reaction to Thomas
Henry, asked Thursday by The B Square if he had a reaction to remarks from Thomas, said “Not really.” He continued, “I am focused on the deteriorating building conditions that have led to this argument,” Henry continued. “And I’ll be pressing on those questions during budget meetings, as I said in those full remarks.”
Henry added: “As the only elected official in this discussion that has been a county employee, that makes me passionate about when our staff feel voiceless, I’d prefer to focus my energy on how we are going to improve the working conditions and low morale of the workforce, immediately.”
County council president Jennifer Crossley also rejected Thomas’s characterization of the council. Crossly said, “I know who my parents raised and a bully I am not, nor is any of my other colleagues as mentioned by Commissioner Thomas this morning,” Crossley told The B Square.
Crossley then invoked some history between the two governing bodies with a Game of Thrones reference: “However, the North remembers when commissioners publicly mocked the county clerk, made disparaging comments about the sheriff and myself during the Community Justice Response Committee \[CJRC\] days …” “Councilmember Henry can clarify his own remarks without the rest of the council being dragged into this issue,” Crossley said.
She said the “bickering” back-and-forth was distracting from county business. Her focus, Crossley said, would be on the coming budget sessions, securing funding that would allow a cost-of-living increase for county employees, and “making sure the offices in the justice building are cleaned up after recent flooding events, and less on who-said-what and when.”
### Employee documentation of their work environment
The condition of the justice building has continued to generate complaints and disruptions since the shutdown due to the [sewage overflow on July 24](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/).
On Aug. 17, condensation from uninsulated ductwork [poured into fluorescent light fixtures](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-clerk-services-move-for-condensation-repairs/) in the clerk’s office, closing its public-facing space and forcing services to be shifted elsewhere in the building. Temporary lights and dehumidifiers were installed while duct insulation work continued. That episode came less than a month after the sewage backup and about two weeks after use of a drain cleaner in the jail produced a strong rotten-egg odor throughout the building.
An [Aug. 21 email exchange](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-22-email-clerk-hr-photographing-justice-building-Fw%5FNotice%5Fof%5FEmployee%5FConduct%5FConcerns.pdf ) obtained by The B Square shows disagreement inside county government about the way justice employees had been documenting their working conditions and the work of outside contractors who were doing repairs.
Human resources director Melissa Stinson-Waddell wrote to elected county clerk Nicole Browne that a vendor working in the clerk’s office had made a formal complaint about employees taking photographs, recording activities and posting work-related material on social media. According to Stinson-Waddell, the vendor alleged that the conduct had become “intimidating, unprofessional, and potentially hostile.”
Stinson-Waddel cited some employee policy points, including one that states in part: “County policy recognizes employees’ rights regarding personal social media use; however, employees are expected to exercise sound judgment and avoid conduct that may negatively impact County operations, professional relationships, or the workplace environment.”
Photographs sent to The B Square showed labels on boxes of opened insulation that read: “This product can expose you to chemicals including Antimony Trioxide, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer.”
Pending an investigation, Stinson-Waddell asked Browne to tell employees to stop photographing or recording vendors unless specifically authorized for county business and to stop posting workplace-related material concerning the matter on social media.
Browne forwarded that email to Crossley, who had apparently stopped by to check in with the clerk’s office. Browne expressed her disagreement with the notification she had received from the human resources director, writing “This is the first that I am learning of objections to photographs and video being taken following several significant issues within the Justice Building and, frankly, it’s offensive … in my humble opinion,” Browne wrote.
Browne’s message said justice building employees had complained about health and safety problems throughout the more than 20 years she has worked for county government. She said employees under her administration had been encouraged to document conditions that could be relevant to their health.
“They do not lose their First Amendment rights as Monroe County Government employees,” Browne wrote.
Browne also relayed reports she said she had received from employees attempting to raise concerns with commissioners or their designees. One employee, Browne wrote, reported being hung up on by a commissioners’ designee. Another told Browne she had gone to the commissioners’ office while employees were becoming ill, found the office locked and later had sheriff’s deputies sent to remove her from the courthouse.
Browne told Crossley she would forward the HR notice to her staff, but added: “I am not ordering them to stop taking photographs, videos or otherwise in response to this complaint.”
She concluded that “well-meaning, hardworking, underpaid and dedicated Monroe County Government employees should not be punished for shining a spotlight on a dilapidated building” if they are going to continue working there for the foreseeable future.
### Commissioners on building conditions
At Thursday’s meeting, commissioners heard remarks from the public mic about the condition of the building. Don Cross, a former Indiana Daily Student associate publisher who later became active in Christian ministry, told commissioners that during years of praying with employees at the justice building he had heard concerns about health problems caused by physical conditions there.
Thomas responded that commissioners continue to repair and maintain what she called “a failing building,” including ongoing mold testing and remediation. She said a complete overhaul would essentially require rebuilding from the foundation.
“Nothing’s ideal in that building. Nothing, and I get it,” Thomas said. “But we’re doing everything we can, and we have done a lot to try to get us out of that building as soon as possible.”
The building also houses the county jail on its top two floors. The jail is currently the subject of a lawsuit about crowded conditions there. \[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
---
The friction between Thomas and Henry now heads toward the forum that Henry mentioned in the first place: budget season.
The county council’s 2027 budget hearings start Wednesday, [Sept. 2](https://events.in.gov/event/county-council-2027-budget-session-1). The board of commissioners is scheduled to appear the following night, [Sept. 3](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-2027-budget-session-1), with a 60-minute allotment covering its budgets, including the county-buildings budget.
### Bryan Park
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bryan-park/
Last updated: 2026-08-28T00:32:58.000Z
Kidical Mass is achieved! A short, family-friendly bike ride with games, helmet decorating, bike-blended smoothies and other activities to celebrate the start of the school year. Watching over the activity is a giant traffic cone. (Anne Crecelius, Aug. 27, 2026)
### Bloomington Transit looks to $37.6M budget vote amid pending management shakeup
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-looks-to-37-6m-budget-vote-amid-pending-management-shakeup/
Last updated: 2026-08-27T20:34:56.000Z
B Square file photo of a Bloomington Transit bus.
A formal hearing on Bloomington Transit’s 2027 budget is expected to be held by the Bloomington city council in about a month, on Sept. 23.
The local public bus agency’s spending plan for 2027 is nearly twice the size of this year’s budget. But that is mostly because it includes the first $20 million construction phase of a new administration, operations and maintenance complex west of Bloomington at Curry Pike and Profile Parkway.
The [$37.59-million budget](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-18-Bloomington-Transit-August-Board-Packet-OCR.pdf#page=6) for 2027 compares with $19.38 million approved for 2026, an increase of about 94%.
The increase looks much less dramatic, if capital spending is set aside. Bloomington Transit is budgeting $15.05 million for operating expenses, up from $14.13 million this year, an increase of 6.5%. Capital spending, by contrast, jumps from $5.25 million to $22.54 million.
The official legal name of Bloomington Transit is the Bloomington Public Transportation Corporation, which reflects the fact that it’s a separate municipal corporation, with a five-member board. Two members are appointed by the mayor and three by the city council.
The board already unanimously approved the 2027 budget, at its meeting on Aug. 18.
But the city council still has a formal role in BT’s budget approval process. Under Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/6#6-1.1-17-20 ), the fiscal body for a taxing unit such as Bloomington Transit has to review the proposed budget and property-tax levy and adopt the final budget and levy. The city council can reduce or modify what BT submits, but cannot increase it.
### Diesel down, electricity up
One of the sources of revenue for Bloomington Transit each year for the last four years is about [$3.8 million in economic development local income tax (ED LIT)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-oks-5-year-deal-will-get-3-8-million-annually-from-citys-local-income-tax/) from the city’s share of that tax. That transfer shows up in the budget for the office of the city controller. On Wednesday night (Aug. 26), the city council was reviewing the controller’s office proposed budget for 2027.
With the fifth and final installment of $3.8 million to be paid to BT in 2027, councilmember Matt Flaherty on Wednesday night asked what the impact on BT would be when the annual payments from the city end. Deputy mayor Gretchen Knapp told Flaherty that the money had mainly been used to purchase battery-electric buses, not for ordinary operations expenses.
By way of followup, Flaherty wanted to know how many buses in BT’s fleet are now battery electric. The deputy mayor didn’t have the number at her fingertips, but it’s 18\. That’s 45% of the 40 total buses in the fixed route fleet, which includes three new diesel [articulated buses](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transits-first-60-foot-articulated-bus-arrives-at-grimes-lane-depot/). BT is on its way to a [targeted all-electric fleet](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-all-in-for-electric-buses-expansion-of-service-adopts-35m-budget/) by 2050.
The progress towards that goal of an all-electric fleet, can be seen by putting two expense lines in the 2027 budget next to each other.
For 2027, BT is budgeting $692,500 for fuel and oil is down $177,750 (20%) from this year’s $870,250\. At the same time, the electricity line goes from $250,000 to $575,000, which is an increase of $325,000 (130%).
The budget assumes diesel will cost $4.50 a gallon and unleaded gasoline $3.50\. During the board’s preliminary budget discussion on July 21, general manager John Connell said the diesel assumption was difficult to make because of uncertainty in the fuel market. Staff indicated that last year’s diesel assumption had been about $3.50 a gallon, even though BT expects to buy fewer gallons as more buses run on batteries.
The relationship between those two budget lines got some scrutiny before the board adopted the final budget on Aug. 18\. BT controller Christa Browning said the electricity estimate had been increased as the budget was fine-tuned because of the new electric buses. Charging equipment is separately metered, which means BT can measure how much electricity is going specifically to bus charging.
Board chair James McLary asked whether the increase in electricity costs was being offset by a corresponding reduction in diesel expense. Staff said there was not yet a full year of data for a clean comparison. Connell also noted that electricity prices vary depending on when buses are charged. But he told the board that the operating expense of a battery-electric bus is “significantly less” than a diesel bus, when fuel, oil and other fluids are considered.
The 2027 budget includes another battery-electric replacement bus. Together with two support vehicles, that line is budgeted at $1.63 million. The budget also assumes $1.125 million in federal Section 5339 funding toward the electric-bus purchase. Connell told the transit board in July that if the expected federal grant money does not materialize, BT will not buy the bus.
### New operations center: $20 million now, $55 million total
The biggest number in the 2027 budget is the $20 million first phase of the new transit operations complex, where the buses are stored overnight, serviced, and administrative offices will be housed. Not affected is the downtown transit center.
That first phase is supposed to produce a roughly 32,000-square-foot fleet-maintenance building, along with grading, stormwater infrastructure and utility work for the entire site and about 100,000 square feet of concrete paving. Later phases would add the administration and operations portions of the complex.
But the total possible cost of the project caused some sticker shock at the board’s July 21 meeting.
Connell said BT had roughly $16 million in accumulated federal Section 5307 money available for the project, although it cannot yet be placed into the grant for construction until the required environmental review is completed. He then said the plan would be to seek another $35 million for the remainder of the project.
“So we’re looking at $55 million?” McLary asked. “Yeah,” Connell answered.
McLary said his recollection was of a project costing around $35 million. Board member Don Griffin likewise said the $55-million figure was new to him. Connell stressed that $55 million was not a fixed final price. It represented something close to a full wish-list version of the project, with items such as solar panels, water reclamation and enough large maintenance bays to accommodate 60-foot articulated buses. The project is being designed so features can be removed and later phases added as funding permits, Connells said.
The $35-million figure that might have stuck in the memory of board members does not seem like it was for the full project cost. The $35 million was the amount BT was [seeking from a competitive federal grant](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-looking-for-35m-from-feds-to-build-43-75m-new-facility-for-operations-bus-storage/). At that point, estimated construction was $43.75 million. Including a then-assumed $10 million for land and $600,000 for architectural and engineering work put the overall project estimate at about $54.4 million. The federal grant application was unsuccessful.
So the current $55-million construction scenario is still a substantial increase from the earlier $43.75-million construction estimate. BT has also since acquired the Curry Pike/Profile Parkway property [for $3.6 million](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-3-6m-land-buy-for-ops-center-after-getting-idem-comfort-letter/), far below the $10-million land placeholder used in the 2024 estimate.
### $5 million from reserves
On the revenue side, federal money makes up the biggest share of BT’s 2027 spending plan. BT is budgeting $20.4 million in federal operating and capital assistance, compared with $6.4 million in the 2026 budget. Most of that increase is associated with the new facility.
Other significant revenue includes $2.61 million from Indiana’s Public Mass Transportation Fund, $1.85 million in property taxes, $1.25 million from the Indiana University contract and about $1.3 million combined from ordinary passenger fares and partnership-fare agreements.
BT also plans to use $5.03 million from reserves to balance the budget. That compares with about $825,000 budgeted from reserves for 2026\. BT finished 2025 with about $16.6 million in reserves.
Also a part of revenue counted in BT’s 2027 budget is the $3.8 million payment to BT from Bloomington’s share of the economic-development local income tax (ED LIT).
The $3.8 million was [highlighted in a conspicuous way](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mayor-transit-payment-election-costs-account-for-nearly-all-of-bloomingtons-2027-budget-gap/) for the 2027 budget presented to the city council by mayor Kerry Thomson. She has pointed to the $3.8-million BT payment, together with $650,000 for next year’s municipal election, as accounting for nearly all of the city’s general fund operating gap.
Among other operating assumptions, BT is allowing for a 25% increase in health-insurance costs. Personnel spending rises 6.3% to about $9.65 million. Bargaining-unit wages increase 2% under the union contract, while other staff increases are budgeted at up to 3%.
Included in BT’s budget are two $75,000 administrative positions—assistant controller and assistant human resources manager. Connell said BT does not intend to fill those jobs at the beginning of the year. They were included in the budget, so the positions would be available if the agency’s strategic-plan update recommends that kind of organizational restructuring.
Other items include $350,000 for microtransit services involving Uber and Lyft, $300,000 for traffic-signal-priority equipment intended to help buses stay on schedule, and $200,000 for another year of bus-stop and shelter accessibility improvements.
### Budget arrives during management transition
The budget hearing will come with Bloomington Transit in the middle of a separate and unusually consequential management dispute.
On July 21, the transit board voted 3–2 to select Keolis as its management firm, replacing RATP Dev, whose predecessors have managed the Bloomington system for roughly 35 years. Because BT obtains its general manager through the management company, completing the switch would also mean Connell’s departure.
The Keolis contract still requires a final board vote. Its ordinance received [an introduction on Aug. 18](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-pick-hangs-in-balance-before-sept-15-vote-on-management-firm/), with a vote is expected at the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.
Longtime board member Kent McDaniel will likely still occupy one of the five board seats for that Sept. 15 vote. His term expired July 31, but state law allows him to remain temporarily while the council considers a new appointment. McDaniel voted against switching to Keolis in July and has said he intends to vote against the contract Sept. 15 assuming he is still on the board.
A city council committee has now interviewed four applicants for the seat, but put off making a recommendation after completing the fourth interview on Aug. 19\. The three-member committee consists of Isak Asare, Hope Stosberg, and Kate Rosenbarger.
The candidates are McDaniel, the incumbent with 36 years of experience on the BT board; Zachary Ammerman, a regular BT rider with a data and mapping background who serves on the city’s commission on sustainability and resilience; Hank Duncan, Bloomington’s Safe Streets program manager, who told the interview committee about his own experience living in Bloomington without a car; and Perry Maull, a longtime transit professional who retired in 2019 after more than a decade managing operations for Indiana University’s Campus Bus system.
### Three big dates on the horizon for Bloomington Transit
On Sept. 15 the BT board is expected to vote on the Keolis management contract.
The city council has a [regular meeting set for the following day](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings/2026), on Sept. 16\. It’s somewhat unlikely, but not impossible, that the interview committee would have been able to meet after BT’s Tuesday board meeting, but before the council’s Wednesday meeting to make a recommendation on a board appointment on Sept. 16.
That could set up a board appointment for one of the next two council meetings, which will each have at least one BT-related item on the agenda no matter what. On Sept. 23, the city council is expected to hold a hearing on BT’s $37.6-million 2027 budget, with a final budget approval vote scheduled for Oct. 7.
### Aug. 27, 2026: MCCSC redistricting; Powerline Camp cleared early; food inspections; Cup & Kettle returns
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-27-2026-mccsc-redistricting-powerline-camp-cleared-early-food-inspections-cup-kettle-returns/
Last updated: 2026-08-31T09:32:21.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [jigsaw](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-24-2026/) featuring the folks behind [Cup & Kettle](https://www.cupandkettletea.com/). The jigsaw is set up to be easy, and the reward for completion is so fantastic!
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Wear something partly sunny, so that when you put it together with the mostly sunny forecast, the day will be completely sunny! The high will be around 84F°.
**Friday:** Wear the same thing you did yesterday, because the completely sunny forecast means your day will be extra sunny! The high will be around 83F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Stop scrolling!
Right now, only *one in five* Almost Daily Bulletin subscribers [makes a recurring financial contribution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account). If you’re one of them: Thank you! You are the reason The B Square can do any of this work.
But one in five is not enough to put The B Square on sustainable footing for the long haul.
Right now, it is basically one person who reports and writes all of this news. The goal is to build something more durable than that: a local-news institution that can keep showing up, asking questions and reporting the news year after year, even after the one person is dead.
If you read The B Square, rely on its reporting, find it useful in any way, or just think Bloomington and Monroe County are better off with a local press that pays close attention, please consider [signing up for a monthly contribution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account) right now.
### Recent articles
- [MCCSC moves toward redistricting talks, board president calls change ‘inevitable’](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-moves-toward-redistricting-talks-board-president-calls-change-inevitable/). MCCSC will schedule a work session to set parameters for possible redrawing of attendance boundaries, reorganization or restructuring. Board president Erin Cooperman called some kind of change “inevitable,” citing declining enrollment, unused building space and financial pressures.
- [Powerline Camp emptied Tuesday morning after Monroe County moves up deadline](https://bsquarebulletin.com/powerline-camp-emptied-tuesday-morning-after-monroe-county-moves-up-deadline/). Monroe County deputies cleared the homeless encampment on the county-owned Thomson property early Tuesday, a week before the original Sept. 1 deadline. Residents objected to the changed date and a new notice that gave no specific time. Many remained unsure where they would go next.
- [Monroe County Retail Food Inspections: June 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-retail-food-inspections-june-2026/). During 48 of the 69 inspections of retail food establishments done by the Monroe County health department in June 2026, no violations were found. During 5 of them at least one priority violation was found.
- [Cup & Kettle reopens production on Bloomington’s west side, eyes Indiana-grown tea](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cup-kettle-reopens-production-on-bloomingtons-west-side-eyes-indiana-grown-tea/). After flooding from a busted pipe forced Cup & Kettle from its Walnut Street shop, the Bloomington tea business is back in a new west-side production space. Jessica Messmer is expanding custom blends, wholesale sales and online orders. She's exploring the possibility of growing tea in Indiana.
### Other notes
**Help shape the future of your Library!** From the public library: “We’re creating a new strategic plan for the Monroe County Public Library, and we want to hear from you! [Take our short survey and share your experiences and ideas](https://mcpl.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df878337c54fade8a56f211b3&id=3d993d89a5&e=c70de7b347). Your feedback will help us better serve you, your household, and our community.”
### On the calendar
**Roads, stormwater work, attendance.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 27) agenda for Monroe County commissioners](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D08%2D27%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) is a $107,700 redesign of the Baby Creek low-water crossings, up to $28,489.80 for storm-pipe inspections along Curry Pike, and $311,656.50 in paving contracts for Fry and Stanford roads. The agenda also includes an on-call engineering-services agreement with Etica Group, with costs to be billed hourly as needed. That makes for a comparatively light agenda.
Commissioner Lee Jones has not attended a regular meeting since May 21, according to a commissioners office [attendance log](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Commissioner-Attendance-Log.pdf), which goes through the end of July. Through last week’s meeting on Aug. 20, that amounts to eight absences over a roughly three-month period. A text message and an email from The B Square to Jones on Wednesday asking if she planned to attend this Thursday’s meeting did not receive responses. Jones said in a [late 2025 interview](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioner-will-continue-to-serve-during-cancer-treatment/) with The B Square that she would continue to serve through her cancer treatments.
**Certificates of appropriateness, demolition delays, Seminary Point?** On the [5 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 27) agenda](https://docs.google.com/document/d/13PnK2uxFEk2m30XUxxhABH3i0xBEYU2g3L6CBmFL7G8/edit?usp=drive%5Flink) for Bloomington’s historic preservation commission (HPC) is a standard range of certificates of appropriateness and demolition delays. The most recent demolition delay covered by The B Square was a [high-profile one ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/)involving the Seminary Point property.
Controversy over some procedural issues internal to the HPC has persisted since that late June meeting. A city council appointed member of the HPC (non-voting), Reynard Cross, has raised the procedural points at subsequent meetings. The city council is now looking to consider Cross’s removal from the HPC for cause. Interim city council attorney Larry Allen sent Cross a [letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-21-notification-to-reynard-cross-about-removal-from-HPC-for-cause-20260821-Notice-Letter-of-Hearing-for-HPC-Removal-Cross.pdf) notifying him of the council’s potential action at its Sept. 2 meeting. And Cross has responded with a [90-paragraph rebuttal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-25-reynard-cross-HPC-historic-preservation-commission-removal-for-cause-7%5FResponse-to-Notice-of-Removal-Hearing.pdf) of the claims in Allen’s letter.
While local law says that a commissioner can be removed for cause, and the city council has enacted a code of conduct, it’s not clear what, if any, due process was followed to put the question in front of the council. For example, who had standing to make a complaint and what criteria were applied to determine if the complaint had enough merit to be put in front of the council? The B Square has made a records request for any written documentation of such a process.
---
**Kidical Mass: Aug. 27!** What does that hilarious play on words mean? It’s a back to school family bike ride and celebration! It takes place on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., staring from the Bryan Park Woodlawn parking lot. This free, family-friendly event features a short, slow-paced 1- or 2.5-mile bike ride, plus a bike rodeo, games, bike-blended smoothies, popsicles, helmet decorating, free bike lights and quick bike repairs. Children under 11 have to ride with an adult. Official information from the [city’s website](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/kidical-mass).
**Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Garden Gala: Aug. 28.** Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard will hold its annual [Garden Gala](https://www.mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala) fundraiser Friday, Aug. 28, from 6:30–9 p.m. at [1100 W. Allen St.](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1100%20W.%20Allen%20St.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN) 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](https://mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala), 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](https://wl.eventim.us/event/Magnolia-and-Johnson-Electric-Co/693286?afflky=BluebirdNightclub).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/668002/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/688597/web%5Forders/new).
**Big Book Sale: Sept 18-21\.** The Friends of the Library will be hosting their Big Fall Book Sale in Meeting Room 1B/C at the Downtown Library with thousands of items at bargain prices. The 2026 Big Fall Book Sale will be open to the public Sept. 18–21 with a special early-bird sale for Friends members on Sept. 17\. For hours on specific days, check the [book sale webpage](http://mcpl.info/bigsale).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
### Meet Apollo!
Up for adoption, as of Aug. 26 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Apollo](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/80914). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good boy is a bully breed mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Apollo](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/80914):
> Apollo is a young dog who has been a total joy to spend time with! When out and about this boy is attentive and eager to please, he definitely has the smarts to easily figure out what you ask of him. Apollo loves all variety of toys and enjoys a good snuggle after a big romp in the yard. He may need some calm energy when meeting new people but his big silly attitude emerges once he's comfortable. Come meet this special guy today!
### Photo Finish: B-Line Trail & 4th Street
Bloomington city planners Cole Jackson (left) and Joe Patterson are tabling, asking the question: “What makes you feel unsafe when you’re using Bloomington streets, roads, sidewalks, and trails?” (Dave Askins, Aug. 24, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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### MCCSC moves toward redistricting talks, board president calls change ‘inevitable’
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-moves-toward-redistricting-talks-board-president-calls-change-inevitable/
Last updated: 2026-08-26T11:07:48.000Z
Screengrab from the [Youtube recording](https://www.youtube.com/live/mF1amU-aMrQ?si=uQXv8-AD-Vf1um44) of the Aug. 25, 2026 meeting of the MCCSC board of trustees.
The Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) board will schedule a work session devoted to setting the parameters it would use to evaluate a [possible redrawing of attendance boundaries](https://www.mccsc.edu/redistricting), school reorganization or other restructuring.
The work session will give the seven-member board a chance to decide what would count as an acceptable outcome for such factors as socioeconomic balance, building utilization, cost savings, transportation, the number of students reassigned, and preservation of neighborhood schools.
No date for the work session was set at Tuesday’s (Aug. 25) regular board meeting. The board did not choose a redistricting map or direct the administration to develop one.
But the discussion ended with broad agreement among the board members who were present that the district should keep moving toward possible changes.
Board president Erin Cooperman went further, saying some kind of change is unavoidable. “My position is that some kind of redistricting, reorganization, or restructuring is inevitable,” Cooperman said. Even if socioeconomic balance were taken out of the equation and cost effectiveness were the only criterion, she said, declining enrollment and the amount of unused space in MCCSC buildings would still force the issue.
Cooperman said the district’s current building utilization rate is 69%, compared with an 85% industry standard used in the district’s redistricting study.
“Even if we were only talking about redistricting, reorganization and restructuring to adjust for declining enrollment and financial realities, I personally think it’s inevitable,” Cooperman said.
The 85% figure comes from the [28-page final report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-MCCSC-Findings-of-the-Redistricting-Study-Commission-in-the-Monroe-County-Community-School-Corporation.pdf) of MCCSC’s Redistricting Study Commission. For purposes of the study, a building’s capacity was calculated from the number of usable classrooms, with reserved spaces for activities like art and music. A rate of 85% utilization was identified as the target.
The demographic picture underlying the discussion also points toward fewer students. The redistricting report summarizes a [demographic and enrollment study](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-04-23-MCCSC-demographics-Business-Information-Services-Presentation-4%5F23%5F25.pdf) that MCCSC commissioned by Business Information Services in 2024\. It projects district enrollment will decline by 3% to 5% over the next decade. Among the factors cited are a 24% decline in local birth rates since 2008, an aging population, fewer young families and increased enrollment in private and charter schools.
### Parameters before maps
Tuesday’s discussion was the first extended conversation by the board about the [findings](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-MCCSC-Findings-of-the-Redistricting-Study-Commission-in-the-Monroe-County-Community-School-Corporation.pdf) of the 92-member Redistricting Study Commission, which met nine times from April through December 2025 and examined about 50 possible attendance-zone scenarios.
None of those scenarios was recommended to the board. Instead, the commission tried to determine what [could and could not be accomplished](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-to-start-digesting-findings-from-yearlong-redistricting-effort/) through redistricting and the tradeoffs that would come with it.
One of the commission’s main conclusions was that MCCSC had not yet established clear enough targets to judge whether a particular map is successful.
The commission found that redistricting could improve socioeconomic balance among elementary schools. But it could not say how much improvement would be enough, because the board had never set a maximum acceptable gap among schools.
The commission reached essentially the same conclusion about cost effectiveness: It could not determine whether a scenario saved enough money without first knowing how much savings the board would consider meaningful.
So the final report’s recommendations gave the board some future work, which includes establishing the rationale for redistricting, defining “parameters and non-negotiables,” and deciding on desired outcomes. The report gives as examples a maximum socioeconomic-status gap among elementary schools, a fiscal-savings target, rules for drawing new attendance zones, and a maximum percentage of students who would be reassigned.
Those recommendations became the practical focus of Tuesday’s discussion.
Board member April Hennessey said there was not much the administration could do next until the board makes those choices. “I think … there’s not a lot that we can task the administration with until we begin to define those parameters,” Hennessey said.
One possible parameter, she said, would be how large a socioeconomic gap the board would tolerate between the district’s elementary schools. Current free-and-reduced-price meal figures show a 47-percentage-point spread between the schools with the highest and lowest rates, she said.
Hennessey cautioned that those meal figures do not tell the whole story about socioeconomic status. Other board members likewise asked the administration for more demographic information before the next phase of the work.
Cooperman said she had tried on her own to turn the broad considerations in the commission report into measurable criteria. Her draft list of criteria includes transportation time, cost savings and building utilization. “I do think that we have enough to start setting those parameters and metrics as a board now,” she said.
Cooperman also suggested extending the discussion beyond the term “redistricting.” That would let the board consider structural changes that the commission did not study, including school mergers or moving sixth grade from elementary schools to middle schools.
The commission did study scenarios involving closure of one or more elementary schools. Its report found that such scenarios could improve socioeconomic balance while keeping the remaining schools at or below the 85% utilization benchmark.
### Board members point to tradeoffs
Hennessey said the district’s current attendance boundaries should not be treated as a neutral default simply because changing them would be controversial. “It is not a neutral position to say we’re just not going to redistrict,” she said.
Hennessey said socioeconomic balance remains important, but the district’s financial position and the utilization of its buildings now also have to be part of the discussion. “I think the facilities master plan is going to be immensely important to these conversations,” she said.
Board member Aja Jester said she wants the board to pay particular attention to unintended consequences for students who depend on school transportation. Moving a student to a different school could affect not just the bus trip to and from school, she said, but access to tutoring and before- and after-school activities.
Jester said she wants to see “some very specific maps” along with details about their impacts, including effects the board might not yet be considering.
Board member Erin Wyatt likewise said the district needs to be cautious about transportation, after-school supports and other consequences of moving students farther from their current schools. But Wyatt said the demographic outlook means the district will have to confront the boundary question in some form. “No matter what the reason, we’re going to have to look at redistricting,” Wyatt said.
The challenge for the board, Wyatt said, is that it has “yet to define clear parameters and what our non-negotiables are.”
Board member Tiana Iruoje said she had gone back and forth on redistricting. She described herself as a supporter of neighborhood schools, but said the research she has read and the discussion she has heard have moved her toward supporting redistricting. “I’m more for redistricting than I was before,” Iruoje said. “I think it’s more benefit than not.”
Iruoje also said the parameters need to account for what happens after boundaries are changed. She pointed to the possibility that families could use the district’s transfer system to avoid new assignments, undermining whatever objective the redistricting was intended to achieve.
Board member Ashley Pirani said the board should also look beyond free-and-reduced-price meal percentages to the racial demographics of each school, students receiving special services, special programs that draw students from outside a school’s attendance zone, and transfer patterns. Superintendent Markay Winston said the administration would work providing the additional data.
Pirani also said Bloomington’s history of racial housing restrictions and redlining needs to be considered if the district begins drawing new maps. Current residential patterns cannot be separated from that history, she said.
### Facilities plan intersects with redistricting
The redistricting discussion came later in the same meeting where trustees approved separate agreements with CSO Architects and The Skillman Corporation for work on a new 10-year facilities master plan.
Winston said that plan will examine building condition, capacity and utilization along with enrollment and demographic trends. She said those factors will help determine what MCCSC’s physical footprint should look like in the future.
“It is certainly important to note that a facilities master plan process can be very instrumental in helping to inform good decision making as it relates to redistricting,” Winston said.
That relationship is also spelled out in MCCSC’s [request for proposals](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-25-MCCSC-board-meeting-facilities%5Fmaster%5Fplan%5Frfq-p.pdf) for the facilities work. The document calls for a 10-year plan aligned with enrollment and budget constraints, including “redistricting modeling support (if needed)” and standardized studies of building capacity and utilization.
Winston told the board that the district has been monitoring declining kindergarten enrollment and low local birth rates and will need to use those trends in deciding what facilities MCCSC needs one, five and 10 years from now.
### Next up: Work session
The board had originally intended to begin its substantive discussion of the commission report in July. In June, Cooperman said she wanted trustees to discuss the report in enough detail to give [some direction to the leadership team](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-policy-banning-cell-phones-okd-despite-board-qualms/) at the end of that meeting.
That discussion was postponed because Wyatt and Iruoje were [absent from the July meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-takes-first-step-toward-limiting-bargaining-for-non-teaching-staff/). Cooperman told The B Square at the time that she wanted all board members to have a chance to participate.
Tuesday’s discussion did not produce the parameters themselves. Instead, Hennessey suggested a dedicated work session with the whole board. “I’m less interested in a resolution at this moment and more interested in just getting together to sort of hammer out some of those things to see where we land,” she said.
Cooperman asked whether any board member objected to having Winston organize the session. Hearing none, she asked the superintendent to schedule it.
Winston then summarized the assignment: “You would like me to organize a work session to establish parameters that would allow us to examine redistricting, reorganization, and/or restructuring.”
---
From the public mic earlier in the meeting, Linnea Emigh, Cynthia Port and Amy Jackson took turns reading aloud a statement from former MCCSC board member Jacinda Townsend. In the statement Townsend urged MCCSC to pursue socioeconomic integration as it considers redistricting. She wrote that school assignment policies can themselves help shape residential segregation and urged the board not to treat existing patterns as a reason to avoid action.
“As someone who was the only Black kid in her school for two years, I’m going to tell you that I don’t remember at this point whose birthday party I went to. What I remember is that I got the same good education as other children,” Townsend wrote.
### Powerline Camp emptied Tuesday morning after Monroe County moves up deadline
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/powerline-camp-emptied-tuesday-morning-after-monroe-county-moves-up-deadline/
Last updated: 2026-08-25T21:03:22.000Z
One of the campsites left behind by residents of the Powerline Camp. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
One of the campsites left behind by residents of the Powerline Camp. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
Around 6 a.m. Tuesday (Aug. 25), Monroe County sheriff’s deputies started clearing the homeless encampment on the county-owned Thomson property off South Rogers Street
By around 9 a.m., nearly all of the estimated 40-50 people who had been living at the now so-called Powerline Camp had left, some of them the day before. On Tuesday, some left quickly, while others departed only with some verbal prodding. There were no reported arrests. Several of the residents had been living in the encampment for more than a year.
Around 10 a.m., after the residents were gone, sheriff’s deputies allowed The B Square to leave the Rogers Street staging area for service providers, and used a four-wheel utility vehicle to show this reporter some of the camps that had been vacated.
By around 10:30 a.m., a cleanup crew from a contractor was on the property already working
The clearance came a week before the [Sept. 1 deadline](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-says-powerline-camp-must-close-by-sept-1-fight-stokes-safety-concerns/) that Monroe County had originally given people living at the camp. A [replacement notice](https://bsquarebulletin.com/powerline-camp-switchyard-park-rogers-street/) moved the date to Aug. 25.
The change in date, and the lack of a specific time on the new notice, was a sore point mentioned by several people leaving the camp Tuesday morning.
The new notice said: “On Tuesday, August 25, 2026 any Personal property found at this site (Thomson Property) will be removed.” Even if the precise wording of the notice covered removal of property at any time of the day on Tuesday, many residents took it to mean they had until the end of the day Tuesday. The operation was underway around 6 a.m.
One woman described the lack of a clock time on the new posted notice. She put it like this to The B Square: “There’s no time limit on the paperwork at all.”
She said she and others were not being allowed back onto the property Tuesday morning to finish collecting their belongings. Some of the belongings she had left behind included cookware. She said she had someplace to store the belongings that she had with her.
But she had no way to get to the [county highway garage](https://maps.app.goo.gl/SWEbtsJbg8Yq849W9) to retrieve anything the county removed from the camp. The highway garage is the location specified in the posted notice where encampment residents are supposed to be able to retrieve their belongings.
On Tuesday morning, The B Square counted at least eight people who had crossed Rogers Street into Switchyard Park and were gathered in the picnic shelter near the splash-pad. Some had bags, bicycles or other possessions with them. But it was not clear Tuesday morning where many of the people leaving the Thomson property would stay in the longer term.
During a visit to the camp on Monday, one woman told The B Square that she was just trying to figure out where she could store her belongings. She did not have a definite place to live after leaving the camp.
Responding to a question about his heavily bandaged hand, one man who landed initially in Switchyard Park told The B Square he had recently undergone surgery on his hand. He had stitches, and he was taking antibiotics.
### Tuesday morning operation
The sheriff’s operation involved several teams and a large number of vehicles.
One man leaving the camp very early Tuesday told The B Square he had seen about 20 sheriff’s vehicles when they initially rolled up. He had decided not to wait around to hear what deputies had to say.
A sheriff’s deputy confirmed that there were around 20 patrol cars. At least five off-road utility vehicles were used during the operation.
Among the people arriving along Rogers Street Tuesday morning were county commissioner Jody Madeira and sheriff Ruben Marté, who took Madeira back to the encampment in his car. Commissioner Julie Thomas arrived a few minutes later. Also on hand were staff from Centerstone, which provides services to people experiencing homelessness or mental health crises.
The corporal with the sheriff’s office who showed The B Square a some of the encampments said deputies had prepared for the operation by mapping the locations of known campsites. Teams divided the property into areas and went to the established camps one by one.
Many campsites were already vacant when deputies arrived. The corporal said on Tuesday morning his team had encountered six people who were still in the area assigned to his group. Another three people showed up either to help somebody move or to return to a camp.
People who were still there were told they could take handbags, medications, valuables and other things they could carry, the corporal said. Larger amounts of property had to be left for the county to remove.
In practice, deputies wound up loading belongings of some campers onto their off-road utility vehicles and driving them out to Rogers Street. Other residents hauled substantial possessions themselves on makeshift battered carts, some with wheels that were shedding their rubber.
The county notice says personal property removed from the Thomson site will be held for one week at the Monroe County highway garage, [5900 W. Foster Curry Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/SWEbtsJbg8Yq849W9 ). The notice said that anyone who wanted to recover property is supposed to contact Justin Baker at 812-349-2533\. Baker is the county’s deputy director of emergency management. The county will consider property still at the highway garage after a one-week period to be considered abandoned and will dispose of it.
One man who had left the camp was especially concerned about a brown gym bag that was still back at the campsite. He said it contained phone numbers and other things he needed. He was assured that he could retrieve it from the county highway garage. But he, like others The B Square spoke with, was not sure how he would be able to reach that location.
### Residents angry about clearance
People leaving the encampment on Tuesday morning displayed a range of frustration.
Some of the first people The B Square saw leave the camp were were focused mostly on getting themselves and their possessions across Rogers Street.
Many people who remained in later stages of the operation were angry. They had no interest talking to outreach workers. The sheriff’s corporal described the people he dealt with in his section of the property as “very displeased to be leaving.”
He said they did not agree with the process and did not believe they had been given proper notice. That lined up with comments heard by the B Square about the change in the date from Sept. 1 and the lack of a specific clock time in the posted notice for Aug. 25.
### What was left behind
The tour that the sheriff’s office gave The B Square Tuesday morning covered just some of the campsites.
Some campsites consisted of tents or structures surrounded by relatively small amounts of debris. Others were blanketed with a thick layer of trash and discarded belongings.
In one area, discarded material had been piled into sinkhole, or small ravine, at the edge of a campsite. The site included tents, clothing, containers, furniture and other items mixed with trash.
Some of the campsites were littered with syringes. In one area, children’s toys were mixed in with the syringes. Half buried in one of the footpaths connecting the campsites was a rifle cartridge.
Some campsites were just 20 yards from the new east-west multi-use trail that is now under construction by the city of Bloomington through the property. That made them closer than 100 yards away from Osage Place, the Habitat for Humanity neighborhood now under construction.
### Cleanup contract
On Aug. 13, Monroe County commissioners [approved a contract](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-shots-fired-report-at-powerline-camp-monroe-county-mulls-moving-up-sept-1-deadline/) for cleanup of the encampment.
The agreement with Indianapolis Crime Scene Services LLC, doing business as Bio-One NW Indianapolis, has a maximum value of $70,000\. It sets the price at $3,500 per day for up to 20 days.
Under the agreement, Bio-One workers are supposed to make a reasonable effort to separate trash from belongings that might have monetary or sentimental value. Monroe County is responsible for providing dumpsters, storage containers and equipment for moving material.
Bio-One is responsible for handling the material in the camp. Needles are to be handled according to sharps-disposal procedures. Firearms or controlled drugs found during the cleanup are to be turned over to the sheriff’s office.
What looked like a Bio-One crew was at the property Tuesday morning as the sheriff’s operation was winding down.
### How the deadline changed
The county’s decision to clear the camp Tuesday evolved over about a month.
On July 23, county commissioners Madeira and Julie Thomas [authorized county attorney Jeff Cockerill](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-eyes-thomson-encampment-closure-resident-describes-barriers-to-housing/) to begin taking formal steps toward closing the encampment after the sheriff’s office reported increasing public-safety concerns.
At that time, commissioners said their intention was still to provide substantial advance notice. On Aug. 3, the county [posted a Sept. 1 deadline](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-says-powerline-camp-must-close-by-sept-1-fight-stokes-safety-concerns/).
The push to close the camp sooner increased after incidents involving reports of gunfire. On Aug. 12, sheriff’s deputies and Bloomington police responded to a weapons call in the area. Officers found 21 spent 9mm shell casings and one unspent 9mm round near the power-line area. Nobody with an injury or with a gun was found.
That came a week after an Aug. 5 incident involving a fight on Cherokee Drive near the camp. A witness had reported hearing what sounded like gunfire from the direction of the encampment shortly before the fight. Deputies searched the camp but did not find evidence establishing where those apparent shots came from.
By the next day, [on Aug. 13](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-shots-fired-report-at-powerline-camp-monroe-county-mulls-moving-up-sept-1-deadline/), the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce was publicly asking for the camp to be cleared before Sept. 1\. Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson subsequently called for the deadline to be moved up as well.
The sheriff’s office was at the same time working on a plan intended to prevent the property from simply being occupied again after the clearance.
The deadline was eventually moved to Aug. 25.
---
For the people who were still at the camp Tuesday morning, the practical effect was that they had run out of time, when they thought they had more.
Shortly before daybreak on Tuesday, sheriff’s deputies were telling the remaining residents it was time to leave.
### Photos: Powerline Camp clearance (Aug. 25, 2026)
Within eyeshot of ene of the campsites on the Powerline Camp is the Habitat for Humanity Osage Place housing development which is halfway to completion. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
One of the campsites left behind by residents of the Powerline Camp. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
One of the campsites left behind by residents of the Powerline Camp. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
One of the campsites left behind by residents of the Powerline Camp. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
One of the campsites left behind by residents of the Powerline Camp. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
A syringe on a trail between campsites that were a part of the Powerline Camp. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
Summarizing the early-morning clearance was a mug at one of the campsites left behind by residents of the Powerline Camp. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
One of the notices that were posted around the property before Tuesday morning’s action. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
Trash that has been tossed into one of several sinkholes or small ravines around the encampment. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
Some of the residents hauled some of their belongings out of the encampment on carts to the Rogers Street side of the property. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
One resident was given a ride in an off-road utility vehicle out to Rogers Street and later taken away by ambulance. (Dave Askins, Aug. 25, 2026)
### Monroe County Retail Food Inspections: June 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-retail-food-inspections-june-2026/
Last updated: 2026-08-25T09:07:22.000Z
Monroe County’s GIS team now maintains a [map-based interface for the entire corpus](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3553ac491b25400592b18a62d4084972) of retail food inspection reports, which is updated on what is essentially a rolling basis. The B Square publishes the reports in monthly batches, usually near the end of the month following the batch of inspections.
The June 2026 batch is somewhat delayed, because developing the workflow for such reports took more time than expected.
#### About retail food inspection reports
In order of severity, from least to most severe, these are the [three categories of violations](https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/retail/food-code-updates-410-iac-7-26) that are noted:
**Core (CORE): Item that usually relates to general sanitation, operational control, sanitation standard operating procedures, facilities or structures, equipment design, or general maintenance*
**Priority foundation (Pf): Item that requires the purposeful incorporation of specific actions, equipment, or procedures by industry management to attain control of risk factors that contribute to foodborne illness or injury such as personnel training, infrastructure or necessary equipment, HACCP plans, documentation or record keeping, and labeling*
**Priority item (P): Item that contributes directly to the elimination, prevention, or reduction to an acceptable level of hazards associated with foodborne illness or injury, and there is no other provision that more directly controls the hazard*
For The B Square’s color coding scheme, an establishment’s most severe violation for any inspection report is encoded numerically: 3 for a priority item (red); 2 for priority foundation (orange); and 1 for a core item (yellow).
If an establishment had no violations of any kind, it is assigned green.
The list of inspections is sorted by the most severe violation (not by date). The hyperlinks over the date of the report lead to the .pdf of the inspection report.
During 48 of the 69 inspections of retail food establishments done by the Monroe County health department in June 2026, no violations were found. During 10 of them a core violation was found, but nothing more severe. During 6 of the inspections, a priority foundation violation was found, but nothing more severe. During 5 of them at least one priority violation was found.
\[If you’re reading this in your email inbox, the map probably will not load: [direct link to map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=11o7w3IIeAM7wf25porVSoD3PByZcuEo&usp=sharing)\]
1. In a routine inspection on [June 30, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAiJQBHdLL5S4sKxnx%5FxMiCATsZBNq2VxUCwRHYgap7ugI), no violations were found at Brothers Bar and Grill.
2. In a routine inspection on [June 30, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBVvVvHWJgDSKOBNMb9jeU1AbXlI70mK5eD3JCPW-FCMJs), no violations were found at Gary's Jerk and BBQ.
3. In a routine inspection on [June 30, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAJb81N98zwRYWPr45-GhRLAXpwy1S%5FRWk3H%5FTWz8EfsfM), no violations were found at Oak Cafe Thistle.
4. In a routine inspection on [June 29, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCX4CCu3IRRS5z-rwZsK%5FjjARXeBQ6ttcc8%5FcPQ8r53k5A), no violations were found at Blockhouse Bar.
5. In a routine inspection on [June 29, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD-dxVXUwDWT7AHCE4sRGM1AQJMxdXz3BQT4HF9pcPDK5c), no violations were found at Bloomington Country Club.
6. In a routine inspection on [June 26, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBlxnHfdGxGRIbClwxA%5FwqjAQaN5Z%5FzqwVz6-vIfowGyFs), no violations were found at Heartwork Brewing Co.
7. In a routine inspection on [June 26, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCcvcj9F8OER7ZrGjt3Zm7zAbBy8sSlHk3f3xLxlk6pDXk), no violations were found at Le Petit Cafe Inc.
8. In a routine inspection on [June 26, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCDLI5lqsHmQL0eRX5P4n1rAZyEnqcLkPm0eMpMBc-9MFc), no violations were found at Macros and Nutrition.
9. In a routine inspection on [June 26, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBZn5NYxp40TqFISersDbOkAdsDAifkuHe6EK6s004cucE), no violations were found at The Elm.
10. In a routine inspection on [June 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDkiXCINjyCS7H2YjUoUg77Act0Qga1ACpSfEuZS-LIZA8), no violations were found at Brightside Cafe.
11. In a complaint inspection on [June 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCzxyCjWT8kT7GFxieVklwVAfTieMgz98uqeedwe5IgQF0), no violations were found at Mother Bears Pizza Campus.
12. In a routine inspection on [June 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDemG-DdVkSRKGrOYEdbdXTAfScXUVR948%5FmBac0wnzyyI), no violations were found at Target T1878.
13. In a routine inspection on [June 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDvDvF9LleSSoMtUdRMJx14ASKZ9MWKJLq%5Fy3yZ8iPyq0Q), no violations were found at Wheeler Mission Bloomington.
14. In a routine inspection on [June 23, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDvinKQrKEZTaWfsfTNrM3oAQ0N2OacMPFnBpvJcNAbjiU), no violations were found at Qdoba 2345.
15. In a routine inspection on [June 23, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQALnHHjyHOhRI8jSzsqWTXOAS7OItCx5iMjXiILrG8AzK0), no violations were found at Starbucks Coffee 2387 Downtown.
16. In a other inspection on [June 17, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD4SW8ubybPSLuYKmvEuQUQAWwh8ItwB5Or3PpD8DYnxEk), no violations were found at Edgewood Primary School.
17. In a routine inspection on [June 17, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBKX74wYdAQRJAf7dsrfU2mAZU1f8JgdbC2vAOkmdgi%5FWw), no violations were found at Hoosier Hills Food Bank.
18. In a routine inspection on [June 17, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDhsF4r5R1dSq6qQG9wHAFgAbwPa2FL8M1t1jaVaAuauPQ), no violations were found at RBB Food Truck.
19. In a routine inspection on [June 15, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB7Fh2LpedfSp1P1%5FKsshqUAcDEfWxFkov9hzT998HgEGA), no violations were found at BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse.
20. In a routine inspection on [June 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCxLnuwRBdAR6MXHituqSkOAVcmumcFJkIYBj9170xE%5FgA), no violations were found at AFC Sushi at Kroger J091.
21. In a routine inspection on [June 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAr%5FbmQ9JUdQKorFoOPFYzbAS5dcneo8oCKxWrB5VZJaMQ), no violations were found at Gables Bagels at POSH Hotel.
22. In a routine inspection on [June 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAbt7x3cNv3R6iC5EwYOn4dAYh1aIiJ28SDPasOazGFtvw), no violations were found at Rallys 9171.
23. In a routine inspection on [June 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAmmQegdJstQLN3moLltfDlAZ5s38c1ZwMGvqq6fphfUhU), no violations were found at Soma Coffeehouse and Juice Bar Downtown.
24. In a routine inspection on [June 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCnZB8SFfaWTpMkAZDqGsGZAYX-ysTKSBZ7NXo6ql8iy3k), no violations were found at Supreme Produce at Kroger J091.
25. In a routine inspection on [June 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQABac-EJHWuQb6ZbW0annukAdftK-9F4ZFOlhePLoOPcGA), no violations were found at The Bar at POSH on Kirkwood.
26. In a routine inspection on [June 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCwK9P82MqJR7471ks%5FRsDHAWNI225g20ciL-3SqgJII4w), no violations were found at Wendys 101.
27. In a routine inspection on [June 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD-6vjyvMZ-QZnJO1qKJ8ESAf7B1reJXsQuMC-cF%5Fmj9us), no violations were found at Circle K 4700029.
28. In a routine inspection on [June 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBssLbJGuXXRLUN%5F7Q7oBy6AasCxL5lUzQJlqkbC8-lWog), no violations were found at Los Portillos 2.
29. In a routine inspection on [June 9, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQClnGhsgJWyT6K4Du1NpS1XAU2nAQTt16PL9dsbJhGBCgI), no violations were found at Aramark IU Health Bloomington Hospital.
30. In a routine inspection on [June 9, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBSN3-ZOdUOSLZlRV06lxhGATIhjYfdyvkTvIgV8HyH7Wk), no violations were found at Burger King 1171 East.
31. In a routine inspection on [June 9, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD4iplLR-6FS5uMvDhRmLOUASEsArxUca8Ci3kq-a06jbU), no violations were found at Circle K 4700156.
32. In a routine inspection on [June 9, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCEhzDMIP0gR76o7KLqEGHOAWo29c84P3BVXPDGhZkXpSA), no violations were found at Lan Ramen and Aqua Tea.
33. In a routine inspection on [June 9, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAihvZ-WlsbRoyqBLHlofZgAcVf1PyRTonqABOW%5FuJ9vSc), no violations were found at Rainbow Bakery.
34. In a routine inspection on [June 8, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCiT--%5Fmdl3QYFW9PaNtaxdAYLaazOBYHE37OevKEp2iik), no violations were found at Community Kitchen Food For All.
35. In a routine inspection on [June 8, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDoURI2neViQYo4NCBegzdZAWFuyC0Lzlkxt6IpbMP3Tpg), no violations were found at Community Kitchen of Monroe County.
36. In a routine inspection on [June 5, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCmC%5FlDDI9wTLl5bedWHzKiAYRHx1Zz7WjmXmZ3xOWLHC0), no violations were found at Circle K 4700049.
37. In a routine inspection on [June 5, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDb2znk4T4dTZkMV4hstMsmARivamm3C%5Fe4bd3ja7ckbTg), no violations were found at Courtyard by Marriot.
38. In a routine inspection on [June 5, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCz8GTIz7ToRqLpwOTRCYDrAa6Jx8ytR0MNZ%5FCNVKu5iLk), no violations were found at MCL Center Catering.
39. In a routine inspection on [June 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDLohziSOWzQKqvPNrcpKIDAZVeJ8yawg-aSGpjG3jT4RM), no violations were found at Btown Bodega.
40. In a routine inspection on [June 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAKHiZ6m7fyRrgzSuhodQ5sAVzAw1RK6PG82D9g--XSOkY), no violations were found at Gables Bagels.
41. In a routine inspection on [June 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBcBRq8M62iTpSraKiQ6-cpAeMVMHotJixmY04iTg8TgHU), no violations were found at Little Italy Market.
42. In a routine inspection on [June 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQA-AD6rLCOxRqZJMTM1WSi9AVOQFl9WSZTYzvoisvyhkAk), no violations were found at Rush Hour Station.
43. In a routine inspection on [June 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBMtmbXh9QBQYLqvLyUT-yTAR8qGhFrcXyZmTSKjSPU3N4), no violations were found at Shahs Halal Food.
44. In a routine inspection on [June 3, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB%5Fe%5FVGEOyHTLZz7rK7lHjpAW8asAjb7QBIqBcMw3Zaiy4), no violations were found at Summit Elementary School.
45. In a routine inspection on [June 2, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDmqdPgSZaGRaEJ8kPQjb0rAaEH9CJKGWbov4gjBH0MewY), no violations were found at Amrit India.
46. In a routine inspection on [June 2, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCiZFA1KS80RKPHsrPM9JqYAVHRfZoG5Ot5goSAKz%5FFZNc), no violations were found at Fairview Elementary School.
47. In a routine inspection on [June 2, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQA3Da8s%5Fe62Tbg1MCH39PFoAY9FzVYaS9UPV504MGJc%5F5M), no violations were found at Pilis Party Taco 2.
48. In a follow-up inspection on [June 2, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD4KYfPF%5F9LSbHQ5fO6lainAQvy%5F5cPZu%5FLqenAFLvzOsU), no violations were found at Stir Fry 88.
49. In a routine inspection on [June 26, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAFWfS2lFGVSKaA%5FhwO818lAS7-F1B4p0jCVKeUQ0hdhNI), 1 core violation was found at Pizza X West.
50. In a routine inspection on [June 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBjer0f-jwVToHrhHQZSJiRAX6sK6YtQ2KX2z%5FS-K%5FFoW8), 3 core violations were found at Mother Bears Pizza Campus.
51. In a routine inspection on [June 23, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCs-RUsWTyIRa8zSliB3uR-AbEp-XIsQbpN7sD%5F87s7Hjk), 2 core violations were found at La Dulce Chocolate.
52. In a routine inspection on [June 17, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBmT8Snuz4QQaKPVKjKHcjGAaJuwHAqHxiW6CnrkMbKpk8), 3 core violations were found at Bloomington Petroleum Inc Sunmart.
53. In a routine inspection on [June 15, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCSbSEDYAPZS5aBE0B0U21xARrKgrG3lqG1Ucw%5FhB0jeNA), 1 core violation was found at The Mercantile of Stinesville.
54. In a routine inspection on [June 11, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAL9%5F22glmZTLWahucbfh0pAe6JSyxXaXaQ3DQJJVbn9nk), 2 core violations were found at Kroger J091.
55. In a routine inspection on [June 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBoPwqNdC4PQaKOQIpyJub-ASgMJUcAMBxxxg5DjFccEY8), 2 core violations were found at Moco Gas Station.
56. In a routine inspection on [June 9, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBAyMloywKnSrJQ7p4k-0woAftF4FZPVNy1ny%5FrMdVaX5s), 1 core violation was found at Jankos Little Zagreb.
57. In a routine inspection on [June 8, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDoEvJQxKlTQLlI0z6efFC4AVxI9nzjWtXJlsiKfGTJ85w), 2 core violations were found at Chilis Grill and Bar.
58. In a routine inspection on [June 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBicnXv9HBaQ4lgyc5d4RLDAZoQWEjUUXJxeB3kzi6b5cw), 2 core violations were found at Bubbakoos Burrito.
59. In a routine inspection on [June 30, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCnkVdXHYcYR58YTiAFeMugARIeKYJPghTEF7I5AaiUqF0), 1 priority foundation violation was found at Short Stop Food Mart BBQ Train.
60. In a routine inspection on [June 26, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQB2hROyWKZyS6OAtBLzRUXRAZDRPN36UsPlIzIdYiVlZcg), 1 priority foundation violation was found at Pizza X Ellettsville.
61. In a routine inspection on [June 24, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQBFSj1D8zVSTrJDPPdDqpvOAcpGsDR2SwEFJ1NbQ7Jd1i0), 1 priority foundation violation and 1 core violation were found at Red Lantern; one was a repeat violation.
62. In a routine inspection on [June 10, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQAhxqJgc69lSIsemP1wlu-zAY0AV8-bvVe-17bkDYfsAvA), 1 priority foundation violation was found at Family Mart.
63. In a routine inspection on [June 4, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCLQkxqMhPTSZ5qXIldrn5VAefTwB5wEsHuqQFXtgb3HaQ), 2 priority foundation violations were found at The Butchers Block.
64. In a routine inspection on [June 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDfs1f56aRNR5leq6bse84JARV0XX5ZP1WpAJP0oEAwTIM), 1 priority foundation violation and 2 core violations were found at Dunkin.
65. In a routine inspection on [June 23, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDJE4WBLiv4RZBCSLmKT29lAWrmnie3UgED5knekQ2jAls), 1 priority violation and 1 core violation were found at Bapu Teafresh LLC; one was a repeat violation.
66. In a routine inspection on [June 17, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQDgb03KOicjSJOXgsQA%5FdNIAYl0BPdXVBYVNAm7d2A7Lao), 2 priority violations, 1 priority foundation violation and 1 core violation were found at Rusty Anchor Lakeside Saloon.
67. In a routine inspection on [June 15, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQD8HgwKRjSlTJuIPhVUl8eKAUjY2UQUZ-bMW9RDIR1Z0%5Fg), 2 priority violations, 1 priority foundation violation and 1 core violation were found at Food Mart Ellettsville; 2 were repeat violations.
68. In a routine inspection on [June 5, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQCMy11TWxV%5FRZQykCcAy34gAQjMDUtDrYhgxCW5wikjWhc), 1 priority violation and 1 priority foundation violation were found at Scenic View Restaurant.
69. In a routine inspection on [June 1, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HealthDepartment/IQChlQiRhxu7S7Zg2EiiOK1LASBy328PVWPeqmFt-s%5FN7Og), 1 priority violation, 2 priority foundation violations and 1 core violation were found at Vivencia Latin Flavors.
### B-Line Trail & 4th Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/b-line-trail-4th-street/
Last updated: 2026-08-26T16:54:33.000Z
Bloomington city planners Cole Jackson (left) and Joe Patterson are tabling, asking the question: “What makes you feel unsafe when you’re using Bloomington streets, roads, sidewalks, and trails?” (Dave Askins, Aug. 24, 2026)
### Kirkwood Avenue & College Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-college-avenue-5/
Last updated: 2026-08-24T17:49:11.000Z
[Doctors Without Borders](https://give.doctorswithoutborders.org/campaign/835348/donate?c%5Fsrc=ADD2608U0U87&c%5Fsrc2=google.cpc.CKMSF-BRAND%5FDWB-GS-ALL-DWBBrand%5FE-BO-18t65P-RSA-Evergreen25%5F1-ONETIME-test&utm%5Fsource=google&utm%5Fmedium=cpc&utm%5Fcampaign=CKMSF-BRAND%5FDWB-GS-ALL-DWBBrand%5FE-BO-18t65P-RSA-Evergreen25%5F1-ONETIME-test&gad%5Fsource=1&gad%5Fcampaignid=24154250784&gbraid=0AAAAACM3OZXQxBVoFGfYDBogvLhzWXrwj&gclid=Cj0KCQjw16%5FUBhCqARIsAIdOaXzkfAjiRzGMZKbkqObZSO5IFZ6ZL6WG9TDpOH6BsszmeI4Toi3nqWcaAuspEALw%5FwcB) is tabling today asking for support of the non-profit agency that provides emergency medical care to people affected by war, disasters and disease outbreaks around the world. (Dave Askins, Aug. 24, 2026)
### Powerline Camp (Switchyard Park @ Rogers Street)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/powerline-camp-switchyard-park-rogers-street/
Last updated: 2026-08-24T17:31:02.000Z
The county government is moving to remove the encampment. One of several notices posted at the county-government-owned Thomson property off South Rogers (aka the Powerline Camp) says that personal property that’s left in the area as of Tuesday (Aug. 25, 2026) will be moved. For B Square background, see: [Second shots-fired report at Powerline Camp, Monroe County mulls moving up Sept. 1 deadline](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-shots-fired-report-at-powerline-camp-monroe-county-mulls-moving-up-sept-1-deadline/). (Dave Askins, Aug. 24, 2026)
The text of the notices reads as follows:
> **NOTICE**
>
> Storing Personal Property at this location is in violation of Monroe County Code 257\. On Tuesday, August 25, 2026 any Personal property found at this site (Thomson Property) will be removed and held at the Monroe County Highway Garage, 5900 W Foster Curry Dr. for one week.
>
> If the unlawful storage of items is deemed to consist of trash, garbage, or solid waste, or to constitute a significant health hazard, the property may be disposed of immediately.
>
> Any person seeking to recover property removed from this site must contact Justin Baker, 812-349-2533, to receive instruction on how to recover the property by September 1, 2026\.
>
> Personal Property remaining at the Monroe County Highway Garage after the one week holding period shall be deemed abandoned and subject to disposal as per Monroe County Code 258.2\.
>
> Nothing in this notice prohibits, discourages, or intends to prohibit or discourage, a law enforcement officer from enforcing any order or ordinance prohibiting public camping, sleeping, or other obstruction of a sidewalk.
### Cup & Kettle reopens production on Bloomington’s west side, eyes Indiana-grown tea
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/cup-kettle-reopens-production-on-bloomingtons-west-side-eyes-indiana-grown-tea/
Last updated: 2026-08-24T11:08:15.000Z
[Cup & Kettle](https://www.cupandkettletea.com/shop-teas) is back in business at a new location. Jessica Messmer and Adam Nahas pose in front of the sign inside the new facility on [11th Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yTZdt3dSVFnpk1BT8). (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Cup & Kettle is selling tea again.
For now, that does not mean the return of the downtown tea shop that Jessica Messmer ran for years on Walnut Street, next door to the old Princess Theatre.
The new version is smaller on retail and bigger on production. That means blending tea, packaging it, and [filling orders](https://www.cupandkettletea.com/shop-teas) placed online or by customers who stop in.
The new home is at [1331 W. 11th St](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1dyA3mq4kRRitJsVA). One way to get there is to head west on Kirkwood Avenue to Adams Street, north on Adams to 11th Street then west on 11th about 200 yards—it’s on the south side of the street, set back off a long driveway. It’s not far from 615 N. Fairview St., where [Friendly Beasts](https://www.friendlybeastscider.com/about) and [Cicada Cinema](https://cicadacinema.com/collections/all ) are moving into a building near the B Line Trail.
That puts Cup & Kettle in a setting very different from its old Walnut Street storefront. It’s less a café and more a tea production facility.
It has been operating out of its new home for just a few weeks. On The B Square’s visit, Messmer arrived at the new shop location straight from work on one of the gardens that are becoming part of Cup & Kettle’s next chapter. “I would hug you, but I’m sweating and I’ve been gardening!” she said.
After a rough end to Cup & Kettle’s downtown life, being back in business at all counts for a lot.
For long periods over the last couple of years, scaffolding was set up for work on the neighboring Princess Theatre building facade. That made the Walnut Street shop harder for customers to see and reach. When the scaffolding would disappear, business picked up. When it returned, it fell off. In the later part of last year, when the scaffolding came down for good, Messmer told The B Square that Cup & Kettle had hit a sales goal for the first time in months.
Then, early this year, the shop flooded. A significant, unexpected water leak caused serious damage and disruption. That forced Cup & Kettle to give up the storefront and shift back to online sales while Messmer dealt with the aftermath.
Messmer’s sense of humor during that period was intact. A sign on the door blamed the closure on “angry water spirits.”
Adam Nahas knew some of that story. In May, Nahas organized an online fundraiser called “Help Jessica Recover After Water Damage.” But he also had a new space to offer.
Nahas owns the building where Cup & Kettle has now set up shop. It’s not the first time Nahas has played the role of nurturing a small local business. He’s the founder of Artisan Alley, which he envisioned as a kind of small-business incubator for artists.
“I’m just kind of wanting to reinvest and want to reconnect, and try to build something again,” Nahas said. The timing happened to line up with Messmer’s effort to find a path forward with Cup & Kettle.
The first phase will be simple enough. Cup & Kettle has brought back the loose-leaf teas that customers knew from the old store. There are roughly 50 blends, with more being developed. The business is moving more deeply into custom blending. They’ll cater to someone who wants a particular blend for a wedding, or just wants a tea that tastes exactly the way they want it. “It’s becoming more of like a blending business,” Nahas said.
The space serves as the place where the tea is blended, packaged and shipped, with a small retail corner. Customers can come in and buy tea, but for now this is not meant to replace the old café. Maybe later there could be space for people to settle in over a steaming cup and nibble on one of Messmer’s matcha cookies with butterscotch morsels.
Messmer and Nahas are also looking at possibilities for retail sales in other locations, even if they are leaning way more on wholesale accounts and online orders than the old shop did. The longer-term idea could include educational tours of the facility, where people can learn the basics about tea and blending.
Getting the new location open required a bit of land-use housekeeping. The property is in a mixed-use employment zoning district, and Cup & Kettle needed conditional-use approval from the city for the artisan-manufacturing use.
Aficionados of the city’s unified development ordinance (UDO) know that means a [review by the city’s hearing officer](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qJkYA%5FMOo6E3mDRVlSClOyBzT6fEPBKq0nHS3jGrE-M/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.m9b4a4l881oc), which was scheduled for Nahas and Messmer in mid-July. That ended with an approval. The approval was tied to some site work that still needs to be done, which includes laying some asphalt, and striping it for accessible parking.
Artifacts from the old Cup & Kettle location are still visible. Among the shop’s previous sidewalk sandwich signs was a riff on a lyric from the iconic Lionel Richie song: “Hello, is it tea you’re looking for?” The sign looks a little beat up, with indications of wear that are more than just the patina of age. Messmer said somebody once threw it into Walnut Street, where she had to rescue it.
The Walnut Street shop was not just a place to buy a tin of Moroccan Mint loose leaf. It hosted tea parties, workshops and community events, including comedy nights. Messmer built a place where people could stay awhile.
The new operation is not trying to recreate that all at once.
Instead, Messmer is taking Cup & Kettle in a direction that could literally ground the business in local dirt. She has begun working with Indiana University’s Hilltop Garden & Nature Center, where Cup & Kettle has a garden plot. The plan is for Hilltop to serve partly as a demonstration and educational garden, with herbs and other plants used in the company’s botanical teas. Hilltop itself has a long-standing educational mission built around gardening and already includes tea and herb gardens.
But Messmer is also working on plans for a larger tea growing operation outside Bloomington, closer to Martinsville.
And she does mean tea, not just herbs and botanicals steeped in hot water.
Cup & Kettle now imports tea from farms in Nepal, Thailand, China and Japan. But Messmer wants to try growing actual tea plants in Indiana, along with the herbs and botanicals that go into other blends. The larger growing operation is still in the planning stage, with hoop houses planned to help create the conditions the plants need.
Messmer has grown tea plants here before, but not on a commercial scale. She knows of a tea farm in Michigan, she said, which gives her some confidence that the idea is not as improbable as it might sound.
For now, there is plenty of unglamorous agricultural work to do. At Hilltop, Messmer and a group of IU volunteers recently spent a day removing gravel from the garden plot, loading it by shovel into a wheelbarrow so the ground underneath can eventually be tilled and planted. “I never knew I’d be a farmer,” she said.
There is still plenty of non-farming small-business work, too, like filling orders, making the blends, shipping the packages, and putting the final touches on the new space.
The two business partners are good sports. They will go along with a request from a news photographer to put one arm akimbo, and bend the other arm in a spout-like curve. Because surely everybody knows the old children’s song about the little teapot—short and stout.
Messmer and Nahas have already been tipped over. And out has poured a new location for Cup & Kettle, ready for Bloomington to drink it in.
### Photos: Cup & Kettle
[Cup & Kettle](https://www.cupandkettletea.com/shop-teas) is back in business at a new location. Jessica Messmer and Adam Nahas pose in front of the sign inside the new facility on [11th Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yTZdt3dSVFnpk1BT8). (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Cup & Kettle production facility. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Cup & Kettle production facility. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Cup & Kettle production facility. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Cup & Kettle production facility. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Cup & Kettle retail corner. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Cup & Kettle retail corner. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Cup & Kettle retail corner. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Cup & Kettle retail corner. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Signage for Cup & Kettle off 11th Street. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Exterior of Cup & Kettle. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Jessica Messmer shows photos on her smartphone of the Hilltop Garden & Nature Center location. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
Cup & Kettle’s plot at the Hilltop Garden & Nature Center. (courtesy photo)
Cup & Kettle’s plot at the Hilltop Garden & Nature Center. (courtesy photo)
Jessica Messmer and Adam Nahas at the Cup & Kettle garden at the Hilltop Garden & Nature Center. (courtesy photo)
### Aug. 24, 2026: Zulich in 2027 mayor’s race; CIB moves ahead with hotel, demolition; jail population; South over North 44–6
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-24-2026-zulich-in-2027-mayors-race-cib-moves-ahead-with-hotel-demolition-jail-population-south-over-north-44-6/
Last updated: 2026-08-24T10:29:42.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [jigsaw](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-24-2026/) featuring the folks behind [Cup & Kettle](https://www.cupandkettletea.com/). The jigsaw is set up to be easy, and the reward for completion is so fantastic!
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Slow down. There will be patchy fog to start the day. Otherwise it will be pure bliss—sunny, with a high near 80F°.
**Tuesday:** Wear whatever you like, you won’t need rain gear. It will be sunny, with a high near 83F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Stop scrolling!
You don’t have to pay for The B Square.
Everything The B Square reports is free to read. No paywall. No donation required.
That can only work if some readers have decide the reporting is worth paying for anyway.
Right now, about one in five Almost Daily Bulletin subscribers [makes a financial contribution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account). If you’re one of them: Thank you! You are the reason The B Square can do any of this work.
But one in five is not enough to put The B Square on sustainable footing for the long haul.
Right now, it is basically one person who reports and writes all of this news. The goal is to build something more durable than that: a local-news institution that can keep showing up, asking questions and reporting the news year after year, even after the one person is dead.
If you read The B Square, rely on its reporting, find it useful in any way, or just think Bloomington and Monroe County are better off with a local press that pays close attention, please consider [signing up for a monthly contribution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account) right now.
### Recent articles
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population stays under 229 benchmark, but remains well above sheriff’s 186 figure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-stays-under-229-benchmark-but-remains-well-above-sheriffs-186-figure/). This week’s jail count swung from 245 to 224 before ending at 228, which is still below one functional-capacity benchmark. Over 33 days, 299 people left the jail, with a median stay of 3 days. County officials have filed their answers to the ACLU’s federal lawsuit.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-75/). Who has control of spending on top of the courthouse—Hawk or Fish?
- [Monroe County property transfers through Aug. 19, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-aug-19-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from July 31 to Aug. 19, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Zulich announces for 2027 Bloomington mayor’s race, putting District 6 council seat in play](https://bsquarebulletin.com/zulich-announces-for-2027-bloomington-mayors-race-putting-district-6-council-seat-in-play/). Bloomington councilmember Sydney Zulich launched her 2027 mayoral campaign Saturday, calling for more local hiring and fewer out-of-town consultants. Her entry points toward a 3-way Democratic Party primary with mayor Kerry Thomson and Joe Davis, while opening Zulich’s District 6 council seat.
- [Bloomington South rolls past North 44–6 in season-opening rivalry game](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-south-rolls-past-north-44-6-in-season-opening-rivalry-game/). Bloomington South opened the 2026 football season with a 44-6 win over crosstown rival Bloomington North. Hayden Clark rushed for three touchdowns, while TJ Wilson and Jonathan Winstead returned interceptions for scores as the Panthers built a 28-0 halftime lead.
- [Editor’s notebook: A two-wheeled Bloomington intro for IU students, townies alike](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-a-two-wheeled-bloomington-intro-for-iu-students-townies-alike/). Bloomington’s Aug. 25 Welcome Week bike ride offers students and newcomers a two-wheeled introduction to the city: grocery stores, parks, trails, Kirkwood and downtown, plus bike-on-bus practice and a pedal-powered smoothie. One additional piece of advice: Look up for the hawks.
- [CIB approves letter of intent with Dora for hotel, moves ahead with Seminary Pointe demolition](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-approves-letter-of-intent-with-dora-for-hotel-moves-ahead-with-seminary-pointe-demolition/). Monroe County’s CIB is moving ahead with Seminary Pointe demolition even though Dora Hospitality’s proposed convention center hotel would not use that real estate. The CIB said the remaining land would stay with the board for now and could later be offered for sale. Demolition could start Nov. 4.
### Other notes
**Help shape the future of your Library!** From the public library: “We’re creating a new strategic plan for the Monroe County Public Library, and we want to hear from you! [Take our short survey and share your experiences and ideas](https://mcpl.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df878337c54fade8a56f211b3&id=3d993d89a5&e=c70de7b347). Your feedback will help us better serve you, your household, and our community.”
**Election board: Petition for judicial review filed.** Joe Davis has now filed a [petition for judicial review](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDgtMjYwOC1NSS0wMDIyODkiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==) of the election board’s decision to disqualify him as a write-in candidate for Monroe County clerk. For B Square background, see: [Candidate’s write-in bid blocked by Monroe County election board, court challenge planned](https://bsquarebulletin.com/candidates-write-in-bid-blocked-by-monroe-county-election-board-court-challenge-planned/)
**Jail lawsuit.** There is a status conference at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday (Aug. 25) with the parties and the judge on the new ACLU lawsuit that has been filed against Monroe County government officials over conditions at the jail. The scheduling order says: “The purpose of this conference is to address case status and settlement.” The county council has an executive session set for 4 p.m. on Tuesday to discuss the litigation. \[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### On the calendar
**More city budget presentations.** Monday (Aug. 24) and Wednesday (Aug. 26) mark the [third and fourth meetings](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings) of the Bloomington city council when various departments will give presentations on their proposed 2027 budgets. The meetings this week begin at 5:30 p.m. which is an hour earlier than the start times for regular meetings.
**$162,379 for Streets to Stability.** On the [5 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 25) meeting agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-25-Monroe-County-Council-Agenda-Packet.pdf) for the Monroe County council is an item that would make an additional appropriation from the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) in the amount of $162,379 to support Heading Home’s [Streets to Stability Initiative](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-nonprofit-initiative-aims-for-leases-not-shelter-beds-as-camping-ban-starts/). That is an effort to connect homeless people directly to housing and provide support necessary to remain housed for a year.
**Redistricting of attendance districts, sales listing agreement.** On the [6 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 25) meeting agenda](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DWFNUR61AAC0) for the MCCSC school board is a discussion of redrawing the attendance districts for elementary schools and a sales listing agreement with CBRE for the former H-T building with a commission of 4-6%.
---
**Get your Bloomington bearings on a bike—a tour where only the wheel truth about cool local places will be spoken: Aug. 25.** Tuesday’s (Aug. 25) [slow-paced community ride](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/welcome-week-ride) meets up at Showalter Fountain, and runs 5–7 p.m., showing off comfortable routes around town for students, newcomers and longtime residents alike. Along the way: local stops, Bloomington bike know-how and *pedal-powered smoothies*. A limited number of loaner bikes are available with advance registration.
**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](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/traffic-cones): “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](https://maps.app.goo.gl/173RnezLG517oqmA7). This event is part of the City’s August safety week.” The event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
**Kidical Mass: Aug. 27!** What does that hilarious play on words mean? It’s a back to school family bike ride and celebration! It takes place on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., staring from the Bryan Park Woodlawn parking lot. This free, family-friendly event features a short, slow-paced 1- or 2.5-mile bike ride, plus a bike rodeo, games, bike-blended smoothies, popsicles, helmet decorating, free bike lights and quick bike repairs. Children under 11 have to ride with an adult. Official information from the [city’s website](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/kidical-mass).
**Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Garden Gala: Aug. 28.** Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard will hold its annual [Garden Gala](https://www.mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala) fundraiser Friday, Aug. 28, from 6:30–9 p.m. at [1100 W. Allen St.](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1100%20W.%20Allen%20St.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN) 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](https://mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala), 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](https://wl.eventim.us/event/Magnolia-and-Johnson-Electric-Co/693286?afflky=BluebirdNightclub).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/668002/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/688597/web%5Forders/new).
**Big Book Sale: Sept 18-21\.** The Friends of the Library will be hosting their Big Fall Book Sale in Meeting Room 1B/C at the Downtown Library with thousands of items at bargain prices. The 2026 Big Fall Book Sale will be open to the public Sept. 18–21 with a special early-bird sale for Friends members on Sept. 17\. For hours on specific days, check the [book sale webpage](http://mcpl.info/bigsale).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
### Meet Augusta!
Up for adoption, as of Aug. 19 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Augusta](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87479). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very, good girl is an unspecified mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Augusta](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87479):
> Augusta is a petite princess ready to tip-tap her way into your heart with her delicate paws! She is full of zest for life and encourages everyone around her to take joy in the small things like her! Augusta likes to do zoomies in the yard, resembling a tiny tornado zeroing in on sweeping you up in her silliness. She also appreciates a tasty treat as a token of appreciation for her hard work at making you smile.
### Photo Finish: Bloomington city hall
****Traffic Cone!** Long range city planner Anne Crecelius and Bloomington resident Nan Rockey pose next to an excellent giant paper mache traffic cone at the farmers market to promote an event with free ice cream next Wednesday (Aug. 26) at Chocolate Moose starting at 4 p.m. From the [official announcement](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/traffic-cones): “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](https://maps.app.goo.gl/173RnezLG517oqmA7). This event is part of the City’s August safety week.” The event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Dave Askins, Aug. 22, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Dunn Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/dunn-street-kirkwood-avenue-2/
Last updated: 2026-08-25T00:03:56.000Z
A half dozen protesters with the Bloomington Democratic Socialists of America Community Defense Committee are leading the “Panopticon Parade,” from People's Park along the route of some Flock cameras that are still live. That’s after an announcement from the Kerry Thomson administration earlier this year that the city’s contract with Flock would not be renewed. From Bloomington police chief on Monday: “There are 4 video cameras on Kirkwood that are still live. These are not LPR \[license plate reader\] cameras. We are in the process of replacing them but have not completed that process. This was part of the announcement back in the spring when the Mayor and I announced the cancellation of the Flock contracts. This contract was also not renewed.” (Dave Askins, Aug. 23, 2026)
### Civic Solver: Aug. 24, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-24-2026/
Last updated: 2026-08-23T15:12:11.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one each week in the [*Almost Daily*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) newsletter.
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population stays under 229 benchmark, but remains well above sheriff’s 186 figure
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-stays-under-229-benchmark-but-remains-well-above-sheriffs-186-figure/
Last updated: 2026-08-23T12:35:41.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s jail population stood at 228 on Saturday (Aug. 22), nearly unchanged from the 227 people held there that were recorded eight days earlier.
But during the past week the count peaked at 245 and dipped as low as 224\. The population has now remained below one frequently cited functional-capacity benchmark for four straight days.
The B Square has tracked the numbers starting on July 21, when the jail held 247 people. By Aug. 22, the population had fallen by 19, to 228.
The difference between those two snapshots does not capture the turnover in the jail during that period. Of the 247 people who were there on July 21, 156 were still there on Aug. 22\. That means 91, or about 37% of the people who were in jail at the start of the period had left by the end.
At the same time, 72 people who arrived after July 21 were still incarcerated on Aug. 22\. The 156 people who were present at both endpoints, together with those 72 later arrivals, account for the Aug. 22 population of 228.
That comparison still does not capture people who arrived after July 21 and then left again before Aug. 22\. A total of 299 people departed the jail during that roughly one-month span. Among those who departed during that period, the median length of stay was 3 days.
Over the full 33-day period, the average daily population was about 245\. The highest count was 264 on July 31\. The lowest was 224 on Wednesday (Aug. 19).
That means the jail has now spent four days in a row below one of the two functional-capacity figures that have been cited recently.
In the [federal lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf) filed in July on behalf of jail inmates, the ACLU calculated the jail’s functional capacity at slightly more than 229 people, based on 80% of what the complaint describes as its available beds.
Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté has given a lower figure. His July [overcrowding report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf ) started with 294 reported beds, subtracted housing that he said cannot be treated as general-population space, leaving 233 available general-housing beds. Applying the same 80% principle yields a functional capacity of 186\.
The answer to the ACLU’s complaint, [filed by commissioners and the sheriff](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-05-1-26-cv-01460-commissioners-answer-to-complaint-073111950623.pdf) with the court on Aug. 5, gives the same figure of 186 as the jail’s functional capacity.
By the sheriff’s measure, Saturday’s population of 228 was still 42 people above functional capacity.
The county council, which is also named as a defendant in the ACLU’s lawsuit, [filed its answer to the complaint](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-21-1-26-cv-01460-county-council-answer-to-complaint-073111980869.pdf) this past Friday (Aug. 21).
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-75/
Last updated: 2026-08-23T10:57:21.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #76 (Aug. 23, 2026)**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through Aug. 19, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-aug-19-2026/
Last updated: 2026-08-23T10:55:25.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from July 31 to Aug. 19, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1YJUIJCz6ePvIXfT21uPExPqvSO7AJ5U&usp=sharing ).\]
- On August 19, 2026, the property at 1315 W Dittemore RD was sold to KELLY JO FITZGERALD by LUKE THOMAS for $490,000.
- On August 19, 2026, the property at 4806 W State Road 45 was sold to KEITH KLINE by LISA D BARNES for $200,000.
- On August 19, 2026, the property at 1405 W 6th ST was sold to CEFERINO GIL by KAREFAM PROPERTIES LLC for $157,000.
- On August 18, 2026, the property at 710 S Pleasant Ridge RD was sold to LAWRENCE PEJEAU by SAMUEL J OSBORNE for $450,000.
- On August 18, 2026, the property at 1505 S Olive ST was sold to JANET ELLIS by EDWARD GROSS for $230,000.
- On August 18, 2026, the property at 3871 S Laurel CT was sold to ETHAN UPCHURCH by THOMAS WALSH for $180,000.
- On August 18, 2026, the property at 9398 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to ANGEL COLLIER by BRIAN K PIERCE for $160,000.
- On August 18, 2026, the property at 4062 W Broadway AVE was sold to STEINHAUS LLC by VICKIE ANN SHIPLEY for $120,000.
- On August 18, 2026, the property at N Smith RD was sold to WILLIAM CLYDE ALSTROM by AHMED ZESHAWN for $3,000.
- On August 17, 2026, the property at 1314 N Dunn ST was sold to BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC by UNIVERSITY PROPERTIES VI LLC for $6,775,000.
- On August 17, 2026, the property at 3511 E Bryn Mawr DR was sold to ANTHONY D PANTLEONI by ERICSON W KRITZER for $1,050,000.
- On August 17, 2026, the property at 304 W Kirkwood AVE STE 202 was sold to BRITTANY NAY by CENTURIAN ADVISORY LLC for $850,000.
- On August 17, 2026, the property at 1114 N Woodburn AVE was sold to ROE RENTALS LLC by BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC for $640,000.
- On August 17, 2026, the property at 1624 N Ridgeway DR was sold to MICHAEL HAMMETT by Berry, Melissa T for $235,000.
- On August 17, 2026, the property at 3600 W Woodcliff CT was sold to ERIC TAYLOR by MIRA SCOTT for $30,000.
- On August 14, 2026, the property at 718 E University ST was sold to MICHAEL HANNON, JR. by MOYD, MICHELLE R for $430,000.
- On August 14, 2026, the property at 3821 E Tamarron DR was sold to TERESA GAYTAN BEACH by SHEANIN F MCCONNAUGHY REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $385,000.
- On August 14, 2026, the property at 2631 E Windermere Woods DR was sold to JOHN F HALL by BRIDGET K BALINT for $342,000.
- On August 14, 2026, the property at 906 S Rolling Rock DR was sold to ELIJAH THOMAS by DONGLIANG XU for $319,000.
- On August 14, 2026, the property at 2314 S Madison ST was sold to MARGO S SCHOTT by CASE MADISON COTTAGE, LLC for $305,000.
- On August 14, 2026, the property at 660 W Fairway LN was sold to AMY JEANNE ROBINSON REVOCABLE TRUST by MICHAEL W HAURY for $299,000.
- On August 14, 2026, the property at 5971 S Victor PIKE was sold to KRYSTAL PRINCE by TRESIA ZIKE for $285,000.
- On August 14, 2026, the property at 5811 W Waterstone TRCE was sold to NICHOLAS C MYERS by JANE ANNE BARGER for $268,400.
- On August 14, 2026, the property at 2460 S Burberry LN was sold to SAMUEL IAN RAGSDALE by HEMAKO LLC for $165,000.
- On August 14, 2026, the property at 405 W Hillside DR was sold to WEXT STAYS LLC by SUSAN D LANCASTER for $160,000.
- On August 13, 2026, the property at 3999 S Garrison Chapel RD was sold to GINA GRAF by DAVID E DODRILL for $1,250,000.
- On August 13, 2026, the property at 9547 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to EMILY HURSEY-RUEHL by MICHAEL L CASAD for $450,000.
- On August 13, 2026, the property at 1109 W Gourley PIKE was sold to 1109 PIKE LLC by PINTAIL PROPERTIES LLC for $105,000.
- On August 13, 2026, the property at 948 E Keenland CT was sold to MICHAEL D BAIRD by LYDIA J BUTLER for $0.
- On August 12, 2026, the property at 2268 E Cape Cod DR was sold to CHARLES E JOHNSON by BRIAN H BESSER for $429,000.
- On August 12, 2026, the property at 3511 S Roxbury CIR was sold to KATHRYN E MCMILLAN by Pars LLC for $345,000.
- On August 12, 2026, the property at 4313 E Chadwick CT was sold to ANDRE BARRETO BRUNO WILKE by STEPHEN ZULKOWSKI for $330,000.
- On August 12, 2026, the property at 3910 E 10th ST was sold to NATHAN HINSHAW by TINA LAKE for $240,000.
- On August 12, 2026, the property at 9374 W State Road 48 was sold to MICHAEL V CASSADY by SCOTT J LANGLEY for $200,000.
- On August 12, 2026, the property at 1370 S College Mall RD was sold to APOORVA GUTU by CORY C MYERS for $140,000.
- On August 12, 2026, the property at 7265 S Society LN was sold to DARBY M LEWIS by ERICA LEWIS for $37,000.
- On August 11, 2026, the property at 428 N Hay ST was sold to JOHN A SCUNK by SANDY PINES PROPERTIES LLC for $199,900.
- On August 11, 2026, the property at 1523 W 8th ST was sold to DOROTHEA DUENOW by DAJA PROPERTIES LLC for $184,900.
- On August 10, 2026, the property at 206 E Hillside DR was sold to EVAN J ROEBKE by ALAN P KITCHEN for $269,900.
- On August 7, 2026, the property at 4619 N Louden RD was sold to CALEB MERRIMAN by MELISSA R MULLIS for $442,500.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 7459 E Rush Ridge RD was sold to WALTER PHILLIP BEGLEY by BARRY STEINKAMP for $137,500.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at E Rush Ridge RD was sold to WALTER PHILLIP BEGLEY by BARRY STEINKAMP for $137,500.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 3363 S Westminster WAY was sold to JENNIFER E PERRY by Rose, Connie for $215,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 414 W Northlane DR was sold to LWE GARRETT PROPERTIES LLC by KAI ZHEN for $195,000.
### Dunn Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/dunn-street-kirkwood-avenue/
Last updated: 2026-08-23T15:54:32.000Z
Pridefest looking west from the east end of Kirkwood Avenue. (Dave Askins, Aug. 22, 2026)
### College Avenue & 6th Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-6th-street-4/
Last updated: 2026-08-22T19:18:24.000Z
Artist at work on the utility box at the northwest corner of College and 6th. (Mary Morgan, Aug. 22, 2026)
### Bloomington city hall
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-hall-3/
Last updated: 2026-08-22T16:07:42.000Z
****Traffic Cone!** Long range city planner Anne Crecelius and Bloomington resident Nan Rockey pose next to an excellent giant paper mache traffic cone at the farmers market to promote an event with free ice cream next Wednesday (Aug. 26) at Chocolate Moose starting at 4 p.m. From the [official announcement](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/traffic-cones): “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](https://maps.app.goo.gl/173RnezLG517oqmA7). This event is part of the City’s August safety week.” The event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Dave Askins, Aug. 22, 2026)
### Zulich announces for 2027 Bloomington mayor’s race, putting District 6 council seat in play
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/zulich-announces-for-2027-bloomington-mayors-race-putting-district-6-council-seat-in-play/
Last updated: 2026-08-22T12:07:07.000Z
B Square file photo of Sydney Zulich from June 30, 2023.
Bloomington city councilmember Sydney Zulich has launched a campaign for mayor, setting up what is likely to become a three-way race in 2027 for the top job in city government.
Zulich, a Democrat who represents council District 6, and who currently serves as the council’s vice president, announced her candidacy Saturday (Aug. 22) on a platform “to create lasting affordability, invest in the city and keep Bloomington local.”
“We’re in a spiral of corporatizing our city and hiring out-of-town consultants to solve our problems,” Zulich said in the campaign announcement. She said Bloomington should make greater use of local talent and develop more solutions inside city government instead of sending local dollars elsewhere.
Zulich’s announcement did not single out for specific criticism any consultants, contracts or decisions by current Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration. Thomson, who took office in January 2024, was not mentioned in the release.
The launch itself was low-key. Zulich’s campaign distributed the [announcement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-22-Zulich-mayor-announcement.pdf) to local news organizations Friday morning under an embargo until 8 a.m. Saturday. The release does not identify a public kickoff event, speech or gathering connected to the announcement. One of the campaign’s media contacts confirmed to The B Square that the launch would take place primarily online.
The campaign announcement stresses the idea of keeping economic activity local.
The release says Zulich wants to find ways to prioritize local companies and businesses instead of awarding contracts to companies outside Bloomington. It also casts Zulich as the kind of person who exemplifies the solution to a challenge that Bloomington needs to confront. That’s to persuade more Indiana University graduates to stay in the city after they finish school.
The announcement puts it like this: “After graduating from Indiana University in 2023, Zulich chose to stay and work in Bloomington. Zulich is the prime example of the type of graduate we must work to keep in Bloomington—intelligent, dedicated, passionate and ready to invest her skills back into our community.”
Zulich graduated from IU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in international law and institutions, and Slavic and East European languages and cultures. Since late 2024, she has worked as associate publisher for Bloom Magazine.
The announcement wraps up with a paragraph that begins this way: “On day one, Zulich is ready to build a team of folks who truly understand and care about what makes Bloomington a great place to not only go to school and attend sporting events, but also to stay, to work, to buy a home and to raise a family.”
The preparation for the launch dates back at least to July 9, when the internet domain for the campaign website, zulichformayor.com, [was registered](https://rdap.verisign.com/com/v1/domain/zulichformayor.com). No website has yet been set up for the domain.
Zulich would be running for the Democratic Party’s nomination. The actual paperwork for a declaration [can’t be filed until Jan. 6, 2027](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2027-Indiana-election-deadlines-SOS-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL.pdf).
Even though there has not been a public announcement from Thomson that she is seeking re-election, it’s not considered to be an open question. On Wednesday, Joe Davis told The B Square he intends to stand as a candidate in the Democratic Party’s primary, which would make for a potential three-way race for the Dems.
### Background as campaign staffer
Zulich’s announcement about her candidacy for mayor comes a little more than three years after she first secured a spot on a Bloomington ballot. The path to her place on the November 2023 general election ballot as the Democratic Party’s nominee for District 6 city council did not follow the conventional primary election route.
In spring 2023, Zulich was [preparing to run as an independent](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2023/05/20/local-democratic-party-wont-contest-district-6-bloomington-council-election-outcome-now-leaves-door-open-to-future-action/) for the newly drawn District 6 council seat and had collected the nine signatures she needed for ballot access. But Democrat David Wolfe Bender, who had won the May Democratic Party primary unopposed, resigned as the party’s nominee amid questions about whether he actually lived in the district.
Zulich switched tracks and sought the Democratic Party’s nomination through a ballot-vacancy caucus. On June 30, 2023, she was the only candidate in the caucus and was [unanimously selected](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-district-6-city-council-dems-pick-zulich/) by the five eligible Democratic Party precinct chairs who participated.
No Republican candidate was placed on the ballot, so Zulich was unopposed in the November 2023 election.
By then, Zulich had a lot of experience behind the scenes. Her LinkedIn profile lists her as an event coordinator for Penny Githens’s 2022 campaign for Indiana House District 62\. That was a close contest that was won by Republican Dave Hall. In early 2023, Zulich was field director for Isak Asare’s successful campaign for an at-large Bloomington city council seat.
Zulich later served as regional campaign manager for Tim Peck’s 2024 congressional campaign and as field director for Democrat Thomas Horrocks’s 2024 Indiana House campaign. At the same time, she served as the Monroe County Democratic Party’s director of coordinated campaigns, working across a slate of about 20 candidates.
Most recently, Zulich served as campaign manager for David Henry’s 2026 primary campaign for Monroe County commissioner District 1\. Henry’s January campaign announcement identified fellow city councilmember Courtney Daily as campaign chair, Zulich as campaign manager and county auditor Brianne Gregory as treasurer. Henry lost the May primary to Trent Deckard by a roughly 20-point margin.
Zulich’s candidacy for mayor means the District 6 city council seat will be open. The seat was uncontested in both the primary and general elections in 2015 and 2019 elections, when Steve Volan was the incumbent. After the redrawing of the districts to conform to the decennial census, Volan’s residency was in District 4, and he chose to run at-large in 2023, in an unsuccessful campaign. Bender was the sole candidate in the 2023 Democratic Party primary for District 6.
In 2027, if more than one candidate declares for a District 6 primary, it will be the first time there’s been a contested primary race in that district since 2011, when Sandi Cole lost the primary to Volan.
### At least three names taking shape for 2027
Zulich is the first of the likely candidates to make a public mayoral announcement, but the emerging 2027 field could have at least three names: Zulich, Thomson and Joe Davis.
No one can be an officially declared candidate for city office in 2027 until the [window for that paperwork](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2027-Indiana-election-deadlines-SOS-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL.pdf) filing opens on Jan. 6\.
Thomson has not publicly announced a reelection campaign. But by this spring, she was openly acknowledging that her preparations for the 2027 city election were underway.
In April, a [political survey distributed by text message](https://bsquarebulletin.com/political-poll-on-bloomington-mayor-hopewell-south-other-city-issues-circulates-by-text/) asked Bloomington residents a series of questions about Thomson’s job performance, whether city government needed minor or fundamental change, and whether respondents would vote to reelect Thomson or support another Democrat.
Thomson declined explicitly to confirm to The B Square that it was her campaign that had commissioned the poll. But in response to a question about it, she said: “We’re starting to prepare for next year’s city elections and doing the usual groundwork—fundraising, building a team, and continuing to gather input from Bloomington residents.”
Thomson raised a substantial amount of money last year. Her 2025 annual campaign finance report showed $54,791.51 in contributions during the year. After expenditures, Friends of Kerry Thomson finished 2025 with $127,642.99 cash on hand.
Zulich’s campaign finance committee for city council showed no contributions during 2025 and a finishing balance of $1,284.67
There have been other informal signals that Thomson is seeking re-election. Thomson’s Facebook campaign account has become more active, and Thomson has recently indicated to city councilmembers that she intends to resume giving them regular updates in person.
Davis, meanwhile, would be making a second attempt at the mayor’s office.
In 2023, Davis tried to qualify for the ballot as an independent candidate for Bloomington mayor, but fell 14 valid signatures short. He challenged the disqualification of some of his petition signatures before the Monroe County election board, but without success.
Davis more recently ran in the three-way 2026 Democratic Party primary for Monroe County clerk, [finishing third with 21% of the vote](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-2026-primary-election-results-live-updates/).
On Wednesday this week, Davis told The B Square that he is planning to run in the Democratic Party’s primary for mayor in 2027, but he is focused right now on appealing a decision by the election board to [disqualify him as a write-in candidate](https://bsquarebulletin.com/candidates-write-in-bid-blocked-by-monroe-county-election-board-court-challenge-planned/) for county clerk. Under Indiana state law, he can’t be a candidate for clerk in the general election because he lost the primary for clerk. Davis is looking to challenge the constitutionality of the law.
All that means Zulich’s announcement does not yet officially establish an official three-candidate field. But it pushes the developing 2027 contest in that direction, with an incumbent preparing for a second campaign, a councilmember now publicly in the race, and a perennial candidate expected to take another shot at the mayor’s office.
### What does “out-of-town consultants” mean?
One of the more pointed parts of Zulich’s campaign announcement is about the use of consultants to do work for the city. The announcement criticizes “out-of-town consultants” and says Bloomington needs to use more of the community’s own talent.
Some recent Thomson administration initiatives that have recently made the news fit the literal description of using out-of-town consultants.
One is the city’s $95,000 place-branding contract with CivicBrand, part of the Texas-based MODassic Group. Bloomington signed the contract in January 2025 to develop a civic brand for the city.
By November 2025, the city had paid the entire $95,000 contract amount. But in March, the city [claimed in response to a formal records request](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-paid-full-95k-branding-contract-key-deliverables-still-not-finished-4-months-later/) from The B Square that two major portions of the contracted work were still under development—a brand strategy and implementation guidance.
As recently as July 21, in response to a formal records request from The B Square, the city claimed that no additional deliverables had yet been provided to the city by CivicBrand.
In another recent case, Thomson administration paid $37,900 to aQity Research & Insights Inc., an Evanston, Illinois, firm, for the community survey whose results were [presented to the city council on Aug. 5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/council-rips-bloomington-survey-for-sidelining-college-students/).
Councilmembers criticized several aspects of the survey methodology, especially a decision not to pursue a sampling methodology that ensured a good representation in responses from Bloomington’s significant college student population.
Even an attempted clarification emailed by the consultant after the council’s criticism included a concession of the main point: “Because of the extremely low response among IU students (which could be attributed to multiple factors—lack of time, awareness, interest), we had to adjust our sample weighting to more closely align with those who responded, namely the non-student adult population.”
Zulich was among the sharpest critics. She called one explanation from the consultant “a stunningly insulting answer.” She also pressed the administration on how aQity had been selected and learned that the city had not issued a request for proposals. Zulich ultimately said she did not consider the survey a responsible use of taxpayer money.
A third notable out-of-town consultant is Flintlock LAB, the Fayetteville, Arkansas, firm whose Alli Thurmond Quinlan has played a central role in the Thomson administration’s redesign of Hopewell South. The redevelopment commission first authorized a Flintlock contract of up to $300,000 for work that included design of pre-approved housing plans. It later approved another [$145,000 contract](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-5m-for-roads-145k-for-hopewell-south-rezone-58k-for-police-hq-study/) for Flintlock to shepherd the Hopewell South planned unit development through the rezoning process.
But the Hopewell South case also seems to illustrate why Zulich’s statement isn’t necessarily a categorical criticism of any initiative that relies on a consultant headquartered outside Bloomington. On the Hopewell South project, Zulich was consistently among the councilmembers aligned with Thomson’s push to move the project forward.
On Feb. 18, when the council [declined on a 2–7 vote](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-signals-support-for-hopewell-south-pud-zoning-but-wont-vote-sooner-than-march-25/) to introduce the Hopewell South PUD, because the supporting materials had not been filed by the usual deadline, only council president Isak Asare and Zulich voted to introduce it.
On March 4, the council voted 6–3 to wait until March 25 before taking final action. Asare, Zulich and Daily cast the three dissenting votes because they wanted to vote on approval that night.
Three weeks later, the same three councilmembers dissented from another [6–3 postponement vote](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-vote-postponed-by-bloomington-city-council-until-april-1/), again because they wanted the council to approve Hopewell South without further delay.
On May 6, the full council eventually [approved the Hopewell South PUD](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-wins-unanimous-ok-from-bloomington-city-council/) unanimously after reaching a compromise on affordability requirements.
### Dual roles as candidate, councilmember
For the eight and a half months between now and Bloomington’s May 4, 2027 Democratic Party primary, what Zulich says and does as a councilmember will also be viewed through the lens of her role as a challenger to the current mayoral administration.
There’s a chance to watch that dynamic as early as next week, with the [final two nights](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings) of the council’s review of Thomson’s [proposed 2027 budget](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mayor-transit-payment-election-costs-account-for-nearly-all-of-bloomingtons-2027-budget-gap/). Monday (Aug. 24) brings presentations from parks and recreation, economic and sustainable development, public works administration, animal care and control, facilities, fleet and sanitation.
On Wednesday (Aug. 26), the council will hear from the capital improvement board, clerk, council office, controller, legal, human resources and information and technology services, as well as Thomson’s own mayoral-office budget.
### 6th Street & Washington Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-washington-street-6/
Last updated: 2026-08-22T13:16:19.000Z
0:00
/0:19
1×
A tow truck winches a car from near the Monroe County History Center to the street. It wound up there as the result of a 5:45 a.m. collision between two cars, one headed south on Washington and the other east on 6th Street. No injuries. One driver left the scene in a patrol car after a breathalyzer. The video has been converted to 10x speed. (Dave Askins, Aug. 22, 2026)
### Bloomington South rolls past North 44–6 in season-opening rivalry game
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-south-rolls-past-north-44-6-in-season-opening-rivalry-game/
Last updated: 2026-08-22T08:43:21.000Z
Hayden Clark (17) scores one of his three touchdowns for South. (Dave Askins, Aug. 22, 2026)
After months of planning and practice, the waiting ended Friday night, with Bloomington South and Bloomington North kicking off the 2026 IHSAA football season against each other.
North fans packed the stands at Dennis O. Martin Memorial Field wearing black. The Cougars donned the same shade as their fans. On the field, South got the best of North.
The Panthers used 245 yards on offense, led by senior running back Hayden Clark’s 90 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. South dominated most of the game, finishing the first half up 28-0 with a final tally of 44–6, to start the season in the win column.
“I just like our team,” South head coach Gabe Johnson said postgame. “You want to come out at this point with all the football you’ve been playing in the summer … and you want to see more good than bad. I thought we did some things well.”
While the Bloomington South offense was productive, their defense dominated Bloomington North freshman quarterback Fisher Pugh. The Panthers used an effective pass rush that left Pugh with no open receivers. Pugh finished the game 9-of-23 with 97 yards and two interceptions.
Both turnovers that Pugh threw led to points put on the scoreboard for South.
Senior defensive back TJ Wilson was on the receiving end for Pugh’s first interception in the second quarter. Wilson brushed past North offensive players trying to tackle him, running 45 yards into the end zone to put the Panthers up 21–0.
After extending its lead, South hauled in another interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter. Defensive back Jonathan Winstead took an errant pass from Pugh 80 yards into the end zone to put his team up by 41\. The touchdown led to a running clock, the mercy rule, for the rest of the game. In the shortened contest, Bloomington North could only claw back one touchdown.
In his role as a wide receiver, Winstead hauled in three receptions for 30 yards. Senior wide receiver Connor Parker led the Panthers with 52 receiving yards. Parker opened up the scoring with a 47-yard receiving touchdown as senior quarterback Duncan Combs found Parker streaking down the field.
With good field position most of the game, South didn’t have to rely much on the arm of its quarterback. Combs finished the contest 7-of-14 for 97 yards. The only blip for the senior gunslinger was an interception in the red zone during the second quarter. With South on the opposing 10-yard line, Combs tried to find an open receiver, but senior linebacker Kaelan Frank got a good jump on the pass. Frank took the interception 35 yards, setting North up with good field position and momentum just before halftime.
But the Cougars couldn’t take advantage of the field position. An 11-yard rush from junior running back Carter Matthews on 4th-and-11 gave North a fresh set of downs, but their offense stalled out. A turnover on downs gave South’s defense a shutout heading into halftime.
North’s offense compiled a total of just 210 yards for the whole contest. For most of the game, Pugh did not find any rhythm in his passing game. To help out the freshman quarterback, North turned to its ground game to move the chains and put the Cougars in better third-down situations.
But Matthews and senior running back Brayden Johnson did not find much space to run against South’s defensive line. The duo combined for 130 yards on 20 rushes. Matthews was the only North player to reach the end zone.
Starting from their own 20-yard line, the Cougars marched down the field with five minutes remaining in the game. Pugh found senior wide receiver Rashon English on a back-shoulder catch for 34 yards. Matthews followed the big gain with 15 yards before Pugh and English connected again to move inside South’s 5-yard line. Matthews then finished the drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown.
For South, Clark piled on early rushing touchdowns to help build confidence for his teammates. Junior running back Myles West produced a 42-yard rush to move into North territory before Clark finished a 9-play, 90-yard drive from 10 yards out. The touchdown gave South a 14-0 advantage, with Clark scoring again before the second quarter ended.
“\[Hayden Clark’s\] a hard runner, takes care of the football,” Johnson said. “It starts with him, and he’s a senior, and he’s waited a long time for this time. He seems to be kind of grabbing it by the horns right now.”
This time, the Panthers didn’t have to go far on offense. A blocked punt set South’s offense up at the 7-yard line, as Combs gave the ball to Clark for a 7-yard gain into the end zone to make it a 28-point game.
Clark’s final touchdown of the game came in South’s first offensive drive of the second half. After getting small chunks of yards down the field, Clark capped the drive with a 4-yard rush into the end zone before sophomore kicker. “Stuff was opening up as we went on,” Clark said. “Our offensive line didn’t quit. I gave lots of credit to them, and they’re my boys up front. They just kept on pushing to find the holes.”
For that score, Sam Stolberg’s PAT attempt was blocked. For the game, Stolberg made five out of his six extra point attempts. He also drilled a 35-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring for South.
Next week, Bloomington South stays on the road, traveling to Martinsville on Aug. 28 for a 7 p.m. kickoff. North heads south to play Bedford North Lawrence at the same time next Friday.
“We don’t go back to the drawing table. We go back to work,” Johnson said. “We’re going to do what we do, and we’re going to keep going.”
### Photos: North vs. South Football (Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
North versus South home opener. (Dave Askins, Aug. 21, 2026)
### Editor’s Notebook: A two-wheeled Bloomington intro for IU students, townies alike
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-a-two-wheeled-bloomington-intro-for-iu-students-townies-alike/
Last updated: 2026-10-03T22:49:51.000Z
A red-tailed hawk perches on the steeple of the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Bloomington, then flies off. (Dave Askins, Aug. 9, 2026 )
Listen, IU students, you start classes on Monday (Aug. 24). So here is my advice for the following day: Get on a bicycle and let an expert tell you about the secret parts of Bloomington.
The secret parts include red-tailed hawks. That’s why this column includes photos of hawks instead of bicycles.
Here’s the boring, fact-filled part from an [official government source](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/welcome-week-ride ): The city of Bloomington and IU office of sustainability are holding a Welcome Week community guided bike tour starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Showalter Fountain. The ride is free, slow-paced and supposed to run until 6:30 p.m.
The organizers say it is for all skill levels. So if you arrived at IU with plans to ride in the Little 500, chasing down a “Breaking Away” dream, there will be time enough later to fall in love, ride double with the object of your affection, and get into turf fights with townies. Tuesday’s ride has a different purpose.
I would describe it as a way to get your Bloomington bearings on a bicycle tour, where only the wheel truth about cool local places will be spoken. But that is because I am an old man devoted to stupid puns.
The list of places on the tour is not bad.
You’ll see where to handle some basic errands: Aldi and B-Town International Market for groceries, Target for a little bit of everything, and College Mall for whatever is still left on the list. Morgenstern Books & Café gives you a bookstore, coffee shop and east-side landmark all in one stop. Bryan Park, Switchyard Park and Hopewell Park show you three very different pieces of the city’s park system.
The route also puts you on Bloomington’s two main non-motorized connectors. The B-Line Trail runs north-south through the city, while the 7-Line gives cyclists an east-west connection through the heart of town. Learn those two routes, and you have the beginnings of a mental map for getting around Bloomington without a car.
Then there is Kirkwood Avenue, the courthouse square and city hall. They’re not just sights to ride past, but landmarks that you can use to tell where you are.
The ride is not just for students. It is also for new residents, community members and even longtime residents—who might like to prove to incoming students that not everyone who has lived here for a million years is a jerk.
At city hall, the group will stop so riders can practice locking up a bike, putting a bike on the front rack of a Bloomington Transit bus and even make a smoothie in a bike-powered blender.
A smoothie is basically fruit, ice, and assorted good intentions pulverized by a machine. Bloomington has improved on the concept by making you power the machine yourself. Pedal hard, blend the fruit, slurp it down, and ask yourself if that doesn’t answer the question: What does Bloomington taste like? The town tastes like a pedal-powered smoothie.
In [years past](https://bsquarebulletin.com/advice-for-students-bloomington-is-for-the-birds/), the advice I have given incoming college students is simple: Look up!
I mean that literally. I am not telling you to aim high, chase your dreams or become your best self. I am telling you to look up, because there are red-tailed hawks perched on buildings and other high points around Bloomington. You will miss them if you are staring down at your screen the whole time.
So I hope Tuesday’s bicycle tour includes some additional spots on the list.
When the group gets downtown, somebody should point out the steeple of First Presbyterian Church at 6th and Lincoln streets. Red-tailed hawks have used it as a perch for years.
As people are pedaling down the 7-Line, the tour guide might give riders a chance to pause and check out the top of the AT&T building. A little farther west, the antenna on top of the Monroe County jail is worth a look. Those are both regular perches for red-tailed hawks.
The official route already includes the courthouse square. So I hope Tuesday’s tour gives cyclists a chance to look up at the fish-shaped weather vane on top of the historic Monroe County courthouse. A red-tailed hawk perched on the fish is about as Bloomington as anything ever gets.
There is no guarantee any of the hawks will cooperate Tuesday. They do not work for Visit Bloomington, Indiana University, or the city government.
But this bicycle tour strikes me as a pretty good way to learn something about the city. Bloomington is not a terrible place to be. Ride past the grocery stores. Find the trails. Figure out where Kirkwood goes. Learn how to put your bike on a bus. Pedal hard enough to liquefy some fruit.
And when you get downtown, look up.
### CIB approves letter of intent with Dora for hotel, moves ahead with Seminary Pointe demolition
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-approves-letter-of-intent-with-dora-for-hotel-moves-ahead-with-seminary-pointe-demolition/
Last updated: 2026-08-20T14:36:35.000Z
Housing advocates hold signs objecting to the demolition of buildings at Seminary Pointe at the Monroe County capital improvement board meeting. (Dave Askins, Aug. 19, 2026)
The Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) is moving ahead with demolition of the Seminary Pointe buildings south of the Bloomington Convention Center.
The land to be cleared is not one of the parcels that Dora Hospitality has identified for its proposed host hotel, which is planned just north of Seminary Pointe.
That apparent disconnect was at the center of public criticism at the CIB’s Wednesday (Aug. 19) meeting. From the public mic, housing advocates questioned why the board intends to demolish the remaining low-rent apartments and commercial buildings, if Dora does not need all of that land for its hotel. Donating all the land to Dora would amount to a developer subsidy for a housing project that Dora has described south of the hotel, housing advocates warned.
After the meeting CIB president John Whikehart responded to that point, telling The B Square: “We’re not giving them all the property.” The CIB offered hotel developers about 6.5 acres and asked them to identify what they needed. Dora’s proposal uses roughly three acres, Whikehart said. That consists of a portion of the parking lot immediately south of the convention center, the My Sister’s Closet property, and possibly land extending into the Jeff’s Warehouse area.
The remaining land farther south, including property stretching toward Second Street, stays with the CIB, Whikehart said.
That clarification came after five speakers used the CIB’s public-comment period, which was moved to the start of the meeting, to criticize both the demolition and the hotel arrangement.
Barry Herbers recalled the CIB’s unsuccessful effort this spring to trade Seminary Pointe to Bloomington’s redevelopment commission in exchange for College Square, which is the former Bunger & Robertson property north of the convention center. That proposed swap would have allowed the hotel to be placed north of the existing convention center while allowing for preservation of the comparatively low-rent housing at Seminary Pointe.
"Here you all are, about to pave paradise,” Herbert told the board Wednesday. “It was a lie that the CIB ever needed this land for the convention center, and that lie is more clear now than it has ever been. The idea that 29 units of super affordable housing must be destroyed, several beloved businesses displaced, and dozens of people forced to leave their homes was manufactured.”
\[[Bloomington Convention Center Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29)\]
The CIB acquired the Seminary Pointe property and other nearby parcels from city and county governments this spring as it assembled land that could support a host hotel. The county-owned portion had been purchased with innkeeper’s tax revenue. In April, the county government [approved transferring it to the CIB](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-land-transfer-to-cib-has-final-ok-with-calls-for-land-swap-to-preserve-housing-put-host-hotel-on-north-parcel/) as part of the effort to secure a host hotel, while elected officials and housing advocates were still hoping a land swap might preserve the existing housing.
The land swap never materialized. On July 15, the CIB instead [selected Dora](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/) to negotiate development of a roughly 200-room hotel on the CIB-controlled property south of the convention center. Dora’s preliminary plan used only three of the available southern parcels, leaving other CIB land available for future development.
From the public mic, Matthew Joseph contended that the excess land was effectively being used to subsidized Dora to develop market-rate housing. “What’s going to happen to Seminary Pointe?” Joseph asked.
That criticism appears to rest in part on either a conflation of two different formal proposals from Dora or a casual mention made as a part of a formal proposal. Dora has made a formal proposal for some market-rate housing to Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC), but that’s for College Square, north of the convention center, not for the Seminary Pointe land the CIB plans to clear.
The RDC issued a public offering for the College Square property north of the convention center. Dora’s response to that offer includes not just 80 to 100 market-rate apartments or condominiums, but also a 135-room boutique hotel. That’s in addition to the convention center host hotel that Dora is proposing for the land south of the convention center.
At the Aug. 3 RDC meeting, when Dora Hospitality [presented its College Square proposal](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-concord-pitch-rival-college-square-projects-bloomington-rdc-mulls-decision/), Vince Dora said his team was separately exploring with housing developer Travis Vencel the possibility of affordable housing on excess CIB land south of the convention center. But that idea is not part of Dora’s College Square proposal, and it is not part of the CIB’s current host-hotel deal.
The current host-hotel deal is not so much a deal as the concrete prospect of a deal to be negotiated. Approved at Wednesday’s CIB meeting was a [non-binding letter of intent (LOI)](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-20-JUST-LETTER-OF-INTENT-LOI-Dora-Hospitality%5FLetter-of-Intent-SIGNED-2026-08-19.pdf) which says the negotiation is limited to development of a convention center host hotel on “certain to be specifically identified land” owned by the CIB near 402 S. College Ave. The exact legal description, boundaries, easements and terms for transferring the property remain to be negotiated over the next 90 days.
The LOI also leaves major financial terms, like a purchase price, public incentives and developer equity requirements, to the eventual agreement to be negotiated.
After the meeting, Whikehart said the negotiations now underway with Dora will stay focused on those roughly three acres and the host hotel.
As for the excess property, Whikehart told The B Square after the meeting that CIB could hold it for future development. Or the board could eventually make the land available through a separate public offering, with proceeds used for the convention center or another tourism-related purpose. If Dora wanted that land at some point, Whikehart said, it could respond to such an offering like anyone else.
But Dora cannot simply fold the additional property into the host-hotel negotiations now underway, he said.
That leaves a separate question raised by the public speakers Wednesday: Why demolish the Seminary Pointe buildings if the hotel itself does not require all of the land?
Whikehart’s answer pointed to the condition of the buildings and continuing security problems.
During the meeting, he [showed board members photographs](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-19-CIB-demolition-Seminary-Pointe-Property-Summary-v2-6.pdf) of water damage, deteriorated floors, damaged doors and apartments left with significant amounts of debris. He said the CIB had documented 27 incidents at the properties over the previous 25 days, including 15 trespassing incidents, four instances of vandalism, two involving drug use and one drug arrest.
The CIB is now paying MSI Security $8,680 a month for eight hours of overnight security monitoring, Whikehart said.
About the buildings, Whikehart said after the meeting: “They’re dangerous.” He added, “They’re constantly occupied by squatters. They’re a public nuisance, and they need to come down.”
Public commenters disputed the CIB’s account of how [unauthorized occupants were removed](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-units-boarded-up-after-removal-of-unauthorized-occupants-reports-of-drug-use/) from vacant apartments on July 23\. Mary Cashman said people who had been staying there described being given little time to collect their possessions, including one person who was away at work when a building was boarded up.
Whikehart told the board the occupants had been removed “peacefully and without incident” with assistance from Bloomington police, MSI security and Weddle Brothers.
The demolition schedule became more concrete at Wednesday’s meeting.
The CIB unanimously approved a $16,400 first-phase contract with Weddle Brothers to manage pre-construction work, permitting and preparation of demolition bid documents, with reimbursable actual expenses capped at an additional $5,000.
Environmental testing, surveys, utility disconnections, permitting and other preliminary work are expected to put the project in a position for demolition to begin around Nov. 4, assuming no unexpected environmental or permitting problems. Weddle project manager Andrew Scere told the board the goal is to have the buildings removed and the site stabilized by Dec. 31.
### Aug. 20, 2026: North-South football kickoff; transit board, Keolis vote; county clerk office repairs; 2027 budget gap; alleycat race
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-20-2026-north-south-football-kickoff-transit-board-keolis-vote-county-clerk-office-repairs-2027-budget-gap-alleycat-race/
Last updated: 2026-08-20T08:01:52.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle this week, because we just ran out of time. We hope to have a new one for you next week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Slow down. There could be patchy fog before 8 a.m. No need to bring rain gear, but know that there’s a chance of a random shower or thunderstorm before 2pm. Generally it’s expected to be partly sunny, with a high near 82F°.
**Friday:** Slow down even more. There could be patchy fog before 8 a.m. No worries about rain. Wear something that lets everyone know you are headed to the high school football season opener between North and South with a kickoff at 7 p.m. at North’s field. The high will be near 83F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Crosstown kickoff: Bloomington North, South meet to open 2026 football season](https://bsquarebulletin.com/crosstown-kickoff-bloomington-north-south-meet-to-open-2026-football-season/). Bloomington North and South open the 2026 football season Friday at North in the 69th meeting of the crosstown rivalry. North enters with new coach Andy Harding and a new conference, while South returns head coach Gabe Johnson and senior quarterback Duncan Combs. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
- [Bloomington Transit board pick hangs in balance before Sept. 15 vote on management firm](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-pick-hangs-in-balance-before-sept-15-vote-on-management-firm/). The paths for two decisions are now running in parallel: Bloomington Transit’s Sept. 15 vote on a Keolis management contract, and a city council decision on Kent McDaniel’s board seat. McDaniel plans to vote no next month, but whether he gets to cast that vote could depend on council action.
- [Monroe County clerk services move for condensation repairs](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-clerk-services-move-for-condensation-repairs/). The Monroe County clerk’s office will perform its public-facing functions in other locations for two weeks as crews address condensation from uninsulated ductwork. Payments will be handled on the child-support side, while in-person court filings are expected to move to the a judges conference room.
- [Mayor: Transit payment, election costs account for nearly all of Bloomington’s 2027 budget gap](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mayor-transit-payment-election-costs-account-for-nearly-all-of-bloomingtons-2027-budget-gap/). Bloomington’s proposed 2027 budget continues a four-year reduction in its planned general fund shortfall. Mayor Kerry Thomson says a final $3.8M payment to Bloomington Transit and $650K for municipal elections account for nearly all of the remaining operating gap.
- [Initial report: Monroe County clerk’s office closed due to condensation into light fixtures](https://bsquarebulletin.com/initial-report-monroe-county-clerks-office-closed-due-to-condensation-into-light-fixtures/). Monroe County’s clerk’s office closed Monday after condensation from unwrapped pipes sent water through the justice building ceiling and into light fixtures. Employees reported popping sounds. The incident follows recent sewage, drain-cleaner and HVAC problems at the aging building in downtown.
- [Manifest celebration of community: Alleycat bicycle riders race through Bloomington](https://bsquarebulletin.com/manifest-celebration-of-community-alleycat-bicycle-riders-race-through-bloomington/). Saturday’s alleycat bicycle race hosted by Bloomington Homes for All sent riders racing across town, where checkpoints involved bike repair, potato tossing, SCOBY eating, drawing and academic card trading. The sweaty afternoon ended at Friendly Beasts Cider Company.
### On the calendar
**Public health nurses**. On the [10 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 20) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D08%2D20%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for the Monroe County commissioners is a discussion about a Monroe County Health Department agreement with Amergis Healthcare Staffing for supplemental temporary health-care staffing. Under the agreement, Amergis could supply registered nurses at $65 an hour, licensed practical nurses at $55 an hour and medical assistants at $37 an hour, with assignments generally lasting at least 90 days or 13 weeks and rates increasing 3% annually.
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**Pridefest: Aug. 22.** The 13th annual [Bloomington Pridefest](https://bloomingtonpride.org/pridefest) takes over Kirkwood Avenue on Saturday (Aug. 22), bringing thousands of people downtown for a celebration of LGBTQ+ lives and community. The festival, Bloomington PRIDE’s annual fundraiser, features entertainers, vendors and community organizations.
**Get your Bloomington bearings on a bike—a tour where only the wheel truth about cool local places will be spoken: Aug. 25.** Tuesday’s (Aug. 25) [slow-paced community ride](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/welcome-week-ride) meets up at Showalter Fountain, and runs 5–7 p.m., showing off comfortable routes around town for students, newcomers and longtime residents alike. Along the way: local stops, Bloomington bike know-how and *pedal-powered smoothies*. A limited number of loaner bikes are available with advance registration.
**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](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/traffic-cones): “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](https://maps.app.goo.gl/173RnezLG517oqmA7). 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](https://www.mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala) fundraiser Friday, Aug. 28, from 6:30–9 p.m. at [1100 W. Allen St.](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1100%20W.%20Allen%20St.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN) 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](https://mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala), 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](https://wl.eventim.us/event/Magnolia-and-Johnson-Electric-Co/693286?afflky=BluebirdNightclub).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/668002/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/688597/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
### Meet Yoda!
Up for adoption, as of Aug. 19 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Yoda](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86723). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
Very, very good, this husky-border collie boy is. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Yoda](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86723):
> **In a foster home; please call 812-349-3492 for more information.** Yoda like his namesake has big beautiful ears! He can be a bit shy meeting new people but Yoda loves sniffing and checking out the yard. He also enjoys meeting other dogs and doing tricks for tasty treats!
### Photo Finish: Courthouse square
A mushroom is standing tall on the dewy grounds of the historic Monroe County courthouse grounds. (Dave Askins, Aug. 18, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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### Crosstown kickoff: Bloomington North, South meet to open 2026 football season
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/crosstown-kickoff-bloomington-north-south-meet-to-open-2026-football-season/
Last updated: 2026-08-20T03:19:09.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington North quarterback Fisher Pugh targets a receiver in a scrimmage against Southport. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026) ****Right:** Bloomington South quarterback Duncan Combs (2) is poised to toss the ball downfield in a scrimmage against Lawrence Central. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
The high school football season starts Friday in Bloomington with the city’s crosstown rivalry as the first game on the schedule. Bloomington North and South meet at 7 p.m. at North in the season opener for both teams.It’s the 69th meeting between the two schools, which means it’s a familiar matchup, but plenty has changed since last year.
The offseason brought a new coach and conference to North, while South returns its head coach and starting quarterback.
North joins the Mid-State Conference this season, while South will be joining the Hoosier Hills Conference for the 2027-28 school year. It marks the first season since 1982 the two Bloomington schools are not conference mates.
Here’s what you need to know heading into the game.
### Andy Harding prepares for first season at the helm of North
The Cougars took a big swing this offseason hiring a North alumnus who helped Tarboro High School in North Carolina win nine state championships. Harding spent a decade coordinating Tarboro’s defense before returning to Bloomington to take over the head coaching job at his alma mater. Now, he becomes the fourth different head coach for North in four seasons.
Bloomington North will look to build on a 2025 season that saw the Cougars finish 7-4, losing both of its matchups to South. The second one was the IHSAA Class 5A Section 15 championship game, when a 17-point fourth quarter from the Panthers gave them a [31-28 victory](https://bsquarebulletin.com/panthers-roar-back-with-late-rally-for-football-sectional-title-over-rival-cougars-31-28/) over North.
But Harding has a leg up on his predecessor, Brett Cooper. He was hired in April of this year, whereas Cooper was hired in July, which truncated many offseason programs for the Cougars.
Harding will be helped by the return of senior receiver Rashon English and Nate Walker. Last year English hauled in 38 catches for 624 yards and six touchdowns, while Walker had 35 receptions for 575 yards and seven touchdowns. The speed on the outside gave North a potent passing attack, which seemed to improve as the season went on.
North’s biggest offseason question was at starting quarterback. Former gunslinger John Bargen graduated and is now playing at Indiana State University, which means the Cougars need to replace his 2,000 passing yards and 24 passing touchdowns.
With limited options in the program, North moved to the other end of the spectrum, giving freshman quarterback Fisher Pugh the starting position for the season opening scrimmage. Pugh played beyond his age during Bloomington North’s scrimmage against Southport on Aug. 14, producing good touch on passes to his receivers and not panicking in stressful situations.
With a strong set of receivers, Pugh will also be helped out by senior running back Brayden Johnson and junior Carter Matthew. The pair returns after leading last season’s backfield effort, combining for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Defensively, North will need to build chemistry quickly, as senior linebacker Anthony Wrancher is the only returning starter.
Along with Wrancher, seniors Kaelan Frank and Rudy Burton will help bring experience to the second level. At defensive back, Walker and English can also rotate to the defensive side of the ball to help senior Drew Hipskind, junior Blake Davis and sophomore Jackson Gill. Up front, seniors Gunner Pugh and Franco Cubillan will provide production on the edge, while juniors Garrett Fishel and Mason Taylor will play at defensive tackle.
After playing South, North will move on to a matchup against Bedford North Lawrence before starting conference play against Martinsville. The Cougars will host the Artesians, Plainfield and Franklin at home, ending their season at Whiteland.
### South returns key pieces, looks to build on last season
While North had many moving parts this offseason, Bloomington South returned both key components of any good team—the head coach and quarterback.
Head coach Gabe Johnson returns for his seventh season at the helm, while senior quarterback Duncan Combs will be running the offense once again. Combs finished last season with over 2,200 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. As a junior, Combs was consistent throughout the season, throwing for over 200 yards in four games and never going under 100 yards.
South’s balanced offensive attack also relied upon senior running backs Braylen Townsend and Shaun Cooper last season, as the pair both rushed for over 1,000 yards. With their graduation, the Panthers have turned to senior Hayden Clark.
Last season, Clark only produced 138 yards on the ground with 30 carries, but was called upon in late-game scenarios to help South. He produced the game-winning touchdown in the Panthers [41-34 victory](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-south-rallies-late-to-top-terre-haute-south-41-34-advances-to-sectional-title-game-against-cross-town-rival/) over Terre Haute South Vigo in the Class 5A, Sectional 15 semifinals last season. Juniors Myles West and Lucas Smith will also see touches in South’s backfield.
At receiver, South added Mayson Lewis from Terre Haute South. Lewis recorded 419 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 18 catches. Along with Lewis, senior Jonathan Winstead will provide a steady receiving target, along with being the backup quarterback. Senior Conner Christensen looks to be a reliable tight end.
On the defensive side, seniors should provide experience to help South maintain its dominance on defense.
Senior linebacker Charlie Morris led the Panthers last season with 107 tackles, with 12 of them for a loss. Morris added four sacks and two interceptions, while senior Brady Adams returns for another season at linebacker, having racked up 75 total tackles last year. Junior Killian May and senior Aaron Clopton also provide good linebacking options.
With Luke Arnett, Daniel Iruoje and Zion Tooley graduating from South’s defensive line, the Panthers have to find pass-rushing production quickly. Senior Mason Grubb, sophomore Donavan Avila and senior Jay Ingram are among the players expected to fill the gap. Two tackles by Ingram in a pair of September matchups are the defensive line’s only production from last season.
At defensive backs, senior Rylan Stikeleather returns from a late-season injury to give the position group a prolific option. Senior Quincy Brahaum will make up the other safety position, while senior TJ Wilson and junior Kevin Reeves are cornerback selections. Senior Easton Bellini and Winstead should also help out when needed at defensive back spots.
South starts the season with two consecutive away matchups, the first against the Cougars, before traveling to Martinsville. The first matchup for the Panthers at Huff Memorial Field is against Terre Haute North Vigo on Sept. 4\. Bloomington South will travel over 200 miles to Ironton High School in Ohio for an Oct. 3 game, with a trip to Center Grove to close out the regular season.
---
Bloomington North and South will open the 2026 high school football season this Friday at North. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
### Photos: (Aug. 14, 2026 scrimmages) North vs. Southport; South vs. Lawrence Central
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington South versus Lawrence Central scrimmage. (Dave Askins, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
Bloomington North verus Southport scrimmage. (Kelton O’Connell, Aug. 14, 2026)
### Bloomington Transit board pick hangs in balance before Sept. 15 vote on management firm
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-pick-hangs-in-balance-before-sept-15-vote-on-management-firm/
Last updated: 2026-08-19T14:24:32.000Z
****Left:** Kent McDaniel. ****Top right**: Bloomington Transit board table, from McDaniel counterclockwise: Don Griffin and Doug Horn (BT board); human resources administrator Brenda Underwood and controller Christa Browning; Nancy Obermeyer (BT board); John Connell (general manager); James McLary (BT board); and Shelley Strimaitis (planning and special projects manager). ****Bottom right:** B Square file art of BT bus. (Dave Askins, Aug. 18, 2026)
Kent McDaniel attended Tuesday’s (Aug. 18) Bloomington Transit board meeting expecting to cast a vote against a contract with Keolis as the agency’s new management firm. As McDaniel put it: “The only reason I came today was so I could vote against it.”
He did not get the chance.
After more than 40 minutes of discussion about the proposed management contract, there was no vote. That’s because the introduction of the topic was just the first of two required steps.
Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-9-4-29), such a management contract requires the transit board to enact an ordinance. And to enact an ordinance, state law requires it first to be introduced, given notice to the public, and then voted on at a subsequent meeting of the board. The actual vote is expected at the board’s next meeting on [Sept. 15](https://bloomingtontransit.com/bt-staff/).
McDaniel told The B Square after the meeting that he now plans to attend the board’s Sept. 15 meeting, so that he can vote no. McDaniel can continue to serve 90 days past the end of his term, unless the city council, which appoints his seat, chooses someone different.
That was a different kind of ending from the board’s previous meeting on July 21, when Keolis was chosen as the firm that would provide Bloomington Transit’s general manager. It meant a change from RAPT Dev, which had provided the current general manager, John Connell. That choice also set in motion Connell’s departure.
At the [July 21 board meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-picks-new-management-firm-on-split-vote-ending-connells-tenure/), McDaniel cast one of two votes against selecting Keolis. The other vote in opposition came from Nancy Obermeyer. McDaniel called the decision the biggest mistake he had seen in his 36 years on the board. With his current four-year board term expiring at the end of the month, McDaniel said at the July 21 meeting he was seriously considering withdrawing his application for another term.
He made a somewhat dramatic exit before the end of the meeting, delivering the parting words: “It’s been a pleasure working with *some* of you.” The 3–2 vote selected Keolis over longtime management firm RATP Dev.
But McDaniel’s departure from the meeting did not turn into a departure from the board. He decided not to withdraw his application for another four-year term. A three-member city council committee has interviewed McDaniel and two other candidates, and is planning to interview a fourth.
Meanwhile, RATP Dev challenged the process that produced the Keolis selection, and Bloomington Transit has rejected that challenge. And the union representing most of BT’s workforce has asked the board to take another look at Keolis before the final vote.
So two decisions seem now moving on parallel tracks: Whether Bloomington Transit will finalize in a contract the switch from RATP Dev to Keolis, and whether McDaniel will remain one of the five people making that decision.
### A vote that wasn’t
Tuesday’s (Aug. 18) discussion started after the board unanimously approved Bloomington Transit’s proposed [2027 budget](https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-18/).
Board chair James McLary introduced Ordinance 26-02, which would authorize the management contract with Keolis. McLary said BT’s attorney had prepared a draft contract and sent it to Keolis, where it was still under review.
Board secretary Nancy Obermeyer immediately raised a concern about an additional transition expense. Obermeyer said Keolis representatives had described a charge of roughly $20,000 connected to cover the new general manager’s transition to Bloomington.
McLary responded that a transition charge had been disclosed in the Keolis proposal, although not as a specific dollar figure. He added that negotiations had reduced the amount. BT would pay only documented actual expenses, he said. McDaniel and Obermeyer both questioned why an estimate had not been included with the Keolis price proposal.
Keolis had already submitted the higher-priced proposal of the two firms that emerged as the board’s serious finalists. Bloomington Transit’s later [disclosure of the scoring](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-15-RATP-Dev-Bloomington-Transit-BPTC-Procurement-Response-Letter-8%5F14%5F26.pdf) showed that RATP Dev received 66 of 80 possible points on price, compared with 61 for Keolis. But the advantage for Keolis on other criteria gave it a total score of 381 out of 400, compared with 345 for RATP Dev and 344 for Transdev.
McDaniel also asked whether the board would see the completed contract before voting on it. McLary said the final version did not yet exist because negotiations with Keolis were continuing.
The discussion included commentary from the president of the union representing most BT drivers, and went through re-litigation of sorts about the procurement process. It was only near the end that McDaniel explicitly stated his already known intention to vote no, but that foundered on the two-stage process that state law requires. Other board members also expected they’d take a vote. It was the agency’s controller, Krista Browning, who pointed out that no vote needed to take place that night.
The Bloomington Transit board’s next regular monthly meeting, when a vote on the Keolis contract is expected, falls on [Sept. 15](https://bloomingtontransit.com/bt-staff/).
### McDaniel’s application for reappointment stays alive
McDaniel’s current term expired July 31, which was 10 days after the Keolis selection vote. Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-1-8-10), a board member can serve 90 days past the end of their term, but no more than 90 days.
The city council’s committee that is responsible for making a recommendation for any of the three BT board seats appointed by the council consists of Isak Asare, Kate Rosenbarger, and Hopi Stosberg. At an Aug. 6 committee meeting, deputy clerk Jennifer Crossley said she had contacted McDaniel after his dramatic July 21 exit, to find out whether he actually wanted to remain under consideration.
Crossley told the committee she believed McDaniel still wants to be considered for re-appointment. She said she thought McDaniel “was just upset at the situation that transpired.” Crossley also told the committee that McDaniel can continue serving for up to 90 days after expiration of his term, until the council makes a reappointment or appoints someone else.
When the committee interviewed McDaniel on Aug. 13, he gave councilmembers a more detailed account of why he had not pulled his application. McDaniel said he had been about a day away from doing that when he received RATP Dev’s [July 28 letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-28-Bloomington-Transit-RATP%5F-Bloomington-Procurement-Concerns-7-28-26.pdf) challenging Bloomington Transit’s procurement process. Reading the letter, much of which he agreed with, convinced him to remain in place and see what happened, he said.
But he also made clear to councilmembers that his willingness to continue was tied to the Keolis question. “I can’t work with Jim \[McClary\] and Doug Horn and Don Griffin, if they insist on taking this new path and hiring a different company and getting rid of our general manager,” McDaniel said. “If they do, I’ll quit.”
Five days later, he was back at the BT board table ready to vote against the ordinance approving the contract with Keolis.
### Three candidates interviewed, at least one to go
McDaniel is not the city council’s only option. Asare, Stosberg and Rosenbarger decided to interview four applicants for the council-appointed seat: McDaniel, Zachary Ammerman, Hank Duncan and Perry Maull.
Ammerman should have been familiar to councilmembers, because city records indicate they appointed him to the Bloomington commission on sustainability and resilience in February this year. Ammerman introduced himself at his interview as a regular Bloomington Transit rider with a data and mapping background.
Ammerman told councilmembers the board should exercise independent oversight rather than try to manage the agency directly. His priorities included higher-frequency service, less circuitous routes, better cross-town connections and improved on-time performance.
Duncan is Bloomington’s Safe Streets program manager in the city’s planning and transportation department. He told the committee that he had lived without a car in Bloomington for about three years and described his own difficulty using BT for trips that required transfers or involved infrequent service. He also said fixed-route frequency should take priority over a major expansion of microtransit.
After interviewing the three, committee members described all of them as strong candidates, but for different reasons. Rosenbarger summarized McDaniel’s strength as institutional knowledge, Ammerman’s as his ability to work with and present data, and Duncan’s as his community perspective.
Maull was out of town during the week when the committee conducted its first three interviews. He is a longtime transit manager who retired in 2019 after more than a decade with Indiana University’s Campus Bus system. Before returning to IU in 2006, Maull held management positions with several Florida transit agencies, including serving as the first transit director for Space Coast Area Transit. The committee planned to try to interview him Wednesday afternoon [(Aug. 19) at 3 p.m.](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17326/download ) before making its recommendation.
The committee had previously identified its Sept. 2 council meeting as the target for having a recommendation ready.
### RATP Dev challenges the procurement; BT rejects protest
The document that inspired McDaniel to keep his application alive was a [four-page July 28 letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-28-Bloomington-Transit-RATP%5F-Bloomington-Procurement-Concerns-7-28-26.pdf) from RATP Dev chief development officer Steve Sherrer.
RATP Dev acknowledged that an incumbent management company has no entitlement to renewal. But it said that Bloomington Transit’s procurement contained enough inconsistencies to create “a reasonable perception” that the competing firms were not evaluated through a fair and uniform process.
Among RATP Dev’s complaints was that it had asked before its interview whether BT expected a presentation and understood that the session would primarily be questions and answers focused on the proposed resident general manager. RATP Dev did not prepare a slide presentation. Keolis did.
At the July 21 public meeting, board members cited the difference in presentation style among their reasons for preferring Keolis. RATP Dev argued that it should not have been disadvantaged for following the interview format it understood BT had prescribed.
RATP Dev also questioned the makeup of the four-member evaluation committee: McLary, Griffin, controller Christa Browning and human resources administrator Brenda Underwood. RATP Dev asked BT to explain statements at the July meeting that appeared to describe more than one way of scoring the firms.
The company asked for preservation and disclosure of the procurement record and for a review by someone independent of the evaluation committee. It also raised a question about whether McLary meets the statutory [residency requirement](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-9-4-14), which says he has to live inside the taxing district. BT’s taxing district is Bloomington city limits. RATP Dev stopped short of accusing him of being ineligible.
Based on a B Square review of voter registration records from June of this year, McLary is registered to vote at an address inside Bloomington city limits.
On Aug. 14, Bloomington Transit contracting officer Zac Huneck [rejected the challenge](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-15-RATP-Dev-Bloomington-Transit-BPTC-Procurement-Response-Letter-8%5F14%5F26.pdf) from RATP Dev.
Huneck wrote that the July 28 letter had been treated as a procurement protest under BT’s procurement manual. He found that the firms had received substantially equivalent interview opportunities, that the evaluation committee was properly constituted, and that the committee had used the criteria and weights published in the request for proposals.
The response disclosed the underlying scoring in some detail. Even if Browning’s and Underwood’s scores were removed, Huneck wrote, the two board members on the committee (McLary and Griffin) had scored Keolis ahead of RATP Dev by a combined 190–170.
Huneck also rejected the request for a separate independent review, saying BT’s procurement rules assign the initial decision to the contracting officer and provide a separate process for appeal or reconsideration.
That produced an odd exchange Tuesday.
When McDaniel asked for the status of what he called RATP Dev’s protest, McLary said it was a “letter of inquiry,” not a formal protest, and pointed out that the word “protest” did not appear in the July 28 letter.
But BT’s own [Aug. 14 response](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-15-RATP-Dev-Bloomington-Transit-BPTC-Procurement-Response-Letter-8%5F14%5F26.pdf) is headed “Decision on Procurement Protest,” says explicitly that BT treated RATP Dev’s letter as a protest, and concludes: “Accordingly, RATP Dev’s protest is denied.” McDaniel reckoned RATP Dev would be surprised that it was not a protest, because they thought they were protesting.
### Union: Most of the workforce was not asked
Tuesday’s meeting also added a new voice to the discussion.
Bill Hornaday, president of AFSCME Local 613, asked to deliver [prepared remarks](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-18-union-president-public-comment-Bloomington-Transit.pdf) to the board and no one objection. Hornaday told the board that the union represents 67 Bloomington Transit employees. That’s about 78% of the agency’s workforce, he said. That includes fixed-route and paratransit drivers, mechanics and service attendants.
Hornaday said neither he nor the union’s other officers had been contacted during the management-company evaluation. As far as union leaders had been able to determine, none of the rank-and-file employees they represent had been consulted either.
Hornaday told the board the union had conducted its own limited review of Keolis operations elsewhere in the country and had found labor disputes that it believed warranted more investigation. He was careful to describe the union’s research as cursory and acknowledged when Griffin pressed him that he had not yet determined the final outcome of every dispute he cited.
His request was not that the board automatically reject Keolis. Hornaday said Local 613 was prepared to work with the company if it becomes BT’s manager.
But he urged the board to take a closer look before the actual vote, especially at the labor-relations record compiled by Keiolis. He called on the board to include rank-and-file workers in major decisions affecting the agency.
### Mayor’s office had pushed for Connell to stay
The decision to change management firms also came despite direct pressure from Mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration to maintain the existing leadership.
Six days before the July 21 Keolis vote, deputy mayor Gretchen Knapp emailed McLary and Griffin, who are the two mayoral appointees to the five-member BT board.
Knapp wrote that she was concerned, based on what she had observed at the previous BT meeting, that perhaps they were “not as much on the same page as I thought.” The meeting that prompted Knapp’s concern, which she attended, took place on June 23\. That’s when the board [approved the $3.6 million purchase property](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-3-6m-land-buy-for-ops-center-after-getting-idem-comfort-letter/) on the corner of Curry Pike and Profile Parkway for the development of a new administration, operations, and maintenance complex. The administration was very much in support of the property purchase, which was approved on a 5–0 vote.
“The Mayor’s position is that BT is headed in the right direction, and that is due to John Connell’s leadership,” Knapp wrote. Her email message said that switching leadership would slow progress and defended Connell’s efforts to pursue greater coordination with Indiana University.
In her oral remarks to the board at the July 21 meeting, covered most of the same ground as the email message. But the email message included the implied threat that if they did not support RATP Dev and Connell they would be removed from the board. The threat came in the closing, when she wrote to McLary and Griffin: “As you serve at the pleasure of the Mayor, I would hope her opinion would be of high interest to you. We certainly seek appointees who share our values and vision for Bloomington.”
The formulation “serve at the pleasure of the mayor” means an appointee may be removed by the mayor at any time, without cause. Even if Knapp believed the mayor has such power, based on separate responses to a B Square emailed question, neither the city’s legal department nor the city council’s interim attorney believe that’s the case.
Interim city council attorney Larry Allen wrote that in his brief review of state code “I do not see that any member could be removed prior to the end of their term without cause,” and pointed out that [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-9-4-19) says transit corporation directors can be impeached. And that process requires articles of impeachment alleging “crime, incapacity, or negligence in office” and a hearing. City corporation counsel Margie Rice wrote: “I think removal for cause is the most appropriate way to remove a BPTC board member. I wouldn’t advise removal for any reason, without cause.”
The [city’s version of the email](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-15-Gretchen-Knapp-records-request-email-Google-Vault-BT-leadership%5Fpdf-redacted-no-metadata.pdf) released through a formal public records did not show Knapp’s implied threat. That’s because it blacked out the entire message body, and even the recipient lines, citing an discretionary exemption in the state's public records law for intra- or inter-agency deliberative material. The B Square independently obtained a copy of the [unredacted message](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-15-landscape-knapp-email-griffin-mclary-Bloomington-Transit.pdf).
Even after the behind-the-scenes email message, and her in-person remarks at the board’s July 21 meeting, when Knapp publicly made the administration’s case for continuity, McLary and Griffin joined Doug Horn in the [3–2 vote for Keolis](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-picks-new-management-firm-on-split-vote-ending-connells-tenure/).
It’s not the first time that McDaniel and Obermeyer have found themselves as a two-person minority on board votes.
In December 2021, the two were the minority in a [3–2 vote that made McLary board chair](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-to-start-2022-with-work-on-strategic-plan-after-contentious-officer-elections-to-end-year/), and again in a 3–2 vote that replaced McDaniel with Horn as BT’s representative on the Bloomington-Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization policy committee. That meeting included unusually sharp disagreement about how the board was being led.
More recently, McDaniel and Obermeyer were the two dissenters on a June 23 motion requiring a public discussion about BT’s $3.6-million Profile Parkway property purchase after the transaction was completed. The subsequent [vote to buy the property](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-3-6m-land-buy-for-ops-center-after-getting-idem-comfort-letter/) was unanimous.
### Sept. 15: Who gets to cast the vote?
RATP Dev’s current Bloomington Transit management contract expires Sept. 30\. If the Keolis ordinance is adopted on Sept. 15 and the contract negotiations are completed, Connell’s tenure as general manager will end with RATP Dev’s contract.
But there is now another deadline of sorts running alongside that one.
The city council committee hopes to make a recommendation on McDaniel’s seat in time for the council’s Sept. 2 session. Until the council acts, McDaniel can continue serving under the 90-day post-term holdover period.
That means the Sept. 15 vote on the Keolis ordinance could still be McDaniel’s to cast. But if the city council acts first, the vote could instead fall to someone else. Absent earlier council action, if McDaniel is able to follow through on his intention to vote no, winds up on the losing side of a 3–2 vote, and then resigns as he has said he would, the council would have to choose a replacement, other than McDaniel.
### Courthouse square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-18/
Last updated: 2026-08-18T21:08:42.000Z
A mushroom is standing tall on the dewy grounds of the historic Monroe County courthouse grounds. (Dave Askins, Aug. 18, 2026)
### Monroe County clerk services move for condensation repairs
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-clerk-services-move-for-condensation-repairs/
Last updated: 2026-08-18T13:55:23.000Z
****Top left:** Light switched locked to prevent turning them on. ****Top right:** One of four dehumidifiers that are deployed in the Monroe County clerk's office. ****Bottom:**Temporation lights are strung across the ceilings. (Dave Askins, Aug. 18, 2026)
The Monroe County clerk’s staff are looking to maintain their functions in support of the courts and in service of the public in the next two weeks. That’s even though the physical office inside the justice building will be closed to the public.
Staff will in part work from other areas of the building while remediation activity continues on ductwork blamed for [Monday’s (Aug. 17) water problems](https://bsquarebulletin.com/initial-report-monroe-county-clerks-office-closed-due-to-condensation-into-light-fixtures/).
Condensation from uninsulated ductwork poured into fluorescent light fixtures, leading the office to shut down for the rest of the day.
For people who need to make payments, clerk Nicole Browne told The B Square Tuesday morning (Aug. 18) that they should go to the child support side of the clerk’s office.
That part of the office was not affected by the condensation problem, because the ductwork above it is already insulated. That’s according to an [email sent Monday afternoon](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-17-email-gardner-browne-clerk-condensation-justice-building.pdf) by David Gardner with ASI Facilities Services, which is county government’s outside contractor for building maintenance.
For people who need to file a court case or other documents in person, the county’s plan is to use the board of judges conference room. Gardner wrote Monday that laptops were being set up there so clerk’s office employees could provide public services from that location.
Browne said Tuesday morning that the precise procedure for in-person court filings was still being worked out. She had been told laptops were available, but had not yet seen the setup. Browne indicated that one possibility was to station an employee in the board of judges conference room to handle those transactions.
On Tuesday morning, temporary lights were strung across the ceiling of the clerk’s public office space, and the switches that turn on the permanent fluorescent lights were locked to prevent them from being turned on. A dehumidifier with a hose feeding into a large plastic trash can was deployed just inside the door to the clerk’s office. Browne told The B Square more dehumidifiers were placed in other parts of the office.
The improvised arrangement follows [Monday’s closure of the clerk’s office](https://bsquarebulletin.com/initial-report-monroe-county-clerks-office-closed-due-to-condensation-into-light-fixtures/) after condensation from uninsulated ductwork dripped through the ceiling and into light fixtures. Employees inside the building reported hearing popping sounds from the fixtures. The rest of the justice center remained open.
Gardner wrote to Browne late Monday afternoon that condensation had been found in much of the ductwork over the main clerk’s office. Cold air moving through uninsulated ducts, surrounded by warmer and more humid air above the ceiling, was producing the condensation, he wrote. He said the problem might continue until the remaining ducts are insulated or temperature and humidity conditions change.
Gardner told Browne that staff could return to work Tuesday. Employees who do not interact with the public could work in their normal areas while public interactions would be shifted out of the affected area, Gardner wrote. He added, “Until the ductwork insulation is completed and the condensation is resolved, we believe using the BOJ \[board of judges\] conference room for public interactions is the safest and most appropriate option.”
The idea that employees would be asked to work in an area that is not suitable for service to the public is one that Browne said she expects will be difficult for her staff to accept. “I don’t know how I’m going to talk them through that this morning, but I’m going to try,” Browne said.
Browne said Gardner had estimated the arrangement would last about two weeks. She said she would try to persuade employees to make the temporary setup work for that length of time. Browne indicated that if conditions get worse, she would re-evaluate the situation.
Browne said the clerk’s office has to balance those concerns against its crucial role in keeping the court system functioning.
According to Gardner’s email message, work completed Monday included removal of ceiling tiles with visible staining and installation of four dehumidifiers.
It’s the county commissioners who have a statutory responsibility for upkeep of the building. Gardner’s email described the county commissioners “as committed to getting the remaining ductwork insulated as quickly as possible.” He wrote that overtime and weekend pay had been offered to expedite the work.
Also completed on Monday was an inspection of the lighting by an electrician, according to Gardner’s email message. Fixtures that might have been exposed to water were shut off, and lockout devices were placed on switches so they could not be turned back on until the problem is addressed and the fixtures are determined to be safe.
Temporary lights, the lock-out switches and a dehumidifier were all visible in the clerk’s office Tuesday morning.
Monday’s condensation problem came less than a month after the justice center was closed for four working days following a [July 24 sewage backup](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/), and about two weeks after a drain cleaner used in the jail produced a [strong rotten-egg odor](https://bsquarebulletin.com/use-of-drain-cleaner-fills-monroe-county-justice-building-with-rotten-egg-odor-workers-report-vomiting-nausea/) throughout the building. IOSHA inspectors [visited the justice center on Aug. 11](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-councilor-warns-commissioners-after-iosha-visits-justice-building-over-sewage-complaints/) after employee complaints about conditions there.
### Mayor: Transit payment, election costs account for nearly all of Bloomington’s 2027 budget gap
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/mayor-transit-payment-election-costs-account-for-nearly-all-of-bloomingtons-2027-budget-gap/
Last updated: 2026-08-18T12:02:38.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington’s city council from left to right: Matt Flaherty, Hopi Stosberg, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Sydney Zulich, Courtney Daily, Dave Rollo, Andy Ruff, and Kate Rosenbarger. Isak Asare was absent. ****Right:** Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson. (Dave Askins, Aug. 17, 2026)
Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson opened the city council’s 2027 budget hearings Monday (Aug. 17) by pointing to a year-over-year shrinking gap between projected revenues and authorized spending.
She said two specific obligations account for essentially all of the remaining operating shortfall. “With the exception of a payment of the final commitment to Bloomington Transit and our share of election funding, we would not be forecasting an operational deficit,” Thomson told the council.
Thomson was referring to a somewhat broader operating picture that includes more than the city’s general fund, but not the entire city budget.
The proposed 2027 general fund by itself calls for $63.73 million in spending against $58.25 million in projected revenue. That’s a $5.47-million budgeted deficit. But the economic development local income tax (ED-LIT) fund is projected to run a $681,519 surplus, based on the slide city controller McKim showed the council.
Taken together, the two funds show a gap of about $4.8 million. McKim told the council he thinks the two funds are best viewed together because spending has been shifted between them, and both support general city operations.
The two expenses Thomson singled out in the 2027 proposal total about $4.46 million. That comes from adding $3,806,100 in ED-LIT money paid to Bloomington Transit, which is the final year of [a multiyear commitment](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-oks-5-year-deal-will-get-3-8-million-annually-from-citys-local-income-tax/), to $650,000 for Bloomington’s share of the 2027 municipal elections, which is an expense that occurs once every four years. \[[Aug. 3, 2026 budget book release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-03-Bloomington-city-budget-2027-Budget-Proposal%5F0.pdf)\]
Both Thomson and McKim also emphasized the downward trend in the city’s budgeted general fund deficit. McKim’s comparison in the 2027 budget book puts the adopted 2024 gap at $15.42 million, the adopted 2025 gap at $12.13 million and the adopted 2026 gap at $9.48 million. The proposed 2027 gap is $5.47 million.
For Thomson’s three budgets, that means the adopted 2025 and 2026 deficits fell from $12.13 million to $9.48 million, followed by the proposed $5.47 million for 2027.
What city of Bloomington officials call a “deficit” is the budgeted difference between expected revenue and the maximum amount the council authorizes the city to spend. It’s not a measure of how much debt the city is incurring, because the city can tap reserves to cover the difference. And a budgeted deficit does not always materialize. Thomson noted on Monday that vacancies, temporary salary appropriations and capital lines routinely go unspent. Illustrating that point was the 2024 general fund which showed an adopted budget with a $15.42-million deficit, when actual revenues exceeded actual spending by nearly $5 million.
McKim [took over as controller](https://bsquarebulletin.com/jessica-mcclellan-to-step-down-as-bloomington-city-controller-geoff-mckim-to-take-role-in-2026/) in mid-January of this year. In addition to his professional experience, he brought to the job 16 years as member of the Monroe County council, the fiscal body for the county government. He is overseeing his first annual Bloomington budget process.
McKim told councilmembers that personnel costs, the city’s largest expense driver, are consuming more of the city’s limited revenue and leaving the administration cautious about adding positions. The 2027 proposal adds no new full-time positions. It includes a 2.7% cost-of-living increase for non-union employees and 3% for union employees. A state-mandated increase in police and firefighter pension contributions adds roughly $1.8 million in general fund costs, he said. Health insurance had initially been budgeted for a 9% increase, but the city has since received a final figure of 5.8%, which will reduce the eventual appropriation.
McKim also reported a new $142-million reduction in net assessed property value across the city of Bloomington for 2027, which he attributed to property-tax changes enacted in SEA 1\. The city now expects about $1.3 million in circuit-breaker losses across its funds. McKim warned that the effects will continue as additional deductions for rental property phase in through 2031.
On budgeting practices, Thomson said the city has backed away for now from trying to implement the kind of outcomes-based budgeting called for by the council in 2024, because its roughly 15-year-old financial software requires too much manual work to track spending across priorities. The 2027 proposal includes money for a replacement system.
Councilmembers Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Hopi Stosberg and Matt Flaherty all pressed the administration on outcomes-based budgeting. They said that the city could begin defining and measuring outcomes even before a new financial system is in place.
Not covered in this article are presentations to the council on Monday from the fire department, the police department, community and family resources (CFRD), and housing and neighborhood development (HAND).
---
The [three remaining budget presentations](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings/2026) take place Wednesday this week, followed by Monday and Wednesday meetings next week.
**Wednesday, Aug. 19:** planning and transportation; engineering; streets; parking; city of Bloomington utilities (CBU).
**Monday, Aug. 24:** parks and recreation; economic and sustainable development; public works administration; animal care and control; facilities; fleet; sanitation.
**Wednesday, Aug. 26:** Monroe County capital improvement board; clerk; council; mayor; controller; legal; human resources; information and technology services.
### Initial report: Monroe County clerk’s office closed due to condensation into light fixtures
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/initial-report-monroe-county-clerks-office-closed-due-to-condensation-into-light-fixtures/
Last updated: 2026-08-17T18:11:59.000Z
Signs on the clerk's office around 1:45 p.m. on Monday (Aug. 17, 2026) read: “Sorry for the inconvenience, the Clerk’s Office is closed. We will reopen soon.” (Dave Askins, Aug. 17, 2026)
The Monroe County clerk’s office inside the Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center was closed late Monday morning (Aug. 17) after water started coming through the ceiling, flooding light fixtures.
The county commissioners office told The B Square that the liquid was due to “condensation from unwrapped pipes.” Reports from people inside the building also described the source of the water as condensation associated with the HVAC system.
There was some speculation that the source of water was a leak in the roof. There was a heavy downpour in the early morning hours on Monday. But the sheriff’s office confirmed to The B Square that the jail, located on the top two floors of the building, did not see any leaks from the building roof.
Several people inside the building also reported hearing popping sounds from light fixtures as the water came through the ceiling.
The closure started around 11 a.m. The rest of the justice center, at 7th Street and College Avenue, remained open. As of around 1:45 p.m. the clerk’s office was still closed.
As noon approached, the commissioners office did not have an estimate for when the clerk’s office would reopen. A sign posted at the office said: “Sorry for the inconvenience, the Clerk’s Office is closed. We will reopen soon.”
Federal workplace-safety rules address the combination of moisture and electrical equipment. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration [regulation](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.305) says light fixtures installed in wet or damp locations must be designed for that purpose and installed so that water cannot enter or accumulate in electrical components. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented [arcing as a fire hazard in fluorescent fixtures](https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2015/Cooper-Lighting-Recalls-Fluorescent-Lighting-Fixtures.) in other circumstances.
Monday’s episode is the latest in a series of problems involving water, plumbing and air quality at the aging justice center.
On July 24, a bag containing e-cigarettes was [flushed down a jail toilet](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/), blocking a sewer line and sending wastewater from the jail through ceilings into offices below. The justice building was closed for four working days while damaged carpet and drywall were removed and affected areas were cleaned, sanitized and dried. The building reopened July 31\.
Just a few days after the building reopened, on Aug. 4, a liquid drain cleaner used by jail maintenance workers [produced a strong rotten-egg odor](https://bsquarebulletin.com/use-of-drain-cleaner-fills-monroe-county-justice-building-with-rotten-egg-odor-workers-report-vomiting-nausea/) throughout the building. At least two employees vomited, while others reported nausea, headaches and watery eyes. Some employees went outside or left work. The smell was consistent with the production of hydrogen sulfide gas after a sulfuric-acid-based drain cleaner is used.
The July sewage incident also prompted [several employee complaints](https://bsquarebulletin.com/iosha-gets-two-complaints-over-sewage-backup-at-monroe-county-justice-building/) to the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration. IOSHA inspectors visited the building on Aug. 11\. . An IOSHA complaint in 2025 involved condensation, mold and mildew on the building’s second floor.
Last Thursday (Aug. 13), county commissioners approved or ratified about $118,000 in work at the justice center related to carpet replacement and building controls. That included $35,363 to replace carpet tile throughout the clerk’s office and $59,100 for another phase of an ongoing building-controls project involving three air-handling units.
Commissioners took the meeting as an occasion to [defend their handling](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-rebut-councilor-over-justice-building-conditions/) of the various building problems Commissioner Julie Thomas said during that meeting that the building is in “terrible shape,” citing structural, HVAC and functional problems.
### Videos: Monroe County clerk’s office (Aug. 17, 2026)
The videos below were sent to The B Square by employees who work inside the justice building.
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Water dripping inside justice building. (Source inside the justice building, Aug. 17, 2027)
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Water dripping inside justice building. (Source inside the justice building, Aug. 17, 2027)
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Water dripping inside justice building. (Source inside the justice building, Aug. 17, 2027)
### Manifest celebration of community: Alleycat bicycle riders race through Bloomington
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/manifest-celebration-of-community-alleycat-bicycle-riders-race-through-bloomington/
Last updated: 2026-08-17T16:12:21.000Z
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This video is placed here at the top, because The B Square would like every reader to watch this 49 seconds of bliss. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
\[*Note: If you’re reading this message in your email inbox, the video might not play correctly.*\]
A dozen bicycles were laid out on the grass at Bryan Park. Several yards away, their riders were lined up. waiting for the starting whistle.
When it blew, they headed for their machines.
Some sprinted, mounted up, and pedalled away. Others took a more thoughtful approach, poring over a printed manifest as they walked to their bicycles.
Just before the start of the race, riders had received the manifest, which was a list of checkpoints they had to visit, in any order, to complete the race.
That’s how the scramble-style start unfolded for the [Bloomington Homes for All](https://bh4a.org/) alleycat bicycle race on Saturday afternoon (Aug. 15).
The race format, with its manifest of checkpoints, which makes it a scavenger hunt of sorts, is the hallmark of alleycat-style bicycle racing. The final checkpoint, where the race concluded, was Friendly Beasts Cider Company.
Saturday’s checkpoints were hosted by local organizations which had defined some small task for riders to complete before they could move on.
To follow some of the action, The B Square pedaled west from Bryan Park to the B-Line, then north to 7th Street and the Bloomington Bike Project, from there south again to Grimes Lane, then farther west to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, and from there down to the Switchyard Park skatepark where “We’re Crankie!” was set up.
At the Bike Project, which is sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Living, volunteers Chris and Lexona, were staffing the alleycat checkpoint. They volunteer at the Bike Project—as does Saturday’s race director, Seaforth.
The checkpoint assignment served a practical purpose for the Bike Project, which takes donated bicycles and parts and rehabs them into good, rideable shape. Alleycat racers had to remove tires from rims, which needed to be separated anyway.
For a few minutes, racers who had just been pedaling like mad through town were bent over bicycle wheels, getting their hands dirty with an ordinary piece of shop work, before climbing back onto their bikes.
Staffing the Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard check point were Lou and Sam. The Hub was not hard to bring on board for the alleycat—race director Seaforth also volunteers there.
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard offered a different set of challenges. One option involved throwing potatoes at stacked cans in a carnival-style game, then shoving a shopping cart loaded with recyclable containers into a stack of milk crates. The other option was quicker, but looked fairly disgusting: Take a bite out of a kombucha SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), one of the rubbery discs grown in Mother Hubbard’s kitchen. Still, it was described by one alleycat rider like this: “It’s not bad—it’s just the texture is a little weird.”
At the Switchyard skatepark, the checkpoint was staffed by Elizabeth, with a project she founded locally, inspired by an experience in Minneapolis, called “We’re Crankie!” The task she had set for alleycat racers was contributing a drawing to a scroll, which would later be viewed in a hand-cranked storytelling device, that wound between two spools.
Elizabeth said a scroll she made at Lotus Festival last year stretched 103 feet. On Saturday, the artistic efforts of riders were impacted by the heat of the day combined with their physical effort. As Elizabeth put it: “There’s been a lot of sweat!” While The B Square was at the checkpoint, an alleycat rider took their time to render a big pink heart with multi-colored arrows radiating outward in every direction like a sunburst in purple, blue, teal, orange and pink.
Those were just three stops on a manifest that included several Bloomington organizations, gathering places and community projects. Other checkpoints included: Bike Party at the Willie Streeter Community Gardens and the Community Orchard; Bike Polo at Building Trades Park; an Avalon Land Trust property; Middle Earth at Bloomington Cooperative Living; a Queer Sports League stop at Reverend Butler Park; Harmony School; and a Traveling University table at the south end of Switchyard Park.
Traveling University was established by retired university faculty as a response to increasing restrictions on what and how university faculty are allowed to teach in Indiana.
Traveling University turned its alleycat checkpoint into a kind of academic trading-card game. Riders were given a stack of five identical cards featuring a professor and their subject for an upcoming series of talks. As part of the task, as riders encountered other racers who had visited the checkpoint, they had to trade for cards until they had a complete set of the five different upcoming talks.
On arrival at the Friendly Beast final stop, none of the riders had a complete set of Traveling University playing cards. Each new arrival was instantly swarmed by riders already at the finish, cards in hand, calling out which one they needed and what they had to trade.
Late into the evening, there was still uncertainty over whether a fifth distinct card actually existed. It did.
By then, the post-race venue had become a pure social gathering. Riders compared routes, talked about which checkpoints they had skipped or saved for last and swapped stories from past alleycats. Bikes leaned against walls and railings while people waited for the results.
Entrants were free to compete under a nom de vélo instead of a legal name. So the first four finishers were: Dank Huncan, Showboat, Merc, and Barnacle Bob (aka Ant).
The backdrop to the event was a grassroots effort to preserve the block of buildings, known as Seminary Pointe, which includes the current location of Friendly Beasts. It was billed as a fundraiser for the effort to “Save Seminary Pointe,” where the buildings are likely soon to be demolished. It’s part of a plan generally related to Bloomington’s convention center expansion and specifically connected to a privately developed hotel.
A protest is planned for next Wednesday’s (Aug. 19) meeting of the Monroe County capital improvement board, which is overseeing the convention center expansion.
But that cause stayed mostly in the background until the concluding remarks from the race director.
Seaforth said, “We’ve been fighting to try to save Seminary Pointe.” He continued, “In addition to that, our long-term campaign is to work on affordable housing in this community going forward. Because we want Bloomington to be affordable now in the places where it is already affordable, where it is already functioning.” He added, “It just needs to be preserved and retained in community control, and we want it to be affordable forever.”
The somewhat grim political prospects for Seminary Pointe did not dampen the mood for Saturday’s race. With temperatures in the low 80s but humidity near 100%, the afternoon was a rolling, sweaty celebration of Bloomington’s community.
### Photos: Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
Start of the race. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Start of the race. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Start of the race. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Chris and Lexona wait for riders at the Bloomington Bike Project. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Elizabeth is set up at the skatepark for "We’re Crankie!" Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
At the Switchyard skatepark checkpoint with "We’re Crankie! "Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
At the Switchyard skatepark checkpoint with "We’re Crankie! Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
At the Switchyard skatepark checkpoint with "We’re Crankie! Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Muffins from Mother Hubbard's Cupboard were delivered to Friendly Beasts for post-race re-fueling. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Barnacle Bob (aka Ant) arrives at the final checkpoint. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Trading cards from the Traveling University. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Race director Seaforth inspects a set of Traveling University trading cards. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Traveling University trading card transactions at the end of the race. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Final checkpoint: Friendly Beasts Cider Company. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
A handlebar duck. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Seaforth addresses the riders at the final checkpoint. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Dank Huncan raises his arms in a victory salute, having just been announced as the winner. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
Elizabeth delivers the final scroll from the "We're Crankie!" checkpoint. Bloomington Homes for All alleycat bicycle race (Dave Askins, Aug. 15, 2026)
### Aug. 17, 2026: Bloomington budget scrutiny, Showers West settlements, jail capacity, Powerline Camp
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-17-2026-bloomington-budget-scrutiny-showers-west-settlements-jail-capacity-powerline-camp/
Last updated: 2026-08-17T09:33:58.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle this week, because we just ran out of time. We hope to have a new one for you next week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** If you’re heading out after 7 a.m., you can probably get away without an umbrella or other raingear. But the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms before then could be as high as 70%. The rest of the day will be partly sunny, with a high near 83F°.
**Tuesday:** Slow down. Slow way down. Move-in for Indiana University students starts Tuesday, so it’s a chance for everyone to be patient and helpful in traffic. Dress cool and don’t worry about any rain. It will be sunny, with a high near 84F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Bloomington to pay $381K to settle Showers West disputes after court losses](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-to-pay-381k-to-settle-showers-west-disputes-after-court-losses/). Bloomington’s redevelopment commission is set Monday to ratify $381,650 in settlements with two Showers West tenants after losing both lease disputes in circuit court. One tenant also gets a year of free rent, ending a legal fight over the city’s effort to clear private occupants from the building.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-74/). What does Coach Cignetti say, after a preseason scrimmage, when the quarterback kick the ball to the defensive unit? Did the quarterback really mean to do that?
- [Monroe County property transfers through Aug. 12, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-aug-12-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from July 30 to Aug. 12, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population count dips below one functional capacity benchmark](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-count-dips-below-one-functional-capacity-benchmark/). Monroe County’s jail population fell from 247 to 227 over 25 days. But the snapshots mask heavy turnover: 220 people left, with a median stay of 3 days. The Aug. 14 count dipped below the ACLU’s 229-person capacity estimate, but remained 41 above Sheriff Ruben Marté’s 186-person figure.
- [Bloomington’s $165.7M draft budget for 2027 faces first public scrutiny by city council on Monday](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-165-7m-draft-budget-for-2027-faces-first-public-scrutiny-by-city-council-on-monday/). On Monday, Bloomington’s city council begins four nights of departmental budget presentations covering mayor Kerry Thomson’s $165.7-million proposal for 2027\. Written questions already target a $5.47-million general fund gap, vacant positions, and evidence that spending produces measurable results
- [Second shots-fired report at Powerline Camp, Monroe County mulls moving up Sept. 1 deadline](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-shots-fired-report-at-powerline-camp-monroe-county-mulls-moving-up-sept-1-deadline/). A second report of gunfire near Monroe County’s Powerline Camp has renewed pressure to close the encampment before Sept. 1\. For now, commissioners are keeping the deadline, while the sheriff’s office works on a plan to prevent the county-owned Thomson property from being reoccupied.
- [Monroe County commissioners rebut councilor over justice building conditions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-rebut-councilor-over-justice-building-conditions/). Monroe County commissioners pushed back against a councilor’s criticism of their response to sewage damage at the justice center, saying remediation began promptly. They also approved about $118,000 in carpet and building-controls work while describing the aging building as in poor condition.
### On the calendar
**First night of Bloomington departmental budget presentations.** Set for [5:30 p.m. on Monday (Aug. 17)](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17301/download) is the first of four nights, over the course of two weeks, of departmental budget presentations to the Bloomington city council. For B Square background see: [Bloomington’s $165.7M draft budget for 2027 faces first public scrutiny by city council on Monday](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-165-7m-draft-budget-for-2027-faces-first-public-scrutiny-by-city-council-on-monday/)
**$381K settlement with Showers West tenants.** On the [5 p.m. Monday (Aug. 17) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetings/11543) for Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) is the ratification of settlement agreements with two Showers West tenants. For B Square background, see [Bloomington to pay $381K to settle Showers West disputes after court losses](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-to-pay-381k-to-settle-showers-west-disputes-after-court-losses/)
**Contract with new transit management company**. On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 18) meeting agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-18-Bloomington-Transit-August-Board-Packet-OCR.pdf) for the Bloomington Transit board is the approval of a contract with a new management firm. The decision to go with Keolis instead of renewing an arrangement with RATP Dev was made at the board’s July meeting. For B Square background see: [Bloomington Transit picks new management firm on split vote, ending Connell’s tenure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-picks-new-management-firm-on-split-vote-ending-connells-tenure/)
**Regular CIB monthly meeting.** Set for [Wednesday (Aug. 19) at 3 p.m.](https://www.monroecib.com/meetings/tn6fxwycg4st4gm-xyg8p-3yb5h-8ys4h-33gcl-fcytf-8dk5m-trhsc-ak5af-ya2t2-4epfb-ekzb4) is the regular monthly meeting of the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB), which is overseeing the expansion of the Bloomington Convention Center. No agenda is posted yet for the meeting.
---
**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](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/traffic-cones): “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](https://maps.app.goo.gl/173RnezLG517oqmA7). 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](https://www.mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala) fundraiser Friday, Aug. 28, from 6:30–9 p.m. at [1100 W. Allen St.](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1100%20W.%20Allen%20St.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN) 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](https://mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala), 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](https://wl.eventim.us/event/Magnolia-and-Johnson-Electric-Co/693286?afflky=BluebirdNightclub).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/668002/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/688597/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
### Meet Angel!
Up for adoption, as of Aug. 16 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Angel](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86509) Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a mix of Labrador retriever and hound. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Angel](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86509):
> Seeking a Guardian Angel? Meet Our Little Angel! Are you looking for a love that’s heaven-sent? Meet Angel, a precious 2-year-old girl who is ready to bring pure joy to a loving home. Angel can be a little shy at first—she’s just a cautious soul who likes to make sure the world is safe before she spreads her wings! But don’t let that fool you; she warms up quickly and once she trusts you, she’s a total lovebug who will shower you with devotion. When she’s not curling up beside you, Angel is a playful girl who gets super excited to meet other dogs! She would absolutely love a home with a confident canine buddy to show her the ropes, or she'll happily take all your affection to herself.
### Photo Finish: 6th Street & Walnut Street
A motorcycle rider is undaunted by the heavy downpour. (Dave Askins, Aug. 16, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### 6th Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-28/
Last updated: 2026-08-17T00:05:20.000Z
A motorcycle rider is undaunted by the heavy downpour. (Dave Askins, Aug. 16, 2026)
### Bloomington to pay $381K to settle Showers West disputes after court losses
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-to-pay-381k-to-settle-showers-west-disputes-after-court-losses/
Last updated: 2026-08-17T06:07:16.000Z
The view of the Showers West building from the southwest. (Dave Askins, Feb. 16, 2026)
A legal strategy that Bloomington deployed in order to pressure two private tenants out of the Showers West building produced two losses in Monroe circuit court.
The price of ending the resulting litigation will be $381,650 in cash payments, plus a year of free rent for one of the tenants. On Monday (Aug. 17), the Bloomington redevelopment commission (RDC) is set to ratify the agreements.
Monday’s RDC meeting is set for [5 p.m. Monday (Aug. 17)](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetings/11543) in the McCloskey Conference Room at city hall.
Showers West is part of the same 1910 Showers Brothers brick factory building on Morton Street that also houses city hall and, on its north end, Monroe County offices.
As described in the [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-17-RDC-Resolution-26-58-Ratification-of-Settlement-of-Litigation-and-Lease-Termination-Agreements-Regarding-Showers-West.pdf) on Monday’s agenda, Warrant Technologies LLC will receive $275,000, and its Showers West lease ended July 31\. Bloomington Board of Realtors Inc., now known as Indiana Uplands Realtor Association, will receive $106,650, and its lease will end June 30, 2027.
Under the terms of the [BBOR settlement agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-17-RDC-Showers-West-lawsuit-Resolution-26-58-Attachment-3-BBOR-Settlement-Agreement.pdf), for the final 12 months of its tenancy, from July 2026 through June 2027, the rent for BBOR is reduced to zero, although it remains responsible for utilities, maintenance and common-area charges.
The $381,650 is the gross amount of the two cash payments, not the net financial cost to the city. Under the [Warrant Technologies agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-17-RDC-Showers-West-lawsuit-Resolution-26-58-Attachment-1-Warrant-Settlement-Agreement.pdf), rental money that Warrant owes the RDC and that has been held in a trust account will be released to the RDC. The amount is not stated in the agreement.
The RDC had [appealed both trial-court rulings](https://bsquarebulletin.com/after-losing-in-court-bloomington-rdc-files-appeals-preps-showers-west-mediation/) against it before agreeing to mediation. Both appeals by the RDC from the circuit court ruling have now been dismissed on the RDC’s own motion.
The RDC’s Monday [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-17-RDC-Resolution-26-58-Ratification-of-Settlement-of-Litigation-and-Lease-Termination-Agreements-Regarding-Showers-West.pdf ) is just the formal ratification of agreements that were reached under settlement authority the RDC granted in June and authorizes city staff to make the payments and take the other steps needed to carry them out.
### Origin of lawsuits
The [litigation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-74/) grew out of the RDC’s June 2025 effort to terminate the leases of private tenants remaining in Showers West. The city wanted to terminate the leases, not just because it wanted to use the space, but also because it was under legal pressure to conform with the public use requirements of the bonds that were issued to fund the purchase of the building.
Warrant and the Board of Realtors had signed leases with the building’s previous owner, CFC Properties, in 2021\. When the RDC bought Showers West in January 2023, it explicitly accepted the property subject to those leases and assumed them itself. Neither tenant was in default when the RDC sent termination letters in June 2025.
The city relied on language in the leases allowing for termination if the building were condemned for a public purpose. The city’s legal department argued that the RDC’s acquisition and intended governmental use of Showers West amounted to an “inverse condemnation” of the tenant leasehold interests, even though no formal eminent-domain proceeding had occurred.
The tenants countered that inverse condemnation works in the other direction: It is a remedy available to a property owner when the government has taken property without following condemnation procedures. That is, it’s not a procedure the government can invoke to terminate a lease it previously agreed to assume.
On March 31, Monroe Circuit court judge Kara Krothe [granted summary judgment](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-loses-two-showers-west-lease-disputes-in-monroe-circuit-court/) to both tenants. Her orders rejected the RDC theory on three independent grounds. First, no court had found that an inverse taking had occurred. Second, an inverse-condemnation claim belongs to the private property owner, not the government. And third, an Indiana redevelopment commission explicitly lacks the power of eminent domain under state law and therefore cannot accomplish “inversely” what it cannot do directly.
The statutory route available to an RDC would have required action by the city council, which was never asked to authorize condemnation of the leasehold interests. Krothe also concluded that the RDC breached each tenant’s contractual right to quiet enjoyment when it sent the termination notices. \[[Warrant Technologies trial court ruling](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/53C06-2508-PL-002257-2026-03-31-Showers-West-Warrant-RDC-Order-Issued.pdf)\] \[[Board of Realtors trial court ruling](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/53C06-2508-PL-002258-2026-03-31-BBOR-Showers-West-RDC-Order-Issued.pdf)\]
The outcome stands in sharp contrast to the confidence that corporation counsel Margie Rice expressed when the RDC [launched the lease-termination effort](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tens-of-millions-of-dollars-from-bloomington-could-support-convention-center-host-hotel-legal-pressure-mounts-for-showers-west-public-purpose/) in June 2025\. When RDC member John West asked about the expiration dates of the leases, Rice said that information was “not going to be terribly relevant to me” in negotiations because she did not think that was how damages should be calculated. Rice said she hoped damages could be negotiated, but contemplated resolving them in court if necessary. West responded at the time: “A little disagreement here—I think it is relevant, and it’s kind of important to know that before we vote on this.”
Nine months later, Krothe’s rulings focused squarely on the leases. Because the RDC bought Showers West in an ordinary arm’s-length transaction, assumed the leases and never lawfully condemned the leasehold interests, Warrant and the Board of Realtors were entitled to stay until their leases expired or the property was properly condemned, according to her ruling.
### Calculating the cost
Measured strictly by the cash payments, the two mediated settlements are substantially more expensive than the departures of other tenants, which were negotiated earlier. In early 2024, the RDC paid Kerr Law $5,000, Indiana Team LLC $30,000, Bynum Fanyo Utilities $15,000 and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra $10,000—[a combined $60,000](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-move-to-showers-west-uncertain-as-more-early-move-outs-by-tenants-okd-by-rdc/).
Later, Bloomington Health Foundation [received $19,542](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-moves-to-reduce-private-use-of-showers-west-2-tenants-agree-to-leave/), along with waived rent for August through October 2025\. Merrill Lynch received no termination payment and was allowed to remain through March 2026\. CASA subsequently [agreed to $45,751](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-weighs-45k-payment-to-casa-to-vacate-showers-west-building/) plus two one-year Fourth Street garage passes, then valued at a combined $2,856\.
Those previously reported cash payments total $125,293\. The $381,650 for Warrant and the Board of Realtors works out to over three times as much.
But that is not an exhaustive apples-to-apples accounting of the economic concessions. In one of the earlier settlements, with GP Strategies, the RDC agreed to forgive $65,405 in remaining build-out costs and also gave up future rent. GP’s annual rent at the time was just under $120,000\. The new agreements include the unpriced year of free rent for the Board of Realtors, while Warrant’s held-back rent is to be returned to the RDC.
### Historical background
The dispute traces back to the way Bloomington’s RDC bought Showers West. In December 2022, the [city council voted 8–1](https://bsquarebulletin.com/29-5-million-in-bonds-okd-by-bloomington-city-council-decision-on-building-purchase-to-come-later/) to authorize up to $29.5 million in bonds for a package of public-safety projects that included buying and renovating the western 64,000 square feet of the former Showers Brothers factory for a new police headquarters and fire administration offices.
The following month, on Jan. 25, 2023, the [city council voted 5–4](https://bsquarebulletin.com/yes-to-purchase-of-west-showers-building-says-bloomington-city-council-on-5-4-vote/) for the $8.75-million Showers West purchase as part of the bond appropriation.
That original plan changed after mayor Kerry Thomson took office. In February 2024, her administration rejected about $12.7 million in construction bids and [abandoned the plan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-mayor-cites-cost-as-big-reason-to-nix-showers-west-remodel-for-police-hq-but-fire-department-projects-to-proceed/) to move police headquarters into Showers West, while continuing with the fire department’s separate projects. The bonds, authorized at up to $29.5 million, had ultimately sold for just over $27.1 million.
At the city council’s meeting nearly a week and a half ago on Aug. 5, Thomson gave councilmembers what amounted to a closing update on the Showers West tenant problem: “We have now reached agreement with all of the remaining tenants, and so there’s a plan for them to depart.”
### Looking ahead
But that does not mean the Showers West problem itself is finished. Thomson told councilmembers that the city council office, engineering department, and fire headquarters are now located there, and the city is considering which other departments should move into the remaining space. She said the bond restrictions meant the city had to stop renting to private tenants and acknowledged, “We were out of compliance with that bond.”
Thomson also said the bond money is now exhausted. Showers West still needs more than $1 million in HVAC work, along with wiring improvements, before additional offices can move in, Thomson told councilmembers. She said the public-safety bond had been spent according to the priorities approved for it, with the fire projects first, and those expenditures consumed the remaining balance.
Monday’s ratification by the RDC of the mediated settlements would officially end the legal fight with the two tenants who challenged Bloomington in court. That means after a $8.75-million purchase, a change in plans for the police headquarters, a protracted fight over tenant buyouts and ultimately $381,650 in settlements following two courtroom defeats, the city finally has control over the building’s future use.
But with no remaining bond proceeds, the city will have to tap additional money to make full use of Showers West.
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-74/
Last updated: 2026-08-22T22:54:08.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #75 (Aug. 16, 2026)**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through Aug. 12, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-aug-12-2026/
Last updated: 2026-08-16T11:44:30.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from July 30 to Aug. 12, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1fDBvDMjzK0cWg0JRhQTF3MNwNZCZnMw&usp=sharing ).\]
- On August 12, 2026, the property at 4583 W Johanna DR was sold to AARON THOMAS by PRO-ANGLE PROPERTIES LLC for $359,000.
- On August 12, 2026, the property at 914 W Main ST was sold to LUCAS TEAGUE by BARBARA CHRISTIE for $132,600.
- On August 12, 2026, the property at 8025 N Fish RD was sold to WHITNEY FISHER by SANDRA ANN FULFORD for $93,000.
- On August 11, 2026, the property at 3019 S Xavier CT was sold to KORI PACYNIAK by MATTHEW EVAN SLATKINS for $490,000.
- On August 11, 2026, the property at 5352 W Hoge DR was sold to JOSHUA HEROLD by JENNIFER C THOMAS for $475,000.
- On August 11, 2026, the property at 400 E Glendora DR was sold to GREGORY T DARLING by RICHARD A DARLING for $330,000.
- On August 11, 2026, the property at 809 W Cherokee DR was sold to DUDHALA PETROLEUM LLC by JOYCE F ARTHUR for $250,000.
- On August 11, 2026, the property at 428 N Hay ST was sold to JOHN A SCUNK by SANDY PINES PROPERTIES LLC for $199,900.
- On August 11, 2026, the property at 1523 W 8th ST was sold to DOROTHEA DUENOW by DAJA PROPERTIES LLC for $184,900.
- On August 11, 2026, the property at 1530 W Arlington RD was sold to ROY CAMPBELL by 1530 W Arlington LLC for $86,000.
- On August 10, 2026, the property at 1897 N Cornerstone WAY was sold to ERICSON W KRITZER by TERRY O'BRIAN for $765,000.
- On August 10, 2026, the property at 3695 W State Road 45 was sold to HARDING ENTERPRISES LLC by ROSS LLC for $685,000.
- On August 10, 2026, the property at 9600 E State Road 46 was sold to KEITH TRUEBLOOD by ELLEN K WALSH, TRUSTEE for $465,000.
- On August 10, 2026, the property at 4019 W Maple Grove RD was sold to MARK LAVIER by ROBERT J WRIGHT for $425,000.
- On August 10, 2026, the property at 422 E Hillside DR was sold to EVAN J ROEBKE by ALAN P KITCHEN for $269,900.
- On August 10, 2026, the property at 882 W Williams RD was sold to JOHN GALLIGAN AND BETHANY ROBINSON JOINT REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST by VINSON CLAIR BUSHNELL for $245,000.
- On August 10, 2026, the property at 1130 E Carnaby ST was sold to RENA COHEN by ESTATE OF HIROKO MORI for $212,500.
- On August 10, 2026, the property at 397 S Poplar DR was sold to CASEY HOLT by Hildum, Zachary for $205,000.
- On August 10, 2026, the property at 7176 W Dinsmore RD was sold to DAVID E DODRIL by AUTUMN KAY BROWN HAYS for $120,000.
- On August 9, 2026, the property at 7239 W Holland Hill LN was sold to JAMES O'CONNELL by ANSALDO, JAMES J for $304,500.
- On August 7, 2026, the property at 521 N Dunn ST was sold to BRAWLEY CAPITAL 2026-THE FANTASTIC 4 LLC by BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC for $3,050,000.
- On August 7, 2026, the property at 3510 E Saddlebrook CT was sold to HOWARD D KLUG LIVING TRUST by JAMES S WOJT for $805,000.
- On August 7, 2026, the property at 1106 N Woodburn AVE was sold to CRIMSON HOUSING LLC by BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC for $679,900.
- On August 7, 2026, the property at 4232 S Red Pine DR was sold to JAMES WOIT by RICHARD G JULIAN for $485,000.
- On August 7, 2026, the property at 6770 E State Road 46 was sold to ZEFAN H HAILE by ABDELMUEZZ O ZEIDAN for $224,000.
- On August 7, 2026, the property at 6499 S Old State Road 37 was sold to JAMES WESLEY CUNNINGHAM by ESTATE OF ELLIE R BOWEN for $220,000.
- On August 7, 2026, the property at 1654 E Tierney ST was sold to LEONARDO OLAVARRIEA MARTINEZ by FALCON BUILDERS, LLC for $83,000.
- On August 6, 2026, the property at 6178–96 N Leighanne DR was sold to BURKS & HAYS LLC by HARMAN FARMS DEVELOPMENT LLC for $480,000.
- On August 6, 2026, the property at 2629 E Windermere Woods DR was sold to RACHEL MCGLOTHAN by DONALD E DONHAM AND JANET S DONHAM REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $333,000.
- On August 6, 2026, the property at 721 E Waterloo CT was sold to QI WANG by HAPPY HERRON HOMES LLC for $210,000.
- On August 6, 2026, the property at 1702 W Ezekiel DR was sold to HILAL SALEH SAEED ABADI by BLACKWELL CONTRATORS INC for $65,000.
- On August 6, 2026, the property at 7104 S Lodge RD was sold to EDMUNDSON R NEELEY by NEWQUIST PROPERTIES LLC for $25,000.
- On August 5, 2026, the property at 200 E 17th ST APT 1 was sold to AIRE 200 LLC by BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC for $1,936,600.
- On August 5, 2026, the property at 1120 N Woodburn AVE was sold to AMAR INVESTMENTS, LLC by BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC for $675,000.
- On August 5, 2026, the property at 602 E Maxwell LN was sold to SUSAN SNYDER by DOUGLAS J SCHROEDER for $262,650.
- On August 5, 2026, the property at 500 E Southern DR was sold to JACOB A DESMOND by ANNA MAE MATLOCK for $15,000.
- On August 5, 2026, the property at 7512 W Walker LN was sold to MARK A BUTCHER by ANNA M WEBB for $0.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 715 S Washington ST was sold to SUSAN WHITE by TEAME NEW VILLA INVESTMENTS LLC for $385,000.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 3706 S Judd AVE was sold to ARIKA MARIE HARRIS by JERIMY R KOCH for $282,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 1215 W 2nd ST was sold to WOW INVESTMENT LLC by OLLER PROPERTIES LLC for $1,900,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 3363 S Westminster WAY was sold to JENNIFER E PERRY by Rose, Connie for $215,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 509 N Grant ST was sold to LBKQOZ-25, LLC by CREEKSIDE TECH-17, LLC for $0.
- On July 30, 2026, the property at 610 E Bayberry CT W was sold to ROBERT A CUDDIHEE by CLIFTON MARVEL for $214,000.
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population count dips below one functional capacity benchmark
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-count-dips-below-one-functional-capacity-benchmark/
Last updated: 2026-08-15T14:21:09.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s jail population was down to 227 on Friday (Aug. 14), which is 20 fewer people from a week earlier. It’s also the lowest daily count in the 25-day period since The B Square started systematically tracking the numbers.
Chart by The B Square with data extracted from Monroe County jail daily population sheets.
The difference of 20 people does not reflect the total activity at the jail. During the 25 days from July 21 through Aug. 14, 220 people left the jail. Their median length of stay was 3 days.
On July 21, the jail held 247 people. Of those, 175 were still there on Aug. 14\. That means 72 of the people who were in jail at the start of the period had left by the end.
At the same time, 52 people who arrived after July 21 were still incarcerated on Aug. 14\. The 175 who were there at both endpoints and the 52 who arrived after the start and remained and the end account for the Aug. 14 population of 227.
The 220 departures reflect the amount of turnover that took place between the two snapshots. It includes people who arrived after July 21 and then left again before Aug. 14.
The average population over the 25 days was about 248.
For the first time during the most recent 25-day period, the Aug. 14 count of 227 put the jail below one of the two functional-capacity figures that have been cited in the recent debate over overcrowding.
In the recent federal lawsuit filed on behalf of jail inmates, the ACLU calculated the jail’s functional capacity at slightly more than [229](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf) people, based on 80% of what they describe as its available beds. At 227, Friday’s population was just below that number.
Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté has given a lower figure for functional capacity. His July overcrowding report started with 294 reported beds, subtracted housing that he said cannot be treated as general-population space, leaving 233 available general-housing beds. To that number, he applied the same 80% principle yielding a functional capacity of [186](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf).
By the sheriff’s measure, the Aug. 14 jail population was still 41 people above functional capacity.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Bloomington’s $165.7M draft budget for 2027 faces first public scrutiny by city council on Monday
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-165-7m-draft-budget-for-2027-faces-first-public-scrutiny-by-city-council-on-monday/
Last updated: 2026-08-14T19:46:24.000Z
B Square file photo of Bloomington’s city hall.
On Monday (Aug. 17), Bloomington residents will get a first look at how mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration and the city council interact publicly over the mayor’s proposed 2027 budget. That’s when councilmembers begin four nights of departmental budget presentations.
The budget review comes on the heels of pointed council critique of the administration’s $37,900 community survey. At the council’s Aug. 5 meeting, councilmembers [sharply criticized a methodology](https://bsquarebulletin.com/council-rips-bloomington-survey-for-sidelining-college-students/) that deliberately de-emphasized Indiana University students. Thomson was not in the room for that Aug. 5 presentation.
Councilmembers questioned whether the survey could reliably guide policy or spending, with Hopi Stosberg calling its treatment of students “pretty appalling” and Sydney Zulich calling one explanation from the consultant “a stunningly insulting answer.”
That discussion also pointed directly to the budget. Council president Isak Asare asked what the survey’s findings should actually mean for the city: “What’s the ‘So what?’ for council and the city?” He continued: “What are the things that we’re claiming that should inform our behaviors, actions, decisions, especially as we’re going into budget \[review season\] here?”
On Monday, councilmembers could begin putting those kinds of questions directly to the mayor.
The [5:30 p.m. meeting](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17301/download) will start with citywide overviews from the mayor’s office and city controller Geoff McKim. Those will be followed by departmental presentations from the fire department, police and central dispatch, community and family resources, and housing and neighborhood development (HAND).
The [proposed budget](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-03-Bloomington-city-budget-2027-Budget-Proposal%5F0.pdf) was [released two working weeks ago](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-2027-budget-no-new-full-time-positions-still-taps-5-5m-in-general-fund-reserves/), on Aug. 3\. It calls for $165.7 million in spending across the city’s tax-supported and special-purpose funds, apart from a separate $65.3-million city of Bloomington utilities (CBU) proposal and general-obligation debt-service funds.
The general fund proposal shows $63.7 million in spending against $58.3 million in estimated revenue, a $5.47-million gap that would be covered from reserves, if the shortfall actually materializes.
Monday’s mayor and controller presentations are not about the budgets for those two offices. Their presentations are essentially citywide introductions applicable across departments. It’s not until the following week when budget presentations for the office of the mayor and office of the controller are scheduled. Those Aug. 26 presentations are set for 10 minutes each.
Thomson’s introductory memo describes the proposal as a “conservative approach” prompted partly by coming revenue pressure from property- and income-tax legislation (SEA 1) approved by the state legislature in 2025\.
Her administration says spending decisions are concentrated this year on core municipal services, protecting existing assets and addressing housing, homelessness, public safety and wage growth. The administration is also asking councilmembers who want additional spending to identify an equal amount that could be cut elsewhere.
McKim’s memo gives Monday’s discussion a nuts-and-bolts financial frame. He describes employee compensation as the primary expenditure-side challenge. The proposal adds no full-time positions, but includes a 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment for non-union employees, 3% for union employees, step increases for eligible workers, and higher health-insurance costs.
There’s increase in the required police and fire pension contribution rate from 23.3% to 26.5%. Personnel expenses across the funds covered by McKim’s summary are proposed at $86.7 million, up from $82.2 million in the 2026 budget.
The compensation picture is also a recurring theme in the written questions councilmembers have submitted ahead of the presentations. As of noon Friday, the only councilmembers who had submitted questions were Asare and Isabel Piedmont-Smith. Asare’s questions were all submitted on Aug. 10; Piedmont-Smith submitted questions on Aug. 11, Aug. 13, and Aug. 14.
The city council has posted a [link](https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/Council Budget Questions - 2026 %28Responses%29 - Questions and Answers by Dept - Aug 12 2026.pdf ) to the written budget questions and administration responses on its [webpage](https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-shots-fired-report-at-powerline-camp-monroe-county-mulls-moving-up-sept-1-deadline/).
Asare’s questions consistently ask the administration to connect budgeted payroll with the work defined by a job, and to explain why particular jobs are needed. He asks for a position-by-position accounting of salary, benefits and total cost.
Among the specific positions or groups of positions that Asare highlights for scrutiny are the mayor’s public engagement director (vacant), special assistant to the mayor, homelessness coordinator, executive office manager, communications director, communications coordinator, and legislative affairs specialist.
Also specifically mentioned by Asare are the fire department’s mobile integrated health program manager, vacant sworn police positions and vacant dispatch telecommunicator positions. Asare also has questions about the deputy city clerk positions and the council’s own proposed three-position staff structure.
Asare’s question about the homelessness coordinator position could be taken as representative of his approach:
> **Homelessness Coordinator caseload, interventions, and outcomes.** The narrative states that the Coordinator responds to reports, connects people with support, hosts daily and weekly provider meetings, leads monthly City meetings, researches strategies, and coordinates cases (p. 215). Those activities are described, but the budget does not provide a caseload, service standard, baseline, target, or evidence that the coordination changed outcomes. Provide the 2025 and 2026 year-to-date number of reports received, unique people served, locations addressed, referrals made, referrals accepted, shelter placements, housing placements, repeat contacts, encampments resolved, average response time, cases closed, and cases remaining open. For each measure, provide the baseline, target, actual result, data source, and definition. Separate results produced by the Coordinator from results produced by Heading Home, service providers, Police, CFRD, HAND, or other partners. State the fully loaded 2027 cost, cost per case and successful placement, and the expected measurable change if the position were eliminated
Asare’s questions go beyond personnel. He asks McKim to define exactly what is and is not contained in the headline $165.7-million spending figure, reconcile conflicting 2026 totals in the budget book, distinguish recurring spending from one-time uses of reserves, and provide projected 2026 actual spending, rather than comparisons based only on the adopted budget.
For Monday’s individual departments, Asare asks fire officials to document the need for a $1-million replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus and a proposed $2.5-million aerial platform truck. He asks CFRD for program-by-program cost and outcome information. Aare asks HAND to report housing results such as units produced or preserved, households served and cost per unit, rather than primarily describing activities.
As of the [document version available Friday (Aug. 14) around 2 p.m.](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-14-1400-download-Council-Budget-Questions-2026-Responses-Questions-and-Answers-by-Dept-Aug-12-2026.pdf ), most of the written questions have no written administration response. The few answers so far include responses about previously approved employee reclassifications, the mayor’s office communications structure, and why future discretionary purchases cannot yet be identified by vendor and amount.
Piedmont-Smith’s questions take up some of the same themes as Asare from a different angle. She asks the mayor to address the $5.47-million general fund gap and the roughly $28-million difference between revenue and expenditures across the funds in McKim’s summary. She also asks whether the administration is actually using an outcome-based approach when deciding what to fund, requests more information about grants and sponsorships, and asks whether a vacant position is reviewed for continued need or if the city automatically fills it.
In the council’s meeting materials, listed budget presentation time spans do not include councilmember questions or discussion.
In past years, the custom of some councilmembers has been to send written questions to department heads after the in-person presentation of the material. After Monday, the [remaining departmental presentations](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings) are set for Aug. 19, Aug. 24 and Aug. 26.
The final budget is scheduled for its formal introduction on Sept. 23, with a final adoption vote scheduled for Oct. 7.
---
This year, a [raw data file](https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2027%20Proposed%20Budget%20Raw%20Data.xls) has been provided by the administration with line-by-line revenue and expense numbers proposed for 2027 and adopted for 2026\. The figures have been pivoted out by The B Square by department in a [shared Google Sheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQNV4Xdx%5FU7tCkl-j0oRUfzwdMLGarZNyqaNcvW8mU9Iap5LfRgkYEino6ccfzyFUCfVyWbCYwxTpAk/pubhtml). Highlighted in red are rows where the number proposed for 2027 is at least 15% more (or less) than the 2026 figure *and* involves a dollar amount that is more than $10,000.
### Second shots-fired report at Powerline Camp, Monroe County mulls moving up Sept. 1 deadline
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/second-shots-fired-report-at-powerline-camp-monroe-county-mulls-moving-up-sept-1-deadline/
Last updated: 2026-08-14T19:16:57.000Z
Part of an encampment on the county-owned Thomson property off Rogers Street, where people have been living in tents and other improvised shelter for a few years. (Dave Askins, July 24, 2026)
A second report in the span of a week about gunfire at Monroe County’s Thomson property off South Rogers Street has increased tensions around the homeless encampment there.
The encampment, on county-owned land inside Bloomington city limits, is located just north of Osage Place, a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood that is halfway to completed construction. The proximity to Duke Energy power lines gives the place its “Powerline Camp” moniker. Estimates vary for how many people are currently living there, but the figure seems to be around 40\.
The recent increased activity in the woods north of the neighborhood has prompted county officials to discuss whether to move up a Sept. 1 deadline they had set for residents to leave.
They have decided to leave the Sept. 1 deadline in place. For now.
On Thursday (Aug. 13), the Monroe County sheriff’s office talked with the county commissioners office about accelerating the closure, according to chief deputy Phil Parker. But as of Thursday evening, the Sept. 1 date remains in place. Still, Parker stressed to The B Square that the decision is not “set in stone” and could change, if conditions change.
To implement an earlier closure, Parker said, it would be essential to have a post-encampment plan in place. That’s because simply clearing the encampment will not solve the problem, if people can return a few days or weeks later, Parker said.
According to Parker, a finalized post-encampment plan, which the sheriff’s office has been working on, is hoped to be ready for submission to county commissioners by Monday (Aug. 17).
### Increased tension at Powerline Camp
Thursday’s discussion among county officials about accelerating the timeline for the encampment closure followed another report of shots fired in the area the previous day, on Wednesday (Aug. 12) around 5:36 p.m.
Parker told The B Square that a sheriff’s lieutenant responded with Bloomington police to the weapons call originating from RCA Park. In the vicinity of the “power line area,” 21 spent 9mm shell casings and one unspent 9mm round were found. Bloomington police used a drone to search the area, but officers did not locate anyone with a weapon or anyone who appeared to have been injured, Parker said.
That came just a week after an Aug. 5 incident, when [four people fought over a backpack](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-says-powerline-camp-must-close-by-sept-1-fight-stokes-safety-concerns/) on Cherokee Drive, just south of the encampment. A witness told police he had heard what sounded like four gunshots from the direction of the encampment about 10 minutes before the fight. Sheriff’s deputies searched the camp that day, but found no physical evidence that allowed them to establish where the apparent shots had originated.
### Deadline discussion
Late Thursday, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce made a call for quicker action. In a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-13-Greater-Bloomington-Chamber-of-Commerce-Press-Release-Powerline-Encampment.pdf), the chamber called on the county and city to close the encampment before the originally planned date of Sept. 1\.
The chamber also wants increased law-enforcement presence around the property and the nearby Osage Place neighborhood. The chamber also called for steps to prevent the property from being reoccupied after it is cleared.
\[*Added at 3:10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026\. Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson released a* [*statement*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-14-news-release-mayor-Bloomington-Kerry-Thomson-calls-for-Powerline-Camp-closure.pdf) *Friday (Aug. 14) afternoon that also calls for the closure of the encampment ahead of the Sept. 1 deadline. The mayor is quoted in the release saying: “I urge our County partners to move that timeline forward. The City stands ready to support an accelerated closure.” The name of the property is related to Thomson Consumer Electronics, the successor to RCA’s consumer-electronics operation in Bloomington, which is not connected to Bloomington’s mayor.*\]
Responding to the chamber’s release, county commissioner Julie Thomas indicated to The B Square that commissioners don’t currently intend to change the deadline. “We have provided the people at Thomson with a deadline to leave,” Thomas wrote. “Service providers are active in the area.”
But Thomas left open the possibility that the encampment could be closed earlier than Sept. 1\. She indicated that law enforcement could act sooner if circumstances warrant it: “If there is an emergency, \[sheriff’s deputies\] will do so earlier.”
County commissioner Jody Madeira responded to a B Square question by writing that closing the Powerline Camp “is not as simple as ensuring that the campers are no longer on the property.” She continued, “It requires close coordination on several matters including working with several county departments and outside entities, and this depends on these entities’ schedules as well. All of that needs to be in place for a successful closure. ”
Madeira added, “Because of these logistics, there’s no immediate ability to close the encampment. But if there is an emergency situation our intent will be to find a way to align resources on a new schedule. ”
At the same time, the sheriff’s office is working to finalize what could become the more consequential part of the county’s approach to the encampment: How to keep the Thomson property from immediately becoming occupied again after the current one is cleared.
Parker said that having the post-encampment plan in place is essential to closing the encampment. So speeding up the timeline for closure would also mean speeding up the timeline for finalizing the post-encampment plan.
Parker said he and sheriff Ruben Marté expect to have a finalized post-encampment plan submitted to commissioners by Monday (Aug. 17).
That would put the sheriff’s office in a practical position to contemplate closure ahead of the Sept. 1 deadline. Parker told The B Square that once the post-encampment plan is in place, Marté is in support of discussions about moving up the deadline.
The proposal is expected to have a significant cost, which means the proposal will also need the backing of the fiscal body of the county, which is the county council. Part of the [draft annual general obligation bond request](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-28-Council-Agenda-Packet-GO-Bond-Projects-OCR.pdf) from commissioners this year is a $150,000 purchase of drones and cameras, which would be used in part to monitor the Thomson property.
### Background for Sept. 1 deadline
The current Sept. 1 deadline was posted Aug. 3\. It grew out of a [July 23 decision](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-eyes-thomson-encampment-closure-resident-describes-barriers-to-housing/) by commissioners Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira that authorized county attorney Jeff Cockerill to begin formal steps toward closing the camp after the sheriff’s office reported increasing public-safety concerns.
The process also reflects a significant change in county policy over the last eight months.
In December 2025, after an attempt to clear the Thomson camp during cold weather prompted substantial public opposition, commissioners [adopted a policy](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-ok-policy-requiring-30-day-notice-for-clearing-homeless-encampments/) requiring at least 30 days notice before a homeless encampment could be cleared.
But on June 4, commissioners [removed that 30-day guarantee](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-revises-30-day-notice-policy-ahead-of-july-1-street-camping-law/) from the written policy as a new state “street camping” law was about to take effect. County attorney Cockerill said the minimum-notice requirement could conflict with the state law, which gives law enforcement separate authority to act against unauthorized camping on public property. That left the county with no formally guaranteed minimum notice period, although commissioners said 30 days would remain their goal when the county itself initiates a closure.
The [new state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-1-31.5-1) generally requires law enforcement to give a person a warning and information about available shelter or services before a street-camping charge can be brought. At least 48 hours must then pass, with the person remaining within 300 feet of the place where the warning was issued. The county’s Sept. 1 deadline is an exercise of the commissioners’ authority as the property owner and does not prevent the sheriff’s office from acting sooner under state law.
### Cleanup contract
On Thursday morning, commissioners also voted 2–0 to approve a contract of up to $70,000 for the eventual cleanup of the Thomson property. Commissioner Lee Jones was absent.
The contract with Indianapolis Crime Scene Services LLC, doing business as Bio-One NW Indianapolis, sets a rate of $3,500 a day for up to 20 days.
Under the [contract](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared Documents%2FWeb Content Monroe County 2025-2026%2FBoard of Commissioners%2F2026-08-13 Commissioner Packet.pdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared Documents%2FWeb Content Monroe County 2025-2026%2FBoard of Commissioners&p=true&ga=1), Bio-One workers are to make a “reasonable effort” to separate trash from belongings that could have real or sentimental value. The county will provide dumpsters, storage containers and equipment for moving material, while Bio-One personnel will handle items in the encampment itself. Needles will be handled under sharps-disposal protocols, and any firearms or controlled drugs found will be turned over to the sheriff’s office.
### 4th Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/4th-street-walnut-street-6/
Last updated: 2026-08-13T19:35:01.000Z
The poster is for any alleycat bicycle race, which is being held Saturday (Aug. 15) by Bloomington Homes for All. An alleycat is a heck of a lot of fun to watch. The cyclists have to visit different locations on their way from Point A to Point B, scavenger-hunt style. The race start is at Bryan Park. The race ends at Friendly Beasts cider. The QR code points to a donation link: (Dave Askins, Aug. 13, 2026)
### Monroe County commissioners rebut councilor over justice building conditions
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-rebut-councilor-over-justice-building-conditions/
Last updated: 2026-08-28T01:11:12.000Z
Image is a screengrab from the CATS recording of the Aug. 13, 2026 meeting of the Monroe County commissioners.
Monroe County commissioners on Thursday (Aug. 13) pushed back against county councilor David Henry’s [criticism two days earlier](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-councilor-warns-commissioners-after-iosha-visits-justice-building-over-sewage-complaints/) of their handling of recent emergency conditions inside the Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center.
They rejected any implication that they had ignored unsafe or unsanitary conditions after a [July 24 sewage](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/) backup.
The remarks came at the end of a meeting when commissioners Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira voted 2–0 to approve or ratify roughly [$118,000 in carpet replacement and building-controls work](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D08%2D13%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) at the justice building. Commissioner Lee Jones did not attend the meeting.
Henry, speaking at [Tuesday’s (Aug. 11) county council meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-councilor-warns-commissioners-after-iosha-visits-justice-building-over-sewage-complaints/), had noted that responsibility for the building rests with the commissioners under Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-2-2-24).
Henry reported hearing from employees that conditions were still “not cleanly.” He warned commissioners that, if employees were still working in unsanitary conditions, “I hope you bring your body armor to budget season.” He qualified the warning by adding, “if it is true that that’s the case.”
Madeira said Thursday that Henry’s remarks rested on what she called “two unsupported leaps.” First, Madeira said Henry was treating employee allegations as if they were proof the building remained unsanitary. Second, Madeira said Henry was suggesting that if there was any remaining problem, that meant commissioners knew about it and deliberately failed to respond.
“Hearing an allegation isn’t the same as establishing that allegation is fact,” Madeira said. She noted that the IOSHA letters themselves were not citations and did not establish that the alleged hazards existed.
The letters each say “This letter is not an IOSHA citation or notification of proposed penalties or fines … ” \[[Complaint No. 2473934](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-06-notification-from-IOSHA-about-mold-complaint-INT-ER-Inquiry-Int-Letter%5F2473934%5F08062026145012.pdf)\] \[[Complaint No. 2473949](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-06-notification-from-IOSHA-about-mold-complaint-INT-ER-Inquiry-Int-Letter%5F2473949%5F08062026145535.pdf)\] The letters also note that citations can only come after an inspection. An unannounced inspection came this Tuesday, after last Friday’s letters said no inspection was planned at that time. \[*Added Aug. 13, 2026 4:42 p.m. There are two known response letters from IOSHA to Monroe County government in response to employee complaints. There are reportedly at least five additional employee complaints stemming from the incident, which could have factored into IOSHA’s decision to conduct an unannounced inspection.*\]
Madeira said professional remediation crews arrived about an hour after the [July 24 sewage backup](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/), and pointed out that the building was closed for four working days. Damaged carpet, drywall and other materials were removed while affected areas were cleaned, sanitized and dried, Madeira said.
The flooding began when a bag containing e-cigarettes was flushed down a jail toilet, blocking a sewer line and sending wastewater through ceilings into offices below.
Madeira acknowledged that commissioners have statutory responsibility for the justice building facilities. But she added that responsibility for responding to an incident is not the same as causing it or being indifferent to it. Alluding to Henry’s mention of “budget season,” Madeira said commissioners would come to September budget hearings with “facts, remediation records, project needs, and funding requests,” and said the process should not become “an occasion for threats or assumptions about one another's motives.”
Thomas said she agreed with Madeira. “I really wish people would not talk about things they don't know anything about,” Thomas said later in the discussion. She thanked county staff for their work responding to the building problems.
County attorney Jeff Cockerill, who was present for IOSHA’s unannounced Tuesday inspection, said inspectors toured the damaged areas and were shown where carpet, drywall and other materials had been replaced. Cockerill said the county would provide documentation of the work to IOSHA. Inspectors also interviewed employees without county officials present, he said.
At Thursday’s meeting, commissioners administrator Angie Purdie also pointed to a separate [state health department air-quality assessment](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-30-Monroe-County-Justice-Building%5FBloomington%5F7%5F22%5F26%5Fmold.pdf ) based on samples collected July 22, concluded that the building’s air quality was acceptable. Indoor fungal concentrations were lower than the outdoor concentration, and carbon-dioxide and humidity readings were within the benchmarks discussed in the report. Purdie said that assessment found acceptable mold-spore and carbon-dioxide levels.
Because that testing preceded the sewage incident, it did not address conditions resulting from the July 24 flooding.
Before the closing remarks Thursday, commissioners approved [two Bounds Flooring agenda items](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D08%2D13%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) stemming from the July 24 flooding. One ratified an emergency contract of about $23,683 to replace carpet in court offices. The other approved $35,362.63 to replace carpet tile throughout the clerk’s office.
Commissioners also ratified a separate $59,100 Harrell-Fish Inc. contract for Phase 4 of an ongoing building-controls project, including engineering and site work for three air-handling units.
Even as Thomas rejected criticism of the county government’s response to the recent incidents, she gave a stark assessment of the justice center itself. “This building is in terrible shape,” Thomas said, citing structural, HVAC and functional problems. She said the latest problems underscored the need to move forward with the county’s jail project.
Purdie likewise rejected assertions that the county had failed to maintain the building. She said county staff have kept it functioning despite a design that limits what improvements can be made while the jail remains a round-the-clock operation that cannot simply be emptied for a major renovation.
Part of the general backdrop of the justice building’s condition is the [new lawsuit filed on July 10](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-federal-lawsuit-alleges-unconstitutional-conditions-at-monroe-county-jail/) by the ACLU on behalf of two prisoners, over conditions at the jail. \[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail )\]
### Aug. 13, 2026: Write-in candidate blocked, IOSHA at justice building, Bloomington zoning changes, Hopewell South plat OK’d
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-13-2026-write-in-candidate-blocked-iosha-at-justice-building-bloomington-zoning-changes-hopewell-south-plat-okd/
Last updated: 2026-08-13T10:05:33.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is another [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-10-2026/) about events that took place in the last week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) 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](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Candidate’s write-in bid blocked by Monroe County election board, court challenge planned](https://bsquarebulletin.com/candidates-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](https://bsquarebulletin.com/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](https://bsquarebulletin.com/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](https://bsquarebulletin.com/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](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D08%2D13%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for the Monroe County commissioners are a few items related to the cleanup after the [sewage flood of July 24](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/). 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](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D08%2D13%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) 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](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-says-powerline-camp-must-close-by-sept-1-fight-stokes-safety-concerns/).
---
**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](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/traffic-cones): “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](https://maps.app.goo.gl/173RnezLG517oqmA7). 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](https://www.mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala) fundraiser Friday, Aug. 28, from 6:30–9 p.m. at [1100 W. Allen St.](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1100%20W.%20Allen%20St.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN) 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](https://mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala), 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](https://wl.eventim.us/event/Magnolia-and-Johnson-Electric-Co/693286?afflky=BluebirdNightclub).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/668002/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/688597/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
### Meet Diddly Squat!
Up for adoption, as of Aug. 9 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Diddly Squat](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87385). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Diddly Squat](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87385):
> 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
Planted, which is likely familiar to Bloomington residents as a food truck, is set to put down brick-and-mortar roots at 402½ W. Sixth St. It joins a line of businesses that have occupied the space (with gaps) since 2002, including Neannie’s Cafe, the [Looking Glass](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8sQ4QYf6agW6sE9e9) hair salon, [La Vie en Rose](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZHCax5uEuQ1P4JG3A) and [Small Favors](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VUW17bUG1X9XyJ4q8). (Dave Askins, Aug. 12, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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---
### 6th Street & Madison Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-madison-street-2/
Last updated: 2026-08-12T22:26:06.000Z
Planted, which is likely familiar to Bloomington residents as a food truck, is set to put down brick-and-mortar roots at 402½ W. Sixth St. It joins a line of businesses that have occupied the space (with gaps) since 2002, including Neannie’s Cafe, the [Looking Glass](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8sQ4QYf6agW6sE9e9) hair salon, [La Vie en Rose](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZHCax5uEuQ1P4JG3A) and [Small Favors](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VUW17bUG1X9XyJ4q8). (Dave Askins, Aug. 12, 2026)
### Candidate’s write-in bid blocked by Monroe County election board, court challenge planned
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/candidates-write-in-bid-blocked-by-monroe-county-election-board-court-challenge-planned/
Last updated: 2026-08-12T15:54:22.000Z
****Left:** Joe Davis. ****Right:** Monroe County election board members Nicole Browne, Danny Shields, and Penny Githens. (Dave Askins, Aug. 12, 2026)
Joe Davis will be asking the Monroe County circuit court to review Wednesday morning’s (Aug. 12) [unanimous decision](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-12-election-board-decision-on-Joe-Davis-write-in-sore-loser-candidacy-.pdf ) by Monroe County election board to keep him from running as a write-in candidate for county clerk in November.
For the board, Davis’s situation was a straightforward application of a [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-8-1-5.5) that bars candidates defeated in a primary from seeking the same office in the ensuing general election. The law is sometimes called the “sore loser” law. Several states have a similar prohibition. Five people [filed challenges](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-06-challenges-to-Joe-Davis-candidacy-election-board.pdf ) against Davis’s candidacy.
Davis, who finished the Democratic Party’s primary for clerk held this spring, did not dispute the wording of the law or the facts. Instead, he argued that applying it to his independent write-in candidacy would violate the U.S. and Indiana constitutions.
“I accept the result of the May Democratic primary,” Davis told the board. “I am not asking this board to overturn that result.” He said the question was whether the state could also prevent him from participating independently in the general election. \[[copy of Davis’s formal written response](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-12-Joe-Davis-Election-Board-Candidate-Challenge-FORMAL-RESPONSE-OF-JOE-DAVIS%5FWrite-In-Challenge%5F8-12-2026.pdf)\]
Davis’s constitutional challenge is based on the idea that Indiana’s “sore-loser” law infringes on his First Amendment right to political association and the right of voters to support him. There are also Fourteenth Amendment equal-protection concerns that could be raised based on the idea that the state law treats different categories of people differently—those who lost a primary and those who didn’t.
The board rejected the constitutional arguments as more appropriate for a court to decide instead of an election board.
Election board chair Danny Shields said the board’s job was to apply the statute, not decide whether the statute is constitutional. He told Davis that if he wanted to remain a candidate, he could seek an injunction in court.
Shields put it like this: “If you wish to file suit somewhere to be put on the ballot, that same constitution you’re talking about gives you that right.” Davis told The B Square that he expects to make his filing in the Monroe County circuit court by the end of this week.
The five challenges to Davis’s candidacy were combined into a single hearing, because they all raised the same issue.
Davis cited federal and state constitutional protections and court decisions requiring election restrictions to be weighed against burdens on candidates and voters. He argued that the Indiana law imposed a particularly severe burden because, unlike some ballot-access restrictions, it left him no alternative route into the general election.
Davis also insisted on getting a [written ruling](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-12-election-board-decision-on-Joe-Davis-write-in-sore-loser-candidacy-.pdf ) that would spell out the factual and legal basis for the board’s decision. Davis said he expected to seek court relief quickly because ballot preparation is approaching. He was especially keen that the written decision of the board mention the fact that he had raised the constitutional questions at Wednesday’s hearing.
The board’s written decision included the following:
> Mr. Davis raised objections to removal of his option as a write-in candidate and application of Indiana Code 3-8-1-5.5 based on the 1st and 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article 2, Section 1 of the Indiana Constitution.
After a recess for county attorney Jeff Cockerill to prepare the written decision, the board voted 3–0 to approve it.
Wednesday’s ballot-eligibility case is separate from complaints about Davis’s conduct during primary voting. On June 4, the election board [voted to refer two such complaints](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-sends-complaints-about-candidate-for-clerk-to-prosecutor/) to the Monroe County prosecutor after allegations involving electioneering, campaign signs and interactions with voters. That proceeding concerned possible election-law violations, not whether Davis could appear as a November candidate.
### Monroe County councilor warns commissioners after IOSHA visits justice building over sewage complaints
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-councilor-warns-commissioners-after-iosha-visits-justice-building-over-sewage-complaints/
Last updated: 2026-08-12T15:54:12.000Z
Letters about \[[Complaint No. 2473934](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-06-notification-from-IOSHA-about-mold-complaint-INT-ER-Inquiry-Int-Letter%5F2473934%5F08062026145012.pdf)\] and \[[Complaint No. 2473949](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-06-notification-from-IOSHA-about-mold-complaint-INT-ER-Inquiry-Int-Letter%5F2473949%5F08062026145535.pdf)\] are available for public inspection in the Monroe County clerk’s office as requested by IOSHA. (Dave Askins, Aug. 12, 2026)
Prompted by employee complaints in the wake of sewage overflows into office areas of the Monroe County justice building, Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) [sent two letters to Monroe County officials](https://bsquarebulletin.com/iosha-gets-two-complaints-over-sewage-backup-at-monroe-county-justice-building/) dated Aug. 6 (last Thursday) that asked for a response within five working days.
The letters report the complaint like this: “The office was not cleaned after this occurred.” The letters stated that IOSHA “is not planning to conduct an inspection at this time.”
But on Tuesday this week (Aug. 11), a couple days ahead of the deadline for a written response, inspectors from IOSHA paid a visit to the justice building anyway. In addition to viewing the building, they interviewed employees.
The ahead-of-schedule visit by IOSHA was one of the topics of remarks by Monroe County councilor David Henry at the end of the council’s regular meeting on Tuesday. His main point: Responsibility for addressing the physical problems in the building rests squarely with the board of county commissioners.
That’s a matter of Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-2-2-24), which assigns the county executive, which is the board of commissioners, responsibility to “establish and maintain” the jail and various other public offices.
Henry said Tuesday night he has been hearing from “a number of staff” that conditions in the building remain “not cleanly” long after the widely reported [sewage issue on July 24](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/), which caused a closure of the building for the better part of the following week.
Addressing employees in the building directly, Henry said: “I just want the staff in that building to hear that we hear you on this council. … \[W\]e cannot throw money at the problem unless people bring us appropriations to fix the things wrong in that building.” The people Henry was referring to are the county commissioners.
Henry continued with a warning of sorts to the commissioners: “If you have a direct responsibility over that facility and it is not still cleaned up as of nearly two weeks later, I hope you bring your body armor to budget season, because I have a lot of questions to ask as to why people in that building are still working in conditions that are unsanitary—if it is true that that's the case.”
The budget season for the county council, to which Henry referred, starts [Sept. 2](https://events.in.gov/event/county-council-2027-budget-session-1), with the first of [seven budget sessions](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FAuditor%2FResolution%202025%2FResolution%202025%2D48%3B%20County%20Council%202026%20Meeting%20Schedule%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FAuditor%2FResolution%202025&p=true&ga=1). In years past, the proposed budget for the county commissioners has been considered at the first budget session.
In part, the [approach that commissioners are taking](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sewage-backup-in-monroe-county-justice-center-spurs-scrutiny-of-future-spending-on-dying-building/) to maintenance of the justice building this year includes proposals for projects to be funded from roughly [$5.5 million](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-28-Council-Agenda-Packet-GO-Bond-Projects-OCR.pdf) in general obligation bonds. So far the project list is still in draft form. The GO bond project list is something that could see discussion by county councilors at their [Aug. 25](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-7377) meeting.
### Plan commission backs big Bloomington zoning changes, attorneys disagree on incentives
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/plan-commission-backs-big-bloomington-zoning-changes-attorneys-disagree-on-incentives/
Last updated: 2026-08-11T18:47:58.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington plan commission from left: Steve Bishop; Patrick Holmes; Chris Smith; Brad Wisler; Jillian Kinzie; Flavia Burrell; Ellen Rodkey; Hopi Stosberg; and Andrew Cibor. ****Top Right:** Assistant city attorney Dana Kerr. ****Bottom Right:** Interim city council attorney Larry Allen. (Dave Askins, Aug. 10, 2026)
A package of changes to Bloomington’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) aimed at making small-scale residential development easier won a 6–2 recommendation for approval from the city’s plan commission on Monday (Aug. 10). The package includes the elimination of parking minimums.
The vote tally did not add up to 9 because Ellen Rodkey had to leave the meeting before it concluded.
The package will next land in front of Bloomington’s city council.
But the plan commission’s action came after an unusually stark disagreement between two attorneys over not just one of the proposed changes, but also part of Bloomington’s existing zoning law.
Assistant city attorney Dana Kerr told commissioners that a proposed electrification requirement for developments using the city’s sustainability incentives would violate Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/8#8-1-2-101.2) and wrote a [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-07-legal-opinion-Dana-Kerr-electrification-state-law-Memorandum-Regarding-UDO-PUDs-only-Electricity-8-7-26.pdf ) supporting that position.
When Hopi Stosberg, who is the city council’s representative on the plan commission, pressed Kerr on the similarity of his reasoning to existing affordable-housing incentives in Bloomington’s UDO, Kerr went further: In his view, those existing UDO provisions are also contrary to state law.
“The affordability provisions that are in the UDO, looking at them fresh, would not be allowed either,” Kerr told the commission.
Interim city council attorney Larry Allen then gave commissioners the opposite legal interpretation. On affordable housing, Allen pointed to [IC 36-1-24.2-4](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-1-24.2-4), which generally restricts local regulation of housing affordability.
But in the law’s own wording, it explicitly says the law doesn’t prevent a property owner from “voluntarily” agreeing to an affordability requirement “in exchange for incentives or grants provided by the county or municipality to the owner of the privately owned real property.”
“It’s explicitly in the statute,” Allen said. “You don’t need additional case law.” Allen likewise disagreed with Kerr’s reading of the state law governing energy sources.
The council had [initiated the UDO amendments](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-20-city-council-initiation-of-UDO-amendments-Res%5F2026-05.pdf) in May through its authority under Indiana’s [state zoning code](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-7-4-602).
The [package](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EtUdat5nulhx7B9wwPWNVdJgDObPkysbF3UD24HxlxY/edit?tab=t.0) includes substantial reductions in minimum lot sizes and widths in residential zoning districts, smaller setbacks and other changes intended to make development of small lots easier. For example, the R1 minimum lot area would fall from 20,000 square feet to 7,200; R2 from 7,200 to 5,000; and R3 and R4 to 2,500 square feet. The RM and RH multifamily districts would have no minimum lot area. Minimum lot widths would also be reduced substantially.
City development services manager Eric Greulich told commissioners the changes are intended to remove barriers to incremental housing construction. For example, they allow someone with a large lot to split off part of a yard to build another house. He cautioned that Bloomington’s already-built environment means the changes probably will not produce redevelopment everywhere.
“We’re again trying to move the needle a little bit, make it easier, reduce some of the burdens, some of the barriers to people achieving new housing within the community,” Greulich said.
### Legal dispute over electrification, existing affordability rules
Planning staff came into Monday’s meeting recommending that the commission give a negative recommendation to the electrification provisions, based on an Aug. 7 [legal memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-07-legal-opinion-Dana-Kerr-electrification-state-law-Memorandum-Regarding-UDO-PUDs-only-Electricity-8-7-26.pdf.) from Kerr.
The proposed wording was intended to require developments taking advantage of Bloomington’s sustainable-development incentives to rely on electricity or on-site renewable energy for significant energy needs. New PUDs would, in turn, be required to satisfy the sustainable-development incentive standards.
Kerr concluded that the proposal conflicted with [IC 8-1-2-101.2](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/8#8-1-2-101.2 ), which limits local government regulation of utility service based on the source of energy.
Stosberg questioned that conclusion because the sustainability standards are incentives: A developer can build without using them. Kerr indicated that distinction did not matter. Even if participation were voluntary, he said, the UDO would still be an ordinance conditioning a governmental benefit on the developer forgoing certain energy sources.
Stosberg then drew the comparison to Bloomington’s affordable-housing incentives. State law restricts mandatory local affordable-housing requirements, but Bloomington has for years required affordability in exchange for voluntary development incentives.
That exchange prompted Kerr’s broader conclusion about the existing UDO.
Kerr said the determination that Bloomington’s affordability incentives were permissible had been made before he joined the city legal department. After examining the statute himself in connection with the electrification question, he said he had concluded that state law did not permit the existing affordability provisions, either.
Stosberg told Kerr that his interpretation “differs from every other attorney that I have encountered over the last three years.” She said multiple former and current council and city attorneys had reviewed Bloomington’s affordability incentives. Kerr said there was no case law resolving the issue one way or the other.
Allen, speaking during public comment in his capacity as interim city council attorney, disputed Kerr’s reading of both statutes.
On energy sources, Allen stressed that the statute does not prohibit every local rule involving a fuel source. It bars regulations that “prohibit” or have the effect of prohibiting utility service based on energy source. If a developer can simply decline the sustainability incentive and proceed with a project using natural gas, Allen argued, the incentive does not prohibit natural gas service.
Allen said the [affordable-housing statute](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-1-24.2) reinforced that interpretation, because in that statute the state legislature expressly allowed property owners to agree to voluntary affordability requirements in exchange for local incentives.
The commission did not resolve that legal disagreement on Monday. But Stosberg proposed rewriting the electrification clause, to change the focus from the “service” which is the topic of state law, and to focus instead on building design.
Rather than say qualifying developments must “only be served by electricity or on-site renewable energy sources,” the amended provision says developments must “only include buildings designed to use” electricity or on-site renewable sources for significant energy needs.
Stosberg said the new wording more closely reflected the council resolution and acknowledged that “the legal question is potentially still out there.” The commission unanimously approved Stosberg’s proposed wording change.
### Other amendments: Impervious surface, bicycle parking
The commission made three other amendments before sending the package to the city council.
At commissioner Chris Smith’s request, the commission changed standards for the mixed-use neighborhood-scale (MN) and mixed-use medium-scale (MM) districts to allow maximum impervious surface coverage of 70%, paired with a 30% minimum landscaped area. Smith said that those districts, which often border core residential neighborhoods, should not be more restrictive than the neighborhoods themselves in ways that frustrate development.
The commission also went beyond planning staff’s interpretation of the council’s direction in its resolution to eliminate minimum parking requirements. Staff had treated that wording in the council’s resolution as applying to motor vehicles.
On an amendment proposed by commissioner Bishop, the commission also eliminated minimum bicycle-parking requirements. The amendment to eliminate bicycle parking minimums passed with the bare minimum of five votes of support.
Stosberg opposed eliminating bicycle parking minimums on the grounds that the council’s resolution to eliminate minimum parking requirements was aimed at motor vehicle parking, not bikes, and was explicitly about enabling developments that provide little or no car parking as a way to support affordability. She argued that striking bike minimums went beyond the resolution’s intent and undercut non‑car modes the city says it wants to encourage.
Plan commissioner Steve Bishop countered that mandatory bicycle parking can impose an undue financial burden, particularly on small businesses and change‑of‑use projects, forcing them to install racks even where few or no cyclists are likely to come;. Removing the minimum requirements, Bishop said, doesn’t prevent anyone from providing bike parking, it just stops the city from compelling it.
A final amendment removed a proposed requirement that an existing lot be less than 150 feet deep before a rear lot could be created using a six-foot no-build access easement. Remaining in the proposal is the restriction that no part of a new structure be more than 150 feet from the street, unless approved otherwise by the fire department.
Earlier in the hearing, Bloomington fire marshal Jeff Yutmeyer told commissioners that the relevant fire-code concern is whether firefighters can reach all portions of the structure with their hose, not the depth of the property itself. That meant it was not crucial to be concerned with lot depth, but only with distance from the street.
### Final remarks
When the amendments were finished, commissioner Jillian Kinzie moved to send the entire package to the city council with a positive recommendation.
“We’ve been asked to move on this by council,” Kinzie said, adding that councilmembers could make further changes when the legislation reaches them.
Plan commission president Brad Wisler said he would vote to send the package forward, but expressed a view opposing incentives on policy grounds, as he often has previously. Wisler remains critical of using sustainability requirements as the price developers have to pay for additional density. On Monday, he said, “If we want prices to come down, if we want things to be affordable, we should just make it easy to build more dense housing,” Wisler said, rather than making developers “jump through a bunch of hoops.”
The final vote was 6–2\. Voting in favor were: Steve Bishop, Andrew Cibor, Jillian Kinzie, Christ Smith, Hopi Stosberg and Brad Wisler. Opposing the positive recommendation were Flavia Burrell and Patrick Holmes.
### Hopewell South plat wins 8–1 Bloomington plan commission OK after waiver request dropped
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-plat-wins-8-1-bloomington-plan-commission-ok-after-waiver-request-dropped/
Last updated: 2026-08-11T10:44:58.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington plan commission. ****Right:** Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson. (Dave Askins, Aug. 11, 2026)
Bloomington’s plan commission voted 8–1 on Monday (Aug. 10) to approve the primary plat for Hopewell South, after the city’s redevelopment commission withdrew a request to waive a tree-plot requirement along 1st Street.
Monday’s meeting showed continued friction between the city council and the mayor over Hopewell South, even after the city council approved the planned unit development (PUD) in early May. Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson attended the meeting in person, and defended the plat against a total of four city councilmembers who weighed in against it.
As the owner of the Hopewell South real estate, it was the Bloomington redevelopment commission (RDC), a part of city government, that was the petitioner for the PUD and the plat.
Monday’s approval moves the city closer to construction on about 6.3-acres at and around the former IU Health Bloomington hospital site. The Hopewell South planned unit development (PUD) allows up to 98 homes. A plat is just the technical term for a [map](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-10-Hopewell-South-Primary-plat-Copy-of-SUB2026-05-0010-Hopewell-Plat-Google-Slides.pdf) showing how a piece of land is divided into individual lots, streets, rights-of-way and other designated areas.
Of the 65 lots created by the plat, 62 of them are residential, two are common-area lots and one containing the former Bloomington Convalescent Center building at 714 S. Rogers St. It also folds three lots from an old subdivision (Dixie Highway) into the new subdivision.
Monday’s split vote marks the latest step in a Hopewell South approval process that has stretched through most of 2026 so far. The plan commission [unanimously recommended the PUD](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-oks-hopewell-south-rezone-for-city-council-consideration-adds-accessibility-oversight/) in February, and the Bloomington city council ultimately approved it 9–0 on May 6 after months of debate over affordability, accessibility, street design and other conditions. The [council’s approval](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-wins-unanimous-ok-from-bloomington-city-council/) requires at least 35% of the homes to be permanently affordable, with a goal of 50%.
Speaking on Monday from the remote public mic with its initially proposed waiver of a tree-plot requirement, were three city councilmembers—Kate Rosenbarger, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, and Matt Flaherty. They said the waiver contradicted one of the conditions of approval imposed by the council on the Hopewell South PUD. And the city’s legal department eventually agreed that they were right. It’s what led to the withdrawal of the waiver request by the administration.
It was Hopi Stosberg, who serves as the city council’s appointee to the plan commission, who cast the sole vote against the plat. Her objections included the fact that the plan commissioner meeting information packet did not include written documentation that City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) had approved the project’s approach to drainage.
“If this was a private petitioner, we would not be trusting right now that they have that signed off on,” Stosberg said. “I am entirely sick of this petition getting special treatment simply because they are an arm of the city and not a petitioner like any other.” Stosberg added: “We’re eight months into this right now, and I’m honestly not interested in continuing to give them special treatment.”
Development services manager Eric Greulich responded by saying that in the wording of the plat approval, it says that final acceptance and approval from CBU is required before issuance of any permits. He pointed out that the wording is “standard language that we have on every single petition.” Greulich also said he had emails from the CBU, including one from director Kat Zaiger indicating CBU’s acceptance and approval of the plat moving forward.
Voting with the plan commission majority was Chris Smith, who said, “We need housing.” He said, “This whole process has been micromanaged and taken way too long. We have a great plan before us.”
### Plan commissioners: 1st Street parking triggers dispute
Much of Monday’s deliberation focused on the city’s proposal to add some on-street parking along the south side of 1st Street.
1st Street already has a sidewalk, tree plot and recently planted street trees. Adding the parking would have shifted the tree plot south, over a water line, where trees cannot be planted. The city proposed instead to put the sidewalk over the water line and plant the required trees on the other side of the sidewalk.
But the city council had explicitly required, as [one of the conditions of its PUD approval](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Hopewell-PUD-Ord%5F2026-06.pdf#page=12 ), a tree plot at least five feet wide between the sidewalk and drive lane.
Three councilmembers appeared remotely during public comment Monday to object to the waiver. District 2 councilmember Kate Rosenbarger said the council had already engaged in “extensive public comment and debate” over the street design before settling on the existing configuration.
“A tree plot on the other side of the sidewalk is not a tree plot,” Rosenbarger said. “That is not a thing.” Rosenbarger also objected to tearing into the recently reconstructed 1st Street to add the parking.
District 1 councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith said she was “just baffled” by the waiver request because the placement of the tree plot had been an explicit condition of the council’s approval. “What we approved should stand,” Piedmont-Smith said.
At-large councilmember Matt Flaherty called the waiver “an express violation of a reasonable condition passed by the city council” and said its approval could invite a legal challenge.
Flaherty also returned to an issue that has surfaced repeatedly during the Hopewell South review: Is the city government, acting as developer, being held to the same standards as a private petitioner?
“I think the kind of self-dealing and special exceptions for how we’re treating the city as a petitioner with this particular PUD has been part of the problem and contentiousness all along,” Flaherty said.
Flaherty also raised a point of trust, which has been a frequent talking point for him since Thomson took over as mayor at the start of 2024: “Finally, I would just say it’s hard to overstate how much approval of this proposal would further erode what little trust remains in Mayor Thompson and some of her staff to engage with the city council in good faith. ”
In the end, the city’s legal staff agreed that the waiver conflicted with the council condition. Assistant city attorney Dana Kerr told commissioners that the waiver “does specifically contradict the reasonable condition” and that it would be “inadvisable” for the plan commission to grant it.
Planning staff said the primary plat could nevertheless be approved without the waiver, with the 1st Street design modified before secondary plat approval.
Commissioner Chris Smith pushed for getting the overall project moving, even as he opposed the 1st Street waiver.
“We need housing,” Smith said. “This whole process has been micromanaged and taken way too long. We have a great plan before us.”
Smith said he did not favor the waiver because he preferred the approved street cross-section and did not want recently installed infrastructure torn out and rebuilt. “I think we need to approve this and get this thing moving because we need housing more than we need anything else,” Smith said.
### Mayor: No attempt to skirt requirements
The meeting included a short recess to sort out the question of the tree plot. After the break, Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson appeared at the mic on behalf of the RDC and pushed back against suggestions that the proposed change had been an attempt to circumvent the council’s conditions.
“There was really no malicious intent here,” Thomson said. She described the proposal as an engineering solution intended to preserve trees while adding parking. “Definitely not the mayor playing chess here,” she said.
Thomson said the bigger priority was moving Hopewell South toward construction. “It’s really important to us to get this affordable housing built and built as soon as possible,” Thomson said.
Project engineer Kendall Knoke said the idea of the waiver had emerged from RDC discussions about whether more parking could be added to reduce spillover into surrounding neighborhoods. He said the project could move forward without the 1st Street parking.
It was RDC executive director Anna Killion-Hanson who stepped the mic to withdraw the request for a tree-plot waiver. The 8–1 vote followed.
### Long road to construction
Hopewell South’s path to construction of housing predates this year’s PUD debate.
The city initially sought private developers for the property. After a second offering produced two proposals, the RDC rejected both in June 2025 and [shifted to a strategy built around smaller builders](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rejects-2-hopewell-bids-sets-new-course-democratizing-neighborhood-development/ ), pre-approved house designs and city coordination of the overall development.
The RDC formally [authorized the Hopewell South PUD filing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-pitched-as-path-to-homeownership-heads-to-plan-commission-in-2026-gets-first-city-council-scrutiny/ ) in December 2025, with the customized zoning intended to allow as many as 98 homes, compared with roughly 28 under the existing zoning without additional discretionary approvals.
The PUD then went through two plan commission hearings and a City Council process that included postponements on Feb. 18, March 4, March 25 and April 1 before the final May 6 vote. On June 1, the RDC [formally accepted the council’s conditions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-moves-hopewell-south-housing-from-concept-towards-construction/) and authorized staff to proceed with plats and permits.
### Next steps
Knoke laid out a more specific timetable Monday for getting from the primary plat to construction.
The remaining development approvals include the PUD final plan, the secondary plat and permits. Knoke said he expects the project to work through permitting from August through October 2026\. Bidding is expected in November, with construction to follow.
The infrastructure is planned to be built in one phase rather than broken into separate construction stages. Knoke said that will include all roadway modifications and new streets, sidewalks and related infrastructure, including work around the 714 S. Rogers St. property.
The former convalescent center building has been eyed as a potential rehab-reuse project for a new police station. But the result of a [feasibility study by American Structurepoint](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-10-American-Structure-Point-feasibility-714-S-Rogers-fomer-convalescent-center-Bloomington-Feasibility-Study-Report.pdf ) raises the question of whether it could be more cost effective to demolish the building and build from scratch.
Monday’s primary plat approval means the city has now taken one more step towards a Hopewell South concept that has been revised since the city’s first offering of the property in 2023 and construction of the neighborhood itself.
[](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-10-Hopewell-South-Primary-plat-Copy-of-SUB2026-05-0010-Hopewell-Plat-Google-Slides.pdf)
Excerpt from presentation on the Hopewell South preliminary plat. Image links to [slide deck.](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-10-Hopewell-South-Primary-plat-Copy-of-SUB2026-05-0010-Hopewell-Plat-Google-Slides.pdf)
### Aug. 10, 2026: IOSHA sewage complaints, Powerline Camp closure, jail turnover, election hearing, Bloomington survey
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-10-2026-iosha-sewage-complaints-powerline-camp-closure-jail-turnover-election-hearing-bloomington-survey/
Last updated: 2026-08-10T09:54:25.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is another [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-10-2026/) about events that took place in the last week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** No need for rain gear, but there’s a small chance of a shower or two before 10 a.m. Wear something that makes you look great when you’re sweaty. Because for the rest of the day it will just turn mostly sunny and sauna-like, with a high near 92F°. Heat index values will go as high as 101\.
**Tuesday:** It wouldn’t be crazy to take an umbrella, because the threat of 30–50% chance of overnight showers will continue through Tuesday morning and the rest of the day, along with thunderstorms. But your main focus should be on dressing light and cool, so that when you get wet from rain or sweat, you’ll dry out fast. The high will be a miserable 91F° with index values as high as 101\.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [IOSHA gets two complaints over sewage backup at Monroe County justice building](https://bsquarebulletin.com/iosha-gets-two-complaints-over-sewage-backup-at-monroe-county-justice-building/). IOSHA received two complaints alleging unsafe conditions after sewage and water came through ceilings at Monroe County’s justice building. The agency is not planning an inspection for now, but has ordered the county to investigate and report findings and corrective action within five working days.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-73/). How much does the city’s proposed spending and revenue plan weigh? Hawk knows the answer!
- [Monroe County property transfers through July 27, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-27-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from July 27 to Aug. 5, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population goes down slightly for flat 18-day trend](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-goes-down-slightly-for-flat-18-day-trend/). Monroe County’s jail population stood at 247 on both July 21 and Aug. 7, but 149 people left during the 18-day span, showing substantial turnover. Meanwhile, 8 prisoners have been transferred to Brown County as the sheriff tries to respond to overcrowded conditions.
- [Monroe County says ‘Powerline Camp’ must close by Sept. 1—fight stokes safety concerns](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-says-powerline-camp-must-close-by-sept-1-fight-stokes-safety-concerns/). Monroe County has set Sept. 1 as the deadline for homeless residents to leave the ‘Powerline Camp’ on the Thomson property. A fight near Habitat for Humanity’s Osage Place has deepened safety concerns and prompted calls for more police presence and better city-county coordination.
- [Monroe County election board sets hearing on Davis write-in bid, delays on Trimble complaint](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-sets-hearing-on-davis-write-in-bid-delays-on-trimble-complaint/). Monroe County election officials set an Aug. 12 hearing on whether Joe Davis can stay a write-in candidate for clerk after losing the Democratic primary. The board also delayed action on a complaint against assessor candidate Lisa Jeneé Trimble while seeking additional legal guidance.
- [Council rips Bloomington survey for sidelining college students](https://bsquarebulletin.com/council-rips-bloomington-survey-for-sidelining-college-students/). Bloomington city councilmembers sharply questioned whether a $37,900 community survey that intentionally de-emphasized IU students could reliably guide policy or spending. They also challenged its low response rate, wording, accessibility and lack of useful comparisons.
### On the calendar
**UDO amendments: Consideration of increased housing.** On the [Monday (Aug. 10) 5:30 p.m. meeting agenda](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oBCuzFDRASn1SwGcoCazeHG2EuFA2IlclVgEa9GhQuM/edit?usp=drive%5Flink ) for the Bloomington plan commission is an item that originated with the city council that covers several issues in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The proposed ordinance change includes reduction in minimum lot widths, and the elimination of parking minimums, among other things. According to the staff memo, the hearing on the proposed changes also satisfies the requirements of a new [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-7-4.3), that requires cities to “conduct a public hearing to review the UDO and any zoning regulations and land development rules, with the goal of increasing housing development by using the following factors ... ”
**3rd Street work between College and Walnut.** On the [Tuesday (Aug. 11) 5:30 p.m. meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17262/download) for the Bloomington board of public works are various right-of-way closures related to the south side of the street, where work on the north side of the convention center will be taking place from Aug. 25 through Sept. 30.
**MUST committee discussion.** On the [Tuesday (Aug. 11) 5 p.m. meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/mccouncilgroup/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2Fmccouncilgroup%2FShared%20Documents%2FCouncil%20Meetings%2F2026%2F8%2D11%20Agenda%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2Fmccouncilgroup%2FShared%20Documents%2FCouncil%20Meetings%2F2026&p=true&ga=1 ) for the Monroe County council as a topic discussion are the MUST (Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce) committee meetings, which are likely to be convened in the coming weeks. The committee will include representatives of Monroe County, Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Stinesville, and could shape the future of local income taxation in the next few years.
**Candidate challenge.** On the [Wednesday (Aug. 12) meeting agenda](https://events.in.gov/event/special-election-board-hearing) for Monroe County’s special election board meeting is a hearing on the attempted write-in candidacy of Joe Davis for county clerk. For B Square background, see: [Monroe County election board sets hearing on Davis write-in bid, delays on Trimble complaint](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-sets-hearing-on-davis-write-in-bid-delays-on-trimble-complaint/)
---
**Family Night Out: Aug. 12.** Downtown Bloomington is the place to be for an evening of food, music, art and family activities Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5:30–8 p.m. in front of the Monroe County Public Library. You can buy dinner from Pili’s, Mikki’s Munchies and Planted, then eat together in the street while browsing artist and community booths. Kid Kazooey will perform from 5:30–6:30 p.m., followed by Yolanda D from 7–8 p.m. The Seedlings Flower Truck will create what organizers describe as a “stunning flower installation” in the library courtyard.
**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](https://bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a/safety-week/traffic-cones): “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](https://maps.app.goo.gl/173RnezLG517oqmA7). 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](https://www.mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala) fundraiser Friday, Aug. 28, from 6:30–9 p.m. at [1100 W. Allen St.](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1100%20W.%20Allen%20St.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN) 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](https://mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala), 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](https://wl.eventim.us/event/Magnolia-and-Johnson-Electric-Co/693286?afflky=BluebirdNightclub).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/668002/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/688597/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
### Meet Myles!
Up for adoption, as of Aug. 9 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Myles](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86775). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a mountain cur mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Myles](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86775):
> Myles is a shy but very sweet young dog who enjoys meeting other dogs. Myles also knows several commands! Spend some time with him and he will show you his high five! He loves to go for a good, long walk and check in with his human to make sure they're enjoying the scenery as much as he is.
### Photo Finish: Courthouse square
Replacing Bonne Fête on the north side of the courthouse square will be Edit & Co. Signed with kisses from Katie is a message from Edit & Co. which sounds like it will be a place to buy nice clothes: “At Edit & Co., we believe a beautifully edited wardrobe starts with thoughtfully chosen pieces—and a place where you always feel welcome.” (Dave Askins, Aug. 6, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start.
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Civic Solver: Aug. 10, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-10-2026/
Last updated: 2026-08-09T15:35:29.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one each week in the [*Almost Daily*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) newsletter.
### IOSHA gets two complaints over sewage backup at Monroe County justice building
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/iosha-gets-two-complaints-over-sewage-backup-at-monroe-county-justice-building/
Last updated: 2026-08-09T14:28:00.000Z
Looking north from 7th Street along College Avenue, staff from Service Master feed hoses from their trucks to clean up the “plumbing issue” around 5 p.m. (Dave Askins, July 24, 2026)
The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) has received two separate complaints alleging unsafe conditions after sewage and water came through ceilings at Monroe County’s Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center.
In two letters to Monroe County government dated Aug. 6, 2026, IOSHA gives the same description of the alleged hazard: Toilets were plugged, sewage and water came through the ceiling, and an office is alleged not to have been cleaned up afterward. The letters identify the second and third floors as the location. \[[Complaint No. 2473934](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-06-notification-from-IOSHA-about-mold-complaint-INT-ER-Inquiry-Int-Letter%5F2473934%5F08062026145012.pdf)\] \[[Complaint No. 2473949](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-06-notification-from-IOSHA-about-mold-complaint-INT-ER-Inquiry-Int-Letter%5F2473949%5F08062026145535.pdf)\]
The complaints stem from a [July 24 sewage backup](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/). A bag containing e-cigarettes flushed down a jail toilet blocked a sewer line and sent wastewater through ceilings into offices below. The justice center was closed for four days while damaged drywall and carpet were removed and affected areas were cleaned, sanitized and dried, according to the Monroe County government.
IOSHA says its Aug. 6 letters are not citations and that the agency has not determined that the alleged hazards exist. For now, no inspection is planned by IOSHA. The letters tell the county government to investigate and report its findings and any corrective action within five working days. An inadequate response could lead to an inspection, according to the letters.
A year ago, another employee complaint was received by IOSHA, also over environmental conditions in the Monroe County justice building. In August 2025, an employee complained about condensation, mold and mildew on the second floor. IOSHA sent a [notification letter last year](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-08-12-IOSHA-complaint-INT-ER-Mold%5F2331608.pdf ) like those sent more recently stemming from the sewage overflows. The mold episode included office closures, remediation and the discovery of Stachybotrys in parts of the prosecutor’s office. VET Environmental did remediation work and issued an [821-page report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-09-08-Monroe-County-Justice-Building-Mold-Investigation-and-Remediation.pdf).
The two new complaints are separate from the even more recent [Aug. 4 incident](https://bsquarebulletin.com/use-of-drain-cleaner-fills-monroe-county-justice-building-with-rotten-egg-odor-workers-report-vomiting-nausea/) involving toxic gas, which had a rotten-egg smell. That episode stemmed from usage of a liquid drain cleaner that contained sulfuric acid. At least two workers vomited and others reported nausea, headaches and watery eyes.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-73/
Last updated: 2026-08-15T15:20:39.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #74 (Aug. 9, 2026)**
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through July 27, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-27-2026/
Last updated: 2026-08-09T11:27:21.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from July 27 to Aug. 5, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1OaTIDH3mafut5-bjK77rn1VVDnY1a4U&usp=sharing ).\]
- On August 5, 2026, the property at 9405 E Southshore DR was sold to SUZANNE YOUNG by Sutton, Joanna J for $899,000.
- On August 5, 2026, the property at 411 S Pleasant Ridge RD was sold to SARA GAAR LAUGHLIN REVOCABLE TRUST by CASEY C BROOKS for $525,000.
- On August 4, 2026, the property at E State Road 45 was sold to THOMAS GALLAGHER by BELCHER, DOROTHY G LIVING TRUST for $201,500.
- On August 4, 2026, the property at 5988 E State Road 45 was sold to THOMAS GALLAGHER by BELCHER, DOROTHY G LIVING TRUST for $201,500.
- On August 4, 2026, the property at 4121 W Red Rock RD was sold to DORTHY G BELCHER LIVING TRUST by Milhoan Properties LLC for $170,000.
- On August 4, 2026, the property at 2313 E Winding Brook CT was sold to JENNIFER SMITH by Strimaitis, Jacob for $170,000.
- On August 4, 2026, the property at 2440 N Mt Gilead RD was sold to GILEAD GORGE GROUP, LLC by ESTATE OF DAVID R REYNOLDS for $127,000.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 2310 E Plateau PL was sold to JOHN SIDNEY MOREE by Sandoval, Patrick E for $890,000.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 6315 N Bent Pine DR was sold to JENNIFER DIANE HAWKINS by Reed, William Ryan Revocable Trust for $755,000.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 1209 W Dove CIR was sold to TIMOTHY D WISLEY by Gabriel, Henry Isaiah for $535,000.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 4307 E Cricket KNL was sold to SAMANTHA HEALY by Carmona, Gustavo A for $397,000.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 6640 N Utt DR was sold to GUILLERMO SANJURJO by Norman, Clayton for $255,000.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 804 S Rogers ST was sold to BRIAN SHIFRIN by Henderson, Jane A for $219,000.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 605 N Fairview ST was sold to PROJECT GRAPHITE LLC by HENDERSON, JANE A for $200,000.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 4612 W Arlington RD was sold to DOUGLAS T WEST by Oard, Mitchell B for $180,000.
- On August 3, 2026, the property at 4612 W Arlington RD was sold to DOUGLAS T WEST by Oard, Mitchell B for $180,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 8819 E Southshore DR was sold to THE HOFFMAN LIVING TRUST by DONNA FRIESEL REVOCABLE TRUST for $1,050,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 500 N Walnut ST UNIT 406 was sold to MATTHEW RAY by GUYER, MARC for $785,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 8115 S Strain Ridge RD was sold to MICHAEL PAULY by Clark, John D & Patricia Irrevocable Trust for $705,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 2024 S Ramsey DR was sold to KRISTIN OCHS by ALKI SCOPELITIS for $562,500.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 2320 E Covenanter DR was sold to BENJAMIN CALEY by FREDERICK W JOHNSON for $499,900.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 1733 W Ezekiel DR was sold to JOHN MILLER by Equity Trust Company Custodian fbo Todd Sacksteder IRA for $477,700.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 1405 W Countryside LN was sold to ROBERT SMART by Theis, Howard L & Kathryn F Revocable Trust for $377,500.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 4304 E Walpole LN was sold to JOSHUA JAMES SUTCLIFFE by Morris, Leslie Ellen for $327,500.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 9379 S Pointe Lasalles DR was sold to RYAN D HAHN by KESSLER, JEFFREY L for $319,900.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 2619 E 5th ST was sold to TEAMBOYDO LLC by CJ SATELLITE LLC for $287,500.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 4193 W Grand AVE was sold to MATTHEW R WINN by Smith, Sandra L for $270,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 6260 S Fairfax RD was sold to ANGIE ARNETT by CRYSTAL L SALYER FKA CRYSTAL L FURR for $255,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 128 N Clark ST was sold to JOHN MOORE by Busk, Nils-Martin for $249,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 2901 S Market PL was sold to MICHELLE HINES by ANNA B FERGUSON for $244,900.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 3363 S Westminster WAY was sold to JENNIFER E PERRY by Rose, Connie for $215,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 3811 S Pepper Chase was sold to ANNA B FERGUSON by Baugh, James Darren for $210,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 9318 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to IAN JOHNSON by Brooks, Tammy for $181,900.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 914 W 3rd ST was sold to JOSE E RUIZ LEMUS by DAHLBERG, RONALD JR. for $137,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at S Old State Road 37 was sold to DANA L DODGE by Shields, Robert H for $125,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 446 W Northlane DR was sold to ANDREW D MORRIS by Sun-Morris LLC for $108,000.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 527 N Grant ST was sold to CREEKSIDE TECH-17, LLC by Fierst Rentals LLC for $0.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 512 N Prow AVE was sold to LBK-25 LLC by Creekside Tech 17 for $0.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 1709 E Circle DR was sold to DIANE SUSAN WALDEN HENSHEL by HARRY MANDRED WALDEN BANEK for $0.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 503 N Grant ST was sold to CREEKSIDE TECH-17, LLC by Fierst Rentals LLC for $0.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at E 9th ST was sold to CREEKSIDE TECH-17, LLC by Fierst Rentals LLC for $0.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 510 N Prow AVE was sold to CREEKSIDE TECH-17, LLC by Fierst Rentals LLC for $0.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 528 N Washington ST was sold to LBK-25 LLC by Creekside Tech 17 for $0.
- On July 31, 2026, the property at 527 N Washington ST was sold to LBK-25 LLC by Creekside Tech 17 for $0.
- On July 30, 2026, the property at 2017 E Viva DR was sold to NICHOLAS SIX THOMPSON by MELANIE J ALLYN for $475,000.
- On July 30, 2026, the property at 3431 S Kennedy DR was sold to FRED HITE by KNN PROPERTIES, LLC for $400,000.
- On July 30, 2026, the property at 1020 W Acuff RD was sold to ABDALAHI SIDI MOHAMED by BEACON BUILDERS, LLC for $380,570.
- On July 30, 2026, the property at 1204 W Woodhill DR was sold to DYLAN REDMON by McNelly, Joseph D for $306,500.
- On July 30, 2026, the property at 3421 N Windcrest DR was sold to COLE J CHUDY by STANLEY ROBERTSON for $199,900.
- On July 30, 2026, the property at 7158 S Strain Ridge RD was sold to LANE MILLER by LANIA GARRISON for $185,000.
- On July 29, 2026, the property at 8638 W Flatwoods RD was sold to KELLI GAMROTH by ELIZABETH ANN WELTY for $417,000.
- On July 29, 2026, the property at 3531 W Yellowstone CT was sold to NIHAAL NANDICOORI by Perine, Tarell for $278,000.
- On July 29, 2026, the property at 771 E Sherwood Hills DR was sold to NATHAN B WEI by RICHARD & CAROL A CZERW IRREVOCABLE TRUST for $159,000.
- On July 28, 2026, the property at 407 N Roosevelt ST was sold to 407 N ROOSEVELT STREET, LLC by BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC for $1,200,000.
- On July 27, 2026, the property at 4297 S Windmill LN was sold to JEFF HESTER by Walulik, Stephen for $575,000.
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population goes down slightly for flat 18-day trend
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-goes-down-slightly-for-flat-18-day-trend/
Last updated: 2026-08-10T09:47:32.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
The Monroe County jail held 247 people on July 21\. Seventeen days later, on Aug. 7, it again held 247 people.
That consistency does not capture the substantial movement through the jail. During the 18-days from July 21 through Aug. 7, 149 people left the jail. Their median length of stay was 4 days.
Of the 247 people who were in the jail on July 21, 192 were still there on Aug. 7\. That means 55 people who were in jail on July 21 population had left by Aug. 7\. Numerically, they were replaced by 55 people who arrived after July 21 and were still incarcerated on Aug. 7.
The difference between the 55 and the 149 reflects the jail’s turnover: The bigger number also includes people who arrived after July 21 and then left again before Aug. 7.
Daily population counts also fluctuated. The jail population climbed as high as 264 on July 31, then fell to 248 the next day. It reached a low of 241 on Aug. 4 before climbing back to 247 by Aug. 7\. Over the 18 days, the average population was about 251.
Monroe County also continued this week to move some prisoners out of its jail as part of its response to overcrowding. The current population is still well above either of the two numbers that have been cited recently as the facility’s functional capacity—[186](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf) by the sheriff or [229](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf) by the ACLU.
Chief deputy sheriff Phil Parker said Thursday that two more Monroe County prisoners had been transported to the Brown County jail. One was being held for the Indiana Department of Correction and one being held on a parole violation.
That follows the transfer of six IDOC-related prisoners reported last week. Parker said three of those six had already received prison sentences and were waiting for IDOC to find beds and transport them. The other three were being held on IDOC parole violations. That’s people previously released on parole whose parole officers had determined they should be returned to prison.
With Thursday’s transfers, eight Monroe County prisoners have now been moved to Brown County under that effort. Brown and Monroe counties have a memorandum of understanding allowing Brown County to house Monroe County prisoners. Parker has said the Brown County sheriff, Brad Stogsdill, has indicated his jail could accommodate roughly 20 to 25 Monroe County prisoners, depending on its own population.
The transfers represent the early stages of a strategy that surfaced after Monroe County commissioners [declared an “emergency”](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/) over jail crowding, a procedural step intended to allow the sheriff to move as many as 100 prisoners elsewhere.
The day after action by commissioners, the ACLU of Indiana filed a new federal lawsuit on behalf of two inmates alleging unconstitutional conditions at the jail. \[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Monroe County says ‘Powerline Camp’ must close by Sept. 1—fight stokes safety concerns
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-says-powerline-camp-must-close-by-sept-1-fight-stokes-safety-concerns/
Last updated: 2026-08-08T00:31:45.000Z
This is a March 14, 2026 image from the EagleView module of Beacon, Monroe County’s online property and parcel information system. It shows Cherokee Drive, Habitat for Humanity's Osage Place under construction, and the encampment in the woods to the north.
People living in the homeless encampment on Monroe County’s Thomson property have been told they have until Sept. 1 to leave.
According to the Monroe County commissioners office, notice was posted on Monday (Aug. 3) at the county-owned property off South Rogers Street. The site is commonly known as the Thomson encampment and has been given the 911 dispatch address moniker “Powerline Camp.”
Monday’s notice puts a specific date on a closure that county commissioners had [set in motion two weeks ago](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-eyes-thomson-encampment-closure-resident-describes-barriers-to-housing/), on July 23, when they authorized county attorney Jeff Cockerill to take formal steps toward clearing the encampment.
At the July meeting, Cockerill told commissioners the sheriff’s office believed conditions at the site were “becoming more dangerous and more of a cause of a public safety concern.” Commissioners did not set a closing date at that meeting, but gave Cockerill authority to post a notice before their next regular meeting, if circumstances warranted it.
The Sept. 1 deadline comes as the county government faces pressure from more than one direction. Neighbors have described safety and quality-of-life problems they associate with the camp. A fight among camp residents this week, which took place in the neighborhood next to the encampment, and was preceded by reports of gunshots from inside the encampment, drew a law enforcement response from city police and from sheriff’s deputies.
People living in the encampment say finding conventional housing can be blocked by eviction histories, poor or nonexistent credit, criminal records and a shortage of realistic alternatives.
The posted notice of closure also comes a month after a [new Indiana law](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/SB0285%5F06%5FENRH-Prohibition-against-camping-on-public-property-homelessness-encampment.pdf) took effect on July 1 that makes unauthorized camping or long-term shelter on state or local government property a Class C misdemeanor under certain circumstances.
The county’s Sept. 1 deadline is separate from the enforcement process laid out in the new state law. Under that law, before a person can be prosecuted for “street camping,” law enforcement generally has to give the person a warning and information about available shelter or services.
To count as a violation, at least 48 hours have to pass after the warning, with the person remaining within 300 feet of the location where it was issued. The law also includes defenses to prosecution, including when no shelter is available closer than five miles.
In June, county commissioners [removed a formal 30-day notice requirement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-revises-30-day-notice-policy-ahead-of-july-1-street-camping-law/) from their [encampment policy](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-04-30-day-notice-county-commissioners-encampment-resolution.pdf ), because county attorney Cockerill said it could conflict with the new state statute. But commissioners said their goal remained giving people as much advance notice as possible when the county itself initiates a camp removal. Sheriff Ruben Marté also said at the time that deputies would continue handling complaints case by case, seeking voluntary compliance and working with service providers when appropriate.
The resolution rescinded by the June action had been [adopted by commissioners in December 2025](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-ok-policy-requiring-30-day-notice-for-clearing-homeless-encampments/) and generally called for at least 30 days notice before clearing out homeless encampments.
Monroe County’s underlying ordinance covering camping, littering and storage of personal property on county government property is [Chapter 257](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/files/MC%5FCode%5F257.pdf) of the county code.
### Habitat describes problems for Osage Place
The deadline for people to leave the Thomson property follows an appeal in late July to county officials from Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. The nonprofit is developing a new neighborhood called Osage Place, just to the south of the Thomson property.
Speaking from the public mic during the July 28 meeting of the county council, Habitat operations director Kari Bennett said the organization does not support the new state law on camping and considers criminalization of homelessness “cruel and counterproductive.”
But Bennett said Habitat also has to respond to homeowners, employees and volunteers who have reported uncomfortable or frightening interactions associated with the neighboring encampment.
Among the situations Bennett described were people coming onto neighborhood porches to get water from outdoor faucets, people seeking food or water at construction sites, dogs roaming the neighborhood and sometimes behaving aggressively, thefts of bicycles and Habitat construction materials, and frequent yelling and screaming from the direction of the encampment.
Bennett said Habitat has also had prospective homeowners turn down offers of lots in Osage Place because they were concerned about the safety of their families.
“Without a solution to find a better housing situation, these incidents will continue,” Bennett told the council.
Bennett’s remarks served to foreshadow a violent episode this week.
### Aug. 5 fight brings city, county police response
A violent incident Wednesday (Aug. 5) near the encampment brought both Bloomington police and Monroe County sheriff’s deputies to the area, although sheriff’s officials said they were unable to substantiate an initial report of gunfire with hard evidence.
The original call came from the area of Cherokee Drive and Rogers Street and involved four people fighting over a backpack, according to the Monroe County sheriff’s office.
Because the reported location was in the city, Bloomington police responded first. The person who called in the fight showed an officer a short video of the confrontation and also reported that about 10 minutes before the brawl started, he had heard four sounds he believed were gunshots coming from the direction of the encampment.
The sheriff’s office said the video showed a physical struggle over the backpack. At least a couple of punches were thrown, but the people involved eventually stopped fighting and walked away together.
After the person who made the call told responding officers that possible gunshots had been heard from the county-owned property, three sheriff’s deputies went into the encampment and spent considerable time walking through the area and talking with people there.
Some people told deputies they had heard something, according to the sheriff’s office, but deputies could not establish where specifically inside the encampment the apparent gunshots had originated.
The Monroe County sheriff’s office also rejected as inaccurate any reports that Bloomington police had simply arrived and declared the incident a county problem. Chief deputy Phil Parker said Bloomington police responded appropriately to the city call, then contacted sheriff’s deputies when the investigation pointed toward possible activity on the county-owned property.
On April 16, according to Bloomington police, central dispatch established “Powerline Camp” as an address moniker, which could be selected by a dispatcher taking a call. Since then, police say there have been 30 calls associated with the location.
That number does not mean there have been 30 complaints about criminal activity by people living at the camp. Some calls were generated by government agencies themselves. In one instance, for example, Bloomington animal care and control asked for police assistance while looking for a dog believed to be on the property.
The address moniker draws a clean line for dispatch purposes between calls originating in the city of Bloomington and those associated with the encampment, on county-owned land. A call to the intersection of Cherokee and Rogers would send Bloomington police as the primary responding agency. A call to the Powerline Camp would send the sheriff’s office as the primary responding agency.
Habitat CEO Wendi Goodlett told The B Square that Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson has told her Bloomington police will increase patrols in the area. \[The mayor is not connected to the county-owned property—the name is a coincidence.\]
Goodlett said Habitat is also asking for a more coordinated approach in which the two law enforcement agencies can respond quickly when there’s a fluid situation between an area like Cherokee Drive and county-owned property inside city limits, like the Thomson encampment.
The Aug. 5 fight took place just inside one of Habitat’s most significant project neighborhoods, Osage Place.
### Habitat for Humanity: Impact on Osage Place
Ground was broken for Osage Place in [June 2021](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dirt-gets-moved-for-69-house-habitat-for-humanity-neighborhood-in-southwest-bloomington-hope-is-the-thing/). The development, immediately east of RCA Community Park, is planned for 69 homes in two phases.
Goodlett told The B Square on Friday that Habitat is now finishing the last few houses in the 30-home first phase. Construction has also started on some of the 39 homes in the second phase.
That puts Habitat’s active construction increasingly close to the Thomson property. Goodlett said the second phase occupies the northeastern portion of Osage Place, including the area where Habitat crews are now working.
Habitat says that proximity to the encampment did not always present a problem. In an Aug. 6 [public statement](https://monroecountyhabitat.org/a-message-about-public-safety-in-the-osage-place-neighborhood/), the nonprofit said that as progress has been made building homes farther north in Osage Place, friction with the encampment has grown. But for years before that, it “no significant issues” were encountered with people living there. Habitat says that changed as the encampment grew.
The effects are no longer limited to general unease, according to Habitat. Goodlett said one family has withdrawn from Habitat’s homeownership program. The family cited several reasons, she said, but one of them was concern about safety in the area.
Habitat has also made changes on the ground. Goodlett said the organization blocked vehicle access from Bernard Drive into the Thomson property and has emphasized keeping property locked up. She said several bicycles have been stolen, including bicycles belonging to a Habitat family that relies on bikes for transportation.
Until the Aug. 5 incident, Goodlett said, the changes Habitat was seeing mostly involved increased foot traffic through the neighborhood. Other concerns included yelling from the encampment and what residents have described as increasingly frequent gunfire. But previously those sounds had been more distant from the neighborhood and Habitat’s actual construction activity.
What made Wednesday’s incident so different, Goodlett said, is that it took place so close to the house where Habitat staff and volunteers were working. Habitat’s Aug. 6 [statement](https://monroecountyhabitat.org/a-message-about-public-safety-in-the-osage-place-neighborhood/) says workers heard what they believed were gunshots nearby, and just after that saw four people involved in a physical fight on Cherokee Drive. Habitat staff called 911 and took shelter inside the house under construction.
For Habitat, however, the close proximity of the fight itself was enough to force a new look at construction-site safety. “It definitely has made us reconsider the safety of having people out there,” Goodlett said.
That presents a specific problem for Habitat’s construction model. Homeowners earn “sweat equity” by working alongside volunteers, and Goodlett said Saturdays are when many families can perform those hours. Saturdays are also a principal way Habitat brings volunteer groups from the wider community onto its construction sites.
That’s why Goodlett said Habitat is asking city and county governments for a more visible law-enforcement presence around Osage Place. Providing additional security is just not something Habitat is able to do, Goodlet said: “It’s not our job.”
As the Sept. 1 deadline for clearance of the encampment approaches, Habitat is concerned that tensions will increase even more. The nonprofit’s [public statement](https://monroecountyhabitat.org/a-message-about-public-safety-in-the-osage-place-neighborhood/) calls for a stronger law enforcement presence, better collaboration between city and county agencies and “proactive steps” ahead of the Sept. 1 deadline.
Goodlett said the concern extends beyond Habitat itself. After the organization released its statement, she heard from a volunteer who lives in a nearby neighborhood and said residents there had also become more vigilant, particularly as children returned to school starting this week.
At the same time, Goodlett stressed that Habitat is not trying to assign collective blame to people living at the encampment. “I feel bad for everybody involved,” she said.
Goodlett said she worries about the safety of people living at the Thomson property, including people who have been there for a long time, are minding their own business and might not have another place where they feel safe.
Habitat’s written statement draws a similar distinction. It says many people experiencing homelessness are not responsible for criminal activity and calls for long-term solutions involving stable housing, mental health resources and support services.
But the organization says those concerns have to coexist with the safety of the people already living and working next door at Osage Place. “We believe communities are strongest when they prioritize both the safety of residents and the dignity and well-being of those in need,” Habitat’s statement says.
### For camp residents, closure means another move
The closure notice resolves one uncertainty that existed when The B Square [visited the encampment](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-eyes-thomson-encampment-closure-resident-describes-barriers-to-housing/) on July 24: Residents now know when the county expects them to be gone. What it does not resolve is where they will go.
Stephanie, a Bloomington native who had been living at the camp with her adult son and two dogs, told The B Square in July that she had already started thinking about her next campsite.
Stephanie said she was already in the coordinated housing system and had received a relatively high score on Indiana’s housing assessment tool. But she described a series of practical obstacles to getting an apartment. Those include evictions in her rental history, no credit history, and a Level 6 felony conviction that appears on background checks.
Her answer when asked what she wanted was simple: “Someplace to live.”
County officials have acknowledged the same underlying problem even as they set the stage for closing the camp.
When commissioners [revised their encampment policy](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-revises-30-day-notice-policy-ahead-of-july-1-street-camping-law/) in June, commissioner Jody Madeira criticized the state’s new approach, pointing out that moving people or imposing criminal penalties does not itself create housing. Commissioner Julie Thomas likewise called the statute an unfunded state mandate and said the county would continue coordinating with Bloomington and local service providers.
For residents of the Thomson property, their basic housing problem now comes with a date certain, given by the county’s posted deadline: Sept. 1.
### 4th Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/4th-street-walnut-street-5/
Last updated: 2026-08-09T12:47:41.000Z
Inside the parking services division at the garage there are two payment kiosks set up for public review. The city is considering rolling out such kiosks, one on every blockface, to replace parking meters at every spot. (Dave Askins, Aug. 7, 2026)
### Courthouse Square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-17/
Last updated: 2026-08-10T09:49:25.000Z
Replacing Bonne Fête on the north side of the courthouse square will be Edit & Co. Signed with kisses from Katie is a message from Edit & Co. which sounds like it will be a place to buy nice clothes: “At Edit & Co., we believe a beautifully edited wardrobe starts with thoughtfully chosen pieces—and a place where you always feel welcome.” (Dave Askins, Aug. 6, 2026)
> We’re coming back to where it all started.
>
> Bloomington has always held a special place in my heart, and bringing Edit & Co. here feels like coming full circle. This next chapter wouldn’t be possible without your support, loyalty, and belief in us.
>
> At Edit & Co., we believe a beautifully edited wardrobe starts with thoughtfully chosen pieces—and a place where you always feel welcome.
>
> We’re so excited to bring Edit & Co. home to Bloomington and become part of this incredible community once again. We can’t wait to welcome familiar faces, meet new ones, and be a small part of your story.
>
> Thank you for being part of ours.
>
> Edit your wardrobe. Edit your day. Edit with us.
>
> xx,
> Katie
### Monroe County election board sets hearing on Davis write-in bid, delays on Trimble complaint
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-sets-hearing-on-davis-write-in-bid-delays-on-trimble-complaint/
Last updated: 2026-09-04T09:22:45.000Z
Monroe County election board from left: Nicole Browne, Danny Shields, and Penny Githens. (Dave Askins, Aug. 6, 2026)
The Monroe County election board will hold a hearing next Wednesday (Aug. 12) on the question: Is Joe Davis legally eligible to remain a declared write-in candidate on Nov. 3 for county clerk?
The issue arose after [five people challenged his candidacy](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-06-challenges-to-Joe-Davis-candidacy-election-board.pdf) under Indiana’s so-called “sore loser” law. Davis lost the Democratic Party primary race for clerk.
The decision to set a hearing on the challenges to Davis for Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. was made at the board’s regular meeting on Thursday (Aug. 6).
Also on Thursday, the board delayed until its Sept. 3 meeting a decision about whether to hold a separate hearing on an election-law complaint against independent county assessor candidate Lisa Jeneé Trimble.
The two proceedings have different stakes and timelines. The challenges to Davis could disqualify his write-in candidacy and have to be resolved by Aug. 14, according to county attorney Molly Turner-King. If Davis is determined not to be eligible, no blank line would appear on the ballot for a voter to fill in.
The complaint against Trimble would not remove her name from the ballot and does not face the same short-term deadline.
The election board did not decide Thursday that Davis is ineligible. It decided only to receive the challenges and schedule a hearing when Davis and the challengers can present their cases.
### Five challenges to Davis candidacy
Davis [filed paperwork on July 6](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-ballot-nears-final-shape-davis-files-write-in-bid-trimbles-final-paperwork-pending/) declaring himself a write-in candidate for Monroe County clerk after finishing third in the May 5 Democratic primary for the same office. He received 2,549 votes, or about 21% of the primary vote.
Election staff told the board Thursday that five [CAN-1](https://forms.in.gov/download.aspx?id=9438 ) candidate challenge forms had been filed, questioning Davis’s candidacy. Board chair Danny Shields, who is the Republican Party’s appointee to the election board, described them as raising the same central question: Is Davis eligible to be a write-in candidate after losing the primary?
Indiana [state election law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/3#3-8-1-5.5) says that someone defeated in a primary is not eligible to become a candidate for the same office in the next general election.
Davis has previously acknowledged the statute, but said he wants to challenge its constitutionality. He has referred to the provision as the “sore winner” law rather than the “sore loser” law.
During Thursday’s election board meeting, Shields said the label Davis uses for the statute is beside the point. “He can call this law whatever he wants to call it,” Shields said. “Is he eligible? The question is: Is he eligible to run as a write-in under that law?”
The deadline for submitting candidate challenges is noon Friday, Aug. 7\. Turner-King told the board the challenges must be resolved by Aug. 14\. Any additional challenge received before Friday’s deadline will be scheduled for Aug. 12 after the Davis proceeding.
Turner-King said she’ll send Davis copies of the five challenges, the relevant statutes and the board’s hearing procedures. Notice will be sent by email and certified mail. The board plans to hear the five substantially similar challenges together rather than conducting five separate proceedings.
### State guidance sought on Trimble complaint
The board spent considerably longer discussing what to do about the complaint against Trimble, who is challenging incumbent Democrat assessor Judy Sharp in the Nov. 3 general election. Trimble [submitted more than 797 signatures](https://bsquarebulletin.com/trimble-clears-signature-hurdle-to-make-independent-run-for-monroe-county-assessor/) by June 30, which was enough to have her name appear on the ballot.
Sharp submitted her [complaint](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-15-J-Trimble-OCR.pdf) in April after seeing a Facebook post in which Trimble offered to help property owners understand their assessments and the appeals process. In the post, Trimble wrote that the assistance would “come with a price,” which was one petition sheet containing 10 voter signatures, provided in advance.
In May, the election board [put off considering Sharp’s complaint](https://bsquarebulletin.com/election-complaints-target-monroe-county-clerk-hopeful-over-signs-electioneering-in-chute/) because Trimble had not yet completed the process of becoming a candidate. Trimble later submitted enough verified signatures and completed her independent candidacy.
The legal question centered on a specific part of election law: [IC 3-14-2-1](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-14-2-1). That law makes it a Level 6 felony if someone “pays or offers to pay” someone else “any property based on the number of signatures obtained to place a candidate or public question on a ballot.” The statute also says that it is not unlawful to pay someone to gather signatures when the compensation is not tied to the number of signatures collected.
Turner-King quoted Indiana state law criminal code for the definition of “[property](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/35#35-31.5-2-253),” which includes anything of value, as well as labor and services.
The board weighed whether Trimble’s offer of property-tax guidance could qualify as a service of value and whether Trimble’s Facebook post offered that service in exchange for somebody obtaining signatures, as opposed to paying somebody to sign the petition.
Election supervisor Kylie Farris said she understood Trimble’s post as asking people to collect signatures rather than personally sign the petition.
“The way that I’m reading it,” Farris said, “is if you are wanting the service, I will be requesting that you get signatures, collect signatures, not sign my sheet.”
Clerk Nicole Browne initially moved to dismiss the complaint. She said the filing itself did not identify a specific election-law violation and did not contain enough information to justify putting Trimble through a hearing.
“If this isn’t going to remove the candidate \[from the ballot\], let the voters decide,” Browne said.
Democratic Party board appointee Penny Githens said that Sharp should have an opportunity to present evidence. She said Trimble’s written offer appeared to involve a service provided in exchange for collecting a specified number of signatures and that for her the issue turned on the definition of “property.” The board should at least hold a hearing to determine whether the matter warrants referral to the prosecutor, Githens said.
Shields initially appeared inclined to dismiss the complaint without setting a hearing, but the question about the definition of property gave him pause: “I’m not interested in having laws be violated and going unpunished, but I’m also not interested in going down rabbit holes when we’re not we’re not we’re not completely sure of the definitions.” He added, “Definitions matter.”
Turner-King recommended seeking more specific guidance from the Indiana Election Division before deciding whether to schedule a hearing. Because the complaint does not affect Trimble’s ballot placement, she said, the board has time to revisit the matter at its regular Sept. 3 meeting.
The statute discussed by the board applies not only to completed payments of property but also to an offer to pay. Whether Trimble’s post constituted an offer of “property” is a question the board wants Turner-King to ask the Indiana Election Division to help clarify.
On Githens’s motion, the board voted 2-1 to put off a decision on whether to hold a hearing, with Browne casting the dissenting vote. The Sept. 3 proceeding will not itself be a hearing on the complaint. It will be a discussion and vote on whether a hearing should be held.
### Trimble from public mic: Says she received nothing
During public comment, Trimble told the board no one had provided her with signatures, money or anything else in exchange for the property-tax information she offered.
If there is a hearing, she said, “There will not be one piece of evidence presented because I didn’t receive a sheet of signatures, one signature, not one dollar, nothing for the help and advice that I offered the taxpayers,” Trimble said.
From the public mic, Trimble also accused Shields of targeting her candidacy and attending an Ellettsville petition-signing event to observe who participated. After Trimble spoke, Shields denied Trimble’s allegation. He said he and his wife had eaten at a Chinese restaurant in the same shopping center and said his presence there was coincidental.
### 3rd Street & Lincoln Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/3rd-street-lincoln-street/
Last updated: 2026-08-09T12:32:12.000Z
Sign in the rock garden in front of Bloomington police station says a product containing glyphosate was applied on Aug. 4, 2026 to control weeds, and caution should be used until it’s dry. (Aug. 6, 2026)
### Pete Ellis Drive & RR
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/pete-ellis-drive-rr/
Last updated: 2026-08-06T14:15:18.000Z
“I was struck by the gorgeous water lilies in the pond off Pete Ellis Drive, near the railroad crossing.” (Stella Hooker-Haase, Aug. 6, 2026)
### Council rips Bloomington survey for sidelining college students
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/council-rips-bloomington-survey-for-sidelining-college-students/
Last updated: 2026-08-06T13:02:55.000Z
[](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-05-Bloomington-Community-Survey-Response-report-OCR.pdf)
Image links to report included in the Bloomington city council’s meeting information packet for Wednesday (Aug. 5, 2026)
“What population does this survey actually represent?” Bloomington city council president Isak Asare asked at the council’s regular meeting on Wednesday night (Aug. 5).
The answer was that the city’s [latest community survey](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-05-Bloomington-Community-Survey-Response-report-OCR.pdf ), by design, mostly reflected older, longer-term, year-round residents and under-emphasized Indiana University students.
That fact shifted the council’s focus on Wednesday from at least *some* favorable findings to sharp criticism of the administration’s choices about whose views should count when Bloomington asks what residents think.
Several councilmembers questioned whether the results of such a survey should guide city policy or spending decisions. Hopi Stosberg called the treatment of students “pretty appalling.” Sydney Zulich called the consultant’s explanation for the de-emphasis of students “a stunningly insulting answer.”
The criticism came despite at least some findings that reflected favorably on much of life in Bloomington. About 80% of respondents were satisfied with the city’s overall quality of life, and 72% said they would be at least somewhat likely to recommend Bloomington as a place to live. But even the item asking about recommending Bloomington came under scrutiny as councilmember Andy Ruff called it an “odd question.”
About 76% were dissatisfied with the availability of affordable housing, while streets, sidewalks and homelessness also emerged as prominent concerns. And except for fire, police, and fire protection, satisfaction with public services in the city was below 60%.
The city paid aQity Research & Insights Inc. $37,900 to conduct the survey. The firm received 561 responses between Feb. 18 and April 10\. No council action was requested Wednesday.
But it was not clear what the answer to Asare’s basic question was for the consultant and city staff, as the council heads into the [2027 budget review](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-2027-budget-no-new-full-time-positions-still-taps-5-5m-in-general-fund-reserves/) season: “What I’m trying to get at in all of my questioning is what’s the ‘So what?’ for council and the city? … What are the things that we’re claiming that should inform our behaviors, actions, decisions, especially as we’re going into budget here?”
No votes were taken Wednesday night in connection with the presentation of the survey results.
### Survey intentionally focused away from students
The explicit wording in the report that was provided in the city council’s meeting information packet highlighted the fact that Indiana University students were de-emphasized: “These \[census weighting\] targets were adjusted to focus more on permanent Bloomington residents, and slightly less on students at Indiana University.”
Councilmember Hopi Stosberg questioned whether the weighting that the consultant had applied, which was supposed to reflect US Census data, was accurate. She pointed out that the weighting indicated in the table was for 53% of the survey’s respondents as homeowners and renters at 47%. Stosberg said census figures show home ownership closer to 34%.
The explanation for the discrepancy likely stems from the parenthetical in the [asterisked footnote](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-05-Bloomington-Community-Survey-Response-report-OCR.pdf#page=6 ) to the table: “Respondent sample weighted to align with US Census data for Bloomington (adjusted for permanent residents).”
The geographic distribution showed comparatively few respondents around IU’s campus, Stosberg pointed out. Hardly any respondents identified themselves as full- or part-time students.
“So convince me that this is valid data,” she told aQity president Jeff Andreasen, who joined the meeting through a remote video connection.
Andreasen said the survey was designed to focus on residents more likely to live in Bloomington year-round.
IU students, he said, are often newer to the city, less familiar with municipal services and unlikely to remain in Bloomington for long. The firm therefore sought a sample more representative of “year-round, more permanent residents” who were likely to be taxpayers and engaged with city government.
That approach also accounted for the survey’s larger shares of homeowners, single-family residents, older residents and people living away from campus, Andreasen said.
Stosberg, whose District 3 includes a substantial part of the IU campus, rejected that distinction. Individual students may come and go, she said, but their needs remain relatively constant. Designing a survey that gives their views less weight means the results reflect “a subset of Bloomington, Indiana,” rather than the community as a whole, she said.
Zulich, who represents District 6, with thousands of student resident, and noted that she was very recently a student herself, agreed. “That is a stunningly insulting answer,” Zulich said.
### Firm hired without request for proposals
Zulich also asked how the Thomson administration chose aQity. The initial response didn’t address the question, which led Zulich to say: “Thank you for that response. But my question was actually: How did the city decide on this firm to conduct the survey?”
City communications director Desiree DeMolina said the administration had reviewed criticism of the city’s 2023 survey, including complaints about its length, unclear wording, low response rate.
The city had previously worked with aQity on a Parks and Recreation Department survey and had a generally positive experience, DeMolina said. The administration chose the company as a known entity after considering its options.
Zulich asked whether the city had issued a request for proposals. “No,” DeMolina said. The company was hired through a professional services agreement, although she added that the city had shopped around.
The city had used the National Research Center at Polco for its surveys in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023\. The change in firms and methodology limited the number of direct comparisons that could be made across survey years.
Rosenbarger asked for a list showing which questions had been retained, changed or removed. One of the chief benefits of conducting the survey repeatedly, she said, should be the ability to track changes in public opinion over time.
Rosenbarger also questioned whether a 4% to 5% response rate could support strong conclusions. “It takes a ton of work” to collect representative responses from people who are less likely to participate, she said. That can require door-to-door outreach, telephone calls, community events and incentives.
The people who are hardest to reach, Rosenbarger said, “are the ones that we really need.”
Andreasen told the council that invitations had been sent by email or mail to nearly 7,000 or 8,000 randomly selected residents. He said weighting was used to reduce nonresponse bias and align the results more closely with the survey’s target population.
That’s what prompted Asare to ask: “The follow up for me, I guess pointedly, is: What population does this survey actually represent?” Andreasen said it was primarily Bloomington’s permanent, year-round population—not the city’s complete census population.
### What’s the ‘So what?’
Asare also questioned the survey’s headline finding that 72% of respondents would recommend Bloomington as a place to live.
The category included everyone who selected a score of six or higher on a 10-point scale, Asare noted. He asked how councilmembers should interpret the number and, more broadly, how the survey should influence their actions.
“What’s the ‘So what?’ for council and the city?” Asare asked. “What are the things that we’re claiming that should inform our behaviors, actions, decisions, especially as we’re going into budget \[review season\] here?”
Andreasen said the overall result was positive, but the 18% who were unlikely to recommend Bloomington should not be overlooked. Those respondents’ concerns were linked most strongly to housing affordability and perceptions surrounding Bloomington’s visible unhoused population, he said.
“It’s hard to recommend somebody moving to an area where it’s hard to purchase a home or afford a high rent,” Andreasen said.
Andy Ruff questioned the usefulness of some results without comparisons to similar communities. A finding about satisfaction with safety or Bloomington’s business environment means less, he said, without knowing whether the response is unusually good or bad.
Andreasen said aQity did not have enough comparable national data. Bloomington’s university population makes it difficult to compare the city with other communities of similar size, he said.
Ruff also questioned the value of asking whether respondents would recommend Bloomington. Personal considerations, like whether someone wants friends or relatives to move nearby, could influence that answer independently of the city’s quality of life, he said.
### Accessibility, wording questioned
Isabel Piedmont-Smith raised a separate accessibility concern. Some of the report’s data tables were inserted into the council’s information packet as scanned images without digital text, she pointed out, making them unreadable by screen-reading software used by people with visual impairments.
“That should be provided in all cases,” Piedmont-Smith said. She said she was disappointed that much of the report was inaccessible to part of the population.
Andreasen said he would look into whether an accessible version could be provided.
Piedmont-Smith also questioned the wording of a question that asked respondents to rank possible city strategies, including “removing barriers to developing affordable housing.” That wording presupposes that city-imposed barriers are responsible for Bloomington’s affordable-housing shortage, she said, making it a leading question.
Andreasen said the wording was developed jointly by city staff and his firm. The questions were developed in the context of “not what the issue is, or but more: What types of actions or strategies the city could do to address the top issues that people have?” Andreasen said.
### Survey rejected as useful
Stosberg closed the discussion by describing the practical implications for an elected official whose district includes both students and longer-term residents.
Students vote and participate in city affairs at comparatively low rates, she said. That makes it harder, but no less important, for elected officials to determine what they need. “Someone doesn’t tend to vote or doesn’t get as involved, does not mean that I don’t also serve those populations,” Stosberg said.
Because a large portion of her constituency was deliberately deemphasized, Stosberg said it would be irresponsible for her to put much weight on the results.
Zulich went further. At a time when city officials have emphasized tight finances, she said, she could not see the survey as a responsible use of taxpayer money. The survey excluded the voices of thousands of students who could become long-term Bloomington residents, Zulich said, even as the community struggles to retain younger workers.
“I don’t know why any young person would want to stay here,” she said, “when we’re so blatantly disrespectful towards them.”
### Aug. 6, 2026: Toxic gas in justice center; Bloomington 2027 budget; MCCSC bargaining limits; rival College Square plans; city survey
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-6-2026-toxic-gas-in-justice-center-bloomington-2027-budget-mccsc-bargaining-limits-rival-college-square-plans-city-survey/
Last updated: 2026-08-06T12:08:34.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is another [10-question](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-3-2026/) news quiz!
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** It would not be crazy to bring along an umbrella, because there’s a small chance of showers and thunderstorms from early in the day, increasing to around 50% by around 3 p.m. But otherwise it will be partly sunny with a high around 83F°.
**Friday:** It’s probably a good idea to bring an umbrella, because there will be a roughly 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms all through the day. The high will be around 85F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Bloomington’s 2027 budget: No new full-time positions, still taps $5.5M in general fund reserves](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-2027-budget-no-new-full-time-positions-still-taps-5-5m-in-general-fund-reserves/). Bloomington’s proposed 2027 budget has dropped. It authorizes $165.7 million in spending, excluding utilities and debt funds. It provides a 2.7% COLA for employees, and no net new full-time jobs. It taps general fund reserves for $5.47 million. City council review starts Aug. 17.
- [MCCSC board takes first step toward limiting bargaining for non-teaching staff](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-takes-first-step-toward-limiting-bargaining-for-non-teaching-staff/). MCCSC trustees narrowly backed a first step toward limiting bargaining topics for non-teaching staff, while hearing support for Templeton’s multi-age program, reviewing federal funding changes and approving staffing moves. Redistricting discussion was delayed until Aug. 25.
- [Use of drain cleaner fills Monroe County justice building with rotten-egg odor; workers report vomiting, nausea](https://bsquarebulletin.com/use-of-drain-cleaner-fills-monroe-county-justice-building-with-rotten-egg-odor-workers-report-vomiting-nausea/). At least two Monroe County employees vomited and others reported nausea, headaches and watery eyes Tuesday after jail maintenance workers used an unfamiliar drain cleaner, filling the Justice Center with a rotten-egg odor. Some went outside for air or left work.
- [Dora, Concord pitch rival College Square projects; Bloomington RDC mulls decision](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-concord-pitch-rival-college-square-projects-bloomington-rdc-mulls-decision/). Bloomington’s RDC heard rival $4 million College Square proposals Monday but made no decision. Concord’s hotel-and-housing plan depends on CIB cooperation and a reversal of its convention center host-hotel choice; Dora’s stand-alone plan pairs a boutique hotel with market-rate housing.
- [Bloomington’s latest survey finds high quality-of-life ratings, big concern about housing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-latest-survey-finds-high-quality-of-life-ratings-big-concern-about-housing/). Bloomington’s 2026 community survey found general satisfaction with quality of life, but a lot of concern about affordable housing, homelessness, streets and sidewalks, and the local economy. City councilmembers will receive a presentation at their Wednesday meeting.
### On the calendar
**County election board.** No agenda is posted yet for Monroe County’s [1:30 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 6) ](https://events.in.gov/event/election-board-2026-2449)election board meeting. But one possibility is that the three-member group will formally receive the challenges that have been filed over the write-in candidacy of Joe Davis for county clerk. Davis lost the Democratic Party’s primary for clerk, which means state law precludes his candidacy in the general election for the same office. For B Square background, see: [Monroe County ballot nears final shape: Davis files write-in bid, Trimble’s final paperwork pending](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-ballot-nears-final-shape-davis-files-write-in-bid-trimbles-final-paperwork-pending/)
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**Gallery Walk: Aug. 7.** For Bloomington’s [Gallery Walk](https://www.gallerywalkbloomington.com/) this Friday, the [Waldron Arts Center](https://seeconstellation.org/art-galleries/), 122 S. Walnut St., will open two exhibitions from 5–8 p.m.: “Stepping Stones,” featuring work by 2025 Bloomington Arts Commission grant recipients, with music and dance performances; and “The Pregnant Form,” by Gloria Manzanares Romero and Emily Zarse. Gallery Walk includes [14 venues](https://www.gallerywalkbloomington.com/).
**Family Night Out: Aug. 12.** Downtown Bloomington is the place to be for an evening of food, music, art and family activities Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5:30–8 p.m. in front of the Monroe County Public Library. You can buy dinner from Pili’s, Mikki’s Munchies and Planted, then eat together in the street while browsing artist and community booths. Kid Kazooey will perform from 5:30–6:30 p.m., followed by Yolanda D from 7–8 p.m. The Seedlings Flower Truck will create what organizers describe as a “stunning flower installation” in the library courtyard.
**Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Garden Gala: Aug. 28.** Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard will hold its annual [Garden Gala](https://www.mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala) fundraiser Friday, Aug. 28, from 6:30–9 p.m. at [1100 W. Allen St.](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=1100%20W.%20Allen%20St.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN) 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](https://mhcfoodpantry.org/gardengala), 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](https://wl.eventim.us/event/Magnolia-and-Johnson-Electric-Co/693286?afflky=BluebirdNightclub).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/668002/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/688597/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=408%20W.%20Kirkwood%20Ave.%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IN%2047404). Tickets cost [$20](https://buytickets.at/4pgroupllc/2340572), with $12 from each ticket benefiting New Leaf New Life, which supports people affected by incarceration and reentry.
### Meet Bigboy!
Up for adoption, as of Aug. 5 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Bigboy](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87125). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a bully breed mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Bigboy](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87125):
> Bigboy is a sweet, calm, and remarkably well-behaved boy who's still blossoming with confidence. He's an excellent leash walker with impeccable manners on walks. He rarely pulls and stays in heel position. He loves being with his people and enjoys long walks to explore his surroundings, plus spirited play in the yard. Although Bigboy is timid at first meeting new people, he warms up quickly with patience. He's curious about other dogs and animals, observing calmly in most situations. While he's not yet reliably house-trained or crate-trained, his foster family has seen real growth in his confidence over just two weeks—stairs were new for him, suggesting his early life experiences might have been limited.
### Photo Finish: Kirkwood Avenue & Dunn Street
Could be a Chevy II Nova wagon from the 1960s. It's part of the set for the film “Little Five,” which is being shot around town. The ”Wander Indiana“ plate from the 1984–1986 era designates Bartholomew County with its 3 prefix. (Dave Askins, Aug. 4, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
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Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start.
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Kirkwood Avenue & Dunn Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-dunn-street-5/
Last updated: 2026-08-05T17:00:43.000Z
Could be a Chevy II Nova wagon from the 1960s. It's part of the set for the film “Little Five,” which is being shot around town. The ”Wander Indiana“ plate from the 1984–1986 era designates Bartholomew County with its 3 prefix. (Dave Askins, Aug. 4, 2026)
A tree branch has been wrangled so that it can be in the exactly the correct spot and wave in the breeze right on cue. It's part of the set for the film “Little Five,” which is being shot around town. (Dave Askins, Aug. 4, 2026)
MC Gremlin, from the 1970s. It's part of the set for the film “Little Five,” which is being shot around town. (Dave Askins, Aug. 4, 2026)
“Little Five” movie set. The pink sign points towards the set. (Dave Askins, Aug. 4, 2026)
“Little Five” movie set. The pink sign points extras to their holding corral. (Dave Askins, Aug. 4, 2026)
### Bloomington’s 2027 budget: No new full-time positions, still taps $5.5M in general fund reserves
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-2027-budget-no-new-full-time-positions-still-taps-5-5m-in-general-fund-reserves/
Last updated: 2026-08-05T13:14:54.000Z
B Square file photo of Bloomington’s city hall.
On Monday (Aug. 3), Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration released a [proposed 2027 budget](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-09-03-Bloomington-city-budget-2027-Budget-Proposal%5F0.pdf ) that would give 2.7% cost-of-living allowances (COLA) to non-union city employees without adding any net new full-time positions.
But the salary grading system’s built-in step increases for non-union employees, and collectively bargained rate increases, mean the overall investment in city personnel will increase by an extra two percentage points beyond the COLA, or around 5.5% more compared to last year. That means about $58.8 million will be allocated to pay city workers in 2027.
For the total of the city’s tax-supported and special-purpose funds, the proposal authorizes up to $165.7 million in spending. That is an increase of $6.1 million from the $159.6 million in spending adopted for 2026.
Those totals do not include City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU), which is funded by customer rates and fees rather than the city’s General Fund. Utilities has a separate $65.3 million proposal covering water, wastewater and stormwater operations. The city controller’s $165.7 million total also excludes general-obligation debt-service funds.
To cover the $165.7 million in spending, the city controller Geoff McKim estimates in his memo about $137.7 million in revenue during 2027\. Subtracting estimated revenue from the proposed spending produces a difference of about $28 million.
But in his memo, McKim cautions against treating that subtraction as a single, citywide operating deficit. The proposed budget taps funds that have been accumulating money in earlier years or using proceeds already received for one-time purposes. McKim’s memo puts it like this: “\[T\]hese revenues and expenditures … don’t necessarily represent operational deficits because several funds are intentionally drawing down accumulated reserves … ”
The proposal, for example, uses $3.69 million in parking reserves for projects and equipment replacement, $3 million in accumulated housing-development money and $500,000 in proceeds from a fiber-installation surety bond. The food and beverage tax fund also includes about $7.5 million more in expenses than projected revenue, chiefly to establish a stabilization reserve connected to convention center lease payments.
The general fund, which is the city’s main operating account, offers a clearer measure of the immediate operational imbalance. The administration proposes $63.7 million in general fund spending against estimated revenue of $58.3 million, leaving a projected gap of $5.47 million. Any actual deficit would be covered from reserves. According to the estimates in the budget book release on Monday, the general fund reserve expected by the end of 2027, will be $48,169,361, which is a healthy 75.3% of annual operating revenue.
But a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the city’s financial future, because of the still unknown impact of SEA 1 on the city’s revenues by 2029\. A clearer picture will start to emerge, once the city decides on a strategy for approaching its local income tax revenues: Will it decide to go-it-alone by itself enacting a 1.2% rate just on Bloomington residents, or ask the county council to enact a (lower) municipal rate that applies to all Monroe County residents.
The revenue estimates remain preliminary. Final figures for local income-tax distributions and property-tax losses caused by the state’s circuit-breaker caps were not available when the budget book was prepared.
The budget requests no new full-time positions or programs, although some positions would be reorganized or reclassified. The police department, for example, proposes replacing one sergeant position with an additional lieutenant position.
For utility customers, the separate CBU proposal increases from $57.7 million in 2026 to $65.3 million in 2027\. The total includes $28.9 million for water, $31.6 million for wastewater and $4.8 million for stormwater. The water budget rises about 25%, reflecting the rate increase that took effect in August 2026 and allowing more capital work to be paid for with cash. The proposal also anticipates possible wastewater and stormwater rate increases, although their timing and amounts are not yet known.
Several major capital items, including a $2.5 million aerial platform truck for the fire department and safety-related engineering projects, will instead be proposed through a general obligation (GO) bond. That’s part of a strategy that will see issuance of 6-year general obligation (GO) bonds every three years. Bond projects will be prioritized as part of a capital improvement plan.
In her memo, which is included in the budget book, Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson described the overall proposal like this: “For 2027, the Administration is taking a conservative approach to the budget. A tight budget provides an opportunity to evaluate how the City can provide the most value to our community with the resources we have.”
The administration is asking councilmembers who seek additional spending to identify an equal amount that could be cut elsewhere.
This year, a [raw data file](https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2027%20Proposed%20Budget%20Raw%20Data.xls) has been provided with line-by-line revenue and expense numbers proposed for 2027 and adopted for 2026\. The figures have been pivoted out by The B Square by department in a [shared Google Sheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQNV4Xdx%5FU7tCkl-j0oRUfzwdMLGarZNyqaNcvW8mU9Iap5LfRgkYEino6ccfzyFUCfVyWbCYwxTpAk/pubhtml). Highlighted in red are rows where the number proposed for 2027 is at least 15% more (or less) than the 2026 figure *and* involves a dollar amount that is more than $10,000.
### City Council Review Schedule
Materials for the budget meetings will be posted on the city council’s [meeting and information page](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings/2026).
**Monday, Aug. 17:** Mayor and controller overviews; fire; police; community and family resources (CFRD); housing and neighborhood development (HAND).
**Wednesday, Aug. 19:** planning and transportation; engineering; streets; parking; city of Bloomington utilities (CBU).
**Monday, Aug. 24:** parks and recreation; economic and sustainable development; public works administration; animal care and control; facilities; fleet; sanitation.
**Wednesday, Aug. 26:** Monroe County capital improvement board; clerk; council; mayor; controller; legal; human resources; information and technology services.
### MCCSC board takes first step toward limiting bargaining for non-teaching staff
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-takes-first-step-toward-limiting-bargaining-for-non-teaching-staff/
Last updated: 2026-08-09T21:50:27.000Z
Screengrab from the [YouTube recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJDozVHW9eY) of the Monroe County Community School Corporation board meeting on July 25, 2026\. Absent from the meeting were board members Erin Wyatt and Tiana Iruoje.
At their regular meeting last week (July 25), Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) trustees made changes to collective bargaining for non-teaching staff, heard concerns about a multi-age classroom program, heard district financial updates, and approved staffing changes.
An expected discussion about elementary school redistricting has been pushed to the August board meeting.
The first day of school for MCCSC students is Wednesday (Aug. 5). Teachers started work on Monday (Aug. 3).
### Possible changes to bargaining for non-teaching staff
On the board’s agenda was a [resolution](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DW9P696309E4/$file/Resolution 2026-07 Bargaining Rights for Certain Classified Operations Employees.pdf ) that updates a district policy on bargaining rights for non-teaching staff.
The [new policy](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/pfiles/DW8QGU694B12/$file/8910 - Approp Bargaining Units .pdf) is much shorter—one page instead of eight. The resolution cites Indiana Public Law 217, passed in 2017, which modified [Indiana Code 20-29-6-4](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/20#20-29-6-4 ), as the reason for the new policy. But the law changed bargainable items for certified teaching staff, not operational staff.
The board’s proposal set up a conflict between uniformity and bargaining rights. District officials said narrowing the subjects open to bargaining would put non-teaching employees on the same footing as teachers and simplify negotiations. Union representatives, and board member April Hennessey, countered that the district would be voluntarily eliminating rights that non-teaching employees now have. What’s more, they said, no change in state law requires the district to do so.
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3995 is the bargaining unit for non-teaching staff at MCCSC. AFSCME Council 962 of Indiana and Kentucky executive director Ron Richmond opposed the resolution at the public mic. This is how he characterized it: “The board has intentions to change our bargaining status to change us from a full-range of bargaining to just doing wages and wage-related benefits like the teachers have.”
“That is not necessary,” he said. “The resolution being presented tonight reduces the workers’ voice instead of strengthening the partnership we have with the district.” Richmond also said that even if the resolution is “couched in terms of legislative action taken towards teachers, the reality is this is still a local choice. This is not a legislative certainty.”
“We urge the district and the board to reject Resolution 26-07,” he said. “This resolution does nothing to improve the product of teaching.”
Later during board discussion, member April Hennessey also raised a procedural issue. She said it’s confusing that the resolution contains a policy adoption before there have been two readings of it, which is required. Board president Erin Cooperman said that the resolution “doesn’t bind us to vote yes or no” on the policy.
Hennessey continued, “Can I ask why we would have a resolution ahead of a policy reading? … Why not just the policy change?”
MCCSC superintendent Markay Winston responded, “I think the policy just speaks to the fact that we continue, although there are no requirements or obligations for us to engage in bargaining, it just speaks to the fact that we have a continued and ongoing commitment to continue to support our bargaining groups and ensuring \[their rights\] are upheld. … This resolution asserts that.”
Hennessey said, “I am pretty staunchly and strongly pro-union. I actually do believe in … empowering people to bargain wherever there is space and room to do so, and I do also know that the teachers’ bargaining has been … stripped, truncated in many ways as a result of the legislature of the state.”
Hennessey said she understands the desire to align the bargaining ability of operations staff with that of teaching staff, to work towards “fairness or equitable policies and processes.” She also allowed that bargaining will probably be easier this way.
Hennessey said, “From my perspective, at this moment, I don’t know that I fully agree with the desire or the decision to remove bargaining rights that are available to people as there are no laws stripping or governing what can or cannot be bargained. … I am not totally sure how I feel about this.”
Hennessey asked if the Monroe County Education Association, the district’s teachers union, has had any input regarding the policy. Superintendent Winston said, “This resolution does not impact MCEA in one way, or any other way.”
Board member Ross Grimes clarified that if the resolution were to pass, the second reading of the policy at the board’s meeting did not pass, “the resolution basically goes away.”
“That’s my understanding,” Cooperman responded.
Cooperman said she shared her support for unions in general and some of Hennessey’s concerns about the resolution. “One of the most important factors to me is that it does align the collective bargaining rights of our teachers and our other staff. That feels equitable to me, and I think that, as you noted, without those two things being aligned, there are extra complications and extra time in bargaining with one union over the other union.”
Cooperman said she was leaning in favor of the policy change to bring the two bargaining units into alignment, though she wasn’t committing to a certain vote on the policy in August.
The resolution narrowly passed 3–1–1, with an abstention from Aja Jester, and the no vote from Hennessey. The updated policy will be on next month’s meeting agenda for a second and final reading. The tally did not add to seven, because board members Erin Wyatt and Tiana Iruoje were absent from the July meeting.
“I may very well be swayed, by the end of this process,” Hennessey said after voting.
### Public comments: Multi-age program at Templeton
Eight community members spoke at the public mic during last week’s meeting; seven brought concerns to the board about the multi-age program at Templeton. Three people who spoke were students at MCCSC.
While traditional elementary school classes are grade-specific, Templeton Elementary also offers a multi-age program, where students of more than one grade level are in a classroom together. The seven people who addressed the board on the topic were unanimous in their support for the program.
Frank Brown Cloud is a Templeton parent who has two children who went through the multi-age program. “At a time when the school board has really been working on issues related to school equity, … it would be tragic to let this program lapse in the way that it has been for the past year,” he said to the board. “The multi-age program is one of the defining characteristics of Templeton Elementary School.”
Namora Cloud, a former Templeton student who is going into middle school, said at the public mic, “Multi-age has brought me so much in my education and in my social skills.” She said it allowed her to become friends with students both older and younger, and now, going into middle school, she can lean on those older classmates; “they have been able to show me around and told me what is expected of me,” she said. “I feel like that will make me a better student.”
Alan Pemberton, another multi-age parent, said he wished the program’s existence was better communicated to families. “My hope is that multi-age will not be a secret anymore,” he told the board. He said he felt frustrated when he first discovered the program.
He said his daughter joined a multi-age open Girl Scouts troop. “I started seeing benefits I hadn’t expected,” he said, “like positive peer mentorship, peer teaching, and learning from each other given the range of experiences of a great group of kids with diverse backgrounds and ages.” He was happy to learn of Templeton’s multi-age classroom and wished he knew about it sooner. “I’m sure multi-age is not a good fit for everyone, but it shouldn’t be a secret, because it’s been wonderful in my experience.”
Pemberton’s daughter, Addison, also spoke to the board. “Multi-age helps us with stronger friendships with younger and older ages and grades,” she said. “Older kids can model younger kids’ behavior better than adults can. … Without multi-age, it’d be hard for younger and older kids to get those skills.
Debbie Fish previously served as the principal of Gosport Elementary School, which is about 15 miles northwest of Bloomington. In the 1990s, she told the board, the school introduced a multi-age program. “Once implemented, their successful approach attracted attention statewide and nationally; they won a … national award. I was the principal of that school for three years and managed not to mess it up.”
Fish said, “The fractured society we live in does little to nurture families and children. So this type of schooling is needed more than ever. Please don’t let administrative expediency rule.”
Sarah Kopper said at the public mic, “My hope in speaking to you tonight is that the program will get the administrative support it needs to be fully implemented so MCCSC students can continue to benefit for years to come.”
An MCCSC spokesperson wrote in an email to The B Square: “Currently, the multi-age program is only offered at Templeton and this programming is planned to continue.” According to the district, about 100 students are currently enrolled in the program. Templeton’s total enrollment was about 430 students last school year, according to Indiana Department of Education data.
### Changes to funding: Extended Day, EdVenture Camp, Title I
During MCCSC chief financial officer Matt Irwin’s [report](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/pfiles/DWERVW6FE50F/$file/July 26 Board Meeting Cash Flow Slides.pdf) to the board, he noted changes to two federal grants.
MCCSC received a federal [21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CLCC)](https://www.in.gov/doe/grants/OST/) grant for out-of-school time programs totaling $300,000 beginning in 2021 and ending in July 2026\. The 21st CLCC grant funded the district’s Extended Day program, which provides elementary school students with supervision before and after school, and its summer EdVenture Camps. A new cohort application is available; schools have until Sept. 4 to apply. Irwin said MCCSC will apply, but “it’s not guaranteed.”
Another federal revenue source is Title I funding, which helps schools with high rates of students from low-income families. Irwin said funding is reduced by $362,490 for the 2026-27 school year. MCCSC has seven elementary schools considered Title I priority schools: Arlington Heights, Clear Creek, Fairview, Grandview, Highland Park, Summit, and Templeton. Irwin said the federal grant supported student intervention staffing at those schools.
Costs previously covered by these grants, Irwin said, will have to come out of the district’s operations fund.
Not mentioned at last week’s meeting was a decision the board made last year that has an impact on Title I schools this coming year: trustees unanimously voted in favor of a [resolution](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DPDKH851E85E/$file/Resolution 2025-26 Title 1 Stipend 12162025.pdf ) that cut supplemental stipends that teachers at Title I schools received. Each Title I teacher received an extra $1,000 during the 2023-24 school year and $2,000 in 2024-25\. The resolution reduced the 2025-26 amount back to $1,000 and provides no supplemental payments in 2026-27 and beyond.
### School administration changes
At its meeting the board also approved a [personnel report](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/pfiles/DWDRS36F541C/$file/July Personnel Report 07282026.pdf), which included: the hiring of new assistant athletic director, physical education teacher, and head boys basketball coach Matthew Britton at Bloomington High School North; the hiring of assistant principals Tyler Kelp at Summit Elementary, Kimberly Osborn at Fairview Elementary, and Sally Spice at Binford Elementary.
Administrative reassignments included Aaron Ritter from principal at Marlin Elementary to Childs, Steven Marshall from principal at Childs Elementary to principal at Summit Elementary, and Tyler Abel from principal at Summit Elementary to assistant principal at Tri-North Middle School. Additionally, Tim Dowling, director of early learning and enrollment for the district, is adding “interim principal” to his title as he splits his time between the administration building and Marlin Elementary.
Including Britton, the board approved the hiring of 19 new teachers, two of whom were promoted from MCCSC aide positions. The remaining 17 are outside hires. Also approved were nine teacher position transfers between MCCSC schools, 15 teacher resignations, and two teacher retirements.
### Redistricting discussion pushed to August meeting
In March, the school board [received a presentation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-trustees-review-redistricting-study-construction-projects-preschool-contracts-new-cell-phone-law/) of six “[findings](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DTKU4B7A349B/$file/Redistricting%20-%20April%202026.pdf)” from the redistricting study commission that was formed in April 2025\. The board gave the commission the job of studying redistricting options with two goals: balancing student socio-economic status (SES) among the schools; and ensuring cost-effectiveness. The commission identified factors for evaluating new catchment areas and evaluated potential map scenarios, wrapping up its work in December 2025.
In June, Cooperman said, “We need to discuss \[the report\] this summer and I’d like to discuss \[it\] at the July board meeting.” Redistricting wasn’t on the agenda or discussed last week.
Responding to a B Square question, Cooperman wrote, “I removed the redistricting discussion from this month’s agenda prior to posting because two board members were not going to be in attendance and I want to make sure everyone is able to participate. Barring any other obstacles, the discussion will be on the August agenda.”
The [28-page report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-MCCSC-Findings-of-the-Redistricting-Study-Commission-in-the-Monroe-County-Community-School-Corporation.pdf) is publicly available on the [redistricting page](https://www.mccsc.edu/redistricting) of MCCSC’s website. The next school board meeting is set for [Aug. 25](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/Public).
### Use of drain cleaner fills Monroe County justice building with rotten-egg odor; workers report vomiting, nausea
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/use-of-drain-cleaner-fills-monroe-county-justice-building-with-rotten-egg-odor-workers-report-vomiting-nausea/
Last updated: 2026-08-06T10:03:00.000Z
****Left:** Windows normally kept closed at the justice building are cracked open to ventilate the building. ****Middle:** One justice building employee picked up some scented soap when they were a Bloomingfoods (frankincense and myrrh from Zum Bar), so they could sniff on it as a way of getting relief from the rotten-egg smell. ****Right:** The door to the sheriff's office facing 7th Street is normally kept closed, but is open to help ventilate the building. (Dave Askins, Aug. 4, 2026)
Several Monroe County employees headed outside the Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center late Tuesday morning (Aug. 4) to escape an overpowering rotten-egg odor. The smell spread through the building after jail maintenance workers used a drain cleaner they did not normally use.
Employees said at least two workers vomited. Others reported nausea, headaches and watery eyes. Several sheriff’s office employees were sitting outside for fresh air, while workers inside opened windows that are normally closed.
“I couldn’t keep my lunch down,” one employee said.
Chief deputy sheriff Phil Parker identified the source in a [12:47 p.m. email](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/20926-08-04-jail-odor-email-chief-deputy-parker-rotten-eggs-small.pdf) to the county commissioners that included an apology.
Because of the age and condition of the jail’s plumbing, drain lines frequently become clogged, Parker wrote. Maintenance workers had run out of the product they ordinarily use and substituted a liquid cleaner they do not typically use.
“This cleaner obviously has had unanticipated effects and resulted in the strong odor that is permeating the Justice Center,” Parker wrote. “I understand this odor has become overwhelming in some areas of the building.”
Parker apologized for the “disruption and major imposition.”
Employees said they reported the odor and illnesses to the county commissioners office. One worker said when they called a poison control number staff answering the phone advised contacting the fire department to have the air tested. So they were trying to reach the fire department.
Some employees reportedly just left work and went home, unable to tolerate the smell.
Sulfuric acid is an ingredient of some chemical drain openers. While sulfuric acid itself does not itself produce the characteristic rotten-egg smell, adding acid to sulfide-containing sewage can convert dissolved sulfides into hydrogen sulfide gas.
OSHA’s hydrogen sulfide [fact sheet](https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/HYDROGEN%5FSULFIDE%5FFACT.pdf) says moderate exposure can cause “headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, staggering and excitability.”
\[*Added Aug. 5, 206 at 11:35 a.m. Based on email messages obtained by The B Square, which were sent in* [*2021*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2021-05-13-rotated-email-about-Monroe-County-Justice-Center-odor-drain-liquid-fire-OCR.pdf) *and* [*2024*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-05-08-mail-about-Monroe-County-Justice-Center-odor-drain-liquid-fire-OCR.pdf)*, the use of a product called Liquid Fire, which contains sulfuric acid, has caused foul odor in the justice building in the past.*\]
Tuesday’s episode came just after county officials received reassuring news about a different air-quality concern: mold.
A July 30 Indiana Department of Health [report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-30-Monroe-County-Justice-Building%5FBloomington%5F7%5F22%5F26%5Fmold.pdf ), based on samples collected July 22, concluded that the building’s air quality was acceptable. Indoor fungal concentrations were lower than the outdoor concentration, and carbon-dioxide and humidity readings were within the benchmarks discussed in the report.
But those samples were collected before a [sewage backup](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/) on July 24\.
On July 24, a bag containing e-cigarettes was flushed down a jail toilet, blocking a sewer line and sending wastewater from the jail’s upper floors through ceilings into court and county offices below. The building was closed while workers removed damaged drywall and carpet and cleaned, sanitized and dried affected areas.
The recent episodes add to concerns about working conditions in the aging building, where the jail sits above courts and offices. County officials are still trying to settle on a new jail site and a basic approach to dealing with the old building.
The debate has continued as the county even as the county government faces a new ACLU lawsuit over jail conditions. The dilemma includes significant spending on a building commissioners administrator Angie Purdie recently described as “dying.”
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Dora, Concord pitch rival College Square projects; Bloomington RDC mulls decision
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-concord-pitch-rival-college-square-projects-bloomington-rdc-mulls-decision/
Last updated: 2026-08-04T10:49:38.000Z
This is panorama taken from the vicinity of 3rd Street and College Avenue in the parking lot of the College Square property. (Dave Askins, Aug. 3, 2026)
Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) heard competing plans Monday (Aug. 3) for redevelopment of College Square, at the corner of College Avenue and 4th Street. But no decision was made on Monday.
A decision won’t come any sooner than the RDC’s Sept. 7 meeting. That’s because the next regular meeting for the RDC, on Aug. 17, falls inside a 30-day window that starts after the [opening of bids](https://bsquarebulletin.com/two-hotel-and-apartment-proposals-submitted-for-bloomingtons-college-square/), which took place on July 20\. Inside of that 30-day window, the RDC can’t accept an offer that is less than the average of two appraisals of the real estate, which was $7.59 million.
Something the two proposals have in common is the price the respective developers are willing to pay for the property, which is $4 million.
But the presentations underscored a big difference between the proposals. Concord Hospitality’s plan for mixed-income housing on CIB-controlled property south of the convention center and a hotel at College Square, depends on cooperation from the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB). \[[Concord Hospitality proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-21-Condor-RDC-public-offering-bids-Bloomington-College-Square-Proposal.pdf)\]
And that would mean backtracking by the CIB on a choice it has already made for development of a host hotel with Dora Hospitality south of the existing convention center. The host hotel is meant to support the convention center expansion which is well underway between College Avenue and Walnut Street on the south side of 3rd Street.
In contrast, Dora Hospitality described its College Square development as a stand-alone project that does not require any further coordination with the CIB. But Dora sees its proposed College Square hotel as complementing the convention center host hotel it is [now negotiating with the CIB](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/) to build south of the existing convention center. \[[Dora Hospitality proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-20-RDC-public-offerring-Dora-Hospitality-College-Square-Proposal.pdf )\]
Still, the Concord team, which includes RATIO Design, made an undaunted pitch. Speaking for the team, RATIO Design’s Adam Thies, a former CIB member, said, “This site is basically the gap in the smile of that downtown. And filling that gap, I think, with a really strong sense of arrival and a really strong sense of a compelling hotel product, really helps to bridge those visitors that will be at the convention center, getting them to come up into the courthouse square, which I think is really the kind of crown jewel of the downtown.”
After the meeting, RDC executive director Anna Killion-Hanson told The B Square the RDC would consider both proposals in good faith.
Both teams put a total value of $4 million on the roughly two-acre property at Fourth Street and College Avenue. The RDC’s April public offering set a minimum price of $7.59 million.
The proposals are the latest turn in the long-running effort to pair a host hotel with the approximately $70 million Bloomington Convention Center expansion. \[[Bloomington Convention Center Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29)\]
Later during Monday’s meeting, the RDC handled some other College-Square-related business, by approving a roughly [$150,000 contract](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-03-RDC-College-Square-VET-Environmental-Resolution-26-52-Approval-of-Addendum-with-VET-for-Environmental-Services-at-College-Square.pdf) with VET Environmental. VET will [dig in suspected areas](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-03-RDC-College-Square-VET-Environmental-Resolution-26-52-Attachment-1-Exhibit-A-South-College-Avenue-Exploratory-Investigation-and-Remediation.pdf ) on the parcel to determine whether old underground fuel tanks remain at College Square and remove them if they are found. It will also excavate and dispose of petroleum-contaminated soil, test the remaining soil and groundwater, refill the site and document the cleanup for state regulators.
That’s work that comes after VET Environmental in April completed a [study on College Square](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-17-release-date-environmental-report-further-site-investigation-document-date-2026-04-17-RDC-College-Square-83982218.pdf ) for the RDC.
### Concord: Host hotel north, housing south
The Concord team is proposing a 160-room, full-service convention hotel on College Square and about 200 apartments on CIB-controlled property south of the existing convention center.
RATIO Design’s Adam Thies framed the hotel as an entrance to downtown. “This presentation is about figuring out how Bloomington welcomes people and welcomes people to Bloomington,” Thies said.
The housing would include 27 units reserved for lower-income households. The existing Seminary Pointe buildings would be demolished, but roughly 450 surface parking spaces near the convention center would be preserved.
Under the proposed transaction, TWG Development would pay the CIB $4 million for the southern property. The CIB would then transfer the money to the RDC as payment for College Square. Thies described it as essentially a previously much discussed [land-swap arrangement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/housing-advocates-rally-at-bloomington-city-hall-as-two-key-public-bodies-trade-blame/), but with a $4 million valuation.
Concord would also seek the College Square land at no additional cost and an estimated $12 million in public assistance for the hotel. Concord’s Carl Hren said projected occupancy and room rates leave a $12 million financing gap. The team did not identify a specific funding source.
The larger obstacle is control of the southern property. Concord’s plan would require the CIB to abandon or substantially alter the course it has already chosen for the host hotel.
Concord submitted the same basic concept during the CIB’s host-hotel selection process, but it was not advanced for final consideration. The CIB instead unanimously selected Dora Hospitality on July 15 to negotiate development of a roughly 200-room host hotel south of the convention center.
Asked whether the team had secured CIB cooperation, Thies gave no indication that they had. “We submitted to the CIB,” Thies told the RDC. “They did not hear our proposal when they went through their process.” The CIB [narrowed its field](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-narrows-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-field-to-dora-mhg/) of proposals and [held public interviews](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-mhg-pitch-host-hotel-plans-for-bloomington-convention-center-land-swap-question-lingers/) with Dora Hospitality and MHG Hotels.
Asked who would bear the loss if revenue fell short, Thies said, “I think that would be all forward facing in future discussions.” He added, “I think we've put together a pretty complex proposal. … We put forward an idea that we thought worked for the community. ”
Construction would take about two years after agreements were reached, Thies said.
### Dora: Two sister hotels
Dora’s College Square plan calls for a 135-room boutique hotel, 80 to 100 market-rate apartments or condominiums, about 20,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and amenity space, and approximately 200 structured parking spaces.
A pedestrian promenade would connect College Avenue with the B-Line Trail through the middle of the development.
Dora said the College Square hotel would operate alongside the larger host hotel it has been selected to develop south of the convention center.
“This hotel and development would be working in tandem,” Vince Dora said, describing the hotels as “sister properties” that could accommodate convention business and overflow demand.
Dora would pay $1 million at closing, followed by annual payments equal to 2% of gross hotel-room revenue until the RDC had received a total of $4 million.
The team is also requesting $5 million in project-based tax increment financing (TIF) for structured parking. Dora initially said the RDC could approve the assistance without city council involvement, but corrected himself before the presentation ended, saying the city council would need to be involved.
Asked about risk, Dora said, “There is no risk to the city of Bloomington, the RDC, or anyone else. The risk is fully on us as developers. We are going to be signing personal guarantees for our construction loan and permanent loan after it's open, and we will continue to bear those risks. So we are fully invested.”
Housing developer Travis Vencel with Sullivan Development, said the College Square apartments or condominiums would have to be market rate because structured parking and four- or five-story construction would make an affordable for-sale project financially unworkable.
Separately, Dora said his team is also working with Vencel on the possibility of affordable housing on excess land at the southern host-hotel site, to replace units lost through the planned demolition of Seminary Pointe. That concept is not part of the College Square proposal.
Dora estimated nine months for design and predevelopment, followed by 18 to 20 months of construction, or about 27 months total.
### No decision
The RDC concluded the presentations without deliberating on them or selecting a proposal.
The part of Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-7-14-22 ) regulating RDC real estate activity prevents the RDC from selling College Square for less than the advertised $7.59 million price during the 30 days following the July 20 opening of offers. After that period, the commission can accept a lower price, if it determines that doing so is necessary to advance the city’s redevelopment plan.
---
### Standard questions asked by the RDC of both teams
1\. Beyond the purchase price, please explain the form and amount of full public subsidy you’re proposing for this project and how you arrived at that request.
2\. If your proposal relies on CIB cooperation, have you had communication with them and secured their cooperation? What other third parties will be required for your proposal to be achieved?
3\. Does your project require additional land or use of existing facilities that are outside of College Square?
4\. Can you explain the estimated time frame in which it will take to complete your project?
5\. In your choice to include housing as part of your project, tell us more about the housing you’ve chosen to include and why.
6\. The RDC is required to consider the public benefit of your proposal. Tell us about how your proposal is providing the best benefit to the public, and the highest and best use of the College Square site, as well as any other related property.
7\. Tell us more about the risk that your team is expecting to assume versus the risk that you’re expecting the RDC and public entities to assume. In other words, if the project revenue does not deliver as intended, who bears the shortfall?
### Bloomington’s latest survey finds high quality-of-life ratings, big concern about housing
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-latest-survey-finds-high-quality-of-life-ratings-big-concern-about-housing/
Last updated: 2026-08-17T18:31:57.000Z
[](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-05-Bloomington-Community-Survey-Response-report-OCR.pdf)
Image links to report included in the Bloomington city council’s meeting information packet for Wednesday (Aug. 5, 2026)
Bloomington residents mostly like living here, but they name housing costs, deteriorating streets and sidewalks, the prevalence of homelessness, and the local economy as common complaints.
That is the picture that could emerge in more detail on Wednesday (Aug. 5), when the city council gets a [presentation](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-08-05-Bloomington-Community-Survey-Response-report-OCR.pdf) from mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration on the results of Bloomington’s 2026 community survey.
The city paid aQity Research & Insights Inc. $37,900 to do the survey work. The data was collected from what is described as a statistically valid sample that included 561 Bloomington residents. They were surveyed from Feb. 18 through April 10\. Of those, 520 responded online and 41 returned paper questionnaires. No one chose to respond by phone.
The results were weighted to square up proportionally with data from the US Census on gender, age, race and ethnicity, whether respondents rent or own their housing, and the presence of children in the household. The consultant says the full sample has a maximum error of plus or minus 4.1 percentage points. A separate open-participation survey was conducted later, but those responses are not mixed with the random-sample results.
Indiana University students were not excluded from responding to the survey, but the report says that their responses were given less weight: “These \[census weighting\] targets were adjusted to focus more on permanent Bloomington residents, and slightly less on students at Indiana University.”
The survey results reflect a generally favorable assessment of Bloomington as a place to live. About 80% of respondents said they were satisfied with the city’s overall quality of life, compared with 11% who were dissatisfied. About 72% said they would be at least somewhat likely to recommend Bloomington as a place to live, while 18% said they would be unlikely to do so.
Respondents were also generally satisfied with Bloomington as a place for entertainment and recreation.
About 67% percent viewed Bloomington favorably as a place to raise a family, and 57% were satisfied with it as a place to work. Assessments were more mixed for retiring in Bloomington (52% satisfied) and for starting or growing a business (33% satisfied).
Among city services, fire protection received the strongest rating, with about 82% satisfied. Garbage collection services were rated favorably by 74%. About 61% were satisfied with police protection and public safety.
Just 53% of respondents were satisfied with the city’s water quality, with 28% dissatisfied.
The condition of streets and sidewalks was another weak point: 43% were dissatisfied and 41% satisfied. Respondents frequently mentioned potholes, deteriorating sidewalks and places without sidewalks.
The survey’s most sharply critical result involved housing. About 76% were dissatisfied with the availability of affordable housing, while just 9% were satisfied.
In response to an open-ended question about improvements needed in Bloomington, 19% mentioned the number of unhoused people. That was the second-most common individual response, behind the lack of affordable housing at 32%.
About half of respondents reported some contact with city staff, attendance at a government meeting or participation in a public-feedback process during the past year. Among that group, 69% reported a positive overall impression of their interaction.
Among respondents who had not recently attended a city-led public feedback or comment event, 53% cited scheduling or lack of time and 50% cited lack of awareness. The next most common response, selected by 39%, was a belief that their input would not make a difference.
### Questions
Some questions raised by the report include:
1. The 2026 survey is described as a new “baseline.” After the administration decided to change vendors, why wasn’t there a core set of questions that remained identical to the questions asked in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023, so that trends across time could be measured?
2. There are a handful of places where the report tries to compare 2026 results to 2023 survey items. Is the city willing to provide a table that compares those items that are truly comparable across survey years, showing the exact wording, response scale, survey mode, sampling method and weighting method for each year?
3. Why does the report cite 2023 findings about feeling safe downtown during the day and at night when those questions apparently were not repeated in 2026? Surely “personal safety overall” is not an apples-to-apples substitute for daytime and nighttime downtown safety?
4. How many unique Bloomington residents or households were invited to participate? Based on that figure, what was the response rate?
5. What exactly was the sampling frame supplied by the third-party database? Did it include all residential addresses, registered voters, commercially matched residents, utility customers or some other population? How did the sampling frame ensure adequate coverage of renters, people with email addresses, and residents of group quarters like those in university housing?
6. If a postcard or questionnaire was sent to an address, could whichever adult was most interested complete it? If so, did the survey methodology try to control for within-household selection bias?
7. What languages other than English were offered? What accommodations were available for residents with disabilities or limited internet access?
8. The percentages reported for the open-participation survey seem like they are actual unweighted percentages. Is that correct? If so, is the administration concerned about the fact that the actual percentage of Black respondents for the open participation survey is 2% compared to the 6% for weighted data?
9. What are the unweighted percentages for demographic profile data? Otherwise put, what are the actual Ns to which weights were applied for the tables showing a breakdown for demographics (race, gender, Hispanic/non-Hispanic, children in household, own versus rent, and age)?
10. A proportional citywide sample was almost guaranteed to produce too few Black respondents for reliable conclusions about Bloomington’s Black population. Why were Black residents not oversampled?
11. What precisely does this mean: “These \[census weighting\] targets were adjusted to focus more on permanent Bloomington residents, and slightly less on students at Indiana University.” What was the weighting formula that was actually used? How much less is “slightly less”?
12. Did the City’s request for proposals from vendors to conduct the survey identify the ability to analyze minority residents as an objective? If so, why was the sample designed only to reproduce minority population share, rather than to provide enough cases for analysis?
13. “Personal safety overall” collapses very different policy problems into one number. Why did the survey not distinguish among: fear of violent crime, traffic danger, harassment, racial hostility, hate crimes, encounters with police, and concern about unhoused people?
14. Is the administration willing to release an anonymized respondent-level dataset, the full questionnaire, weighting specifications, and a standard set of crosstabs?
### Aug. 3, 2026: College Square hotel and housing plans; jail transfers, rising population; racist pepper-spray assault
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aug-3-2026-college-square-hotel-and-housing-plans-jail-transfers-rising-population-racist-pepper-spray-assault/
Last updated: 2026-08-03T10:01:07.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is another [10-question](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-3-2026/) news quiz!
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Slow down. You’ll see patchy fog before 9 a.m. You can get away with no rain gear, because it will be sunny with a high near 81F°.
**Tuesday:** Slow down again. You’ll see patchy fog before 8 a.m. It’ll be clear again with a high near 84F°.
**Wednesday:** Slow down even more. In the forecast are lots of K-12 kiddos on their way to their first day of school.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Bloomington RDC to hear details of competing hotel, housing proposals for College Square](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-to-hear-details-of-competing-hotel-housing-proposals-for-college-square/). Bloomington’s RDC will hear two competing College Square proposals Monday: Concord would put a 160-room convention hotel there and housing south of the convention center. Dora proposes a 135-room boutique hotel and 100 apartments on the block. Both value the land at $4 million.
- [Monroe County property transfers through July 29, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-29-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 23 to July 29, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: 6 DOC inmates transferred to Brown County as population trends up](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-6-doc-inmates-transferred-to-brown-county-as-population-trends-up/). Monroe County transferred six IDOC-linked inmates to Brown County this past week. The move comes as population in the Monroe County facility population trends upward and the county faces fresh ACLU scrutiny. The move shifts $35-a-day state payments to Brown County.
- [Police seek video after racist pepper-spray assault at greenhouse; market looks toward more growing sites](https://bsquarebulletin.com/police-seek-video-after-racist-pepper-spray-assault-at-greenhouse-market-looks-toward-more-growing-sites/). After a racist confrontation ended in a pepper-spray attack on a People’s Market volunteer, Bloomington police are still seeking the suspect. Market organizers hope the response also spurs local churches to use their land for greenhouses and other food-growing projects.
- [Friday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish (Taste of Bloomington edition)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-72/). It's a special edition of Sunday Funnies ... on Friday, because Taste of Bloomington is on Saturday! This comic gives you the combination of food and local political drama that everyone is craving! Why did the city councilmembers have to settle for walking the chicken over Kirkwood Avenue?
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Population trends upward, hits 264 as short stays drive churn](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-trends-upward-hits-264-as-short-stays-drive-churn/). Monroe County’s justice building reopened Friday after a sewer backup. Meanwhile, the jail population kept climbing. The total rose 7%, from 247 on July 21 to 264 on July 31, even as 70 people left during the 11-day period. Half of those released had spent one day or less in jail.
### Other notes
**Get yourself local news the way you want it.** Sure, you can visit the B Square Bulletin’s [homepage](https://bsquarebulletin.com/) and start reading articles you find there, laid out like a conventional newspaper website. But what if all you want is a list of the most recent 20 headlines with links and a short synopsis of each article—something like the list you see in each edition of this Almost Daily Bulletin? We’ve got you covered: Bookmark this link: [B Square’s Most Recent 20](https://bsquarebulletin.com/latest-posts/).
### On the calendar
**Two proposals for College Square.** On the [5 p.m. Monday (Aug. 3)](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17229/download) agenda for Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) are two presentations about proposals for the College Square property offered by the RDC. For a B Square preview see: [Bloomington RDC to hear details of competing hotel, housing proposals for College Square](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-to-hear-details-of-competing-hotel-housing-proposals-for-college-square/).
**Making liquor quicker.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 5) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17227/download#page=129) for Bloomington’s city council is an ordinance that would set the guidelines for issuance of liquor licenses that can be issued in excess of the population-based quotas that are set by state law. The council considered a resolution on the topic at its June 10 meeting on the topic, but postponed it until its July 22 meeting. For background, see: [Bloomington council to weigh liquor-permit rules with reach beyond two new state slots](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-to-weigh-liquor-permit-rules-with-reach-beyond-two-new-state-slots/) But at the July 22 meeting the resolution was postponed indefinitely. Now it’s back in the form of an ordinance.
It’s unfortunate that the map of the courthouse square district with its 1,500-foot buffer around it is *not* included in the meeting information packet as [Appendix A](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17227/download#page=134), as claimed. But The B Square has you covered with this [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1OEmjXcJd47H4FK1jWqpHR1o%5Fhz0gBbM&ll=39.16729165433753%2C-86.54224649661828&z=15).
**Community survey results.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 5) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17227/download#page=3) for Bloomington’s city council is a presentation on the results of a community survey. It’s unfortunate that pages [82–91](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17227/download#page=82) of the results in the council’s meeting information packet look like they’re just image scans that have not been OCR-ed.
**Parking study.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 5) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17227/download#page=110) for Bloomington’s city council is a presentation of the results of a parking study. For B Square background on that, see: [Bloomington’s parking consultant: Raise rates, use plate readers, shift ticket appeals from clerk](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-parking-consultant-raise-rates-use-plate-readers-shift-ticket-appeals-from-clerk/)
**Branding study?** Not on the city council’s agenda this week is a presentation of the results of a branding study. The city paid the full $95,000 of the contract with CivicBrand before the end of 2025, but now more than six months later, as a way to avoid responding to a records request, claims that the final report has not been delivered. In addition, a month after a B Square records request was made for the correspondence between CivicBrand and the city’s communications director, the city still has not produced the correspondence.
---
**Family Night Out: Aug. 12.** Downtown Bloomington is the place to be for an evening of food, music, art and family activities Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5:30–8 p.m. in front of the Monroe County Public Library. You can buy dinner from Pili’s, Mikki’s Munchies and Planted, then eat together in the street while browsing artist and community booths. Kid Kazooey will perform from 5:30–6:30 p.m., followed by Yolanda D from 7–8 p.m. The Seedlings Flower Truck will create what organizers describe as a “stunning flower installation” in the library courtyard.
**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](https://wl.eventim.us/event/Magnolia-and-Johnson-Electric-Co/693286?afflky=BluebirdNightclub).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/668002/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/688597/web%5Forders/new).
### Meet Cami!
Up for adoption, as of Aug. 2 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Cami](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87273). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Cami](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87273):
> Cami is a true golden oldie whose owner describes her as "A sweetheart that just wants lovins". Cami lived with dogs and children and especially loved playing with the kids. She is housetrained, walks beautifully and leash, and does wonderfully walking around the shelter saying howdy to everyone she meets. Cami did show a lot of discomfort with vet handling here and talking with your vet would go a long way in setting her up for success at appointments. If you're looking for an affectionate and easy-going gal, Cami would love to lean up against you for some full-body scratches!
### Photo Finish: Indiana Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue
If you’re looking at this in your email inbox, the video might not play correctly or at all. Here’s a [link](https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-avenue-kirkwood-avenue-4/) that will get you where you need to be.
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Jordan Davis, organizer of Taste of Bloomington, answers the hard-hitting question: What does Bloomington taste like? (Dave Askins, Aug. 1, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start.
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Civic Solver: Aug. 3, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-aug-3-2026/
Last updated: 2026-08-02T19:56:09.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one each week in the [*Almost Daily*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) newsletter.
### Bloomington RDC to hear details of competing hotel, housing proposals for College Square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-to-hear-details-of-competing-hotel-housing-proposals-for-college-square/
Last updated: 2026-08-02T15:33:56.000Z
****Left:** Rendering from the [Dora Hospitality proposa](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-20-RDC-public-offerring-Dora-Hospitality-College-Square-Proposal.pdf)l. ****Right:** Rendering from the [Concord Hospitality proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-21-Condor-RDC-public-offering-bids-Bloomington-College-Square-Proposal.pdf).
At its [regular meeting on Monday (Aug. 3)](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17229/download), Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) will hear presentations from the two development teams seeking to buy and redevelop College Square. That’s the roughly two-acre former Bunger & Robertson property at 4th Street and College Avenue, north of the Bloomington Convention Center.
Both proposals combine a hotel with housing, but they differ substantially in where those elements would be built and how the developers propose to pay for the land.
In practical terms, the [Concord Hospitality proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-21-Condor-RDC-public-offering-bids-Bloomington-College-Square-Proposal.pdf) would make College Square the site of the convention center’s host hotel. It calls for a 160-room, full-service convention hotel on College Square and about 200 apartments on property south of the convention center.
The competing [Dora Hospitality proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-20-RDC-public-offerring-Dora-Hospitality-College-Square-Proposal.pdf) would put a 135-room boutique hotel and roughly 100 market-rate apartments together on the College Square block. That’s in addition to the separate host hotel that Dora [has been selected to develop](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/) south of the convention center.
The proposals came in response to a [public offering](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-College-Square-Offering-Sheet-Bloomington-RDC-redevelopment-commission.pdf) made by the RDC on [April 21.](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/)
On their face, both proposals put a total value of $4 million on the land transaction. That’s well below the RDC’s advertised minimum price of $7.59 million.
The Concord Hospitality team would buy the CIB-controlled property south of the existing convention center, which includes Seminary Pointe, for $4 million. The CIB would then transfer the $4 million to the Bloomington RDC as the purchase price for College Square. Dora Hospitality proposes to pay $1 million for College Square at closing and the remaining $3 million through a share of future hotel revenue.
The RDC acquired College Square starting in 2019 in two transactions totaling about $7 million. The RDC’s April public offering sought a “transformative, mixed-use” development and prohibited proposals centered on undergraduate student housing. The $7.59 million minimum was the average of two recent appraisals obtained by the RDC.
The [two digital submissions were opened](https://bsquarebulletin.com/two-hotel-and-apartment-proposals-submitted-for-bloomingtons-college-square/) during the RDC’s July 20 meeting. At that point, RDC executive director Anna Killion-Hanson read only brief summaries. No prices were announced during the meeting.
Monday’s (Aug. 3) presentation comes during the 30-day period after the offers were opened when [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-7-14-22 ) prevents the RDC from selling College Square for less than the advertised price. After that period, the commission can revise the price, if it determines that doing so would advance the city’s redevelopment plan. The RDC can also reject both offers or select the proposal it considers the “highest and best,” based on factors beyond price.
### Concord, TWG: Host hotel north, housing south
The proposal from Concord Hospitality, TWG Development, RATIO Design and Shiel Sexton would place a 160-room, full-service convention hotel at College Square. Although the submission calls it a “convention hotel,” it looks like it would serve the function envisioned for a host hotel supporting the existing and expanded convention center.
That means the proposal would need to win approval from the Monroe County CIB. But that seems unlikely, given that the CIB has [already selected a proposal](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/) for the host hotel from Dora Hospitality, for the real estate south of the convention center. Concord also made a submission for the host hotel in response to the request for proposals issued by the CIB. But the CIB [did not include Concord’s proposal](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-narrows-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-field-to-dora-mhg/) among the finalists.
The Concord hotel at College Square would include food and beverage service, meeting space, street-level retail, rooftop gathering areas and about 100 new surface parking spaces.
The housing component would be built on CIB-controlled property south of the convention center. TWG proposes about 200 mixed-income apartments, including 27 units reserved for households earning no more than 50% of the area median income.
The team would pay the CIB $4 million for the southern property. The CIB would then transfer that money to the RDC as the “full acquisition price” for College Square, under Concord’s proposal. The proposal also calls for the demolition of the five buildings on the southern parcels and for the CIB to preserve and improve about 450 existing surface parking spaces near the convention center.
Concord’s hotel is projected to cost $48 million. Its proposed financing package includes $28.8 million in debt, $7.2 million in developer equity and a $12 million “city incentive bridge” that does not appear to be further described. The proposal also anticipates using tax increment financing (TIF) generated by the hotel and housing developments, but does not specify the governmental source or exact terms of the $12-million city component. No total development cost is given for the housing.
### Dora, Louderback: Two projects on one block
Dora Hospitality and The Louderback Group submitted a proposal focused just on College Square. They propose a 135-room boutique upscale hotel along Third Street and an about 100-unit market-rate apartment building along 4th Street. A landscaped promenade would cross the interior of the block between College Avenue and the B-Line Trail.
The hotel would include underground parking and a 75-seat bar and lounge. The apartment building would include secured parking and about 20,000 square feet of retail and amenity space, anchored by a proposed 200-seat restaurant.
Dora would pay $1 million at closing, followed by annual payments equal to 2% of gross hotel-room revenue until the RDC had received a total of $4 million. The proposal estimates that the revenue payments would take about 15 years after the hotel opens. Dora is also requesting $5 million in project-based TIF support.
The hotel is projected to cost $48 million to $52 million, while the residential development is estimated at $22 million to $26 million. Including the initial land payment, Dora puts the combined private investment at $71 million to $79 million. The hotel would take about 24 months to build after groundbreaking, with residential construction following as market conditions allow.
### Two sites, two public agencies
The RDC’s decision is intertwined with the CIB’s separate effort to secure a host hotel for the convention center expansion.
On July 15, the CIB unanimously [selected Dora and The Louderback Group](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/) to negotiate an agreement for a separate, approximately 200-room full-service hotel on the property south of the convention center. That proposal includes a restaurant and bar, meeting space and about 200 parking spaces.
Dora’s College Square submission assumes that both hotels would be built. The company describes them as sister properties under common ownership and management. The southern hotel would serve convention and group business, while the smaller College Square hotel would target travelers seeking an upscale boutique property.
The Concord proposal revives, in significantly altered form, the basic geography of a land swap that housing advocates and public officials spent months urging the RDC and CIB to negotiate.
Under that earlier concept, the CIB would have traded the Seminary Pointe property south of the convention center for RDC-owned College Square.
The host hotel would have been built on College Square, while Seminary Pointe would have been transferred to the RDC and then to a community land trust for preservation as affordable housing and commercial space. That possibility foundered after the RDC proceeded with its public offering, and the CIB selected Dora on July 15 to develop a host hotel on the southern property.
Concord would reach a similar geographic result through a different transaction, and without preserving the existing buildings. TWG would pay the CIB $4 million for the southern property, have the existing structures demolished, and build about 200 mixed-income apartments, including 27 units for households earning no more than 50% of the area median income (AMI). The CIB would then transfer the $4 million in sale proceeds to the RDC as the full purchase price for College Square, where Concord would build its hotel.
That means the RDC is not just comparing two development proposals for one block. Concord’s proposal would effectively revive the basic land-use arrangement of the failed land swap—host hotel to the north, and housing to the south. But that would require substantial cooperation from the CIB, which at this point would require the CIB to alter its course with Dora.
Dora’s proposal for College Square would advance its two-hotel strategy totaling about 335 rooms across two locations, in addition to the market-rate apartments, which are proposed for College Square.
### Monroe County property transfers through July 29, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-29-2026/
Last updated: 2026-08-02T09:58:22.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 23 to July 29, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1jpi9FiYd9hfbqmPP%5FPgfMpLT4yTz5kE&usp=sharing).\]
- On July 29, 2026, the property at 502 E Kirkwood AVE was sold to KILROY'S BUILDING, LLC by INDIANA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION INC for $4,100,000.
- On July 29, 2026, the property at 752 E Holland DR was sold to PHYLLIS GAIL MERRILL REVOCABLE TRUST by AUTUMN MOBLEY for $575,000.
- On July 29, 2026, the property at 4212 N Rosewood DR was sold to JOEL AQUILES ECHEVARRIA by Beacon Builders, LLC for $354,400.
- On July 29, 2026, the property at 2257 S Bent Tree DR was sold to GEORGE S KENDERES by Lewis, Joan E for $341,000.
- On July 29, 2026, the property at 715 E Eddington CT was sold to AMANDA COUGHLIN by Goh, Melisa H L Living Trust for $320,000.
- On July 29, 2026, the property at 7207 S Bakersfield RD was sold to FREDERICK R JETTER by Berg, Christopher John for $295,000.
- On July 28, 2026, the property at 315 W 17th ST was sold to MICHAEL KIM by MY BTOWN PROPERTIES LLC-S for $547,000.
- On July 28, 2026, the property at 702 W Association ST was sold to ELI HOUSEL by JOHN GALLIGAN for $197,000.
- On July 28, 2026, the property at 1403 S Walnut ST was sold to NANO HOLDINGS, LLC by CAROLINE L YANSON for $0.
- On July 27, 2026, the property at 1407 S Winfield RD was sold to JORDAN KATHLEEN COOK MILLER by JOSE GUILLEN MONTENEGRO for $765,000.
- On July 27, 2026, the property at 115 E Chester DR was sold to KRAIG STERLING HARDIN by CHESTER ML LLC for $295,900.
- On July 27, 2026, the property at 4625 N Ridgewood DR was sold to BARDI BUILDERS, LLC by LISA KEOUGH for $250,000.
- On July 27, 2026, the property at 606 W 12th ST was sold to APPLE PRESS INC by ALYSON D ALDE for $250,000.
- On July 27, 2026, the property at 627 E Bayberry CT West was sold to RYAN DOUCETTE by THOMAS A WILKINS for $217,500.
- On July 27, 2026, the property at 561 W Ladd AVE was sold to SARAH V MCKENNEY by Ruiz, Christina M for $213,000.
- On July 27, 2026, the property at 770 E Sherwood Hills DR was sold to LYDIA ALLERELLIE by THOMAS XIONG for $178,000.
- On July 27, 2026, the property at 757 E Sherwood Hills DR was sold to LEA HEWITT by DEEP PATEL for $170,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 953 S Lantern LN was sold to RUBEN CORTE-TORRES by RONALD MICHAEL MATTHEW for $630,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 4602 E Falls Creek DR was sold to LEXON LINXI LI by THE SHEREE MILLS REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $588,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 7505 E Kerr Creek RD was sold to PIE CRUST, LLC by SOJOURN HOUSE, INC. for $513,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 3326 N Jimmie Dean CT was sold to GAVEN MOORE by NICHOLAS ROEDI for $420,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 4330 E Cricket KNL was sold to JIALIN YI by JIAN QUN LIN for $412,950.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 2185 N Hartstrait RD was sold to NICHOLAS ROEDI by PAUL E SOGSDILL, JR. for $399,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 1206 W Acacia CT was sold to JANET R SUTHERLIN by DELBERT L BAILEY for $360,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 1009 E Sherbrooke DR was sold to ROBERT CASE by ROBERT C WINGARD JR for $300,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 802 W Country Club DR was sold to LOUIS ANGELONI by ASHTON JACOBS for $299,900.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 5393 N Hanna CT was sold to MADISON M BINDER by Kooi, Thomas J for $290,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 548 S Crimson CT was sold to RIZA SEIT by CANDACE GENDA for $286,400.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 1994 S Bernard DR was sold to VALERIE L BRASHEAR by HABITAT FOR HUMANTY OF MONROE COUNTY INC for $237,900.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 1322 S Cobble Creek CIR was sold to HRG BLOOMINGTON, LLC by BADARINTH RAVINDRA LAKKAVALLI for $235,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 415 S Third ST was sold to JANE ANN BARGER by REVAMP ENTERPRISES 3 LLC for $210,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 1312 S Grant ST was sold to DIANE WOHLFARTH by CARRICO-KIBBLER FAMILY TRUST for $174,900.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at 4176 W Woodyard RD was sold to ADR PROPERTIES LLC by ZEBULON M STIKELEATHER for $66,000.
- On July 24, 2026, the property at E Alma ST was sold to JAY BHATT by MURPHY, KEVIN F for $62,500.
- On July 23, 2026, the property at 409 E 9th ST was sold to BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC by FIERST RENTALS LLC for $700,000.
- On July 23, 2026, the property at 935 W 6th ST was sold to KARL IRVINE by DAVID M KING for $209,000.
- On July 23, 2026, the property at 673 E Jessica ST was sold to HEATH BENNETT by BROOKE BENNETT for $0.
- On July 22, 2026, the property at 339 S Fairview ST was sold to HOOSIER PROSPECT HILL RENTALS LLC by 339 FAIRVIEW LLC for $454,400.
- On July 22, 2026, the property at 916 N Park Ridge CT was sold to MAT ALANO-MARTIN by SARAH BETH MONTGOMERY for $420,000.
- On July 22, 2026, the property at 4634 W Johanna DR was sold to MIKIESHA D GROFF by NATHAN M MACK for $295,000.
- On July 22, 2026, the property at 642 S Walker ST was sold to HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF MONROE COUNTY, INC by SUNDANCE PROPERTIES LLC for $295,000.
- On July 22, 2026, the property at 9117 S Pointe Retreat DR was sold to BRANDON TURNER by LAKE RETREAT RENTALS LLC for $92,500.
- On July 22, 2026, the property at 7669 W Julia DR was sold to WEST CONCRETE INC by HARMAN FARMS DEVELOPMENT LLC for $81,500.
- On July 22, 2026, the property at 438 S Cedar DR was sold to LAK PROPERTY PARTNERS LLC by PAMELA K ARMENTI for $37,738.
- On July 21, 2026, the property at 9708 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to TYLER DICKE by ERIC W EIFRIG REVOCABLE TRUST for $364,500.
- On July 21, 2026, the property at 9708 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to TYLER DICKE by ERIC W EIFRIG REVOCABLE TRUST for $364,500.
- On July 20, 2026, the property at 3643 W Jeffrey RD was sold to SETH PATE by 3643 JEFFREY ROAD LLC for $325,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 2851 S Walnut Street PIKE was sold to MUSTAFA ALMAJMAIE by CHANDLER DOWNS for $205,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 648 S Walker ST was sold to MURPHY PARTNERS LLC by RUBEN MARTE for $81,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 3940 S Knightridge RD was sold to KIRKWOOD REALTY by RUBEN MARTE for $80,501.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 1722 S Springhouse DR was sold to INDIANA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC by Lamber, Julia C for $0.
- On July 16, 2026, the property at 606 E Bayberry CT W was sold to TLC PROPERTY GROUP LLC by SOPHIA N ODULIO for $125,000.
- On July 14, 2026, the property at 8002 N Lakeview DR was sold to BCS STRATEGY LLC by ROBIN MARLOWE for $510,000.
- On June 23, 2026, the property at 4589 S Hummingbird CT was sold to RAENECE A SALAS by ROBERT LECHNER for $407,000.
### Indiana Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-avenue-kirkwood-avenue-4/
Last updated: 2026-08-01T22:15:01.000Z
0:00
/0:16
1×
Jordan Davis, organizer of Taste of Bloomington, answers the hard-hitting question: What does Bloomington taste like? (Dave Askins, Aug. 1, 2026)
### Monroe County jail notebook: 6 DOC inmates transferred to Brown County as population trends up
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-6-doc-inmates-transferred-to-brown-county-as-population-trends-up/
Last updated: 2026-08-01T15:47:08.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
The population in Monroe County’s jail has shown a [steady increase](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-trends-upward-hits-264-as-short-stays-drive-churn/) over the last 11 days, hitting 264 on Friday (July 31). That is well above either of the two numbers that have been cited recently as the facility’s functional capacity—[186](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf ) by the sheriff or [229](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf ) by the ACLU.
That number would have been 270, instead of 264, except for the fact that the sheriff’s office transferred six people from the county jail to Brown County’s facility this past week. That’s according to chief deputy sheriff Phil Parker.
All six are tied to the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC). Parker said three are IDOC-sentenced inmates who have already received their prison sentences and are simply waiting for the state to find them beds and transport them. The other three are being held on IDOC parole violations—people who had been released on parole, but whose parole officers have determined they should be returned to prison.
Those six are now in the Brown County jail. That reflects the start of a strategy that surfaced almost three weeks ago, when Monroe County commissioners [declared an “emergency”](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/) as a first step to moving up to 100 prisoners out of the jail, due to overcrowded conditions. The day after action by the commissioners, a [new lawsuit](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-federal-lawsuit-alleges-unconstitutional-conditions-at-monroe-county-jail/) over jail conditions was filed by the ACLU on behalf of two inmates.
Brown County and Monroe County have a memorandum of understanding for housing Monroe County prisoners. Parker said Brown County’s sheriff has indicated he can take roughly 20 to 25 Monroe County inmates, depending on his own jail’s situation.
Parker said the transfers had an immediate concrete effect on conditions inside the Monroe County jail. Moving out just six people allowed jail staff to reduce five two-person cells, which had been holding three people, back down to two. That means five fewer people are sleeping on mats on the floor, Parker said.
Financially, Parker said the arrangement does not currently require Monroe County to pay Brown County out of its own jail or general funds. Instead, the per diem that IDOC had been paying Monroe County to house those inmates is now paid to Brown County. That means Monroe County loses that revenue but does not take on a new daily expense for the transfers to Brown County.
The county council, the county’s fiscal body, will likely be asked by Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté in the next several weeks for funding to pursue the transport of additional inmates.
The daily amount paid by IDOC to county jails to house what it calls “back-ups” is $35 a day, according to the IDOC’s [latest population report](https://www.in.gov/idoc/files/policy-and-procedure/statistical-data/offender-population-statistical-reports/2026/Offender-Population-Statistical-Report-May-2026.pdf).
According to IDOC total counts from the beginning of May, which is the most recent report available, there were 24,777 adult male offenders, which includes 1,030 county jail “back-ups.” The report put that figure at 5% below the operational bed capacity.
The same report says there were 2,775 adult female offenders, including 94 held in county jail “back-ups.” That population is described as 8% below the operational bed capacity.
The jail population numbers are under extra scrutiny in the context of fresh litigation that has been filed by the ACLU on behalf of two prisoners being held at the jail, over the conditions at the jail. \[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Police seek video after racist pepper-spray assault at greenhouse; market looks toward more growing sites
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/police-seek-video-after-racist-pepper-spray-assault-at-greenhouse-market-looks-toward-more-growing-sites/
Last updated: 2026-08-01T15:41:17.000Z
The orientation is north at the bottom. The March 14, 2026 flyover image is from the Eagleview module of the Beacon platform used by Monroe County government for its online property and parcel database. Labels added by The B Square.
On Saturday morning (Aug. 1), People’s Market volunteers were inside Fellowship Hall at First United Church on East 3rd Street, distributing pre-ordered fresh produce during the market’s regular hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Behind the church stands the greenhouse that supports that work. That’s where less than two weeks earlier, a racist confrontation ended with a pepper-spray attack on a Black woman who volunteers with the market.
Before pepper spraying her, the man directed repeated racist verbal abuse at her. The investigation by Bloomington police into the July 21 attack is still active.
The suspect was described by the victim as a young white male, roughly 17–20 years old with floppy brown hair, no facial hair, wearing a white T‑shirt, khaki pants, and a black backpack.
The investigation remained open as of Friday (July 31). According to Bloomington police, the detective working the case has obtained security camera video from two nearby businesses, but the footage did not show the person closely or clearly enough for identification. Police are still seeking video from a third business as the investigation continues.
But the [People’s Market](https://www.peoplesmarketbtown.org/) volunteers who operate the greenhouse [on church property](https://firstuc.org/events/list/?tribe-bar-search=people%27s+market ), do not want the response to the attack to end with just an arrest. Or with yet another community conversation about racism that produces no concrete result.
People’s Market is looking to make an invitation to churches across Bloomington to consider using some of their own land to grow food. The proposal could include greenhouses modeled on the 30-by-90-foot structure at First United, smaller growing facilities or other arrangements suited to each congregation’s property and capacity.
The goal is to connect conversations about racism and equity with work that directly helps people, according to People’s Market organizers.
Jada Bee, the 46-year old woman who was the target of pepper spray and racist slurs, said, “We don’t want to just leave it like so many other conversations that happen in this town and in this country, where we just talk and talk and talk and nothing actually happens.”
### People’s Market greenhouse grounds
The 30-by-90-foot greenhouse stands behind First United Church, west of the Eastland shopping center and north of an apartment complex.
Responding to a B Square question, associate pastor at the church Shelli Yoder said, “The assault was deeply troubling, and our first concern continues to be the well-being of the person who was attacked and the safety of everyone who participates in the People’s Market.”
Yoder said the church has not made any decisions about installing security cameras, but is talking about how to make sure they maintain a “safe and welcoming environment to all community partners while remaining true to our mission.”
It’s not obvious from a map that there would be a heavily-used informal pedestrian cut-through from the west across the property. But a path is worn across the church property toward a hedge row and nearby apartments. People routinely walk through the greenhouse area.
When The B Square was out at the property last week for an interview, two people walked across from the east to the west. One offered by way of greeting, “Just passing through!”
That layout helps explain why an unknown person was passing close to the greenhouse at about 5:35 p.m. on July 21.
Jada Bee, a People’s Market cofounder, was working there because she had recently begun taking over some of the greenhouse manager’s duties after grant funding for that position ran out.
The [police report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-21-B26-41869-Peoples-Market-greenhouse-pepper-spray-police-report.pdf) for the incident says an officer was called to IU Health Urgent Care East at about 6 p.m. for a report of an assault that had taken place a half hour earlier. The police summary describes the suspect as a younger white man whose identity was unknown.
Jada Bee gave a more detailed description: a man possibly in his late teens or early 20s, wearing a white T-shirt and khaki pants and carrying a black backpack. He had brown, slightly wavy hair that fell loosely around his head and no visible facial hair, she said
### Argument turns violent
Jada Bee said she was preparing to move compost near the greenhouse when she noticed the man approaching from the direction of the IU Credit Union.
She kept an eye on hims as he drew nearer. When he reached the greenhouse area, she said, he called her a “communist \[N-word\]-lover.” During the argument that followed, he repeatedly used the N-word and combined racist insults with attacks on communism and socialism, according to Jada Bee.
Jada Bee said she responded with “You know what? Fuck you, man,” and began walking toward him. As the argument continued, she told him, “Get your ass off church property, you need to go, get off church property right now!”
She said she maintained a distance of roughly 15 paces as the man moved backward toward the edge of the property. When he moved away, she followed. When he moved toward her, she stepped backward.
“I’m keeping my distance, because I’m not attacking,” Jada Bee said. “I’m not going to put my hands on anybody first.” At one point, the man warned that he would pepper-spray her if she came closer. Jada Bee said she challenged him to put down the spray and fight without it, but continued to keep her distance.
When the man had nearly reached the tree line and appeared to be leaving the property, she stopped trying to keep pace with him. “In my mind, I was like, ‘Oh, this is the end of it—he’s going,’” Jada Bee said.
She then told him that he had gotten his ideas from “your mommy and daddy and the internet.” At that, Jada Bee said the man removed his backpack, lowered his head and ran back toward her while spraying from a handheld canister.
As the spray reached her, Jada Bee raised her arms to cover her face. When he came close enough, she jumped and kicked him in the chest, knocking him backward onto the ground.
Jada Bee said she was unable to pursue him because her eyes were burning and her vision was blurred.
“This is the only time I have ever been in an interaction like this that it has turned violent,” Jada Bee said. “I’m 46 years old. I have been in plenty of situations where people are yelling racial stuff at each other, and then we all go our own way.”
About her reaction to being called the N-word, she said, “It's not just a word. It is an oppression of 400 years of slavery. It's an oppression of segregation afterwards. It's an oppression of police brutality and mass incarceration, and it's oppression of Black kids not coming home after hanging out with white friends.”
Jada Bee said it was a choice she made easily in the moment: “I just take it, I eat it. I have to live with that shame. That’s the one option. The other option is I fight back and stand up for myself.” She added, “I'm gonna choose me and my heritage and my people over that. ”
No one else was in the immediate greenhouse area when the assault occurred.
### After the attack
After the man fled, Jada Bee stumbled toward her car and tried to rinse her eyes with water from a water bottle. She called her wife, who alerted friends. One friend, who had already planned to help out with greenhouse work, arrived within a few minutes and took her to IU Health Urgent Care East. The urgent care is just across the parking lot from the church. Staff members began flushing her eyes.
Another friend called police. Urgent care staff also arranged for an ambulance to transport Jada Bee to the IU Health hospital for additional treatment.
It was at the urgent care where a Bloomington police officer interviewed her while medical workers continued treating her.
The effects of the spray did not end when her eyes were flushed. Jada Bee wears her hair in locs. Because the spray had saturated her hair, she said she had to shampoo it nearly several times and then retwist it—a process that kept her working for several hours later that night. Even days later, she said, traces of the spray remained in her hair and were reactivated by sunlight and sweat.
“My head is still tingling from the pepper spray,” Jada Bee said during the July 24 interview.
### Earlier racist harassment
The police summary says Jada Bee reported that the same man had previously “berated” other Black members of the church.
Jada Bee gave more detail to The B Square. She said the organization’s previous greenhouse manager was a Black African woman attending school locally, who had recently told her about two earlier encounters.
In one, a man used the N-word repeatedly toward the greenhouse manager in the presence of her four children, Jada Bee said. In another, the man shouted racist abuse at the children while their mother briefly left the greenhouse.
Jada Bee said the earlier harassment also included the same “communist \[N-word\] lovers” phrase used immediately before the July 21 assault. The previous greenhouse manager’s description also closely resembled the man who attacked her, Jada Bee said.
Jada Bee said she was first contacted by a police detective on July 23, two days after the July 21 assault.
### Indiana’s bias law
The racist language used by the pepper-sprayer raises the question of how Indiana law addresses crimes motivated by bias.
Indiana’s law on the topic is in the section of the state statute that spells out the factors a judge may consider at sentencing, rather than as a separately named criminal offense.
The [state statute](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/35#35-38-1-7.1) allows a court to consider it an aggravating circumstance when a person committed an offense with bias because of a victim’s or group’s real or perceived “characteristic, trait, belief, practice, association, or other attribute.”
Another part of the [state statute](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/10#10-13-3-1) says those attributes include “color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation of the injured person.”
Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/10#10-13-3-38) also requires [local reporting to the state](https://www.in.gov/isp/crime-reporting/bias-crime-reporting/ ). \[[Local agency bias crime reports from 2007 through 2015](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Bias-Crime-Reports-to-State-Police-from-local-agencies-from-2007-to-2025.zip )\]
The Indiana State Police [2025 bias-crime report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/202-01-01-Bias-Crimes-Biannual-Report-Jan-Dec-2025.pdf#page=14 ) lists Bloomington’s police department (BPD) as a reporting agency with three BPD incidents for 2025 that include four offenses: two simple-assaults classified as anti-transgender, one simple assault classified as anti-gay male, and one case of intimidation classified as anti-LGBT mixed group.
According to a Bloomington police spokesperson, the pepper-spray attack won’t get classified as a hate-crime for purposes of required reporting, until the suspect can be located and additional evidence collected.
The Bloomington/Monroe County human rights commission offers another avenue where [complaints about local hate-fueled activity](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/human-rights/reports ) can be filed.
That might be an option, Jada Bee says, but only if the police are not eventually able to identify the suspect. “We were hoping to have found him by now, but one way or another we’ll get it added to the data, because it’s important to keep track of,” she said.
### From conversation to cultivation
As the police investigation continues, People’s Market is looking beyond the immediate criminal case.
Jada Bee said the assault happened not just at First United’s doorstep, but near the doors of several other religious institutions in the same part of Bloomington. People’s Market plans to invite those churches, and eventually congregations across the city, to discuss the connections among race, equitable access to food, and the use of institutional land.
People’s Market operates throughout the year with volunteers who distribute free food and provide weekly community-supported agriculture deliveries. Jada Bee said no one in the organization currently holds a paid position.
A grant had previously paid a greenhouse manager to tend plants specifically for food that would be given away. That funding has ended, leaving Jada Bee and other volunteers to absorb the work while the organization seeks money to restore the paid position.
The greenhouse at First United is intended to offer a model, not a centralized People’s Market operation that would have to manage every future site.
Jada Bee said the hope is for churches to develop projects themselves, using People’s Market and other organizations as partners. Food grown at those sites could be distributed through established community channels.
The 30-by-90-foot People’s Market greenhouse at First United was installed in 2024\. It’s a large agricultural structure, but greenhouses are modular and come in smaller dimensions. A congregation would not necessarily need 2,700 square feet of extra land to participate.
Responding to a B Square question, associate pastor Shelli Yoder said, “First United has long believed that our property should be used in ways that serve our community. The People’s Market and greenhouse are tangible expressions of that commitment.”
Yoder added, “We hope this incident does not discourage congregations from using their resources to address food insecurity and build community. If anything, moments like this remind us why these partnerships matter and why they deserve the support of the broader community.”
The proposal could also involve schools and other community institutions. The common element would be a commitment to produce food and make it available to people who need it.
Jada Bee says the violent attack sharpened an existing discussion about whether institutions that speak about racial equity are willing to devote land, money and labor to work that produces a measurable benefit.
“We want action,” Jada Bee said. “We want steps to be taken that achieve goals that help people.”
****Upper left:** Courtesy photo of Jada Bee in the greenhouse. ****Upper right:** Behind the signs for First United Church and People's Market visible in the foreground is the greenhouse, in the upper left of the frame. (Dave Askins, Aug. 1, 2026) ****Lower left and right:** Wild applesauce and pre-ordered bags of produced ready for pickup at the market. (Dave Askins, Aug. 1, 2026.)
### Friday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish (Taste of Bloomington edition)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-72/
Last updated: 2026-07-31T16:43:02.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #73 (July 31, 2026) On the occasion of** [****Taste of Bloomington**](https://www.visitbloomington.com/taste-of-bloomington/)****.**
According to organizer Jordan Davis, [Taste of Bloomington](https://www.visitbloomington.com/taste-of-bloomington/) is still on for Saturday, Aug. 1 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. despite some rain in the forecast.
---
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County jail notebook: Population trends upward, hits 264 as short stays drive churn
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-population-trends-upward-hits-264-as-short-stays-drive-churn/
Last updated: 2026-08-01T12:24:47.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Monroe County’s justice building was again open on Friday (July 31) after being closed for the first four days of the week, due to a [sewer backup](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/) that started a week earlier on July 24\.
During that time, the jail was still functioning, along with the courts. The presiding judge of the Monroe County circuit court, Mary Ellen Diekhoff, told the county council at their [Tuesday (July 28) meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sewage-backup-in-monroe-county-justice-center-spurs-scrutiny-of-future-spending-on-dying-building/) that despite the closure of the building, the courts continued to operate in a minimalistic way. Probable‑cause reviews and jail releases were continuing, Diekhoff told councilors.
Even though jail releases were continuing, based on a B Square review of [jail population numbers](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRELTQRXs7CR5mZXifXH94QkuCGFEugyWcEQOlJNpZPe3SFzwIMs%5FMP8vXxAP5vEFfnXk6R7RVq9Wze/pubhtml) from the Monroe County sheriff’s office, the jail is seeing an increasing trend in its population over the last 11 days.
The jail population increased from 247 people on July 21 to 264 on July 31\. That’s a net gain of 17, or about 7%. Daily totals generally trended upward during that period, despite dips on July 25 and July 29.
The current population is well above either of the two numbers that have been cited recently as the functional capacity of the jail. A [report in the second week of July](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf) from Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté put the functional capacity of the jail facility at 186 beds. That’s lower than the 229 beds that are cited as the jail’s functional capacity in the ACLU’s [new federal complaint](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf ) that has been filed against Monroe County officials on behalf of two inmates there.
The net population increase of 17 people doesn’t reflect the flow in and out of the jail during the period.
Of the 247 people who were confined on July 21, 213 (86%) were still in jail on July 31\. Of that original group, 34 had left. But 51 people who were booked into jail after July 21 remained confined at the end of the month.
But comparing the two dates 11 days apart does not capture the full picture of the turnover. A total of 70 people left jail during the 11-day period, including some who entered after July 21 and were released before July 31\. Their median length of stay was just one day. That means at least half of them (35 people) were held for one day or less.
The jail population numbers are under extra scrutiny in the context of fresh litigation that has been filed by the ACLU on behalf of two prisoners being held at the jail, over the conditions at the jail. \[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### July 30, 2026: Justice center sewage backup, delayed court decision on Bloomington annexation, encampment closure
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-30-2026-justice-center-sewage-backup-delayed-court-decision-on-bloomington-annexation-encampment-closure/
Last updated: 2026-07-30T08:58:14.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-27-2026/) for last week (starting July 20).
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Slow down. Before 8 a.m. there will be patchy fog. The day itself will be sunny, with a high near 86F°.
**Friday:** Wear a big smile because it’s probably the last sunshine we’ll see for a while. It will be mostly sunny, with a high near 86F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Sewage backup in Monroe County justice center spurs scrutiny of future spending on ‘dying’ building](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sewage-backup-in-monroe-county-justice-center-spurs-scrutiny-of-future-spending-on-dying-building/). A bag of e-cigarettes flushed down a jail toilet sent sewage through the Monroe County justice building on Friday, disrupting court operations. At Tuesday’s meeting, councilors questioned why election offices were also closed and debated millions in spending for a facility described as “dying.”
- [How long is long? Bloomington annexation case awaits ruling from highest court after 271 days](https://bsquarebulletin.com/how-long-is-long-bloomington-annexation-case-awaits-ruling-from-highest-court-after-271-days/). Bloomington’s Area 1A and 1B annexation case is closed. But a separate constitutional challenge remains before the Indiana Supreme Court 271 days after oral arguments. That wait is near the 90th percentile among 316 argued cases decided since 2018, but about two dozen took longer.
- [Sewage backup keeps Monroe County justice building closed at least through July 29](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sewage-backup-keeps-monroe-county-justice-building-closed-at-least-through-july-29/). Monroe County’s justice center will remain closed at least through Wednesday after a sewer backup last Friday sent wastewater from the jail into offices below. Courts and related offices are shut down while crews remove damaged carpet and drywall, sanitize and dry the building.
- [Monroe County eyes Thomson encampment closure; resident describes barriers to housing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-eyes-thomson-encampment-closure-resident-describes-barriers-to-housing/). Monroe County has authorized a step toward closing the Thomson encampment, though no date is set and a new state law could shorten the planned 30-day notice. Stephanie, a resident there, describes how rental history, lack of credit, and a criminal record have kept housing out of reach.
### Other notes
**Justice building: Still closed.** According to the Monroe County commissioners office, the closure of the justice building, due to [last Friday’s sewage backup](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/), will continue through Thursday (July 30).
**Getting yourself local news the way you want it.** Sure, you can visit the B Square Bulletin’s [homepage](https://bsquarebulletin.com/) and start reading articles you find there, laid out like a conventional newspaper website. But what if all you want is a list of the most recent 20 headlines with links and a short synopsis of each article—something like the list you see in each edition of this Almost Daily Bulletin? We’ve got you covered: Bookmark this link: [B Square’s Most Recent 20](https://bsquarebulletin.com/latest-posts/).
### On the calendar
**Talking about The B Square: Thursday (July 30).** The Bloomington North Rotarians invited me to talk to them about The B Square at their regular monthly meeting in the Crazy Horse backroom starting around noon. Here’s what I'm talking about.
> *Total News: Putting the Public at the Center of the Civic Solar System*
>
> The B Square Bulletin’s “Total News” framework reimagines local journalism as something more than a factory producing widgets called news stories. It fuses Future, Present and Past into a civic information platform that connects what is coming, what is happening now, and what has already happened. Information systems once kept inside newsrooms become public civic assets—which is a paradigm shift on the scale of the Copernican revolution.
**Taste of Bloomington: Saturday (Aug 1).** The weather forecast for Saturday includes a strong likelihood of rain, which prompts the question: Will [Taste of Bloomington](https://www.visitbloomington.com/taste-of-bloomington/) still go on as scheduled? As of noon Wednesday, organizer Jordan Davis told The B Square the plan is to move ahead with Saturday’s spectacular food extravaganza. But a final decision will be made Friday morning.
Listen. There’s a chance that the decision will be made for holding Taste of Bloomington even knowing that it will be a little damp. And that might leave some of you thinking: Oh, man, I don’t want to be miserable standing in the rain trying to hold a chili dog in one hand and an umbrella in the other. I will literally have you covered. If it’s rainy on Saturday, I will be walking up and down Kirkwood Avenue with my big umbrella looking for chili dogs that are in jeopardy.
---
**Family Night Out: Aug. 12.** Downtown Bloomington is the place to be for an evening of food, music, art and family activities Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5:30–8 p.m. in front of the Monroe County Public Library. You can buy dinner from Pili’s, Mikki’s Munchies and Planted, then eat together in the street while browsing artist and community booths. Kid Kazooey will perform from 5:30–6:30 p.m., followed by Yolanda D from 7–8 p.m. The Seedlings Flower Truck will create what organizers describe as a “stunning flower installation” in the library courtyard.
**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](https://wl.eventim.us/event/Magnolia-and-Johnson-Electric-Co/693286?afflky=BluebirdNightclub).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/668002/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/688597/web%5Forders/new).
### Meet Elphie!
Up for adoption, as of July 29 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Elphie](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87460). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a hound. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Elphie](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87460):
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
### Photo Finish: 6th Street & Walnut Street
A city crew caps one of the planters with concrete. Bloomington’s director of parks and recreation, Tim Street, responded to a question by saying the capping of a handful of the smaller planters for maintenance or condition issues is part of a more comprehensive approach to planter improvements around the courthouse square. Tim Street: “Last fall, we also installed around 20 new trees along Kirkwood and in the downtown corridor in planter locations where we identified there used to be or could be trees. This will have the positive effect of increased shade and cooling in the coming years. (Dave Askins, July 24, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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---
### College Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-kirkwood-avenue-4/
Last updated: 2026-07-29T18:13:15.000Z
Orbit Room’s space is for lease. I enjoyed the Orbit room; sad it's gone! (Katie Gandhi, July 29, 2026)
### Sewage backup in Monroe County justice center spurs scrutiny of future spending on ‘dying’ building
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sewage-backup-in-monroe-county-justice-center-spurs-scrutiny-of-future-spending-on-dying-building/
Last updated: 2026-07-29T11:27:04.000Z
Addressing the Monroe County council is judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff, farthest from camera. Seated next to Diekhoff are Jama Chandler, court administrator and Shannon Guidry, deputy court administrator. County councilors in the right of the frame, from farthest to nearest: Marty Hawk, David Henry, Peter Iversen, Jennifer Crossley, Trent Deckard, Kate Wiltz, and Liz Feitl. (Dave Askins, July 28, 2026)
A Monroe County circuit court judge and county councilors on Tuesday (July 28) filled in graphic details about the sewage backup that forced the closure of the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center on Friday.
The closure of the building is supposed to last [at least through Wednesday](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sewage-backup-keeps-monroe-county-justice-building-closed-at-least-through-july-29/).
Councilors wrestled with the idea of pouring millions more into a building that was described as “dying.”
The discussion came at Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Monroe County council, four days after a bag of e‑cigarettes flushed down a jail toilet sent wastewater cascading through ceilings and into court offices below. The jail is located on the upper two stories of the building.
Also surfacing at Tuesday’s meeting were significant concerns from councilors about a decision by the county clerk’s office to also close election division offices in the North Showers building, based on the closure of the justice building, which is a block away.
The incident has also sharpened long‑standing tension about continuing to invest in the aging justice building while planning for a new jail and possible justice complex remains incomplete. A [draft list](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-28-Council-Agenda-Packet-GO-Bond-Projects-OCR.pdf) of general obligation bond projects fueled that discussion on Tuesday.
Also on Tuesday, Mary Ellen Diekhoff, who is presiding judge of Monroe County’s unified court, delivered the most vivid public account yet of the July 24 plumbing fiasco. She was in front of the council to request the filling of some vacancies during the county’s hiring freeze.
“I have been around a long time. I have seen a lot of things. This was awful,” Diekhoff told the council. “There was water just by the gallon … just spreading everywhere—and it was toilet water.” She compared the events of Friday inside the building to watching the movie “The Blob.”
Diekhoff said the flow was finally stopped only after the arrival of the county’s outside contractor for building maintenance, Dave Gardner, with ASI Facilities Services. Diekhoff said that according to Gardner, the flood would have continued if it had not been shut off.
Despite the disruption at the building, Diekhoff stressed that the courts themselves were never formally closed. That’s a step that would require a special petition to the Indiana Supreme Court.
“To close us requires the Indiana Supreme Court, but we are not fully operational because we cannot be,” Diekhoff said. “We have been on minimalistic \[operations\] … I was supposed to have a jury trial next week. I contacted the attorneys and told them that cannot happen because I don’t have space right now to put them.”
Probable‑cause reviews and jail releases are continuing, Diekhoff said. When the building opens back up, staff will in part work out of jury rooms and conference rooms while remediation continues.
Councilor Marty Hawk tied the failure to a basic design decision: Putting the jail above court and office space. “This is going to happen again and again as long as the jail is above the courts or the offices,” Hawk said.
Alluding to the plans for a future new jail, Hawk said, “When we get through with doing another jail, which we are going to do, do not put the courts or any offices below the jail! … Anybody who understands water goes downhill, well, you know what went with this water, and it went right down their heads, and it’s not right.”
Administrator for the county commissioners Angie Purdie told the council the immediate cause was not a random plumbing failure but an intentional act by inmates.
“The current situation was entirely intentional by inmates,” Purdie said. She described newer jail designs where staff can intercept contraband in accessible waste lines before it enters the main sewer: “The new systems have… the ability to stop items from going into the actual sewer line, and then there’s a hook that staff can use to pull out the debris, so it never becomes a problem anywhere else.”
Purdie described Friday’s clog as “like a bread sack or a commissary bag that was full of e-cigarettes.”
### Why close election division offices?
Chief deputy clerk Tanner Branham appeared before the council seeking an exemption from the hiring freeze to refill a part‑time voter registration clerk position. The position had been previously approved and filled, but the new hire resigned after one day because of a family health emergency, Branham said.
Councilor Marty Hawk used the request to raise a different issue, which was the decision to close the election division and voter registration offices, in the Showers North building on Morton Street, after the justice building shutdown.
“I’m not faulting the employees because I’m sure they did what they were told, but who told them \[to stay home\]?” Hawk asked. She continued. “That is simply a use of county taxpayers that just went out the window, and it’s not acceptable.”
Branham told Hawk that the decision was made by the elected clerk, Nicole Browne.
About her rationale, Branham said, “We had a few voter registration people who were going to be out on vacation anyway this week.” Because the justice building was closed, there would have been no additional clerk’s staff available to help out with issues that might arise at the election division offices in North Showers, Branham said. Based on that consideration, Browne decided to go ahead and close the election division while the justice building was closed, Branham said.
Hawk rejected that reasoning. “Certainly there were folks there that could have made up whatever shortfall,” she said. “It was a very poor choice and disrespectful of the people who pay the bills around here, and that’s the people of this county.”
Councilor Liz Feitl pressed on how the time off was coded for employees and who was paid emergency time versus vacation time. County attorney Molly Turner-King clarified that employees who had already scheduled vacation would not receive emergency pay.
Hawk warned the arrangement would likely cause friction among staff: “What you’re going to find is if they get back from vacation, they took a part of their vacation day to be gone, and another person got paid emergency pay, and they didn’t have to take part of their vacation days.”
Councilors also questioned the underlying legal authority to close an office in a building that never lost its ability to function. Crossley asked Turner-King directly whether such a closure was permissible of an office in a building that was not affected by the sewage backup.
Turner King said she would need to research the question to give a more detailed answer, but said that county commissioners normally coordinate any justice building closure with the board of judges. She was not sure “how other elected officials \[like the county clerk\] play into that calculation.”
Councilor Trent Deckard suggested the episode exposed a broader gap in county policy on office hours and continuity of operations.
Councilor Trent Deckard urged county legal staff to look at whether commissioners could adopt an ordinance specifying minimum hours that county offices must be open to the public, so that services can continue from alternate locations when one facility is closed.
Like Deckard, councilor David Henry framed the question as one of continuity planning rather than a one‑off personnel issue. He suggested the county revisit its continuity of operations plan (COOP) to address how people in the North Showers building could have continued to work despite the closure of the justice building. Henry said it was perhaps time to “dust off some of the county’s continuity of operations plans that probably haven’t been looked at since I wrote them 20 years ago.”
### General obligation bonds
The council’s more general deliberations on the justice building problems came in the context of a [draft list](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-28-Council-Agenda-Packet-GO-Bond-Projects-OCR.pdf ) of nearly $5.56 million in general obligation (GO) bond projects for this year, which was a discussion item on Tuesday’s agenda. The list was drafted by the county commissioners.
The finalization of the list will likely come from some back-and-forth between the council, as the county’s fiscal body, and the commissioners, as the county executive. It currently includes parks projects, emergency sirens, sheriff’s equipment, fleet vehicles and several justice-building items.
Purdie acknowledged morale among justice building employees has eroded: “They’ve lost all hope, I think … now there is just this perception of we’re stuck here, and it’s not a pleasant place.”
Purdie acknowledged the tension in asking for hundreds of thousands of dollars for jail showers, cameras and plumbing fixtures in a facility the county hopes eventually to vacate.
The discussion at Tuesday’s meeting came against the backdrop of fresh litigation, [launched by the ACLU](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail) in the second week of July, over conditions at the jail.
“It is horrible to be asking … to put funds into a building that’s dying,” Purdie told the county council. But she pointed to those who still work in the building and are housed in the jail.
The $500,000 for cameras on the list are to help monitor inmates and respond appropriately, Purdie said.
Council president Jennifer Crossley pressed Purdie on the lack of a full HVAC replacement plan, calling the system “the mother of all problems.” Purdie said the administration wants outside engineers to study whether a complete replacement is feasible in a facility that is occupied 24/7.
The bond list also includes about $2 million for a new elevator at the justice building. Purdie said she understands why that request has drawn scrutiny in what she herself called a “dying” building. She noted that the elevator ranks low for commissioners on the internal priority list. \[The rankings on the [list](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-28-Council-Agenda-Packet-GO-Bond-Projects-OCR.pdf ) are the numerals in bold, from 1 to 10, with 1 indicating the highest priority.\] Crossley said she was surprised to see the elevator on the lower end of priorities ranked by the commissioners.
Councilors took no final action on the bond, agreeing instead to assign their own ranking to projects before one of their August meetings.
Henry asked his colleagues to think about the long‑term impact of fully exploiting the county’s bonding authority, which could reach around $6 million a year. “That is not a small amount of money,” he said.
Henry said he was concerned, as officials continued to discuss the building as an asset, that failing to maintain its basic structure could make it harder to sell or repurpose in the future, including rehabbing it for continued county use.
Based on the council’s discussion and remarks from county president Jennifer Crossley at Tuesday’s meeting, county councilors will assign their own rankings to items on the bond project list and send them to the council office staff. A revised list could be back for more discussion at either the [Aug. 11](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-751) or [Aug. 25](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-7377 ) county council meeting.
### How long is long? Bloomington annexation case awaits ruling from highest court after 271 days
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/how-long-is-long-bloomington-annexation-case-awaits-ruling-from-highest-court-after-271-days/
Last updated: 2026-07-28T13:44:53.000Z
The histogram shows the distribution of timespans from the date of oral argument to a decision by the Indiana Supreme Court for cases dating from Jan. 1, 2018 to June 30, 2026\. Chart by The B Square.
One part of Bloomington’s annexation litigation [wrapped up for good](https://bsquarebulletin.com/judge-caps-bloomingtons-annexation-legal-fee-payment-at-37-500/) last week. The attorney fees to the winning remonstrators were awarded which means the case for Area 1A and Area 1B is closed.
But what about the still pending litigation in the other annexation areas, which depends on a constitutional argument? The Indiana Supreme Court [heard oral arguments](https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-supreme-court-hears-bloomingtons-constitutional-annexation-challenge-over-voided-remonstration-waivers/) on Oct. 30, 2025, which is 271 days ago.
How long will we have to wait for a ruling from the Indiana Supreme Court? Is the roughly nine-month timeframe so relatively long, medium or short, compared to the court’s history over the last several years?
Based on a [B Square review of the time span](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSy9LZaabkzpKEynV7n6oqvsdg-tAufLwDNQgnxc6n39IaAfm-dRltZ0NxvqoJ61qEvFBELW0GEuHzd/pubhtml) between oral arguments and a decision for 316 cases from Jan. 1, 2018 to June 30, 2026, the 271 days so far is way longer than the median of 140 days, but not yet record-setting.
For the period analyzed, there were a couple dozen cases that took longer than 271 days, including one that took 741 days, or nearly two years.
The cases are posted on [the court’s website](https://public.courts.in.gov/decisions ). There were 449 decisions posted, but of those only 316 had oral arguments. So the methodology did not measure generally how long a proceeding in front of the court took—just the period between oral argument and a decision.
That means the 271 days so far is about at the 90th percentile for length of time between oral arguments and a decision, if the decision came today.
The familiar line from John Mellencamp’s “Minutes to Memories” sums it up about right: “This highway is long but I know some that are longer.”
\[[Bloomington Annexation Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FAnnexation )\]
### Sewage backup keeps Monroe County justice building closed at least through July 29
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sewage-backup-keeps-monroe-county-justice-building-closed-at-least-through-july-29/
Last updated: 2026-07-27T17:20:14.000Z
The signs posted outside the door of the Monroe County justice building indicate the building will be closed for Monday (July 27). That will likely be updated soon to say at least through Wednesday, and maybe longer. (Dave Askins, July 27, 2026)
The Monroe County justice building will be closed *at least through Wednesday* (July 29) according to a message sent out through the county government’s emergency alert system around noon on Monday.
The official name of the building is the Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center.
Offices to be closed include the courts, clerk, prosecutor’s office, public defender’s office, probation and child support. People who have business with the courts are supposed to call the specific court handling the case to find out when it has been rescheduled. Those who aren’t sure which court is handling their case are supposed to call 812-349-2615.
The building is shut down, because it saw a [sewer backup around 4 p.m. on Friday (July 24)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/), which sent water from the jail, on the top two stories of the building, through ceiling tiles into offices below.
Already on Friday, the closure of the building was announced for Monday. Monday’s noon announcement extended the closure at least another two days.
On Friday evening, Angie Purdie, who is the administrator for the county commissioners, had anticipated that the closure could go past Monday.
The building is getting cleaned, sanitized, and dried, Purdie said. The needed work includes more than just cleaning. Purdie said that carpet and drywall are being removed as necessary.
Purdie said the building’s closure stemmed from a “blockage \[of a sewer line\] created by inmates” in the jail, which is located in the top two floors of the building.
Parked on College Avenue north of 7th Street on Monday around noon were four vehicles from Service Master, the same company that responded to the sewer backup on Friday.
The complete message sent out on Monday:
> At this point in time, the Justice Building will be closed through Wednesday, July 29th – this includes the Court, Clerk, Prosecutor’s office, and the connected offices (Probation, Child Support, and Public Defender). County officials will reassess as they go through each day, and if the Justice Building is going to be closed longer, an advisement will be sent out.
>
> All scheduled court proceedings are cancelled. The Clerk’s office is closed. It is recommended you contact the court handling your case to reschedule when the building re-opens. If you are unsure as to what court, call Court Administration at 812-349-2615.
### Monroe County eyes Thomson encampment closure; resident describes barriers to housing
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-eyes-thomson-encampment-closure-resident-describes-barriers-to-housing/
Last updated: 2026-07-27T16:32:37.000Z
Part of an encampment on the county-owned Thomson property off Rogers Street, where people have been living in tents and other improvised shelter for a few years. (Dave Askins, July 24, 2026)
Last Thursday (July 23), Monroe County commissioners authorized their attorney to begin formal steps toward closing the encampment on the county-owned Thomson “power line” property off Rogers Street, after reports of a sharp increase in calls about the site.
No closure date has been set, and the interaction between the county’s planned 30-day notice and a new state law leaves it unclear how much time they would actually have to clear out.
For Stephanie, who is a Bloomington native living at the encampment with her adult son and two dogs, the prospect of closure means preparing to move. From her perspective, she is stalled in a housing system that has placed one barrier after another in her path.
### County commissioners: Authorization for notice
County attorney Jeff Cockerill told commissioners Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira at their regular meeting Thursday morning (July 23) that the sheriff’s office now believes the encampment at the Thomson site is “becoming more dangerous and more of a cause of a public safety concern.”
As the commissioners were looking at an upcoming two-week stretch without another full regular meeting, Cockerill asked for permission to act before their next meeting, if the situation requires it.
“We don’t have a plan yet,” Cockerill said. “But I think, given the fact that you’re not having a meeting the next two weeks, we may need to act and begin the process formally prior to your next meeting.”
Madeira and Thomas agreed. Madeira said commissioners had been kept informed about the increased calls and noted that any response would also have to account for a new state law governing encampments on public property.
The commissioners did not vote to close the site on a specific date. But Cockerill said the authorization could allow the county to post a closure notice before the board meets again.
If the county closes the encampment, Cockerill said, commissioners still intend to give residents a 30-day notice. That timeline, however, is no longer guaranteed by formal county policy.
Earlier this year, commissioners [removed a 30-day notice requirement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-revises-30-day-notice-policy-ahead-of-july-1-street-camping-law/) because of concerns that it could conflict with a new [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-1-31.5-1 ), which went into effect on July 1.
The new law says a law enforcement officer has to issue a warning to anyone who is camping on, sleeping on, or using land for long-term shelter, if the land is owned by a political subdivision (like the Monroe County government). The law continues by saying the person sleeping on the property is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor, if forty-eight (48) hours go by after the warning was issued and they have not moved.
Cockerill told The B Square after the meeting, said the commissioners, acting as property owners, can choose to provide more time. But they cannot prevent sheriff Ruben Marté from acting sooner, if he determines that the state law applies and that he has to act.
Cockerill drew a distinction between the state law, which governs the activities of law enforcement officers, and the commissioners, who are acting as property owners. Cockerill said that any notice that might be posted at the Thomson property will say that a planned 30-day period does not restrict law enforcement from acting under state law. In practical terms, residents would be told they have 30 days to leave while also being warned that the encampment could be cleared sooner.
The commissioners want to make sure they have current and accurate information about the number of people living in the woods on the Thomson property.
Part of the annual general obligation bond request from commissioners this year is a $150,000 purchase of drones with cameras, which would be used in part to monitor the Thomson property. All of the projects in the draft proposal from commissioners will be presented to the county council at its regular [5 p.m. meeting on Tuesday (July 28)](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/mccouncilgroup/Shared Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2Fmccouncilgroup%2FShared Documents%2FCouncil Meetings%2F2026%2F2026-07-28 Council Agenda Packet.pdf&parent=%2Fsites%2Fmccouncilgroup%2FShared Documents%2FCouncil Meetings%2F2026 ).
### Interview with Stephanie
At the Thomson property encampment on Friday (July 24), Stephanie told The B Square she’s been living there for around a year. She was born at the old Bloomington hospital, which has now been torn down to make way for the new Hopewell neighborhood to be redeveloped by the city. “I had my kids there. I was born there,” she said.
She grew up in Bloomington, attending North High School school and briefly moved to Aurora.
From Stephanie’s point of view, being “from here” has not translated into the kind of support that local officials often say should be reserved for Bloomington’s, or the region’s own, instead of people who arrive from outside.
“I was born and raised here. ... It’s a lot harder for me to get help, because I’m from here. They look at me like: ‘You’re *from* here. Why don’t you have anybody?’ I don’t have any family. My family’s gone. I have one living brother, but both of my parents are gone. All my friends are out here with me.”
She didn’t graduate from the high schools she attended in Bloomington and Aurora. “I got my GED in county jail,” she says. Broadview Learning Center instructors came into the jail to run the program. “Chris Harmon. He’s a really good guy,” she adds.
Harmon is [director of the Broadview program](https://adult.mccsc.edu/24326%5F2). The connection to local institutions has given her some tools, but it hasn’t overcome the structural barriers she faces now: credit rating, rental history, and a criminal record that follows her. She describes herself as a “recovering alcoholic.”
Stephanie says she has been at the encampment since last September, “minus a month and a half” when she left to care for a sick friend at “the flats.” That’s short for [Kinser Flats,](https://headinghomeguide.org/resource/kinser-flats-centerstone/) which is a 50-unit permanent supportive housing project for people experiencing homelessness who also have substance-use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions. Kinser Flats is on Kinser Pike, a block south of SR 45/46.
Stephanie returned to the Thomas encampment in February, when it was still cold, and has been there since. As Monroe County commissioners prepare the legal groundwork to post notices and clear the site, she has already begun to plan for another move.
The next spot won’t be a matter of guesswork about who owns the property. She has an app that allows her to look up the property lines, she says.
One of the county’s stated justifications for empowering its attorney to post eviction notices is an increase in dispatch calls and activity near the camp. Stephanie says what she sees on the ground does not necessarily match that story.
“I mean, there hasn’t been an increase in traffic or anything up here. It’s been a decrease, actually. I believe a very huge decrease,” she says.
If she had to estimate now, she puts the population at around 15, compared to around 30 earlier in the year. She thinks at least some of what the county is calling “increased activity” may trace back to a single neighbor, who calls about everything.
The encampment is next to a Habitat for Humanity subdivision. At least some friction between the new Osage Place neighborhood and the encampment population was evident last Friday. A woman came rushing up to Stephanie’s campsite, yelling that a truck was about to be towed from one of the neighborhood’s streets.
Day-to-day, one of the most visible conflicts at the camp is over trash. County officials and neighbors point to piles of debris as evidence of nuisance conditions. Stephanie says the reality is more complicated.
“The problem we have is getting rid of that stuff that’s been here for years … That pile—that’s been building for a couple years.”
She continues, “I’ve made a lot of these piles—just random trash laying around, \[rake it\] up in one spot.” Some of what people see as a new mess, she says, is actually an effort to consolidate what has been scattered through the woods “for years of generations gone by.”
For her, trash is a problem that needs a practical solution, like legal, accessible disposal: “That’s been one of the big fights. It’s the trash. If we had a way to get rid of it legally… because it’s really hard to dump it places.” She says she has cleaned up the area near her campsite in part to protect her dogs: “I’ve got dogs and they run around, and I don’t want them to get hurt. So that’s why a lot of it’s been cleaned up.”
Stephanie is officially in “the system” for housing, but the mechanics of that system mean that it’s not a smooth path. “I’m on the list, I guess, for housing,” she says. She scores a 17 on the [CHAT](https://www.in.gov/ihcda/indiana-balance-of-state-continuum-of-care/files/CE-Policy-and-Procedures.pdf#page=10) housing assessment, which she’s been told is “pretty high.” On Indiana’s Collaborative Housing Assessment Tool (CHAT), a score of 17 is well above the 12-point threshold that generally points to recommendation for permanent supportive housing.
In the meantime, she says, her past counts against her. “My rental history is not the greatest because of my husband, and we’re not together anymore. But they still look at that.” She has evictions on her record, she says. While she was living at Crawford Apartments, Danielle Sorden told her it was “really hard … to find a place to send me outside of Crawford because of my rental history,” according to Stephanie. Sorden is [director of supportive housing](https://beaconinc.org/about-beacon/) for Beacon, Inc.
“I don’t have any credit. I’m a ghost. So… that’s worse than having good or bad credit, not having any credit,” Stephanie says.
Her criminal record is also a red flag for landlords. “I have one felony on my record. It was a Level 6 \[the lowest level of felony\] from a few years ago … Other than that, I had misdemeanors.” It’s still something that counts against her, she says.
Stephanie says one charge grew out of a brief stay in an apartment that had been flagged for drug activity. She says she had only been there once before, but stayed there, because she needed somewhere to go. Police “kicked the door open” at the place, and she ended up charged with “visiting a common nuisance.”
Under Indiana law, a “[common nuisance](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/35#35-45-1-5 )” generally refers to a place associated with repeated illegal activity, including drug use or dealing. Visiting such a place can itself be a charge. For Stephanie, the practical effect is that another line appears on the same background checks that landlords and housing programs use to evaluate a housing application.
Asked what she wants, Stephanie’s answer: “Someplace to live.”
### July 27, 2026: Annexation fees, justice building plumbing issue, boarding up Seminary Pointe, Flock cameras, Hopewell jail site?
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-27-2026-annexation-fees-justice-building-plumbing-issue-boarding-up-seminary-pointe-flock-cameras-hopewell-jail-site-2/
Last updated: 2026-07-27T13:16:26.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-27-2026/) for last week (starting July 20).
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Slow down. There could be fog before 10 a.m. Dress light and cool so that you will dry fast after you get wet. It’s not worth taking rain gear that you will absentmindedly leave somewhere and forget. There will be a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 a.m. It will be partly sunny with a high near 90F°.
**Tuesday:** Wear something cool. The day will startmostly cloudy, then gradually turn sunny, with a high near 87F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Read The B Square from your inbox
Would you like to receive a copy of *each B Square news article in your email inbox, as soon as it is published*? The B Square has you covered—but only if that’s what you want.
If you’re already receiving this regular emailed bulletin in your inbox, you’re almost set. Visit the [big red button](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account) in the upper right corner of the website, log in and manage your email preferences to include My Inbox Now. (There’s no charge for this service.)
### Recent articles
- [Monroe County property transfers through July 22, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-22-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 16 to July 22, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-71/). Why kind of drama goes with a movie about the Little 500 race? Fish has the answer!
- [Judge caps Bloomington’s annexation legal-fee payment at $37,500](https://bsquarebulletin.com/judge-caps-bloomingtons-annexation-legal-fee-payment-at-37-500/). A special judge ordered Bloomington to pay $37,500 in attorney fees to residents who defeated annexation of Areas 1A and 1B, rejecting their nearly $200,000 request. A separate constitutional annexation dispute remains pending while Indiana’s Supreme Court decides whether to take it.
- [Monroe County justice building closed Monday, July 27 due to ‘plumbing issue’](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/). Monroe County’s justice building will be closed Monday (July 27) after an apparent sewage backup on Friday sent water through office ceilings. Court administration and at least one judge’s office were affected. The jail lost water service while cleanup crews worked at the building.
- [Seminary Pointe units boarded up after removal of unauthorized occupants, reports of drug use](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-units-boarded-up-after-removal-of-unauthorized-occupants-reports-of-drug-use/). On Thursday, Bloomington police removed unauthorized occupants from Seminary Pointe, where plywood was fastened over doors and windows after reports of break-ins and drug use. The mostly vacant, very low-rent apartments are slated for demolition to make way for a convention center host hotel.
- [Monroe County commissioners vote to end Flock contract, remove six license plate cameras](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-vote-to-end-flock-contract-remove-six-license-plate-cameras/). Monroe County commissioners voted 2–0 to end the county’s Flock Safety contract and remove six license plate readers, accepting a possible $3,000 removal fee. Commissioners cited concerns about misuse of data in Flock’s nationwide system. Sheriff Ruben Marté supports the move.
- [Monroe County commissioners re-float Hopewell as possible new jail site, seek city’s quick support](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-re-float-hopewell-as-possible-new-jail-site-seek-citys-quick-support/). Monroe County commissioners have revived Hopewell as a possible jail and justice center site, asking Bloomington councilmembers to send the proposal to the RDC. But county officials want to avoid the full city planning review and approval process, because they say it would cause unacceptable delay.
### On the calendar
**IU Homecoming parade.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (July 28) draft agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17172/download) for the board of public works several routine items, including permits for the Secretly event, the 4th Street Festival, the Bryan Park Block Party, the IU Homecoming Parade and Mother Hubbard’s Annual Garden Party, along with street and sidewalk contracts, change orders and right-of-way closures. This items on this week’s draft agenda do not include links with background documents
**Annual GO bond projects: $2 million jail elevator.** On the [5 p.m. Tuesday (July 28) agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/mccouncilgroup/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2Fmccouncilgroup%2FShared%20Documents%2FCouncil%20Meetings%2F2026%2F2026%2D07%2D28%20Council%20Agenda%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2Fmccouncilgroup%2FShared%20Documents%2FCouncil%20Meetings%2F2026) for the county council are this year’s proposed general obligation bond projects. One possible project is a repair of the elevator at the jail, which carries a price tag of $2 million. Another potential item is $150,000 to purchase drones with cameras to monitor the Thomson property off Rogers street for camping activity.
**Salary ordinance adjustments for city of Bloomington employees.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (July 29) agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-29-July-29-2026-Packet-Bloomington-city-council.pdf ) for the Bloomington city council are first readings of proposed amendments to 2026 salary schedules for police, fire, appointed, non-union and AFSCME employees. The council will also consider establishing a fire merit commission and approving an amended legal representation agreement for the city council.
Apparently missing from the information packet is the resolution that would actually amend the legal representation agreement. The council is still trying to hire a replacement for its administrator/attorney and deputy administrator/attorney, who both resigned effective March 9, 2026\. Former city attorney Larry Allen has been filling in on a temporary basis.
Another missing element from the packet is the clerk’s memo on appointments. On top of that, the agenda and packet are not posted on the [council’s meeting information page](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings/2026). The link above goes to [BloomDocs.org](https://bloomdocs.org/), which is a document repository hosted by The B Square Bulletin. The packet was distributed to the email distro list as an attachment, instead of getting posted to the internet. (The B Square is on the distro list.) [BloomDocs.org](https://bloomdocs.org/) is a tool that be used to help limit the damage when the local government doesn’t do its job. The [BloomDocs.org ](https://bloomdocs.org/)repository is just one of the ways The B Square is different from any other local news outlet in the country.
---
**Family Night Out: Aug. 12.** Downtown Bloomington is the place to be for an evening of food, music, art and family activities Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5:30–8 p.m. in front of the Monroe County Public Library. You can buy dinner from Pili’s, Mikki’s Munchies and Planted, then eat together in the street while browsing artist and community booths. Kid Kazooey will perform from 5:30–6:30 p.m., followed by Yolanda D from 7–8 p.m. The Seedlings Flower Truck will create what organizers describe as a “stunning flower installation” in the library courtyard.
**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](https://wl.eventim.us/event/Magnolia-and-Johnson-Electric-Co/693286?afflky=BluebirdNightclub).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/668002/web%5Forders/new).
**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](https://app.opendate.io/confirms/688597/web%5Forders/new).
### Meet Jax!
Up for adoption, as of July 26 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Jax](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87491). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a mix of hound and mountain dog. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Jax](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87491):
> Jax is a friendly young dog who is affectionate and curious!
### Photo Finish: Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue
Someone has taken flowers from the planters and jammed them into the top of one of the pylons that defines the scooter parking corral. (Dave Askins, July 25, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Civic Solver: July 27, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-27-2026/
Last updated: 2026-07-26T22:01:48.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one each week in the [*Almost Daily*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) newsletter.
### Monroe County property transfers through July 22, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-22-2026/
Last updated: 2026-07-26T09:20:49.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 16 to July 22, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
\[If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the map will probably not display. Here’s a link: [dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1VOLLvms9wClntg0qR0E6jCtTxMZwkqY&usp=sharing ).\]
- On July 22, 2026, the property at 4223 N Rosewood DR was sold to SAN THANH LU by BEACON BUILDERS, LLC for $394,125.
- On July 22, 2026, the property at 642 S Walker ST was sold to HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF MONROE COUNTY, INC by SUNDANCE PROPERTIES LLC for $295,000.
- On July 22, 2026, the property at 7663 W Julia DR was sold to WEST CONCRETE , INC by HARMAN FARMS DEVELOPMENT LLC for $81,500.
- On July 21, 2026, the property at 1112 N Woodburn AVE was sold to ROE RENTALS LLC by BLOOMINGTON BUILDERS LLC for $657,630.
- On July 21, 2026, the property at 3735 S Mcdougal ST was sold to KATI MILLSPAUGH by LUCAS D WEEKS for $375,000.
- On July 21, 2026, the property at 3830 E Regents CIR was sold to CARLA NORTH by THE JOHN M COLEMAN REVOCABLE TRUST for $365,000.
- On July 21, 2026, the property at W Wolf Mountain RD was sold to PATRICK THACKER by CHARLES A NANNY for $200,000.
- On July 21, 2026, the property at 901 S Grant ST was sold to CHANDRA MEVIS by MEVIS, KENT L for $0.
- On July 20, 2026, the property at 314 E 7th ST was sold to RYAN LACKEY by BMI PROPERTIES LLC for $975,000.
- On July 20, 2026, the property at 101 E Ridgeview DR was sold to LARRY L WILLIAMS LIVING TRUST by MARA FRANCES RUSSO (FKA MARA FRANCES WILBUR) for $110,000.
- On July 20, 2026, the property at 101 E Smithville RD was sold to ROBERT J BLAND by NSSX PROPERTIES, LLC for $110,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 3117 E Wyndam CT was sold to KIMBERLY K RYAN by RICHARD L SHOCKLEY, JR. for $819,500.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 4642 N Calumet CT was sold to JEFFREY WILLIAM ABRAHAM by SHANNON ROBSON for $675,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 3013 S Stratford DR was sold to JONATHAN CRISSMAN by Macdonald, Brandie for $455,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 4566 W Johanna DR was sold to BENJAMIN P GRAY by Pro-Angle Properties LLC for $400,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 834 S Deer RUN was sold to JAMES MICHAEL BOWMAN by Helms, Angie G for $350,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 9405 S Pointe Lasalles DR was sold to STEPHEN LEPAGE by Robertson, Gilbert R Jr for $330,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 4228 N Rosewood DR was sold to MICHAEL DEMPSEY by Beacon Builders, LLC for $304,810.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 5717 W Stoneview WAY was sold to RNR REALTY SOLUTIONS LLC by ESTATE OF BETH ANN BENNETT for $153,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 9316 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to JOSEPHINE MCCLURE by GIA REAL ESTATE LLC for $128,500.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 3449 S Knightridge RD was sold to TIMOTHY G VASH by THE RIDGE REVOCABLE TRUST for $110,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 6183 S Fairfax RD was sold to WHIPPOORWILL HOLDINGS LLC by ESTATE OF DEBRA A WILDONER for $90,000.
- On July 17, 2026, the property at 1722 S Springhouse DR was sold to INDIANA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC by Lamber, Julia C for $0.
- On July 16, 2026, the property at 3622 W Profile Parkway was sold to BLOOMINGTON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION by BB Profile LLC for $3,600,000.
- On July 16, 2026, the property at 603 N Dunn ST was sold to NORTH COLLEGE PARTNERS LLC by BMI Properties LLC for $1,100,000.
- On July 16, 2026, the property at 717 S Henderson ST was sold to SALINAS FAMILY TRUST by North College Partners LLC for $745,000.
- On July 16, 2026, the property at 3434 S Ashwood DR was sold to JAMES LISOWSKI by Williams, Patricia Jo Revocable Trust for $530,000.
- On July 16, 2026, the property at 3310 S Odell DR APT 1 was sold to BLOOMINGTON COLLECTION HAZEL BRIAR, LLC by HAZEL BRAIR COURT APARTMENTS LLC for $0.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 9483 W Fenceline RD was sold to JUSTIN HAYES by DANIEL S SESSIONS for $722,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 2413 E Rechter RD was sold to BRIAN SEAVEY by LEE H HAMILTON IRREVOCABLE TRUST for $699,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 4676 N Triple Crown DR was sold to KAVYA SHANKAR by JUAN C VALERY, SR. for $595,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 327 N Roosevelt ST was sold to MX LLC by Waters Living Trust for $405,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 5820 E Robinson RD was sold to BETHANY HAUGHTON-ENDICOTT by Martin, Charity for $395,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 339 S Euclid AVE was sold to LISA LOGEL COMFORTY by ROSKA, MARY BETH for $350,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 3517 S Dunstan DR was sold to KOREY R OLDS by JULIE JOY for $335,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 5534 N Andrea DR was sold to KURT PANGBORN by Vollmann, Martha J for $325,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 1403 W 6th ST was sold to CEFERINO GIL by Palmer Avenue Properties LLC for $157,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 905 W 3rd ST was sold to JESSICA MCKINNEY by JOY MCMAHON for $155,000.
- On July 14, 2026, the property at 7667 N John Young RD was sold to ERICA L KNUTH by THE MARION A PRUDEN AND MARANEL PRUDEN IRREVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $645,000.
- On July 14, 2026, the property at 1760 S Garrison Chapel RD was sold to DAWSON BRODY MCGLOTHIN by Guy, Ronald Jr for $370,000.
- On July 14, 2026, the property at 1554 W Meeting House LN was sold to RYAN HERRINGTON by TYLER G DUGAN for $335,000.
- On July 14, 2026, the property at 4017 E Providence CT was sold to AYLA ALCHIN by ANN LAURA MCCRAINE for $329,900.
- On July 14, 2026, the property at N John Young RD was sold to ERICA KNUTH by THE MARION A PRUDEN AND MARANEL PRUDEN IRREVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $195,000.
- On July 13, 2026, the property at 3702 W 3rd ST was sold to STAN W 3RD LLC by Fenneman & Brown Properties LLC for $3,273,590.
- On July 13, 2026, the property at 1662 E Michelle CT was sold to DANE ERIC FOX by JASON P BEARD for $849,900.
- On July 13, 2026, the property at 4070 W Estate CT was sold to JASON BARNES by KARL R BOEHM REVOCABLE TRUST for $589,000.
- On July 13, 2026, the property at 400 S Sale ST was sold to JAKE FLORA by FAITH N BRASEL for $249,900.
- On July 13, 2026, the property at 9531 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to CARPHOMES, LLC by SHAKE & BAKE LLC for $204,900.
- On July 13, 2026, the property at 9531 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to SHAKE &BAEK LLC by CYNTHIA L PEMBERTON for $175,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 1568 S Andrew CIR was sold to GRACIELA M RABRI-STACK by DANE ERIC FOX for $762,500.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 5484 W Hoge DR was sold to NIKKI HARDEN by SHAWN M WOODBURY for $455,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 639 E Audubon DR was sold to GRANT CHRISTIAN TAGGART PARKER by MATTHEW K JONES for $313,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 7229 S Zikes RD was sold to SHEYLOR SKELTON by ADAM F WOOD for $262,500.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 205 S Bryan AVE was sold to NATHAN SCHRODER by DOWNING, BILLY J for $480,000.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 4338 W Angels WAY was sold to ROGER M MCNEAL by JOHNSTON, BRUCE for $80,000.
- On June 16, 2026, the property at 1412 N David Baker AVE was sold to 1412 DAVID BAKER LLC by BETA LOTA HOLDING CORP. for $0.
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-71/
Last updated: 2026-07-26T09:14:19.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #72 (July 26, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-kirkwood-avenue-5/
Last updated: 2026-07-27T07:55:02.000Z
Someone has taken flowers from the planters and jammed them into the top of one of the pylons that defines the scooter parking corral. (Dave Askins, July 25, 2026)
### Maple Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/maple-street-kirkwood-avenue/
Last updated: 2026-07-25T18:57:11.000Z
Standard “Beware” sign in window, with a twist: “of Attack Rabbit.” (Dave Askins, July 25, 2026)
### Judge caps Bloomington’s annexation legal-fee payment at $37,500
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/judge-caps-bloomingtons-annexation-legal-fee-payment-at-37-500/
Last updated: 2026-07-25T11:09:41.000Z
Photo by [Sasun Bughdaryan](https://unsplash.com/@sasun1990?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit)
A special judge for the Monroe County circuit court has ordered Bloomington to pay $37,500 in attorney fees to lawyers for the county residents who defeated the city’s proposed annexation of Areas 1A and 1B. That meant the judge rejected their request for nearly $200,000.
Together, Areas 1A and 1B encompass 4,987 acres west and southwest of Bloomington and had an estimated combined population of 8,553 when the city restarted the annexation process in 2021.
The [seven-page ruling](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-24-53C06-2203-PL-000509-Order-on-Annexation-fees.pdf) was issued Friday (July 24) by special judge Nathan Nikirk. It resolves the last remaining issue in the lawsuit and constitutes a final judgment. Bloomington was ordered to pay the $37,500 directly to Bunger & Robertson, the law firm representing the remonstrators.
The $37,500 comes from an explicit cap that is included in Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-4-3-11.6 ). In the same law there is no cap on the amount that a municipality can spend on outside legal counsel to pursue annexation.
Since 2016, the city of Bloomington has [spent at least $2.18 million](https://bloomington.spending.socrata.com/#!/year/All%20Years/explore/0-/priority?x-return-url=https:%2F%2Fbloomington.finance.socrata.com%2F%23!%2Fdashboard&x-return-description=Return%20to%20Open%20Finance) on outside legal services for annexation-related matters, which was paid to one law firm, Bose & McKinney. That doesn’t include any estimates for the city legal department’s staff time.
Nikirk [heard oral arguments](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-argues-37-500-cap-on-legal-fees-in-annexation-loss-remonstrators-seek-200k/) on the attorney-fee question a month and a half ago, on June 5\. At that hearing, attorneys for Bloomington argued that state law imposes a single $37,500 limit, while attorney William Beggs, representing the remonstrators, asked for $199,441.98 in unpaid fees and litigation expenses.
Nikirk sided with Bloomington’s interpretation of state law. The law says that when a court prevents an annexation after a remonstrance hearing, the municipality must reimburse the remonstrators for reasonable attorney fees, litigation expenses and appeal costs “not to exceed” $37,500.
“‘Not to exceed’ is unambiguous,” Nikirk wrote. He concluded that the Indiana General Assembly had made a policy choice to limit a municipality’s liability. He wrote that that courts are required to strictly construe laws authorizing attorney-fee awards.
The remonstrators had proposed several ways of interpreting the law to allow a larger award. They argued that the court could award up to $37,500 for each remonstrator, for each of the two annexation territories or for each attorney involved in the case.
Nikirk rejected all of those theories. The statute refers collectively to “the remonstrators,” he wrote, and the challenges to Areas 1A and 1B were brought in one lawsuit and decided through a single remonstrance hearing.
“No reading of the statute supports multiple caps” based on the number of remonstrators, attorneys, parcels, trial days or hearings, Nikirk wrote.
The figures presented to the court showed that Bunger & Robertson had billed, or expected to bill, $377,292.33 for its work on the case. Of that amount, $177,850.35 had already been paid, with nearly all of the money coming from County Residents Against Annexation, Inc. (CRAA). The nonprofit organization coordinated opposition to the annexation and paid the bills with donated money.
The original September 2024 fee petition from remonstrators requested $274,911.83\. They amended the request on June 4, the day before oral arguments, reducing it to $199,441.98\. That represented fees and expenses that had not been paid and that the remonstrators said were incurred after Oct. 27, 2023.
Bloomington did not dispute the reasonableness of the hourly rates, the number of hours that the attorneys worked or the total amount billed. The dispute instead centered on the statutory limit and on who had incurred or paid the expenses.
Nikirk also rejected an argument that the court could reimburse the legal fees CRAA had already paid. CRAA does not own land within Areas 1A or 1B and did not sign a remonstrance petition, so it is not itself a remonstrator eligible for an award under the statute, the judge concluded.
The law firm’s engagement agreement was with CRAA, not with the individual landowners who were parties to the case. Nikirk wrote that none of those landowners had a contractual obligation to pay the firm’s fees. Bunger & Robertson also told the court during the June 5 hearing that it would not pursue the petitioners for any amount the court did not order Bloomington to reimburse.
“Any unpaid balance of fees following the Court’s award is a function of the plain language” of the law and the legislature’s decision to impose the cap, Nikirk wrote.
The fee dispute grew out of Bloomington’s unsuccessful effort to annex Areas 1A and 1B, two territories west and southwest of the city.
---
Bloomington’s [broader annexation effort](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FAnnexation) dates to 2017, when the administration of then-mayor John Hamilton proposed adding more than 9,000 acres and roughly 14,000 residents to the city. The process was interrupted by a state law aimed specifically at Bloomington, but the Indiana Supreme Court struck down that law in December 2020 as unconstitutional special legislation.
Hamilton restarted the annexation process in 2021\. On Sept. 23 of that year, the Bloomington city council approved the annexation of seven territories on a series of 6–3 votes.
Property owners then had an opportunity to remonstrate (that is, formally object) by signing petitions against annexation. Certified results issued by the Monroe County auditor in February 2022 showed enough signatures to stop annexation outright in five territories. Areas 1A and 1B had enough signatures for remonstrators to ask for judicial review but not enough for an automatic stop.
The remonstrators filed their lawsuit on March 16, 2022\. After a weeklong bench trial that concluded in May 2024, Nikirk ruled on Aug. 7, 2024, that the two annexations could not proceed. He found that Bloomington had not met the statutory requirements for annexation and that annexation was not in the best interests of the affected landowners.
Bloomington appealed, but the Indiana Court of Appeals upheld Nikirk’s decision on Sept. 24, 2025\. The Indiana Supreme Court declined on Feb. 10, 2026, to accept Bloomington’s request for further review, leaving only the attorney-fee question unresolved.
Friday’s ruling closes that case with a judgment of $37,500 against Bloomington.
Even though Friday’s ruling resolves the litigation over Areas 1A and 1B, it does not end [all of Bloomington’s annexation litigation](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FAnnexation). A separate constitutional case remains pending before the Indiana Supreme Court and affects the five other proposed territories—Area 1C, Area 2, Area 3, Area 4, and Area 5.
Bloomington dismissed its constitutional claims involving Areas 1A and 1B and agreed not to rely on that issue in the remonstrance trial that produced Friday’s fee award.
The separate case concerns a 2019 state law that invalidated many older agreements under which property owners had waived their right to oppose annexation in exchange for sewer service. Bloomington argues that retroactively voiding those agreements unconstitutionally impaired its contracts.
The Monroe circuit court and Indiana court of appeals ruled against the city, finding that Bloomington could not invoke the state or federal contract clauses against the state and that the law did not substantially impair the city’s contracts. The Indiana Supreme Court [heard oral arguments](https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-supreme-court-hears-bloomingtons-constitutional-annexation-challenge-over-voided-remonstration-waivers/) on Bloomington’s request to transfer the case on Oct. 30, 2025, but had not ruled as of Friday on whether it would accept the case or leave the court of appeals decision in place.
\[[Bloomington Annexation Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FAnnexation)\]
### 6th Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-26/
Last updated: 2026-07-25T19:17:53.000Z
Some kind of mid-century truck modified for drag racing, looks like. (Dave Askins, July 24, 2026)
### Monroe County justice building closed Monday, July 27 due to ‘plumbing issue’
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-justice-building-closed-monday-july-27-due-to-plumbing-issue/
Last updated: 2026-07-29T08:28:56.000Z
Looking north from 7th Street along College Avenue, staff from Service Master feed hoses from their trucks to clean up the “plumbing issue” around 5 p.m. (Dave Askins, July 24, 2026)
It was around 5:20 p.m. on Friday (July 24) when the text alert went out announcing Monday’s (July 27) closure of the Monroe County justice building at 7th Street and College Avenue.
> Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Monroe County Justice Building will be closed Monday, July 27th, 2026\. This includes Probation, Community Corrections and the Public Defenders Office.
The “unforeseen circumstances” were labeled a “plumbing issue” by Angie Purdie who is administrator for the county commissioners. Purdie told The B Square the issue was on the south side of the building—she was not sure about how many offices were affected. Purdie believed that court administration offices and at least one judge’s office were affected.
\[*Updated 8:08 p.m. July 24, 2026: According to Purdie, the issue stemmed from a “blockage \[of a sewer line\] created by inmates” in the jail, which is located in the top two floors of the building. Purdie said that carpet and drywall are being removed as necessary. The building is getting cleaned, sanitized, and dried, she said. The building might be closed past Monday. Purdie said, “We will assess as we go through the weekend, if additional closures are needed.”*\]
A video from inside the building shows water pouring through the ceiling tiles of offices. Based on various reports from inside the building, the water seems to have come from backed up sewage, as opposed to water from a plumbing leak involving a supply line.
According to chief deputy sheriff Phil Parker, the impact on the jail, which is located on the top two floors of the building, was limited to having the water shut off. Parker said the jail had been notified that water service to the jail would be restored shortly.
At least three yellow Service Master trucks were lined up along College Avenue around 5 p.m. as workers deployed hoses and vacuum lines into the the east side of the justice building.
One woman who arrived at the justice building just before 5 p.m., when The B Square was on site, was there to straighten out a jury summons. She did not think she was eligible to serve, because she is not a U.S. citizen. Having arrived after the 4 p.m. closing time for the building, she was planning to return Monday. She will now be greeted with a sign on the door that says the building is closed.
### Video: Monroe County Justice Building (July 24, 2026)
\[*Note: If you’re reading this from your email inbox, the video might not display correctly or at all.*\]
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Video from inside the justice building provided to The B Square.
### 6th Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-27/
Last updated: 2026-07-30T08:42:30.000Z
A city crew caps one of the planters with concrete. Bloomington’s director of parks and recreation, Tim Street, responded to a question by saying the capping of a handful of the smaller planters for maintenance or condition issues is part of a more comprehensive approach to planter improvements around the courthouse square. Tim Street: “Last fall, we also installed around 20 new trees along Kirkwood and in the downtown corridor in planter locations where we identified there used to be or could be trees. This will have the positive effect of increased shade and cooling in the coming years. (Dave Askins, July 24, 2026)
### Seminary Pointe units boarded up after removal of unauthorized occupants, reports of drug use
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-units-boarded-up-after-removal-of-unauthorized-occupants-reports-of-drug-use/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T11:51:52.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington police officers leave units on the west side of 432 S. College where they told occupants they could not stay. ****Middle:** Workers board up the windows and doors of vacant units in the building. ****Right:** Looking north along College Avenue after boards with “No Trespassing” signs were fastened across doors and windows. (Dave Askins, July 23, 2026)
Early Thursday afternoon (July 23), sheets of plywood bearing “No Trespassing” signs were fastened across the doors and windows of the Seminary Pointe apartment building at 432 S. College Ave.
That’s after Bloomington police responded to complaints that people without leases had broken into the building and were using parts of it for drug use. Most of the residential rental units are vacant, but a few have tenants. Remaining renters in the building reportedly felt the situation was becoming dangerous and were fearful, which led one authorized tenant to leave.
On Thursday, The B Square counted five police officers on site, who went into at least two of the units, on the second floor of the west side of the building, and told the occupants they had to leave. Two people left the units without further incident.
Arriving at the scene were two others who wanted to go inside to retrieve some of their belongings. They were allowed to do that after giving officers their identifying information.
The buildings on the property are slated for demolition, to make way for the development of a host hotel in support of the Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. The material to board up the building and the crew came from the convention center construction project, just to the north of the apartment building.
A housing advocacy group has been working to preserve the buildings at Seminary Pointe with their total of 29-units of very affordable housing and a half dozen commercial spaces. The group released a statement late Thursday: “Bloomington Homes for All is saddened to watch as state violence is used to displace people in need from Seminary Pointe.”
The statement continued, “Every day, the ever increasing cost of housing pushes people out of homes and onto the street. Every day, countless people resort to occupying vacant buildings to survive, risking violence and harassment from the state.”
The statement from Bloomington Homes for All wrapped like this: “That so many people get priced out of housing and end up homeless is precisely the reason that affordable housing is so important. It is this reason that BH4A continues to fight for housing as a genuine human right.”
The collection of buildings appear to have only a handful of authorized occupants left. The B Square spoke to the one remaining tenant in the building next to the one boarded up on Thursday, who counted four or five who remain.
The apartment building that was boarded up is just to the south of Jeff’s Warehouse on College Avenue. To the south is the Seminary Square Kroger and Seminary Park.
On Thursday, Bloomington police officers were joined there by security officers from Marshall Security Inc. and representatives of PMI, the property manager. Talisha Coppock, executive director of the Bloomington Convention Center, was also on site.
It’s the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) that is overseeing the convention center expansion project and the development of a host hotel.
John Whikehart, president of the Monroe County CIB, told the B Square that the increase in activity in the building by occupants without leases had become an increasingly serious problem. Police had recommended boarding up the building, he said.
The real estate in question only recently came under control of the CIB. City and county government transferred the downtown parcels to the CIB this spring as part of the effort to assemble land for a convention center host hotel. The block previously included 29 very low-rent apartments and several commercial tenants.
On May 20, the CIB offered the remaining residential tenants and three commercial tenants [lease extensions through Aug. 31](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-tenants-get-more-time-as-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-moves-ahead/). It shortened the Jeff’s Warehouse lease to no later than Sept. 30 and authorized Whikehart to pursue demolition permits.
The CIB unanimously [selected Dora Hospitality on July 15 ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/)to negotiate an agreement for a 200-room, full-service host hotel on the land south of the convention center. That decision sharply diminished prospects for a proposed land swap that housing advocates hoped would preserve the apartments and commercial spaces on the Seminary Pointe block.
Demolition could begin as early as Oct. 1\. Bloomington’s historic preservation commission cleared a major obstacle June 25 when it [released demolition delays ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/)covering the buildings at 424 S. College Ave. and 222 W. 2nd St.
\[[Bloomington Convention Center Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29)\]
****Left**: A Bloomington police officer carries an occupant‘s belongings down the stairs. ****Right:** A “No Trespassing” sign is attached to the board over the door to a unit. (Dave Askins, July 24, 2026)
### Monroe County commissioners vote to end Flock contract, remove six license plate cameras
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-vote-to-end-flock-contract-remove-six-license-plate-cameras/
Last updated: 2026-07-24T00:26:13.000Z
Image from the [Flock Safety](https://flocksafety.showpad.com/share/qWi7efZNfLwSqtwfQmpgF) press kit
Monroe County commissioners voted 2–0 Thursday to terminate the county government’s relationship with Flock Safety. The commissioners having the company’s six automated license plate reader (LPR) cameras removed.
That means they are choosing to accept a $3,000 removal charge, rather than let the agreement continue through September 2027, when it would expire unless renewed.
Commissioner Julie Thomas made the motion to approve the termination letter dated July 23\. Jody Madeira gave what she called an “enthusiastic second.” Lee Jones was absent from the meeting.
Thursday’s decision ends the agreement the commissioners [approved nearly five years ago](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6-license-plate-recognition-cameras-to-be-placed-at-monroe-county-high-traffic-spots/). That was a $16,500 accord for six Flock cameras to be placed at high-traffic locations around Monroe County.
When the original agreement between Monroe County government was approved in 2021, county officials said the cameras would help the sheriff’s office respond to Amber Alerts and investigate cases involving known license plate numbers. The proposed locations had not yet been selected, but officials were considering Indiana Department of Transportation rights-of-way.
The system was described at the time as one where the county would not routinely receive or maintain a list of every license plate recorded by the cameras. Instead, the sheriff’s office could enter a plate number associated with an Amber Alert or an investigation and receive information about whether the vehicle had passed one of the cameras. Flock said its footage was by default deleted automatically after 30 days.
Thomas said Thursday that the cameras had served some of the public-safety purposes they were designed for. She said they had helped find missing people, investigate crimes and identify people believed to be coming into the county to “do nefarious things.” “It has a role,” Thomas said.
But Thomas said reports about the use and misuse of information in Flock’s nationwide system had changed the balance for her. “The way the data has been abused, and we’ve seen national stories about this, is terrible,” Thomas said.
County attorney Jeff Cockerill said residents had asked commissioners to review the county’s contract. The original agreement, approved in September 2021, had a two-year term and automatically renewed for additional two-year periods, he said. The current term would ordinarily run through September 2027.
Ending the agreement early could require the county to reimburse Flock up to $500 for removing each camera. For six cameras, that works out to $3,000.
“I think it is $3,000 well spent,” Madeira said. Madeira credited residents who had pressed Bloomington officials over the city’s relationship with Flock. She was concerned about the implications of continuing the county’s agreement.
Thomas said Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté supports ending the contract. She said she had discussed the issue with Marté and that he was “fine with terminating it.” The sheriff’s office confirmed to The B Square that Marté had conferred with Thomas and that Marté is in agreement that “terminating the contract was in keeping with the values of most Monroe County residents.”
“We’re not undermining \[the sheriff\],” Thomas said on Thursday morning.
Cockerill said the 2021 agreement requires Flock to remove its cameras within a “reasonable” time but does not establish a specific deadline. Thomas said the county would have to monitor the process. County administrator Angie Purdie said the removal invoice should give the county confirmation that the work had been completed.
Madeira asked whether the county could cover or “hood” the cameras while waiting for Flock to remove them. Thomas said the county should not alter equipment it does not own.
### Bloomington’s Flock camera situation
The action by county commissioners on Thursday comes after months of controversy over the city of Bloomington’s Flock system.
An estimated [700 people gathered outside Bloomington city hall](https://bsquarebulletin.com/protestors-call-for-the-end-of-flock-camera-contract-with-city-bloomington-mayor-says-that-is-one-of-the-options/) on Jan. 30 to demand that the city end its relationship with Flock. Demonstrators linked the cameras to concerns about immigration enforcement, privacy and the collection of information about people’s movements.
Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson said during the protest that cancellation was “one of the options” the city was considering. On April 15, Thomson announced that Bloomington had not renewed an automated license plate reader contract that expired March 5\. The [announcement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-flock-camera-contract-expired-march-5-mayor-reveals-non-renewal-6-weeks-later/) came six weeks after the expiration and one day before a city council deadline for the administration to provide information about the system.
The city said it was transitioning away from Flock while evaluating whether other products could provide investigative benefits with stronger privacy, transparency and oversight provisions.
Bloomington’s inventory included 11 permanently mounted license plate reader cameras, four permanently mounted video cameras and four mobile trailers equipped for license plate reading, video and gunshot detection.
The city said its system captured images of vehicles and plates on public roads but did not use facial recognition or include vehicle-registration information such as names and addresses. Searches were supposed to be connected to active case numbers, and data was generally retained for 30 days unless preserved as evidence.
The April announcement did not immediately make clear when all Flock equipment would stop operating or be removed. An [email](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-15-email-to-city-council-on-Flock-from-Bloomington-mayor-Kerry-Thomson.pdf) from Thomson to city councilmembers indicated that the cameras would continue to be used temporarily at least through the Little 500 weekend in late April.
Responding to a question from The B Square on Thursday, the Bloomington mayor’s office said about the city’s Flock license plate readers (LPRs): “All LPRs have been removed, and the contract with Flock has been canceled, as promised during the mayor’s report to the city council …”
The statement from the mayor’s office added, “Other kinds of security cameras will be replaced, and those contracts will not be renewed … ”
The mid-April report to the city council came after a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-15-Bloomington-Flock-Camera-News-Release.pdf ) announcing the city had allowed at least one of its contracts with Flock to expire. Around the same time, a [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-15-Flock-memo-by-Bloomington-police-chief-Mike-Diekhoff.pdf) from Bloomington chief of police Mike Diekhoff was sent to the city council on the topic of Flock cameras.
In a [June 5 news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-05-Flock-Democratic-Socialists-of-America-working-group-Bloomington-press%5Frelease%5F05jun2026%5Fv4.pdf ), the Solid State Democratic Socialists of America working group called for documented proof that every Flock device had been removed. The group also called for city council approval of future surveillance-technology contracts. From the Solid State DSA news release: “While some Flock ALPR cameras have apparently been removed, Bloomington residents have no way to verify that all cameras have been removed, …”
The contrast in the wording of the statement from the mayor’s office on Thursday, between LPR Flock cameras and “other kinds of surveillance cameras” is part of the concern outlined in the Solid State DSA news release: There are other Flock contracts for devices and services that are not specifically dedicated license plate reader cameras.
At Thursday’s meeting, county commissioner Thomas encouraged Bloomington officials to make sure the city’s remaining Flock equipment is physically removed. “And so I do hope and I encourage the city of Bloomington to proceed with that portion of their contract termination with Flock because there are still cameras out there, and you can find them online,” Thomas said.
Thomas said she would prefer locally controlled technology that could preserve the public-safety benefits of the cameras, including locating vehicles connected to Amber and Silver Alerts.
“It’s hard to say, ‘Well, we don’t want that protection. We don’t want that ability,’ because of the things this company has done,” Thomas said. “So it is unfortunate.”
### Monroe County commissioners re-float Hopewell as possible new jail site, seek city’s quick support
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-re-float-hopewell-as-possible-new-jail-site-seek-citys-quick-support/
Last updated: 2026-07-23T14:32:49.000Z
****Left:** Schematic from a [handout](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-22-handout-Monroe-County-Hopewell-commissioners-jail-site-Bloomington-city-council-meeting.pdf) distributed by county commissioners to the Bloomington city council. ****Right:** Monroe County commissioners Jody Madeira (at the mic) and Julie Thomas address the Bloomington city council. (Dave Askins, July 22, 2026)
Monroe County commissioners Jody Madeira and Julie Thomas asked Bloomington city councilmembers Wednesday (July 22) to consider using a big part of the planned Hopewell neighborhood as the site of a new jail and justice center.
The pitch on Wednesday from county commissioners resuscitated an idea that met strong resistance from councilmembers three years ago. The [handout](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-22-handout-Monroe-County-Hopewell-commissioners-jail-site-Bloomington-city-council-meeting.pdf) commissioners provided on Wednesday showed a footprint for a jail and justice center complex that takes up the area of Hopewell north of 1st Street and west of Rogers Street.
Madeira and Thomas, speaking from the public mic towards the start of the city council’s meeting, said the county’s architects at DLZ have now produced a concept showing that a combined facility could be built at Hopewell. It’s the planned new neighborhood around the former IU Health hospital site near 2nd and Rogers streets.
The new schematic would address one of the principal objections raised when [Hopewell was proposed to the city](https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-on-site-selection-for-new-monroe-county-jail-set-for-aug-29/) as a jail site in 2023\. At that time, Madeira told councilmembers, the county’s concept was limited to a jail, and did not provide enough room to bring courts, the prosecutor, public defender, probation, clerk and other justice functions together on the same site.
“Because the city has expressed an interest in assisting us, we are returning now to repeat our request for consideration,” Thomas told the council. The first part of Thomas’s statement about the city’s expressed interest was an allusion to communications from Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson and the city council over the last few months.
Thomson sent an [email](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-27-email-from-Kerry-Thomson-mayor-county-council-Monroe-County.pdf ) in the early morning hours of May 27 immediately following the county council’s vote against North Park, pledging support for finding an alternative jail site inside city limits. Thomson write: “My commitment is this: We will expedite the administrative side of zoning for any site within the city.”
The city council passed a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-22-city-council-resolution-2026-07-in-support-of-county-council-effort-to-keep-jail-in-city-limits-north-park-Thomson.pdf ) on April 22 that included the statement: “The Common Council will work with the County Council and the County Commissioners to support an expedited zoning and permitting process for the
construction of a new jail within city limits.”
So Thomas’s request on Wednesday night attached a significant condition to the request to put the county jail and justice center at Hopewell: The county would not pursue Hopewell if development of a justice center there would require the ordinary Bloomington plan commission and city council review process. “\[The full review timeline\] would mean an additional minimum of nine months of time that we really do not have,” Thomas said.
At the June 11 meeting of a subcommittee of city and county leaders, who were tasked with recommending a potential jail site inside city limits, mayor Thomson said about the planning review and city council approval process for a rezone: “If the file was absolutely complete when it was submitted … you could get through in four months.” She added, “That’s a lot of ifs, but that is, I would say, that’s the fastest expedited process that I would anticipate.”
But during the subcommittee’s deliberations, Thomson described Hopewell as an unlikely scenario.
On Wednesday, Thomas asked councilmembers to support sending the request to Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC), which the legal owner of the Hopewell property. She also asked that the county be provided with copies of the site’s geotechnical studies.
The county might also consider purchasing the land or swapping it for the county-owned Thomson property off South Rogers Street, Thomas said. But she noted that any land swap would also require approval from the Monroe County council. The Thomson property is not connected to Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson.
Attending the city council’s Wednesday meeting in his role as a rank-and-file Bloomington resident was RDC member Randy Cassady. Asked by The B Square for his own reaction to the proposal from county commissioners to use the RDC-owned Hopewell property as a jail site, Cassady did not seem enthusiastic: “It would have issues in trying to move forward.”
Thomas asked councilmembers to respond to the request about Hopewell as soon as possible, either with questions or an indication that they support moving the Hopewell possibility forward.
Madeira framed the county’s request around the two factors that [commissioners have recently said](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-unveil-jail-site-map-scoring-grid-as-they-make-case-for-north-park/) will guide their jail-site decision: time and space. The legal pressure from a freshly filed lawsuit over conditions at the current jail makes time an important consideration. Madeira said, “Unnecessary delays are not acceptable.”
An acceptable site also needs enough buildable acreage for a jail, outdoor circulation and the eventual co-location of other justice offices, Madeira said.
The remarks from the public mic by Madeira and Thomas came against the backdrop of still unsettled effort at city-county collaboration over the jail project.
### Historical background
The Bloomington city council voted 9–0 on April 22 to [approve a resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-22-city-council-resolution-2026-07-in-support-of-county-council-effort-to-keep-jail-in-city-limits-north-park-Thomson.pdf) opposing the county’s proposed North Park location northwest of Bloomington while promising to work with county officials on an expedited zoning and permitting process for a jail inside city limits.
City and county officials took another step toward collaboration June 11, when the [two councils met jointly](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/) at the historic Monroe County courthouse and established the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee. The panel was given about a month to evaluate properties inside Bloomington and recommend a jail location.
The jail-site subcommittee completed its work on July 13\. It [voted 3–2](https://bsquarebulletin.com/renovation-plus-curry-plan-edges-out-thomson-site-for-jail-panels-recommendation/) to recommend at its top choice the current jail and justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue and expanding west into the county-owned Curry and Fiscus buildings. The county-owned Thomson property was the panel’s unanimous second choice. Hopewell was not among the five scenarios that reached the final round.
The board of commissioners did not appoint a member to the subcommittee. Madeira attended and commented as a member of the public.
Just four days before the subcommittee’s final vote, Thomas had said her [own review ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-unveil-jail-site-map-scoring-grid-as-they-make-case-for-north-park/)still pointed to North Park as the only location that satisfied their requirements for time, space, and eventual co-location. They presented a county GIS map and a comparison grid covering sites examined during the last several years.
Wednesday’s Hopewell request put another possible path on the table: a city-owned location close to downtown and Centerstone. But that’s only if Bloomington officials can offer a path forward that does not involve what county commissioners consider an unacceptable delay.
The Hopewell possibility has a history dating at least to 2023\. At a [work session in August](https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-23-2026-kirkwood-veto-stands-bloomington-transits-new-management-firm-college-square-bids-monroe-county-jail-profile/) that year, councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith called using Hopewell for a jail a “non-starter.” Then-council president Sue Sgambelluri, and current Bloomington RDC member, said the proposal was nearly a non-starter and would require an “enormously powerful argument” to justify setting aside years of work envisioning the property as a housing-oriented neighborhood.
Then-councilmember Susan Sandberg was a bit more receptive at the time, saying the city had an obligation to cooperate with the county to the best of its ability.
Hopewell is a planned 24-acre neighborhood at and around the former IU Health hospital site. The city has continued advancing streets, infrastructure, parks, zoning and housing plans there since the brief 2023 discussions about locating a jail there.
The most recent progress on development of Hopewell was the [approval of a rezone](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-wins-unanimous-ok-from-bloomington-city-council/) for Hopewell South, in early May. The sketch that commissioners distributed on a handout to city councilmembers on Wednesday night shows the jail and justice center sited north of 1st Street and west of Rogers Street.
The urgency cited by the commissioners has increased during July. Commissioners [declared a jail-overcrowding emergency](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/) on July 9 after Sheriff Ruben Marté recommended preparing to move 50 to 100 prisoners to jails in surrounding counties.
A day later, two jail prisoners represented by the ACLU of Indiana filed a [proposed federal class action](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-federal-lawsuit-alleges-unconstitutional-conditions-at-monroe-county-jail/) against the county commissioners, county council and sheriff. The lawsuit alleges persistent overcrowding and deteriorating conditions and seeks a court order requiring constitutional conditions.
---
The city council did not respond on Wednesday to the remarks from county commissioners, even with informal comments. The matter was not listed as an item on the meeting agenda.
For now, the next step requested by Thomas is a quick answer from councilmembers on whether they are willing to help place the proposal in front of the Bloomington redevelopment commission (RDC).
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### July 23, 2026: Kirkwood veto stands; Bloomington Transit’s new management firm; College Square bids; Monroe County jail profile
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-23-2026-kirkwood-veto-stands-bloomington-transits-new-management-firm-college-square-bids-monroe-county-jail-profile/
Last updated: 2026-07-23T10:50:41.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-20-2026/). If you have read the B Square over the last week, it will be a breeze.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** The only thing sunnier today will be your own disposition. Wear a big smile, because it’s not going to rain and it will be clear with a high of just 80F°.
**Friday:** Rinse repeat, but with some clouds, not that it’s going to rain. The high will again be around 80F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### New way to read The B Square: From your inbox
Are you tired of visiting a website to get your news? Are you tired of waiting for a social media outlet to serve you up a link? Would you prefer to receive a copy of *the whole news article in your email inbox, as soon as it is published*? The B Square has you covered—but only if that’s what you want.
If you’re already receiving this regular emailed bulletin in your inbox, you’re almost set. Visit the [big red button](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account) in the upper right corner of the website, log in and manage your email preferences to include My Inbox Now. (There’s no charge for this service.)
### Recent articles
- [Bloomington council falls short of overriding Thomson veto of seasonal Kirkwood closure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-falls-short-of-overriding-thomson-veto-of-seasonal-kirkwood-closure/). Bloomington’s city council fell two votes short of overriding Mayor Kerry Thomson’s veto of a mandatory seasonal Kirkwood Avenue closure. The 4–4 vote left the ordinance defeated after Dave Rollo reversed his earlier support.
- [Bloomington Transit picks new management firm on split vote, ending Connell’s tenure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-picks-new-management-firm-on-split-vote-ending-connells-tenure/). Bloomington Transit’s board has voted 3–2 to replace longtime management firm RATP Dev with Keolis. That ends general manager John Connell’s tenure. He has two months left. The board's action came despite opposition from the mayor’s office.
- [Two hotel-and-apartment proposals submitted for Bloomington’s College Square](https://bsquarebulletin.com/two-hotel-and-apartment-proposals-submitted-for-bloomingtons-college-square/). Two development teams have proposed hotel-and-housing projects for Bloomington’s College Square property. One calls for a roughly 160-room hotel with below-market-rate housing; the other includes a 135-room boutique hotel and about 100 apartments. No purchase prices were disclosed by the RDC Monday.
- [Monroe County jail notebook: Initial look at population profile](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-initial-look-at-population-profile/). Of 247 people held in the Monroe County jail on July 14, 22 had been there more than a year, while the median stay was about 60 days. The B Square has reviewed their upcoming court dates. The sheriff wants to move 50–100 prisoners to jails in other counties.
### Other notes
**Challenges to write-in candidacy for Joe Davis as county clerk.** According to county election supervisor Kylie Farris, two people have filed challenges to the [write-in candidacy](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-ballot-nears-final-shape-davis-files-write-in-bid-trimbles-final-paperwork-pending/) of Joe Davis for county clerk in the Nov. 3 election. They’re based on the so-called “[sore loser law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-8-1-5.5),” which appears to preclude his candidacy. Davis lost the Democratic Party’s primary race for the position of clerk.. The next thing to watch for would be a special meeting of the election board to hear the challenges, or if not that, then an agenda item for the [Aug. 6 regular meeting](https://events.in.gov/event/election-board-2026-2449) of the election board.
### On the calendar
**Public health nurses.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (July 23) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D07%2D23%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for the Monroe County commissioners meeting is an agreement with Amergis for contractual temporary to permanent nurse placements. Background to this move is IU Health’s [cancelation last year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-could-face-public-health-services-gap-as-iu-health-ends-long-time-contract/) of a long-standing contract with the county to provide public health services.
**Hopewell as jail site?** *Not* on the 10 a.m. Thursday (July 23) meeting agenda for the Monroe County commissioners is anything related to the potential site of a new jail. But at Wednesday night’s city council meeting, from the public mic, county commissioners Jody Madeira and Julie Thomas made a pitch for Hopewell West as the site of a new jail. So it’s possible that the topic could get a mention on Thursday. The handout that commissioners gave councilmembers is available on [BloomDocs.org](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-22-handout-Monroe-County-Hopewell-commissioners-jail-site-Bloomington-city-council-meeting.pdf), a repository that has quietly accumulated over 1,500 documents since its launch three years ago.
---
**Family Night Out: Aug. 12.** Downtown Bloomington is the place to be for an evening of food, music, art and family activities Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5:30–8 p.m. in front of the Monroe County Public Library. You can buy dinner from Pili’s, Mikki’s Munchies and Planted, then eat together in the street while browsing artist and community booths. Kid Kazooey will perform from 5:30–6:30 p.m., followed by Yolanda D from 7–8 p.m. The Seedlings Flower Truck will create what organizers describe as a “stunning flower installation” in the library courtyard.
### Meet Athena!
Up for adoption, as of July 22 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Athena](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87384). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is German shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Athena](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87384):
> Athena is an active and friendly young dog who would love a family that is ready to play and explore!
### Photo Finish: Washington Street & 6th Street
Poster in the window of Steve’s Book-o-Rama says “Beach Barbie Bike Party.” Details: July 31, 2026 7 p.m. arrival, 7:30 p.m. departure at Building Trades Park. Link for the QR code: (Dave Askins, July 21, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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### Bloomington council falls short of overriding Thomson veto of seasonal Kirkwood closure
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-falls-short-of-overriding-thomson-veto-of-seasonal-kirkwood-closure/
Last updated: 2026-07-23T04:22:51.000Z
File photo from the B Square by Dave Askins; “VETO” stamp overlay generated by ChatGPT.
Bloomington’s city council failed Wednesday (July 22) to override mayor Kerry Thomson’s veto of an ordinance that would have required five blocks of Kirkwood Avenue to close to motor vehicles for more than seven months each year.
After [voting 5–4 on June 10](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-votes-5-4-to-codify-permanent-seasonal-kirkwood-closure/) to permanently enact a seasonal street closure as a part of city code, the council’s vote on the same ordinance Wednesday night was 4–4\. That fell two votes short of the six required for a veto override under state law.
Voting for the override were: Isak Asare, Courtney Daily, Matt Flaherty and Kate Rosenbarger. Voting to sustain the veto were: Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Dave Rollo, Andy Ruff and Hopi Stosberg. The tally did not add to nine because Sydney Zulich was absent.
The result reflected a changed vote by Rollo, who supported the ordinance when the council originally approved it on June 10\. The other seven councilmembers present on Wednesday voted the same way they had in June.
The failed override leaves the ordinance defeated, meaning the five-block closure from April 1 through Nov. 15 will not be placed in the city’s traffic code.
The vote does not repeal the separate [outdoor-dining ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Ord%5F2025-02-Kirkwood-Outdoor-Dining-Prgram.pdf) the council approved in 2025\. That ordinance remains on the books, even if not a part of city code. It gives the city engineer authority to administer or suspend the outdoor-dining program based on emergencies, participation or other conditions that make it impractical. The Thomson administration could also continue authorizing shorter Kirkwood closures for festivals and other individual events.
Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-4-6-16) requires a two-thirds vote to override a mayoral veto. It also requires the override vote to occur at the council’s first regular or special meeting after the mayor’s 10-day period for acting on the legislation. Because Bloomington has nine councilmembers, an override required six affirmative votes.
The [ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-20-ORD-2026-12-city-council-Kirkwood-Closure.pdf) would have required the five blocks of Kirkwood Avenue between Walnut Street and Indiana Avenue to close to motor vehicles annually through Nov. 15\. Its April 21, 2027, effective date meant the first closure would have begun on that date, with an April 1 starting date in later years.
Rollo, who changed his position, said his original vote had been intended to force a broader discussion about Kirkwood, not to establish an inflexible outcome. On Wednesday, he said the street could become an “amazing space,” but that the council needed to work with the administration, businesses, churches, accessibility advocates and other stakeholders before committing to a long-term seasonal closure.
“I don’t want to just barrel through and say, ‘We’re going to close it, and you figure it out,’” Rollo said. He said he took Thomson at her word that she wanted the council and administration to work together on a long-term vision for Kirkwood. “I’m not going to attempt to override the veto,” Rollo said. “I’m going to actually reverse my vote this evening.”
He said he entered that process expecting the city ultimately to produce a better Kirkwood and remained open to proposals that would maximize pedestrian use of the street.
### Supporters: Doubt prospects for mayoral collaboration
About an hour and 15 minutes ticked by between the motion to adopt the vetoed ordinance and the final roll call.
Rosenbarger made two sets of remarks totaling almost 20 minutes. Flaherty spoke for nearly 10 minutes. Both Flaherty and Rosenbarger participated in the meeting through a remote video connection.
Rosenbarger began by acknowledging that she and Daily already knew they did not have the six votes needed for an override. She nevertheless described the ordinance as one of the most rewarding measures she had worked on, because of the enthusiasm and ideas it had generated from residents.
She cited people with disabilities who said they felt safer on a street without moving vehicles, families who used the space with children and people who had experienced successful pedestrian streets in other cities.
Rosenbarger also described an Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority program called CreatINg Places, which provides matching money for community-funded improvements to public spaces. She said similar projects around Indiana showed that attractive public spaces could be created without relying entirely on city tax dollars.
Her sharper criticism came near the end of the debate, when she said that the central obstacle was not money or accessibility but Thomson’s willingness to work with the council. “The point of this was just to encourage and pressure the mayor to work with this city council,” Rosenbarger said.
She cited previous disputes over the Hopewell planned unit development (PUD) and a council deliberation session on sidewalk snow removal as examples of what she considered the administration’s failure to treat the council as a governing partner. “This ordinance was inspired by a lack of collaboration,” Rosenbarger said.
Rosenbarger said councilmembers could have amended the ordinance later to change the dates, reduce the number of blocks or postpone implementation if planning showed that changes were necessary. Defeating it, she said, eliminated the policy direction that would have required the work to move ahead.
For his part, Flaherty described the proposal not as a street closure but as a conversion of public space from motor-vehicle use to use by pedestrians, wheelchair users, bicyclists, shoppers, diners and others.
Kirkwood’s connection between the courthouse square and Indiana University’s Sample Gates made it the city’s most logical location for such a conversion, he said.
Flaherty said that the ordinance would have established the certainty needed for budgeting, design and accessibility work. Without a firm policy decision, he said, the city would remain caught in a recurring debate over whether the closure would happen at all.
Flaherty also rejected the suggestion that maintaining motor-vehicle access was inherently better for people with disabilities. A properly designed pedestrian zone, he said, could give greater independence to people who do not drive, while Kirkwood is already identified as part of Bloomington’s high-injury network for vulnerable road users.
Flaherty said previous promises of collaboration by Thomson had not produced results. He cited a council resolution involving the city’s UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) and a deliberation session he organized on sidewalk snow removal. Flaherty said Thomson prevented department heads from attending the snow-removal meeting.
“The track record there isn’t very good,” Flaherty said. “Again, I think the mayor has made it very clear that she is opposed to this. So I’m not putting a lot of faith in collaboration to follow. I think it’s up to the city council to lead here.”
Council president Isak Asare also urged his colleagues to assert their role as the legislative branch. The administration’s decision to cancel the 2026 closure after the council had unanimously approved the outdoor-dining program a year earlier, he said, demonstrated why the council needed to establish a clear direction.
“We, too, are elected officials who represent the city of Bloomington,” Asare said. “We, too, receive feedback. We too have a responsibility to our constituents.”
Asare said the ordinance would not have prevented later changes. Instead, it would have given the city a goal toward which planning, design and funding could proceed.
“I’d beg you, colleagues, please join us,” Asare said. “We have a whole year to design this right, to fund this right, to put all of the efforts into making this work. And if not, then we can take it back.”
### Opponents: Cooperation necessary
Stosberg said the exercise of the council’s own authority was the strongest argument for changing her vote. But she ultimately concluded that a successful Kirkwood program would depend on cooperation from the mayor and city departments that did not currently exist.
“Without that buy-in from the administration and city departments, it won’t be successful,” Stosberg said.
She said she was not ready to try to force that cooperation through an override. Stosberg suggested that a future proposal might begin with one block rather than five, allowing the city to demonstrate how a smaller area could be designed and operated successfully.
Ruff said he had initially assumed there was broad community agreement about a seasonal closure, but comments from businesses and residents had caused him to reconsider. He said there was no clear evidence of either overwhelming support or overwhelming opposition.
Ruff also questioned assertions that closing Kirkwood would automatically produce significant sustainability or transportation benefits. A successful project, he said, would require collaboration with an administration that controls the employees and equipment needed to operate the space.
Piedmont-Smith said she had enjoyed pedestrian zones during a recent trip to Germany and would like to see a vibrant pedestrian space on Kirkwood. But the city was facing reduced revenues and would have to weigh Kirkwood against other needs, Piedmont-Smith said.
“We can’t keep adding more programs,” Piedmont-Smith said. “We’re going to struggle to keep up with funding the programs and projects we already have.”
Piedmont-Smith said neither the mayor’s listening session nor a city tabling exercise conducted on Kirkwood provided a scientifically representative measure of public opinion. People attending the mayor’s session might have been more likely to agree with Thomson, she said, while people visiting a car-free Kirkwood were more likely to support the closure.
Piedmont-Smith acknowledged that the Thomson administration had fallen short of collaboration on other issues, including Hopewell. But she said she had spoken with the mayor by telephone Tuesday and believed cooperation remained possible.
“I think that collaboration is possible and should be the route that we pursue,” Piedmont-Smith said.
Daily said she and Rosenbarger had initially agreed after the veto that they would not seek an override. Instead, they planned to pause and continue working through the fall and winter.
But Daily said the sponsors subsequently received substantial encouragement from residents and business owners who wanted them to keep the proposal moving. She said she would therefore vote for the ordinance she had helped develop, even though she did not expect the override to succeed.
Daily also said the city still had money in its current budget that could be used for Kirkwood improvements.
The outcome was consistent with statements made to a [local media outlet](https://www.ipm.org/news/2026-06-24/kirkwood-closure-supporters-wont-pursue-override-after-mayors-veto) soon after Thomson’s veto. Rollo said in late June that he did not plan to support an override, while Daily and Rosenbarger said at the time that they did not intend to pursue one. They instead pointed toward continued discussions among businesses, residents and city officials about a longer-term vision for Kirkwood.
### Historical background
The city council’s action Wednesday came after a years-long and contentious history over whether Kirkwood Avenue should function primarily as a street for motor vehicles or as a pedestrian-oriented public space.
What became the seasonal Kirkwood closure began in June 2020 as a [temporary response to the COVID-19 pandemic](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-looks-to-relax-regulations-on-businesses-to-aid-recovery-from-covid-19-impact/). City officials relaxed regulations governing signs, sidewalks and public rights-of-way and closed portions of Kirkwood on weekends so restaurants could spread tables farther apart and replace some of the indoor seating lost to pandemic occupancy restrictions.
The closures expanded later that year, and the city continued some version of the program in 2021, 2022 and 2023\. The exact blocks, dates and operating rules changed from year to year. Restaurants paid fees to use the public right-of-way, while recurring debates focused on accessibility, lost parking, deliveries, alley access, emergency vehicles and whether the benefits were concentrated among a small number of restaurants.
The street remained open to regular vehicle traffic in 2024 because Kirkwood was needed as an alternate route during a utilities stormwater project affecting Indiana Avenue. Seasonal closures returned in 2025 under a standing [outdoor-dining ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Ord%5F2025-02-Kirkwood-Outdoor-Dining-Prgram.pdf) unanimously approved by the council in January of that year.
That ordinance was intended to replace an annual action with an ongoing program. It said the program would operate unless it was suspended. The right to suspend it was provided in a section giving the city engineer authority to halt all or part of the program in an emergency, because of a lack of participation or because of another condition that made it impractical.
For the 2025 season, the city closed three full blocks, from Indiana Avenue west to Lincoln Street, and the western half of the block between Washington and Walnut streets. The block between Washington and Lincoln remained open. The program ran from early April until November.
The dispute intensified in early 2026, when Thomson’s administration recommended keeping Kirkwood open to vehicles while allowing restaurants to continue operating parklets in parking spaces. Staff cited limited participation, competing demands on city resources, accessibility and safety concerns and mixed evidence about the program’s economic effect.
The administration also estimated that the seasonal closure produced about $80,000 in lost parking revenue while generating about $17,500 in program fees.
Several councilmembers said that the recommendation disregarded the intent of the ordinance they had adopted a year earlier. But on Feb. 12, city engineer Andrew Cibor suspended the closure component for the 2026 season, citing “lack of participation and impracticality (budget).”
The board of public works then [approved a parklet-only plan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-board-of-public-works-kirkwood-open-to-traffic-in-2026-with-parklets-allowed-for-outdoor-dining/) on Feb. 24, leaving Kirkwood open to vehicles except during individual events such as Taste of Bloomington and Pridefest.
Daily and Rosenbarger responded by sponsoring [Ordinance 2026-12](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-20-ORD-2026-12-city-council-Kirkwood-Closure.pdf), which would move the closure requirement into the city’s vehicles-and-traffic code instead of leaving it within an outdoor-dining program administered by the executive branch.
The measure covered every block of Kirkwood between Walnut and Indiana, a larger continuous area than the configuration used in 2025\. It preserved the city engineer’s emergency authority but required council approval if the engineer wanted to restore motor-vehicle traffic for more than 90 days during a closure season.
The council postponed its first scheduled vote on June 3 after Asare and council attorney Larry Allen concluded that the proposal first had to go to the city’s transportation commission. That commission voted 5–1 on June 9 to give the ordinance a positive recommendation, rejecting a staff analysis that found the proposal did not satisfy the applicable city-code criteria.
On June 10, the council [approved the ordinance 5–4](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-votes-5-4-to-codify-permanent-seasonal-kirkwood-closure/) after hours of public comment and council deliberation. Asare, Daily, Flaherty, Rollo and Rosenbarger supported it. Ruff, Stosberg, Piedmont-Smith and Zulich opposed it.
Supporters described codification as the first step toward converting Kirkwood into a better-designed shared space and giving businesses and residents enough certainty to plan and invest. Opponents said the city had not developed the funding, physical improvements or operational plan necessary to make a long closure successful.
Speakers also raised concerns about access for older residents and people with disabilities, parking, deliveries and the possible effects on businesses.
Six days after the council vote, Thomson hosted a [public listening session](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-mayor-hears-split-views-on-kirkwood-as-veto-deadline-looms/) about Kirkwood. She [announced her veto](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-22-Kirkwood-Veto-A-Letter-From-Mayor-Kerry-Thomson%5FKirkwood-Ordinance-2026-12.pdf) on June 22, saying the ordinance had arrived without a plan for implementation, a fiscal-impact analysis, an identified source of funding or the level of public consensus needed for a lasting change to one of the city’s most prominent streets.
Thomson said Bloomington should undertake a broader process addressing accessibility, public safety, deliveries, seating, shade, restrooms, lighting and the costs of operating and maintaining a pedestrian-oriented Kirkwood. Her administration has proposed preparing for a comprehensive Kirkwood corridor study in 2027.
The mayor characterized her veto not as a rejection of a pedestrian-oriented vision, but as an invitation to develop a funded plan with broader participation.
Council supporters of the ordinance continued to question how long that process would take and whether another study would merely postpone action on a street that had already operated without regular vehicle traffic during five of the previous six years.
\[[Kirkwood Closures Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Kirkwood%5FAvenue%5FClosures)\]
### Bloomington Transit picks new management firm on split vote, ending Connell’s tenure
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-picks-new-management-firm-on-split-vote-ending-connells-tenure/
Last updated: 2026-07-22T18:36:13.000Z
Deputy mayor Gretchen Knapp (in right of frame) addresses the Bloomington Transit board. (Dave Askins, July 21, 2026)
Bloomington Transit’s board voted 3–2 Tuesday (July 21) to replace its longtime management company, a decision that will end general manager John Connell’s five-year tenure with the agency at the end of September.
Chair James McLary and board members Don Griffin and Doug Horn voted to negotiate a contract with Keolis instead of renewing an arrangement with RATP Dev. Nancy Obermeyer and Kent McDaniel voted against the change.
Bloomington Transit does not directly hire its general manager. The agency contracts with a private management firm, which supplies the person who fills that position. So choosing Keolis over RATP Dev means replacing Connell, even though the board did not take a separate vote on Connell. Not named at Tuesday’s regular board meeting was the general manager who will be provided by Keolis.
The board’s vote came against the wishes of the mayor’s office, conveyed during Tuesday’s meeting by deputy mayor Gretchen Knapp, who defended RATP Dev and Connell.
The board’s discussion was wide ranging and included: concerns about microtransit; marketing; the ballooning estimated cost of a new transit operations facility; and accusations that employee members of the recommendation committee were “disgruntled.”
Tuesday’s meeting included a dramatic exit by McDaniel, who left the meeting after telling his colleagues, “It’s been a pleasure working with *some* of you.”
RATP Dev’s current contract expires Sept. 30, leaving Connell about two months to oversee a transition. Among his final major duties will be completing Bloomington Transit’s proposed 2027 budget and presenting it to the Bloomington city council in September.
Board members consistently said the vote was about the management firm, not Connell personally. Their discussion included pointed criticism of conditions at Bloomington Transit, the support provided to Connell by RATP Dev, and the performance of some agency initiatives.
Concerns voiced by board members included a slow and confusing microtransit rollout, lagging marketing efforts, and an estimated full-scope cost of about $55 million for a new operations, maintenance and administrative facility. That’s up from the roughly $35 million figure board members said they had previously understood.
### McLary’s report of the recommending committee’s work
The management firm selection committee consisted of McLary, Griffin, BT human resource administrator Brenda Underwood, and controller Christa Browning.
The four-member committee reviewed three proposals, from RATP Dev, Keolis, and Transdev United States. After evaluating the companies with more than one scoring method, the committee unanimously recommended Keolis, according to McLary.
McLary said Transdev submitted the least expensive proposal.
The draft budget for 2027 includes a payment to the management firm around $294,000\. Not all of that amount goes for compensation for the general manager.
McLary said it weighed against Transdev that the firm changed its proposed general manager the day before the interview. McLary also described Transdev’s proposed general management candidate as an “elderly gentleman” who was thought by committee members to be “coming here to retire.”
That meant the serious choice was between RATP Dev and Keolis, McLary said.
McLary credited Connell with advancing Bloomington Transit during the past five years. He recalled that Connell had been competing with an energetic, forward-looking candidate when RATP Dev last won the contract, and said he remained glad the board had selected Connell.
But McLary said BT’s efforts in microtransit and marketing had lagged. The general manager proposed by Keolis had extensive microtransit experience, MClary said. That experience included starting what McLary described as the first such service in the state of Illinois, and managing a $48 million transit facility project.
His concern about BT’s microtransit rollout was not just low ridership. McLary said the board had repeatedly struggled to get a clear account of how many rides BT’s service was providing, because microtransit trips had been combined with other demand-response services in monthly reports. “I have never heard the number,” McLary said.
Later in the meeting, staff directed the board to figures showing [71 microtransit trips](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-21-Bloomington-Transit-July-2026-Board-Packet-OCR.pdf#page=11 ) provided directly by Bloomington Transit in June and [70 overflow trips](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-21-Bloomington-Transit-July-2026-Board-Packet-OCR.pdf#page=15) provided through Uber and Lyft. Thirty-three of the directly provided trips occurred during a free promotional week at the start of June.
McLary said he had spent “many sleepless nights” considering the management decision and had discussed it repeatedly with his wife.
### Committee member comment: Griffin
Don Griffin described the decision as difficult, but said leadership sometimes requires making an unpopular change.
He compared it to leaving a church that had served someone well during one part of life but was no longer the right choice for the future. Bloomington Transit had succeeded under its existing arrangement, he said, but that did not mean the same arrangement was best for its next chapter.
Griffin also criticized RATP Dev’s presentation to the selection committee as complacent. The company came without a PowerPoint presentation, he said, and appeared to act as though it already had the contract. RATP Dev and its predecessor have managed Bloomington Transit since the early 1990s, Griffin said.
Griffin also questioned why one of the representatives the company brought to the interview was a maintenance specialist.
Immediately before the vote, Griffin told Connell that changing firms should not be interpreted as a rejection of his leadership. “I think you have carried us well,” Griffin said. “But I feel like your folks let you down.”
### Doug Horn: RATP Dev deserves criticism
Horn, who was not on the recommendation committee, offered the most pointed critique of RATP Dev’s record.
When Connell took over, Horn said, the board learned that Bloomington Transit had fallen behind the transit industry in several areas. Despite RATP Dev’s access to experts around the world, the local agency was still using a machine to stamp paper transfers and was ridiculed for it by technology professionals, Horn said.
Horn said Connell appeared to have been left largely to his own devices rather than receiving the support Bloomington Transit should have expected from an international management company. If that support existed, Horn said, it had not been visible to the board members responsible for choosing the next firm.
Horn also noted that Bloomington Transit’s strategic plan originated with the board, not RATP Dev. Connell had picked up that work and advanced it “to the best of his ability, with or without” his company’s support, Horn said.
Keolis, by contrast, committed to regular involvement by senior company officials, including monthly and quarterly visits, Horn said.
After roughly 35 years under an incumbent company whose record “leaves us wanting,” Horn said, “we need to make a change.”
### McLary, Griffin: New facility estimate reaches $55 million?
Questions about Bloomington Transit’s proposed new facility surfaced during the budget discussion before the management vote. At the board’s June meeting, the [final approval](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-3-6m-land-buy-for-ops-center-after-getting-idem-comfort-letter/) was given for purchase of the real estate—a $3.6-million property on the corner of Curry Pike and Profile Parkway.
The preliminary 2027 annual budget for BT includes $20 million for the first construction phase of the new facility. Connell said the agency has about $16 million in accumulated federal money intended for the project, although that money cannot be placed into a grant until a required environmental review is completed.
Connell said Bloomington Transit would then seek another $35 million to complete the full project. “So we’re looking at $55 million?” McLary asked. “Yeah,” answered Connell.
McLary and Griffin said that was the first time they had heard the figure. Both said they had understood the project to be estimated at about $35 million.
Connell said $55 million was not a final cost. It represented a version containing essentially every desired feature, including solar panels, water reclamation systems and enough large maintenance bays to accommodate articulated buses.
The project could be scaled back, Connell said. A $35 million version would remain a substantial improvement over the existing facility, while an initial maintenance phase could be built with the roughly $20 million currently expected to be available.
Costs had also risen since planning began about two and a half years ago, Connell said.
### Obermeyer: Support of Connell, RATP Dev
Obermeyer said that Bloomington Transit needs continuity while acquiring property, designing a new facility, and pursuing several significant service initiatives.
Replacing Connell with someone who lacked his depth of local experience would be risky, she said. “You just don’t know what’s going to happen,” Obermeyer said.
Obermeyer acknowledged that some employees might be unhappy and that workplace concerns needed to be addressed. But she said those concerns were separate from whether Bloomington Transit should change its management structure in the middle of major projects.
Putting someone new in charge during a period of “massive changes,” Obermeyer said, would be problematic.
### RATP Dev, deputy mayor weigh in
Steve Spade, an RATP Dev operations director who works with 11 transit systems, defended the company’s record during Tuesday’s meeting.
Bloomington Transit had simultaneously undertaken service improvements, microtransit, technology changes, a new facility and regional service partnerships, Spade said. Few transit agencies successfully manage that many major initiatives at once, he said.
He also pointed to Bloomington Transit’s progress on the strategic plan developed five years ago and its decision to begin another planning process.
During Tuesday’s meeting, on behalf of Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson, deputy mayor Gretchen Knapp delivered a full-throated endorsement of Connell, RATP Dev and Bloomington Transit’s current direction.
She said the administration was proud of Bloomington Transit’s work to expand service and prepare for future growth. City officials had worked closely with Connell, Knapp said, including helping arrange discussions with Indiana University’s senior leadership.
Those conversations had been interrupted by a change in IU personnel, Knapp said. John D’Angelo had replaced longtime vice president for capital planning Tom Morrison and needed time to learn his new position. Discussions involving IU and Bloomington Transit had now resumed, according to Knapp.
The land at Grimes Lane where BT’s current operations center sits, is owned by IU, even though the building is owned by BT. The campus bus service and BT share the maintenance and storage facility there. There’s currently no plan for IU to join BT in its move west of town, or for the building that BT will leave behind.
Knapp said the city is frequently approached by companies promising to improve the services provided by existing contractors. Their proposals often look impressive, but decision-makers must weigh those promises against the disruption caused by changing leadership in a critical public service, she said.
A transition requires rebuilding relationships and trust, Knapp said, while a new manager learns the agency and community. The promised advantages might not materialize, while the costs of changing leadership would be immediate.
Bloomington Transit had acquired its new property, renewed its conversations with IU and built momentum, Knapp said. “Bringing someone new at this point, you’re starting from scratch,” Knapp said.
Even if the transition eventually proved successful, work would be placed on hold while a new manager learned the community, she said.
Knapp said the mayor’s administration values Connell as a partner and believes the board, staff and general manager are doing good work. She pointed to Bloomington Transit’s new advertising and bus branding as visible signs of progress.
“We really encourage you to continue in the direction you’re going,” Knapp said.
Despite the explicit request from the deputy mayor, Griffin and McLary, who are the board’s two mayoral appointees, supplied two of the three votes to replace RATP Dev. Horn, Obermeyer and McDaniel are appointed by the city council.
### McDaniel’s dissent
Kent McDaniel was unambiguous in his support of RATP Dev and Connell. He put it like this: “They’ve got enormous experience. They know what they’re doing here. John’s done an excellent job.” He added, “And if we change course, we’re going to have to start all over again with somebody, and it’s going to slow the whole process.”
He wrapped up his remarks in support by saying, “I’m very, very strongly opposed to doing anything other than rehiring.”
McDaniel questioned why the four-person committee that was making such a consequential recommendation included only two board members and two employees.
McLary said that including three board members, which is a quorum of the board, would have turned the committee’s meetings into official board meetings subject to Indiana’s Open Door Law.
McDaniel then described the two employees on the committee as “disgruntled” and accused them of using the contract process to remove Connell. In the same way, he claimed the staff members had previously sought to remove Connell’s predecessor, Lew May.
Griffin objected to the description of “disgruntled” employees. The alleged dissatisfaction of employees was not reflected in how the proposals from management firms were graded, Griffin said. He also told McDaniel that he was discussing matters raised during a closed executive session that board members had agreed not to disclose publicly.
“You have opened that up,” Griffin said. “That is detrimental to several people.”
McDaniel said he had attended the executive session where the two employees spoke for close to an hour and was convinced that they were piling on Connell after publicly praising his performance.
“Everything’s going smoothly for five years,” McDaniel said. “Everybody’s happy, and they’re talking about what a great job Lew is doing. Now everybody says John’s done a great job, and now there’s a chance to dump him, and they’re piling on.”
McLary said committee members had spoken with other Bloomington Transit employees and had not relied solely on the two staff members serving on the committee.
Griffin told McDaniel that publicly characterizing the employees as “disgruntled” was unfair. “You can’t get away with that,” Griffin said.
McDaniel nevertheless maintained that Bloomington Transit was operating well, that Connell had done an excellent job and that replacing RATP Dev would force the agency to rebuild relationships and slow its projects.
When McClary’s call of the roll reached McDaniel, he asked to vote last. After McLary reserved the final vote for himself as chair, McDaniel said he would deliver his vote “in a little more dramatic fashion.”
He had served on the board for 36 years, McDaniel said, and choosing Keolis was the biggest mistake he had seen during that time. McDaniel’s term expires July 31\. He said he was seriously considering withdrawing his application to the city council for reappointment and that Tuesday might be his final board meeting.
McDaniel voted no. McLary’s vote, immediately following McDaniel’s, broke the 2–2 tie in favor of Keolis.
McDaniel gathered his things and announced that the board could finish its one remaining piece of voting business, approval of the claims docket, without him.
“It’s been a pleasure working with *some* of you,” he said before leaving the room.
### Connell: Promises smooth transition
McLary told Connell that the next couple of months would be difficult.
Connell responded by saying he had been committed to Bloomington Transit’s success during his five years as general manager and had enjoyed working through its challenges.
“I’ve been committed to Bloomington Transit’s success over the past five years. I’ve truly enjoyed everything that we’ve gone through. It’s challenging. … Got a remarkable staff. These things don’t happen because of me. It happens because of the people that are here,” Connel said.
His personal goal after completing the strategic plan had been to make Bloomington Transit one of the country’s best small transit systems. “We were making great progress,” Connell said.
Connell promised to do everything within his ability to ensure a smooth transition. He said there was much he would miss, but wished the employees, board and agency continued success.
Connell then continued with the remainder of his general manager’s report, including plans for employee and community focus groups and an October strategic-planning retreat.
Near the meeting’s end, McLary again thanked Connell. He said Connell had brought Bloomington Transit a long way, although the agency still had a long way to go.
### Washington Street & 6th Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/washington-street-6th-street/
Last updated: 2026-07-23T04:29:25.000Z
Poster in the window of Steve’s Book-o-Rama says “Beach Barbie Bike Party.” Details: July 31, 2026 7 p.m. arrival, 7:30 p.m. departure at Building Trades Park. Link for the QR code: (Dave Askins, July 21, 2026)
### Two hotel-and-apartment proposals submitted for Bloomington’s College Square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/two-hotel-and-apartment-proposals-submitted-for-bloomingtons-college-square/
Last updated: 2026-07-22T17:11:55.000Z
**Left:** The Bloomington RDC meets in the McCloskey Room in city hall. From the far corner clockwise: RDC member Randy Cassady; assistant city attorney Dana Kerr; and RDC members John West, Deborah Myerson, Sam Fleener (non-voting), Sue Sgambelluri, and Laurie McRobbie. Others at the table are city staff. ****Right:** Land shaded with purple was transferred by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB had once targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. The dark yellow areas are historic districts. The 424 S. College and 222 W 2nd St addresses, indicated with placemarks inside the dark purple area, are listed as "contributing" in the city’s 2018 survey. Map by the B Square \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1K67oC7nlVXsrkPog6MKF4-iQCDK0J1I&usp=sharing )\]
The Bloomington RDC meets in the McCloskey Room in city hall. Housing advocates packed the room, but no chance to comment on the College Square proposals was given. (Dave Askins)
Two development teams have submitted competing proposals to buy and redevelop Bloomington’s downtown College Square property, with each envisioning a combination of a hotel and apartments.
One group proposed a roughly 160-room, full-service hotel paired with housing that would include below-market-rate units. That’s a proposal from a four-member team, made up of Concord Hospitality, TWG Development, RATIO Design, and Shiel Sexton.
The other group proposed a 135-room boutique hotel, about 100 market-rate apartments and a landscaped pedestrian passage through the block. That’s a proposal from Dora Hospitality and The Louderback Group.
The submissions for the RDC’s public offering were opened Monday (July 20) at the regular meeting of Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC).
The names involved for both proposals will be familiar. The Dora and Louderback group was [selected last week](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/) as the Monroe County capital improvement board’s (CIB’s) preferred developer for construction of a host hotel on property south of the existing convention center. The added host hotel capacity is part of the plan for the convention center expansion, which is currently well underway.
Concord Hospitality made one of the four other responses to the CIB’s request for proposals, besides Dora/Louderback, to develop a host hotel on property south of the existing convention center. Another point of familiarity comes from the architectural firm that is a part of Concord’s team: RATIO Design now includes Adam Thies, who is a former member of the CIB.
RDC executive director Anna Killion-Hanson started the bid-opening proceedings at 5:16 p.m. during the RDC regular meeting on Monday (July 20). She worked from her laptop computer to open the digital folders, not from physical bid envelopes.
Killion-Hanson said, “We haven’t analyzed these. I don’t have any other details. Those are the summaries.”
No purchase-price figure was announced for either proposal. That left unanswered a key question: Does either offer meet the RDC’s minimum price of $7.59 million?
Killion-Hanson told The B Square after Monday’s meeting that she hopes the details and analysis of the proposals can be presented at the [next regular meeting of the RDC on Aug. 3](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/redevelopment/meetings/2026).
### Concord, TWG team: 160-room hotel and housing
The first proposal came from a four-member team consisting of Concord Hospitality, TWG Development, RATIO Design and Shiel Sexton.
The proposal describes a two-part development strategy, according to the summary that Killion-Hanson read aloud. One component would be a hotel of approximately 160 rooms, with full-service amenities and features intended to meet the needs described in the RDC’s offering document and to support convention center activity.
The other component would be a complementary residential development intended to add activity to the property outside the periods when conventions and other events are taking place.
As Killion-Hanson read the summary, it referred to replacing affordable, below-market-rate housing units. The brief description did not say what existing units would be replaced, how many total apartments would be built, how many, if any, would have income-restricted rents or what income levels would qualify for those units.
The summary also did not include a hotel brand, proposed building heights, parking arrangements, construction schedule, financing structure or purchase price.
The team brings together companies with different specialties. Raleigh, North Carolina-based Concord Hospitality develops, owns and operates hotels, including full-service and upscale properties. Indianapolis-based TWG develops and manages market-rate, affordable and senior housing. RATIO is an Indianapolis-based architecture and urban-design firm, and Shiel Sexton is an Indianapolis commercial construction company.
The summary did not say whether the proposed 160-room hotel was intended to become the convention center’s official host hotel. Under the College Square offering, any proposal that includes the convention center host hotel must separately receive approval from the Monroe County CIB.
### Dora proposal: Boutique hotel, market-rate apartments
The second submission came from Dora Hospitality and The Louderback Group.
Their proposal divides the College Square block into two basic developments. A 135-room “boutique upscale” hotel would be constructed on the southern portion of the property along 3rd Street. An apartment development with about 100 market-rate units would be constructed on the northern part of the property along 4th Street.
A landscaped promenade would run through the interior of the block, connecting the two developments. The promenade would serve as a shared gathering space in the center of the site and draw pedestrians from College Avenue west toward the B-Line Trail, according to the summary.
As with the first proposal, the description read aloud by Killion-Hanson on Monday did not identify a hotel brand, building heights, parking plan, construction schedule, financing terms or proposed purchase price.
Dora Hospitality is a third-generation Indiana company that develops, owns and manages hotels. The Louderback Group is a hotel-development and consulting firm founded by Russell Louderback. Dora says Louderback has been involved in the development of more than 140 hotels, including convention headquarters hotels and mixed-use projects.
The College Square submission is separate from the convention center host-hotel project for which the CIB [selected Dora and Louderback](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/) five days earlier. The CIB’s July 15 decision calls for the team to negotiate an agreement for an approximately 200-room hotel on property south of the convention center. That southern hotel is expected to include a restaurant, rooftop bar, meeting space, parking and other amenities.
Louderback confirmed to The B Square after Monday’s RDC meeting that the intent is to develop both hotels—a host hotel on the property south of the existing convention center, and a boutique hotel north of it. The two hotels would complement each other, Louderback indicated.
### No prices disclosed
The College Square [public offering](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-College-Square-Offering-Sheet-Bloomington-RDC-redevelopment-commission.pdf.) established a minimum purchase price of $7.59 million—the average of two independent appraisals commissioned by the RDC.
Killion-Hanson did not announce a dollar offer from either team. So it not clear from Monday’s bid opening whether both proposals included offers of at least $7.59 million, and whether their financial terms relied partly on other property or incentives.
Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-7-14-22) requires a redevelopment commission to obtain two appraisals before publicly offering real estate. The initial offering price cannot be lower than the average of those appraisals.
The law also says that, for 30 days after written offers are opened, the commission cannot sell the property for less than the amount shown on the offering sheet. After those 30 days, the RDC is allowed to adjust the offering price if it determines that doing so would advance the city’s redevelopment plan.
That provision is not a requirement that the RDC accept one of the proposals within 30 days. It is a 30-day restriction against selling for less than the original offering price.
The same law allows the commission to reject all bids or select the “highest and best” proposal. In determining what constitutes the best proposal, the RDC is allowed to consider the nature and size of the proposed improvements, the developer’s ability to proceed promptly, proposed rents or sale prices and broader effects on the community’s economic and human welfare.
The College Square offering adds criteria including design quality, financial feasibility, developer experience, economic impact, workforce strategy and the proposed uses of the property. Price is one factor, but is not the sole basis for a selection.
State law also requires the submitted offers to be accessible to the public: “All offers received shall be opened at public meetings of the commission, and shall be kept open for public inspection.” The B Square has made a formal records request for copies of the proposals that were opened on Monday. \[*Added July 21, 2026 at 3:15 p.m* [*link to Concord et al proposal*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-21-Condor-RDC-public-offering-bids-Bloomington-College-Square-Proposal.pdf)\] \[*Added July 21, 2026 at 5:14 p.m.* [*link to Dora Hospitality proposal*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-20-RDC-public-offerring-Dora-Hospitality-College-Square-Proposal.pdf)\]
After Killion-Hanson finished reading the summaries, the commission proceeded directly to the next item on its agenda.
Several housing advocates who attended Monday’s meeting expressed disappointment that the RDC did not allow public comment on the two proposals. Some of the RDC members individually spoke with advocates after the meeting.
### Two years of hotel and land negotiations
Monday’s opening came against the backdrop of a two-year effort to pair the Bloomington Convention Center expansion with a full-service host hotel. That effort eventually became entangled with the future of two pieces of downtown real estate: College Square, north of the convention center, and Seminary Pointe, to the south.
Construction is well underway on the roughly 60,000-square-foot convention center expansion, part of an overall project budgeted at about $70.7 million. It is planned for completion around the start of 2027, with renovations to the existing convention facility to follow. The host hotel is being pursued as a separate development.
College Square is the roughly two-acre former Bunger & Robertson property along College Avenue between Third and Fourth streets. The RDC acquired the property in two transactions totaling about $7 million. It includes a vacant office building and surface parking, with the B-Line Trail running along its western edge.
Its proximity to the convention center and courthouse square long made College Square a leading candidate for the host hotel.
In October 2024, the CIB [selected Dora Hospitality](https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-expansion-update-favored-hotelier-named-project-cost-dialed-in-at-71m-bloomington-budget-challenge-rejected/) over two competitors as its preferred hotel developer.
Dora then began negotiating with the RDC on acquiring College Square. But more than a year of talks failed to produce an agreement over the land and the public subsidy Dora said was needed to make the hotel financially feasible.
In February 2026, the CIB [ended that first effort](https://bsquarebulletin.com/no-land-no-deal-cib-ends-current-hotel-effort-when-bloomington-says-south-parcels-will-cost/) after concluding that it did not control the real estate needed for Dora’s alternative proposal south of the convention center.
The CIB then obtained control of city- and county-owned properties south of the convention center, including Seminary Pointe. The county had purchased Seminary Pointe in 2010 with about $3.2 million in innkeeper’s-tax revenue. In CIB [issued a new request](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/) for hotel proposals centered on those southern properties.
Before issuing that RFP, the CIB proposed exchanging Seminary Pointe for College Square. Under that scenario, the CIB would use College Square for the host hotel, while Seminary Pointe could be [transferred to a mission-oriented owner](https://bsquarebulletin.com/advocates-say-financing-plan-for-seminary-pointe-feasible-if-land-swap-deal-happens/) and preserved for affordable housing and commercial uses.
Seminary Pointe includes 29 low-rent apartments and businesses including Friendly Beasts Cidery, My Sister’s Closet, Blue Tip Billiards and Jeff’s Warehouse. Housing advocates proposed eventual ownership by Avalon Community Land Trust, with the property operated under a cooperative model.
The RDC declined the CIB’s request to pause the College Square offering for 30 days while the two bodies negotiated. On April 20, the RDC [approved the public offering](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/) with its $7.59 million minimum and set July 20 as the submission deadline.
The offering sought what the RDC called a “transformative, mixed-use” development. It allowed the commission to consider design, economic impact, financing, developer capacity and proposed uses, rather than automatically choosing the highest monetary offer. Proposals centered on undergraduate student housing, particularly bedroom-by-bedroom rental projects, would not be considered.
Support for a land exchange increased while the offering was open. On June 3, Bloomington’s city council [voted 8–0 to support an exchange](https://bsquarebulletin.com/land-swap-to-save-seminary-pointe-housing-now-backed-by-bloomington-city-council/) even if the two properties were not equal in monetary value, reasoning that preserving affordable housing and community-oriented businesses would provide a public benefit.
At least 60 people [rallied at city hall on July 6](https://bsquarebulletin.com/housing-advocates-rally-at-bloomington-city-hall-as-two-key-public-bodies-trade-blame/) to urge the RDC and CIB to negotiate.
An appraisal obtained by the CIB valued its four Seminary Pointe parcels at $7 million—close to the College Square minimum. Five city councilmembers cited that appraisal in a [July 10 letter ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Letter-to-RDC-from-Bloomington-City-Councilmembers-land-swap-Seminary-Pointe.pdf)urging an exchange.
But the schedules of the CIB and RDC did not align. On July 8, the CIB [heard competing proposals](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-mhg-pitch-host-hotel-plans-for-bloomington-convention-center-land-swap-question-lingers/) from Dora and MHG Hotels for a host hotel of at least 200 rooms on the southern land.
Mayor Kerry Thomson [asked the CIB](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-14-Thomson-email-message-to-Monroe-County-Capital-improvement-board-requesting-delayed-selection-of-hotelier-Seminary-Pointe.pdf) on July 14 to delay its selection for six days, until after the College Square offering closed.
The CIB did not wait. On July 15, it [unanimously selected Dora](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/) to negotiate a definitive agreement for the hotel south of the convention center. CIB members said Dora’s preference for the southern location removed their practical need to acquire College Square through a land exchange.
That left Monday’s RDC meeting as the moment when the commission learned what the market had produced for College Square: Two proposals, both for a hotel-and-housing combination.
\[[Bloomington Convention Center Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29)\]
### 7th Street & Grant Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-grant-street-3/
Last updated: 2026-07-21T15:46:49.000Z
Cars from the 1988 era on the street and tissue paper dangling from the trees for the “Little Five” movie set. (Dave Askins, July 20, 2026)
### Monroe County jail notebook: Initial look at population profile
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-notebook-initial-look-at-population-profile/
Last updated: 2026-07-20T15:30:19.000Z
B Square file photo of the Monroe County jail on the top two floors of the justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue.
Of the 247 inmates who were being held in the Monroe County jail on July 14, 2026, 22 of them had been held there for more than a year.
The median length of time a prisoner had been in jail was about 60 days.
That’s based on a B Square analysis of [records produced](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-14-records-request-population-jail.zip) by Monroe County in response to a formal request made by a Bloomington resident.
Based on data extracted by The B Square from the Monroe County Jail inmate search app on July 10, just 37 (15%) of the 246 were women.
A trend of racial disparity, where Black prisoners are over-represented in the jail compared to their population in Monroe County, has been [long-documented](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2023-04-23-NAACP-jail-disparity-report.pdf ) by the Monroe County branch of the NAACP. The same trend is seen in the July 10 numbers: Black prisoners made up about 21% of the jail population on that day.
The B Square is working to develop a workflow for analyzing the jail population information so that a routine snapshot of information about the prisoner population, beyond the basic population numbers, is available to the public. The B Square hopes eventually to work with Monroe County government to establish a standard records request that can be made and easily be fulfilled about the jail population.
A significant number of prisoners could soon be transported out of the Monroe County facility to other neighboring county jails, to relieve overcrowded conditions. Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté is [looking to move 50–100 prisoners](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/) to other facilities.
That’s why establishing a baseline now for basic demographic information, as well as for the disposition of cases, is important.
Here’s a look at the upcoming proceedings for the 22 prisoners at the Monroe County jail who have been held for more than a year.
### Scheduled proceedings for prisoners held longer than 1 year
- A prisoner booked into the facility on Sept. 12, 2022, on charges that include arson has a jury trial set for Aug. 3, 2026, in front of judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on Oct. 30, 2023, on charges that include failure to appear/contempt and resisting law enforcement has a pretrial conference set for July 29, 2026, in front of judge Valeri Haughton.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on Nov. 4, 2023, on charges that include murder has a jury trial set for Oct. 26, 2026, in front of judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on Jan. 19, 2024, on charges that include murder has a jury trial set for Aug. 17, 2026, in front of judge Valeri Haughton.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on Feb. 7, 2024, on charges that include child exploitation, child solicitation, contributing/delinquency minor, dealing in cocaine or narcotic (level 5), deal/manufacture meth (level 4), possession cocaine (level 6) and sexual misconduct with a minor has a pretrial conference set for Aug. 3, 2026, in front of judge Valeri Haughton.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on March 12, 2024, on charges that include murder and robbery has a jury trial set for July 20, 2026, in front of judge Valeri Haughton.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on April 20, 2024, on charges that include murder, aggravated battery, burglary, and gun possession by serious violent felon has a pretrial conference set for July 20, 2026, in front of judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on July 27, 2024, on charges that include dealing in cocaine or narcotic level 2, deal/manufacture meth level 2, dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, maintaining a common nuisance and violation of terms placement has a sentencing hearing set for Aug. 5, 2026, in front of judge Valeri Haughton.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on Aug. 8, 2024, on charges that include robbery and resisting law enforcement has a pretrial conference set for July 15, 2026, in front of judge Christine Talley Haseman.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on Aug. 18, 2024, on charges that include murder, battery, burglary, and aggravated battery has a jury trial set for Sept. 21, 2026, in front of judge Christine Talley Haseman.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on Jan. 6, 2025, on charges that include battery, criminal recklessness, operating while intoxicated/endangerment, resisting law enforcement and violation of terms of placement has a pretrial conference set for July 15, 2026, in front of judge Christine Talley Haseman.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on Feb. 7, 2025, on charges that include criminal confinement, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, failure to appear/contempt, gun possession by a serious violent felon, and resisting law enforcement has a pretrial conference set for July 22, 2026, in front of judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on April 14, 2025, on charges that include child exploitation has a sentencing hearing set for Sept. 29, 2026, in front of judge Valeri Haughton.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on April 29, 2025, on charges that include disorderly conduct, fraud, resisting law enforcement, robbery, theft and violation of terms placement has a change-of-plea hearing set for Aug. 11, 2026, in front of judge Christine Talley Haseman.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on May 7, 2025, on charges that include criminal trespass, criminal trespass, failure to appear/contempt, possession/use of legend drug, theft and trafficking with an inmate has a jury trial set for Aug. 24, 2026, in front of judge Christine Talley Haseman.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on June 26, 2025, on charges that include dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, failure to appear/contempt and resisting law enforcement has a jury trial set for Aug. 24, 2026, in front of judge Christine Talley Haseman.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on June 27, 2025, on charges that include burglary, probation violation and theft has a change-of-plea hearing set for Sept. 9, 2026, in front of judge Christine Talley Haseman.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on July 3, 2025, on charges that include bond revocation, domestic battery and residential entry has a change-of-plea hearing set for July 6, 2026, in front of judge Valeri Haughton.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on July 3, 2025, on charges that include rape, battery, criminal confinement and failure to appear/contempt has a jury trial set for Oct. 12, 2026, in front of judge Valeri Haughton.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on July 9, 2025, on charges that include murder and aggravated battery has a jury trial set for Oct. 5, 2026, in front of judge Darcie L. Fawcett.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on July 9, 2025, on charges that include child exploitation and child molesting has a jury trial set for Sept. 14, 2026, in front of judge Valeri Haughton.
- A prisoner booked into the facility on July 11, 2025, on charges that include rape has a sentencing hearing set for Sept. 3, 2026, in front of judge Valeri Haughton.
### Monroe County Jail Population Tables, Charts
Monroe County Jail Population
July 10, 2026
Gender
Count
Female
37
Male
209
Total
246
Monroe County Jail Population
July 10, 2026
Race
Count
Asian
1
Black
51
Unknown
2
Latino
5
White
187
Total
246
### 7th Street & Grant Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-grant-street-2/
Last updated: 2026-07-20T14:07:42.000Z
Banners that read “World’s Greatest College Weekend” and “Go Big Red” are draped on houses along the block as part of the movie set for “Little Five,” which is filming around town in the next few weeks. (Dave Askins, July 20, 2026)
Banners that read “World’s Greatest College Weekend” and “Go Big Red” are draped on houses along the block as part of the movie set for “Little Five,” which is filming around town in the next few weeks. (Dave Askins, July 20, 2026)
Electrical gear for a movie is staged along Lincoln Street. The guy with the movie was blocked in for a while as Bloomington Fire Department responded to a structure fire across from the First Presbyterian church. The movie is “Little Five,” which is filming around town in the next few weeks. (Dave Askins, July 20, 2026)
Lighting for a movie is staged along Lincoln Street. The guy with the movie was blocked in for a while as Bloomington Fire Department responded to a structure fire across from the First Presbyterian church. The movie is “Little Five,” which is filming around town in the next few weeks. (Dave Askins, July 20, 2026)
Electrical gear for a movie is staged along Grant Street. The movie is “Little Five,” which is filming around town in the next few weeks. (Dave Askins, July 20, 2026)
### 7th Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-walnut-street-2/
Last updated: 2026-07-20T11:33:16.000Z
Sunrise through the haze from wildfire smoke from on top of the parking garage. (Dave Askins, July 20, 2026)
### July 19, 2026: Scooter ridership drop; words in artwork; jail-overcrowding resolution
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-19-2026-scooter-ridership-drop-words-in-artwork-jail-overcrowding-resolution/
Last updated: 2026-07-20T09:57:41.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-20-2026/). If you have read the B Square over the last week, it will be a breeze.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** *An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the National Weather Service for Monday.* Stay indoors if you’re a child or a teenager, an older adult, have asthma or heart disease, or are pregnant. Even if you’re not in a sensitive group, slow down. Visibility could be reduced due to smog and fog early. The day will be mostly sunny, with a high near 89F°.
**Tuesday:** Be ready to get rained on, however you prefer to do that on hot days. There’s a better than 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms for most of the day. The high will be around 90F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### New way to read The B Square: From your inbox
Are you tired of visiting a website to get your news? Are you tired of waiting for a social media outlet to serve you up a link? Would you prefer to receive a copy of *the whole news article in your email inbox, as soon as it is published*? The B Square has you covered—but only if that’s what you want.
If you’re already receiving this regular emailed bulletin in your inbox, you’re almost set. Visit the [big red button](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/account) in the upper right corner of the website, log in and manage your email preferences to include My Inbox Now. (There’s no charge for this service.)
****Left:** This is what you’ll see after you click the Account button in the upper right hand corner of the website. Click Manage on the Emails line. ****Middle:** This is what you’ll see after you click Manage. If you want to receive published articles in your email inbox as soon as they are published, click on My Inbox Now. ****Right:** This is what you’ll see if you click on My Inbox now.
### Recent articles
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-70/). What kind of fish is Fish?! Find out in today’s episode!
- [Monroe County property transfers through July 15, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-15-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 5 to July 15, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Bloomington electric scooter ridership drops 82%, city prepares new licensing round](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-electric-scooter-ridership-drops-82-city-prepares-new-licensing-round/). Bloomington scooter ridership fell 82% from 2019 to 2025, and the first half of 2026 saw an continued declining trend. Even so, the city plans to seek operators for another year and could revisit its $30,000 annual license fee and 30-cent charge for each trip
- [A time capsule in steel words: The story of (C)olumn](https://bsquarebulletin.com/a-time-capsule-in-steel-words-the-story-of-c-olumn/). Installed in 2015 at 2nd and Walnut streets, Bloomington’s (C)olumn sculpture turns nearly 300 community-supplied words into a steel civic time capsule. Co-designer Jon Racek says it captures the city’s joys, frustrations and identity around 2014.
- [Jail-capacity figure struck from overcrowding resolution by Monroe County commissioners](https://bsquarebulletin.com/jail-capacity-figure-struck-from-resolution-by-monroe-county-commissioners/). Monroe County commissioners ratified a resolution declaring a jail-overcrowding emergency after removing the sheriff’s 186-bed functional-capacity figure. They accepted Clark Johnson & Knight’s representation letter to defend them and sheriff Ruben Marté in the new jail-conditions lawsuit.
### Other notes
**Challenge to candidates?** So far, I don’t think there has been a challenge to the [write-in candidacy](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-ballot-nears-final-shape-davis-files-write-in-bid-trimbles-final-paperwork-pending/) of Joe Davis for county clerk in the Nov. 3 election. A challenge could could probably be made, light of Indiana’s so-called “sore loser law,” which appears to preclude his candidacy. Davis lost the Democratic Party’s primary race. As I understand it, it’s not up to the county election board to initiate enforcement of the law. Rather someone has to file an official challenge, on the official [CAN-1 form](https://forms.in.gov/download.aspx?id=9438).
**Sharepoint for county government now accessible!** The Microsoft Sharepoint for Monroe County government has now been configured so that .pdf files uploaded there are searchable and copy-pasteable. This basic functionality would have been nice to have from the start, but it’s also worth noting that we’re now up to snuff.
### On the calendar
**Bid opening for College Square.** On the 5 p.m. Monday (July 20) [meeting agenda](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ptX1ZyfUZlK9REvDMTWmRlF9-0tffWSk/edit) for the Bloomington redevelopment commission (RDC) is the bid opening for College Square. For B Square background, see: [Bloomington RDC signs off on public offering for College Square, declines 30‑day pause for land‑swap talks](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/). For more recent coverage, see: [CIB selects Dora for Bloomington Convention Center hotel, declines delay for potential land-swap](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/)
For a detailed history, see the [Bloomington Convention Center Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29).
**Transit budget.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (July 21) agenda](https://docs.google.com/document/d/11HFcVR01LJ8umMId1%5F3%5FChlnqSDVEq1F1OLXdMdJOgg/edit?tab=t.0) for the Bloomington Transit board meeting is a first look at the proposed 2027 budget for BT.
**Kirkwood closure: Veto override?** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (July 22) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17133/download) for the Bloomington city council is the ordinance [vetoed by Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-mayor-vetoes-carless-kirkwood-council-could-try-override-on-july-22/) that would permanently close Kirkwood Avenue to car traffic for more than seven months every year. Despite whatever statements councilmembers might have made to the press after the mayor’s veto, the council can still act in whatever way it wants on Wednesday night.
One possibility is that the ordinance doesn’t even get a vote on its merits. That’s because the council has an extra step in its regular procedure that requires every resolution and ordinance to get a vote on its reading, before the item is in front of the council. The staff memo on the topic possibly foreshadows the outcome of that vote on the reading (introduction): “Failure to obtain the necessary votes to introduce the legislation also results in its defeat.”
Remember that 2027 is a municipal election year. If you’d like to run for city council, now is not too early to start thinking about it.
---
### Meet Pepper!
Up for adoption, as of July 19 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Pepper](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86952). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a Labrador retriever. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Pepper](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86952):
> Pepper is a very boisterous and active dog who is enthusiastic about all life has to offer!
### Photo Finish: Grant Street & Kirkwood Avenue
Kiosk outside of Monroe County Public Library on an 88F° day. (Get close enough and you can smell all of that sticky, clear tape baking in the sun!) (Susan Brackney, July 18, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-walnut-street-12/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T23:09:40.000Z
A crowd seated on a closed Kirkwood Avenue in front of Uptown Cafe watches the FIFA World Cup finals on a big screen. The match was won by Spain over Argentina: 1–0\. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
A crowd seated on a closed Kirkwood Avenue in front of Uptown Cafe watches the FIFA World Cup finals on a big screen. The match was won by Spain over Argentina. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
Members of the crowd also had the chance to compete in a juggling competition. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
Members of the crowd also had the chance to compete in a juggling competition. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
Uptown Cafe co-owner Galen Cassady records the scores for the juggling competition. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
A crowd seated on a closed Kirkwood Avenue in front of Uptown Cafe watches the FIFA World Cup finals on a big screen. The match was won by Spain over Argentina. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
****Left:** When Spain finally scored the one goal of the match, everyone said, “It's a boot time.” Right: Uptown Cafe co-owner Galen Cassady goes for a header, even though the ball is out of the frame. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
Bloomington firefighters arrive to check on a fire alarm that went off. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
A crowd seated on a closed Kirkwood Avenue in front of Uptown Cafe watches the FIFA World Cup finals on a big screen. The match was won by Spain over Argentina. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
A crowd seated on a closed Kirkwood Avenue in front of Uptown Cafe watches the FIFA World Cup finals on a big screen. The match was won by Spain over Argentina. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
0:00
/0:18
1×
A crowd seated on a closed Kirkwood Avenue in front of Uptown Cafe watches the FIFA World Cup finals on a big screen. The match was won by Spain over Argentina. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
### Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-kirkwood-avenue-4/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T18:19:02.000Z
The street is all set for Uptown Cafe's watch party for the World Cup finals between Spain and Argentina, which starts at 3 p.m. That's Michael Cassady, Uptown co-owner seated in the left of the frame. (Dave Askins, July 19, 2026)
### Civic Solver: July 20, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-20-2026/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T15:17:06.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one each week in the [*Almost Daily*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) newsletter.
### Grant Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/grant-street-kirkwood-avenue-3/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T12:07:13.000Z
Kiosk outside of Monroe County Public Library on an 88F° day. (Get close enough and you can smell all of that sticky, clear tape baking in the sun!) (Susan Brackney, July 18, 2026)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-70/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T11:44:58.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #71 (July 19, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through July 15, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-15-2026/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T11:43:48.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 5 to July 15, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 1261 W Olivia CT was sold to SARA F DIETRICH by JORDAN J HICKS for $550,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 609 E Harrison CT was sold to KRISTEN A DUGAN by SARA F DIETRICH for $480,000.
- On July 15, 2026, the property at 905 W 3rd ST was sold to JESSICA MCKINNEY by JOY MCMAHON for $155,000.
- On July 13, 2026, the property at 410 E Vernon AVE was sold to STORMY ACRES, LLC by THE TURNER FAMILY TRUST for $450,000.
- On July 13, 2026, the property at 1508 W 11th ST was sold to THE AARON & STACIE WITTENBERG FAMILY TRUST AGREEMENT by SIMRAN BALDWAN for $310,000.
- On July 13, 2026, the property at 708 E Pepperridge DR was sold to AARON PRANGE by THE ESTATE OF STELLA M BRUCE for $280,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 9428 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to WARREN D PATTERSON, JR. by ANDREW D CLARK for $588,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 872 S Romans WAY was sold to MANDY ZELLMER by ABRAM J SCHULTZ for $575,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 2215 E Covenanter DR was sold to JOHN ROMEY by ESTATE OF TRENTON ALLEN JONES for $485,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 2219 E Covenanter DR was sold to JOHN ROMEY by ESTATE OF TRENTON ALLEN JONES for $485,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 7151 W Cavewood CT was sold to JOHN ALBERSON by JEFFREY S TORBENSON for $400,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 5028 W September DR was sold to SHAWN MICHAEL WOODBURY by TRUDY LYNN BASTIN for $399,900.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 1559 W Castle CT was sold to CARA E CLARK by DENTON G SAGERMAN for $360,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 6737 N Bottom RD was sold to CORI HALL by MONTE WHITE for $310,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 1264 W Hedge Apple LN was sold to SEAN PATTERSON by JACOB DANIEL COX for $306,500.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 5889 E State Road 46 was sold to MCKAYLA NEVINS by KAITLIN GARNER for $285,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 4255 N Baugh RD was sold to AMANDA MCINTYRE by ANDREW P GILMORE for $260,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 1250 W Adams Hill CIR UNIT 503 was sold to JOSEPH MCQUEEN by BENJAMIN J HILLAN for $202,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 2099 E Charles WAY was sold to KYLE FRANKLIN by FOX PROPERTY ENTERPRISES, LLC for $170,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 2089 E Charles WAY was sold to CONNER HOENE by FOX PROPERTY ENTERPRISES, LLC for $170,000.
- On July 10, 2026, the property at 2606 E 2nd ST UNIT A was sold to MBS BLOOMINGTON LLC by JOHN TROUERN-TREND for $140,000.
- On July 9, 2026, the property at 2967 N Bankers DR was sold to CINDY JANE CHO by ARGENBRIGHT AND RADICE LIVING TRUST for $670,000.
- On July 9, 2026, the property at 1715 E Wexley RD was sold to SUSAN LEE BLAIR by MARGARET H PRALL for $627,195.
- On July 9, 2026, the property at 1935 S Locust CT was sold to ANITA CHAN by AARON D PRANGE for $548,000.
- On July 9, 2026, the property at 603 W Wylie ST was sold to KAITLIN MARIE MCDANIEL TALLEY by CATHERINE THOMAS RUF for $465,000.
- On July 9, 2026, the property at 4241 W Doyle AVE was sold to GINNY TALIK by MICHAEL WAYNE PURCELL for $275,000.
- On July 9, 2026, the property at 9632 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to EQUIPMENT SALES AND BROKERING LLC by ALAN P BLACKWELL for $150,000.
- On July 8, 2026, the property at 3264 N Ramble RD W was sold to MATTHEW FIELDS by WILLIAM H HEGARTY for $755,000.
- On July 8, 2026, the property at 4186 W Boheny DR was sold to DAVID ADAM HARDY by MICHAEL M HARDING for $530,000.
- On July 8, 2026, the property at 114 N Glenwood AVE E was sold to PAUL J SMEDBERG AND JEANNETTE B SMEDBERG TRUST by THE ROY AND SOPHIA SIEBER REVOCABLE TRUST for $230,000.
- On July 8, 2026, the property at 9205 S Harrodsburg RD was sold to GREGORY LEE SOUTHERN by ETHAN HALCOMB for $210,000.
- On July 7, 2026, the property at 3780 N Upper Birdie Galyan RD was sold to DAVID KRATZER by DAVID SCOTT OWENS for $952,000.
- On July 7, 2026, the property at 3911 E Stonegate CT was sold to ROBERT ANDREW CARRICO by ANDREW R LUKEFAHR for $380,000.
- On July 7, 2026, the property at 2325 E Winding Brook CT was sold to GARY EISENBERG by LILIAN GOLZARRI ARROYO for $165,000.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 6601 N Rhinestone DR was sold to KELSEY LYNN OARD by ESTATE OF JOSEPH LYNN HAWKINS for $420,000.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 804 W Howe ST was sold to KATHERINE ROSENBARGER by MARK JONARD for $269,500.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 2901 S Mcintire DR was sold to THE MICHAEL AND GERMAINE DIAS TRUST by FRC BLOOMINGTON LLC for $1,550,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 3758 S Claybridge DR was sold to YAIR SEGAL by SURESH MARRU for $695,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 5906 S Wallace CT was sold to CHERYL LYNN TAYLOR by Priority Home Investments LLC for $239,900.
- On June 24, 2026, the property at 4314 E Stephens DR was sold to DEANGELO FINCHER by TED AND DOROTHY SALAMY FAMILY TRUST for $230,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 121 S Smith RD was sold to JORDAN ALEXA HAWKINS by TYLER M SMITH for $420,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 322 W Persimmon CT was sold to PAUL HARDEN by MCKENZIE FAMILY TRUST for $325,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 4624 W Harvest LN was sold to MARILYN MCCOY by CAROL S KOONTZ for $320,000.
### Griffy Lake
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/griffy-lake-3/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T23:14:38.000Z
Turtles on a log, some on top of each other. (Dave Askins, July 18, 2026)
### Bloomington electric scooter ridership drops 82%, city prepares new licensing round
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-electric-scooter-ridership-drops-82-city-prepares-new-licensing-round/
Last updated: 2026-08-04T19:53:45.000Z
A Bird staffer deploys part of Bird’s scooter fleet in the corral at the corner of Kirkwood Avenue and Grant Street to start the day. (Dave Askins, July 3, 2026)
Even as rental scooter ridership in Bloomington has fallen dramatically since 2019, the city is preparing to seek operators for another year of deploying shared electric scooters.
The vehicles are deployed in designated parking corrals around town for rental through a smartphone app.
Based on a B Square review of city data, the total number of trips taken on rental scooters from any vendor in Bloomington has gone down by almost 82% from 2019 to 2025\. In 2019, the first year at least partially covered by Bloomington’s [B-Clear Open Data portal](https://data.bloomington.in.gov/dataset/Scooter-Activity-Daily/guch-m6cb/data%5Fpreview), 394,353 trips were made. That number dropped to 71,601 in 2025\.
After the big drop in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, there was a recovery in 2021 that continued an upward trend in 2022\. That year, more than 300,000 trips were taken. But that number fell by more than 77% in the following three years.
The outlook halfway through 2026 looks much worse, with only 11,750 trips completed through June. This is the lowest number of trips recorded from January through June in any year since 2019, when data was not recorded until April and still shows 85,710 trips through June. This year’s first-half total is about half the 21,915 trips taken in 2025.
Looking at the data on a monthly level, in the most recently concluded month of June, riders took 4,037 trips on rental scooters in Bloomington. These figures represent the biggest trip total in any month this year, even as the town has emptied out after the end of the spring semester at Indiana University in May.
The data shows no trips between November 24 and March 18\. That’s because the Bird scooter company, the city’s sole remaining vendor, didn’t put any scooters out on the street until mid-March. April, which was the first full month of Bird operations this year, saw 3,712 trips, followed by a dip in May down to 2,482.
That makes for an overall negative trend.
One big difference in the numbers comes from the fact that Bird, currently Bloomington’s sole provider of rental scooters, shut down services during winter 2025-26, instead of continuing operations like it did in 2024-25.
Shiraz Rosenthal, senior government partnerships manager at Bird, told The B Square: “Because summer and winter represent our lower ridership periods, we’re strategic about the overall fleet in Bloomington during those months. So we’ll reduce our fleet available and we’ll take that time operationally to maintain our fleet, refresh our vehicles so that they’re ready for peak ridership in the fall.”
Data from fall 2026 will help show whether that seasonal pattern continues. So far, fall has consistently been Bloomington’s strongest season for rental scooter use: August, September and October have ranked as the three busiest months every year since 2019, with ridership peaking in September in each of the past seven years.
The clear general trend is that ridership is down. One possible reason behind that may be the fact that availability of the actual scooters has been reduced.
Right now, there is only one provider in a market that between 2020 and 2023 had three competitors: Bird, Lime and VeoRide INC. VeoRide left first in January 2024, followed by Lime in October of the same year.
The numbers show that when VeoRide left the market, Bird and Lime did not increase their combined availability to capture rides by VeoRide customers. In fall 2025, Bird boosted its availability, but that did not match the combined total of Bird and Lime in fall 2024.
The downward trend in total rides isn’t explained just by the diminished number of scooters available. There’s a clear downward trend in the number of rides taken per scooter that is available out on the street for use. In 2019, and 2021 some months showed numbers approaching 4 rides per available scooter. In the last two years, it’s rare in a month for that statistic to get over 2 rides per scooter. That seems to indicate a decline in actual demand for rental electric scooters.
The apparent decline in demand is something Bird wants to change in the future. “I think that there’s definitely a desire to take on more ridership, perhaps ridership that existed before,” said Rosenthal.
“So moving forward, one of our goals is to increase that percentage and get more people riding, riding our service in a subscription-based model that is more affordable and accessible for not just regular IU students, but also local commuters.”
Rosenthal also described some of Bird’s plans for Bloomington in the near future, which may include test rides, vehicle demonstrations, and possibly a larger fleet.
“One of the things that we’ll be doing in this upcoming year is a little bit more engagement as well. We’re hoping to expand the fleet, but we’re also hoping to promote rider safety more often. So we’ll be doing that both on campus at Indiana University Bloomington, as well as in the community,” she said.
One way to attract customers to any service faced with dwindling usage is to offer better prices.
In fact, Bird’s license for 2025 included provisions for discounts for “low-income residents, senior citizens, students with Pell Grants, and employees of pre-approved community-based organizations and nonprofits”.
This discount, called “Community Pricing” provides 50% off all trips for those who qualify, according to Rosenthal.
“It helps increase accessibility for the service. And it’s something we push out to all of our riders,” she said.
---
Jane Kupersmith, who is Bloomington’s economic and sustainable development director, told The B Square she expects to consult with the city’s legal department next Tuesday (July 21) and issue a request for proposals during the first half of August. The city could review its license fees before then, including the annual $30,000 annual amount, and the current 30-cent charge per trip that Bird now pays the city.
Based on last year’s schedule, a recommendation on scooter licensing could be considered for approval by Bloomington’s [board of public works](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/public-works) in early September.
### A time capsule in steel words: The story of (C)olumn
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/a-time-capsule-in-steel-words-the-story-of-c-olumn/
Last updated: 2026-07-17T09:15:40.000Z
(C)olumn sculpture by Jiangmei Wu and Jon Racek at 2nd and Walnut streets in Bloomington. ****Left:** (Photo / Joe Myers) ****Right:** (Dave Askins, July 16, 2026)
The sculpture next to Seminary Park on the corner of 2nd and Walnut streets is hard to ignore. Whether you’re driving or walking by, or waiting for the public bus across the road in front of World Foods Market, you will spot the steel structure that could be mistaken for an enormous wire basket.
Look closer, and the steel mesh is a collection of words that may appear random at first, but is actually attempting to “capture a moment in time” in Bloomington history.
Those were the words of Jon Racek, an Indiana University professor who co-designed the sculpture, named (C)olumn, in collaboration with Jiangmei Wu, who is a colleague at the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design.
The B Square Bulletin caught up with Racek to find out more about how (C)olumn came to be, and now that it’s been around for over a decade, how it has fit into Bloomington’s aesthetic.
“If you know what a word cloud is, that was sort of a concept behind it,” Racek recalled. The artists put up a poll online, and [asked people to contribute words](https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2014/03/25/1115) that described what Bloomington meant to them. They then compiled them to make the design. Like a word cloud, they sized the words based on how frequently they showed up in the online polls.
“We used almost all the words. I think we did edit a little bit for things … We didn’t want to leave out words that were negative,” Racek said. “We did want to leave out words that were obscene,” he added.
Racek and Wu’s [list of words and phrases](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Column-word-list-Jon-Racek-Jiangmei-Wu.csv ) includes almost 300 entries—from obvious local favorites like “B Line,” “Bryan Park,” “MCPL,” and “Buskirk-Chumley”, to some that are descriptive, like “soon over-developed”, “queerdos,” “goofy,” and “non-judgemental.” There are a fair number of IU locations and some local businesses on the list as well, and some words that try to capture the spirit of the town: “generous,” “youthful,” “emerging,” and “different”.
And what do these words reveal? Racek thinks they say more about the town’s feelings about itself around 2014, when the piece was designed, than anything else.
“I think for the most part, it wasn’t an unremarkable time in Bloomington history, but it wasn’t necessarily a remarkable time in Bloomington history. I think it captures maybe more of the long arc of how people feel about Bloomington, both good and bad,” he said.
“I think, though, that a lot of the words have remained relevant. I think if you were to do it now, we would have “Mendoza” probably showing up in the words. Or “champions,” or something like that.”
The sculpture went up in 2015\. According to the [city of Bloomington’s website](https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/parks/seminary-park ), the C in (C)olumn stands for “community, culture, and the actual shape of the artwork when viewed from above”.
Public art tends to develop a life of its own that separate from how it’s intended. Watching people who interact with it daily find different ways to fit the sculpture into their lives, Racek has noticed a few funny things over time.
“There was one day I drove by and someone had stuck about 20 different mittens into the piece. I’ve driven by and someone has stuck loose underwear into the piece,” he said.
Over a decade of wear has given (C)olumn a weathered look now, with the finish on parts of the word cloud falling away to reveal some rust.
“The rust would come based on people, you know, scratching it, trying to pull off the finish. If the finish is undisturbed, then it shouldn’t rust,” Racek said.
According to Racek, the fact that (C)olumn is located at Seminary Park means more people get to interact with it in different ways. “The population that’s living in Seminary Park, they’re probably experiencing it in a much more personal way. … They’re probably touching it,” he said. “I think most people who are not typically in that space are driving past it.”
Racek said, “I’m glad that they chose that location. The homeless population deserves public art just like anyone else.”
Racek thinks Bloomington is a town that’s intentional about its public art, as opposed to other places across Indiana and the rest of the country.
“\[Bloomington\] tries to be very inclusive with who’s doing the public art. And I think it really does contribute to the life of the city. I think it contributes to sort of the aesthetic of the city and it reflects the character of the people who live here,” he said.
“I think maybe that’s something that this piece has done is that it’s verbalizing how people feel about the city, both good and bad, in a way that people might not see otherwise. So it’s sort of this physical representation of the joys and the pains of living here.”
Racek’s public art footprint in Bloomington is about to grow. In 2024, the city selected “Undulate” as the public art installation for Hopewell Commons. Initially slated for installation in summer 2025, site preparation delays have now pushed it back to the end of September this year.
As for (C)olumn, Racek has a suggestion: “I would love to see a plaque that sort of establishes the date so that people understand that this is how people were feeling at that time about their city. Because I think that would add to some of the context of it.” He wrapped up: “It’s sort of like a time capsule in a way.”
### 1st Street & Henderson Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/1st-street-henderson-street/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T23:22:54.000Z
Evening sky affected by poor air quality from Canadian wildfires. The view is northbound on Henderson Street approaching the 1st Street intersection. (Lara Weaver, July 16, 2026)
### Jail-capacity figure struck from overcrowding resolution by Monroe County commissioners
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/jail-capacity-figure-struck-from-resolution-by-monroe-county-commissioners/
Last updated: 2026-07-16T17:17:36.000Z
Monroe County commissioners Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira discuss the ratification of a resolution about a jail overcrowding emergency. Commissioner Lee Jones did not attend the meeting. (Screengrab from the Teams recording of the July 16, 2026 meeting of the county commissioners)
On Thursday morning (July 16), Monroe County commissioners ratified a resolution they had passed at their work session last week [declaring a jail-overcrowding](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/) emergency. But that came only after striking the resolution’s specific population benchmark for functional capacity of the jail.
Also related to the jail, commissioners also approved an [engagement letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-16-Clark-Johnson-Knight-representation-letter-jail-commissioners-sheriff.pdf) that will put the same outside law firm to work to defend both the commissioners and the sheriff, in the [new lawsuit over jail conditions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-federal-lawsuit-alleges-unconstitutional-conditions-at-monroe-county-jail/) that was filed last Friday (July 10).
The amendment of the resolution indicates county commissioners are supporting sheriff Ruben Marté’s emergency plan, without assuming direct responsibility for technical judgments about jail capacity.
The emergency resolution was first approved [on July 9 in a work session](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/), after Marté laid out a plan to prepare for moving 50 to 100 inmates to other county jails. His [16-page report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf ) concluded that while the downtown jail lists 294 beds, only 233 are available for general housing. His report concluded that a realistic “functional capacity” for safe operations is 80% of that, or 186 beds. Against that benchmark, the jail averaged 244 inmates from January through June, with a June average of 260 and a peak of 275\. That’s about 90 people above the sheriff’s functional-capacity figure.
A competing figure for “functional capacity” came from the [lawsuit filed by the ACLU](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-federal-lawsuit-alleges-unconstitutional-conditions-at-monroe-county-jail/) last Friday (July 10).
According to the ACLU’s complaint, the jail opened in 1984 with an original capacity of 128\. But it now contains about 287 permanent beds—253 beds in one- or two-person secure cells and 34 bunk beds in two dormitory blocks. Five segregation cells and two holding cells are not included in the total, because they are not permanent housing.
Applying an 80% operational threshold, which is intended to preserve space for separating prisoners by security classification, sex, medical condition and other needs, the lawsuit calculates the jail’s functional capacity at slightly more than 229\. Between June 2 and July 3, the complaint says, the total population averaged just under 260.
Thursday’s vote brought the July 9 emergency resolution back for formal ratification, because the earlier action was taken during a work session and was not listed on the work session’s agenda. Instead of reciting any specific number, the second point in the resolution now reads “The board acknowledges the sheriff’s office’s determination that the current population of the Monroe County jail exceeds its functional capacity.”
Commissioner Julie Thomas said that the change was intended to make the resolution more general because commissioners are not the experts on bed counts or functional capacity. “We’re not the experts in determining functional capacity, bed counts, all of that. That’s not our business,” she said at Thursday’s meeting.
After the meeting Thomas told The B Square that commissioners now understand the resolution is not a legal prerequisite for Marté to seek support from the board of judges for his plan, even though they initially believed it was a required step. That discovery, Thomas said, gave them more freedom to keep the wording of the resolution more general, instead of tying the commissioner to a specific number that might later be disputed or revised. Thomas said the specific number should not have been included in the resolution.
During Thursday’s meeting, commissioner Jody Madeira described the wording as “largely a technical and rather general vote of confidence in our sheriff.” She added, “It’s scarcely controversial to say the jail is overcrowded.” Madeira also said, “So what we intend to say is that we know the jail is overcrowded. … And we know this is going on to others who will vet it more closely, like the board of judges and the \[county\] council.”
Thomas said after Thursday’s meeting that commissioners do not want the resolution to become a point of dispute over whose count is correct. Madeira added that removing the functional-capacity number also keeps the resolution from becoming outdated.
The July 9 emergency action by commissioners was prompted by Marté’s written report as well as a description during the work session from jail commander Kyle Gibbons, about temperatures reaching 85F° to 90F° degrees, which forced staff to prop open cell doors and deploy fans and ice. At last week’s work session, Thomas stressed that the emergency declaration was not merely about a heat wave, but about chronic overcrowding and the structural condition of the facility, and that the emergency would persist until a replacement jail is built.
The emergency declaration also follows the dismissal of a long-running federal lawsuit filed in 2008 over jail conditions. That dismissal that cleared the way for the [new litigation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-federal-lawsuit-alleges-unconstitutional-conditions-at-monroe-county-jail/) filed last week over current conditions.
That new litigation was the subject of the second jail-related item the commissioners handled Thursday. They approved an [engagement letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-16-Clark-Johnson-Knight-representation-letter-jail-commissioners-sheriff.pdf) and conflict analysis from the law firm Clark Johnson & Knight. The same firm had been approved a week earlier to represent the commissioners in an ACLU lawsuit over jail conditions. The new letter adds the sheriff as a client, analyzes potential conflicts of interests and spells out the firm’s rates.
The letter says the interests of the Monroe County and sheriff in the jail-overcrowding lawsuit appear “generally aligned,” allowing the firm to represent both without a conflict of interest. The firm proposed discounted hourly rates of $225 for partners, senior associates and of-counsel attorneys and $195 for associates, with joint work split evenly between the commissioners and sheriff.
On the question of why outside counsel is being hired, county attorney Jeff Cockerill told commissioners that the legal department has the responsibility of representing the county as a whole. The county’s legal staff have concluded they cannot ethically represent all three key players named in the suit: the commissioners, the sheriff and the county council.
“We represent the entire county, and we have three different members of the county who have been named in this lawsuit,” Cockerill said. “We’re positive we couldn’t ethically represent each party to their satisfaction. He added: “We do not believe that this conflict is a waiveable one.”
The county council, which is the first named defendant in the new litigation, is not covered under the representation letter. That doesn’t mean the council plans to head into the lawsuit without outside legal representation. In late April, the council [approved a $30,000 appropriation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-backs-30k-for-lawyers-questions-new-135m-jail-financing-plan/) for its own legal representation.
Cockerill said the county has contacted its insurance carrier and expects a decision within a week or two on whether the insurer will pay for the outside legal representation. He told commissioners that the insurer had indicated Clark Johnson & Knight is the firm it would recommend and appoint, if coverage is provided.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### July 16, 2026: Host hotel; Scientia tax break; North Dunn subdivision; jail plan; parking rate overhaul
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-16-2026-host-hotel-scientia-tax-break-north-dunn-subdivision-jail-plan-parking-rate-overhaul/
Last updated: 2026-07-16T09:11:24.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-13-2026/). Even if you don’t know every answer, you might find it a more entertaining way to get up to speed on what happened over the last week!
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Slow down. It will be foggy early. Wear something cool that dries fast, because even if you get caught in a late-date thundershower, it’s probably not the kind of thing an umbrella will help with. But take an umbrella anyway, if you like, because it will help ward off the sun. Until about 3 p.m. when the slight chance of thundershowers starts, it will be sunny and hot with a high of around 91F°.
**Friday:** Take rain gear. There will be a chance of thundershowers starting as soon as 10 a.m. increasing to almost certain thundershowers by around 1 p.m. lasting through the rest of the day.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [CIB selects Dora for Bloomington Convention Center hotel, declines delay for potential land-swap](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/). Dora Hospitality won unanimous CIB approval Wednesday to build a 200-room convention center host hotel on the Seminary Pointe block. The CIB declined requests to delay the choice for a potential land swap with the city’s RDC.
- [Monroe County OKs $82K Scientia tax abatement tied to 30 new jobs](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-oks-82k-scientia-tax-abatement-tied-to-30-new-jobs/). Monroe County councilors gave final 7–0 approval to a 10-year, $82,000 real-property tax abatement for defense contractor Scientia LLC, which plans to double its west-side facility and add 30 jobs with $2.3 million in new payroll.
- [Photos: Inside the Bloomington Convention Center expansion](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-inside-the-bloomington-convention-center-expansion/). After last Wednesday’s (July 8) meeting of the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) some board members were taken on a tour of the convention center expansion project. Leading the way was Weddle Bros. construction project manager Andrew Scere. The B Square tagged along.
- [Bloomington plan commission OKs 11-lot North Dunn subdivision](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-oks-11-lot-north-dunn-subdivision/). Bloomington’s plan commission approved an 11-lot North Dunn Street subdivision and three waivers, including one to allow a cul-de-sac. The 7–2 vote came after deliberations about wetlands and future transportation connections.
- [Renovation-plus-Curry plan edges out Thomson site for jail panel’s recommendation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/renovation-plus-curry-plan-edges-out-thomson-site-for-jail-panels-recommendation/). A city-county subcommittee voted 3–2 to make renovation of the current Monroe County justice center, with expansion into the Curry and Fiscus buildings, its top jail-site recommendation. The Thomson property off South Rogers Street was the unanimous second choice.
- [Bloomington’s parking consultant: Raise rates, use plate readers, shift ticket appeals from clerk](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-parking-consultant-raise-rates-use-plate-readers-shift-ticket-appeals-from-clerk/). A consultant’s study recommends a broad overhaul of Bloomington’s downtown parking system, including $1.50-an-hour core rates, doubled garage rates, pay-by-plate kiosks, license-plate-reader enforcement, shorter evening hours, and changes to fines and appeals.
### On the calendar
**Jail emergency, tax abatement.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (July 16) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D07%2D16%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for the Monroe County commissioners are two items that have already seen action. On is the acknowledgment of a jail emergency due to overcrowding. The [resolution on the jail](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/) was passed at the work session held immediately following last week’s regular meeting. On Thursday, the commissioners will be ratifying their action.
A second item involving action already taken, by the county council, relates to the [tax abatement approved for Scientia](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-oks-82k-scientia-tax-abatement-tied-to-30-new-jobs/). Because the real estate in question is inside a TIF (tax increment finance) district, it requires approval by the commissioners.
---
**Roller Derby: Saturday (July 18).** If you enjoyed The B Square’s [photos of the roller derby action](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-skate-the-rainbow-roller-derby-returns-to-bloomington/) at Frank Southern Ice Arena a couple of weeks ago, you can watch more skating action with your own eyeballs this Saturday evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for $12\. It’s billed as a [double header](https://www.facebook.com/events/1525055182358917/?rdid=CrjuimCuaaj51RTF&share%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1EZJ1CGBvz%2F#), with the first bout starting at 5 p.m. between the Bloomington Blockheads going up against the Flat Track Attack. At 7 p.m the Bumblebees (black) take on the Butterflies (white/pastels). It’s the same venue as before: Frank Southern Ice Arena.
**Gillian Welch and David Rawlings: Saturday (July 18)** The Grammy-winning folk duo performs Saturday, July 18, at Switchyard Park as part of the [Granfalloon Concert Series](https://buskirkchumley.org/events/gillian-welch-david-rawlings-granfalloon-concert-series-at-switchyard-park-july-18-2026/). Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult in the general-admission lawn area.
**Carwash fundraiser: Saturday (July 18).** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Kings Island!
Up for adoption, as of July 15 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Kings Island](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87294). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a German shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Kings Island](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87294):
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
Let’s please make Kings Island’s stay at the shelter as short as possible.
### Photo Finish: 6th Street & College Avenue
Flyer recruiting extras for a movie called “Little Five.” The poster says: “Be part of Indiana’s next great sports film!” Here’s the QR code [link](https://gmail.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f9f1ab627d572f2d0c0ddc0&id=9de4f6eb8f). A non-zero percentage of extras in previous films about the Little 500 bicycle race have gone on in life to become [mayor of Bloomington](https://bsquarebulletin.com/column-extra-extra-early-voting-little-500/). (Dave Askins, July 13, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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### CIB selects Dora for Bloomington Convention Center hotel, declines delay for potential land-swap
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-selects-dora-for-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-declines-delay-for-potential-land-swap/
Last updated: 2026-07-15T23:15:54.000Z
****Left:** The view north along College Avenue for Dora Hospitality's concept of a host hotel. ****Right:** Map of Land shaded with purple has been transferred by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. It's the purple areas (light and dark) that were the subject of proposals from host hoteliers. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB had previously targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. The dark yellow areas are historic districts. The 424 S. College and 222 W. 2nd St addresses, indicated with placemarks inside the dark purple area, are listed as "contributing" in the city’s 2018 survey. But the city’s historic preservation commission cleared them for demolition. Map by the B Square.
Dora Hospitality was selected Wednesday (July 15) to build the Bloomington convention center’s host hotel on land south of the convention center under the control of Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB), which includes the Seminary Pointe block.
On a unanimous vote at its Wednesday meeting, the CIB chose Dora over MHG Hotels.
The decision means the CIB will not wait for the Bloomington redevelopment commission’s College Square public offering of the College Square site to conclude next Monday (July 20) before choosing a hotel developer. That’s a delay that Bloomington’s [mayor](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-14-Thomson-email-message-to-Monroe-County-Capital-improvement-board-requesting-delayed-selection-of-hotelier-Seminary-Pointe.pdf), [city councilmembers](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Letter-to-RDC-from-Bloomington-City-Councilmembers-land-swap-Seminary-Pointe.pdf) and housing advocates had requested in hopes of preserving the Seminary Pointe apartments and commercial spaces.
The CIB directed its attorney, Jim Whitlatch, to begin talks with Dora and bring a definitive hotel agreement back to the board. The selection is based on Dora’s July 8 proposal, which calls for a 200-room full-service hotel with a restaurant and bar, fitness center, meeting space and about 200 parking spaces. Dora’s proposal and the competing MHG plan [were presented to the full CIB](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-mhg-pitch-host-hotel-plans-for-bloomington-convention-center-land-swap-question-lingers/) a week ago.
In the meantime, a hotel evaluation group evaluated the two proposals and on Wednesday made a unanimous recommendation for Dora Hospitality. The evaluation group included CIB members Jay Baer, Doug Bruce and CIB president John Whikehart; Mike Campbell of the Convention and Visitors Commission; and Mike McAfee of Visit Bloomington.
Given a chance to speak immediately after the vote, Dora development partner Russ Louderback expressed relief at prevailing in the second CIB selection process involving the company. “I just want to say how appreciative we are that we didn’t have to go through this a third time,” Louderback said.
Louderback said Dora would stand by its commitments, develop a sustainable project, use Bloomington-based Weddle Brothers Construction and complete at least 70% of the work with union labor.
In his [prepared remarks](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-15-commentary-from-Whikehart-on-Dora-host-hotel-proposal-analysis.pdf), Whikehart said Dora met the board’s basic requirements and exceeded its expectations with an architectural design tailored to Bloomington and a plan that provides dedicated parking.
Whikehart also read from a [follow-up email](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Dora-Louderback-email-to-CIB-host-hotel.pdf) sent by Vince Dora and Louderback after the company’s July 8 interview.
“The south parcels are our preferred site for the Convention Center Hotel, and we are fully committed to building there,” the email said.
\[[Bloomington Convention Center Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29)\]
### Some historical background
The email described the southern location as something Dora had been planning around—not a fallback after negotiations failed over College Square, which is the former Bunger & Robertson property at the southwest corner of Fourth Street and College Avenue. It now consists of a vacant building and a parking lot that is being used as a materials staging area for the convention center expansion project, which is well along on the south side of 3rd Street between College Avenue and Walnut Street.
The CIB [first chose Dora](https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-expansion-update-favored-hotelier-named-project-cost-dialed-in-at-71m-bloomington-budget-challenge-rejected/) over MHG and Garfield Public/Private as its preferred hotel developer in October 2024, setting off more than a year of negotiations between Dora and the RDC over College Square.
After those negotiations failed to produce a land deal, the CIB [ended that effort](https://bsquarebulletin.com/no-land-no-deal-cib-ends-current-hotel-effort-when-bloomington-says-south-parcels-will-cost/) with Dora in February 2026\.
Land transfers from the city and county subsequently gave the CIB control of some acreage south of the convention center, including Seminary Pointe. The CIB [issued a new request](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/) for hotel proposals covering that property on April 24\.
CIB member Doug Bruce defended moving ahead after what he described as more than 18 months of unsuccessful efforts to secure College Square for a hotel. He noted that the CIB had asked the RDC to pause its own public offering for 30 days so the two boards could discuss a land swap, but the [RDC declined](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/).
“Time is of the essence, so the CIB reissued a second RFP for the parcels that the CIB actually owns,” Bruce said.
Bruce said Dora’s plan uses three of the CIB’s southern parcels, leaving other land available for possible future development.
CIB member Jay Baer acknowledged that the mayor, city council and other community members had asked the board to continue pursuing a swap of CIB-owned land for College Square. But Baer said that request had been outweighed by Dora’s conclusion that the southern location was preferable. He put it like this: “Our preferred hotelier has suggested that the south parcel is actually a preferred site for the hotel as opposed to the north site \[College Square\], which sort of invalidates any need from our perspective to do a land swap.”
Baer pointed to the site’s proximity to the existing convention center, which meant hotel guests would not need to cross a busy intersection, and its location next to the existing Courtyard by Marriott.
Baer also addressed a “Homes, not hotels” sign displayed by one of the housing advocates in the meeting room. “I think that’s a false equivalency. Our role is not to solve affordable housing for Bloomington or Monroe County. We certainly believe that affordable housing is a massive priority in this community, but there are many other places and, frankly, more appropriate bodies to solve that problem than the CIB,” Baer said.
### Response from housing advocates
Housing advocates hold signs that say “Save Seminary Pointe” and “Homes not Hotels” at Wednesday’s CIB meeting. (Dave Askins, July 15, 2026)
The CIB’s vote disappointed housing advocates in attendance, who had asked the CIB to hold off on choosing a hotelier and submit a land-swap proposal through the RDC’s public offering, which closes July 20.
Under the Bloomington Homes for All proposal, the CIB would receive College Square for the hotel, while the city would receive Seminary Pointe and transfer it to Avalon Community Land Trust for preservation as affordable housing and commercial space. The group has outlined a [cooperative ownership and renovation plan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/advocates-say-financing-plan-for-seminary-pointe-feasible-if-land-swap-deal-happens/) that called for about $1.6 million in core rehabilitation work.
The land-swap concept also received an [8–0 endorsement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/land-swap-to-save-seminary-pointe-housing-now-backed-by-bloomington-city-council/) from the Bloomington city council on June 3.
At least 60 people [rallied at city hall](https://bsquarebulletin.com/housing-advocates-rally-at-bloomington-city-hall-as-two-key-public-bodies-trade-blame/) on July 6 to urge the CIB and RDC to negotiate.
On Wednesday, the CIB chose a hotel proposal that its members said no longer requires College Square. So the board did not submit a land-swap offer or agree to delay the hotel selection.
From the public mic, Bloomington Homes for All organizer Bryce Greene urged the board not to abandon the swap just because Dora intends to build on the southern parcels. “We still believe that the land swap is still something worth pursuing,” Greene said.
Matthew Joseph focused on the uncertainty facing Seminary Pointe’s residential and commercial tenants. “What is the plan for Seminary Pointe?” Joseph asked.
Amber Corr said the block’s low rents are increasingly rare in Bloomington and tied the housing directly to the workers who would staff the convention center and hotel. “It’s very sad that demolition is scheduled for Seminary Pointe,” Core said.
Sarah Woolford, housing solutions director for Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, said that preserving Seminary Pointe and building the hotel did not have to be competing goals. “The housing crisis cannot afford the loss of 29 units,” Wolford said.
Audrey Smith told the CIB that it still has an opportunity to preserve the property, even after choosing Dora. “You just have to get the ball rolling with a proposal to the RDC,” Smith said.
---
The CIB is continuing preparations for demolition of the Seminary Pointe buildings, including environmental reviews and preparation of demolition documents.
The board’s leases with most residential and commercial tenants expire Aug. 31, and demolition could begin as early as Oct. 1\. The Bloomington historic preservation commission removed a key obstacle June 25 when it [released demolition delays](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/) for two historically contributing buildings on separate 4–2 votes.
---
Preliminary site plan from Dora Hospitality for a host hotel south of the existing convention center.
Dora Hospitality concept showing the view southward along College Avenue.
### Monroe County OKs $82K Scientia tax abatement tied to 30 new jobs
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-oks-82k-scientia-tax-abatement-tied-to-30-new-jobs/
Last updated: 2026-07-15T12:36:44.000Z
Maps by the B Square. \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=153HnqS-mEsyS-lgMJihgqpI80RFXrGE&usp=sharing )\] The purple-shaded parcel is where Scientia is located.
A request for a tax abatement from defense contractor Scientia LLC was given the second two required approvals from the Monroe County council at its Tuesday (July 14) meeting.
The company wants to use its 10‑year real-property tax abatement to help expand its west-side facility.
On June 23, the council had voted 6–0, with councilor David Henry abstaining, to give preliminary approval to the [abatement request](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-23-Scientia-LLC-Tax-Abatement-Materials-Council-Meeting-Agenda-Packet-AMENDED-OCR.pdf ), which declared an economic revitalization area and set up the abatement schedule. Final approval came Tuesday on a unanimous 7–0 vote. Henry joined his colleagues after confirming he had no financial conflict with the company.
County attorney Jeff Cockerill told the council the abatement is limited to real estate improvements at Scientia’s existing site off Loesch Road, which is just south of Vernal Pike near the new YMCA on the west side. Earlier abatement materials had included both real and personal property, but Cockerill said the company’s equipment investment falls below the state’s $2 million threshold for personal property tax, which meant the company was asking only for a real estate tax abatement.
Cockerill put the value of the 10‑year phased abatement at about $82,000 total, or roughly $8,000 a year in foregone property taxes on the building expansion. In return, Scientia expects to add 30 jobs, with a total new payroll of about $2.3 million, on top of its current 40 employees and roughly $4.2 million in existing payroll. That puts the average wage for the new positions just over $70,000 a person. According to Scienta, their current employees earn an average of about $105,000 a year.
Cockerill framed the deal as consistent with a shift toward income tax as a primary revenue source.
At the council’s June 23 meeting, Scientia president Doug McDaniel described the firm as a high-tech defense contractor doing software engineering, systems integration, cybersecurity, and sensor and AI-driven “computer vision” work for force-protection and counter‑drone systems, with much of its work tied to NSWC Crane and the Army.
McDaniel said several employees, including himself, are former Crane staff. He read aloud part of a June 3 memorandum from the Army’s chief technology officer praising Scientia’s role in “Operation Jailbreak,” a sensor-integration effort designed to let the Army pull data from multiple vendor systems through a common interface.
McDaniel told councilors the company is doubling its size at the site because it has run out of space, and construction costs have come in higher than anticipated, making the abatement a factor in keeping the expansion viable.. Scientia currently has 39 employees, about 90% of them in Indiana and 74% in Monroe County, with an average tenure of about five and a half years. Five workers have been with the firm at least a decade, and three hold PhDs. Roughly half of the staff are Rose‑Hulman graduates, McDaniel said.
It’s hard to stay competitive in defense contracting because “the government wants to hire Albert Einstein but wants to pay him like a fast food worker,” McDaniel said. That’s why the firm leans heavily on benefits as well as wages. Scientia pays 90% of employee health insurance premiums, offers an employer 401(k) match at 4.5%, provides profit-sharing (about 9% of W‑2 wages last year), pays for short- and long-term disability, and grants 11 paid federal holidays plus continuing-education reimbursement, McDaniel said. Seven employees are members of the LLC, he said, as part of a strategy to hire and retain “the best and brightest” over the long term.
Council questions focused on the economic development rationale and on any external impacts of the company’s work. Asked by councilor Kate Wiltz whether there were environmental regulatory issues associated with Scientia’s operations, McDaniel said there were none. He described the business as “almost exclusively software engineering and cyber security,” with a lab of computers, servers and sensors but said there “no environmental concerns whatsoever.”
Wiltz also asked about the firm’s use of AI. McDaniel said Scientia integrates algorithms from other vendors for video-based computer vision so systems can alert human operators when they need to pay attention, rather than simply streaming raw data.
Several councilors framed the abatement as part of a broader west-side economic development strategy. Councilor Trent Deckard pointed to the Loesch/Vernal Pike area as “really ideal” for this kind of growth, noting that when the area was first zoned and prepared for employment uses “a lot of foresight and thought went into that when people were saying that’s out in the woods there, but now we see these things kind of coming together.” Councilor Marty Hawk, whose District 3 covers the west side of the county, told McDaniel, “We love you over there, so hope that you stay there and continue to create jobs and prosperity for the people.”
At Tuesday’s meeting, BEDC interim CEO Clark Greiner spoke during the public hearing, calling Scientia’s work “very critical to our troops abroad” and stressed that employees undergo rigorous security vetting given the nature of the contracts.
Henry used Tuesday’s meeting to explain his shift from abstention to support, saying he had done his “homework as a federal contractor” and confirmed he held no ownership interest or other financial tie to the company before casting a yes vote. Council president Jennifer Crossley and others tied the jobs announcement to ongoing concerns about housing supply, with Crossley saying she hoped the county could match job growth with more local housing so those wages stay in Monroe County.
### Photos: Inside the Bloomington Convention Center expansion
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-inside-the-bloomington-convention-center-expansion/
Last updated: 2026-07-15T10:40:16.000Z
After last Wednesday’s (July 8) meeting of the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB), when the CIB [heard proposals](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-mhg-pitch-host-hotel-plans-for-bloomington-convention-center-land-swap-question-lingers/) from two hoteliers, some board members were taken on a tour of the convention center expansion project. Leading the way was Weddle Bros. construction project manager Andrew Scere. The B Square tagged along.
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)S
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2028)
### Karst Farm Park
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/karst-farm-park/
Last updated: 2026-07-15T10:09:55.000Z
County commissioner Julie Thomas cuts the ribbon for the new turf athletic fields at Karst Athletic Complex. (Kelton O’Connell, July 14, 2026)
Future World Cup players try out the new turf. (Kelton O’Connell, July 14, 2026)
Ribbon cutting Karst Athletic Complex. (Kelton O’Connell, July 14, 2026)
Ribbon cutting Karst Athletic Complex. (Kelton O’Connell, July 14, 2026)
Ribbon cutting Karst Athletic Complex. (Kelton O’Connell, July 14, 2026)
### Bloomington plan commission OKs 11-lot North Dunn subdivision
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-oks-11-lot-north-dunn-subdivision/
Last updated: 2026-07-16T09:08:39.000Z
Maps by The B Square with information from the city of Bloomington. \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1MlXit8JOOfFIO1v9fSQWvKF0GNFT0CU&usp=sharing )\]
Bloomington plan commission (Dave Askins, July 13, 2026)
An 11-lot subdivision on North Dunn Street got a sign-off from Bloomington’s plan commission at its Monday (July 13) meeting after a long and tangled discussion about wetlands, future street connections, and how much control the city should claim over the land.
On a some split votes, the commission approved a primary plat for the 4‑acre subdivision at 2511 N. Dunn St., along with three subdivision waivers. The project, proposed by owners Paul Pruitt and Keith Klein, replaces a single house with 11 detached single-family lots and three common-area tracts in an R2 zoning district.
Staff had recommended two waivers and but denial of a third: a waiver to allow a cul-de-sac instead of extending Tamarack Trail to the west property line. Commissioners ultimately flipped that recommendation, approving all three waivers, including the cul‑de‑sac, against the staff’s recommendation.
Dissenting on the 7–2 final vote to approve the subdivision were Patrick Holmes and Ellen Rodkey.
Besides the cul‑de‑sac waiver, the plan commission also approved waivers of the requirement that 67% of the lots be served by alleys, and of the standard riparian buffer easement language so City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) can get into the protected area for drainage maintenance.
Neighbors from Matlock Heights and the immediate area again turned out in force to argue the project will worsen flooding, damage the area they call “Sinclair Woods,” and foreclose better long‑term options for handling stormwater and wildlife habitat. It was the third time the question had been in front of the plan commission, most recently at the commission’s [June meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-wants-answers-on-stormwater-before-subdivision-vote/), but also six months ago at its [January meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-sends-northgrove-subdivision-to-second-hearing-amid-concerns/).
Two technical issues dominated the deliberations: Should the city require more investigation about the status of one area potentially as a wetland; and should the city accept a strip of right‑of‑way at the west edge of the property to preserve a possible future street or trail connection toward Walnut Street?
### Wetland question: Intermittent stream or wetland?
Several neighbors pressed the commission at least to make it a condition of approval that the one area on the property be evaluated by an outside professional, to determine if it is a wetland.
Attorney Jason McCauley, speaking for a group called Concerned Northside Neighbors said the record does not contain “competent, material and substantial evidence” supporting the planning staff’s conclusion that no wetland exists on the site. He said that several people, including the city’s own utilities engineer and the developer’s engineer, had casually referred to the ponded area in the northwest corner as a “wetland.”
McCauley told commissioners the neighbors had offered to hire, at their own expense, a certified wetland professional to conduct a delineation, but had been denied access to the property by the petitioners. He asked the commission to either postpone the case or add a condition requiring the delineation before the project could move forward.
Assistant planning and transportation director Jackie Scanlan told the commission that senior environmental planner Rachel Johnson had visited the site twice, including once in October 2025, specifically to evaluate the area in question. Johnson concluded it meets the city’s definition of an intermittent stream, not a wetland, Scanlan said.
Scanlan read aloud the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) [definition](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT20UNDEOR%5FCH20.07DE%5F20.07.010DEWO) of “wetland,” which requires that the area periodically support hydrophytic vegetation, have undrained hydric soils or have a non‑soil substrate that is saturated for part of the year.
Scanlan said Johnson had “used her professional experience to make the determination that none of these three things are happening here,” and therefore did not require a delineation. Attending Monday’s meeting was planner Jamie Kreindler, who accompanied Johnson on the site visit along with the engineer for the petitioner, and confirmed for the commission they walked the back of the lot while Johnson photographed and evaluated the area.
Development services manager Eric Greulich stressed that, no matter what label is used, the feature in question is already being regulated as an intermittent stream with a required 75‑foot riparian buffer split into three 25‑foot tiers. The innermost 25 feet is entirely off‑limits to disturbance, and only portions of the outer tiers are touched by grading for a detention basin.
“Whether wetland or not, which it’s been deemed it’s not a wetland, it is being protected under riparian buffer standards, and so it’s not being touched or messed with,” the petitioner’s engineer, Daniel Butler, told the commission.
Plan commissioner Jillian Kinzie moved to add a condition requiring a formal wetland delineation before secondary plat approval, saying she did not “want to make a mistake about the environment” and would prefer to have the linework adjusted, even slightly, if the professional study warranted it. “I’d rather know that now and be informed in my decision than not be fully informed,” she said.
Others pushed back. Commissioner Steve Bishop warned that second‑guessing the city’s own environmental staff could undermine the role of professional review. He put it like this: “My concern with adding additional conditions like this would be, we start to question the professionals that are hired to determine these things, and when we start to do that, it becomes a slippery slope.”
Plan commission president Brad Wisler said he saw no evidence that a delineation would move “one line” on the plat in a meaningful way, given the existing buffer protections and the location of the detention basin. A first vote on Kinzie’s condition failed with support only from Kinzie and Patrick Holmes. Later, after some procedural confusion and a motion to reconsider, the same condition failed a second time, even though it picked up a third vote of support from Ellen Rodkey.
### Right‑of‑way dedication: Preserving options, risk
Planning staff had recommended throughout the process that the east-west street named Tamarack Trail should be extended as a public street all the way to the western boundary of the property to preserve potential future connectivity to Walnut Street. That position was rooted in a deliberate UDO policy change several years ago to generally prohibit new cul‑de‑sacs in favor of connected local street networks.
It became clear that a majority of commissioners were willing to grant the cul‑de‑sac waiver, to save mature trees near the west edge and limit impervious surface.
The cul‑de‑sac debate quickly merged into a second question: Should the city accept a dedicated strip of right‑of‑way extending to the west property line, even if the road itself stops short? So attention turned to the right‑of‑way line drawn on the petitioner’s plat. Some commissioners worried that if the city accepted right‑of‑way for a wooded, unimproved strip, it would be taking on liability and a de facto commitment to someday build a street there.
Planner Eric Greulich told the commission that once right‑of‑way is shown on a recorded plat, “it is now city property.” That drew planning and transportation interim director Lynn Coyne to the microphone, to separate the concepts of dedication and acceptance. At the start of the meeting commissioners confirmed Coyne as Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson’s choice to serve as interim director after David Hittle’s departure. So it was Coyne’s first day on the job.
Coyne said his understanding, based on long experience with local government and development in Monroe County, is that “just because it’s dedicated doesn’t mean we have to accept it.” He contrasted the mere act of showing a right‑of‑way on a plat with a later, affirmative act by the local government to accept and maintain streets or other improvements.
Coyne said Monroe County government routinely refuses to accept streets that aren’t built to their specifications, even if platted, and suggested a similar distinction can apply in this case: “All I’m saying is that you, I believe, can have an easement and have it dedicated, but it does not automatically transfer an obligation or liability on city government.”
City engineer Andrew Cibor added a practical note, urging the commission to preserve the right‑of‑way line for long‑term flexibility, even if the street itself is never built. He told commissioners the city already has a lot of public rights‑of‑way that are unimproved, and said the added maintenance burden is relatively light compared to the value of keeping options open for a future path or a street. “There are so many times we’re looking at maps and we wish we had those options,” Cibor said, suggesting the strip could someday carry a trail connection to the west.
Assistant city attorney Enedina Kassamanian weighed in, backing Coyne’s framing of the distinction between the right-of-way dedication as an “offering” compared to the “acceptance” which would mean the agreement to take on responsibility.”
Any inclination among commissioners explicitly to reject the right-of-way dedication as a part of its action that night disappeared after hearing from Coyne and Kassamanian.
That left the plat as drawn, with a public street ending in a cul‑de‑sac hammerhead and right‑of‑way extending to the west line—but no obligation on the city’s part to build or maintain anything beyond the improved street. The city will decide later whether to accept or use that strip.
---
Separate from the plan commission approval process, nearby residents asked Monroe County circuit court judge Emily Salzmann to [review three variances](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-dunn-subdivision-fight-judge-weighs-stay-of-bloomington-bza-variances/) for the subdivision, which were granted by Bloomington’s board of zoning appeals. On June 22, Salzmann denied the request from residents to stay the variances, leaving them in effect while the underlying judicial review proceeds on an expedited schedule.
### Renovation-plus-Curry plan edges out Thomson site for jail panel’s recommendation
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/renovation-plus-curry-plan-edges-out-thomson-site-for-jail-panels-recommendation/
Last updated: 2026-07-14T09:26:36.000Z
The view from the Morton Street parking garage looking north across 7th Street at the brick Curry Building (left) and the justice center with the jail on the top two stories. (Dave Askins, July 13, 2026)
Renovation of the Monroe County jail and justice center, with expansion into the Curry and Fiscus buildings just to the west, emerged Monday (July 13) as the preferred location of a new jail for a group of city and county officials tasked with the job of choosing a site inside the city limits of Bloomington.
The [Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/boards-commissions-and-committees/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/) voted 3–2 at its final meeting on Monday to recommend as its top choice the renovation of the current facility at 7th Street and College Avenue and expansion west to the neighboring buildings, which are both county-owned.
The five-member subcommittee is made up of: Kerry Thomson (mayor, city of Bloomington); Karen Wrenbeck (deputy public defender); April Wilson (deputy prosecutor); Sydney Zulich (Bloomington city councilmember); Liz Feitl (Monroe County councilor).
The three voting in favor of the renovation-plus-Curry option as the top recommendation were Kerry Thomson, Zulich, and Feitl. The three had also put renovation-plus-Curry as their top choice in their rankings of [five different sites](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-CJPWS-Collaborative-Justice-Project-Working-Subcommittee-20260709-Monroe-County-Jail-Site-Evaluation.pdf). The subcommittee members came to the meeting having each ranked the five sites, with the top site getting five points, next-highest four points, and so on, down to one point for the worst-ranked site.
The pure arithmetic of total points gave renovation-plus-Curry 22 points, or just one point better than the next-best location, which was the Thomson site off S. Rogers Street. (There is no connection between the site and Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson.) A bar chart of the scoring is included at the end of this article.
The group’s second choice, on a unanimous vote, was for the Thomson site.
The subcommittee’s recommendation now is expected to be considered by a bigger group made up of the county council, the city council, the county commissioners and the mayor, but that meeting has not yet been scheduled.
The assignment to the subcommittee came on June 12, which was a couple weeks after the May 29 expiration date for a settlement agreement between the county and the ACLU for a lawsuit that was originally filed in 2008 over conditions at the jail. From around [late 2024](https://web.archive.org/web/20241220173331/https://bsquarebulletin.com/2024/11/13/approvals-now-complete-for-purchase-of-north-park-property-as-new-monroe-county-jail-site/ ), the board of county commissioners, as well as the county council, seemed poised to move forward with the construction of a new jail at North Park.
But on [Oct. 28, 2025](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-unanimously-rejects-north-park-jail-site-funding-after-marathon-meeting/) and again on [May 26 this year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-dead-as-jail-site-after-monroe-county-council-repeats-clear-rejection-search-for-alternate-location-now-urgent/) the county council voted against the action needed to move ahead with North Park. With the 2008 lawsuit dismissed, that made the county government vulnerable to fresh litigation. The subcommittee was given the task of moving the needle on the selection of a new jail site, by recommending a location for the new jail inside Bloomington city limits. The anticipated fresh litigation was filed in federal court last Friday (June 10). \[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
Monday’s subcommittee vote came after five meetings held between June 24 and July 9 where the group, aided by county and city staff, came up with evaluation metrics, looked at more than a dozen properties across the city, and reviewed previous work done by county commissioners. Setting the stage for the subcommittee’s deliberations on Monday was the ranking of a smaller set of five properties by each committee member.
According to the combined rankings, the highest rated option for the subcommittee members was renovation of the current facility at 301 N. College Ave with the expansion to the adjoining Curry and Fiscus buildings. Coming in a close second was the Thomson property at S. Rogers St. The property south of Tapp Road was third, the property on Fullerton Pike fourth, and the property north of Tapp Road last.
The mayor, Feitl and Zulich ranked the renovation-plus-Curry option as their top choice. Getting Wilson’s top rank was Tapp Road South, while Wrenbeck’s top ranking was the Thomson property. The Thomson property was ranked second by all subcommittee members except Wrenbeck, who had renovation-plus-Curry ranked second.
Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson encouraged focusing the discussion on the top two properties in the combined ranking—renovation-plus-Curry and the Thomson property.
Deputy prosecutor Wilson, who ranked renovation-plus-Curry as third, presented a slide deck with the rationale for her rankings.
“I think one of the concerns I have is if we pick a site like Curry, we are pinning in the design options,” she said. In her presentation, Wilson went over the fact that building on the Curry site would likely require a multi-story design which would increase floor space requirements. She cited a [2024 study](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-04-29-FQAW-Monroe-County-jail-feasibility-study.pdf ) by architecture firm RQAW that said renovating the existing jail would require relocation of the courts for two years during construction, as well as relocating and transporting existing inmates to other county jails.
“I think this will be very expensive, and I think it’s more expensive than maybe we’ve previously talked about,” Wilson added. She also explained her support of Thomson as her second pick, citing the fact that it’s close to downtown and transportation services. “I like the fact that you can collocate in the future. I think it checks a lot of really important priority boxes for me,” she said.
But Wilson landed on Tapp Road South as her top choice, based on the fact that it most clearly provided enough space to accommodate an eventually co-located justice center, and enough space to fit a one-story jail design, which county commissioners see as a requirement, not just a strong preference.
Bloomington mayor Thomson picked the renovation-plus-Curry option as her top choice, putting the Thomson property second. About those two locations, she said, “I think if for some reason there is a foregone conclusion, which it is not my understanding, that it is a must to have everything on one floor, Thomson would be my top choice. That’s obviously not possible at Curry, which was my top choice,” she said.
“I have a vision of this combined property as being able to construct part of the building without disrupting the current jail. Get that inhabitable, and then begin renovations of the existing justice center,” she said about the Curry site, saying that expert opinion is needed to judge the feasibility of that vision.
“It just appears to me to be the best case scenario and most efficient to move forward is this site, especially given the challenges at Thomson in terms of timing. So when it came down to a vote for me, that is why this got my top vote. I’m not sold on the justice building needing to be downtown. That’s not part of why I voted that way.”
Responding to a question from The B Square Bulletin after the meeting about the possibility of relocating temporary offices to the Showers West, the mayor said that the city doesn’t know if legally it can do that, but there may be some square footage available for that purpose.
At the meeting, Bloomington city councilmember Zulich pointed out that the existing jail is 0.2 miles away from the center of downtown, which she defined as the historic courthouse, while the Thomson property is 2.9 miles away, and the rest of the considered options even farther out.
“As the downtown representative, I just want to put that out there, because something can be in city limits without close access to anything,” Zulich said. “Additionally, according to our metrics, Thomson and the Curry plus renovations are the only two properties that currently have access to public transportation.”
Deputy public defender Karen Wrenbeck put the Thomson property at the top of her list and renovation-plus-Curry second. Wrenbeck alluded to the possibility that a renovation scenario would require transporting all prisoners out of the county.
“From the public defender’s office perspective, I don’t think I can really support any plan that would require clients to be moved out of the county that eliminates their access to attorneys, access to courts, and I think that creates a lot of challenges transportation-wise,” she said, explaining her choice.
Before the final vote was taken, Wilson took a moment to highlight the damage being done by the delay that has plagued the jail site selection process.
“I just believe people deserve a basic standard of care and being treated with dignity,” she said. “I’m going to vote for Thomson with the caveat, with full honesty, that I would ask the \[county\] council to reconsider North Park in a phased way that would still allow access to some services downtown, would start to get people outside of the jail into a healthier and constitutional environment.”
Zulich expressed disappointment that it has taken this long to resolve this issue.“The settlement agreement has been in place since 2008,” she said. “Somebody could have had a child in 2008, that child would be eligible to vote this year. The county has failed to build a new jail. There are fabricated false choices that we are currently experiencing because elected officials failed to do their due diligence.”
The subcommittee took separate votes to establish its first- and second-choice recommendations. On the motion to make renovation-plus-Curry option the subcommittee’s top recommendation, the vote was 3-2, with Feitl, Thomson, and Zulich in favor of it, and Wilson and Wrenbeck opposed.
The vote to recommend the Thomson property as a second choice was unanimous. The subcommittee’s recommendations could now be considered at a joint meeting of the county council, the city council, the county commissioners and the mayor. That meeting has not yet been scheduled.
### 6th Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-25/
Last updated: 2026-07-13T16:00:57.000Z
A Bloomington parking services vehicle with a hatch full of parking meter heads is parked next to a headless meter post. (Dave Askins, July 13, 2026)
### Bloomington’s parking consultant: Raise rates, use plate readers, shift ticket appeals from clerk
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-parking-consultant-raise-rates-use-plate-readers-shift-ticket-appeals-from-clerk/
Last updated: 2026-07-16T13:25:18.000Z
A downtown Bloomington parking meter displays the hourly rate of $1 on the screen. (Dave Askins, July 13, 2026)
When the city of Bloomington’s communications team last Wednesday invited residents to test two different parking kiosks, the [announcement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-08-parking-kiosk-city-of-Bloomington-news-release.pdf) framed the exercise as a chance to try out new payment technology recommended in a consultant’s study.
What the news release did not mention is that the [parking study](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-01-Walker-Bloomington-Parking-Study-06%5F01%5F2026.pdf) behind that technology recommendation also recommends charging a lot more to park downtown.
If the city follows through on all of the consultant’s package of changes, the city will soon be collecting $1.50 an hour from motorists who park in metered spaces instead of the $1 an hour it currently charges. Walker Consultants also recommends a series of rate increases that would result in a rate of $2.25 by 2035.
The [172-page report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-01-Walker-Bloomington-Parking-Study-06%5F01%5F2026.pdf) covers more than just recommended rate increases. It recommends a broad overhaul of Bloomington’s parking system: higher on-street and garage rates, fewer single-space meters, pay-by-plate kiosks, license-plate-reader enforcement, shorter evening enforcement hours, a new parking brand and a shift of parking-ticket appeals out of the city clerk’s office and into the parking services division.
The headline recommendation for drivers is the rate increase. Bloomington’s current on-street parking rate is $1 an hour across downtown, a rate that Walker says has not changed since paid parking was implemented in 2013\. Walker recommends replacing that uniform rate with a two-zone system: $1.50 an hour in the high-demand core, defined as metered areas north of 3rd Street and south of 7th Street, and at least $1.25 an hour in lower-demand zones south of 3rd Street and north of 7th Street.
The same demand-based approach to pricing would apply to surface lots. Walker recommends setting Lots 1, 3 and 5 at $1.50 an hour and Lot 6 at $1.25 an hour. The city’s garage rate, now 50 cents an hour, would double to $1 an hour. Walker also recommends updating city code so annual garage permit-rate increases continue beyond the current schedule, which [goes only through 2029](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT15VETR%5FCH15.40MUPALOGAREMEPA%5F15.40.020APTICH).
Walker gives two basic reasons for increasing rates. For on-street parking, the consultant says the low hourly rate does not do enough to discourage long-term use of spaces that should turn over for short-term visitors and downtown customers. For garages and lots, the study says current rates are too low to cover operations, maintenance, technology and long-term capital needs.
The report claims that off-street rates have not been adjusted in “more than a decade,” while the average cost of goods and services has increased 37% since 2016.
While the hourly garage rate has remained static at 50 cents an hour, along with the hourly on-street rate at $1 an hour, the garage permit rate was changed through an [ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/legislationFiles/5461) passed by the city council in December of 2018, about seven and a half years ago. That put the city on a schedule of annual increases to the monthly garage rate of $4, which means annual increases of $36 a year. This year the rate for 24/7 access is $119 per month.
The kiosk testing announced by the city fits into one of the report’s most expensive recommendations: replacing Bloomington’s more than 1,400 single-space meters with multi-space pay stations. Walker says the existing single-space meters are beyond their expected service life, and that a kiosk system would reduce the number of physical devices the city has to maintain.
The technology change would also set up a major enforcement change. Under the current system, the time that is paid physically at a meter is visible to enforcement staff, while the time paid by a driver who pays through the ParkMobile app is invisible. That means enforcement staff have to check both the physical meter and license-plate/payment information before confirming a violation. Walker recommends moving to mobile license-plate recognition, with city vehicles equipped with cameras that capture plates as they pass parked cars. Vehicles flagged as possible violations would still be manually checked before a citation is issued, according to the study.
The study includes at least one recommendation that probably counts as welcome news for drivers: Paid-parking enforcement would be reduced by one hour in the evening, from the current 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. schedule to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Walker says Bloomington’s current evening enforcement hours are later than peer cities and that downtown dining and entertainment demand typically peaks by 8 p.m. The report says ending enforcement earlier could also reduce staffing costs.
Parking fines would be restructured rather than simply raised at the start. For standard violations, Walker recommends a $25 fine if paid within 48 hours, a $30 standard fine and a $45 fine after 14 days. The report’s 10-year schedule would raise those amounts over time, reaching $39 for a standard violation, $34 for prompt payment and $58 after 14 days by 2035 and 2036.
The report also recommends moving all citation appeals from the city clerk’s office to the parking services division. Walker describes the current system as splitting responsibility between two departments: Staff working under parking services issue tickets, while the city clerk’s office handles appeals. That split, the report says, can lead to inconsistent policy implementation and customer frustration, for example when someone first goes to the parking services office at the 4th Street garage and is redirected to City Hall or to the online appeals process.
Walker says the clerk’s office often has to communicate with parking services to understand the facts behind a citation, while parking services already has the relevant data in its reporting systems. The report says moving appeals into parking services would create a clearer process and give the division more oversight and control. Any adjudication beyond the appeals process would be escalated to the courts, according to the recommendation.
Off-street rate increases, shorter enforcement hours, new garage equipment and a parking-system brand are described in the report’s [summary table](https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/Bloomington Parking Study 06.01.2026 %282%29.pdf#page=14) as short-term recommendations. On-street rate changes, the transfer of appeals to parking services, and license-plate-reader enforcement are listed as mid-term recommendations. The multi-space meter (kiosk) conversion is listed as a short-term item with an estimated cost of more than $500,000\. The license-plate-reader and digital-permit conversion is estimated at $100,000 to $500,000, as is replacement of the garage equipment.
Walker frames the changes as part of a broader shift in parking management, not just a revenue measure. The study recommends a parking services mission statement focused on customer service and safety; recurring public reporting on parking occupancy, maintenance response times, revenue per space, revenue allocation and compliance rates; and a communications campaign to explain where to park, how to use the system and what the rules are.
Overall, Walker recommends transitioning the parking system to what it calls an “ambassador approach,” focused more on compliance than punishment.
At least some of the changes recommended by Walker will need approval from the city council. According to the city’s website, Bloomington city councilmembers were sent the parking study on June 15\. That’s after the council’s summer break started, which this year goes from June 11 to July 22.
Parking meter revenues go into a separate fund, with expenditures from that fund regulated by [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-9-12-4). In 2025, Bloomington’s parking meter fund saw about $2.8 million in receipts and ended the year with a balance of about [$8 million](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-03-04-year-end-fund-balances-2025-city-of-Bloomington-cash%5Finv%5Fcombined%5Fpublic-4.pdf). Work done by Walker under its [$65,000 contract](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/25-015-BC-2025-001-Contract-with-Walker-Consultants-for-Parking-Rate-Study-OCR.pdf) was [paid for](https://bloomington.spending.socrata.com/#!/year/2025/explore/1-/priority?x-return-url=https:%2F%2Fbloomington.finance.socrata.com%2F%23!%2Fdashboard&x-return-description=Return%20to%20Open%20Finance) from the parking meter fund.
---
How Bloomington parking compares with peer cities
Enforcement hours and prices reported in Walker Consultants 2026 parking study.
City
Hours enforced
Street rate
Garage rate
Expired-meter fine
Bloomington
8 am–9 pm
$1 /hour
50¢ /hour
$30
Bloomington Walker study
8 am–8 pm
$1.50 /hour Zone-based
$1 /hour
$25 / $30 / $45 48 hrs / norm / 14 dys
Ames
8 am–6 pm / 9 am–6 pm
Campustown / Downtown
$1 /hour
No city garage
$10 \*
Lawrence
9:30 am–6 pm
$1 /hour
$1 /hour
$10
W. Lafayette
7 am–7 pm
$1 /hour
$2 /hour †
$20
Ann Arbor
8 am–6 pm
$2.50 /hour
$1.65 /hour
$25 ‡
Iowa City
8 am–6 pm
$2.25 /hour
$2 /hour †
$10
**Hours:** Bloomington and all five peer cities enforce paid parking Monday through Saturday.
**Walker recommendation for Bloomington:** The recommended street rate is **$1.50 /hour in the high-demand core** and **$1.25 /hour in lower-demand zones**.
**Walker recommended fine structure for Bloomington:** **$25** if paid within 48 hours; **$30** standard fine; **$45** after 14 days.
**\* Ames:** The first expired-meter violation is a warning. Walker uses $10, the fine for a second violation, for its comparison.
**† Garage rates:** West Lafayette and Iowa City offer the first hour free.
**‡ Ann Arbor:** A $10 discount is available if the citation is paid by the end of the next business day.
Source: Walker Consultants, *Parking Rate Study & Comprehensive Review*, June 2026\.
---
*Added July 16, 2026: The following table comes from numbers provided by Bloomington city controller Geoff McKim, who pasted them into a comment. Comments in Ghost, which is the B Square’s publishing platform, do not support any kind of rich formatting. McKim provided the spreadsheet to The B Square, and it has been converted below to an HTML formatted version.*
## Parking expenses, revenue and fund balance
City parking fund figures by fiscal year. Dollar amounts are shown to the nearest dollar, except the year-end fund balance.
Fiscal year
CFRD expense
Parking expense
Street expense
Total expenses
Revenue
Year-end fund balance
2014
CFRD expense—
Parking expense$2,072,572
Street expense—
Total expenses$2,072,572
Revenue$2,331,063
Year-end fund balance$258,491.16
2015
CFRD expense—
Parking expense$1,635,783
Street expense—
Total expenses$1,635,783
Revenue$2,366,819
Year-end fund balance$989,527.40
2016
CFRD expense—
Parking expense$1,786,588
Street expense—
Total expenses$1,786,588
Revenue$2,405,442
Year-end fund balance$1,608,381.51
2017
CFRD expense—
Parking expense$1,797,445
Street expense—
Total expenses$1,797,445
Revenue$2,452,545
Year-end fund balance$2,263,481.71
2018
CFRD expense—
Parking expense$1,848,706
Street expense—
Total expenses$1,848,706
Revenue$2,585,284
Year-end fund balance$3,000,059.27
2019
CFRD expense—
Parking expense$1,548,380
Street expense—
Total expenses$1,548,380
Revenue$2,817,340
Year-end fund balance$4,269,019.59
2020
CFRD expense—
Parking expense$1,929,777
Street expense—
Total expenses$1,929,777
Revenue$1,514,181
Year-end fund balance$3,853,423.94
2021
CFRD expense$187,909
Parking expense$1,516,196
Street expense—
Total expenses$1,704,104
Revenue$2,214,364
Year-end fund balance$4,363,684.20
2022
CFRD expense$249,960
Parking expense$1,832,323
Street expense—
Total expenses$2,082,283
Revenue$2,500,023
Year-end fund balance$4,781,424.39
2023
CFRD expense$249,735
Parking expense$1,442,547
Street expense—
Total expenses$1,692,282
Revenue$2,736,202
Year-end fund balance$5,825,344.77
2024
CFRD expense$250,000
Parking expense$1,490,772
Street expense—
Total expenses$1,740,772
Revenue$2,888,544
Year-end fund balance$6,973,117.19
2025
CFRD expense—
Parking expense$1,867,880
Street expense$0
Total expenses$1,867,880
Revenue$2,861,166
Year-end fund balance$7,966,403.13
2026 through July 6
CFRD expense—
Parking expense$936,621
Street expense$449,293
Total expenses$1,385,914
Revenue$1,460,644
Fund balance$8,051,167.18
**Note:** The 2026 figures are as of July 6, 2026\. An em dash indicates that no figure was provided in the spreadsheet.
### July 13, 2026: Jail emergency, ACLU lawsuit, jail site debate, fatal crash, Revolutionary War plaque
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-13-2026-jail-emergency-aclu-lawsuit-jail-site-debate-fatal-crash-revolutionary-war-plaque/
Last updated: 2026-07-15T12:38:04.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-13-2026/). Even if you don’t know every answer, you might find it a more entertaining way to get up to speed on what happened over the last week!
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Don’t leave the house without an umbrella, but not because of rain. The sun will be beating down the whole day and umbrellas make for great portable shade. (If not for you, then for someone you see baking under the hot rays.) The high will be 86F°.
**Tuesday:** Rinse, repeat. Except the high will be 90F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Plaque dedication in Monroe County marks nation’s 250th anniversary](https://bsquarebulletin.com/plaque-dedication-in-monroe-county-marks-nations-250th-anniversary/). A new plaque unveiled Saturday at the Monroe County Courthouse recognizes 30 Revolutionary War patriots buried in the county, replacing a 1986 version. The local DAR chapters hosted the dedication as part of events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-69/). Hawk: The bridge connecting the two parts of the convention center should be called "Luke" you know, like "Luke, the Skywalk." Star Wars, you know? Hilarious, right? Why does Fish say that’s not going to happen?
- [Monroe County property transfers through July 9, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-9-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 3 to July 9, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [New federal lawsuit alleges unconstitutional conditions at Monroe County jail](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-federal-lawsuit-alleges-unconstitutional-conditions-at-monroe-county-jail/). The ACLU has filed a proposed class action on behalf of two Monroe County jail prisoners, alleging unconstitutional overcrowding, unsafe conditions and a deteriorating facility. The suit was filed one day after commissioners declared an overcrowding emergency in preparation for inmate transfers.
- [Support heard for renovation of Monroe County jail with added space using Curry Building](https://bsquarebulletin.com/support-heard-for-renovation-of-monroe-county-jail-with-added-space-using-curry-building/). A jail-site panel heard public support Thursday for renovating the downtown justice center and expanding, by using the Curry Building. Members kept a July 13 deadline, and prepared to recommend a site from five remaining options after a few weeks of review.
- [Bloomington police: SUV turned into path of truck in fatal crash near SR 45/46 and I-69](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-suv-turned-into-path-of-box-truck-in-fatal-crash-near-sr-45-46-and-i-69/). An 85-year-old Bloomington man was killed Thursday morning when police say his SUV turned into the path of a box truck on SR 45/46 near I-69\. The truck driver was taken to a hospital and voluntarily submitted to a blood draw. Bloomington police are investigating.
- [Monroe County declares jail-overcrowding emergency, sheriff preps to move up to 100 inmates](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/). Monroe County commissioners declared a jail-overcrowding emergency Thursday after sheriff Ruben Marté said the county must prepare to move 50 to 100 inmates elsewhere. The first-year cost could reach $5.09 million as the jail population far exceeds its functional capacity.
- [Monroe County commissioners unveil jail-site map, scoring grid as they push case for North Park](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-unveil-jail-site-map-scoring-grid-as-they-make-case-for-north-park/). Monroe County commissioners say time and space will drive their jail-site decision—and both factors point to North Park. They also unveiled a site-evaluation grid and dynamic map, while warning of mounting legal, financial and human costs as a city-county panel nears a recommendation on July 13.
### Other notes
**Special meeting of election board.** On [Friday (July 10) at 10 a.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/special-monroe-county-election-board-meeting) the special meeting of the Monroe County election board had exactly one agenda item, which was to approve the ballot language for the referendum on the merging of Richland Township and Town of Ellettsville government. The board approved the language, but only after some discussion. Using the full block of text will probably push the ballot for Nov. 3 to two pages. For B Square background see: [Ellettsville–Richland reorganization headed to November ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ellettsville-richland-reorganization-headed-to-november-ballot/).
### On the calendar
**Jail site recommendation.** At [noon on Monday (July 13)](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-2759 ), the final meeting of a subcommittee will be held to make a recommendation on a site for a new jail that is located inside the city limits. For the most recent B Square background just on the work of the [Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/council/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/), see: [Support heard for renovation of Monroe County jail with added space using Curry Building](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/council/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/)
**UDO text amendments.** On the agenda for the plan commission at its [5:30 p.m. Monday (July 13) meeting](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pCsvjRLa36DeIqwdhuGqqXujVhHSkIwT2-hoS7bWWkI/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.m9b4a4l881oc) are some proposed changes to the city’s unified development ordinance (UDO). These are changes initiated by the city council, which include the elimination of parking minimums from the code. I think the most likely outcome is for the plan commission to continue consideration of the UDO changes to its regular meeting in August, before voting on a recommendation to the city council.
**Tax abatement for Scientia.** On the county council’s [5 p.m. Tuesday (July 14) agenda](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-1627) is a tax abatement for Scientia LLC. Scientia. According to the company’s [application materials](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-23-Scientia-LLC-Tax-Abatement-Materials-Council-Meeting-Agenda-Packet-AMENDED-OCR.pdf), it expects to create 30–35 new jobs on top of its 40 existing jobs. The abatement would cover $1.425 million in new assessed value: $1 million for the new building; and $425,000 in new personal property and IT equipment.
Although there is not an item explicitly on the [agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-14-Monroe-County-Council-Agenda-Packet.pdf) about the the [emergency declaration](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/) related to the jail or the [lawsuit over jail conditions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-federal-lawsuit-alleges-unconstitutional-conditions-at-monroe-county-jail/) that was filed on Friday, it’s hard to imagine that no councilor will say a single word about those topics at the Tuesday meeting.
**Bicycle racing, soccer.** On the board of public works agenda for [5:30 p.m. on Tuesday (July 14)](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17084/download ) are two street closure items. One is for the July 19 viewing of the World Cup finals which will mean shutting down the part of Kirkwood Avenue outside Uptown Cafe, where the restaurant plans to set up a giant screen for people to watch the game. For a couple of the matches played by the U.S. team, including [last Monday (July 6)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-kirkwood-avenue-3/), Uptown has used a setup that used an on-street parking space.
Also on the board’s agenda is a series of right-of-way permits with [dates ranging from July 20 to Aug. 4](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1geq9FJ41zlG6hHGpjTsDZFJZsv9Uy9C0m%5FXY0GJQuN0/edit?tab=t.0) for the making of a movie called “LITTLE FIVE.” According to the board’s meeting information packet, the film is set against the backdrop of Indiana University in the early 1980s and inspired by the first Women’s Little 500 race in 1988.
In spring of 1988, I had just moved to Bloomington, and was living on Jefferson Street where I rented a room in a house with three strangers, one of whom turned out to be training for the first Women’s Little 500 race. I wonder if Angie knows about the making of the movie.
**Selection of convention center hotelier?** The schedule laid out by the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) calls for the board at its [3 p.m. Wednesday (July 15) meeting](https://events.in.gov/event/capital-improvement-board-2026-8775) to choose a hotelier to develop a host hotel for the convention center at Seminary Pointe.
It’s not clear if that will actually happen. The CIB’s hotel evaluation group is expected to deliver a recommendation on a choice of hoteliers on Wednesday. But one possibility is that the CIB could let the recommendation sit for a few days, to allow for the results of the Bloomington redevelopment commission’s (RDC’s) public offering of College Square to come in—they’re due by July 20\. That could allow for a land-swap scenario to be considered: Seminary Pointe for College Square.
The land-swap idea has broad support across the community. Last Friday, five Bloomington city councilmembers sent a [letter to the RDC](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Letter-to-RDC-from-Bloomington-City-Councilmembers-land-swap-Seminary-Pointe.pdf) in support of the land swap. For B Square background, see: [Dora, MHG pitch host hotel plans for Bloomington convention center, land-swap question lingers](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-mhg-pitch-host-hotel-plans-for-bloomington-convention-center-land-swap-question-lingers/) or [Bloomington Convention Center Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29).
---
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Disney Land!
Up for adoption, as of July 11 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Disney Land](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87295). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a German shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Disney Land](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87295):
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
Let’s please make Disney Land’s stay at the shelter as short as possible.
### Photo Finish: 7th Street & College Avenue
Monroe County’s courthouse is reflected in a window at One City Centre on West Seventh Street early on the evening of July 10, 2026\. (Mary Hrovat, July 10, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### 6th Street & College Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-college-avenue-5/
Last updated: 2026-07-14T20:13:10.000Z
Flyer recruiting extras for a movie called “Little Five.” The poster says: “Be part of Indiana’s next great sports film!” Here’s the QR code [link](https://gmail.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=66f9f1ab627d572f2d0c0ddc0&id=9de4f6eb8f). A non-zero percentage of extras in previous films about the Little 500 bicycle race have gone on in life to become [mayor of Bloomington](https://bsquarebulletin.com/column-extra-extra-early-voting-little-500/). (Dave Askins, July 13, 2026)
### 7th Street & College Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-college-avenue-6/
Last updated: 2026-07-14T20:29:57.000Z
Graffiti that says “NO NEW JAIL NO OLD JAIL” with a capital A inside a circle, which is a symbol associated with anarchism. (Dave Askins, July 13, 2026)
### Plaque dedication in Monroe County marks nation’s 250th anniversary
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/plaque-dedication-in-monroe-county-marks-nations-250th-anniversary/
Last updated: 2026-07-13T08:28:47.000Z
Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
On Saturday (July 11), a new plaque was unveiled during a ceremony dedicated to Americans who served in the Revolutionary War and are [buried in Monroe County](https://bloomingtondar.org/patriots-of-monroe-county/).
Hosted by the Monroe County and Bloomington Chapters of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the dedication ceremony took place on the first floor of the Monroe County Courthouse Saturday morning, followed by a reception at the Monroe County History Center’s “History on the Block” party.
The events were part of celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The new plaque recognizes 30 patriots, which the DAR [defines](https://www.dar.org/national-society/faq/events) as someone who provided service or direct assistance in achieving America’s independence. Lucy Jacobs, historian for the Bloomington DAR chapter, said in her remarks at the event: “The former plaque, which was installed in 1986 ... contained the names of some patriots that, at the time, were believed to have actually been here in the County.”
However, Jacobs said, research revealed that there “were some inaccuracies.” She continued, “So now, in time for America’s 250th birthday, the plaque has been updated to provide a proper roster; so, everyone on this plaque has been proven to have been a Revolutionary War patriot here in Monroe County and they are buried here as well.”
Other speakers at the event were Bloomington DAR regent Jenn Richards, Monroe County commissioner Julie Thomas, Indiana DAR state regent Elaine Sholty, Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson, Monroe County History Center director Daniel Schlegel, Monroe County councilor Trent Deckard, and Bloomington DAR chaplain Jana Trace.
County councilor Deckard is a descendant of Johannes Jacob Deckard II, who is listed on the plaque. In his remarks, Deckard emphasized the importance of sharing stories. “My grandmother Deckard was the one that would tell me the stories of our family as best that she could piece it together,” he said.
Deckard continued, “And so, as is often the case, it is the women that keep those stories, those goals, and those things alive for so many different families.” He thanked both DAR and the history center for their work in protecting these stories. “The day that we don't have a place where these stories are kept, those stories don’t go from generation to another, we don’t crack open our history books, will be a sad day for a republic that these revolutionaries built. We must always remember that.”
Bloomington mayor Thomson said in her remarks, “As mayor, I spend a lot of my time thinking about infrastructure—roads, and sewers, and water lines, and things like that. Today, it is important that we remember that a piece of infrastructure is going in our courthouse to help remind us of the people who have walked before us, who have paved the way to our lives today.”
Thomson encouraged the audience to let the work of DAR and the history center serve as examples of “everyday patriotism; of the work that we do every day to ensure that we have a democracy, that we have the freedom—the many freedoms that those who fought that Revolutionary War fought for.”
“The fact that \[DAR\] can take a piece of history that's literally 250 years old now, and make that relevant and tangible to the public and to the folks in Monroe County today, I feel, is a very impressive feat,” History Center director Schlegel said.
### Photos: Monroe County Patriot Plaque Dedication Ceremony and Unveiling
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
The new Monroe County Patriot Plaque was unveiled. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Jenn Richards, Bloomington DAR chapter regent, speaks at the Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited at the Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County commisisoner Julie Thomas speaks at the Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County commisisoner Julie Thomas speaks at the Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County commisisoner Julie Thomas speaks at the Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County commisisoner Julie Thomas speaks at the Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Indiana DAR state regent Elaine Sholty speaks at the Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
DAR members stand for recognition at the Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson speaks at the Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center director Daniel Schlegel speaks at the Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Bloomington DAR and Monroe County History Center volunteer Barb Hawkins at the Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County councilor Trent Deckard speaks at the Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Patriot descendants stand for recognition at the Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication and memorial. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Bloomington DAR chapter chaplain Jana Trace speaks at the Monroe County Patriot Plaque unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Bloomington DAR chapter chaplain Jana Trace speaks at the Monroe County Patriot Plaque unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony and unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony and unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony and unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony and unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
DAR members pose for a photograph at the Monroe County Patriot Plaque dedication ceremony and unveiling. (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Bloomington musicians Benjamin Jaffe and Coco Duneman, who make up Skippinn’ Stones, play original music at the Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
## Video: Musical interlude from Skippinn’ Stones
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Bloomington musicians Benjamin Jaffe and Coco Duneman, who make up Skippinn’ Stones, play original music at the Monroe County History Center “History on the Block.” (Kelton O'Connell, July 11, 2026)
### Civic Solver: July 13, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-july-13-2026/
Last updated: 2026-07-12T16:54:55.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one each week in the [*Almost Daily*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) newsletter.
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-69/
Last updated: 2026-07-12T09:30:57.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #70 (July 12, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through July 9, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-july-9-2026/
Last updated: 2026-07-12T09:29:04.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from June 3 to July 9, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On July 9, 2026, the property at 1613 S Walnut ST was sold to JAMES ARTHUR JENKS by THE ESTATE OF DAVID L SPRINKLE for $110,000.
- On July 8, 2026, the property at 412 E Cardinal Glen DR was sold to RYAN PARSLOW by JOHN J ALBERSON for $289,000.
- On July 8, 2026, the property at 9448 W Hedrick RD was sold to ANDREW Z WALDEN by BENNY B WALDEN for $189,000.
- On July 7, 2026, the property at 1762 S Springhouse DR was sold to TIMOTHY M GAWNE DECLARATION OF TRUST by RONALD W BLUE for $700,000.
- On July 7, 2026, the property at 4123 N Killion CT was sold to BROOKE R SHULTZ by MICHAEL SHANE GOOD for $259,000.
- On July 6, 2026, the property at 2941 N Ramble RD E was sold to AMANDA ELYSE HOFFMAN by MATTHEW D FIELDS for $475,000.
- On July 6, 2026, the property at 7655 W Julia DR was sold to TIMOTHY LYNN VANCE, JR by WEST CONCRETE INC for $390,000.
- On July 6, 2026, the property at 322 W Dodds ST was sold to LORELEI SHUCK by ESTHER MCCLUNG for $169,900.
- On July 6, 2026, the property at 3101 N Kinser PIKE was sold to CHRISTOPHER A WALLS by EVELYN THRASHER for $153,000.
- On July 6, 2026, the property at 410 N Kelli DR was sold to PRESTON HUGHES by BRENDA BAILEY HUGHES for $125,000.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 1918 E Ruby LN was sold to SAMUEL JOSEPH OSBORNE, JR by Kelly, Christina for $837,500.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 283 E Valley Mission LN was sold to THOMAS A PARR by RYAN P KOT for $592,400.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 1606 S Ira ST was sold to JEFFREY A ADAMS by CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON for $510,000.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 6601 N Rhinestone DR was sold to KELSEY LYNN OARD by ESTATE OF JOSEPH LYNN HAWKINS for $420,000.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 8190 S Stanford RD was sold to CHAD DILLON by ADR PROPERTIES LLC for $382,000.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 4215 N Rosewood DR was sold to MARYANN OLUCHI EBUZOEME by BEACON BUILDERS, LLC for $372,750.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 4690 E State Road 45 was sold to ANGELA DIBART by PFEIFER, JOHN D for $364,900.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 7110 W Upland CT was sold to JENNIFER LYNCH by SHAUN P RECTOR for $295,000.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 709 W 13th ST was sold to MICHAEL A BARNETT by H&E RENTALS LLC for $235,000.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 857 S Auto Mall RD STE 7 was sold to KALMON PROPERTIES, LLC by THE BEEHIVE FULL SERVICE SALON LLC for $175,000.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 857 S Auto Mall RD STE 7 was sold to THE BEEHIVE FULL SERVICE SALON LLC by 328 SOUTH WALNUT PROPERTY, LLC for $95,082.
- On July 2, 2026, the property at 3068 N Natasha DR was sold to EDNA M DENEWETT by SCOTT B DENEWETT for $0.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 618 S Ballantine RD was sold to KEVIN A KILLEEN by REYES VILA-BELDA for $679,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 6638 E Everett Arnold DR was sold to JOSEPH HENRY by Nissen, James Christian for $600,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 901 N Dunn ST was sold to STASNY & HORN by WWHB, LLC for $550,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 5182 W Woodland RD was sold to AARON JONES by DAVID W LYLE for $460,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 4105 W Dresden DR was sold to KELSEY PORTER by ARTHUR H OWORA for $370,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 2617 E Windermere Woods DR was sold to JAMES S ALEXANDER by Torres, Vasti for $365,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 1787 E Cherry LN was sold to TABITHA BROOKE DUVALL by KIMBERLY CRECELIUS for $268,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 3915 W 3rd ST was sold to RAINA 3RD ST, LLC by SPEEDWAY LLC, SPEEDWAY SUPERAMERICA LLC for $230,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 4325 E Farr RD was sold to JON R ELGAR REVOCABLE TRUST by McCloud, Ronnie for $200,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 2303 S Burberry LN was sold to BROOKE AZZINNARO by Thorlton, Timothy A for $162,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 3952 W Stoutes Creek RD was sold to BLAND INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LLC by Stocker, Evan T for $160,000.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 1264 S College Mall RD was sold to JAMES C TEEL by ESTATE OF JANET S SMOCK for $140,500.
- On July 1, 2026, the property at 810 E Dillman RD was sold to C DOUGLAS EDWARDS by Bland, Jeffrey W & Teresa J Living Trust for $70,000.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 2297 W Popcorn RD was sold to ALLEN L TROYER by Turtle Creek LLC for $2,200,000.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 4528 N Triple Crown DR was sold to JACE E PARUS by KENNETH H HICKS for $549,000.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 205 S Bryan AVE was sold to NATHAN SCHRODER by DOWNING, BILLY J for $480,000.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 2206 E 8th ST was sold to ERNEST XI by T2T PROPERTIES LLC for $390,000.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 701 E Tracee CT was sold to PHYLLIS J HAWORTH by Dogan, Kevin W for $389,900.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 811 W Kirkwood AVE was sold to BRETT WEAVER by ROY J CAMPBELL for $350,000.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 4406 E Carrington CT was sold to SHANDEE PERRY by Barnhart, Meagan Marie for $334,900.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 1195 S Kaylynn ST was sold to GREGORY KYLE ERICKSON by JONATHAN G PYCLIK for $330,000.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 7687 W Rose Creek DR was sold to RYAN MAX WAGONER by Watt, Zachary B for $265,000.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 2373 S Worthington LN was sold to JOSHUA T GAGHEN by JAMES ASENCIO for $203,000.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 1326 S College Mall RD was sold to BRIAN DEAN WIEMEYER REVOCABLE MANAGEMENT TRUST by Rose, David A for $164,900.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 2302 S Sunday DR was sold to NICHOLAS G SMITH by BRYAN HANE for $105,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 5008 S Iron Gate TRL was sold to THOMAS AND CATHERINE TRIPP LIVING TRUST by ESTATE OF WILLIAM E SCOTT for $735,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 3758 S Claybridge DR was sold to YAIR SEGAL by SURESH MARRU for $695,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 2715 E Bluff CT was sold to MICHAEL J ASSIS by Aiken, Tim for $655,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 4511 N Christina LN was sold to LALMUANI by RUSSELL A WORKING AND VIOLET J WORKING LIVING TRUST for $485,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 1622 S Williams CT was sold to DAVID BEYER MURRAY by LECHNER, GEORGE A for $450,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 1624 W Hennessey ST was sold to DANIEL SEIFFERT by KRISTEN E WINTERS for $380,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 7002 W Lori Ann LN was sold to MELANIE PERKON by HEIDI SLAUBAUGH for $296,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 3401 N Stoneycrest RD was sold to AMBER WILBUR by JESSE A FIVECOATE for $261,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 1523 S Olive ST was sold to EMILY TRONSON by Lethem, Nancy Jo for $260,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 3701 E Barrington DR #A305 was sold to ERIC SPENCER by Bronstein, Lyudmila M for $244,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 919 W Kirkwood AVE was sold to ERIKA A KANE by Isbell, David C for $242,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 5906 S Wallace CT was sold to CHERYL LYNN TAYLOR by Priority Home Investments LLC for $239,900.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 3308 S Westminster WAY was sold to JENNIFER HENDERSON by Demars, Katharine Ann for $214,900.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 1250 W Adams Hill CIR UNIT 402 was sold to BRIAN M VICKERS by Huccaby, Brent D for $214,900.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 3738 W Garden LN was sold to SARAH LAVONNE STRUNK by ESTATE OF GREGG A SLOWIK for $200,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 7528 S Shady Side DR was sold to BEECH TREE REALTY LLC by BASCUR, LUISA C for $42,500.
- On June 28, 2026, the property at 706 S Western DR was sold to THOMAS AND CATHERINE TRIPP LIVING TRUST by MARIO STEFANO MATTEIS GOMEZ for $319,000.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 4225 S Red Pine DR was sold to JUDITH A WISNESKI by CHARLES LAYNE LLC for $454,900.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 2440 N Stonelake CIR was sold to BARRY LEVIN by CLAUDIA G HAUSER for $400,000.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 1730 E Camby LN was sold to TIMOTHY K AIKEN by BRYANT PAUL for $360,000.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 4125 E Bethel LN was sold to BRIAN CAMPASSI by Florden LLC for $289,900.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 521 S Sale ST was sold to ADAM HUTSLAR by JOEL FEASTER for $289,000.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 5925 E State Road 45 was sold to CLARK LAWN CARE, INC by MARLENE D GREENWALT for $165,000.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 637 W Apache DR was sold to T LENTZ PROPERTIES LLC by Sutherlen, Melvin R for $135,000.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at W Angels Way was sold to ROGER M MCNEAL by JOHNSTON, BRUCE for $80,000.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 927 S Deer RUN was sold to CORNWELL FAMILY TRUST by WEST CONCRETE INC for $585,000.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 634 E Benjamin ST was sold to DAVID E BOEYINK by Cornwell Family Trust for $429,900.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 1325 E Elliston DR was sold to IAN MILLER by BRUCE TAPP JR for $410,000.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 3904 E Tamarron CT was sold to PETER A CATTANI by HOLMEN, JAMES for $410,000.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 7890 W Rockeast RD was sold to ANDREW WALDEN by MICHAEL J GILL for $330,000.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 4361 S Windmill LN was sold to SACKSTERDER PROPERTIES L.L.C. by JOE KEMP CONSTRUCTION, LLC for $110,000.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 3501 S Swartz Ridge RD was sold to ETHAN CRITES by DONNA DOWNS for $40,000.
- On June 24, 2026, the property at 1104 N Grant ST APT 1 was sold to CALM PROPERTY 4 LLC by Xi, Ernest for $875,000.
- On June 24, 2026, the property at 4314 E Stephens DR was sold to DEANGELO FINCHER by TED AND DOROTHY SALAMY FAMILY TRUST for $230,000.
- On June 24, 2026, the property at 8709 S Alonzo WAY was sold to THE JEFFREY L JONES AND AMYA JONES LIVING TRUST by FOX PROPERTY ENTERPRISES LLC for $175,000.
- On June 23, 2026, the property at 1210 S Park AVE was sold to MORGAN MENDEN by GUOSHUAI ZHANG for $438,000.
- On June 22, 2026, the property at 5472 W Hoge DR was sold to MATTHEW SCHROEDER by RONALD LANNAN for $485,000.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 131 E Cooper CT was sold to MILTON EUGENE DUCHARME by Wylies Floor Covering Inc for $300,000.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 721 S Parkway DR was sold to BARRY LEMING by RUBEN MARTE for $180,702.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 1323 W 8th ST was sold to FREDERICK WALSH by Walsh, Robert for $130,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 1380 W Arch Haven AVE was sold to 525 PATTERSON DRIVE OWNER, LLC by 525 S PATTERSON DR (IN) OWNER, LLC for $0.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 534 S Ronson ST was sold to 525 PATTERSON DRIVE OWNER, LLC by 525 S PATTERSON DR (IN) OWNER, LLC for $0.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 445 S Patterson DR was sold to 525 PATTERSON DRIVE OWNER, LLC by 525 S PATTERSON DR (IN) OWNER, LLC for $0.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 1361 W Milieu DR was sold to 525 PATTERSON DRIVE OWNER, LLC by 525 S PATTERSON DR (IN) OWNER, LLC for $0.
- On June 11, 2026, the property at 3212 N Meadow LN was sold to JADE T ROMANYSHAK by DANIEL L PIERCE for $219,900.
- On June 9, 2026, the property at 1026 W 7th ST was sold to JAMES FORD by THE JAMES E O'BANNON REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $325,000.
- On June 9, 2026, the property at 2370 S Henderson ST was sold to COURTNEY SEARS by JIARONG YANG for $171,000.
- On June 3, 2026, the property at 514 N Staats DR was sold to JOEL FEASTER by CHRISTOPHER E ELLER for $322,000.
### 6th Street & College Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-college-avenue-6/
Last updated: 2026-07-14T20:24:30.000Z
The sign says "STORE ARE OPEN" as masonry work on the Graham Plaza building proceeds with protective scaffolding for peds. A city planter on the corner has been filled in with a concrete pour. It seems reminiscent of the approach taken on the 7th-Street side of the Monroe County justice building, where there were previously tree plots. Compare Google Streetview from [2023](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fjDpw8bj2EqqotkZA) with [2019](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JJQY3XnTnnYW6MZL9). (Dave Askins, July 12, 2026)
### New federal lawsuit alleges unconstitutional conditions at Monroe County jail
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-federal-lawsuit-alleges-unconstitutional-conditions-at-monroe-county-jail/
Last updated: 2026-07-14T18:04:28.000Z
The Monroe County jail in downtown Bloomington on 7th Street and College Avenue occupies the top two floors of the Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center. This is the view looking northeast from 7th Street. (Dave Askins, July 11, 2026)
Two men confined in the Monroe County jail filed a proposed federal class action Friday (July 10) alleging that persistent overcrowding and a deteriorating, poorly designed building have subjected prisoners to unconstitutional conditions, including floor-sleeping beside toilets, extreme temperatures, mold, broken plumbing, and violence that sometimes goes undetected by jail staff.
The July 10 complaint, filed by Tayler Grubb and Joseph Marrero in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, revives constitutional litigation over the jail, about a month after a federal judge finally dismissed a class action that had remained pending since 2008\.
The new filing has the case number [1:26-cv-01460](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-Complaint-1-26-cv-01460-Grubb-Marrero-council-commissioners-sheriff-jail-lawsuit.pdf). The does not yet appear when searched on the PACER (Public Access To Court Electronic Records) system. The B Square was provided a copy of the complaint by a county official.
Named as defendants are the Monroe County council and the Monroe County commissioners in their official capacities, and the Monroe County sheriff, also in his official capacity. The complaint asks the court to [certify a class](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-10-1-26-cv-01460-paintiff-brief-in-support-certify-class-Monroe-County-jail-073111901327.pdf) consisting of everyone now confined in the jail or held there in the future, declare that the conditions violate the U.S. Constitution, and issue a permanent injunction requiring county officials to bring the jail into compliance with constitutional requirements.
The requested relief does not include a claim for compensatory damages. It asks for court costs, attorney fees and an order compelling institutional change. ACLU of Indiana attorneys Ken Falk and Joshua Bleisch represent the plaintiffs and have asked to be appointed class counsel.
The lawsuit landed one day after county commissioners voted 2–0 to [declare a jail-overcrowding emergency](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/) and directed county lawyers to pursue agreements for housing prisoners in surrounding counties. Sheriff Ruben Marté [recommended](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf) preparing to move 50 to 100 people, with estimated first-year housing and transportation costs ranging from $2.94 million to $5.09 million.
### Different calculations, same overcrowding finding
The complaint filed on Friday says the jail, which opened in 1984 with an original capacity of 128, now contains about 287 permanent beds: 253 beds in one- or two-person secure cells and 34 bunk beds in two dormitory blocks. Five segregation cells and two holding cells are not included in the total, because they are not permanent housing.
Applying an 80% operational threshold intended to preserve space for separating prisoners by security classification, sex, medical condition and other needs, the lawsuit calculates the jail’s functional capacity at slightly more than 229\. Between June 2 and July 3, the complaint says, the total population averaged just under 260, while the average number of people occupying secure beds was nearly 233.
On July 10, the day the complaint was filed, the Monroe County jail’s inmate search app showed 246 prisoners in the facility. The following morning, on Saturday (July 11), the population was 256.
Marté’s report computes a smaller bed count for functional capacity than the legal complaint. Although the jail lists 294 beds, the sheriff says only 233 are available for general housing, producing a functional capacity of 186 when the same 80% threshold is applied. His report puts the January-through-June average population at 244, the June average at 260 and the six-month peak at 275.
The functional capacity calculations are different, but both conclude that the jail is operating beyond the population level at which prisoners can be classified and separated safely.
The complaint says A-Block and B-Block, which generally house people classified as minimum- or medium-security concerns, routinely contain more prisoners than beds. A third person is placed in a two-person cell with a mattress on the floor. In some cells, the mattress can be placed in a molded plastic container known as a “boat.”
In smaller cells, the mattress lies directly on the floor beside the combined toilet and sink. People sleeping there must be stepped over when cellmates use the toilet, the lawsuit alleges, and are sometimes splashed with toilet water. Leaking fixtures can soak the mattresses. Crowding also leaves too little room for meaningful exercise, too few seats at dayroom tables and too many people competing for showers, telephones and electronic kiosks.
Meals are served in the housing blocks, according to the complaint, so people without seats must eat standing up or inside their cells.
The lawsuit alleges that overcrowding and inadequate classification generate frequent arguments, fights and predatory behavior. There are no direct sight lines from staff control areas into the housing blocks, it says, and surveillance cameras contain blind spots. Staff members make hourly checks, but some fights and assaults allegedly occur without officers learning about them.
Several failing elements of the building are listed out in the complaint. The complaint cites a [report from 2021 by Kenneth Ray](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/MCICJ-Study-Final-Report-Submitted-062021.pdf), commissioned by the county government for several failing components: broken showers, crumbling concrete, deep wall cracks, obsolete and leaking plumbing, recurring mold and an HVAC system that leaves some blocks dangerously hot during summer and cold during winter. The complaint says the entire jail contains only one cell accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is located in a male housing block.
### Specific allegations from the plaintiffs
The complaint includes sections dedicated to the specific complaints of the two plaintiffs currently listed in the lawsuit.
Grubb has been confined in the jail for nearly a year while awaiting trial and being held on a probation violation, according to the complaint. He is now in B-Block, where a third person sleeps on a mattress near the toilet in his two-person cell.
Grubb says he previously slept on the floor in D-Block and was splashed when his cellmates used the toilet. B-Block is described in the complaint as “brutally hot,” with little or no ventilation, while D-Block reached 52F° during the winter. Of three showers in B-Block, only two work.
According to jail and court records, Marrero has been jailed since the third week of May, and is awaiting trial. Marrero says he was required to sleep on a bare mattress on the floor in A-Block, with his head near the toilet. Liquid splashed on him and seeped into his mattress, according to the complaint.
The complaint says that only one of three showers works in D-Block and that cracks in the jail walls are deep enough to hear wind blowing through them. Because D-Block becomes so hot, Marrero says, officers have left cell doors unlocked overnight so prisoners can get the air from large fans in the dayroom.
Marrero also alleges that younger and stronger prisoners prey upon or rob older and smaller prisoners because the jail cannot maintain adequate classifications. People who use wheelchairs cannot take the chairs into housing blocks, the complaint says, and some cannot reach a bunk and must sleep on the floor.
According to the complaint, Grubb submitted a grievance about the overcrowding and other problems. He received a response stating that the sheriff and his staff were attempting to deal with these problems. Because there was no way to appeal the grievance further, the complaint concludes that Grubb “has therefore exhausted all grievances available to him.” That claim matters because federal law generally requires prisoners to exhaust all available administrative remedies before filing suit over jail conditions.
### Defendants
The lawsuit describes the different responsibilities of the three defendants.
Under Indiana law, the commissioners have the duty to establish and maintain the county jail, including keeping it in repair. The sheriff is responsible for taking care of the jail and its prisoners. The county council controls the county’s fiscal resources.
The complaint acknowledges that the sheriff is not responsible for the size, design or deterioration of the building. But it says that he remains “responsible for the fact that \[prisoners\] are being housed in an unconstitutional environment.”
The council and commissioners, meanwhile, are accused of having ample notice of the problems through public meetings, sheriff’s reports, studies by consultants and the previous litigation. The complaint alleges that the commissioners and councilors have been “deliberately indifferent” to a substantial risk of harm by failing to provide an adequate facility.
For people awaiting trial, the lawsuit invokes the Fourteenth Amendment’s prohibition against punishment without due process. For people serving sentences after conviction, it invokes the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
### New lawsuit follows end of 2008 case
The case is the direct successor to Richardson v. Monroe County Sheriff, a class action filed in February 2008 over overcrowding and conditions in the same building. The parties reached a [private settlement agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Dkt%5F-52-Richardson-Stipulated-Private-Settlement-Agreement-1.pdf) in August 2009, which the court approved that December.
That agreement was originally supposed to expire Oct. 1, 2011\. Instead, it was extended repeatedly while county officials attempted to control the population under specific terms laid out in the settlement agreement.
The now-expired settlement required county officials to notify judges and local elected officials as the secure-bed population approached capacity. If the number exceeded 258, the sheriff was required to seek beds in other Indiana jails. It also required institutional-grade temporary bunks that kept prisoners off the floor whenever the population exceeded available beds.
After the county council rejected the North Park jail purchase on May 26, Falk and county attorney David Schilling [filed a stipulated dismissal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-27-Falk-jail-settlement-dismissal-North-Park-Monroe-County-073111795515.pdf) on May 27\. Their filing said ending the old settlement would permit new litigation over the existing jail and possible remedies.
On June 8, the court [dismissed the Richardson case](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-08-Richardson-v-Monroe-County-Sheriff-Final-Order-Dismissing-Action-073111833190.pdf) “with prejudice as to this action only,” while expressly stating that nothing prevented a future class action by a Monroe County Jail prisoner.
The lawsuit filed Friday is the new case anticipated by those filings.
### Years of studies, failed site decision efforts
The county has been warned for years that the existing building cannot support safe, modern jail operations.
A 2021 [criminal justice and incarceration study](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/MCICJ-Study-Final-Report-Submitted-062021.pdf) by Kenneth Ray of RJS Justice Services concluded that the jail had exceeded its structural and functional life, lacked sufficient bed capacity and presented high liability risks. The study identified 53 facility problems, including inadequate camera coverage, deficient medical and counseling space, poor ventilation, mold, damaged masonry, inadequate segregation space and a lack of ADA compliance. Friday’s complaint cites the Ray study in detail.
A subsequent [study by RQAW](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/RQAW-Feasibility-Study-Full-Report-04-24-24.pdf ), which is also cited in the complaint, found insufficient space and medical facilities, inadequate isolation cells, obsolete design and significant liability concerns.
Marté has separately documented deficiencies involving fire protection, HVAC equipment, sewer systems, locks, elevators, roofing and structural components. Other county officials have been unable to agree on a location and financing plan for a replacement.
In 2024, the county council adopted a 0.17% local income tax for correctional facilities, and commissioners and councilors initially approved an $11.375 million purchase of the North Park property. Commissioners later advanced designs for a jail and justice complex there.
But the council unanimously rejected an appropriation to close on the property in October 2025\. When commissioners returned with another purchase agreement this spring, on May 26, the council [voted 1–6 against approving it](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-dead-as-jail-site-after-monroe-county-council-repeats-clear-rejection-search-for-alternate-location-now-urgent/). That left the county without a selected site as the Richardson settlement ended.
On June 11, the county council and Bloomington City Council [formed the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/) and directed it to recommend a jail location inside Bloomington within about a month.
The panel has now [narrowed its review](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-panel-narrows-options-inside-city-to-five-sites-ahead-of-final-meetings/) to five scenarios: renovating the current justice center and expanding into the county-owned Curry Building; two sites near Tapp Road and Interstate 69; the Thomson property on South Rogers Street; and the Fullerton Pike property near State Road 37\. It is scheduled to make a nonbinding recommendation on Monday, July 13\. .
The new federal complaint does not endorse a particular site, prescribe a design or require construction of a new jail. It asks the court to require whatever steps are necessary to provide constitutional conditions in the facility where Monroe County holds its prisoners.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### 7th Street & College Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-college-avenue-5/
Last updated: 2026-07-11T13:30:12.000Z
Monroe County’s courthouse is reflected in a window at One City Centre on West Seventh Street early on the evening of July 10, 2026\. (Mary Hrovat, July 10, 2026)
### Support heard for renovation of Monroe County jail with added space using Curry Building
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/support-heard-for-renovation-of-monroe-county-jail-with-added-space-using-curry-building/
Last updated: 2026-07-10T17:42:38.000Z
Kerry Thomson (mayor, city of Bloomington); Karen Wrenbeck (deputy public defender); April Wilson (deputy prosecutor); Sydney Zulich (Bloomington city councilmember); Liz Feitl (Monroe County councilor). (Dave Askins, July 9, 2026)
A group of city and county officials with a looming deadline for recommending a new jail site heard from the public at its penultimate meeting on Thursday (July 9).
The committee’s deliberations centered on five of the properties that had been discussed over the last few weeks, since the committee was [formed on June 11](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/).
Those [scenarios](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-CJPWS-Collaborative-Justice-Project-Working-Subcommittee-20260709-Monroe-County-Jail-Site-Evaluation.pdf ) included: renovation of the current justice center building with expansion using the Curry Building; Tapp Road North; Tapp Road South; the Thomson property (aka RCA property); and the Fullerton Pike property, which was [rejected by Bloomington’s city council](https://web.archive.org/web/20241222223053/https://bsquarebulletin.com/2022/12/24/rezone-for-new-county-jail-denied-by-bloomington-city-council-with-calls-to-include-city-in-planning-2/) in for a jail rezone in late 2022.
From the public mic, as well as from some subcommittee members, there was support voiced for the idea of using the site of the county-owned Curry Building, in combination with renovation of the current justice center at 7th Street and College Avenue. Curry stands just to the west of the justice center.
The [Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/council/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/) was doing its work following the county council’s May 26 rejection of an $11.375-million purchase of the North Park property, which left the county without a selected site after years of planning for a new jail. \[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
At the same time, the county is emerging from nearly two decades of federal court involvement: A lawsuit over conditions at the downtown jail, filed in 2008, was dismissed June 8, but the dismissal left open the possibility of new litigation over jail conditions. Earlier in the day on Thursday, the same day the subcommittee met, county commissioners declared an [overcrowding emergency](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/) at the jail.
At Thursday’s meeting, deputy prosecutor April Wilson floated the idea of extending the committee’s time past the July 13 deadline, but that idea didn’t get enough support from others to result in a change from the schedule. As county councilor Liz Feitl put it, who serves as the subcommittee chair, “I don’t feel like it’s this committee’s purview to change what it was we were charged to do.”
City council attorney Larry Allen fielded questions about some of the properties. Wilson inquired after the possibility of starting construction on the Thomson site while Duke Energy power lines are being moved. She also wanted to know if it’s possible to co-locate the entire justice system on the footprint of the Thomson site.
Allen’s assessment was that while the power lines, and a debris pile, present a significant barrier to carrying out full construction on the site, it did not prevent access to the site itself. Some level of site preparation work ahead of the construction *may* be possible as the power lines are being moved, according to Allen.
Wilson also got clarification from Allen about the square footage available in a scenario where the current justice building is renovated and the Curry Building is added as expansion space.
Allen noted that for that location, a rezone would be required in any case along with an exception for adding height: “Some variance with the rezone would be needed, but it is possible with that configuration of site to meet that square footage. It just would not be one floor,” Allen said.
Allen’s comment about “one floor” was a reference to the scenario that for some decision makers is seen as a requirement more than a strong preference—that the new jail be built as a one-story facility.
Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson spoke about renovating the current justice center and adding adjacent buildings to the project. “It’s perhaps feasible to not disrupt the courts while we’re doing the initial build out on the additional building. So that’s all appealing, obviously, access to resources, transportation, etc., all of that is already there,” she said.
“I think a benefit also, which is not in our matrix, but we have lots of legal offices and other things that have been located close to this location. If it’s not a legal requirement, the number of beds that we build out now,” Thomson added. Thomson concluded: “I see this as a feasible site for a potential phased build out.”
Responding to a question about Wilson about the details of a phased build, Thomson suggested paying to get some outside expertise to get that kind of assessment. “We really could use even a small amount of money to hire somebody with a lot of construction experience to look at whatever our prioritized sites are. I would recommend somebody who doesn’t have a vested stake in building a portfolio project, but can simply assess what are the creative construction solutions at perhaps our top two sites and turn that around quickly,” she said.
A suggestion from city councilmember Sydney Zulich, supported by Thomson, was that subcommittee members arrive at their final meeting on Monday (July 13) session with individual rankings of the properties as a way to start the discussion.
Thomson also weighed in for making not just a top recommendation but also a ranking: “I know we need to pick a top property. My hesitation in stopping there is that if that top property gets eliminated, this subcommittee would perhaps necessarily have to get back together, and I think to complete our work, in my ideal world, we would send some ranking.”
Among those offering public comments at this meeting, support for the option to renovate the current facilities and adding the Curry Building emerged as a popular option.
Randy Cassady, speaking for himself, even though he’s recognizable as a member of Bloomington’s redevelopment commission, voiced his support for that option. “When we look at the existing jail and justice center, co-location in a near downtown area tends to keep the vibrancy, and it also keeps the health and safety of the population of the jail as they’re being released,” Cassady said.
Zach Ammerman urged the subcommittee to take more time, but supported the option to renovate the current facility alongside the Curry Building. “I know you’re in a time crunch that’s not of your own making, but you can ask for more time. That being said, of the five sites that you have that are remaining, I think there’s one clear standout to me—that’s the Curry Building plus renovation. The four other sites to me have all of the same problems as North Park,” Ammerman said.
Eric Spoonmore, president and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, reminded the subcommittee that many of the constraints that were being spoken of were not part of the ACLU requirements for constitutional care. He put it like this: “I think it’s important to remind everybody that colocation, a single story jail, a prescribed timeline, are not requirements of anything that the ACLU has stipulated. We’ve heard from our commissioners and it’s frankly bizarre to me that they would put this narrative out there that we have to co-locate, that we have to have a single story, that we have a prescribed timeline,” he said.
“All I can say is that I know what one solution is not, and it’s not North Park. We have to move beyond that,” Spoonmore added.
His comments came in the context of the regular meeting of county commissioners earlier in the day, where they stressed that time and space are the two factors they will rely on in their choice of a new jail location. And those two factors still point to North Park, a site twice rejected by the county council in the last 10 months.
County commissioner Jody Madeira, who has been participating in the subcommittee’s work as a member of the public, if not formally by sitting at the table, spoke from the public mic on Thursday. She covered some of the same ground as she did in a written memo sent to subcommittee members on the topic of single-story design.
“Jail layout shapes everything inside it: whether officers can see and respond quickly, whether staff are positioned to interact directly with the people they supervise, whether incarcerated people experience constant noise, isolation, crowding, and stress, and it shapes whether the facility encourages order through human contact or relies on barriers, blind spots, and crisis response,” Madeira said. She continued: “Research is clear that older traditional jail designs, especially multi-level linear cell blocks with long quarters, poor sightlines, and remote surveillance, create serious problems.”
The group is set to meet at [noon Monday, July 13,](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-2759) to vote on a recommendation.
### Bloomington police: SUV turned into path of truck in fatal crash near SR 45/46 and I-69
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-suv-turned-into-path-of-box-truck-in-fatal-crash-near-sr-45-46-and-i-69/
Last updated: 2026-07-10T01:17:11.000Z
On Thursday morning (July 9) an 85-year-old Bloomington man driving a sport utility vehicle eastbound on SR 45/46, waiting to turn north to get on I-69, was killed when he turned directly into the path of a large box truck headed westbound on SR 45/46.
That’s according to a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Bloomington-Police-news-release-Fatal-Crash-Investigation-46-and-69-7%5F9%5F2026.pdf ) from Bloomington police on Thursday afternoon. Police are not releasing any information about the man while the investigation is still underway.
The truck is described in the news release as a large 2024 International box truck. The vehicle driven by the Bloomington man who was killed was a 2005 Cadillac SRX sport utility vehicle.
According to the news release the time of the response was 10:40 a.m. and when the emergency medical team arrived, they found the driver dead at the scene.
The description of the Cadillac waiting in the left turn lane to head north on I-69, then suddenly turning into the path of the truck, came from a passenger in the truck, according to the release. The box truck crashed into the passenger side of the SUV and both vehicles went off the north side of the roadway and landed in a ditch.
The driver of the truck was identified in the news release as a 46-year-old man from Orleans, who did not show signs of impairment. He was taken to a local hospital, where he voluntarily submitted to a blood draw for analysis. The news release says that is standard procedure for drivers involved in a crash resulting in serious bodily injury or death.
The news release says that Indiana State Police helped Bloomington police at the scene because the crash involved a commercial vehicle, the box truck. It is the crash reconstruction team for the Bloomington police department that is handling the investigation.
### Monroe County declares jail-overcrowding emergency, sheriff preps to move up to 100 inmates
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-declares-jail-overcrowding-emergency-sheriff-preps-to-move-up-to-100-inmates/
Last updated: 2026-07-09T20:54:30.000Z
From left: Monroe County commissioners Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira; chief deputy Phil Parker and sheriff Ruben Marté. (Dave Askins, July 9, 2026)
Monroe County commissioners passed a resolution declaring a jail-overcrowding emergency on Thursday (July 9), after sheriff Ruben Marté told them the county has reached the point where it should prepare to move [50 to 100 inmates](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf#page=3) to other county jails.
“We have to do it now,” Marté said.
The commissioners voted 2–0 during a work session following their regular meeting to approve a resolution acknowledging the emergency and directing county lawyers to help negotiate agreements with surrounding counties. The tally did not add to 3, because Lee Jones was absent from the work session. The resolution is expected to return for ratification at the next meeting of the commissioners, [on July 16](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-board-of-commissioners-hybrid-9123).
Marté’s [16-page report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency.pdf ), with an separate [appendix](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency-Appendix-A.pdf), says that although the downtown jail lists 294 beds, only 233 are available for general housing. Applying an 80% threshold needed to maintain enough flexibility to separate inmates by security level, sex, medical and mental health needs and other factors puts the jail’s functional capacity at 186, according to the report.
The jail averaged 244 inmates from January through June, the report says. The June average was 260, with a peak of 275, which is 89 above the sheriff’s functional-capacity figure.
The aging building has added to the urgency. During the recent heat wave, jail staff said some cells reached 85F° to 90F°, forcing them to leave cell doors open and use large fans, ice and other measures to keep inmates cool. Commissioner Julie Thomas said before the vote that the declared emergency was not limited to the heat wave and was expected to continue until a replacement jail opens.
The sheriff’s [preliminary cost estimate](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Increased-Trends-in-Jaily-Population-sheriff-jail-condition-report-Ruben-Marte-emergency-Appendix-A.pdf#page=3) puts the first-year expense of housing and transporting inmates elsewhere at between $2.94 million and $5.09 million, depending on whether 50 or 100 inmates are moved and what other counties charge. The plan calls for 14 to 17 transport officers, as well as supervisors and administrative staff, plus seven vehicles.
To execute the plan for significant transport of prisoners out of the jail, the sheriff’s next stop is the Monroe County board of judges, followed by the county council, which would have to provide funding. The council will also be considering requests for additional staff in the context of a hiring freeze that has been in place since last year, because of an uncertain financial stemming from changes in property tax laws approved by the state legislature.
Jail commander Kyle Gibbons told commissioners on Thursday he has already spoken with circuit court judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff, and reported that the judges have already been doing what they can to move people out of the jail, when public safety allows it.
At the same time, the sheriff’s office and county lawyers will have to work with other county facilities on housing agreements. The resolution approved by commissioners commits them to act on those agreements without unnecessary delay after any required court approval.
The emergency plan comes as a city-county committee (called the [Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/council/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/ )) works toward a July 13 deadline to make recommendation for a new jail site, after the county council twice rejected the North Park location, which is still preferred by county commissioners. The subcommittee’s penultimate meeting is set for [Thursday night (July 9) at 6 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-2759)
The emergency plan also comes a month after a federal judge dismissed the jail-conditions case first filed in 2008\. The dismissal now leaves room for new litigation over current conditions.
The text of the resolution, as Thomas read into the record Thursday, was:
> Now therefore:
>
> 1\. The Monroe County Board of Commissioners formally acknowledges that Monroe County is experiencing a significant jail overcrowding emergency, and that the current jail facility continues to deteriorate, creating operational, safety, and constitutional concerns requiring immediate attention.
>
> 2\. The board acknowledges that, while the Monroe County Jail contains approximately 233 general housing beds, the sheriff’s office has established the functional capacity of the facility at approximately 186 beds, based upon correctional operational requirements.
>
> 3\. The Monroe County Attorney or other designated legal counsel for the county is asked to immediately assist the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in preparing, negotiating, and finalizing interlocal agreements, housing agreements, and any other contracts necessary to house Monroe County inmates in surrounding county correctional facilities.
>
> 4\. Upon completing such agreements and following any required approval by Monroe County courts, the board commits to considering and acting upon those agreements without unnecessary delay.
>
> 5\. The Monroe County Board of Commissioners encourages county council to identify county fund or funds available to finance this emergency operational plan, including inmate housing, transportation, medical, and associated operational costs, and to identify the current available balances of such funds as part of the county’s implementation strategy.
>
> 6\. The board affirms that these emergency operational measures are intended solely to maintain constitutional jail operations, protect the health and safety of inmates and staff, reduce legal liability to Monroe County, and preserve public safety until a permanent replacement correctional facility is constructed and placed into service.
>
> 7\. The Monroe County Board of Commissioners commits to working collaboratively with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Courts, and other affected government agencies to implement these emergency measures as expeditiously as practical.
>
> 8\. Nothing contained in this resolution shall be construed as limiting or replacing Monroe County’s ongoing responsibility to pursue, finance and construct a long-term replacement correctional facility capable of meeting the present and future correctional needs of Monroe County.
The commissioners are expected to ratify the resolution at their [next regular meeting,](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-board-of-commissioners-hybrid-9123) given that they approved it at a work session, when it did not appear on the agenda.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Monroe County commissioners unveil jail-site map, scoring grid as they push case for North Park
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-unveil-jail-site-map-scoring-grid-as-they-make-case-for-north-park/
Last updated: 2026-07-09T18:30:00.000Z
[](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/sites/#/monroe-county-gis-division/apps/bc08fed50d9846b0a41798602e2ea544/explore)
Screenshot of dynamic map built by Monroe County GIS team to show jail sites previously considered by the county commissioners in the last three years. The image links to the [dynamic map](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/sites/#/monroe-county-gis-division/apps/bc08fed50d9846b0a41798602e2ea544/explore). The information in the popups for each site is contained in a [spreadsheet](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-commissioenrs-jail-Final-Justice-Center-site-comparison.xlsx), which is also available in [.pdf file format](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-commissioners-jail-site-matrix-evaluation.pdf).
Monroe County commissioners used time at the end of their regular Thursday (July 9) meeting to talk about their priorities for selection of a new county jail site. The key takeaway: Time and space are the two factors they will rely on in their choice of a new jail location.
And those two factors point to North Park, a site that was twice rejected by the county council, [most recently on May 26](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-dead-as-jail-site-after-monroe-county-council-repeats-clear-rejection-search-for-alternate-location-now-urgent/). The fact that North Park remains the first choice of commissioners is not news. But a new [dynamic map](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/sites/#/monroe-county-gis-division/apps/bc08fed50d9846b0a41798602e2ea544/explore) and a [grid with site evaluations](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-commissioners-jail-site-matrix-evaluation.pdf) count as new tools for absorbing the considerable information that is currently being disseminated.
Commentary from county commissioners Jody Madeira and Julie Thomas on Thursday morning came against the backdrop of a jail-site selection committee (called the [Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/council/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/)) that has been meeting over the last few weeks and is expected to make a recommendation for a new jail site inside the city limits on July 13\. Commissioner Lee Jones did not attend Thursday’s meeting.
The CJPWS on Monday [narrowed a list of 16 properties](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-panel-narrows-options-inside-city-to-five-sites-ahead-of-final-meetings/) to five options, including renovation of the current jail and justice center in combination with the nearby Curry Building. The group has been working through evaluation criteria and seeking additional information about the remaining sites. The committee’s work follows the county council’s May 26 rejection of an $11.375-million purchase of the North Park property, which left the county without a selected site after years of planning for a new jail. \[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
At the same time, the county is emerging from nearly two decades of federal court oversight: A lawsuit over conditions at the downtown jail, filed in 2008, was dismissed June 8, but the dismissal left open the possibility of new litigation over jail conditions.
On Thursday morning, commissioner Jody Madeira stressed that under Indiana law it is the county executive’s duty to establish and maintain a county jail, and that means the board of commissioners. The CJPWS, now drafting its own recommendation, is “non‑binding,” she said, but still has value. Part of that value, Madeira said, is educational. The work of the CJPWS, which is open to the public, can help the public move “away from slogans and misunderstandings and toward concrete criteria like time and space, infrastructure and access, costs and legal risk,” Madeira said.
The commissioners have decided [not to participate formally](https://bsquarebulletin.com/jail-site-panel-to-start-scoring-monroe-county-commissioners-decline-role/) in the work of the CJPWS and have made clear they do not see it as a substitute for their own statutory role or that of the county council. Madeira has participated in the work of the CJPWS as a member of the public—by offering feedback on the selection criteria adopted by the CJPWS, and by providing background on the importance of single-story jail design.
On Thursday morning, Julie Thomas boiled the problem down to two requirements: time and space. Thomas called time the most important factor, both because of construction inflation and because of “human costs” tied to continued operation of an aging and failing facility. Any site inside the city adds roughly a year to the process, she said, because of city planning and city council approvals: “Anything in the city will take an extra year—anything. That’s just the way it is.”
In the context of the assumptions used by the commissioners, adequate space means at least 25 acres. Madeira said that figure comes from work by DLZ, the sheriff, and other partners. That amount of space is meant not only to accommodate a 400‑bed jail with expansion capacity but also, eventually, courts, prosecutor, public defender, clerk and related justice offices.
Co‑location of those offices has existed in Monroe County for four decades and is “strongly preferred,” Madeira said. Failing to plan for colocation now would lock in higher operating costs stemming from more transports, more staff, and more vehicles. Not colocating those other offices would introduce ongoing security and liability risks, she added.
Thomas pointed to Vigo County as a cautionary example of under‑building. That county opened a new jail only to face continued capacity pressures that led to construction of another jail. She said local officials there told her their council had cut the design below what was needed and they were now trying to “figure out how to make this work.”
Madeira focused on the importance of a one-story design for a new jail . A single‑story jail, she said, is “empirically valid, evidence‑based,” citing peer‑reviewed criminological research on carceral design. One‑level, direct‑supervision layouts with true lines of sight, natural light and visible greenery are associated with fewer assaults, lower suicidality and better conditions for both inmates and staff, Madeira said. She said she wants “the least traumatic experience in a facility that we know is traumatic for everyone” and said she does not want to build “a prison that is more prison‑like than it has to be.”
Both commissioners also worked to show that the county’s own vetting has been extensive, independent of the CJPWS matrix.
Thomas unveiled a [grid](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-commissioners-jail-site-matrix-evaluation.pdf) that she described as a “pretty comprehensive” list of every site the commissioners have studied over “many years,” from sub‑10‑acre parcels to larger tracts such as North Park and Tapp Road. \[[spreadsheet format for grid](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-commissioenrs-jail-Final-Justice-Center-site-comparison.xlsx)\] For each site, the table identifies key barriers and decision points: size, ownership, legal and zoning constraints, sewer and utility access, slope and karst, flood issues, land and infrastructure costs, expected time to build, and an overall conclusion.
In parallel, the county’s GIS staff has produced a [dynamic map](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/sites/#/monroe-county-gis-division/apps/bc08fed50d9846b0a41798602e2ea544/explore) that lets the public click on each potential location for a jail and see the same narrative assessment that appears in the chart. A slope layer can be switched on to visualize topographic problems. Thomas flagged the Tapp Road tracts as examples where steep grade changes and a planned city connector road could make much of the acreage unusable.
Within that framework, Thomas said, only North Park met all of the requirements, including the 25‑acre threshold, access and infrastructure feasibility, and lack of legal impediments. She criticized the assignment given to the CJPWS because it ruled out any site outside city limits at the outset. Thomas called that “a mistake” that removed a property “a stone’s throw from the city” from consideration (North Park).
Madeira wrapped up the issue of urgency by saying that every time the conversation circles back to “infeasible” locations is another “moment that we are exposed legally, financially, and morally.”
---
The next meeting of the [Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/council/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/) is [Thursday (July 9) at 6 p.m](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-2759).
### July 9, 2026: Host hotel pitches, jail sites, Seminary Pointe rally, Nov. 3 ballot
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-9-2026-host-hotel-pitches-jail-sites-seminary-pointe-rally-nov-3-ballot/
Last updated: 2026-07-09T09:05:28.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-june-29-2026-2/). If you have read the B Square faithfully over the last week, you will ace this quiz. (You're allowed to look stuff up on The B Square as you take the quiz!)
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Slow down. There could be fog through 9 a.m. Dress cool. The day will be mostly sunny, with a high near 89F°. Towards evening, starting around 6 p.m. wet weather will start to become likely with a 70% chance of rain. The rain will come with thunderstorms at a likelihood of around 50%.
**Friday:** Wear something that will dry fast. Starting early in the day there will be a 50-50 chance of rain and thunderstorms, and your best bet might be to leave the umbrella and rain gear if you’re the kind to lose those items, and hope for the best. The high temperature will be around 85F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Dora, MHG pitch host hotel plans for Bloomington convention center, land-swap question lingers](https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-mhg-pitch-host-hotel-plans-for-bloomington-convention-center-land-swap-question-lingers/). Dora Hospitality and MHG Hotels pitched competing plans Wednesday for a convention center host hotel, differing sharply on parking and financing. The CIB is expected to weigh the proposals July 15 as a possible land swap for the preferred College Square site remains unresolved.
- [Monroe County jail panel narrows options inside city to five sites ahead of final meetings](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-panel-narrows-options-inside-city-to-five-sites-ahead-of-final-meetings/). A jail-site panel narrowed its active list to five options Monday, including: renovation of the current justice center in combination with the Curry Building; and three sites near I-69\. Members also refined evaluation criteria and sought more data before meetings on July 9 and July 13.
- [Housing advocates rally at Bloomington city hall as two key public bodies trade blame](https://bsquarebulletin.com/housing-advocates-rally-at-bloomington-city-hall-as-two-key-public-bodies-trade-blame/). At least 60 people rallied at Bloomington city hall Monday, urging the RDC and CIB to negotiate a land swap that could preserve Seminary Pointe. Hours earlier, mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration and CIB president John Whikehart traded statements over how talks should proceed.
- [Monroe County ballot nears final shape: Davis files write-in bid, Trimble’s final paperwork pending](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-ballot-nears-final-shape-davis-files-write-in-bid-trimbles-final-paperwork-pending/). Monroe County’s latest Nov. 3 ballot adds write-in clerk candidate Joe Davis and three Democratic township board candidates. Republicans left some major countywide vacancies unfilled, including sheriff, while Lisa Jeneé Trimble’s independent assessor candidacy awaits final paperwork.
### Other notes
**Mobile responsive design for The Bloomington Chronicle.** The timeline collection called [The Bloomington Chronicle](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Main%5FPage), which is part of the backbone of the Total News framework that runs The B Square, now has a mobile-friendly layout. If you’ve never had a look at one of the timelines on The Chronicle that are under ongoing construction, try starting with the one about the [Monroe County jail](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail).
### On the calendar
**Final ARPA spending.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (July 9) agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F07%2E09%2E26%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for the Monroe County commissioners is a review of county council actions on the expenditure of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) pandemic relief funds. The money has to be spent by the end of the year.
It’s a pretty light agenda, which means there’s potentially room to add items, if not to the regular meeting agenda, then to the work session agenda, which has just one rezone item. Possible topics for additional agenda items include jail planning.
**Penultimate jail site committee meeting.** Set for [6 p.m. on Thursday (July 9) ](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-2759)is the next-to-last meeting of the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee Meeting, which is supposed to make a recommendation about a site for a new jail at its July 13 meeting, which is next Monday. The committee will be starting from an [updated annotated evaluation matrix](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FCollaborative%20Justice%20Project%20Working%20Subcommittee%2F2026%2D07%2D09%20Collaborative%20Subcommitee%20Agenda%2DPacket%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FCollaborative%20Justice%20Project%20Working%20Subcommittee&p=true&ga=1), with the five short-listed sites clumped to the left. For B Square background see: [Monroe County jail panel narrows options inside city to five sites ahead of final meetings](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-panel-narrows-options-inside-city-to-five-sites-ahead-of-final-meetings/)
**Special meeting of election board.** Set for [Friday (July 10) at 10 a.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/special-monroe-county-election-board-meeting) is a special meeting of the Monroe County election board. The regular meeting of the board in the first week of July was canceled. I’m not positive what items could be on the agenda, but one possibility will be to prepare for action on ballot items for the Nov. 3 election. Joe Davis has registered as a write-in candidate for clerk, even though Indiana’s “sore loser” law would preclude his candidacy. He lost a Democratic Party primary race for clerk. It’s not obvious to me who, if anyone, is responsible for enforcement of the law. For B Square background see: [Monroe County ballot nears final shape: Davis files write-in bid, Trimble’s final paperwork pending](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-ballot-nears-final-shape-davis-files-write-in-bid-trimbles-final-paperwork-pending/).
---
**Street Busking around dusk: Thursday (July 9).** In front of Walkover Sounds & Stones, the record store next to Amrit India on the courthouse square, on Thursday towards dusk, which is around 9 p.m., saxophonist John Layton and friends will be busking. I listened to John play for over an hour on Wednesday evening. Stop on by.
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Marcona!
Up for adoption, as of July 8 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Marcona](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87261). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is an Australian shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Marcona](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87261).
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
### Photo Finish: Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
A saxophonist is busking on the southeast corner of the courthouse square. Among his selections is ”Won‘t you take me to: Funky**town* ...“ Already there, man. His name is John Layton. Venmo = @john-the-sax. On Thursday (July 9) Layton and friends will be busking in front of Walkover Sounds & Stones, the record store next to Amrit India on the courthouse square starting around 9 p.m. (Dave Askins, July 7, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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---
### Dora, MHG pitch host hotel plans for Bloomington convention center, land-swap question lingers
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/dora-mhg-pitch-host-hotel-plans-for-bloomington-convention-center-land-swap-question-lingers/
Last updated: 2026-07-09T08:09:50.000Z
Land shaded with purple has been transferred by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. It's the purple areas (light and dark) that are the subject of current proposals from host hoteliers. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB has targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. The dark yellow areas are historic districts. The 424 S. College and 222 W 2nd St addresses, indicated with placemarks inside the dark purple area, are listed as "contributing" in the city’s 2018 survey. But the city’s historic preservation commission clear them for demolition. Map by the B Square.
Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB) on Wednesday (July 8) heard two competing proposals to build the convention center host hotel.
They both checked the basic boxes laid out in the CIB’s [request for proposals](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-24-CIB-Monroe-Capital-Improvement-Board-Bloomington-Convention-Center-Hotel-Developer-RFP-04-24-26%5FFINAL.pdf ): at least 200 rooms; a nationally recognized hotel brand; integrated meeting space to support the expanded convention center; and a schedule that gets the hotel open as soon as possible.
Both hoteliers, MHG Hotels and Dora Hospitality, gave sometime in 2029 as a projected opening date.
Where the proposals differ significantly is in how they handle parking and how they plan to finance construction. The proposals centered on CIB‑controlled land south of the convention center along College Avenue, which includes the Seminary Pointe block.
The presentations were given against the backdrop of the possibility of a land-swap deal between the CIB and Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) that would trade the Seminary Pointe block for the College Square lot at the southwest corner of 4th Street and College Avenue, just north of the existing convention center. The College Square lot is a vacant building and parking lot, which is by wide consensus a better location for a host hotel than Seminary Pointe.
A [rally by housing advocates](https://bsquarebulletin.com/housing-advocates-rally-at-bloomington-city-hall-as-two-key-public-bodies-trade-blame/) on Monday (July 6) in support of the land swap was preceded by a press release from Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson that essentially called on the CIB to submit a proposal to the Bloomington RDC in the context of the RDC’s public offering for the College Square lot, which closes July 20\. Offers are due to be opened at the RDC regular meeting set for that day.
Behind the scenes on Monday, city of Bloomington lawyers had urged the CIB in an [email message](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-06-email-exchange-Seminary-Pointe-RDC-CIB-host-hotel-land-swap.pdf) to submit a land swap proposal through the RDC’s public offering. The emailed reply from the CIB’s attorney pointed to July 15 as the next regular meeting of the CIB, when any formal response could be expected. But it also included an update on the CIB’s progress to date on preparing the Seminary Pointe block for a hotel development.
That update from the CIB relayed what could be considered the news of the day: One of the appraisals the CIB had received for the real estate came it at $7 million, which is within about a half-million dollars of the minimum price the RDC had put in its public offering, which was $7.59 million.
The second of the two appraisals is not mentioned. But the $7 million figure is substantially more than what many observers assumed to be the value of the real estate. The perceived mismatch between the value of the two parcels had been one obstacle to a land swap.
### Dora Hospitality
Dora Hospitality proposed a single, soft‑brand, full‑service hotel, possibly under a Marriott Tribute or Hilton Tapestry flag. The entrance would be on College Avenue, with a second public face on the B‑Line Trail.
Architect David Rausch, with Luminaut, showed a detailed massing that steps down toward Smith Avenue, he described as picking up the rhythm of the convention center’s College façade, and lines the B-Line with meeting rooms, wellness space, and a pool to activate the trail. The building program includes about 200 rooms, a full‑service restaurant on the ground floor, a rooftop bar oriented toward the convention center, and around 6,000 square feet of meeting space.
Parking is a key part of Dora’s pitch and a major cost driver. The concept relies on roughly 200 spaces built into the site. About 175 of the spaces would be built in a single level of below‑grade parking plus additional stalls at grade on the south side, using the site’s natural slope to reduce excavation of solid rock. Rausch and partner Russ Lauterbach told the CIB the current parking stall count is partly a zoning placeholder, but said they are not eager to reduce it by a lot, pointing out that a drive‑to convention market needs close, dedicated parking to keep group business and repeat guests.
On financing, principal Vince Dora described a private joint‑venture structure in which he and Lauterbach recruit equity partners they already work with, including Bloomington‑connected investors. The project is expected to cost on the order of $70–75 million, or roughly $375,000 per room. Dora said both he and Lauterbach are already in conversations with national lenders, but that term sheets will only materialize once the CIB selects a developer and settles on the site.
Dora framed the design as deliberately efficient as a way to make the numbers work. Dora also acknowledged what he sees as the main structural drawback: Guests will still have to walk outdoors between the hotel and convention center, a sales challenge in winter that they would have to manage in how they package convention business.
### MHG Hotels
The proposal from MHG Hotels was for an Embassy Suites‑style Hilton or similar Marriott flag, with around 200 to 250 rooms and roughly 15,000 square feet of meeting space, plus a full‑service restaurant, lobby bar, and rooftop bar. Where Dora arrived with a sketched-out site plan, MHG’s approach was mostly descriptive.
On parking, MHG leaned harder into cost and feasibility concerns. Managing director Hunter Carmichael called parking “probably the largest challenge” for a 200‑room hotel with significant meeting space. Carmichael pointed to the already stressed 4th Street garage as evidence that large events cannot simply be dumped into existing structures.
Owner Neil Patel cited current costs of roughly $15,000 per stall, and warned that a 200‑plus‑space garage adds “millions and millions of dollars” to the project. MHG’s preference, they said, is to avoid building a full garage on the hotel footprint and instead use or acquire nearby surface parking, with valet or self‑park operations. They gave a hotel in Fort Lauderdale, with seven levels of structured parking, as evidence they can deliver integrated structured parking, if required.
### Dora vs. MHG
The sharpest contrast between the two proposals was in the financing and ownership. Sanjay Patel told the CIB that MHG Hotels will not seek outside investors and that the company is “100% owned” by him, with typical projects in the $55–60 million range financed with 20–30% equity and the balance from Indiana‑based lenders MHG already uses. He promised proof of funds and bank contacts, if selected. Patel cast that single‑owner model against “pie in the sky” RFP responses that depend on assembling dozens of investors after they win a bid .
Both teams promised a true full‑service operation tailored to convention center business, but they framed “full service” differently. Dora leaned on the flexibility of a soft brand and access to a major loyalty and reservation system without a rigid prototype. They also stressed a design that physically and visually ties the hotel to the convention center and the B‑Line.
MHG leaned on the Embassy‑style model and its existing Bloomington portfolio, arguing that suites, branded breakfast and evening offerings, and an integrated cluster of three local hotels give them a built‑in base of institutional and IU‑related customers to feed the convention center.
Vice president of MHG’s operations, Kattie Killion said that the company knows how to deliver the kind of stay in Bloomington that results in repeat business. MHG’s two Bloomington properties are Home2 Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton. Killion described MHG’s current properties in Bloomington: “We have alumni and guests that come back and stay there and prefer that hotel over the Graduate or the Hilton Garden Inn or any other hotel. And that’s because we know how to operate a hotel.”
The CIB’s evaluation group is expected to sort through those contrasts between the two proposals before making a recommendation to the full board on July 15.
The evaluation group includes: CIB members Jay Baer, Doug Bruce and John Whikehart; Mike Campbell of the Convention and Visitors Commission; and Mike McAfee of Visit Bloomington. Supporting the group are: CIB attorney Jim Whitlatch; CIB controller Jeff Underwood; Jason Larrison and Mary Krupinski of JS Held, which is the CIB owner’s representative, and subcontractor to JS Held, Adam Gelter, a hotel expert.
What happens on July 15 at the CIB meeting might not be a final selection of a hotelier by the CIB.
The [July 6 email](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-06-email-exchange-Seminary-Pointe-RDC-CIB-host-hotel-land-swap.pdf) from the city attorneys for the RDC on Monday urged the CIB to hold a decision in abeyance until July 20, when the RDC’s public offering closes.
That scenario is described like this: “CIB evaluates their offers on July 15th and determines that none of the bids are better than College Square. They keep the bids under consideration, let the world know that College Square remains their first choice, and pause.”
### Historical background
The two companies who pitched proposals on Wednesday are familiar to the CIB. Dora and MHG were two of the three hotel developers that sought the job in the first round of competition nearly two years ago.
In September 2024, the CIB [heard presentations](https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-expansion-takes-steps-ahead-with-sharp-words-from-2-bloomington-councilmembers/) from Dora, MHG and Garfield Public/Private. The [request for proposals](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/RFP-Monroe-Convention-Center-Hotel-Developer-CIB-6-28-24%5FFINAL-compressed.pdf) back then called for an upscale hotel with at least 200 rooms, at least 10,000 square feet of meeting space and amenities that included a restaurant, lounge and fitness center. The developer was also expected to work with the convention center on room blocks and convention bookings.
Of the three companies, Dora was the only one that presented a concept tied to a specific piece of real estate. Its preferred location was the former Bunger & Robertson property at Fourth Street and College Avenue, north of the existing convention center. The property, now known as College Square, is owned by Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC).
In October 2024, the CIB [chose Dora](https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-expansion-update-favored-hotelier-named-project-cost-dialed-in-at-71m-bloomington-budget-challenge-rejected/) over MHG and Garfield as its preferred hotel developer. The selection set in motion negotiations between Dora and the RDC over College Square, which the city’s RDC had acquired in two transactions for a total of about $7 million.
The hotel project began to fall well behind the convention center expansion itself. By October 2025, with no College Square deal in place, the CIB gave Dora and the RDC [60 days to show concrete progress](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-gives-mid-december-ultimatum-on-bloomingtons-convention-center-hotel-deal/). By then, construction of the convention center expansion was well underway, while a hotel was still expected to take another two and a half to three years to design and build.
The December deadline produced no College Square agreement. Dora instead [turned its attention to city-owned land](https://bsquarebulletin.com/feb-5-meeting-to-review-dora-south-option-convention-center-hotel-mayors-news-release-leaves-cib-head-baffled/) immediately south of the existing convention center. In January, the company presented a letter of intent for a five-story, 200-room hotel there. Dora asked for the land to be contributed to the project but said it was not seeking additional public subsidy.
That effort ended Feb. 5\. The CIB concluded that it could not accept Dora’s proposal because it did not control the city-owned land required for the project. The city was saying that it wanted to [negotiate a price](https://bsquarebulletin.com/no-land-no-deal-cib-ends-current-hotel-effort-when-bloomington-says-south-parcels-will-cost/) for the south parcels, when the CIB had expected they would be donated to the project, based on a letter from Bloomington corporation counsel Margie Rice dated [May 6, 2024](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/March-6-2024-Letter-to-Jim-Whitlatch-re-City-owned-real-property-for-Convention-Center-Use-OCR.pdf).
The CIB formally ended the original hotel selection process and turned toward a new request for proposals, after first trying to establish exactly what land it could offer a developer.
Less than two weeks later, the city’s [position shifted](https://bsquarebulletin.com/back-on-track-bloomington-mayor-commits-downtown-land-for-convention-host-hotel/). Mayor Kerry Thomson and CIB president John Whikehart issued a [joint letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-02-18-mayor-thomson-john-whikehart-%5Fjoint-letter-from-the-City-of-Bloomington-and-Capital-Improvement-Board.pdf ) saying the administration supported the public processes needed to make city-owned land south of the convention center available to the CIB at no cost, subject to approval by the appropriate boards and commissions.
A general awareness that a host hotel for a convention center is generally assumed to require a subsidy is something that many Bloomington decision makers confronted for the first time in [mid-December of 2025](https://bsquarebulletin.com/as-convention-center-rises-bloomington-council-bristles-at-potential-host-hotel-land-donation/). But a 2019 study done by [Hunden Strategic Partners (HSP)](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2019-06-10-MCC-Final-Hunden-Hotel-Report-2019-06-10.pdf) for a steering committee, which was working on Bloomington’s convention center expansion project at the time, indicated that a significant public subsidy would be needed to support a host hotel. That’s a hotel that works under contract with a convention center, typically by committing blocks of rooms for convention attendees at reduced rates and coordinating bookings and services with the center.
By February and March, Monroe County officials were also starting to consider transfers of county-owned property in the area to the CIB.
Those county properties included Seminary Pointe, a block of comparatively very-low-rent apartments and commercial space stretching south toward Second Street. In April, after approvals from the [Bloomington RDC](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-06-RDC-Resolution-26-24-Conveyance-of-Convention-Center-Parking-Lots-to-CIB.pdf ) for part of the real estate, and and the [county commissioners](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-03-26-Exhibit-for-item-H-Resolution-2026-10-Transfer-of-Property-to-the-Monroe-County-Capital-Improvement-Board-of-Managers.pdf) and [county council](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-14-county-council-resolution-on-convention-center-land-transfer-host-hotel-2026-04-14%5F-Council-Meeting-Agenda-Packet.pdf ) for other parts, the CIB [accepted transfers](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-accepts-downtown-parcels-now-seeks-talks-with-bloomington-rdc-on-land-swap-to-secure-host-hotel-site/) of the Seminary Pointe property and other nearby parcels.
The newly acquired land gave the board a site it could offer to a hotel developer—but also created the possibility of a different deal.
The CIB proposed trading Seminary Pointe to the RDC in exchange for College Square. Under that scenario, the hotel could be built on the north site that the CIB had long regarded as the better location, while Seminary Pointe could be preserved for housing and commercial uses. The property included about 29 residential units, with rents reported at roughly $400 to $700 a month. The CIB [approved](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-accepts-downtown-parcels-now-seeks-talks-with-bloomington-rdc-on-land-swap-to-secure-host-hotel-site/) a [request](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-15-CIB-Bloomington-RDC-Request-for-Whikehart-Negotiations-Bunger-and-Robertson.pdf ) to the RDC on April 15 to open land-swap negotiations.
The RDC [did not agree](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/) to the CIB’s request for a 30-day pause to negotiate a swap. Instead, it moved ahead with a [public offering](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-College-Square-Offering-Sheet-Bloomington-RDC-redevelopment-commission.pdf) of College Square, setting a minimum price of $7.59 million and a July 20 deadline for responses.
Four days later, on April 24, the CIB [approved](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/) a new [request for proposals](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-24-CIB-Monroe-Capital-Improvement-Board-Bloomington-Convention-Center-Hotel-Developer-RFP-04-24-26%5FFINAL.pdf ) for a host hotel using about six acres south of the convention center, including Seminary Pointe. Proposals were due June 30, with interviews anticipated in early July. The board also authorized appraisals and environmental work on the property.
By June 17, the CIB had [laid out the schedule](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-panel-narrows-options-inside-city-to-five-sites-ahead-of-final-meetings/) that led directly to Wednesday’s presentations: proposals due June 30, an initial review July 1, interviews July 8 and final consideration of a preferred hotel developer targeted for July 15.
The CIB continued moving toward redevelopment of Seminary Pointe as a host hotel while housing advocates pressed for the land swap. That pressure included a [public presentation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/advocates-say-financing-plan-for-seminary-pointe-feasible-if-land-swap-deal-happens/) of a [plan](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-20-Seminary-Pointe-business-plan-Bloomington-Homes-for-All.pdf) to renovate some of the buildings. Bloomington Homes for All also [held a rally](https://bsquarebulletin.com/advocates-say-financing-plan-for-seminary-pointe-feasible-if-land-swap-deal-happens/) on Monday, a two days ahead of the CIB’s hotelier interviews.
Residential leases and three commercial leases were extended through Aug. 31, and demolition notices posted in June triggered the city’s historic-preservation review process. On June 25, the historic preservation commission [released demolition delays](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/) on two contributing structures, clearing an obstacle to demolition as early as Oct. 1.
Five proposals arrived in response to the CIB’s RFP. Only Dora and MHG were found to have met the submission requirements and were advanced to the interview stage.
The CIB’s July 1 meeting [slide deck](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-01-capital-improvement-board-Seminary-Pointe-host-hotelier-CIB-Slides-for-Hotel-RFP-interview-rec-after-initial-analysis.pdf ) listed all five responses, with reasons why three were excluded, and recommending interviews with Dora and MHG. That is the recommendation that was [adopted by the CIB](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-narrows-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-field-to-dora-mhg/).
That put two companies that had competed for the project in 2024 back before the CIB on Wednesday, this time with a different piece of land on the table.
\[[Convention Center Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29)\]
### 3rd Street & B-Line Trail
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/what-h/
Last updated: 2026-07-14T20:02:55.000Z
Sticker that says: “WHAT HAS KERRY DONE” with a graphic resembling the Bloomington city seal. Seems like a clear reference to Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson. Message seems ambiguous between: The mayor hasn’t accomplished anything; and the mayor has done something specifically wrong. (Dave Askins, July 8, 2026)
### Monroe County jail panel narrows options inside city to five sites ahead of final meetings
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-jail-panel-narrows-options-inside-city-to-five-sites-ahead-of-final-meetings/
Last updated: 2026-07-07T15:19:31.000Z
Members of the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee from left: Karen Wrenbeck (deputy public defender); April Wilson (deputy prosecutor); Sydney Zulich (Bloomington city councilmember); Kerry Thomson (mayor, city of Bloomington); Liz Feitl (Monroe County councilor). (Dave Askins, July 6, 2026)
On Monday (July 6), the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee trimmed down to five a list of properties inside Bloomington under consideration for a new Monroe County jail site.
During their scheduled meeting, the group continued to work on the evaluation metrics that are being used as selection criteria, and requested county and city staff to provide information needed to conduct further site evaluations and arrive at a recommendation after its next two meetings.
The committee is looking to make a recommendation for a new jail site inside the city of Bloomington by the end of its July 13 meeting. The work is being done against a backdrop of expected new litigation over the conditions of the current jail.
The group started the meeting with a [partially-filled-in](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-06-jail-committee-evaluation-matrix-Collaborative-Justice-Project-Working-Subcommittee2.pdf ) evaluation matrix for 16 locations, each with its own column, with each row corresponding to one of the criteria. County attorney Molly-Turner King and city council attorney Larry Allen had done much of the work to fill in the cells with information.
At the beginning of Monday’s meeting, Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson asked for suggestions from committee members on properties that any of them thought weren’s feasible for the project and could be excluded from the evaluations.
First to be struck off the list was the Bloomington Transit garage. City councilmember Sydney Zulich explained the reasoning, “It looks like the owner is not willing to sell the property, so that would pretty much take it off the table.” The land is owned by Indiana University, while the building is owned by Bloomington Transit.
City council attorney Larry Allen informed the subcommittee that the Fell Iron and Bender Lumber properties that are included in the matrix are also unlikely to be for sale. He pointed to the [site plan approval](https://bsquarebulletin.com/deadlock-on-delay-leads-to-5-3-approval-by-bloomington-for-360-unit-residential-project/) by Bloomington’s plan commission in April for a 360-unit apartment complex there.
“In April of 2026, so just recently, at least the Fell Iron property went through the planning approval process, and it’s been approved for apartment building construction, so it’s very unlikely that that’s for sale,” Allen said.
Hopewell West and East, which are also on the subcommittee’s list, are owned by the Redevelopment Commission (RDC), Thomson noted.
“These are RDC-owned properties, and so an official decision would need to come from the RDC. I have done some checking though, and there is a full plat complete as well as a park installed, etc. So there’s significant planning already executed for residential and public promise of residential there,” Thomson said. “Again, I won’t speak for RDC if you want to make an official ask, but I would say it’s unlikely.”
The mayor did suggest that if any of the Hopewell properties became one of the top contenders in the course of the subcommittee’s deliberation, a proposal could be put on the RDC agenda “despite knowing it’s unlikely”.
According to Allen, consideration of the former H-T Building on South Walnut was complicated by the fact that part of the site sits in a floodway and the property is in the due diligence phase of a [potential sale](https://bsquarebulletin.com/school-district-moves-to-unload-3m-former-herald-times-property-amid-budget-pressures/) by the current owner, Monroe County Community School Corporation.
As with Hopewell, the committee decided to leave the H-T Building out of consideration for the time being.
The property south of the post office on South College Avenue was then struck off consideration because it is in a floodway as well.
The city hall parking lot, which made its way onto the list as a suggestion through the public feedback process by city councilmember Matt Flaherty, was also struck off the list as the mayor suggested a lack of viable solutions for city parking.
“If we were to get rid of that, it’s not a short-term resolution to come up with that, and so I would say, for the purpose of this group, it’s not really a viable discussion at this point,” she said. The property, at 1.3 acres, was also considered not big enough for the potential jail site.
The convention center parking lot west of the B-Line Trail was also considered unsuitable for the jail site because of its small size.
Deputy prosecutor April Wilson supported the decision not to further consider the parking lot, because it’s not just used for convention center parking. “It’s also overflow for county employees parking because the county parking garage is smaller than needed at times,” she said.
The subcommittee also has two more private properties on its list of considerations, and city attorney Allen told the members that more information on those will be presented during an executive session on Thursday (July 9).
The group then discussed the Curry Building, which is located next to the current justice building at 7th Street and College Avenue.
County attorney Molly Turner-King told the committee that the option to use the Curry Building by itself—as opposed to renovating the current justice center facilities in combination with the Curry Building—would not provide enough square footage.
“I think the only viable option would probably be \[in combination\] with the use of the current justice building,” she said.
After Monday’s discussion, the list of options targeted for additional focus by the committee for the new jail site comes down to five: renovating the current facilities in combination with the Curry Building; property north of Tapp Road next to the I-69 on Wapehani Road and Weimer Road; property south of Tapp Road on the I-69 and W Tapp Road; the Thomson property at 1620 S. Rogers Street; and the Fullerton Pike property at SR 37\.
The North Park site, which was rejected by the county council, has a column in the spreadsheet as a reference point.
Also at Monday’s meeting, the committee revisited the evaluation metrics and the missing information for each. Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson suggested coming up with a critical path of questions that need to be answered before the next meeting, and designating who answers those questions.
The members discussed whether one of the criteria is actually appropriate: Is the property adequate for 448 beds? “I don’t think it’s our charge to decide what the bed count should be. If we’re going to talk about size, let’s do square footage. Don’t want to get us into a situation where we have more beds than we need,” said Bloomington city councilmember Sydney Zulich.
Following a brief back and forth, committee members decided to base their operational adequacy metric on the [square footage proposed](https://bsquarebulletin.com/housing-advocates-rally-at-bloomington-city-hall-as-two-key-public-bodies-trade-blame/) in an August 29, 2025 design for the North Park site.
During the committee’s July 1 meeting, county attorney Jeff Cockerill said that according to that design, the area needed for the sheriff and jail space was 123,455 square feet.
The members also decided to use the square footage metric to answer the question of whether a site meets the requirements of constitutional care.
“If you use the square footage from the August 29, 2025 meeting, that blueprint was based on a design that remedies these constitutional conditions, and so in essence, if you’re using that square footage, then it would meet constitutional care,” said Turner-King in support of the notion.
The subcommittee also determined that it needs answers to questions about the availability of utilities at the potential sites and whether or not geotechnical and environmental studies have been completed. They also addressed the caveat that the information may be unknown for some of the sites.
For the committee’s next meeting on Thursday, Thomson suggested how the deliberations could unfold.
“I would suggest that we all come prepared with some comments about the properties. I would value hearing from this subcommittee what their main concerns and priorities are with each of the properties, and considering those over next weekend, along with the public comment that we’re going to hear, and I think that could advance our process for getting to a vote in the in the final meeting,” Thomson said.
---
The remaining meetings of the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee will held on [Thursday, July 9 at 6 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-2759) and [Monday, July 13 at noon](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-2759). The Thursday meeting will be preceded by an executive session at 5:30 p.m.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-walnut-street-11/
Last updated: 2026-07-08T14:04:17.000Z
A saxophonist is busking on the southeast corner of the courthouse square. Among his selections is ”Won‘t you take me to: Funky**town* ...“ Already there, man. (Dave Askins, July 7, 2026)
### Housing advocates rally at Bloomington city hall as two key public bodies trade blame
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/housing-advocates-rally-at-bloomington-city-hall-as-two-key-public-bodies-trade-blame/
Last updated: 2026-07-07T19:09:04.000Z
Housing advocates rally on the steps of Bloomington city hall in support of preserving the low-rent apartments and commercial space at Seminary Pointe. (Dave Askins, July 6, 2026)
At least 60 people gathered on the steps of Bloomington city hall on Monday (July 6) evening with a demand for two government bodies involved in a complicated real estate dispute: Talk to each other.
One sign held by a demonstrator put it gently, with the letters “RDC + CIB Hug it Out” inside the outline of a heart.
Another sign was more pointed, aimed directly at Bloomington’s mayor, Kerry Thomson: “The housing crisis is your fault, Mayor Thomson.” Thomson’s first name made a rhyme for one of the call-and-response chants used by demonstrators: Hey, hey, *Kerr*\-y! Save Semi-*nary*!
The rally started outside, but after a round of speeches and chants, demonstrators headed into the city hall building. Organizers climbed the stairs, held banners from the second-floor balcony and delivered remarks from above to the crowd gathered below.
The rally was organized by Bloomington Homes for All as part of its campaign to preserve housing and commercial space at Seminary Pointe, through a hoped-for land swap.
In the land-swap scenario, Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC), would give the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) the RDC-owned College Square property north of the convention center for development of a host hotel. The CIB is tasked under a city-county [interlocal agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-02-21-Version-of-Capital-Improvement-Board-Interlocal-Agreement-Approved-by-Monroe-County-Commissioners-Feb-21-2024-Convention-Center.pdf ) with the convention center expansion and selection of a host hotelier. In return for College Square, the RDC would get the CIB-owned Seminary Pointe block south of the convention center.
College Square, also known as the former Bunger & Robertson property, is a vacant lot at the southwest corner of College Avenue and ~~2nd Street~~ 4th Street. It is owned by the RDC.
Seminary Pointe, south of the existing convention center, is owned by the CIB. It includes low-rent apartments and businesses including Friendly Beasts Cidery, Blue Tip Billiards, My Sister’s Closet and Jeff’s Warehouse.
The CIB acquired Seminary Pointe and other nearby properties from the Monroe County government for possible use as the site of a host hotel serving the convention center expansion.
Housing advocates [ultimately want Seminary Pointe transferred](https://bsquarebulletin.com/advocates-say-financing-plan-for-seminary-pointe-feasible-if-land-swap-deal-happens/) to Avalon Community Land Trust, with the existing low-rent apartments and commercial spaces preserved under a cooperative model.
At Monday’s rally, organizers urged the RDC to call a special meeting and open negotiations with the CIB before the CIB selects a host-hotel developer.
“We’re just asking for the two government bodies to talk and figure something out in the best interest of the whole community,” Bryce Greene told the crowd. “Is that too much to ask?”
The timing is tight, as both the CIB and the RDC are pursuing their own formal processes for developing the real estate they each own. The deadlines for those processes don’t align.
The CIB is set to interview [two hotel development teams](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-narrows-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-field-to-dora-mhg/)—Dora Hospitality and MHG Hotels—on Wednesday (July 8). A final decision is scheduled for July 15\. But the RDC’s separate public offering for College Square does not close until July 20.
That puts the CIB on track to select a hotel developer for Seminary Pointe five days before the deadline for proposals on the College Square property, which housing advocates and the CIB would prefer to use for the hotel.
\[[Bloomington Convention Center timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29)\]
### Trading statements
In the early afternoon hours on Monday, ahead of the rally, Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration issued a [press release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-06-Seminary-Pointe-Kerry-Thomson-RDC-CIB-redevelopment-commission-capital-improvement-board-host-hotel.pdf) on the topic with the headline: “Thomson Administration Outlines Path Forward for Seminary Pointe and Convention Center Hotel.”
The news release recites a lot of the history of the issue, mostly restating the RDC position that it [could not justify agreeing to the 30-day pause](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/) that the CIB had requested before the RDC issued its public offering for the College Square site. When the RDC refused to take a 30-day pause to negotiate, the CIB then released its own request for proposals for the Seminary Pointe real estate.
Separate from the mayor’s news release, RDC executive director Anna Killion-Hanson released a [Q & A document](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-06-RDC-redevelopment-commission-Seminary-Pointe-Q-and-A-on-College-Square-07062026.pdf ) with a lot of the history of the issue.
The RDC wanted the CIB to submit the land swap as a proposal for College Square in the context of the RDC’s public offering, along with any other parties who might have been interested in developing the College Square lot. Thomson’s Monday news release said that the RDC’s public offering “gave the CIB an avenue to negotiate.”
The [response](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-06-Whikehart-statement-CIB-Seminary-Pointe-College-Square-Bloomington-mayor-Kerry-Thomson.pdf ) to the mayor’s Monday news release from CIB president John Whikehart restated his position that the [interlocal agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-02-21-Version-of-Capital-Improvement-Board-Interlocal-Agreement-Approved-by-Monroe-County-Commissioners-Feb-21-2024-Convention-Center.pdf) spells out what is supposed to happen when the CIB makes a request for real estate like College Square that it thinks is needed for the convention center expansion project: “The Parties shall in good faith review and negotiate regarding such requests.”
The mayor’s news release says that Whikehart’s recent statements saying the RDC has rejected the CIB four times “do not reflect the official record.” Thomson’s news release continues, “There has been no official offer.”
Whikehart’s response addresses the mayor’s statement about the number of times the CIB has requested negotiations by saying:
> I also stand by the accuracy of my personal statements as to the numerous attempts made directly to the mayor or in communication to the mayor and RDC to discuss a land exchange. A discussion has always been the offer. I assume a reference to “the official record” would want to limit counting those attempts to only those found in formal minutes of RDC meetings. That does not accurately reflect efforts. It deflects from them.
The RDC’s College Square offering has a $7.59 million minimum based on two appraisals. But Monday’s city release admits that the market is unlikely to produce that amount, unless the city accepts the kind of high-rise, luxury, student-oriented development that the administration and RDC do not want for the site.
The release describes the public offering as a necessary step that will let the RDC test the market and then determine its next move. According to the administration’s account of the legal process, if the RDC receives no acceptable offers, it can reject them and later negotiate a different transaction consistent with state law.
The RDC’s public offering says, “The RDC reserves the right to reject any or all offers.” The mayor’s news release claims that starting negotiations with the CIB before the current offering period concludes “could subject the RDC to litigation.”
Whikehart’s response means the two sides are still at odds not just over the substance of a possible deal, but over the basic question of what process should be used to reach one.
The city says the RDC’s public offering is the lawful and transparent path toward a possible transaction. The CIB says the interlocal agreement already calls for direct negotiations over property needed for the convention center project.
### What the advocates want
Under the proposal from Homes for All, the CIB would trade Seminary Pointe for College Square. The hotel could then be developed on College Square, while Seminary Pointe could be preserved.
Bloomington Homes for All has presented a [plan](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-20-Seminary-Pointe-business-plan-Bloomington-Homes-for-All.pdf) under which Avalon Community Land Trust would take ownership of Seminary Pointe and a cooperative would operate the property.
At a [June 20 public forum](https://bsquarebulletin.com/advocates-say-financing-plan-for-seminary-pointe-feasible-if-land-swap-deal-happens/), organizers presented a plan that calls for roughly $1.6 million in core rehabilitation work and about $2.16 million in total costs. At Monday’s rally, organizers said they have identified lenders and a development partner and have prepared construction and five-year financial plans.
The Thomson administration has stressed that a land swap alone would not guarantee preservation of the apartments. The city says a qualified owner or developer would still have to acquire or retain the property, make needed repairs and keep the units affordable.
Thomson’s Monday news release says she “support\[s\] the preservation of the 29 deeply affordable units currently located at Seminary Pointe.”
Meanwhile, the practical steps toward possible demolition of Seminary Pointe are in full swing.
The city’s historic preservation commission voted on June 25 to [end demolition delays](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/) for two contributing structures on the block. The CIB has said demolition could begin as early as Oct. 1\. Residential leases and three commercial leases have been extended through Aug. 31\. The lease for Jeff’s Warehouse is set to end no later than Sept. 30.
Those approaching dates were part of the urgency at Monday’s rally.
Speakers urged people to send emails, make phone calls and attend both the July 15 CIB meeting and the July 20 RDC meeting. The RDC will be opening any proposals it receives for the College Square property at its July 20 meeting. At its July 15 meeting, the CIB expects to be selecting its preferred hotelier.
---
For a few minutes Monday evening, the dispute over appraisals, public offerings, interlocal agreements and competing development schedules was reduced to the chant echoing through the city hall atrium: “You work for us. Let’s figure this out.”
Housing advocates rally inside Bloomington city hall in support of preserving the low-rent apartments and commercial space at Seminary Pointe. (Dave Askins, July 6, 2026)
### Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-kirkwood-avenue-3/
Last updated: 2026-07-07T02:55:15.000Z
0:00
/1:07
1×
(With video!) The crowd of Uptown Cafe patrons watching the World Cup cheers as Malik Tillman scores the one United States goal in the 31st minute of a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16\. Tillman took a free-kick that landed in the back of the net. (Dave Askins, July 6, 2026)
### Monroe County ballot nears final shape: Davis files write-in bid, Trimble’s final paperwork pending
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-ballot-nears-final-shape-davis-files-write-in-bid-trimbles-final-paperwork-pending/
Last updated: 2026-07-06T19:12:18.000Z
The most recent, but [not yet final list](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-06-2026-General-Election-Candidates.xlsx) of candidates for local office in Monroe County in the Nov. 3 general election was released by Monroe County’s election division early Monday afternoon.
Since the May 5 primary elections, there are a few additional candidate names for voters to consider.
One name was added because the candidate registered as a write-in. That’s Joe Davis, who is making an independent bid for county clerk, after finishing third in a three-way race for the Democratic Party’s nomination.
Davis is aware of the so-called [“sore-loser” law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-8-1-5.5) in the state of Indiana, which would preclude his write-in candidacy, but wants to mount a constitutional challenge to the law. Davis refers to the the statute as the “sore winner” law. The law says that a person who is defeated in a primary election is not eligible to be a candidate for the same office in the next general election. The [deadline](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf) for registering as a write-in candidate was noon Monday (July 6).
Three candidate names were added since the primaries, because the Democratic Party filled some vacancies on the ballot stemming from vacancies on the primary ballot. Those three were: Vic Sterif for Polk Township board; Ashlie Kehrberg for Washington Township board, and Sean McInerney for Benton Township board.
Kehrberg will be joining three Republicans on the ballot in a pick-any-three race: Andrew Spriggs, Jerry Ayers, and Kenny Bryant. The races for the boards of Polk and Benton townships don’t have a full complement of three candidates, even adding in both parties.
The [deadline](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf) for either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party to file a certificate of selection to fill a vacancy on the Nov. 3 General due to a vacancy on the primary ballot was noon Monday (July 6).
Even though there had been some speculation that the GOP would fill a vacancy for a higher profile race like the sheriff, no GOP filing was made by noon on Monday.
That means on the county-government level, there will be two Republican candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot: incumbent District 3 county councilor Marty Hawk, who is unopposed; and Julie Hays, who is contesting the county clerkship with Democrat Tree Martin. Incumbent clerk Nicole Browne is term-limited and cannot run.
One name is not yet added to the official list, but is expected to appear, just as soon as the final paperwork is filed. Collecting [enough signatures](https://bsquarebulletin.com/trimble-clears-signature-hurdle-to-make-independent-run-for-monroe-county-assessor/) to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for county assessor—alongside Democratic Party nominee and incumbent Judy Sharp—is Lisa Jeneé Trimble. The final step for Trimble to become an official candidate, according to election division staff, is to file her [CAN-20 form](https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=9779). The deadline for Trimble to file the form is July 15.
Once the final paperwork is filed, the Monroe County election board might now take up the matter of an allegation that was filed against her by incumbent assessor Judy Sharp. Incumbent county assessor Judy Sharp prevailed in the Democratic Party’s primary over Bob Nyquist with 8,048 (66%) of the vote.
In a [letter to the election board](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-15-J-Trimble-OCR.pdf ), Sharp wrote that she was made aware of a media post by Trimble offering her services in property tax matters “in exchange for signatures allowing her to be on the ballot” as an independent candidate in the fall. At a [meeting on May 15](https://bsquarebulletin.com/election-complaints-target-monroe-county-clerk-hopeful-over-signs-electioneering-in-chute/), the board decided to table the matter and not to deal with it unless she actually became a candidate.
Trimble’s response to the allegations was: “I do not represent taxpayers at their local or state appeal hearings. There is not a law against telling people how to read their property record cards or explaining to them how to file an appeal, or explaining the local & state appeal process. Everyone has these rights. I did \[not\] violate any local, state or election laws.”
Like Trimble, Joe Davis, now seeking to run as a write-in candidate, faced allegations about election law violations, which resulted in a [referral to the prosecutor’s office](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-sends-complaints-about-candidate-for-clerk-to-prosecutor/). As of Monday (July 6), the prosecutor’s office had not yet taken a specific action, but told The B Square the office had recently received additional information and it’s still under review.
2026 general election
## Filed candidates
Candidates are grouped by office.
Democrat Republican Write-in Nonpartisan
### Bean Blossom Trustee
1 candidate
Hutson, Ronald H.
Republican
### Benton Township Board
2 candidates
Husk, Joe
Democrat
McInerney, Sean
Democrat
### Benton Township Trustee
1 candidate
Bright, Michelle
Democrat
### Bloomington Township Board
3 candidates
Granger, Dorothy
Democrat
McKinney, Barbara E.
Democrat
Sensenstein, Elizabeth
Democrat
### Bloomington Township Trustee
1 candidate
Rosser, Efrat
Democrat
### Clear Creek Township Board
6 candidates
Calabrese, Joann
Democrat
Himsel, Rachael
Democrat
Reynolds, Kat
Democrat
Dillard, Dustin Cole
Republican
Reed, R. Shannon
Republican
Webb, Steven E.
Republican
### Clear Creek Township Trustee
2 candidates
Luther, Susan
Democrat
Hinds, Steven A.
Republican
### Ellettsville Town Council, Ward 4
1 candidate
Henry, Andrew
Republican
### Ellettsville Town Council, Ward 5
1 candidate
Ulmet, Marv
Republican
### Indian Creek Township Board
3 candidates
Ladwig, Katrina W.
Republican
Reynolds, Wendi
Republican
Taylor, Roger L.
Republican
### Indian Creek Township Trustee
2 candidates
Reynolds, Christopher
Republican
Hingle, Susan (Gus)
Democrat
### Judge of the Monroe Circuit Court, 10th Judicial Circuit, No. 5
1 candidate
Krothe, Kara Elaine
Democrat
### Judge of the Monroe Circuit Court, 10th Judicial Circuit, No. 9
1 candidate
Bradley, Geoff
Democrat
### Monroe County Assessor
2 candidates
Sharp, Judith A.
Democrat
Trimble, Lisa Jeneé\* (pending final paperwork)
Nonpartisan
### Monroe County Clerk
3 candidates
Lucas, Tree Martin
Democrat
Hays, Julie M.
Republican
Davis, Joe
Write-in
### Monroe County Commissioner District 1
1 candidate
Deckard, Trent
Democrat
### Monroe County Council District 1
1 candidate
Iversen, Peter James
Democrat
### Monroe County Council District 2
1 candidate
Wiltz, Kate
Democrat
### Monroe County Council District 3
1 candidate
Hawk, Martha (Marty)
Republican
### Monroe County Council District 4
1 candidate
Crossley, Jennifer
Democrat
### Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney
1 candidate
Oliphant, Erika
Democrat
### Monroe County Recorder
1 candidate
Swain, Amy
Democrat
### Monroe County Sheriff
1 candidate
Marté, Ruben
Democrat
### Perry Township Board
3 candidates
Hamilton, Susie
Democrat
Olmes-Stevens, Jenny
Democrat
Sturbaum, Barbara
Democrat
### Perry Township Trustee
1 candidate
Gordon, Leon
Democrat
### Polk Township Board
1 candidate
Streiff, Victoria
Democrat
### Polk Township Trustee
1 candidate
Smith, Scott
Republican
### Richland Township Board
3 candidates
Thomsen, Elaine
Republican
Thrasher, Jay
Republican
Willibey, David
Republican
### Richland Township Trustee
1 candidate
Durnil, Dawn Marie
Republican
### Van Buren Township Board
3 candidates
Smith III, William (Will) E.
Democrat
Oatman, Theresa
Republican
Wilson, John
Republican
### Van Buren Township Trustee
1 candidate
Barrow, Rita
Republican
### Washington Township Board
4 candidates
Kehrberg, Ashlie
Democrat
Spriggs, Andrew
Republican
Ayers, Jerry
Republican
Bryant, Kenny L.
Republican
### Washington Township Trustee
1 candidate
VanDeventer, Mary
Republican
### MCCSC, District 7
1 candidate
Jester, Aja
Nonpartisan
### MCCSC, District 3
1 candidate
Pirani, Ashley
Nonpartisan
### MCCSC, District 1
1 candidate
Wyatt, Erin
Nonpartisan
### RBBCSC, Richland District
2 candidates
Scholl, Kelly
Nonpartisan
Adams, Dennis
Nonpartisan
### RBBCSC, Bean Blossom District
1 candidate
Curtis, Christa
Nonpartisan
### July 6, 2026: Fourth of July parade, patriotic birds, encampment-to-housing, initiative, jail site scoring
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-6-2026-fourth-of-july-parade-patriotic-birds-encampment-to-housing-initiative-jail-site-scoring/
Last updated: 2026-07-06T12:09:11.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-june-29-2026-2/). If you have read the B Square faithfully over the last week, you will ace this quiz. (You're allowed to look stuff up on The B Square as you take the quiz!)
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Slow down. It will be foggy this morning. It’s a toss up whether to take an umbrella. There’s a small chance of rain and thunderstorms that increases to around 50% after 2 p.m. The high temperature will hit 83F°.
**Tuesday:** There’s only a 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms for a brief time just 5 p.m. You can get away without an umbrella. It will be mostly sunny, with a high near 86F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Photos: Bloomington’s 2026 Fourth of July parade](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-bloomingtons-2026-fourth-of-july-parade/). The 2026 edition of Bloomington’s Fourth of July parade unfolded under sunny skies and temperatures around 80F°. The city’s parks and recreation department oversaw basic logistics, with several city departments playing their customary key roles. Juliette Kniola captured highlights for The B Square.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-68/). Hawk says: Bloomington’s Housing and Neighborhood Development department wanted to host an elegant evening of formal dining and dancing followed by a viewing of the World Cup match. But FIFA heard about it gave the whole event a red card. Very weird. Why does Fish say it's not weird?
- [Monroe County property transfers through June 30, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-june-30-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from May 23, 2026 to June 30, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Retro photos for July 4th: Red-tailed hawk, great white egret, great blue heron](https://bsquarebulletin.com/retro-photos-for-july-4th-red-tailed-hawk-great-white-egret-great-blue-heron/). Fourth of July parade flyover // Three birds / Photographically frozen in flight / One red, one blue, one white / Hawk, heron and great egret / They could not know they made a flag / And if they did, they would not brag / Because the human course of events / Does not hold nature in suspense
- [Bloomington nonprofit initiative aims for leases, not shelter beds, as camping ban starts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-nonprofit-initiative-aims-for-leases-not-shelter-beds-as-camping-ban-starts/). Heading Home’s Streets to Stability initiative would move people from Bloomington-area encampments directly into housing, starting with 10 to 12 people once funding is secured. The effort is being planned as Indiana’s new public-camping law takes effect.
- [Jail site panel to start scoring, Monroe County commissioners decline role](https://bsquarebulletin.com/jail-site-panel-to-start-scoring-monroe-county-commissioners-decline-role/). A jail site committee is set to start scoring properties, but Monroe County commissioners confirmed they won’t formally join the process. On Wednesday, the panel added a constitutional-care screen, flagged floodway concerns at 3 sites, and will meet three more times before a mid-July recommendation.
### Other notes
**Lost chances for puns.** On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of American independence, I am sorry to have omitted the obvious pun in connection with the publication of some photos of hawks, herons, and egrets. They were all wearing their bird suit of happiness. Perhaps I will remember next time.
### On the calendar
**No RDC meeting.** There is no meeting of Bloomington’s redevelopment commission on Monday (July 6). I have heard it described as “canceled” but I can’t find a trace of it on current official government sources. The custom is to mark events as “canceled” on the calendar item, not to delete them entirely. The B Square’s community calendar *does* include an RDC meeting for Monday, but that may have been sourced from an old syndicated calendar feed that included the meeting as a recurring event. \[*Added 8:08 a.m. July 6, 2026\. The* [*official RDC meeting schedule*](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16040/download#page=23) *adopted by the RDC at the start of the year does not show a July 6 meeting date.*\]
If you need an RDC-related topic to fill the Monday 5:15 p.m. time slot, Bloomington Homes for All is holding a rally outside city hall, calling for the preservation of Seminary Pointe. For B Square background on that, see: [CIB narrows Bloomington convention center host hotel field to Dora, MHG](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-narrows-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-field-to-dora-mhg/) and [Advocates say financing plan for Seminary Pointe feasible, if land swap happens](https://bsquarebulletin.com/advocates-say-financing-plan-for-seminary-pointe-feasible-if-land-swap-deal-happens/)
**Jail site committee.** On [Monday (July 6) at 6 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-2759 ) the jail site review committee will hold another meeting. For recent B Square background, see: [Jail site panel to start scoring, Monroe County commissioners decline role](https://bsquarebulletin.com/jail-site-panel-to-start-scoring-monroe-county-commissioners-decline-role/)
**Hotel proposals.** On [Wednesday (July 8), starting at 12:30 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/capital-improvement-board-special-meeting-6258), the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) will hear presentations from two hoteliers for development of the Seminary Pointe block as a host hotel. For B Square background, see: [CIB narrows Bloomington convention center host hotel field to Dora, MHG](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-narrows-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-field-to-dora-mhg/).
---
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Ed!
Up for adoption, as of July 5 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Ed](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87215). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a redbone coonhound. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Ed](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87215).
> Ed is an enthusiastic hound that LOVES spending time with people, meeting dog friends, and eating tasty snacks. If you're looking for an energetic companion Ed is ready to spend it with you!
### Photo Finish: Courthouse square
A red-tailed hawk oversees 4th of July parade preparations around the courthouse square from its perch on the roof with the moon as a backdrop. (Dave Askins, July 4, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Civic Solver: July 6, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-june-29-2026-2/
Last updated: 2026-07-05T21:35:00.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one each week in the [*Almost Daily*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) newsletter.
### Photos: Bloomington’s 2026 Fourth of July parade
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-bloomingtons-2026-fourth-of-july-parade/
Last updated: 2026-07-05T10:07:33.000Z
The 2026 edition of Bloomington’s Fourth of July parade unfolded under sunny skies and temperatures around 80F°. The city’s parks and recreation department oversaw the basic logistics, with several city departments playing their customary key roles. Photographer Juliette Kniola was there to capture some highlights for The B Square.
### Photos: Bloomington, Indiana (July 4, 2026)
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
Bloomington Fourth of July parade. (Juliette Kniola, July 4, 2026)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-68/
Last updated: 2026-07-06T09:43:01.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #69 (July 5, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through June 30, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-june-30-2026/
Last updated: 2026-07-05T10:06:16.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from May 23, 2026 to June 30, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 4243 N Rosewood DR was sold to JEFFREY STIDAM by BEACON BUILDERS, LLC for $344,160.
- On June 30, 2026, the property at 328 S Walnut ST was sold to MONROE COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD OF MANAGERS by 328 SOUTH WALNUT PROPERTY, LLC for $82,500.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 1580 S Renwick BLVD was sold to HANQING GUO by THE STEVEN AND RACHEL GIBSON TRUST for $575,000.
- On June 29, 2026, the property at 117 S Walnut ST was sold to TROHN ENRIGHT-RANDOLPH by JASON P HAMPTON for $210,500.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 7671 W Julia DR was sold to LEE HAUSER by West Concrete Inc for $409,900.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 5400 W Orchard DR was sold to COOPER MITCHELL by KELLI S KIXMILLER for $302,500.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 9401 S Pointe Retreat DR was sold to GARY MCDONALD by KATHLEEN A GRAUVOGEL for $215,000.
- On June 26, 2026, the property at 5270 N Mary ST was sold to DYLAN COLE JOHNSON by Cross, Jacqualine for $200,000.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 1325 E Elliston DR was sold to IAN MILLER by BRUCE TAPP JR for $410,000.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 1024 W Acuff RD was sold to JANIE WILCOX by Beacon Builders, LLC for $327,460.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 4495 E Janet DR was sold to SABLE CHEYENNE BEYERS by Valu-Built Construction LLC for $100,000.
- On June 24, 2026, the property at 390 E Cardinal Glen DR was sold to HILLARY HARPOLD by MAY, ALEXANDRA C for $300,000.
- On June 24, 2026, the property at 1176 W Popcorn RD was sold to BLAKE SUDING by Galligan, John for $165,000.
- On June 23, 2026, the property at 5797 S Ornamental DR was sold to JOSE GUILLEN MONTENEGRO by Regoli, Michael for $510,000.
- On June 23, 2026, the property at 2711 S Mcmillan CT was sold to IAN HOLTSON by Bruner, Terri L for $375,000.
- On June 23, 2026, the property at E Northshore DR was sold to THE IMHOFF LEGACY PROPERTY TRUST by Lieberman, Lucas for $100,000.
- On June 22, 2026, the property at 4540 N Triple Crown DR was sold to NICHOLAS J CIMAROSSA by Stremming, Richard A. G. for $597,000.
- On June 22, 2026, the property at 1412 E 2nd ST was sold to ANDREW TEED by ESTATE OF MARY LOUISE S EWING for $490,000.
- On June 22, 2026, the property at 807 S Park AVE was sold to CHRISTINA E I VON DORRER-HILDEBRAND by ELLEN DWYER AKA ELLEN R DWYER for $399,500.
- On June 22, 2026, the property at 2835 N Andy WAY was sold to LAURA MEANS by Niewiadomski, Indigo for $286,000.
- On June 22, 2026, the property at 1019 W Gourley PIKE was sold to HBP, LLC by DAJA PROPERTIES LLC for $220,000.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 909 S Morton ST was sold to F MICHAEL HURT by JESSICA STEINBERG for $415,400.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 1056 W Burma RD was sold to DANIEL W RADEMACHER by BRADY A SHIELDS for $300,000.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 131 E Cooper CT was sold to MILTON EUGENE DUCHARME by Wylies Floor Covering Inc for $300,000.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 8799 S Roberts RD was sold to HAVEN EQUITY LLC by RUBEN MARTE - SHERIFF for $290,000.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 5599 N Brummetts Creek RD was sold to OLIVIA KIMBREW by Little Union Baptist Church, Trustees Of for $278,000.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 8695 S Alonzo WAY was sold to AUSTIN MILLER by FOX PROPERTY ENTERPRISES LLC for $165,000.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 1323 W 8th ST was sold to FREDERICK WALSH by Walsh, Robert for $130,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 701 E Quinn Raye CT was sold to ROBERT S MOLNAR by Robertson, Kenneth E for $450,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 2622 E Spicewood CT was sold to SIMON DAVIS by NEWMAN, PAUL for $438,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 542 E Lucy LN was sold to MELISSA ANN SMITH by Knudsen, Annette for $420,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 5970 E State Road 45 was sold to ALAINA NACE by WALTER, UWE for $349,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 4582 W Johanna DR was sold to MELISSA IRA by Equity Trust Company FBO Todd Sacksteder IRA for $335,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 9240 S Ketcham RD was sold to KRISTIN ELAINE PARKER by JULIA M REARDIN for $299,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 921 N Blair AVE was sold to NATHAN MISHLER by NEAL MEYER for $240,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 1357 S Stella DR was sold to MICHAEL L BONINE by Ng, Daniel for $230,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 3149 S State Road 446 was sold to DAVID MARTIN COLLIER by ZACHARY TYLER LAKIN for $570,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 4230 W Lost Mans LN was sold to KARL R BOEHM REVOCABLE TRUST by JAMES D PERSHING for $425,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 429 S Madison ST was sold to THE PENCE FAMILY 2022 TRUST by ESTATE OF FRANK C BURLEIGH for $335,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 322 W Persimmon CT was sold to PAUL HARDEN by MCKENZIE FAMILY TRUST for $325,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 7759 N Lakeview DR was sold to JEFFERY SANFORD by Harlan, Marie Revocable Living Trust for $297,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 823 N Maple ST was sold to BLOOMINGTON COOPERATIVE LIVING, INCORPORATED by CENTERSTONE OF INDIANA, INC for $250,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 3721 W Maybury MALL was sold to KEVIN FOSTER by MIGUEL A PEREZ for $229,000.
- On June 16, 2026, the property at 3555 E Old Meyers RD was sold to BRYSON MORRIS by JENNIFER CARMER-SISCOE for $79,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 4826 N Love LN was sold to CHERRY L BLATTERT by MICHALA BEASLEY for $249,500.
- On June 9, 2026, the property at 3621 N Kinser PIKE was sold to STEVEN LANKFORD by DONNA S BEYERS REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $75,000.
- On June 8, 2026, the property at 3914 W Norway CT was sold to JOHN P SCHEIWE by KIMBERLY E SCHEIWE for $0.
- On June 2, 2026, the property at 8780 N Old State Road 37 was sold to RAY BROUKAL by Benham, Kevin Shannon for $463,000.
- On May 30, 2026, the property at 903 N Jackson ST was sold to JACK R KILBY I by KATHERINE KILBY for $0.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 1794 N Hartstrait RD was sold to LARRY P BELL by ROBERT W HUDSON for $145,000.
- On May 23, 2026, the property at 336 S Walnut ST was sold to CRAIG & EMILY ENTERPRISES LLC by Haralovich Properties Llc for $550,000.
### Courthouse square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-16/
Last updated: 2026-07-04T12:56:12.000Z
A red-tailed hawk oversees 4th of July parade preparations around the courthouse square from its perch on the roof. (Dave Askins, July 4, 2026)
### Retro photos for July 4th: Red-tailed hawk, great white egret, great blue heron
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/retro-photos-for-july-4th-red-tailed-hawk-great-white-egret-great-blue-heron/
Last updated: 2026-07-06T09:35:37.000Z
B Square file photos of local Bloomington birds photographed in 2023 by Dave Askins.
This is a B Square “reprint” from July 4, 2023\.
**Fourth of July parade flyover**
Three birds
Photographically frozen in flight
One red, one blue, one white
Hawk, heron and great egret
They could not know they made a flag
And if they did, they would not brag
Because the human course of events
Does not hold nature in suspense
### Bloomington nonprofit initiative aims for leases, not shelter beds, as camping ban starts
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-nonprofit-initiative-aims-for-leases-not-shelter-beds-as-camping-ban-starts/
Last updated: 2026-07-03T13:32:47.000Z
Officers with Bloomington police department talk to a man near the Captain Janeway statute on the B-Line Trail, who identified himself as “Bobby,” about gathering up his belongings. He told The B Square the officers told him to ”get myself cleaned up, get out of here,” adding, ”I was already doing that!” (Dave Askins, July 3, 2026 )
One day ahead of Wednesday’s (July 1) effective date of a [new Indiana law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36#36-1-31.5-1), which prohibits camping and sleeping on public property, Heading Home of South Central Indiana announced a new initiative aimed at moving people from encampments directly into housing, instead of temporary shelters.
Heading Home’s announcement came in a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-30-Heading-Home-Streets-to-Stability-homeless-encampment-public-camping-Press-Release-30June2026.pdf) issued on Tuesday (June 30).
The initiative, called Streets to Stability, is intended to start this summer in Bloomington and Monroe County, with one small encampment or “zone” of about 10 to 12 people. The first location has not been selected, according to Heading Home executive director Mary Morgan. A “zone” can mean a specific encampment or a general area, like the downtown.
Even after it is selected, Heading Home does not plan to announce the location of the first zone, until after people at that site have been housed. That’s consistent with the guidance that Heading Home has received from advisors who are named in the news release, Clutch Consulting and Community Solutions.
The timing is driven partly by this year’s [Senate Enrolled Act 285](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/SB0285%5F06%5FENRH-Prohibition-against-camping-on-public-property-homelessness-encampment.pdf ), Indiana’s new statewide public camping law. The law prohibits a person from camping, sleeping, or using state or local government land for long-term shelter unless that use of the land has been authorized.
Before a person can be charged, law enforcement must first determine whether emergency detention procedures apply, then issue a warning and provide information about available shelter or services. A Class C misdemeanor charge can follow only after at least 48 hours have elapsed and the person is still camping or sleeping within 300 feet of the warning location.
Heading Home’s June 30 announcement describes Streets to Stability as a “[direct-to-housing encampment response](https://www.clutchconsultinggroup.com/work/encampment-response/)” model, focused on one encampment or zone at a time, through a coordinated four- to six-week process. Participants would be connected to long-term housing through a 12-month rental subsidy, and individualized supportive services. After residents have been offered a plan that leads to housing and services, the encampment would be closed and restored to prevent re-encampment.
But that still leaves open the possibility in the short term that encampments will be closed by local governments, just as they have been in the past. That means residents are given posted notice, and local nonprofits work to convince them to move into shelters, without the kind of offers of actual housing that the new initiative aims to provide. In many cases, it’s not known where the residents move, and case workers have to put considerable effort into reconnecting with them.
The length of the notice period has shrunk due to the SEA 285\. About three weeks ago, in early June, Monroe County commissioners [formally rescinded](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-revises-30-day-notice-policy-ahead-of-july-1-street-camping-law/) their previous policy of a 30-day notice, saying it would conflict with the new state law.
### Funding: How much?
The first phase of Streets to Stability will not begin until funding is secured for the full cost of housing the initial group, Morgan said in written answers to questions from The B Square. For 10 to 12 people, Heading Home estimates the cost at about $371,000\. Rental subsidies alone are estimated at $1,388 per month per person, based on Bloomington fair market rent plus utilities. Other costs could include landlord incentives and salaries for stabilization case managers.
About 150 people are estimated by Heading Home to be living unsheltered in Bloomington and Monroe County. That means they are staying in encampments, sleeping in vehicles, or living in other places unfit for human habitation, and not connected to emergency shelters.
If that first-phase cost estimate is used to extrapolate the cost of housing all 150 people, on the high end that works out to about $5.57 million. That’s a B Square calculation, not a formal budget request from Heading Home, and actual costs could vary as the program scales up.
Funding is still unresolved. Morgan said Heading Home is discussing funding options with the city of Bloomington, Monroe County, Bloomington Township, Perry Township, IU Health, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, private foundations and other stakeholders.
The local leadership team for Streets to Stability named in the news release includes Morgan; Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson; Monroe County commissioner Jody Madeira; Monroe County councilor Trent Deckard; Bloomington Township trustee Efrat Rosser; Emily Pike, chair of the South Central Housing Network and executive director of New Hope for Families; Tina Peterson, president and CEO of the Community Foundation; Brianna Solola, IU Health South Region chief of staff; and Eric Spoonmore, president and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
The Monroe County council is the fiscal body of the county government. There is no money specifically earmarked for Streets to Stability in Monroe County’s adopted 2026 budget, county councilor Trent Deckard wrote to The B Square in response to emailed questions.
Deckard said one possible source could be the county’s [Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund](https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/office-of-capital-access-programs/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/local-assistance-and-tribal-consistency-fund ), depending on further discussion among county officials. The county auditor has said that about $162,379 is available in LATCF funding, according to Deckard. That’s less than half of the estimated $371,000 needed for the first 10-to-12-person phase.
Monroe County commissioner Jody Madeira responded to emailed B Square questions, indicating there is not yet a specific plan to make Streets to Stability part of the 2027 budget. Madeira indicated that commissioners would be discussing the issue with the county council, which would need to approve any appropriation.
The city of Bloomington’s budget picture for potential funding of the Streets to Stability initiative is even less clear. Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson is quoted in Heading Home’s news release supporting the initiative: “What Streets to Stability offers is a more coordinated way to bring those pieces together.” The quote from Thomson continues: “It will require funding and sustained partnership, but it gives us a credible path toward two goals our community shares: helping people reach stable housing and keeping public spaces safe, welcoming and accessible.”
Thomson did not respond to emailed questions from The B Square about whether there is money in the city’s current 2026 budget that could be tapped for Streets to Stability, or what role the Heading Home initiative might play in the city’s 2027 budget.
For local governments, the 2027 budget picture may have a smidgen more room than it would have otherwise had, if the same past pattern for limiting revenue increases had been followed by the state legislature for next year, at least for the property tax levy side.
The Indiana State Budget Agency has now calculated the [maximum levy growth quotient (MLGQ)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/jail-site-panel-to-start-scoring-monroe-county-commissioners-decline-role/) for property tax levies payable in 2027 at 6.000%. That is two percentage points higher than the 4.000% quotient used for 2024, 2025 and 2026\. The quotient does not itself fund any program, and it is not the same as overall budget growth. Still, it gives taxing units a bit more levy-growth room than they have had for the last few budget cycles.
### Geographic focus?
The Streets to Stability initiative will not have a full-county rollout from the start. Morgan said Heading Home has not divided Bloomington and Monroe County into a fixed set of zones. Instead, the first phase is intended to test the process, make adjustments, and then expand to additional encampments or zones as funding becomes available.
In the Clutch Consulting model, advance notice of a specific site is avoided for both privacy and operational reasons. In the model, outreach workers build a by-name list of people who are regularly sleeping in a place, not just visiting or passing through.
Publicly announcing the site before or during that work could draw additional people to the location, making it harder to close the encampment after the people on the list have been housed. The model also treats housing, not just shelter, as the central offer: a lease, a door, a lock and a key. In that model, acceptance rates reported by Clutch are typically very high, often above 90%.
Community Solutions system improvement adviser Marney Thomas said in an emailed response to The B Square that the decision not to name specific zones in advance is intended to protect the privacy and safety of the people being served and to let providers build trust without external disruption.
### Enough housing?
Besides funding, ensuring there is enough housing for encampment residents to move into is also a big challenge. Morgan said Heading Home is aware of more than 150 vacancies in apartment complexes in Bloomington and Monroe County that typically offer rents accessible to people with limited incomes.
Mary Hamric, Heading Home’s director of strategic partnerships, is working with landlords and property managers to assess what incentives might be needed. Morgan said 12 months of guaranteed rent is itself a significant incentive to landlords, and the model also includes stabilization case managers who would work intensively with tenants. Heading Home does not anticipate needing 24/7 on-site support.
In the Clutch Consulting model, landlord engagement is treated as a business relationship with the rental market. That can include landlord engagement teams with real estate or property management experience, plus a flexible fund for incentives such as deposits, first month’s rent, or “hold fees” to keep units available while people are being matched to housing.
After the 12-month subsidy ends, Morgan said each tenant would have worked with a stabilization case manager on an individualized plan for month 13\. That could include securing additional income, finding a roommate, moving into other subsidized housing, or, in limited cases, receiving a short extension.
Heading Home says success will be measured by reductions in the number of unsheltered residents in Monroe County and by the percentage of participants who remain housed after the 12-month subsidy ends. The organization maintains a [data dashboard](https://headinghomeindiana.org/data-dashboard/) and conducts a midyear survey of unhoused residents with partner agencies. This year’s survey was conducted June 24, and Heading Home staff are still entering and analyzing the data.
---
The initiative is tied to a national model developed by Texas-based Clutch Consulting Group. In January 2026, Clutch partnered with Community Solutions, the national organization known for its “Built for Zero” network, to expand the model through training, technical assistance and implementation support. Heading Home leads the South Central Indiana “Built for Zero” partnership, which was selected to participate in that effort.
The model has been used in other communities, according to Heading Home’s announcement. In Cleveland, partners used it to close 53 encampments and house 177 people in eight months. Across Connecticut, it helped close 13 encampments and connect 71 people to housing. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the approach was used to resolve all downtown encampments.
\[*Note: The reporter is the spouse of Mary Morgan, who is executive director of Heading Home of South Central Indiana.*\]
### Jail site panel to start scoring, Monroe County commissioners decline role
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/jail-site-panel-to-start-scoring-monroe-county-commissioners-decline-role/
Last updated: 2026-07-02T19:14:19.000Z
Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee from left: April Wilson (deputy prosecutor); Karen Wrenbeck (deputy public defender); Sydney Zulich (Bloomington city councilmember); and Liz Feitl (Monroe County councilor). Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomason did not attend. (Dave Askins, July 1, 2026)
The [Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/boards-commissions-and-committees/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/) met Wednesday (July 1) to continue its task of evaluating properties within city limits to come up with a recommendation by mid-July for a new site for the county jail.
The group is working under the perceived threat of litigation from the ACLU over conditions at the jail. The ACLU recently let a settlement agreement expire from a 2008 lawsuit. Lead ACLU attorney Ken Falk has [started interviewing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aclu-interviews-at-monroe-county-jail-frame-30k-legal-request-reset-for-work-group/) Monroe County jail prisoners to serve as plaintiffs in a new lawsuit.
Wednesday’s meeting of the jail site committee came two weeks after [the group’s formation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/). The group started the meeting with a [finalized set of metrics](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-01-jail-site-Collaborative-Justice-Project-Working-Subcommittee-SiteEvaluationMetrics-Amended-7-1-2026.pdf ) and a list of properties to consider.
The group has been working so far without participation from any of the county commissioners, and that’s how it will stay, based on the lack of any action by commissioners at their regular Thursday (July 2) meeting to appoint a member.
\[[Monroe County Jail Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Commissioners confirm: No formal participation in committee
After Thursday’s meeting, commissioners Jody Madeira and Julie Thomas made it clear in response to questions from The B Square that the commissioners won’t be participating formally in the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee.
Thomas said she had posed the question to outside counsel about what commissioners could safely say in public about the jail site selection. The outside counsel was Pamela Schneeman, with Clark, Johnson & Knight. At their Thursday meeting, the commissioners approved a letter of representation with Clark, Johnson & Knight. Schneeman has represented other counties in litigation related to jails. Schneeman’s services could be paid under the county’s insurance policy, if the insurer agrees that it is covered.
But there had not been a full conversation with Schneeman about the question of public discussion, Thomas said. By the time Schneeman would be able to review it throughly, it would be another week, and by that time the committee’s work would be done.
Speaking just for herself and not other commissioners, Thomas questioned the basic premise of the committee and the county council’s approach to it. She called that fact that the committee members wanted to meet “fascinating,” but stressed that the committee doesn’t really have any “authority.”
County government will eventually need the city of Bloomington’s help on jail issues but not in the way the county council has structured its process. Bloomington’s mayor, Kerry Thomson, as well as Sydney Zulich, a Bloomington city councilmember, serve on the committee. Thomson did not attend this Wednesday’s meeting.
In Thomas’s view, the county council’s vote against North Park as a jail site earlier this year meant councilors had turned over the county’s fate to a federal judge, once litigation is filed. The committee composition, in Thomas’s view, meant the county councilors had “abdicated their responsibility” not just to a federal judge, but also to the city government.
Thomas said that ACLU lead attorney Ken Falk had warned against bringing the city into the core decision-making.
Madeira was a bit more sanguine about the benefit to the committee’s work, saying that it could help the public understand the history of the jail-siting effort—because the sites to be reviewed and scored have essentially already been reviewed. Madeira indicated she’s willing to participate as a member of the public, something she’s already done, by [submitting suggestions](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-01-County-commmissioner-Jody-Maderia-feedback-on-evaluation-metrics-discussed-by-Collaborative-Justice-Project-Working-Subcommittee.pdf) for revisions to the site evaluation metric, using the public form.
Commissioner Lee Jones was absent from Thursday’s meeting. Based on the comments from Madeira and Thomas, it is evident that whatever recommendation the committee ultimately makes, it won’t necessarily carry much weight with the county board of commissioners, who will have decision-making authority over the choice of a jail site.
### Jail site committee: July 1, 2026 meeting
At the beginning of the meeting, city council attorney Larry Allen briefed the subcommittee members on notable public feedback received through a portal posted on its website.
Allen read through [detailed feedback](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-01-County-commmissioner-Jody-Maderia-feedback-on-evaluation-metrics-discussed-by-Collaborative-Justice-Project-Working-Subcommittee.pdf) on the metrics provided by county commissioner Jody Madeira, which included suggestions to create pass/fail gates based on legal issues and minimum acreage, fatal environmental or floodway problems, or is implausible to support construction within the required timeline. Madeira also suggested weighting the criteria to reflect relative importance of each of the metrics used for evaluation, and requiring evidence for each answer to ensure it becomes a defensible record.
Madeira’s feedback included a critique of the metrics and suggestions for revisions.
Allen also briefed the committee on comments sent by city council member Matt Flaherty, which included suggestions to consider some new properties.
“Those include the convention center parking lot that’s just west of the B-Line, which I believe is county owned. The city hall parking lot, so the parking lot immediately in front of City Hall, off of Morton Street,” Allen said.
According to Allen, there were also two sites recommended for the project that are currently in private hands, bringing the total of new properties mentioned at yesterday’s meeting to four. Those didn’t get a public mention, because Allen said it would be advisable to set an executive session to discuss that real estate, if that’s what committee members wanted to do.
County attorney Jeff Cockerill then presented [cost estimates](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-01-Collaborative-Justice-Project-Working-Subcommittee-jail-cost-estimates.pdf ) based on the design at the now-rejected North Park site, which is outside of city limits. The committee at a previous meeting had decided to use minimum square footage figures from the North Park design as one of the metrics to evaluate properties for the new jail.
“The total planned square foot for the joint facility \[jail and sheriff’s office and justice center\] was 237,316 square feet, and the total building, the estimated construction cost was $194,090,689\. That did not include a little over 30 million of soft costs,” he said. “Of that, the budget for the construction of the sheriff and jail space was 123,455 square feet, and that budget estimate was $122,256,182.”
Committee member and deputy prosecutor April Wilson asked Cockerill about the budgeted area for the sheriff’s office and jail space, and how much of that was for the jail and jail administration versus the sheriff’s office.
“If you look at the material, it basically talks about the sheriff space including the jail, and the non-sheriff space—the justice \[center\] space. So, I don’t have it broken down between sheriff and jail,” Cockerill responded.
The committee then made some amendments to the metrics—adding a screening question about maintain constitutional standards of care, and then to exclude properties that were on the list but not within city limits, before eventually moving on to site evaluations.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the group reviewed the floodway designation of the properties on the list, which indicated that the Bloomington Transit Garage, the former H-T Building, and the site south of the post office had floodway issues.
They also reviewed the willingness of current owners to sell the property, in case it was not owned by the county already. The committee found the information on this metric to be lacking for some of the properties—including Hopewell, the property north of Tapp Road, and the property south of the post office.
An hour into the meeting, Bloomington city councilmember Sydney Zulich said, “I think the vast majority of the rest of these metrics will require more information, given that it is 7:00, I would suggest that we adjourn shortly and give our legal teams the adequate time to review the rest of the information.”
City council attorney Larry Allen agreed saying, “I think that information will be helpful just to make this a much more productive conversation to have those basic facts for these properties.”
The group is scheduled to meet again on Monday, July 6 at 6 p.m., followed by two more meetings on July 9 (6 p.m.) and July 13 at noon.
### July 2, 2026: Host hotel, ICE-detainer injunction, jail-site scoring, independent assessor bid
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/july-2-2026-host-hotel-ice-detainer-injunction-jail-site-scoring-independent-assessor-bid/
Last updated: 2026-07-02T09:55:42.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [15-question](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-june-29-2026/) multiple choice news quiz. If you have read most of The B Square’s news reports and included the Sunday Funnies, you will have no trouble acing this quiz. Just try not to brag too much about it, or how fast you finished it!
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
*The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning through Friday (July 3) evening. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun. Check on relatives, neighbors, friends, and colleagues at work. If someone checks on you, don’t lie about feeling fine. Tell them what you need. For some of you, being helpful will come naturally. For others of us, we have to work at it, and this will be a chance to try out being nicer than we usually are.*
**Thursday:** Slow down. It’s not going to rain. But take an umbrella to ward off the sun. It’s just hot. The high will be around 93F°.
**Friday:** Slow down even more. The high will be around 94F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Photos: Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-construction/). College Avenue south of 3rd Street was closed to traffic starting Tuesday (June 30) for continued construction of the skywalk that will connect the convention center expansion project to the existing facility. Here’s a view of construction on the project through the lens Kelton O’Connell.
- [CIB narrows Bloomington convention center host hotel field to Dora, MHG](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-narrows-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-field-to-dora-mhg/). Bloomington’s CIB advanced host hotel proposals from Dora Hospitality and MHG Hotels for July 8 interviews, keeping a July 15 developer vote on track for Seminary Pointe. The move further dims hopes for a College Square land swap that could preserve Seminary Pointe for affordable housing and retail.
- [Monroe County sheriff wins narrow injunction against Indiana ICE-detainer law](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-sheriff-wins-narrow-injunction-against-indiana-ice-detainer-law/). A Monroe County special judge blocked AG Todd Rokita from enforcing SEA 76’s ICE-detainer compliance mandate against sheriff Ruben Marté, finding a likely Fourth Amendment conflict. The narrow preliminary injunction applies only to Marté while the state case continues.
- [Trimble clears signature hurdle to make independent run for Monroe County assessor](https://bsquarebulletin.com/trimble-clears-signature-hurdle-to-make-independent-run-for-monroe-county-assessor/). Lisa Jeneé Trimble submitted enough signatures to run for Monroe County assessor as an independent, pending a CAN-20 filing. Her ballot bid could revive an election board complaint by incumbent Judy Sharp, while Trimble’s wrongful-termination lawsuit against Monroe County continues.
- [Jail site committee will score renovation-plus-Curry option for Bloomington location](https://bsquarebulletin.com/jail-site-committee-will-score-renovation-plus-curry-option-for-bloomington-location/). Bloomington’s jail-site committee finalized evaluation metrics Monday and added a renovation option combining the current jail with the Curry Building. The panel will weigh size, utilities, costs, floodway limits, transit and service access, with more meetings set before a mid-July recommendation.
- [3 MCCSC board incumbents to run unopposed in 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/3-mccsc-board-incumbents-to-run-unopposed-in-2026/). Three MCCSC board seats are up for election in 2026, and all three incumbents—Erin Wyatt, Ashley Pirani and Aja Jester—are running unopposed. District 7 briefly had a challenger, but Cole Pospisil withdrew after Hatch Act concerns tied to Indiana’s new school board party-label law.
### On the calendar
**Preparation for jail litigation.** On the [10 a.m. Wednesday (July 2)](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-board-of-commissioners-hybrid-8345) meeting [agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F07%2E02%2E26%20Commissioner%20Packet%20%281%29%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for Monroe County commissioners is a letter of representation for an attorney to give legal advice to commissioners if the county government is sued over current conditions at the jail.
Not explicitly on Thursday’s agenda is any discussion of the participation by commissioners in the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee Meeting, which is supposed to make a recommendation on a jail site inside city limits by mid-July. But the topic might get handled in the context of the “Appointments” section of the agenda.
**Friday (July 3) Holiday.** The July 4 holiday is observed by government offices on Friday (July 3). So remember to take care of your business on Thursday.
**Fourth of July Parade.** Bloomington’s Independence Day parade takes place Saturday (July 4) in downtown Bloomington. The Bloomington Community Band performs on the Monroe County Courthouse lawn at 9 a.m. The parade begins at 10 a.m. The route starts and ends at 10th Street and College Avenue.
---
**Monroe County Fair: June 27–July 4**. The county fair has a [schedule of events](https://www.monroecountyfairgrounds.in/fair-schedule.html) that runs through Saturday.
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Nelly!
Up for adoption, as of July 2 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Nelly](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87133). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is an unidentified mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Nelly](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87133).
> I am a shy but sweet girl who loves to jump, play, and do zoomies. I'd love to cuddle up to my new best friend!
### Photo Finish: Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue
(With [video](https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-kirkwood-avenue-2/)!) The crowd outside Uptown Cafe on Kirkwood Avenue in front of a gigantic TV screen on a trailer watches the replay of Malik Tillman scoring the second goal for the USA against Bosnia and Herzegovina, bending a free kick from just outside the box into the net at the 82nd minute mark. (Dave Askins, July 1, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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---
### Photos: Bloomington Convention Center expansion construction
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-construction/
Last updated: 2026-07-02T09:56:45.000Z
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
College Avenue south of 3rd Street in downtown Bloomington was closed to traffic starting Tuesday (June 30) for continued construction of the skywalk that will connect the convention center expansion project to the existing facility. The closure is expected to last another three weeks, through July 24.
Here’s a view of the current state of construction on the project through the lens of Kelton O’Connell, with the steel, concrete and glass curtain walls catching Tuesday’s evening light.
### Photos: Bloomington Convention Center (June 30, 2026)
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. (Kelton O’Connell, June 30, 2026)
### Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-kirkwood-avenue-2/
Last updated: 2026-07-02T03:01:10.000Z
(With video!) The crowd outside Uptown Cafe on Kirkwood Avenue in front of a gigantic TV screen on a trailer watches the replay of Malik Tillman scoring the second goal for the USA against Bosnia and Herzegovina, bending a free kick from just outside the box into the net at the 82nd minute mark. (Dave Askins, July 1, 2026)
0:00
/0:33
1×
The crowd outside Uptown Cafe on Kirkwood Avenue in front of a gigantic TV screen on a trailer watches Malik Tillman score the second goal for the USA against Bosnia and Herzegovina, bending a free kick from just outside the box into the net at the 82nd minute mark. (Dave Askins, July 1, 2026)
### Walnut Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-kirkwood-avenue/
Last updated: 2026-07-01T20:19:36.000Z
A big TV screen on a trailer has been set up by Uptown Cafe, for World Cup fans to watch the U.S. versus Bosnia and Herzegovina match, which starts at 8 p.m. (Dave Askins, July 1, 2026)
### CIB narrows Bloomington convention center host hotel field to Dora, MHG
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-narrows-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-field-to-dora-mhg/
Last updated: 2026-07-07T19:11:34.000Z
****Left:** Signs were posted on June 10, giving notice of the pending planned demolition of buildings on the Seminary Pointe block. **Right:** Land shaded with purple has been transferred by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB has targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. The dark yellow areas are historic districts. The 424 S. College and 222 W 2nd St addresses, indicated with placemarks inside the dark purple area, are listed as "contributing" in the city’s 2018 survey. Map by the B Square \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1K67oC7nlVXsrkPog6MKF4-iQCDK0J1I&usp=sharing )\]
The field for the Bloomington convention center host hotelier was narrowed Wednesday (July 1) to two development teams. Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB) is advancing just two of five proposals, from Dora Hospitality and MHG Hotels, for interviews next week.
The proposals came in response to an RFP [issued by the CIB in mid-April](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/).
The selection of two interviewees, which came at a special meeting of the CIB on Wednesday, appears to put the CIB on track by mid-July to choose a hotel developer for the Seminary Pointe block south of the existing convention center.
That further dims hopes that a land swap could be worked out to use the Bloomington redevelopment commission’s (RDC’s) College Square block for the host hotel and preserve Seminary Pointe for use as extremely affordable housing and commercial space, which is its current use. College Square (aka the former Bunger & Robertson lot) is the southwest corner of College Avenue and 4th Street.
The two proposals selected for interviews are from Dora Hospitality, submitted by Vince Dora and Russ Louderback, and MHG Hotels, submitted by Neal and Sanjay Patel. According to the CIB, those were the only two submissions that met the RFP submission requirements.
Both [Dora Hospitality](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-09-04-CIB-presentation-Dora-Hospitality-09042024.pdf) and [MHG Hotels](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-09-04-CIB-presentation-MHG-Hotels-09042024.pdf) submitted proposals in response to the CIB’s original request for proposals two years ago. On Wednesday, CIB board member Jay Baer quipped: “The Groundhog Day nature of this from two and a half years ago was throwing me off … I’ve *seen* this movie!”
The first time around it was Dora that was selected by the CIB as its preferred hotelier. Negotiations between Dora and the Bloomington RDC over the use of the College Square lot finally foundered in early 2026 after lasting for more than a year.
At total of five responses were received in response to this year’s [RFP](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-24-CIB-Monroe-Capital-Improvement-Board-Bloomington-Convention-Center-Hotel-Developer-RFP-04-24-26%5FFINAL.pdf). The other three came from Concord Hotels, Garfield, and The Phoenix Downtown LLC. Concord was excluded because it did not provide at least 200 rooms and did not propose on the CIB land offered in the RFP. Garfield was excluded because it did not provide a site selection, development plan or financial plan. The Phoenix Downtown LLC was excluded because it submitted a workforce housing proposal, not a host hotel proposal. \[[slide deck from CIB meeting](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-01-capital-improvement-board-Seminary-Pointe-host-hotelier-CIB-Slides-for-Hotel-RFP-interview-rec-after-initial-analysis.pdf)\]
The next step is additional analysis from July 2 through July 13, with hotelier interviews set for July 8\. A hotel evaluation group is scheduled to meet July 14, followed by CIB final consideration on July 15\. The evaluation group includes: CIB members Jay Baer, Doug Bruce and John Whikehart; Mike Campbell of the Convention and Visitors Commission; and Mike McAfee of Visit Bloomington. Supporting the group are: CIB attorney Jim Whitlatch; CIB controller Jeff Underwood; Jason Larrison and Mary Krupinski of JS Held, which is the CIB owner’s representative, and subcontractor to JS Held, Adam Gelter, a hotel expert.
At Wednesday’s special meeting, the CIB also received an update on site work at Seminary Pointe needed to support hotel development. A Phase I environmental report by VET Environmental Engineering has been received and provided to all interested hotel vendors, but a Phase II analysis is still required. One appraisal, by Integra, has been received, with a second expected shortly.
Bloomington’s historic preservation commission [voted in the last week of June](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/) to allow demolition to proceed for two buildings designated as “contributing” structures. The CIB plans to prepare demolition bids for all buildings on the block, with demolition possible as early as Oct. 1.
The lease schedule also points toward clearing the Seminary Pointe block this fall. All residential tenant leases, along with three of the four commercial leases end Aug. 31\. The three commercial leases winding down at the end of August are for My Sister’s Closet, Friendly Beast and Blue Tip. The remaining commercial lease, for Jeff’s Warehouse, has been renegotiated to end no later than Sept. 30.
The CIB’s movement on Wednesday towards selecting a hotel developer for Seminary Pointe follows months of tension over whether the host hotel could instead be built on the College Square block, which is owned by Bloomington’s redevelopment commission. The CIB is supportive of a land swap, and essentially considers the ball to be in the RDC’s court.
A [June 23 email](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-23-Whikehart-to-city-council-mayor-county-council-county-commissioners-on-land-swap.pdf) from CIB president John Whikehart to county board of commissioners president Julie Thomas, county council president Jennifer Crossley, Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson and city council president Isak Asare laid out the CIB’s view of the situation.
Whikehart said in the email that the CIB did not want to be in conflict with local elected officials or engage in a media back-and-forth. But he said that the interlocal agreement for the convention center project requires good-faith review and negotiation over property transfers that the CIB requested for the project.
Whikehart pointed to wording in the February 2024 [interlocal agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-02-21-Version-of-Capital-Improvement-Board-Interlocal-Agreement-Approved-by-Monroe-County-Commissioners-Feb-21-2024-Convention-Center.pdf) saying the CIB could request transfers of property assets that are needed, in its judgment, to complete the project, and that the parties would review and negotiate those requests in good faith. He also cited a [May 6, 2024 letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/March-6-2024-Letter-to-Jim-Whitlatch-re-City-owned-real-property-for-Convention-Center-Use-OCR.pdf) from city corporation counsel Margie Rice, which said the CIB should expect negotiations if the RDC-owned parcels north of the convention center were determined to be integral to the project.
The CIB formally [asked the RDC in mid-April](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-accepts-downtown-parcels-now-seeks-talks-with-bloomington-rdc-on-land-swap-to-secure-host-hotel-site/) this year to pause its public offering of the College Square site for 30 days so a land exchange could be reviewed and negotiated. The RDC [declined and proceeded with a public offering](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/) of the land. In a [May 4 memorandum](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-4-College-Square-Bunger-Robertson-CIB-RDC-Response-to-Proposed-Property-Swap.pdf) the RDC told the CIB it was welcome to respond to the public offering “on the same terms as any other party.”
Whikehart said in his June 23 email that the RDC’s response did not meet the spirit or intent of the interlocal agreement. He wrote that the CIB still would accept an offer to meet before July 15, after appraisals and environmental work on the Seminary Pointe site are available, to try to negotiate a land exchange before either public process concludes.
The CIB’s hotelier selection process is now scheduled to reach a decision on July 15\. Responses to the RDC’s separate College Square offering are not due until July 20\. Whikehart’s email framed the timing as urgent: A host hotel will take roughly two and a half years from award to ribbon-cutting, and the convention center expansion will not reach its full potential until a host hotel is open with room guarantees for conventions.
Absent negotiations with the RDC, Whikehart warned in his June 23 email, the “better hotel opportunity” to the north and the possibility of using the south property for affordable housing could be lost.
\[[Bloomington Convention Center Timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29 )\]
### Salt Creek Estates (Lake Monroe)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/salt-creek-estates-lake-monroe/
Last updated: 2026-07-01T02:12:23.000Z
Bald eagle perched on a branch. (Don Weiler, June 30, 2026)
### Monroe County sheriff wins narrow injunction against Indiana ICE-detainer law
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-sheriff-wins-narrow-injunction-against-indiana-ice-detainer-law/
Last updated: 2026-07-01T02:58:29.000Z
****Left:** Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita from the [AG's website](https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/images/ag-rokita.jpg). ****Right:** Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté. (B Square file photo)
A local judge has blocked the state of Indiana from enforcing a key part of its new ICE-detainer law against Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté, one day before the law was set to take effect.
In an [order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-30-53C06-2407-PL-001733-Marte-Rokita-immigration-preliminary-injunction-restraining-order.pdf ) issued on Tuesday (June 30), Monroe County circuit court special judge Luke Rudisill granted Marté a preliminary injunction against enforcement of Indiana Code 5-2-18.2-9(a)(3), which was put into effect by [SEA 76](https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0076/SB0076.08.ENRH.pdf). That’s a provision, set to take effect on July 1, which requires a local agency with custody of a person named in an immigration detainer request to “comply with all requests made in the immigration detainer request.”
The injunction issued Tuesday applies only to Marté and the Monroe County sheriff’s office—not to other sheriffs around the state. The judge tailored his ruling narrowly just to Marté, because other sheriffs could have also asked the court for relief, but have not. As judge Rudisill puts it: “It is not this Court’s objective to pursue relief on behalf of professional individuals who are presumed to have knowledge of the law and the means to seek relief from it.”
The ruling is also narrowly tailored, because Marté filed suit based on the harm he faces from being compelled by the state law to violate his oath and the United States Constitution and the related liability—not on the harm to detainees whose rights may be violated. As judge Rudisill put it: “If the harm were based upon the constitutional rights violation of class of individuals who lack such presumed knowledge and resources, then perhaps this Court would be persuaded to broaden the scope of this injunction.”
\[*Added at 10:57 p.m. June 30, 2026\. In a* [*statement*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-30-Statement-from-Monroe-County-Sheriff-Ruben-Marte-Rokita-immigration.pdf) *released Tuesday night, Marté said, “Today’s ruling reinforces an enduring principle of our system of government—that constitutional questions deserve careful judicial review, and that no public official should be placed in the impossible position of choosing between violating constitutional rights and violating state law.”* \]
The ruling is not a final decision that the law is unconstitutional. A preliminary injunction is a temporary order entered while a case continues. But Rudisill found that Marté had shown a reasonable likelihood of success on his claim that mandatory compliance with ICE detainer requests would put the sheriff in conflict with the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable seizures.
An ICE detainer is a request from federal immigration authorities asking a jail to hold someone for up to 48 hours after the person would otherwise be released, so ICE can take custody.
Marté’s legal position has been that once a person is entitled to release from jail, continuing to hold that person solely on an administrative immigration detainer—without a judicial warrant or probable cause that a crime has been committed—amounts to a new seizure under the Fourth Amendment.
The action in circuit court was initiated in 2024 by Indiana attorney general Todd Rokita against Marté, about the sheriff’s policy on immigration status of prisoners. SEA 76, enacted by the legislature this year, put the already existing conflict between Rokita and Marté into sharper relief.
After the legislature passed SEA 76 this year, Marté [mounted a federal challenge](https://bsquarebulletin.com/trimble-clears-signature-hurdle-to-make-independent-run-for-monroe-county-assessor/) to the law based on the Fourth Amendment theory.
Rudisill’s order on Tuesday accepts, at least for now, the merit of Marté’s argument. In support of that argument, Rudisill’s order says that ICE’s probable-cause determination is made by an ICE officer, not by a neutral judge. Further, Rudisill writes that the probable-cause determination made by an ICE officer involves removability under civil immigration law, not probable cause that the person has committed a crime. The order also notes that unauthorized presence in the United States is a civil violation, not by itself a crime.
The distinction between civil violations and criminal violations is central to the case. Local jails routinely hold people on criminal charges, court orders, warrants and sentences. Marté’s argument is about what happens after the local legal basis for custody has ended. In Rudisill’s framing, the question is whether Indiana can require a sheriff to continue to detain someone anew, based only on an ICE detainer request.
The state, represented by attorney general Todd Rokita, argued that Indiana has a substantial interest in immigration enforcement and that local cooperation with federal immigration authorities has historical and statutory support. Rudisill acknowledges that interest, but says it does not override constitutional limits. “All Hoosiers should be wary of dispensing with constitutional requirements in the name of ‘safety’ and ‘public interest,’” the order says.
The practical effect is limited but still significant for Marté. The attorney general is not allowed to try to penalize Marté for refusing to comply with the detainer-compliance mandate in Section 9(a)(3).
SEA 76 allows civil penalties of up to $10,000 for knowing or intentional violations. But Rudisill emphasized that the injunction does not wipe out the rest of the law. Marté and other Indiana sheriffs remain subject to provisions requiring communication and information-sharing with federal officials, as long as those actions do not violate federal or state law.
The state-court ruling comes less than two weeks after a federal judge [declined to block the same law](https://bsquarebulletin.com/federal-court-declines-to-block-indiana-ice-detainer-law-before-july-1-effective-date/) before its July 1 effective date. That federal ruling did not turn on the merit of the arguments about whether the ICE-detainer mandate violates the Fourth Amendment. Instead, the federal court relied on the political subdivision doctrine, which can prevent a local governmental unit from suing the state in federal court over an intra-governmental dispute.
The twin tracks of separate litigation on the same issue unfolded starting two years ago. Rokita first [sued Marté](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-sheriff-seeks-dismissal-of-indiana-ag-action-on-immigration-policy-calls-lawsuit-baseless/) in Monroe County circuit court in July 2024 over the sheriff’s [immigration-enforcement policy](https://bsquarebulletin.com/rokita-v-marte-after-may-7-court-set-to-rule-on-monroe-county-sheriffs-immigration-enforcement-policy/), known as MCSO-012\. That policy says sheriff’s employees will not hold a person past the person’s scheduled release date based solely on an ICE detainer, unless there is a judicial warrant.
After Gov. Mike Braun signed SEA 76 into law on March 5 this year, Marté filed the federal lawsuit seeking to block the new detainer-compliance provision before it took effect. Rudisill had [paused the older state-court case](https://bsquarebulletin.com/judge-pauses-rokitas-lawsuit-against-monroe-county-sheriff-as-fight-over-ice-detainers-shifts-to-federal-court/) while the federal case proceeded.
The June 30 order brings the constitutional question back to the state court, at least as far as Marté is concerned. Rudisill found that the sheriff had shown irreparable harm because the law placed him in what the order called an impossible position: He had to either comply with ICE detainer requests and risk violating constitutional rights, or refuse to comply and risk state penalties.
The broader legal question, about whether Indiana can require local law enforcement agencies to honor ICE detainers without a judicial warrant, has not yet been addressed. But the case will continue with some temporary protection in place for Marté.
### Trimble clears signature hurdle to make independent run for Monroe County assessor
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/trimble-clears-signature-hurdle-to-make-independent-run-for-monroe-county-assessor/
Last updated: 2026-06-30T19:58:21.000Z
B Square file photo of the sign in Monroe County’s North Showers building where signatures are turned in by candidates seeking to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot without affiliation with any party.
Lisa Jeneé Trimble has submitted enough signatures to have her name appear on the Nov. 3 ballot as a candidate for Monroe County assessor, unaffiliated with any political party.
The [deadline for submitting signatures](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf) was noon Tuesday (June 30). Trimble submitted several sheets of signatures ahead of Tuesday, but added several more on Tuesday morning.
The county assessor is responsible for determining the value of real and personal property for tax purposes.
According to Monroe County election division staff, Trimble turned in at least 915 signatures, which could be verified as Monroe County voters. That’s about a hundred more than she needed.
Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-8-6-3), for a countywide Monroe County office, an independent candidate needs petition signatures from registered voters equal to 2% of the total votes cast in Monroe County for secretary of state in the last secretary-of-state election. In 2022, that Monroe County total was 39,884, so the threshold was 797 signatures.
The final step for Trimble to become an official candidate, according to election division staff, is to file her [CAN-20 form](https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=9779), which is the one that independent candidates have to submit.
Once the final paperwork is filed, the Monroe County election board might now take up the matter of an allegation that was filed against her by incumbent assessor Judy Sharp. Incumbent county assessor Judy Sharp prevailed in the Democratic Party’s primary over Bob Nyquist with 8,048 (66%) of the vote.
In a [letter to the election board](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-15-J-Trimble-OCR.pdf), Sharp wrote that she was made aware of a media post by Trimble offering her services in property tax matters “in exchange for signatures allowing her to be on the ballot” as an independent candidate in the fall. At a [meeting on May 15](https://bsquarebulletin.com/election-complaints-target-monroe-county-clerk-hopeful-over-signs-electioneering-in-chute/), the board decided to table the matter and not to deal with it unless she actually became a candidate.
Trimble’s response to the allegations was: “I do not represent taxpayers at their local or state appeal hearings. There is not a law against telling people how to read their property record cards or explaining to them how to file an appeal, or explaining the local & state appeal process. Everyone has these rights. I did \[not\] violate any local, state or election laws.”
The legal backdrop to Trimble’s independent campaign for Monroe County assessor also includes two lawsuits that she filed last year after working for county government.
Shortly after Trimble turned in her final batch of signatures to the election division on Tuesday morning, she sat for a 10 a.m. deposition in the [lawsuit she filed against Monroe County](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-employee-lawsuits-judge-dismisses-one-complaint-leaves-open-narrow-wrongful-termination-question/) for wrongful termination.
Trimble is a former employee of the Monroe County assessor’s office and later the auditor’s office. Her litigation has centered on claims that she raised concerns about county assessment practices and then faced retaliation.
One of Trimble’s lawsuits, which named a long list of county officials and departments, was dismissed in its entirety. That complaint included allegations involving workplace harassment by the assessor, inaction by employee services and the county legal department, defamation by the auditor, misuse of authority, false claims about county equipment, health impacts, and failure to investigate complaints in a timely way. Special Judge Luke Rudisill concluded in January that Trimble’s amended complaint did not state a viable legal claim.
But a second lawsuit, tied to Trimble’s May 2025 termination from the Monroe County auditor’s office, was left in play even if its scope was sharply narrowed.
Rudisill dismissed Monroe County government and the Monroe County commissioners as improper defendants. He also dismissed county auditor Brianne Gregory as a defendant in her individual capacity, concluding that the allegations against Gregory involved actions taken in her official role as auditor. The result was that the only remaining defendant is Gregory, in her official capacity. Most of Trimble’s legal theories in that second case were dismissed, including claims based on negligence, bullying and harassment.
But Rudisill allowed one claim to proceed: wrongful termination. Trimble alleges she was fired in retaliation for reporting to the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance what she believed were violations of Indiana law related to property assessments. The judge did not find that Trimble had proved retaliation, but ruled that, at the motion-to-dismiss stage, she had alleged enough to continue under a narrow exception to Indiana’s employment-at-will doctrine.
Indiana law generally allows employers to terminate at-will employees for almost any reason, or for no stated reason. But courts have recognized limited exceptions, including situations where an employee alleges they were fired solely for exercising a statutory right, such as reporting suspected misconduct.
Rudisill noted that the statute protects reports of suspected malfeasance, not only misconduct later proven to be true, and declined to treat as decisive a DLGF finding that Trimble’s allegations were not substantiated. The case now continues on that single wrongful-termination theory. The next event on the [docket](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase?ref=bsquarebulletin.com#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDYtMjUwNS1DVC0wMDE0OTYiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ== ) is a pre-trial conference set for Sept. 11.
### Jail site committee will score renovation-plus-Curry option for Bloomington location
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/jail-site-committee-will-score-renovation-plus-curry-option-for-bloomington-location/
Last updated: 2026-07-06T16:05:50.000Z
Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee, the group that is supposed to make a recommendation on a site for a new jail by mid-July. ****From left:** April Wilson (deputy prosecutor); Karen Wrenbeck (deputy public defender); Kerry Thomson (mayor, city of Bloomington); Liz Feitl (Monroe County councilor); and Sydney Zulich (Bloomington city councilmember). (Dave Askins, June 29, 2026)
A committee composed of city and county officials, which is supposed to recommend a site for a new jail inside Bloomington by mid-July, finalized a set of [site evaluation metrics](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-27-Collaborative-Justice-Project-Working-Subcommittee-Site-Evaluation-Metrics-as-amended-jail-working-group-6-29-27.xlsx) at its meeting on Monday (June 29).
The formal name of the group is the [Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/Departments/council/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/). Attending the meeting on Monday were April Wilson (deputy prosecutor); Karen Wrenbeck (deputy public defender); Kerry Thomson (mayor, city of Bloomington); Liz Feitl (Monroe County councilor); and Sydney Zulich (Bloomington city councilmember).
Not yet on board with the committee are the county commissioners, who have not yet agreed to send a representative to participate. A decision by commissioners on that could come at their July 2 meeting.
News out of Monday’s meeting was a consensus on the committee to add a column for renovation of the existing jail to the sites to be evaluated.
Already to be evaluated was the county-owned Curry Building just ~~south~~ west of the current justice facility and jail, which houses the county’s veterans affairs, child support, and probation offices. A second column involving Curry, would consider explicitly the possibility of renovating the existing justice facility and jail, and adding capacity by using the Curry Building.
The new column heading reads “Renovations of current building and adding Curry.”
The committee is working under the pressure of expected litigation over jail conditions, after a settlement agreement in connection with a previous lawuit expired. \[[Timeline of Monroe County Jail History](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
During the public commentary period, Zach Ammerman urged the committee to hold some public discussion on why they might think renovation is not an option. “Because I’ve yet to see any serious or convincing public discussion from elected officials about why you think renovation isn’t possible,” he said.
Over the last few years, renovation has not been given much consideration, because renovation would not provide additional space—there would be no more space for inmate beds, or for programming of activities that could help prevent recidivism.
Inclusion of the Curry Building as a possible expansion site in connection with a renovation scenario came after Ammerman’s comment, starting with a mention by Bloomington city councilmember Sydney Zulich. “My understanding of the Curry Building is that it’s potentially an expansion of the Zietlow Justice Center,” she said. Followup on the point from Kerry Thomson, Bloomington mayor, resulted in creation of a separate column head for the renovation option, with Curry as expansion space.
The beginning of the meeting, which took place at the Nat U. Hill meeting room at the Monroe County Courthouse, was dedicated to finalizing the metrics that would be used to evaluate each property’s suitability for the project.
Notable among the metrics was the choice of 448 beds as an upper limit for the future extension capacity of the jail. Deputy prosecutor April Wilson said that the number is based on the [2020 Criminal Justice & Incarceration study](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/MCICJ-Study-Final-Report-Submitted-062021.pdf) conducted by a group led by Kenneth Ray. “It says a 30 year bed capacity estimate indicates that Monroe County needs 448 to 450 jail beds by the year 2049,” Wilson said.
The committee also discussed evaluating the utility needs of each site—whether it is already connected or if there would be a cost of connection to utility services. The ability of any potential site to accommodate a single-story jail design was also included as a separate metric. That came in the context of remarks from county commissioner Julie Thomas in a [talk to Bloomington North Rotarians](https://bsquarebulletin.com/one-story-jail-design-is-necessary-monroe-county-commissioner-tells-rotarians/) the previous Thursday (June 25) that a one-story design for the new jail is “necessary”.
The committee also decided to consolidate many of the separate requirements of a jail site into a minimum square footage requirement. County attorney Jeff Cockerill agreed that those numbers could be parsed from the design of the North Park site, even though the county council rejected the proposal to build a jail there last month.
Thomson suggested evaluation of “fiscal considerations for additional site development” as one of the criteria, to judge whether a site is particularly cost heavy and could add to the fiscal burden during development.
During the meeting, the committee discussed the importance of including distance to services such as transit as an evaluation metric.
Committee chair Liz Feitl said, “When I think of services, I can’t help but think of the testimony we heard \[at a previous meeting\] from the woman who works in a community service, and she herself had been in jail and was released and she walked two blocks to get to services and that said something to me how important it was. Because she also testified, in her current role in her current community service job, that someone actually had to walk nine miles from somewhere to get \[there\], and it was freezing cold, and it was a near medical emergency for him.”
During discussions, county attorney Molly Turner-King clarified for the members that Indiana state law disallows the building of a permanent structure in a floodway for use as a place of residency, which would exclude any sites that fall within floodways for the location of a new jail.
From the public mic, Seaforth Breeze, a Monroe county resident, pressed on the importance of considering access to public transit and proximity to services, based on his experience volunteering at the Bloomington Bike Project for a few months. “We’ve already had two people on the one day a week I come in who have come in asking if they can get a bike—because they’ve just been released, they don’t have any other transit connections, they don’t have, you know, a phone or someone that they can reach out to with that phone, and they are desperate for a way to start reaching all those other services,” Breeze said.
The Collaborative Justice Project Working subcommittee is slated to meet again on [Wednesday (July 1) at 6 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-2759)
Next week, the committee has meetings set for Monday (July 6) and Wednesday (July 9), at 6 p.m., as well as at noon on July 13\. The meeting on July 6 will allow public commentary.
Sites with columns in evaluation metric
#
Site
1
Bloomington Transit Garage
2
Renovations of current building and adding Curry
3
Curry Building
4
Fell Iron/ Bender Lumber
5
Hopewell
6
HT Building
7
Monroe Hospital
8
North Park (for comparison only)
9
South of Post Office
10
Tapp Road North
11
Tapp Road South
12
Thomson
13
Fullerton
Monroe County Jail - Site Evaluation Metrics
Item
Evaluation metric
Site X
Address:
Screening Questions:
Is the property in a floodway?
Is the owner willing to sell the property?
A. Defensible to Court:
1
What is the earliest ground breaking date?
B. Site Profile:
2
Does the County own the property?
3
Within city limits?
4
Total square footage?
5
Total usable square footage?
6
Purchase price of site?
7
Will the site require purchase of additional property?
7a
How much?
9
Does site have additional costs? (i.e. roadways)?
9a
How much?
11
Does the site have utilities?
11a
Which utilities?
11b
What is the process for securing utilities?
11c
How long will those steps take?
C. Legal Permissibility:
1
Will use/anticipated use require zoning through the City or County?
1a
If so, what steps will need to be completed?
1b
How long will those steps take?
1c
What is the cost of those steps?
5
Will purchase require zoning through the City or County?
5a
If so, what steps will need to be completed?
5b
How long will those steps take?
5c
What is the cost of those steps?
D. Operational Adequacy:
1
Adequate useable space for 448 beds?
2
Adequate useable space for single floor jail?
3
Adequate space to co-locate all justice departments?
4
Current access to Public Transportation?
5
Future access to Public Transportation?
6
Number of property's entrances/exits?
7
Current access to walking path(s)?
8
Future access to walking path(s)?
9
What is the property's distance from current justice building?
9a
By car?
9b
By bus?
9c
Walking?
10
Distance to a hospital?
11
Access to Emergency Services?
12
Distance to Services?
E. Construction Feasibility:
1
Which geotechnical/environmental studies have been completed?
2
What geotechnical/environmental studies need to take place?
3
What geotechnical/environmental problems exist?
4
Do any of these geotechnical/environmental problems effect usable square footage?
5
How?
6
Do any of these geotechnical/environmental problems pose a risk to those on site?
6a
How?
7
Do any of these geotechnical/environmental problems pose a risk to those close by?
7a
How?
8
Will the site require additional preparation?
8a
What are the costs?
9
Known site development costs?
### 3 MCCSC board incumbents to run unopposed in 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/3-mccsc-board-incumbents-to-run-unopposed-in-2026/
Last updated: 2026-06-29T12:52:49.000Z
Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) board candidates up for election in 2026\. All three incumbents are running unopposed. ****Left:** Erin Wyatt (District 1) ****Middle:** Ashley Pirani (District 3) ****Right:** Aja Jester (District 7). (B Square file photos by Kelton O'Connell)
This year, three of the seven Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) board seats are up for reelection. The incumbents are all running unopposed.
That’s even after District 7 looked briefly like it would have a contested race. But the declared candidate, who would have contested the seat with incumbent Aja Jester, withdrew in connection with the Hatch Act. The federal law prohibits federal employees from participating in partisan political contests, which Indiana school board races now can be, because of a new state law enacted in 2025.
Besides the one for District 7, MCCSC board seats for District 1 and District 3 are up for election this year. In addition to Jester, the [board members](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DGEP5562E4E6 ) with four-year terms ending this year are Erin Wyatt in District 1 and Ashley Pirani in District 3.
The other four seats are not up for election this year. Elected in November 2024 and serving through 2028 are April Hennessey in District 2, Tiana Iruoje in District 4, Erin Cooperman in District 5, and Ross Grimes in District 6.
The [deadline](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf) for declaring candidacy was June 18\. The deadline for a candidate withdrawing is July 15.
MCCSC board residential districts: [map](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2023-07-25-MCCSC-School-Board-Residential-Districts-Map.pdf) | [text descriptions](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2023-07-25-MCCSC-School-Board-Residential-Districts.pdf).
The three incumbent candidates are running without a stated party affiliation.
### District 1: Erin Wyatt
Currently representing [District 1](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/CZXHLW4911F1/$file/Residential District 1.pdf) and seeking reelection on the school board is Erin Wyatt. She has served on the board since 2023\. With about 51% of the vote, she won a [three-way race in 2022](https://enr.indianavoters.in.gov/archive/2022General/index.html) that included Tabetha Crouch and Byron Turner.
Responding to emailed questions from The B Square, Wyatt said that her time so far on the board has been “educational.” She wrote, “The first half or so of my first terms really was about fully understanding the roles and responsibilities of being a board member. I’d also consider my time to be fairly dynamic. We’ve seen several big changes in a relatively short amount of time.”
Wyatt said she’s seeking reelection because of challenges MCCSC—and other school districts in Indiana—are facing, including changes to public school funding and patterns of enrollment decline. She continued, “MCCSC is very important to me, and \[I\] hope that my continued presence on the board will limit disruption. I feel the board is currently made up of folks who are very dedicated to ensuring that MCCSC will continue to be successful and thrive even in the face of all the challenges we are anticipating, and I don’t want that to change.”
Wyatt said her goals for the board’s future are the same as the corporation’s: “achieve fiscal balance, facilitate academic success and excellence, and ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the students and employees.”
### District 3: Ashley Pirani
Before publication, The B Square was not able to reach Ashley Pirani, who currently represents [District 3](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/CZXHM44914DE/$file/Residential District 3.pdf.). Pirani has served on the board since 2023\. With about 46% of the vote, she won a three-way race that included Jon Hays and Daniel O’Neill. She currently serves as board secretary.
### District 7: Aja Jester
Aja Jester was [appointed to fill a vacancy](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aja-jester-appointed-to-vacant-seat-on-mccsc-board/) for [District 7](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/CZXHMG491AE0/$file/Residential District 7.pdf) when previous board member Brandon Shurr [resigned](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-seat-open-after-shurr-resigns-applications-due-march-27/) in March of 2025\. Jester was sworn in at the [April 22, 2025](https://bsquarebulletin.com/teachers-petition-mccsc-for-clear-reduction-in-force-policy-amid-budget-strains/) school board meeting.
Responding to emailed B Square questions, Jester said her time on the board the past 14 months has been “a period of learning and growth.”
She wrote, “When the seat I now hold became available, school board was not on my radar. It was the encouragement of my community that ultimately made me decide to even put my name out there.” She said the trust and support of those community members have empowered her. “It is for those people that I have spent this time and effort learning and growing,” she said, “in order to be an effective representation of those you don’t often see in these positions.”
“My goal in this role is to support the administration in efforts to accomplish the MCCSC mission statement for every student,” Jester wrote. The district’s [mission](https://www.mccsc.edu/15857%5F2) is: “Empowering students to maximize their educational success to become productive, responsible global citizens.”
“The decisions that we make as a board are critical in making sure that our policies and financials allow for this to be possible,” Jester said. “Core to who I am are the beliefs that every perspective has value and that compromise is possible.” She said her goal is to “show up ready to listen and work toward solutions that benefit the entire community.”
### District 7: Almost contested
One other candidate filing was made for the District 7 seat, by Cole Pospisil. He declared himself an Independent in his paperwork. However, he withdrew his candidacy on Thursday (June 25). In an email to The B Square, he said his withdrawal was “due to new guidance on the interaction between SEA 287 and the Hatch Act.”
The [Hatch Act of 1939](https://govtrackus.s3.amazonaws.com/legislink/pdf/stat/53/STATUTE-53-Pg1147.pdf ), titled “An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities,” is a U.S. law that restricts political activity that employees in the federal executive can engage in. Section nine of the law bars federal employees from running in partisan elections. It states: “No officer or employee in the executive branch of the Federal Government, or any agency or department thereof, shall take any active part in political management or in political campaigns.”
Pospisil is an employee at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division, which is a U.S. Naval base.
In Indiana’s [2025 legislative session](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bill-requiring-school-board-candidates-to-state-partisan-affiliation-awaits-indiana-governors-signature/), governor Mike Braun signed [Senate Enrolled Act 287](https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2025/senate/bills/SB0287/SB0287.05.ENRH.pdf ) into law, which gives school board candidates the option to state a political party affiliation, run as an independent candidate, or not to identify with a political party.
Before SEA 287 was passed, school board elections in Indiana were strictly non-partisan—no candidates were identified by political party. That meant the Hatch Act was not a barrier to federal employees participating in Indiana school board races.
After SEA 287 was passed, it became an open question whether the optional nature of a party label in a race made a school board race “political” in the sense of the Hatch Act.
According to a [guidance document](https://www.isba-ind.org/docs/default-source/isba-board-resources/2026-sea-287-and-sea-25-faq--final.pdf ) from the Indiana School Boards Association about the law, The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has advised that “a federal employee could file a petition of nomination, declaring no party affiliation, for that particular seat and have his or her name appear on the ballot if no other candidate files a petition or all candidates who file a petition for the same seat have also declared no party affiliation.”
If Pospisil had declared no political party affiliation, he may have been in compliance with the Hatch Act. However, he wrote to The B Square: “The problem is that a non-partisan race can become partisan with regards to the Hatch Act if a candidate is endorsed by a party or national group either explicitly or implicitly.”
Pospisil continued, “So the fact that Aja and I did not declare with a party means that me filing was not a violation, but should there be any coordination then I would have to withdraw to not be in violation.” However, he said any “coordination” or implied endorsements of a candidate by a political party could make the nonpartisan race effectively partisan. “\[T\]he line for coordination is not clearly delineated,” he said.
“In summary,” Pospisil wrote, “there is a pathway where a campaign can be run that does not violate the Hatch Act, but it requires every candidate to act in a very specific way (including those with no incentive to act that way), and that felt too precarious for me.”
### June 29, 2026: Water rates rise, Seminary Pointe demolition, jail site talks, one-story jail design, MCCSC cell phones, Skate the Rainbow
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-29-2026-water-rates-rise-seminary-pointe-demolition-jail-site-talks-one-story-jail-design-mccsc-cell-phones-skate-the-rainbow/
Last updated: 2026-06-29T20:11:07.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [15-question](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-june-29-2026/) multiple choice news quiz. If you have read most of The B Square’s news reports and included the Sunday Funnies, you will have no trouble acing this quiz. Just try not to brag too much about it, or how fast you finished it!
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
*The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory at least through Thursday (July 2). Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun. Check on relatives, neighbors, friends, and colleagues at work. If someone checks on you, don’t lie about feeling fine. Tell them what you need. For some of you, being helpful will come naturally. For others of us, we have to work at it, and this will be a chance to try out being nicer than we usually are.*
**Monday:** *Slow down*. It’s not going to rain, but take an *umbrella* anyway, because an umbrella is the portable shade you might need to ward off the blazing sun, if you have to walk around in the heat. Or if you see someone struggling out in the heat, give them your umbrella. The forecasted high is 93F°.
**Tuesday:** Not kidding about the umbrella. Take one along to keep the sun off. There’s some jerks who will mock you, but that’s OK, because you will be cool as a cucumber, laughing on the inside, while they are sweating on the outside. The forecasted high is 94F° with humidity that will make it seem like a sauna.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Photos: Skate the Rainbow roller derby returns to Bloomington](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-skate-the-rainbow-roller-derby-returns-to-bloomington/). Frank Southern Ice Arena, with Bloomington Roller Derby and Indianapolis Junior Roller Derby, hosted five bouts for junior and adult skaters from across the Midwest. The BOOMington Blockheads return July 18.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-67/). Who doesn't love a great pun about corn dogs?
- [Monroe County property transfers through June 25, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-june-25-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from May 22 to June 25, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Bloomington drinking water rates set to rise in August](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-drinking-water-rates-set-to-rise-in-august/). Bloomington water customers will see higher rates starting in August, after the IURC approved CBU’s settlement-backed rate case. A typical residential user will pay about $3.72 more a month; businesses face a 38% increase. The case funds capital work, including fluoride-line replacement.
- [Bloomington historic commission clears Seminary Pointe buildings for demolition](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/). Bloomington’s historic preservation commission voted 4–2 Thursday to release demolition delays for two “contributing” Seminary Pointe buildings, removing a key hurdle to hotel development. CIB officials say demolition bids will cover the whole block, with work possible starting as early as Oct. 1.
- [One-story jail design is ‘necessary,’ Monroe County commissioner tells Rotarians](https://bsquarebulletin.com/one-story-jail-design-is-necessary-monroe-county-commissioner-tells-rotarians/). At a Thursday Rotary talk, Monroe County commissioner Julie Thomas said a one-story jail is necessary, not just preferred. The stance could narrow site options as a city-county group works toward a July 13 location recommendation after the county council twice rejected North Park.
- [Revamped Monroe County jail-site group maps path to July 13 recommendation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/revamped-monroe-county-jail-site-group-maps-path-to-july-13-recommendation/). After a quorum fix, the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee met June 24, elected Bloomington city councilmember Sydney Zulich vice chair and set five meetings before a July 13 jail-site recommendation. The group is chaired by county councilor Liz Feitl.
- [MCCSC policy banning cell phones OK’d despite board qualms](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-policy-banning-cell-phones-okd-despite-board-qualms/). MCCSC trustees approved a state-mandated student cell phone storage policy despite board misgivings. They also adopted new facilities-use rules and rental fees. Jennifer Hester and Kelsey Pearson were appointed as principals. A July discussion of redistricting is planned.
### Other Important Notes
**Bingo calling.** On Sunday, I had the honor of serving as the celebrity bingo caller at Cardinal Spirits for their regular noon-to-2 p.m. brunch. Big thanks to Erica, Gwen, and Jenna for making it even more fun than I had figured it would be. And thanks, too, to all the brunch-goers at Cardinal Spirits who pitched in after one clumsy moment sent dozens of little wooden bingo balls skittering across the floor, instead of staying safely locked away inside their caged-ball contraption. Calling bingo is not as easy as you might think.
### On the calendar
**Where to build a new jail?** The second meeting for the jail site working group, now known as the [Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee (CJPWS)](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/boards-commissions-and-committees/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/) is set for [6 p.m. on Monday (June 29)](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FCollaborative%20Justice%20Project%20Working%20Subcommittee%2F2026%2D06%2D29%5FCollaborative%20Justice%20Project%20Working%20Subcommittee%5FAgenda%2DPacket%202%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FCollaborative%20Justice%20Project%20Working%20Subcommittee&p=true&ga=1). The agenda includes a discussion of metrics for evaluating potential sites. A [draft set of metrics](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-25-April-Wilson-handout-Metrics.pdf) was circulated at [last week’s meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/revamped-monroe-county-jail-site-group-maps-path-to-july-13-recommendation/). Part of the backdrop of the meeting includes an [email thread](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-27-email-thread-thomas-henry-hawk-jail-site-group.pdf) between county councilors and county commissioner Julie Thomas on the topic of the participation by the board of commissioners in the CJPWS. The sharpest exchange is between councilor David Henry and commissioner Julie Thomas.
**Joint meeting on APRA funding.** Even though Henry and Thomas won’t be at the table for the CJPWS, an hour beforehand at [5 p.m. on Monday (June 29)](https://events.in.gov/event/joint-special-work-session-of-the-monroe-county-council-and-board-of-commissioners-537) they could be sitting together for a joint meeting of commissioners and the council on the topic of APRA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding. The APRA funding has to be spent by the end of the year.
**Joint meeting on APRA funding.** Even though Henry and Thomas won’t be at the table for the CJPWS, ~~an hour beforehand at 5 p.m. on Monday (June 29)~~ the next day at [5 p.m. on Tuesday (June 30)](https://events.in.gov/event/joint-special-work-session-of-the-monroe-county-council-and-board-of-commissioners-537) they could be sitting together for a joint meeting of commissioners and the council on the topic of APRA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding. The APRA funding has to be spent by the end of the year.
**Grass too tall.** One way to tell it’s summer without looking at a calendar is the number of abatement requests on a board of public works agenda. The [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (June 30) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17053/download) for the board includes requests for four different properties. Bloomington [city code](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT6HESA%5FCH6.06GAWE%5F6.06.050EXGR) says that grass in a yard can’t be longer than eight inches.
---
**Monroe County Fair: June 27–July 4**. The county fair starts this Saturday. If you are an old sleepy person who always wanted to see Hank Ruff perform, but cannot stay up late for the start of his shows when he plays the Bluebird, this is your chance! Among the many fantastic events on [this year’s fair schedule](https://www.monroecountyfairgrounds.in/fair-schedule.html ) is a free Hank Ruff Show starting at 8 p.m Wednesday (July 1).
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Misty!
Up for adoption, as of June 28 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Misty](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86861). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a hound mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Misty](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86861).
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
Let’s make Misty’s stay at the shelter super short!
### Photo Finish: 10th Street & Union Street
Work on the Union Street raised crosswalk is complete. This is the city's first asphalt raised crosswalk. (Kendall Knoke, June 25, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Civic Solver: June 29, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-june-29-2026/
Last updated: 2026-06-28T23:12:03.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one each week in the [*Almost Daily*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) newsletter.
### Photos: Skate the Rainbow roller derby returns to Bloomington
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-skate-the-rainbow-roller-derby-returns-to-bloomington/
Last updated: 2026-06-29T20:32:31.000Z
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
On Saturday (June 27), the third annual Skate the Rainbow was held at Frank Southern Ice Arena, with [Bloomington Roller Derby](https://www.bloomingtonrollerderby.com/) and Indianapolis Junior Roller Derby presenting it as an all-day Pride roller derby mixer. The schedule included five bouts: two junior levels, two levels, and an open-gender mixed-level adult bout.
The Pride-themed roller derby mixer brought together skaters, officials, and fans from across the Midwest.
If the photographs in this gallery make you wish you’d been there, in just three weeks from now Frank Southern will host a home bout for the BOOMington Blockheads who skate against the Flat Track Attack out of Ohio on [July 18](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLXSSD48SSPGX/checkout/52THZMU7BZUHDUJXWTJCEVBH).
### Photos: Skate the Rainbow (June 28, 2026)
*\[Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.\]*
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Kelton O’Connell, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
Skate the Rainbow at Frank Southern Ice Arena. (Dave Askins, June 27, 2026)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-67/
Last updated: 2026-06-28T08:52:28.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #68 (June 28, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through June 25, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-june-25-2026/
Last updated: 2026-06-28T08:38:30.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from May 22 to June 25, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On June 25, 2026, the property at 1559 W Petal CT was sold to ROBERT WINSLOW CLARK LIVING TRUST by DAVID R STURGIS for $395,000.
- On June 24, 2026, the property at 903 W 6th ST was sold to JACOB G MESSING by THE ESTATE F PAMELA J LADD for $190,000.
- On June 23, 2026, the property at 2811 S Atlee ST was sold to JESSE E ESCHBACH by FIVE STAR INVESTMENT GROUP LLC for $543,000.
- On June 19, 2026, the property at 1291 N Sewell RD was sold to P&L, LLC by PETER SHARP for $630,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 2241 S Bent Tree DR was sold to CHRISTINA M AGRESTI by ALLAN WAYNE THARP for $355,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 5760 W Daffodil CT was sold to BRUCE KNUDSEN by LENEIGHA S DOWNS for $273,000.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 220 S Walnut ST was sold to SHEENA BROOKE WEAVER by CHRIS BERG for $222,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 4966 N Muirfield DR was sold to IVICA BUKVIC by DAVID GRAY for $782,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 500 W Estate DR was sold to ERIN PARKS by JOHN J MELLENCAMP, DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED JANUARY 10, 2018, AS LATER AMENDED for $331,000.
- On June 16, 2026, the property at 2408 E 8th ST was sold to MICHAEL SHARNAS by THE HARRY FORD REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $257,200.
- On June 15, 2026, the property at 9653 S Stillwater LN was sold to T. SPENCER WHITEHEAD by CHARLES W FRANZ for $800,000.
- On June 15, 2026, the property at 554 E Holland DR was sold to LUNA CAP LLC by THE ESTATE OF ANN MARGARET WESLEY for $60,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at W Popcorn RD was sold to CRAIG WAGONER by TURTLE CREEK LLC for $1,440,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 4579 W Johanna DR was sold to ERNEST J FIPPS IV by PRO-ANGLE PROPERTIES LLC for $375,750.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 501 S Turtleback Creek RD was sold to RYAN L JACOBS by BEN G VAUGHN III for $335,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 4501 E Cambridge CT was sold to GRANDVIEW CAPITAL, LLC by PHILIP C HILL REVOCABLE TRUST for $225,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 7700 W Eller RD was sold to KEVIN BLANN by KAYLA FERN for $175,000.
- On June 10, 2026, the property at 9380 W State Road 48 was sold to ENJORNECED LUIS MEDINA MARQUEZ by GERRY ALLEN LAYCOCK for $110,000.
- On June 9, 2026, the property at 1026 W 7th ST was sold to JAMES FORD by THE JAMES E O'BANNON REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $325,000.
- On June 9, 2026, the property at 1024 W 7th ST was sold to JAMES FORD by THE JAMES E O'BANNON REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $325,000.
- On June 8, 2026, the property at 3837 W Ribbon LN was sold to ALESSANDRO JOSEPH LIBRIANI by CARTUS FINANCIAL CORPORATION for $555,000.
- On June 8, 2026, the property at 905 S Eastside DR was sold to SARA COTNER by SURARIZ, LLC for $300,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 1408 S Longwood DR was sold to JOHN A RIEBAU by CADENCE HOMES LLC for $345,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 877 S Western DR was sold to RICHARD M MCFALL AND KATHLEEN J MCFALL REVOCABLE TRUST by MOSIER, BONNIE R for $220,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 3837 W Ribbon LN was sold to CARTUS FINANCIAL CORPORATION by JEAN-PAUL PILLETTE for $0.
### Bloomington drinking water rates set to rise in August
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-drinking-water-rates-set-to-rise-in-august/
Last updated: 2026-06-26T19:21:16.000Z
Drinking water rates for Bloomington residential customers will increase by about 20% starting in August, which means the new rates will be reflected in September water bills. That works out to almost $4 more a month for an average residential customer.
Other customer categories will also see increases. Businesses will see a 38% increase.
The [final sign-off](https://www.youtube.com/live/Z%5FlK1igxoKQ?si=TcuRHPr2ngTBeryG&t=254) came on a vote from Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) on Wednesday (June 24). A city of Bloomington [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-26-CBU-drinking-water-rate-increase-Bloomington-news-release.pdf) came on Friday (June 26) announcing the timing of the higher rates.
The details of this rate case came into focus in [August 2025](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-residential-drinking-water-charges-could-rise-21-under-cbu-proposal/). Drinking water rate cases generally take [several months](https://iurc.portal.in.gov/docketed-case-details/?id=c2f4bea0-d8ca-f011-bbd3-001dd8084fd9) to get approved. City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) generally asks for rate increases every four years, to fund various [capital improvements](https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2025-08/20250811%5FCapital%20Improvement%20Plan.pdf) and maintenance.
The work to be funded by this round of drinking water rate increases includes a [$6-million project](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-29-Dylan-Lambermont-tesimoney-CBU-drinking-water-rate-case-46330-Petitioners-Exhibit-No-2.pdf#page=10) for new chemical lines to deliver fluoride. It was revealed last year that CBU had [not been adding fluoride](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-goes-a-year-without-telling-residents-it-cant-fluoridate-drinking-water/) to the city’s drinking water for a few years, due to failed infrastructure.
At a [late February hearing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/business-community-raises-concerns-over-proposed-bloomington-water-rate-increases/) this year, objections to the higher rates came from the business community.
The final rates approved by the IURC this week reflect a reduction from the rates proposed by City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU). The reduction came from a [settlement with interveners](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/) in the rate case, which were Indiana University, IU Health and Washington Township Water Authority.
The result of the settlement was a reduction in additional revenue from about $28 million to about $26.9 million, or around $1.1 million less than the originally proposed rates would have generated. The originally proposed rates would have generated about 30% more revenue. The reduced rates agreed to in the settlement generate about 25% more revenue.
The city of Bloomington is estimating that a typical residential customer who uses 3,000 gallons per month will see their monthly water charges increase from $26.06 to $29.78, or about $3.72 more.
Among the [utilities that the IURC regulates](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Water-Billing-Survey-IURC-document.pdf), Bloomington’s new drinking water rates are still below average.
Making note of that at Wednesday’s hearing meeting of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, was IURC chair Anthony Swinger, who had this to say about the drinking water rate increase for Bloomington:
> I’ll simply comment for the record that once the rates are fully phased in under this order, the average residential rate for a Bloomington customer will still be well below the average rate among water utilities that the IURC regulates. I would also point out that Bloomington’s municipal water utility has some rather unique issues when it comes to cost of service and customer class allocation matters, and I commend all of the parties for working together and settling the case and presenting us with the agreement that we’re voting on this morning.
---
Category
Current
Proposal
Settlmnt
Settlmnt vs current
Proposal vs current
Settlmnt vs proposal
Settlmnt %
Proposal %
Residential
Current$4.38
Proposal$5.31
Settlmnt$5.27
Settlement vs current$0.89
Proposal vs current$0.93
Settlmnt vs proposal\-$0.04
Settlmnt %20.3%
Proposal %21.23%
Gen Service
Current$3.98
Proposal$5.83
Settlmnt$5.49
Settlmnt vs Current$1.51
Proposal vs Current$1.85
Settlmnt vs proposal\-$0.34
Settlmnt %37.9%
Proposal %46.48%
Wholesale
Current$3.03
Proposal$4.49
Settlmnt$3.92
Settlmnt vs current$0.89
Proposal vs current$1.46
Settlmnt vs proposal\-$0.57
Settlmnt %29.4%
Proposal %48.18%
IU Master Mtr
Current$2.99
Proposal$4.76
Settlmnt$4.35
Settlmnt vs current$1.36
Proposal vs current$1.77
Settlmnt vs proposal\-$0.41
Settlmnt %45.5%
Proposal %59.20%
Irrigation
Current$4.92
Proposal$10.92
Settlmnt$10.90
Settlmnt vs current$5.98
Proposal vs current$6.00
Settlmnt vs proposal\-$0.02
Settlmnt %121.5%
Proposal %121.95%
### Bloomington historic commission clears Seminary Pointe buildings for demolition
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-historic-commission-clears-seminary-pointe-buildings-for-demolition/
Last updated: 2026-06-26T12:43:27.000Z
****Left:** Signs were posted on June 10, giving notice of the pending planned demolition of buildings on the Seminary Pointe block. **Right:** Land shaded with purple has been transferred by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB has targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. The dark yellow areas are historic districts. The 424 S. College and 222 W 2nd St addresses, indicated with placemarks inside the dark purple area, are listed as "contributing" in the city’s 2018 survey. Map by the B Square \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1K67oC7nlVXsrkPog6MKF4-iQCDK0J1I&usp=sharing )\]
Action by Bloomington’s historic preservation commission on Thursday (June 25) cleared the way for possible demolition of all buildings on the Seminary Pointe block as early as Oct. 1.
On separate 4–2 votes, the commission “released” demolition delays for two buildings rated “contributing” in a 2018 survey: 424 S. College Avenue and 222 W. Second Street.
Both are part of the block south of the Bloomington Convention Center, and now owned by Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB), and site of a possible host hotel tied to the [convention center expansion](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29).
The votes ended the 90-day demolition-delay review for those two properties about two weeks after notices were posted on June 10\. Voting to release both delays were Andrew Baker, Karen Duffy, Jeff Goldin and Jeremy Hackerd. Voting no were John Butler and Daniel Schlegel. Reynard Cross, who is a non-voting city council appointee to the HPC, was active in the discussion, weighing in for taking more time to investigate further.
The commission’s Thursday action does not itself order demolition. But it removes a key preservation-review obstacle for the two buildings that had triggered demolition delay because of their “contributing” status. That’s the lowest of the historic classifications, which also include “notable” and “outstanding.”
According to the CIB, two appraisals and a Phase I environmental study are expected by Tuesday (June 30). Residential tenant leases, along with the commercial leases for My Sister’s Closet, Friendly Beast and Bluetip Billiards, have been extended through Aug. 31\. The lease for Jeff’s Warehouse, which had originally run through Feb. 28, 2027, has been renegotiated to end no later than Sept. 30\. The CIB now plans to prepare demolition bids for all buildings on the block, with demolition possible as early as Oct. 1.
Thursday’s debate turned on the narrow question that the HPC is supposed to consider—whether the buildings had enough historic or architectural significance to warrant more review or possible local historic designation. Advocates for preservation of the “super affordable” housing and commercial spaces attended Thursday’s meeting in support of preserving the two buildings on their historic merits.
City historic preservation program manager Noah Sandweiss recommended release of both delays. For 424 S. College, the staff report described a 1955 commercial-residential building with modernist features, including metal corner windows, large picture windows, glass block and limestone piers supporting an awning. The report tied the building to Ralph O. Deckard, the Full-O-Pep autopart company, and mid-century worker housing.
For 222 W. Second St., the staff report described a two-story masonry commercial-residential building with rough-cut ashlar limestone storefront, large picture windows and older metal casement windows mixed with replacement windows. Sandweiss also noted more specific resident history for that building, including a Westinghouse engineer connected to patent work and an aspiring country singer tied to Bloomington’s music history.
Housing advocates urged the commission not to release the delays. Sarah Woolford, Habitat for Humanity’s housing solutions director, representing Bloomington Homes for All, asked the HPC to initiate Seminary Pointe as a conservation district, impose interim protection, and to send the matter to the Bloomington city council.
Amber Corr echoed Woolford’s sentiments. They said the buildings meet local criteria for economic and social heritage, because they were built as mid-century commercial buildings with worker apartments above and still provide unusually low-cost housing. They also pointed to architectural features including limestone storefronts, glass block, corner windows and postwar commercial design.
The request was tied to a broader Bloomington Homes for All [proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-20-Seminary-Pointe-business-plan-Bloomington-Homes-for-All.pdf) under which Avalon Community Land Trust would hold the land and a new Seminary Pointe cooperative would own and operate the buildings. Advocates have described the plan as a roughly $1.6 million rehabilitation proposal, with residential rents around $700 a month and a goal of serving households at about 45% of area median income.
At Thursday’s meeting, CIB president John Whikehart told the commission he respects the advocates and their position. But he told HPC members that they were being asked by the advocates to solve a political and affordable-housing problem, not answer historic-preservation question, which is their responsibility.
Whikehart said the CIB had made five requests of the mayor and the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission to pursue the kind of land exchange they support, which could preserve Seminary Pointe for housing while allowing the CIB to use the RDC-owned College Square site for a host hotel.
“I’m beginning to feel like Lucy and the football and Charlie Brown,” Whikehart said, describing repeated failed attempts to pursue a land swap. “I made five attempts to kick this football, and all five times it’s been pulled out from under me.”
Whikehart said the CIB is not going to operate Seminary Pointe as affordable housing. “We are not a property manager,” he said. The question for the HPC, he said, was whether the buildings were historic under preservation standards—not whether the commission should become part of a political solution for affordable housing.
John Butler, who voted against release, said the commission should take more time to understand how rare the buildings are as examples of mid-century commercial architecture in Bloomington. He asked for an inventory of comparable 1950s commercial buildings, especially two-story examples.
“This is a moment in time, and this building exemplifies it,” Butler said about 424 S. College, pointing to its corner windows and storefront design. He said he wanted at least until the next HPC meeting for staff to research whether the building type is uncommon.
Daniel Schlegel also supported a short delay, saying two more weeks would allow the commission to gather more information before allowing a permanent loss. For 222 W. Second, he specifically said he wanted to know more about the patent-related resident history identified in the staff report.
Cross, though non-voting, also urged taking more time. He said that with most of the 90-day demolition-delay period still available, he saw no reason not to let staff and stakeholders develop a fuller record.
Commissioners who voted to release the delays said they were sympathetic to the housing arguments, but did not believe the buildings met the high threshold for historic designation.
Baker said he appreciated the work by the housing advocates and had been on the other side of similar preservation fights. But he said the commission had to apply historic-preservation criteria strictly, and he did not believe the buildings had enough historical significance to carry them through local designation.
Karen Duffy drew a similar distinction. She said the buildings are historical in the ordinary sense, but not significant enough under the legal standard the commission has to apply. Future use, she said, is not supposed to be part of the demolition-delay decision, she said.
Jeremy Hackerd, chairing the meeting, reminded members that the commission’s role is limited to the historical and architectural significance of the existing buildings, not the future use of the site. He said the staff reports and the rating of “contributing” did not justify holding up demolition.
The release votes come as the land-swap scenario appears increasingly unlikely. The CIB has issued a request for proposals for a host hotel on Seminary Pointe, with responses due [June 30](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/) and a possible preferred developer selection in July. The Bloomington RDC, meanwhile, has a separate public offering underway for College Square, the north-side site housing advocates and the CIB have both described as the preferred hotel location. The RDC’s public offering has a due date of [July 20](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/).
The city council [voted on June 3](https://bsquarebulletin.com/land-swap-to-save-seminary-pointe-housing-now-backed-by-bloomington-city-council/) to support a possible land-swap approach even if the exchange were not equal in dollar value, citing preservation of affordable housing and local businesses as public benefits. But no agreement has emerged between the CIB and RDC.
Thursday’s two HPC votes mean that the historic preservation question, which could have slowed demolition of the two buildings, has been answered.
---
CIB president John Whikehart addresses members of the Bloomington historic preservation commission. Seated to Whikehart’s left is Sarah Woolford, Habitat for Humanity’s housing solutions director, representing Bloomington Homes for All. Seated to Whikehart’s right is CIB member and former HPC member Doug Bruce. Standing at the back wall is Amber Corr, with Bloomington Homes for All. Seated in the left of the frame is William Morris, who spoke against demolition of the buildings. (Dave Askins, June 25, 2026)
Reynard Cross, non-voting member of the Bloomington historic preservation commission. (Dave Askins, June 25, 2026)
William Morris speaks against demolition of the buildings. (Dave Askins, June 25, 2026)
Members of the Bloomington HPC. Starting at the far corner going clockwise: Andrew Baker, Reynard Cross, Karen Duffy, John Butler, Jeff Goldin, Daniel Schlegel, Jeremy Hackerd, Noah Sandweiss (historic program manager) and Tonda Radewan (HAND staff). (Dave Askins, June 25, 2026)
### College Avenue & 6th Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-6th-street-3/
Last updated: 2026-06-26T02:27:11.000Z
A swallowtail butterfly of some kind feeds on nectar from flowers in the bed. It would take someone more knowledgeable than I am to pin down the exact kind. (Dave Askins, June 25, 2026)
### One-story jail design is ‘necessary,’ Monroe County commissioner tells Rotarians
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/one-story-jail-design-is-necessary-monroe-county-commissioner-tells-rotarians/
Last updated: 2026-06-26T17:37:27.000Z
Monroe County commissioner Julie Thomas addresses the Bloomington North Rotarians in the back room of Crazy Horse in downtown Bloomington. (Dave Askins, June 25, 2026)
At a Thursday (June 25) lunchtime talk to Bloomington North Rotarians at Crazy Horse, Monroe County commissioner Julie Thomas offered what she described as a historical review of the county’s [long-running jail problem](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail), which is fraught with litigation—but not exactly the “new perspective” that was advertised in the [flyer](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-25-bloomington-north-rotarians-julie-thomas-jail-new-perspective.png).
That left Rotarian Marty Donnelly to ask the question hanging over the room and, more broadly, over Monroe County government: “Where’s the solution slide?”
That slide was not included in the deck.
Thomas’s answer, essentially, was that the solution still depends on a decision on a new jail site. But she made clear that, from her perspective, not every site can work. A one-story jail, she said, is not a design preference that can be traded away to fit a tighter location.
After the presentation, The B Square Bulletin asked Thomas whether a multi-story design could be considered “optimal,” even if not “ideal.” Thomas rejected the idea that a one-story design was “ideal” in the sense of just highly preferable. Instead, she said about a one-story design: “I put that as *necessary*.”
That distinction could shape the work of the [Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee (CJPWS)](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/boards-commissions-and-committees/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee/), the city-county group now [trying to recommend a new jail location](https://bsquarebulletin.com/revamped-monroe-county-jail-site-group-maps-path-to-july-13-recommendation/) by July 13\. That’s after a Monroe County council vote in May, to [reject a purchase agreement for North Park](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-dead-as-jail-site-after-monroe-county-council-repeats-clear-rejection-search-for-alternate-location-now-urgent/) as a jail site for a second time, left the county without a selected new jail location.
### Basic background presented to Rotarians
About 15 people attended Thursday’s Rotary Club presentation, including recognizable local civic figures such as Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Eric Spoonmore, Amplify Bloomington CEO and former Bloomington mayor John Fernandez, and former Bloomington city councilmember Jeff Richardson.
Thomas used a good chunk of her talk to walk through the structure of county government and the county’s history with the jail. As the fiscal body, the county council controls the money, she said, while the commissioners are responsible for buildings. Sheriff Ruben Marté runs the jail’s operations, while judges control many decisions that affect the jail population.
That division of authority, Thomas said, makes a jail project unusually complicated.
Building a new facility, Thomas told the Rotarians, expands the list of essential players beyond the commissioners, council, sheriff and judges, to include the prosecutor, public defender, probation and clerk. “Creating a new site makes this dance necessary,” she said. “I can’t say that the dance has gone well.” But she added, “I am the eternal optimist.”
Thomas traced the urgency to act to address conditions at the jail back to the ACLU’s 2008 jail litigation and the 2009 settlement agreement. The old federal case was [recently dismissed](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-08-Richardson-v-Monroe-County-Sheriff-Final-Order-Dismissing-Action-073111833190.pdf ), but county officials are expecting new litigation over current conditions in the downtown jail. In fact, the day before Thomas addressed the Rotarians, lead ACLU attorney Ken Falk was in the Monroe County jail interviewing prisoners who could serve as plaintiffs in the new litigation.
Thomas said the downtown jail has basic physical problems that cannot be solved by better management. She described a facility with no medical ward, just one programming room, limited recreation space, sewer problems, only one elevator for jail operations, and no realistic ability to expand upward. The one room for structured programming has to accommodate everything from adult education, to reentry preparation to religious gatherings, to programs that address substance use disorders, Thomas said.
About the basic reality of the space limitations, Thomas said: “We can make changes, but we can’t make it bigger.” That is where the one-story issue is pivotal.
### One-story jail design: Essential, not just ‘ideal’
Thomas told the Rotarians that modern jail design calls for a horizontal facility, except in dense urban settings where there is no alternative.
Thomas confronted the county-owned Curry building site, just to the west of the existing justice center as an option. The Curry building got a little bit of air time at the [previous day’s meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/revamped-monroe-county-jail-site-group-maps-path-to-july-13-recommendation/) of the CJPWS. Pursuing Curry would almost certainly mean considering more than one story for the new jail. “People don’t build multi-floor jails anymore, unless they’re in a dense urban environment,” Thomas said. “We need a one-floor jail.”
After the talk, she told The B Square that a multi-story jail would add expense and operational difficulty. She said that based on her understanding from conversations with the sheriff and jail commander, Thomas said, the single-story operational efficiency is related to the task of monitoring inmates. “It’s much more difficult to do on multiple floors,” Thomas said.
### Impact of one-story design on site selection
That requirement narrows the universe of possible sites. A one-story jail needs a large, flat, buildable footprint, with utilities, room for expansion. The county government is also looking for a site where there aren’t long delays due to needed zoning approvals, assessment of karst conditions, stormwater, sewer or power-line conflicts.
That backdrop is why the commissioners have continued to see North Park as more workable than several alternatives. She said the North Park site had available utilities, relatively flat land, a favorable geotechnical review for the area studied, and a planned unit development (PUD) that already contemplates a jail and government/court facility.
By contrast, Thomas described Hopewell as too small. A location at Fullerton Pike had been previously rejected by the Bloomington city council when the county sought a rezone for a jail. She described the Thomson property (aka the RCA property) as burdened by high-voltage Duke Energy power lines, a road requirement embedded in its PUD zoning, and karst issues. She described the site south of Monroe Hospital as too small and constrained by karst features.
A voice from the audience called out a question: “What’s wrong with the RCA property?” Thomas answered: Karst, slope, and the need to move electrical poles at an estimated cost of $1.5 million and a delay of at least a year and a half.
Spoonmore pressed Thomas on the question of co-location for the jail, sheriff’s office, courts, prosecutor, public defender, and clerk’s office. In addition to the one-story design, colocation of other facilities has been a top consideration when it comes to site selection.
Spoonmore asked how many other Indiana counties have co-located facilities, contending that Monroe County is one of only two counties in the state that do. Thomas responded to Spoonmore saying that co-location is what the prosecutor, judges and sheriff have said they want.
The most recent expression of the firm position of the board of judges in favor of colocation also came over lunch at a different restaurant, at a [meeting of the Democrats Club](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-judges-underscore-support-for-co-located-jail-justice-system/) at DeAngelo’s.
But Thomas also separated co-location from the immediate jail need. When a voice from the audience asked whether the county government would completely empty the current downtown justice building, Thomas said yes—eventually. For now, she said, the county can afford to build only a new jail, while hoping to co-locate courts and related functions later.
The ACLU’s concern, Thomas said, is not whether the jail is co-located with courts. “The only thing the ACLU cares about is the jail,” she said. “They do not care whether \[it is\] co-located or not.”
That creates a practical distinction for the jail-site working group: Co-location may be a longer-term goal, but for Thomas the single-story design is a basic threshold requirement.
### Participation in the CJPWS
The timing of Thursday’s Rotary talk made it more than just another civic-club briefing. It came one day after the revamped Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee finally met with a quorum, and mapped out a series of meetings aimed at a July 13 recommendation.
The county council had just reduced the group’s voting membership from eight to six, making the sheriff’s office and board of judges “ex-officio” members after both indicated they would not participate.
The same legal tension that has shaped participation in the working group also hovered over Thomas’s Rotary presentation. The sheriff, as well as commissioners, have cited the potential new litigation as a reason to be circumspect about site selection in public discussions.
At 9:38 a.m. on Thursday, a few hours before the talk, county councilor David [Henry emailed Thomas](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-25-email-thread-Rotary-talk-jail-site-litigation-Julie-Thomas-David-Henry-Jennifer-Crossley.pdf), copying other county and city officials, after learning that she was scheduled to speak to the Rotary club about the jail. Henry cited Thomas’s earlier May 29 email saying commissioners had been advised it would be premature to publicly discuss or evaluate additional properties before litigation counsel was retained.
“I’m surprised that you’d discuss anything that might not survive scrutiny in the federal litigation process,” Henry wrote Thursday. He also wrote that “there are no preserved options at this point, as the North Park purchase has been repeatedly rejected by Council,” and asked for “the expeditious appointment of a commissioner” to the jail-site committee.
Thomas’s May 29 email, included in the same thread, had warned that public discussion of additional properties before retaining litigation counsel could send staff, officials or consultants “down paths that may not survive scrutiny in the Federal litigation process.”
Asked after the Rotary talk why the presentation had not really offered a “new perspective,” Thomas said she had told the Rotarians in advance that she would stick to a historical review.
“I have to be careful with litigation pending,” Thomas said. “I was told, yes, you can do anything you want to talk about what *happened*, so that’s what I did.”
---
That leaves the public working group at its future meetings to do what Thomas largely avoided Thursday: compare live options in public, under a tight deadline, with a new ACLU lawsuit expected, and with North Park twice firmly rejected by the county council.
If Thomas’s view prevails, the group’s site search will not turn simply on whether a parcel is downtown, city-owned, county-owned, cheaper, or politically easier to explain. It will also have to answer a more basic design question: Can the site hold a one-story jail? For Thomas, that answer is not negotiable.
### Revamped Monroe County jail-site group maps path to July 13 recommendation
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/revamped-monroe-county-jail-site-group-maps-path-to-july-13-recommendation/
Last updated: 2026-06-25T19:08:45.000Z
Members of the jail-site working group. From left: Sydney Zulich (Bloomington city council); April Wilson (deputy prosecutor); Karen Wrenbeck (deputy public defender); Kerry Thomson (Bloomington mayor); Liz Feitl (Monroe County councilor). (Dave Askins, June 25, 2026)
On Wednesday (June 24), the second attempted meeting of the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee (CJPWS) actually achieved a quorum, unlike the [previous week’s try](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-judges-sheriff-decline-jail-site-working-group-role-first-meeting-canceled/).
Wednesday’s meeting ended with the combined group of city and county officials agreeing on five future meeting days, an outline of a selection process for the new jail location, and mechanisms to involve and inform the public about the recommendation that is made by the group.
The meeting took place at the Nat U. Hill meeting room at the Monroe County Courthouse a day after the Monroe County Council [tightened up the membership](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aclu-interviews-at-monroe-county-jail-frame-30k-legal-request-reset-for-work-group/) of the working group, now called the CJPWS.
The sheriff’s office and the board of judges were made “ex-officio” members after they indicated an unwillingness to participate in the committee’s work, which reduced the number of members relevant to a quorum from eight to six. The council also made councilor Liz Feitl the chair and agenda-setter of the working group as a way to keep the work moving.
Attending Wednesday’s meeting were: Sydney Zulich (Bloomington city council); April Wilson (deputy prosecutor); Karen Wrenbeck (deputy public defender); Kerry Thomson (Bloomington mayor); Liz Feitl (Monroe County councilor). Not represented yet in the group is anyone representing the county commissioners.
Feitl started Wednesday’s work by asking for someone to step forward to serve as vice-chair. The group then elected Bloomington city council member Sydney Zulich to the post.
Deputy prosecutor April Wilson presented a [draft of evaluation metrics](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-25-April-Wilson-handout-Metrics.pdf ) for potential jail sites, and a [tentative schedule](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-25-April-Wilson-handout-Schedule.pdf ) of dates when the committee could meet over the next month with a view to settling on a recommendation by July 13.
The draft metrics include column headings for several possible sites, not all of which have received a lot of public discussion up to now: Bloomington Transit Garage; Curry Building; Fell Iron/Bender Lumber; Hopewell; HT Building; Monroe Hospital; North Park; South of post office; Tapp Road North; Tapp Road South; Thomson PUD (aka Powerline).
Zulich identified the county-owned Curry Building, next to the existing justice center on 7th Street, as a location worth reviewing.
Wilson said about her draft rubric: “I wanted to find concrete questions, so we could gather the facts that we needed to be able to have a more methodical, transparent, and comprehensive conversation in front of the community that also included their input.” The deputy prosecutor clarified that she considers her draft to be a starting point, and later invited community members to submit additional metrics before the next meeting.
The city and county attorneys present at the meeting will be coming up with a mechanism to receive public comments on the draft metrics and publicizing it before the group meets again.
As for the schedule, the committee decided to meet five times before the deadline, with the dates set for June 29, July 1, July 6, July 9, and July 13\. All the meetings are to be held at the Nat U. Hill meeting room at 6 p.m., other than the meeting on July 13, which will be held at noon.
Not all of the meetings will allow public commentary. But those set for June 29 and July 6 were picked as occasions when the public mic will be open. An additional meeting focused on just comprehensive public comment was suggested by Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson, and the date for that was set on July 9 at 7 p.m, after the committee meeting for that day.
County attorney Jeff Cockerill briefed the committee on the [long history](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail ) of the site selection process for the new jail, ticking through over the strengths and weaknesses of each. That was essentially an overview of the material in the [meeting information packet](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-24%5FCollaborative-Justice-Project-Working-Subcommittee%5FAgenda-Packet-1.pdf ).
Included in the packet was an initial location considered within North Park, just south of Arlington Road, but not the one that south of Hunter Valley Road, which was eventually rejected twice by votes of the county council, most recently on [May 26](https://bsquarebulletin.com/10th-street-union-street/).
---
Meetings of the Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee (CJPWS) can be tracked on the [Monroe County government calendar](https://events.in.gov/search/events?event%5Ftypes%5B%5D=49056849667840).
### 10th Street & Union Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/10th-street-union-street/
Last updated: 2026-06-25T17:47:18.000Z
Work on the Union Street raised crosswalk is complete. This is the city's first asphalt raised crosswalk. (Kendall Knoke, June 25, 2026)
### MCCSC policy banning cell phones OK’d despite board qualms
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-policy-banning-cell-phones-okd-despite-board-qualms/
Last updated: 2026-06-25T13:41:51.000Z
Ant‘s-eye view of MCCSC’s new cell phone policy by The B Square.
As part of its main business on Tuesday (June 23), the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) board approved two new policies. One restricts student use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices during the school day. The other governs use of school facilities and rental fees.
In other action the board approved the appointments of Jennifer Hester as principal of Jackson Creek Middle School and Kelsey Pearson as principal of Fairview Elementary School.
The board also established a task force to review district policies more broadly.
Board president Erin Cooperman also said trustees should be ready at their July meeting to discuss a redistricting study focused on balancing student socioeconomic status among schools and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
### Cell phones reluctantly banned
After a first reading in May, the board approved updated [Policy 5136](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DV5NUR617A8C/$file/Policy 5136 Wireless communication device-3[83].pdf ) banning “wireless communication devices” during the school day. It passed 5–1 on the seven-member board. April Hennessey voted against adopting the policy. Ashley Pirani was absent.
The vote came after a six-minute presentation from MCCSC assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction Alexis Harmon and nearly 15 minutes of board discussion. Even the motion to open the agenda item made by Ross Grimes, which was seconded by Hennessey, was made with evident reservations:
> **Cooperman:** Next for our consideration is Policy 5136: Wireless Communication Devices. Do I have a motion to adopt Policy 5136: Wireless Communication Devices?
> \[Six-second pause\]
> **Grimes:** Unfortunately, I have to make a motion. Cooperman: Okay. Do I have a second?
> \[Another six-second pause\]
> **Hennessy:** For the sake of conversation, I second this motion. **Cooperman:** Thank you for your reluctant first and second.
During its 2026 session, Indiana legislators passed [Senate Enrolled Act 78](https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0078/SB0078.08.ENRH.pdf), which requires schools to ban “wireless communication devices,” which include cell phones, smartwatches, and non-school-issued laptops and tablets, from the start of the school day to the end. Schools are given two options for compliance: students can be prohibited from bringing devices to school; or schools can adopt a storage policy.
According to Harmon’s presentation, MCCSC collected feedback, including 424 survey responses, asking families, staff, and students how MCCSC should comply with the state law. She said 82% of respondents preferred a storage method over a no-device policy, which is the approach MCCSC has taken. She also highlighted five “key themes” from responses: medical exemptions, administrator and teacher burden, safety and emergencies, storage logistics, and consistency across schools.
The new [policy](https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-25-2026-h-t-arts-hub-pitch-suv-shooting-bt-land-buy-jail-site-group-reset-kirkwood-veto-town-township-merger-raam-seminary-pointe/) allows exemptions for students with documented medical need or accommodations such as Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans, and allows students to be authorized device use in an emergency situation.
An acceptable storage policy is one where a cell phone “may be brought to school, but must be stored away, powered off, and inaccessible to a student throughout the school day.” MCCSC’s new policy says that devices “must be stored away in the administration identified and approved building location, powered off, and inaccessible to students.” Harmon said the location could be a locker or backpack, but the policy is intentionally vague so that each school can have flexibility as needed.
Part of Harmon’s presentation also included three “administrative commitments” that are not included in the policy but will be, she said, in administrative guidelines. The first commitment was to establish clear storage locations at each school, which could be lockers, classroom pouches, or backpacks.
The second was consistent and equitable discipline, with outlined disciplinary response for each offense: a first offense would result in a warning and confiscation, while repeated offenses would result in “additional developmentally appropriate consequences,” including “potential loss of device privilege.”
The third commitment was teacher support. Harmon said teachers will not be required to confiscate devices; instead, school offices will manage device confiscations and parent contact. Harmon also said that all teachers and administrators will be trained on the policy.
Hennessey began the discussion following Harmon’s presentation. “I really do not like this as a policy,” she said. “I think that this is an overreach of the state, to, sort of, mandate how we determine when and where devices get used in our buildings. I know that cell phones in classrooms are a problem; I have seen that in my own classrooms when I was teaching. But I think that we live in a different time, and I think that ... it’s problematic on many counts.”
One of Hennessey’s primary concerns about the MCCSC policy is inconsistent application, which, she said, “will stem from inconsistent policies of storage. ... And that will inevitably lead to different kinds of access, and then potentially, greater or less disciplinary action around those phones.” She said she’s worried this policy will “lead to inequitable disciplinary response.”
Harmon responded by saying that MCCSC is planning to implement the policy the same way within each school level: “We will see a consistent location for elementary schools, we will see a consistent location for middle schools, we’ll see a consistent location for high schools,” she said. “\[We\] don’t want to see increased discipline because of the policy.”
Hennessey asked the administration to track and report disciplinary data to the board related to cell phone infractions. She said, “I would actually like to see the data after we begin implementing this, to just ensure that we’re keeping our eyes on that, and that there is, in fact, not disparity.”
After the meeting Hennessey told The B Square that her goal is to see if there are discrepancies across the schools. She said that if one of the three middle schools had higher rates of disciplinary action than the other two, for example, that could indicate inequities in how devices are being stored or how staff is disciplining violations.
“We can absolutely do that,” superintendent Markay Winston said. “We share the exact same interest that you all are speaking about.” She said the district can provide quarterly updates to the board.
At the beginning of the meeting, one comment from the public mic on the cell phone policy came from Susan Ellenwood, a parent of two MCCSC students. She expressed concern about the policy, particularly in emergency situations. “As parents,” she said, “we find it crucial to be able to contact our children in the event of an emergency.”
Ellenwood said she’s heard from other parents, and that she’s seeing a pushback towards these bans nationwide. She said when parents hear that there may be a safety concern at their child’s school, “the first thing many of us do is contact our kids, check in, make sure they’re okay. And I would like to be able to continue doing that.”
Board vice president Grimes said he shared the same concerns as Ellenwood. He said he has a child going into eighth grade this fall, and he has relied on electronic devices. “This is a challenge and a frustration as parents. So, when I hesitantly made the motion, that’s why, because personally, I don’t like it either.”
During board discussion, Hennessey asked Tom Bunger, of Bunger & Robertson, who served as the district’s legal counsel at the meeting: “What happens if, like, we didn’t pass the policy?” Bunger raised the possibility that Indiana’s attorney general, Todd Rokita, would act:
> **Bunger:** I’m sure Todd Rokita would take action.
> **Hennessey:** And what would he do?
> **Bunger:** He’d file suit for us for not following through with the statute and force our hand unless we can show that the statute’s not valid. He’d love that opportunity. ...
> **Hennessey:** Well, no. I know. I know. I’m always just playing.
Hennessey said she takes issue with state mandates that require additional spending, such as trainings, labor, equipment, and communication. “I just think about the amount of time that will now be spent on something pretty frivolous and stupid, frankly. And that, of all the things that we have going on, the state, this is the thing that they, sort of, chose to take a stand on.”
She continued, “There’s no more dollars or resources for how we manage this in each of our 23 schools, right? ... It’s just another thing that needs to be folded in and encompassed by the ever-shrinking dollars that we’re given.” MCCSC is 16 months into a [two-year plan](https://www.mccsc.edu/strategy ) to achieve financial sustainability.
She noted that the criticisms towards this policy will be directed at the schools and the district rather than the state legislators responsible for the mandate. Hennessey said this legislation is one of many examples of the state’s overreach towards schools. “Is this the thing I want to fight?” she said. She called the policy “fairly meaningless.” She said, “It doesn’t accomplish anything, really.”
Other board members agreed with Hennessey, but voted in favor of the policy. “I am voting mostly in favor of staying in compliance with the state legislature,” Cooperman said before voting.
### Other business
In addition to adopting the cell phone policy, the board unanimously approved the adoption of [Policy 7510](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DVBGHS43EDDB/$file/Policy 7510 - Use of School Facilities revised 02092018.pdf) on the use of school facilities, and associated facilities [rental fee schedule](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DU9PVZ6681F0/$file/MCCSC Facilities Rental Fee Schedule.pdf ). The new policy defines five tiers to categorize organizations that request facility space, with increasing hourly costs: Tier 1 is school and directly affiliated organizations, for whom all facilities are available at no cost; Tier 2 is youth and local nonprofit service organizations, Tier 3 is local government, Tier 4 is community and civic non-profit organizations, and Tier 5 is for-profit and commercial organizations.
This agenda item’s only discussion before the vote was a question from Hennessey. She asked if there are any groups currently using MCCSC facilities that would be unable to under the new policy. Jeffry Henderson, assistant superintendent of human resources and operations, who presented the policy to the board, said there aren’t.
The board also approved the [personnel report](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DVBKGP51D4A6/$file/June Personnel Report .pdf ) for the month, which included the appointments of two school principals: Jennifer Hester at Jackson Creek Middle School and Kelsey Pearson at Fairview Elementary School. Both appointees were at the meeting, and were invited to address the board.
According to the report, Hester comes from the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation where she was a teacher, dean of students, and assistant principal. Before that, she was at MCCSC, serving as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. “I’m excited to return to the school where I taught the year the building opened,” she said to the board. “My commitment is to listen, learn, and lead alongside the students, families, staff, and community partners to empower every Jaguar and continue the tradition of excellence.” (Jackson Creek’s mascot is a Jaguar.)
Pearson is being promoted to principal at Fairview, where she has served as assistant principal for the past four and a half years. She began her career at the school in 2013 as a special education teacher. Pearson was an MCCSC student herself—she attended Marlin Elementary School, Tri-North Middle School, and Bloomington High School North. “I am proud to give back to the community that helped shape me,” she said in her remarks to the board. She said she looks forward to expand on the strengths Fairview already has, including its arts program, [accelerated learning program](https://fairview.mccsc.edu/354514%5F2), and community partnerships, “while also ensuring a culture of academic excellence for all students in a safe and positive learning environment.”
In addition to the two principal appointments, the board approved the hiring of seven teachers new to MCCSC, along with six current district employees moving into teaching positions from roles such as substitute teacher and teacher aide.
### Policy review task force
Near the end of the meeting, during the “Board Comments” portion of the agenda, Hennessey established a task force to do a formal policy review. “I think we have not reviewed our policies, not holistically, in a very long time.” She said that 2012 is when the board last adopted a lot of policies.
Board member Jester and assistant secretary Tiana Iruoje volunteered to join Hennessey on the task force. Iruoje said, “That’s one of the biggest reasons I joined the board, is to look at policies.” Jester said, “I would gladly accept joining that group.”
Board president Cooperman said a task force of no more than three board members is the procedure. “You can arrange to meet on your own, outside of meetings, and then bring your findings back to us at board meetings. ... We will look forward to your reports.”
### Looking ahead at redistricting
Cooperman reminded her colleagues that [in March](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-trustees-review-redistricting-study-construction-projects-preschool-contracts-new-cell-phone-law/), the board received a presentation of six “[findings](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DTKU4B7A349B/$file/Redistricting - April 2026.pdf)” from the redistricting study commission that was formed in April 2025\. The board charged the commission to study redistricting options with two goals: balancing student socio-economic status (SES) among the schools; and ensuring cost-effectiveness. The commission identified factors for evaluating new catchment areas and evaluated potential map scenarios, wrapping up its work in December 2025.
Cooperman said, “We need to discuss \[the report\] this summer and I’d like to discuss at the July board meeting.” She asked board members to “refresh your memory” so they can “discuss that in detail.” She said, “I’d like us to be able to give some direction to our leadership team at the end of that meeting.”
A [28-page report](https://files.smartsites.parentsquare.com/3359/rsc%5Ffinal%5Freport.pdf ) is now publicly available on the [redistricting page](https://www.mccsc.edu/redistricting) of MCCSC’s website. The next school board meeting is set for July 28.
### Photos: MCCSC board meeting (June 23, 2026)
Susan Ellenwood addresses the MCCSC board at the public mic during a regular board meeting. She expressed concerns regarding a new policy banning cell phones. (Kelton O'Connell, June 23, 2026)
Newly appointed principal of Jackson Creek Middle School, Jennifer Hester, addresses the MCCSC board following the approval of the personnel report at a board meeting. (Kelton O'Connell, June 23, 2026)
Newly appointed principal of Faiview Elementary School, Kelsey Pearson, addresses the MCCSC board following the approval of the personnel report at a board meeting. (Kelton O'Connell, June 23, 2026)
MCCSC board president Erin Cooperman discusses the new cell phone policy with the board. (Kelton O'Connell, June 23, 2026)
MCCSC board member April Hennessey discusses the new cell phone policy with the board. Seated behind her is Alexis Harmon, MCCSC assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. (Kelton O'Connell, June 23, 2026)
### June 25, 2026: H-T arts hub pitch; SUV shooting; BT land buy; jail-site group reset; Kirkwood veto; town-township merger; RAAM; Seminary Pointe
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-25-2026-h-t-arts-hub-pitch-suv-shooting-bt-land-buy-jail-site-group-reset-kirkwood-veto-town-township-merger-raam-seminary-pointe/
Last updated: 2026-06-25T09:05:44.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Whatever you want to do outside, do it by around 1 p.m. on Thursday. After that, it’s at least scattered showers and thunderstorms for the next few days. Until then, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 84F°.
**Friday:** Take an umbrella or rain gear, because it’s going to rain all day. There’s already a *flood watch*, starting Thursday night. The high will be around 77F°
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Pillar Arts eyes former Herald-Times building for regional creative arts hub](https://bsquarebulletin.com/pillar-arts-eyes-former-herald-times-building-for-regional-creative-arts-hub/). As MCCSC moves to sell the former Herald-Times building, Pillar Arts is pitching a $16 million regional creative hub at the site, supported in part by a $4 million READI grant request. MCCSC says it has no update on the sale process.
- [Bloomington police investigate shots fired into SUV with 7 aboard](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-investigate-shots-fired-into-suv-with-7-aboard/). Bloomington police are investigating a June 23 shooting in the 1000 block of North Summit Street, where a known male suspect allegedly fired 7–8 rounds into a white GMC SUV. Three adults and four children were inside; no injuries were reported.
- [Bloomington Transit board OKs $3.6M land buy for ops center after getting IDEM ‘comfort letter’](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-3-6m-land-buy-for-ops-center-after-getting-idem-comfort-letter/). Bloomington Transit’s board voted unanimously to authorize buying a $3.6 million Curry Pike/Profile Parkway site for a new operations complex, after IDEM issued a comfort letter on PCB contamination. A 3-2 vote by the board now requires public discussion after closing the real estate deal.
- [ACLU interviews at Monroe County jail frame $30K legal request, reset for work group](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aclu-interviews-at-monroe-county-jail-frame-30k-legal-request-reset-for-work-group/). Monroe County councilors voted 6–1 to appropriate $30,000 for sheriff Ruben Marté’s outside legal counsel as the ACLU prepares new jail litigation. The council also pared down a stalled jail-site working group from eight voting members to six before another try at convening.
- [Monroe County awards $190K in Sophia Travis grants to 42 nonprofits, community groups](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-awards-190k-in-sophia-travis-grants-to-42-nonprofits-community-groups/). Monroe County council unanimously awarded $190,000 in Sophia Travis grants to 42 nonprofits, funding food aid, shelter, youth programs, arts education, rent help, transportation, CPR training and tech upgrades. Pantry 279 received the largest award of $13,000.
- [Bloomington mayor vetoes carless Kirkwood, council could try override on July 22](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-mayor-vetoes-carless-kirkwood-council-could-try-override-on-july-22/). Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson vetoed a council ordinance that would close Kirkwood Avenue to cars from April to November, citing limited public input, fiscal uncertainty and no implementation plan. The council can override the veto with six votes at its next regular or special meeting.
- [Ellettsville–Richland reorganization headed to November ballot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ellettsville-richland-reorganization-headed-to-november-ballot/). Richland Township and Ellettsville voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to merge into a single government. Separate votes by the township board and town council advanced the plan, which would dissolve township government, create a seven-member council, and set separate urban and rural tax districts.
- [Austrian cyclist Philipp Kaider leads RAAM through Bloomington for second straight year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/austrian-cyclist-philipp-kaider-leads-raam-through-bloomington-for-second-straight-year/). Philipp Kaider rode through Bloomington on SR 46 Monday as the Race Across America leader for the second year in a row. The 40-year-old Austrian held about a 270-mile lead over fellow Austrian Thomas Mauerhofer, who was projected to reach Bloomington around 2 p.m. Tuesday.
- [Advocates say financing plan for Seminary Pointe feasible, if land swap happens](https://bsquarebulletin.com/advocates-say-financing-plan-for-seminary-pointe-feasible-if-land-swap-deal-happens/). Bloomington Homes for All says Seminary Pointe can become a permanently affordable cooperative with a $1.6M rehab plan. But the proposal depends on a CIB-RDC land swap that is stalled as host-hotel and College Square proposal deadlines loom.
### Other Important Notes
**Tornado imagery.** A reader (Quinton Deppert) has shared some before-after satellite images of the area in northern Monroe County that was hit by a tornado on Wednesday a week ago (June 17). The path of destruction is visible even from space.
**Bingo Brunch at Cardinal Spirits: June 28.** It’s every Sunday 12-2 p.m. at Cardinal Spirits: Bingo Brunch with celebrity callers! You might wonder: What is the Cardinal Spirits definition of celebrity? It needs to be flexible enough to include ... me, the founder of The B Square. This Sunday (June 28), I plan to apply all the principles I have learned about government meeting procedures to bingo calling—in the best possible way! You have never heard letters and numbers sound so great. What kind of *prizes* can you win? How about a hat?
### On the calendar
**Historic preservation for Seminary Pointe?** On the [5 p.m. Thursday (June 25) agenda](https://docs.google.com/document/d/17yVVZHIE6gOXAULESMhtIzEHdAb%5FxTbnEyrTrJGgjz4/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.nfpqglioy6ia) for Bloomington’s historic preservation commission are the demolition delays for two buildings on the Seminary Pointe block where Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB) is looking to develop a host hotel—unless a [land swap deal](https://bsquarebulletin.com/advocates-say-financing-plan-for-seminary-pointe-feasible-if-land-swap-deal-happens/) materializes before then. The staff recommendation is for “release” of the delays, which were triggered when the CIB applied for demolition permits for all the buildings. For B Square background, see: [Seminary Pointe demolition clock starts as downtown Bloomington land-swap hopes continue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-demolition-clock-starts-as-downtown-bloomington-land-swap-hopes-continue/)
---
**Monroe County Fair: June 27–July 4**. The county fair starts this Saturday. If you are an old sleepy person who always wanted to see Hank Ruff perform, but cannot stay up late for the start of his shows when he plays the Bluebird, this is your chance! Among the many fantastic events on [this year’s fair schedule](https://www.monroecountyfairgrounds.in/fair-schedule.html ) is a free Hank Ruff Show starting at 8 p.m Wednesday (July 1).
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
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### Meet Malone!
Up for adoption, as of June 24 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Malone](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86431). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
Today is a reminder that Bloomington’s animal shelter houses more than dogs. This very, very sweet kitty is named Malone. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Malone](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86431):
> Malone is a professional biscuit maker and is happy for social interaction. He can be a little nervous, but he is warming up wonderfully. We can't believe how far he's come from the shut down guy we met when he arrived. If you are looking for a cat with ashy but sweet personality, Malone is your man.
### Photo Finish: Powerline Trail
Powerline Trail under construction looking east. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
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Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great weekend!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Pillar Arts eyes former Herald-Times building for regional creative arts hub
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/pillar-arts-eyes-former-herald-times-building-for-regional-creative-arts-hub/
Last updated: 2026-07-02T19:19:12.000Z
****Top:** B Square file photo of the Herald-Times building, at 1900 S. Walnut St. The Monroe County Community School Corporation, which has owned the building since 2023, is selling the property after a [board vote](https://bsquarebulletin.com/school-district-moves-to-unload-3m-former-herald-times-property-amid-budget-pressures/) in March. (Kelton O'Connell, June 20, 2026) ****Bottom:** B Square file photo of the sign above the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall. It is one of two retail locations operated by Pillar Arts, formerly the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington. The other one is the By Hand Gallery, which is located in the Fountain Square Mall downtown. (Kelton O'Connell, June 23, 2026)
In March, trustees of the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) voted unanimously to sell the former Herald-Times (H-T) building, which the district has owned since 2023\.
As the district moves to sell the property, a local arts organization is pitching a plan to give the building new life.
In January, MCCSC collected [community feedback](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-hears-community-feedback-about-former-herald-times-property/) about the property’s use. The board summed up community comments as a roughly even split between using the property for a school-related purpose and selling it. Citing financial challenges, the board voted unanimously to begin the process of selling the property.
The financial challenges forming the backdrop to the decision include the district’s [two-year plan](https://www.mccsc.edu/strategy ) to reach financial sustainability. MCCSC chief financial officer Matt Irwin told the board initial estimates for necessary repairs and building improvements were around $35 million.
A [notice](https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/public-notices/notice/04/08/2026/notice-of-determination-pursuant-to-2026-04-08-bloomington-herald-times-indiana-19d6ce52a33) indicating the district’s intent to sell, as required by law, was posted on April 8.
On Tuesday (June 23), a spokesperson from MCCSC wrote in an email to The B Square: “We do not have an update on the sale process of the former HT building at this time.”
### Background: Former Herald-Times property
At the end of 2022, MCCSC purchased the property at 1900 S. Walnut St., which was the former headquarters of the Herald-Times, where reporters, editors, and staffers worked, and where newspapers were printed. Acquired during previous superintendent Jeff Hauswald’s tenure, the property cost the school district just under $3 million.
Since then, the building has been used as an overflow storage space for school materials and equipment, and the parking lot has held school buses. Zoned commercially, the property had an [assessed value of about $1.42 million](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=1171&LayerID=31894&PageTypeID=4&PageID=12999&KeyValue=53-08-09-200-031.000-009) in April of this year.
The B Square got a [look inside the building](https://bsquarebulletin.com/a-carcass-of-traditional-print-media-inside-the-former-herald-times-building/) earlier this year.
### One potential future: A regional arts center
One organization with its eye on the former Herald-Times property is Pillar Arts, the new name of the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington, a non-profit organization supporting artists in the Bloomington area. Pillar Arts currently operates two physical spaces: the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall, and the By Hand Gallery in the Fountain Square Mall downtown.
In April, Pillar Arts submitted its application to the [READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative](https://www.indianareadi.com/docs/default-source/resources/arts---culture/program-guidelines.pdf), which is a $65 million statewide granting program supporting arts- and culture-driven projects. The program is administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation with the Indiana Arts Commission. According to the program timeline, award notifications will be issued on July 1.
Pillar Arts is requesting a $4 million grant from READI to put towards an “Integrated Arts Creative Hub.” From its [website](https://pillararts.org/dream-big/):
> Pillar Arts proposes the Integrated Arts Creative Hub, a 52,000-square-foot, purpose‑built creative anchor facility in Bloomington, Indiana, centered on the adaptive reuse of the former Herald‑Times building at 1900 South Walnut Street. For two generations at least, this landmark served as the home of Bloomington’s daily newspaper and sits at the southern gateway to downtown Bloomington, anchored by the B‑Line Trail and adjacent to Switchyard Park.
> The Integrated Arts Creative Hub will serve all 11 counties of the Indiana Uplands, bringing together gallery and exhibition space, a public café and culinary test kitchen, a professional performance and event hall, artist studios and flexible creative workspaces, and entrepreneurship and workforce development programs within a single, public‑facing destination. Designed as an active social commons, the facility will support daily community use while providing the professional infrastructure needed for creative careers to grow.
The total project, which would occupy the former Herald-Times building, is budgeted at $16 million. According to the [website](https://pillararts.org/dream-big/) that Pillar has set up for its proposal, the $4 million would cover property acquisition, in addition to feasibility studies, architectural and engineering development, project staffing, governance and fundraising consulting, programming and marketing, and more.
Pillar Arts executive director Charles Pearce, who is the first to hold that position in the organization, told The B Square this week that during his time with the organization, it has gone through significant growth and change. He started serving as executive director in November 2024.
That growth included inheriting the By Hand Gallery, improvements at the Arts Alliance Center, and financial growth. In 2025, the organization generated about $249,000 in revenue, and paid $99,000 of it to artists. According to a [2025 impact report](https://pillararts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2025-Pillar-Performance-and-Impact-Report.pdf), the organization has seen a seven-fold increase in its consolidated cash balances over the previous five years. “We want to grow our strategic savings,” Pearce said. “We’re entering economically volatile times, the way people buy and spend on art is changing, ... we’re seeing an increased demand for arts- and skill-based classes and workshops, so for us to have financial savings helps us pivot into these things.”
While the organization had 159 members in 2025 who pay membership fees, Pearce said a lot of the revenue comes from the retail gallery spaces, where artwork is available for sale. Artists pay the organization monthly fees for displaying their pieces in the galleries, and the organization receives about a 15% commission on art sales. Artists can use volunteer hours to pay their monthly display fees. This organization-artist relationship, Pearce said, also creates a healthy pressure for artists to evolve their artwork as needed, and encourages natural rotation of art pieces on display.
Pillar Arts is still figuring out how its two spaces work together, Pearce said. But Pillar leases both spaces and the organization is seeking physical stability: “Having seen how we’ve had to move in the mall multiple times has always given us a bit of anxiety about: How much can we invest in a space, if we relocate frequently?” Pearce said. He said the organization has been looking for a revenue-positive retail arts center that doesn’t rely on recurring donations. “We can’t just be out there asking for philanthropic giving over and over again,” he said.
The vision, according to Pearce, is a facility with art spaces and studios, but also revenue-generating aspects including food and beverage. Those commercial elements, he indicated, would feed into the arts mission by making it a routine part of community life: “And now you’ve got \[a\] really great community ritual that brings people into creative spaces,” he said, “and you have solved a big piece of your revenue problem for building.”
He continued, “This has been such an interesting idea ... we’re not the first ones to come up with it, and we're not even the first ones in Bloomington to talk about it.” The city of Bloomington commissioned an [Arts Feasibility Study](https://pillararts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bloomington%5FArts%5FFeasibility%5FStudy%5FReport.pdf ) in 2022, which is cited in the Pillar Arts proposal. The website says the study formally documented a lack of sufficient accessible, flexible, and affordable space for independent creative work in Bloomington, “concluding that existing venues are either too small, too inflexible, or largely unavailable to non-university artists.”
When the READI grant opportunity opened up, Pearce and the organization began writing a proposal for the general concept, without a specific site yet in mind. About a week into the drafting process, the MCCSC board voted to sell the former H-T building. “Wouldn’t it be amazing,” Pearce said, “if an arts non-profit could rescue a building from the school corporation that has real consequence and history in our community, to activate it in a way that helps everyone?”
The Herald-Times building is attractive to Pillar Arts for several reasons, according to Pearce. Among its draws are the building’s more than 77,000 square feet, its location, a parking lot with more than 170 spaces, and easy access, especially for people with limited mobility. Pearce also liked the property’s proximity to Switchyard Park and to Bloomington High School South, which could loop in the younger community. The building also contains office space, storage, loading docks, and large open spaces without columns, offering flexibility.
Pearce said the organization is working to reach out to MCCSC. An MCCSC spokesperson said in an email responding to a B Square question on Tuesday (June 23) that the district “do\[es\] not have a comment on Pillar Arts.”
“If we don’t raise $16 million,” Pearce said, “we will do something else. We will evolve our plan based off of how much we bring in.”
\[*Editor's note: One of the letters of support submitted with the Pillar Arts READI grant application was written by editor and publisher of The B Square Bulletin, Dave Askins.*\]
---
\[*Added July 2, 2026 at 3:17 p.m. In an email to Pillar newsletter subscribers on July 2, 2026, Pearce announced that Pillar’s application was not successful: “We did not receive a READI award. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation & Indiana Arts Commission (IEDC & IAC) offered us capacity building support, and feasibility studies. I've graciously accepted the additional resources; I am hopeful the additional support will benefit us all, and lead to a better future for artists and Pillar Arts.”* \]
### Bloomington police investigate shots fired into SUV with 7 aboard
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-investigate-shots-fired-into-suv-with-7-aboard/
Last updated: 2026-07-09T20:22:44.000Z
Bloomington police are asking for help investigating several shots fired into a white GMC sport utility vehicle in the 1000 block of N. Summit Street on Tuesday (June 24) around 7:40 p.m. \[*Updated July 9, 2026: According to a* [*news release*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-07-09-Bloomington-Police-News-Release-Shooting-SUV-Johnson-Attempted-Murder-Arrest-7%5F9%5F2026.pdf) *from Bloomington police, the suspect was arrested on July 8 and booked into the Marion County jail on a charge of attempted murder.*\]
According to the [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-24-Bloomington-Police-Department-News-Release-about-Shots-Fired-June-23rd-2026.pdf ) issued midday on Wednesday, seven or eight shots were fired into the vehicle, where three adults and four children were sitting. No injuries were reported.
BPD is asking anyone with information to call detective Kevin Frank at 812-349-3322.
According to the news release the shots were fired by a “known male suspect” after an argument with the driver. The suspect fled the scene and has not yet been found by police. The news release says that detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage.
### Bloomington Transit board OKs $3.6M land buy for ops center after getting IDEM ‘comfort letter’
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-board-oks-3-6m-land-buy-for-ops-center-after-getting-idem-comfort-letter/
Last updated: 2026-06-25T18:42:09.000Z
The purple are is subject to the purchase agreement approved by the Bloomington Transit board at its June 23, 2026 meeting. Maps by The B Square. \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1iTsfca-wLvO8J4i-2o6-6QDtVC6Wygk&usp=sharing)\]
The Bloomington Transit board has approved a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-23-Bloomington-Transit-meeting-information-packet-property-OCR.pdf#page=4) authorizing the purchase of a $3.6 million property on the corner of Curry Pike and Profile Parkway for the development of a new administration, operations, and maintenance complex. The approval came at the board’s monthly meeting on Tuesday (June 23) on a unanimous vote.
The board also authorized general manager John Connell to close the purchase of the property from seller BB Profile, LLC, which acquired the land from ABB, Inc. in 2021 for $2.15 million.
The property was previously owned by Westinghouse, and in local shorthand, the company is associated with PCB contamination tied to industrial activity in the [1950s through the 1970s](https://timeline.mcpl.info/textonly.php?str=pcb&field=all&loyear=&hiyear=&threshhold=1&topic=all&sortby=dateasc).
It has taken [more than a year](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FTransit) for BT to work out the details on the purchase. In August 2025, BT was informed that one of ten boring tests on the location returned positive for PCBs, which are toxic industrial chemicals (polychlorinated biphenyls) once widely used in electrical equipment, coolants, and other applications.
In late 2025, despite environmental concerns, BT signed an option to purchase agreement for the property, putting up $100,000, which gave BT a six-month window to execute the purchase. Connell said at that time that BT knew the exact location and magnitude of the contamination, and that information would be factored into the project’s design and costs.
At its March 24 meeting, the BT board was told that an appraisal had been completed that put the value of the property at $3.6 million.
The next step at that stage was for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to issue a “comfort letter,” which would provide BT some protections from environmental liability with respect to hazardous substances found on the site. IDEM issued that [comfort letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-23-Bloomington-Transit-meeting-information-packet-property-OCR.pdf#page=24) on May 28, putting together the pieces for BT to finally close the purchase.
However, according to the comfort letter, certain components of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) will no longer be valid after July 22\. That, along with the requirement that the purchase agreement option be exercised by July 10, gave the BT board impetus to make a decision at its Tuesday meeting.
Board treasurer Doug Horn expressed some caution about the situation.
“We really have not done anything beyond the requisite notice to the public, and in that this is such a turning the corner event for the corporation, do we have latitude to look at this? Perhaps next month’s meeting, allowing public time to look at the agreement, and the nuts and bolts of it, or are we so strapped for time related to various issues that we need to act this evening?” Horn asked.
To address Horn’s concern, board chair James McLary proposed an amendment to the motion to approve the purchase, to require that a public discussion be held at the next BT board meeting after the purchase is done.
That amendment passed 3-2, meaning the board will hold a public discussion to make the public aware about the purchase. Dissenting on the vote were Kent McDaniel and Nancy Obermeyer. Besides McLary and Horn, it was supported by Don Griffin.
That was followed by the vote on the actual resolution to approve the purchase agreement and authorize Connell to close the purchase.
The new operations center will replace the facility at Grimes Lane, which includes an administration building owned by BT, and real estate owned by Indiana University, which also houses its bus fleet at Grimes Lane, alongside BT buses. The BT downtown transit center, where most bus routes start and end, will not be affected by the new project.
### ACLU interviews at Monroe County jail frame $30K legal request, reset for work group
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aclu-interviews-at-monroe-county-jail-frame-30k-legal-request-reset-for-work-group/
Last updated: 2026-06-24T09:37:17.000Z
****Left:** Jail commander Kyle Gibbons and Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté. ****Right:** Monroe county councilors from far to near: Marty Hawk, David Henry, Peter Iversen, Jennifer Crossley, Trent Deckard, Kate Wiltz, and Liz Feitl. (Dave Askins, June 23, 2026)
The political rift over how to respond to a potential new lawsuit against Monroe County officials over conditions at the jail was a factor in two significant actions at Tuesday night’s (June 23) county council meeting.
On one front, councilors voted 6–1 to appropriate $30,000 in response to a request from sheriff Ruben Marté for his own outside lawyer, as the ACLU of Indiana is preparing fresh litigation over conditions at the county jail. That’s after the ACLU allowed a settlement agreement from a [long-running 2008 lawsuit](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail ) to expire.
The prospect of fresh litigation moved beyond speculation at Tuesday’s meeting, when Marté reported that lead ACLU attorney Ken Falk would visit the jail the next day to interview prisoners as potential plaintiffs in a new legal action.
On another front, the county council tightened up the membership of a joint city-county working group that is supposed to recommend a new jail site, shrinking its voting membership in hopes of avoiding the kind of [quorum failure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-judges-sheriff-decline-jail-site-working-group-role-first-meeting-canceled/) that derailed the group’s first meeting last week. The group will try again to meet on [Wednesday (June 24)](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-8618).
County officials have settled on the idea of building a new jail as the solution to addressing overcrowded conditions at the existing facility. A split between commissioners and councilors over a choice of jail site emerged after North Park was twice rejected in a six-month span by the county council.
For the jail site working group, councilors assigned “ex officio” status to the sheriff’s office and the board of judges, which was consistent with clear indications from each that they would not be participating. The move reduced the number of members relevant for quorum from eight to six.
County officials are now trying to protect themselves in a potential new court case, while also finding a place to build a new jail, but without the public participation of the sheriff or the board of judges or, so far anyway, the county commissioners.
### ACLU to interview jail prisoners
Marté opened his appropriation request on Tuesday by telling the council the ACLU’s next lawsuit is not hypothetical.
“As you know, litigation for the ACLU is certain to take place, reference the county jail,” Marté said, asking for an additional $30,000 in his budget’s “services” category to acquire outside counsel. He framed the request explicitly as a bid for parity with the council, which in April [appropriated $30,000](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-backs-30k-for-lawyers-questions-new-135m-jail-financing-plan/) for its own outside legal advice on jail-related issues, including anticipated ACLU action. “We are following your lead and are requesting an additional appropriation of 30,000 for the same purpose,” he said.
Jail commander Kyle Gibbons underscored the immediacy of the threat. “Tomorrow, \[ACLU attorney\] Ken Falk will be at the correction center in the morning, interviewing potential clients,” Gibbons told councilors.
Marté stressed that, unlike the council, he has already been a named defendant under the existing ACLU agreement governing jail conditions. “When I took over three and a half years ago, I was the one named as a defendant, and no one else has been,” he said. “So at this point it’s coming very fast for me.”
### Insurance and who pays for whose lawyer
Councilor Peter Iversen pressed the point: If the county carries liability insurance, why does the sheriff need his own pot of money? “It’s my understanding that the county’s insurance covers litigation costs. Is this for costs that go above and beyond those?” Iversen asked.
County attorney Molly Turner-King answered that the administration is still trying to get clarity from the new insurance carrier, including whether it will provide counsel at all in a case that may seek injunctive relief, rather than damages.
Turner-King later added that the insurer has essentially said: “You have to get sued for us to make a decision, because we don’t know what that lawsuit is,” while the sheriff has legal questions right now.
Councilor Marty Hawk, the lone vote against the appropriation, said that county taxpayers risked paying for more than one attorney: “So, what are we going to do, running around with three and four different attorneys, all of us fighting with one another—this is not making a lot of sense to me,” She also questioned why the sheriff could not rely on counsel from the insurance company if he was the one named in the eventual lawsuit.
Marté pushed back on both points. He said the council’s own April appropriation for outside counsel specifically anticipated “potential future litigation involving ACLU,” even though council has not been named or approached. “All I’m doing is the exact same thing,” he said. “You have not been even named as a defendant at all, but I could tell you from day one I have.”
The sheriff and Gibbons also drew a distinction between the statutory “legal deputy” whose contract is already funded in the sheriff’s budget and the kind of specialist he now wants.
### “I do not need to be told to be thankful.”
The sharpest exchange of the night came when Hawk suggested the sheriff should simply reallocate money inside his existing services budget within the same category and come back later if he needed to refill other lines. That is a workaround the council often urges departments to use for mid-year, unplanned expenses.
“Maybe what they need is a new line within their services,” Hawk said. “Then they can move it up and down within that, as they choose. We don’t need to do an additional appropriation …”
After a back-and-forth about internal transfers, Hawk tried to simplify her point:
> **Hawk:** Take the line, just say thank you. We’ll put a line in place … ”
> **Marté:** …You want me to say thank you? That’s what I heard you say to me??
> **Hawk:** You can transfer the very day it gets under. You can do it. We don’t have to do it. You’re ready to go tomorrow. Isn’t that what you want?”
A short while later, Marté was candid with his thoughts about Hawk’s comment: “I do not need to be told to be thankful,” Marté said. He added, “That took a very offensive turn there.”
He repeated his view that the county council was now demanding a more complicated route for him than it had taken for itself for its own appropriation. “To be fair, you appropriated yourselves $30,000 and you haven’t been even named \[in a lawsuit\] …,” he said.
Councilor Trent Deckard urged the council to get to a vote, saying he expected the county would end up appropriating the same $30,000 at some point this year regardless of the path chosen. He warned that the back-and-forth risked draining energy from the larger jail crisis.
“I think that this energy could be well supplied into more fruitful things to get us out of our present dilemma, which sucks, and we gotta do,” Deckard said.
The motion passed 6–1, with Hawk the sole vote of dissent.
### Legal fears reshape the jail site group
Later in the same meeting, the council turned to a resolution which rewrites the structure of the [working group created June 11](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/) to recommend a potential jail site. The rebranded “Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee” saw its first scheduled meeting last Thursday implode for lack of quorum, after two members indicated they would not attend. Explicitly saying they would not be participating were the sheriff’s office and the board of judges.
Turner-King told the council she and Bloomington city council attorney Larry Allen had concluded the group must, in legal terms, be a county committee, with the city members participating in it rather than co-owning it. She also confirmed what many had inferred from statements that were now public: The sheriff and the board of judges have opted out of participating for now because of the potential pending litigation. As Marté put it in an email, his office needs “the opportunity to consult with litigation counsel before making any further public comments.”
The resolution adopted by the council Tuesday night reconstitutes the voting core as six officials: one county commissioner, the Bloomington mayor, one county council member, one Bloomington city council member, the prosecutor, and the public defender. Invited as ex officio members are representatives of the sheriff’s office and the judges, who will have no impact on quorum.
A county commissioner was left in the mix, even though commissioners have not appeared eager to appoint one of their members to participate. On May 29, before the working group was formed, board of commissioners president Julie Thomas wrote in an email message to county councilors: “The Commissioners have been advised that it would be premature to publicly discuss or evaluate additional properties before litigation counsel is retained.” Thomas continued, “Doing so could waste taxpayer funds by sending staff, officials, or consultants down paths that may not survive scrutiny in the Federal litigation process.”
On Tuesday, councilors also narrowed the working group’s mission, to focus on location only, in order to avoid the kind of sprawling debate that bogged down earlier efforts around three years ago.
The resolution adopted by the county council on Tuesday confirms what was promised [at the June 11 joint session](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/) of city and county officials: The jail site working group is expected to come back with a recommended site within about a month, with a tentative report-back around July 13.
In a final tweak, the council designated its own appointee, councilor Liz Feitl, as chair and agenda-setter of the working group, as a way for the council to keep the work moving, even if others stay on the sidelines.
### Legal counsel, public talks on jail siting
Tuesday night’s county council meeting highlighted the tension between a desire to start towards solving the jail overcrowding issue by picking a site for a new jail and a desire to protect the county’s legal position.
On one hand, the sheriff and commissioners have cited the need to ensure that anything said in public about jail siting is consistent with legal strategy as a reason to stay away from open working-group discussions about location. On the other hand, county officials will be under pressure to show progress on a new site even as the ACLU prepares to argue in federal court that the current jail is unconstitutional.
That tension was visible on Tuesday night, when councilor David Henry tried to link Marté’s request for an appropriation to pay for outside counsel to his refusal to sit on the jail-site working group.
“If we can get you an attorney to talk to, and if that would free up your office to come sit with us to try to … get to a solution, I mean, I think that’s an incentive for us to vote on that,” Henry said.
Henry then asked whether, if the appropriation passed and the sheriff could get legal counsel the next morning, if there would be “any other barriers” to participation by the sheriff’s office in the jail site working group.
Marté declined to take the bait. “I’m going to repeat myself—that I’m asking the council for an additional appropriation,” he said. He added, “This is not the time, at this point, for me to discuss the \[jail site working group\].”
---
By the end of the night, councilors had chosen to appropriate $30,000 for the sheriff’s outside counsel, and to reduce the members of the jail site working group from eight to six.
On Wednesday morning (June 24), ACLU attorney Ken Falk will be in the jail, talking to potential plaintiffs.
At 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening, the jail site working group \[Collaborative Justice Project Working Subcommittee\] will [try again to convene its first meeting](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting-8618), with an eye towards recommending a site for a new jail by July 13.
### Monroe County awards $190K in Sophia Travis grants to 42 nonprofits, community groups
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-awards-190k-in-sophia-travis-grants-to-42-nonprofits-community-groups/
Last updated: 2026-06-24T16:22:06.000Z
Chart by The B Square with information from Monroe County government.
The Monroe County council voted unanimously Tuesday night to award $190,000 in Sophia Travis Community Services grants to 42 local nonprofit and community organizations.
The awards fund projects ranging from food assistance and emergency shelter to youth programming, arts education, rent help, transportation assistance, CPR training and nonprofit technology upgrades.
The largest award of $13,000 went to Pantry 279 for nutritional food for food-insecure families. Other top awards included $11,400 to Monroe County 4-H for livestock-sale meat processing for local hunger relief; $11,090 to Tandem for Tandem Essentials; $10,060 to First Presbyterian Church for the Bloomington Severe Winter Emergency Shelter; and $9,240 to Community Kitchen for essential food funding.
The county’s Sophia Travis grant program supports social service agencies and nonprofit organizations. For 2026, the county budgeted $190,000 for the program. Unadjusted for inflation that’s twice as much as the county budgeted in 2008\. This year’s awards push the total distributed since 2008 to $2.37 million.
In 2013, the community services grant program was renamed in honor of Sophia Travis, who served on the county council from 2004 to 2008\. The resolution renaming the program says that Travis worked as a councilor to “assure the applications for the limited funds available for support would be considered in a fair, even-handed and transparent process.”
Under the county’s process, applications were reviewed by a committee made up of county councilors Jennifer Crossley, Liz Feitl and Trent Deckard, along with Monroe County residents Julie Robertson and Katherine Hopkins. Applicants were invited to make presentations at a public meeting on May 13\. The committee met May 29 to recommend the award amounts.
The approved awards are:
Final committee-recommended awards
Agency
Award
Project description
Pantry 279
$13,000
Nutritional Food for Food Insecure Families
Monroe County 4-H
$11,400
Monroe County 4-H Livestock Sale Meat Processing for Local Hunger Relief
Tandem
$11,090
Tandem Essentials
First Presbyterian Church
$10,060
Bloomington Severe Winter Emergency Shelter
Community Kitchen
$9,240
Food for All: Essential Food Funding
Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington
$8,600
Summer Field Trips
New Hope For Families
$7,400
New Hope Family Shelter Summer Camp
Sobremesa
$6,400
Increasing Locally Grown Nutritious Food
New Leaf New Life
$5,860
Stability in Motion: Rent assistance for sober living and transportation
First Christian Church
$5,600
Welcome Table Breakfast and Sunday Meal Program
Mother Hubbard's Cupboard
$5,500
MHC Education Programming
Amethyst House
$5,300
Residential Food
Stone Belt
$5,240
CPR/First Aid Training
Middle Way House (Collaborative)
$5,120
CPR Trainings
PALS
$5,100
Stable Futures After School Program
El Centro Comunal Latino
$5,000
Rent & Utility Assistance for Latino community members
Big Brothers Big Sisters
$4,900
Big & Little Adventure Connected: Print & App Tools
Girls Rock Bloomington
$4,900
Summer Camp
Susie's Place
$4,100
Susie's Place Internship Opportunities
Cancer Support Community
$4,020
Food & Transportation Assistance for Cancer Patients
Healing Hands
$3,800
Nourishing Neighbors Produce Project
Community Culture Inc
$3,420
Bob's Garden
Catholic Charities
$3,400
Affordable Therapy
Center For Sustainable Living
$3,140
Environmental Remediation & Safety Improvements for Community Greenhouse
WonderLab
$3,040
WonderLab Lab Room Facility Technology Improvement
BloomingArts
$2,800
Scholarship Fund for Young Actors
Courage To Change Sober Living
$2,660
Welcome Home Kits/Drug Tests
Hoosier Trails Council
$2,600
Growing Scouting in Monroe County
CASA
$2,500
Project Stop It Now
Pathways To Cross-Cultural Understanding
$2,460
Bridging Borders: A Visual Dialogue on Global Youth Perspectives
Pathways
$2,400
My First Library
CJAM
$2,340
Expanding Volunteer-Led Eviction Mediation Services
Lotus
$2,250
Lotus Blossoms Artist Residency & World Bazaar
Chamber of Commerce
$2,200
Career Cruise
Harmony School
$2,200
Harmony School Performance Tech Upgrade
Artist Adjacent
$2,100
Rover's Kickoff Shows
My Sister's Closet
$2,080
Providing a Secure Resource for Women
Auxiliary to Boys & Girls Club
$2,000
Crestmont Special Snack
Middle Way House
$1,500
Decreasing Transportation Barriers for Survivors of Violence
Reimagining Opera for Kids
$1,300
2026-27 Season of Reimagining Opera for Kids: Ana Y Su Sombra
Bloomington Cooperative Living
$1,000
Digital Outreach
Limestone Media
$980
Climate Change: What's the Atmosphere Like Here
\`\`\`
### Bloomington mayor vetoes carless Kirkwood, council could try override on July 22
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-mayor-vetoes-carless-kirkwood-council-could-try-override-on-july-22/
Last updated: 2026-06-23T13:55:56.000Z
File photo from the B Square by Dave Askins; “VETO” stamp overlay generated by ChatGPT.
The proposal to close Kirkwood Avenue to vehicular traffic during summer months is on hold again as Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson on Monday (June 22) vetoed [Ordinance 2026-12](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16960/download#page=204).
The measure would have made it a part of city code to close Kirkwood Avenue from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street to cars during the months of April to November.
The announcement came in a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-22-Bloomington-Kirkwood-mayor-Thomson-news-release-veto.pdf) sent around 5:15 p.m. on Monday.
In a [letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-22-Kirkwood-Veto-A-Letter-From-Mayor-Kerry-Thomson%5FKirkwood-Ordinance-2026-12.pdf) addressed to Bloomington, the mayor outlined her rationale behind the veto, including the input she received during a community conversation last Tuesday.
“Kirkwood is a place of memory, movement, commerce, and gathering—it is often the heartbeat of our civic life,” the letter said. “And for that very reason, a permanent decision about Kirkwood deserves to have Bloomington’s imagination and innovation captured in a plan to be executed when the community can fund it.”
Thomson also cited lack of engagement with residents on the closure as a reason behind her veto.
“The city also had not had open community input on the Kirkwood closure, but instead only reactions to the resolution, which many, including the businesses and residents most affected, did not know about in time to offer input,” she wrote.
Explaining the concerns about funding that a proposal like this might face, she said in the letter, “I am vetoing Council’s Ordinance 2026-12 to close Kirkwood, which arrived absent of a plan to ensure its success or an analysis of fiscal impact, much less identification of the funding to do so. This is particularly significant as Indiana communities adjust to Senate Enrolled Act 1, which creates substantial uncertainty for municipal revenue and long-term financial planning.”
Moving forward, the mayor called for further engagement with the community.
“Additionally, a transformation of this significance should be carried out by the people whose lives and livelihoods it will shape. The voices we have heard do not yet reflect the broad community support and shared confidence that a long-term transformation of this scale requires,” she wrote. “Instead, it is time to engage in a process that is certainly worthy of more imagination.”
The veto comes six days after the mayor was presented with the ordinance, which passed 5–4 on the nine-member city council. Under state law, the mayor had a deadline of ten days after presentation before either approving or vetoing the ordinance.
The ordinance, which was co-sponsored by councilmembers Kate Rosenbarger and Courtney Daily, had received a positive recommendation from the transportation commission. However, during council deliberations, business owners and members of the community spoke against the proposal—citing concerns about parking, accessibility for people with disabilities, and a potential loss of business if cars lose access to the area.
Supporters of the ordinance said the administration’s decision to move away from closing the street to cars this year reflected a lack of willingness to transform Kirkwood into a pedestrian corridor, and this ordinance would force the mayor’s hand into building the infrastructure and systems to make that possible.
The council now has the option to override the veto by voting on the ordinance again and passing it with at least a two-thirds majority, which is six votes. That vote has to come at the council’s next regular or special meeting. The council’s next regular meeting is set for [July 22](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings/2026).
Assuming those who voted for the ordinance the first time around stick to their position, an override would require flipping at least one of the four votes cast against the ordinance on June 10\. The dissent during that vote came from council members Hopi Stosberg, Sydney Zulich, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, and Andy Ruff. Supporting the ordinance were: Isak Asare, Courtney Daily, Kate Rosenbarger, Dave Rollo, and Matt Flaherty.
The seasonal closing of Kirkwood Avenue to vehicular traffic has been an [annual topic of conversation](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Kirkwood%5FAvenue%5FClosures) since 2020.
### Ellettsville–Richland reorganization headed to November ballot
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/ellettsville-richland-reorganization-headed-to-november-ballot/
Last updated: 2026-06-23T10:18:53.000Z
From left: Richland Township board members (Jay Thrasher, David Willibey, and Dawn Durnil) and Ellettsville Town councilors (Pam Samples, Scott Oldham, William Ellis, and Trevor Sager).(Dave Askins, June 23, 2026)
The [proposed reorganization](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-22-Ellettsville-Richland-meeting-information-packet-1781810803%5F20028.pdf ) of Richland Township and the Town of Ellettsville will now go to voters in November, after the Richland Township board and Ellettsville town council each voted Monday night to put the question on the ballot.
The one vote of dissent came from township board member David Willibey, who said, “The majority of the people I’ve talked to are against it, so therefore I say no.”
The separate votes came after the second of two public hearings required under Indiana [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-1.5-4-1). The first hearing was held June 10, and the second took place Monday, June 22.
The proposal, if approved by voters, would dissolve Richland Township government and consolidate its functions into a reorganized Town of Ellettsville. The new municipal government would cover both the existing town limits and the unincorporated parts of Richland Township.
Under the plan, the reorganized town would have a seven-member town council, with five district seats and two at-large seats. The government would also include two primary taxing districts: an urban district, roughly corresponding to the current town boundaries; and a rural district covering the rest of Richland Township.
Supporters of the move say it’s needed in order to protect essential public services, preserve local identity, and create a more efficient and sustainable structure for future growth for the entire township. That comes against the backdrop of fiscal pressure from SEA 1 and a concern that the state legislature wants eventually to completely eliminate township government.
President of the Ellettsville Town County, Scott Oldham, exhorted voters to get their questions answered before the Nov. 3, and not to rely on mere rumors:
> This is a significant vote. I would encourage everyone to ask the questions you need to find out the answers for yourself. Don’t just believe everything that’s floating around, because there’s a lot of misinformation, both pro and con, out there. This shapes this town’s future. This shapes this township’s future, so let’s all try and get it as absolutely right as we can, and not just believe a rumor of a rumor of a rumor of a rumor.
The proposal will now appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. Under state law, the proposal has to get a majority of support from voters in both the current town and the township in order for it to take effect. If it doesn’t get a majority of support from voters in each of the two geographic areas, the reorganization fails.
If voters approve the reorganization, the new unified government would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The Monday votes follow [earlier action on May 27](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ellettsville-richland-township-ok-fiscal-impact-for-merger-police-coverage-issue-gets-sharpened/), when the Richland Township board and Ellettsville town council each approved a fiscal impact analysis prepared by Baker Tilly and forwarded it to the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance for review.
At that May 27 meeting, the township board vote included one dissenting vote, from Jay Thrasher. The Ellettsville town council vote also included one dissenting vote on May 27, from Dan Swafford.
But on Monday, Thrasher voted yes making clear what he was voting for: “I’m going to vote to put it on the ballot, so yes.” Dawn Durnil provided the second vote of support, which was enough to achieve a majority on the three-member township board.
On the town council’s side, Swafford did not attend Monday’s meeting. The other four town councilors voted in favor—Scott Oldham, Trevor Sager, William Ellis, and Pam Samples.
A central issue in the reorganization discussion has been how taxes and services would be distributed between the current town and the township area outside the town limits.
The [fiscal plan](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-27-ellettsville-richland-baker-tilly-financial-impact-fiscal-council-board-1779471495%5F47887.pdf) presented by Baker Tilly projected a property tax rate of $0.7028 in the urban district and $0.2776 in the rural district, compared with current rates of $0.6160, for the Town of Ellettsville and $0.1644 for Richland Township.
Baker Tilly estimated the change would increase total tax bills by about 6.9% for properties in Richland Township, 4.1% for the part of Ellettsville currently in Richland Township, and 3.5% for the part of Ellettsville in Bean Blossom Township. For a typical Richland Township homestead between $150,000 and $300,000, the increase was estimated at about $5 to $12 per month.
Another key point has been police coverage in the rural part of the reorganized town. At the May 27 meeting, Ellettsville town council president Scott Oldham objected to a characterization that the Monroe County sheriff’s office would continue to serve as the primary law enforcement agency for the rural area.
Oldham said that because the reorganized Ellettsville would be a municipality, Ellettsville police would be the point of first contact for the entire town, including the rural district. He also said existing mutual-aid relationships would continue among Ellettsville, Bloomington, Monroe County and other agencies.
Road maintenance has raised a similar question. At the May 27 meeting, Richland Township board member Jay Thrasher asked about responsibility for plowing roads in the rural area of the reorganized town. Oldham said the town would have to take on that responsibility because the reorganized government would be one town, not a town and township.
The reorganization process [began last fall](https://bsquarebulletin.com/joint-ellettsville-richland-township-government-could-be-on-november-2026-ballot/). The Richland Township board approved a resolution Nov. 10, 2025, indicating a willingness to explore reorganization with Ellettsville. The Ellettsville town council followed with its own resolution Nov. 24.
A seven-member reorganization committee then worked through the winter and spring, with subcommittees examining finance, local government, public safety, planning and zoning, parks and cemeteries, streets and road maintenance, water, sewer and stormwater, and former township services.
With Monday’s votes, the decision now shifts from the township board and town council to voters on Nov. 3\. The wording on the ballot, assuming it is approved by the Monroe County election board is:
> Richland Township of Monroe County, Indiana and the Town of Ellettsville of Monroe County, Indiana have each adopted a Plan of Reorganization that provides for the consolidation of Richland Township into the Town of Ellettsville as a single governmental unit that will be governed and administered as a town with a seven (7) member elected Town Council. Shall Richland Township and the Town of Ellettsville reorganize as a single political subdivision?
### Austrian cyclist Philipp Kaider leads RAAM through Bloomington for second straight year
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/austrian-cyclist-philipp-kaider-leads-raam-through-bloomington-for-second-straight-year/
Last updated: 2026-06-23T00:26:05.000Z
Philipp Kaider cruises through Bloomington on the SR 46 bypass as the race leader coming into Bloomington for the second year in a row. (Dave Askins, June 22, 2026)
Around 4:15 p.m. on Monday afternoon, Philipp Kaider pedaled through Bloomington as the race leader in the Race Across America (RAAM). Last year Kaider was also the leader as he cruised through Bloomfield, headed north at SR 43, grabbed West 3rd Street, then headed north again on Curry Pike to connect with SR 46, following the big northern arc around the city.
The 40-year-old Austrian had about a comfortable 270-mile lead over second-place rider Thomas Mauerhofer, another Austrian. It was deja vu all over again, because last year Kaider rolled into town with about a 200-mile lead over the second place rider, who was also an Austrian. But last year it was Lukas Kaufman, who was trailing his faster compatriot.
The RAAM is a 3,000-mile west-to-east bicycle race across the United States, which as for the last several years passed through Bloomington.
RAAM organizers have set up a [live tracking map](https://trackleaders.com/raam26) for race fans to locate the current location of the riders. At his current pace, Mauerhofer would be projected to pass through Bloomington around around 2 p.m. on Tuesday (June 23).
### Video: RAAM leader Philipp Kaider
0:00
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Philipp Kaider cruises through Bloomington on the SR 46 bypass as the race leader coming into Bloomington for the second year in a row. (Dave Askins, June 22, 2026)
Philipp Kaider cruises through Bloomington on the SR 46 bypass as the race leader coming into Bloomington for the second year in a row. (Dave Askins, June 22, 2026)
Philipp Kaider cruises through Bloomington on the SR 46 bypass as the race leader coming into Bloomington for the second year in a row. (Dave Askins, June 22, 2026)
Philipp Kaider cruises through Bloomington on the SR 46 bypass as the race leader coming into Bloomington for the second year in a row. (Dave Askins, June 22, 2026)
Philipp Kaider cruises through Bloomington on the SR 46 bypass as the race leader coming into Bloomington for the second year in a row. (Dave Askins, June 22, 2026)
### Advocates say financing plan for Seminary Pointe feasible, if land swap happens
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/advocates-say-financing-plan-for-seminary-pointe-feasible-if-land-swap-deal-happens/
Last updated: 2026-06-22T10:58:21.000Z
Bloomington Homes for All presents proposal for Seminary Pointe in the auditorium of the downtown branch of the Monroe County Public Library. (Dave Askins, June 20, 2026)
****Left:** Signs were posted on June 10, giving notice of the pending planned demolition of buildings on the Seminary Pointe block. **Right:** Land shaded with purple has been transferred by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB has targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. The dark yellow areas are historic districts. The 424 S. College address, indicated with a placemark inside the dark purple area, is listed as "contributing" in the city’s 2018 survey. Map by the B Square \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1K67oC7nlVXsrkPog6MKF4-iQCDK0J1I&usp=sharing )\]
The Seminary Pointe block, north of 2nd Street on College Avenue in downtown Bloomington, is the subject of a detailed cooperative housing proposal that according to advocates is financeable.
But the central premise of the plan, which is a land swap between two local government bodies, is stalled in a procedural impasse that makes that outcome at least uncertain or even unlikely.
On Saturday at the downtown branch of the Monroe County Public Library, the [proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-20-Seminary-Pointe-business-plan-Bloomington-Homes-for-All.pdf) was presented to a gathering of about 60 people by Bloomington Homes for All, an advocacy group that has emerged over the last several months.
The proposal envisions operating some of the existing buildings through a multi‑stakeholder cooperative, backed by a roughly $1.6 million rehab plan. The capital part of the plan includes demolishing one structurally unsalvageable building, and rehabbing the remaining buildings for long‑term, extremely affordable mixed‑use occupancy.
Seminary Pointe, a cluster of buildings south of the Bloomington Convention Center that is home to some small businesses and 29 units of very low‑rent housing, is now owned by Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB). The CIB has a process in place to develop a host hotel there, tied to the convention center expansion, which has started construction and is expected to be complete in early 2027.
The CIB has issued a request for proposals from hotel developers for the Seminary Pointe site with responses due June 30\. A recommendation for a preferred hotelier is expected by the CIB’s July 15 meeting.
The targeted real estate to be swapped for Seminary Pointe is College Square, which is now a vacant building with a parking lot north of the convention center. College Square is widely acknowledged as the better location for a host hotel, and is owned by the city’s redevelopment commission (RDC).
Dora Hospitality, which was selected in 2024 by the CIB as its preferred hotelier, negotiated unsuccessfully for more than a year with the RDC for the College Square lot. Now, the RDC has its own open call for proposals there, limited to non‑student‑housing developers. The RDC’s public offering closes July 20.
In the land-swap scenario, the RDC would hand over the real estate to a community land trust.
### Procedural barriers to a land swap
In principle, The CIB supports a land swap. Before opening its second hotelier request round, the CIB asked the RDC to pause for 30 days before issuing its public offering for College Square, so that the two entities could negotiate the possibility of a land swap. The RDC declined, but left open the possibility that the CIB could make a proposal in the context of its public offering.
The CIB has not followed that path, [citing among other reasons](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hotel-timeline-narrows-window-for-seminary-pointe-land-swap-in-downtown-bloomington/#ghost-comments-6a345be9aeefd9000145dab1) the fact that the minimum offer in the RDC’s public offering is pegged at about $7.6 million, and the appraised value of the Seminary Pointe real estate is expected to be well below that number.
At this stage, the land swap idea would require the two governmental entities to suspend the processes already in the works, with deadlines of June 30 and July 20, to pursue land swap negotiations, or to let their processes run their course, and at the end reject any proposals, in favor of a land swap.
### Bloomington Homes for All cooperative housing proposal
Against the backdrop of an RDC-CIB impasse, Bloomington Homes for All is trying to make the case that, if the land questions can be resolved, the cooperative model they are proposing is not just conceptually appealing, but financially credible.
Their structure has two layers. On the bottom layer, Avalon Community Land Trust would take title to the Seminary Pointe land, holding it in perpetuity and using ground‑lease terms to cap land costs and preserve long‑term affordability. On top of that, a new Seminary Pointe Cooperative would own and operate the buildings.
Membership in the cooperative would come from three groups: residential tenants, commercial tenants, and community members. Each member would have a vote, and a board would be elected by those stakeholder groups. Surplus revenue, instead of flowing to private investors, would be reinvested in the property and the nonprofit ownership structure.
Matthew Joseph, a Bloomington resident and member of Bloomington Homes for All, told the audience that the land‑trust layer is what keeps affordability from evaporating as land values climb.
Something that is affordable today, Joseph said, is likely to be out of reach to a similar household 20 years from now, if it is all left to market speculation. By separating the ownership of land from buildings, Avalon would be able to set terms that keep Seminary Pointe’s housing and commercial space permanently below market rates.
The cooperative layer is designed to give current and future tenants meaningful control over that asset. Joseph described it as a way to align incentives: The people who live and work in the buildings would also be the people voting on budgets, improvements, and uses of common areas.
Joseph pointed to his own experience in Bloomington Cooperative Living, where he pays $399 a month in a group house and participates in shared governance, as evidence that cooperative models do more than decrease the rent. They draw residents into decisions about the physical and social environment where they live.
Organizers were careful to distinguish group‑living houses from Seminary Pointe which is primarily one‑bedroom apartments with private kitchens and baths. The cooperative element, they said, is about ownership and governance, not about turning the property into dormitory‑style shared housing. For tenants juggling multiple jobs or family responsibilities, the plan anticipates elected representatives who attend meetings and vote on behalf of a membership that cannot always be in the room.
Alongside the governance framework, the group presented a five‑year construction and financing plan that treats the existing buildings as an asset to be rehabilitated, not cleared.
The first step would be Avalon’s acquisition of the property from the public sector. In year one, the focus would be on immediate exterior and life‑safety work—roof repairs, parking lot improvements, and basic interior upgrades in occupied units. An architect would be hired to design full building‑systems upgrades.
In year two, the only structurally unsalvageable structure, 432 S. College, would be demolished, and the project team would close on construction loans and grants and hire local contractors. Major renovations to the remaining three buildings would run through years three and four. Those would include electrical, HVAC, sewer, and window upgrades. In year five, if a feasibility study supports it, new housing construction would begin on the cleared 432 S. College site.
Sarah Woolford, who is Habitat for Humanity’s housing solutions director and part of the Homes for All team, pegged the core rehab work at roughly $1.6 million. When soft costs, closing and pre‑development expenses, and a 15% contingency are included, the total budget comes to about $2.16 million.
On the income side, Joseph said the pro forma has been reviewed by four mission‑aligned lenders, three of which have already agreed to sign letters of support. The model assumes roughly $422,000 a year in gross revenue, with a vacancy allowance built in. Post‑renovation residential rents are set at $700 per month, aimed at households earning about 45% of area median income (AMI), or around $31,000 a year, according to the [proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-20-Seminary-Pointe-business-plan-Bloomington-Homes-for-All.pdf ) from Homes for All.
Commercial rents for the project are penciled in at $8 to $10 per square foot, compared to what Joseph said was a current downtown average of about $16 per square foot.
Operating expenses include professional property management, at least one part‑time staff position focused on Seminary Pointe, and regular contributions to a capital reserve fund.
Joseph said the plan has an annual net operating income of $236,636 against debt service of $192,188, which yields a debt‑service coverage ratio of roughly 1.27, which is comfortably above the 1.15 to 1.20 range that lenders often look for in affordable housing deals, according to Joseph.
One of the plan’s main political selling points is what the spreadsheet leaves out. Joseph emphasized that the numbers are built without assuming any grants or “free money” at all. Philanthropic contributions, city grants, or crowdfunding are treated as upside that would only improve the coverage ratio.
---
Speaking on Saturday for Bloomington Homes for All, Bryce Greene told the audience that when he first started working on the Seminary Pointe issue, he didn’t know how the RDC members were appointed or how the CIB worked. He concluded, “But now I think this, this is an opportunity for all of us to get involved in shaping the city that we want to see in the future.”
Bloomington Homes for All now thinks it can say: If the CIB and RDC can find a way through their procedural stalemate, the cooperative conversion of Seminary Pointe is not just a nice idea, but a capital project with a defined cost, revenue model, and financing path.
The question that Homes for All is trying to put in front of the two governmental entities, is whether they are willing to set aside their current tracks long enough to consider the land swap that would allow the Homes for All alternative to take shape.
### June 22, 2026: Juneteenth photos; ICE-detainer law ruling; jail-site group canceled; Seminary Pointe land swap?
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-22-2026-juneteenth-photos-ice-detainer-law-ruling-jail-site-group-canceled-seminary-pointe-land-swap/
Last updated: 2026-06-22T09:34:02.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Take an umbrella because this is one of those days where you will not be lucky enough to dodge the scattered showers through the day, and you will be the person everyone else asks: How did you know it was going to rain? The correct answer: Because I am a weather genius. The high will be around 68F°.
**Tuesday:** Dress light and cool because it will be warmer than Monday with partly sunny skies to start, then full-on sun, with a high near 80F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-66/). Hawk comes up with a bad joke, because he is working alone.
- [Monroe County property transfers through June 18, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-june-18-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from May 22 to June 18, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Photos: Juneteenth 2026 in Bloomington’s Switchyard Park](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-juneteenth-2026-in-bloomingtons-switchyard-park/). Music was at the center of the city of Bloomington’s 2026 Juneteenth celebration at Switchyard Park on Friday, starting with a midday performance by Indiana University Camp S.O.U.L. students, followed by evening sets by The Lucky Sevens and Jenn Cristy.
- [Federal court declines to block Indiana ICE-detainer law before July 1 effective date](https://bsquarebulletin.com/federal-court-declines-to-block-indiana-ice-detainer-law-before-july-1-effective-date/). A federal judge denied Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté’s request for a preliminary injunction to block Indiana’s new ICE-detainer law before July 1, citing the political subdivision doctrine. The constitutional challenge remains unresolved, with Rokita’s dismissal motion still pending.
- [Monroe County judges, sheriff decline jail-site working group role, first meeting canceled](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-judges-sheriff-decline-jail-site-working-group-role-first-meeting-canceled/). A jail-site working group formed by county and city officials last week missed its first meeting for lack of a quorum. Judges and the sheriff’s office declined to participate, leaving the panel about three weeks to recommend a location amid potential litigation over jail conditions.
- [Hotel timeline narrows window for Seminary Pointe land swap in downtown Bloomington](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hotel-timeline-narrows-window-for-seminary-pointe-land-swap-in-downtown-bloomington/). Seminary Pointe’s future as a convention center host-hotel site remains likely, despite a push from affordable housing advocates for a land swap with the RDC-owned College Square lot. The CIB says it does not plan to respond to the RDC College Square offering.
### Other Important Notes
**School board elections.** Three MCCSC school board seats are up for election this year. The [deadline for filing](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf ) was (Thursday) June 18 by noon. Candidates for the seats that are up for election have to live in District 1, District 3, or District 7\. Here’s a useful link: [MCCSC school board districts](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/CZXHLU49107A/$file/MCCSC%20Residential%20Districts%20-%20All.pdf). The most recent information from the election division is that the following candidates filed their paperwork: Erin Wyatt (District 1); Ashley Pirani (District 3); Aja Jester, Cole Pospisil (District 7)
**Race Across America (RAAM): Bloomington stop.** The west to east Race Across America bicycle race stops through Bloomington again this year, using the same route as in past years, which uses the SR 46 bypass to get around the city before heading out SR 46 to Nashville, Columbus, and on to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an imperfect science to predict when the leader will hit Bloomington, but based on current location and average speed up to now, it looks like Philipp Kaider will arrive in Bloomington around 4 p.m. Monday (June 22). If you want to go stand by the road and watch him pedal past, use the [live tracking link](https://trackleaders.com/raam26 ). For last year’s coverage, see: [Photos: Cross-country bicycle race leader stops through Bloomington](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cross-country-bicycle-race-leader-stop-in-bloomington/).
### On the calendar
**Put Ellettsville-Richland Township merger on ballot?** On the [6:45 p.m. Monday (June 22) meeting agenda](https://ellettsville.in.us/egov/documents/1781810803%5F20028.pdf ) for the Ellettsville town council and the Richland Township boards is a vote on the question of putting in front of voters a proposal to consolidate the town and township governments into a single entity. For B Square background see: [Ellettsville, Richland Township OK fiscal impact for merger; police coverage issue gets sharpened](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ellettsville-richland-township-ok-fiscal-impact-for-merger-police-coverage-issue-gets-sharpened/)
**Purchase agreement for BT operations center.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (June 23) meeting agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-23-Bloomington-Transit-meeting-information-packet-property-OCR.pdf ) for the Bloomington Transit board is authorization to sign the purchase agreement for a parcel west of town so that BT can construct a new operations center there. For B Square background, see: [$3.6M appraisal accepted for future Bloomington Transit operations center property](https://bsquarebulletin.com/3-6m-appraisal-accepted-for-future-bloomington-transit-operations-center-property/)
**Redefining working subgroup on jail site.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (June 23) meeting agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-23-County-Council-Meeting-Information-Packet.pdf) for the Monroe County council is a resolution that would possibly reset the membership of a working group tasked with recommending a site for a new jail, reducing the number from eight to six, to reflect the fact that the sheriff and the board of judges have declined to participate. That should help with future quorum issues. For B Square background, see: [Monroe County judges, sheriff decline jail-site working group role, first meeting canceled](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-judges-sheriff-decline-jail-site-working-group-role-first-meeting-canceled/).
**Second try for working jail-site working group?** The latest information that The B Square has on prospects for the next meeting of the jail site working group is that an attempt will be made to set a meeting for Wednesday (June 24). The [Monroe County government calendar](https://events.in.gov/search/events?event%5Ftypes%5B%5D=49056849667840) is a good place to monitor that.
---
**Bingo Brunch at Cardinal Spirits: June 28.** It’s every Sunday 12-2 p.m. at Cardinal Spirits: Bingo Brunch with celebrity callers! You might wonder: What is the Cardinal Spirits definition of celebrity? It needs to be flexible enough to include ... me, the founder of The B Square. I plan to apply all the principles I have learned about government meeting procedures to bingo calling—in the best possible way! You have never heard letters and numbers sound so great. What kind of *prizes* can you win? How about a hat?
A black baseball-style cap embroidered with a B Square logo with a slide buckle closure to make it fit like a glove. From our friends at [My Sports Locker](https://www.mysportslocker.net/) in downtown Bloomington, who specialize in this sort of custom-made gear!
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Ludo!
Up for adoption, as of June 21 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Ludo](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86732). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a Belgian Malinois-Australian mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Ludo](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86732):
> Ludo is a sensitive Belgian Malinois-Australian shepherd mix who loves playing fetch, bopping around a soccer ball and running through training routines! Ludo has done well meeting other dogs, although he is something of a wallflower at first. Ludo would thrive in an active home with someone either experienced with high-energy working breeds or is ready for a companion who loves to learn and practice his skills!
### Photo Finish: 2nd Street & Eagleson Avenue
Ball caps placed intentionally atop what look to be limestone offcuts from a quarry. (Dave Askins, June 21, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### 2nd Street & Eagleson Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/2nd-street-eagleson-avenue/
Last updated: 2026-06-22T00:44:09.000Z
Ball caps placed intentionally atop what look to be limestone offcuts from a quarry. (Dave Askins, June 21, 2026)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-66/
Last updated: 2026-06-21T11:06:22.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #67 (June 21, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through June 18, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-june-18-2026/
Last updated: 2026-06-21T11:04:54.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from May 22 to June 18, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On June 18, 2026, the property at 1116 W Pine Meadows DR was sold to YULONG FAN by THE BRITTANY LEE LAFLOWER REVOCABLE TRUST for $270,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 402 S Euclid AVE was sold to AMIA ECKARD by DAVID NAKARADO for $354,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 5356 W Perry DR was sold to MATTHEW PEARSON by SALLY GENE HUDSON for $290,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 5684 W Bedrock RD was sold to THUY MINH NGUYEN by MALACHI HENRY for $285,000.
- On June 17, 2026, the property at 7634 W Julia DR was sold to JENNER PROPERTIES LLC by HARMAN FARMS DEVELOPMENT LLC for $65,000.
- On June 16, 2026, the property at 7205 W Prominence PT was sold to RYOU ASANO by DAVID S WEST for $360,000.
- On June 16, 2026, the property at 7667 S Rockport RD was sold to MATTHEW M MCCONNELL by ANTHONY L MATULIS for $357,000.
- On June 16, 2026, the property at 2409 S Rogers ST was sold to SARA PFISTER by PATRICK F PARKER for $225,000.
- On June 16, 2026, the property at S Rogers ST was sold to SARA PFISTER by PATRICK F PARKER for $225,000.
- On June 16, 2026, the property at 2168 E Fox LN was sold to EDDIE & BEVERLY DECKARD JOINT REVOCABLE TRUST by FOX PROPERTY ENTERPRISES LLC for $175,000.
- On June 15, 2026, the property at 9653 S Stillwater LN was sold to T. SPENCER WHITEHEAD by CHARLES W FRANZ for $800,000.
- On June 15, 2026, the property at 2302 E Arden DR was sold to AMY L JOHNSON by MARK A WILSON for $450,000.
- On June 15, 2026, the property at 2214 S Sweetbriar DR was sold to SAKHER K ALQAAIDI by VICTORY EKPRUKE for $345,000.
- On June 15, 2026, the property at 815 S Winridge CT was sold to JEREMY HOBBS by DIANA K SMITH for $325,000.
- On June 15, 2026, the property at 8273 E Fleener RD was sold to TRACY GATES by JULIA WILSON for $292,000.
- On June 15, 2026, the property at 6161 N Shelly DR was sold to AARALYN-KAYT-JOHNSON by CONNIE CARMACK for $249,900.
- On June 15, 2026, the property at 2465 S Woolery Mill DR was sold to BRYCE J REED by ERNEST J FIPPS for $185,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 909 S Highland AVE was sold to CARSTEN CLARK by THE ELIZABETH CLARE RAFF REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $695,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 9009 E Emerald CT was sold to 9009 EMERALD COURT LLC by STEVEN J STEINER for $521,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 5012 N Kaylee CT was sold to TIANYANG XIE by WILLIAM T DEWITT for $464,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 4579 W Johanna DR was sold to ERNEST J FIPPS IV by PRO-ANGLE PROPERTIES LLC for $375,750.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 1017 S Mitchell ST was sold to CHARLES PATRICK FERGUSON by MARTHA G OAKLEY for $355,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 3024 N Ruffy's WAY was sold to MICHELE MICHALSKI by THE ESTATE OF MILLICENT A CHAPMAN, DECEASED for $349,900.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 309 N Fairview ST was sold to BILL MANOLOPOULOS by TIMOTHY WILLIAM WATERS for $325,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 3926 S Emilie CT was sold to BENJAMIN H GLOVER by ELAINE G HARTMAN for $311,500.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 804 W Oak ST was sold to WILLIAM T DEWITT by TROY GILSTRAP for $287,315.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 485 S Kirby RD was sold to LISA P GOCH by JANICE E BOOZE for $241,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 3933 N Sugar LN E was sold to THE A&O GROUP by LINDA O MCCRACKEN for $155,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 1601 W 7th ST was sold to TANGIE CONSULTING LLC by STEVEN R HOGAN for $140,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 9245 S Pointe Retreat DR was sold to PHILIP CAMPBELL by KENNETH E LAMBERT JR for $95,000.
- On June 12, 2026, the property at 5020 N Lakeview DR was sold to JEFFREY A LANGLEY by AMANDA RANSDELL for $85,000.
- On June 11, 2026, the property at 822 S Stull AVE was sold to ROBERT WEAVER by DOUGLAS J MOORE for $475,000.
- On June 11, 2026, the property at 3107 E Kensington Park DR was sold to MOHAMAD ALGHOTHANI by ROBERT D LARSEN for $442,000.
- On June 11, 2026, the property at 722 S Turtleback Creek RD was sold to EMILY I MCCORD by THE ESTATE OF HARIETT BENITA STANSIFER for $315,000.
- On June 11, 2026, the property at 608 E Moss Creek DR was sold to SHERI-LEE WILKINS by VLADIMIR Y ELDERMAN for $290,000.
- On June 11, 2026, the property at 3707 E Barrington DR #D305 was sold to BRIAN S SOBEL by NICOLE F RILEY for $235,000.
- On June 11, 2026, the property at 3212 N Meadow LN was sold to JADE T ROMANYSHAK by DANIEL L PIERCE for $219,900.
- On June 11, 2026, the property at S ANNE AVE was sold to KEYSTONE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LLC by KAITLIN N BOWMAN for $115,000.
- On June 11, 2026, the property at 8414 S Anne AVE was sold to KEYSTONE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LLC by KAITLIN N BOWMAN for $115,000.
- On June 10, 2026, the property at 1696 W Hennessey ST was sold to BAYLOR PAYNE by AMH 2014 2 BORROWER L.P. for $360,000.
- On June 10, 2026, the property at 1395 W 8th ST was sold to HEIDI LAURA NICOLE CARMICHAEL by FREDERICK M WALSH for $320,000.
- On June 10, 2026, the property at 1014 W Acuff RD was sold to WESLEY TARR by BEACON BUILDERS, LLC for $316,515.
- On June 10, 2026, the property at 121 S Jefferson ST was sold to TERRY L ELKINS AND JANICE M ELKINS 2000 IRREVOCABLE GRANDCHILDREN TRUST by 121 LLC for $250,000.
- On June 10, 2026, the property at 613 S Walnut ST was sold to HEATHER STUARD ROBERTS by ALEX DOYLE for $160,000.
- On June 10, 2026, the property at 9380 W State Road 48 was sold to ENJORNECED LUIS MEDINA MARQUEZ by GERRY ALLEN LAYCOCK for $110,000.
- On June 10, 2026, the property at 7601 W Julia DR was sold to SACKSTEDER PROPERTIES LLC by HARMAN FARMS DEVELOPMENT, LLC for $65,000.
- On June 9, 2026, the property at 1026 W 7th ST was sold to JAMES FORD by THE JAMES E O;BANNON REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $325,000.
- On June 9, 2026, the property at 4199 S Walnut Street PIKE was sold to THE ROBERT ALLEN LINAUER SECOND IRREVOCABLE SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST by SCOTT BEAUREGARD for $252,500.
- On June 9, 2026, the property at 2110 W Dark Hollow RD was sold to RYAN C SHETTLESWORTH by SHAWN M MIDDAUGH for $103,000.
- On June 8, 2026, the property at 3837 W Ribbon LN was sold to ALESSANDRO JOSEPH LIBRIANI by CARTUS FINANCIAL CORPORATION for $555,000.
- On June 8, 2026, the property at 1102 W 10th ST was sold to JORDAN HUGHES by JESSICA ALEXIS WELLS for $150,000.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 1217 W Woodhill DR was sold to VANESSA NG by ROBERT C ENTERLINE JR for $443,000.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 701 W Gordon PIKE was sold to MAUREEN MARTIN by THOMAS J BELCHER for $308,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 3877 S Cramer CIR was sold to MARZIA ZAMANI by MARK BORGERS for $248,500.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 1809 W Wylie ST was sold to KENNON THOMAS by EDGE OF PURPOSE, LLC for $252,500.
- On May 27, 2026, the property at 4600 S Garrison Chapel RD was sold to LANE GARETT HUGHES by LANE GARRETT HUGHES for $0.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 3837 W Ribbon LN was sold to CARTUS FINANCIAL CORPORATION by JEAN-PAUL PILLETTE for $0.
### Photos: Juneteenth 2026 in Bloomington’s Switchyard Park
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-juneteenth-2026-in-bloomingtons-switchyard-park/
Last updated: 2026-06-20T12:24:01.000Z
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Music was at the center of the city of Bloomington’s 2026 Juneteenth celebration at Switchyard Park on Friday, starting with a midday performance by Indiana University Camp S.O.U.L. students under the direction of Ignoisco Miles, followed by evening sets by The Lucky Sevens and Jenn Cristy. The free June 19 event paired live entertainment with food trucks, vendors, community booths.
### Photos: Juneteenth at Switchyard Park (June 19, 2026)
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Camp S.O.U.L. performance for Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Bloomington’s Community and Family Development director, Shatoyia Moss introduces Jenn Cristy for her Juneteenth performance at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Jenn Cristy's Juneteenth performance at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Jenn Cristy's Juneteenth performance at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Jenn Cristy's Juneteenth performance at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Jenn Cristy's Juneteenth performance at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Jenn Cristy's Juneteenth performance at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Juneteenth signage at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Fans of The Lucky Sevens are moved to dance during their Juneteenth performance at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Kids dancing during a Juneteenth musical performance at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens set up for a group photo after their Juneteenth performance at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
The Lucky Sevens perform on Juneteenth at Switchyard park. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
### Federal court declines to block Indiana ICE-detainer law before July 1 effective date
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/federal-court-declines-to-block-indiana-ice-detainer-law-before-july-1-effective-date/
Last updated: 2026-06-20T10:38:51.000Z
****Left:** Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita from the [AG's website](https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/images/ag-rokita.jpg). ****Right:** Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté. (B Square file photo)
A federal judge has issued an [order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-18-Order-Marte-versus-Rokita-1-26-cv-00701-denying-preliminary-injunction-.pdf ) denying Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté’s request to block enforcement of a new Indiana immigration-enforcement law before it takes effect July 1.
The ruling does not decide the central constitutional question in the case: Can a county jail hold someone after their release date solely because the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a civil immigration detainer request that is not backed by a judicial warrant?
Instead, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana denied Marté’s request for a preliminary injunction, because the court concluded that it appears to lack jurisdiction under what is known as the “political subdivision doctrine.”
That doctrine generally prevents federal courts from resolving constitutional disputes between a state and one of its own political subdivisions. In practical terms, the court treated Marté’s lawsuit as a dispute between the state of Indiana and a local arm of Indiana government.
The immediate effect of the June 18 order is that there is currently no federal injunction preventing enforcement of the challenged provision of [Senate Enrolled Act 76](https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0076/SB0076.08.ENRH.pdf), which is set to take effect July 1\.
SEA 76 requires a law enforcement agency like the sheriff’s office, that has custody of someone who is the subject of an ICE detainer request, to give notice to the judge handling person’s case, record the detainer in the person’s case file, tell the person they are being held on the detainer, and “comply with all requests made in the immigration detainer request.”
The law also allows a person who is the subject of a detainer to challenge it on two grounds: that they have been misidentified, or that they are a U.S. citizen and therefore not subject to removal. An intentional violation of the law can carry a civil penalty of up to $10,000.
Marté’s lawsuit challenges the part of the law requiring compliance with ICE detainer requests. Marté argues that once a detainee is otherwise entitled to release, continuing to hold that person solely on an ICE detainer is a new Fourth Amendment seizure of that person that must be independently justified. Marté argues that a civil immigration detainer, standing alone, does not provide the kind of judicial warrant or probable cause needed to justify that seizure by local law enforcement.
That position is reflected in Monroe County sheriff’s office policy MCSO-012, which directs officers not to hold someone past their release date based solely on a non-criminal or administrative ICE detainer request unless it is accompanied by a judicial warrant.
Marté filed a [motion for a preliminary injunction](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-30-26-cv-00701-Marte-Rokita-plaintiff-preliminary-injunction-073111744805.pdf) to prevent enforcement of the law when it becomes effective on July 1\. \[[Rokita’s brief opposing preliminary injunction](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-20-1-26-cv-701-Rokita-in-response-opposing-motion-for-preliminary-injunction.pdf)\] \[[Marté’s brief replying to opposition](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-27-1-26-cv-701-Martes-reply-in-support-of-preliminary-injunction.pdf)\]
In addition to opposing the preliminary injunction, attorney general Todd Rokita has filed a [motion to dismiss](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-26-1-26-cv-701-Rokita-motion-to-dismiss-for.pdf ) Marté’s federal case. The state’s filing says the sheriff’s office is a political subdivision that cannot sue the state in federal court, that Marté lacks standing, that the federal court should abstain because of a related case already pending in Monroe County circuit court, and that the Fourth Amendment does not categorically prohibit local law-enforcement officers from honoring ICE detainers.
Rokita’s office also argues that Marté’s lawsuit is a facial challenge to the law, meaning the sheriff must show that the challenged provision is unconstitutional in all its applications. The attorney general says Marté cannot meet that standard, in part because the state contends ICE detainer requests can be supported by probable cause of removability and can be accompanied by administrative warrants. \[[Marté’s brief opposing motion to dismiss](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-16-1-26-cv-701-Marte-opposing-motion-to-dissmiss.pdf)\]
Marté’s response to the motion to dismiss says that none of the attorney general’s threshold arguments should keep the federal court from considering the constitutional issue. Marté says that he faces a clear choice between complying with what he believes is an unconstitutional state law and exposing his office to state enforcement penalties. He also says that the political subdivision doctrine should not bar the case, because Marté is an elected public official with independent law-enforcement responsibilities.
Arguing on the merits of the case, Marté says SEA 76 would require local law enforcement to detain people without a judicial warrant, without probable cause that they committed a crime, and without an “individualized” local determination that continued detention is lawful. They also say the law’s limited challenge process, which involves misidentification or U.S. citizenship, does not fix the Fourth Amendment problem.
The federal court’s June 18 order did not resolve those arguments on the merits.
The [order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-18-Order-Marte-versus-Rokita-1-26-cv-00701-denying-preliminary-injunction-.pdf ) instead focused on the political subdivision doctrine. The court wrote that the doctrine bars federal courts from adjudicating a what it calls an “intramural dispute” between a state and one of its subdivisions. The court also noted that the doctrine would not prevent individual detainees from bringing their own constitutional challenges if they are held on ICE detainers. But the court concluded that Marté, as sheriff, had not shown he was entitled to preliminary injunctive relief in federal court.
That leaves the federal case hanging for now. The preliminary injunction has been denied, but the case itself has not yet been dismissed. Still pending is Rokita’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Marté filed his opposition to that motion on June 16\. The court’s preliminary-injunction ruling seems to indicate that it views favorably at least one of the attorney general’s dismissal arguments, but the court has not yet entered a final ruling on the motion to dismiss.
A related Monroe County case is also still part of the legal landscape.
Rokita [sued Marté](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDYtMjQwNy1QTC0wMDE3MzMiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==) in Monroe County circuit court in July 2024 over the sheriff’s immigation enforcement policy, claiming that it unlawfully restricts cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. That case is pending before special judge Luke Rudisill.
But the state case has been paused, in legal terms “stayed” until July 20 while the federal constitutional challenge moves forward. Rokita has asked Rudisill to reconsider that stay and allow the state-court case to resume.
The federal court’s denial of preliminary relief could increase the pressure on the state case, because the federal court has now said that the dispute between Indiana and one of its local governmental units may be better worked out in a state court or through the political process, rather than through the federal courts.
### Switchyard Park (Pavilion)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/woodpecker/
Last updated: 2026-06-22T00:49:50.000Z
A woodpecker sits atop a naked tree trunk as the waning sounds of the Juneteenth concert several yards away in Switchyard Park drift through the evening air. (June 19, 2026)
### Powerline Trail
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/powerline-trail/
Last updated: 2026-06-22T00:54:46.000Z
Powerline Trail under construction looking east. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Powerline Trail under construction, looking east at Rogers Street. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Powerline Trail under construction looking west. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Powerline Trail under construction. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
View of Habitat neighborhood from Powerline Trail under construction. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Looking east along Powerline Trail under construction. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
At Rogers Street looking west for Powerline Trail construction. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
Crosswalk on Rogers, looking northwest, for Powerline Trail construction. (Dave Askins, June 19, 2026)
### Monroe County judges, sheriff decline jail-site working group role, first meeting canceled
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-judges-sheriff-decline-jail-site-working-group-role-first-meeting-canceled/
Last updated: 2026-06-19T07:11:41.000Z
Four officials gathered, but did not make a quorum for Thursday's planned meeting. From left around the table: April Wilson (deputy prosecutor); Michael Hunt (public defender); Sydney Zulich (city councilmember); Liz Feitl (county councilor); and Molly Turner-King (county attorney). (Dave Askins,June 18, 2026)
When the Monroe county council, the Bloomington city council, and mayor Kerry Thomson [agreed last week to form a working subgroup](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/) to recommend a location for a new county jail, the group already had a difficult task ahead of them.
The group, officially named the Collaborative Justice Project Working Group, had been given one month to come up with a recommendation for a new jail site. But the group’s first scheduled meeting, set for Thursday evening (June 18) did not take place, when only four of the eight-member working group could be present for the meeting.
That fell one short of the majority required for a quorum.
City council member Sydney Zulich, county councilor Liz Feitl, chief public defender Michael Hunt and deputy prosecutor April Wilson were in attendance. However, a few minutes past the scheduled starting time at 6 p.m., county attorney Molly Turner-King announced that the meeting would not be taking place because of a failure to make quorum.
“Since there’s no quorum, the meeting is going to be canceled, and then notice will go out next week for a scheduled date. We’re going to coordinate with the mayor’s office to see if she’s available,” she said. “Tentatively, it will be Wednesday the 24th but we’re waiting for confirmation if a fifth individual will be available that day.” The mayor or her designee counts as one of the eight members of the group who were absent.
“We sincerely apologize for wasting everyone’s time,” Zulich added.
The day before, the board of judges [declined the invitation](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-17-Monroe-County-Board-of-Judges-declines-to-appoint-member-jail-location.pdf ) to participate in the working group. Judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff emailed the council administrator Kim Shell, saying that decisions regarding the jail are executive and fiscal in nature, and because of that, the judges don’t have a decision making role. “The Monroe Circuit Court is not constitutionally empowered to make those decisions,” Diekhoff wrote.
The decision by the judges not to send a representative to the working group echoed the sentiments in a [letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-02-11-Monroe-County-Board-of-Judges-letter-on-jail-discussions.pdf ) to county councilors and county commissioners signed by all nine judges four months ago, in February.
The letter stated, “At this stage of the process, the Board of Judges will respectfully step back from participation in meetings of the County Commissioners and Council until such time as new information is required of the Court. The Monroe Circuit Court is not constitutionally empowered to assist in decision-making on this matter, considering that ongoing decisions to address the fate of the Zietlow Justice Building are fiscal and executive in nature.”
The Monroe County sheriff’s office, which was also invited to send a designee, confirmed earlier in the day that it would not be in attendance. That news came from chief deputy Phil Parker who [emailed the council administrator](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-18-Monroe-County-Sheriffs-email-does-not-participate-jail-group.pdf ) declining the invitation. Responding to a text message from The B Square, Parker seemed to confirm that the sheriff’s office was declining the invitation to participate in the group’s work, not just informing the county council that no representative could attend that day.
Parker wrote: “Over the past three and a half years, the Sheriff’s Office has consistently communicated the operational needs and site requirements necessary to move this project forward. These requirements include a property capable to begin immediate construction and able to accommodate a one story design. Despite our repeated input, a different course was pursued. There is little more we can contribute until a final property decision is made. Once a site is selected, we are prepared to move forward immediately.”
The fourth member not in attendance on Thursday was a county board of commissioners designee. After the gathered officials left the table, Zulich told The B Square that even though commissioner Jody Madeira was present in the room, she could not officially be considered part of the quorum because the board had not appointed her or anyone else to the working group yet. The next full meeting of the commissioners, when they could agree to appoint a member, falls on July 2.
Given that the board of judges and the sheriff’s office have indicated they won’t be participating in the group, it’s an open question as to whether the membership should still be considered eight, for purposes of calculating whether a quorum is present.
The proposal to build a new county jail has been the focus of much back and forth between the county council and the board of commissioners in recent months. It has become an even more pressing project for the county after a [17-year-old settlement agreement](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail#2026 ) with the ACLU over unconstitutional conditions at the jail was not renewed this year. The dismissal of the lawsuit means that the county will likely face new litigation over current conditions.
Before the settlement expired on May 29, the question of a new jail site at the North Park location was brought to the county council twice within the last eight months. The North Park site was rejected on both occasions.
To meet the deadline for its assignment, the working group will now have just three weeks to meet, starting next week, to settle on a recommendation for the new county jail site. The [agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-18%5FCollaborative-Justice-Project-Working-Subcommittee%5FAgenda-Packet.pdf) for the first meeting included a review of the sites that had been previously considered, either formally or informally.
Parcels shaded in purple have been given public consideration as a possible location for a new jail. Map by The B Square \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1R1Khz2Z%5FJhoqpA7KFoLgX8x3ppt9WWs&usp=sharing )\] \[[Timeline of recent Monroe County jail history](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
### Hotel timeline narrows window for Seminary Pointe land swap in downtown Bloomington
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/hotel-timeline-narrows-window-for-seminary-pointe-land-swap-in-downtown-bloomington/
Last updated: 2026-06-19T12:22:46.000Z
Bryce Greene, with Bloomington Homes for All, addresses members of the Monroe County capital improvement board about a possible land swap involving Seminary Pointe. (Dave Askins, June 17, 2026)
The Seminary Pointe block, which extends to 2nd Street, south of the existing Bloomington Convention Center, and includes cheap-rent apartments and commercial space, is caught in the middle of significant development pressures.
Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB) is now looking at the block as the site of the host hotel to support a [convention center expansion](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FConvention%5FCenter%5F%28formerly%5FMonroe%5FConvention%5FCenter%29), which is already well underway, expected to be completed in early 2027\.
At the CIB’s regular monthly meeting on Wednesday (June 17), the pressure was highlighted from the public mic, when Matthew Joseph and Bryce Greene, advocates with Bloomington Homes for All, made a plea to board members to respond to a public offering from the city’s redevelopment commission (RDC) for its College Square site (aka the former Bunger & Robinson lot) at 2nd Street and College Avenue.
The idea is that the CIB would respond to the RDC’s public offering with an offer to trade Seminary Pointe, which it now owns, for College Square, which is owned by the RDC.
This Saturday (June 20), from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the downtown branch of the Monroe County Library, Bloomington Homes for All will be hosting a public forum on their proposal to preserve the affordable housing units at Seminary Pointe.
In the land swap scenario advocated by the housing advocates—Seminary Pointe for College Square—the RDC would transfer the Seminary Pointe real estate to a community land trust, and the CIB would then own the College Square lot, which it could offer to a hotelier at no cost.
But CIB president John Whikehart confirmed to The B Square after Wednesday’s meeting that the CIB does not intend to respond to the RDC’s public offering.
That’s despite the fact that the CIB would in principle support the land swap idea. The CIB had asked the RDC to pause its public offering for 30 days to allow for a negotiation on a potential land swap. Instead of negotiating, the RDC went ahead with its public offering of College Square, but left the door open for the CIB to respond to it.
The CIB is in principle in support of the land swap idea, because it would allow for development of a host hotel at its preferred location, which is College Square. Negotiations for the RDC-owned College Square lot, which lasted over a year between the Bloomington redevelopment commission (RDC) and Dora Hospitality, which was the CIB’s preferred hotelier, foundered over the purchase price.
There is now a public offering from the RDC for College Square, with responses due on [July 20](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/). The deadline for hoteliers to respond to the RFP for a Seminary Pointe as a convention center host hotel site is [June 30](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/).
At Wednesday’s CIB meeting, the board reviewed its schedule for consideration of the hotel proposals for Seminary Pointe, which has dates pointing to a conclusion that a land swap scenario is likely a long shot.
Proposals from hotel developers responding to the CIB’s RFP are due June 30\. A special meeting is set for July 1 at 3 p.m., so that owner’s rep JS Held can brief the board on which proposers cleared the submission bar. A second special meeting on July 8 is reserved for interviews with qualified teams.
Between July 8 and the board’s regular July 15 meeting, an evaluation group is slated to sift the proposals and interviews and bring back a recommendation on a preferred hotelier. The evaluation group consists of CIB members Doug Bruce, Jay Baer, and president John Whikehart, along with attorney Jim Whitlatch, controller Jeff Underwood, JS Held and its hotel consultant, plus Mike Campbell from the county’s convention and visitors commission, and Mike McAfee of Visit Bloomington.
That means the CIB is poised to choose a hotel development partner for Seminary Pointe five days before the RDC’s July 20 deadline for College Square proposals.
The timeline the CIB adopted Wednesday means the RDC will likely be weighing other proposals for College Square at the same time the CIB is locking in a hotel deal for Seminary Pointe.
Besides the CIB’s schedule for reviewing hotel proposals, the board’s intent to move ahead with Seminary Pointe as a host hotel site is also clear from the posted notices of intent to [demolish all the buildings](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-demolition-clock-starts-as-downtown-bloomington-land-swap-hopes-continue/) on the site.
For some of the buildings, the intent to demolish them has triggered a review by the city’s historic preservation commission (HPC). The next HPC meeting at which the case can be heard will be the [regularly scheduled meeting on June 25](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/historic-preservation/meetings/2026).
\[*Added at 5:05 p.m. on June 18, 2026\. Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson has issued a* [*news release*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-18-College-Square-Seminary-Pointe-land-swap-Bloomington-mayor-Kerry-Thomson.pdf) *indicating, among other things, that she believes the Bloomington RDC is unable to consider a land swap for the College Square property except in the context of the RDC’s public offering. The news release puts it like this: “The RDC is unable to consider offers that are not submitted through that process, and it is my sincere hope that the Capital Improvement Board or its hotel development partner will bring forward a proposal.” A* [*comment*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hotel-timeline-narrows-window-for-seminary-pointe-land-swap-in-downtown-bloomington/#ghost-comments-6a345be9aeefd9000145dab1) *from CIB president John Whikehart, added to this article shortly after the issuance of the mayor’s news release, explicitly rebuts to any implication that the onus is currently on the CIB, if any deal for College Square as a hotel site is to be reached.*\]
****Left:** Signs were posted on June 10, giving notice of the pending planned demolition of buildings on the Seminary Pointe block. **Right:** Land shaded with purple has been transferred by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB has targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. The dark yellow areas are historic districts. The 424 S. College address, indicated with a placemark inside the dark purple area, is listed as "contributing" in the city’s 2018 survey. Map by the B Square \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1K67oC7nlVXsrkPog6MKF4-iQCDK0J1I&usp=sharing )\]
### June 18, 2026: North Dunn court fight, Kirkwood veto clock, jail site, Showers West, tap-to-pay bus fares, trash rates
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-18-2026-north-dunn-court-fight-kirkwood-veto-clock-jail-site-showers-west-tap-to-pay-bus-fares-trash-rates/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T09:47:35.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [word search](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-june-15-2026/) for restaurants that have been lost from downtown Bloomington in the last few years.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Wear something that dries fast, because the risk of rain is not big enough to carry an umbrella or a rain jacket. There could be isolated showers after 4 p.m. But for most of the day it will be sunny, then turn mostly cloudy during the afternoon. The high will be around 79F°.
**Friday:** Wear your best sunglasses. It will be sunny all day with a high near 79F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [North Dunn subdivision fight: Judge weighs stay of Bloomington BZA variances](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-dunn-subdivision-fight-judge-weighs-stay-of-bloomington-bza-variances/). A Monroe County judge expects to rule Monday on whether to pause three Bloomington BZA variances for a proposed 14-lot subdivision on North Dunn, while a full judicial review is undertaken.
- [Bloomington mayor hears split views on Kirkwood as veto deadline looms](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-mayor-hears-split-views-on-kirkwood-as-veto-deadline-looms/). Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson heard 90 minutes of public comment Tuesday on a council-approved ordinance to close 5 blocks of Kirkwood Avenue to cars for 7 months a year starting in 2027\. Speakers raised various points in support and opposition. Thomson has 10 days to sign or veto the ordinance.
- [Monroe County judges underscore support for co-located jail, justice system](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-judges-underscore-support-for-co-located-jail-justice-system/). Monroe County judges Catherine Stafford and Mary Ellen Diekhoff urged jail planners to keep courts, jail, sheriff, clerk, prosecutors and public defenders close together, citing safety, cost, constitutional access, remote-hearing limits and the county’s commitment to alternatives to incarceration.
- [After losing in court, Bloomington RDC files appeals, preps Showers West mediation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/after-losing-in-court-bloomington-rdc-files-appeals-preps-showers-west-mediation/). Bloomington’s RDC voted Monday to authorize its president, or a designee, to settle two Showers West lease disputes in mediation. The cases involve Warrant Technologies and the Bloomington Board of Realtors, whose leases the city sought to terminate after buying the building.
- [Tap-to-pay now a fare option for Bloomington Transit, as new west side route gets a test](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tap-to-pay-now-a-fare-option-for-bloomington-transit-as-new-west-side-route-gets-a-test/). Bloomington Transit has launched tap-to-pay with credit cards as a fare payment option, along with a redesigned Route 16, combining former Routes 3 West and 13 for west side service. A Monday test ride showed light midday ridership but on-time performance after a late start.
- [Bloomington’s trash cart rate hikes up for discussion based on ‘alarming numbers’](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-trash-cart-rate-hikes-up-for-discussion-based-on-alarming-numbers/). Bloomington’s curbside rates for trash pickup could rise sharply as sanitation costs outpace user fees. A city council fiscal committee discussed phased increases, possible recycling charges and whether more costs should be covered by users, but endorsed no specific plan.
### Other Important Notes
**School board elections.** Three MCCSC school board seats are up for election this year. The [deadline for filing](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf ) is (Thursday) June 18 by noon. Candidates for the seats that are up for election have to live in District 1, District 3, or District 7\. Here’s a useful link: [MCCSC school board districts.](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/CZXHLU49107A/$file/MCCSC%20Residential%20Districts%20-%20All.pdf)
### On the calendar
**Claims docket only.** The only item on the [10 a.m. Thursday (June 18) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D06%2D18%20Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for the Monroe County commissioners is the approval of the claims docket.
**Working subgroup on jail.** Set for [Thursday (June 18) at 6 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting) is the first meeting of a working subgroup of county and city officials, which is supposed to make a site recommendation for a new jail. For B Square background, see: [City, county officials launch working group to recommend new jail site inside of a month](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/).
**Seminary Pointe update.** On Saturday (June 20) from noon until 1:30 p.m. in the Downtown Library Auditorium (303 E Kirkwood Ave) there will be a public forum on the proposal from Bloomington Homes for All to preserve the affordable housing units at Seminary Pointe. For the most recent B Square background, see: [Seminary Pointe demolition clock starts as downtown Bloomington land-swap hopes continue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-demolition-clock-starts-as-downtown-bloomington-land-swap-hopes-continue/)
**Regular Bloomington Transit board meeting.** It turns out the meeting scheduled for this Tuesday was actually changed until next Tuesday.
**Juneteenth.** On [Friday (June 19) from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.](https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2026/06/02/6562) at Switchyard Park the city of Bloomington, in partnership with IU’s Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, IU’s African American Arts Institute and Food Truck Friday, will host a free, family-friendly Juneteenth celebration with food trucks, vendors, community booths, educational activities and live entertainment. Performances include IU Camp S.O.U.L. students at 12:30 p.m., The Lucky Sevens at 6:15 p.m. and Jenn Cristy at 7:15 p.m. A 21-and-over beer garden will be open 5–8:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.
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**Lake Lemon Shoreline Sessions: June 21.** Live music, lakeside vibes and Sunday relaxation are planned for Sunday, June 21, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Riddle Point Park on Lake Lemon. The lineup includes the Ben Cartha Fowler Project, Salaam, and Claire Pendreigh. Bring a chair; outside food and drink are welcome. Tickets are [$22.66](https://dice.fm/event/v3ny8v-llshoreline-bcf-project-salaam-claire-pendreigh-21st-jun-riddle-point-park-at-lake-lemon-unionville-tickets?fbclid=IwY2xjawSNX7NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2amN2dER3R3NGU0plUExac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrB8PbWlztBh5SzVGwkVamvOGEbJaOm2x7KmUIKiL5gJvs6Y9FxdY2G6kBRB%5Faem%5FDH%5FZndoEzpi5s9ds%5F9Mofw).
**Bingo Brunch at Cardinal Spirits: June 28.** It’s every Sunday 12-2 p.m. at Cardinal Spirits: Bingo Brunch with celebrity callers! You might wonder: What is the Cardinal Spirits definition of celebrity? It needs to be flexible enough to include ... me, the founder of The B Square. I plan to apply all the principles I have learned about government meeting procedures to bingo calling—in the best possible way! You have never heard letters and numbers sound so great. What kind of *prizes* can you win? How about a hat?
A black baseball-style cap embroidered with a B Square logo with a slide buckle closure to make it fit like a glove. From our friends at [My Sports Locker](https://www.mysportslocker.net/) in downtown Bloomington, who specialize in this sort of custom-made gear!
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
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### Meet Clematis!
Up for adoption, as of June 17 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Clematis](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87012). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a Labrador retriever mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Clematis](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/87012):
> Clematis is an energetic older puppy who loves playing with people and dogs!
### Photo Finish: Courthouse Square
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
A squirrel sits on top of the sign that spells out the allowable uses of the courthouse grounds. It appears that using your hind leg to scratch your ear and generally acting squirrelly conforms with the regulations. (Dave Askins, June 17, 2026)
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Thanks for reading. I hope you have a great weekend!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Courthouse Square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-15/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T03:57:26.000Z
A squirrel sits on top of the sign that spells out the allowable uses of the courthouse grounds. It appears that using your hind leg to scratch your ear and generally acting squirrelly conforms with the regulations. (Dave Askins, June 17, 2026)
### North Dunn subdivision fight: Judge weighs stay of Bloomington BZA variances
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-dunn-subdivision-fight-judge-weighs-stay-of-bloomington-bza-variances/
Last updated: 2026-06-22T21:43:23.000Z
Tilted version of map with gavel generated by ChatGPT. \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1MlXit8JOOfFIO1v9fSQWvKF0GNFT0CU&usp=sharing )\]
By Monday (June 22), opponents of a new subdivision in the north part of the city should know whether their initial request of Monroe County circuit court judge Emily Salzmann will be granted. \[*Added 5:43 p.m. on June 22, 2026\. Salzmann issued her* [*order*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-22-53C08-2603-MI-000829-Northgrove-Bloomington-Board-Zoning-Appeals-Order-on-Verified-Motion-for-Stay.pdf) *denying the stay on Monday (June 22).*\]
That’s when Salzmann hopes to issue a ruling on their request. They want a stay of three variances that were granted by Bloomington’s board of zoning appeals (BZA) three and a half months ago in February. Salzmann announced her hoped-for timeline at a Wednesday morning (June 17) hearing.
Wednesday’s hearing was on the question of whether to put on hold the variances granted by Bloomington’s BZA, until the [full judicial review](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-03-30-53C08-2603-MI-000829-North-Grove-Matlock-Petition-for-Review-of-BZA-w-Exhbit-A-3%5F29%5F26-Signed-3.pdf) of the BZA’s actions has run its course. The standard laid out in [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-7-4-1609) for granting a stay, while the variances are pending review, is a “reasonable probability” that the variances will be found not to be valid.
The case stems from the decision by the Bloomington BZA on Feb. 26 to approve some variances for a proposed subdivision of a heavily wooded parcel on the north side of town on Dunn Street.
The three variances allow the developer to reduce the required tree canopy preservation from 60% to 36%, to remove trees in a riparian buffer near what neighbors describe as a wetland area, and to move tree‑protection fencing closer to the trunks of trees that are supposed to be preserved during construction.
Representing the residents who are challenging the BZA’s variances in court on Wednesday was attorney Jason McAuley. He told the judge the variances are unlawful because the “practical difficulties” cited in support of them are self‑created.
McAuley told the court that, by the developer’s own admission, the property can be developed with four or five houses without any variances. The higher‑density plan, as many as 15 houses at one point, is what forces a road into the buffer area, and drives the request to cut down more trees, he said. That, he said, is a design choice, not a hardship that is peculiar to the property.
McAuley also emphasized existing flooding problems on the properties downhill from the site. He contended that cutting more trees and disturbing the riparian area will worsen those conditions, and that once mature trees are removed, “there is no going back,” even if the court later finds the variances invalid.
Representing the BZA in court on Wednesday was assistant city attorney Enedina Kassamanian, who said the city doesn’t have a position on the request for a stay of the variances. But she was hoping to get some clarity about the impact of the proceedings on the planning department and plan commission’s ability to review the subdivision plan.
The proposed subdivision considered by the Bloomington plan commission [last Monday (June 8)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-wants-answers-on-stormwater-before-subdivision-vote/). In front of the plan commission that night was a revised proposal [compared to the one](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-sends-northgrove-subdivision-to-second-hearing-amid-concerns/) that the commission heard in January.
The proposal is now for a 14-lot subdivision on 4 acres at 2511 N. Dunn St., where an existing single-family house would be demolished and replaced with 11 single-family residential lots and three common-area lots. The property is zoned R2 (residential medium lot) and the proposal calls for a new public street, stormwater detention, utility work, tree-preservation areas and drainage improvements. Last week, the plan commission continued the hearing on the subdivision to its July 13 meeting.
Representing developers Keith Kline and Paul Pruitt in Wednesday’s court hearing was Patrick Ziepolt, with Mallor Grodner Plummer. He framed the case as a standard example of the BZA doing what it is supposed to do, namely balance competing policy goals, like environmental protection, transportation connectivity, and the city’s stated aim to increase single‑family housing supply. He stressed that the court’s job at this stage is not to decide whether it agrees with the BZA’s choices, but whether there was “substantial evidence” in the record to support the BZA’s decision.
Ziepolt pointed to a detailed staff report, engineering drainage studies, and a tree‑preservation and planting plan as evidence that the project will control stormwater and could even improve downstream conditions by releasing stormwater at a reduced rate. Staff and BZA members had described the decision as a “balance” between two opposing viewpoints, Ziepolt said. On that basis, he said that the BZA’s action could not be considered to be “arbitrary or capricious.”
The immediate question in front of Salzmann is pretty narrow, which is whether to issue a stay of the variances. It would prevent the developer from acting on the variances, for example, by clearing trees or doing other things in reliance on them, while the court decides the merits of the underlying case.
The underlying issue is whether the BZA’s approval of the variances was lawful: Did the board rely on substantial evidence, particularly on the question of “practical difficulties” peculiar to the property, or did it bless a density‑driven site plan that could have complied with the code, but for the developer’s preferences?
At the close of Wednesday’s hearing, Salzmann said she hopes to issue a written order on the stay by Monday (June 22), but that will depend on how her docket unfolds over the next few days. The order will eventually be posted in the MyCase system under cause number [53C08-2603-MI-000829](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDgtMjYwMy1NSS0wMDA4MjkiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==).
Salzmann also indicated that, no matter how she rules on the stay, she will set an expedited briefing schedule for the underlying case itself, and plans to hold a status conference with the attorneys to hammer out how quickly that briefing can proceed.
Maps by The B Square with information from the city of Bloomington. \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1MlXit8JOOfFIO1v9fSQWvKF0GNFT0CU&usp=sharing )\]
### Bloomington mayor hears split views on Kirkwood as veto deadline looms
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-mayor-hears-split-views-on-kirkwood-as-veto-deadline-looms/
Last updated: 2026-07-23T03:47:48.000Z
Bloomington city councilmember Sydney Zulich and mayor Kerry Thomson listen to feedback on the council’s ordinance that closes Kirkwood Avenue to cars for seven months out of the year. (Dave Askins, June 16, 2026)
Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson spent 90 minutes Tuesday (June 16) listening to public commentary on an ordinance that has been approved by the city council and is currently awaiting her signature. Her signature, or potentially her veto, will help answer the question: Will Kirkwood Avenue be closed to car traffic for seven months a year, every year starting 2027?
The city council narrowly voted through the ordinance last week on a [5–4 vote](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-votes-5-4-to-codify-permanent-seasonal-kirkwood-closure/). It codifies the seasonal closure of the iconic street to car traffic—from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street—which has seen a [similar closure most years](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Kirkwood%5FAvenue%5FClosures ) since 2020\. As enacted by the city council, the ordinance would take effect starting in April 2027.
Under state law, Thomson will now have to either sign the ordinance or veto it within 10 days of its presentation to her. City clerk Nicole Bolden confirmed to The B Square that the ordinance was presented to the mayor on Tuesday afternoon.
A [press release on Saturday morning](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ahead-of-decision-on-veto-june-16-meeting-about-kirkwood-to-be-hosted-by-bloomington-mayor/) that announced Tuesday’s community conversation said that Thomson has not yet made a final decision on the legislation and is continuing to listen to feedback and hear perspectives.
She said as much at the beginning of Tuesday. “Tonight, I want to be clear, is about your ideas, and it’s about your experiences, but it is not about lobbying the mayor to do something. I am really interested in what your experience of Kirkwood is, and having this be a solution-oriented session,” Thomson said.
Councilmember Sydney Zulich, who represents District 6, which encompasses the five blocks of Kirkwood that have been slated for closure, joined the event as co-host. Notably, Zulich’s was one of the four votes against the ordinance last week.
Zulich mentioned the factors in her mind when making the decision about Kirkwood, namely the fact that the city does already spend a lot of money on this one corridor and other fiscal challenges facing the city. “We are in a time period where we do not have an abundance of financial resources, and so when we think about making this decision: Is this the best use of the funds that we currently have available? And so I am hoping to learn more from you all on how we as the city feel about that,” she said.
Unlike regular city council or other city department meetings, public comments at Tuesday’s event were not limited to three minutes, and microphones were passed to audience members who could speak from where they were sitting. Attendees talking about their reasons for supporting closure to cars, against the closure, and also in favor of non-binary choices.
Sharlee Davis, a Bloomington resident who lost her eyesight in 2005, reminded the crowd about their duty to abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Title 2 and title 3 of the ADA says it prohibits reducing or limiting accessibility,” she said. “How is this not reducing or limiting accessibility? Now, don’t get me wrong, I think it’d be great if Kirkwood could be closed and everybody could be accommodated. I just haven’t heard this discussion at all.”
Kyrmen Rea, senior minister at First Christian Church, said she was speaking for her congregation when she brought up challenges the closure would pose for the church, by reducing access to its building and its parking.
“For the city to now encumber our ability to conduct our day to day operations and limiting parking seems to me to fly in the face of the spirit of community that we’ve striven so hard to foster. We’ve been a good neighbor to the city. First Christian asks the city to be a good neighbor to us and the people we serve,” Rea said.
Mitchell Farmer pointed out the fact that the infrastructure is not there to make a street closed to vehicular traffic work, but he also said that’s not a reason to not do it. “I want to call out two things. What doesn’t work right now, when it’s closed, there’s no infrastructure, it is hot, there’s no place to sit, there’s no place to go to the bathroom, get a drink. Any plan like this only works with infrastructure and investment, so it needs a plan,” he said. “I would also say, don’t shy away from it because it has complexity. I’m hearing a lot of ‘don’t do it because’ type reasons. These are solvable things,” Farmer said.
Chris Donahue reminded the audience that a portion of Kirkwood Avenue from Indiana Avenue to Indiana University’s Maxwell Hall was closed off in the 1980s and is widely considered a success today. He also mentioned his experience of Church Street in Burlington and how they have solved many issues, including ADA compliance, that has been brought up when it comes to Kirkwood.
“It would be much safer if we had a transportation system that moves people and not just automobiles. And granted, Kirkwood isn’t going to be anything but one facet in that transportation system, but the more you get people out of cars and into society, the better we’ll all be, and the happier people are going to be,” Donahue said.
Bloomington restaurateur Jeff Mease, founder and CEO of One World Enterprises and co-founder of Pizza X, called for patience to get to a version of Kirkwood that is going to look like a pedestrian mall.
“I think it’s bad timing. I think we have to get there organically, just the way IU lays paths down after they’ve discovered where students walk. I think that when we have a dozen or more popular festivals on the street happening in the summer, that it’s going to be obvious. I think it’ll be obvious, and it’s clearly not obvious now, which is why it’s so contentious. So I’m against it,” Mease said.
Mark Fraley spoke about how his position on the issue changed after he developed a progressive neuropathy condition which makes it difficult for him to walk.
“My condition is, God willing, is temporary…, but I know that for many people in our community, what’s temporary for me is permanent for many others, and my hope is that we can protect these spaces for those folks while looking over the long term to increase pedestrian spaces to be able to create third spaces and create a vibrant Kirkwood,” Fraley said.
Fraley added, “I think that the goal is beautiful. We’re not there, and I hope that we can really take into account people with mobility issues while we’re thinking about these situations over the short term.”
Talia Halliday, the city’s downtown activation coordinator for Kirkwood, who has been planning and putting on events on the street this summer, said there’s no specific problem that the city needs to be solving on Kirkwood right now.
Halliday expressed her belief that the city could have a pedestrian mall someday, but said, “I don’t think we’re there yet. We need tons and tons of infrastructure that everyone here has talked about. We need bathrooms, we need shade, we need electricity, we need tables, we need all kinds of things, and I think we could get there, I think it’s premature to close the road down now.”
Alex York, a young professional with two children, spoke in support of the closure. “I am much more likely to be there. I feel like my children are safer. We visit the businesses there more often, you know. It’s so wonderful to go to that outdoor seating, and while we wait for food, to let kids just very safely wander in the streets. It is magical. That type of infrastructure change, it attracts me to stay. It attracts me to go to downtown more,” York said.
Jeff Richardson, who served on the city council in the 1970s, urged decision makers to think big. According to him, it’s a missed opportunity to look at it as just a choice between an open or a closed road.
“I think we should really unleash our minds and think about all of the possibilities that we can do there, and that may mean more parking garages, maybe more pedicabs, maybe whatever, but the beginning and end shouldn’t be, is it open or closed?” he said. “It’s a gateway to the university and a gateway to downtown. I think it could be transformational, not just for Bloomington, but we could be really a model for other communities to follow,” Richardson said.
Thomson will now take what she heard on Tuesday night and come up with either a stamp of approval or a veto to the council ordinance by June 26\. If it’s a veto, the council will have the option to override a potential veto with at least a 6–3 majority, but for now, the future of Kirkwood hangs in the balance.
****Left:** Bloomington city councilmember Sydney Zulich (with mic) and mayor Kerry Thomson listen to feedback on the council’s ordinance that closes Kirkwood Avenue to cars for seven months out of the year. ****Right:**Talia Halliday (with mic) addresses the mayor. Halliday is flanked by Jeff Mease on her right and Talisha Coppock on her left. (Dave Askins, June 16, 2026)
### Monroe County judges underscore support for co-located jail, justice system
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-judges-underscore-support-for-co-located-jail-justice-system/
Last updated: 2026-06-17T16:27:09.000Z
From left, Monroe County circuit court judges Catherine Stafford and Mary Ellen Diekhoff address a gathering of Democrats at DeAngelo’s (Dave Askins, June 16, 1016)
When two Monroe County circuit court judges addressed the Democrats Club at DeAngelo’s for its regular lunch meeting Tuesday (June 16), they talked about the divided responsibilities for the branches of county government, stressing that they would be careful to stay in their “lane.” But their lane runs parallel to the county’s latest effort to solve its [long‑running jail problem](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail).
Judges Catherine Stafford and Mary Ellen Diekhoff were speaking to the lunch group just five days after a [joint city-county meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/), where some officials agreed to form a fast-acting subgroup to recommend a site for a new jail. Stafford told the lunch group that the board of judges has been invited to designate a member to serve on that panel, but has not yet reacted to that invitation.
“We have not had a meeting to discuss that or vote on that yet, so I don’t know what we’re going to do about it yet,” Stafford said. “Obviously, we’re going to wait and let democracy take its action, even among us, because that’s how we should work.”
The working subgroup has its first meeting set for [Thursday (June 18) at 6 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/collaborative-justice-project-working-subcommittee-meeting)
At the Tuesday lunch, the strongest message from the two judges for the subgroup had less to do with which site it chooses than with the plan for building, and how close together they keep all the pieces of the justice system.
“The board of judges agreed unanimously that … the jail, the sheriff’s office, the clerk of court, and the courts, the board of judges, and all of the people who report to the board of judges … probation et cetera, \[plus the prosecutor and the public defenders\] … should be as closely co‑located as possible,” Stafford said. That underscored a previously well-known position held representatives of the judicial branch of Monroe County government.
### Vignette from the 2008 lawsuit
Even if neither Stafford nor Diekhoff would be found guilty of committing “news” at Tuesday’s lunch, Diekhoff revealed a bit of her own history with the 2008 lawsuit against Monroe County over jail conditions. That’s the lawsuit that prompted the question of where and how big to build a new jail. The lawsuit was dismissed a little over a week ago, which now means the county could face new litigation over current crowded conditions.
Diekhoff has served more than two decades on the bench [starting in 2005](https://sidebar172.rssing.com/chan-10314681/all%5Fp2.html#c10314681a22 ). Diekhoff said she’d recently discovered her own handwritten notes from the ACLU lawsuit, about 17 years ago, which resulted in a finding that the county’s jail was not maintaining constitutional conditions. The notes were taken during a meeting in a conference room, where ACLU attorneys, county lawyers, outside counsel, the sheriff and the judges all wrestled with how to keep the jail constitutional, while a longer‑term fix was debated.
“It was decided that we needed to do something,” Diekhoff said. She continued, “However, that conversation began with trying to fix the constitutionality of how \[the jail\] was functioning, not necessarily: Next year, you are going to build a jail!”
The notes document how an agreement on an inmate cap was reached, which was reflected in the settlement agreement, which governed how the jail was administered through a week ago. Diekhoff described how the agreement, with its inmate cap, entailed the practical work of monitoring the jail population.
Each judge kept lists of who was in custody and, when the count crept over the cap they would “look at who is in that jail and who we can get out, to keep that number below that cap—because to do that caused that jail to remain constitutional as far as spacing, and gave everybody time to look at something else.”
### Incarceration rates
The formal cap and the related ACLU oversight are now gone, Diekhoff said, but the court’s underlying philosophy has not shifted. Monroe County government and its community, Diekhoff said, believes in alternatives to jails. She pointed to the [four problem-solving courts](https://www.in.gov/counties/monroe/justice/probation/problem-solving-court/) that Monroe County operates: the veterans court, the drug court, the mental health court, and the re-entry court.
“This is a county and a community that believes in alternatives to prisons and jails, and believes in rehabilitation. That is what we do. That is what we have always been committed to—had prosecutors, the current one included, who is also of that ilk,” Diekhoff said. She added, “We have a community that supports that. Some communities do not, and that is why we have four problem-solving courts, and some communities do not.”
Using data gathered by state senator Shelli Yoder several years ago, Stafford underscored the effect of that philosophy on the numbers: Monroe County ranks seventh‑lowest in Indiana for incarcerated people per capita. “We are 0.17 filled \[jail\] beds per \[each person in Monroe County’s\] population,” she said. She said she was “pretty darn impressed” with the judges like Diekhoff in the criminal division, the prosecutor and the public defenders who work together to sort out agreements.
Diekhoff took direct aim at one recurring fear in the public conversation—that a new facility will simply invite the county to lock up more people. “If the ACLU has dropped a lawsuit… are we going to incarcerate everybody in Monroe County?” Judges in Monroe County have not taken that approach, she said.
Diekhoff put it like this: “We have never done that. We would not start doing that. We would not do that. Why would we do that?” To reverse course and start filling a bigger jail for its own sake “would take an entire change of philosophy” and a sudden disregard for the facility’s constitutionality, something that she described as impossible to imagine in Monroe County.
Diekhoff pointed to Vigo County as a cautionary example for local officials now moving toward site selection. After being ordered by a federal court to build a new jail, Vigo went ahead, and now faces fresh litigation over the adequacy of the new facility. “I am just saying,” Diekhoff told the audience.
### Colocation of jail, other elements
Stafford framed co‑location as a practical question of safety, cost, and constitutional rights.
She said secure passageways between lockup and courtrooms minimize the risk of escapes, and reduce staff injuries and transport costs, Stafford said. She pointed to the fact that people have a constitutional right to attend proceedings against them. “Is it easy to have court without the defendant there? It is not. We aren’t allowed to. It’s not constitutional,” Stafford said. She noted that people in jail often need to appear not only in criminal matters, but also in civil cases such as divorces, evictions, and protection orders. “If there is a delay in that transfer, that makes it very difficult.”
Further buttressing the support from judges for a co-located justice center, Stafford said she is “100% opposed” to splitting the courts—for example by sending criminal courts, prosecutors, and public defenders to a remote site while keeping civil dockets downtown.
In support of maintaining a co-located facility, Stafford also pointed to the structure of the county’s court system as a “unified” court “Monroe County is one of two counties in the state that has what’s called a unified circuit court,” she said. Rather than each judge operating a separate little bureaucracy, she described it like this: “We come together as a unit.” Stafford said the judges can’t operate without their court reporters and shared administrative staff—to which the judges need equal access.
Diekhoff pushed back against the idea, often floated in the broader debate, that the county could put courtrooms out at a new jail site and rely heavily on video connections for the rest.
Diekhoff said the COVID pandemic had taught the lesson that video‑based criminal hearings are “a complete and total nightmare.” Early in the pandemic, the court tried remote initial hearings with video from the jail. “It frequently didn’t work,” Diekhoff recalled, and it was nearly impossible to give defendants confidential time with their lawyers. For most of what happens in criminal court, she said, Indiana Supreme Court rules simply do not allow routine use of remote appearances.
“For initial hearings that are supposed to be open and easily accessible to the public,” she added, “I don’t really think that that’s very secure… We do not think that is going to work. It will be very expensive, and it’s going to be very, very difficult to use.”
### Jail design
The judges declined to take a position on specific sites now under discussion, which include the Thomson property on Rogers. Stafford made clear that, from her perspective, there is room on the Thomson site for a co-located justice center, if county officials choose it. The Thomson parcel is around 86 acres, she said, and currently the courts, clerk, and jail are functioning “on a quarter of a city block.”
“I think all of it could fit with no problem on 86 acres,” she said. “Let me be 100% clear. I’ve designed it as a frustrated architect using my CAD program on my iPad many times, many ways. I can get it in five or six acres with a one‑story jail and zero problems.”
Stafford also used Tuesday’s appearance to critique earlier building concepts, especially those developed for the North Park site, as falling short of what Monroe County ought to expect in terms of design and public health.
“I think our community shared values include urban infill, local design, and green design,” Stafford said. “I’m surprised that we are considering this whole project without LEED principles.” She added, “I’m shocked that this project has not discussed solar energy or geothermal energy. I’m shocked that it is not discussing building health and employee health. Where is the local limestone? The local art?”
After years of mold and mechanical problems in the existing justice building, including repeated closures of offices and, at times, the entire structure, Stafford said, “We need a design where the jail toilets and laundry don’t leak into the rest of the building, and where the HVAC condensate is properly dealt with.”
She noted she and other employees of the justice building had been required last year by county commissioners to [remove every houseplant](https://bsquarebulletin.com/prosecutors-office-courts-closed-after-bad-mold-found-in-monroe-county-justice-building/) from their work spaces, but there are still mold problems in the building. “The plants were not the problem,” Stafford said.
### Looking ahead
In their closing remarks, the judges turned to the general civic atmosphere. Diekhoff said that in all her years in the justice system, she has “never seen it as bad as it is now” in terms of people’s unwillingness to talk to each other and to assume good faith.
Diekhoff pointed to the fact that human beings make things complicated. She put it like this: “People are messy,” she said. “They are not roads to be fixed, they are not stop signs to be put back.” She asked those in the room to “be patient, ask questions politely, disagree politely, and don’t accuse people of things. Honestly, do you really think people are sitting at home thinking ways to be evil? Stop. I don’t think so.”
Stafford echoed that sentiment with a line said was a paraphrase of she credited to court commissioner Bret Raper: “You’ve got to love your kids more than you hate your ex.” Stafford’s adaptation of Raper’s sentiment in the context of jail planning: “You’ve got to love your county more than you hate your fellow politicians.”
### 8th Street & Walnut Street (alley)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/8th-street-walnut-street-alley/
Last updated: 2026-06-16T17:35:37.000Z
The recently completed alley maintenance project just north of 8th Street near Big Red Liquors includes new guardrail. (Kendall Knoke, June 16, 2026)
### After losing in court, Bloomington RDC files appeals, preps Showers West mediation
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/after-losing-in-court-bloomington-rdc-files-appeals-preps-showers-west-mediation/
Last updated: 2026-06-16T09:28:49.000Z
Bloomington redevelopment commission (RDC) members from left: John West, Deborah Myerson, Randy Cassady, Sue Sgambelluri and Laurie McRobbie. (Dave Askins, June 15, 2026)
Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) has taken a step toward possible settlement in its lease fights at Showers West, by voting Monday evening to authorize its president to resolve the cases through mediation.
On a 4–0 vote with one abstention, the RDC voted to authorize RDC president Deborah Myerson, or her designee, to settle litigation involving two Showers West tenants: Warrant Technologies LLC; and the Bloomington Board of Realtors. John West commissioner recused himself from the vote, citing membership in the Board of Realtors.
Assistant city attorney Dana Kerr told commissioners that a mediation session has been set for June 29 in each of the two related cases. The cases stem from the RDC’s attempt to clear out private tenants after it [purchased the west half](https://bsquarebulletin.com/yes-to-purchase-of-west-showers-building-says-bloomington-city-council-on-5-4-vote/) of the Showers complex, the former CFC Showers Business Plaza, for $8.75 million in 2023.
When the RDC bought the building, it assumed the existing leases with CFC Properties, including those held by Warrant Technologies and the Board of Realtors. The city’s lawyers later advanced a theory that those long‑term leasehold interests had been “inversely condemned” by the public acquisition and intended governmental use of the building. On that theory, the RDC contended it could terminate the leases and force the tenants out.
In March, Monroe County circuit court judge Kara Krothe rejected that argument in both cases, granting summary judgment to the tenants and denying the RDC’s cross‑motions. Orders: \[[Warrant Technologies](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/53C06-2508-PL-002257-2026-03-31-Showers-West-Warrant-RDC-Order-Issued.pdf)\] \[[Bloomington Board of Realtors](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/53C06-2508-PL-002258-2026-03-31-BBOR-Showers-West-RDC-Order-Issued.pdf)\]
The city of Bloomington has filed notice that it intends to appeal the cases. The mediation could wrap up the cases while he appeals are pending.
In her orders issued on both cases, Krothe concluded that the RDC could not use an “inverse condemnation” theory to terminate the leases in the absence of lawful eminent‑domain action. A key piece of that analysis was Indiana’s redevelopment statute. Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-7-14-12.2), a redevelopment commission does not itself have eminent‑domain authority.
Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-7-14-20), if a redevelopment commission wants property condemned for one of its projects, it has to ask the legislative body, which is the city council in Bloomington’s case, to authorize use of the city’s eminent‑domain power on the commission’s behalf.
The city council was never asked to take that step for the Showers West leases, and Krothe’s rulings reflect that statutory gap.
Those legal questions have always been entwined with the financing and intended public use of the building. A late‑2022 bond issue of roughly $29.5 million helped finance the [Showers West acquisition](https://bsquarebulletin.com/29-5-million-in-bonds-okd-by-bloomington-city-council-decision-on-building-purchase-to-come-later/) and other public‑safety projects, and contemplated using the building for city operations, including fire department administration and a new police headquarters.
At a [June 2025 RDC meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tens-of-millions-of-dollars-from-bloomington-could-support-convention-center-host-hotel-legal-pressure-mounts-for-showers-west-public-purpose/), corporation counsel Margie Rice told commissioners that the city’s bond counsel had advised against leasing Showers West space to private tenants, saying that rental to private entities was not consistent with the public‑use purpose underlying the bonds.
Bloomington’s fire department has since moved into Showers West, but mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration decided not to pursue relocating the police department there. That decision eased the immediate space pressure to clear the building for a police headquarters, but it left unresolved the bond‑counsel concern about private tenants occupying space in a publicly financed facility.
Other Showers West tenants have exited through negotiated agreements rather than litigation. CASA, for example, [agreed to vacate its space](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-weighs-45k-payment-to-casa-to-vacate-showers-west-building/) in exchange for $45,751 and two Fourth Street garage parking passes for one year.
The disputes with Warrant Technologies and the Board of Realtors have followed a different track. After losing on summary judgment in Monroe County circuit court, the city filed notices of appeal in both cases. As of Monday morning, no appellate briefs or other substantive filings had been made beyond those notices.
Monday’s RDC action does not itself settle the cases, but it charts out a path for resolving the case by designating who may speak for the RDC in the June 29 mediation sessions.
During the brief discussion before the vote, Myerson suggested splitting the mediation work between herself and commissioner Randy Cassady, given the time demands. Assistant city attorney Dana Kerr recommended wording that would allow Myerson, “or her designee,” to act on the RDC’s behalf, with the city’s corporation counsel also remaining authorized to reach a settlement agreement, if needed.
### Tap-to-pay now a fare option for Bloomington Transit, as new west side route gets a test
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/tap-to-pay-now-a-fare-option-for-bloomington-transit-as-new-west-side-route-gets-a-test/
Last updated: 2026-06-16T00:07:46.000Z
A BT fixed route bus accepts a credit card to pay the $1 fare. (Azmin Azran, June 15, 2026 )
Bloomington Transit’s summer service updates included a redesigned Route 16, which combines the previously existing Route 3 West and Route 13 to provide improved service to the west side. The B Square tested out this new route on Monday (June 15), two weeks after service launched on June 1.
The expedition included a surprise as well—as BT has now launched open payments on its fare collection system.
Open payment means the ability to pay a fare on a BT bus using a credit card, debit card, or smart payment device that has tap-to-pay enabled. This includes smartphones as well, giving customers the ability to pay using Apple Pay or Google Pay, making the experience of using a BT bus much smoother.
It lowers a barrier to potential new users who don’t carry cash to pay the $1 fare, or have the [Umo app](https://bloomingtontransit.com/umo/) installed on their smartphone with a payment system set up.
“Open payments are yet another step Bloomington Transit is taking to make the bus riding experience as simple and easy as possible. For those new to the transit system, it’s one less thing to worry about when getting on board. BT has been working to get open payments for years and we are proud to be one of the first agencies to offer it in Indiana,” said Shelley Strimaitis, planning and special projects manager at BT.
One caveat is that the farebox system for BT doesn’t track rides by credit card like it does for Umo, so there’s no fare capping applied. Umo users are guaranteed never to pay more than $30 per month or $3 per day, because the fare is capped. Fare capping is one way of offering discounted rides for heavy users.
The ability to tap and pay with a credit card certainly got The B Square’s Route 16 test ride off to a smooth start, though that first impression was tempered a bit when the bus didn’t pull away from the Downtown Transit Center until 12:13 p.m., three minutes behind schedule. However, the Monday midday bus was empty enough for the driver to quickly make up the time, with not much boarding or de-boarding activity inside downtown Bloomington.
The midday summer timing might help explain the light ridership: During the circuitous trip west from downtown along Third Street, into Gates Drive, past Ivy Tech, to Walmart via Woodside Drive, and back, the bus never carried more than six passengers at a time.
Most of the passengers were going to the stores in strip malls along the route, and on the way back, that’s where many passengers got on as well. Ivy Tech—service to which was one big impetus for creating the now defunct Route 13 that Route 16 has replaced—was neither the destination nor the origin for any passenger for the trip.
At the intersection of 3rd Street and Patterson Street along the Route 16 route, there was one vestige of Route 3, which was the other route that was merged into Route 16\. The bus stop signage at 3rd and Patterson was still for Route 3.
The bus arrived back at the Downtown Transit Center just after 1:25 p.m., comfortably within its 90-minute scheduled full round-trip time.
On the whole, Route 16 offers westside Bloomingtonians reliable and frequent connectivity to downtown. Notably, Route 13 was supported by a funding agreement with Monroe County, and that funding now partially supports Route 16.
By the end of the summer, after hundreds more rides by Bloomington residents, the numbers should start to show whether the new route has been adopted widely enough to justify the investment.
Route 16, which combines Route 13 and Route 3 West. Map by The B Square
### Bloomington’s trash cart rate hikes up for discussion based on ‘alarming numbers’
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-trash-cart-rate-hikes-up-for-discussion-based-on-alarming-numbers/
Last updated: 2026-06-15T17:55:48.000Z
B Square file photos of Bloomington trash and recycling carts.
Charts by the B Square with numbers from the city of Bloomington.
Steeply rising general fund support for Bloomington’s trash collection operations prompted an extended discussion at last Friday’s (June 12) meeting of the city council’s four-member fiscal committee about significant increases to trash cart prices.
Based on [some working numbers](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-12-sanitation-trash-Common%5FCouncil%5FFiscal%5FCommittee-20260612-Packet.pdf#page=6 ) provided by public works director Adam Wason, Bloomington residents who receive curbside waste collection services could see increases of up to 55% by 2029, depending on what size cart they use.
Part of the mix could be a separate charge for recycling pickup. Currently there is no charge for recycling carts.
The current monthly rates for curbside pickup are: 35-gallon ($9.28); 64 -gallon ($16.97); and 96-gallon ($25.46). Numbers for the biggest size cart could increase to $39.89 a month, based on figures in a [draft table](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-12-sanitation-trash-Common%5FCouncil%5FFiscal%5FCommittee-20260612-Packet.pdf#page=6) provided a Friday’s meeting.
Driving the conversation is a dramatic increase in the budget for general fund support of sanitation operations, which for 2026 stands at $1.58 million, compared to about $850,000 last year and an average of around $920,000 for the last six years. The amount of general fund support is the difference between actual costs and the amount generated by user fees.
Attending Friday’s committee meeting was deputy mayor Gretchen Knapp, who called the figures “alarming numbers,” adding, “That’s one of the reasons why we wanted to bring them to this committee to discuss, so that there’s transparency on why this problem is so hard to solve,” she said. Knapp added. “This is not a plan. This is an exploration and a reality check.”
The council committee stopped well short of endorsing any specific package of fee increases, but did talk generally about the principles at stake, when considering how much of the cost should be recovered through user fees as opposed to citywide tax dollars.
Weighing in solidly in favor of covering the full cost was councilmember Matt Flaherty, who has historically advocated for that position, reasoning that roughly half of the city’s residents don’t receive curbside waste collection services and should therefore not help to defray the cost to residents who do. Under Bloomington [local law](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT6HESA%5FCH6.04SOWAREYAWACOCI%5F6.04.080GECOPRGU), it’s only buildings with four residential units or fewer that are eligible for curbside trash and recycling collection.
Knapp countered by putting sanitation among the public benefits that are routinely funded through broad tax bases rather than purely through users. “In taxes, that is how it works. You don’t have children, you’re still paying for \[schools\]. You don’t use the library, you’re still paying for that,” she said. For Knapp, trash collection falls into that category. “Sanitation, having a clean city, is a very high priority for most residents, and so they would consider … \[that\] everyone benefits,” she said.
Besides Flaherty, the other three members of the fiscal committee are Hopi Stosberg, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, and Dave Rollo.
The reason for the big jump in the amount of general fund support for sanitation services came from Wason, who said the 2026 budget figure looks especially large because it now incorporates capital replacement for the trash fleet. That’s instead of relying on what he described as “cobbled together” funding out of several other sources in past years.
Wason said the city is trying to move toward best practices, which say that fully automated trucks with side arms should be replaced on a seven‑year cycle. Bloomington gets more use out of them: “We average 10 to 12 \[years\]. Sometimes our sanitation trucks have made it 15 or 18 years. It’s not ideal. The longer you wait to replace capital, the more you’re spending on maintenance,” he told the committee.
The cost of a new truck has climbed from roughly $340,000 in 2017 to the $440,000–$500,000 range today, at the same time fuel prices are spiking, Wason said. City controller Geoff McKim added that, because the sanitation fund pays salaries, state standards require it to carry a cash balance of roughly 25 to 30% of annual spending.
One of the questions in a [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-12-sanitation-trash-Common%5FCouncil%5FFiscal%5FCommittee-20260612-Packet.pdf#page=5) from Knapp, which was provided in the meeting information packet, was about the possibility of recovering the cost of recycling pickup.
There did not seem to be much appetite among committee members for shifting the full cost of recycling to the monthly bill. “I would not like to. My preference is not to,” Dave Rollo said. Isabel Piedmont‑Smith said “maybe a small fee” could be appropriate, but said that recycling should continue to be subsidized.”
Stosberg, who said she is reluctant to base decisions only on “philosophical” arguments without numbers attached, pushed staff to quantify the budget impact of operational changes.
At Friday’s meeting, there seemed to be a consensus among committee members that any significant rate increase designed to cover more of the actual cost of curbside waste collection should be phased in over a few years.
The topic of trash cart rates collection seems likely to get more conversation as the city heads into budget season in earnest, starting in six weeks. That’s roughly the time between now and the [deadline ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-12-sanitation-trash-Common%5FCouncil%5FFiscal%5FCommittee-20260612-Packet.pdf#page=3)for department heads to submit their memos to the city council.
### June 15, 2026: Possible Kirkwood veto, $500K in grants, new planning director, jail-site group, Seminary Pointe demolition clock
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-15-2026-possible-kirkwood-veto-500k-in-grants-new-planning-director-jail-site-group-seminary-pointe-demolition-clock/
Last updated: 2026-06-15T18:11:24.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [word search](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-june-15-2026/) for restaurants that have been lost from downtown Bloomington in the last few years.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Slow down. Don’t move so fast. The idea is not to make the morning last. It’s to keep from crashing into stuff because of patchy fog that’s in the forecast before 9 a.m. Then it will turn sunny, with a high near 74F°.
**Tuesday:** You can get away without taking an umbrella in the morning, but only if you know for sure you’ll get back home before around 5 p.m. That’s when chances of scattered rain and thunderstorms start to bump up to around 50%. Later Tuesday evening that will increase to around 70%. The high will be around 77F°
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-65/). How did Fish get to be so smart? In this episode we find out the hilarious reason.
- [Monroe County property transfers through June 10, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-june-10-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from April 24 to June 10, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Ahead of decision on veto: June 16 meeting about Kirkwood to be hosted by Bloomington mayor](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ahead-of-decision-on-veto-june-16-meeting-about-kirkwood-to-be-hosted-by-bloomington-mayor/). Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson will host a June 16 community conversation before deciding whether to sign or veto a 5–4 council ordinance closing five blocks of Kirkwood Avenue to cars from April 1 to Nov. 15 each year, starting April 21, 2027.
- [Bloomington council awards $500K to social service agencies](https://bsquarebulletin.com/jack-hopkins-2/). At its meeting on Wednesday, Bloomington’s city council approved $499,995 in Jack Hopkins social service grants to 35 agencies. Councilmember Dave Rollo warned that inflation is eroding the fund’s value as demand grows.
- [Lynn Coyne named interim Bloomington planning director](https://bsquarebulletin.com/lynn-coyne-named-interim-bloomington-planning-director/). Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson is naming longtime attorney and former IU real estate official Lynn Coyne as interim planning and transportation director. If confirmed by the plan commission, Coyne will start in July, succeeding David Hittle, who leaves July 10 for a Charlotte post.
- [City, county officials launch working group to recommend new jail site inside of a month](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/). Bloomington and Monroe County council members voted June 11 to join a public working group with other officials to recommend a new jail site within a month. The move follows two county council rejections of North Park and the expiration of a long-running ACLU jail settlement.
- [Seminary Pointe demolition clock starts as downtown Bloomington land-swap hopes continue](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-demolition-clock-starts-as-downtown-bloomington-land-swap-hopes-continue/). Demolition notices posted at Seminary Pointe have triggered Bloomington’s 90-day demolition-delay review, even as housing advocates push a land swap to preserve the block’s low-cost apartments and businesses. Any land swap would have to be decided by Bloomington's RDC and the Monroe County CIB.
### Other Important Notes
**School board elections.** Three MCCSC school board seats are up for election this year. The [deadline for filing](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf ) is (Thursday) June 18 by noon. Candidates for the seats that are up for election have to live in District 1, District 3, or District 7\. Here’s a useful link: [MCCSC school board districts.](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/CZXHLU49107A/$file/MCCSC%20Residential%20Districts%20-%20All.pdf)
### On the calendar
**Showers West: Mediating lease buyouts.** On the [5 p.m. Monday (June 15) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17001/download) for Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) is an item that would authorize either the city’s corporation counsel or a member of the RDC, or both, to participate in mediation that could lead to a settlement in the case of lawsuits won in Monroe County circuit court by two tenants in Showers West. The city has appealed both of those decisions, but other than the notice of appeals, there are no other filings yet for the appeals case. For B Square background, see: [Bloomington RDC loses two Showers West lease disputes in Monroe circuit court](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-loses-two-showers-west-lease-disputes-in-monroe-circuit-court/)
**Mayor’s regular town hall.** At 6 p.m. on Monday (June 15) at the Monroe County History Center ([202 E. 6th St.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/n36hKwyV6gYBTvKo7)) Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson will be hosting a regular every two-month town hall.
**Mayor’s meeting on Kirkwood veto.** In city council chambers on Tuesday (June 16) 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Bloomington’s mayor, Kerry Thomson will be hosting a meeting focused on getting feedback about a potential decision to veto the city council’s ordinance that would close Kirkwood Avenue to car traffic from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street for seven months of the year. The format is supposed to be more informal than the three-minutes-at-the-mic format that’s familiar from city council meetings. On For B Square background, see: [Ahead of decision on veto: June 16 meeting about Kirkwood to be hosted by Bloomington mayor](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ahead-of-decision-on-veto-june-16-meeting-about-kirkwood-to-be-hosted-by-bloomington-mayor/)
**Regular Bloomington Transit board meeting.** No [agenda is yet posted](https://bloomingtontransit.com/bt-staff/) for Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Bloomington Transit board at 5:30 p.m. The June 16 regular meeting has been moved to next week on Tuesday, June 23.But it’s almost certain to include an update from staff about the first couple of weeks of the new marketing campaign. For B Square background, see: [Bloomington Transit rolls out broader on-demand service, now includes even Griffy Lake](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-rolls-out-broader-on-demand-service-now-includes-even-griffy-lake/)
**Taste of Bloomington street closing approval.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (June 16) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/17000/download) for the board of public works are several routine street closure items, but those are one way to keep up with happenings around town, like the planned Taste of Bloomington for 2026, which is set for Aug. 1\. The event would shut down Kirkwood Avenue from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street, plus some of the side streets between there.
The board will be displaced from its regular meeting location in city council chambers to the McCloskey Conference Room, because Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson will be hosting a meeting on the topic of a possible veto of the Kirkwood closure ordinance at that time.
---
**Lake Lemon Shoreline Sessions: June 21.** Live music, lakeside vibes and Sunday relaxation are planned for Sunday, June 21, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Riddle Point Park on Lake Lemon. The lineup includes the Ben Cartha Fowler Project, Salaam, and Claire Pendreigh. Bring a chair; outside food and drink are welcome. Tickets are [$22.66](https://dice.fm/event/v3ny8v-llshoreline-bcf-project-salaam-claire-pendreigh-21st-jun-riddle-point-park-at-lake-lemon-unionville-tickets?fbclid=IwY2xjawSNX7NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2amN2dER3R3NGU0plUExac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrB8PbWlztBh5SzVGwkVamvOGEbJaOm2x7KmUIKiL5gJvs6Y9FxdY2G6kBRB%5Faem%5FDH%5FZndoEzpi5s9ds%5F9Mofw).
**Bingo Brunch at Cardinal Spirits: June 28.** It’s every Sunday 12-2 p.m. at Cardinal Spirits: Bingo Brunch with celebrity callers! You might wonder: What is the Cardinal Spirits definition of celebrity? It needs to be flexible enough to include ... me, the founder of The B Square. I plan to apply all the principles I have learned about government meeting procedures to bingo calling—in the best possible way! You have never heard letters and numbers sound so great. What kind of *prizes* can you win? How about a hat?
A black baseball-style cap embroidered with a B Square logo with a slide buckle closure to make it fit like a glove. From our friends at [My Sports Locker](https://www.mysportslocker.net/) in downtown Bloomington, who specialize in this sort of custom-made gear!
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Mr. Anderson!
Up for adoption, as of June 14 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Mr. Anderson](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86990). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a Labrador-husky mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Mr. Anderson](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86990):
> Mr. Anderson is a silly and lively young dog who lots of husky-type sass and energy!
### Photo Finish: Indiana Avenue & 6th Street
****Left:** Flooded sidewalk after rain. If sidewalks were judged to be in good repair or not right after a heavy downpour, fewer would pass. ****Right:** An “engineered” puddle in the street—by which I mean it will stay that way until it evaporates. The storm drain is not blocked. (Dave Askins, June 14, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
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### Indiana Avenue & 6th Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-avenue-6th-street/
Last updated: 2026-06-14T22:08:19.000Z
****Left:** Flooded sidewalk after rain. If sidewalks were judged to be in good repair or not right after a heavy downpour, fewer would pass. ****Right:** An “engineered” puddle in the street—by which I mean it will stay that way until it evaporates. The storm drain is not blocked. (Dave Askins, June 14, 2026)
### Ballentine Hall (IU Campus)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/ballentine-hall-iu-campus/
Last updated: 2026-06-14T21:48:52.000Z
Sidewalk sticker across from Ballentine Hall points the way to Woodburn Hall for new student orientation for the fall, which appears to be well under way. (Dave Askins, June 14, 2026)
### Civic Solver: June 15, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-june-15-2026/
Last updated: 2026-06-14T13:20:21.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one most weeks in the [*Almost Daily Bulletin*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) emailed newsletter.
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-65/
Last updated: 2026-06-14T11:47:28.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #66 (June 14, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through June 10, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-june-10-2026/
Last updated: 2026-06-14T11:33:10.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from April 24 to June 10, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On June 10, 2026, the property at 5436 W Hoge DR was sold to VALESSA IRENE AGORIS by KENNETH L DAVIS, III for $438,000.
- On June 9, 2026, the property at 2680 S Mccartney LN was sold to SCOTT S DUNHAM & JULIANNE L DUNHAM REVOCABLE TRUST by LYNETTE P MARSHALL for $319,000.
- On June 8, 2026, the property at 1110 S Brooks DR was sold to ANNA JONES by BETSY S WALSH for $495,000.
- On June 8, 2026, the property at 1112 W Rosewood DR was sold to VIOLA KADISH by PAUL MUTERSPAUGH for $344,000.
- On June 8, 2026, the property at 905 S Eastside DR was sold to SARA COTNER by SURARIZ, LLC for $300,000.
- On June 8, 2026, the property at 912 N Maple ST was sold to TINA STUCKERT by BLACKWELL CONTRACTORS INC for $269,000.
- On June 8, 2026, the property at 2605 S Bryan ST was sold to DANIEL SUSLAK by NEJLA ROUTSONG for $182,500.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 1186 E Winners CIR was sold to THOMAS WILLIAM CARR by BRIAN MILLER for $720,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 6035 E Nehrt RD was sold to GREG HASKELL by ROBERT J ABRAHAM for $480,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 5352 W Cobblestone ST was sold to JEFFREY MARCHIO by CARTUS FINANCIAL CORPORATION for $450,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 4100 E Morningside DR was sold to DEBORAH A SCHROEDER by ARAM ARAKELYAN for $395,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 3629 S Bainbridge DR was sold to MICHAEL DEREU by JUSTIN LUTZ for $356,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 659 S Solitude CT was sold to CRAIG FENDER by GREGORY J WEAVER for $339,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 4450 N Hull DR was sold to KAREN BERNICE MUSCATO by DEREK G WHEELER for $338,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 4624 W Harvest LN was sold to MARILYN MCCOY by CAROL S KOONTZ for $320,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 845 E Wildflower DR was sold to MITCHELL MOODY by STEVEN E RONE for $275,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 3431 N Kingsley DR was sold to LESLEY G SPATTA by AMY MONTGOMERY for $259,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 2133 W Cole CT was sold to GRAYSON A WEIDNER by JOHN B MCNEELY REVOCABLE TRUST for $80,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 2133 W Cole CT was sold to GRAYSON A WEINER by JOHN B MCNEELY REVOCABLE TRUST for $80,000.
- On June 5, 2026, the property at 8828 S Morrison CT was sold to DAVID JOHN WOZNIAK by DEVIN A DEWEESE for $60,000.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 5611 E Nathan WAY was sold to MATTHEW LEE SMITH by GREGORY P CROUCH for $675,500.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 2711 S Silver Creek DR was sold to NATHAN FURR by SEAN K LEWIS for $625,000.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 1217 W Woodhill DR was sold to VANESSA NG by ROBERT C ENTERLINE JR for $443,000.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 4320 E Beacon CT was sold to KELSEY A SMITH by BILL JOHNSON for $410,000.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 915 N Plymouth CT was sold to BLAIR E SORENSEN by THOMAS PAUL SHAFER for $385,000.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 2511 N Cascade DR was sold to NATASHA N KIMMET by NATHAN T FURR for $324,900.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 701 W Gordon PIKE was sold to MAUREEN MARTIN by THOMAS J BELCHER for $308,000.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 3368 S Oaklawn CIR was sold to SANDHYA VASUDEV BHONDE by CORNS PROPERTIES, LLC for $208,000.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 422 S College AVE was sold to THE MONRO COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD OF MANAGERS by MONROE COUNTY OARD OF COMMISSIONS for $0.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 414 S College AVE was sold to THE MONRO COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD OF MANAGERS by MONROE COUNTY OARD OF COMMISSIONS for $0.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 432 S College AVE was sold to THE MONRO COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD OF MANAGERS by MONROE COUNTY OARD OF COMMISSIONS for $0.
- On June 4, 2026, the property at 222 W 2nd ST APT 1 was sold to THE MONRO COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD OF MANAGERS by MONROE COUNTY OARD OF COMMISSIONS for $0.
- On June 3, 2026, the property at 3824 S Laura WAY was sold to KELLIE HAVERT by ERIK KIM for $410,000.
- On June 3, 2026, the property at 7291 W Mustang DR was sold to CONNIE NELL BARTON by DANIEL J MITCHELL for $345,000.
- On June 3, 2026, the property at 3944 N Whitewood WAY was sold to PATRICIA LUNDIN by THE ESTATE OF MARVIN D MOODY for $253,600.
- On June 3, 2026, the property at 2428 S Broadview DR was sold to BRIGITTE COLON by CORBEN MATTHEW ANDREWS for $230,000.
- On June 3, 2026, the property at 9572 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to TERRI ENGLAND by 19 SOUTH MAIN LLC for $174,000.
- On June 2, 2026, the property at 1018 E Wylie ST was sold to DAVID REINGOLD by CHARLOTTE ALICE AGGER for $840,000.
- On June 2, 2026, the property at 221 W Chester DR was sold to SAMANTHA SCHEMENAUER by JACOB MOBLEY for $225,000.
- On June 2, 2026, the property at 9590 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to BRANDI SUE GREEN by EDWARDS SASSER for $135,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 5107 N Weathers CT was sold to ROB MARTIN DAVIS by JOHN G KUBISCH for $650,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 1256 E Zinnia DR was sold to BROOKE HANNON by DOUG DYKSTRA for $464,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 4606 N Chatham DR was sold to CYNTHIA NNAGBORO by SAMUEL L ROADRUCK for $460,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 4021 W Glen Oaks DR was sold to KARI ELIZABETH CANTRELL by BENJAMIN S YODER for $323,500.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 2430 S Brown AVE was sold to JORDAN MICHAEL BABLE by TAYLOR WESTON for $306,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 3838 S Eastmont AVE was sold to DEE DECKARD by 3838 EASTMONT, LLC for $295,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 214 E 15th ST was sold to 3B INVESTMENTS, LLC by THE BRAWLEY GROUP LLC for $250,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 3877 S Cramer CIR was sold to MARZIA ZAMANI by MARK BORGERS for $248,500.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 1350 W Adams Hill CIR was sold to VIVIAN JOY by JAMES F MASON for $245,300.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 118 N Jackson ST was sold to WILLIAM SHANK by TYLER A SMITH for $230,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 3118 S Westminster WAY was sold to MEREDITH METZ by MARJORIE E POLK REVOCABLE TRUST for $205,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 8668 S Alonzo WAY was sold to CRAIG SMITH by FOX PROPERTY ENTERPRISES LLC for $175,000.
- On May 31, 2026, the property at 301 N Walnut ST was sold to ZAMMP 1 LLC by FENNEMAN & BROWN PROPERTIES, LLC for $2,135,327.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 942 S Baldwin DR was sold to DAVID A CAMPAIGNE by MICHAEL BRENT REYNOLDS for $462,500.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 9245 E Woodview DR was sold to JACOB COX by WILLIAM H CHAFFEE, II for $375,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 912 S Larkspur LN was sold to MUHAMMAD AFTAB HUSSAIN by MCKENZIE FAMILY TRUST for $320,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 1809 W Wylie ST was sold to KENNON THOMAS by EDGE OF PURPOSE, LLC for $252,500.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 1018 N Forest View DR S was sold to SHAWN R WILLIAMS by DONNA C MCCORQUODALE for $181,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 1408 S Longwood DR was sold to JOHN A RIEBAU by CADENCE HOMES LLC for $345,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 4458 N Triple Crown DR was sold to RODERICK OJONG by BARDI BUILDERS LLC for $850,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 401 W Iroquois DR was sold to ZACHARY AKIN by STEINHAUS LLC for $243,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 9353 S Chapel Hill RD was sold to DUSTIN CARPENTER by LAWRENCE E DONOVAN for $415,000.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 2003 S Ramsey DR was sold to THERESA MURPHY by DOUGLAS S GREENAWALD for $624,000.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 4333 N Ridgewood DR was sold to JENNIFER LYNN OBRYAN by BRAD WICKENS for $261,900.
- On May 13, 2026, the property at 824 S Park AVE was sold to BRENDA K LOYAL by 529 SUMMERBROOK CT for $349,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 2001 E Hillside DR BLDG 8 was sold to BRADLEY C LAWRENCE by WILLIAM BIANCO for $1,220,545.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 527 N Prow AVE APT 1 was sold to SABLE BEYERS by JAMES D MEADOWS for $300,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 519 N Prow AVE was sold to SABLE BEYERS by JAMES D MEADOWS for $250,000.
### Ahead of decision on veto: June 16 meeting about Kirkwood to be hosted by Bloomington mayor
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/ahead-of-decision-on-veto-june-16-meeting-about-kirkwood-to-be-hosted-by-bloomington-mayor/
Last updated: 2026-06-23T12:19:06.000Z
File photo from the B Square by Dave Askins; “VETO?” stamp overlay generated by ChatGPT.
In a rare Saturday [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-13-Kirkwood-mayor-news-release-community-conversation-on-June-16.pdf ), Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson has announced she will be hosting an hour-long “community conversation” on Tuesday (June 16) about permanently closing Kirkwood Avenue to car traffic for seven months of the year.
The event is planned ahead of her decision about whether to veto an ordinance that was [approved 5–4 by the city council](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-votes-5-4-to-codify-permanent-seasonal-kirkwood-closure/) this past Wednesday (June 10).
Under the ordinance, the first five blocks of Kirkwood, from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic from April 1 to November 15 each year. The [ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16960/download#page=205) has an effective date of April 21, 2027, so for next year, the closure is slated to begin on that date.
The closure Kirkwood has been an [annual debate](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Kirkwood%5FAvenue%5FClosures) since 2020\.
Councilmembers who supported the closure want to push the mayor to invest in programming and infrastructure to make a seasonally pedestrianized Kirkwood successful, as a step towards making it the [shared street](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2019-07-08-City-of-Bloomington-2019-Transportation-Plan.pdf#page=68) called for in the city’s transportation plan.
The planned event hosted by the mayor will take place in city council chambers on Tuesday (June 16) 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The format is supposed to be more informal than the three-minutes-at-the-mic format that’s familiar from city council meetings.
According to Bloomington’s communications director Desiree DeMolina, “The goal is for this to be an open but organized discussion where the Mayor and the community can converse and interact, rather than a traditional dais-and-microphone format with formal time and exchange limits.”
The city’s consultant for activation of Kirkwood Avenue is Talia Halliday, who owns two downtown businesses. After the council’s Wednesday vote, she posted a [letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-11-Talia-Halliday-letter-opposition-city-council-ordinance-carless-kirkwood%5Fhalliday%5Fletter%5Focr.pdf) to her Facebook account that points to the practical considerations, including cost, of activating the street: “Activity must be intentionally planned, funded, staffed, marketed, executed, and maintained. As an example, I recently hosted a single three-hour event that activated just one block of Kirkwood. The total cost approached $7,000\. Even at that scale, the event relied heavily on volunteers, community goodwill, and assistance from friends.”
For B Square coverage of the event Halliday cites, see: [Kids on Kirkwood: Bloomington’s townie summer begins with block party for families](https://bsquarebulletin.com/kids-on-kirkwood-bloomingtons-townie-summer-begins-with-block-party-for-families/)
Halliday’s letter concludes: “I urge the City Council and Mayor Thomson to continue supporting temporary and strategic street closures for special events while rejecting the proposal for an extended seasonal closure.”
Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-4-6-15), Thomson has 10 days to either sign the ordinance or veto it within 10 days of its presentation to her by the city clerk. Presentation of an ordinance to the mayor generally takes a few days.
The mayor’s office confirmed to The B Square on Saturday morning that the ordinance has not yet been presented to the mayor for her signature. According to city clerk Nicole Bolden, she received the ordinance from the council on Friday, and expects to provide it to the mayor on Monday (June 15).
The city council has the power to override a veto with a two-thirds majority, which is six votes on the nine-member council. The override vote has to take place at the next meeting of the council after the 10-day window for the mayor’s action. The [next regular meeting](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings/2026 ) when the council could override a potential veto is set for July 22\. A special meeting of the council could also be called before then, for the purpose of overriding a veto.
Council president Isak Asare voted in favor of the ordinance, along with councilmembers Matt Flaherty, Courtney Daily, Dave Rollo, and Kate Rosenbarger. Councilmembers Sydney Zulich, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Hopi Stosberg, and Andy Ruff dissented.
There is no legal requirement that a councilmember vote the same way on an override as on the original ordinance. A councilmember who opposed the ordinance could vote to override the veto, and vice versa.
### Bloomington council awards $500K to social service agencies
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/jack-hopkins-2/
Last updated: 2026-06-13T08:47:47.000Z
Chart by The B Square with data from the city of Bloomington.
On Wednesday (June 10), Bloomington’s city council approved just under a half million dollars in funding to 35 different social service agencies, continuing the Jack Hopkins funding program’s 34-year tradition.
The exact amount of grant funding awarded was $499,995\. Since its inception, more than $6 million has been awarded to local nonprofits through the Jack Hopkins social services program.
According to the city council staff memo of the topic, 39 applications were received this year, asking for around $700,000 worth of funding.
The awards this year went to 35 organizations. The top 15 awards went to: Pathways, Inc. ($43,134); Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Inc. ($40,000); The Hendricks County Child Advocacy Center, Inc. d/b/a Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Centers ($37,196); Tandem Community Birth Center and Postpartum House, Inc. ($35,417); New Hope Family Shelter d/b/a New Hope for Families ($35,191); My Sister’s Closet of Monroe County ($30,000); Summit Hill Community Development Corporation ($24,980); Indiana Recovery Alliance ($18,862); Amethyst House, Inc. ($18,122); Exodus Refugee Immigration, Inc. ($18,000); Hotels for Hope Inc. ($18,000); Girls Inc. of Monroe County ($15,751); Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington ($14,027); Avalon Community Land Trust ($13,667); and Community Justice and Mediation Center ($12,998).
Residents serving on this year’s [committee](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/jack-hopkins) were Camryn Greer, Eddy Riou, and Katherine Ntiamoah. The councilmembers serving on the committee this year were: Courtney Daily, Isak Asare, Dave Rollo, and Andy Ruff.
As in past years, Planned Parenthood’s inclusion in the awards drew sharply divided commentary. Speaking from the public mic, Bloomington resident Carole Canfield urged the council to cut off funding, grounding her objections in religious terms and accusing the organization of misleading clients.
Joan Middendorf, speaking as a longtime local and parent, described Planned Parenthood as an organization that helps women with their sexual health, which means it is important for many women.
Some councilmembers used closing remarks to affirm their support for Planned Parenthood and for LGBTQ+ residents, explicitly including transgender community members, and tied their votes to that support.
Council member Dave Rollo supported the allocations, but warned that inflation is steadily eroding the real value of the $500,000 Jack Hopkins line even as demand for services grows. He urged the administration and council to prioritize at least keeping the fund level with inflation in future budgets.
The basic criteria for Jack Hopkins social services funding were first written down in a 1993 [letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1993-Letter-from-Jack-Hopkins.pdf ) by councilmember Jack Hopkins, after whom the fund was named. Hopkins was a professor at Indiana University’s public and environmental affairs. The [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Re-naming-of-Hopkins-fund-as-Jack-Hopkins-Res%5F02-16.pdf) that named the fund after Hopkins was [approved by the city council in 2002](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Former%5Fcity%5Fcouncil%5Fmember%5FSPEA%5Fprofessor%5FHopkins%5F%5FHerald-Times%5FBloomington%5FIN%5F%5F%5FMay%5F9%5F2002.pdf), the month after Hopkins died.
The complete list of funding awards for 2026, approved by the city council at its Wednesday meeting, in order of amount, was:
Organization
Purpose
Grant
Pathways, Inc.
Operational funding for core programs in the face of federal funding cuts
$43,134
Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Inc.
Purchase food that will supplement privately donated food.
$40,000
The Hendricks County Child Advocacy Center, Inc. d/b/a Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Centers
Operational expenses, including salaries.
$37,196
Tandem Community Birth Center and Postpartum House, Inc.
Essential program costs, including staff, rent, utilities, software licensing and diapers.
$35,417
New Hope Family Shelter DBA New Hope for Families
Support access to Early Learning Center.
$35,191
My Sister’s Closet of Monroe County
New facility renovations.
$30,000
Summit Hill Community Development Corporation
Purchase a service vehicle used to operate a grocery shuttle for residents of Bloomington Housing Authority RAD housing.
$24,980
Indiana Recovery Alliance
Hiring a full-time outreach worker.
$18,862
Amethyst House, Inc.
Replace damaged flooring, purchase six computers, and remove two trees.
$18,122
Exodus Refugee Immigration, Inc.
Support Emergency Assistance Program, which provides direct financial assistance for basic needs and health care management services to refugees.
$18,000
Hotels for Hope Inc.
Emergency shelter expenses and case management salary.
$18,000
Girls Inc. of Monroe County
Personnel expenses, program costs and participant scholarships.
$15,751
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington
Require electronic key access for the Lincoln Street Club’s lobby elevator.
$14,027
Avalon Community Land Trust
Support permanent, public-facing food and community infrastructure.
$13,667
Community Justice and Mediation Center
Support Eviction Prevention Project.
$12,998
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard
Replacement of awning, as well as operational supply and upkeep support.
$12,731
Pantry 279, Inc.
Support Children’s Summer Food Program and the cost of food deliveries.
$11,039
Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County
Replacement of Makita tools, a trailer and two ladder racks for trucks.
$10,900
Monroe County Humane Association
Essential pet care services for low-income families.
$9,476
Sobremesa Foundation, Inc.
Growing fresh produce and delivering it to three Monroe County food pantries.
$9,000
New Leaf New Life
Provide essential employment tools to individuals transitioning from incarceration or substance use treatment.
$8,929
Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington
Support Hive and Harvest food pantry.
$7,777
Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky
Low-to-no cost sexual and reproductive health services for patients who are uninsured or underinsured, or living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
$7,500
Beacon, Inc.
Purchase two refrigerator/freezer combos, two bunk bed sets and 10 mattresses.
$7,087
Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana
Expansion of site-based mentoring for Bloomington youth.
$7,000
Wheeler Mission
Purchase a high-capacity commercial dryer.
$6,114
Community Kitchen of Monroe County, Inc.
Purchase AEDs, new tires for a vehicle, and a pallet floor jack with scale.
$5,903
Monroe County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Training technology and office update, including conference table and chairs, TV, wall mount, dry erase boards and markers, two laptops, and two docking stations.
$5,326
Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana
Provide immediate, short-term financial relief to cancer patients actively undergoing treatment.
$3,650
Stone Belt Arc, Inc.
Facilitate Job-a-Palooza for people of all ages/disabilities during Disability Employment Awareness Month.
$3,197
New Leaf-New Life Inc. with Courage to Change Sober Living
Support New Leaf mentees who are also Courage to Change residents when they first move into a CTC residence.
$2,365
Developmental Services, Inc.
Support a year-long cooking and nutrition education program.
$2,049
Courage to Change Sober Living
Courage to Challenge program, men’s and women’s residencies.
$1,604
People and Animal Learning Services
Support Valiant Strides, an Equine-Assisted Learning program for veterans and first responders.
$1,581
Kesem at Indiana University
Fully fund Monroe County children to attend Camp Kesem free of charge.
$1,423
\`\`\`
### Lynn Coyne named interim Bloomington planning director
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/lynn-coyne-named-interim-bloomington-planning-director/
Last updated: 2026-06-12T21:18:04.000Z
In this B Square file photo, then-candidate for Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson stands with Lynn Coyne at a legislative update hosted by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. (Jan. 6, 2023)
Lynn Coyne, a longtime Bloomington attorney, former Indiana University real estate official, and civic board member, has been named interim director of the city of Bloomington’s planning and transportation department. That’s according to a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-12-Lynn-Coyne-interim-planning-director-news-release-city-of-Bloomington.pdf) from the city of Bloomington issued on Friday (June 12), just before 5 p.m.
The interim appointment puts a familiar local-government and land-use figure into one of city hall’s most important jobs.
Coyne’s appointment comes as the department is [losing David Hittle](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-planning-director-hittle-leaving-for-charlotte-job/), whose last day as planning and transportation director is July 10\.
The department oversees planning, zoning, transportation policy, development review and implementation of Bloomington’s land-use rules. Those rules in the last several years have produced frequent friction among the mayor’s office, city council, developers, neighborhood advocates and housing supporters.
Coyne brings to the interim role a [long career](https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/notablealumni/198/) with highlights in real estate, institutional land use and Bloomington civic development. According to Indiana University Maurer School of Law’s alumni profile, Coyne practiced law in Bloomington from 1972 to 1996, with an emphasis on real estate matters, before becoming Indiana University’s assistant vice president for real estate in 1996\. During his 18 years at IU, Coyne also served as associate university counsel and special assistant to the vice president for capital planning and facilities.
Coyne has recently been involved in one of the city’s highest-profile planning efforts, which is Hopewell, the redevelopment site of the former IU Health hospital site. Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson placed Coyne on her [Hopewell advisory team](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-action-on-the-ground-moves-ahead-as-overall-project-assessment-continues/) in early 2024 right after she took office, along with other local figures including: Lisa Abbott, Barre Klapper, Matt Flaherty, Tim Henke, Sib Sheikh, Vi Simpson, Steve Smith, Hopi Stosberg and John West .
At the time, Bloomington’s economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith described the purpose of the advisory group at the time as an “early-term community gut check” on whether Hopewell’s goals were achievable and aligned with available funding, while Thomson said she remained committed to Hopewell as a residential area within walking distance of downtown.
Coyne’s [record of public service](https://www.ivytech.edu/about-ivy-tech/news/bloomington/2014/lynn-coyne-appointed-to-ivy-tech-bloomington-board-of-trustees/) also includes a long-time role in economic development. Over a decade ago he served as president of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation. He has also served on the boards of IU Health Bloomington Hospital, IU Health Southern Indiana Physicians, the Region 8 Workforce, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, and Ivy Tech Community College.
Coyne is quoted in the city’s late Friday news release saying, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Bloomington in this interim role and support Mayor Thomson’s priorities at an important moment for our community.”
Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson is quoted in the release saying, “Our systems have to deliver for people. Lynn’s role is to help us keep moving.” Her quote continues: “We have important work ahead, and this appointment reflects our commitment to implementation, partnership, and accountability.”
According to the news release, Coyne’s appointment will need confirmation from the city’s plan commission, and assuming he is confirmed, he will start serving in July. The city plan commission’s [meeting that month](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/plan) falls on July 13.
### City, county officials launch working group to recommend new jail site inside of a month
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-county-officials-launch-working-group-to-recommend-new-jail-site-inside-of-a-month/
Last updated: 2026-06-12T16:52:19.000Z
From the upper right-hand corner of the table: Andy Ruff, Kerry Thomson, Kate Wiltz, David Henry, Jody Madeira, Jennifer Crossley, Trent Deckard, Liz Feitl, Dave Rollo, Hope Stosberg, Matt Flaherty, Sydney Zulich, and Courtney Daily. (Dave Askins, June 11, 2026)
In a month, it’s expected that a joint working group will make a recommendation on the location for a new Monroe County jail.
The working group was formed on Thursday (June 11), when the Monroe County council and the Bloomington city council met at the historic Monroe County courthouse for a joint session. The working group will include several other local government officials, to recommend a location for a new county jail.
Thursday’s joint session was also attended by mayor Kerry Thomson and county commissioner Jody Madeira. The county and the city’s legislative bodies voted separately to participate in the working group. Thomson said she or someone she designates will participate.
Subject to their willingness to join the group, it will include representation from the board of county commissioners, the sheriff, the board of judges, the prosecutor, and the public defender.
The city council appointed council member Sydney Zulich as its designee for the working group during yesterday’s meeting, while council member Liz Feitl will fill the role for the county council.
The proposal to build a new county jail has been the focus of much back and forth between the county council and the board of commissioners in recent months. It has become an even more pressing project for the county after a 17-year-old settlement agreement with the ACLU over unconstitutional conditions at the jail was not renewed this year. The dismissal of the lawsuit means that the county will likely face new litigation over current conditions. \[[Monroe County jail timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail)\]
Before the settlement expired on May 29, the question of a new jail site at the North Park location was brought to the county council twice within the last eight months. The North Park site was rejected on both occasions.
County council president Jennifer Crossley explained at the beginning of Thursday’s meeting that the council’s rejection of the North Park site was based on the desire to approve a better proposal. “I know we kept saying, we’re not saying no to things, but we're saying yes, and saying yes is having this conversation,” she said.
Thomson and county council member Kate Wiltz co-facilitated the meeting. Thomson outlined her own thinking as the joint session started: “I won’t speak for my council colleagues, but they have taken official action to express their desire to support innovative solutions around the jail and I am here, likewise, to make sure that we do everything we possibly can to make sure that when this new jail gets built—and that is a foregone conclusion, we need a new jail—that that we carry that project out in the best way possible,” she said.
The attendees then set parameters for what they wanted to discuss through the joint working group.
They settled on determining a deadline by which they could build a jail, a shortlist of locations and then a final candidate site.
City councilmember Courtney Daily focused on engaging the stakeholders for this project. “We need community buy-in, we also need buy-in and support from the sheriff's office as well. We need to take their viewpoints all into consideration,” she said.
City councilmember Andy Ruff called for a full accounting of what the project would cost. “I think the community needs to see some what I would call full cost accounting of what the full costs are, not just construction costs, but impacts on incarcerated folks, their families, all the coming environmental impacts of all the comings and goings, not just environmental impacts of materials and construction,” he said.
The consensus at Thursday’s meeting was the first step to any discussion for this new project was to decide a location. County commissioner Madeira laid out the six factors that would decide the suitability of a site for this project.
“We need site control or county ownership, legal permissibility, and zoning or permitting paths. Construction feasibility—so no known utility, road, environmental, geotechnical design, major delays. We need operational adequacy—in other words, sheriff and design professionals confirm that it can support their needs, classification, circulation, intake. We need a fiscal path. Can we fund it and vote on a timeline? And is it defensible to a court? In other words, can the council present it as a reasonable, timely remedy in federal litigation?” Madeira said.
The county council heard from the city’s side about its approval processes that are related to construction of a jail. “The process and how long it takes depends entirely on what kind of zoning changes need to be made, and some things can get done at the administrative level, other things have to go to plan commission and even council, I have and will recommit to the administrative side being as expedited as we possibly can,” said Mayor Thomson in response.
She added later that if the county’s file was “absolutely complete when it was submitted,” the fastest expedited process would take four months to get the project through the city council.
For the working group, the assignment was to meet as often as needed for meetings in public, which will be advertised by both the city council and the county council.
The joint session of the city and county council, the mayor, and the board of commissioners will then reconvene a month from now, to hear the working subgroup’s recommendation on a new jail site.
Parcels shaded in purple have been considered as a possible location for a new jail. Map by The B Square \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1R1Khz2Z%5FJhoqpA7KFoLgX8x3ppt9WWs&usp=sharing )\]
### Photos: Joint meeting on the jail (June 11, 2026)
From the top, row by row from left: Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson, county councilor David Henry, county council president Jennifer Crossley, county councilor Liz Feitl, county councilor Trent Deckard, county commissioner Jody Madeira, county councilor Kate Witz, city councilmember Dave Rollo, county attorney Jeff Cockerill. (Dave Askins, June 11, 2026)
### 7th Street & Morton Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/7th-street-morton-street-2/
Last updated: 2026-06-12T14:06:24.000Z
The orange permit posted in the window doesn't offer much in the way of details, but the workers who were affixing the waferboard said they think it’s a breakfast place going in, to be called “Toast.” (Dave Askins, Jun 12, 2026)
### Seminary Pointe demolition clock starts as downtown Bloomington land-swap hopes continue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-demolition-clock-starts-as-downtown-bloomington-land-swap-hopes-continue/
Last updated: 2026-06-11T13:49:56.000Z
****Left:** Signs were posted on June 10, giving notice of the pending planned demolition of buildings on the Seminary Pointe block. **Right:** Land shaded with purple has been transferred by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB has targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. The dark yellow areas are historic districts. The 424 S. College address, indicated with a placemark inside the dark purple area, is listed as "contributing" in the city’s 2018 survey. Map by the B Square \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1K67oC7nlVXsrkPog6MKF4-iQCDK0J1I&usp=sharing )\]
Some buildings on the Seminary Pointe block, south of the existing Bloomington Convention Center, now have signs posted giving notice of a demolition request.
It’s a start reminder that the sequence of events now in motion, would lead to the demolition of all the buildings and the construction of a host hotel for the convention center at that location.
But in the third week of May, housing advocates saw (and still see) reason for hope that a potential land swap deal could preserve the affordable housing and commercial buildings on the Seminary Pointe block. That’s when the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) [voted to extend residential leases](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-tenants-get-more-time-as-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-moves-ahead/) to the end of August.
More positive news for affordable housing supporters came a week ago from Bloomington’s city council, which took a vote [in support of the potential land swap](https://bsquarebulletin.com/land-swap-to-save-seminary-pointe-housing-now-backed-by-bloomington-city-council/).
In a potential land-swap scenario, the CIB would trade the Seminary Pointe block to the Bloomington redevelopment commission (RDC), in exchange for the College Square lot. The idea is that the RDC would then transfer the Seminary Pointe real estate to a community land trust, and the CIB would offer the College Square property at no cost to the developer of a host hotel for the convention center. There’s a major convention center expansion project currently underway between College Avenue and Walnut Street, on the south side of 3rd Street.
But at the same meeting when the lease extensions through the end of August were authorized, the CIB also authorized its president, John Whikehart, to go ahead and seek demolition permits for the Seminary Pointe property.
On Wednesday (June 10) signs were posted giving notice of the requested demolition. What has now been triggered is a 90-day demolition delay period. That’s a time during which the city’s historic preservation commission (HPC) can review a building that currently has “contributing” status, to determine whether to “release” the property for demolition, or recommend it to the city council for historic designation.
In this one of the buildings in question has the street address 424 S. College, which is home to Jeff’s Warehouse.
Bloomington historic preservation program manager Noah Sandweiss responded to an emailed question from The B Square on June 10 saying that the 90-day delay period had started that day, when the city’s planning department and Sandweiss received the CIB’s petition for demolition.
The next HPC meeting at which the case can be heard will be the regularly scheduled meeting on [June 25](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/historic-preservation/meetings/2026), Sandweiss wrote.
Under the city’s demolition delay process, the 90-day period can be ended early if the HPC votes either to release the property or to nominate it to the city council for local historic designation, Sandweiss wrote. The period also can be extended by another 30 days under some circumstances by the director of the housing and neighborhood development department, if more time is needed for the HPC to decide whether to recommend designation.
“The fact that we have the permit doesn’t mean that the instant we get the permit, we would move to remove the buildings,” Whikehart said at the CIB’s May 20 meeting.
The historic preservation issue had been flagged at an earlier meeting by Bloomington redevelopment commission executive director Anna Killion-Hanson, who noted that Seminary Pointe includes buildings she described as historic. The block does not appear to be inside a local historic district, based on the city’s historic-properties map.
But the Jeff’s Warehouse and Blue Tip Billiards building at 424 S. College Ave. is listed as “contributing” in the city’s 2018 survey of historic sites and structures. Under the city’s demolition flowchart, that status can make a building subject to demolition delay even if it is not locally designated as historic.
Even though the CIB is preparing the block for possible redevelopment as a host hotel serving the expanded convention center, that is not the board’s preferred outcome. CIB members and housing advocates have both pointed to a possible land swap with Bloomington’s redevelopment commission: Seminary Pointe would go to the RDC, and the CIB would receive the College Square lot north of the convention center for a host hotel.
Housing advocates, including Bloomington Homes for All, have pushed that scenario as a way to preserve affordable housing at Seminary Pointe. Apartments on the block rent for $400 to $700 a month.
At its May 20 meeting, the CIB also approved short-term extensions for residential and commercial tenants once the county deeds the properties to the CIB. The board’s action offered remaining residential tenants and three commercial tenants lease extensions through Aug. 31, 2026\. It also approved shortening the Jeff’s Warehouse lease so it terminates no later than Sept. 30, 2026, instead of Feb. 28, 2027.
Whikehart reported at that meeting that Seminary Pointe includes 35 total units—31 residential and four commercial. Of the residential units, 17 were occupied and 14 were vacant. On the commercial side, Blue Tip Billiards, Friendly Beasts Cidery and My Sister’s Closet had leases expiring in July, while Jeff’s Warehouse had a lease running into 2027.
Preliminary work on the block is also underway. Whikehart said at the May 20 CIB meeting that the CIB has contracted with VET Environmental for an $8,219 environmental study expected by June 29\. Two appraisals are also in progress: one by Indianapolis-based Integra for $26,500, due June 29, and one by local firm First Appraisal for $19,500, due June 22.
The next meeting of the CIB is set for [June 17](https://events.in.gov/event/capital-improvement-board-2026-5239).
Whether a land swap deal is reached will depend on the RDC and the CIB. It might not be clear until the third week of July whether there are any realistic prospects for that kind of a deal.
The RDC’s public offering of the College Square site for some kind of development has a due date for responses by [July 20](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/). The CIB’s request for proposals for a host hotel on the Seminary Pointe block has a due date of [June 30](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/).
### June 11, 2026: Kirkwood vote, Hittle exit, North Dunn stormwater, gunfire arrests, street camping policy
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-11-2026-kirkwood-vote-hittle-exit-north-dunn-stormwater-gunfire-arrests-street-camping-policy/
Last updated: 2026-06-11T06:48:23.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Wear something that’s cool and dries fast, because it’s going to be hot, muggy and gross, after the morning rain showers. The high will be around 91F°.
**Friday:** Don’t put on a sweater, but it will be a little cooler on Friday than Thursday. Skies will be partly sunny with a high around 81F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Bloomington council votes 5–4 to codify permanent seasonal Kirkwood closure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-votes-5-4-to-codify-permanent-seasonal-kirkwood-closure/). Bloomington’s city council voted 5–4 Wednesday to codify an annual Kirkwood Avenue closure from April 1 to Nov. 15 starting in 2027\. Mayor Kerry Thomson now has 10 days after it's presented to her to sign or veto the measure, which drew significant public comment.
- [Bloomington planning director Hittle leaving for Charlotte job](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-planning-director-hittle-leaving-for-charlotte-job/). Bloomington planning and transportation director David Hittle will leave July 10 for a deputy planning director post in Charlotte, N.C. Appointed April 1, 2024, Hittle led UDO and permitting work while at times finding himself caught in the middle of council-administration disputes.
- [Bloomington transportation commission backs car-free Kirkwood ordinance, despite staff findings](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transportation-commission-backs-car-free-kirkwood-ordinance-despite-staff-findings/). Bloomington’s Transportation Commission voted 5–1 to recommend a seasonal car-free Kirkwood ordinance, rejecting staff findings that the proposal conflicts with parts of city plans, and lacked targeted public engagement. The council is expected to decide the question Wednesday (June 10).
- [Bloomington plan commission wants answers on stormwater before subdivision vote](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-wants-answers-on-stormwater-before-subdivision-vote/). Bloomington’s plan commission put off action on a revised 14-lot North Dunn Street subdivision until July 13, citing unfinished CBU stormwater review. Neighbors opposed the plan over flooding, tree loss, and wetland questions.
- [Bloomington police arrest two on burglary, recklessness charges after apartment gunfire](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-arrest-two-on-burglary-recklessness-charges-after-apartment-gunfire/). Bloomington police arrested two men on Monday in connection with shots fired June 3 inside an apartment on West Hays Court. No injuries were reported, but officers found bullet holes in the victim’s apartment and neighboring units.
- [Monroe County revises 30-day notice policy ahead of July 1 ‘street camping’ law](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-revises-30-day-notice-policy-ahead-of-july-1-street-camping-law/). Monroe County commissioners removed a 30-day notice clause from their encampment removal policy ahead of Indiana’s July 1 “street camping” law. Commissioners criticized SB 285 as criminalizing poverty, while Sheriff Ruben Marté said deputies will continue assessing things case by case.
### Other Important Notes
**Thanking Tim Ballard.** At Monday’s (June 8) Bloomington plan commission meeting, commissioner Jillian Kinzie took the occasion to thank Tim Ballard, who resigned from the plan commission recently.
> I wanted to use this opportunity to acknowledge the service from the member who has left our commission and created that vacancy, and it’s Tim Ballard. Tim was a very good colleague, and has moved on to do some other things in his life and work. It’s not a sad situation for him, but it is a sad situation for us, because I think Tim brought tremendous expertise to this commission. He had a good, deep development background, and also was really committed to community input and community service. I want to acknowledge Tim’s contribution, because I think one of the things he also valued was civic dialog, and also really doing that in a way that respected people’s input and conversation. Even when things got contentious in meetings, Tim was always level headed and offered a very informed perspective. ... So I just wanted to acknowledge Tim’s service and thank him in absentia for his contributions to the plan commission.
**School board elections.** Three MCCSC school board seats are up for election this year. The [deadline for filing](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf ) is June 18 by noon. Candidates for the seats that are up for election have to live in District 1, District 3, or District 7\. Here’s a useful link: [MCCSC school board districts.](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/CZXHLU49107A/$file/MCCSC%20Residential%20Districts%20-%20All.pdf)
**Jail lawsuit finally over.** Even though a filing was made by the ACLU on May 27 to dismiss the 2008 lawsuit against Monroe County over conditions of the jail, the [final order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-08-Richardson-v-Monroe-County-Sheriff-Final-Order-Dismissing-Action-073111833190.pdf ) of the court did not come until June 8\. That now means the door is open for litigation based on current jail conditions. For B Square background, see: [ACLU makes swift move to dismiss Monroe County jail lawsuit, would open door to fresh action on current conditions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aclu-makes-swift-move-to-dismiss-monroe-county-jail-lawsuit-would-open-door-to-fresh-action-on-current-conditions/)
### On the calendar
**Thursday joint city-county jail meeting.** The topic of a joint government meeting for 6 p.m. on Thursday (June 11) at the historic county courthouse is a new county jail. The county council and the city council have noticed their joint meeting. County commissioner Jody Madeira and Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson have confirmed to The B Square that they will also attend.
---
**Monroe County History Center Garage Sale: June 10–15.** The Monroe County History Center’s annual [Garage Sale](https://monroehistory.org/annual-garage-sale/), now in its 45th year, returns in June at [4015 Profile Parkway](https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4jVcBTxVDEFQUuH8). The sale is the center’s biggest fundraiser, with donated antiques, household items and other goods supporting artifact preservation, exhibits and programs.
An early-access day for current MCHC members, Cook employees and Simtra employees is set for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday (June 10). Public sale days: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday (June 12–13); and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday (June 15).
**4th of July Parade: June 15.** The last day to file [paperwork for entries](https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/fourth-of-july-parade) for Bloomington’s Fourth of July Parade is June 15\.
I have served my time participating in Fourth of July parades. This is my entry in the Ann Arbor parade in 2008, pulling my mobile teeter totter on a bicycle trailer with a British flag on one end and an American flag on the other. The title of the float was “Totters of the American Revolution.”
**Lake Lemon Shoreline Sessions: June 21.** Live music, lakeside vibes and Sunday relaxation are planned for Sunday, June 21, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Riddle Point Park on Lake Lemon. The lineup includes the Ben Cartha Fowler Project, Salaam, and Claire Pendreigh. Bring a chair; outside food and drink are welcome. Tickets are [$22.66](https://dice.fm/event/v3ny8v-llshoreline-bcf-project-salaam-claire-pendreigh-21st-jun-riddle-point-park-at-lake-lemon-unionville-tickets?fbclid=IwY2xjawSNX7NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2amN2dER3R3NGU0plUExac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrB8PbWlztBh5SzVGwkVamvOGEbJaOm2x7KmUIKiL5gJvs6Y9FxdY2G6kBRB%5Faem%5FDH%5FZndoEzpi5s9ds%5F9Mofw).
**Bingo Brunch at Cardinal Spirits: June 28.** It’s every Sunday 12-2 p.m. at Cardinal Spirits: Bingo Brunch with celebrity callers! You might wonder: What is the Cardinal Spirits definition of celebrity? It needs to be flexible enough to include ... me, the founder of The B Square. I plan to apply all the principles I have learned about government meeting procedures to bingo calling—in the best possible way! You have never heard letters and numbers sound so great. What kind of *prizes* can you win? How about a hat?
A black baseball-style cap embroidered with a B Square logo with a slide buckle closure to make it fit like a glove. From our friends at [My Sports Locker](https://www.mysportslocker.net/) in downtown Bloomington, who specialize in this sort of custom-made gear!
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Sage!
Up for adoption, as of June 11 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Sage](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86737). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Sage](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86737):
> Sage is a shy dog who spent more than a week on the run before getting to the shelter. Although the noisy outdoors is pretty scary for her, give her a minute and Sage is all love and cuddles! If you're looking for a gentle and affectionate companion, Sage would love a cozy home to rest her head.
### Photo Finish: ??
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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**
---
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### Bloomington council votes 5–4 to codify permanent seasonal Kirkwood closure
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-votes-5-4-to-codify-permanent-seasonal-kirkwood-closure/
Last updated: 2026-06-11T05:41:22.000Z
Kirkwood Avenue looking east from Washington Street. (Dave Askins, June 9, 2026)
The closure of Kirkwood Avenue to automobile traffic from April to November every year starting in 2027 has been codified by Bloomington’s city council. At its regular meeting on Wednesday (June 10) the council voted 5–4 in favor of the ordinance mandating the closure.
The roll call on the vote came close to 10 p.m. after lengthy discussions between council members and numerous public comments.
Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-4-6-15 ), Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson will now have to either sign the ordinance or veto it within 10 days of its presentation to her. Presentation of an ordinance to the mayor generally takes a few days.
However, the city council has the power to override a veto with a two-thirds majority, which is six votes on the nine-member council. The override vote has to take place at the next meeting of the council after the 10-day window for the mayor’s action.
Council president Isak Asare voted in favor of the ordinance, along with councilmembers Matt Flaherty, Courtney Daily, Dave Rollo, and Kate Rosenbarger. Councilmembers Sydney Zulich, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Hopi Stosberg, and Andy Ruff dissented.
Kirkwood Avenue has been seasonally closed to traffic for [five of the six year](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Kirkwood%5FAvenue%5FClosures )s between 2020 and 2025\. The city administration opted to keep the street open to vehicular traffic in summer 2026 while continuing to allow individual “parklet” installations for restaurants.
The [ordinance](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16960/download#page=205 ) now requires that the first five blocks of Kirkwood, from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street, remain closed to vehicular traffic from April 1 to November 15 each year. The ordinance has an effective date of April 21, 2027, so for next year, the closure is slated to begin on that date.
This particular ordinance has been in front of the council since May 27\. The council postponed its vote during the second reading on June 3 to allow the transportation commission to review the ordinance during a [special hearing on June 8](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transportation-commission-backs-car-free-kirkwood-ordinance-despite-staff-findings/).
The commission was presented with staff findings that said the ordinance was not consistent with a set of criteria set forth in the city code. However, commissioners rejected those findings and forwarded the ordinance with a positive recommendation.
Before the council took its vote, it heard from councilmembers Daily and Rosenbarger, the ordinance’s co-sponsors, as well as transportation commission chair Steve Volan. This was followed by a period of public comments, from downtown business owners and residents, who represented a mix of opinions for and against the proposal to close Kirkwood Avenue to vehicular traffic.
Daily and Rosenbarger presented their views on how the ordinance can begin the process of converting Kirkwood Avenue into a public space that aligns with the goals and plans of the city and its residents. “Right now feels like a first step to me, and that is codification of this, and then the next step would be design charrettes, as called for in the transportation plan, and then deliberation sessions from city council,” said Rosenbarger.
“I think there’s a lot more hunger for being in outdoor spaces since the pandemic and people really appreciate having that space and that air around them,” said Daily.
During public comments, Hillary Martell, co-owner of Hartzell’s Ice Cream on Dunn Street, spoke against the ordinance. “As a downtown business owner, I am in full support of creating a more pedestrian-friendly. Kirkwood. My opinion, though, is that creating a carless Kirkwood and a pedestrian mall \[on\] Kirkwood, are two totally separate things,” said Martell.
Carole Canfield, who introduced herself as a lifelong resident of Bloomington, spoke against it as well. “I’m now at the point in my life where I can’t get around like I once did and I’m against closing Kirkwood permanently because it will cut me off from being able to use things such as the Bus-Chum \[Buskirk-Chumley Theater\]. I can’t walk the distance, and I’d like to be able to continue to use things in my hometown,” she said.
John Santos, a downtown business owner, brought up concerns about parking and the timing of the closure. “People are forgetting it takes vehicles to bring pedestrians,” he said. “Bloomington actually does have a lot of pedestrian residents, but those are students, and they’re actually gone during this period that you’re looking at closing Kirkwood, so your closing Kirkwood during the time Bloomington has the least amount of pedestrians and the least amount of traffic, and the least amount of people.”
There was also a series of comments in support of the ordinance. Zach Ammerman, vice-chair of the city’s commission on sustainability and resilience, said, “Bloomington has every structural advantage research identifies for implementing a successful pedestrian program, the one ingredient we are missing is political will and vision.”
Claire Woods, a resident, said, “As someone who was born and raised in Bloomington and used to spend an immense amount of time specifically on Kirkwood as a young child, who had two older sisters who worked at the library and loved that part of Bloomington, it’s drastically changed. And to see the potential ideas for third space are really neat.”
Dave Huber, who went to college and grad school in Bloomington and lives on the west side, said, “I am in favor of exploring options for making downtown more pedestrian friendly. I think the framing of whether or not to close Kirkwood to cars is hindering the conversation to some extent. I think the question might better be asked, how might we make downtown more friendly to pedestrians and I think that introduces a lot of ideas.”
Paul Rousseau, a city resident, focused on the pattern of discourse that has been taking place on this issue. “It seems that most of the people who look or sound like they’re under 40 are in support of it, and those who look or sound like they’re more my age are against it. And I don’t think that’s a coincidence,” he said. “I sympathize with my friends who have spoken against this tonight. I think the key will be—how do you get older people access?”
Katie Yoder, a city resident with two children, said, “While cars are a necessary part of our community, not every space needs to be designed around them. A pedestrian-focused Kirkwood gives families a place where people, not vehicles, are the priority. We understand that there are concerns about costs, implementation, and other areas of Bloomington that also need investment. Those are important conversations to have. However, we do not believe those priorities are mutually exclusive.”
Before the vote, during final deliberations, councilmember Rollo laid out the reasoning behind his vote. “My view is to bookmark this for the future and to revisit it through a series of deliberation sessions so that we can really dive deep into these particulars and make sure that whatever trade-offs are made makes sense, and that success is assured. I’ll be supporting this for now tentatively with the expectation that we will visit this again,” he said.
Councilmember Zulich said the current state of Kirkwood is not the version she would like to see closed. “If this passes, I promise not to bite my nose to spite my face, and I will do my best to support further activation efforts and investments that bring the city to life. That said, given our current financial situation, I cannot support this tonight,” she said.
Councilmember Stosberg provided an analysis of the issue based on personal experience and her own research. “The pro-con list is relatively balanced for this issue, and public sentiment doesn’t strongly lean to either direction. There is not an argument or a vote that will work for everyone,” she said. “I don’t think what we have right now on Kirkwood spells success for a closure to vehicular traffic, especially one that requires closure, as this ordinance does, of five complete blocks for only part of the year.”
Councilmember Piedmont-Smith brought up fiscal concerns facing the city in the near future. “I think there’s not an urgency to put this in our code now. Especially if we are seeing that our revenue sources are going to be limited in the coming years because of what the state legislature has done,” she said. “I just don’t think it’s fiscally wise to put this in our ordinance and then say, we’ll figure out the funding later before we’ve had any deliberation sessions.”
Councilmember Flaherty expressed skepticism about what the future would look like without a strong commitment from the council. “I generally have held the view for a long time, since before I served on council, that we can do great things in Bloomington, and that we have a unique and really special opportunity between the courthouse square and the Sample Gates to design a shared street, and to have that street be pedestrian-focused for much of the year,” he said.
According to councilmember Ruff, the city is not ready to make that commitment at this time. “Kirkwood to me, it’s bikeable, and it’s walkable and it’s drivable and parkable. I see a big vision that, yeah, this could come, but not without, as one of my council colleagues said a minute ago, without a real commitment to make this happen. And I just don’t think we’re in a position to make that commitment,” he said.
With this vote, the council has now put the ball in the court of an administration that wrote a [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-03-carless-Kirkwood-administration-memo-Knapp-Kupersmith-Rice-Cibor.pdf ) in late May asserting that it does not support the ordinance. The next step in the saga of carless Kirkwood is to wait to see if Thomson signs the ordinance or chooses to exercise her veto powers.
After the 5–4 was taken around 10 p.m., the mayor did not immediately respond to a texted question from The B Square about a possible veto.
### Bloomington planning director Hittle leaving for Charlotte job
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-planning-director-hittle-leaving-for-charlotte-job/
Last updated: 2026-06-10T20:12:53.000Z
B Square file photo of David Hittle (Dave Askins Dec. 5, 2024)
On Wednesday (June 10) Bloomington [announced](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transportation-commission-backs-car-free-kirkwood-ordinance-despite-staff-findings/) that planning and transportation director David Hittle’s last day with the city will be July 10\. That will make his tenure with the city two years and three months. He was appointed starting April 1, 2024.
Hittle came to Bloomington from Tippecanoe County, where he had been director of the Area Plan Commission of Tippecanoe County, which includes West Lafayette. According to the news release Hittle has accepted a position with the city of Charlotte, North Carolina.
A city of Charlotte spokesperson confirmed to The B Square that Hittle has accepted the position of deputy planning director, starting July 20\. The spokesperson confirmed that the city government there has around 9,000 employees. The city of Charlotte has a population of around 900,000.
The city of Bloomington’s news release quotes Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson saying about Hittle, “David has brought steady leadership and a strong commitment to the people of Bloomington during a critical chapter.”
Thomson’s quote continues, “Importantly, \[Hittle\] has led public engagement and laid the groundwork for UDO changes, and my administration will announce Bloomington’s upgraded permitting process prior to his departure. Creating more housing options so residents can afford to live here is my top priority. The work David has done to create a path forward will lead to significant changes in the months to come. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him the very best in Charlotte.”
In Bloomington, Hittle found himself at times caught in the middle of conflict between the city council and Thomson’s administration, most visibly over [compensation for planning department staff](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-council-mayor-fight-can-legislative-body-raise-pay-grades-without-breaking-state-law/) and more recently over the [Hopewell South PUD](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-pushed-to-april-22-as-bloomington-council-mayor-spar-over-conditions/) approval.
At the April 1 city council meeting, which featured city council deliberations on the Hopewell South PUD, and included several proposed changes to the PUD by city councilmembers, Hittle took a clear side in the conflict. Hittle said: “This is a staggering conversation for me. The fact that a legislative body, a city council, is—‘meddling’ is the best word—in something that they shouldn’t be meddling in. This is plan commission material, if anything.” It was the occasion of Hittle’s second work anniversary with the city of Bloomington.
Hittle is quoted in the news release saying, “\[Mayor Kerry Thomson’s\] administration is serious about making Bloomington work better for those who live, build, invest, and serve here.” Hittle’s quote continues, “Charlotte is an extraordinary professional opportunity in a city doing exciting work and it was not one I could pass up. I leave with confidence in Mayor Thomson’s direction and leadership team.”
The news release says that a search for Hittle’s replacement is underway. As of Wednesday afternoon, the vacancy had not been posted on the [city’s jobs board](https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/bloomingtonindiana).
The planning director is classified under the city’s compensation schedule as a Grade 13 position out of a maximum of [14 salary grades](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/legislationFiles/5916 ). For 2026, that translated into a range of $115,899 to $150,669 for the planning director. Based on payroll numbers from the city’s public facing interface, Hittle was paid the annual equivalent of about $124,500 this year.
### Bloomington transportation commission backs car-free Kirkwood ordinance, despite staff findings
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transportation-commission-backs-car-free-kirkwood-ordinance-despite-staff-findings/
Last updated: 2026-06-09T22:35:08.000Z
Kirkwood Avenue looking east from Washington Street. (Dave Askins, June 9, 2026)
A proposed new city ordinance that would codify seasonally closing Kirkwood Avenue to vehicular traffic was reviewed by Bloomington’s [transportation commission](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/transportation-commission) at a special meeting on Monday night (June 9), ahead of an expected city council vote on Wednesday.
After nearly two and a half hours of deliberation, the commission voted 5–1 to forward a positive recommendation on the ordinance to the city council. Dissenting was John Connell, who represents Bloomington Transit on the nine-member group. Absent from the meeting were Rick Coppock, Brian Drummy, and Oleksandra Sukhoruchko.
The ordinance would close Kirkwood Avenue to car traffic, from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street, from April through mid-November every year.
The positive recommendation of the transportation commission was made despite a staff recommendation against the ordinance. The findings presented by city engineer Andrew Cibor supported a negative recommendation. That’s why the motion to forward a positive recommendation also included a rejection of the staff findings, and the adoption of new findings that the ordinance is “broadly consistent with the commission’s criteria for analysis.”
The city council did not vote on approval of the ordinance [during its regular meeting on June 3](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-delays-vote-on-carless-kirkwood-vote-until-june-10-after-commission-review/), because a section of city code was interpreted to mean the city’s transportation commission first had to review the proposal, because it proposed to change Bloomington’s Title 15, on vehicles and traffic. Monday’s proceedings were meant to provide that review.
What this means for the ordinance now is that two days ahead of a possible city council vote, the transportation commission has officially said the ordinance meets the criteria against which the commission is required to review all transportation projects and proposed changes to Title 15 of the municipal code.
The criteria, as detailed in Bloomington’s [municipal code](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT2ADPE%5FCH2.02BOCO%5F2.02.100TRCO), require the commission to determine if the changes to Title 15 proposed by the ordinance on Kirkwood are: (a) consistent with the comprehensive plan and other applicable city adopted plans, (b) consistent with the best practices for eliminating all transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries within the city, (c) consistent with advancing a sustainable transportation system and equitable access to all transportation facility users while prioritizing non-automotive modes, and (d) has adequately conducted public engagement and considered community-centric design tied to targeted outcomes.
The ordinance is being sponsored by councilmembers Kate Rosenbarger and Courtney Daily, who both attended Monday’s transportation commission meeting, along with councilmember Matt Flaherty, who is the council’s appointee to the commission.
Between Cibor’s presentation of staff findings and commission’s vote to reject those findings and forward a positive recommendation anyway, came lengthy deliberations and discussion of the ordinance.
According to the staff report, the ordinance is inconsistent with the vision of the Bloomington’s [transportation plan](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2019-07-08-City-of-Bloomington-2019-Transportation-Plan.pdf#page=68 ), because it eliminates vehicles and parking from Kirkwood Avenue and has not followed the public engagement process specifically called for in the plan. That process says: “In order to implement the shared street recommendation on Kirkwood Avenue, from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street, the City should first pursue a design charrette to gather input and ideas of business owners, residents, Indiana University, and other stakeholders.”
Cibor said during the hearing, “The transportation plan specifically identifies Kirkwood, a very specific project on Kirkwood, trying to focus it on improving it for pedestrians, but it calls it a shared street. A shared street is a street, per the transportation plan, that accommodates automobile traffic, it accommodates on-street parking.”
Cibor continued by pointing out that the transportation plan describes specifically for the Indiana-to-Walnut segment of Kirkwood Avenue a detailed public engagement process involving a design charrette. Cibor concluded, “This ordinance essentially is taking us further from \[the transportation plan\], it’s not moving us in the direction of the transportation plan.”
The staff report also found that closing Kirkwood Avenue to vehicular traffic “is not expected to significantly alter the risk of transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries.”
Cibor explained the finding about fatalities and injuries, saying, “Kirkwood is a high priority corridor from a safety lens. Closing the road segment likely could decrease crashes on that road segment, but it likely could impact other things. And whenever you’re changing patterns block by block or seasonally, there are additional other risks.”
In judging the third criterion, the staff report found that the proposal is consistent with some city transportation goals and inconsistent with others. For the final criteria, the staff found that adequate public engagement has not been conducted for this proposal, and it does not reflect a community-centric design or articulate targeted outcomes.
“As far as I am aware, there has not been specific public engagement tied to this ordinance,” said Cibor. “I want to also recognize, though, that there has been significant public dialog about Kirkwood, about the seasonal program, but there has not been something targeted to this proposal specifically.”
Following the presentation of staff findings, councilmembers Rosenbarger and Daily made a presentation of their own, rebutting some of the points made in the staff report.
“I went through Director Cibor’s criteria and put in a little bit from our perspective,” said Rosenbarger. “This ordinance is consistent with a lot of city goals and plans.”
She put special emphasis on [Goal 6.1.5](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-09-download-Bloomington-comprensive-plan-Accessiblity%5Fupdate%5F-%5FAdopted%5FFinal%5F2018%5F%5FUpdated%5FRes%5F13%5F11.pdf#page=74) of the Bloomington’s comprehensive plan: “6.1.5 really gives me some goosebumps,” she said, before quoting from the plan: “Encourage the concept of streets as not merely for transportation, but as important public spaces where community thrives.”
She also said she see’s the design charrette as “the second step to the process of disallowing cars on Kirkwood”.
Daily drew comparisons to other communities across the country. “We don’t have to copy what they did, but they were able to solve the criteria, these problems that we have identified as concerns,” she said, speaking about Iowa City.
She described how a fire lane down the middle of the road in Iowa City was used to address safety concerns. She also used examples from State College, Pennsylvania, and Burlington, Vermont to discuss strategies such as a pilot program to study the impact and engaging micro-retail to keep the space vibrant and dynamic.
During discussions, commissioners raised several concerns for both the council sponsors and the staff.
Commissioner Lesley Davis, who serves on Bloomington’s [council for community accessibility](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/community-accessibility), posed a question about people who are blind, and how this ordinance might affect them.
“We \[the council for community accessibility\] have members who take BT Access Transportation, and BT Access allows someone who is blind to travel alone independently and be dropped off exactly in front of where they want to go. So with Kirkwood closed, the closest you can get is the intersection,” Davis said. “I want to know what you’re thinking about in terms of these accessibility concerns.”
Flaherty asked the staff to clarify whether the city administration’s previous decisions to convert Kirkwood to a car-free street was also a violation of the comprehensive plan. “I’m having trouble squaring that, like the current recommendation \[from the administration\] is this doesn’t meet city plans, yet it’s what this administration recommended last year,” he said.
He also asked if staff considered the city’s climate action plan and its relevance to the proposed findings, to which city engineer Cibor and economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith said that they did not.
Commissioner Steve Volan questioned the staff’s conclusion that risk to traffic injuries would not be altered by the ordinance. “You talked about how it’s not expected to significantly alter injuries, but if \[Kirkwood Avenue\] is a high priority \[street\], I don’t understand. There seems to be a disconnect,” he said.
Commissioner Eoban Binder asked for the staff’s perspective on what the administration’s efforts have been to engage with the city council on this issue. “I’d be interested in understanding, like your characterization of what the administration’s efforts have been, like concrete efforts towards council so far, and engaging them, because I’m sort of interpreting this as like the council doesn’t feel like they have a lot of options left to kind of keep this process moving forward,” Binder said.
Volan also asked staff whether, in case the ordinance did not pass, the administration still intended to implement any kind of carless Kirkwood plan in 2027 or some later year. Kupersmith said that there would be a corridor study of Kirkwood in 2027, but as for a closure, “I don’t think that we can speak to that at this time.”
Volan indicated that according to the [bylaws of the transportation commission](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HQ81uW%5FhcawdV2PY-He2XYyeWe-qd7C20SuqZlilEcg/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.6s3m4yrcgtld), a majority of the full commission is required to pass a motion.
At the end of the discussion, the commission first voted on a motion to adopt no findings and forward a neutral recommendation. That motion failed 3–3, with commissioners Davis, John Connell, and Mark Stosberg for it and Flaherty, Volan, and Binder against it. (Transportation commissioner Mark Stosberg is married to city councilmember Hopi Stosberg, who will have one of the nine votes on Wednesday to decide whether the ordinance gets enacted.)
Following the 3–3 tie, the commission voted on a motion to adopt the staff findings and negative recommendations. That motion also failed, this time 2–4, with commissioners Connell and Davis for the motion and the other four against it.
Finally, the commission voted on a motion to reject the staff findings, adopt new findings that the ordinance is “broadly consistent with the commission’s criteria for analysis”, and forward a positive recommendation on the ordinance to the city council.
That motion passed 5–1, with Connell the sole voice of consent.
The city council will decide the future of the ordinance at its meeting on [Wednesday (June 10)](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings).
If it is adopted, it could test whether Daily’s framing of the proposal as a way to “light a fire under this” is accurate, and it actually becomes a catalyst for mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration to act in the way that advocates on the council hope.
### Bloomington plan commission wants answers on stormwater before subdivision vote
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-wants-answers-on-stormwater-before-subdivision-vote/
Last updated: 2026-06-09T09:34:41.000Z
Maps by The B Square with information from the city of Bloomington. \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1MlXit8JOOfFIO1v9fSQWvKF0GNFT0CU&usp=sharing )\]
Bloomington plan commission listens to a presentation from Daniel Butler of Bynum Fanyo & Associates. (Dave Askins, June 8, 2026)
The Bloomington plan commission on Monday night (June 8) declined to take final action on a [controversial subdivision](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xyH2CENfkaBjmGUpOWJqLxXNiCjoRkHYJ-RSWQxLlP0/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.m9b4a4l881oc) proposed for North Dunn Street, instead voting unanimously to continue the case to a required second hearing, which will take place on July 13.
The plan commission had [already considered a version](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-sends-northgrove-subdivision-to-second-hearing-amid-concerns/) of the petition in January.
In front of the plan commission on Monday was a revised proposal, this time for a 14-lot subdivision on 4 acres at 2511 N. Dunn St., where an existing single-family house would be demolished and replaced with 11 single-family residential lots and three common-area lots. The property is zoned R2 (residential medium lot) and the proposal calls for a new public street, stormwater detention, utility work, tree-preservation areas and drainage improvements.
The request was reduced from the earlier 18-lot version with 15 residential lots that was proposed in January. The petition, filed by Paul Pruitt and Keith Klein and represented by engineer Daniel Butler of Bynum Fanyo & Associates, is asking for a waiver to allow a cul-de-sac, another waiver to suspend a rule requiring 67% of lots to be served by alleys, and a revision to riparian-buffer easement wording that is tied to stormwater maintenance.
The proposal in front of the plan commission on Monday was different enough from the January version that it was treated as a fresh proposal, subject to the plan commission’s mandatory two-hearing requirement, unless waived by the commission. Continuing its consideration until July 13 meant the plan commission did not waive the second hearing.
Planning staff had recommended continuing the proposal, citing among other unresolved issues a stormwater review by City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU). Plan commissioners were clear about their expectation that a representative from CBU would be present for the July 13 plan commission hearing.
It was Bloomington’s senior zoning planner Jamie Kreindler and development services manager Eric Greulich who gave the staff report on the proposal to plan commissioners, which included some variances considered in February by Bloomington’s board of zoning appeals. The BZA denied some of the requested variances, which covered smaller lot areas, narrower lot widths and reduced side setbacks.
But the BZA also granted some variances related to the city’s tree and forest preservation standards and riparian buffer requirements. With those variances, the proposed road and stormwater facilities were allowed to proceed as designed.
But some residents have asked for a [judicial review of the variances](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-03-30-53C08-2603-MI-000829-North-Grove-Matlock-Petition-for-Review-of-BZA-w-Exhbit-A-3%5F29%5F26-Signed-3.pdf ) that were granted by the BZA. A [hearing](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDgtMjYwMy1NSS0wMDA4MjkiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ== ) on the granted variances in front of circuit court judge Emily Salzmann is set for June 17\. Greulich said the city’s legal department has advised that the pending court proceedings do not prevent the plan commission from acting on the petition, though it would limit the petitioner’s ability to proceed with construction.
The commentary from the public mic on Monday night was uniformly against the proposal. Much of the opposition was based on existing stormwater management and flooding issues in the nearby Matlock Heights neighborhood. The remarks from Fritz Drive resident Deirdre Sheets were typical:
> The plan to significantly reduce permeable surfaces, remove trees that naturally prevent or mitigate erosion, and leave it up to the homeowners to manage a detention pond all upstream from an area without storm drains and with already existing drainage and flooding issues, to pretend that anything other than the obvious is going to happen, is to participate in a fiction, and it feels like—and I apologize for my language here—but and it feels like giving the homeowners and residents of Matlock Heights a really big middle finger.
City planning staff had recommended the continuance, saying the updated Northgrove plan is not yet ready for approval. That’s mainly because City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) has not finished its stormwater review and several legal and technical questions remain unresolved.
### Proposed subdivision: Changes since January review
Under the proposal heard by the plan commission on Monday, the subdivision would use conforming R2 lots, which means each is at least 60 feet wide and 7,200 square feet. That’s because Bloomington’s board of zoning appeals (BZA) denied requests for smaller lots and reduced side setbacks.
The current proposal includes three subdivision waiver requests. One is a waiver from the general ban on cul‑de‑sacs in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). A waiver would allow the internal street to dead‑end in a hammerhead turnaround instead of extending as a “stub street” west to the adjoining large commercial tract. Another waiver is requested from the UDO requirement that at least 67% of lots in a traditional subdivision be served by an alley.
A third waiver would allow CBU to access and “disturb” riparian buffer areas as needed to maintain stormwater facilities
About the stormwater issue, Kreindler said CBU had given only conditional authorization to bring the plan to a first hearing. CBU has flagged conflicts among easements, tree plantings, and drainage paths and says there are “unacceptable outfall rates” that still need to be fixed.
Based on CBU’s feedback, Kreindler told commissioners, the planning department recommended that the plan commission continue the case to its required second hearing on July 13.
### Commissioners on cul‑de‑sacs, connectivity, and flooding
Commissioners focused their questioning on three issues: street connectivity, the subdivision’s interaction with long‑standing flooding in Fritz Terrace and Matlock Heights, and the modified riparian buffer wording.
Bynum Fanyo’s Daniel Butler, speaking for the petitioner, told the commission that the new 11‑lot design reduces the amount of housing from the 15 lots proposed in January, eliminates an earlier sidewalk waiver request, and adds more common open space to preserve mature trees. The big change now on the table is a shorter street, ending in a hammerhead rather than being built all the way to the west property line.
Butler said fully extending the street west, as staff previously advocated, would require about 188 additional feet of road, disturb about 11,470 square feet now left in a common area, and remove roughly 24 large trees. He estimated the extra road would cost about $400,000, or roughly $38,000 per lot. He said that would be reflected in higher home prices. Butler said the development team is trying to keep homes under $500,000 for 1,500‑ to 2,000‑square‑foot houses.
From planning staff’s perspective, Greulich said, the larger issue is the city’s long‑term street network. “The installation and establishment of a road network is something that you’re dealing with for the next 100, 200 years,” he said. “We are paying the price for a lot of cul‑de‑sacs that have been done over the past 80 years.”
Greulich said that extending the street as a stub to the west property line would preserve the option of a future east‑west connection between Dunn and Walnut as the large, currently unplatted tract to the west redevelops. Without a stub, he said, traffic would be forced onto a few existing connections such as Glendora through Fritz Terrace.
Greulich discouraged a compromise where the right‑of‑way would be dedicated but the street not built, saying that would leave taxpayers on the hook eventually to construct and maintain a road that should be the developer’s responsibility.
The situation led plan commission president Brad Wisler to suggest that some kind of payment-in-lieu option should be developed for incorporation into the UDO. That way the developer would pay the cost, but the road would not be built until the connection was actually needed, leaving the stretch unpaved and pervious as long as possible.
On flooding, commissioners Jillian Kinzie and Hopi Stosberg asked whether the project would worsen conditions for properties downhill on Glendora and Fritz Drive, where residents say basements are already regularly flooding.
Greulich said that question is exactly why staff want more time for CBU’s review. The goal, he said, is that the plan either improves the current situation or at least does not make it worse. He also stressed that, unlike now, the developed site would have a formal stormwater collection system with basins and swales and that North Dunn Street currently has no storm sewers in this area.
Butler contended that no runoff from the new development would go south. Instead, he said, it would be directed to basins and then west through existing infrastructure. He noted that CBU has put his drainage report through three rounds of review by an outside firm.
On the riparian buffer waiver, Kreindler and Greulich explained that the standard easement wording—intended to prevent disturbance—conflicts with CBU’s need to mow, access, and excavate where necessary to maintain stormwater pipes and basins. The new wording, they said, was developed jointly by planning staff, CBU, and the city’s senior environmental planner to allow disturbance only as required by CBU and the operations manual.
Stosberg asked for a clearer, public explanation of how the city decided the on‑site seasonal pond is not a regulated wetland. Greulich said the city’s environmental planner visited the site and concluded it did not meet the criteria for a delineation as a wetland, but that the pond area is still being preserved in common open space and the riparian buffer. The planning department’s environmental planner is Rachael Johnson.
Kinzie and Stosberg both requested that a CBU representative attend the July hearing and that commissioners receive more direct documentation on the stormwater manual and the earlier wetland assessment.
### Public mic: 10 speakers, all opposed
Ten people spoke at the public microphone. All ten opposed the subdivision as currently proposed and urged at least a delay, if not outright denial or major redesign.
Attorney Jason McAuley, representing several nearby owners, argued that the revised plan is “fundamentally different” from what neighbors had first seen and highlighted that CBU’s internal review still shows only 13 percent completion. He questioned the absence of a formal wetland delineation and pointed to an unresolved sanitary sewer easement across a lot to the south. With a court challenge to the BZA decision pending, he asked the commission to put off the decision until the second hearing is held.
Julie Williams showed video of water coursing across her yard and into her finished basement during what she described as a routine storm, not a rare event. Despite a French drain, sump pump, and landscaping work, she said she has suffered repeated uninsured losses.
Deirdre Sheets, speaking for a neighbor, described a May storm that completely flooded his recently purchased home’s finished basement, requiring removal of all flooring and significant drywall.
Longtime Fritz Drive resident Jeanne Ream traced her flooding problems to the 1970s when a development was constructed on North Walnut, which she said already channels water onto her backyard. She warned that removing trees and adding pavement on Dunn Street would only increase the volume of stormwater.
Julia Livingston brought photos of large pines, seasonal water, and wildlife in the back acres, saying that the area functions as a wetland and wildlife corridor between Griffy Lake and Cascades Park. She urged a conservation‑oriented approach and a formal wetland delineation.
Greg Grant criticized inserting what he termed “high‑density urban‑style housing” into a moderate‑density R2 area.
Jessica Will reported on a petition opposing the project, saying organizers had collected 291 signatures representing 253 households, including all adjacent households except one also owned by Pruitt.
Stephanie Dickinson and Susan Sandberg both stressed the status of Matlock Heights as a historic mid‑century neighborhood with no alleys and no sidewalks. Sandberg called the proposed subdivision “an insult, a violation of our trust in the UDO and in city planning.”
Robin Halpin Young accused the city of pursuing “density at any cost” and characterized the use of multiple waivers and variances as “pocket zoning.” She said the project should instead be treated as a conservation subdivision under the UDO, designed to cluster homes while protecting sensitive environmental features.
---
The plan commission voted unanimously to continue the Northgrove petition to July 13 for its required second hearing, with a clear expectation that CBU and staff will bring more complete answers on stormwater, riparian buffers, and the wetland determination.
### Bloomington police arrest two on burglary, recklessness charges after apartment gunfire
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-arrest-two-on-burglary-recklessness-charges-after-apartment-gunfire/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T19:18:25.000Z
Bloomington police have made two arrests in connection with shots fired in a southwest city neighborhood last Wednesday (June 3), according to a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-08-BPD-news-release-about-June-3-2026-shots-fired.pdf ) on Monday afternoon.
According to the caller who reported the incident on the morning of June 3, two men arrived at their apartment. One of them came in without being invited, then fired several rounds from a handgun before leaving. Responding officers found several bullet holes in the walls of the apartment.
Officers also found bullet holes in the wall of neighboring apartments in the 500 block of West Hays Court, which is south of the intersection of Rogers Street and Rockport Road. There were no injuries reported.
Surveillance footage backed up the victim's statements, according to the news release.
Police determine the identities of the two men as Cody L. Riley (26, Bloomington) and Shawn M. Wilcox (26). Wilcox is described in the news release as “transient,” which is defined in a general BPD order as someone “who lacks stable housing or employment and stays in one place for brief periods of time” and “someone who moves from place to place, just passing through the area, and is not staying for a long time.”
On Monday morning (June 8), police found Wilcox and Riley in an apartment in the 2400 block of South Winslow Court, which is northeast of the intersection of Winslow Road and Henderson Street. Both were arrested and taken to police headquarters for questioning, then booked into the Monroe County jail on the charges of burglary (level 2 felony), criminal recklessness (level 5 felony), and intimidation with a deadly weapon (level 5 felony).
### Monroe County revises 30-day notice policy ahead of July 1 ‘street camping’ law
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-revises-30-day-notice-policy-ahead-of-july-1-street-camping-law/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T16:50:36.000Z
From left: Monroe County commissioners Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira. (Dave Askins, June 4, 2026)
A new Indiana law ([SB 285](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/SB0285%5F06%5FENRH-Prohibition-against-camping-on-public-property-homelessness-encampment.pdf )) that takes effect July 1, will make it illegal to camp, sleep or live for an extended time on land owned by the state or a local government, unless the land has been set aside for that purpose.
With a month to go before the law takes effect, Monroe County commissioners last Thursday (June 4) took formal action to strike a clause from their [existing policy ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-12-18-Commissioners-Resolution-2025-58-Regarding-Notice-To-Homeless-Encampments.pdf) on responding to homeless encampments, which says they’ll give 30 days notice to residents before removing them. The resolution enacting the [new policy](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-04-30-day-notice-county-commissioners-encampment-resolution.pdf) says the 30-day prior notice has been made “irrelevant” by SB 285.
The law does not require police to arrest someone the first time they are found sleeping or camping on public land. First, an officer has to decide whether the person should be taken for emergency mental health care under Indiana law. If that applies, the officer is supposed to use that process instead.
If emergency detention does not apply, the officer is supposed to give the person a warning and information about places where shelter or services are available.
A person can be charged with a crime only after that warning has been given, at least 48 hours have passed, and the person is still camping, sleeping or living on public land within 300 feet of the place where the warning was issued. The offense is called “street camping” and is a Class C misdemeanor.
The law also limits what local governments can do. Cities, towns and counties may not adopt policies that bar or discourage enforcement of laws against public camping, sleeping or blocking sidewalks.
Last Thursday, county attorney Jeff Cockerill told commissioners the new state statute requires local law enforcement to act when people are sleeping on public property without authorization, and bars local policies that could be interpreted as limiting that authority. The 30-day notice had to be eliminated, because of that, according to Cockerill.
Cockerill contended that the county’s policy has not changed: When a camp removal is initiated by county government, commissioners intend to give as much notice as possible and still views 30 days as the goal. But he said they can no longer guarantee that in writing without risking conflict with state law.
Commissioner Jody Madeira used the vote to deliver a blunt critique of the statute, fighting back tears to frame it as criminalizing poverty and shifting costs onto local governments without new resources for housing or services:
> I think we have an obligation to protect public spaces and the quality of life for all residents. We also have an obligation to say really clearly that homelessness isn’t solved by pushing people from one place to another, and poverty shouldn’t become a pathway into the criminal legal system. People don’t have to sleep outside because it’s easy, they sleep outside because they run out of options, because housing is too expensive, shelter is unavailable and unsuitable, and treatment is hard to access, and the safety net has failed them.
Madeira called the state’s approach “horrible” and “a double cruelty,” adding that “criminal penalties are not housing policy.” That was an allusion to the title of[ SB 285](https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-8-2026-lake-rescue-liquor-permits-legal-fees-election-complaints-carless-kirkwood/), which was “Housing Matters.”
Commissioner Julie Thomas echoed the criticism, describing the statute as “another unfunded mandate from the state of Indiana” that doesn’t solve anything. Thomas said the county will continue to work with the city of Bloomington, Heading Home of South Central Indiana, and service providers on a coordinated response. She said it remains county policy to seek shelter and services for encampment residents when removals are contemplated.
Responding to an emailed question early last Thursday, Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté sent The B Square a [statement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-03-statement-from-Ruben-Marte-Monroe-County-sherrif-SB-285-street-camping-enforcement.pdf ). The statement indicates that the new state law does not mean there will be a significant change to the day-to-day approach taken by sheriff’s deputies: “Operationally, complaints involving individuals sleeping on public property will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.”
Marté’s statement continues, “Deputies will first evaluate the circumstances, ensure public safety, and seek voluntary compliance whenever possible. We will continue working with community partners and service providers when appropriate to connect individuals with available resources and assistance.”
As of midday Monday, city of Bloomington officials had not responded to emailed questions from The B Square sent Thursday morning.
There are a handful of known local encampments to which state officials will likely expect a response, probably the highest profile one being the county-owned Thomson property off South Rogers Street. The site is also considered by some to be a possible site for a new jail.
After Thursday’s meeting, Madeira and Thomas told The B Square that because it’s a county-owned property, situated inside the Bloomington city limits, the city and the county will be taking a joint approach to it.
\[*Note: The reporter’s wife, Mary Morgan, is executive director of Heading Home of South Central Indiana, the nonprofit mentioned by county commissioner Julie Thomas as involved in the effort to address the Thomson encampment.*\]
### June 8, 2026: Lake rescue, liquor permits, legal fees, election complaints, carless Kirkwood
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-8-2026-lake-rescue-liquor-permits-legal-fees-election-complaints-carless-kirkwood/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T10:13:32.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Take an umbrella. There is a 60-70% chance of rain showers starting around 10 a.m. and that comes with a 50% chance of thunderstorms, which goes pretty much through the whole day. The high will reach 84F°.
**Tuesday:** Keep that umbrella handy. Coming off of a rainy overnight, the rain showers will stick around the day with an 80% chance in the early afternoon, along with a good chance of thunderstorms. The high will reach 84F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Injured hiker, overnight ordeal prompts Sunday boat rescue from Lake Monroe peninsula](https://bsquarebulletin.com/injured-hiker-overnight-ordeal-prompts-sunday-boat-rescue-from-lake-monroe-peninsula/). Three teenagers stranded overnight in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area were rescued Sunday by Monroe Fire Protection District and DNR crews after one hiker injured an ankle. The group had run out of water and phone batteries were fading before a rescue boat reached them on Lake Monroe.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-64/). Hawk is ready to defend his fish friend from what he thinks is a discriminatory proposal to ban carps from Kirkwood Avenue.
- [Monroe County property transfers through June 3, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-june-3-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from April 23 through June 3, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Bloomington council to weigh liquor-permit rules with reach beyond two new state slots](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-to-weigh-liquor-permit-rules-with-reach-beyond-two-new-state-slots/). Bloomington’s council will consider rules for recommending scarce three-way alcohol permits, after a new state law opened two more slots. The framework would favor local, restaurant-based economic development and apply to historic-district permits and any future riverfront district.
- [Bloomington Transit’s first 60-foot articulated bus arrives at Grimes Lane depot](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transits-first-60-foot-articulated-bus-arrives-at-grimes-lane-depot/). Bloomington Transit’s first 60-foot articulated bus has arrived at the Grimes Lane operations facility, with two more expected this month. The bigger buses will add capacity on high-ridership campus routes, especially Routes 6 and 12, starting with the fall semester.
- [Bloomington argues $37,500 cap on legal fees in annexation loss; remonstrators seek $200K](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-argues-37-500-cap-on-legal-fees-in-annexation-loss-remonstrators-seek-200k/). After losing its bid to annex Areas 1A and 1B, Bloomington is now disputing the legal fees it owes. Remonstrators seek nearly $200,000, while the city says state law caps reimbursement at $37,500\. Special judge Nathan Nikirk will decide after proposed orders are filed July 8.
- [Monroe County election board sends complaints about candidate for clerk to prosecutor](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-sends-complaints-about-candidate-for-clerk-to-prosecutor/). Monroe County’s election board voted Thursday to send two complaints against clerk candidate Joe Davis to the county prosecutor, after hearing allegations about campaign signs, electioneering in the polling chute, and voter intimidation. Davis denied wrongdoing.
- [Bloomington council delays vote on carless Kirkwood until June 10, after commission review](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-delays-vote-on-carless-kirkwood-vote-until-june-10-after-commission-review/). A Bloomington city council vote on making five blocks of Kirkwood Avenue car-free from April to mid-November was postponed to June 10, after officials said the transportation commission must first review the measure. Debate aired business concerns, and visions for downtown.
- [Land swap to save Seminary Pointe housing now backed by Bloomington city council](https://bsquarebulletin.com/land-swap-to-save-seminary-pointe-housing-now-backed-by-bloomington-city-council/). Bloomington’s city council voted 8–0 Wednesday for a new letter to the RDC that backs a possible College Square–Seminary Pointe land swap, even if unequal, to clear a path for a convention center host hotel while preserving affordable apartments and community-oriented businesses.
### Other Important Notes
**Memorial Service.** A memorial service for [Wei Yang “Joann” Wong](https://www.joannwong.com/) will be held at the FAR Center for Contemporary Arts on Friday (June 12) at 3 p.m. Readers who did not know the Bloomington resident and former IU journalism professor will recognize the name of her son, Kelton O’Connell. For the last several months, including his senior year at Bloomington High School North, Kelton has been covering the K-12 beat for The B Square.
### On the calendar
**Northgrove subdivision of land.** On the [5:30 p.m. Monday (June 8) agenda](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xyH2CENfkaBjmGUpOWJqLxXNiCjoRkHYJ-RSWQxLlP0/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.m9b4a4l881oc) for Bloomington’s plan commission is consideration of a proposed subdivision of land for Northgrove on North Dunn Street, which has generated a lot of opposition. [Bloomington plan commission sends Northgrove subdivision to second hearing amid concerns](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-plan-commission-sends-northgrove-subdivision-to-second-hearing-amid-concerns/)
**Carless Kirkwood.** On the 7 p.m. [Monday (June 8) meeting agenda](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NtaBvbvLhFEwwuMfNjMcrjsOwWkJ%5F7Lzr%5FnrxUiwkC8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.u60s2th5lzpj Bloomington council delays vote on carless Kirkwood until June 10, after commission review) for Bloomington’s transportation commission is consideration of a city council proposal to close Kirkwood between Indiana Avenue and Walnut Street from April to mid-November every year. For B Square background, see: [Bloomington council delays vote on carless Kirkwood until June 10, after commission review](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-delays-vote-on-carless-kirkwood-vote-until-june-10-after-commission-review/)
**County council: Canceled.** The [regular Tuesday (June 9) meeting](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-2836) of the Monroe County council has been cancelled.
**Carless Kirkwood, liquor permits, AI, and more.** The Bloomington city council’s agenda is packed for its [Wednesday (June 10) meeting](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16960/download) starting at 6:30 p.m. Returning for a third time is an ordinance that would close Kirkwood between Indiana Avenue and Walnut Street from April to mid-November every year. For B Square background, see: [Bloomington council delays vote on carless Kirkwood until June 10, after commission review](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-delays-vote-on-carless-kirkwood-vote-until-june-10-after-commission-review/)
Making its first appearance on the agenda is a resolution to establish rules for recommending extra liquor permits that have been allocated to the city of Bloomington. For B Square background, see [Bloomington council to weigh liquor-permit rules with reach beyond two new state slots](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-to-weigh-liquor-permit-rules-with-reach-beyond-two-new-state-slots/).
Other agenda items include: resolutions on the existential risk of artificial intelligence, adoption of the Monroe County multi-hazard mitigation plan, and allocation of 2026 Jack Hopkins Social Services Program funds. The council will also consider ordinances on loans between utilities and a proposed requirement that legislation have councilmember sponsorship before it can be considered. Finally, the council will also hear the annual presentation on tax abatements.
**Thursday joint city-county jail meeting.** The topic of a joint government meeting for 6 p.m. on Thursday at the historic county courthouse is not indicated on the meeting notice for the [city council](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16957/download), or the [joint notice](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-11-Monroe-County-council-special-work-session-Public-Meeting-Notice-6-11-2026.pdf) for the county council and the county commissioners. But the topic is supposed to be planning for a new county jail.
---
**Monroe County History Center Garage Sale: June 10–15.** The Monroe County History Center’s annual [Garage Sale](https://monroehistory.org/annual-garage-sale/), now in its 45th year, returns in June at [4015 Profile Parkway](https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4jVcBTxVDEFQUuH8). The sale is the center’s biggest fundraiser, with donated antiques, household items and other goods supporting artifact preservation, exhibits and programs.
An early-access day for current MCHC members, Cook employees and Simtra employees is set for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday (June 10). Public sale days: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday (June 12–13); and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday (June 15).
**4th of July Parade: June 15.** The last day to file [paperwork for entries](https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/fourth-of-july-parade) for Bloomington’s Fourth of July Parade is June 15\.
**Bingo Brunch at Cardinal Spirits: June 28.** It’s every Sunday 12-2 p.m. at Cardinal Spirits: Bingo Brunch with celebrity callers! You might wonder: What is the Cardinal Spirits definition of celebrity? It needs to be flexible enough to include ... me, the founder of The B Square. I plan to apply all the principles I have learned about government meeting procedures to bingo calling—in the best possible way! You have never heard letters and numbers sound so great.
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Myles!
Up for adoption, as of June 7 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Myles](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86775). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a mountain cur mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Myles](https://bsquarebulletin.com/injured-hiker-overnight-ordeal-prompts-sunday-boat-rescue-from-lake-monroe-peninsula/):
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
### Photo Finish: Fairfax SRA
A killdeer hops around the high water in the parking lot. (Dave Askins, June 7, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Fairfax SRA
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/fairfax-sra-2/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T00:34:08.000Z
A killdeer hops around the high water in the parking lot. (Dave Askins, June 7, 2026)
### Injured hiker, overnight ordeal prompts Sunday boat rescue from Lake Monroe peninsula
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/injured-hiker-overnight-ordeal-prompts-sunday-boat-rescue-from-lake-monroe-peninsula/
Last updated: 2026-06-07T20:08:08.000Z
****Left:** Map by The B Square. ****Right:** This view is to the south from the Fairfax SRA boat ramp. The boat is headed east from the ramp, then northeast. (Dave Askins, June 7, 2026)
Around 1:15 p.m. on Sunday (June 7) a Monroe Fire Protection District vehicle with lights and siren hauled a rescue boat trailer to the Fairfax SRA boat ramp, and from there launched the craft into Lake Monroe. The boat then sped east across the lake with full throttle.
According to MFPD chief Dustin Dillard, the boat met up with DNR officers to rescue three stranded teenage hikers from a peninsula in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area, where the trio had been stranded since Saturday. Dillard said the teenagers were trapped because one of the hikers had suffered a possible broken or sprained ankle after stepping in a hole. The situation had grown critical because the group had run out of water, was carrying limited provisions, and their phone batteries were dying.
A boat rescue was launched because the location was not accessible by land, according to Dillard. Rescuers found the stranded hikers around 1:35 p.m. Sunday. The injured person’s condition was stable, was having manageable pain, but could not walk.
All three hikers were safely brought aboard the rescue boat and taken across the water to the Cutright SRA boat ramp, arriving at 1:52 p.m. First responders stayed on the scene with the teenagers until family members arrived to pick them up, Dillard said.
### Video: June 7, 2026 MFPD rescue launch
0:00
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1×
Monroe Fire Protection District first responders launch a rescue boat into Lake Monroe from the Fairfax SRA boat ramp. (Dave Askins, June 7, 2026)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-64/
Last updated: 2026-06-07T11:42:00.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #65 (June 7, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through June 3, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-june-3-2026/
Last updated: 2026-06-07T11:31:10.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from April 23 through June 3, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On June 3, 2026, the property at 2428 S Broadview DR was sold to BRIGITTE COLON by CORBEN MATTHEW ANDREWS for $230,000.
- On June 3, 2026, the property at 9572 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to TERRI ENGLAND by 19 SOUTH MAIN LLC for $174,000.
- On June 2, 2026, the property at 9590 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to BRANDI SUE GREEN by EDWARDS SASSER for $135,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 3415 E Adair LN was sold to KATHERINE PEASE by JOHN K SPARZO for $997,500.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 2805 S Thatcher CT was sold to JOHN LYONS by JEFFREY O HOOLEY for $485,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 1256 E Zinnia DR was sold to BROOKE HANNON by DOUG DYKSTRA for $464,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 4606 N Chatham DR was sold to CYNTHIA NNAGBORO by SAMUEL L ROADRUCK for $460,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 9103 S Front Nine DR was sold to GARY CLARK by WILLIAM R HARRIS for $412,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 805 W Hedgewood DR was sold to ALEXANDRIA KILZER by ARLLYS PAPKE for $389,900.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 7250 W Upland CT was sold to GARRETT R.A. DALTON by Davis, Rob M for $369,900.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 4010 E Old Meyers RD was sold to SIMEON DICKMAN by DANIEL L ORTMAN for $328,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 3836 W Woodmere WAY was sold to SARA MASSY by DYLAN L SWIFT for $325,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 4021 W Glen Oaks DR was sold to KARI ELIZABETH CANTRELL by BENJAMIN S YODER for $323,500.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 2550 S Flat Rock RD was sold to SHARI PENTICUFF by INTEGRITY ENTERPRISE HOLDING COMPANY LLC for $312,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 803 S Winridge CT was sold to AUBREY L WILLIAMS by CARTER LEWIS for $311,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 2311 S Rogers ST was sold to ADAM MARTINEZ by NATASHA KOMDA for $289,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 214 E 15th ST was sold to 3B INVESTMENTS, LLC by THE BRAWLEY GROUP LLC for $250,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 3877 S Cramer CIR was sold to MARZIA ZAMANI by MARK BORGERS for $248,500.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 1350 W Adams Hill CIR was sold to VIVIAN JOY by JAMES F MASON for $245,300.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 118 N Jackson ST was sold to WILLIAM SHANK by TYLER A SMITH for $230,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 888 E Sherwood Hills DR was sold to SHARON TAYLOR by SHELLY WENDT for $172,000.
- On June 1, 2026, the property at 1503 W 14th ST was sold to DAVID A THOMPSON by Lindbergh Drive Estates LLC for $94,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 1917 S Renwick BLVD was sold to JOSHUA L CHENAULT by Rawe, Donald J for $810,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 3127 E Kensington Park DR was sold to GRETCHEN SCHERMER by JENNIFER L HUFF for $625,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 5771 E Kings RD was sold to ARGENBRIGHT AND RADICE REVOCABLE TRUST by CHRISTOPHER M BERRY for $610,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 1220 E Hunter AVE was sold to NICOLE A HUBBARD by Meltzer Family Revocable Trust for $590,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 942 S Baldwin DR was sold to DAVID A CAMPAIGNE by MICHAEL BRENT REYNOLDS for $462,500.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 1414 E Rhorer RD was sold to TAREN LINARES by ESTATE OF DAVID HOWARD for $419,025.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 2741 S Jalen CT was sold to JAMES ROBERT BLAIR, III by Morgan, Derrick for $415,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 150 E Kennedy CT was sold to MAX JONES by Michael, Scott W for $405,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 4592 N Shadow Wood DR was sold to JERRY C BEAN III by SPARKS, PAUL A for $396,900.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 632 E Northcliff AVE was sold to TAYLOR KERN by Hollar, Zane for $389,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 9245 E Woodview DR was sold to JACOB COX by WILLIAM H CHAFFEE, II for $375,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 3802 E Regents CIR was sold to JIANING MORRIS by FAITH A URIDEL for $354,900.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 1106 S Graywell DR was sold to MARY H MOSIER by DOLORES MARIE DUNN AKA DOLORES BROWN DUNN for $340,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 4444 S Old State Road 37 was sold to JAKOB STEPHENS by Holly-Falzoni, Lierin Courtney for $332,530.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 912 S Larkspur LN was sold to MUHAMMAD AFTAB HUSSAIN by MCKENZIE FAMILY TRUST for $320,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 2026 E Waters Edge DR was sold to VINCENT S SOMMERS by BRADY M DRYER for $315,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 4635 W Johanna DR was sold to SETH CRITCHFIELD by ALEXANDER C NAREY for $290,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 4390 N Ridgewood DR was sold to JOSH MICHAEL BRISTOE by EARLY LEARNING CHILDCARE LLC for $265,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 4385 E Bethel LN was sold to LORA ROBERTSON by Cerame, Michael for $210,325.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 901 S Walnut ST was sold to JSW PROPERTY LLC by Manson, Andrew for $200,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 3829 S Laurel CT was sold to KIRSTEN ANNE LUBKEMAN by SPRONG, PAMELA S for $190,750.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 2592 E Sailor LN was sold to BRIAN WALSH by Eurton, Shawn A for $170,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 1794 N Hartstrait RD was sold to LARRY P BELL by ROBERT W HUDSON for $145,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 9021 W State Road 45 was sold to KIRKWOOD REALTY LLC by Harrington, Douglas Neil for $100,000.
- On May 29, 2026, the property at 621 N Monroe ST was sold to BEVERLY ANN BEGLEY by ROBERT B LAUGHLIN for $60,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 1550 E Pointe Club DR was sold to THOMAS LOSH by Carpenter, Candace for $700,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 4211 N Rosewood DR was sold to BRANDY N DOAKS by Beacon Builders, LLC for $404,195.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 4415 N Benton CT was sold to JACOB YOUNGBLOOD by Toth, Nicholas P for $360,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 1408 S Longwood DR was sold to JOHN A RIEBAU by CADENCE HOMES LLC for $345,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 2627 E Dekist ST was sold to HARRISON RENTAL MANAGEMENT LLC by APOSTOLOS DRAKONTAIDIS for $340,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 716 W Ralston DR was sold to ANDREW MEEK by Ballard, Timothy M for $325,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 4291 N Mt Gilead RD was sold to TARA J RUDISILL by KENNETH E FLEENER AND NORMA J FLEENER REV TRUST for $300,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 877 S Western DR was sold to RICHARD M MCFALL AND KATHLEEN J MCFALL REVOCABLE TRUST by MOSIER, BONNIE R for $220,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 4108 W Red Rock RD was sold to TIMOTHY E MAY by Johnson, Belinda R for $199,000.
- On May 28, 2026, the property at 2354 S Burberry LN was sold to JESSICA NICOLE PAYNE by Babayev, Maksat for $188,500.
- On May 27, 2026, the property at 711 S Clifton AVE was sold to CYNTHIA CHUPAK JEFFERY by JULIE I MELTZER for $616,900.
- On May 27, 2026, the property at 3075 N Natasha DR was sold to LAUREN LANCE by NATALIE KIEFFNER for $373,000.
- On May 27, 2026, the property at 1030 W Acuff RD was sold to BEVERLY MUTERSPAUGH by BEACON BUILDERS, LLC for $363,340.
- On May 27, 2026, the property at 1202 S Fess AVE was sold to HINES HOGAN HOLDING LLC by TEHO TRUST for $350,000.
- On May 27, 2026, the property at 1020 W 7th ST was sold to PAUL SCHMIDT by Henderson, Robert G Jr for $237,000.
- On May 27, 2026, the property at 5621 W Gifford RD was sold to ROBERT V SHAW by ESTATE OF FARRELL N DUCKWORTH for $215,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 4458 N Triple Crown DR was sold to RODERICK OJONG by BARDI BUILDERS LLC for $850,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 3209 S Forrester ST was sold to KRISTIN LEWIS by LISA A SANDY FKA LISA A LARSON for $541,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 4100 N Rosewood DR was sold to HEIDI SLAUBAUGH by Ayer, David W for $439,900.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 7100 W Drift CT was sold to CASSANDRA RENSINK by Herzog, Richard D for $375,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 4318 E Hector DR was sold to DAVID ARB, JR by Thompson, Christopher Alexander for $339,900.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 7602 W Julia DR was sold to STEVEN LEE JACKSON by AUTHENTIC HOMES, INC for $294,909.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 911 W Winding WAY was sold to LAURA NEVILLE by Brock, Amy J for $270,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 1324 N Kinser PIKE was sold to DANIEL DUARTE by ESTATE OF LOUISE ELOY BRIGGS for $260,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 401 W Iroquois DR was sold to ZACHARY AKIN by STEINHAUS LLC for $243,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 3442 N Valleyview DR was sold to ASHLEY JENKINS by LAURINA S MILLER for $232,750.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 1813 W Wylie ST was sold to REESE SEXTON by Brookman, Katherine Helen for $220,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 7602 W Julia DR was sold to AUTHENTIC HOMES INC by Harman Farms Development LLC for $65,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 2297 W Popcorn RD was sold to THOMAS R WININGER by TURTLE CREEK LLC for $0.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 3750 E Cleve Butcher RD was sold to CRAIG STEVEN OVERWAY by JESSICA BAUER CRICHTON for $775,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 9353 S Chapel Hill RD was sold to DUSTIN CARPENTER by LAWRENCE E DONOVAN for $415,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 4313 N Hartstrait RD was sold to DAMUN T THOMAS by ANATHA SHEKHAR for $358,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 6139 W Ratliff RD was sold to LUCA PERAGALLO by Dwyer, Andrew Michael Bradley for $290,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 4180 W Grand AVE was sold to ALISON JANE KASHMER MCGLOTHLIN by Leonhardt, Henry for $246,500.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 5932 S Catherine ST was sold to ALLEEN HAWKINS by Stark, Amy M for $235,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 4255 E Farr RD was sold to MICAH ALLEN TORCELLINI by Smith, Jimmy Frank for $133,250.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 2003 S Ramsey DR was sold to THERESA MURPHY by DOUGLAS S GREENAWALD for $324,000.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 1128 W Pine Meadows DR was sold to EMILY AUSTIN by Duncan, Bryan Stuart for $319,000.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 3614 E Grandview DR was sold to ETHAN FARMER by NANCY S MACKLIN for $275,000.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 621 S Village DR was sold to JENNIFER TEARE by Bruttomesso, Thomas M for $268,900.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 2578 Flat Rock RD was sold to KATHY E HAMMEL by AMANDA HOFMEISTER FKA Eller, Amanda for $267,000.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 7811 E Southshore DR was sold to NEVIN A MARKITAN by Sandor, Joseph S for $218,000.
- On May 20, 2026, the property at 2750 E Buttonwood LN was sold to RONEN HILEWICZ by Lippke, Richard L for $550,000.
- On May 20, 2026, the property at 2112 E Arden DR was sold to EWAN JEREMY SCHMID by Pinchuk, Sergey for $392,000.
- On May 20, 2026, the property at 1738 W Ezekiel DR was sold to MICHAEL J SUKIENNIK by Joe Kemp Construction LLC for $99,000.
- On May 19, 2026, the property at 5916 S Phyllis ST was sold to SILVERSTEIN LLC by ESTATE OF JOHN BRUCE ROBEY, DECEASED for $120,000.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 1418 E Rhorer RD was sold to AUTOVEST II, LLC by HHI 1418 Rhorer LLC for $620,490.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 4241 E Cardigan CT was sold to MAKSIM KITSAK by JEFFREY T TURNER for $558,500.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 1420 E Rhorer RD was sold to AUTOVEST II, LLC by 1420 Rhorer Rd LLC for $333,000.
- On May 14, 2026, the property at 5035 E Earl Young RD was sold to RANDALL MORRIS by JOHN W BRUBAKER for $500,000.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 4200 W Wampler RD was sold to JORDAN DEAN PAYNE by DENNIS J PAYNE for $477,500.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 7660 W Julia DR was sold to EQUITY TRUST COMPANY CUSTODIAN FBO TODD SACKSTEDER by Harman Farms Development LLC for $65,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 7670 W Julia DR was sold to EQUITY TRUST COMPANY CUSTODIAN FBO BRENT SACKSTEDER by Harman Farms Development LLC for $65,000.
- On May 6, 2026, the property at 1041 E Nicholas LN was sold to ROBERT CHINN by CARTUS FINANCIAL CORPORATION for $450,000.
- On May 6, 2026, the property at 2187 S Kirby RD was sold to BARGER, KRIS L by LAKE, FARON M for $0.
- On May 4, 2026, the property at 3272 E Mattatha DR was sold to ERIC LEWIS by ERIC LEWIS for $312,000.
- On April 29, 2026, the property at 8137 N Fox Hollow RD was sold to JAMES R BURROUGHS by ALLEN M CLIDINST for $220,000.
- On April 28, 2026, the property at 2612 S Isabel CT was sold to JACOB MARLEY by RCAF Acquisition Trust for $347,100.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 1409 W Kirkwood AVE was sold to GUANQING WANG by THE TRUSTEES OF WESTSIDE ASSEMBLY OF GOD INC for $250,000.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 4795 W Woodland DR was sold to ADKINS, AMY S by ADKINS, MARK A for $0.
### Bloomington council to weigh liquor-permit rules with reach beyond two new state slots
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-to-weigh-liquor-permit-rules-with-reach-beyond-two-new-state-slots/
Last updated: 2026-06-07T00:07:35.000Z
Map by The B Square \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1OEmjXcJd47H4FK1jWqpHR1o%5Fhz0gBbM&usp=sharing )\]
Three weeks ago, on May 19, Bloomington’s [economic development commission](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/economic-development) (EDC) spent part of its meeting discussing how the city will handle two new three-way alcohol permits created specifically for Bloomington in the 2026 session of Indiana’s General Assembly.
The city’s economic and sustainable development director, Jane Kupersmith, described how [SB 89](https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0089/SB0089.05.ENRH.pdf#page=11) fits into the state’s existing liquor-license structure.
“This is a tool that the legislature has applied for years,” Kupersmith told EDC members. “The state has a \[population-based\] quota system for three-ways … There have been a number of times that the state just assigns additional three-way permits to different municipalities … and in the last session they assigned two additional ones to Bloomington.”
That May discussion is now reflected in a city council agenda item.
At its Wednesday (June 10) meeting, Bloomington’s city council is set to consider a [resolution](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16960/download#page=189) that would establish rules, procedures and public-interest guidelines for alcoholic beverage permits in cases where the city has some role in recommending or objecting to a permit.
The resolution would not itself award a permit. It would set the framework the city says it will use before recommending applications to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
The immediate impetus is SB 89, which becomes state law on July 1, which allows the ATC to issue Bloomington up to two new three-way permits outside the ordinary population-based quota. A three-way permit allows the sale of beer, wine and liquor for on-premises consumption.
Under Indiana’s quota system, cities and towns generally get one three-way permit, one two-way permit and one one-way permit per 1,500 residents. For Bloomington, Kupersmith said, that formula does not capture the market created by Indiana University. The influx of visitors to Bloomington because of the university means the market is bigger than the population numbers alone would indicate. As Kupersmith put it: “So we actually have a market that’s much larger than what it reads by population data.”
That mismatch between the quota and demand has helped turn existing full liquor licenses into valuable private-market assets. The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission’s [most recent transfer-price report](https://www.in.gov/atc/files/Transfer-sale-price-by-jurisdiction.pdf ) lists [19 Bloomington transfers](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-02-Liquor-license-beer-wine-3-way-Transfer-sale-price-by-jurisdiction.pdf) for three-way permits, with a median sale price of $235,000\. The highest Bloomington transfer listed in the report is $305,000.
By comparison, the initial cost of each of the two new Bloomington permits created by SB 89 would be $40,000.
Another cheaper route to a three-way permit that is not constrained by the population-based quota comes through Bloomington’s existing Courthouse Square historic district in downtown. The [state statute](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/7.1#7.1-3-20-16) on the topic allows up to 15 new three-way, two-way or one-way permits for restaurants located inside, or within 1,500 feet of a qualifying historic district. To qualify, a district has to include a county courthouse, or a historic opera house or historic jail and sheriff’s house listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bloomington’s Courthouse Square district qualifies.
Such permits cost $25,000\. The law that allows for 15 extra three-way permits related to a historic district has long been on the books. But the city of Bloomington has never put any regulations in place to make clear what the criteria are for making a recommendation to the ATC.
So Wednesday’s resolution is broader than just the two new SB 89 permits. Its proposed rules would also apply to possible historic-district permits connected to Courthouse Square, as well as to any future riverfront development district program the city might create.
That second category is related to the economic-development idea from last year, that the council did not wind up enacting—a proposed riverfront economic development district around Miller-Showers Park.
In 2025, the city council considered naming the larger area around Miller-Showers Park the “Stadium District.” A companion idea, not acted on by the council, was to [establish a municipal riverfront development district](https://bsquarebulletin.com/city-council-again-mulls-stadium-district-as-name-for-area-around-bloomington-urban-wetland-park-as-liquor-zone-question-looms/) using the waterway in Miller-Showers Park as the “river” anchoring the district. The practical effect of such a district would be to open another path to three-way permits outside the population quota.
The proposed June 10 resolution is designed to separate two questions: first, whether the city creates or recognizes a qualifying district; and second, whether the city supports any particular restaurant’s application for a liquor permit inside that district.
The resolution says creation of an eligible district “shall not, by itself,” amount to council approval, endorsement or support for any applicant, premises, business model, permit holder, transfer or renewal. In plain terms, being located in or near enough to a district would not guarantee city backing for a liquor permit.
That distinction matters because additional permits were discussed at the EDC’s meeting on May 19 as economic-development tools, not simply as a way to increase the number of bars.
At the EDC’s May 19 meeting, city council president Isak Asare, who sits on the EDC, described the scarcity of three-way permits as a “huge pain point” for would-be restaurateurs. He said he and other councilmembers have been working on criteria to make clear how the city should evaluate applicants.
Asare said the council needs to think not only about opening a pathway for new restaurants, but also about protecting existing assets and making sure new permits serve broader community goals.
“We don’t want all of these chains coming through,” Asare said. “We don’t want … 27 new bars or something like that, but you want to really think about using this in a way that’s relevant to economic development.”
Under the proposed resolution, the city’s preferred use of these special permits would be restaurant-based economic development. The resolution says permits should be reviewed “as public-purpose tools, not as transferable private assets or automatic entitlements.”
The minimum eligibility rules would require an applicant to operate, or propose to operate, a restaurant with at least 60% of gross retail income coming from food sales, excluding carryout and catering. The proposed premises would have to be inside Bloomington and inside whatever eligible district or geographic area is required by state law.
The applicant would also have to be the proprietor of the restaurant and premises where state law requires it.
The resolution adds local business requirements. If the applicant is an entity, it would have to be formed in Indiana and have its principal office in Monroe County. More than 50% of ownership interests would have to be held by people whose primary home address is in Monroe County, unless the council determines that a different ownership structure would substantially advance the resolution’s public purposes.
Before the city sends a favorable recommendation or support letter to the ATC, the applicant would have to execute a written agreement with the city. That agreement could cover the character of the business, restaurant and food-service requirements, hours of operation, responsible alcohol service, local ownership representations, annual reporting, good-standing requirements, wage affidavits, outdoor seating, trash, noise, maintenance and security.
The resolution also includes anti-speculation rules. A district permit could not be transferred, sold, assigned, relocated, pledged, monetized or otherwise conveyed except as allowed by state law and approved in writing by the council.
That provision addresses one of the central tensions in Bloomington’s liquor-license market. Existing quota-based three-way permits can command six-figure prices. The new state-law permits are meant to serve public economic-development purposes at a much lower entry cost. The city’s proposed rules try to prevent those permits from simply becoming private assets that can be flipped. In that regard, the proposed rules echo what state law already says, namely that permits issued beyond the population quotas are non-transferable.
Under the proposed rules, the city council could require applicants to make a public presentation to the council or a council committee. The presentation could cover the business concept, proposed location, ownership structure, menu, hours, responsible alcohol plan, public benefits, neighborhood compatibility and any requested exception or waiver.
If more eligible applicants seek city support than there are available permits, the city could use a competitive review. The council could recommend one applicant, multiple applicants, no applicants, or fewer applicants than the number of available permits. The resolution says nothing requires the council to recommend the highest-scoring applicant, or any applicant at all.
---
The Bloomington city council’s meeting next [Wednesday (June 10) ](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings)starts at 6:30 p.m.
### Courthouse square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/courthouse-square-14/
Last updated: 2026-06-06T16:14:28.000Z
Kurt Vonnegut puppet makes an appearance at the June 6 Bloomington Handmade Market on the courthouse square. (Mary Morgan, June 6, 2026)
### Bloomington Transit’s first 60-foot articulated bus arrives at Grimes Lane depot
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transits-first-60-foot-articulated-bus-arrives-at-grimes-lane-depot/
Last updated: 2026-06-06T03:55:56.000Z
An articulated bus from New Flyer sits in the BT garage at the Grimes Lane facility. (Azmin Azran, June 4, 2026)
The shiny new bus parked in the Bloomington Transit depot on Grimes Lane would immediately capture attention: a sleek, aerodynamic windshield design, with cables and gauges poking into the vehicle for inspection. What makes it impossible to miss is the accordion-like link connecting the two halves of the 60-foot giant.
The bus arrived on Thursday, the first of three articulated buses acquired by BT from Canadian manufacturer New Flyer for a combined total of $3.5 million. The [purchase was approved](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-05-17-Bloomington-Transit-Meeting-Information-Packet-OCR.pdf#page=2) at a Bloomington Transit board meeting a year ago on May 20, 2025.
An articulated bus is a single-decker bus made of two rigid sections joined together by a pivot. This pivot often looks like an accordion, and it allows the two sections of the bus to maneuver roads while offering higher capacity than regular length buses.
According to the New Flyer website, these 60-foot buses can seat up to 61 passengers, with standing room for another 62\. BT plans on using this extra capacity primarily for its high usage routes serving Indiana University locations, but will maintain flexibility in its deployment.
Shelley Strimaitis, BT’s planning and special projects manager, told The B Square the buses are most likely to serve Route #6 and Route #12, because those have the most ridership in the system. She added that the buses will also be available for any other routes that get full.
“During the \[Indiana University\] semesters we have six buses out on Route 6 and one on Route 12\. We have three articulated buses, we'll just stick them on whichever bus times seem to be the fullest and need them the most,” she said.
These will be the first articulated buses on the BT fleet to go into full service, but Strimaitis does not expect the training phase for drivers to be too challenging.
“We'll train \[the drivers\]. There’s not like a special license or anything for it, but we do have our internal training to make sure you're cleared on it. It has the turning radius of a 35-foot bus, whereas most of our electric buses are 40 foot buses. So it’s actually, in some aspects, a little bit easier to drive,” she said.
Bloomingtonians can expect to see all three buses on the road right as fall semester begins at Indiana University. According to Strimaitis, the remaining two buses are likely to arrive by the end of the month.
“We don't need them during the summers, but we'll probably put them into service, maybe late July, August, so drivers can get used to having them. And then they'll go out more regularly, starting in the fall semester,” she said.
An articulated bus from New Flyer sits in the BT garage at the Grimes Lane facility. (Azmin Azran, June 4, 2026)
An articulated bus from New Flyer sits in the BT garage at the Grimes Lane facility. (Azmin Azran, June 4, 2026)
An articulated bus from New Flyer sits in the BT garage at the Grimes Lane facility. (Azmin Azran, June 4, 2026)
### Bloomington argues $37,500 cap on legal fees in annexation loss; remonstrators seek $200K
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-argues-37-500-cap-on-legal-fees-in-annexation-loss-remonstrators-seek-200k/
Last updated: 2026-06-05T20:34:02.000Z
Photo by [Sasun Bughdaryan](https://unsplash.com/@sasun1990?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit)
When the Indiana Supreme Court in February this year [refused to consider](https://bsquarebulletin.com/supreme-court-refuses-to-hear-case-bloomingtons-annexation-defeat-in-two-areas-now-final/) the city of Bloomington’s appeal on its failed attempt to annex two territories west of the city, there was just one question left: How much does the city government owe in legal fees to those who brought the successful lawsuit against Bloomington’s effort?
Since 2016, the city of Bloomington has spent at least $2.18 million on outside legal services for annexation-related matters, which was paid to one law firm, Bose & McKinney. That doesn’t include any estimates for the city legal department’s staff time.
On Friday morning (June 5), Monroe circuit court special judge Nathan Nikirk heard 45 minutes of oral arguments on how much Bloomington should be required to pay in attorney fees to the residents who successfully blocked the city’s attempted annexation of Areas 1A and 1B.
It was Stephen Unger and Andrew McNeil with Bose & McKinney who argued the city’s side on Friday morning. They’re pointing to the “[plain language](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-4-3-11.6)” in state law that says remonstrators in annexation cases can’t be reimbursed for more than $37,500.
William Beggs, attorney with Bunger & Robertson for the remonstrators, is [asking for an award](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-05-annexation-Bloomington-attorney-fees-Amended-Petition-for-Attorney-Fees.pdf ) of attorney’s fees just under $200,000.
After each side had their say, and a chance for rebuttal, Nikirk said he’d take the matter under advisement and gave them until July 8 to file their proposed orders in the case. After that Nikirk will make a decision.
Unger seemed to imply in his remarks that the city’s actual position is that not even $37,500 is owed, but the city would accept a judgement of that amount. Anything more than that, however, and the city would appeal, based on what Unger said in court on Friday morning.
---
It was Nikirk who in [August of 2024](https://web.archive.org/web/20241223065453/https://bsquarebulletin.com/2024/08/07/second-lower-court-order-against-bloomington-the-annexation-of-areas-1a-and-1b-shall-not-take-place/ ) gave the initial ruling against the city of Bloomington’s annexation attempts. Then came the decision by the court of appeals in [September 2025](https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-court-of-appeals-upholds-ruling-against-bloomington-in-annexation-of-2-areas/) that upheld the ruling against Bloomington. When the Indiana Supreme Court in [February this year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/supreme-court-refuses-to-hear-case-bloomingtons-annexation-defeat-in-two-areas-now-final/) declined to hear the case, that answered for good the question of whether the two territories would become a part of the city.
Beggs went first on Friday morning, and walked Nikirk through the history of the case, which was filed more than four years ago. It included a week-long bench trial over which Nikirk presided, which [concluded about two years ago](https://bsquarebulletin.com/weeklong-bloomington-annexation-trial-its-a-wrap-each-side-gets-45-days-to-submit-final-brief/). The trial took place in the same courtroom as Friday morning’s oral arguments.
Beggs described how the case had involved “a lot of work by a lot of people on all sides.” Beggs represents County Residents Against Annexation, Inc. (CRAA) and the individual property owners who were remonstrators and named plaintiffs in the case.
In a petition filed in September 2024 and amended this week, the remonstrators asked the court to order Bloomington to pay the unpaid balance of their attorney’s bills—a figure Beggs put at $199,441.98, including time associated with Friday’s hearing. In the agreed [stipulated facts](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-05-Joint-Sitpulations-annexation-Bloomington-attorney-fees.pdf) that were filed with the court, the total amount that Bunger & Robertson has billed in the case is $377,292 and the total amount of attorney fees paid to Bunger & Robertson has been $177,850.
The request in front of the judge is now to award the difference between what has already been paid and the total billed amount.
Beggs emphasized that the parties had already stipulated that the amount and hourly rates were reasonable. The only thing to decide, Beggs said, is how to interpret the [relevant state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-4-3-11.6).
> **IC 36-4-3-11.6** Attorney’s fees and costs for prevailing remonstrators
> Sec. 11.6\.
> (a) This section applies to a remonstrance filed after June 30, 2015\.
> (b) If the court orders an annexation not to take place after a hearing under section 11 of this chapter, the remonstrators shall be reimbursed by the annexing municipality for any reasonable attorney's fees, including litigation expenses and appeal costs:
> (1) that are incurred:
> (A) after the date the annexation ordinance is adopted; and
> (B) in remonstrating against the annexation; and
> (2) not to exceed thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars ($37,500)
Beggs told Nikirk that if it’s read in the context of the broader statutory scheme, the wording still allows the court to award more than a flat $37,500 in this case.
Beggs noted that the statute refers to “the remonstrators” in the plural, not a single remonstrator, and contemplates fee awards to the plural. The case involved two ordinances, one for each of the two territories (Area 1A and Area 1B) which were tried jointly over five days.
The findings and conclusions were separate for each of the two territories, Beggs said. The original petition was filed on behalf of 24 remonstrators, each of whom could have filed separate lawsuits that would later have been consolidated. Under that scenario, Beggs said, the potential aggregate fees would clearly exceed $37,500 and would support the award of the full unpaid balance of $199,442.
Beggs said at least a $75,000 award could be based on $37,500 for each annexation territory. As a last resort, Beggs acknowledged the court could adopt the view that only $37,500 could be awarded, but urged Nikirk not to read the statute that way.
Beggs framed the dispute as one of legislative intent and public policy. He argued that the General Assembly did not mean to allow a city with what he called an “apparently endless litigation budget” to pursue an “ill‑conceived annexation effort” without bearing the full consequences if residents prevailed.
Arguing for the city of Bloomington, Unger urged Nikirk to reject what he called “mental gymnastics” and stick to the “plain language” of the statute. Exasperated, Unger told Nikirk: “I don’t even know why we’re here today, your honor.”
Unger said the wording of the statute clearly applies to “the remonstrators” collectively, not to each landowner or each named plaintiff and ties reimbursement to “a hearing.” There was one case and one hearing, Unger said, so they are entitled to an amount “not to exceed $37,500.”
Unger said that any of the theories put forward by the other side would effectively erase the cap the legislature wrote into the statute. Unger noted that the only entity contractually obligated to pay the firm is CRAA, the nonprofit organization that coordinated the remonstrance effort.
Unger told the court that nearly all payments shown on the invoices from Bunger & Robertson came in from CRAA using donations made to it as a nonprofit, not as payments from individual remonstrators. He cited federal tax‑court authority for the idea that donors to a 501(c)(3) relinquish control over their contributions. By that logic, donors to CRAA are not “remonstrators” paying their own legal fees, but charitable contributors to a nonprofit. Unger said that affects how any “reimbursement” under the annexation statute should be understood.
Unger also was keen to point out that CRAA itself is not a landowner in the annexation territories and is not a remonstrator, which is something that is part of the joint stipulation of facts filed with the court: “CRAA is not a landowner within Areas 1A or 1B, and CRAA did not sign a remonstrance petition against either annexation.”
Unger did not make an explicit argument that CRAA did not qualify for reimbursement of attorney’s fees under state law (which provides for reimbursement to remonstrators), but appeared to take that position. Leading up to his remarks about CRAA’s status as a non-remonstrator, Unger told Nikirk that Bloomington would not appeal an order that the city pay $37,500, but if it came to considering amounts higher than that, he indicated that CRAA’s status as a non-remonstrator would be relevant.
Beggs responded that the CRAA engagement‑letter and donor‑status arguments miss the mark. He pointed Nikirk to Indiana cases holding that a party’s entitlement to a fee award does not depend on whether they have actually received or paid a bill.
---
Bloomington has another [still-pending annexation case](https://bsquarebulletin.com/after-5-months-ruling-still-pending-from-highest-court-for-bloomington-annexation-case/), involving a question of constitutional law, and five other territories. The Indiana Supreme Court still has not decided whether it will take the case, which Bloomington lost in the circuit court. A court of appeals panel upheld the circuit court ruling that a 2019 state law was, in fact, constitutional.
### Monroe County election board sends complaints about candidate for clerk to prosecutor
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-election-board-sends-complaints-about-candidate-for-clerk-to-prosecutor/
Last updated: 2026-06-05T11:45:29.000Z
Joe Davis presents to the Monroe County election board examples of his campaign signs from a previous election and the most recent one. Board members from left to right: Nicole Browne, Danny Shields, and Penny Githens. (Dave Askins, June 4, 2026)
****Left:** County attorney Molly Turner-King clarifies state election law. ****Middle and Right:** Joe Davis assembles his exhibits for display to the Monroe County election board (Dave Askins, June 4, 2026)
****Left:** Karen Wheeler testifies. ****Middle:** Carol McGarry testifies as Molly Turner-King (seated, red top), Joe Davis (standing) look on. ****Right:** Carol McGarry testifies. (Dave Askins, June 4, 2026)
Monroe County’s election board voted Thursday (June 4) to send two separate complaints about county clerk candidate Joe Davis to the county prosecutor. The board concluded there was “substantial reason” to believe he violated state election laws during the May primary’s early voting period.
In the race for the Democratic Party’s nomination for clerk, Davis came third in a three-way race, getting 21% (2,549) of the vote. The winner, Tree Martin Lucas, got 47.7% (5,774) and second-place finisher Tanner Branham received 31.3% ( 3,787). Both Martin Lucas and Branham attended Thursday’s hearing.
The three‑member board consists of Nicole Browne (county clerk), Danny Shields (Republican Party appointee), and Penny Githens (Democratic Party appointee). They unanimously agreed to forward both complaints to the Monroe County prosecutor under [IC 3‑6‑5‑31](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-6-5-31 ), which governs investigations of alleged election law violations. The prosecutor may in turn refer the matter to the Indiana State Police.
The first complaint, filed by Karen Wheeler, a former Monroe County election supervisor, alleged four categories of violations: campaign signs lacking the required disclaimer; electioneering inside the “chute” (the 50‑foot zone leading to the entrance of the polls); following voters after they cast ballots; and potentially misleading claims by Davis that he was a “practicing jurist at law.”
The second complaint, from voter Carol McGarry, alleged that Davis’s approach to her on April 30 as she arrived to vote was intimidating and amounted to electioneering too close to the entrance.
Davis, who ran in the Democratic Party’s primary for Monroe County clerk and says now that he is attempting an independent run in the fall, denied any legal wrongdoing. He told the board he was trying to clean up the early voting site, improve access for voters, and deliver a fast campaign pitch that emphasized his court experience and his plans to improve accuracy in the clerk’s office. He apologized to McGarry “if you felt intimidated” but maintained that, out of a thousand people he spoke with, she was the only one who complained.
The board stressed that Thursday’s hearing was not a trial, but a screening step required by state law. That step is to decide whether the evidence presented should be referred to the prosecutor. After extended back‑and-forth with Davis about timing, points of procedure, and his desire to cross‑examine witnesses, the board ended the presentations and moved into their own deliberations.
Davis arrived about 20 minutes into the hearing, which started with the board’s adoption of the procedures, and the hearing of Wheeler’s complaint. When he arrived, Davis asked for more time to bring all of his exhibits, which included a shovel, a broom, several 5-gallon pails with dirt, books, and files. Davis also asked for time to review the procedures that had been adopted. Davis complained that the 10-minute timer was on a screen that was not in his immediate field of view.
At one point, Davis exhausted the patience of Shields, who was presiding over the hearings as chair of the election board:
> I’m sorry, sir, this poor, poor me stuff is not wearing well with me. I mean, I appreciate what’s happening here, but I’m like: Everybody in here was here at 1:30, OK? You chose not to be, for whatever reason. You know, I go back to some people saying: On time is 10 minutes late. And you make your own choice with that, but you’re truthfully to me, you’re not helping your case right now. You’re just not.
---
The board adopted written hearing procedures drafted by county attorney Molly Turner-King, on advice from the Indiana Election Division. Those rules required witnesses to be sworn, capped each side’s presentation at 10 minutes (not counting board questions), and barred direct cross‑examination between complainants and candidates.
Turner-King then summarized Wheeler’s April 28 [complaint](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-15-J-Davis-OCR.pdf ), which accused Davis of posting signs without a proper “paid for by” disclaimer, entering the chute to interact with voters, following voters after they had cast ballots, and misrepresenting his credentials.
Under oath, Wheeler told the board she saw Davis daily during early voting, because she works in the county government building. She said Davis entered the chute repeatedly, followed voters as they approached and came back from the entrance, and sometimes stood so close to car doors that people inside would be unable to get out without asking him to move. She also said his claim to be a “practicing jurist at law” was confusing and potentially misleading.
Election supervisor Kylie Farris, also sworn, testified that she had in‑person conversations with Davis about his conduct, then contacted the Indiana Election Division for guidance and, on the first Saturday of early voting, issued a formal written notice telling him he was “not doing things that he was allowed to be doing.” Farris said she also notified the relevant party chair, as advised by state officials.
On the legal framework, Turner-King cited three key statutes: [IC 3‑14‑3‑16](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-14-3-16) makes electioneering within the polls or the chute a Class A misdemeanor; [IC 3‑14‑3‑15](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-14-3-15) addresses unauthorized persons entering or remaining in the chute; and [IC 3‑11‑8‑16](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-11-8-16) limits who may remain within the chute area except for the purpose of voting. Githens, who said she had reviewed state law on disclaimers that morning, stressed that signs must clearly state “paid for by” in a minimum font size and sufficient contrast, and on every sign face visible to the public.
Davis was not present when the hearing on Wheeler’s allegations started. Turner-King told the board he had been notified by certified mail on May 15 and had picked up videos and photos submitted with the complaint. As Turner-King was about to recommend closing the record, Davis arrived, and the board briefly recessed.
When the board reconvened, Davis objected that he had not seen the procedures before they were adopted, asked to have time added his 10‑minute clock, and resisted coming to the lectern to be sworn in, as he was moving his 5-gallon pails, books, and tools in front of the lectern for display to the board. Shields asked the sheriff’s deputy in the room to remove the tools, which he said could be “construed as weapons.”
After some back-and-forth, the tools were allowed to stay. After finally taking the oath, Davis used his allotted time to argue that he had simply been cleaning up a hazardous, debris‑strewn approach to the building, to defend the disclaimers on his signs as compliant, and to justify describing himself as a “practicing jurist at law” based on years of pro se litigation and self‑study.
He also accused Wheeler, Githens, and the winner of the primary, Tree Martin Lucas, of forming a “whispering cabal” to undermine his campaign as he gained support. Davis more than once asked for additional time and the right to question his accusers directly. Relying on the adopted rules, the board refused those requests
In deliberations on the Wheeler complaint, Turner-King reminded board members that state law allows them to take no action, issue an admonishment, or refer a matter for investigation. Shields said that, at minimum, the question about whether Davis’s signs met disclaimer requirements should be decided by someone other than the board, like the prosecutor or state investigators.
All three members ultimately agreed there was enough in the record, about disclaimers on the signs, presence in the chute, post‑voting contact with voters, and credentials claims to warrant referral. They voted unanimously to forward Wheeler’s entire complaint to the prosecutor.
The board then opened a separate hearing on McGarry’s [complaint](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-15-J-Davis-OCR.pdf#page=3). McGarry, a long‑time voter and former poll worker, testified that on April 30 she parked in a handicapped space and, after she got out of her car, Davis “latched himself onto me” and began talking “quickly and at length” about his background and criticisms of the clerk’s office as she walked toward the east entrance.
McGarry said she repeatedly told him she did not want to talk, but that he kept pace with her around the corner of the building up to near the steps. She described feeling “trapped” and called his behavior inappropriate and intimidating.
Farris told the board that McGarry’s was one of several complaints her office had received about Davis’s interactions with voters and that, once informal conversations did not change his behavior, she began asking complaining voters to put their accounts in writing.
Responding, Davis recited the short campaign script he said he was delivering that day and insisted he did not speak negatively about the clerk’s office, only about how he would improve accuracy. He apologized to McGarry “if you felt intimidated” but said he had talked with perhaps a thousand voters and that she was the only person to complain. He again suggested her complaint had been encouraged by the same small group of local party figures he blamed for Wheeler’s filing.
In a second round of deliberations, Turner-King read from [IC 3‑14‑3‑21.5](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-14-3-21.5), Indiana’s voter intimidation statute, which makes it an offense to intimidate, threaten, or coerce someone for voting or attempting to vote, or for helping others vote.
Shields noted that the line between “annoying” and intimidating conduct is partly in the eye of the beholder and depends on “life experiences,” and said that was another reason to let the prosecutor weigh the facts. Githens said she remained especially concerned about interference with a voter’s ability to reach the polls without feeling harassed.
On Githens’s motion, the board voted unanimously to forward McGarry’s complaint to the prosecutor for further investigation.
King said she would send the prosecutor both complaints, along with all written exhibits and videos, plus photographs of the signs and other items Davis had brought. Davis kept his materials after agreeing that they could be photographed.
### Bloomington council delays vote on carless Kirkwood until June 10, after commission review
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-delays-vote-on-carless-kirkwood-vote-until-june-10-after-commission-review/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T14:04:41.000Z
The view looking eastward down Kirkwood Avenue around 5 p.m. on a Thursday in the summer. (Dave Askins, June 4, 2026)
Bloomington’s city council on Wednesday postponed until next week (June 10) an [ordinance to make Kirkwood carless](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16910/download#page=61) for seven and a half months every year. The council did not vote on approval of the ordinance, because a section of city code was interpreted to mean the city’s transportation commission first had to review it.
That review is now due to take place on June 8.
The carless Kirkwood ordinance was the biggest draw for Wednesday’s meeting attendees, who were keen to see the council decide the question of closing five blocks of Kirkwood Avenue, from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street, every year from April to mid-November.
However, council president Isak Asare clarified at the beginning of the meeting that a vote on the approval of the ordinance would not take place that night, because of a local code requirement that the transportation commission review it first.
The council’s attorney, Larry Allen, later clarified that the specific section in the Bloomington Municipal Code that applies to this situation is [BMC 2.02.100(d)(2)](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT2ADPE%5FCH2.02BOCO%5F2.02.100TRCO ). It says that the transportation commission’s powers and duties include reviewing “all transportation projects, proposed changes to Title 15 (Vehicles and Traffic), relevant proposed changes to Title 12 (Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewers), and other applicable changes to the Bloomington Municipal Code …”
But the council did spend time discussing the ordinance on Wednesday and hearing more public comments. The council’s deliberations unfolded in the context of a lengthy [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-03-carless-Kirkwood-administration-memo-Knapp-Kupersmith-Rice-Cibor.pdf) sent to the council by city administration, with a number of suggested amendments to the ordinance along with a suggested process to reach a decision.
Councilmember Sydney Zulich brought up her discussions with downtown businesses, and said that they are overwhelmingly against carless Kirkwood. “The majority of the feedback that I hear is that they are not in favor of this,” Zulich said. “There are a couple details that I would like to see hammered out, if this is the route that people want to go down, one of which is the library block, which is not very easily activatable because there's no shade during the summertime.”
Zulich also expressed concern about the amount of money needed to pedestrianize Kirkwood, and whether the city was in the right financial position at this time to be making that investment.
Councilmember Matt Flaherty spoke in favor of the change, pointing to other communities like Bloomington that have solved the challenges that are being raised. “If the mayor wanted to do this, she would have done it already, and so the question is whether or not the council wants to use its legislative authority and budget authority to direct a visionary and transformative change to our downtown, and we certainly have the power to do so,” Flaherty said.
Councilmembers Isabel Piedmont-Smith and Dave Rollo raised concerns about the feasibility of making the changes before 2027, as opposed to enacting them immediately.
Piedmont-Smith also brought up the fact that there are other corridors in Bloomington that deserve the council’s attention. “South Walnut Street is in my district, and it’s much more bleak than Kirkwood. I mean, nobody wants to walk there. Kirkwood is already pretty good,” Piedmont-Smith said.
She continued, “I think this is a good idea. Let’s work towards it. But there are other corridors in Bloomington that are awful. I mean, I wouldn't want to walk on South Walnut. I wouldn't want to bike on South Walnut. It's five lanes of asphalt, no separation between the sidewalk and the street, very little shade. So, if we're going to prioritize where to spend money, there might be other parts of the city that have a greater need for improvement.”
Asare touched on a more fundamental issue related to the Bloomington’s identity: “I think we spend a lot of time trying to be a city that we’re not and not leaning into the city that we really are—and we are a university town, a really great one.” Asare said that university towns across the country have invested in pedestrian areas, which they’ve leveraged heavily for their plan all across economic development.
Asare also spoke about the potential impact of the proposal for families with children. “This city sucks to have small kids in, because there’s nowhere to go with them, right?” he said. “There’s no place for us to just go and be with our kids … and I would love to be able to go downtown after we go out to eat and just like stay downtown.”
A number of opinions were heard from the public mic, both in support and in opposition of carless Kirkwood.
Jim Doering, president of Downtown Bloomington Inc., spoke in opposition. “There are other things we can be doing. We are working with the city right now with a four-year plan to get Kirkwood back up and going again,” he said.
Zach Ammerman, vice chair of Bloomington’s commission on sustainability and resilience, referred to a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/BCOSR-Resolution-2026-03-Kirkwood-Pedestrianization.pdf) the commission passed about carless Kirkwood and read out the recommendations the commission made to the city council.
The commission’s recommendations center on support for pedestrianizing Kirkwood, even permanently, in the future. The resolution urges the city council to study other cities that have implemented similar measures to the one now considered for Bloomington and to replicate their success.
“Study those cities to see what they’ve done, and quit trying to reinvent the wheel, just copy and paste. They have already solved a lot of the questions that people are bringing up,” Ammerman said.
Hillary Martell, who is co-owner with her husband of Hartzell’s Ice Cream on Dunn Street, spoke about the practical difficulties businesses like theirs faced last summer when Kirkwood was shut down for car traffic, especially with parking for customers.
Chris Sturbaum, a former member of the city council, also spoke against the proposal and contended that even if there are some notable successes, most cities that have tried similar initiatives have failed, giving Muncie, Indiana as an example of repeated failure.
Paul Rousseau, a resident, spoke in favor of the change and rebutted a point brought up by a few council members by public commenters. “I don’t understand why the ordinance would interfere with street events, because it seems to me that maintaining the momentum for a car-free Kirkwood would enable street events. I’m also baffled by all the talk about the importance of parking, especially for students,” he said.
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce was represented by Christoper Emge, the organization’s director of government and community relations. He brought up a few challenges that the proposal might have to face.
“A seasonal closure that’s April 1 to November 15 is not a short pilot nor a special event. It’s a seven-and-a-half-month operating model, and that changes the burden of proof quite a bit. Before the council codifies this permanently, the city should look at what the cost benefit analysis is, how it’s funded, evaluated,” Emge said. Managed street closures are not the same as public space, Emge added.
Emge continued: “A successful public space needs two things: daily management and clear accountability. This means someone has to own the experience, not just put up barricades, but make the space work for everyone. Without that structure, this risks becoming what it was last summer ... It became a pedestrian asphalt desert.”
Deputy mayor Gretchen Knapp spoke towards the end of the discussion, stating that the mayor’s office desires a vibrant, exciting Kirkwood. “We are all very much looking forward to the corridor study next year, which I think is going to provide a really exciting, beautiful vision, and I think there are a lot of ways to make Kirkwood be exciting and accessible to everyone,” she said.
Knapp also pointed out that the college towns that were mentioned in the council meeting on Wednesday as successful examples are all different from Bloomington in important ways. “When you talk about Boulder, Charlottesville, Burlington, whatever the place is, I'd ask you to Google what is the MSA \[Metropolitan Statistical Area\], what is the average income and house price, and what is the city budget, and how many police officers do they have, because I can tell you all of those cities have considerably … larger MSA than ours,” she said.
The meeting ended with a motion to postpone the ordinance on carless Kirkwood to the council’s next meeting on June 10\. Andy Ruff dissented on the vote to postpone.
---
The Bloomington transportation commission is supposed to consider the carless Kirkwood resolution [next Monday (June 8)](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/transportation-commission/meetings/2026) at a meeting set for 7 p.m.
### Land swap to save Seminary Pointe housing now backed by Bloomington city council
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/land-swap-to-save-seminary-pointe-housing-now-backed-by-bloomington-city-council/
Last updated: 2026-06-11T13:33:55.000Z
****Left:** Land shaded with dark purple has been transferred by county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. It’s not the focus of redevelopment efforts for a host hotel, or possibly a land swap for the blue-shaded property to the north. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. Map by the B Square \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=14efb4xny4c7v34nQHqP918koljdD4oI&usp=sharing )\] ****Middle:** Seminary Pointe residential properties ****Right:** Commercial properties (Dave Askins, March 12, 2026)
The tension between developing a host hotel for Bloomington’s expanded convention center and the city’s affordable housing goals got more airtime Wednesday night (June 3). The city council unanimously approved a [new, revised letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-03-city-council-RDC-Seminary-Pointe-land-swap-CIB-convention-center.pdf) to Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC).
The council’s revised letter explicitly gives the council’s support to a less-than-equal land swap on College Square (aka the former Bunger & Robertson lot), in order to preserve the current affordable housing on the Seminary Pointe block. The Seminary Pointe block, south of the current convention center facility, was recently transferred at no cost to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) by the Monroe County government, which purchased the property for around $3.2 million in 2010 with proceeds from the 5% countywide innkeeper’s tax.
The land swap, which is supported by the CIB, which is overseeing the convention center expansion, would involve transfer of the Seminary Pointe block to the RDC in exchange for the College Square lot. In that scenario, the RDC would immediately transfer the Seminary Pointe block to a community land trust.
Wednesday’s vote to approve the new letter was 8–0\. Kate Rosenbarger was not present for the vote.
Councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith used her report time at the start of the meeting to read the letter into the record. It marks a shift from an earlier council position statement issued two years ago, in May 2024, that effectively told the RDC not to part with College Square for less than the $6,895,000 it spent to acquire the site.
The CIB has identified the College Square site, at 4th Street and College Avenue, just north of the current convention center, as the preferred location for a convention center host hotel. There’s a broad consensus that the College Square location is the best suited one for a convention center host hotel.
The [new letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-03-city-council-RDC-Seminary-Pointe-land-swap-CIB-convention-center.pdf ) mentions the [May 6, 2024](https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-to-close-june-30-for-bloomington-convention-center-skywalk-enclosure/) letter, signed by eight councilmembers and another letter from [Dec. 15, 2025](https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-to-close-june-30-for-bloomington-convention-center-skywalk-enclosure/) signed by four councilmembers, that says the RDC College Square property should only be used for the convention center project, including a new hotel, if the RDC recouped the amount it spent to acquire the site, which was about $6.9 million in two separate transactions—one in [2019](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/18/bloomington-monroe-county-both-move-on-separate-land-acquisitions-as-part-of-planned-expansion-of-convention-center/) and the other in [2023](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-set-to-pay-1-9-million-for-ne-part-of-parking-lot-planned-for-convention-center-expansion/).
The new letter walks that back: “We wish to state clearly that we are not opposed to the RDC’s disposition of the site for an amount less than the purchase price, if significant public benefit can be gained, such as the preservation and/or provision of low-income housing.”
### Council comment
The value of the Seminary Pointe block is believed to be less than the College Square lot, but it is currently the subject of two pending appraisals commissioned by the CIB.
Piedmont-Smith framed the central public benefit as the preservation of Seminary Pointe’s apartments and small businesses. She called the situation “an exciting opportunity … to do things differently than the status quo,” after years in which the city has “lost affordable housing to new development.”
The letter outlines three general options for tying College Square to affordable housing: build affordable units on College Square itself; exchange it for nearby land controlled by the CIB and develop or preserve affordable housing there; or sell College Square at market value and reinvest the proceeds in affordable housing.
On the land-swap option, the council’s new letter explicitly recommends the[ May 18 proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-18-Homes-for-All-College-Square-Seminary-Pointe-property-swap-former-Bunger-Robertson-MEMORANDUM.pdf ) from Bloomington Homes for All and the Bloomington Democratic Socialists of America Housing Working Group. That proposal envisions a hotel on College Square while Seminary Pointe is preserved as affordable housing and community-oriented commercial space under a mission-driven owner.
Piedmont-Smith went further in her spoken remarks, saying that “the only way that that can happen at this point is if the CIB swaps the Seminary Pointe property for the College Square property owned by the RDC.”
Councilmember Matt Flaherty ultimately supported the letter, but pushed back on both the financing implications and the idea that a full-block swap is the “only way” to the outcome described by Piedmont-Smith.
Flaherty reminded colleagues of his long-held view that the food and beverage tax was supposed to be exhaustive of the city’s public subsidy and contribution for the convention center project, including the related elements like a host hotel. He said he is “philosophically opposed” to layering additional subsidy for the convention center on top of that, in the form of a potentially unequal land swap that would effectively contribute tax-increment financing (TIF) revenue to the convention center project.
Flaherty said he had previously floated the idea that the CIB accept only part of College Square in a swap, reasoning that the other hotels in downtown Bloomington are on a half city block. He said he was not prepared to accept as the CIB’s actual negotiating position any statements attributed to CIB leadership that they would not be interested in just a half-block. “Absent a deliberative conversation … what’s realistically on the table and what’s fiscally prudent, I don’t take that at face value,” he said.
In the end, Flaherty said he supports the vision for Seminary Pointe, and for that reason was willing to support the letter.
Councilmember Courtney Daily, who was the lone dissenter from the May 6, 2024 letter, stressed that for her to support Wednesday’s letter it had been important to include the scenario of a full land swap. She thanked Piedmont-Smith “for putting that full land swap language back in there.”
Council member Dave Rollo said he shared many of Flaherty’s concerns, but put his emphasis on the outcome rather than the precise terms. “In spirit, I would like to see this negotiation happen,” he said. “It’s up to the RDC to negotiate that, and perhaps they can arrive in the middle somewhere, but I think that it’s important to try to save Seminary Pointe and maintain it for affordability.”
### From the public mic
Public testimony included remarks from housing advocates behind the Homes for All proposal. Bryce Greene, representing Bloomington Democratic Socialists of America and working with Bloomington Homes for All, thanked the council for moving the letter to its current form and stressed the role previous council correspondence has already played with the RDC.
“The RDC has made it clear that they took the earlier letters from city council very seriously in determining whether or not to accept a land swap from the CIB,” Greene said. He described the preferred scenario as one where the CIB acquires College Square, contingent on Seminary Pointe being sold to a mission-focused nonprofit at a nominal fee.
Greene underscored the time pressure created by expiring leases at Seminary Pointe, currently [extended only through August 31](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-tenants-get-more-time-as-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-moves-ahead/). “Every second that it’s unclear that there’s a solution on the table, more and more of the people and businesses in Seminary Pointe are making plans to leave,” he said. “If they all leave, that imperils the entire project as a whole.”
Sarah Woolford, Housing Solutions Director at Habitat for Humanity and a member of Bloomington Homes for All, thanked councilmembers for working toward “a winnable solution for everyone.” She announced a Saturday, June 20 presentation by Bloomington Homes for All, to which members of the city council, CIB, and RDC, as well as the public, will be invited. The goal, she said, is to present a more detailed vision for the Seminary Pointe property.
---
The next moves will depend on the RDC and the CIB. The RDC’s public offering of the College Square site has a due date for responses by [July 20](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/). The CIB’s request for proposals for a host hotel on the Seminary Pointe block has a due date of [June 30](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/).
### June 4, 2026: College Avenue closure, fire department logistics center, Hopewell South, public transit for everyone
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-4-2026-college-avenue-closure-fire-department-logistics-center-hopewell-south-public-transit-for-everyone/
Last updated: 2026-06-04T16:11:38.000Z
### Stop: Before you Scroll Down!
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### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Wear something that will keep you cool as a cucumber. It’s not going to rain. It will be sunny with a high of 84F°.
**Friday:** Wear something that will keep you cool as the other side of the pillow. It’s not going to rain. It will be mostly sunny with a high of 85F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [College Avenue to close June 30 for Bloomington Convention Center skywalk enclosure](https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-to-close-june-30-for-bloomington-convention-center-skywalk-enclosure/). College Avenue between 3rd and 2nd streets is set to close June 30 through July 24 for work to enclose the skywalk linking the convention center expansion to the existing facility. City officials are coordinating paving work on Rogers Street, which is one detour route.
- [New logistics center for Bloomington’s fire department on track for September finish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-logistics-center-for-bloomingtons-fire-department-on-track-for-september-finish/). Bloomington’s new fire logistics and training center on South Walnut Street is expected to finish construction in September and open in November. The $7.95 million facility will consolidate PPE and reserve equipment, expand training capacity and serve as a backup station.
- [Bloomington RDC moves Hopewell South housing from concept towards construction](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-moves-hopewell-south-housing-from-concept-towards-construction/). Bloomington’s RDC accepted the city council’s Hopewell South PUD conditions and cleared staff to pursue plats and permits for Hopewell South. Three western lots could see builders picked by late summer, with homes under roof by year’s end and broader infrastructure done in 2027.
- [Bloomington Transit rolls out broader on-demand service, now includes even Griffy Lake](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-rolls-out-broader-on-demand-service-now-includes-even-griffy-lake/). Bloomington Transit’s June 1 service changes include a new route, free fares for Passenger Appreciation Week and an expanded BLink microtransit service. A B Square test ride on BLink to Griffy Lake revealed some rough spots for the app, but it was workable. The trip worked in both directions.
### Quick Notes
**No action on closure of Kirkwood to cars.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (June 3) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16910/download) for Bloomington’s city council was an ordinance that would close Kirkwood Avenue to motor vehicles every year between April 1 and Nov. 15\. The council postponed action until its meeting on June 10\. For B Square background, see: [Kirkwood proposal, power struggle over Bloomington streets, cued up for June 3](https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-proposal-power-struggle-over-bloomington-streets-cued-up-for-june-3/)
### On the calendar
**Elimination of 30-day notice for homeless encampment removal.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (June 4) agenda](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-board-of-commissioners-hybrid-7033) for Monroe County commissioners is an item to give notice that the 30-day prior notice in a [homeless encampment policy](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-12-18-Commissioners-Resolution-2025-58-Regarding-Notice-To-Homeless-Encampments.pdf) that was [enacted by commissioners last year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-ok-policy-requiring-30-day-notice-for-clearing-homeless-encampments/) is no longer relevant due to Senate Enrolled Act 285, and “any person removed from a county owned property by law enforcement after July 1, 2026 may have personal property removed under the terms of Monroe County Code Chapter 257.”
**Hearing on election law violations.** Likely to appear on the [1:30 p.m. Thursday (June 4) meeting agenda](https://events.in.gov/event/election-board-2026-7484) for Monroe County’s election board is a hearing on the allegations against Joe Davis for electioneering in a disallowed area outside a polling place. Davis was an unsuccessful candidate for county clerk. For B Square background, see: [Election complaints target Monroe County clerk hopeful over signs, electioneering in ‘chute’](https://bsquarebulletin.com/election-complaints-target-monroe-county-clerk-hopeful-over-signs-electioneering-in-chute/).
---
**Monroe County History Center Garage Sale: June 10–15.** The Monroe County History Center’s annual [Garage Sale](https://monroehistory.org/annual-garage-sale/), now in its 45th year, returns in June at [4015 Profile Parkway](https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4jVcBTxVDEFQUuH8). The sale is the center’s biggest fundraiser, with donated antiques, household items and other goods supporting artifact preservation, exhibits and programs.
An early-access day for current MCHC members, Cook employees and Simtra employees is set for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday (June 10). Public sale days: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday (June 12–13); and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday (June 15).
**Bloomington Handmade Market: June 6.** This year’s event, held on the downtown courthouse square, is supposed to include over 120 artists, food trucks, live music, and more. The time is Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s promoted as a free, family-friendly event featuring everything from ceramics, jewelry, clothing, prints, candles, home goods, and fine art to specialty foods and one-of-a-kind gifts.
**Garden Walk: June 6-7.** The Bloomington Garden Club will host its 37th annual Summer Garden Walk on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour will feature six private gardens around Bloomington, along with a flower show at [Hilltop Garden and Nature Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2367+E+10th+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47408/@39.180177,-86.506519,5578m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66a5f08c0477:0xfe51178ebc304c88!8m2!3d39.1744469!4d-86.5054059!16s%2Fg%2F1tgh3qvn?hl=en&entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDUwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can buy [$10 tickets are from local vendors](https://bloomingtongardenclub.org/vendors), with proceeds supporting children’s gardening education programs and other local beautification projects.
**4th of July Parade: June 15.** The last day to file [paperwork for entries](https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/fourth-of-july-parade) for Bloomington’s Fourth of July Parade is June 15\.
**Bingo Brunch at Cardinal Spirits: June 28.** It’s every Sunday 12-2 p.m. at Cardinal Spirits: Bingo Brunch with celebrity callers! You might wonder: What is the Cardinal Spirits definition of celebrity? It needs to be flexible enough to include ... me, the founder of The B Square. I plan to apply all the principles I have learned about government meeting procedures to bingo calling—in the best possible way! You have never heard letters and numbers sound so great.
**Carwash fundraiser: July 18\.** Is your car filthy? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana invites the community to support the 17th Annual Crew for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a rain date of Saturday, July 25\. For one day only, visit a participating Crew Carwash location and purchase an Ultimate or Ultimate 360 wash. Fifty percent of the cost will be donated directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping join Bigs and Littles together for effective mentorship and impacting lives for the better through meaningful one-to-one relationships. Bloomington participants can visit Crew Carwash at [235 South Pete Ellis Drive](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVVuaB237kB2cfpS6) or [3430 West 3rd Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJgUU74Z9GumZM857).
---
### Meet Banjo Lilywhite!
Up for adoption, as of May 31 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Banjo Lilywhite](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86810). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a Labrador retriever. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Banjo Lilywhite](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86810):
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
### Photo Finish: Walnut Street & Smith Avenue
A monarch butterfly feeds on the flowers of a linden tree. (Dave Askins, June 1, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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---
### College Avenue to close June 30 for Bloomington Convention Center skywalk enclosure
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-to-close-june-30-for-bloomington-convention-center-skywalk-enclosure/
Last updated: 2026-06-03T11:12:17.000Z
College Avenue looking south at 3rd Street at the skywalk connection between the convention center expansion, which is under construction, and the existing facility. (Dave Askins, June 2, 2026)
Another temporary shutdown of College Avenue south of 3rd Street, which is related to Bloomington Convention Center expansion, got approval from the city’s board of public works on Tuesday (June 2).
The timing of the College Avenue closure, between 3rd and 2nd streets, runs from June 30 through July 24.
The street closure is needed in order to finish enclosing the skywalk connector, which will link the new convention center expansion on the east side of College Avenue to the existing facility on the west side. The request also covers temporary closure of the west-side sidewalk and the existing east-side pedestrian diversion.
It was engineering field specialist Zach Bell who presented the request to the board. The request from Weddle Bros., which is the construction manager for the expansion project, also includes a waiver of the noise ordinance.
Bell noted that the timing of the closure will have to be carefully coordinated with a separate paving project on Rogers Street, which will likely carry much of the detour traffic. The same set of detours will be used as in late January, when College Avenue was closed for the initial work to install the skywalk.
Public works director Adam Wason told the board the city is anticipating additional, shorter closures later tied to the public art component of the project that will attach to the skywalk. The public art project, which was [selected a couple of weeks ago](https://bsquarebulletin.com/skybridge-sculpture-selected-as-public-art-for-bloomington-convention-center-expansion/), centers on the skywalk. But the public art project will not see installation work during the window between June 30 and July 24, Wason said.
Board member Kyla Cox Deckard pressed for an explanation of the coordination between the paving and concrete work scheduled on Rogers Street, which has served as a primary alternate route when College has been closed.
Wason said the city’s goal is to keep Rogers Street open for through-traffic while College Avenue is shut down, and to confine lane restrictions on Rogers to concrete work rather than full closures.
There could be times where paving work is being done on Rogers Street while College Avenue is undergoing paving work, Wason told the board. He added that the detailed schedule for the Rogers project “is still being worked out,” but stressed that the lane closures for the Rogers Street project are only related to concrete work.
The paving portion of the Rogers project, Wason said, would be handled under flagging operations rather than a full detour, so that it does not conflict with the need to route traffic around the College Avenue shutdown.
Wason reminded the board that previously, [in late January](https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-to-close-for-2-weeks-starting-late-january-2026-for-bloomington-convention-center-skybridge-installation/), College Avenue had seen a major closure for the convention center expansion. That came when IU and MCCSC were both in session. But that closure was accomplished without the kind of traffic backups that had been feared.
“We were all really, really worried about the first closure, and that was during the school year—that was when we had the whole population of Bloomington,” Wason said. “We didn’t have any issues, we didn’t see a lot of backups. We can manage the traffic to work a little differently, but everything we had fears about didn’t really come to fruition, so that was good.”
About the noise permit, which allows construction work at night, Weddle Bros. construction manager Andrew Scere told the board it’s not planned that any work will be done at night. But the permit gives some flexibility if it is needed, in order to hit the July 24 end date for the College Avenue closure. It’s for “crunch time with an unforeseen condition or something like that,” Scere said.
### New logistics center for Bloomington’s fire department on track for September finish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-logistics-center-for-bloomingtons-fire-department-on-track-for-september-finish/
Last updated: 2026-06-03T10:40:29.000Z
****Left:** Rendering of the Bloomington Fire Department's new logistics center. ****Right:** Aerial photo of Bloomington fire department logistics facility under construction provided by BFD.
Diagram showing location of laundry facilities inside the Bloomington Fire Department’s new logistics center.
A new logistics and training center for the Bloomington Fire Department, which began construction in early 2025, is slated to finish construction this September, according to a staff report sent to the board of public works ahead of its meeting on Tuesday (June 2).
Deputy Fire Chief Max Litwin attended board’s work session on Monday to get approval for a service agreement to move personal protective equipment (PPE) laundry operations from the existing logistics facility to the new one, when the B Square Bulletin caught up to him for some updates on the new Walnut location.
PPE for firefighters is the protective gear they wear on fire calls, which includes turnout coats and pants, helmets, gloves and designed to protect them from heat, smoke, sharp objects and other hazards.
The board approved the $3,800 service agreement with Laundry Equipment Company LLC to move the fire department’s PPE laundry equipment to the new logistics center as a part of its consent agenda on Tuesday.
“The contract for the construction is scheduled to be completed in September, and then we anticipate taking the next month or so to move our equipment in and get set up. So, we hope to be operational, likely in November, is the goal. You’ll see the building complete here within the next few months,” Litwin said.
The center is under construction on South Walnut Street, on property owned by city of Bloomington utilities (CBU), north of the city’s animal shelter. It will be situated near the department’s existing training tower.
The architect for the project is MartinRiley, Inc., which designed the 18,000-square-foot facility. The Weddle Bros. Building Group was selected as the construction manager in December 2024\. The original contract with Weddle Bros. was was [$6.5 million](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-11-26-24-733%5FA133-2019%5F-%5FFinal-upload.pdf).
In May 2025, the board of public works approved an increase to [$7.95 million](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-05-15-25-388-BC-2025-042-Addendum-1-to-BFD-Logistics-Center-with-Weddle-Bros%5F.pdf) At the May 20, 2025 board of public works meeting, Litwin described the additional cost as stemming from upgrades and requirements imposed by the the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), as well as “significant amount” of site work.
The fire department expects the new logistics and training center to improve its service capabilities. For instance, Litwin pointed out that the department has quite a bit of equipment and apparatus right now, but the facility that currently houses them is undersized. The department’s cache of reserve equipment is currently scattered among all the stations, and the BFD also has an enormous amount of PPE and specialized equipment—like the PPE laundry equipment that was on the board of public works agenda. All of these will benefit from the new facility on South Walnut.
“You’ll notice it’s in proximity to our other training equipment ... A lot of our training has a classroom session followed by hands on. Now we can go to this facility, have the classroom session, move over to the hands on portion, that’s literally right right down the property from it,” he said.
“In addition, we often have a recruit academy going, like we do right now, so in the past that’s eaten up all of our training room, but we have a department that also needs training. So, how do we do both those together? This facility will allow for that. We literally have ways to do those trainings in tandem at the same time.”
Litwin also mentioned that this facility will create redundancy and operational flexibility for the department.
“We had a station go down in a flood, so that created a pretty tight window for us to find somewhere else to respond out of. It wasn’t the most ideal. It did work, but we found ourselves quickly without a proper facility to respond out of,” he said. The building taken off line by the [Kirkwood flood of 2021](https://bsquarebulletin.com/damaged-in-flood-downtown-bloomington-fire-station-closed-for-unknown-time/) was the downtown station on 4th Street. That building has since undergone a remodel and renovation. The temporary fire station was located at the former Bunger & Robertson building at the corner of 4th Street and College Avenue.
About the new logistics center, Litwin said: “This building is going to be made in a manner that, should we need to, we can use it as a station, so if we were to have a station go down or something were to come up to limit our ability to use one of our current locations, we can put a company down there and house them, and they can respond out of it, just like a regular fire station.”
Floor plan of the Bloomington Fire Department logistics center.
Aerial photo of Bloomington fire department logistics facility under construction provided by BFD.
### Bloomington RDC moves Hopewell South housing from concept towards construction
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-moves-hopewell-south-housing-from-concept-towards-construction/
Last updated: 2026-06-02T21:08:55.000Z
Hopewell South looking north across 1st Street from a couple hundred feet in the air. (Kelton O’Connell, July 1, 2025)
Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) used its regular meeting on Monday (June 1) to push the Hopewell South project out of the conceptual phase and into the mechanics of platting and permitting. In the western corner of the site, the RDC took a step towards getting potential home construction started before year’s end.
A few separate items on the agenda included Hopewell South: acceptance of the city council’s conditions on the planned unit development (PUD); blanket authorization for staff to pursue all necessary plats and permits; and a targeted lot line adjustment aimed at getting a handful of houses started ahead of the main infrastructure work.
Hopewell South is the portion of the IU Health hospital redevelopment project that sits south of 1st Street.
### RDC accepts council’s Hopewell South conditions
On a unanimous vote, the RDC formally accepted the “reasonable conditions” the Bloomington city council attached to the Hopewell South PUD when it gave its [approval of the rezone](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-wins-unanimous-ok-from-bloomington-city-council/) on May 6.
Assistant city attorney Dana Kerr told commissioners they essentially had two choices: accept the council’s conditions and move forward, or reject them and “try to draft a different PUD to go back and start, basically start again.”
RDC executive director Anna Killion-Hanson reacted to the idea of starting from scratch and submitting a new PUD rezone proposal to the city council: “Please don’t make me do that!”
Killion-Hanson reviewed the council’s reasonable conditions as they now appear in the ordinance. Some are largely technical, such as reformatting the allowed‑use table and confirming that infrastructure construction will proceed in one phase. Others have more practical impact. Cross‑sections for Wylie and Jackson will be revised to guarantee a minimum five‑foot tree plot between sidewalk and travel lane, with a narrow exception near 714 South Rogers if that existing building is preserved. Rogers Street will be brought into line with the city’s transportation plan, including a five‑foot tree plot and ten‑foot sidewalks.
Another condition requires a design for the internal streets at a target speed of 10 mph to create what the ordinance calls “a low speed and high comfort environment for vulnerable road users.” City project engineer Kendall Knoke told commissioners he will provide the RDC some choices of traffic‑calming options, ranging from speed humps to more elaborate, and more expensive, features.
Affordability, which was the most contentious topic throughout the city council’s deliberations, reappeared during the RDC’s discussion on Monday. The council’s condition requires that at least 35% of all dwelling units in Hopewell South be “permanently affordable,” with a goal of reaching 50%. Within that 35%, at least 15% of total units have to be reserved for households earning at or below 90% of area median income (AMI), and at least 20% for households at or below 120% of AMI.
Affordability requirements are supposed to be met with legal mechanisms that endure independent of ongoing subsidy, although public subsidy can still be used to “establish, preserve, extend, or deepen” affordability so long as the permanent restrictions remain in place.
Killion-Hanson told RDC members that satisfying the council’s affordability condition is “going to be difficult at best,” given the uncertain construction costs. But she said the administration will “do our ‘college try’ on trying to get as many affordable units as possible without creating an additional burden to the RDC.” She cited HOME funds, nonprofit partnerships, and a planned Hopewell South residential TIF as potential tools. She also noted that the council explicitly invited staff to return for an amendment, if some conditions prove infeasible.
The topic of establishing a residential TIF for Hopewell South got a mention from assistant city attorney Dana Kerr, who told RDC members they would likely be asked to get the process started at one of their meetings in July.
Councilmember Isabel Piedmont‑Smith, who addressed the RDC during public comment, defended the council’s condition as an improvement over both the original 25‑percent baseline and a failed proposal to require 50% permanently affordable units outright. “Even though it was very painful for everybody involved, especially Anna \[Killion-Hanson\], I think that the end result with the reasonable conditions is a better project,” she said, urging commissioners to vote yes.
With their acceptance of the conditions imposed by the city council, some commissioners were unwilling to give what they viewed as an unconditional pledge. RDC member Laurie McRobbie focused on the catch‑all clause in Kerr’s draft, which spoke of complying with conditions “to the extent that it is feasibly possible.” She called that phrase “not completely grammatical” and pushed for a more explicit standard tying feasibility to the project’s purpose.
The commission ultimately agreed to McRobbie’s proposed amended wording, which says:
> The RDC fully intends to comply with the city council’s conditions to the extent they can feasibly be accomplished without significantly undermining the goals of the Hopewell South Project and the PUD.
### Staff cleared to seek plats and permits
Also getting approval at Monday’s RDC meeting was a resolution to give the city staff broad authority to file the plats and permit applications needed to take Hopewell South from a conceptual PUD to a buildable subdivision.
From the engineering department, Kendall Knoke told RDC members that the list of tasks includes: a primary plat to be approved by the plan commission; vacation of the century‑old Dixie Highway Addition plat that still governs the site; a staff‑level secondary plat; the PUD final plan; site development permits; multiple approvals from City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) and state regulators for water and sanitary infrastructure; and a state construction stormwater permit. Knoke sketched out a schedule that calls for the primary plat to be handled by the plan commission on July 8.
The timeline for the overall Hopewell South project will be much longer than for a small part of it in a western corner, with three buildable lots. That corner was the topic of an RDC resolution on [lot line adjustment](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-01-RDC-hopewell-south-lot-line-adjustment-Page-4%5F-Resolution-26-36-Attachment-2-Exhibit-A-Quitclaim-Deed-Survey.pdf), which was approved by the RDC at Monday’s meeting.
Knoke told commissioners those lots date back roughly a century to the Dixie Highway Addition and are “lots of record,” a status that has practical consequences. The city can adjust the lot lines administratively through the planning department, and once that adjustment is recorded, a house builder can avoid the wait for the full Hopewell South subdivision plat. The builder can instead go straight to the building department, because the process is streamlined for Class 2 structures like these, Knoke said.
But because the RDC is the owner of the real estate, it has to follow steps laid out in state law, for redevelopment commissions to dispose of real property.
Killion-Hanson responded to an emailed question from The B Square with a list of next steps for the construction of the three future houses that had their lot lines adjusted on Monday:
- filing for building permits
- ordering appraisals (which typically take about 30 days to complete)
- issuing the public offering to prospective builder(s)
- selecting builder(s)
Killion-Hanson wrote that she hopes builders for the lot-line-adjusted homes will be selected by August or September. If the weather cooperates, that would allow enough time for foundations to be installed before winter conditions make that work difficult or impossible, she wrote. That means it’s possible that the lot-line adjusted homes could be framed and under roof before the end of 2026\. In any case, Killion-Hanson wrote, those new homes will be completed by early 2027.
Killion-Hanson noted that the rest of the Hopewell South area still has to undergo the platting process in addition to completing infrastructure construction and site grading. Her best estimate based on normal weather conditions and no further complications, is that infrastructure work for the rest of Hopewell South will be completed by spring 2027\.
RFPs for the other Hopewell South lots will be issued as soon as practicable, Killion-Hanson wrote, so builders can be prepared for an immediate construction start as soon as the infrastructure is done. If that basic timeline holds, it would mean some houses in the rest of Hopewell South neighborhood could be finished in late 2027\.
Killion-Hanson wrapped up by writing, “2027 is going to be a good year for housing supply! It won’t be enough, but it should have an impact!”
### Bloomington Transit rolls out broader on-demand service, now includes even Griffy Lake
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-transit-rolls-out-broader-on-demand-service-now-includes-even-griffy-lake/
Last updated: 2026-06-04T15:37:47.000Z
****Left:** Screenshot of BLink app. ****Middle:** A view through the front windshield on the way to Griffy Lake. ****RIght:** From the shore of Griffy Lake east of the causeway. (Azmin Azran, June 1, 2026)
Bloomington Transit’s service updates starting June 1 include a new bus line, free fares for Passenger Appreciation Week, and probably the most exciting change—a BLink microtransit upgrade that expands coverage to every corner of the city.
One corner of Bloomington that now gets service through [Bloomington Transit for Everyone](https://bloomingtontransit.com/everyone/) is Griffy Lake, even though there is no fixed-route bus that serves the location.
Despite the fact that the big park on the northeast side is nowhere near a bus line, BT’s promise is that for places inaccessible by BT’s network of bus lines, a vehicle will be available on-demand through the BLink mobile app ([Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bloomingtonlink/id6499281173) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rideco.bloomington)).
As defined by BT, a place is not accessible by its regular buses if it’s more than 5 minutes walking distance from a bus stop. The BLink on-demand service, which can also be booked up to 24 hours in advance, is now available, if either origin or destination (or both) are more than 5 minutes walking distance from a bus stop.
The BLink on-demand services already existed, but the comprehensive service area is new—it replaces a collection of specific zones. There’s a carveout for a region around the Indiana University campus where no BLink service is offered—the idea is that campus buses already serve that area. The BLink services is offered Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
To test out the new approach to BLink on-demand service, The B Square planned a round-trip that would be solely dependent on the availability of a BLink vehicle. So on Monday afternoon (June 1), The B Square’s self-defined mission was to find a nice destination in Bloomington that was not being served by big fixed-route BT buses.
The search wasn’t easy, which points to the fact that there aren’t many places downtown or even among the residential pockets around town that are more than 5 minutes away from a bus stop. But Griffy Lake, with its popular summer boating attractions emerged as a prime candidate for a test ride.
The BLink app itself is adequate. It doesn’t perform as smoothly or look as sleek as other ride-sharing apps that users may be more familiar with, but it gets the job done.
There were some minor discomforts. When choosing the point of origin, users have to pick the current location, when the app could make it the default. The departure time gets locked a couple of minutes after the app is opened, instead of defaulting to something like “leave now.” The app lacks a little arrow around the user’s GPS beacon to indicate which way they are facing. There was also an instance or two of getting logged out of the app unprompted.
However, the map has a clear display of where city limits end, which means the app can function as a trip planning tool. If neither the origin or the destination are eligible for BLink microtransit, the app provides information about the fixed-route bus connection between them, and gives users the ability to save that trip in the app.
But Griffy Lake is definitely eligible for BLink microtransit. So The B Square booked a ride from City Hall on North Morton Street and waited around 10 minutes before the driver showed up in a white Chrysler with BLink branding.
The car itself was spacious and wheelchair accessible. William, the driver, helped out with a seatbelt issue, and then drove smoothly across town into the winding roads leading to Griffy Lake.
The conversation during the 40-minute drive was also lively, and William talked about how the response has been on Day One for the new and improved BLink microtransit. “I’ve driven a few people around so far today, and it’s all over town,” he said.
For a Monday afternoon, there were quite a few visitors at Griffy Lake. It’s destinations like the lake, which are necessarily outside the core downtown urban area and a fair distance away, where BLink microtransit can fill a transportation gap.
On Monday afternoon, the lake was calm with a spattering of visitors on canoes, while some were standing on the shores with fishing lines.
The only thing left for the test ride was to make sure we could use the same mode of transportation to get back into town—the only thing worse than not being able to go to a place as nice as Griffy would be getting stuck there with no way back!
But the return ride on BLink was as easy to book and as smooth an experience as the first one. The wait was a bit shorter this time, but again accurate, and the app still worked even in patchy network coverage around the lake.
On Day One at least, [Bloomington Transit for Everyone](https://bloomingtontransit.com/everyone/) looks like a successful addition to city transportation services.
### Photos: BLink expedition to Griffy Lake (June 1, 2026)
BLink pick up for departure at Bloomington city hall. (Azmin Azran, June 1, 2026)
Griffy Lake (Azmin Azran, June 1, 2026)
Griffy Lake (Azmin Azran, June 1, 2026)
BLink pickup for return trip from Griffy Lake. (Azmin Azran, June 1, 2026)
### Lilly Library (IU Campus)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/lilly-library-iu-campus/
Last updated: 2026-06-01T21:35:28.000Z
A group of demonstrators with signs that read “Right to Protest” and “Defend Democracy” in front of the copy of the Declaration of Independence at the Lilly Library at Indiana University. It’s one of only 26 original copies still in existence. (Kevin Craig, May 30, 2026)
### Walnut Street & Smith Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-smith-avenue/
Last updated: 2026-06-05T08:59:20.000Z
A monarch butterfly feeds on the flowers of a linden tree. (Dave Askins, June 1, 2026)
### June 1, 2026: Graduations, convention center upgrades, recycled vinyl records, Ellettsville merger
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/june-1-2026-graduations-convention-center-upgrades-recycled-vinyl-records-ellettsville-merger/
Last updated: 2026-06-01T09:51:12.000Z
### Civic Solver
We’re skipping the puzzle for this week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Wear something light that dries fast if it gets wet, because there is a minor threat of sprinkles from about 10 a.m. through about 5 p.m.—but it’s only about 10-20%, which is not enough for an umbrella. Otherwise it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 79F°.
**Tuesday:** Wear whatever you like. You can wear a jacket just for fashion, because it won’t be hot enough to make you overheat. It will be sunny, with a high near 77F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Bloomington High School North graduation 2026: That’s a wrap!](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-high-school-north-graduation-2026-thats-a-wrap/). On Saturday morning (May 30), Bloomington High School South held commencement exercises for the Class of 2026\. Included here are a report on the remarks by student speakers and photographs.
- [Bloomington High School South graduation 2026: Where will you choose to water the grass?](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-high-school-north-graduation-2026-thats-a-wrap-2/). On Saturday morning (May 30), Bloomington High School South held commencement exercises for the Class of 2026\. Included here are a report on the remarks by student speakers and photographs.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-63/). It's graduation season which means Hawk and Fish have some weird compliments for each other.
- [Monroe County property transfers through May 26, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-may-26-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from April 17 to May 26, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Innkeeper’s tax helps pay for upgrades to existing Bloomington Convention Center](https://bsquarebulletin.com/innkeepers-tax-helps-pay-for-upgrades-to-existing-bloomington-convention-center/). Monroe County’s CIB approved $2.1M in renovations for the existing convention center, using $1.6M from innkeeper’s tax reserves approved by the CVC, and about $500,000 of its own construction funds. The work covers HVAC, masonry, DOAS and windows.
- [Ellettsville, Richland Township OK fiscal impact for merger; police coverage issue gets sharpened](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ellettsville-richland-township-ok-fiscal-impact-for-merger-police-coverage-issue-gets-sharpened/). Ellettsville and Richland Township officials separately approved a fiscal impact analysis for a proposed merger, sending it to the state for review. Questions about police service in rural areas surfaced before two hearings in June and a possible Nov. 3 vote.
- [Bloomington-based Secretly Group to release special edition albums as part of June 5 recycled vinyl campaign](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-based-secretly-group-to-release-special-edition-albums-as-part-of-june-5-recycled-vinyl-campaign/). Landlocked Music will join stores in the U.S., Canada and U.K. for a June 5 reclaimed-vinyl release event backed by Secretly Group, which also marks its 30th anniversary with August concerts in Bloomington.
- [Bloomington police seek suspect after gunfire at rooftop party on North Walnut, no injuries](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-seek-suspect-after-gunfire-at-rooftop-party-on-north-walnut-no-injuries/). Bloomington police are seeking a suspect after a man fired several .45 caliber rounds into the air during a Sunday rooftop party at The Rive on North Walnut Street. No injuries or damage were reported.
### On the calendar
**College Avenue closure south of 3rd Street.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (June 2) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/public-works/meetings) for Bloomington’s board of public works is a request for the closure of College Avenue south of 3rd Street where the convention center expansion is being constructed. The closure is planned from June 30 through July 24\. The closure is requested for the remaining work that needs to be done on the skywalk connector over the street.
**Wrapping up Hopewell South.** On the [5 p.m. Monday (June 1) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16915/download) for Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) are a few separate items related to the city council’s approval of the Hopewell South PUD. Among them is the acceptance of the city council’s conditions that it imposed on the rezone. Another item related to Hopewell South is an approval for staff to move ahead with the platting.
**Closure of Kirkwood to cars.** On the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (June 3) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16910/download) for Bloomington’s city council for possible enactment is an ordinance that would close Kirkwood Avenue to motor vehicles for every year between April 1 and Nov. 15\. For B Square background, see: [Kirkwood proposal, power struggle over Bloomington streets, cued up for June 3](https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-proposal-power-struggle-over-bloomington-streets-cued-up-for-june-3/)
---
**Bloomington Handmade Market: June 6.** This year’s event, held on the downtown courthouse square, is supposed to include over 120 midwest artists, food trucks, live music, and more. The time is Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s promoted as a free, family-friendly event featuring everything from ceramics, jewelry, clothing, prints, candles, home goods, and fine art to specialty foods and one-of-a-kind gifts.
**Garden Walk: June 6-7.** The Bloomington Garden Club will host its 37th annual Summer Garden Walk on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour will feature six private gardens around Bloomington, along with a flower show at [Hilltop Garden and Nature Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2367+E+10th+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47408/@39.180177,-86.506519,5578m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66a5f08c0477:0xfe51178ebc304c88!8m2!3d39.1744469!4d-86.5054059!16s%2Fg%2F1tgh3qvn?hl=en&entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDUwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can buy [$10 tickets are from local vendors](https://bloomingtongardenclub.org/vendors), with proceeds supporting children’s gardening education programs and other local beautification projects.
**Bingo Brunch at Cardinal Spirits: June 28.** It’s every Sunday 12-2 p.m. at Cardinal Spirits: Bingo Brunch with celebrity callers! You might wonder: What is the Cardinal Spirits definition of celebrity? It needs to be flexible enough to include ... me, the founder of The B Square. I plan to apply all the principles I have learned about government meeting procedures to bingo calling—in the best possible way! You have never heard letters and numbers sound so great.
---
### Meet Roscoe!
Up for adoption, as of May 31 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter, is [Roscoe](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86734). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a shar-pei mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Roscoe](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86734):
> Roscoe is a charming medium sized dog who is affectionate and snuggly. He does well walking by other dogs but prefers not to directly interact. And don't let his teensy ears fool you—Roscoe is sure to be a great listener after a long day!
### Photo Finish: Ferguson Dog Park
A golden retriever named Muddy Waters routinely catches a second ball with one already in his mouth. (Dave Askins, May 31, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Ferguson Dog Park
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/ferguson-dog-park/
Last updated: 2026-05-31T21:34:55.000Z
A golden retriever named Muddy Waters routinely catches a second ball with one already in his mouth. (Dave Askins, May 31, 2026)
### Bloomington High School North graduation 2026: That’s a wrap!
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-high-school-north-graduation-2026-thats-a-wrap/
Last updated: 2026-05-31T16:25:36.000Z
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
On Saturday afternoon (May 30), Bloomington High School North held commencement exercises for the Class of 2026\. Included here are a report on the remarks by student speakers and photographs.
### Kelton O’Connell: Make this rock just a little bit better
Kelton O’Connell opened with a candid look at the purpose of schooling in America. He described the customary caps and gowns as “silly dresses” and reminded his classmates that millions of others across the country had accomplished the same thing: “We completed our required training on how to be a person. We did all the things, from learning to use the restroom to writing annotated bibliographies.”
He described schooling as something to him from early on like a pipeline to the workforce. “School felt like it was a system invented for the sole purpose of molding us into the perfect industrial commodity, so we can sell ourselves to the highest bidder.”
O’Connell then turned to a more hopeful message, saying that what matters is not grades or test scores, but self-determination and humanity. “These past four years at North have been an exercise in testing that,” he said, adding that students “are not defined as people by our transcripts or our SAT scores. We get to decide who we are.”
He continued with the theme of self-determination, even when it comes to subjective attributes: “Someone up here will probably call the class of 2026 hard working, driven, determined, compassionate, or kind, but we get to decide that. We get to decide who we are.” Later in the ceremony, North principal Matthew Stark picked up on O’Connell’s remarks, when he told the class of 2026: “You are thoughtful. You're resilient. You are talented. And yes, Kelton, you are compassionate. And you are ready.”
O’Connell wrapped up by saying he trusted that the class of 2026 would “find our place in this complex world, so that we can do our part to make this rock that we exist on just a little bit better.”
### Riley White: Stay true to yourself
Riley White, focused on the emotional arc of the four years and the resilience it demanded. White reminded classmates that they started out “nervously navigating through these hallways for the first time,” unsure what high school would hold. Since then, she said, their time at North has been “a mix of laughter, tears, and triumphs, and challenges,” from celebrating under the Friday night lights one week to studying for exams the next.
White said the class had learned that “growth isn’t linear” and that courage can mean simply showing up when you’re uncertain. She urged graduates heading to college, into jobs, or still sorting out their plans, to stay grounded in who they are and to “always stay true to yourself and follow your passion.”
White credited teachers, coaches, and families for pushing students to reach this point, and reminded classmates of their school identity, closing with, “Remember, it’s great to be a Cougar!”
### Avy Perkins: That’s a wrap!
Avy Perkins, took a cultural angle, measuring the authentic experience of North against Hollywood’s version of high school. Perkins noted that film and television have turned high school into its own cinematic genre, populated by “stereotypical tropes and unrealistic expectations,” from picture-perfect prom nights to dramatic hallway showdowns. Citing movies like “Grease,” “Clueless,” and “Napoleon Dynamite,” Perkins said those images can make students feel as if they’ve missed something if their own stories don’t match the screen. She leaned into the film analogy: “We've spent the last few years comparing our behind the scenes footage full of bloopers to everyone else's highlight reel.
Perkins quoted the legendary film critic Roger Ebert’s observation: “It’s not what a movie is about, it’s how it is about it.” The value of their time at North, she said, was not in whether their experience looked like a blockbuster but in “how you treated others, how you stayed true to yourself, and how you handled the scenes that didn’t go as planned.”
Perkins urged classmates to see themselves as the director and executive producer of “the movie that is your life,” with “total creative control over the kindness and honesty you bring to every scene,” even as their scripts go through rewrites.
Perkins closed her remarks with a movie-production flourish, holding up a clapperboard and saying: “Today, we can officially call cut on our last scene of students at North. Thank you, class of 2026.” Then she snapped it shut: “That’s a wrap!”
### Photos: BHSN graduation (May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Kelton O’Connell leads his classmates into the gym. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Kelton O’Connell leads his classmates into the gym. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
BHSN principal Matthew Stark waits for the crowed to settle before starting his remarks. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Class president Ayla Sohrabi-Nia addresses her classmates. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Kelton O’Connell addresses his classmates. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Kelton O’Connell addresses his classmates. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Riley White addresses her classmates. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Riley White high-fives Avy Perkins as Perkins is on her way to take the mic. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Avy Perkins says “That’s a wrap!” for the 2026 school year. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
MCCSC superintendent Markay Winston. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Incoming 2027 senior class president Jack Maher accepts the charge from outgoing president Ayla Sohrabi-Nia. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Incoming 2027 senior class president Jack Maher accepts the charge from outgoing president Ayla Sohrabi-Nia. Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School North graduation ceremony 2026\. (Amy Mason, May 30, 2026)
### Bloomington High School South graduation 2026: Where will you choose to water the grass?
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-high-school-north-graduation-2026-thats-a-wrap-2/
Last updated: 2026-05-31T16:25:22.000Z
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
On Saturday morning (May 30), Bloomington High School South held commencement exercises for the Class of 2026\. Included here are a report on the remarks by student speakers and photographs.
### Alice Racek: React to the world
Alice Racek opened her remarks by revisiting a time capsule she and a friend had created the day before the start of freshman year. Inside, she found a $5 bill, a pink friendship bracelet, and a note to her future self that turned out not to deep inspirational advice, but “comments on a sport I no longer play, a color that is no longer my favorite, and a future that didn't happen the way I thought it would.”
Racek described the experience of high school as “a mix of setbacks and successes,” different for every student. Few, she suggested, could have accurately predicted their four-year path from an eighth-grade vantage point.
Drawing on an essay by poet Mary Oliver, Racek emphasized the importance of responding to what life presents, rather than following a predetermined script. Oliver wrote: “In the beginning, I was so young and such a stranger to myself, I hardly existed. I had to go out into the world and see it and hear it and react to it before I knew at all who I was, what I was, or what I wanted to be.”
For Racek, “react” was the key word. Graduates won’t leave with a roadmap, but they can stay open to experiences and “let our experiences shape us into the people we are becoming.”
“We have survived the successes and failures of high school, and now we get to go out into the world and react to it, and continue to determine who we want to be,” Racek said.
### Ian Quick: Choose where you want to water the grass
Ian Quick framed his speech around a Roman proverb that inspired the modern saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” For much of high school, he said, he and many classmates assumed they were simply “turning the page to a better chapter.” Only recently, he said, had he realized that no one actually knows whether the next chapter will be better, or what “the other side” will really look like.
Quick had four pieces of advice for his classmates.
First, he urged graduates to process their emotions about leaving high school, describing his own mix of sadness, excitement, fear, and anticipation, and calling that “bittersweet feeling” normal. Second, he stressed the consistency of daily habits: We are what we do day after day after day.”
Third, Quick told classmates to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, because change will constantly push them into unfamiliar situations. Finally, he encouraged them to “control the controllable” telling them: “We are the masters of our fate. We are the captains of our souls.”
Quick closed with a return to the proverb about grass. Graduates cannot guarantee that “the grass will be greener on the other side,” he said, but they can decide how and where to invest their energy: “We can choose where we water the grass … We can slowly form our lives day by day into the dream we all have to eventually live in a beautiful green pasture.”
### Alaina Maki: Leave it better than you found it
Alaina Maki invited her classmates to rate their high school years on the familiar one‑to‑ten scale. She guessed only a few would call it a perfect ten, but said each number would be different, because “no two people in this graduating class have walked through these halls the same.” Quoting Piglet from “Winnie the Pooh,” she said, “The things that make me different are the things that make me me.” She rated her own experience in high school a seven out of ten, thanks largely to small moments: friends made during academic support time, a teacher who truly understood her, and the relief of submitting a tough assignment.
Maki said that the hardest moments counted just as much as the happy ones, pointing to a 46% on an AP chemistry test and a badly missed attempt at a game‑winning shot as examples that felt awful in the moment. But those moments reshaped how she prepared, played, and thought about herself.
Maki pointed to some advice from band director Will Nicholas with the advice she hopes they all carry with them: “Leave wherever you go better than you found it.” For Mackie, that means small, intentional acts, like “answering your teacher's question in a silent classroom, noticing the classmate who's carrying a heavy weight or making friends with the student sitting alone at the lunch table.” Maki said, “Doing those things can “transform both your own journey and the lives of those around you into a true 10 out of 10.”
### Photos: BHSS graduation (May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Alice Racek addresses her classmates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Alice Racek addresses her classmates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Ian Quick addresses his classmates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Ian Quick addresses his classmates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
BHSS principal Mark Fletcher addresses the graduates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
BHSS principal Mark Fletcher addresses the graduates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
MCCSC superintendent Markay Winston addresses the graduates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
MCCSC superintendent Markay Winston addresses the graduates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
BHSS principal Mark Fletcher presents diplomas. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
BHSS principal Mark Fletcher presents diplomas. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
MCCSC superintendent Markay Winston congratulates graduates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
MCCSC board president Erin Cooperman congratulates graduates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Alaina Maki addresses her classmates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Alaina Maki addresses her classmates. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
Graduates turn their tassels. Bloomington High School South graduation ceremony 2026\. (Kelton O’Connell, May 30, 2026)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-63/
Last updated: 2026-05-31T08:29:22.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #64 (May 31, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through May 26, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-may-26-2026/
Last updated: 2026-05-31T09:16:35.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from April 17 to May 26, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 3687 E Tamarron DR was sold to XING LU by WILLIAM V KNAPP REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $325,000.
- On May 26, 2026, the property at 1001 W Estate DR was sold to PRINCE F BUTLER by E.R.W. CORPORATE for $60,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 4447 N Triple Crown DR was sold to L.B. BURKS by BARDI BUILDERS LLC for $935,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 3181 E Wyndam CT was sold to GERALD A SOUSA by CAROLYN ANN BAILEY TRUST for $720,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 205 E Sunny Slopes DR was sold to CHRISTINA CARVER by HUNTER LEE FLYNN for $307,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 5974 N Ajuga CT was sold to JAMES SMITH by ROBERTO RAFAEL SUMOZA PEREZ for $227,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 2420 N Mt Gilead RD was sold to SARAH MARGARET WILSON by TIMOTHY DAVIDSON for $200,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 115 N Johnson AVE was sold to ANA MARIA BRANNAN by DAJA PROPERTIES LLC for $135,000.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 1083 W Fourth ST was sold to GUINESS OATHOUT by BARRY LEMING for $87,500.
- On May 22, 2026, the property at 9337 S Pointe Retreat DR was sold to JEREMIAH M STEWART by RASIEL, MIRIAM for $72,000.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 4567 W Johanna DR was sold to HANNAH RADZAK by SACKSTEDER PROPERTIES LLC for $432,050.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 1060 E Jennifer DR was sold to MATTHEW HIGHTOWER by SUNG YOL KIM for $429,900.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 3011 S Arrow AVE was sold to JAMES DROZD by Waterford, David A for $282,000.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 4977 S Rogers ST was sold to NICOLE KOUSALEOS by LINDSEY MACE for $211,000.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 2745 E Bernice DR was sold to TENA K FRANKLIN by WILLIAM G FRANKLIN AND VERA L FRANKLIN REVOCABLE TRUST for $200,000.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 9316 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to G.I.A REAL ESTATE LLC by CARA BRIGGS for $74,500.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 3704 E Tamarron DR was sold to MARINA KRENZ by MARK KRENZ for $0.
- On May 20, 2026, the property at 2678 S Mccartney LN was sold to GORDON BURTON by Gramley, Joseph I for $277,500.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 601 S Swain AVE was sold to PATRICE BRADLEY by Soens, Kathleen Revocable Trust for $615,000.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 4365 N Maple Grove RD was sold to HENRY WICHMAN by BRUCE, MICHAEL K for $519,000.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 420 S Highland AVE was sold to TREVOR MARCOTTE by Clark, Christopher B for $360,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 5235 S Old State Road 37 was sold to ALWAYS IN BLOOM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC by A & H Woodshop LLC for $1,310,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 4619 W Johanna DR was sold to CHARLES H FAIRNS by Equity Trust Company Custodian FBO Brent Sacksteder IRA for $396,200.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 4527 E Deckard DR was sold to SARA P GILBERT by Landis, Thomas J for $315,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 364 S Cedar DR was sold to TYLER LENTZ by Correll, Christin for $185,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 2114 W Selc CT was sold to JOSEPH A REYNOLDS by KURT SCHORI for $85,000.
- On May 13, 2026, the property at 1420 E Maxwell LN was sold to YUAN TIAN by DEVONIA S STEIN REVOCABLE TRUST for $475,000.
- On May 6, 2026, the property at 882 E Sherwood Hills DR was sold to XIAOFANG WANG by Cartwright, Michael J Jr for $142,000.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 314 W Association ST was sold to ADIL MOHMMED SEDDIQ by MATTHEW A TOMASO for $225,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 1083 W Fourth ST was sold to BARRY AND RUTH LEMING by RUBEN MARTE for $59,331.
### Innkeeper’s tax helps pay for upgrades to existing Bloomington Convention Center
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/innkeepers-tax-helps-pay-for-upgrades-to-existing-bloomington-convention-center/
Last updated: 2026-05-30T15:29:12.000Z
This is looking south down College Avenue. The existing convention center is on the right. The skybridge will link the new 60,000-square-foot expansion to the existing facility. (Dave Askins, May 30, 2026)
On Saturday morning (May 30), the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) signed off on about $2.1 million in renovation work for the existing downtown Bloomington Convention Center. That completed a package of alternate bid items related to the expansion project which is under construction across College Avenue from the building.
On Sept. 17 last year, the CIB had [approved about $500,000 in renovation work](https://bsquarebulletin.com/concrete-to-be-poured-for-bloomington-convention-center-footings-city-council-oks-food-and-beverage-tax-resolution/) for the existing convention center building. That previously approved work, which included new kitchen equipment and technology infrastructure, was more directly connected to the functioning of the expansion and the existing building as two coordinated buildings, according to CIB president John Whikehart.
The remaining four alternate bid projects, Whikehart said, were essentially deferred maintenance on the existing building that would have needed attention even if the expansion project had not been undertaken. The four packages approved on Saturday morning included HVAC units, masonry repairs, a dedicated outside air system (DOAS) unit, and one-for-one window replacements.
To afford some of the additional work approved on Saturday morning, the CIB relied on a commitment of about $1.6 million of funding from the convention and visitors commission (CVC) which drew on reserves from the 5% innkeeper’s tax that is imposed on all lodging in Monroe County. On Saturday morning, Whikehart thanked the CVC for its support.
The CIB itself had about $500,000 left in the construction budget for the convention center expansion that it could put towards renovations, which rounded out the roughly $2.1 million that was approved Saturday morning.
CIB president John Whikehart walked the board through the background of the vote. In February 2025, the board approved a final design that included six bid alternate packages for the renovation phase, which is scheduled for January through June 2027—that’s after the expansion phase is supposed to be completed.
The construction bids for the expansion project were awarded at [$50.9 million](https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-construction-bids-okd-under-budget-but-sewer-standoff-with-city-of-bloomington-utilities-simmers/), which left $1.1 million from the $52-million budget that could be spent on bid alternates—optional project components that can be added if the budget allowed. The $500,000 approved in September 2025, added to the roughly $500,000 from the CIB approved on Saturday, basically tapped out the $52-million construction budget.
CIB controller Jeff Underwood told board members that the additional expenditure will keep the overall contract with construction manager Weddle Bros. just under the previously approved $52 million total. That does not affect the construction contingency, which Weddle Bros. keeps in reserve, Underwood said.
Whikehart recounted discussions dating back to November 2025 with Mike Campbell, president of the Monroe County CVC about whether the group could help fund the remaining alternates. The urgency increased this month, Whikehart said, because the bids on those items were set to expire May 31\. The window replacement package in particular was projected to jump by as much as 20%t if it were rebid, in part due to tariffs on Canadian-sourced window framing, Whikehart said. That accounted for the scheduling of the Saturday morning meeting.
Campbell then called a special CVC meeting for this past Wednesday, where CVC members unanimously agreed to commit the $1,593,819 out of their 2027 budget.
Board members on Saturday voted to award all four outstanding alternates, bringing the total for the alternates package to $2,100,075 and the CIB’s total awards for renovation to the existing building to $2,606,891.
An amendment to the Weddle Bros. contract to formally incorporate the newly awarded alternate bids is expected to come to the CIB for approval at its next regular meeting on June 17, 2026, at 3 p.m.
### CIB remaining alternates bid awards
Amounts are from the May 30, 2026 alternate bid awards slide.
Alternate description
Cost
Award date
Funding source
Additional existing building kitchen equipment
$202,402
9/17/25
Construction funds
Existing building A/V & IT infrastructure
$304,414
9/17/25
Construction funds
Subtotal of alternates awarded to date
$506,816
Replace existing building HVAC units
$506,256
5/30/26
Construction funds
Existing building masonry repairs
$115,304
5/30/26
CVC–Innkeepers funds
Existing building DOAS unit
$676,072
5/30/26
CVC–Innkeepers funds
Existing building window replacement
$802,443
5/30/26
CVC–Innkeepers funds
Total alternates to be awarded 5/30/26
$2,100,075
### Funding breakdown
Category
Total
Construction funds
CVC funds
Remaining construction funds
$506,256
CVC–Innkeepers funds
$1,593,819
Total bid awards for all alternates to date
$2,606,891
$1,013,072
$1,593,819
### Ellettsville, Richland Township OK fiscal impact for merger; police coverage issue gets sharpened
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/ellettsville-richland-township-ok-fiscal-impact-for-merger-police-coverage-issue-gets-sharpened/
Last updated: 2026-05-29T17:42:48.000Z
The image is a screenshot of a map from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=1171&LayerID=31894&PageTypeID=1&PageID=12996#), which is the platform Monroe County government uses for GIS mapping and parcel information.
The Richland Township board and the Ellettsville town council both voted separately Wednesday night (May 27) to advance a proposed township–town reorganization. Each gave their approval to a [fiscal impact analysis](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-27-ellettsville-richland-baker-tilly-financial-impact-fiscal-council-board-1779471495%5F47887.pdf#page=11), which will now go to the state’s department of local government finance (DLGF) for review.
The joint meeting on May 27 is one of the last few meetings related to a possible reorganization, under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-1.5-4-1). The fiscal plan underpins a reorganization proposal to consolidate Richland Township and the Town of Ellettsville into a single unit of government.
Next up will be two public hearings held by the board and the council on the [proposed reorganization plan](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-08-Ellettsville-Richland-Township-reorganization-draft-plan.pdf), after which the two governing bodies will vote on the question of whether to put the proposal to voters on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Those two hearings are set for June 10 at 6:30 p.m June 22, 2026, at 6:45 p.m.
Present on Wednesday for the Richland Township board were: Jay Thrasher; David Willibey; and Dawn Durnil. Present for the Ellettsville town council were: Scott Oldham; Trevor Sager; William Ellis; and Dan Swafford.
There was one vote of dissent for each of the governing bodies for their separate votes: ~~Willibey~~ Thrasher on the township board, and Swafford on the town council.
Town council president Scott Oldham was keen to make clear what was, and was not happening at Wednesday’s meeting.
He stressed that the day’s two separate actions by the board and the council did not put the question on the ballot yet: “This is a preliminary approval of a fiscal impact analysis to move forward.” He added that if either board ultimately votes the plan down after the two public hearings, “then the motion essentially is over, and it will not move forward to the taxpayers.”
### Police, roads in rural vs. urban area of new reorganized town
It was also Oldham who raised a firm objection to the way law enforcement services under the reorganization were described by the financial consultant from Baker Tilly, Paige Sansone. During Sansone’s presentation, she said, “We fully anticipate that the sheriff's department will continue to respond to the rural areas as well.” But Oldham interjected mid-sentence: “No, they will not—so let’s reorganize that.”
The source of the friction over law enforcement services stems from the proposal to maintain a distinction between two areas within the newly reorganized town of Ellettsville. There will be an urban area, defined by the current town boundaries, and a rural area defined by the part of Richland Township that is not in the current town of Ellettsville. Property tax rates will be different in the urban and rural areas.
The funding for law enforcement in the newly organized town of Ellettsville will come just from the urban area. But that does not mean, Oldham was keen to stress, that the rural areas will be left to rely on the Monroe County sheriff for law enforcement. For the new, reorganized town of Ellettsville, which will be a municipality, the town police will serve the entire town, Oldham said. “\[The\] sheriff's department doesn’t respond to a municipality, so we need to do some refiguring,” Oldham, said.
Oldham called it “disingenuous” to say that the sheriff would be treating the rural part of the newly reorganized town of Ellettsville, which will be a municipality, the same way it had treated Richland Township minus the town of Ellettsville.
Oldham also clarified that there’s already a multi-jurisdictional mutual aid approach to law enforcement, where Ellettsville, Bloomington, Monroe County, and DNR all respond across their respective boundaries. It’s a matter of which agency is the point of first contact from the point of view of 911 dispatch. For the new reorganized town of Ellettsville, it will be Ellettsville police that will be the point of first contact for the whole new town, not just the urban part of it.
It’s roughly the same situation for maintenance of streets and roads. Township board member Jay Thrasher raised the question of county-versus-town responsibility for plowing roads in the rural part of the new reorganized town of Ellettsville. Oldham responded, “The town would have to take on that responsibility, because it would be one town—it will not be town and township.”
### Background on reorganization process
Darla Brown, who is legal counsel for the town of Ellettsville, opened her remarks on the fiscal impact analysis with a recap of the process since last fall. On Nov. 10, 2025, the Richland Township board approved a resolution “indicating a willingness to explore a reorganization with the town of Ellettsville” under the modernization statute. The town council followed with its own resolution on Nov. 24.
Each governing body then appointed representatives to a seven-member reorganization committee, which met through the winter and spring. The committee created a series of subcommittees made up of “a cross section of citizens, township employees, and town employees” to look at specific functions: finance, local government, public safety, planning and zoning, parks and cemeteries, streets and road maintenance, water, sewer and stormwater, and former township services.
The reorganization committee [approved a draft plan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/committee-vote-on-reorg-plan-for-ellettsville-and-richland-township-sets-stage-for-possible-nov-3-ballot-placement/) on April 9\. That draft, along with supporting subcommittee materials, has been posted on the [website](https://ellettsvillerichlandinfo.org/) that has been set up for the proposed consolidation, Brown said. Baker Tilly, the town’s financial consultant, was retained to produce the required fiscal impact analysis.
### Baker Tilly fiscal plan: two districts, tax increases
Paige Sansone of Baker Tilly walked the board and the council through a [PowerPoint presentation](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-27-ellettsville-richland-baker-tilly-financial-impact-fiscal-council-board-1779471495%5F47887.pdf#page=56 ) summarizing the fiscal impact analysis. At a conceptual level, she said, the reorganization is intended “to improve government efficiency, enhance the coordination of services, increase flexibility and local control, and improve planning and transparency,” while supporting long-term growth.
The proposal would dissolve the township government and fold its functions into a reorganized town government administered through Ellettsville. The new governing body would be a seven-member town council with five district seats and two at-large seats.
The plan creates two primary service districts: an urban district, roughly matching the current town boundaries; and a rural district, covering the current unincorporated township areas.
“This framework is intended to align taxes more closely with the services that are currently provided,” Sansone said, adding that the two-district structure “matches the taxes with the service levels, allows phased growth and expansion, preserves the rural character and expectations, and supports long-term infrastructure planning.”
Sansone said the town levies a property tax rate of $0.6160, generating about $3.3 million, while Richland Township levies a rate of $0.1644, generating about $1.3 million. The township has no property-tax-backed debt; the town has two existing debt issues, which Sansone stressed would “remain with the current town taxpayers,” with township residents not assuming that existing debt.
Projected property tax rates under reorganization would be $0.7028 in the urban district and $0.2776 in the rural district, generating a total of $6.1 million in property tax revenue. In raw dollar amounts, for a typical Richland Township homestead between $150,000 and $300,000, Sansone said, the property tax increase is expected in the range of $5–$12 per month. Sansone broke down the percentagewise increases like this:
- 6.9% increase for properties in Richland Township;
- 4.1% increase for the part of Ellettsville currently in Richland Township; and
- 3.5% increase for the part of Ellettsville in Bean Blossom Township.
Baker Tilly estimated average tax impacts as a percentage of the property owner’s *total tax bill*, not just the portion they pay for just the most local of the units, which are town and township.
That’s why, for example, Baker Tilly says the increase would be 6.9% \[=(0.2776-0.1644)/1.6407\] for Richland Township, instead of 69% \[=(0.2776-0.1644)/0.1644\].
The following tables are based on the [2026 budget order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-01-14-Monroe-260114-2026-Budget-Order.pdf) for Monroe County.
Richland Township property tax rate, 2026
Taxing unit
Rate
Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corp.
1.0398
Monroe County
0.3333
Richland Township
0.1644
Monroe County Public Library
0.0801
Monroe County Solid Waste Management District
0.0231
Total
1.6407
Town of Ellettsville property tax rate, 2026
Taxing unit
Rate
Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corp.
1.0398
Town of Ellettsville
0.5960
Monroe County
0.3333
Monroe County Public Library
0.0801
Monroe County Solid Waste Management District
0.0231
Richland Township, non-fire funds only
0.0200
Total
2.0923
---
On Wednesday, Sansone reminded the boards that the law requires “a separate majority approval … for both town voters and township voters. In other words, both groups must independently approve the proposal for it to move forward."
If the proposal is put in front of voters and they approve it, the effective date for the new unified government would be Jan. 1, 2027.
### Washington Street & Kirkwood Avenue (Buskirk-Chumley)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/washington-street-kirkwood-avenue-buskirk-chumley/
Last updated: 2026-05-28T20:41:04.000Z
The “Sold Out” sign says it all. Tickets for the pop-up concert by [Phoebe Bridgers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoebe%5FBridgers) went fast. (Dave Askins, May 28, 2026)
### Bloomington-based Secretly Group to release special edition albums as part of June 5 recycled vinyl campaign
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-based-secretly-group-to-release-special-edition-albums-as-part-of-june-5-recycled-vinyl-campaign/
Last updated: 2026-05-30T14:13:02.000Z
****Left:** Multi-colored ground vinyl ready for new life. ****Middle:** Record manufacturing process with revinyl. ****Right:** A revinyl edition of a Bon Iver album. (Images extracted from video provided by Secretly Group.)
Beginning next Friday (June 5), local vinyl junkies will have a little something extra to celebrate. Timed to coincide with World Environment Day, several record labels will officially release special edition albums pressed on 100% reclaimed vinyl.
Bloomington’s Landlocked Music, along with record stores throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, will participate in the inaugural event.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Bloomington-based Secretly Group—home to the Secretly Canadian, Jagjaguwar, and Dead Oceans labels among others—is one industry player behind this going-greener initiative. “Five years ago or so, we started in earnest our sustainability committee here, where we started to track our \[carbon\] emissions,” says Ben Swanson, Secretly Group co-founder and COO. “We quickly determined that our biggest carbon footprint was coming from our manufacturing. So, it’s something that we started to dig into.”
As part owner of Independent Record Pressing, a vinyl plant in Bordentown, New Jersey, Secretly Group was well positioned to explore alternative manufacturing processes. “We started to experiment with post-industrial and pre-consumer, recycled vinyl,” Swanson says. “Basically overstock vinyl that’s been sitting on the shelves for years—most distributors and labels have a destruction plan. It’s just dead stock. Rather than landfilling that, you know, could we ship it to one of our plants … and regrind it and turn it into new vinyl?”
After some fine-tuning, they were able to successfully press new albums on the reclaimed vinyl material. “Because it’s recycled, you can’t really control the color of it,” Swanson notes. “You’re getting it from all different colors.”
With that in mind, buyers shouldn’t expect to see the classic black vinyl they’re used to. In fact, Swanson adds, “If you buy virgin PVC, it isn’t naturally black. They actually dye it black. … The reason they do that is, historically, it was made out of lacquer, and the lacquer was black.”
What Swanson calls “revinyl” may look a little unusual, but there’s no difference in sound quality. “If you can pivot people’s expectations that \[vinyl\] doesn’t necessarily have to be black and they can default to revinyl, it would ostensibly save 16% on all that \[virgin\] vinyl being pressed,” he says. “The reality is there isn’t enough pre-consumer feedstock to handle 100% of the pressings out there, but there’s a lot of dead vinyl on distributor shelves. And if you can use that up, that’s great.”
Besides Secretly Group, other partners in the June 5 event include Exceleration Music, Warp Records, Beggars Group, and Ninja Tune along with Music Declares Emergency and The Music Climate Pact. As for the special edition albums? They include revinyl re-releases of Bon Iver’s “For Emma, Forever Ago”; Dinosaur Jr.’s “You’re Living All Over Me”; Elliott Smith’s “Roman Candle”; Bonobo’s “Black Sands”; Chuck Prophet’s “Wake The Dead”; Jeff Austin’s “The Simple Truth”; Black Country, New Road’s “Forever Howlong”; Hella’s “Hold Your Horse Is”; Tubeway Army’s eponymous album, and Warp Records’ various compilation, “Artificial Intelligence.”
The records chosen for revinyl release are in-demand titles which their corresponding labels routinely re-press and sell. “These are records that we’d be making anyway,” Swanson says.
“With a lot of greenwashing out there, there’s really good reason for people to be cynical,” he continues. “Our stance on it is we don’t want the perfect to be the enemy of the good and we try to be very thoughtful about it.”
While re-pressing these albums sans virgin vinyl won’t single-handedly save the world, the resulting 16% increase in efficiency is a step in the right direction. “Regardless of what color and what format they’re on, we’re just trying to make them more sustainable than they would be otherwise,” Swanson says.
---
### Secretly Group 30th anniversary: 3-day concert in August
The June 5 special edition album releases arrive as Secretly Group marks the 30th year since its founding.
The label family plans to celebrate with “What Comes After the Blues: Secretly 30,” a three-day concert series which will be held on August 27, 28, and 29 at the Bluebird, the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, and Switchyard Park, respectively.
“The 27th will be June Panic which is the first artist we ever put out,” says Ben Swanson, Secretly Group co-founder and COO. “We haven’t worked with him in many years, but he’s coming to play a show with Early Day Miners and Magnolia Electric Co.”
On Friday, August 28th, one of Secretly Canadian’s newest artists, Jordan Patterson, will perform along with Kevin Morby and Sharon Van Etten. “\[Morby and Van Etten\] are two of our current artists and some of our bigger artists,” he says.
And on Saturday, August 29th, Angela Autumn, Jensen McRae, and Durand Jones & The Indications will perform in collaboration with the Granfalloon Concert Series. “The Granfalloon changed their format this year,” Swanson explains. In lieu of one big show on Kirkwood Avenue, Granfalloon will include a series of three summer concerts.
“They’re trying to make Granfalloon a little bit more sustainable, as well as invest in the infrastructure at Switchard Park amphitheater, so that more people can do shows there and whatnot,” Swanson says. “It’s a win-win for the community.”
For ticket information, visit the Buskirk-Chumley Theater at 114 E. Kirkwood Avenue or online at buskirkchumley.org.
### Bloomington police seek suspect after gunfire at rooftop party on North Walnut, no injuries
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-seek-suspect-after-gunfire-at-rooftop-party-on-north-walnut-no-injuries/
Last updated: 2026-05-28T18:40:35.000Z
Maps by The B Square. The man in the image, apparently from surveillance footage at The Rive on May 24, 2026, was seen in the footage taking a .45 handgun from his waistband and firing it into the air.
Bloomington police are looking for a suspect who last Sunday (May 24) shot a .45 caliber handgun several times into the air at a party on the rooftop of the Rive, an apartment complex across from Miller-Showers Park on Walnut Street north of 17th Street.
The man in the photograph provided in a Thursday [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-28-BPD-nrews-release-shots-fired-suspect.pdf ) is described as “wearing the white shirt, black pants, and white and black shoes.” Anyone with information is being asked to contact detective sergeant Joe Henry at 812-349-3907 or henryj@bloomington.in.gov.
According to the news release, shortly after 10 p.m. on Sunday (May 24) Bloomington police officers responded to a shots fired call at The Rive Bloomington, which has the street address 1820 N. Walnut Street. Responding officers determined that a big party had been taking place on the rooftop patio of the building.
Surveillance cameras captured footage of a man taking a handgun from his waistline and firing several rounds into the air in quick succession. At that point, people at the party started to flee from the area. The man of interest was last seen on camera running from the building to the southwest. According to the news release, officers found four .45 caliber shell casings at the scene, but did not find any property damage or anyone who was injured.
### May 28, 2026: Jail vote, jail court filing, Lake Monroe high water
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/may-28-2026-jail-vote-jail-court-filing-lake-monroe-high-water/
Last updated: 2026-05-28T13:42:31.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [jigsaw](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-may-25-2026/). It is related to the convention center expansion. Did you ever wonder what the *fifth proposal* for public art looked like? Complete the jigsaw puzzle to find out!
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Slow down! There’s a dense fog advisory through 10 a.m. But after that the day will turn mostly sunny, with a high near 83F°.
**Friday:** You’ll be fine without any outer wrap. But if you wear a stylish jacket, you won’t overheat, because even though it will be mostly sunny, the high will just be around 78F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [ACLU makes swift move to dismiss Monroe County jail lawsuit, would open door to fresh action on current conditions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aclu-makes-swift-move-to-dismiss-monroe-county-jail-lawsuit-would-open-door-to-fresh-action-on-current-conditions/). A federal lawsuit over conditions at the Monroe County jail is poised to end after the county council again rejected the North Park site for a new jail. But the dismissal could expose the county to fresh litigation, new court orders, and renewed scrutiny over overcrowding and jail conditions.
- [Water levels at Lake Monroe high, but not record-setting, drier weather in forecast](https://bsquarebulletin.com/water-levels-at-lake-monroe-high-but-not-record-setting-drier-weather-in-forecast/). Lake Monroe remained nearly 13 feet above its normal level on May 27, ranking among the highest late-May levels on record. Flooding has closed beaches, campsites, and roads but the lake remains open for boating as dam releases stay limited to protect downstream communities.
- [North Park dead as jail site after Monroe County council repeats clear rejection, search for alternate location now urgent](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-dead-as-jail-site-after-monroe-county-council-repeats-clear-rejection-search-for-alternate-location-now-urgent/). Monroe County’s proposed North Park jail site appears finished after the county council voted 1–6 on the purchase agreement, then 6–0 to deny it outright. The decision leaves the county without a selected site and facing likely renewed litigation over jail conditions.
- [North Park vote as it unfolded: 1–6 on approval, 6–0 on denial](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-vote-as-it-unfolds-high-profile-statements-underscore-stakes-of-jail-decision/). This is where the vote on the North Park purchase agreement will be reported live from the Tuesday, May 26, 2026 meeting of the Monroe County council. The one agenda item that will be tracked in these updates is the purchase agreement for the North Park property for use as a jail site.
- [Monroe County council faces yet another high-stakes North Park jail vote on Tuesday (May 26)](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-faces-yet-another-high-stakes-north-park-jail-vote-on-tuesday-may-26/). With a federal lawsuit deadline just days away, Monroe County councilors on Tuesday (May 26) will again vote on the controversial North Park jail site. Commissioners say there is no backup plan if it fails, while opponents continue to raise concerns about cost and long-term impacts.
### Quick Notes
**Settlement in drinking water rate case.** No agenda was posted for the [5:15 p.m. Tuesday (May 26)](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/utilities-service/meetings) special meeting of Bloomington’s utilities service board (USB) and it turns out it had nothing to do with the May 14 settlement agreement that was reached with the interveners in Bloomington’s [proposed increase to drinking water rates](https://bsquarebulletin.com/business-community-raises-concerns-over-proposed-bloomington-water-rate-increases/). Nevertheless, it’s news that the settlement agreement was reached. When the IURC (Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission) signs off on those rates, it will become final. The chart below compares current rates (green) with [Bloomington’s proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-11-26-Water-Rate-Case-46330%5FBloomington%5FVerified-Direct-Testimony-and-Attachments-of-Andrew-J%5F-Burnham%5F112625.pdf) (orange) and the [settlement agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-14-water-rate-settlement-agreement-CBU-USB-Bloomington-46330%5FBloomington%5FJoint-Stipulation-and-Settlement%5F051426.pdf) (purple).
### On the calendar
**Alternate bids on convention center renovation.** On the [agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2F2026%2D05%2D30%20CIB%20Notice%20and%20Agenda%20%2D%20Special%20Meeting%20%20%28Public%20Meeting%29%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026&p=true&ga=1) for a [9 a.m. Saturday (May 30) special meeting](https://events.in.gov/event/capital-improvement-board-special-meeting-6177) of the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) are the awards for alternate bids for the renovation of the existing convention center. The pricing for the alternate bids for work like window replacement and masonry repairs expires this weekend, so the CIB wanted to get the bids approved ahead of a potential price increase.
**High school graduations.** Over the next three days, 827 high schoolers in the Class of 2026 are set to graduate from the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC). The district’s four high schools each have their own commencement ceremonies:
- Bloomington Graduation School: Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m. in the Jackson Creek Middle School auditorium
- Academy of Science & Entrepreneurship: Friday, May 29 at 5 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College Shreve Hall
- Bloomington High School South: Saturday, May 30 at 10 a.m. in the Bloomington South gymnasium
- Bloomington High School North: Saturday, May 30 at 2 p.m. in the Bloomington North gymnasium)
All four ceremonies will be live-streamed. Links to the streams are available on the MCCSC [graduation page](https://mccsc.edu/graduation). The B Square’s advice to this year’s graduates: Words matter. Deadlines are real. Get out there!
**No county commissioners meeting this week.** The regular meeting of the Monroe County commissioners has been cancelled for Thursday (May 28).
---
**Garden Walk: June 7.** The Bloomington Garden Club will host its 37th annual Summer Garden Walk on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour will feature six private gardens around Bloomington, along with a flower show at [Hilltop Garden and Nature Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2367+E+10th+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47408/@39.180177,-86.506519,5578m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66a5f08c0477:0xfe51178ebc304c88!8m2!3d39.1744469!4d-86.5054059!16s%2Fg%2F1tgh3qvn?hl=en&entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDUwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can buy [$10 tickets are from local vendors](https://bloomingtongardenclub.org/vendors), with proceeds supporting children’s gardening education programs and other local beautification projects.
**Bingo Brunch at Cardinal Spirits: June 28.** It’s every Sunday 12-2 p.m. at Cardinal Spirits: Bingo Brunch with celebrity callers! You might wonder: What is the Cardinal Spirits definition of celebrity? It needs to be flexible enough to include ... me, the founder of The B Square. I plan to apply all the principles I have learned about government meeting procedures to bingo calling—in the best possible way! You have never heard letters and numbers sound so great.
---
### Meet Banana!
Up for adoption, as of May 28 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is Banana. Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a hound mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written for [Banana](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86797):
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the shelter for a visit.
### Photo Finish: Washington Street & 7th Street
A red-tailed hawk perches on the AT&T building. (Dave Askins, May 25, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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### ACLU makes swift move to dismiss Monroe County jail lawsuit, would open door to fresh action on current conditions
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aclu-makes-swift-move-to-dismiss-monroe-county-jail-lawsuit-would-open-door-to-fresh-action-on-current-conditions/
Last updated: 2026-05-28T03:33:06.000Z
B Square file photo of a community justice response committee (CJRC) meeting, from left: Charlotte Zietlow, after whom the Monroe County jail and justice center is named, county councilor Kate Wiltz, and ACLU lead attorney Ken Falk. (Dave Askins, April 20, 2023)
Based on a Wednesday (May 27) [filing](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-27-Falk-jail-settlement-dismissal-North-Park-Monroe-County-073111795515.pdf ) in U.S. District Court by the ACLU, the long-running federal court case over conditions at the Monroe County jail is now poised to end.
The expected filing asking for dismissal came the day after the Monroe County council on Tuesday night (May 26) [again rejected North Park](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-dead-as-jail-site-after-monroe-county-council-repeats-clear-rejection-search-for-alternate-location-now-urgent/) as a new jail site.
Even though the dismissal of the previous lawsuit and the end of the private settlement agreement might seem on the surface like good news for the county government, it now opens the door to fresh litigation with an unknown outcome and timeline, and unknown requirements that could be imposed on the county by a federal court.
The [most recent extension](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-13-modified-settlement-agreement-Monroe-County-jail-North-Park-073111704804.pdf) to the settlement agreement with the ACLU of Indiana, came with a requirement that the county government by May 29 approve a purchase agreement for the North Park property, just northwest of Bloomington, off SR 46\. Tuesday’s vote by the county council means that deadline won’t be met.
In light of the county council’s Tuesday vote, the attorney for the ACLU representing the class of inmates and the attorney for Monroe County officials jointly signed a stipulation to dismiss the 2008 class-action lawsuit known as Richardson v. Monroe County Sheriff. The filing states that the county council’s May 26 vote against approving the North Park purchase agreement triggered the anticipated end of the private settlement agreement that has governed the case for more than 15 years.
The filing notes that the ACLU had previously warned that if the North Park purchase failed, “new litigation concerning the conditions of the existing jail and appropriate remedies for those conditions” could follow.
The dismissal, which still needs a judge’s order, would end the existing lawsuit “with prejudice as to this action only,” which means the current case cannot be revived. But the filing also stresses that “nothing prevents a new action from being filed by any prisoner in the Monroe County Jail concerning the jail conditions.”
The filing came one day after the county council again rejected the proposed North Park site for a new jail facility, repeating a position it already took in a resolution earlier this year, and on a vote [in late October last year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-unanimously-rejects-north-park-jail-site-funding-after-marathon-meeting/). The council’s vote leaves county officials without an approved location for a new jail while longstanding concerns about overcrowding and jail conditions remain unresolved.
The federal case dates to 2008 and produced a private settlement agreement in 2009 aimed at addressing unconstitutionally overcrowded jail conditions. Over the years, the settlement agreement was repeatedly extended while local officials explored options for replacing the jail.
In April, county commissioners, the sheriff and the ACLU jointly asked the federal court to extend the settlement agreement deadline to May 29, which gave the county additional time to pursue acquisition of the North Park property for a second time. That effort effectively collapsed Tuesday night when the council declined to authorize the purchase agreement.
The joint filing submitted Tuesday was signed by Ken Falk for the plaintiffs and Monroe County attorney David Schilling for the county government defendants.
### Water levels at Lake Monroe high, but not record-setting, drier weather in forecast
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/water-levels-at-lake-monroe-high-but-not-record-setting-drier-weather-in-forecast/
Last updated: 2026-05-28T02:07:01.000Z
Chart by The B Square with data from the [US Army Corps of Engineers](https://www.lrl-wc.usace.army.mil/reports/yearly/Monroe%20Lake.html).
Water levels at Lake Monroe remain well above normal on Wednesday (May 27), but the [official word](https://www.facebook.com/monroelake) from Indiana Department of Natural Resources is that the lake remains open and safe for boating.
One caution from the DNR is that flood conditions can carry additional debris into the reservoir. The DNR notes that the high water has expanded access to backwater areas for paddlers and other non-motorized boaters.
High water continues to disrupt normal operations at several recreation areas around the lake, but there are standard contingencies in place, like boat ramps specifically designated for high-water conditions. Swimming beaches at Paynetown and Fairfax state recreation areas are closed, and some roads, docks, trails, campsites, and marina facilities are inaccessible due to flooding. The Pine Grove recreation areas is completely closed.
One of the key functions of the lake is to serve as flood control for areas downstream from the dam, at Harrodsburg. In the terminology of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the Monroe Lake reservoir, the target level of the lake is called the “normal pool.” The current level is 550.80 above sea level. Right now the lake level is around 550.8 feet above sea level, or 12.8 feet above the normal pool.
Based on [records since 1983](https://www.lrl-wc.usace.army.mil/reports/yearly/Monroe Lake.html ), the average lake level starts to rise in late February and will stay above normal pool through mid-July. The current lake level is high, even for this time of year, but isn’t close to the absolute record, which was about 7 feet higher. That came in May 2011, when the water level hit 557.26 feet. Still, the level this week ranks fourth for the highest lake level at this time of year.
The water level will drop due to two basic factors: more water can be let through the spillway; and there’s not too much rain in the [forecast for the next two weeks](https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/814day/814prcp.new.gif). But the rate of discharge can’t be increased just to get the water level in the lake down. By design, the lake level is supposed to be high during periods when more than a normal amount of rain fails, in order to protect downstream areas. A [normal May](https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/#) sees 4.47 inches of rain. This year so far in May, 6.14 inches of rain have fallen.
During flooded conditions, the minimum discharge through the dam is 200 cubic feet per second (cfs), and can’t be set higher than that unless the downstream gauges on the White River at three locations read lower than minor flood stage. The three key locations are Bedford (20 feet minor flood stage), Shoals (20 feet minor flood stage) and Petersburg (16 feet minor flood stage). The US Geological Survey makes available online a [real-time three-way plot](https://waterdata.usgs.gov/in/nwis/uv?site%5Fno=03371500%2C03373500%2C03374000&format=gif%5Fmult%5Fsites&PARAmeter%5Fcd=00065&period=30) of those gauges.
The historical data on lake levels, which [includes discharge rates](https://www.lrl-wc.usace.army.mil/reports/yearly/Monroe%20Lake%5F2026.html), can be monitored online. The current recorded figure for the discharge rate is 242 cfs, which is higher than the 200 cfs at which its set, because of the hydrostatic pressure from the overfull lake.
### Photos: High water at Lake Monroe (May 25, 2026)
Cutright SRA (Dave Askins, May 25, 2026)
The road leading to Pine Grove SRA. (Dave Askins, May 25, 2026)
### North Park dead as jail site after Monroe County council repeats clear rejection, search for alternate location now urgent
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-dead-as-jail-site-after-monroe-county-council-repeats-clear-rejection-search-for-alternate-location-now-urgent/
Last updated: 2026-05-27T09:23:44.000Z
The Nat U. Hill Room at the historic Monroe County courthouse is packed for Tuesday’s meeting of the Monroe County council. (Dave Askins, May 26, 2026)
North Park as a site for a new Monroe County jail now seems clearly dead. The purchase agreement for the land just northwest of Bloomington on SR 46 failed to pass the county council on Tuesday (May 26) by a 1–6 vote.
The council went a step further and considered a motion to deny the ordinance, which passed 6–0\. It was almost an exact repeat of the events of [late October last year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-unanimously-rejects-north-park-jail-site-funding-after-marathon-meeting/ ), when the council took a unanimous vote against approving an appropriation, then took another unanimous vote to deny it.
Tuesday’s vote came two weeks after its [most recent meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/final-north-park-jail-showdown-set-for-may-26-after-monroe-county-councils-1-5-vote-fails/), when the same ordinance failed to pass after a 1–5 vote. After Tuesday’s vote, the settlement agreement with the ACLU, which is related to a 2008 lawsuit over unconstitutional and unsafe conditions at the Monroe County jail, looks like it’s certain to expire on its May 29 end date.
At that point, the county will be open to fresh litigation, which county attorneys think is certain to come. The settlement agreement’s [most recent extension](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-13-modified-settlement-agreement-Monroe-County-jail-North-Park-073111704804.pdf) indicated no further extension would be granted, unless a purchase agreement for North Park was approved.
### Presentation from commissioners, sheriff
On Monday, North Park got a boost in the form of a [joint statement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-26-joint-statement-jail-county-commissioners-iversen-asare-thomson-Responsible-Path-Forward.pdf) from the board of county commissioners, Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson, city council president Isak Asare, and county council president pro tem Peter Iverson. That set the stage at Tuesday’s meeting for sheriff Ruben Marté and commissioners Jody Madeira and Julie Thomas to start things off with a presentation in favor of the North Park purchase agreement.
Marté seemed resigned to the fact that there was little he could say that hadn’t been said already to convince the room. He began by referring to his previous visits to the council, and touching on some of the points he’s made in the past—lack of space at the current facility, inability to provide necessary care, including difficulty quarantining inmates who are sick.
“If I'm going to come to you and ask you for certain things, I need you to understand why,” Marté said. “I could tell you right now, the \[jail population\] numbers are concerning to me right now, as they're creeping up. It really is. I won't get too deep into that right now, but, I assure you, it is, and we cannot keep up trying to help someone with programs, if the numbers keep up and our staff numbers remain the same.”
Marté stressed to the council the need to act fast to relieve the jail staff who were “doing the very best that they can under the circumstances.” “Not to move forward at the present time is literally putting a tremendous amount of more stress on the staff that are already stressed to a point that concerns me,” he said.
Madeira outlined what she believes would come next if the ordinance failed. “They \[ACLU\] will file immediately and they will seek summary judgment. Summary judgment isn't a request for further negotiation or dialog—it’s a request for a court to decide the ultimate legal question without a trial, because the facts aren’t meaningfully in dispute,” she said.
“If summary judgment is granted, the only remaining question is what remedy a federal court will impose on Monroe County,” Madeira said. During litigation, Madeira said, “We stop acting as one county and start acting as separate legal adversaries. The commissioners, the sheriff, and the council will each retain separate attorneys, file separate briefs, and present separate arguments. And from what I've seen of the record from the past 17 years, the ACLU will prevail.”
Madeira asked each councilor to stand together and to end this issue before a federal court ends it for the county. “Not because we're forced to, but because we’re capable of governing, because the people living and working in that jail are neighbors, and they deserve better, and because the residents of this county deserve a government that can make hard decisions together, rather than be driven apart by litigation,” she said.
Thomas stressed that it is the council’s responsibility to make this decision. “It’s not clear to me why the council would abdicate its responsibility and rights at this moment to a federal judge who can make a range of decisions. … Two-thirds of the elected bodies that are required to choose the property have done so—it’s the sheriff's office and the board of commissioners. If the purchase of North Park is not supported today, we're going to be squandering both time and money, and that money that's going to be squandered is a sunk cost, it's not a capital investment into anything,” Thomas said.
### Public comment
Public comment on the day was a continuation of the sentiments expressed in previous weeks, with almost all members of the public urging the council to continue voting against the proposal. The commissioners were the target of public ire as well, with some accusing them of ignoring messages and “doubling down” on a bad site.
One of the most compelling moments of the evening came when Misty James, assistant director of New Leaf, New Life, told some stories of former inmates and their struggles after being released from jail. “I had a client who was released from a rural county jail in the middle of the evening. He walked from that county to here, it took him nine hours to get here. The weather conditions were terrible,” she said. “He met me at my desk that day, and he took his glove off of his hand, and his hand was so frostbitten that we couldn’t continue with the appointment, and that we had to take him to the hospital because of his exposure.”
James then told the story of a girl who was a victim of the opioid crisis. An overprescription of oxycodone eventually turned into a heroin addiction that led to homelessness and sleeping outside for over five years. She went to jail several times, and when she was released for the last time, what made the difference was that the jail was just two blocks away from where she was going.
“That person was me. It was me. I walked from the county jail door, two blocks,” she said through tears. “If I had to walk from Ellettsville, you think I would have went? If I had to find a way from another county, you think I would have went?” James asked.
Steve Volan, a former Bloomington city councilmember, pointed fingers at the commissioners, saying they ignored the will of the council. “Either the commissioners aren’t competent to fulfill their duties, or they've been dealing with you in bad faith. They’re counting on you to overlook their failure of imagination, their incompetence, their many years of unwillingness to brook dissent,” he said. Volan called on commissioners to resign.
Former Bloomington mayor John Hamilton used the public mic on Tuesday to underscore the points he made against the North Park location in a [statement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-25-North-Park-John-Hamilton-Guest-Column-on-Proposed-Jail-2026-5.pdf) released the day before.
### County council comment
By the time council commentary started, it was clear that any councilor who voted yes would be doing so against tremendous pressure of public opinion expressed at the meeting.
Councilor Peter Iversen spoke first, explaining why he would be voting in favor of the purchase. “I have done what I feel is my due diligence. I have discussed this vote with as many constituents as I can, from as many diverse backgrounds as I can,” he said. Voting no, Iversen said, means looks into the eyes of those hundreds of people that slept in the jail last night and says that you are still forgotten.” He added, “A litigation option has no timelines.”
When Iversen eventually stated that his plan was to vote yes, a few shouts of “No!” were heard from the crowd. But Iversen’s early affirmation did not gain momentum, as one by one, all the other councilors explained that they would be voting the proposal down, to enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Justifying his position, Trent Deckard said, “I’m sure that many people will say voting no extends the problem, and that’s fair. I’ll take that. I’ll take that punch on the chin. But respectfully, that zero sum kind of argument is what’s killing us in politics, and in this county, particularly when we’re in a time when people are not only counting us on to move, but honor a constitution which says you have to move.”
Kate Wiltz said that a vote against the proposal should be interpreted as the council wanting a solution, but that North Park is not the right solution.
Liz Feitl drew on her experience with unions where the idea is to represent a constituency. She said in that context she had to vote no. Feitl said that her focus was to move ahead. “We have to figure out right now, going forward, and make a commitment to do so to remedy the situation at the same time, while we find another site immediately and go forward,” she said.
David Henry, who joined the meeting remotely, focused on the fiscal burden. “The community deserves the full debate someday as to why and how we got here, but the only thing I’ve got to worry about tonight is the fact that the taxpayers of this community, especially working people, they’re going to be asked to pay not for one but two phases. And a project that will eventually reach $400 million with interest over 20 years is too much of a burden,” he said.
Marty Hawk looked ahead to next steps: “This is not just a no to North Park. This is a yes to moving forward in the future, and we need to make a decision on another location, and I mean quickly,” she said.
Council president Jennifer Crossley wrapped up the council’s commentary with a call for collaboration. “I was a no back in October. I was a no back a couple of weeks ago. And I’m still a no. But again, here’s where I can say yes: I can say yes to true active collaboration. I can say yes to really getting down in the trenches … where we can come back in a room and say: Let's figure this out.” she said.
The council’s first vote was on approval of the ordinance, which failed 1–6\. After a short recess, Wiltz brought up the possibility of also voting to deny the ordinance. The outcome of the vote to deny the ordinance was 6–0\. The tally did not add to seven, because Henry had left the remote connection by then and did not participate in the vote.
Iversen, who voted in favor of approving the ordinance and later to deny it as well, said that he had not changed his mind on the basic question, but he understands the will of the council, and wanted to move forward with the community.
---
If there was any ambiguity left about North Park before Tuesday night, the council’s final 6–0 vote to deny the purchase agreement erased it. The county’s long and bruising jail debate now enters a new phase—one with no site selected, no legal protection, and no clear roadmap or timeline. But there seems to be a clear consensus among decision makers that whatever comes next, it will have to come fast.
### Next steps
During council comment time at the end of the meeting, Kate Wiltz responded to one of the statements from commissioner Jody Madeira before the vote, when Madeira said: “This vote will define how Monroe County is remembered on this issue—not the years of studies installed decisions, but what we choose to do right now.”
Wiltz said she hopes the council will be remembered as “as people who knew the importance of deliberation and intentional system change” and who “thought outside of the typical parameters of how we do things.” She called on county commissioners to “seize the day” and convene a joint meeting with city officials and the sheriff.
Wiltz put it like this: “I’d really like to call on the commissioners to seize the day and perhaps call a meeting where we, or at least some of us, could participate with them and the mayor and the common council and the sheriff to really just talk about the possibilities and not the past but the future and do it this week … Let’s just look toward to what we *can* do.”
After the meeting, Wiltz told The B Square she thinks getting a meeting of city and county officials scheduled, not the meeting itself, could be achieved by week’s end.
For Trent Deckard, the next steps include selecting some other site besides North Park—one that could get four votes on the county council and two votes from commissioners.
Deckard told The B Square one of the specific next steps for him would be to ask Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson if the city “had any seriousness toward Fullerton.” That was an allusion to the Fullerton Pike property on the far southwest corner of the city, but still inside Bloomington, which was [rejected for rezoning](https://bsquarebulletin.com/rezone-for-new-county-jail-denied-by-bloomington-city-council-with-calls-to-include-city-in-planning/) by the city council in late 2022\. It’s a site that Deckard thinks warrants further consideration.
And Deckard’s planned question for the mayor could be based on remarks Thomson gave at the [April 22 meeting](https://youtu.be/iuT-J2-1UWQ?si=blQEf8gybmqCb-Ii&t=1139) of the Bloomington Press Club. Thomson appeared to indicate that Fullerton Pike could be revisited as a jail site, when she said, “\[T\]he Fullerton Pike possibility got turned down in the zoning process by the old city council—old meaning the last phase we had a significant turnover ... So we have a different conversation to have about Fullerton.”
One of the challenges related to the Fullerton Pike property is the potential delay from the necessary rezoning approval process, which is under Bloomington’s jurisdiction. After Tuesday's meeting, Deckard floated the idea of dis-annexation as a way around that. In that scenario, the city would follow the statutory process to alter the city boundaries so that Bloomington no longer includes the Fullerton Pike property. That way, any rezone would fall to a decision of the county commissioners. Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-4-3-17), it looks like dis-annexation would require a petition from the property owner.
After Tuesday’s meeting commissioner Jody Madeira told The B Square, one next step would be to contact ACLU attorney Ken Falk and let him know how the county council vote on the North Park purchase agreement turned out. She also said Monroe County would need to get ready for what she thinks is certain litigation. There’s a question about whether the county's insurance would cover legal representation. After Tuesday’s meeting county attorney David Schilling noted that there would be three parties potentially who need representation—the sheriff, the commissioners, and the county council.
Madeira said a next step includes talking with the other two commissioner colleagues, saying she’s just one of three votes. One future step needs to be to move forward with a design for a jail at some other location besides North Park, but that design work can’t move forward right now, because no site has been selected, which means site selection is a step that has to come first, Madeira said.
Another next step, said Madeira, is simply to keep talking—internally among commissioners, and externally with the county council and city of Bloomington officials.
****Left:** Sheriff Ruben Marté, commissioner Jody Madeira, and jail commander Kyle Gibbons address the county council. ****Middle:** Map by The B Square. Purple properties have been given serious consideration by Monroe County official as the site of new jail. The orange dot is the location of the current jail. The blue areas are all a part of pending litigation involving their annexation into the city of Bloomington. \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1qht0Yd24iM0GQuSjEIHT-0Az9KofF-Q&usp=sharing)\] ****Right:** Councilor David Henry joined Tuesday’s meeting from a remote connection. Here Henry is listening to Madeira address the council.
### North Park vote as it unfolded: 1–6 on approval, 6–0 on denial
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-vote-as-it-unfolds-high-profile-statements-underscore-stakes-of-jail-decision/
Last updated: 2026-05-27T13:02:50.000Z
****Left:** Map by the B Square. The proposed Bloomington annexation, indicated on the map, is no longer in play after the Indiana Supreme Court let the court of appeals ruling against the city of Bloomington stand. ****Right:** B Square file photo. Monroe County councilors listen to commentary from the public mic. From left to right: Marty Hawk, David Henry, Peter Iversen, Jennifer Crossley, Trent Deckard, Kate Wiltz, and Liz Feitl. (Dave Askins, Dec. 9, 2025)
Set for [Tuesday evening (May 26)](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-1411) is a pivotal vote by the Monroe County council on a $11.375-million purchase agreement for North Park as a jail site site. The B Square will provide live updates from the council’s meeting in the timestamped log below.
The vote comes at a critical moment in the county’s years-long effort to address overcrowded conditions at the Monroe County jail and comply with a federal settlement agreement tied to a 2008 ACLU lawsuit.
On Monday, the public focus on the county council’s vote was sharpened with the release of two high-profile public statements that framed clearly different visions for how Monroe County should move forward.
In a [column](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-25-North-Park-John-Hamilton-Guest-Column-on-Proposed-Jail-2026-5.pdf) sent to The B Square, former Bloomington mayor John Hamilton argues against building what he described as a “huge new incredibly costly jail” at North Park or anywhere else. Instead, Hamilton advocated a “scattered site” approach that would combine smaller-scale jail and service facilities with increased investment in housing, mental health treatment, addiction services, and diversion programs.
Hamilton’s piece mentions several locations that could play a role in providing a solution to the problems, including the county-owned Curry Building just south of the current jail, the old post office site, current county health building, and Showers West.
Hamilton’s administration purchased the Showers West portion of the city hall building with an eye towards moving the city’s police headquarters there, but Kerry Thomson, who took over as mayor in 2024, did not pursue that plan. The old post office site is the whole block, bounded by Third and Fourth streets on the north and South and Washington and Lincoln streets on the east and west. The real estate is owned by First United Methodist Church.
A second [statement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-25-statement-on-jail-North-Park-Jody-Madeira-County-Commissioners-Peter-Iversen-Isak-Asare-Kerry-Thomson.pdf), jointly issued by the three Monroe County commissioners, Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson, Bloomington city council president Isak Asare, and county councilor Peter Iversen, says North Park is now “the only viable option” given legal deadlines, financing timelines, and the refusal of the ACLU to extend the current settlement agreement unless a purchase agreement for North Park is approved.
The joint statement acknowledges significant concerns about the site, but says county officials now face a “hard and necessary decision point” where “delay is not neutral.”
The inclusion of the commissioners (Julie Thomas, Jody Madeira, and Lee Jones) in the statement is not a surprise, because they have uniformly supported North Park as their preferred site for a new jail. Iversen’s inclusion is also not surprising, because his was the sole vote of support [two weeks ago when the council voted](https://bsquarebulletin.com/final-north-park-jail-showdown-set-for-may-26-after-monroe-county-councils-1-5-vote-fails/) on the North Park purchase agreement.
The inclusion of Asare as a signatory is notable because it appears to mark a departure from the Bloomington city council’s formal opposition to the North Park location, expressed in a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-22-city-council-resolution-2026-07-in-support-of-county-council-effort-to-keep-jail-in-city-limits-north-park-Thomson.pdf#page=2) adopted a month ago. At the [April 26 meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/county-council-stand-against-north-park-jail-location-backed-by-bloomington-counterparts/) of the city council, when the resolution was adopted, Asare laid out reservations about passing a largely symbolic statement that the city might not be able to back up with concrete action. Asare still voted for the resolution, which had unanimous support.
Tuesday’s (May 26) [county council meeting](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-1411) begins at 5 p.m. What follows below will be live log of developments related to the North Park vote, filed from the meeting, as county councilors decide whether North Park moves forward as a jail site—or gets voted down again.
\[*The log will update automatically. There is no need to refresh this page.*\]
### Live Log: Monroe County council May 26, 2026
---
**8:21 p.m.** Now the vote on North Park is truly over.
**8:20 p.m.** Roll call is 6–0 to deny, with Henry having left the remote connection.
**8:19 p.m.** Now comes a motion from Iversen to deny the ordinance on the purchase agreement. He says he hasn't changed his mind, but he wants to move forward with the rest of the council and will vote yes on denial.
**8:17 p.m.** The council agrees to remove the second North-Park related agenda item (the appropriation, not the purchase agreement) from the agenda.
**8:17 p.m.** Or hold on. Wiltz is suggesting that a vote be taken on rejection.
**8:14 p.m.** There are a few agenda items left, but this will end The B Square's transmission. (It does not appear that the council will take a vote on rejection.)
**8:01 p.m.** The motion fails 1–6\. Crossley calls for a five-minute recess.
**7:59 p.m.** Roll call vote: Hawk, no; Iversen, yes; Deckard, no; Henry, no; Crossley, no; Wiltz, no; Feitl, no.
**7:58 p.m.** "We can do well, or screw it over," Crossley says. She wants to really get down in the trenches and collaborate. Crossley quotes American rapper 2Pac: "keep ya head up.... and handle it."
**7:56 p.m.** A procedural question that could arise after the vote on adoption could be whether a vote on rejection will also be taken.
**7:54 p.m.** Crossley says she wants to revisit the question of Thomson. She says the PUD request has to be put in front of the city plan commission by the commissioners. (The use as a jail is already a part of the PUD, but there are other revisions involving a road that need to be approved.)
**7:52 p.m.** Crossley delivers a line that gets a laugh from the audience: "You can't spell North Park without no." She is stressing the idea of "using what we already have."
**7:50 p.m.** It's now to council president Crossley. She has counted 33 people who spoke from the public mic. She thanks the sheriff for his efforts to improve conditions here. The difference sheriff Marté has made is "like night and day," Crossley says.
**7:50 p.m.** Hawk also points out that Thomson is already paid for. She thanks everyone for being here tonight.
**7:49 p.m.** We need another location and we need one quickly, Hawk says. She is advocating for Fullerton Pike.
**7:48 p.m.** We will save millions if services are located closer to the jail, Hawk says.
**7:48 p.m.** Marty Hawk says she prayed about this and "God was listening."
**7:47 p.m.** Collaboration without any compromise at all is not any kind of collaboration, Henry says.
**7:43 p.m.** Henry says it's important to think about what Charlotte Zietlow would do. He doesn't question the sincerity of his colleagues at the city. But he raises the question of whether the urgency is manufactured. He says that the council has not received adequate information to exercise its fiscal oversight role. He said before the meeting that he would be voting no for a third time. So none of what Henry is saying now is a surprise.
**7:42 p.m.** Feitl says a different site has to be identified immediately and they need to then move forward.
**7:42 p.m.** It's now clear that the vote to adopt will fail.
**7:41 p.m.** Liz Feitl says she comes from a representative background with unions. In that context, she says she'll vote no.
**7:39 p.m.** Addressing Iversen's point about no timeline for any other site, including Thomson, Wiltz says it's because time since October has been squandered. She says she's voting no.
**7:37 p.m.** "I know that a vote against this site is going to cost a lot of money, and that's not all that different from a vote for this site." The conditions at the jail "weigh on my soul," she says. She says several months have been squandered since last October's council vote against North Park.
**7:35 p.m.** Wiltz talks about the various constituencies that councilors represent. If we're going to spend vast amounts of money, it should be for things that reflect our values, she says. "Our community will pay the price, regardless."
**7:35 p.m.** Kate Wiltz is next to speak.
**7:32 p.m.** The next step is to continue to work earnestly and to continue conversations, says Deckard. He says Fullerton Pike would be his preference. The city council has indicated a willingness to help expedite, Deckard says.
**7:31 p.m.** Deckard says the path to "peace" is four votes on the council and two from commissioners and a nod from the sheriff.
**7:30 p.m.** The comment draws applause. Deckard's vote would likely have been needed in order to achieve the required four-vote majority.
**7:28 p.m.** Ultimately, he will vote the way he voted in October, Deckard says. That is he'll vote no.
**7:25 p.m.** Deckard says he listened back through the council's meeting two weeks ago, because he could not attend it. The vote tonight is about the purchase agreement, he says. The council's decision is not an easy burden to shrug off, given the fiscal issues, Deckard says. Any vote to move forward on the council needs four votes, he says.
**7:24 p.m.** Next up is Trent Deckard. He says he's going to try something new—reading aloud three pages he's written out in preparation.
**7:21 p.m.** Iversen warns against arguing three more years in court. The time to do something is now, Iversen. It's not a false urgency, but because of those who are incarcerated. He calls for influencing the solution towards mercy. He calls voting for North Park that is a "marginally optimal one." It's a chance to love mercy and walk humbly, says Iversen.
**7:19 p.m.** There is no timeline for any other option, Iversen says. He says his vote for the purchase agreement is a vote to stop ignoring the inmates.
**7:18 p.m.** Bonding requires action tonight, Iversen says.
**7:16 p.m.** Iversen says the most important deadline is consideration of the 263 inmates in the jail last night who are suffering the worst harms. "Action is needed tonight," Iversen says.
**7:13 p.m.** Iversen goes first for council comment. He talks about the window of opportunity in the ordinance in front of the council as the only path that he thinks will lead to justice. He's hearing mostly that residents want action, an end to 17 years of no action. He is talking about finances. He says it's the cheapest option. A few shouts of "No!" come from the audience. Litigation avoids commissioner control, Iversen says, but adds costs, millions of dollars.
**7:12 p.m.** There is an attempt to get Jason Funk unmuted on the Teams connection. That is unsuccessful. That closes public comment.
**7:10 p.m.** That looks like the last of the public commentary.
**7:08 p.m.** Tracy Hutchings-Goetz is now speaking from a remote location. She's talking about moving the jail to a location far away from services.
**7:05 p.m.** Steve Volan is at the mic. The commissioners have come back with the same proposal over and over, he says. No one has said: This site is preferable on the merits. He notes that as a Bloomington councilmember he voted with the unanimous majority when the council voted against the Fullerton Pike location. He lays the blame for the situation on the incompetence of the county commissioners. He calls on the commissioners to "do the honorable thing" and resign their seats.
**7:03 p.m.** Andrew Henry calls the situation a "slow motion train wreck." Alluding to Madeira's allusion to The Gambler by Kenny Rogers, Henry says this is not a good hand. Maybe a federal judge has to tiebreak the situation, he says.
**7:01 p.m.** Missed the name of current speaker. She says it's ridiculous that the vote is being taken again. When the council said no to North Park, a different site could have already been selected, she says. "We have the Thomson site," she says. She says she hopes councilors vote with their hearts and that they vote no.
**6:57 p.m.** Christian Easton says he worked as a police officer for 30 years. Police officers are not looking for people to put into jail, he says. A new jail probably needs to be a little larger, he says. "I'm urging you to quit talking about it, and start doing it." He indicates a preference for the Thomson property over North Park.
**6:54 p.m.** Dawn Johnsen introduces herself as a constitutional law professor at IU. The national ACLU is clear about what communities should be doing, and that is reducing rates of incarceration, she says.
**6:51 p.m.** Kaden Smith is at the mic. He questions whether Madeira wants to work collaboratively, given that the council voted no on North Park, but the commissioners keep insisting on North Park. He asks the council to vote no.
**6:48 p.m.** Cathleen Paquet says that commissioner Julie Thomas left the meeting as soon as public comment started. Paquet calls the situation a manufactured crisis. A lawsuit "seems cheaper." She points to the joint statement from commissioners and city officials as admitting the shortcomings of North Park, and "doubling down" on a bad site.
**6:44 p.m.** Jamie Ford is at the mic. She questions statements from Madeira about the Thomson property requiring a change to the PUD. Ford also questions statements made by Madeira about having done due diligence on other properties besides North Park, but then saying North Park is the only property on which due diligence had been done.
**6:43 p.m.** Reneé Miller says the council has already voted no on the North Park location. Stop asking, she says. Social services are needed nearby.
**6:40 p.m.** Sheryl Langdon agrees with some of the points that Garza made from the public mic. But she says maybe it is better than a federal judge has something to say about it. "I'm a little confused, because everyone is in every direction," she says. The jail should stay in the city of Bloomington as the city's problem, she says.
**6:38 p.m.** Mike Shields built a new house 43 years ago a mile away from North Park. He says whatever the solution to the problem is, it's not building a new jail at North Park.
**6:36 p.m.** Susan Easton is speaking as a resident of the Stony Brook neighborhood against North Park. She says the Thomson site is better than North Park.
**6:33 p.m.** Alice Silver asks the council to vote no. She asks how we know the jail will not become an ICE detention facility.
**6:29 p.m.** John Hamilton, former mayor of Bloomington is speaking from the public mic. He says there are many many good people in the room. He refers to the written statement he submitted recently. He recalls the statement he wrote with Charlotte Zietlow six months ago. He calls the decision an important pivot point. He ticks through some "yeses" that should come with the no vote. Those "yeses" include more services, and goal setting for the jail population. Another "yes" is a commitment to spend $1 on diversion for every $1 on incarceration. He asks the council to vote no again.
**6:27 p.m.** Seth Mutchler, with Care Not Cages is at the mic. He says there are two things being said. Those who want a yes vote talk about "what ifs" but those who speak against it are talking about specific facts and anecdotes. Don't give in to fear mongering, Mutchler says.
**6:24 p.m.** Sam Holdeman asks the council to vote no. He tells them they are scared of what a federal judge might force them to do, but they are doing more preemptively to comply with that than they will ever be forced to do. Building a new jail is not a final solution, he says. A new jail will be overcrowded soon after it is open, he says.
**6:21 p.m.** Richard Garza is focused on buying the land and none of the other issses. He asks the council to vote yes. Delay will add to the cost, he says. He cites work experience in the justice center. "Everything that could have been, has been wasted on circular conversations." "Enough is enough. Approve the purchase agreement."
**6:19 p.m.** Hopi Stosberg, Bloomington city councilmember, is speaking from a remote connection. She says she was dismayed that the council president was mentioned in news release that she says left the impression that president Isak Asare was speaking for the city council.
**6:15 p.m.** Matthew Joseph speaks against a new jail. He gives an example from Missouri. Within two years, the jail was again overcrowded—more beds means more inmates, he says.
**6:12 p.m.** Misty James, with New Leaf New Life shares stories against a vote for the North Park location. One of the stories she shares is her own, when she had no one to call to come get her from jail. "There's so many Mistys sitting in that jail ... sorry for crying." Big applause when she concludes.
**6:09 p.m.** Kurtis Cummings works in social services and is in and out of the court system on a regular basis. The county government has a responsibility to act. But it can't continue kicking the can down the road, he says. We can't solve today's problems while limiting the options for those in the future. That's the problem with North Park, he says. In addition, North Park is a strategic location for other economic development, Cummings says.
**6:08 p.m.** Jack is now at the mic. He asks how the bond will be paid—property taxes or income taxes. Crossley says it's not a time for back and forth. Jack says he thinks it might be worth letting a judge decide.
**6:04 p.m.** Now at the mic is Sarah Ryterband, who is the county's health officer. This is not a question of how but of when to build a new jail, she says. She says that it is unsafe when there is not enough room to separate people with communicable diseases. All the sites have been reviewed, she says and there's no other feasible site, besides North Park.
**6:02 p.m.** Barry Herbers says that the apparent housing policy of the city of Bloomington is not to build housing for the homeless, but rather to put them in jail. "Our community needs to be helped, not crushed with a bigger fist."
**6:00 p.m.** Jennifer Burrell she says she's written several email messages asking them to vote no. She says she has not heard back from commissioners, in contrast to councilors who have responded. "The community will pay the price if you vote yes tonight."
**5:59 p.m.** Mindy Flat: "I say vote no and let a judge take this up."
**5:57 p.m.** Janet Johnson agrees with everyone who has spoken so far. She talks about the importance of transportation for families of inmates.
**5:54 p.m.** Zach Ammerman is now at the public mic. Adding more beds will mean those beds will be filled at a greater rate, he says. "Please hold the line, and vote no again," he says. There's no way this would pass a referendum, he says. Do what the people of the county want you to do, which is not vote for this purchase agreement, he says. Nothing has changed since the last vote, he says. County commissioners don't understand what "no" means.
**5:52 p.m.** Now speaking from a remote connection is Sarah Mosier. She speaks against the purchase agreement for North Park.
**5:48 p.m.** Now commenting from a remote connection is Matt Jacobs. He raises the question of a conflict of interest for anyone with an employment relationship with Indiana University.
**5:47 p.m.** Bland give an example of someone who was able to make successful reentry, something that will be more challenging if the jail location is moved to North Park, she says. Applause from the audience.
**5:45 p.m.** Now at the mic is Heather Bland, who is executive director of New Leaf New Life. She asks the council to vote no.
**5:45 p.m.** Piedmont-Smith's comments wrap up with applause.
**5:45 p.m.** "This situation was caused by our county commissioners," Piedmont-Smith says.
**5:42 p.m.** Piedmont-Smith says she agrees with the statement from former mayor John Hamilton. She says a jail at the North Park site is not a good use of taxpayer money. She says her attempts to collaborate with the county commissioners have been ignored.
**5:41 p.m.** Crossley opens the meeting to public commentary. Three minutes is the time limit for each speaker. First up at the mic in person is Isabel Piedmont-Smith, a Bloomington city councilmember: "Council president Isak Asare does not speak for me on this issue."
**5:39 p.m.** Thomas asks that she be allowed to say something before public comment starts. She points to the May 29 deadline in the ACLU settlement agreement. She also points to the July deadline for issuing a bond. She says that not choosing North Park would give up control over what happens to a federal court.
**5:38 p.m.** Marté asks the council to consider that "We know what we're doing."
**5:37 p.m.** Hawk says that the council wants to move foward with a new jail, but the only question to be answered is where it should be.
**5:36 p.m.** County commissioner Julie Thomas moves to the front table. Councilor Marty Hawk responds to Madeira's comments by saying that she wants to hear the advice of the county attorneys.
**5:33 p.m.** Marté is now speaking again. He says the jail cannot be repaired.
**5:29 p.m.** County commissioner Jody Madeira is now describing what she thinks will happen next, if a new lawsuit is filed. She says the ACLU will file a new lawsuit and seek summary judgment. She thinks the ACLU will win. The history that Monroe County has on the matter counts against it in court, she says. The federal court might not choose a site, Madeira says, but will impose constraints so severe that only one site would remain. She warns of the “scars” that litigation would bring.
**5:28 p.m.** County commissioner Jody Madeira is now describing what she thinks will happen next, if a new lawsuit is filed. She says the ACLU will file a new lawsuit and seek summary judgment. She thinks the ACLU will win. The history that Monroe County has on the matter counts against it in court, she says.
**5:27 p.m.** Marté says staff are stressed to the point that he is worried about them. If a new lawsuit is filed, the sheriff says, he will be called to testify, as will the jail commander. He fears the county would come out on the losing end of such a lawsuit. He tells councilors that they could be subpoenaed and called to testify as well.
**5:20 p.m.** Marté warns of flare ups of temper when conditions are overcrowded. But he says use of force has dropped 80% since he took office. He is focusing on safety of staff and the inmates.
**5:16 p.m.** Marté is now addressing the council. He says he's given a "tremendous amount of thought" to what he wanted to present. He mulled presenting photographs of jail conditions from past presentations. He opted against that.
**5:14 p.m.** Sheriff Ruben Marté and jail commander Kyle Gibbons are at the table to address councilors. Right behind them are commissioners Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira, county attorney Jeff Cockerill and the commissioners administrator Angie Purdie.
**5:13 p.m.** Iversen is reading aloud the ordinance on the purchase of the North Park real estate.
**5:10 p.m.** Now for Item 8A which is a request from emergency management for a $5,500 appropriation. That passes on a unanimous vote, which sets the state for the vote on the North Park purchase agreement.
**5:08 p.m.** The council is now considering Item 7, which is a request from the technical services department to fill a vacancy during the hiring freeze. That passes on unanimous vote.
**5:05 p.m.** Crossley asks that councilors not dwell too long on the part of the agenda that's ahead of the North Park vote. The consent agenda was just read by Iversen. It gets a roll call vote, because David Henry has joined remotely and roll call votes are required whenever a member has joined remotely.
**5:03 p.m.** There's no general public comment. So we're on to department updates.
**5:02 p.m.** Crossley confirms David Henry is expected to attend remotely.
**5:01 p.m.** Council president Jennifer Crossley has called the meeting to order.
**5:00 p.m.** All councilors are present in the room except for David Henry. He might be joining through a remote connection.
**4:58 p.m.** Sheriff Ruben Marté and chief deputy Parker are here. County commissioner Jody Madeira is also here. A couple of dozen people in the audience. Bloomington city councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith is here.
**4:50 p.m.** Represented so far in the audience are New Leaf New Life, the prosecutor's office, and Care Not Cages.
**4:49 p.m.** Councilors Marty Hawk and Kate Wiltz have now arrived.
**4:40 p.m.** Three more people have arrived in person for the meeting.
**4:35 p.m.** The Nat U. Hill Room is all set with nameplates and working mics for all seven county councilors. The room is still mostly empty, with three members of the public, one member of the press, and Kim Shell, who is the county council administrator.
**4:13 p.m.** Another useful link: [Monroe County council May 26, 2026 calendar item](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-1411).
**4:05 p.m.** Another potentially useful link: [Microsoft Teams connection](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting%5FM2RkOTc0ZDMtYjA1MC00MTQ4LThjNDAtYzFiNWRhOTk3YjQz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2249a60700-4c0c-4ece-b904-fb92c600e553%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22db83725f-c48f-476f-8894-d4bb087d29f8%22%7d)
**2:33 p.m.** If you're looking for the county council's meeting information packet with an agenda, here's the link: [Monroe County council meeting packet for May 26, 2026](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FCounty%20Council%2F2026%2D05%2D26%20Council%20Meeting%20Agenda%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FCounty%20Council&p=true&ga=1)
**6:33 a.m.** Basic connection test. Passed.
### Washington Street & 7th Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/washington-street-7th-street/
Last updated: 2026-05-25T23:21:07.000Z
A red-tailed hawk perches on the AT&T building. (Dave Askins, May 25, 2026)
### Monroe County council faces yet another high-stakes North Park jail vote on Tuesday (May 26)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-faces-yet-another-high-stakes-north-park-jail-vote-on-tuesday-may-26/
Last updated: 2026-05-26T17:24:09.000Z
****Left:** Map by the B Square. The proposed Bloomington annexation, indicated on the map, is no longer in play after the Indiana Supreme Court let the court of appeals ruling against the city of Bloomington stand. ****Right:** B Square file photo. Monroe County councilors listen to commentary from the public mic. From left to right: Marty Hawk, David Henry, Peter Iversen, Jennifer Crossley, Trent Deckard, Kate Wiltz, and Liz Feitl. (Dave Askins, Dec. 9, 2025)
A project that could cost a few hundred million dollars, a community passionately engaged in the discussion, and a deadline looming under the threat of a federal lawsuit mean the stage is set for [Tuesday’s (May 26) 5 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-1411) Monroe County council meeting. \[*Added May 26, 2026: Live updates from the meeting should be available from The B Square’s post:* [*North Park vote as it unfolds*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-vote-as-it-unfolds-high-profile-statements-underscore-stakes-of-jail-decision/)*.*\]
On the agenda for the [second time in two weeks](https://bsquarebulletin.com/final-north-park-jail-showdown-set-for-may-26-after-monroe-county-councils-1-5-vote-fails/) is a $11.375-million purchase agreement for North Park, which is just northwest of Bloomington, off SR 46.
The proposed North Park location for a new county jail has become the political equivalent of a prizefighter who gets dropped to the canvas over and over, but refuses to stay on the mat.
A purchase agreement was first approved in [November 2024](https://bsquarebulletin.com/approvals-now-complete-for-purchase-of-north-park-property-as-new-monroe-county-jail-site/), by both the county commissioners and the council, but the funding was knocked flat in [October 2025 ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-unanimously-rejects-north-park-jail-site-funding-after-marathon-meeting/)by a unanimous council vote. In February this year, another apparent knockout punch was delivered to the North Park proposal when the county council adopted a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-02-24-county-council-jail-resolution-adopted.pdf) declaring it no longer wished to consider the property.
But a month later, the board of commissioners got North Park back to its feet with a [resolution of their own](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-03-26-Exhibit-for-item-G-Resolution-Justice-Center-Jail-property-Commissioners.pdf) that stated: “The Commissioners will continue to consider the North Park Site.”
The backdrop to all of this debate on North Park has been a 2008 ACLU lawsuit that alleged unconstitutional and unlawful conditions at the Monroe County jail. Following the lawsuit, the jail has been operating under a 2009 settlement agreement with the ACLU which has been extended several times since.
In late 2025, Ken Falk, Legal Director for ACLU of Indiana, wrote to the county legal department expressing skepticism that the situation underlying the 2008 lawsuit is anywhere close to getting resolved, and so the settlement was extended until only April 15 this year.
The February and March resolutions followed, the public expressed its opinion at council meetings, and then county commissioners, the sheriff and the ACLU filed an eleventh-hour request to extend the settlement to May 29, three days after this Tuesday’s county council meeting. It’s the county commissioners and the sheriff who are the named parties in the decade-and-a-half old lawsuit.
If the settlement agreement expires with no approval of a North Park purchase agreement by the county council, the 2008 ACLU lawsuit will get dismissed. But that exposes the county to fresh lawsuits by the ACLU, or inmates represented by other attorneys, or both.
The board of commissioners [approved an updated purchase agreement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-ok-11-375m-north-park-land-deal-for-jail-now-to-county-council/) on April 30\. Now it’s up to the county council to say yes or no to a purchase agreement it had refused to fund six months ago. The council’s vote on approval during its May 12 meeting [failed 1–5](https://bsquarebulletin.com/may-25-2026-mccsc-staff-cuts-airport-sewer-expansion-cottage-grove-conservation-seminary-pointe-leases-kirkwood-closure-fight/) after overwhelming public comment against it. This Tuesday, three days before the current ACLU deadline, the council will vote on it again.
The central question now is whether the council will approve the purchase agreement for North Park. But after a string of recent votes rejecting the proposal, there’s a bigger question without a clear answer: What happens if the council says no again?
### Perspective from commissioners
The B Square spoke with commissioner Julie Thomas after last week’s Thursday meeting. She said there is no contingency.
“We don’t have any property, there’s no way to do anything by July, and there’s definitely no way to do anything by Thursday the 29th, which is the ACLU deadline,” she said. The July deadline is important because the process to initiate a bond to build the jail has to be started by then. And issuing a bond requires identifying a site.
Last Thursday, county attorney Jeff Cockerill pointed out the problem with considering other properties that have been brought up as options at various times. “I think any other property—we’re starting to invest more dollars, we’re doing more studies, we’re doing more testing. I don’t know whether we can do that without having some kind of information about what’s appropriate. Without any kind of thought on whether this property is acceptable or not, how do you justify using public funds to investigate that?” he said.
Commissioners don’t see the Thomson property as viable on the current short timeline.
Going into Tuesday’s meeting, commissioner Jody Madeira said last Thursday she would be listening for signs that the council understands the situation the county finds itself in. “The fact that people know we’re in a lawsuit, and that our backs are up against a wall, and that we’ve tried every way to get out of the lawsuit, that we’ve gotten an extension, that we’ve explained our position multiple times in multiple different ways,” she said.
### Perspective from business community
County councilors almost certainly think they fully understand the county government’s current bind, given the amount of time they’ve spent discussing the proposal and the consequences of not letting the ACLU settlement agreement expire. Councilors will also be considering public sentiment, and for the last six months, public commentary has been uniformly against the North Park site.
That sentiment has come from grassroots groups like Care not Cages and the non-profit New Leaf New Life, as well as the business community.
During the most recent council meeting on May 12, public commentary saw an overwhelming majority of speakers pressing on the council not to approve the purchase. Some residents of neighborhoods adjacent to the North Park site made pleas to not go through with the approval. All but one commenter made arguments against the proposal.
One of the people speaking from the public mic during the May 12 meeting was Eric Spoonmore, president of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. Spoonmore is also a former member of the Monroe County Council.
Speaking to The B Square late last week at the chamber’s downtown office, Spoonmore reiterated that he doesn’t think a jail is the best use of the North Park property. “Budgets are tight, and I just hope that the council will take all the fiscal considerations into mind when they’re making their decision, and also what the community thinks is going to be best for the long-term use of that property,” he said.
Spoonmore also explained why he thinks the business community is an important stakeholder in the discussion and what their position is. “The physical proximity of having our legal system downtown in Bloomington is important to us. We think that that generates a lot of economic activity and adds to the vitality of our downtown,” he said.
”It’s just been that way for the last 200 years since we’ve been in existence, our courts and legal system have always been maintained in downtown Bloomington, and so a lot of our businesses and members have made intentional decisions and deliberate decisions to be in close proximity to have their businesses there because of all the activity that happens around the court system,” Spoonmore said.
Spoonmore’s concerns are driven largely by the fact that a jail at North Park would almost certainly be co-located with a justice center that hosts other legal support services.
The sheer financial size of the proposal is also a point of concern, according to Spoonmore. “If we’re going to spend $250 million on a new jail and court system at North Park, what are we going to get in exchange for that? We haven’t had any of those conversations, and I think that leads to a lot of uneasiness from the business community about what is to come after this,” he said.
### Perspective from county councilors
Council members are all for having conversations. Councilor Peter Iversen, who was the sole vote for the North Park purchase agreement two weeks ago when it failed 1 to 5, told The B Square late last week his vote was a strategic one meant to prolong the conversation. “\[For Tuesday’s meeting\], what I’m looking forward to the most is hearing from the public on this very important topic,” he said.
Iversen said that he was looking at the issue as a choice between two viable paths. “One path is that articulated by the county commissioners and the sheriff, where we know that the conditions inside the jail are suboptimal, and they’re asking for us to make a definitive decision to move forward by going to North Park. The second position that’s been articulated … by certain individuals has been that we need to allow a federal judge to intervene and make the decisions for us,” he said.
Councilor David Henry had, for a brief moment during the last meeting, moved to deny the ordinance to fund the North Park jail site. If that motion had passed, the proposal would have been dead outright and not been up for vote again this Tuesday at all. He eventually went back on this motion and moved to vote for approval.
Henry’s position on the issue seems firm. Speaking to The B Square late last week, Henry said, “I don’t know what more can be said, because I’ve honestly thought about: How long do I want the meeting to go? I don’t have any more speeches to give,” Henry said. “It’s the third time I get to vote no.”
Council president Jennifer Crossley seems like she’s in same camp, and for her, there are too many unanswered questions about the North Park site. She told The B Square, “I don’t think anything would make me think that North Park is a viable option, simply because we have no current infrastructure,” she said.
“The amount that we keep being told of how much this is continues to rise. A few weeks ago we heard it was like $135 million, and then last week we heard with soft cost that’s $157 million. It keeps being that cost continues to change, and I don’t understand how that can be.”
Crossley, however, does not believe that voting in down on Tuesday would spell the end of the conversation. “I think the contingency plan, despite … a looming lawsuit, is we continue to still keep working, and we’re not just going to shut down,” she said.
“I know that there’s this thing where people are saying that time is up. Time wouldn’t be up, because I don’t think that, for a second, on the 29th of May, if we don’t pass North Park, then as of June 1st, we’ll be in court, our fate will be decided at that time. That’s not true. I tend to think that we still have time where we could still show the courts that we have options available,” Crossley said.
While the two clear rejections of North Park by the county council in recent months might make next Tuesday’s meeting seem like a foregone conclusion, Iversen’s vote offers a glimmer of hope in favor of the proposal.
Councilor Trent Deckard, who was not present during the most recent vote, but voted against the appropriation last October, believes the council can’t keep voting down proposals endlessly. “I keep reminding people that if you say no to this, you’ve got to say yes to something somewhere, because we got to move on this. I keep saying that for a reason—because it’s got to get done,” he told The B Square late last week.
Deckard pointed to the council’s vote to [enact the jail tax](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-jail-tax-rate-is-0-17-will-take-effect-for-all-monroe-county-residents-at-start-of-2025/) in fall 2024, which has been collected for going on a couple of years, as a decision just as big as the one on the jail site.
To win approval this Tuesday the North Park purchase agreement requires just a simple four-vote majority on the seven-member council.
Crossley seems almost certain not to be one of the needed yes votes. “I know that this is a hard decision for a lot of us. We don’t take it lightly, but this is a time for us to really pause, because what we are doing with this project will affect generations to come, and I don’t want my name to be a part of anything that will screw people over like that,” she told The B Square.
\[*Updated at 1:02 p.m. on May 25, 2026\. Former mayor John Hamilton has written a* [*column*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-25-North-Park-John-Hamilton-Guest-Column-on-Proposed-Jail-2026-5.pdf) *submitted for publication in a different news outlet, but which he also sent to The B Square. It includes in part: “The late Charlotte Zietlow and I penned a plea last October urging not to buy the big plot of land called North Park for a giant jail and instead improve local services. With scores of local people showing up and testifying against the purchase, the County Council unanimously agreed. Now six months later, the County Commissioners are back pushing the old plan again.”*\]
### May 25, 2026: MCCSC staff cuts, airport sewer expansion, Cottage Grove conservation, Seminary Pointe leases, Kirkwood closure fight
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/may-25-2026-mccsc-staff-cuts-airport-sewer-expansion-cottage-grove-conservation-seminary-pointe-leases-kirkwood-closure-fight/
Last updated: 2026-05-28T13:43:33.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [jigsaw](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-may-25-2026/). It is related to the convention center expansion. Did you ever wonder what the fifth proposal for public art looked like? Complete the jigsaw puzzle to find out!
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Slow down. There will be patchy fog before 9 a.m. After that, put on your sunglasses and roll up your sleeves to stay cool the rest of the day, because the high will hit 79F°
**Tuesday:** No need for jackets or umbrellas early on. But deal with all your outdoor stuff early in the day, because there’s a small chance of showers and thunderstorms starting around 2 p.m. But it’s only around a 30% chance. The high will hit 81F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [MCCSC board advances staff reductions, cell phone ban, gets update about online school](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-advances-staff-reductions-cell-phone-ban-gets-update-about-online-school/). The MCCSC board approved staffing changes tied to its 2-year fiscal recovery plan, including one reduction in force that prompted tense public comment from a student. Trustees also advanced a new cell phone policy, approved anti-harassment revisions, reviewed online school growth.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-62/). Think about this: Why was a skywalk between Rainbow Bakery and the Fourth And Rogers Contemporary Art Center ultimately rejected? Hawk and Fish have the answer!
- [Monroe County property transfers through May 21, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-may-21-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from April 6 to May 21, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [New Bloomington sewer policy targets ‘strategic’ sites like airport property](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-bloomington-sewer-policy-targets-strategic-sites-like-airport-property/). A quiet policy change by Bloomington’s utilities service board in January is now emerging as part of the city’s economic development strategy. Officials say extending sewer service to select “strategic” sites, like the county airport, could help attract employers and major investment.
- [Seminary Pointe tenants get more time as Bloomington Convention Center host hotel moves ahead](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-tenants-get-more-time-as-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-moves-ahead/). Monroe County’s capital improvement board extended leases for remaining Seminary Pointe tenants while advancing appraisal, environmental, and demolition work tied to a future convention center host hotel. Housing advocates continue pushing a land-swap alternative.
- [Cottage Grove conservation district OK’d by Bloomington city council on 7–1 vote](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cottage-grove-conservation-district-okd-by-bloomington-city-council-on-7-1-vote/). Bloomington’s city council voted 7–1 to establish the Cottage Grove conservation district, adding historic protections the central Bloomington area. Supporters said it could slow teardowns and preserve neighborhood character. Opponents warned it would constrain housing supply and raise costs.
- [Kirkwood proposal, power struggle over Bloomington streets, cued up for June 3](https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-proposal-power-struggle-over-bloomington-streets-cued-up-for-june-3/). Bloomington’s city council introduced an ordinance that would close five blocks of Kirkwood Avenue to vehicles each year from April through mid-November. The proposal revived disputes over accessibility, logistics, and which branch of city government controls Bloomington streets.
### On the calendar
**North Park purchase agreement for jail.** Appearing again on the[ 5 p.m. agenda](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-1411) for the Monroe County council on Tuesday (May 26) is a purchase agreement for the North Park property for use as a jail and justice center complex. For B Square coverage of the first vote (in the current round) on the purchase agreement see B Square coverage: [Final North Park jail showdown set for May 26 after Monroe County council’s 1–5 vote fails](https://bsquarebulletin.com/final-north-park-jail-showdown-set-for-may-26-after-monroe-county-councils-1-5-vote-fails/)
**Settlement in drinking water rate case?** No agenda is posted yet for the [5:15 p.m. Tuesday (May 26)](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/utilities-service/meetings) meeting of Bloomington’s utilities service board (USB), which follows a USB executive session at 5 p.m. But it seems pretty likely that it will deal with the May 14 settlement agreement that was reached with the interveners in Bloomington’s [proposed increase to drinking water rates](https://bsquarebulletin.com/business-community-raises-concerns-over-proposed-bloomington-water-rate-increases/). The chart below compares current rates (green) with [Bloomington’s proposal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-11-26-Water-Rate-Case-46330%5FBloomington%5FVerified-Direct-Testimony-and-Attachments-of-Andrew-J%5F-Burnham%5F112625.pdf) (orange) and the [settlement agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-14-water-rate-settlement-agreement-CBU-USB-Bloomington-46330%5FBloomington%5FJoint-Stipulation-and-Settlement%5F051426.pdf) (purple).
**Ellettsville-Richland reorganization meeting.** Set for [6:30 p.m. on Wednesday (May 27)](https://ellettsville.in.us/egov/documents/1779471495%5F47887.pdf) is a hearing on the potential reorganization of the Town of Ellettsville and Richland Township on the question of forming a single governmental unit. This Wednesday’s hearing will be followed by two additional hearings on June 10 and June 22 with a possible vote by the Town Council and Richland Township board to adopt, amend or reject the reorganization plan. If adopted, it would appear on the Nov. 3 ballot as a referendum item. For B Square background, see: [Committee vote on reorg plan for Ellettsville and Richland Township sets stage for possible Nov. 3 ballot placement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/committee-vote-on-reorg-plan-for-ellettsville-and-richland-township-sets-stage-for-possible-nov-3-ballot-placement/)
**No county commissioners meeting this week.** The regular meeting of the Monroe County commissioners has been cancelled for Thursday (May 28).
---
**Garden Walk: June 7.** The Bloomington Garden Club will host its 37th annual Summer Garden Walk on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour will feature six private gardens around Bloomington, along with a flower show at [Hilltop Garden and Nature Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2367+E+10th+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47408/@39.180177,-86.506519,5578m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66a5f08c0477:0xfe51178ebc304c88!8m2!3d39.1744469!4d-86.5054059!16s%2Fg%2F1tgh3qvn?hl=en&entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDUwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can buy [$10 tickets are from local vendors](https://bloomingtongardenclub.org/vendors), with proceeds supporting children’s gardening education programs and other local beautification projects.
---
### Meet Milo!
Up for adoption, as of May 24 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Milo](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86666). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a bluetick coonhound mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written for [Milo](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86666):
> Hi! My name is Milo and I love life!!!! I am a handsome bluetick hound dog and I really love to go on walks. I also know how to sit. I love treats and I ride well in the car and I get along with dogs! Come check me out today!!!
### Photo Finish: Morton Street & 6th Street
Paving work on various streets near downtown is underway. The view is looking east along 6th Street. The total value of the contract with E&B Paving is [$425,250](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/25-807-BC-2025-106-Contract-with-EB-Paving-for-Downtown-Paving-Projects-OCR.pdf). The project [map](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Map-Paving-Downtown-Projects-OCR.pdf) shows streets included in the work: West 10th Street, West 9th Street, West 7th Street, West 6th Street, South Madison Street, East 3rd Street, West Kirkwood Avenue. (Dave Askins, May 23, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Civic Solver: May 25, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-may-25-2026/
Last updated: 2026-05-24T23:46:55.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one most weeks in the [*Almost Daily Bulletin*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) emailed newsletter.
### MCCSC board advances staff reductions, cell phone ban, gets update about online school
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-advances-staff-reductions-cell-phone-ban-gets-update-about-online-school/
Last updated: 2026-06-25T02:32:29.000Z
****Top right:** Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) superintendent Markay Winston at the regular school board of trustees meeting on Tuesday. ****Top left:** MCCSC assistant superintendent for human resources and operations Jeffry Henderson at the school board meeting. ****Bottom:** Bloomington High School North junior Lyle Henry speaks during public comment at the school board meeting. (Kelton O'Connell, May 19, 2026)
Last Tuesday (May 19), at its final regular meeting before the end of classes on Thursday, the Monroe County Community School Corporation board took several actions tied to staffing, finances, district policy, and facilities as administrators continued work on a two-year plan to stabilize the district’s budget.
Trustees approved a personnel report that included administrator departures, teacher transfers, and one reduction in force (RIF). The RIF provided one of the tenser exchanges of the night. The board also unanimously adopted a revised anti-harassment policy. The board also introduced new policies on student cell phone restrictions and school facility rentals, both of which are expected to return at June’s meeting for final approval.
District administrators presented updates on the district’s financial outlook, the first year of MCCSC Online virtual instruction program, and several ongoing construction projects, including athletics and parking improvements at Bloomington High School North.
### Financial update, reductions in force, public comment
MCCSC is just over a year into a two-year plan to reach fiscal sustainability that began in February 2025\. The district cites declining student enrollment, reduction in state funding, and increasing payroll expenses as primary causes for projected losses.
Since 2025, MCCSC says it has evaluated spending and staffing and has made staffing adjustments accordingly. The May [personnel report](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DU8PTN6630E1/$file/05.19.2026 Board Report FINAL%5FRevised 05.19.2026.pdf) approved by the board on Tuesday included the elimination of one administrator position, three administrator retirements or resignations, 76 teacher position transfers, 20 teacher retirements or resignations, one teacher termination, and one reduction in force (RIF).
Losing her position was Hongzhi Wang, who taught Chinese language full-time for MCCSC, splitting her effort between Bloomington High School North (BHSN) and Jackson Creek Middle School. According to the personnel report, William Sanders, who taught Chinese at Bloomington High School South (BHSS) and Batchelor Middle School, will instead teach at the two high schools.
The meeting’s sole comment from the public mic came from BHSN junior Lyle Henry, who said, “I am here to speak out in support of my teacher, Mrs. Wang.” Board president Erin Cooperman cut him off.
Here is the full exchange, which begins at 11:23 in the [meeting recording](https://www.youtube.com/live/WzheP%5FW28qA?si=tZfGhVceALx5xvW6&t=683).
> **Henry:** Good evening, my name is Lyle Henry and I am a junior at BHSN. I am here to speak out in support of my teacher, Mrs. Wang.
> **Cooperman:** Lyle, I’m sorry. I’m going to have to interrupt you. We can’t use specific names of any personnel. We have—one of the guidelines is that we don’t talk about specific people at—
> **Henry:** I am here to speak out in support of my teacher.
> **Cooperman:** I hear that, and I appreciate that.
> **Henry:** I just want to know answers. I’m not getting any clear answers.
> **Cooperman:** So Lyle, I did email you today and I encouraged you to just speak generally. If you’d like to talk generally about ... what you appreciate about teachers in general, for example, you’re welcome to do that. But I can’t let you talk about specific personnel.
> **Henry:** OK, I want to know why only one person is being RIFed and it’s her. \[Henry gives an exasperated palms up gesture.\] That’s all. I really want you guys to think about that. It’s an injustice. \[Henry steps away from the lectern.\]
The guideline Cooperman cited is included on the board’s [online public comment form](https://mccsc.jotform.com/232113742831852 ): “Please know, there is no commenting on personnel issues.” The MCCSC [bylaw on the topic](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=C7YQXB67C512) says that the presiding officer may “interrupt, warn, or terminate a person’s statement when the statement is too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene, or irrelevant.”
After the meeting, Cooperman told The B Square: “In general, when I receive emails from people who say they are planning to come to public comment, I will, especially if there’s something in their email that would be against our guidelines in public comment, I will remind them of those guidelines and try to avoid a situation like what happened tonight. Because that speaker was a student, I tried to offer a little more guidance than I would a general speaker. ... Generally, we’re not supposed to have any kind of back-and-forth. And if it had been not a student, I might’ve been stricter.”
Cooperman said that she believes discussion of personnel matters during public comment can open the commenter or the board to liability, and that’s why it isn’t allowed. On the topic of not responding to speakers, she said, “I can imagine the philosophy behind not having us respond to public comment directly, that they want to minimize conflict, but that’s just my guess.” She said this isn’t a topic the board has discussed during her time on it, but she said it’s a “pretty common practice on boards. ... I can both understand the reasoning for it, and appreciate that it’s frustrating to the public to not see us respond. I’m sort of agnostic about whether it’s the right approach or not.”
Later during the meeting, MCCSC chief financial officer Matt Irwin presented a [financial update](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DU8VHY80E484/$file/2Year%20Strategy%20May%202026%20slides%20draft.pdf#page=8&zoom=auto,-180,405). According to his presentation, “significant progress” has been made since December 2024 projections. “We have come a long way,” Irwin said, “and we are taking steps in the right direction.” He said that means the district is starting to look ahead, preparing for expected and unexpected increases in costs that may come in the future.
During the [same presentation](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DU8VHY80E484/$file/2Year%20Strategy%20May%202026%20slides%20draft.pdf#page=8&zoom=auto,-180,405), MCCSC superintendent Markay Winston said the district has already conducted a thorough analysis of its fiscal situation, spending, and staffing levels, and is continuing to make staffing adjustments and increase efficiency.
Winston said MCCSC prioritizes natural attrition through retirements and resignations when reducing total workforce. The next strategy that’s used is position transfers, where staff are moved between departments and schools in MCCSC. “Where we could, we prioritized voluntary transfers, and then when necessary, involuntary transfers,” Winston said. After “operational efficiencies,” position reductions are a “last resort,” according to the presentation. She told the board, “I think it’s important for you to know that we had very limited position reductions. ... The majority of our position eliminations were achieved through voluntary retirements.”
According to the presentation, since 2024, there have been about 90 full-time-equivalent (FTE) voluntary resignations and retirements and about 70 FTE position transfers. The district also said that 79% of staffing cost savings were achieved through voluntary attrition and position transfers. The remaining savings can be attributed to position eliminations and terminations.
Winston also said that reductions were proportional across four employee groups: administrators, teachers, union support staff, and non-union support staff. Reductions were fewest for teachers, with 11% of teachers let go. The employee group with the most workforce reduction was union support staff at 15%. The next update on the two-year plan will be in August.
### District policy changes: cell phone ban, anti-harassment, and school facilities
The board approved one district policy and gave initial consideration to two new ones on Tuesday (May 19).
After a second and final reading, the board voted unanimously to approve a new [anti-harassment policy](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DTLN8M5EA387/$file/Anti-Harassment Policy 3362%2C 4362%2C 5517.pdf). Assistant superintendent for human resources and operations Jeffry Henderson told the board in April, when the policy was first read, that it has been “revised to reflect changes in current law.” It replaces Policy 3362 for professional staff, Policy 4362 support staff, and Policy 5517 for students.
Two policies were introduced for first reading on Tuesday (May 19). One was on cell phones: [Policy 5136](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DU2GUH451E12/$file/Policy 5136 Wireless Communication Devices .pdf ). During its 2026 session, Indiana legislators passed [Senate Enrolled Act 78](https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0078/SB0078.08.ENRH.pdf ), which requires schools to ban “wireless communication devices,” which include cell phones, smartwatches, and non-school-issued laptops and tablets, from the start of the school day to the end. Schools are given two options for compliance: students can be prohibited from bringing devices to school; or schools can adopt a storage policy.
An acceptable storage policy is one where a cell phone “may be brought to school, but must be stored away, powered off, and inaccessible to a student throughout the school day.” MCCSC’s drafted policy says that devices “must be stored away in the administration identified and approved building location, powered off, and inaccessible to students.”
Alexis Harmon, MCCSC assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, who presented the policy to the board, said the location could be a locker or backpack, but the policy is intentionally vague so that each school can have flexibility as needed. For example, one school might use lockers as a storage location, while another school might not have lockers for every student.
During board discussion about the cell phone policy, board president Erin Cooperman asked Harmon about the first line of the policy: “A student may bring but is prohibited from possessing and/or using a personal, non-school issued/approved wireless communication device.”
Cooperman said, “Can you explain how they could bring but not possess a device?” She asked if the word “possess” could be replaced with another word “that makes it more clear that they can’t have it out.” Harmon said that the language was modeled on guidance from organizations that craft policies, but that the district can look at the specific wording.
SEA 78 also calls on the Indiana Department of Education to “publish model policy language and implementation guidance.” Harmon told The B Square that MCCSC has not yet received guidance from the department. The B Square has emailed a question to the department about the status of policy language and guidance. \[*Updated May 28, 2026: According to the secretary of education’s office the guidance is expected ahead of July 1, and will be provided in the secretary of education’s weekly update email.*\]
SEA 78 requires school corporations to pass policies in compliance with the bill by July 1, 2026\. The board must adopt a policy after a second reading at its next regular meeting, on June 23, or else schedule a special meeting before July 1, to comply with state law.
The other district policy introduced for first reading at Tuesday’s (May 19) meeting was [Policy 7510](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DVBGJY441A15/$file/Policy%207510%20-%20Use%20of%20School%20Facilities%20revised%2002092018.pdf) on the use of school facilities, and associated [facilities rental fee schedule](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DU3GYQ461DE8/$file/MCCSC Facilities Rental Fee Schedule.pdf). The new policy defines five tiers to categorize organizations that request facility space, with increasing hourly costs: Tier 1 is school and directly affiliated organizations, for whom all facilities are available at no cost; Tier 2 is youth and local nonprofit service organizations, Tier 3 is local government, Tier 4 is community and civic non-profit organizations, and Tier 5 is for-profit and commercial organizations.
Cooperman asked if the policy could include wording that would give the district “the option of declining the use of our facilities to organizations that might have values that are different from MCCSC.” Tom Bunger of Bunger & Robertson served as the district’s legal counsel at the meeting. Bunger said that could be explored, but warned that it could “put people in a difficult position trying to make executive calls” for individual organizations. He also said that the district would have to make sure the policy isn’t written in a way that is discriminatory. Cooperman responded by saying, “I think that’s just something I need to mull over a bit more.”
Cooperman told The B Square after the meeting that an example of an organization that the district may want to bar from using its facilities is a hate group. She summarized it like this: “Is there any room within constitutional requirements to allow us to be discerning?”
The use of school facilities policy and the cell phone policy, both of which could be revised, will be on the June 23 meeting agenda for second and final reading.
### Online school update
MCCSC director of early learning and enrollment Tim Dowling gave the board an update on MCCSC Online, the district’s virtual school that just concluded its first school year in operation.
The virtual school is offered by the district as an alternative to in-person instruction for all grades, but is operating through one of MCCSC’s high schools, the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship (ASE). It is open to all students in Indiana.
Offering over 300 courses taught by Indiana certified teachers, MCCSC Online runs on a platform called Edmentum EdOptions Academy. The same platform is used by other online schools in Indiana, including [La Porte Online School](https://www.lpcsc.k12.in.us/en-US/la-porte-online-school-5043224c), [Franklin Community Virtual School](https://franklinschools.org/virtual), [Cloverdale Distance Learning Academy](https://www.cloverdale.k12.in.us/t%5Ft%5Fa), and [Northwest Indiana Online School](https://nwi.duneland.k12.in.us/). Just like MCCSC’s offering, those online schools are available to all K-12 students in Indiana. There are also three online private schools in the state according to [Private School Review](https://www.privateschoolreview.com/indiana/online-private-schools).
Superintendent Winston said last year that the district received “numerous requests” to provide an online school after the 2020-2021 school year, which was impacted by the pandemic. The district launched MCCSC Online in the 2025-26 school year after its curriculum team researched options.
Dowling reported on Tuesday that MCCSC Online had 76 students enrolled as of May 8, 2026\. Nine of those students participated in the hybrid learning model, which allows high school students to receive half of their instruction at a bricks-and-mortar MCCSC school and the other half online. According to an email from MCCSC director of communications Sarah DeWeese, the majority of the enrolled students are in middle or high school. “Most are from within MCCSC boundaries, although we have students from outside our settlement area as well,” she wrote.
Dowling said that there are 20 MCCSC Online students set to graduate in the Class of 2026\. Six of them will participate in the ASE graduation ceremony, two of them will participate in the BHSN ceremony, and one at the BHSS ceremony. In her email, DeWeese said that graduating online students were invited to participate in ceremonies. “We worked with them to determine their preference on what school they wanted to attend for commencement,” she wrote. “All MCCSC Online students receive an MCCSC diploma from the Academy.”
According to Dowling’s presentation, 19 new students have already been admitted to MCCSC Online for the upcoming school year, and enrollment is ongoing. New students must apply; the application is on the [MCCSC Online webpage.](https://www.mccsc.edu/online)
According to DeWeese, ”many current MCCSC Online students are returning next year.” She said the district is still waiting for some responses from students about whether they are returning to MCCSC Online in the fall or if they are interested in returning to in-person instruction at MCCSC. She said that current students don’t need to re-apply.
The online school offering may also have an impact on the district’s financial health. In the [budget](https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2025/house/bills/HB1001/HB1001.06.ENRS.pdf#page=159) adopted by the state legislature last year, the base number for the “foundation amount” of funding that goes to each school district is about $7,000 per student for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
The school board approved another [contract](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DQJRZJ706C49/$file/Edmentum%2C MCCSC%5FSignature Copy.pdf) with Edmentum for the 2026-27 school year in January. A full year costs MCCSC around $2,500-$3,000 per student, depending on grade level, or around $200-$325 per course.
That means any student not currently enrolled in person at MCCSC, who starts attending MCCSC Online, would be a financial net positive for MCCSC. But for just one student who is already enrolled at MCCSC at a bricks-and-mortar school, then switches to MCCSC Online, the immediate impact would be an additional cost to the district. Depending on how many current MCCSC students make the switch, and depending on where they currently attend, that could allow for some cost savings on the bricks-and-mortar side.
### Construction updates
MCCSC assistant superintendent Henderson gave an update on MCCSC’s construction projects.
“I’m happy to report that the BHSN tennis and BHSS soccer projects that I reported on back in February are now at 100% completion,” he said. The project that remains ongoing is the BHSN athletics and parking improvement project. It will include new field throwing facilities, a new athletic facilities building, a new synthetic turf soccer field, batting cages, a concessions area, restrooms, and a new parking lot. The new parking lot will be south of the current football field, which is closer to the school building than the existing parking lot west of the field. The old parking lot will be the site of the new soccer field.
His presentation, which starts at 56:05 in the [meeting recording](https://www.youtube.com/live/WzheP%5FW28qA?si=9xLja1w6UBQDz93j&t=3365 ), contains images of current progress. The project’s total cost is around $8 million and estimated completion is in fall 2026.
MCCSC’s construction projects are fully funded by bonds. According to the district, no money from the referendum, education, or operations funds is used for them.
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-62/
Last updated: 2026-05-24T10:48:23.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #63 (May24, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through May 21, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-may-21-2026/
Last updated: 2026-09-11T07:37:52.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from April 6 to May 21, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On May 21, 2026, the property at 2920 E Rhorer RD was sold to DESTINY WALDEN by KENNETH G BURT for $460,000.
- On May 20, 2026, the property at 586 E Graham PL was sold to NICHOLAS A HYNDMAN by RICHARD LIN for $172,500.
- On May 19, 2026, the property at 1715 S Springhouse DR was sold to MARY VICTORIA LATHAM WEEKS REVOCABLE TRUST by LINDA HUNT for $715,000.
- On May 19, 2026, the property at 3832 S Laura WAY was sold to YUCEL YILMAZ by RANDY DWYER for $408,000.
- On May 19, 2026, the property at 1612 E University ST was sold to RACHEL GOSSELIN by OPENDOOR PROPERTY TRUST I for $365,000.
- On May 19, 2026, the property at 2224 S Sweetbriar CIR was sold to YOUNGCHAN PARK by KMRD FAMILY LIVING TRUST for $309,900.
- On May 19, 2026, the property at 618 W 3rd ST was sold to STEPHANIE CLAMPITT by ELEANOR KINSER for $289,000.
- On May 19, 2026, the property at 306 S Cedar DR was sold to COURTNEY PHILLIPS by TRAVIS R JOHNSON for $270,000.
- On May 19, 2026, the property at W Vernal PIKE was sold to VERNAL PIKE RENTAL, LLC by NORTHWEST PARK, LLC for $225,000.
- On May 19, 2026, the property at 3204 S Eden DR was sold to KATHRYN J MOORE by JASON K MILLICAN for $204,900.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 1014 W 8th ST was sold to NICHOLAS CATLIN by BRANDON M HERMAN for $375,000.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 8200 E Fleener RD was sold to STEPHEN J CHAPLIN by CHARLES G GEYH for $322,500.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 9636 S Bay Pointe CT was sold to JOHN CRAWFORD by KATHY HAMMEL for $219,000.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 3206 S Omaha Crossing DR was sold to \[NAME\] by LISA SHORE for $209,000.
- On May 18, 2026, the property at 405 S Mitchell ST was sold to REVAMP ENTERPRISES 3 LLC by LINDA R BUTLER for $65,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 5455 E James RD was sold to JUSTIN ALLEN by Herrmann, Edward W for $1,150,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 9573 S Strain Ridge RD was sold to JOSEPH P SANTUCCI, JR. by Schopp Properties LLC for $700,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 1293 S Barnes DR was sold to LINETTE MARIE ROUSSEAU by Clark, John D for $680,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 1016 S Mitchell ST was sold to DENISE K TRYON by TREVOR DOUGLAS for $665,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 2000 S Crandall CT was sold to KEVIN W DOGAN by BRABSON, BENNET B for $551,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 3781 S Claybridge DR was sold to ALLEN W BUTLER by JEFFREY FORREST RUTHERFORD AND AMANDA NICOLE RUTHERFORD FAMILY TRUST for $542,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 2703 E Hemlock CIR was sold to BRETT A LANE by Quintanilla, Victor D for $540,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 4784 N Boxwood CT was sold to ADAM F WOOD by Lavender, Nathan for $469,900.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 4346 N Centennial DR was sold to JALEN MRAS by DAIL JONES for $435,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 4810 W Hidden Meadow DR was sold to NATHAN HERR by DENISE K TRYON for $432,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 7399 S Old State Road 37 was sold to JOSE L POBLETE REQUENA by Hunt, Christopher S for $389,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 7525 S Fairfax RD was sold to ANTHONY DAVIDSON by WWHB LLC for $380,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 328 W Persimmon CT was sold to ZAKI G HELEWA by Williams, James for $320,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 4527 E Deckard DR was sold to SARA P GILBERT by Landis, Thomas J for $315,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 5382 N Lakeview DR was sold to STEVEN E RONE by CATHERINE BEEL for $235,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 4155 W Middle CT was sold to WESTON MARKHAM by NATHAN HERR for $225,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 3511 W Festive DR was sold to AUSTIN STROUD by JAMES ALLEN PARKES for $210,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 4270 N Ridgewood DR was sold to EVERGREEN HOME BUYERS LLC by CHRISTINE BARTLETT, COURT APPOINTED COMMISSIONER for $132,000.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 1310 S Walnut ST was sold to KEVIN TAYLOR by SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT for $115,100.
- On May 15, 2026, the property at 6107 W Merry Way LN was sold to KIRKWOOD REALTY by RUBEN MARTE for $100,250.
- On May 14, 2026, the property at 4265 S Mallard CT was sold to VINCENT C LAMB TRUST by JAMES W CROWHURST for $408,925.
- On May 14, 2026, the property at 7190 W May RD was sold to MASON T WININGER by Pazos, Galo E for $246,000.
- On May 14, 2026, the property at 3312 N Windcrest DR was sold to AJMAL SAFI by DAVID A BELL IRREVOCABLE TRUST for $100,000.
- On May 14, 2026, the property at 735 E Moody DR was sold to STEVEN HOLLARS by DAVE HOHNKE for $50,000.
- On May 13, 2026, the property at 708 W 7th ST was sold to ROBERT HENDERSON by MARTHA BLOOD WENTWORTH for $515,000.
- On May 13, 2026, the property at 5075 W September DR was sold to IRENE HELEN KENDERES by CHARLES LAYNE LLC for $380,000.
- On May 13, 2026, the property at 943 E Buckingham DR was sold to MARIA DOMENE DANES by HANNAH M CLENDENING for $250,000.
- On May 13, 2026, the property at 240 W Main ST was sold to FELICIA HERSHMAN by SHEILA ZERFACE for $175,000.
- On May 13, 2026, the property at 3100 N Smith PIKE was sold to CALEB R ELKINS by THOMAS HALL for $145,000.
- On May 13, 2026, the property at 7970 N Barr RD was sold to ALEN D ROBERTS by MAPLE GRORE HERITAGE LLC for $137,000.
- On May 12, 2026, the property at 4005 S Derby DR was sold to CASSIOPEIA WINSLOW by BRYAN J WOHLFELD for $690,000.
- On May 12, 2026, the property at 5373 E State Road 45 was sold to AARON D BUTCHER by CASSIOPEIA WINSLOW for $440,000.
- On May 12, 2026, the property at 513 N Prow AVE was sold to 1301 NORTH WALNUT LLC by LIGEE LLC for $387,000.
- On May 12, 2026, the property at 5390 N Teresa LN was sold to JOHN WILLIAM STEWART by DAVID B CHUBB for $350,000.
- On May 12, 2026, the property at 515 N Prow AVE was sold to 1301 NORTH WALNUT LLC by MATTHEW L WISEN for $300,000.
- On May 12, 2026, the property at 4635 W Nestle Down DR was sold to MARY ANNE PROCTOR-HOLMES by HANNAH JL RADZAK for $280,000.
- On May 12, 2026, the property at 2305 W Beaumont LN was sold to TRBAYLY ENTERPRISES, LLC by ESTATE OF MILDRED PITTMAN for $142,500.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 3105 S Forrester ST was sold to JOSIAH OBER by JOSEPH D MCGLOTHLIN for $724,900.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 4026 E Providence CT was sold to ANDREW J KOOP by HAROLD D GREEN JR for $420,000.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 1633 S Pinestone CT was sold to BRYCE PICKERING by STEPHEN D STELTER for $330,000.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 338 S Poplar DR was sold to KARIS L JOLLY by RYAN MICHAEL MEMMER for $239,000.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 5681 W Gifford RD was sold to CASANDRA J TAYLOR by THERESA DEVICH for $200,000.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 7427 N Red Hill RD was sold to JOEY L DURBIN by CHRISTOPHER J BARRETT for $115,700.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 1633 S Pinestone CT was sold to BRYCE PICKERING by BRYCE PICKERING for $0.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 3334 E Bethel LN was sold to MICHAEL JOSEPH GRUBB by CHRISTI WALTON for $465,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 4240 N Rosewood DR was sold to JAMES E SIMS by BEACON BUILDERS LLC for $360,490.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 2300 N Fritz DR was sold to MOOSE LAKE PROPERTIES LLC by SUNSHINE RIDGE LLC for $290,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 7485 W State Road 48 was sold to KEITH E CAUDILL by DEBORAH L CLARK for $60,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 7485 W State Road 48 was sold to KEITH E CAUDILL by DEBORAH L CLARK for $60,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 935 W Baywood DR was sold to BAYWOOD LLC by E.R.W. CORPORATION for $40,000.
- On May 6, 2026, the property at 1263 W Countryside LN was sold to NICHOLAS JOHN WRYST by ZACHARY APPLE for $340,000.
- On May 5, 2026, the property at 6952 S Ketcham RD was sold to DUANE L FREYBERGER by THE SHADES REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $985,000.
- On May 4, 2026, the property at 9828 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to JEFF KESSLER by JAMES BOTTORFF for $440,000.
- On May 4, 2026, the property at 857 E Meadowlands DR was sold to C THOMAS SPENCER by TYSON DAVID SWARTZENTRUBER for $324,900.
- On May 2, 2026, the property at 1830 W Victor Heights DR was sold to DOUGLAS E UNDERWOOD by DOUGLAS E UNDERWOOD for $0.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 7844 S Zikes RD was sold to SABLE BEYERS by DAMON A KETCHAM for $725,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 625 S Bobcat BND was sold to HERATH MUDIYANSELA HERATH by COLETTE CULPEPPER for $460,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 612 E Harrison CT was sold to ANDREW BROWN by CALEB SORRELLS for $373,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 424 W Somersbe PL was sold to CASSIE JOHNSON by RICKY M KILLION for $303,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 711 S Henderson ST was sold to DANIEL HOOVER by STEPHEN SMITH for $230,400.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 7195 W Dinsmore RD was sold to KIRK MULLIS by TERRY J DORMAN for $80,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 219 E 19th ST was sold to MS HOOSIER OWNER LLC by LINCOLN TOWNHOUSES LLC for $3,463,579.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at N Mt Tabor RD was sold to MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS by MARLOW J SMETHURST for $10,580.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 9036 N Mt Tabor RD was sold to MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS by EVAN C GOSHORN for $9,480.
- On April 22, 2026, the property at 1310 S College Mall RD was sold to RAVINDHAR SANGAM by JULIUS E COATS for $140,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 1520 N Breckenridge RD was sold to JORDAN FERGUSON by CLEAR TECH DWELLINGS LLC for $280,000.
- On April 6, 2026, the property at S Chapel Hill RD was sold to TIMOTHY M PRINCE by MICKEY L KINSER, KARL E KINSER, LARRY D KINSER for $10,000.
### Morton Street & 6th Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/morton-street-6th-street-4/
Last updated: 2026-05-24T15:28:42.000Z
Paving work on various streets near downtown is underway. The view is looking east along 6th Street. The total value of the contract with E&B Paving is [$425,250](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/25-807-BC-2025-106-Contract-with-EB-Paving-for-Downtown-Paving-Projects-OCR.pdf). The project [map](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Map-Paving-Downtown-Projects-OCR.pdf) shows streets included in the work: West 10th Street, West 9th Street, West 7th Street, West 6th Street, South Madison Street, East 3rd Street, West Kirkwood Avenue. (Dave Askins, May 23, 2026)
### College Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-kirkwood-avenue-3/
Last updated: 2026-05-24T00:31:06.000Z
Sticker that says: “WHAT HAS KERRY DONE” with a graphic resembling the Bloomington city seal. Seems like a clear reference to Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson. Message seems ambiguous between: The mayor hasn’t accomplished anything; and the mayor has done something specifically wrong. (Dave Askins, May 23, 2026)
### Shuffle Creek Road north of Unionville
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/shuffle-creek-road-north-of-unionville/
Last updated: 2026-05-24T00:19:58.000Z
Maybe a Guinea fowl, crossing the road. Refused an interview to answer the standard question. (Dave Askins, May 23, 2026)
### New Bloomington sewer policy targets ‘strategic’ sites like airport property
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-bloomington-sewer-policy-targets-strategic-sites-like-airport-property/
Last updated: 2026-05-23T12:22:56.000Z
****Left:** The parcels shaded in purple were named in a March 13 "[will serve](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-03-13-will-serve-letter-zaiger-city-of-Bloomington-utilities-Monroe-Co-Airport%5FAuth-to-Connect-Ltr%5F2026-03-13.pdf)" letter from city of Bloomington utilities (CBU) saying that the parcels have been designated as strategic economic development sits, and are eligible to be served with city sewer service, provided some conditions are met. ****Right:** A slide from a July 22, 2025 presentation to the city council identifying developable acreage near the county airport.
A [major policy change](https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-tenants-get-more-time-as-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-moves-ahead/) that was approved without fanfare by Bloomington’s utilities service board (USB) in January of this year is now emerging as a key piece of the city’s economic development strategy. At its Jan. 29 meeting, the USB approved a new pathway to extend sewer service outside city limits, one that applies to only to projects designated as “strategic economic development sites.”
Even though that policy shift made sewer service available outside the city limits on a very limited basis, the change was a dramatic reversal to the previous policy. The earlier position had been adopted by former mayor John Hamilton and continued after Kerry Thomson took over the mayorship at the start of 2024.
Under that policy, property owners had to agree to have their land annexed into the city before sewer service would be provided. The policy stemmed from the city’s [long-running attempt](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Bloomington%5FAnnexation), starting in 2017, to annex a large swath of territory around the city. A significant part of the city’s annexation has now failed as the result of successful litigation against it. The other part of the annexation litigation is still pending.
The fact that lack of sewer access outside the city is a big barrier to economic development came into sharp focus last summer, when airport officials presented a new airport master plan to the Monroe County council. It emerged during the master plan presentation that the lack of sewer access is preventing development on nearly 200 acres of airport property. Airport officials said it could attract defense, aerospace, and technology employers tied to Crane and Indiana University.
It was on July 22, 2025 when Allen Boyd, who is vice president of Monroe County’s board of aviation commissioners, told county councilors: “The biggest limiting factor and challenge we have right now is sewer.” Existing Bloomington sewer lines already serve industrial buildings near the airport, he said, but several hundred yards of additional line are needed to make nearby parcels “shovel ready.”
Boyd said four companies over the last two years backed off from considering development near the county airport after discovering sewer was unavailable. That represented more than $400 million in potential investment and more than 500 jobs, he said. Those companies liked the airport’s proximity to Crane, the aviation setting, and Bloomington’s workforce, he said, but stalled when they reached the utilities portion of their due diligence. “It’s electricity, yes, water, yes, internet, yes, sewer, oops, no,” Boyd said.
The concern about a lack of sewer service blocking economic development was reflected in the reasoning USB members gave in January for rewriting Section 24.2 of the utility service rules. At that time, city attorney Chris Wheeler said the city needed “some flexibility” to support major economic-development projects outside city boundaries despite the city’s long-running annexation disputes and the city’s policy against routinely extending utilities beyond its limits.
Under the revised policy, sewer extensions outside the city can be approved for projects identified by Bloomington’s department of economic and sustainable development as “strategic economic development sites.” But that’s only if the projects also make payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-4-3-21).
Wheeler described the change at the USB’s Jan. 29 meeting as intentionally narrow and aimed at major employers rather than residential development, citing the hypothetical example of an Amazon distribution center locating in Monroe County, but outside city limits.
By May, economic and sustainable development department director Jane Kupersmith was describing the new sewer policy as “a huge, huge win” for the city’s ability to compete for major projects. She told the Bloomington economic development commission (EDC) at its meeting this past Tuesday (May 19) that the annexation fight had effectively frozen parts of the community’s development pattern and created the perception that Bloomington was blocking growth.
Under [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-7-12-4 ), the EDC is a five-member group that reviews and recommends tax abatements, oversees economic development financing, and helps support projects intended generally to promote business growth, investment, and job creation. The [members](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/economic-development) of Bloomington’s EDC are Isak Nti Asare, Liz Feitl, Tim Henke, Vanessa McClary, and Kurt Zorn.
Kupersmith revealed at the EDC’s May 19 meeting that the Monroe County airport had already been designated as a strategic site and had been sent a [“will serve” letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-03-13-will-serve-letter-zaiger-city-of-Bloomington-utilities-Monroe-Co-Airport%5FAuth-to-Connect-Ltr%5F2026-03-13.pdf) from city of Bloomington utilities (CBU) to help market airport property to prospective employers. The date on the letter was two months before: March 13\. The city sent out a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-20-will-serve-news-release-aiport-sewer-Bloomington-CBU.pdf ) about the “will serve” letter on May 20, the day following the EDC meeting.
Kupersmith’s remarks to the EDC came the context of the USB’s [new policy](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-01-09-Section-24%5F2-of-utilities-service-rules-USB-20260129-Packet.pdf#page=27) that assigns responsibility for determining “strategic economic development sites” to the city’s economic and sustainable development department. She was there in part to ask the EDC help define those sites.
At the EDC’s May 19 meeting, members did not not vote on criteria, or designate any specific sites. What they did do was give informal direction that ESD staff should develop a rubric for identifying strategic sites, that certain obvious sites (such as the airport area) could be pre-identified as strategic, and that the EDC should hold a separate working session with key players. The idea would be to look at utility maps, refine the wage and investment metrics, and talk through site selection.
The July 22 airport presentation last year underscored why city officials see the new sewer policy as important. At that meeting, airport officials said alternatives to city sewer, like industrial septic systems or standalone treatment plants, are too expensive for many business prospects. One treatment-plant option for a recent prospect was estimated at $1.5 million to construct, with annual operating costs around $100,000\. For a company considering a $10 million facility, they said, those additional costs can quickly push projects elsewhere.
The broader strategy for the city is aimed at reducing uncertainty for employers evaluating Monroe County sites. John Fernandez, who is CEO of Amplify Bloomington, works on employer attraction efforts tied to the Trades District. Fernandez told the EDC at its May 19 meeting that uncertainty over infrastructure access can derail projects before they even get started. “Not knowing whether you’re going to be served or not, you just might as well not even submit the site,” he said.
### Seminary Pointe tenants get more time as Bloomington Convention Center host hotel moves ahead
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-tenants-get-more-time-as-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-moves-ahead/
Last updated: 2026-05-22T11:14:34.000Z
****Left:** Land shaded with dark purple has been transferred by county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. It’s not the focus of redevelopment efforts for a host hotel, or possibly a land swap for the blue-shaded property to the north. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. Map by the B Square \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=14efb4xny4c7v34nQHqP918koljdD4oI&usp=sharing )\] ****Middle:** Seminary Pointe residential properties ****Right:** Commercial properties (Dave Askins, March 12, 2026)
Some properties south of the Bloomington Convention Center, which were recently transferred to Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB) by Monroe County government, received attention from the CIB on two fronts on Wednesday (May 20).
One action by the CIB extended time for current tenants of the Seminary Pointe block, both residential and commercial, to remain in place a short while. The other action included an update on completing preliminary work needed to clear the parcels for demolition, and then redevelopment as a host hotel for the expanded convention center. The CIB also authorized applications for demolition permits.
Those actions came as activists are still holding out hope and are [working towards a different scenario](https://bsquarebulletin.com/supporters-rally-at-friendly-beasts-to-keep-seminary-pointe-housing-community-space/), involving a land swap. A group called Bloomington Homes for All has sent the CIB and other key decision makers a [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-18-Homes-for-All-College-Square-Seminary-Pointe-property-swap-former-Bunger-Robertson-MEMORANDUM.pdf) outlining elements of the plan.
Development of the properties as a host hotel is not the outcome CIB would prefer. Like the housing advocates, the CIB would also like to swap the block to Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC)—in exchange for the College Square lot north of the convention center. In that scenario, a host hotel could be developed at College Square, and the Seminary Pointe block could be renovated or redeveloped to preserve affordable housing there. Seminary Pointe apartments rent for $400 to $700 a month.
The indirect path to ownership by the RDC is driven by the fact that the property was originally purchased in 2010 with proceeds from the innkeeper’s tax, which requires that Seminary Pointe ultimately be put to use in support of tourism—which it would be, if it were used to acquire real estate like College Square for use as a host hotel.
But the RDC recently [declined a request](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/) from the CIB to hold off for 30 days on making a public offering of College Square, so a land swap could be negotiated. That means the CIB is forging ahead with a [new RFP](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/) for a host hotel to be located on the Seminary Pointe block
### Seminary Pointe: Prep for redevelopment as host hotel
At Wednesday’s meeting, CIB president John Whikehart opened his report by outlining appraisal and environmental contracts previously authorized by the board for the Seminary Pointe block, saying the work should be finished by the end of June. He said the board has contracted with VET Environmental, a local firm, for an $8,219 environmental study scheduled for completion by June 29\. Two appraisal contracts are also underway: one with Integra, an Indianapolis firm, for $26,500, and one with First Appraisal, a local group, for $19,500, with completion dates of June 29 and June 22, respectively.
Whikehart noted the roughly $7,000 difference in price reflects the fact that First Appraisal did an earlier appraisal of the real estate, so the current work is just an update. The board had given him the authority to move ahead with the environmental work and the appraisals at its April meeting, and that work is now expected to be finished by the end of June, Whikehart told the board.
### Seminary Pointe: Current status of tenants
Later in Wednesday’s CIB meeting, Whikehart turned to another facet of the properties that were authorized to be [transferred from Monroe County government](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-land-transfer-to-cib-has-final-ok-with-calls-for-land-swap-to-preserve-housing-put-host-hotel-on-north-parcel/) to the CIB in mid-April. Whikehart said he expected the actual deeds would be transferred by June 1.
Based on information from the property management company, PMI Indianapolis, Whikehart reported that there are 35 total units—31 residential and four commercial. Of the 31 residential units, he said, 14 are vacant and unrented and 17 are occupied. Three of those 17 residents have notified the landlord of their intent to move out. Another three are delinquent on rent, and one of those three has been given an eviction notice, Whikehart said. One occupied unit has been without a formal lease since Dec. 31, 2025 and is treated as a month‑to‑month tenancy. That leaves 10 residents, Whikehart said, who have current leases.
Whikehart outlined what he described as coordinated efforts to work with tenants to find someplace else to live. He said the Monroe County Renters Association has held four open houses for tenants to review other apartment options. Some other apartment complexes have agreed to waive credit checks for any residents who are interested.
Residents have been told that if they terminate their leases early they’ll be released from their leases, and their damage deposits will be returned to them, Whikehart said. In addition, he told the board that local mover Two Men and a Truck has offered to move any residents free of charge from their current location to a new place.
On the commercial side, Whikehart said there are four tenants. Three of them have leases that expire in July: Blue Tip Billiards, Friendly Beasts Cidery, and My Sister’s Closet. The fourth, Jeff’s Warehouse, has a lease that currently runs through Feb. 28, 2027\. Whikehart said the owner of Jeff’s Warehouse has agreed to revise that lease with a termination no later than Sept. 30 of 2026\. That’s possible because he has found a new location.
Blue Tip Billiards, Whikehart reported, has also found a new location, effective June 1, though details are still being worked out.
Friendly Beasts has also located a new space, but Whikehart said the owner has pointed out a complication: Moving in June would force a change in the business’s liquor license and require reapplication, which would likely mean missing August events such as Taste of Bloomington and Pridefest. He characterized those events as “an important part of their business relationship,” and said the business has requested permission to stay through the month of August to avoid losing that summer revenue.
My Sister’s Closet, he said, has asked for an extension of “indefinite” length while it works on relocation. Whikehart noted that the nonprofit’s rent has been waived since April 2025 and waived rent totals $52,500, which he called the Monroe County government’s “donation” to My Sister’s Closet to help them with their relocation expenses. Extending the lease to My Sister’s Closet through Aug. 31, while continuing to waive rent, would make for a total contribution of $65,400 to My Sister’s Closet to assist in their relocation, Whikehart said.
### Seminary Pointe: CIB action on leases, demolition permits
In broad strokes, the CIB’s action on Wednesday was to offer the remaining residential tenants and three commercial tenants on the south parcels optional lease extensions through August 31, 2026, once the county deeds the properties to the CIB. It also approved shortening the Jeff’s Warehouse’s lease to terminate no later than Sept. 30, 2026, instead of Feb. 28, 2027.
Immediately after the lease discussion, the board adopted a resolution authorizing Whikehart, as CIB president, to carry out the demolition permitting process. CIB board member Doug Bruce pressed for clarity on timing. Whikehart said that obtaining a demolition permit would not mean an immediate move to demolish buildings: “The fact that we have the permit doesn’t mean that the instant we get the permit, we would move to remove the buildings,” he said.
### From the public mic
During public comment, Bloomington Homes for All representative Bryce Greene thanked the board for extending the leases, calling it “a vote of confidence to some extent” that his group could help the CIB eventually work out something with the Bloomington RDC that would achieve a land swap. He described it as a scenario that “seems to be workable from all sides.” Greene urged the CIB to “make public statements in support of it, and help push this through in private.”
Bloomington city councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith, speaking from a remote Microsoft Teams connection, also backed the Bloomington Homes for All proposal. She questioned whether a hotel operator would need the entire College Square block for a convention center host hotel. She suggested the CIB consider swapping the Seminary Pointe block, which she thinks will likely appraise at a lower value than College Square, for only part of the College Square block, rather than all of it.
### Cottage Grove conservation district OK’d by Bloomington city council on 7–1 vote
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/cottage-grove-conservation-district-okd-by-bloomington-city-council-on-7-1-vote/
Last updated: 2026-05-21T12:04:57.000Z
The area in purple is the Cottage Grove conservation district, approved by the city council on Wednesday night. The areas shaded blue are other areas in the city that have historic designation. Maps by The B Square with daa from the city of Bloomington. \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1UGbmQGidLIEIl6jBvPJM64a13Vu30Lc&usp=sharing )\]
An area that includes over 120 properties in central Bloomington has been added to the city’s inventory of districts that enjoy some kind of historic protection.
By a 7–1 vote on Wednesday night (May 20), the city council established the Cottage Grove conservation district. It’s an area bounded generally by 10th Street on the south, the Indiana Railroad on the north, Walnut Street on the west, and Grant Street on the east.
The council heard the proposal for the first time at its previous meeting, on May 6, when a majority of councilmembers seemed ready to approve it that same night. But to enact an ordinance on the same day at the same meeting when it’s introduced requires a unanimous vote, which it seemed unlikely to get that night.
In a historic district, any exterior alterations are subject to review by the city’s historic preservation commission (HPC). In a conservation district, it’s just moving or demolishing buildings, or constructing new buildings that are subject to HPC review.
A future vote among property owners, to be taken three years after the conservation district is approved, will determine whether the district remains a conservation district or is elevated to a historic district. But unless a majority of property owners object, the conservation district automatically converts to a historic district. It’s [not enough](https://bsquarebulletin.com/conservation-district-math-dec-4-to-mark-conversion-of-near-west-side-to-historic-district/) that a majority of those who participate in the vote object.
It is that “stacked deck” in favor of transitioning a conservation district to a historic district that counted among the reasons why Kate Rosenbarger voted no. Matt Flaherty left the meeting before the vote was taken, which left the final tally at 7–1.
At Wednesday’s meeting, the city’s historic preservation manager, Noah Sandweiss, didn’t present the detailed proposal for establishing the Cottage Grove conservation district, but was available to answer questions. Two weeks ago, on May 6, Sandweiss told the council the neighborhood had been identified decades ago by state preservation surveys as a potential historic district, and that it now meets the statutory criteria for local designation based on both architecture and history.
It’s a mostly intact early‑20th‑century working‑ and middle‑class neighborhood with a high ratio of “notable” and “contributing” structures, including multiple Craftsman, folk Victorian, Queen Anne and limestone Tudor houses associated with Showers Brothers workers and the city’s limestone industry.
According to the staff report, the push for designation came from neighborhood residents concerned about recent demolitions and redevelopment pressure near downtown and the Indiana University campus, including the proposed demolition of the house at 115 E. 12th St. The house on 12th Street was designated by the city council in mid-December last year as an individual local historic district because of its association with sculptor Ivan Adams.
The neighborhood also has original brick sidewalks, WPA-era cut limestone walks, limestone retaining walls, historic streetlights and a mature tree canopy visible in satellite imagery, which are absent from redeveloped blocks nearby, according to the staff report.
Letters from residents included in the meeting information packet ran heavily in favor of the designation as a conservation district. Long-term residents and property owners described watching surrounding blocks lose their historic houses to large-scale student apartment construction and said the district would preserve the neighborhood’s walkable scale and architectural character.
In one letter included in the packet, a property owner objected, writing that he had purchased his house in 1991 as an income property. Williams said the restrictions with historic district designation could diminish its resale value and rental potential, undermining the generational wealth he intended to pass to his children.
### Supporters from the public mic
The overwhelming majority of voices from the public mic and in written feedback were in support of the Cottage Grove conservation district.
Supporters framed it as a way to keep “naturally occurring” affordable housing in place, in the form of smaller, older houses. It would also slow the pace of teardowns that have already transformed nearby blocks into high‑rent student apartments and vacant lots, they said.
“This neighborhood is a small collection of 100‑year‑old or older homes that represent diverse architectural styles that are core to Bloomington,” Amy Butler told the council. “They cannot be duplicated. Once they are lost, we are not getting them back.”
Her husband, John Butler, said the choice is not between preservation and cheap housing, but between rehabilitating modest houses and replacing them with high‑end projects. “It’s sort of an option between the home being historically preserved and maybe the home is fixed up and there’s some investment, so the price would go up slightly, or the home is torn down and it’s replaced by a million‑dollar investment property,” he said. “That million‑dollar investment property is absolutely out of my reach.”
Other preservation advocates stressed embodied energy, walkability, and long‑term affordability. Residents who helped lead the effort to establish the McDoel Gardens historic district, Paul and Elizabeth Ash, described their own neighborhood’s experience. McDoel Gardens became Bloomington’s first conservation district, then historic district. They said teardowns slowed, renovation increased, and over time the share of owner‑occupied homes climbed while older houses remained in reach for buyers compared to new construction elsewhere.
### Opponents from the public mic
Opponents did not dispute the historic fabric of Cottage Grove, but they questioned the policy tool and the boundaries.
Jordan Evans, president of the Old Northeast Neighborhood Association, said his group was not opposed to preservation in principle, but objected to the map extending into Old Northeast without its support. “We want to also be clear that this is the last neighborhood with zoned density near campus,” he said, arguing that placing it in a conservation district “eliminat\[es\] the ability for any further density to be built close to campus, which in turn will affect affordability across Bloomington.” He urged the council to scale the district back to the smaller High Point area.
Doug Horn, with Horn Properties, which owns several buildings in the area and elsewhere in the core, warned that the layering of historic rules on top of the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) would undercut city housing goals. Local historic designation, he said, “will significantly impair, if not completely stop, a property owner’s ability to increase area density, as encouraged by our current UDO and its associated zoning designations.” He noted that demolition delay and preservation review already apply to individual buildings and asked the council to vote no, even while describing the petitioners as “wonderful people, and with heartfelt intentions.”
Greg Alexander, described the district as a de facto homeowners association that will raise costs and reduce supply near campus. “Another thing is, it will make development just more expensive. Those costs will be passed on to tenants,” he said. “If we can’t build housing near campus, we’ll build it somewhere else.”
### City council perspective
Councilmembers who backed the ordinance leaned on the idea that preservation, in this particular geography and market, will do more for affordability than continued speculative redevelopment.
Andy Ruff challenged the notion that replacing small houses with new multi‑unit buildings lowers rents. He cited nearby redevelopments where older homes were torn down and replaced with dense student‑oriented apartments. The going rate, he said, is $1,400 per bedroom per month, compared to significantly lower rents in existing houses. Letting “development just follow the market,” he said, has already produced “a much less dense, less diverse, less community‑oriented” environment than the one he biked through as a child.
Isabel Piedmont‑Smith said she has watched similar teardown pressures in her own district and sees establishment of historic districts as one of the few tools available to slow that trend. At the same time, she flagged a structural concern that ran through much of the council’s deliberation. Namely, it is a relatively small group of district residents that often ends up writing binding design guidelines for everyone else. “We really should do everything we can to try to involve as many people as we can when those guidelines are written,” she said, so that homeowners can agree to and live with the rules.
Hopi Stosberg, who said she has been skeptical of historic designations, said she’d had a lot of internal conflict about the Cottage Grove proposal. She criticized the statutory framework that almost automatically converts conservation districts into full historic districts and worried about the costs and delays imposed by the historic preservation commission.
Stosberg also pushed back against the idea that the existing houses are affordable stock in any simple sense. “Where this location is right now, I mean, these are not affordable houses,” she said. “Like just FYI, these are not affordable houses. They are too close to campus to be affordable.” She added, “The land value underneath them ... it just kind of dictates like that.”
But teardowns, Stosberg said, would almost certainly produce even more expensive buildings than the current houses. She said she is likely to pursue changes to city code to require broader owner buy‑in and periodic review of district guidelines citywide, but ultimately voted yes on the Cottage Grove ordinance.
Kate Rosenbarger cast the lone no vote, saying that historic districts make housing more expensive and constrain needed supply close to jobs and campus. “High level here,” she told colleagues, “I am not supporting this until the state of Indiana changes the way it works with historic districts and conservation districts. I don’t like that there’s not one conservation district that is known to have survived as a conservation district, and everything is forced into a historic district.”
Rosenbarger, who lives in Prospect Hill, said her own experience in a district shaped her view. She described “ups and downs” trying to renovate some things in her “that were rotting” that the historic preservation commission did not allow her to change.
Rosenbarger said, “For me it is Econ 101: The more supply we have, the more competition we have, the more we can stop prices from rising as fast as they are.” She said that historic districts increase renovation costs, increase maintenance costs, increase red tape and process. All of that, she said, increases rents, and exacerbates the shortage of homes.” Rosenbarger said she appreciates the neighborhood’s character and the work of the petitioners, but could not support the conservation district.
Sydney Zulich, who represents the district and described herself as speaking “for the renters,” tied the vote to the city’s larger struggle to retain working‑class residents. New downtown luxury apartments, she said, are not where “people who grew up like me” can live.
“If we want to bring the working class back to Bloomington, we have to start providing real housing for them, and it’s not new apartment sky rises,” Zulich said. She called Cottage Grove’s small houses “one of the only opportunities to preserve some of the housing opportunities for people who look like me.”
### Kirkwood proposal, power struggle over Bloomington streets, cued up for June 3
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-proposal-power-struggle-over-bloomington-streets-cued-up-for-june-3/
Last updated: 2026-05-21T10:52:17.000Z
B Square file photo of Kirkwood Avenue closed to car traffic. The view is looking east from Walnut Street. (Dave Askins, May 29, 2021)
An [ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-20-ORD-2026-12-city-council-Kirkwood-Closure.pdf) that would prohibit vehicular traffic on five blocks of Kirkwood Avenue every year between April 1 and Nov. 15 got introduced, but no further action from Bloomington’s city council on Wednesday night (May 20).
The council will take up the proposal again, and could vote on it at its next meeting on June 3.
Strategies to activate the iconic downtown Kirkwood corridor have been a major point of contention between the council and city administration in recent months. Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration recommended in late January that the seasonal Kirkwood closures seen in previous years be suspended for 2026\. However, the plan drew [sharp criticism](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-may-walk-back-plan-to-keep-kirkwood-open-to-vehicle-traffic-after-city-council-backlash/) from several city councilmembers and downtown business owners at the council’s Feb. 4 meeting.
On Feb. 12, city engineer Andrew Cibor issued an order reopening Kirkwood to vehicle traffic, citing “lack of participation and impracticality (budget)” under authority granted in the council’s 2025 outdoor dining ordinance. Later that month, the board of public works approved an outdoor dining plan that kept the street open except for one-off events.
The ordinance that was introduced on Wednesday aims to provide predictability by making a seasonal carless Kirkwood a permanent fixture on the calendar. If the ordinance is passed, Title 15 of the municipal code will be amended to specify five Kirkwood Avenue blocks, starting from Walnut Street to Indiana Avenue, closed between April 1 and Nov. 15 every year. The ordinance also proposes that an alleyway connecting 4th Street to Kirkwood, which is already closed for vehicular traffic, remain closed year-round.
Councilmember Courtney Daily presented the ordinance, giving reasons for its timing and what it aims to achieve. She alluded to the [long history](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Kirkwood%5FAvenue%5FClosures) of the topic dating back to 2020: “If you feel like we've been talking about closing Kirkwood for years, you're absolutely right. It's because we have,” she said.
Daily pointed to the administration’s decision to not close the street in 2026, and the issues brought forth by city staff when the decision was made.
“We see codifying this closure now as a way to go ahead and start addressing all of those problems, rather than just hoping they'll get addressed down the road. So that's partially why we're introducing this ordinance right now, instead of looking at the technical worries as a reason to give up on pedestrian Kirkwood. We're introducing this ordinance to give the city the tools to actually fix those problems. Temporary year-to-year pilot programs naturally create temporary and incomplete solutions, that's why we see this as a strategic move,” she said.
Councilmembers Hopi Strosberg and Sydney Zulich brought up concerns over accessibility, specifically to the Monroe County Public Library, which has front doors facing Kirkwood along with alternative entrances at the back. Zulich also mentioned a church which uses an alleyway only accessible from Kirkwood for its members with disabilities.
Councilmember Dave Rollo voiced a concern that may ultimately decide whether this ordinance will end up having an actual impact. “This is a subject that’s been debated for the last few years, and that is: Who has authority over the streets in Bloomington? I guess it could be said multiple parties do, so I wondered about the interpretation of our code specific to Title 15 and any relevant state statute,” he said. Directing the question towards the council’s temporary legal counsel Larry Allen, he asked, “What's your interpretation? Is it within our purview?”
In response, Larry Allen said, “On my initial read, I believe it is \[within the council’s purview\], from the standpoint of: The city of Bloomington has regulated streets for a long time via Title 15\. Generally, as a high-level principle, the regulation of streets and highways is designation of legislative authority from the state of Indiana via the police powers of the state, which are exercised by the city.”
But Allen acknowledged that the mayor’s administration takes a different view: “I know that right now the administration has a differing viewpoint on that, and I would be very interested in learning more about their viewpoint and seeing a little bit more about their arguments on that regard,” he said.
Allen served as city attorney for Bloomington from the start of the Thomson administration [through the end of its first year](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-city-attorney-to-leave-post-join-paganelli-law-group/), before joining Paganelli Law Group. He is serving as legal advisor to the city council on a temporary part-time basis, after the sudden and simultaneous resignations of the council’s two staff attorneys in February.
Councilmember Andy Ruff said the council needs a clear answer from the administration on whether it recognizes council’s authority over street closures before going further. Councilmembers seem to want the city’s legal department to produce a formal written position so that Allen can react to it.
On the timing of the effective date of the ordinance, Daily said that the idea was potentially to close Kirkwood to vehicle traffic as soon as this summer. Jane Kupersmith, who is director of the city’s economic and sustainability department, responded to the proposal after she was invited to comment. Kupersmith laid out three main concerns about immediately converting Kirkwood to a full seasonal pedestrian zone.
First, she said her department already has funding in place and a consultant under contract to [activate the street](https://bsquarebulletin.com/kids-on-kirkwood-bloomingtons-townie-summer-begins-with-block-party-for-families/) under the current 2026 plan, which includes limited closures plus parklets. Kupersmith warned that trying to program a fully closed Kirkwood on top of that would likely exceed staff capacity, even though she thinks the city has a “killer plan” for the current model. Second, she noted there are existing maintenance-of-traffic plans tied to ongoing projects, including construction on the westernmost block, which would have to be reconciled with any new, broader closure.
Finally, Kupersmith pointed out that participating businesses have made “significant investments” in the new at‑grade parklet platforms, which finally resolve earlier ADA problems, and said she wants those accessible installations to be usable for some time rather than immediately displaced or made obsolete by a different configuration.
Another staff perspective on the proposal came indirectly from Bloomington’s director of public works, Adam Wason. Daily reported that she met with Wason the day before and that he “likes the idea” of the Kirkwood closure in concept but “wasn’t terribly supportive of it” as proposed, because of logistical issues. Daily said she and Wason didn’t settle anything as a result of it.
---
The proposed seasonal closure of Kirkwood Avenue got some discussion from the city’s transportation commission at its May 18 meeting. Steve Volan, a former city councilmember who is president of the transportation commission, attended Wednesday’s meeting to brief the council on the transportation commission plan for conserving the new ordinance. Volan alluded to the council’s annual calendar, which calls for two meetings in early June, but then no additional meetings until July 22 for a period of “recess.”
“We at least decided that we wanted to hold a special session \[of the transportation commission\] in order to be able to make a formal recommendation before the last meeting you have before recess, on June 10, so the meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8 at 7 p.m.,” Volan said.
“I just want to remind council that this will be on our radar no matter what you decide, because it's part of our portfolio, and as you recall, the \[transportation\] commission has representatives from the council for community accessibility, board of public works, and Bloomington Transit,” Volan said.
### May 21, 2026: Historic protection OK’d, skybridge art chosen, fare-free week for public buses, Ms. Lake Lemon!
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/may-21-2026-historic-protection-okd-skybridge-art-chosen-fare-free-week-for-public-buses-ms-lake-lemon/
Last updated: 2026-05-21T11:16:55.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [5-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-may-18-2026/) about events that happened in the last week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Leave your umbrella at home, because it’s not going to rain. The day will eventually turn sunny and we’ll hit a high of 70F°.
**Friday:** You’ll be sorry if you don’t bring an umbrella, even if the day doesn’t start out wet. At 8 a.m. there will be at least a 30% chance of showers, increasing to 80% by 2 p.m. The high will be around 72F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Quick Notes
**Cottage Grove conservation district: Approved.** On a 7–1 vote on Wednesday night, the city council voted to approve the establishment of a conservation district for the Cottage Grove area. Dissenting was Kate Rosenbarger. Matt Flaherty was absent for the vote.
### Recent articles
- [Skybridge sculpture selected as public art for Bloomington convention center expansion](https://bsquarebulletin.com/skybridge-sculpture-selected-as-public-art-for-bloomington-convention-center-expansion/). The Monroe County capital improvement board selected Los Angeles artist Benjamin Ball’s “A Form of Connection” as the signature public artwork for the Bloomington Convention Center expansion. The twisting aluminum installation will wrap around the skybridge spanning College Avenue.
- [Fare-free week, new west side route, ‘Bloomington Transit for Everyone’ to launch June 1](https://bsquarebulletin.com/fare-free-week-new-west-side-route-bloomington-transit-for-everyone-to-launch-june-1/). Starting June 1, Bloomington Transit will launch Route 16, combining Route 13 and Route 3 West to improve west-side service, including to Ivy Tech and Cook Medical. BT will also debut “Bloomington Transit for Everyone” and offer fare-free rides June 1–7 during Passenger Appreciation Week.
- [Bloomington formally closes road to unsafe Club House Drive bridge, as officials dispute ownership](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-formally-closes-road-to-unsafe-club-house-drive-bridge-as-officials-dispute-ownership/). Bloomington’s board of public works ratified the emergency closure of Club House Drive near Lower Cascades Park after inspectors found the bridge there unsafe for vehicles over five tons. City and county officials are still disputing who is legally responsible for the span.
- [Election complaints target Monroe County clerk hopeful over signs, electioneering in ‘chute’](https://bsquarebulletin.com/election-complaints-target-monroe-county-clerk-hopeful-over-signs-electioneering-in-chute/). The Monroe County election board has set June 4 hearings on complaints against candidate for clerk Joe Davis, who denies allegations, including electioneering inside the 50-foot “chute” at polling places. A different complaint, against independent assessor hopeful Lisa Jeneé Trimble, was tabled.
- [Photos: Ms. Lake Lemon pageant returns with mud dives, lawnmowers, and fancy dresses](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-ms-lake-lemon-pageant-returns-with-mud-dives-lawnmowers-and-fancy-dresses/). Saturday’s second annual Ms. Lake Lemon competition mixed fancy dresses with frozen T-shirts, lawnmower driving, watermelon-seed spitting, and mud-pool dives at Riddle Point Park. The quirky fundraiser for Monroe County firefighters went ahead despite threatening skies and light rain.
### On the calendar
**Flashing beacons.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (May 21) agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D05%2D21Commissioner%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for the Monroe County commissioners is a $300,000 item involving pedestrian flashing beacons at various trail crossings. It seems like what happened is that INDOT decided to give Monroe County more money for the project, but it’s not clear to me what the item is actually about. It’s a very light agenda, though, so there will be plenty of time to get any clarifying questions answered.
**Board of health.** The Monroe County board of health has a regular meeting set for [4 p.m. on Thursday (May 21)](https://events.in.gov/event/board-of-health-2026-3519). No agenda is posted yet, but The B Square hasn’t checked in with the board of health in a while, so that could be a good enough reason to pay them a visit.
---
**Garden Walk: June 7.** The Bloomington Garden Club will host its 37th annual Summer Garden Walk on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour will feature six private gardens around Bloomington, along with a flower show at [Hilltop Garden and Nature Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2367+E+10th+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47408/@39.180177,-86.506519,5578m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66a5f08c0477:0xfe51178ebc304c88!8m2!3d39.1744469!4d-86.5054059!16s%2Fg%2F1tgh3qvn?hl=en&entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDUwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can buy [$10 tickets are from local vendors](https://bloomingtongardenclub.org/vendors), with proceeds supporting children’s gardening education programs and other local beautification projects.
---
### Meet Hansel!
Up for adoption, as of May 21 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Hansel](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86559). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a bully breed mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Hansel](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86559):
> Handsome Hansel Needs a Second Chance Hansel is a young, 1.5-year-old male searching for a forever family to spoil him. He is a truly wonderful boy who is affectionate, smart, and ready to learn. He is great with other dogs, making him a perfect addition to a multi-dog home or as a new best friend for a current dog. He would love to go home with his buddy Gretel! Hansel is currently undergoing treatment for heartworm. While that sounds scary, it is manageable, and our shelter covers all costs for his treatment to ensure he goes to his new home healthy and happy. He has so much love to give and is simply waiting for you to find him!
### Photo Finish: Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
Double rainbow viewed out the back fire escape of Trojan Horse. (Dave Askins, May 19, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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### Skybridge sculpture selected as public art for Bloomington convention center expansion
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/skybridge-sculpture-selected-as-public-art-for-bloomington-convention-center-expansion/
Last updated: 2026-05-20T20:53:45.000Z
Selected on May 20, 2026 by the Monroe County CIB as the public art installation for the convention center expansion was Form of Connection by Benjamin Ball, outlined in red. ****Clockwise from upper left:** Racing with the Clouds (Kipp Kobayashi), Petals (Hou De Sousa), Form of Connection (Benjamin Ball), and Digital Tapestry (Jason Bruges). These are the four finalist proposals for the Bloomington Convention Center expansion public art project. Images are from the [online survey](https://form.typeform.com/to/VLRkLktK ) that the Monroe County capital improvement board is asking people to complete.
A $400,000 [public art installation](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-20-CIB-public-art-convention-center-expansion-captial-improvement-board-Art-Recommendation-5%5F20%5F26-2.pdf) wrapping the new convention center skybridge in a sweeping, illuminated sculpture was approved by the Monroe County capital improvement board at its Wednesday (May 20) meeting.
The skybridge will connect the existing convention center across College Avenue to the 60,000-square-foot expansion. The construction center expansion is well underway between Walnut Street and College Avenue on the south side of 3rd Street, and is planned for completion near the start of 2027.
On a unanimous roll-call vote, the board approved “A Form of Connection” by Ball-Nogues Studio, lead by Benjamin Ball, following months of public input, community surveys, and a review by a committee and the Bloomington Arts Commission.
Presenting the public art recommendation was CIB member and BEAD (Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District) advisory group chair Galen Cassady. He opened by crediting the network of volunteers and arts leaders who helped shape the process.
Cassady gave special praise to former city assistant director for the arts, Holly Warren. Cassady told the board: “We really would not be here without the leg work that Holly put into this.” Warren, who attended the meeting, received applause from the audience. CIB president John Whikehart underscored Warren’s role when he wrapped up the agenda item, saying to her, “Holly, thank you again so much for your leadership and assistance in all of this—much appreciated.”
The approximately 8,000-pound installation will be fabricated from marine-grade aluminum and attached to the bridge at 14 structural connection points. Integrated lighting will illuminate the faceted surfaces at night. The proposal emphasized digital modeling, custom fabrication, and engineering precision to create what artist Benjamin Ball described as a “one-of-a-kind civic form.”
Whikehart commented on the reception of the selected design among those who reviewed the finalist proposals, indicating it was the most provocative: “If I recall correctly, this particular piece had the most public reaction. Both strongly for and strongly against, which shouldn’t be too surprising—we’re talking about art.”
The project is part of the convention center expansion’s public art component, funded through Bloomington’s “percentage for the arts” ordinance. The overall public art allocation for the expansion totals $520,000, though roughly $400,000 was designated for the signature installation itself. The rest covers artist honoraria, travel, and additional purchases of artwork by local artists.
The CIB unveiled four finalist concepts in April after narrowing an original pool of roughly 180 applicants. The finalists included proposals from [Ball](https://www.ball-nogues.com/), [Hou De Sousa](https://www.houdesousa.com/), [Jason Bruges Studio](https://www.jasonbruges.com/), and [Kipp Kobayashi](https://www.kippkobayashi.com/).
At Wednesday’s meeting, Cassady walked the board through a two-year timeline that began when the capital improvement board formed the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD) advisory committee in June 2024 to advise on the project’s “One percent for Art” allocation.
With Holly Warren’s help, Cassady said, the group ran its first public feedback round in September 2025 to identify themes and priorities, then issued a global call for artists the following month. More than 180 artists responded.
A recommendation committee that drew from the BEAD advisory group, the Bloomington Arts Commission, the CIB, and other community arts figures cut that pool to roughly 60, then 10, and finally five finalists by early January. Those finalists developed site-specific proposals based on the public’s feedback and, in several cases, visited Bloomington to meet with stakeholders. By April, four proposals advanced to a final round of interviews and a second public survey, which drew nearly 1,000 responses, Cassady said.
The Ball-Nogues proposal, he said, emerged with the broadest support across the groups who reviewed the finalists.
Galen read aloud from the [artist’s statement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-20-Benjamin-Ball-Artist-Statement-Background-Form-of-Connection-260410%5FBloomington-CC-Public-Artwork%5Fweb.pdf) by Benjamin Ball, which included:
> The best public art changes how people recognize and remember a place. For the Bloomington Convention Center, I envision a singular sculptural form that winds around the skybridge connecting the existing convention center to the new expansion. It then extends outward, over the courtyard, and then forms a kind of entry canopy at an entrance to the original building. In traversing along all of the walls of the bridge, the work transforms a familiar piece of connective architecture into a civic marker and gives the convention center a new image by which it can be known.
The statement goes on to describe the piece as “a lyrical line overhead, vine-like in spirit, but abstract,” that thickens and narrows as it entwines the bridge, sometimes hugging the structure and sometimes pushing out above the courtyard. The intention is that from a block or two away, people can grasp the scale of the work’s “signature urban gesture,” while up close, they can see the “pattern, precision, and intricacy of its colored panels.”
Cassady also quoted BEAD Advisory Committee member Chad Rabinowitz, who urged the city to embrace the scale and ambition of Ball’s concept. Rabinowitz described Ball’s proposal as one “that creates a sizable and memorable piece of art that also embraces the new building in its architecture.” Rabinowitz’s quote continued: “This is the postcard. This is the magazine cover. This is the image that will represent the attractiveness and uniqueness of our community to the outside world.”
Weddle Bros. construction project manager Andrew Scere said at Wednesday’s meting taht the construction firm’s coordination with the artist so far had given him confidence the art installation could be accommodated without slowing completion of the bridge. “After approval we can start working as a group with the connection points, accommodate that while we’re finishing out the connector, that way it doesn’t hold anything up.”
Ball’s background includes architecture, industrial design, and public art. Before launching his own studio, he worked for architect Frank Gehry and contributed to projects including the Walt Disney Concert Hall as well as production design work associated with The Matrix. His studio’s work has been exhibited at institutions including the Museum of Modern Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Venice Biennale.
### Form of Connection: Benjamin Ball
### Fare-free week, new west side route, ‘Bloomington Transit for Everyone’ to launch June 1
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/fare-free-week-new-west-side-route-bloomington-transit-for-everyone-to-launch-june-1/
Last updated: 2026-05-20T23:06:52.000Z
****Left:** Screengrab from BT marketing video showing how trips that start or end farther than a 5-minute walk from a bus line will be covered with on-demand BLink vehicles—under the Bloomington Transit for Everyone program. ****Right:** Route 16, which combines Route 13 and Route 3 West. Map by The B Square
Starting June 1, Bloomington Transit’s schedule will include Route 16—a newly configured option that will combine the faltering Route 13 and Route 3 West to better serve communities on the west side of town, including Ivy Tech.
This change will be accompanied by the launch of [Bloomington Transit For Everyone](https://bloomingtontransit.com/everyone/?utm%5Fsource=localiq&utm%5Fmedium=searchmarketing&utm%5Fcampaign=btforeveryone&scid=5059692&kw=46739498&pub%5Fcr%5Fid=806923738267&device=c&network=g&targetid=kwd-305019789245&loc%5Finterest%5Fms=&loc%5Fphysical%5Fms=1017003&tc=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStpp6R3K-VDPAOYpcrOxjUkrfGoJ-Wm%5Flan0vlkBdAiaoEHKP-EU-9tWBoCecIQAvD%5FBwE&rl%5Fkey=4a5cffd3a5d148d2df5dfc5fe1e2216e&gad%5Fsource=1&gad%5Fcampaignid=23792457114&gbraid=0AAAABDhBNaa2LfFOepr2LV5ScyGdPvu73&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStpp6R3K-VDPAOYpcrOxjUkrfGoJ-Wm%5Flan0vlkBdAiaoEHKP-EU-9tWBoCecIQAvD%5FBwE), a campaign that repackages services already offered by BT to provide everyone “a mobility option with Bloomington Transit”.
To promote the launch, BT will also offer free fares for Passenger Appreciation Week, from June 1 to June 7\. The regular fare for BT’s fixed route buses is $1\.
These service changes were approved during Tuesday’s BT board meeting, where members expressed hope that these new offerings will improve service.
During the meeting, BT planning and special projects manager Shelley Strimaitis told board members that Route 16 was developed through public and driver feedback. “Route 13, as we know, didn't have sufficient ridership to warrant its ongoing service. Route 3 West had on-time performance issues,” she said. “We had three public hearings for the route change in the stakeholder session. In addition to just talking, we also gathered public feedback online.”
Route 13 ran west of the city limits and is supported by a funding agreement with Monroe County. Launched at the start of 2025, the route’s less-than-expected ridership numbers were also discussed in the April BT board meeting. At that time, board chair James McLary said he was concerned that Route 13’s ridership “seems to be lacking” and that Bloomington Transit needs to do more to prove to the county that its money is well spent
Figures for [April](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-19-Bloomington-Transit-board-information-Packet-OCR.pdf#page=9) show an increase in Route 13 ridership compared to [March](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-21-Bloomington-Transit-Board-information-packet-OCR.pdf#page=12), from 988 to 1,082\. But it is still the least used route in the BT system. And the 1,082 rides in April 2026 are down by more than 21% compared to April 2025.
According to Strimaitis, the public hearings on the route change drew overwhelmingly positive responses. “There’s lot of folks from Ivy Tech and Cook \[Medical\] and Park 48 area who either currently use the route or say that they don’t use the route because of the insufficient runtime,” she said. “They were all very, very excited to see the longer service hours.”
Route 13, as it is run now, only operates once an hour, 12 hours a day, Monday through Friday. The new Route 16 will run seven days a week, with the last buses leaving downtown at 9:10 p.m. on weekdays, 6:10 p.m on Saturdays, and 3:40 p.m. on Sundays.
BT General Manager John Connell provided clarity about the funding sources for the new route design, given Route 13 was being funded by Monroe County government. “We will be using federal funding. Instead of being 100% funded by the county, now becomes 69.44% funded by the county, with \[FTA Section\] 5307 funds to make up the rest,” he said.
Bloomington Transit for Everyone, the other service change approved at the meeting, promises to offer at least one transportation option to city residents depending on whether their origin and destination are within 5-minutes walking distance of a bus-stop. If they are not that close, BLink Microtransit rides will be offered for $2 a ride per passenger between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays.
If rides on BT vehicles are not available, discounted Uber or Lyft rides will be offered. These services will exist in conjunction with the BT Late Nite on Demand, which is offered between 9 p.m. and midnight on weekdays.
Connell said the decision to offer free rides during Passenger Appreciation Week was meant to coincide with the rollout of Bloomington Transit for Everyone. “As we kick off the service improvements, you know, we're talking about marketing the service, and one of the things we discussed is, why not offer service fare free for the first week, kickoff week, and coordinate it with the passenger appreciation,” he said.
### Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-walnut-street-10/
Last updated: 2026-05-20T01:09:19.000Z
Double rainbow viewed out the back fire escape of Trojan Horse. (Dave Askins, May 19, 2026)
### Bloomington formally closes road to unsafe Club House Drive bridge, as officials dispute ownership
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-formally-closes-road-to-unsafe-club-house-drive-bridge-as-officials-dispute-ownership/
Last updated: 2026-05-19T23:42:55.000Z
The bridge on Club House Drive looking east towards SR 37 in Bloomington’s Lower Cascades Park. (Dave Askins, May 16, 2026)
The city staff decision on an emergency closure of Clubhouse Drive in Lower Cascades Park, which leads to a failing bridge next to SR 37, was ratified through a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-19-board-of-public-works-Resolution-2026-28-on-Club-House-drive-bridge-closure.pdf ) by Bloomington’s board of public works on Tuesday (May 19).
The bridge was closed last Thursday, after an [inspection by Monroe County government](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bridge-needs-lower-5-ton-limit-repairs-but-who-pays-monroe-county-or-bloomington/) found the span unsafe for vehicular traffic heavier than 5 tons. Earlier, city staff had placed a “5” over the “9” on the posted weight limit for the bridge, which was consistent with the recommendation in the [inspection report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-14-bridge-resolution-from-Commissioners-Packet.pdf#page=4).
But at the board’s Monday work session, city engineer Andrew Cibor told the board, “Five tons is not a very high weight limit, and a lot of vehicles exceed that.” Even with a limit posted at five tons, a lot of vehicles weighing over five tons would probably still drive over it. “Just to reduce that risk, we decided to close \[the bridge\],” Cibor said.
Director of public works Adam Wason indicated that vehicles over five tons are fairly common, saying, “When we’re talking about vehicles that exceed five tons, that could be a truck with a lawn mowing business trailer on the back. That could be … some of the heavier duty pickup trucks … ”
At Monday’s work session city attorney Audrey Brittingham framed the action as the board’s ratification of what staff had already done in the field under the board’s general authority over the public right of way in [Title 12](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT12STSISTSE) of the city code.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Brittingham drew a distinction between closing the road, over which the board of public works has authority, and closing the bridge, which the city is keen to stress it does not own and is not responsible for. Brittingham put it like this:
> The city is closing the road and not the bridge, because at this time … we don’t believe that we own the bridge, and that we have the authority to close the bridge. But … the board has the authority over the roads and the rights-of-way on either side of the bridge.”
State law also gives the [city engineer](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/36#36-9-7-5) or the [board of public works](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-9-6) authority to open and close roads, to decide the placement of stop signs and traffic signals, and to install traffic calming measures.
Brittingham also highlighted for the board a separate legal question that staff will address later: Does the bridge situation call for application of the city’s [Title 15](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT15VETR%5FCH15.08AD%5F15.08.040TEEXEMTRRE) traffic code, which involves the engineer’s authority to implement a 180-day traffic order? Brittingham indicated that to be extended longer than 180 days, the order would need approval from the city council.
Brittingham and Cibor told The B Square after the work session it’s not certain when an earlier county inspection took place. That’s important because state law \[[IC 8-17-1-46](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/8#8-17-1-46 )\] treats city-versus-county responsibility differently, based on whether the county government inspected the bridge before Jan. 1, 2024.
All other things being equal, any bridge longer than 20 feet, like the 27-foot Club House Drive bridge, is the responsibility of the county government. But if a bridge was not inspected by the county government before Jan. 1, 2024, and if the bridge has not been added to the county inventory, it’s not explicitly the county’s responsibility under state law. But that doesn’t automatically make it the city’s responsibility. The law apparently leaves undefined, who has responsibility for some bridges, like the one on Club House Drive.
A [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-05-15-city-of-Bloomington-news-release-on-Club-House-Drive-Closure.pdf) from the city issued last Thursday (May 14) said the city does not accept responsibility for the bridge, and that its decision to close the road does not mean the city is taking responsibility for the bridge.
The news release and the road closure, came after Monroe County commissioners passed a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-14-bridge-resolution-from-Commissioners-Packet.pdf) earlier in the day on Thursday, telling the city of Bloomington that the bridge is not part of the county’s responsibility. The resolution also conveyed the recommendation from the recent inspection that the posted weight limit of nine tons be reduced to five.
For now, Bloomington’s administration is relying on the authority of the board of public works to close a road to ensure the Club House bridge is not a hazard to traffic.
How long the bridge will remain closed is unclear. Asked Monday by the board how quickly the structure might be repaired, if the city and county could immediately agree on responsibility and funding, Cibor said he did not “have a great answer.” He pointed to the time needed for design, permitting and construction.
Cibor concluded that even if there were no dispute about responsibility and the funding were available, it would still mean a “significant” amount of time to replace the bridge.
Under the [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-19-board-of-public-works-Resolution-2026-28-on-Club-House-drive-bridge-closure.pdf) approved by the board on Tuesday, the barricades on either side of the bridge will remain until the it has been “deemed safe for vehicular travel.”
At Tuesday’s meeting, James Roach called on the two local government units to sort out the question of who has responsibility for the bridge. He put it like this: “I would encourage the city and the county to bring this to a conclusion as soon as possible, and I know that everyone will be doing everything they can to do that.”
### Election complaints target Monroe County clerk hopeful over signs, electioneering in ‘chute’
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/election-complaints-target-monroe-county-clerk-hopeful-over-signs-electioneering-in-chute/
Last updated: 2026-05-19T00:53:32.000Z
The 50-foot buffer known as the “chute” is chalked off at at the North Showers building at the start of early voting on April 7\. (Dave Askins, April 7, 2026 )
On Friday (May 15), the Monroe County election board tabled one complaint and decided to set hearings for two others, about election law violations that occurred during the primary elections held on May 5.
The three complaints, about two candidates total, were the only items on Friday’s agenda. The first step for the election board—consisting of county clerk Nicole Brown, Democratic Party appointee Penny Githens, and Republican Party appointee Danny Shields—was to formally receive all the complaints.
Two of the complaints were filed against Joe Davis, a candidate in the Democratic Party’s primary for the Monroe County clerk. Davis finished third with 2,549 votes (21%). The board set a date for a hearing on the complaints against him on June 4.
The other complaint concerned Lisa Jeneé Trimble, a Monroe County assessor hopeful who plans to appear on the November ballot as an independent candidate. The board unanimously decided to table the complaint against Trimble until (and if) she becomes a candidate.
### Complaint against Trimble
The complaint against Trimble was filed by Judy Sharp, the current Monroe County assessor and Democratic Party’s nominee for November.
In a [letter to the election board](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-15-J-Trimble-OCR.pdf ), Sharp wrote that she was made aware of a media post by Trimble offering her services in property tax matters “in exchange for signatures allowing her to be on the ballot” as an independent candidate in the fall.
Sharp claimed that Trimble does not have the qualifications or necessary credentials to explain property assessments to taxpayers. She also alleged that Trimble told taxpayers that she would help them understand their assessment and how to file an appeal in exchange for 10 signatures of voters in Monroe County, an act Sharp called “totally unethical as well as, I would think, illegal.”
Sharp also shared printouts of Trimble’s Facebook post, where Trimble wrote, about the kind of assistance she would provide to help people with their appeals, “I will try to do as many as I can, but this year it will come with a price. It will cost you 1 sheet of the signatures (10 signatures per sheet) of registered Monroe County voters in advance.”
For her part, Trimble forwarded to The B Square a response to the communication from the county attorney on behalf of the election board. Trimble wrote: “I do not represent taxpayers at their local or state appeal hearings. There is not a law against telling people how to read their property record cards or explaining to them how to file an appeal, or explaining the local & state appeal process. Everyone has these rights. I did \[not\] violate any local, state or election laws.”
### Complaints against Davis
After deciding not to set a hearing on the matter involving Trimble, the board discussed [two complaints](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-15-J-Davis-OCR.pdf) against Davis, the candidate for county clerk. One of them was filed by Karen Wheeler and the other by Carol McGarry.
Wheeler, who is a former Monroe County elections supervisor, wrote a letter alleging multiple violations of Indiana election law by “a candidate”.
The claimed infractions, which were alleged to have taken place during the early voting period, included: usage of campaign signs without the required disclaimer about who paid for them; [electioneering inside the protected zone](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-14-3-16) 50 feet from each entrance of the polling location (which is called the “[chute](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/3#3-5-2.1-21)” in election law); following a voter after they cast a vote; and potentially misleading voters by calling himself a “practising jurist of law.”
The letter did not mention Joe Davis by name, but included photographic and video evidence documenting the violations. The letter requested the Monroe County election board conduct a thorough investigation.
The complaint by McGarry focused on one alleged transgression, specifically that Davis approached her as she walked from a handicapped parking space towards the building.
McGarry wrote that Davis talked “quickly and at length” about his candidacy and qualifications as she tried to keep walking, and that he was still with her as she turned the corner and walked toward the entry doors.
At its Friday meeting, the election board voted unanimously to set June 4 as a date for hearing the complaints against Davis—during its regular meeting that day. The board meets on the first Thursday of each month. The board also directed the county’s legal counsel to provide the necessary notice and supporting documents ahead of the hearing to the people who filed the complaints and to Davis.
When The B Square reached him by phone on Monday, Davis seemed ready to defend himself. Davis dismissed the complaints as “false allegations” and said he was prepared to explain that his presence inside the chute stemmed from his efforts to clear up landscaping and remove low-hanging branches, and on one occasion to help a voter who used a wheelchair.
David maintained that his campaign signs did include the required “paid for by Joe” disclaimer and indicated that election board member Penny Githens had scrutinized his materials in search of technical violations. Confident that his conduct would withstand the election board’s review, Davis summed up his stance with a cheerful challenge: “Bring it on!”
### Photos: Ms. Lake Lemon pageant returns with mud dives, lawnmowers, and fancy dresses
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-ms-lake-lemon-pageant-returns-with-mud-dives-lawnmowers-and-fancy-dresses/
Last updated: 2026-05-18T18:09:43.000Z
****Left:** Winner of the 2026 Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant, Jess Andrews. ****Right:** Mud pool diving challenge. (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Saturday’s (May 16) second annual Ms. Lake Lemon competition blended pure quirk with community fundraising, as a dozen women, all 37 or older, put on fancy dresses and competed in a series of off-beat challenges.
Feats of physical skill included a frozen T-shirt contest, watermelon-seed spitting, lawnmower driving, and dives into a baby pool filled with synthetic mud. Organized by Bloomington artists, performers, and community volunteers, the event raised money for the Monroe County Fire Protection District.
The competition took place in Riddle Point Park on the shore of Lake Lemon in the northeastern part of Monroe County.
Despite ominous forecasts leading up to Saturday, the weather itself mostly cooperated. Contestants and spectators gathered under threatening skies that produced only occasional light rain, which was not enough to wash out the festivities.
Organizers said the forecasts for bad weather likely hurt attendance. But the images below from photographer Kathryn Coers Rossman prove the atmosphere was still upbeat.
### Photos: Ms. Lake Lemon (May 16, 2026)
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Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant 2026 (Kathryn Coers Rossman, May 16, 2026)
### May 18, 2026: Carless Kirkwood, unsafe bridge, extra tax money, rally for housing
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/may-18-2026-carless-kirkwood-usafe-bridge-extra-tax-money-rally-for-housing/
Last updated: 2026-05-18T14:11:50.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [5-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-may-18-2026/) about events that happened in the last week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Wear something cool that will dry quickly when you get wet, because an umbrella might not be that much help, when you do actually need it later in the day. It will start off sunny and hot with a high of 86F°, but starting around 2 p.m. there will be a chance of rain and thunderstorms, increasing from 30% to around 70% by around 5 p.m.
**Tuesday:** Same advice as Monday: Wear something cool that will dry quickly. Early in the day there’s little chance of rain, but by 2 p.m., chances are about 80% that it will rain, with a decent chance of thunderstorms, too.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Quick Notes
We got a look at an early print of the Bloomington High School North yearbook. Happy to see The B Square’s ad appear on the same page as the spots for the IU Credit Union and Paganelli Law Group! The B Square’s ad reflects a philosophy of sorts: Sometimes people won’t listen, unless you yell at them with short sentences and all caps.
### Recent articles
- [New Kirkwood closure proposal could revisit conflict over who controls Bloomington streets](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-kirkwood-closure-proposal-could-revisit-conflict-over-who-controls-bloomington-streets/). Two Bloomington meetings next week will spotlight the question of who controls city streets. One is a board of public works bridge-related road closure on Club House Drive in Lower Cascades Park. The other is a new proposal from the city council for permanent seasonal shutdown of Kirkwood Avenue.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-61/). Hawk: Capt. Janeway is supposed to be born on May 20, but it's not until 2336\. Do you think she will come back in time next Wednesday to speak at the public mic during city council's meeting to advocate for closing down streets for her birthday? What does Fish say?
- [Monroe County property transfers through May 12, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-may-12-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 23 to May 12, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [$9.5M excess in LIT trust fund comes back to Monroe County units in 2026 by state formula](https://bsquarebulletin.com/9-5m-excess-in-lit-trust-fund-comes-back-to-monroe-county-units-in-2026-by-state-formula/). For 2026, Bloomington and Monroe County government, as well as other units in the county, will receive millions more in LIT revenue due to excess balances in the LIT trust fund. The added money means about $3.5 million more in flexible money for Bloomington in 2026.
- [Supporters rally at Friendly Beasts to keep Seminary Pointe housing, community space](https://bsquarebulletin.com/supporters-rally-at-friendly-beasts-to-keep-seminary-pointe-housing-community-space/). A crowd gathered Friday at Friendly Beasts Cidery for a “Save Seminary Pointe” fundraiser opposing possible redevelopment of the block for a convention center host hotel. Organizers framed the event as both a legal fundraising effort and a demo of how the block already serves as a community space.
- [One-third of provisional ballots from May 5 primary election count in Monroe County](https://bsquarebulletin.com/one-third-of-provisional-ballots-from-may-5-primary-election-count-in-monroe-county/). On Friday, Monroe County’s election board accepted 21 of 62 provisional ballots from the May 5 primary after reviewing voter eligibility. Most rejected ballots involved missing ID, wrong precinct voting, or out-of-county registration. Election results were unchanged.
- [Bridge needs lower 5-ton limit, repairs—but who pays: Monroe County or Bloomington?](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bridge-needs-lower-5-ton-limit-repairs-but-who-pays-monroe-county-or-bloomington/) Monroe County officials say a deteriorating 27-foot bridge near Lower Cascades Park is Bloomington’s responsibility, while the city disputes that claim. Inspectors found severe structural problems and recommended lowering the bridge’s weight limit from nine tons to five.
### On the calendar
**Road closure in Lower Cascades Park**. On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (May 19) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/public-works/meetings) for Bloomington’s board of public works is a request for the board to confirm a decision that was already made by city staff to close the road leading to the bridge at Club House Drive and Old SR37, because of the bridge’s condition. For B Square background, see: [Bridge needs lower 5-ton limit, repairs—but who pays: Monroe County or Bloomington?](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bridge-needs-lower-5-ton-limit-repairs-but-who-pays-monroe-county-or-bloomington/); and [New Kirkwood closure proposal could revisit conflict over who controls Bloomington streets](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-kirkwood-closure-proposal-could-revisit-conflict-over-who-controls-bloomington-streets/)
**Bloomington Transit for all, new Route #16.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (May 19) meeting agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-19-Bloomington-Transit-board-information-Packet-OCR.pdf) for the board of Bloomington Transit is an update on the June 1 rollout of an initiative to improve overall access to the public agency’s transit services and approval of a new route, Route #16, serving the area just outside the city limits on the west side. For B Square background, see: [Ridership slide fuels Bloomington Transit strategy shift: bigger buses, route rethink](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ridership-slide-fuels-bloomington-transit-strategy-shift-bigger-buses-route-rethink/)
**Kirkwood seasonal closure.** On the Bloomington city council’s [6:30 p.m Wednesday (May 20) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings/2026) is an ordinance that would put into city code the seasonal closure to automobile traffic of Kirkwood Avenue between Indiana Avenue and Walnut Street. For B Square background, see: [New Kirkwood closure proposal could revisit conflict over who controls Bloomington streets](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-kirkwood-closure-proposal-could-revisit-conflict-over-who-controls-bloomington-streets/); and the Bloomington Chronicle [timeline](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Kirkwood%5FAvenue%5FClosures) on the topic of Kirkwood Avenue closures. This is the first time the ordinance has appeared on a city council agenda, so it’s unlikely to get a vote, given that enactment would have to be unanimous.
**Cottage Grove as conservation district.** On the Bloomington city council’s [6:30 p.m Wednesday (May 20) agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/council/meetings/2026) is an ordinance that would establish Cottage Grove as a historic conservation district. It’s the second time it has appeared on a city council agenda, so this is very likely to get a vote at Wednesday’s meeting. For B Square background, see: [Historic protections sought for area between 10th, 12th streets in central Bloomington](https://bsquarebulletin.com/historic-protections-sought-for-area-between-10th-12th-streets-in-central-bloomington/)
---
**Shop Night: May 20\.** On Wednesday, May 20, from 4–7 p.m. the downtown courthouse square and Kirkwood Avenue will be hosting Shop Night as part of the city’s effort to inject some vitality into the place. Participating downtown businesses will be staying open late and local musicians will perform as part of “Busk at Dusk.” The event is aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to explore downtown shops and support local businesses. Participating stores include: That’s The Rub; Goods for Cooks; Art Remains; JL Waters; Mirth; Oak; Gather; Bonne Fête; Lola; Chico’s; Urban Outfitters; Walkover Sounds & Stones; and Three Blondes Floral.
**Garden Walk: June 7.** The Bloomington Garden Club will host its 37th annual Summer Garden Walk on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour will feature six private gardens around Bloomington, along with a flower show at [Hilltop Garden and Nature Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2367+E+10th+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47408/@39.180177,-86.506519,5578m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66a5f08c0477:0xfe51178ebc304c88!8m2!3d39.1744469!4d-86.5054059!16s%2Fg%2F1tgh3qvn?hl=en&entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDUwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can buy [$10 tickets are from local vendors](https://bloomingtongardenclub.org/vendors), with proceeds supporting children’s gardening education programs and other local beautification projects.
---
### Meet Luna!
Up for adoption, as of May 17 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Luna](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86605). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a Dutch shepherd. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about asdf:
> If you are looking for a loyal, 2-year-old cuddle bug who will make your heart melt, Luna is your girl! This adorable 2-year-old lady is the definition of 'sweet.' She is incredibly friendly, social, and loves nothing more than making new human friends and soaking up affection. She’s young, full of life, and ready to bring unconditional love to her forever family. Whether it’s long walks or cuddling on the couch, Luna is ready to be your shadow. Come meet our sweet Luna and prepare to fall in love! I am part of a bonded pair with my best friend Lexie; we must be adopted together.
### Photo Finish: Indiana Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue
Brickwork is under repair along Kirkwood Avenue. It's a roughly [half-million-dollar project](https://bsquarebulletin.com/brick-fix-okd-for-kirkwood-avenue-at-491k-cost/). (Dave Askins, May 13, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Civic Solver: May 18, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-may-18-2026/
Last updated: 2026-05-17T18:57:40.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one most weeks in the [*Almost Daily Bulletin*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) emailed newsletter.
### New Kirkwood closure proposal could revisit conflict over who controls Bloomington streets
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-kirkwood-closure-proposal-could-revisit-conflict-over-who-controls-bloomington-streets/
Last updated: 2026-05-17T12:56:34.000Z
****Left:** Looking southwest at the intersection of Club House Drive and Old SR 37 in Lower Cascades Park on May 16, 2026\. The road to the bridge was closed on May 15\. (Dave Askins, May 16, 2026) ****Right:** B Square file photo of bollards getting placed on Kirkwood Avenue for seasonal closure for the outdoor dining program.
Bloomington’s board of public works on Tuesday (May 19) and the city council on Wednesday (May 20) will each take up proposals involving the closure of public roads.
The board of public works will be asked to confirm a city staff decision to close a road leading to a failing bridge. For its part, the council will be introducing an ordinance that could potentially make seasonal closures of Kirkwood Avenue to motor vehicle traffic a permanent feature of the iconic east-west corridor.
Underlying the two decisions is a potential disagreement between the council and the administration over who actually has authority over Bloomington’s streets.
### Closing road leading to failing bridge
On the agenda for Tuesday’s [board of public works meeting](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/public-works/meetings) is the ratification of the city administration’s decision last week to close the road leading to a 27-foot bridge on Club House Drive in Cascades Park. The closure came after a county bridge inspection found “major deterioration” in one of the structure’s main support beams.
The board’s [resolution on road closure](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-19-board-of-public-works-Resolution-2026-28-on-Club-House-drive-bridge-closure.pdf) says the bridge itself is not under city authority, but that the city can close portions of Club House Drive to prevent access. According to the [staff memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-19-board-of-public-works-BPW-Staff-Report-for-Resolution-2026-028-on-Club-House-Drive-bridge-closure.pdf ) supporting the resolution, public works crews closed the roadway on May 15, ahead of approval from the board of public works, in consultation with engineering, parks, and legal staff.
Neither the staff memo nor the resolution mention the Bloomington [city code section](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT15VETR%5FCH15.08AD%5F15.08.040TEEXEMTRRE) that says the city engineer or the police chief can make regulations to deal with emergency conditions. But that code section also limits the duration of those emergency regulations to 180 days, and makes any permanent measure subject to city council approval.
Instead, the resolution cites [Title 12](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT12STSISTSE) of city code for the authority under which the board of public works Bloomington oversees rights-of-way and street closures. Since Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson took office in 2024, the city’s legal department has interpreted state law to mean that it’s the [city engineer](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/36#36-9-7-5 ) or the [board of public works](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-9-6 ) who have the authority to open and close roads, to decide the placement of stop signs and traffic signals, and to install traffic calming measures.
The bridge itself is also part of a separate and [potentially growing conflict](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-61/) between Bloomington and Monroe County government, over ownership and maintenance responsibility for certain bridges inside city limits. But that broader intergovernmental dispute is not the focus of Tuesday’s meeting.
### New proposal for Kirkwood closure
Then on Wednesday, the Bloomington city council will see the introduction of an [ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-20-ORD-2026-12-city-council-Kirkwood-Closure.pdf) that would permanently codify seasonal closures of Kirkwood Avenue from April 1 through Nov. 15 each year. The ordinance would prohibit motor vehicle traffic on Kirkwood from Walnut Street to Indiana Avenue during those months. The closure schedule would be put into [Title 15](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT15VETR ) of Bloomington’s municipal code.
On Wednesday, the ordinance closing Kirkwood will be making its first appearance on the council’s agenda, which means it can’t be approved the same night without unanimous consent. The [topic of Kirkwood closures](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Kirkwood%5FAvenue%5FClosures) has history dating back to the pandemic. The city’s [transportation plan of 2019](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2019-07-08-City-of-Bloomington-2019-Transportation-Plan.pdf#page=5) calls for the redesign of Kirkwood as a shared street.
Wednesday’s proposal for permanent seasonal closure comes after the Thomson administration earlier this year suspended the seasonal Kirkwood closures in connection with the outdoor dining program for 2026\. On Feb. 12, city engineer Andrew Cibor issued an [order](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-02-12-Cibor-memo-on-Kirkwood-street-closure.pdf ) reopening Kirkwood to vehicle traffic, citing “lack of participation and impracticality (budget)” under authority granted in the council’s 2025 outdoor dining ordinance. Later that month, the board of public works [approved an outdoor dining plan](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-board-of-public-works-kirkwood-open-to-traffic-in-2026-with-parklets-allowed-for-outdoor-dining/) that kept the street open except for one-off events.
Some councilmembers [sharply criticized the administration’s move](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-may-walk-back-plan-to-keep-kirkwood-open-to-vehicle-traffic-after-city-council-backlash/) at the time, arguing it violated the spirit of the ordinance they had adopted in January 2025\. That ordinance had established an ongoing annual outdoor dining program and restored the Kirkwood conversion element after council amendments removed sunset language and reinstated the full closure concept.
The clash over Kirkwood is part of a broader disagreement between the Thomson administration and some councilmembers about whether the council has legal authority over permanent roadway decisions at all. Over the last several months, corporation counsel Margie Rice has argued that state law places authority over traffic controls, roadway design, and related public-way decisions with the executive branch through the city engineer—not the legislative branch through the city council.
That interpretation surfaced publicly in disputes over neighborhood greenways, stop signs, and the ordinance establishing the [new transportation commission](https://bsquarebulletin.com/amid-shift-in-bloomington-street-oversight-flaherty-gets-city-council-nod-for-new-transportation-group-2/).
The ordinance that would make seasonal closure of Kirkwood Avenue permanent could get a vote on enactment at the council’s June 3 meeting.
---
Against that backdrop, this coming week’s two meetings could provide some additional clarity on the question: When Bloomington closes a street, who ultimately gets to decide? If the current set of city elected officials can’t arrive at an understanding on the topic, [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-4-4-5) offers the explicit option of asking the circuit court to settle it.
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-61/
Last updated: 2026-05-17T10:53:16.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #62 (May 17, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through May 12, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-may-12-2026/
Last updated: 2026-05-17T10:52:48.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 23 to May 12, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On May 12, 2026, the property at 336 E Cardinal Glen DR was sold to SAMIR KSIMI by JASON J MIRTL for $285,000.
- On May 12, 2026, the property at 2865 E Schacht RD was sold to CORY T ROLLINS by FRANK VAN LANDNGHAM for $260,000.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 1204 S Grant ST was sold to MADELINE J SCHALK by HALEY HUTTO GANDY FKA HALEY HUTTO for $355,000.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 4081 N Brookwood DR was sold to CONNOR S GOFF by RYAN L NORTON for $244,999.
- On May 11, 2026, the property at 3302 S Commons DR was sold to EMILY DUNHAM by JUDITH K MAXSON for $237,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 724 E Crestline DR was sold to KATRINA WHITEHAIR by SACKSTEDER PROPERTIES LLC for $760,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 3504 S Ashwood DR was sold to BRETT A ENNEKING by ROGER PYNN AND KATHRYN K SMITH JOINT REVOCABLE TRUST for $659,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 3702 E Tamarron DR was sold to JAVIER ABREGO by PAUL MURRAY ELLIOTT for $465,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 1017 N Jackson ST was sold to ANTHONY D DAVIDSON by WWHB LLC for $364,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 1605 E Woodland DR was sold to JOSHUA N SALYERS by ESTATE OF NORMA JEAN HOLLINGSWORTH for $290,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 3128 S Cuffers DR was sold to EVAN D SHERFICK by Walker, Andrew J for $265,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 3512 W Fairington DR was sold to LARRAINE LINDSAY by MICHELLE L MOSS for $250,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 120 W Temperance ST was sold to MAROTTA PROPERTIES LLC by INDIANA BRATWORKS LLC for $225,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 705 W 13th ST was sold to JOHN SCHNEIDER by SARA FEUERBACH for $193,500.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 100 N Langley DR was sold to RAYMOND MOORE by LINDSAY M MOES REVOCABLE TRUST AGREEMENT for $155,000.
- On May 8, 2026, the property at 3508 S Ashwood DR was sold to BRETT A ENNEKING by ROGER PYNN AND KATHRYN K SMITH JOINT REVOCABLE TRUST for $20,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 3903 S Walnut ST was sold to REED EQUITY HOLDINDS LLC by JAMES A CLARK for $825,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 824 E Keenland CT was sold to CHI WOO YOON by Medford, Daniel for $800,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 935 W Baywood DR was sold to LORETTA LAUER by BAYWOOD LLC for $579,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 5397 W Stonewood DR was sold to SCOTT ALEXANDER CLARK by ZACHARY K DIGRINDAKIS for $439,900.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 1601 E Ruby LN was sold to DAVID A BROWN by Quinn Family Trust for $430,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 3814 E Tamarron DR was sold to STEPHEN B SCHLEGEL AND SUSAN D SCHLEGEL REVOCABLE TRUST by Fuqua, Yoshimi C for $360,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 447 S Woodfield LN was sold to RICHARD CRUSSEN by NICHOLAS S DOOLING for $305,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 1802 W Ezekiel DR was sold to PHILLIP VALLE by XT WANG for $280,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 1472 W Rockcrest DR was sold to ZACHARY BAUER by CPW Properties LLC for $264,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 3410 S Forrester ST was sold to SACKSTEDER PROPERTIES LLC by Keystone Construction Company LLC for $120,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 2743 W Delap RD was sold to WILLIAM M OLIVER REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST by Owings, Steven W for $85,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 7660 W Julia DR was sold to EQUITY TRUST COMPANY CUSTODIAN FBO TODD SACKSTEDER by Harman Farms Development LLC for $65,000.
- On May 7, 2026, the property at 7670 W Julia DR was sold to EQUITY TRUST COMPANY CUSTODIAN FBO BRENT SACKSTEDER by Harman Farms Development LLC for $65,000.
- On May 6, 2026, the property at 986 S Baldwin DR was sold to MICHAEL LESLIE BODNAR by PATTERSON, STEPHEN K for $385,000.
- On May 6, 2026, the property at 4995 S College DR was sold to JAMES ALEXANDER GRANNAN by Mallette, Greg for $345,000.
- On May 6, 2026, the property at 882 E Sherwood Hills DR was sold to XIAOFANG WANG by Cartwright, Michael J Jr for $142,000.
- On May 6, 2026, the property at 1811 S Montclair AVE was sold to ASHEY D HOWELL by ANDREW J KOOP for $96,074.
- On May 6, 2026, the property at 1524 N Breckenridge RD was sold to CLEAR TECH DWELLINGS LLC by SUMMIT HILL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION for $47,500.
- On May 6, 2026, the property at 830 N Sewell RD was sold to KATHRYN MINCEY by STEPHEN JAMES CHAPLIN for $0.
- On May 5, 2026, the property at 7615 W Julia DR was sold to BRADY BOWDOIN by Authentic Homes Inc for $380,000.
- On May 5, 2026, the property at 405 N Clark ST was sold to OAKSTEAD LLC by Henson, Lesa D Revocable Living Trust for $329,900.
- On May 5, 2026, the property at 7163 W Tulip ST was sold to HUNTER B VIRES by Wallace, Kristy for $273,000.
- On May 5, 2026, the property at 1409 W Kirkwood AVE was sold to AJ NELSON PROPERTIES, LLP by TRUSTEES OF WESTSIDE ASSEMBLY OF GOD, INC for $250,000.
- On May 4, 2026, the property at 2609 S Trotters RUN was sold to RICHARD LIPPKE by RONALD D DAVIS for $705,000.
- On May 4, 2026, the property at 896 E Sherwood Hills DR was sold to GWENDOLYN BOEHM by Grubb, Michael J for $170,000.
- On May 2, 2026, the property at 1830 W Victor Heights DR was sold to DOUGLAS E UNDEREWOOD by DOUGLAS E UNDEREWOOD for $0.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 1565 S Liberty DR was sold to AM BLOOMINGTON LLC by GRD Bloomington In Biolife Holdings LLC for $1,935,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 2901 S Olcott BLVD was sold to ANITA MOOSMILLER by Madison, James H & Jeanne M Revocable Trust for $724,900.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 5400 S Harmony RD was sold to BENJAMIN S CARTER by BERNARD A GUERRETTAZ II for $639,900.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 4105 N Emma DR was sold to MASON RYAN LONG by BRIAN MCNICHOLAS for $465,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 420 E Laurelwood CT was sold to NISHAD DEVENDRA MANDLIK by Sampathnarayanan, Balaji for $296,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 729 E Moss Creek CIR was sold to HELEN C FENG TRUST by Ikerd, Gladys A for $275,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 1375 W Allen ST UNIT F6 was sold to JHOAN PEREZ ORDENANA by Ad Lunam LLC for $173,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 336 S Wilmington CT was sold to ELIJAH J SPENCER by SOLEDAD M MEER for $145,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 4849 S Harmony RD was sold to KIRK MULLIS by TERRY J DORMAN for $80,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 4930 W Bedrock RD was sold to RICHARD J SWARTZ JR by Nguyen,Trung for $368,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 3705 N Collins DR was sold to LOGAN MOOD by BRADLEY SCOTT STEWART for $294,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 911 W RCA Park DR was sold to RITAM VERMA by KONNOR J GRABER for $230,750.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 405 W Terrace DR was sold to OSCAR DE SANTIAGO by Long, Katrina L Revocable Trust for $90,000.
- On April 29, 2026, the property at 6829 S Shields Ridge RD was sold to DAVID SAMUEL LOGAN by Hillenburg, Andrew for $325,000.
- On April 29, 2026, the property at 3133 S Eden DR was sold to NAHID SHARIFI by Rorer, Lynette R for $232,000.
- On April 29, 2026, the property at 4105 N Emma DR was sold to BRIAN MCNICHOLAS by BRIAN MCNICHOLAS for $0.
- On April 28, 2026, the property at 4595 W Johanna DR was sold to PRO ANGLE PROPERTIES, LLC by VALU-BUILT CONSTRUCTION LLC for $84,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 401 E 19th ST was sold to MS HOOSIER OWNER LLC by TOUCHDOWN TERRACE LLC for $31,471,066.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 301 E 19th ST was sold to MS HOOSIER OWNER LLC by CRIMSON CORNER LLC for $12,151,386.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 1300 N Lincoln ST was sold to MS HOOSIER OWNER, LLC by TOUCHDOWN TERRACE LLC for $4,553,099.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 322 E State Road 45 46 Bypass was sold to MS HOOSIER OWNER, LLC by UNIVERSITY PROPERTIES VI LLC for $2,110,870.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 3110 E David DR was sold to JONATHAN P KNIGHT by ALBERT RIPANI JR for $482,500.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 4335 N Rindle LN was sold to CHRISTOPHER MOORE by Lulich, Steven M for $365,000.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 7615 N Hilltop DR was sold to THOMAS JOSEPH WENDT by Pugh, Joshua Lynn for $525,000.
- On March 23, 2026, the property at 2247 S Sunday DR was sold to CHRISTIAN SWINNEY by 2247 SUNDAY DR LLC for $1,000,000.
### $9.5M excess in LIT trust fund comes back to Monroe County units in 2026 by state formula
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/9-5m-excess-in-lit-trust-fund-comes-back-to-monroe-county-units-in-2026-by-state-formula/
Last updated: 2026-05-16T14:08:45.000Z
Chart by The B Square. The numbers come from Indiana’s State Budget Agency [trust fund account history](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Trust%5FBalance%5FHistory%5F-%5FMonroe%5F-%5FCounty%5F-%5FCounty%5Ft-2024-1.pdf) and 2026 [calculations](https://www.in.gov/sba/files/County%5FInformational%5FReports-02.15.2026.pdf#page=105 ).
For 2026, the city of Bloomington will have about $3.5 million more in completely flexible revenue than was originally budgeted. Monroe County government will have about $2.9 million more. There’s even more if public safety money is added in.
That’s based on distributions of [supplemental local income tax (LIT)](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05015-supplemental-LIT-260511-2026-Supplemental-Local-Income-Tax-Distribution-Certification-Statewide.pdf#page=154) announced by Indiana’s Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) on Friday (May 15).
The fact that there will be some extra money from local income tax (LIT) is not news, because it comes from a routine calculation done every year by Indiana’s State Budget Agency (SBA) all across the state. But the exact dollar amount varies from year to year, based on a formula that is meant to keep the amount of money in the local income tax trust fund from getting too big.
Released in mid-February, the excess balance for all governmental units in Monroe County amounted to about [$9.5 million](https://www.in.gov/sba/files/County%5FInformational%5FReports-02.15.2026.pdf#page=105). That’s up from the $6.95 million in excess last year, but not as much as the record-setting $14.3 million in 2024.
Local units include: Bloomington, Ellettsville, Monroe County government, Bloomington Transit, Monroe County Public Library, Monroe Fire Protection District, and all the townships.
Monroe County residents pay local income tax at a total rate of 2.14%. That includes the 0.17% rate for the jail tax, which was enacted by the county council last year.
Indiana’s local income tax trust fund is meant to smooth out year-to-year swings in LIT distributions, to make local units less vulnerable to sudden drops in revenue or delays in collections. So the fund is built up by setting aside a portion of LIT revenues for the fund. But state law specifies that the amount of money in the trust fund can’t get too big.
The state legislature’s idea of what counts as “too big” for the trust fund has evolved to mean that the trust account balance for any county should be no bigger than 15% of the total certified distribution of income tax to the county in a given year.
For fiscal year 2026, the total amount of certified distribution to Monroe County units was [$99,642,921](https://www.in.gov/sba/files/County%5FInformational%5FReports-02.15.2026.pdf#page=105). The amount in the SBA trust account for Monroe County was $24,502,742\. That was too much, because 15% of $99,642,921 is just $14,946,438.
To get the trust account balance down to the 15% level, the SBA is distributing the difference ($24,502,742 – $14,946,438) to Monroe County units. That’s where the $9.556 million figure for the excess comes from.
This familiar picture for calculation of LIT will probably change, possibly radically, once the major SEA 1 revisions to the structure of LIT take effect in 2029\. But for now, local units in Monroe County know they’ll have a little more room to make this year’s budget work.
The [budget originally proposed for 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-mayor-proposes-147m-budget-for-2026-would-tap-11-2m-in-reserves/) by Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration, at $147 million, called for tapping $11.2 million in reserves. The supplemental LIT distribution announced at the end of the week doesn’t erase all of that deficit, but drops it to around $7.7 million.
### Supporters rally at Friendly Beasts to keep Seminary Pointe housing, community space
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/supporters-rally-at-friendly-beasts-to-keep-seminary-pointe-housing-community-space/
Last updated: 2026-05-22T01:33:35.000Z
Looking south down the west side of the Seminary Pointe block at Friendly Beasts Cidery. (Dave Askins, May 15, 2026)
Two new murals in progress on the wall of Bluetip Billiards. This is looking east from the B-Line Trail. (Dave Askins, May 15, 2026)
People walking and biking along the B-Line Trail just north of 2nd Street on Friday evening (May 15) passed a crowd of at least 70 people gathered outside Friendly Beasts Cidery for an event focused on “saving Seminary Pointe.” Dozens more filled the space inside.
The Seminary Pointe block includes what advocates organizing under the banner of Bloomington Homes for All call “super-affordable housing.” It’s a mixed-use block, with a residential component that includes 29 apartment units renting for roughly $400 to $700 a month. The commercial side includes businesses like Friendly Beasts, Blue Tip Billiards, Jeff’s Warehouse, and My Sister’s Closet.
The threat to Seminary Pointe stems from the potential development of a host hotel there, to serve the convention center expansion which is currently under construction on the south side of 3rd Street between Walnut Street and College Avenue.
The Seminary Pointe real estate was recently [transferred by the Monroe County government](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-accepts-downtown-parcels-now-seeks-talks-with-bloomington-rdc-on-land-swap-to-secure-host-hotel-site/) to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB), which is overseeing the convention center expansion project. The CIB is tasked under an [interlocal agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-02-21-Version-of-Capital-Improvement-Board-Interlocal-Agreement-Approved-by-Monroe-County-Commissioners-Feb-21-2024-Convention-Center.pdf) with identifying a site for a host hotel and selecting a hotelier.
The optimal scenario from the CIB’s point of view would be for the Bloomington redevelopment commission (RDC) to accept the Seminary Pointe block in trade for the RDC-owned College Square parcel (aka former Bunger & Robertson lot). There is a consensus view among local decision makers that the College Square property is ideally situated to serve as a host hotel site.
The land swap is one way to get the Seminary Pointe real estate into the hands of a new owner, without the strings attached from the innkeeper’s tax, which the county government used to purchase it more than a decade and a half ago. Those strings entail that the real estate be used to support and promote tourism.
Advocates with Bloomington Homes for All don’t want the Bloomington RDC to hang on to Seminary Pointe for long. They’d like to see it transferred at some nominal cost to the Avalon Community Land Trust, which would then preserve the real estate’s use as affordable housing.
It’s winding path to preservation of housing on that block that now looks unlikely. That’s because the RDC [declined a request](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/) from the CIB to hold off for 30 days on making a public offering of College Square, so a land swap could be negotiated. That means the CIB is [forging ahead with a new RFP](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/) for a host hotel to be located on the Seminary Pointe block.
In the meantime, the RDC approved a [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-4-College-Square-Bunger-Robertson-CIB-RDC-Response-to-Proposed-Property-Swap.pdf) that was sent to the CIB to explain why it did not want to wait 30 days. CIB president John Whikehart sent a [reply](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-06-email-whikehart-cib-rdc-myerson.pdf ). The bottom line after those two communications appears to be: There mostly likely won’t be a land swap, but it can’t be ruled out as an complete impossibility.
Some fresh insight into the CIB’s disposition towards the Seminary Pointe property, and the request from Bloomington Homes for All for lease extensions for tenants living there, could come at the CIB’s [next regular meeting](https://events.in.gov/event/capital-improvement-board-2026-1434) on May 20\.
### Save Seminary Pointe fundraiser
On Friday evening, Friendly Beasts Cidery felt less like a contested real-estate asset and more like a neighborhood street festival. Supporters turned out for a fundraiser aimed at keeping the block’s homes and cultural spaces intact.
One organizer, Bryce Greene, described the fundraiser’s goal in practical terms: money for lawyers. Greene said the current campaign is trying to raise at least $1,500\. The immediate need, he said, is to hire an attorney to review the fundamentals of their plan and advise them on ways to engage the city government.
“It’s not for free,” Greene said, noting that even grassroots efforts carry professional costs. “It takes money to support activism, and we hope to raise some of that here.”
Beyond the legal fund, Greene framed the evening as proof-of-concept for the block itself. The cidery, once part of the Artisan Alley complex, functions as a community hub, he said, a place where organizers meet weekly and where local culture has taken root over years of shows, gatherings, and everyday use.
“This is a community space,” Greene said, emphasizing that the block combines cultural space and affordable housing. In his view, any alternative use, like a hotel or a parking facility would erase what makes the area distinctive. “Everyone understands we’re in a housing crisis,” he said, and “saving affordable housing should be the top priority in the city.”
Approaching the fundraiser from the north, the first visible sign of the evening’s activity was fresh paint on brick. On the wall of Blue Tip Billiards, some in-progress new murals served as a kind of unofficial gateway to the event.
One artist, Drake Dragoo, stood in front of an image of a great blue heron, spray paint in hand, working to finish the mural in a five-hour window from 5 to 10 p.m.
Dragoo described the work as a volunteer contribution “to help the cause … to save all the buildings” on the Seminary Block. Although he holds a day job and paints “just for fun,” his approach to the mural was workmanlike. He first sketched the heron on an iPad, then used a “doodle grid” technique, which means covering the wall with small random shapes, photographing it, and aligning his digital concept over the image.
The subject itself was partly a matter of fulfilling an artistic wish: “I’ve always wanted an excuse to paint \[a great blue heron\],” he said, and the timing of the event forced him to choose something he could complete in one evening. Dragoo recalled growing up near a creek in Ellettsville where he often saw herons and always thought they were “so cool.”
Alongside Dragoo, another artist, Jonatan Espinoza, was working on a different image. It blended wide eyes, a keyhole-shaped forehead mark, and vivid abstract shapes into a surreal-looking face.
Inside Friendly Beasts, the musicians included organizer Gwyn Zimmer, who played for a crowd that filtered in and out of the cidery. The turnout made it hard to get an accurate head count.
Greene said his group is not planning to try to pack next week’s CIB meeting with a throng of advocates. But he added that he and some others would be there to maintain the communication they have established with the CIB.
The CIB’s meeting [next Wednesday (May 20)](https://events.in.gov/event/capital-improvement-board-2026-1434) starts at 3 p.m.
### Photos: Seminary Pointe block party (May 15, 2026)
Looking north at Friendly Beasts Cidery. (Dave Askins, May 15, 2026)
****Left:** The view across the B-Line Trail looking east towards the Friendly Beasts Cidery. ****Right:** Bloomington Homes for All, which is a local housing justice effort by Bloomington Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), hosts an information table at Friday's fundraiser. (Dave Askins, May 15, 2026)
****Left:** Gwyn Zimmer performs at Friday’s fundraiser. ****Right:** Bryce Greene emcees the event. (Dave Askins, May 15, 2026)
****Left:** WFHB news director Kade Young interviews organizer and musician Gwyn Zimmer. ****Right:** A glass of cider keeps watch over the gathering. (Dave Askins, May 15, 2026)
****Left:** Muralist Drake Dragoo works on his great blue heron. ****Right:** Muralist Jonatan Espinoza works on a new creation. (Dave Askins, May 15, 2026)
Murals in progress. (Dave Askins, May 15, 2026)
### One-third of provisional ballots from May 5 primary election count in Monroe County
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/one-third-of-provisional-ballots-from-may-5-primary-election-count-in-monroe-county/
Last updated: 2026-05-15T19:16:00.000Z
Provisional ballots from the May 5 primary election are reviewed. ****From right:** Monroe county election board members: Carolyn VandeWiele, Danny Shields, Nicole Browne. Seated to Browne’s right is county election supervisor Kylie Farris. (Dave Askins, May 15, 2026)
On Friday, starting at 12:01 p.m. Monroe County’s election board reviewed all 62 provisional ballots from the May 5 primary and determined that 21 of them should be accepted.
Ballots are set aside as provisional when they are voted, if the eligibility of the voter is uncertain right at that time. They’re counted only if the election board later verifies that the voter was qualified to cast a ballot.
On Friday, immediately after deciding that 21 additional ballots should be accepted, the extra batch was sent through the tabulator by Bob White with B&L IT Services and added to the 16,493 ballots that were counted by the end of Election Day.
County clerk Nicole Browne noted that none of the contests on the ballot had outcomes close enough for the additional votes to alter the results.
The odd start time for the meeting stems from the fact that noon was the deadline for “curing” some categories of provisional ballots, like those cast by someone who was not able to show the required identification on Election Day. Such voters had 10 days to submit their identification to the voter registration office.
Most rejected ballots fell into familiar categories under Indiana law: voters who cast a provisional ballot without ID and then failed to return with identification within 10 days; voters who were registered in a different county; and voters who went to the wrong polling place in Monroe County’s precinct‑based system, and never made it to the correct place before polls closed.
Accepted provisional ballots generally involved voters who cured a defect on time, like those who lacked ID on Election Day, but later appeared at Election Central within the 10‑day window with proper identification. Other voters with accepted provisional ballots had been properly registered all along, but were marked as unregistered because of a misspelled name or due to an address‑change form that had not yet been fully processed.
One technical issue involved absentee ballots from married couples and others in the same household whose signatures did not appear to match. In some cases, husbands and wives had accidentally signed each other’s ballot envelopes or applications. Election staff sent the affected voters forms so they could confirm the signature swap. It looked like three pairs of voters cured swapped signatures, and all six of their ballots were counted.
The three-member election board on Friday consisted of: county clerk Nicole Browne; Danny Shields, who is the Republican Party’s appointee; and Carolyn VandeWiele, a former election board chair who was serving as proxy for Penny Githens, the Democratic Party’s appointee.
Browne alluded to VandeWiele in her wrap-up of the afternoon’s work:
> I would summarize the outcome of today’s proceedings as wonderful. I feel blessed to work with an election board that we got it done—we got it done in a timely manner. We’re incredibly fortunate to have a proxy that was a previous election board member, and so I think things went smoothly.
### 6th Street & Washington Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-washington-street-5/
Last updated: 2026-05-17T19:54:02.000Z
Move-out season. Two sofas have been placed on the sidewalk. At one point there was a note that said “Free” sitting on one of the cushions, but it seems to have blown away. (Dave Askins, May 15, 2026)
### Bridge needs lower 5-ton limit, repairs—but who pays: Monroe County or Bloomington?
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bridge-needs-lower-5-ton-limit-repairs-but-who-pays-monroe-county-or-bloomington/
Last updated: 2026-05-19T16:37:40.000Z
Maps by The B Square. The placemarks are for all the bridges inside Monroe County that are included in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), maintained by the Federal Highway Administration.
The image is from Google Street View.
The city of Bloomington and Monroe County government are currently hashing out whose responsibility it is to maintain, repair, and possibly completely rebuild a 27-foot bridge on West Club House Drive next to the Lower Cascades Park on the north-west side of town.
On Thursday, the board of commissioners approved a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-14-bridge-resolution-from-Commissioners-Packet.pdf) telling the city of Bloomington that the bridge is not part of the county’s responsibility. The resolution also passes along the recommendation from a recent inspection that the posted weight limit of nine tons be reduced to five.
\[*Updated on May 15, 2026 at 3:29 p.m. In response to the action by the county commissioners, the city of Bloomington announced that it is closing Club House Drive leading to the bridge. The city’s* [*news release*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-05-15-city-of-Bloomington-news-release-on-Club-House-Drive-Closure.pdf) *on the topic makes clear that the city of Bloomington is not accepting responsibility for the bridge, and that its action to close the road doesn’t mean acceptance of responsibility.*\]
The inspection report says the bridge has “widespread major rotting” in its timber railings, a beam with a “major spall” and seven severed support strands, failed retaining walls leaning toward the creek, exposed footings from scour erosion, and deterioration serious enough that engineers recommended reducing the bridge’s load limit to just five tons.
While the county did perform the inspection, it was made clear that it only did so with the understanding that the city would not be inspecting the bridge, and letting it remain uninspected “could affect future grant awards” to the county.
During Thursday’s regular meeting of commissioners, which took place at 10 a.m. at the usual Nat U. Hill room at the Monroe County courthouse, county attorney Jeff Cockerill presented the motion to the commissioners.
“We don't have the authority or responsibility under state code to do anything with \[the bridge inspection\]. So we want to make sure the city knows they are the underlying property owner. They own everything around this bridge,” Cockerill said. He continued: “We don't have it in our inventory, so we really don't have any authority to get on the road to do anything with it, but we want to make sure the city knows about this inspection, with the hope that something gets worked out.”
Commissioner Julie Thomas clarified the county’s position: “This is, in essence, almost like a legal notice, but we don't want the city to construe the fact that we did the bridge inspections as we're taking the bridge. It's not our bridge. It's not in our inventory,” she said.
Highway Director Lisa Ridge spoke about the inspection and explained what needs to happen next. “\[The inspection\] showed that the bridge does need to be reposted at a lower weight limit. Probably the next option would be closing that road. So we sent the bridge inspections to the city of Bloomington. The bridge technically needs to be posted with the new weight limit within a 30 day time period. That is the end of May,” she said.
The City of Bloomington does not agree with the county’s legal position about the bridge.
In [emailed correspondence](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-08-email-on-bridges-with-monroe-county-City-of-Bloomington-Indiana-Mail-Fwd%5F-bridge-maintenance.pdf) with the county last week, assistant city attorney Christopher Wheeler wrote to Cockerill and laid out the city’s position: The city’s responsibility for bridges within its boundaries, as defined by Indiana Code, excludes the West Club House Drive bridge.
“The City believes in good faith that the County is responsible for these bridges, as it has been historically. If your inspection has found safety issues, we trust your judgment to close the bridge and ask that you notify us of the timing,” Wheeler wrote in the email.
The specific section of state law that seems to be the source of this confusion is [I.C. 8-17-1-46](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/8#8-17-1-46 ).
The relatively new section of state law, which was [enacted in 2025](https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1461/details), defines which government units have responsibility for bridges that are not part of the state highway system and are located inside the city limits within a county. The responsibility is divided based on the length of the bridge. Counties have to take responsibility for bridges longer than 20 feet, while cities take those that are shorter.
However, for a county to be responsible, one of two other criteria must be met. Either the bridge has to have been inspected by the county before Jan. 1, 2024, or the bridge has to have been added to the county inventory by the county executive after Dec. 31, 2024\. Monroe County says it did not inspect the bridge before Jan. 1, 2024, and has not added it to the county’s inventory.
This is where part of the disagreement between the county and the city lies. In his email, Wheeler, representing the city’s position, wrote: “The county’s argument rests on lack of documentation of previous inspections. It would be understandable if the county cannot locate possibly decades-old records proving that it had inspected the bridge at any time in the past.”
On the other hand, county attorney Cockerill, during Thursday’s meeting, said, “Our understanding is that \[the city\] had done the inspections up until 2024 due to their small structure inspection process, and for some reason, it went from a small structure to a bridge, someone determined that around that period of time.”
Even though the bridge clearly didn’t get longer through the passage of time, it’s possible that more precise measurements were made, given that the bridge’s length affects who is responsible for paying to fix it. There’s a second bridge, near Renwick Trail, that is mentioned in Thursday’s resolution, where the same sticky jurisdictional situation applies as for the one on Club House Drive.
One way to analyze the situation, Cockerill told The B Square, is that the state law doesn’t definitively assign responsibility for this particular bridge to either the city or the county government.
Either way, the weight posted on the Club House Drive bridge is currently nine tons. The county inspection recommends it be lowered to five tons, while also recommending that the major work is to replace the superstructure due to condition and load capacity.
The county and the city must now figure out who will foot that bill.
### May 14, 2026: North Park vote, Kirkwood Avenue, AG versus sheriff, free speech
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/may-14-2026-north-park-vote-kirkwood-avenue-ag-versus-sheriff-free-speech/
Last updated: 2026-05-14T11:16:31.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-may-11-2026/) based on events of last week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Leave home without a care in the world. It will not rain. It will be sunny, with a high near 67F°.
**Friday:** Take an umbrella if you don’t want to risk getting wet early. There will be a chance of showers before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after 11 a.m. It will be mostly sunny through mid-morning, then becoming cloudy, with a high near 73F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Kids on Kirkwood: Bloomington’s townie summer begins with block party for families](https://bsquarebulletin.com/kids-on-kirkwood-bloomingtons-townie-summer-begins-with-block-party-for-families/). Children danced, chased bubbles, and filled Kirkwood Avenue Wednesday night as Bloomington launched its “Family Night Out” series. The monthly block parties are part of the city’s compromise approach to downtown activation, keeping Kirkwood mostly open to cars except for special events.
- [Final North Park jail showdown set for May 26 after Monroe County council’s 1–5 vote fails](https://bsquarebulletin.com/final-north-park-jail-showdown-set-for-may-26-after-monroe-county-councils-1-5-vote-fails/). The Monroe County council failed Tuesday to approve a $11.375 million purchase agreement for the proposed North Park jail site, but the ordinance can return May 26 for another vote. The meeting featured sharp exchanges, public opposition, and warnings about renewed ACLU litigation.
- [Judge pauses Rokita’s lawsuit against Monroe County sheriff, as fight over ICE detainers shifts to federal court](https://bsquarebulletin.com/judge-pauses-rokitas-lawsuit-against-monroe-county-sheriff-as-fight-over-ice-detainers-shifts-to-federal-court/). A special judge has paused Indiana AG Todd Rokita’s lawsuit against Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté over immigration-enforcement policy, while a separate federal constitutional challenge to SEA 76 moves forward. Rokita is now asking the local court to unpause the lawsuit.
- [ACLU sues attorney general investigator over warning to Monroe County man about “86” social media posts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/aclu-sues-attorney-general-investigator-over-warning-to-monroe-county-man-about-86-social-media-posts/). A Monroe County man has sued an investigator for the Indiana attorney general’s office, claiming a doorstep warning over Facebook posts using “86” violated his First Amendment rights. The encounter was captured on a door camera. The lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages.
### On the calendar
**Bridges inside Bloomington.** On the [10 a.m. Thursday (May 14) meeting agenda](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-board-of-commissioners-hybrid-6157) for Monroe County commissioners is a resolution about two bridges inside the city limits of Bloomington that are not in Monroe County’s inventory. One of them, on West Club House Drive near the Cascades golf course, needs to be posted with a load limit due to its deteriorated condition. But it’s the city of Bloomington that is apparently responsible for doing the posting.
**Post election work: Provisional ballots and complaints.** Two meetings are set for Monroe County’s election board for Friday (May 15). One starts at [11 a.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/election-board-meeting) and the other at [12:01 p.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/election-board-meeting-provisional-ballot-hearing) The first one involves two allegations about election law violations, which will be heard by the election board. The other is the usual meeting to review provisional ballots.
---
**Block party at Seminary Pointe: May 15.** Homes for All is hosting a fundraiser at Friendly Beasts Cidery on Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in an effort to preserve the apartments that exist on that block. For the latest B Square coverage on that topic see: [Request for host hotel proposals OK’d by CIB at Seminary Pointe, activists still hope for land swap](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/). The event is billed as a “save the block party”, with live musicians and DJs, tree planting, and live mural painting.
**Beethoven’s 9th Symphony: May 16.** For the first time in its history, the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 9th Symphony starting around 6:15 p.m.. The symphony will be joined by a community chorus of more than 100 members on the stage of Indiana University’s Musical Arts Center (MAC). More details on the [BSO website](https://www.bloomingtonsymphony.com/event/joy/ ).
---
**Ms. Lake Lemon: May 16.** You should be in the final phase of your training regimen. This amazing contest of skill is to be held at Riddle Point Park this year. Monitor the [Ms. Lake Lemon Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574536874380) for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s [inaugural event](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ms-lake-lemon-pageant-bennett-tops-field-of-16-in-contest-featuring-firewood-nails-mud-puddles/).
**Garden Walk: June 7.** The Bloomington Garden Club will host its 37th annual Summer Garden Walk on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour will feature six private gardens around Bloomington, along with a flower show at [Hilltop Garden and Nature Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2367+E+10th+St,+Bloomington,+IN+47408/@39.180177,-86.506519,5578m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x886c66a5f08c0477:0xfe51178ebc304c88!8m2!3d39.1744469!4d-86.5054059!16s%2Fg%2F1tgh3qvn?hl=en&entry=ttu&g%5Fep=EgoyMDI2MDUwNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). You can buy [$10 tickets are from local vendors](https://bloomingtongardenclub.org/vendors), with proceeds supporting children’s gardening education programs and other local beautification projects.
---
### Meet Presley!
Up for adoption, as of May 14 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Presley](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86079). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a bloodhound mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Presley](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86079).:
> Presley is a great dog, very energetic, and loves to play. He is the sweetest and most caring dog. He loves cuddles and spending time with his favorite people. Presley also loves to sunbathe, and if you are looking for a tanning partner, he’s your man. His other favorite things are pup cups, riding in cars, and playing with stuffed animals! He does well with crating also. Presley is a large and in-charge young hound mix who loves sniffing and food in equal measures! He is house trained and looking for someone to take him on long walks! Come visit him today!
### Photo Finish: 9th Street & Morton Street (North Showers)
The sidewalk is jackhammered ready for excavation as a part of a project to improve the stormwater drainage of the parking lot so that water is not funneled directly into the building. This is looking south. (Dave Askins, May 11, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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### Kids on Kirkwood: Bloomington’s townie summer begins with block party for families
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kids-on-kirkwood-bloomingtons-townie-summer-begins-with-block-party-for-families/
Last updated: 2026-05-14T05:08:09.000Z
Family Night Out on Kirkwood Avenue. (Dave Askins, May 13, 2026)
Bubbles, whimsical music, and children running around—the area around Kirkwood Avenue in front of the Monroe County Public Library was like a community playground Wednesday evening (May 13).
The block between Grant and Lincoln streets on Kirkwood was closed off for the eventing with the city’s familiar yellow bollards.
“Family Night Out” kicked off the proverbial “townie summer” as the first of a number of events planned by city officials to activate Kirkwood and the downtown area.
The usage of Kirkwood during the summer was a much-debated topic earlier in the year, as it has been annually since 2020\. This year, the city administration decided to reverse the approach adopted in 2025 to continuously close the avenue to vehicular traffic and promote outdoor dining during the summer months.
The city council, along with some downtown business owners, [pushed back against the decision](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-may-walk-back-plan-to-keep-kirkwood-open-to-vehicle-traffic-after-city-council-backlash/) to keep Kirkwood open to cars. But the proposal that Bloomington’s board of public works [eventually approved in late February](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-board-of-public-works-kirkwood-open-to-traffic-in-2026-with-parklets-allowed-for-outdoor-dining/) was to allow Kirkwood Avenue to remain open to vehicular traffic, except for one-off occasions like Wednesday night.
This year’s proposal said the city would target resources to improve and expand the parklet program, enhance major events, like Taste of Bloomington and Pridefest, and create smaller promotional events. The promotional events are to be planned in partnership with businesses to activate the broader corridor and attract visitors to the Kirkwood and downtown corridor.
When Kirkwood activation coordinator Talia Halliday was awarded the consultant position in 2025, she was under the impression that the entirety of Kirkwood would be closed, but she’s happy where the city administration landed on the issue.
“As someone who’s lived here for many years, most of the time this is not activated, so it felt like a really, really, really big undertaking for me to take on to try and activate five closed city blocks,” she said. “I just don’t think it’s utilized as much as it could be right now.”
Wednesday’s event certainly succeeded in activating the area, as families gathered to enjoy what Halliday said was the first of five block parties planned for the summer and early fall.
“I just hope a dozen families come out and have fun. That’s my expectation,” she added. “We’re doing it every second Wednesday from now through October. We will probably add vendors and add food trucks throughout the season.”
Kelsey Thetonia, a resident who lives north of downtown, was there with her daughter who was very excited to get a face-painting of a fox.
“It’s great weather outside, and there’s lots of fun things to do for the kids,” she said. “I would love it if they kept the street closed for the summer like they have in previous years. So we’re gonna take advantage of it, because we enjoy the space, and then we enjoy being able to use the space differently.”
Ella Heckman had arrived at the event just after 6 p.m. and her kids ran straight to the bubble machine when The B Square caught up with them.
“We’re here because it’s just like a fun activity to do after school and work with other families,” she said. “I think this is a great compromise having this section of the street closed off once a month for kids to run around together with bubbles.”
A musical backdrop was provided by hurdy gurdy player Fred Meyer, a University High School alum and former member of 1960s local rock band The Gray. Meyer cranked out traditional tunes with his modern copy of an 1892 French instrument built in Wales.
Adding to the musical mix was Kid Kazooey, the stage persona of songwriter Kevin MacDowell.
That made for one enduring picture of the evening: children owning the space and running around without parents, holding hands, and dancing to a riveting live performance of “Fish on the Roof of the Court House,” a Kid Kazooey classic.
## Videos: Kirkwood (May 13, 2026)
0:00
/1:50
1×
Kid Kazooey, the stage persona of musician Kevin MacDowell, plays his song “Fish on the Top of the Courthouse” on keyboard at a family night out on Wednesday on Kirkwood Avenue in front of the Monroe County Public Library in downtown Bloomington. The tune includes a lyric that says the fish has seen the “many many hats of Charlotte Zietlow.” Kazooey says he has not performed the song since the death of the longtime county and city leader, who was known, among other things, for her vast collection of hats. (Dave Askins, May 13, 2026)
0:00
/0:23
1×
Bloomington native Fred Meyer, a University High School alum and former member of 1960s rock band The Gray, leans into his century-spanning hurdy gurdy. It's a modern copy of an 1892 French instrument built in Wales whose lineage reaches back a thousand years across Europe from France and Spain to Persia. He cranks out the traditional tune “Red Haired Boy." (Dave Askins, May 13, 2026)
Hurdy gurdy player Fred Meyer strolls along Kirkwood Avenue on the library block. (Dave Askins, May 13, 2026)
### Indiana Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-avenue-kirkwood-avenue-3/
Last updated: 2026-05-17T19:56:57.000Z
Brickwork is under repair along Kirkwood Avenue. It's a roughly [half-million-dollar project](https://bsquarebulletin.com/brick-fix-okd-for-kirkwood-avenue-at-491k-cost/). (Dave Askins, May 13, 2026)
### Final North Park jail showdown set for May 26 after Monroe County council’s 1–5 vote fails
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/final-north-park-jail-showdown-set-for-may-26-after-monroe-county-councils-1-5-vote-fails/
Last updated: 2026-05-13T14:45:06.000Z
****Left:** A couple dozen people attended Tuesday’s county council meeting, which was also covered by Indiana Public Media. ****Middle:** Addressing the county council were (from left): sheriff Ruben Marté; and county commissioners Jody Madeira and Julie Thomas. ****Right:** Monroe County councilmembers. Trent Deckard was absent. (Dave Askins, May 12, 2026)
Failing to win approval from the Monroe County council on Tuesday night (May 12) was an [ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-12-Monroe-County-Council-Agenda-Packet-North-Park-Purchase-Just-Agreement.pdf) authorizing the purchase of the [North Park property](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1R1Khz2Z%5FJhoqpA7KFoLgX8x3ppt9WWs&usp=sharing ) for a new jail for $11.375 million.
But that means it will come back for a vote in two weeks at the council’s next meeting on May 26\. It’s at the meeting two weeks from now when the question of North Park will be settled for good.
At the end of Tuesday’s almost four-hour long meeting, which featured several tense moments between commissioners, council members, and the public, the county council voted just 1–5 in favor of approving the ordinance.
North Park is a roughly 52-acre property northwest of Bloomington off SR-46\.
Councilor David Henry initially made a motion to approve the ordinance, followed by a brief moment of confusion when he asked to change it into a motion to deny the ordinance. After several rounds of back and forth between councilors and county attorney Molly Turner-King, Henry reverted to his original motion to approve the ordinance.
Henry’s idea had been to settle the question of North Park for good on Tuesday night, with a vote where a majority of councilors voted to *reject* the ordinance. That would have removed the possibility of a second vote in two weeks. As it turned out, the failed 1–5 vote on approval just meant that the ordinance didn’t have unanimous support. And [under state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-2-4-7), that meant it could not be approved Tuesday night, which was the same day and the same meeting when it was introduced. But it did not preclude consideration of the ordinance at the next meeting.
Councilor Peter Iversen was the sole vote in support of the ordinance. Trent Deckard was absent. All five remaining councilors voted the same way they did in late October last year when an appropriation for North Park failed to win any votes in support and was unanimously rejected. Iversen was not keen to take a vote at all, because he felt it wasn’t appropriate to decide the issue when Deckard was absent. Henry countered that councilor Marty Hawk had not been present for the [6–0 rejection](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared Documents%2FWeb Content Monroe County 2025-2026%2FCounty Council%2F10-28 Council Meeting Minutes SIGNED.pdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared Documents%2FWeb Content Monroe County 2025-2026%2FCounty Council&p=true&ga=1) of the appropriation ordinance late during the Oct. 28, 2025 meeting, after the adoption had failed 0–7\. The vote on the rejection was meant to underscore the council’s position at the time against North Park.
With this, councilors have left the window open for approval of the North Park purchase agreement two weeks from now, when their individual votes could change.
### County councilor questions
Tuesday’s meeting venue was the usual one—the Nat U. Hill Room at the Monroe County courthouse. It was attended by all three members of the board of commissioners. Julie Thomas and Jody Madeira attended in person, while Lee Jones joined remotely. Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté also attended. It’s the commissioners and the sheriff who were the named defendants in the still pending lawsuit filed by the ACLU in 2008 over conditions at the jail.
It’s the threat that the [settlement agreement for the lawsuit](https://bsquarebulletin.com/deadlock-on-delay-leads-to-5-3-approval-by-bloomington-for-360-unit-residential-project/) will not be extended past May 29, when it’s set to expire, that has injected some urgency into considerations of county officials. If a purchase agreement is not approved by both the commissioners and the council by May 29, then Ken Falk, the ACLU’s lead attorney, has indicated he’ll let the agreement expire, opening the door to fresh litigation over current conditions at the jail.
The council finished deliberations on the other topics on the agenda packet within about 40 minutes of the beginning of the meeting. A short recess was taken, after which discussions began on the purchase agreement for the proposed North Park jail project.
Thomas started proceedings by talking about the urgency of the situation, with the ACLU’s long-running jail lawsuit settlement agreement with Monroe County, which was set to expire on April 15, but was extended at the last moment until May 29.
“Mr. \[Ken\] Falk \[of the ACLU\] has made his expectations clear to all parties, as outlined in the most recent extension, and he made it very clear to our attorneys last week that he will not consider an additional extension,” she said.
Madeira outlined the potential risks of allowing the May 29 deadline to pass.
“If the settlement agreement lapses at the end of May without meeting our obligations—a site selected—we’ll then be open to new litigation, both from the ACLU and from individual inmates. This isn’t a suggestion. It’s a real threat. A federal judge can order any number of remedies, but let’s be clear, this is a burden borne by all Monroe County taxpayers,” she said. “This isn’t a risk or cost that the commissioners are willing to accept when a good solution exists.”
Thomas then invited Sheriff Marté to speak on the topic, and he urged the council to act fast given the conditions of the current jail facility.
“I’m walking into that facility, day in, day out, and I’m looking at people that we are supposed to be taking care of, because this city, this county, is supposed to be a caring and giving county. If everybody saw what was going on, they would be embarrassed. Not everyone sees what goes on in there. Everyone has good ideas that they think they do, but those are opinions. I’m dealing with facts,” he said. “We can not provide the programs that we should be able to provide. The medical care—we can’t even keep up.”
The councilors questioned the commissioners for the better part of an hour, probing into various aspects of the proposed project, the appraisals of the North Park property, and the circumstances that led to the county council taking a second vote about the location they had [rejected six months ago](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-unanimously-rejects-north-park-jail-site-funding-after-marathon-meeting/).
Council president Jennifer Crossley said, “How has it been that the county government has sat on this for as long as we have, and has had the ACLU extend, extend throughout all this time, and nobody has said anything up until the moment when we took the vote on October 28?”
Following a discussion about the plans potentially including a jail and just three courtrooms at the North Park site, councilor Kate Wiltz asked who was involved in the making of these decisions.
“Every single person that I’ve talked to who works in the courts, judges and offenders, prosecutors, I’ve talked to many people. None of them want that, and they’ve all actually said that would be, there’s no way they can see using that. Where’s the disconnect? And have you had them provide input?” she asked. Wiltz commented that the proposal seemed “like a very undeveloped concept”.
Councilor David Henry dug into the decision-making process that led to the current disagreement between the council and the board of commissioners, and how that can be avoided in the future.
“How can we do it differently so that we don’t relive the same process, where we agree to a purchase agreement and then a few months from now, once the design comes back and it’s considerably more expensive for whatever reasons there may be that we end up right back reliving last fall. I mean, how are we going to do this differently to make sure the public and this body is very aware of the requirements we’re keeping and the requirements we’re getting,” Henry said.
### Public comment
Public commentary saw an overwhelming majority of speakers pressing on the council not to approve the purchase.
Several residents of neighborhoods adjacent to the North Park site made impassioned pleas to not go through with the approval.
One of them was Susan Easton, who asked for the council’s continued “fiscal diligence” on the issue.
Jessica Groves, another resident in the area, said she’s not opposed to the jail and has sympathy for the conditions of the inmates, but mentioned community activities, children’s safety, and the potential impact on property values as reasons she opposes the proposal.
Kurtis Cummins, who works in public service and human systems and said he is in and out of the jail and the courts on a weekly basis, said, “This is a long-term land use and economic development decision that will shape Monroe County for decades.” Cummins expressed concern that North Park is too strategically important to be “only a jail”, as it may represent one of the county’s most valuable future development corridors.
Former county councilor and now CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Eric Spoonmore picked up on questions raised by councilor David Henry about the value of the land.
Spoonmore calculated the cost per acre of the North Park site at about $11.375 million for 52 acres, or roughly $219,000 per acre, and then set that against recent jail land purchases in Allen County (about $45,000 per acre), Marion County (about $30,000 per acre), and Vigo County (about $41,000 per acre). He told councilors that means Monroe County is being asked to pay roughly five to seven times more per acre. The purchase price is the average of two appraisals. \[[North Park Appraisal 1](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-04-19-First-Appraisal-Group-North-Park-Appraisal-Report.pdf)\] \[[North Park Appraisal 2](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-03-22-Advisio-Appraisal-North-Park-West-Hunter-Valley-Rd-and-North-Stone-Branch-03-22-2024.pdf)\]
Richard Garza, who worked in the justice center last summer, was the sole voice from the public mic who was in favor of the North Park site for the new jail project. “I am here to implore the council to approve this purchase agreement. It is incredibly irresponsible and not caring to deny this. Enough is enough,” he said.
---
However, the lack of support for Garza’s comments underscored the depth of opposition the board of commissioners faced during the meeting. If that dynamic repeats itself [two weeks from now](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-1411), county councilors will be under pressure to stick by their votes against North Park.
### Grant Street & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/grant-street-kirkwood-avenue-2/
Last updated: 2026-05-17T20:07:59.000Z
The wayfinding signs by [Visit Bloomington](https://www.visitbloomington.com/plan/virtual-guides/?gad%5Fsource=1&gad%5Fcampaignid=1673461561&gbraid=0AAAAADkAwhBwX6%5FlKFMl3HfWsBaIIycNK&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzqXQBhD2ARIsAKrIeU-1KrWyKNjIg3Ei9JxmPAnrFNp78cbSCDXLaJlZ4%5FOpx4xbqD3KgYkaAhn3EALw%5FwcB) throughout the downtown have been refurbished. This one is still missing the script "Bloomington" angled across the top, but that seems to be part of the ultimate plan.(May 13, 2026)
### 9th Street & Morton Street (North Showers)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/9th-street-morton-street-north-showers/
Last updated: 2026-05-12T16:51:47.000Z
The sidewalk is jackhammered ready for excavation as a part of a project to improve the stormwater drainage of the parking lot so that water is not funneled directly into the building. This is looking south. (Dave Askins, May 11, 2026)
### Judge pauses Rokita’s lawsuit against Monroe County sheriff, as fight over ICE detainers shifts to federal court
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/judge-pauses-rokitas-lawsuit-against-monroe-county-sheriff-as-fight-over-ice-detainers-shifts-to-federal-court/
Last updated: 2026-05-12T14:43:44.000Z
****Left:** Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita from the [AG's website](https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/images/ag-rokita.jpg). ****Right:** Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté. (B Square file photo)
A special judge appointed in a Monroe County case has put on hold Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s [lawsuit](https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase/#/vw/SearchResults/eyJ2Ijp7Ik1vZGUiOiJCeUNhc2UiLCJDYXNlTnVtIjoiNTNDMDYtMjQwNy1QTC0wMDE3MzMiLCJDaXRlTnVtIjpudWxsLCJDcm9zc1JlZk51bSI6bnVsbCwiRmlyc3QiOm51bGwsIk1pZGRsZSI6bnVsbCwiTGFzdCI6bnVsbCwiQnVzaW5lc3MiOm51bGwsIkRvQlN0YXJ0IjpudWxsLCJEb0JFbmQiOm51bGwsIk9BTnVtIjpudWxsLCJCYXJOdW0iOm51bGwsIlNvdW5kRXgiOmZhbHNlLCJDb3VydEl0ZW1JRCI6OTIsIkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOm51bGwsIkxpbWl0cyI6bnVsbCwiQWR2YW5jZWQiOnRydWUsIkFjdGl2ZUZsYWciOiJBbGwiLCJGaWxlU3RhcnQiOm51bGwsIkZpbGVFbmQiOm51bGwsIkNvdW50eUNvZGUiOm51bGx9fQ==) against sheriff Ruben Marté over the sheriff’s immigration-enforcement policy, while a [related federal constitutional challenge](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-sheriff-sues-indiana-attorney-general-over-new-immigration-detainer-law/) proceeds in U.S. District Court.
But the attorney general is now asking the county circuit court to reverse its own decision and resume the case.
The backdrop of the local case pending in the county’s circuit court is Marté’s recently filed federal lawsuit against Rokita, which challenges part of Senate Enrolled Act 76 ([SEA 76](https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/76/details)), a new Indiana law requiring local law-enforcement agencies to comply with detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Marté contends that complying with detainer requests that are not backed by a judicial warrant would violate the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on unreasonable seizures. The most recent substantive activity in the federal case is Marté’s [motion for a preliminary injunction](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-30-26-cv-00701-Marte-Rokita-plaintiff-preliminary-injunction-073111744805.pdf ) to block enforcement, before SEA 76 takes effect on July 1.
The case in the circuit court dates back to July 2024, when Rokita sued Marté over the Monroe County sheriff’s office policy known as MCSO-012\. The attorney general argues that the policy unlawfully restricts cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The case has been pending in Monroe County circuit court under special judge Luke Rudisill.
On April 11, attorneys for Marté filed a [motion to stay proceedings](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-11-53C06-2407-PL-001733-Motion-to-Stay-Proceedings.pdf), which asked Rudisill to pause the local case while the federal litigation moves forward. The filing claims that the new federal lawsuit is likely to resolve what Marté contends is the key remaining question in case. That question is whether holding someone solely on the basis of an ICE detainer request violates the Fourth Amendment.
The [motion for a stay](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-11-53C06-2407-PL-001733-Motion-to-Stay-Proceedings.pdf) also says that after Gov. Mike Braun signed SEA 76 into law, Marté revised the sheriff’s office policy to comply with most of the new statute, leaving the detainer issue as the central unresolved question. The April 11 filing also indicates that Marté intends to seek a preliminary injunction in the federal case, before the relevant provision of SEA 76 takes effect on July 1\. The [request for a preliminary injunction ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-30-26-cv-00701-Marte-Rokita-plaintiff-preliminary-injunction-073111744805.pdf )was filed on April 30\.
On April 20, Rudisill [granted the stay](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-53C06-2407-PL-001733-Order-Granting-Motion-to-Stay.pdf). The order did not include the court’s reasoning, which is not unusual.
The next day, Rokita’s office filed a [motion to reconsider](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-21-53C06-2407-PL-001733-Plaintiffs-Motion-to-Reconsider.pdf), asking Rudisill to reverse his order granting a stay. The attorney general says that the constitutional issue has already been extensively briefed in the Monroe County case, including in cross-motions for summary judgment that are already pending before the court.
According to the AG’s filing, pausing the state case while the federal case proceeds would “waste, not conserve, judicial resources” and would delay resolution of the key dispute, because the federal case had barely begun at the time the stay was ordered. The AG also says that Indiana courts are fully capable of deciding federal constitutional questions, including Fourth Amendment claims.
Rokita’s filing asking for reconsideration frames the case as a matter of public safety and state authority, saying that: “Hoosiers have a special interest in the speedy resolution of this case and the vindication of the duly enacted State law at issue.” The filing contends that Marté’s office has released individuals subject to ICE detainer requests and cites one example where a released person allegedly later committed assault.
Marté’s legal team responded on April 22 with a filing [opposing the request for reconsideration](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-22-53C06-2407-PL-001733-4%5F22%5F26-Opp-to-Motion-to-Recon.pdf), urging Rudisill to leave the stay in place. The sheriff’s lawyers said that SEA 76 substantially changed the legal landscape, after the parties had already completed much of their summary judgment briefing.
According to Marté’s opposition to reconsideration, the “sole remaining issue of contention” is now the federal constitutional question that is also at the center of the separate federal lawsuit. The filing also says the federal court could provide broader relief by declaring the new detainer provision unconstitutional and blocking its enforcement statewide before it takes effect on July 1.
Rokita then replied on [April 30](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-53C06-2407-PL-001733-Plaintiffs-Reply-in-Further-Sup.pdf) to Marté’s opposition, followed by an amended version on [May 1](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-01-53C06-2407-PL-001733-Plaintiffs-Amended-Reply-in-Fur.pdf ). In those filings, Rokia says that Marté’s side is effectively assuming that the federal court would decide the constitutional issue in the sheriff’s favor. Rokita also says in the filing that he intends to seek dismissal of the federal lawsuit on preliminary grounds, before the court ever reaches the merits of the Fourth Amendment question.
The latest filings also reveal that in the county circuit court case, settlement discussions on some claims not involving the Fourth Amendment had begun before the stay was entered. The attorney general says those discussions stopped once the stay was granted. According to the AG’s filing, Marté’s side informed the state that it did not plan to continue settlement discussions while the stay remains in effect.
All of this means that the local Monroe County case is now paused, unless Rudisill grants the motion to reconsider and lifts the stay he previously ordered.
Meanwhile, in the separate federal lawsuit filed by Marté, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the most recent substantive action came on April 30, when Marté filed a motion for a [preliminary injunction](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-30-26-cv-00701-Marte-Rokita-plaintiff-preliminary-injunction-073111744805.pdf), to block enforcement of SEA 76 before it takes effect on July 1.
### ACLU sues attorney general investigator over warning to Monroe County man about “86” social media posts
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/aclu-sues-attorney-general-investigator-over-warning-to-monroe-county-man-about-86-social-media-posts/
Last updated: 2026-05-12T15:07:41.000Z
An ant's-eye view of a page from the ACLU’s First Amendment [complaint](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-07-1-26-cv-00923-Lawmaster-v-Spivey-Complaint-May-2026.pdf). (Dave Askins, May 11, 2026)
A Monroe County man has filed a [First Amendment lawsuit](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-07-1-26-cv-00923-Lawmaster-v-Spivey-Complaint-May-2026.pdf) after an investigator for the Indiana Attorney General’s office came to his home and warned him that Facebook comments using the numeral “86” could get him indicted.
The lawsuit, filed May 7 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, names Lee Lawmaster as plaintiff and Kurt Spivey, director of investigations for the Indiana Attorney General’s office, as the defendant. Lawmaster is represented by the ACLU of Indiana.
Lawmaster is asking for a jury trial.
According to the complaint, Lawmaster posted “86” followed by the names of elected officials on their official Facebook pages, including Attorney General Todd Rokita, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and U.S. Sen. Jim Banks. The complaint says Lawmaster meant the slang term in the sense of “throw out,” “get rid of,” or remove from office, not as a violent threat. There does not appear to be a [definitive etymology](https://www.history.com/articles/86-meaning) for the use of “86” as a slang term.
The filing says Lawmaster’s posts were partly a protest of the [prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyp70l1egeo) over a social media post showing “86 47” spelled out with shells on a beach. The “47” in Comey’s post is interpreted as the 47th U.S. president, who is Donald Trump. The complaint says Lawmaster believed Comey’s post was protected speech and used “86” to express his own opposition to certain elected officials.
On May 1, according to the complaint, Spivey went to Lawmaster’s home and spoke with him at the front door. The encounter lasted a little more than two minutes and was recorded by a door camera, which captured both audio and video. A transcript of their exchange is included in the [complaint](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-07-1-26-cv-00923-Lawmaster-v-Spivey-Complaint-May-2026.pdf).
The complaint quotes Spivey as telling Lawmaster that he was there to talk about Lawmaster’s “internet activity.” When Spivey asked whether Lawmaster remembered what he had posted, Lawmaster replied, “86 somebody.” Spivey then asked whether Lawmaster understood the term in light of the Comey case. Lawmaster replied: “Just means get rid of.”
Spivey acknowledged that Lawmaster had a right to free speech and to his own opinions, according to the quoted dialogue in the complaint. But Spivey then told him: “But you crossed the line … with a threat like that.” Spivey suggested that Lawmaster “tone down the political rhetoric a little bit,” and told him that when someone comes knocking on your door it means things have gone too far.
The key statement cited in the lawsuit comes later in the exchange. Spivey allegedly told Lawmaster: “Listen, if Comey was indicted, we could easily indict you over this today.” Spivey then said he could “check a box” saying they had talked, had “come to an agreement,” and that he could “let this one slide.”
The complaint says Spivey’s comments amounted to a threat from a state official that caused Lawmaster to stop posting not only “86” comments, but any comments on elected officials’ social media pages, because he feared retribution.
The lawsuit asks the court to declare that Spivey violated Lawmaster’s First Amendment rights and to block Spivey from taking action against Lawmaster over past or future “86” posts. The lawsuit also asks the court to block any action against Lawmaster for using any other wording that does not amount to “a true threat as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court.” Lawmaster is also asking for compensatory, nominal and punitive damages, plus attorney fees.
Under the rules of federal civil procedure, Spivey will have 21 days to respond, after being served in the lawsuit.
### May 11, 2026: Inside former H-T building, Hopewell South, election results analysis
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/may-11-2026-inside-former-h-t-building-hopewell-south-election-results-analysis/
Last updated: 2026-05-11T09:27:45.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-may-11-2026/) based on events of last week.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** If you want, you can wear a light wrap when you head out in the morning to stave off the brisk overnight low of around 46F°. But otherwise, all you need is sunglasses, because it’s not going to rain and the high temperature will be around 71F°.
**Tuesday:** Same as Monday, but the high will be a few degrees warmer at 77F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [A carcass of traditional print media: Inside the former Herald-Times building](https://bsquarebulletin.com/a-carcass-of-traditional-print-media-inside-the-former-herald-times-building/). The Monroe County Community School Corporation is preparing to sell the former Herald-Times building at 1900 S. Walnut St., four years after buying it for $2.9 million. Photos with this article document the current conditions inside the building, including the newspaper’s old printing press.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-60/). Hawk: I heard some IU students graduated after taking all their classes on a cruise in the Caribbean?? Fish has an explanation, and it is hilarious as usual.
- [Monroe County property transfers through May 5, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-may-5-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 20 to May 5, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Canvas breach hits Indiana University, MCCSC as hackers threaten data leak](https://bsquarebulletin.com/canvas-breach-hits-indiana-university-mccsc-as-hackers-threaten-data-leak/). Indiana University and Monroe County Community School Corporation are dealing with the impact from a global security breach involving the Canvas learning platform, which remained offline Friday at both institutions. MCCSC say there is no confirmation that student data was exposed.
- [Primary election notebook: Geographic breakdown of Monroe County clerk's race](https://bsquarebulletin.com/primary-election-notebook-geographic-breakdown-of-monroe-county-clerks-race/). Tree Martin Lucas won Tuesday's Democratic Party primary for Monroe County clerk with 47.7% in a 3-way race. Tanner Branham showed some strength in a few Bloomington precincts near the IU campus. Joe Davis won one precinct. This sets up a fall race between Martin Lucas and GOP nominee Julie Hays.
- [Hopewell South PUD wins unanimous OK from Bloomington city council](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-wins-unanimous-ok-from-bloomington-city-council/). Bloomington’s city council unanimously approved the Hopewell South PUD after months of debate over issues like how much of the project should remain permanently affordable. A compromise set a 35% affordability minimum with a 50% target, while preserving flexibility for financing tools.
### Quick Notes
**Stickers—now what?** Last year I wrote a column about [giving away stickers](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-embrace-our-shared-geography-please-do-not-let-me-die-with-stickers-left-over/). They are all gone now. On the night of May 5, 2026, which was primary Election Day in Monroe County, after the Democratic Party’s watch party at Sleeper’s Bar in the Cascades Inn, Izzy Frieze asked for and received the final sticker. Thank you to Izzy and all those who came before her. Over the last four months, handing over a sticker to somebody who asked for one was the highlight of any day when I got a chance to do that. We’re now noodling on the next thing to try out.
For background on the sticker give-way, see this B Square column: [Editor’s Notebook: Embrace our shared geography, please do not let me die with stickers left over](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-embrace-our-shared-geography-please-do-not-let-me-die-with-stickers-left-over/). Dave Askins and Izzy Frieze celebrate the transfer of the final B Square sticker. (Kelton O’Connell, May 5, 2026)
### On the calendar
**Purchase agreement.** Appearing on the [5 p.m. Tuesday (May 12) meeting agenda](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-12-Monroe-County-Council-Agenda-Packet-North-Park.pdf#page=69) for the Monroe County council is an ordinance that approves the purchase agreement for North Park. Because it takes the form of an ordinance, it would need unanimous approval to be enacted at the same meeting when it is introduced, at the May 12 meeting. But if it does not have unanimous support on May 12, it could be enacted at the council’s following meeting, on May 26, if it gets majority support at that meeting. It’s almost certain not to receive unanimous approval on May 12\.
**Sidewalk snow clearance.** The city council has set a [6:30 p.m. working session for May 13](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16787/download) on the topic of snow clearance on sidewalks and transit stops among other locations.
---
**Townie Summer Kickoff: May 13.** Wednesday marks the season’s first Wednesday Family Night Out event of the season. From 4:30–8 p.m. on May 13, the block of Kirkwood right in front of the Monroe County Public Library, will turn into a family-friendly gathering space with food, music, games, and hands-on activities.
Families are encouraged to grab carryout from downtown restaurants and enjoy dinner together at communal tables set up in the street. Free beverages will be provided by Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, with additional specials from Lennie’s and other downtown eateries. Entertainment includes music from the Hurdy Gurdy Man, Kid Kazooey, and a dance set from Yolanda Dunderdale.
Local vendors and organizations taking part include Pottery House Studio, Board & Brush, Mairzy Doats, Sharon Moore Creative Studio, Bricks Made Better, Kaleidoscope Youth, Morgenstern Books, Access Able, Art Remains, Gan Shalom Preschool, Wild Birds Unlimited, and the Monroe County Public Library.
**Block party at Seminary Pointe: May 15.** Homes for All is hosting a fundraiser at Friendly Beasts Cidery on Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in an effort to preserve the apartments that exist on that block. For the latest B Square coverage on that topic see: [Request for host hotel proposals OK’d by CIB at Seminary Pointe, activists still hope for land swap](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/). The event is billed as a “save the block party”, with live musicians and DJs, tree planting, and live mural painting.
**Beethoven’s 9th Symphony: May 16.** For the first time in its history, the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 9th Symphony starting around 6:15 p.m.. The symphony will be joined by a community chorus of more than 100 members on the stage of Indiana University’s Musical Arts Center (MAC). More details on the [BSO website](https://www.bloomingtonsymphony.com/event/joy/ ).
---
**Ms. Lake Lemon: May 16.** You should be in the final phase of your training regimen. This amazing contest of skill is to be held at Riddle Point Park this year. Monitor the [Ms. Lake Lemon Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574536874380) for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s [inaugural event](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ms-lake-lemon-pageant-bennett-tops-field-of-16-in-contest-featuring-firewood-nails-mud-puddles/).
---
### Meet Simba!
Up for adoption, as of May 10 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Simba](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/85982). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a German shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Simba](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/85982):
> Shy, Sweet, and Ready to Play! Meet Simba! He is a charming, affectionate boy who is looking for his forever family. While he is initially a bit timid in new situations, Simba quickly wins hearts with his loving, playful nature. He loves peanut butter, fetch, and giving kisses! Personality: Shy but warms up quickly, loving, loyal, energetic. Training: House trained and eager to please. Dogs: Loves other dogs! Respectful of cats! Kids: Good with children (may jump up when excited). Simba is the perfect balance of playful energy and cozy cuddles. He is looking for an active, loving home that will give him the time to settle in and shower him with affection
### Photo Finish: College Avenue & 17th Street (Miller-Showers Park)
A pair of Canada geese and five goslings hanging out on the grass between the path and the Miller-Showers detention pond. (Dave Askins, Mother's Day May 10, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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### Civic Solver: May 11, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-may-11-2026/
Last updated: 2026-05-11T02:00:51.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one most weeks in the [*Almost Daily Bulletin*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) emailed newsletter.
### College Avenue & 17th Street (Miller-Showers Park)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-17th-street-miller-showers-park/
Last updated: 2026-05-10T19:16:57.000Z
A pair of Canada geese and five goslings hanging out on the grass between the path and the Miller-Showers detention pond. (Dave Askins, Mother's Day May 10, 2026)
A pair of Canada geese and five goslings hanging out on the grass between the path and the Miller-Showers detention pond. (Dave Askins, Mother's Day May 10, 2026)
A pair of Canada geese and five goslings hanging out on the grass between the path and the Miller-Showers detention pond. (Dave Askins, Mother's Day May 10, 2026)
A pair of Canada geese and five goslings hanging out on the grass between the path and the Miller-Showers detention pond. (Dave Askins, Mother's Day May 10, 2026)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-60/
Last updated: 2026-05-10T10:13:07.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #61 (May 10, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through May 5, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-may-5-2026/
Last updated: 2026-05-10T10:11:31.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 20 to May 5, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On May 5, 2026, the property at 3215 S Abby LN was sold to JANE MARIE LIND by MARY A LONG for $362,500.
- On May 4, 2026, the property at 3816 E Callery CT was sold to THE DEL CARLO FAMILY TRUST by BRUCE K GARBER for $512,500.
- On May 4, 2026, the property at 3638 E Tamarron DR was sold to LHUNDUP NORBU by JOYCE E CLAFLIN REVOCABLE TRUST for $461,000.
- On May 4, 2026, the property at 626 S Mitchell ST was sold to BRIAN SHELL by Puntarelli, Salvatore J for $359,900.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 203 W Gordon PIKE was sold to HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF MONROE COUNTY, INC by BRANCH OUT LLC for $750,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 2906 N Ramble RD W was sold to RACHEL OLVERA by SARAH ANNE MCAFEE for $445,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 3855 S Bainbridge DR was sold to MADYSON ALEXANDRA KELLER by Carver, Daniel for $429,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 714 E Allendale DR was sold to DANIELA BERRY by PATRICK C MCFADDEN for $410,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 9653 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to COREY JAMES by Capo, Carlos for $369,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 7950 W Eller RD was sold to MEGAN WOLF by ESTATE OF ROGER FRANKLIN DOWNEY for $337,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 104 S Johnson AVE was sold to SURESH C PATEL REVOCABLE TRUST by DAJA PROPERTIES III, LLC for $289,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 6850 W Golden DR was sold to KENNEDY WALL by KIRKWOOD REALTY, LLC for $239,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 623 E Bayberry CT West was sold to BENJAMIN REATH COSNER by NEIL KIRAN SUPANEKAR for $234,600.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 9444 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to ROBERTA HULL by CLARENCE D HAVILAND for $187,500.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 3950 N Baugh RD was sold to MEGAN SIPES by DONALD CAPPS, JR for $175,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 1982 E Bay Pointe DR was sold to COLIETA ANNBROWNING-BLOSS by DAVID A RANDLE for $162,000.
- On May 1, 2026, the property at 4423 S Old State Road 37 was sold to NICHOLAS WALKER by REGENIA I LANE AKA REGENIA IRENE LANE for $85,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 7600 N Blue Heron DR was sold to MICHAEL MURPHY by BRETT ALAN PRESLEY for $825,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 3138 E Wyndam CT was sold to BRADLEY A ZIKE AND CHERYL A ZIKE TRUST by Bird, Richard Michael Revocable Trust for $540,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 4102 N Emma DR was sold to DIEDRE KELLY by Isaacson, Eric for $415,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 5279 N Thornhill PL was sold to JOHNNY R LINDSEY by Godbole, Anushree for $390,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 7295 S Burch RD was sold to KELLI S KIXMILLER by SABLE BEYERS for $370,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 3206 S Allendale DR was sold to ZACKARY HARBRON by JANET K CANNON for $315,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 4225 N Brookwood DR was sold to HEATH D NORRICK by STEPHANIE D DILLON for $270,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 8350 W Graves RD was sold to ANTHONY BAKER by RONDA BRAY for $145,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at 5501 S Rogers ST was sold to SILVERSTEIN LLC by MARY L KATSAROPOUOS for $80,000.
- On April 30, 2026, the property at N Richardson RD was sold to TERRI L SHEDD by Hall, Allen L for $4,000.
- On April 29, 2026, the property at 416 W Potowatami CT was sold to JORDEN R CORLETTE by Day, Megan R for $260,000.
- On April 28, 2026, the property at 6573 E Kerr Creek RD was sold to NATHANIAL MARK LAUCHLI by MARY VICTORIA LATHAM WEEKS REVOCABLE TRUST for $890,000.
- On April 28, 2026, the property at 2272 E Cape Cod DR was sold to RYAN M MCKEOWN by DORIS E MCGRATH for $334,000.
- On April 28, 2026, the property at 543 S Cobblestone CT was sold to CODY RYAN MITCHELL by Landgraff, Thomas D for $295,000.
- On April 28, 2026, the property at 9018 S Pointe Ridge LN was sold to ARISTE MAR OLIVERO by Lemons, David for $187,500.
- On April 27, 2026, the property at 4636 S Hawks WAY was sold to ADAM ANTHONY GOLAS by Craig, Nancy for $1,670,000.
- On April 27, 2026, the property at 4514 E Compton BLVD was sold to LIBERTY CLARK by DIPAKKUMAR M TAILOR for $358,000.
- On April 27, 2026, the property at 3764 E Cobble Creek DR was sold to ERIC THOMAS MCKAY by SANDY JINGMIN LIANG for $265,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 2603 S Madison ST was sold to PARKER E BUSICK by FERNANDEZ, ADRIENNE EVANS for $266,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 9632 S Bay Pointe CT was sold to ERIC ROBERT ISAKSON by Kay, Sherry L for $210,000.
- On April 22, 2026, the property at 2150 E Moffett LN was sold to JOHN DAVID CRANE by ANDY G MINTON for $110,000.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 500 E Moss Creek DR was sold to BLACKWELL LIVING TRUST by ALI AKHRAS for $317,500.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 2700 S Pinehurst DR was sold to THE ROBERT AND BETH ELLEN SUTTON FAMILY TRUST by WESLEY E AULT for $312,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 2323 W Arlington RD was sold to FIFTH THIRD BANK N.A. by RUBEN D MARTE, AS SHERIFF OF MONROE COUNTY for $166,400.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 1083 W Fourth ST was sold to BARRY AND RUTH LEMING by RUBEN MARTE for $59,331.
- On April 15, 2026, the property at 3308 S Allendale DR was sold to REBECCA ANN SCHMITT by RENNE MILLER for $330,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 752 S Walnut ST was sold to RON OSKOUIE by NORMA K JAIN for $115,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 3070 S Walnut ST was sold to JACKSON COUNTY BANK by THE PHOENIX ON SOUTH WALNUT LLC for $0.
- On March 20, 2026, the property at 6850 W Golden DR was sold to KIRKWOOD REALTY LLC by MICHAEL A MEST for $202,000.
### A carcass of traditional print media: Inside the former Herald-Times building
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/a-carcass-of-traditional-print-media-inside-the-former-herald-times-building/
Last updated: 2026-05-09T21:38:16.000Z
The newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. KBA stands for Koenig & Bauer AG, the manufacturer of the press. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
A month ago, on April 8, the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) published [notice in the Herald-Times](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-08-Herald-Times-building-Public-Notices-%5F-Public-Notices.pdf) that it is hiring a broker to sell the “real property owned by the Corporation located at 1900 S. Walnut Street, Bloomington, Indiana.”
That’s the address of the former Herald-Times building, across the street from Bloomington South High School. The planned sale by MCCSC comes just four years after buying the property for just under $3 million. In March 2026, the school board [voted unanimously](https://bsquarebulletin.com/school-district-moves-to-unload-3m-former-herald-times-property-amid-budget-pressures/) to put the property up for sale and is now in the process of hiring a broker.
The last edition of the Herald-Times newspaper that was printed here in Bloomington was Feb. 3, 2020\. Print operations for the newspaper then moved to Indianapolis.
A year earlier, in January 2019, the Herald-Times was purchased by GateHouse Media, which merged with Gannett seven months later. Today, the Herald-Times [employs eight staff members](https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/about-the-bloomington-herald-times-monroe-county-indiana/86481878007/). In the 1970s, the paper employed [100 full-time and 50 part-time staff](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1976-09-US-CDC-NIOSH-Herald-Times-Health-Hazard-Evaluation.pdf).
H-T employees continued working in the building until the property was sold to MCCSC in 2022\. Then-superintendent Jeff Hauswald had unspecified plans to turn it into a welcome center, meeting space, and use it to centralize district-wide services.
The district’s decision to sell the property came after [collecting feedback](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-hears-community-feedback-about-former-herald-times-property/) from the community about its use or sale. After evaluating an analysis of 408 comments from the community, the board summed up the breakdown as a roughly even split between using the property for a school-related purpose and selling it.
The property is zoned for commercial use. According to a [district presentation](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DNK28Q00F9D4/$file/HT.pdf), the eight-acre site has just six usable acres due to approximately two acres of floodplain, as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The building has more than 77,000 square feet, which includes office space, storage, loading docks, and large span areas. The property also has over 170 parking spaces.
The photos below document the current contents of the building, which include the printing press.
## Photos: Former Herald-Times Building
B Square file photo of the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, Jan. 28, 2026)
Photos in this set are organized by sections. The interior shots below were taken on April 29, 2026\. A full set of exterior photographs is included in [previous B Square coverage](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-hears-community-feedback-about-former-herald-times-property/).
### Printing press
The newspaper printing press, which has remained in the building and untouched since MCCSC’s purchase of the property, takes up a substantial portion of the building. It is three stories tall.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) performed a [health hazard evaluation](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1976-09-US-CDC-NIOSH-Herald-Times-Health-Hazard-Evaluation.pdf) of the press in September 1976\. It identified the machinery at the time as a “4-unit Walter Scott press which has a maximum capacity of 41,000 newspapers per hour.”
It was on [Sept. 16, 1985](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/1985-09-16-herald%5Ftimes%5Fprecise%5Focr%5Foverlay.pdf) when a new press, the one still in the building, started printing the paper. The 260-ton press was manufactured by Koenig & Bauer AG.
The newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
The newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
A "Press Report" affixed to a clipboard at the newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
The newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
The newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
The newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
The newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
The newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
The newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
The newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Ink tanks for the newspaper printing press inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. This room is next to the printing press. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
### Newspaper delivery loading docks
In this room is an overhead conveyor belt system that brings newspapers from the printing press towards the truck loading docks, which are visible on the back wall. The stacked desks and chairs reflect MCCSC’s use of the building as storage space.
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. These are tubs of rubber ducks, which were used in the annual [Duck Race Festival](https://mccsfoundation.org/duckrace/) fundraising event for the Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools, which was on May 2, 2026\. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
### Office spaces
The building has several office and desk spaces. Many of these areas look trashed, with piles of newspapers and office supplies. MCCSC has not touched these spaces.
Inside the former Herald-Times building. Center of frame is the front entrance to the building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. This is the space inside the front entrance to the building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. This is where cubicles were, near the front entrance of the building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Remnants of newsroom operations inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
****Left:** A desk inside the former Herald-Times building. ****Right:** A small dumpster inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. The sign to the right of the doorframe indicates that this office belonged to the advertising sales manager. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
An office inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside an office in the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
### Newspaper archive
There is a small collection of archived newspapers. Most of the papers were dated 2021 and 2022.
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
### Other spaces
More H-T building space that hasn’t been used by MCCSC.
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. The form on the floor is a contractor information form. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
### Apartment
Inside the Herald-Times building are two apartments. Some editors were given housing as part of their compensation, and lived in them. Shown below is one of the apartments.
An apartment inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
An apartment inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
### MCCSC’s storage space
Several spaces in the building, mostly on the lower levels, are storing MCCSC equipment, including furniture and supplies.
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
Inside the former Herald-Times building. The scoreboard leaning against the wall on the right came from Jackson Creek Middle School. (Kelton O'Connell, April 29, 2026)
### Canvas breach hits Indiana University, MCCSC as hackers threaten data leak
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/canvas-breach-hits-indiana-university-mccsc-as-hackers-threaten-data-leak/
Last updated: 2026-05-13T12:13:01.000Z
****Left:** Warning message confronting Indiana University students who tried to log in to Canvas. ****Right:** Index of file names with information claimed to have been downloaded from institutions using Instructure-based systems like Canvas.
In the middle of the end-of-semester grading period for Indiana University, faculty and students are dealing with a [major global security breach of Canvas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026%5FCanvas%5Fsecurity%5Fincident), which is an online learning platform used by thousands of educational institutions. The university’s system is [still shut down](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-08-11-15-am-update-Canvas-Indiana-University.pdf) as of early afternoon Friday (May 8), after the system was first disrupted late Thursday afternoon.
Based on email communications to faculty, Indiana University officials appear to be focused mid-day Friday on collecting information about which courses have been impacted, either by disruption of exams or student work assignments. End-of-semester grading issues will be handled separately.
The Canvas platform is also used by Monroe County Community School Corporation, which has also been affected. According to an MCCSC spokesperson, on Friday the district still has Canvas disabled “out of an abundance of caution.” According to MCCSC, teachers will be flexible on student assignments and grading.
MCCSC says the following data is safe, because it’s not stored on Canvas: birth dates; state testing numbers (STNs); and Canvas passwords. The data that might be compromised, according to MCCSC includes: student name; MCCSC student email address; any additional contact information users added to their Canvas profile.
The [update from MCCSC](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-06-MCCSC-Canvas-data-breach-notification.pdf) sent to families on Wednesday (May 6) stresses that there is no confirmation that student names or email addresses were exposed in the Canvas data breach. According to MCCSC, additional protections are in place for student email addresses: They can receive messages only from MCCSC contacts.
Canvas is an online learning platform made by the parent company, Instructure, which schools use to manage classes, assignments, grades, quizzes, and communication between students and instructors. Colleges and K–12 districts typically connect Canvas to their enrollment and login systems so students can access coursework and submit assignments through a single online portal.
Claiming responsibility for the breach is a group called Shinyhunters. According to Wednesday’s update from MCCSC, the district was notified on May 5 by Instructure that MCCSC was among the organizations impacted by a Canvas data breach. According to MCCSC, Instructure detected the incident on April 29, immediately revoked access, and addressed the underlying vulnerability to Canvas.
When Indiana University students logged on to Canvas a warning appeared:
**\==========**
**SHINYHUNTERS**
**rooting your systems since ’19 ;)**
**ShinyHunters has breached Instructure (again).**
**Instead of contacting us to resolve it they**
**ignored us and did some “security patches”.**
**△ WARNING**
**If any of the schools in the affected list are**
**interested in preventing the release of their**
**data, please consult with a cyber advisory firm**
**and contact us privately at TOX to negotiate a**
**settlement. You have till the end of the day by**
**12 May 2026 before everything is leaked.**
**Instructure still has until EOD 12 May 2026**
**to contact us.**
**▼ DOWNLOAD AFFECTED\_SCHOOLS.TXT ▼**
**91.215.85.103/pay\_or\_leak/instructure\_affected\_schools\_list.txt**
**visit us: shnyhntww34phgoa6dcgnvps2yu7dlwzmy5**
**Lkvejwjdo6z7bmgshzayd.onion**
**\==========**
The directory of affected organizations in the index of the URL in the warning message includes taunting filenames typical of “name-and-shame” extortion efforts.
Based on the file names, the targets appear to include: universities and education companies like Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania and Infinite Campus; tech and media platforms like Vimeo, SoundCloud and Udemy; retailers including Zara and 7-Eleven; financial and real estate firms like Betterment, Berkadia and Marcus & Millichap; the passenger railway, Amtrak; and security firms like ADT and Alert 360.
Several of the posted archives are very large, including files labeled for ZenBusiness at 802 GB, Addi at 483 GB and Zara at 130 GB.
Not obviously included in the index are Indiana University or MCCSC.
In its [Friday morning update](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-08-11-15-am-update-Canvas-Indiana-University.pdf), Indiana University acknowledged that some other institutions have already brought their Canvas platforms back on line, but indicated IU is taking a cautious approach, focusing on securing information: “While we are aware that a small number of institutions have seen Canvas functionality reestablished, our priority remains to restore service as soon as possible while also protecting IU’s data security.”
Indiana University has set up a [status page](https://status.iu.edu/status?id=iu%5Fnotice%5Fdetails¬ice=OUT0004350) on the Canvas outage.
\[*Updated at 10:59 p.m. on May 8, 2026\. The most recent update, made at 9:05 p.m. on May 8 says: “We understand this incident may impact final grades and end-of-semester coursework. Please know we are working to restore service as soon as possible.”*\]
\[*Updated at 5:35 p.m. on May 10, 2026\. The most recent update, made at 4:38 p.m. on May 10 says, “Canvas is now available with limited functionality following the recent cybersecurity incident affecting Instructure, the company that operates the Canvas learning management system. An up-to-date list of available features can be found below.”*\]
\[*Updated at 12:00 p.m on May 12, 2026\. MCCSC has sent a* [*message*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-12-MCCSC-Canvas-Update-Data-Recovered.pdf) *to its distribution list stating: “Instructure has reached an agreement with the unauthorized actor in the data breach, and has recovered the breached data from all Canvas customers, including MCCSC (student names, email addresses, Canvas course names, Canvas enrollment information and messages). Instructure has confirmed that copies of the data were deleted and has received assurances that the data will not be shared or used against customers.”*\]
### Primary election notebook: Geographic breakdown of Monroe County clerk's race
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/primary-election-notebook-geographic-breakdown-of-monroe-county-clerks-race/
Last updated: 2026-05-08T14:46:57.000Z
****Left:** Democrat nominee for Monroe County clerk, Tree Martin Lucas, . ****Right:** Map by The B Square.
Tree Martin Lucas won the Democratic Party’s nomination for Monroe County by a comfortable margin, getting 47.7% (5,774) of the vote in a three-way race, where second place went to Tanner Branham with 31.3% (3,787).
But if it were up to just the voters in the eastern half of Bean Blossom Township in the northwest corner of Monroe County, Joe Davis would have won the nomination. In the Bean Blossom 2 precinct, Davis got 29 votes, while Martin Lucas got 24, and Branham 10\. That was the only precinct where Davis prevailed.
The outcome in Bean Blossom 2 was a good reminder of the strength of the Republican Party in the unincorporated part of Monroe County. Julie Hays, who was the unopposed candidate for the Republican Party’s nomination for clerk, collected more votes than all the Democratic Party candidates combined: 68 for Hays compared to 63 for the Democrats.
For the Democrats, Branham managed to win a few precincts, one of them on the western half of Van Buren Township in the southwestern part of the county. But Branham’s strength judged by individual precincts was mostly inside the city of Bloomington, where he picked up a handful in the central area of Bloomington near the Indiana University campus.
Still, that was not enough to translate into a significantly better performance inside the city limits compared to outside, because those precincts are lightly voted. In fact, Branham was a half point better outside Bloomington, with 31.6% outside the city limits compared to 31.0% inside.
Martin Lucas was better inside the city, at 49.4%, than she was outside Bloomington, at 45.6%.
On Tuesday, Republican voters had some contested township races and contested state representative races, but no contested races for Monroe County offices. Outside Bloomington, GOP voters made up 30% of all primary election voters. Inside Bloomington, GOP voters accounted for just 8% of Tuesday’s primary voters.
The Nov. 3, 2026 general election race for Monroe County clerk is now set up as a contest between Tree Martin Lucas for the Democrats and Julie Hays for the Republicans. Martin Lucas is a former chief deputy clerk for Monroe County. Hays is a quality control inspector for Cook Medical.
****Left:** Map by The B Square. ****Right:** Republican nominee for Monroe County clerk, Julie Hays.
### Indiana Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue (Sample Gates)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/indiana-avenue-kirkwood-avenue-sample-gates/
Last updated: 2026-05-07T23:34:54.000Z
0:00
/0:08
1×
A group of young people with festive neckwear launch their flatish square black hats into the air. It’s seems to be a ritual staged for a photographer, because they repeat it, with no discernible difference in the outcome. The footage has been slowed down for dramatic effect. (Dave Askins, May 7, 2026)
### Hopewell South PUD wins unanimous OK from Bloomington city council
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-wins-unanimous-ok-from-bloomington-city-council/
Last updated: 2026-05-07T23:05:10.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington's city council. ****Right:** Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson sketches out how a second soft mortgage works. (Dave Askins, May 7, 2026)
Bloomington’s plan to turn the former IU Health hospital site at 2nd and Rogers streets into a new neighborhood finally passed a big milestone Wednesday night (May 6). The city council approved the [Hopewell South](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16761/download) planned unit development (PUD).
The decision came after a couple of months of granular debate over several issues, including what “permanent affordability” should mean for the 6-acre development, south of 1st Street. The council adopted the new zoning in the PUD on a 9–0 vote, but only after just a 6–3 majority settled on a new affordability condition.
The real estate is owned by Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC). That means Hopewell South, and eventually the rest of the Hopewell development, is seen as a chance to set a high affordability standard for development in the rest of the city.
The PUD rezone was meant to allow up to 98 homes, most of them single-family dwellings, which is more than the 28 that the city’s zoning consultant said could be constructed by satisfying only objective criteria without any additional discretionary approvals.
The new affordability condition (Reasonable Condition #17) sets a floor of 35% permanently affordable units in the first phase, with an explicit goal of reaching 50%.
Only after Section 4 of the condition was struck was Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson’s administration agreeable to the condition’s approval. Section 4 said the administration would have to bring a detailed permanent-affordability enforcement and monitoring plan to the city council for approval, before any new affordability instrument is recorded or any dwelling unit in the PUD is sold.
Anna Killion-Hanson, who is Bloomington’s housing and neighborhood development (HAND) director, and the executive director of Bloomington’s RDC warned that locking in a hard 50% requirement now, before infrastructure and construction costs are fully known, could jeopardize the project’s feasibility.
Under Reasonable Condition 17, at least 35% of the roughly 98 dwellings planned for Hopewell South have to be kept permanently affordable. Within that set, at least 15% of all units have to be affordable to households earning at or below 90% of area median income (AMI), and at least 20% must be affordable to households at or below 120% of AMI.
Even though Wednesday’s meeting itself was comparatively non-confrontational, an exchange of memos between staff and a councilmember leading up to the meeting was fairly sharp. It started with Killion-Hanson’s [briefing](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-04-anna-killion-hanson-memo-on-affordable-housing-hopewell-south-PUD.pdf) on affordability for the initial meeting information packet, followed by a [response](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-05-memo-from-hopi-stosberg-about-affordability-conditions-Hopewell-South.pdf ) memo from councilmember Hopi Stosberg, which got a pointed [reply](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-06-Anna-Killion-Hanson-affordability-Hopewell-South-Memo-in-Response-to-CM-Stosberg.pdf ) from Killion-Hanson. Killion-Hanson’s reply wrapped up with this:
> Disagreement is expected. Dismissiveness, condescension, and repeated mischaracterization of clearly stated information are not constructive policymaking. If Council genuinely wants affordable homeownership delivered, it must begin by listening to the practitioners who are actually responsible for making these projects function in the real world.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Thomson took a turn at the public mic to respond to complaints about the amount of information and the lack of specificity in the plan for ensuring permanent affordability: “So I hear that you’re frustrated, and that the bulk of information that has been passed along may not be understood. But there has been quite extensive documentation.”
In her remarks at the meeting, Killion‑Hanson indicated her commitment to ensuring affordability of housing: “I know what the goal is, and it’s admirable, and it’s the mission that I live every single day here, while I work for this community, to deliver affordable housing, and to think otherwise is really offensive, to be perfectly honest with you.”
---
Much of the night’s deliberations turned on how far the city council could push affordability requirements without sinking the project. Stosberg and Kate Rosenbarger had advocated for a requirement that at least half the units be permanently affordable, while Isabel Piedmont‑Smith and others floated language that preserved the 50% target.
The council eventually recessed to allow city staff and council sponsors of competing reasonable conditions to re‑draft the affordability condition. They returned with the wording that became Reasonable Condition 17, lowering the guaranteed minimum to 35%, writing 50% in as a goal, and loosening earlier constraints on exactly how affordability had to be delivered.
Part of the context of the meeting included a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-04-Bloomington-redevelopment-commission-Hopewell-city-council-reasonable-conditions-Resolution-26-32.pdf) approved by Bloomington’s RDC at its regular Monday meeting this week, which includes the statement:
> The RDC would willingly commit to increase the percentage of affordable dwelling units and make more units permanently affordable at a lower AMI if it were possible. But given the current economic market and the unknown future, the RDC cannot rightfully commit to something that may well be unattainable under current and/or future circumstances.
Underlying the friction about percentages of units was a more basic dispute about the financing structure. Some councilmembers and public commenters cast community land‑trust models and other forms of shared equity as the only way to make sure homes remain affordable for the life of the building without repeated infusions of public money.
Thomson indicated her administration does not intend to rely on a community land trust at Hopewell, because by adding more community land-trust houses, it could flood the market and make already-existing community land trust real estate harder to build on. That’s the view of Nathan Ferreira, who is executive director of the Summit Hill Community Development Corporation.
Instead, Thomson and Killion‑Hanson emphasized silent second mortgages and similar tools that can be tailored deal‑by‑deal, arguing that a rigid preference for any one mechanism could backfire in a changing lending environment.
At one point, Thomson literally sketched out for councilmembers the idea of a second soft mortgage, which are deferred loans that help cover the gap between what buyers can afford and a home’s actual cost. The idea is to keep units permanently affordable and prevent quick resale windfalls. Thomson said the exact mix of subsidies and restrictions would vary, based on buyer income and financing needs.
The final version of Reasonable Condition 17 gives the administration flexibility on financing tools, but requires regular reporting back to the city council on how the tools are being used in practice. The RDC has to provide updates every six months for five years on the methods being deployed and the project’s progress toward meeting the affordability minimum of 35% and its goal of 50%.
The vote on the affordability condition itself was 6–3\. Andy Ruff opposed lowering the floor below 50%, saying, “One thing that I feel like can be set clear is a high bar on the amount of affordability we’re going to have in the project,” Stosberg voted no out of concern that complex affordability instruments will require staff capacity and long‑term subsidy commitments that have not yet been clearly mapped out. Rollo also voted against the affordability condition because it did not set the bar at 50%. Rollo also floated the idea of reducing the 120% AMI requirement to 110%, but that idea did not get any traction.
After getting a show of hands from those in the room who don’t own property, councilmember Sydney Zulich made the pitch for adopting the affordability condition and taking a vote on the PUD that same night:
> Just to be clear, there are about five people in this room of 60 who do not own property. I’ve heard a lot of people who own property say that there is no urgency. There is urgency for those of us who do not own. There is urgency. You might not see it, but it’s there. It’s across our community. It’s the 850 people who pick up their mail at the Shalom Center. It’s the people who sleep outside at night. It’s the people who are nervous, because they don’t know if they have any resources to protect them when they’re renting an apartment. Like, this is urgent. We need to vote on this tonight.
With the vote on Reasonable Condition #17 done, which followed several other conditions put on the PUD at previous meetings, the PUD itself drew unanimous support.
### May 7, 2026: Election results, arrest in Kirkwood shooting, Hopewell South OK
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/may-7-2026-election-results-arrest-in-kirkwood-shooting-hopewell-south-ok/
Last updated: 2026-05-07T10:37:15.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-11-10-25/)based on B Square coverage from last week. It’s multiple choice. Please do not brag too much when you get 10 out of 10, which I think you will.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Wear socks with your sandals and sunglasses, because we are starting the day from an overnight low of under 40F° and it’s gonna be nothing but sun with a high around 61F°.
**Friday:** You can get away with no rain gear until late in the day, but after 4 p.m. there will be a 30% chance of showers increasing from there. Otherwise it will be party sunny, with a high near 69F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Called-in tips help ID Bloomington man in Kirkwood shooting; second shooter still sought](https://bsquarebulletin.com/called-in-tips-help-id-bloomington-man-in-kirkwood-shooting-second-shooter-still-sought/). Bloomington police have arrested an 18-year-old Bloomington man in one of the two Kirkwood Avenue shootings during Little 500 weekend that injured five young women. Police say tips from released video images identified the suspect, while investigators still seek a second shooter.
- [Primary election notebook: Geographic breakdown of Monroe County commissioner’s race](https://bsquarebulletin.com/primary-election-notebook-geographic-breakdown-of-monroe-county-commissioners-race/). A pocket of student-heavy precincts near Indiana University gave David Henry his strongest showing in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for Monroe County commissioner. But the small area, combined with low turnout there blunted the impact, as Trent Deckard cruised countywide with nearly 60% of the vote.
- [Deckard, Martin Lucas, Oliphant, Sharp cruise to Democratic Party nominations in Monroe County](https://bsquarebulletin.com/deckard-martin-lucas-oliphant-sharp-cruise-to-democratic-party-nominations-in-monroe-county/). None of Monroe County’s contested Democratic countywide primary races were especially close Tuesday night, with every race decided by at least 16 points. Trent Deckard, Tree Martin Lucas, Erika Oliphant and Judy Sharp all secured nominations in unofficial results.
- [Monroe County 2026 primary election results: Live updates](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-2026-primary-election-results-live-updates/). This report includes live updates from Election Central where the USB drives and the ballots from 28 different voting locations are turned in after the polls close at 6 p.m.
- [Rain means early Election Day turnout light so far in Monroe County primaries](https://bsquarebulletin.com/rain-means-early-election-day-turnout-light-so-far-in-monroe-county-primaries/). This is a log of B Square Bulletin visits to different polling locations through the day on May 5, 2026\. It will be updated through the day as resources allow.
- [Nearly 5,000 vote early in Monroe County, rain may shape Tuesday (May 5) turnout](https://bsquarebulletin.com/nearly-5-000-vote-early-in-monroe-county-rain-may-shape-tuesday-may-5-turnout/). Early voting in Monroe County closed at noon Monday, with 4,957 ballots cast. That’s well above 2022 but just shy of 2018’s record. Voters now head to assigned precincts Tuesday, where rain could dampen turnout. Results are expected to be posted online a couple hours after polls close.
### Quick Notes
**Hopewell South PUD: Passed 9–0.** Bloomington’s plan to turn the former IU Health hospital site into a new downtown neighborhood passed a big milestone Wednesday night (May 6), as the city council approved the Hopewell South planned unit development (PUD). The decision came after a couple of months of granular debate over what “permanent affordability” should mean for the 6-acre development on city-owned land. The council adopted the PUD on a 9–0 vote, but only after a divided 6–3 majority settled on a new affordability condition. As resources allow, The B Square will later provide more detailed reporting on the council’s Hopewell South action.
**Cottage Grove conservation district.** Set for second consideration on May 20 is protection for Cottage Grove as a conservation district. It looked like some Bloomington city councilmembers had been prepared to vote in support of the district Wednesday night (May 6). But to pass the first time it appeared on the agenda would have required a unanimous vote, which it would not have had, at least not Wednesday night. So the council voted to set the proposal for second consideration on May 20\.
### On the calendar
**Grassland prairie project.** On the agenda for the [10 a.m. Thursday (May 7) meeting agenda](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D05%2D07%20Commissioners%27%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) for the board of county commission are two items for the establishment of a grassland prairie at the newly acquired land that’s been named the Monroe County Nature Preserve. The project is proposed in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Program. For B Square background on the Monroe County Nature preserve, see: [Huntington land gift named ‘Monroe County Nature Preserve’ but commissioners leave door open to history-based change](https://bsquarebulletin.com/huntington-land-gift-named-monroe-county-nature-preserve-but-commissioners-leave-door-open-to-history-based-change/)
**Bloomington Transit Public Hearings: West Side Route Changes.** The final hearing on proposed westside route changes for public buses takes place Thursday. For B Square background, see: [Ridership slide fuels Bloomington Transit strategy shift: bigger buses, route rethink](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ridership-slide-fuels-bloomington-transit-strategy-shift-bigger-buses-route-rethink/).
- Thursday May 7, 4 p.m.
[Downtown Transit Center 301 S. Walnut St](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cmJiPqgZAKuXBW5PA).
**Hoosier Hills discount plant sale: May 7\.** Representatives of the Hoosier Hills FFA say they are not quite ready to wrap up the 2026 Plant Sale. The group will hold a discounted plant sale on Thursday (May 7) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the [greenhouse](https://maps.app.goo.gl/68HAPHKD9b4RGnZy7), with most remaining plants marked down by 30% to 50%. Organizers say a wide selection is still available, including vegetables, herbs, annuals, house plants, perennials and succulents.
Small hanging baskets and planters will be sold for $15, while large hanging baskets and planters will cost $20\. Remaining varieties include wave petunias, million bells, snapdragons, salvias, cucumbers, squash, bell peppers, lemon balm, lisianthus, roses, dracaena and pothos. The street address is 3070 N. Prow Rd. Bloomington, IN 47404\. The greenhouse is located behind the chain link fence just before the entrance to the HHCC parking lot.
---
**Ms. Lake Lemon: May 16.** You should be in the final phase of your training regimen. This amazing contest of skill is to be held at Riddle Point Park this year. Monitor the [Ms. Lake Lemon Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574536874380) for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s [inaugural event](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ms-lake-lemon-pageant-bennett-tops-field-of-16-in-contest-featuring-firewood-nails-mud-puddles/).
---
### Meet Maisie!
Up for adoption, as of May 7 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Maisie](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86615). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good girl is a German shepherd. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Maisie](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86615):
> I am new to the shelter and we are all getting to know each other. If you are interested in adopting stop by the shelter for a visit.
### Photo Finish: 9th Street & Morton Street
Monroe County GIS coordinator John Baeten updates the final vote tallies for the primary elections. In the [video embedded with the original item](https://bsquarebulletin.com/9th-street-morton-street-4/), he makes reference to 18%. That reference is to the voter turnout statistic which he is observing is different from the previous total, which means the update was successful. The voice off screen is Kylie Farris, the county election supervisor. (Dave Askins, May 5, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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---
### Called-in tips help ID Bloomington man in Kirkwood shooting; second shooter still sought
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/called-in-tips-help-id-bloomington-man-in-kirkwood-shooting-second-shooter-still-sought/
Last updated: 2026-05-06T20:26:02.000Z
Maps by The B Square with information from Bloomington police department.
An 18-year-old Bloomington man has been arrested in the Kirkwood Avenue shooting in the wee hours of April 26, on Little 500 weekend.
That’s according to a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-06-Little-500-Bloomington-police-News-Release-Kirkwood-Little-500-Shooting-Arrest.pdf) issued on Wednesday (May 6). Bloomington police say called-in tips in response to [circulated still images](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-looking-for-shooting-suspect-wearing-shark-or-dolphin-style-backpack/) from video footage helped identify the suspect.
The total number of people directly injured as part of two shootings was five, all young women.
The shooting for which police have made an arrest took place in front of Five Guys on Kirkwood, between Grant and Dunn streets on Kirkwood Avenue.
Police say they are continuing to investigate and are trying to identify a second suspect, who was involved in a shooting in front of Chipotle, almost immediately following the one in front of Five Guys. According to the news release, it’s not yet known if the two shootings are related.
According to the release more video is sought of the area around Chipotle and anyone with video footage or additional information should contact detective Chris Scott at 812-339-4477.
---
Some additional details of the shooting were included in Wednesday’s news release. The fight between two women that apparently started the incident included a 20-year-old Indiana University student. She told police she got into a physical fight with several people she didn’t know after somebody threw water on her.
The man in the video can be seen firing a shot into the sidewalk near the entrance to Five Guys.
After images of the man were released on April 30, the news release says that “within an hour” several callers identified him as Lewis James May, an 18-year old from Bloomington. After police found the address where May was living, on Dorchester Drive in the city’s southeast quarter, they watched the place and on Tuesday saw him leaving in a car, followed him downtown and arrested him there.
After getting a search warrant, police found a Taurus 9mm handgun as well as a backpack that resembled a shark, and confiscated them as evidence.
May was booked into jail and charged with two counts of battery by means of a deadly weapon (level 5 felony), criminal recklessness (level 5 felony), and pointing a firearm at another (level 6 felony).
### Primary election notebook: Geographic breakdown of Monroe County commissioner’s race
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/primary-election-notebook-geographic-breakdown-of-monroe-county-commissioners-race/
Last updated: 2026-05-06T15:32:09.000Z
****Left:** David Henry ****Middle:** Map by The B Square ****Right:** Trent Deckard
If Tuesday's Democratic Party’s primary race for District 1 Monroe County commissioner had been confined just to the voters of Bloomington city council District 6, David Henry would have been the clear winner, with 57.25% of the vote.
But District 6 is made up of precincts covering Indiana University campus and nearby neighborhoods, so it is densely populated with students. Turnout there is notoriously low. On Tuesday, just 131 people in Bloomington city council District 6 voted in the county commissioner race. An average of ten times as many voters cast a ballot in the other five city council districts.
That meant even though Henry got 75 of the 131 votes, that plurality was nowhere near enough to make up for deficits in other precincts. In all, Henry won 12 out of the county’s 83 precincts, which left him almost 20 percentage points shy of Deckard’s total: 5,006 (40.3%) to 7,409 (59.7%).
The picture was just a smidgen brighter for Henry inside the city of Bloomington, where Deckard had 58.2% of the vote. That meant Deckard’s showing outside the city of Bloomington was better than his overall performance. Outside Bloomington Deckard got 61.5% of the vote.
That did not mean Henry was shut out in the precinct battle outside Bloomington. One precinct won by Deckard was way outside of the city of Bloomington: Benton Township Precinct 2, in the northwest part of the county. The fact that Henry won the precinct is not visible on the map, because the margin was razor thin: 101 to 99\. On the map, differences that small are rendered as white.
### Bloomington breakdown: inside versus outside
Bloom Flag
Henry
Deckard
Deckard %
Not Bloom
2,190
3,493
61.46%
District 1
346
487
58.46%
District 2
470
677
59.02%
District 3
430
537
55.53%
District 4
751
972
56.41%
District 5
744
1,187
61.47%
District 6
75
56
42.75%
Grand Total
5,006
7,409
59.68%
### Deckard, Martin Lucas, Oliphant, Sharp cruise to Democratic Party nominations in Monroe County
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/deckard-martin-lucas-oliphant-sharp-cruise-to-democratic-party-nominations-in-monroe-county/
Last updated: 2026-05-06T15:09:51.000Z
****Top Left:** County commissioner nominee Trend Deckard at Sleeper's.****Top Right:** County clerk nominee Tree Martin Lucas at an April 21 forum held at D’Angelos. ****Bottom left:** Perry Township trustee nominee Leon Gordon. ****Bottom Right:** County prosecutor Erika Oliphant. (Dave Askins, May 5, 2026)
None of the contested countywide races for the Democratic Party in Tuesday’s Monroe County primary election were especially close, with each race decided by at least a 16-point margin.
The winners of Democratic Party nominations for the Nov. 3 general election were Trent Deckard for county commissioner, Tree Martin Lucas for county clerk, Erika Oliphant for prosecuting attorney, and Judith Sharp for county assessor. That’s based on [unofficial results](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-05-05-primary-election-Monroe-County-Cumulative-Results-5-5-2026-08-21-28-PM.pdf) from the Monroe County election division.
The only Republican candidate on the primary ballot for any of those races was Julie Hays for county clerk. There is still time for the GOP to fill ballot vacancies [until July 3](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf).
In the constested Perry Township trustee race, Leon Gordon won the Demoratic Party’s nomination.
### County commissioner
In the Democratic primary for Monroe County commissioner District 1, Trent Deckard prevailed over David Henry by a margin of 7,409 (59.7%) to 5,006 (40.3%). Deckard was able to win [71 of Monroe County’s 83 precincts](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vTyugySeTFkD-Mcnsc-Eal4ipPyM1WR%5F2cLxBNFwL1rc-p9lZAdZpPGlYHsqdhSG0KlIySj1rGcPRuo/pubhtml).
Democrats gathered for an election watch party at Sleeper’s Bar inside Cascades Inn on North Walnut. In his remarks to the gathering after his win appeared secure, Deckard thanked all the election workers. He continued, describing his campaign:
> I talked a lot about collaborative leadership style. I talked a lot about how we come together around common goals. And I didn’t just say that because some poll told me that, or somebody said, “This is what people are mad about.” I did that because I’ve watched federal, state and local government for a long time as a consumer of history, as a student, grad student, undergrad, you name it, and I know that that’s what works.
>
> … I met them today at the polls. I met them at doors. They don’t have time for all our stuff. They have no time for it, and they have no patience for it, and they want to know: When are you all going to do the big things you say?
>
> … I think local government is part of that solution around this community of care. And if we can’t agree on having a community of care, my gosh, what are we doing, Democrats?”
Deckard said, “The message that I want to send out to folks tonight is: The nice guy doesn’t always finish last.”
Deckard said he appreciated the phone call he received from David Henry saying, “I appreciate his work and hard effort in this campaign.”
The B Square missed Henry’s remarks given at Sleeper’s Bar, but he sent along the highlights. They start with a reference to [Charlotte Zietlow](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-icon-charlotte-zietlow-dies-at-91-after-lifetime-of-community-service/), who died late last year. During the campaign, Henry invoked Zietlow as someone who ran based on the ideas she brought to the table, saying that’s what elections are supposed to be about. At one forum, Henry delivered a line that will likely be remembered in the political histories of Monroe County: “Charlotte Zietlow didn’t run as a hat. She ran on issues.”
> My thoughts go to people who cannot be with us tonight. I’ve been thinking a lot about Charlotte. One of her favorite lines was: “The difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer.”
>
> For those of us who want a new direction for Monroe County, it is going to take a little longer.
>
> Charlotte lost about as many races as she won, including some big ones. Mayor. Congress. Last summer, when I was thinking through this campaign, I asked her what the worst thing was that could happen if I ran. She said, “The worst thing that could happen is you would win.”
>
> Having missed that fate, I suspect Charlotte would be laughing tonight at the one that has befallen Trent.
>
> The results are in. They are not what I hoped for. But Trent has the skills to help our county listen more, change direction, and get things done. I congratulate him and wish him well.I will work with anyone who wants to work for that new direction.
>
> And to the people in this county who have been harmed more than helped: call me. I will stand up for you. No matter what office I hold, that is all I know how to do.
### Other contested county races: Clerk, prosecutor, assessor
The race for the Democratic Party’s nomination for county clerk was a three-way competition. Tree Martin Lucas won with 5,774 votes (47.7%), followed by Tanner Dale Branham with 3,787 (31.3%) and Joe Davis with 2,549 (21.0%). Lucas will face Republican Julie M. Hays in the November general election. Hays was unopposed in the Republican primary and received 2,969 votes.
Martin Lucas served previously as chief deputy clerk. That’s the job to which outgoing clerk Nicole Browne recently appointed Branham to fill a vacancy.
In the Democratic Party’s primary for Monroe County prosecuting attorney, incumbent Erika Oliphant prevailed over Benjamin Arrington by 45-point margin, taking 9,177 votes (72.3%) to Arrington’s 3,518 (27.7%).
In her remarks at Sleeper’s, Oliphant said, “I’m very, very grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve Monroe County as your prosecuting attorney.” She continued, saying, “Thank you to everyone who voiced support, who checked in on me, who did all of the things to make this a successful year.” She added, “I’m really looking forward to continuing to work in my community, to make sure that we’re supporting this most vulnerable.”
The Democratic primary for county assessor also produced a decisive result, with incumbent Judy Sharp prevailing over Bob Nyquist by a margin of 8,048 (66.2%) to 4,118 (33.8%).
### Perry Township
In the closely watched race for Perry Township trustee, voters in the Democratic Party’s primary chose newly installed incumbent Leon Gordon over Levi Combs with 3,374 votes (60.8%) to 2,176 (39.2%). Gordon won the [early-year party caucus](https://bsquarebulletin.com/liv/) to fill the vacancy left by the death of Dan Combs, who was Levi’s father.
In his remarks at Sleeper’s, Gordon said, “I love what I do. I love the work that I’ve been doing since I got here and serving.” He continued by acknowledging Combs, father and son: “I’d like to, of course, pay homage to the late Dan Combs and also his son running in his honor.” Gordon added, “I’d like to thank everyone who’s taken care and concern to show me the ropes or just make me feel part of this. And so I’m officially politically activated!”
Gordon will be working with a township board that is different from the current one. In the Democratic Party’s primary for Perry Township board, voters selected three nominees from a field of five candidates. Incumbent Barbara Sturbaum led the field with 4,033 votes (28.1%), followed by Jenny Olmes-Stevens with 3,425 (23.9%) and incumbent Susie Hamilton with 3,315 (23.1%). Olmes-Stevens was able to outpoint incumbent Jack Davis, who received 1,663 votes (11.6%) and challenger Jeremy Goodrich who received 1,918 votes (13.4%).
### 9th Street & Morton Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/9th-street-morton-street-4/
Last updated: 2026-05-06T02:43:44.000Z
0:00
/0:16
1×
Monroe County GIS coordinator John Baeten updates the final vote tallies for the primary elections. “This is it!” His reference to 18% is to the voter turnout statistic which he is observing is different from the previous total, which means the update was successful. The voice off screen is Kylie Farris, the county election supervisor. (Dave Askins, May 5, 2026)
### Monroe County 2026 primary election results: Live updates
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-2026-primary-election-results-live-updates/
Last updated: 2026-05-06T01:51:44.000Z
\[*We’re done. The results reported below are not official, but they include all in-person early voting and absentee votes as well as Election Day votes.*\]
## Election results
Numbers updated at 8:35 p.m. May 5, 2026
### Live commentary
8:35 p.m. May 5, 2026
The last of the results has been logged. These are not official results, but they are all we have to report. Thanks to GIS coordinator John Baeten and election supervisor Kylie for their efforts in helping to get results to Monroe County residents. End of Transmission.
8:21 p.m. May 5, 2026
A third wave of results is now logged, but that does not inlcude all of the Election Day votes. All of the 28 polling locations have delivered their USB drives and ballots. The duffle bags are stacked neatly against the wall.
7:42 p.m. May 5, 2026
A second wave of results is now logged in the results below. These reflect some but not all Election Day results.
7:30 p.m. May 5, 2026
The majority of polling locations have delivered their dufflebags and USBs to Election Central.
6:56 p.m. May 5, 2026
Finally done keying in the numbers from the first wave of results.
6:47 p.m. May 5, 2026
First wave of results are coming in through the GIS dashboard. We are echoing them here. Bear in mind these are only some of the results, from early voting. None of the Election Day voting numbers are reported yet.
6:40 p.m. May 5, 2026
It's been a little quiet. PizzaX has made its delivery. But none of the 28 polling locations have delivered their USB drives and ballots so far.
6:08 p.m. May 5, 2026
The last emailed update from the county clerk puts the Election Day voting tally at 10,506, which brings the total number of ballots cast to 15,458.
6:06 p.m. May 5, 2026
The polls are now officially closed. There were a couple of last-minute folks here at Election Central.
3:57 p.m. May 5, 2026
When results are available, among the places you can find them will be the [results dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/842c69c9a0cd4628b5ce02126a178e39) hosted by Monroe County’s GIS department.
2:43 p.m. May 5, 2026
After the polls close at 6 p.m. this page is where The B Square will provide live updates from Election Central in the county-owned North Showers building on Morton Street. As pollworkers from 28 polling locations across the county turn in their USB drives and ballots, that activity will be tracked below. Rows for locations that have turned in their ballots will be be shaded in gray in the table.
2:29 p.m. May 5, 2026
This is a connectivity test.
### Polling locations
Rows shaded gray indicate ballots delivered to Election Central.
Precincts
Name
Address
P1, 29
Academy
444 S Patterson Dr, Bloomington, IN 47403
P17,20,26
Binford Elementary
2300 E 2nd St, Bloomington, IN 47401
B13,17,24
Bloomington High School North
3901 N Kinser Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404
P6,9,13,31,32
Bloomington High School South
1965 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401
P8,15,16,30
Boys & Girls Club Lincoln Street Club
311 S Lincoln St, Bloomington, IN 47401
POLK
Burgoon Baptist Church
8598 E Burgoon Church Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401
B8,21
Christ Community Church
503 S High St, Bloomington, IN 47401
B3,6,19,20
Election Central
501 N Morton St, Bloomington, IN 47404
P21,22,SC
Eastview Church of the Nazarene
4545 E Lampkins Ridge Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401
R1,2,5,6
Ellettsville Christian Church
731 Independence St, Ellettsville, IN 47429
P4,10,24,25,27
Emmanuel Church
1503 W That Rd, Bloomington, IN 47403
P14
Faith Lutheran Church
2200 S High St, Bloomington, IN 47401
B12,15,WASH
Family Life Church (FWC)
8449 N Fox Hollow Rd, Bloomington, IN 47408
VB4,5,6
Grandview Elementary
2300 S Endwright Rd, Bloomington, IN 47403
CC3
Harrodsburg Community Center
1002 W Popcorn Rd, Bloomington, IN 47403
R9,VB1,2,3
Highland Park Elementary
900 S Park Square Dr, Bloomington, IN 47403
IC
Indian Creek Lions Club
8120 S Rockport Rd, Bloomington, IN 47403
B1,4,5,7,18,P7
Indiana Memorial Union (IMU)
900 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47405
P11,12,23,28
Jackson Creek Middle School
3980 S Sare Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401
P18,19
Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
2700 E Rogers Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401
CC2
Smithville Christian Church
7280 S Fairfax Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401
CC1
Souls Harbor Church
7510 S Old St Rd 37, Bloomington, IN 47403
R3,4,7,8
St. Johns Catholic Church
4607 W St Rd 46, Bloomington, IN 47404
BB1,2,3
Stinesville Lions Club
8060 N Stinesville Rd, Stinesville, IN 47464
P2,3,5
Summit Elementary
1450 W Countryside Ln, Bloomington, IN 47403
B2,14,23
Tri-North Middle School
1000 W 15th St, Bloomington, IN 47404
BENT1,2
Unionville Elementary
8144 E St Rd 45, Unionville, IN 47468
B9,10,11,16,22
University Elementary
1111 N Russell Rd, Bloomington, IN 47408
### County offices
Monroe County Assessor
D
Nyquist, Bob
4,118 votes
33.8%
D
Sharp, Judith A.
8,048 votes
66.2%
Monroe County Clerk
D
Branham, Tanner Dale
3,787 votes
31.3%
D
Davis, Joe
2,549 votes
21.0%
D
Lucas, Tree Martin
5,774 votes
47.7%
R
Hays, Julie M.
2,969 votes
100.0%
Monroe County Commissioner – District 1
D
Deckard, Trent
7,409 votes
59.7%
D
Henry, David G.
5,006 votes
40.3%
Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney
D
Arrington, Benjamin T.
3,518 votes
27.7%
D
Oliphant, Erika
9,177 votes
72.3%
### Township offices
Clear Creek Township Board (3 seats)
D
Calabrese, Joann
295 votes
35.0%
D
Himsel, Rachael
274 votes
32.5%
D
Reynolds, Kat
274 votes
32.5%
R
Dillard, Dustin Cole
291 votes
30.4%
R
Reed, R. Shannon
210 votes
22.0%
R
Strain, Paul
203 votes
21.2%
R
Webb, Steven E.
252 votes
26.4%
Clear Creek Township Trustee
D
Luther, Susan
356 votes
100.0%
R
Hinds, Steven A.
181 votes
41.7%
R
Jeffries, Thelma Kelley
161 votes
37.1%
R
Mungle, Ty
92 votes
21.2%
Indian Creek Township Trustee
D
Hingle, Susan (Gus)
94 votes
100.0%
R
Reynolds, Christopher
67 votes
100.0%
Perry Township Board (3 seats)
D
Davis, Jack
1,663 votes
11.6%
D
Goodrich, Jeremy
1,918 votes
13.4%
D
Hamilton, Susie
3,315 votes
23.1%
D
Olmes-Stevens, Jenny
3,425 votes
23.9%
D
Sturbaum, Barbara
4,033 votes
28.1%
Perry Township Trustee
D
Combs, Levi
2,176 votes
39.2%
D
Gordon, Leon
3,374 votes
60.8%
Richland Township Board (3 seats)
R
Conyer, Traves
335 votes
18.6%
R
Thomsen, Elaine
429 votes
23.8%
R
Thrasher, Jay
527 votes
29.2%
R
Willibey, David
511 votes
28.4%
### Rain means early Election Day turnout light so far in Monroe County primaries
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/rain-means-early-election-day-turnout-light-so-far-in-monroe-county-primaries/
Last updated: 2026-05-05T22:15:07.000Z
0:00
/0:09
1×
Election Central voting location where [some precincts are assigned](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-02-17-Monroe-County-election-approved-locations-polling-site.pdf) to vote on Election Day. It’s just Bloomington 3,Bloomington 6, Bloomington 19, and Bloomington 20 voters who are assigned to cast their ballots here. Check the [online lookup tool](https://indianavoters.in.gov/) to confirm where to vote. (Dave Askins, May 5, 2026)
It was a rainy start to primary Election Day in Monroe County. At Election Central at the North Showers building on Morton Street in downtown Bloomington, Monroe County clerk Nicole Browne opened the polls at 6 a.m. sharp. She delivered he announcement in the statutorily required loud tone of voice.
May 5, 2026 "Hear ye, hear ye the polls are now open"
0:00
/6.592
1×
### Polling locations log
**Election Central at North Showers. 6:00 a.m.** There was no one in line to hear Browne’s announcement opening the polls. The first voter showed up around 6:05 a.m. While many voters are casting their ballots today, the absentee ballots that were mailed in and the ballots that were voted early in person are also getting processed at Election Central today. Scanning of those already-voted ballots is not allowed until Election Day.
**Boys and Girls Club. 6:23 a.m.** Two people have voted so far. There was a technology glitch with the driver’s license scanning function on the electronic poll books, which meant that poll workers were instructed to use a backup strategy of entering voter information manually. One voter didn’t have time to wait for the issue to get sorted out, so they left with the intent to return later in the day. A few minutes later, the driver’s license scanning function has been restored and two more voters were checked in with the pollbook scanner as The B Square watches.
**Indiana Memorial Union. 6:52 a.m**. Just one person has voted so far. Pollworkers here have not experienced the driver’s license scanning glitch. But a member of the IT team from B&L IT Services, the county’s election equipment consultant, confirms to The B Square it was a systemwide issue that has now been resolved. The IMU marks the first candidate encounter. Joe Davis is running for county clerk and arrives to place signs at the IMU. The two other candidates in the race for the Democratic Party’s nomination for clerk are Tree Martin Lucas and Tanner Branham.
**County clerk’s emailed update. 8:00 a.m.** The emailed update from county clerk Nicole Browne says around 800 people countywide have voted so far today.
**Bloomington High School South. 8:18 a.m.** So far 46 votes have cast a ballot at this location. Tree Martin Lucas has a campaign volunteer working this location. Martin Lucas is one of three candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination for county clerk. The other two are Joe Davis and Tanner Branham. Julie Hays is the only Republican on the ballot.
Here representing his own campaign for county commissioner is Trent Deckard. He is competing with David Henry for the Democratic Party’s nomination for District 1 county commissioner. Also here is Jeremy Goodrich, who is running for one of three Democratic Party nominations to the Perry Township board. Also running are Jack Davis, Susie Hamilton, Jenny Olmes-Stevens and Barbara Sturbaum.
**Bloomington High School North. 8:48 a.m.** So far 45 voters have cast a ballot at this location. There are campaign signs but no candidates here.
**County clerk’s emailed update. 9:15 a.m.** The emailed update from county clerk Nicole Browne says around 1,712 people have voted today. Top locations so far, with more than 100 voters each, are: St. John’s Catholic church, Emmanuel Church, Highland Park Elementary, and University Elementary.
**University Elementary School. 9:58 a.m.** So far at this location 153 people have voted. Candidate for county clerk Tree Martin Lucas is here in person. She also has the largest sign of any candidate. A voter approaches me with a question: “Are you Dave?” The followup makes my heart sing: “Do you have any stickers?” Yes! There were [two stickers left](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-embrace-our-shared-geography-please-do-not-let-me-die-with-stickers-left-over/ ). Now there is one!
**County clerk’s emailed update. 11:00 a.m.** The clerk says 3,434 people have voted so far since the polls opened this morning. Five sites have tallied more than 200 people: Eastview Church; Ellettsville Christian; Emmanuel Church; St. Johns; and University Elementary.
**Sherwood Oaks. 11:09 a.m.** So far at this location 139 people have voted. Campaigns represented include Brad Meyer for 9th District U.S. Congress and Erik Oliphant for county prosecutor.
**Jackson Creek Middle School. 11:29 a.m.** So far at this location 210 people have voted. David Henry’s campaign for county commissioner is represented by Cathy Smith, who is county treasurer. Tanner Branham’s campaign for county clerk is represented by Tanner Branham himself. The state house representative campaign for Amy Huff Oliver is represented by Josh Montagne. And the Erica Oliphant campaign for county prosecutor is represented by chief deputy prosecutor Jeff Kehr.
**County clerk’s emailed update. 12:00 p.m.** The clerk reports that 4,521 people have voted so far on Election Day. It seems pretty clear that today’s tally will surpass the number of in-person early voters, which was 4,957 people.
**County clerk’s emailed update. 1:45 p.m.** According to county clerk Nicole Browne, 5,893 voters have cast a ballot today. Added to the 4,957 people who voted early in person, that makes 10,850\.
**Boys and Girls Club. 3:54 p.m.** Kade Young with WFHB is here interviewing people about their voting experiences. Campaigns represented include Leon Gordon for Perry Township trustee—Gordon is here himself. Also here is a volunteer for Erika Oliphant’s campaign for county prosecutor. Former Bloomington city clerk Regina Moore is here, so I coax her over to talk to WFHB. Not sure how much of the interview they will use, but listen to today’s [newscast](http://www.radiorethink.com/tuner/?stationCode=wfhb&stream=hi) to find out.
WFHB’s Kade Young interviews a voter at the Boys and Girls Club polling station on Lincoln Street in downtown Bloomington. (Dave Askins, May 5, 2026)
**County clerk’s emailed update. 4:00 p.m.** The turnout today so far is 8,130 voters, according to county clerk Nicole Browne.
**County clerk’s emailed update. 5:00 p.m.** The turnout today so far is 9,509 voters, according to county clerk Nicole Browne.
End transmission. That’s the final update from here.
---
When results are available they will be posted by the county’s GIS team on a [results dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/842c69c9a0cd4628b5ce02126a178e39), among other places.
### Nearly 5,000 vote early in Monroe County, rain may shape Tuesday (May 5) turnout
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/nearly-5-000-vote-early-in-monroe-county-rain-may-shape-tuesday-may-5-turnout/
Last updated: 2026-05-05T02:47:45.000Z
The Boys and Girls Club polling location is set for the next day’s primary Election Day activity. It’s one of 28 precinct-based polling locations in Monroe County. This is looking north along Lincoln Street, just south of 3rd Street in Bloomington. (Dave Askins, May 4, 2026)
About a half minute after noon on Monday (May 4), a couple of prospective voters arrived at the North Showers building on Morton Street in downtown Bloomington intending to cast their ballots in the Monroe County primary elections.
They were 30 seconds too late for the final day of the early voting period. But they will have from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday (May 5), Primary Election Day to fill out a ballot for candidates running from the party of their choice.
They will still have to vote at their assigned polling place, which is based on their home precinct. There are 28 polling locations in Monroe County this year. One easy way to check for a voter’s correct voting location is the Indiana voter portal’s [online lookup tool](https://indianavoters.in.gov/).
In the last four weeks, [4,957 people](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/76049a9ff4934c21b5059bdc88a0b671) cast an in-person early vote in Monroe County, which is a smidgen less than the 5,032 early voters in 2018\. That was the year with the highest numerical turnout of any mid-term primary election year since 2006\. This year’s total was 44% bigger than the 3,433 early voters in the most recent mid-term primaries in 2022.
The early daily numbers this year were outpacing numbers from 2018 by about 40%, but in the final week, the daily totals this year couldn’t match those from 2018.
In 2018, the Democratic Party’s primary in the race for U.S. senator saw [12,007](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2018-Monroe-County-Democratic-Party-Primary-Election-Results-monroe%5Fresults%5Fclean%5Flayout.html) ballots cast. If the early voting this year indicates a similar trend for the totals, that would mean around 12,000 total ballots this year for the Democrats. It would take around 6,000 votes to win a two-way race.
But the weather could have an impact on the turnout this year. In 2018, primary Election Day was [mostly sunny and warm](https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/usa/bloomington-in/historic?month=5&year=2018 ) with a high around 79F°. This year, the best chance of staying dry will be early in the day. The [National Weather Service](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264) gives a 30-50% chance of rain from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m., when the chance of showers increases to around 70%. After noon, it is going to rain until well after the polls close at 6 p.m.
The Monroe County GIS team will be reporting results from the polls on an online [dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/842c69c9a0cd4628b5ce02126a178e39), but those numbers should not be expected until at least an hour or two after the polls close.
Chart from the [Monroe County GIS dashboard](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/76049a9ff4934c21b5059bdc88a0b671) display.
Chart from the [Monroe County GIS dashboard](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/76049a9ff4934c21b5059bdc88a0b671) display.
### May 4, 2026: Election Day, Trojan Horse, school districts, traffic signals, shooting suspect
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/may-4-2025-election-day-trojan-horse-school-districts-traffic-signals-shooting-suspect/
Last updated: 2026-05-06T20:38:21.000Z
### Civic Solver
This week’s puzzle is a [10-question news quiz ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-11-10-25/)based on B Square coverage from last week. It’s multiple choice. Please do not brag too much when you get 10 out of 10, which I think you will.
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Take rain gear or an umbrella when you head out this morning. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. the chance of rain is not big at just 30%, but that includes thunderstorms. Otherwise it will be partly sunny, with a high near 78F°.
**Tuesday:** Vote early to avoid the rain. But take rain gear or an umbrella all day on Election Day. There’s less of a chance of rain earlier in the day—it’s around 30-50% from 6 a.m. when polls open until 9 a.m., when the chance increases to around 70%. After noon it is going to rain until well after the polls close at 6 p.m.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-59/). Hawk is constipated after eating Scrabble tiles. What advice does Fish give him?
- [Monroe County property transfers through April 27, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-april-27-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 20 to April 27, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [MCCSC board to start digesting findings from yearlong redistricting effort](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-to-start-digesting-findings-from-yearlong-redistricting-effort/). At its April 28 board meeting, MCCSC staff presented key findings from a redistricting commission, showing boundary changes could better balance student populations but would involve trade-offs. The presentation included no specific maps. A full report has not yet been released.
- [Editor’s Notebook: Trojan Horse not dead, just moving up the road](https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-trojan-horse-not-dead-just-moving-up-the-road/). The Trojan Horse will leave its longtime Kirkwood corner for Ellettsville in August. That’s the sad news confirmed by veteran server Pat on Friday night.
- [New signal timing gives pedestrians head start at downtown Bloomington intersections](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-signal-timing-gives-pedestrians-head-start-at-downtown-bloomington-intersections/). Bloomington is installing pedestrian-first signal timing at downtown intersections, funded by a state safety program. The change builds on a city-council-initiated 2021 no-turn-on-red ordinance and later council actions. LPI timing gives peds a head start before vehicles get a green light.
- [Bloomington police looking for shooting suspect wearing shark- or dolphin-style backpack](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-looking-for-shooting-suspect-wearing-shark-or-dolphin-style-backpack/). Bloomington police have released images of a man they call a “person of interest” in the April 26 Kirkwood Avenue shooting, highlighting his shark- or dolphin-style backpack. Investigators urge anyone who recognizes him to contact detective Chris Scott at 812-339-4477 or scottc@bloomington.in.gov
- [Monroe County commissioners OK $11.375M North Park land deal for jail; now to county council](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-ok-11-375m-north-park-land-deal-for-jail-now-to-county-council/). Monroe County commissioners voted 3–0 to approve an $11.375M purchase agreement for the North Park site, in a next step for a long-disputed jail project, under pressure from ACLU litigation deadlines. The deal now heads to the county council, which has expressed opposition to the North Park site.
### Quick Notes
**Where to vote on Election Day: Tuesday, May 5.** Tuesday is primary Election Day. If you’re new around here, and you are accustomed to voting at any polling location that you think seems convenient, think again. Polling locations in Monroe County are assigned based on where you live. You have to vote at your assigned location. To find your assigned location, use the state’s [online lookup tool](https://indianavoters.in.gov/).
**Where to find results on Election Day: Tuesday, May 5.** To find election results after the polls close at 6 p.m. check the Monroe County GIS team’s voting results [dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/842c69c9a0cd4628b5ce02126a178e39). The B Square will also have close to live results somewhere, but the live reporting from Election Central by The B Square has not yet been published, so I can’t give you the link yet! Bear in mind that the initial results are typically not available until at least an hour after the polls close and often later than that.
### On the calendar
**Last day of early voting until noon**. The last day of early voting, which ends at noon on Monday (May 4), takes place at the same location as it has in the four weeks to the runup to Election Day on Tuesday. That’s the North Showers building at 9th Street and Morton Street in downtown Bloomington.
**Bloomington Transit Public Hearings: West Side Route Changes.** Here’s the schedule of hearings on proposed westside route changes for public buses. For B Square background, see: [Ridership slide fuels Bloomington Transit strategy shift: bigger buses, route rethink](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ridership-slide-fuels-bloomington-transit-strategy-shift-bigger-buses-route-rethink/).
- Monday May 4, 5 p.m.
[Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington, 200 Daniels Way](https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-11-10-25/)
- Wednesday May 6, 12 p.m.
[Downtown Transit Center 301 S. Walnut St. ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cmJiPqgZAKuXBW5PA)
- Thursday May 7, 4 p.m.
[Downtown Transit Center 301 S. Walnut St](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cmJiPqgZAKuXBW5PA).
**Residential TIF and neighborhood improvement grants.** On the [5 p.m. Monday (May 4) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16762/download ) for Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) are the annual neighborhood improvement grants and the final step in establishing a residential TIF district for the Summit District on the city’s southwest side. For B Square background, see: [Bloomington council OKs residential TIF for Summit, now back to RDC for final step ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-residential-tif-for-summit-now-back-to-rdc-for-final-step/).
**Extension of College-Walnut corridor contract?** The board of public works normally meets on Tuesdays, but that’s Election Day, so the meeting has been shifted to Monday. On the [5:30 p.m. Monday (May 4) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16757/download) is an [extension of days](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hxtpj3a9R%5FvJefIpySf5aAXpnbLk2Oft/view) for the contract with Toole Design to conduct the College-Walnut corridor study.
The contract expired on Oct. 31, 2025\. The extension is just through Dec. 12, 2025\. It’s not clear what’s going on here, because even with the extension, the contract expired over four months ago. The paperwork looks like it was prepared on Oct. 23, 2025\. Perhaps the paperwork was prepared, and no one in the legal department remembered that it was supposed to be put in front of the board of public works.
**May 5 Primary Election Day.** Polls open starting at 6 a.m. Find your polling location using the [online lookup tool](https://indianavoters.in.gov/). Check results on the [Monroe County results dashboard](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/842c69c9a0cd4628b5ce02126a178e39).
**Hopewell South PUD, Cottage Grove.** Back on the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (May 6) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16761/download ) for Bloomington’s city council is the Hopewell South PUD. Appearing on the agenda for the first time is a proposal to enact some historic protections for the Cottage Grove area in central Bloomington. For B Square background from several months ago, see: [Historic protections sought for area between 10th, 12th streets in central Bloomington](https://bsquarebulletin.com/historic-protections-sought-for-area-between-10th-12th-streets-in-central-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](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574536874380) for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s [inaugural event](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ms-lake-lemon-pageant-bennett-tops-field-of-16-in-contest-featuring-firewood-nails-mud-puddles/).
---
### Meet Buddy Boy!
Up for adoption, as of May 3 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Buddy Boy](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86480). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a redbone coonhound. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Buddy Boy](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86480):
> I am a good ol' boy looking for a buddy of my own. I'm a little nervous, but I come out of my shell with lots of cuddles.
### Photo Finish: 6th Street & Walnut Street
Volunteers are putting new plants into the bed on the grounds of the Monroe County historic courthouse. The work is prompted in part by storm damage, which [took out an oak tree in August 2025](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-9/). The planting is funded in part by a $1,500 grant from the Monroe County Master Gardeners. In addition to replacing damaged plants, the new scheme uses a different mix of sun-tolerant species for the bed, which is now out of the shade of the oak tree. Plants include milkweed to support monarch butterflies. (Dave Askins, April 30, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Civic Solver: May 4, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/civic-solver-11-10-25/
Last updated: 2026-05-03T17:34:31.000Z
Our locally themed puzzles tie together Bloomington’s people, places, and public life. You’ll find a new one most weeks in the [*Almost Daily Bulletin*](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/almost-daily-bulletin/) emailed newsletter.
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-59/
Last updated: 2026-05-03T10:47:18.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #60 (May 3, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through April 27, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-april-27-2026/
Last updated: 2026-05-03T10:46:51.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 20 to April 27, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On April 27, 2026, the property at 6671 E Gross RD was sold to JOHN K SPARZO by ALIREZA KARIMI ZIARANI for $930,000.
- On April 27, 2026, the property at E Gross RD was sold to JOHN K SPARZO by ALIREZA KARIMI ZIARANI for $930,000.
- On April 27, 2026, the property at 1212 S Dunn ST was sold to RAYMOND SAGE by BRADLEY SMITH for $640,000.
- On April 27, 2026, the property at 5922 W State Road 46 was sold to JULIA M MOBLEY by ALEXANDER WATTS for $395,000.
- On April 27, 2026, the property at 1448 W Petal CT was sold to EMILY MATTHEWS by MARY M PENZIEN LIVING TRUST for $345,000.
- On April 27, 2026, the property at 565 E Graham PL was sold to JENNIFER PACELLA by RICHARD LIN for $160,000.
- On April 27, 2026, the property at W Airport RD was sold to STANLEY RAISPIS by ZESHAWN AHMED for $9,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 2110 N Angelina LN was sold to ELECTRIC PLUS, INC by Woodland Land Holdings LLC for $1,775,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 3804 W Elk Creek CT was sold to DEREK G WHEELER by Ruby Creek Homes LLC for $507,775.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 1419 E Elliston DR was sold to AMY EGGERS by BLAKE E BUSEY for $425,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 4224 E Sheffield DR was sold to KOURTENEY GRIMES by GRIMES, ROSS A for $350,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 2100 W Ellsworth RD was sold to ROSS A GRIMES by Faber, James W. for $325,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 7610 W Julia DR was sold to JACOB MATTHEW LESLIE by Authentic Homes Inc for $316,656.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 527 N Prow AVE APT 1 was sold to SABLE BEYERS by JAMES D MEADOWS for $300,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 130 S Johnson AVE was sold to CHRISTINA RAE ARNOLD by Patel, Ramila S Revocable Trust; Patel, Suresh C Revocable Trust for $267,025.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 519 N Prow AVE was sold to SABLE BEYERS by JAMES D MEADOWS for $250,000.
- On April 24, 2026, the property at 1409 W Kirkwood AVE was sold to GUANQING WANG by THE TRUSTEES OF WESTSIDE ASSEMBLY OF GOD INC for $250,000.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 410 E Blue Ridge DR was sold to JANE ZICOLELLO by STEVEN P BONNER FKA STEVE P BONER for $662,000.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 6404 N Braksway DR was sold to CATHY A COUNSILMAN by JAMES M YOUNG for $625,000.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 4224 N Rosewood DR was sold to AMISHABEN DESAI by BEACON BUILDERS LLC for $351,695.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 4208 N Rosewood DR was sold to SHATOYIA MOSS by BEACON BUILDERS, LLC for $322,395.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 844 S Hickory DR was sold to DEBRA LYNN QUIMBY by BARBARA M STIGLITZ IRREVOCABLE TRUST for $240,000.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 2745 S Pine Meadows DR was sold to STEINHAUS LLC by LARRY D ARTHUR for $175,000.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 6195 N Morel WAY was sold to AUTHENTIC HOMES INC by HARMAN FARMS DEVELOPMENT LLC for $81,500.
- On April 22, 2026, the property at 2921 E Kylie CT was sold to RIJA Z GHAZANFAR by Pollock, Evan J for $980,000.
- On April 22, 2026, the property at 9548 E Northshore DR was sold to ERIC REECK by MARK WISEMAN for $600,000.
- On April 22, 2026, the property at 3260 E Mattatha DR was sold to LUKE HUGHES by Salter, Patty J for $365,000.
- On April 22, 2026, the property at 664 1/2 E Heather DR was sold to ANTHONY ZIZAK by DOUGLAS M MCDANIEL for $155,000.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 1105 N Woodburn AVE was sold to SWAN EQUITY LLC by WOODBURN VENTURES LLC for $310,000.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 541 W Ladd AVE was sold to DEBORAH STEEN by DAVID J SCHAAF for $265,000.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 9690 S Bay Pointe CT was sold to SARA GONZALEZ by KRISTEN L DUSENBURY for $247,000.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 314 W Association ST UNIT A was sold to ADIL MOHMMED SEDDIQ by MATTHEW A TOMASO for $225,000.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 314 W Association ST was sold to ADIL MOHAMMED SEDDIQ by MATTHEW A TOMASO for $225,000.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 4050 W State Road 45 was sold to CLAUDIA BYERS by LTB HOLDINGS LLC for $157,500.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 6595 N Shuffle Creek RD was sold to SWI LLC by ROBERTSON, ANTHONY L for $110,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 2410 E Cedarwood CT was sold to AARON DY by GRIFFEN DAHLSTROM for $750,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 4372 S Rotterdam DR was sold to HOVALIN WOODS by LHUNDRUP N NORBU for $655,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 4426 N Preakness LN was sold to LISA KOTYK by CHRISTOPHER D REINBOLD for $554,900.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 225 S Cave Creek DR was sold to LUCAS WEEKS by AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION SOLUTIONS, LLC for $500,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 712 E Pepperridge DR was sold to THE MAGGIE TRUST by LEANNA B RIGGINS for $265,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 6004 W Merry Way LN was sold to LIAM SMITH by CHRIS BERG for $239,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 3862 S Laurel CT was sold to EARL VAN HALL by BAILYE N WALKER for $215,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 3307 S Mcgowan RD was sold to LAY IN STORE LLC by NURKIEWICZ, DAVID A for $185,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 825 W 1st ST was sold to SARAH MENEFEE by ELSIE MARIE WEBB REVOCABLE TRUST for $145,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 7801 S Harmony RD was sold to MATTHEW B PAULY by RICARDO D MAGNANI for $9,800.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 2514 E Sandberg CT was sold to MICHAL GORDEN by IVY PAW for $635,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 4534 N Triple Crown DR was sold to NAVNEET MARTINEZ by BARDI BUILDERS LLC for $585,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 2906 E Winston ST was sold to CRISTOBAL PETROVICH BALBONTIN by KETTENIS REMODELING LLC for $423,700.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 809 W Oak ST was sold to ELIAS LABORIN PONCE by KIRKWOOD REALTY, LLC for $210,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 1250 W Adams Hill CIR UNIT 401 was sold to JACKI SERNA by SIJIA HUANG for $202,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 751 E Waterloo CT was sold to DEVON C JANITZ by LINDA K BRANSTETTER for $200,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 9371 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to BRADLEY ABPLANALP by HANNA J BABBS for $160,000.
- On April 16, 2026, the property at 4105 S Hedgewood DR was sold to JOHN FELLURE by AARON D BUTCHER for $465,000.
- On April 16, 2026, the property at 9656 S Bay Pointe CT was sold to ROBERT WADE by JESUS A LOQUIAS for $265,000.
- On April 15, 2026, the property at 9567 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to ERIC REDIFER by W ROBERT ERWIN for $310,000.
- On April 15, 2026, the property at 9465 S Pointe Retreat DR was sold to MICHAEL GREGORY by ELYSE MYERS for $226,000.
- On April 14, 2026, the property at 1755 S Kirby RD was sold to CHARITY FAITH KNOY by ESTATE OF ROBERT L BRISCOE for $274,000.
- On April 14, 2026, the property at 3824 W Woodmere WAY was sold to EVERGREEN HOME BUYERS LLC by CHERYL ANN BROWNING for $125,000.
- On April 13, 2026, the property at 4420 N Preakness LN was sold to SANTINO M SUNSERI by S & AMP; L HOMES, LLC for $630,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 2806 S St Remy CIR was sold to JDHD INVESTMENT GROUP LLC by THE JANE CRAWFORD AND BERNARD FRISCHER REVOCABLE TRUST for $575,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 2708 S Mccartney LN was sold to JOHN K TRAYLOR by HYDE PARK VILLAGE LLC for $275,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 515 W Allen ST was sold to BRADEN BONCZEK by AARON NEAL for $238,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 7789 E Lampkins Ridge RD was sold to CHERYL A GREGG by ESTATE OF RICHARD D WELLS for $197,500.
- On April 9, 2026, the property at 4444 N Seabiscuit CIR was sold to AARON P BECKER by GENERATIONS HOMES LLC for $654,248.
- On April 8, 2026, the property at 5904 S Phyllis ST was sold to NOAH MICHAEL CIASTO-POOR by WALTER A WOOD III for $300,000.
- On April 6, 2026, the property at 5598 W Wampler RD was sold to KENNETH E TERRELL by ESTATE OF THURMAN E TERRELL for $400,000.
- On April 6, 2026, the property at 1376 S College Mall RD was sold to Hall, John D by Wei, Jia for $180,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 537 E Fawn Ridge TRL was sold to JOHN M MYERS by SOUSA, GERALD A for $1,350,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 5999 E Nehrt RD was sold to JOHN E DEMOSS AND HEATHER DEMOSS REVOCABLE TRUST by DAVID A KILLION REVOCABLE TRUST for $1,300,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 621 S Pleasant Ridge RD was sold to JENELL BRAMLAGE by MOHSEN KIANIZADEH for $739,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 720 W Whitethorn PL was sold to DAKOTA THOMPSON by LEIGH K BEEVERS for $429,900.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 8055 N Lakewood DR was sold to CHRISTOPHER MILLER by TRESA RENA FREDERICKS for $329,150.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 1307 W Gourley PIKE was sold to ROBERTA OVERMAN by ESTATE OF CINDY J CHAMBERS-SHAW for $282,500.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 9382 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to Webster, Michelle M by Schneider Holdings LLC for $176,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 1225 S Walnut ST was sold to TJP COMMERCIAL LLC by WILMA JEAN CORNWELL REVOCABLE TRUST for $150,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at S Walnut ST was sold to RON OSKOUIE by NORMA K JAIN for $115,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 754 S Walnut ST was sold to RON OSKOUIE by NORMA K JAIN for $115,000.
- On April 2, 2026, the property at 7493 E Rush Ridge RD was sold to DAVID MOORE AND LESLIE MOORE REVOCABLE TRUST by Sullivan, Kimberly for $1,195,000.
- On April 2, 2026, the property at 3416 S Claybridge DR was sold to TAEYOUNG LEE by LAMBRIGHT, JEFFREY A for $486,734.
- On April 2, 2026, the property at 392 S Cedar DR was sold to KYLEA MOORE by MILHOAN PROPERTIES LLC for $212,000.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 1749 W Ezekiel DR was sold to Pieper, Tyler by Equity Trust Company Custodian FBO Brent Sacksteder IRA for $475,000.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 4594 W Johanna DR was sold to JOEL WANGATA by PRO-ANGLE PROPERTIES LLC for $356,500.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 801 W 12th ST was sold to VINCENT GRUBBS by DOUGLAS W WELLS for $279,500.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 2101 S Bayberry DR was sold to XINTONG LIU by Crayton, Shaun for $243,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 1745 S Springhouse DR was sold to THE ROBERT H FRIST AND ELLEN E FRIST FAMILY REVOCABLE TRUST AGREEMENT by MICHAEL SHANAHAN for $649,900.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 811 N Walnut ST was sold to NORTH COLLEGE PARTNERS LLC by GREG AND LORI ANDERSON REVOCABLE TRUST for $565,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 804 N College AVE was sold to NORTH COLLEGE PARTNERS LLC by SHELBY BLOOMINGTON LLC for $565,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 5408 S Chalmers CT was sold to THE SCMACCA FAMILY 2023 DECLARATION OF TRUST by DEREK D ROLLINS for $550,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 2480 S Smith RD was sold to HANNAH M CLENDENING by NANCY M MATHEWS for $500,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 2258 E Cape Cod DR was sold to INGRID R MONTECINO by SHEILA J NICKLE for $495,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 618 E Moss Creek CT was sold to THEODORE JUNG by NATALIE J WALKER for $360,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 530 E Graham PL was sold to XAVIERA BURTON by VANDANA OZA for $164,000.
- On March 30, 2026, the property at 3225 S Coppertree DR was sold to JEREMY AGUILAR by M. JEANNE PETERSON REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $310,000.
- On March 30, 2026, the property at 2558 S Flat Rock RD was sold to KATHERINE TIERNN by PORCHLIGHT HOME LLC for $280,000.
- On March 30, 2026, the property at 3850 E Lydia LN was sold to PEGGY HAU by COLE M SMITH for $273,000.
- On March 30, 2026, the property at 3621 E Post RD was sold to KENNETH TITUS by SHERRY MYERS for $125,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 301 E Glendora DR was sold to ALEXZANDRA KOVACS by MICAH HEATH REAL ESTATE LLC for $640,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 7600 W Saddle Gate DR was sold to DYLAN JOHNSON by BARBERRY LLC for $485,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 737 E Moss Creek CIR was sold to ALAN PURINGTON BLACKWELL by ROBERT L HANNUM for $400,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 1112 S Morton ST was sold to ROBERT HOLAHAN by DARRELL M JERDEN for $375,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 9441 S Pointe Lasalles DR was sold to JENNIFER JO COBB by MARTIN R HARTMAN for $229,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 2770 W Watson DR was sold to BARBARA OOLEY by Whitlow, Carol S for $197,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 3948 E Eagle Bay DR was sold to Biette, Steven by Slaven, Hiram S for $175,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 7671 W Julia DR was sold to WEST CONCRETE INC by HARMAN FARMS DEVELOPMENT LLC for $82,838.
- On March 26, 2026, the property at 1200 N Woodburn AVE was sold to CALM PROPERTY 3 LLC by NORTH COLLEGE PARTNERS, LLC for $1,299,000.
- On March 26, 2026, the property at 4578 W Johanna DR was sold to NATHAN NGO by PRO-ANGLE PROPERTIES, LLC for $310,000.
- On March 26, 2026, the property at 537 S Poplar DR was sold to JAMES RAY MOORE by TYLER A MCCLURE for $285,000.
- On March 26, 2026, the property at 4583 W Johanna DR was sold to PRO-ANGLE PROPERTIES, LLC by Valu-built Construction LLC for $82,000.
- On March 25, 2026, the property at 422 W 10th ST was sold to ALLUINN IU TRADES DISTRICT HOTEL LLC by CITY OF BLOOMINGTON REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION for $1,200,000.
- On March 25, 2026, the property at 1216 E 2nd ST was sold to STEPHEN COX by DAVID H JACOBS JR for $647,500.
- On March 25, 2026, the property at 3626 S Kingsbury AVE was sold to VIRGINIA JESSIE HOSLER by DASILVA PROPERTY SERVICES LLC for $350,000.
- On March 25, 2026, the property at 709 W Hedgewood DR was sold to JACOB BYRNS by TODD AARON GOLDEN for $341,000.
- On March 25, 2026, the property at 2517 S Banta AVE was sold to NINI JOHANNA URQUIJO AREVALO by CLEAR TECH DWELLINGS LLC for $292,000.
- On March 25, 2026, the property at 2443 S Woolery Mill DR was sold to SCMC SALES LLC by PAUL E SPEEN for $225,000.
- On March 24, 2026, the property at 1301 N Walnut ST was sold to 1301 NORTH WALNUT LLC by ERL-3, LLC for $845,000.
- On March 24, 2026, the property at 4920 E Ridgewood DR was sold to ROCH JOSEPH LOCKYER JR by THE SUSAN CHRISTENE LAMAR REVOCABLE TRUST for $450,000.
- On March 24, 2026, the property at 723 W 8th ST was sold to CHRISTOPHER W CALLAHAN by THE JOINT REVOCABLE TRUST OF PETER W DORFMAN AND OLIVIA C DORFMAN for $380,000.
- On March 23, 2026, the property at 2247 S Sunday DR was sold to CHRISTIAN SWINNEY by 2247 SUNDAY DR LLC for $1,000,000.
- On March 23, 2026, the property at 2407 S Woolery Mill DR was sold to L.L. OSTMANN LIVING TRUST by MIRANDA RACHELLE GOOCH FKA MIRANDA RACHELLE BECK for $224,000.
- On March 23, 2026, the property at 7289 N Old State Road 37 was sold to BENJAMIN LEWIS DAHNCKE by ROGER D PHILLIPS for $205,000.
- On March 20, 2026, the property at 4625 N Calumet CT was sold to WYATT HORNE by SAMANTHA KERR for $622,500.
- On March 20, 2026, the property at 4318 E Cricket KNL was sold to MARK KRENZ by NATHANIEL BAUTERS for $449,900.
- On March 20, 2026, the property at 469 E Fawn Ridge TRL was sold to DUANE JEFFERIES by LUNA CAP LLC for $385,000.
- On March 20, 2026, the property at 5101 S Madison ST was sold to MICHAEL MEST by KIRKWOOD REALTY, LLC for $370,000.
- On March 20, 2026, the property at 3853 S Laurel CT was sold to JOSEPH BORMANN by ESTATE OF MARSHA L ROTHROCK for $170,000.
- On March 20, 2026, the property at 9011 S Pointe Ridge LN was sold to CHRISTOPHER HANNIS by THE JACQUELINE COX IRREVOCABLE LIVING TRUST for $160,000.
### MCCSC board to start digesting findings from yearlong redistricting effort
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-board-to-start-digesting-findings-from-yearlong-redistricting-effort/
Last updated: 2026-05-02T13:18:15.000Z
[](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1cBZTjB59nwePs2kDLx0f5QFwk5MRTDM&usp=sharing)
No new boundaries are recommended as a part of the MCCSC redistricting commission’s work. Map of current elementary schools by The B Square. Image links to dynamic map.
Key findings by a commission on elementary school redistricting got their first public airing at last Tuesday’s (April 28) regular meeting of the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) trustees.
The [findings](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DTKU4B7A349B/$file/Redistricting%20-%20April%202026.pdf#page=6) generally point to redistricting as a workable way to get a better balance of students at the district’s schools, but made clear that there are costs, trade-offs and community impacts depending on any specific implementation. The findings don’t include recommended new boundaries.
The effort traces back to February 2024, when the school board adopted [Resolution 2024-05](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/D2PQKR6986B4/$file/Resolution%202024-05%20Attendance%20Zone%20Reconfiguration%2002272024.pdf), which set in motion a review of school attendance boundaries with the goal of creating a more even socio-economic mix of students across schools. In the wording of the resolution, the idea was to start a process of “examining attendance zones with the intent to create greater balance between elementary schools.”
About a year later, in April 2025, the board formed a Redistricting Study Commission with 92 members, which included parents, teachers, staff, students and others. The board asked that group to look at two things in particular. The first was whether and how redistricting could achieve a balance for student socio-economic status. The second was how redistricting could be done in a cost-effective way.
The commission worked through potential map scenarios and identified the factors it thought should matter most when changing boundaries. The commission wrapped up its work in December 2025.
At [last month’s board meeting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/mccsc-trustees-review-redistricting-study-construction-projects-preschool-contracts-new-cell-phone-law/), MCCSC director of early learning and enrollment Tim Dowling said that direction from the school board and input from the public had boiled down considerations to the most important four factors:
- capacity, resource allocation, and class size
- minimizing student reassignment
- transportation
- neighborhood or community schools
Dowling said the result of the commission’s work will be a final report that includes a review of the commission’s research, methodology, results from each meeting, and a summary with key findings.
On Tuesday (April 28), the summary with key findings was included in a [presentation](https://go.boarddocs.com/in/mccsc/Board.nsf/files/DTKU4B7A349B/$file/Redistricting%20-%20April%202026.pdf) from Dowling.
According to the presentation, commission members studied 50 example redistricting scenarios over the course of nine meetings, which totaled more than 25 hours, or about three full work days per commission member.
The six findings were less about any specific boundary maps and more about factors the district would need to weigh, and some further study that would need to be done, if it decides to redraw elementary school boundaries.
The commission found that changing attendance zones can, in fact, make the mix of student economic backgrounds more even across schools, based on the sample maps it tested. The key is setting clear targets and rationales.
On the question of cost effectiveness, the group said it did not study the topic thoroughly, because the district hasn’t defined what “cost-effective” really means. As Dowling’s slide deck put it, there is a “lack of specificity” on the question of cost effectiveness.
For the mechanics of drawing boundaries, the commission pointed to census-based mapping tools as a practical approach. That approach uses established geographic lines and gives planners a neutral, data-based place to start.
Closing one or more schools could be an option, based on the commission’s consideration of some examples that didn’t overload the remaining elementary buildings and still improved the balance of student populations.
The commission also found that the balance achieved at the elementary school level helps balance the schools that are fed by the elementary schools. That is, if elementary zones are balanced, middle and high schools tend to follow suit.
But the commission also found that tradeoffs would have to be made in any redistricting scenario. Achieving balance across schools means students would be reassigned to different schools, and closing schools can disrupt transportation patterns and neighborhood ties.
After the presentation, board president Erin Cooperman said, “I think it’s a lot for us to digest, as a board.” She said she hasn’t had a chance to “think through all of the implications of the report.”
MCCSC has not yet published the information in the redistricting study report, except for the six findings in Dowling’s Tuesday presentation. Responding to an emailed question from The B Square, an MCCSC spokesperson wrote: “The report will be shared publicly at a later date.”
Even commission members themselves have not yet seen a final report. A final commission meeting was scheduled for Monday, April 27, which was the day before the board meeting. But the meeting was rescheduled due to [severe thunderstorms](https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-6th-street-3/%C2%A0) and flooded roads.
### Editor’s Notebook: Trojan Horse not dead, just moving up the road
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/editors-notebook-trojan-horse-not-dead-just-moving-up-the-road/
Last updated: 2026-05-02T12:28:20.000Z
Looking southeast at The Trojan Horse. (Dave Askins, May 1, 2026)
Word travels in Bloomington the way it does in most places, which means sideways, and across several uncertain channels, but eventually gets settled somewhere in a bar, by an authority who has answered the same question a hundred times already.
On Friday night, that someone was Pat, who is a veteran server at The Trojan Horse on the southeast corner of Kirkwood Avenue and Walnut Street.
Pat confirmed what had started circulating as rumors on social media a few hours earlier: The Trojan Horse is moving in August to the former Wee Willie’s spot in Ellettsville.
Congratulations to the residents of Ellettsville. The gyros, tacos, cheeseburgers, and saganaki will be so much more convenient for them. Inside of a year, the place will probably feel like it has been there for decades.
I am glad that The Trojan Horse will be staying close enough to Bloomington that it won’t mean an expedition to get there from here. Trojan Horse’s move actually helps make the case for something that does not yet exist, namely a public bus route between downtown Bloomington and Ellettsville. Such a route would get a half dozen rides a month from my household, just to eat at The Trojan Horse.
Typically, Editor’s Notebook items are dedicated to status updates on The B Square Bulletin as a publication. This one still fits that description, because the publication was named in part after the courthouse square, and The Trojan Horse has anchored the southeast corner of the square for almost a half century, since 1978.
For the record, I am sad the Trojan Horse is leaving. It turns out I am one of the Nostalgia People, a term I learned from a barkeep at The Trojan Horse. Here’s a review I wrote exactly a month ago, to complete my bingo card for a Kirkwood Avenue promotional effort.
---
### Trojan Horse: A review
On Thursday night (April 2) I headed over to Trojan Horse, the longtime Bloomington restaurant on Kirkwood Avenue and Walnut Street founded in 1978\. Locals who are trying hard to be recognized as locals will call it The Troj. But those who count themselves as true foodie insiders, and I do, will call it the Tango Hotel, borrowing from the NATO phonetic alphabet.
The place is the same as I remember it from 1987, when I first pulled open the big heavy wooden door, with its thick iron chain for a door handle. With me then was Mary Morgan, as she mostly is nowadays, too. But not on Thursday.
Upstairs, Pat was working the bar area. She knows me well enough to ask a question that only a regular gets: “Are you on your own—is she gone again?” Usually that means Mary Morgan has driven down to Texas to visit her sister. This time it meant Mary was home sick. Either way, Pat knows what comes next: a double cheeseburger with bacon, which means just bread, meat, cheese, bacon. Pat recites the list of ingredients every time to confirm.
Menus in restaurants change over time. When Mary Morgan and I first started coming here in the summer of 1987—when we were young and stupid and falling in love—the Tango Hotel offered galaktoboureko for dessert. Now, I cry a little to myself every time I visit, to lament the loss of that golden, syrup-soaked Greek custard pastry—layers of crackling phyllo wrapped around soft semolina cream.
On Thursday, the cheeseburger arrived exactly as ordered, with a knife plunged straight down through the center, possibly to keep the layers under control, but also, I think, because it just looks dramatic.
It tasted exactly like a cheeseburger will always taste when it comes with a side of good memories—it tastes like love.
11 stars out of 10.
Double cheeseburger with bacon. (Dave Askins, April 2, 2026)
Shot of Jack Daniel's. (Dave Askins, May 1, 2026)
### New signal timing gives pedestrians head start at downtown Bloomington intersections
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-signal-timing-gives-pedestrians-head-start-at-downtown-bloomington-intersections/
Last updated: 2026-05-02T11:18:36.000Z
Southbound traffic on College Avenue has a red light and can't turn right because of the no-turn-on-red sign. Pedestrians, however, have a walk sign. (Dave Askins, April 29, 2026)
A [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-29-city-of-Bloomington-news-release-leading-pedestrian-intervals.pdf) from Bloomington’s office of the mayor on Wednesday announced that the city is completing the first phase of traffic signal retiming project with money from the the state of Indiana’s [Highway Safety Improvement](https://www.in.gov/indot/traffic-engineering/traffic-safety-office/highway-safety-improvement-program/) program.
The specific kind of newly implemented signal timing mentioned in the news release is called a leading pedestrian interval (LPI). An LPI addresses intersections where no-turn-on-red signs are posted.
The specific scenario is one where a pedestrian is waiting for a walk signal to cross a street, and a car is waiting to turn right, across the crosswalk. Instead of simultaneously giving the driver a green light and the pedestrian the walk sign, the traffic signal first gives the pedestrian the walk signal, and then a couple of seconds later gives the driver a green light. The idea is to give the pedestrian time to establish themselves visually in the crosswalk so that the driver can yield.
This week The B Square documented several signals in the College Avenue and Walnut Street corridor where LPIs are implemented. Here’s an example, southbound on College Avenue at 6th Street. (In the video, stare at the red figure indicating “Don’t Walk.” When it turns to a walk sign, look at the traffic signal—it will still be red.)
### Pedestrian Leading Interval: Walnut Street & 6th Street
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The basic environment for implementation of LPIs is one where turning on red is prohibited. That’s because if it’s legal to turn right on red, then a car driver has a right to turn (after stopping) without waiting for green, and an LPI would have little impact.
It was an [ordinance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2021-04-07-no-turn-on-red-Ord%5F21-12.pdf) initiated and [adopted by the city council five years ago](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-ban-on-red-light-turns-in-downtown-a-good-step-pedestrian-advocate-says-but-more-work-needed/), that added about 80 spots in the downtown area to the list of downtown intersections where no-turn-on-red signs are mandated, including the one for southbound College Avenue at 6th Street.
Two years later, the no-turn-on-red ordinance was followed by a city council resolution \[[Res 23-17](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2023-10-04-Resolution-23-17-city-council-comprehensive-plan-leading-pedestrain-interval-5774.pdf )\] directing a revision to the transportation plan, which is a part of the city’s comprehensive plan, to include LPIs in city policy. The resolution also called for as well as inclusion of walk signals in every signal cycle without requiring a pedestrian to hit the “beg button.” That kind of automatic inclusion of walk signals is known as “pedestrian re-call” in traffic engineering terms.
City council records don’t seem to include a resolution adopting changes to the transportation plan explicitly in response to Res 23-17\. But in late 2024, the council did adopt the [Safe Streets for All](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-11-15%5FBloomington%5FSafe%5FStreets%5Ffor%5FAll%5FPlan%5F-%5FFinal%5F-%5FOnline.pdf#page=42) plan, which included LPIs as a targeted policy option.
### Monroe County courthouse
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-courthouse-3/
Last updated: 2026-05-01T11:56:27.000Z
### Videos
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The Bloomington Quarry Morris team performs on May Day at the historic Monroe County courthouse. For last year’s more detailed coverage, see: [Bloomington’s annual May Day ritual continues under watchful eye of weathervane fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-annual-may-day-ritual-continues-under-watchful-eye-of-weathervane-fish/)
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The Bloomington Quarry Morris team performs on May Day at the historic Monroe County courthouse. For last year’s more detailed coverage, see: [Bloomington’s annual May Day ritual continues under watchful eye of weathervane fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-annual-may-day-ritual-continues-under-watchful-eye-of-weathervane-fish/)
### Photos
The Bloomington Quarry Morris team performs on May Day at the historic Monroe County courthouse. For last year’s more detailed coverage, see: [Bloomington’s annual May Day ritual continues under watchful eye of weathervane fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-annual-may-day-ritual-continues-under-watchful-eye-of-weathervane-fish/)
The Bloomington Quarry Morris team performs on May Day at the historic Monroe County courthouse. For last year’s more detailed coverage, see: [Bloomington’s annual May Day ritual continues under watchful eye of weathervane fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomingtons-annual-may-day-ritual-continues-under-watchful-eye-of-weathervane-fish/)
### Bloomington police looking for shooting suspect wearing shark- or dolphin-style backpack
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-looking-for-shooting-suspect-wearing-shark-or-dolphin-style-backpack/
Last updated: 2026-04-30T20:11:37.000Z
Images from video in a news release by Bloomington police. The man in the images is sought by police in connection with a[ Kirkwood Avenue shooting](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-correct-tally-on-kirkwood-shooting-5-hit-by-bullet-or-fragments-1-victim-in-hospital/) in the early morning hours of April 26, 2026\.
Bloomington police are asking for the public’s help finding a man who is pictured in newly released images as part of the ongoing investigation into the early-morning April 26 shooting on Kirkwood Avenue.
In a news release issued Thursday, the Bloomington police department says it’s looking for a “person of interest” who is described as a man wearing a distinctive backpack and a necklace. The backpack appears to resemble a shark or dolphin, a detail the news release highlighted as a key identifying feature.
Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the man or has information about the shooting to contact detective Chris Scott at 812-339-4477 or by email at scottc@bloomington.in.gov. Police say they are continuing to review video and other evidence as the investigation continues, and are stressing that tips from the public could help identify those involved.
According to police, in the [Kirkwood Avenue shooting on April 26](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-ok-11-375m-north-park-land-deal-for-jail-now-to-county-council/) one young woman was shot and four others were wounded by bullet fragments.
### Monroe County commissioners OK $11.375M North Park land deal for jail; now to county council
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-commissioners-ok-11-375m-north-park-land-deal-for-jail-now-to-county-council/
Last updated: 2026-04-30T19:38:21.000Z
****Left:** Monroe County commissioners Lee Jones, Julie Thomas, and Jody Madeira. (Dave Askins, April 30, 2026) ****Right:** Map by the B Square. The proposed Bloomington annexation, indicated on the map, is no longer in play after the Indiana Supreme Court let the court of appeals ruling against the city of Bloomington stand.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners voted 3–0 on Thursday to approve an $11,375,000 [purchase agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-30-North-Park-purchase-agreement-jail-justice-complex-2026-04-30-Commissioners-Packet.pdf) for the North Park site for construction of a jail and justice center.
It’s a move that commissioner Jody Madeira framed as “not so much a vote for North Park as it is a vote against this lawsuit,” which drew immediate comment from commissioner Julie Thomas who said North Park is the only viable option on the table.
Madeira put it like this:
> Just because we move forward with this purchase agreement, by the way, does not mean that if a better option presents itself, we don’t have to go down this road. If we have a better option that presents itself tomorrow, we can go with that option, but this option is before us on the table today. So to all of those who say, “The commissioners love North Park,” this is not so much a vote for North Park as it is a vote against this lawsuit.
By the “this lawsuit” Madeira meant the fresh litigation that is expected to be filed by the ACLU, if the settlement agreement related to a 2008 lawsuit is allowed to expire and the ACLU dismisses the older case.
The most recent [extension of the settlement agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-13-modified-settlement-agreement-Monroe-County-jail-North-Park-073111704804.pdf) goes just through May 29, having been extended on an annual basis for several years. A condition on any further extension, beyond May 29, is the approval of a purchase agreement for North Park by county commissioners before the end of April, and an approval of the same purchase agreement by the county council at one of its two meetings in May. The first county council meeting next month falls on May 12.
North Park is a roughly 52-acre site, located off SR-46, northwest of Bloomington.
Thomas followed Madeira’s remark with a blunt assessment of alternatives, saying she does not see a realistic path for any other site to meet the deadlines tied to the county’s private settlement agreement with ACLU of Indiana. Thomas put it like this:
> I’m going to offer my own opinion on “if something else comes up.” I don’t think there’s any possibility that anything else can come up and be ready for a bond, a bond initiation in July, because you would have to have everything else done,” Thomas said. “I just don’t see that that’s even possible. I mean, it wish it were. It’s just not.
---
Commissioner Lee Jones stressed that people currently incarcerated in the county jail are those who are most affected by the long unresolved issue of the jail.
“I’d just like to say that I think that the people who keep on being forgotten in this discussion or ignored … are the people who are in our jail,” Jones said. “I can’t imagine what they think, watching these arguments go on, that to them must seem pretty petty.” Jones added, “It’s just really sad that we have forgotten, apparently, about that population that is suffering at this time and we aren’t actively moving forward …”
The vote by county commissioners means the purchase agreement, and any needed appropriation, will be sent to the Monroe County council, where it could appear on a council agenda as soon as May 12\. The [deal approved on Thursday morning](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-30-North-Park-purchase-agreement-jail-justice-complex-2026-04-30-Commissioners-Packet.pdf ) is similar to [one that was approved in 2024](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-10-23-purchase-agreement-for-North-Park.pdf ) by commissioners and councilors alike in 2024\. That was before the county council voted unanimously to [deny the required appropriation](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-unanimously-rejects-north-park-jail-site-funding-after-marathon-meeting/) to close the real estate deal in late 2025.
The $11,375,000 purchase price is unchanged from the previous one. A big difference for the new agreement is the omission of the earlier agreement’s requirement that at least some elements of a justice complex be constructed immediately along with a jail.
On Thursday, Thomas acknowledged that the county council had not had input into establishing the terms of the recent extension of the private settlement agreement for the 2008 lawsuit. “Yes, that is true,” Thomas said, giving as a reason: “Because they are not party to the lawsuit.” She added, “It was up to us to work with the sheriff to agree to the private settlement agreement.” The original lawsuit, Thomas stressed, was filed against the board of commissioners and the sheriff, not against the county council.
Addressing Bloomington’s city council, which passed a resolution at its April 22 meeting expressing opposition to the North Park site, Thomas said on Thursday, “To my city friends, thank you for your interest,” adding, “Here’s what we need your help with. We do need to provide transit now.” She said, “We can figure out a way to make a \[bus\] route to go anywhere in the county, including North Park. It can be done. … That’s something the city can help us with.”
Her second explicit request to the city involved pooling opioid settlement dollars. “We have this pile of opioid funding. It’s limited in how it can be spent,” Thomas said, adding a question: “Why can’t the county and the city get together, share the money and provide substance use disorder treatment, inpatient, outpatient mental health treatment?” Thomas concluded, “That would be a help to Monroe County government. That would be a help to every resident of this county, every resident, and it would help keep our incarceration rate down.”
The reference to opioid funding is to a stream of lawsuit settlement dollars paid by drug manufacturers, distributors and related companies to state and local governments nationwide after litigation over the opioid crisis. Some of those funds come with restrictions, generally requiring that they be spent on treatment, recovery, harm reduction and prevention efforts.
At the end of 2025, the city of Bloomington had in its [year-end balance](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-03-04-year-end-fund-balances-2025-city-of-Bloomington-cash%5Finv%5Fcombined%5Fpublic-4.pdf) for restricted and unrestricted opioid settlement funds a total of about $973,000 with no expenditures so far in 2026\. Based on information from [Bloomington’s online financial system](https://bloomington.spending.socrata.com/#!/year/All Years/explore/1-/priority?x-return-url=https:%2F%2Fbloomington.finance.socrata.com%2F%23!%2Fdashboard&x-return-description=Return to Open Finance), the city’s [expenditures in 2024 and 2025](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-30-Opioid-Settlement-Funds-Bloomington-Expenditures-through-pril-30-2026-checkbook%5Fdata%5F2026-04-30.csv) from opioid settlement funds look like they were mostly grants to local nonprofits like New Hope Family Shelter, Amethyst House, Sojourn House, Beacon, Inc., Courage to Change Sober Living, Centerstone of Indiana and Community Kitchen of Monroe County.
In her prepared remarks on Thursday morning, Madeira called for collaboration. While disagreements are to be expected in a healthy democratic decision making, Madeira said, “There is too much at stake to let this agreement become distrust or give rise to personal accusations, and it can prevent us from doing the work that the public elected us to do.”
When Madeira wrapped up her commentary, it drew an “Amen!” and applause from Jeff Richardson, a former city council member (1976–79). When Richardson took the public mic, he praised Thomas and Madeira for their participation in the city council’s meeting and the tone of that exchange, which he described as “very substantive” and “very civil and very grounded and helpful.” He said the 17-year history of the jail discussion is widely viewed as a collective leadership failure, and urged both city and county officials to do more “heavy lifting” between formal public meetings.
Richardson said Monroe County and Bloomington have “some of the brightest, most dedicated” elected officials and urged them to finish the work together. “We can figure this out. We can do this, and my plea and my prayer is that we just do that. Let’s get this done, working together.”
---
The new purchase agreement for North Park and any needed appropriation are expected to appear on the [May 12 county council agenda](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-9465).
Parcels shaded in purple have been considered as a possible location for a new jail. Map by The B Square \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1R1Khz2Z%5FJhoqpA7KFoLgX8x3ppt9WWs&usp=sharing )\]
### 6th Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-24/
Last updated: 2026-04-30T14:38:14.000Z
Volunteers are putting new plants into the bed on the grounds of the Monroe County historic courthouse. The work is prompted in part by storm damage, which [took out an oak tree in August 2025](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-9/). The planting is funded in part by a $1,500 grant from the Monroe County Master Gardeners. In addition to replacing damaged plants, the new scheme uses a different mix of sun-tolerant species for the bed, which is now out of the shade of the oak tree. Plants include milkweed to support monarch butterflies. (Dave Askins, April 30, 2026)
### 3rd Street & High Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/3rd-street-high-street/
Last updated: 2026-05-02T19:37:18.000Z
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on the Eastside was getting a new roof last week. (Stella Hooker-Haase, April 2026)
### April 30, 2026: New jail financing, campaign finance reports, polling location access
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/april-30-2026-new-jail-financing-campaign-finance-reports-polling-location-access/
Last updated: 2026-05-03T19:28:08.000Z
### 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](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) 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](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Accessibility reviews completed for 28 Monroe County polling sites ahead of May 5 primary](https://bsquarebulletin.com/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](https://bsquarebulletin.com/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](https://bsquarebulletin.com/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](https://form.typeform.com/to/VLRkLktK) through May 1\. For B Square background, see: [Four finalist proposals revealed for Bloomington Convention Center art, public input sought](https://bsquarebulletin.com/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](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-board-of-commissioners-hybrid-8385) for the Monroe County commissioners is a purchase agreement for North Park for use as a jail and justice complex. The [meeting information packet](https://monroecounty99.sharepoint.com/sites/TSDHelpdesk/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners%2F2026%2D04%2D30%20Commissioners%27%20Packet%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FTSDHelpdesk%2FShared%20Documents%2FWeb%20Content%20Monroe%20County%202025%2D2026%2FBoard%20of%20Commissioners&p=true&ga=1) is over 100 MG. But the purchase agreement is [just four pages](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-30-North-Park-purchase-agreement-jail-justice-complex-2026-04-30-Commissioners-Packet.pdf). 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](https://bsquarebulletin.com/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](https://sites.google.com/mccsc.net/hoosierhillsffa/plant-sale?authuser=0).
**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 . 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](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574536874380) for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s [inaugural event](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ms-lake-lemon-pageant-bennett-tops-field-of-16-in-contest-featuring-firewood-nails-mud-puddles/).
---
### Meet Bubba!
Up for adoption, as of April 29 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Bubba](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/79869). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a shepherd mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Bubba](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/79869):
> 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!
### Photo Finish: 6th Street & Walnut Street
[](https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-23/)
Image links to video. Lightning flashes across the night sky behind the dome of the Monroe County courthouse. (Dave Askins, April 27, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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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---
### Accessibility reviews completed for 28 Monroe County polling sites ahead of May 5 primary
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/accessibility-reviews-completed-for-28-monroe-county-polling-sites-ahead-of-may-5-primary/
Last updated: 2026-04-29T17:29:49.000Z
The door to the North Showers building off Morton Street in downtown Bloomington, which is Monroe County's early voting location, stands propped open until the new automatic door opener gets electricity run to it. (Dave Askins, April 29, 2026)
Monroe County election officials say all 28 polling locations for the May 5 primary have been reviewed for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility, with detailed reports now available to voters at each site. That’s according to a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-29-Monroe-County-clerk-news-release-accessible-polling-places.pdf ) issued Tuesday (April 28) by Monroe County clerk Nicole Browne.
The reports for each of the 28 sites have been uploaded by The B Square to [BloomDocs.org](https://bloomdocs.org/) and assigned file names prefixed with “2026 Primary Election Polling Place Accessibility Review.”
The review was prompted by concerns about potential physical barriers at some locations, which could prevent voters with disabilities from exercising their voting rights. Voting locations in Monroe County range from schools to churches to community centers.
A range of issues are flagged in the reports. By way of example, for restrooms the reports identify a consistent set of issues across several polling places: not enough maneuvering space for wheelchairs; missing grab bars; narrow door widths; and lack of knee clearance under sinks. For entrances to buildings, the reports flag doors at some locations that require a lot of force to open, lack automatic openers, or are controlled by key-fob access.
The reports recommend mostly operational, rather than structural fixes. For example, when the nearest bathroom is not ADA accessible, one recommendation is to post signage directing voters to a bathroom that *is* accessible. If there is no accessible bathroom at a location, the recommendation is to post clear signage saying there is no accessible bathroom and to direct voters with disabilities to the front of the voting line.
At least one operational fix is on its way to becoming a structural remedy. The county-owned North Showers building (Election Central) on Morton Street in downtown Bloomington is serving as the early voting location and will be a polling location for several precincts on Election Day. The entrance door to North Showers was [flagged in the report](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Primary-Election-Polling-Place-Accessibility-Review-Election-Central.pdf) as heavy and hard to open. The recommended remedy, which was implemented by election staff, was to prop the door open. The hardware for an automatic door opener has now been installed, but is waiting for electricity to be run, which means in the meantime it will remain propped open.
The reports were generated with help from volunteer surveyors with the city of Bloomington’s [council for community accessibility (CCA)](https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/community-accessibility), who used [BlueDAG](https://www.bluedag.com/) software to help document an accessibility assessment about each site for compliance with ADA standards. The reports cover parking areas, paths of travel, entrances, restrooms and other shared spaces.
The effort to document deficiencies and recommendations for remedies using BlueDAG traces at least back to a November 2025\. That’s when city of Bloomington ADA coordinator Michael Shermis gave a presentation to the county election board about the city’s use of BlueDAG’s surveying tools in connection with work done by the city’s CCA. The city has contracted with BlueDAG at least since 2024.
At its Dec. 4, 2025 meeting, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with BlueDAG worth $11,988.
---
Early voting is [now underway](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/76049a9ff4934c21b5059bdc88a0b671) at Election Central. The reports on each polling location’s accessibility will be available at the location, according to the clerk’s news release. Voters who want to confirm their assigned location for casting a ballot on primary Election Day can use the secretary of state’s [online tool](https://indianavoters.in.gov/).
### Monroe County council backs $30K for lawyers, questions new $135M jail financing plan
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-council-backs-30k-for-lawyers-questions-new-135m-jail-financing-plan/
Last updated: 2026-04-29T09:12:07.000Z
Monroe County council from left: Marty Hawk, David Henry, Peter Iversen, Jennifer Crossley, Trent Deckard, Kate Wiltz, and Liz Feitl. (Dave Askins, April 28, 2026)
On Tuesday night, Monroe County’s long-running jail debate was the highlight of two separate agenda items. One was about issuing $135 million in bonds towards a new jail and justice center project, with a lot of uncertainty about whether that amount would cover a first phase. No decision was made Tuesday on the question of bonding.
But on a 6–1 vote, the council did take a step toward hiring its own outside legal counsel, as tensions rise with county commissioners over the jail project. Commissioners want to build the new facility at North Park, off SR46 northwest of Bloomington. Councilors have been strongly opposed to that site since October 2025\. Dissenting on Tuesday’s vote about outside legal counsel was Trent Deckard.
The split vote was on an appropriation of $30,000, as a kind of a “placeholder” to retain outside counsel. Council president Jennifer Crossley said she wants independent advice, ahead of a council vote on a purchase agreement for the proposed North Park jail site, which could come as soon as May 12.
The county commissioners will have a purchase agreement for North Park on their agenda for this week’s regular Thursday morning meeting (April 30). The schedule of votes by the two elected bodies on a new North Park purchase agreement is outlined in the [current settlement agreement extension](https://bsquarebulletin.com/pushback-from-public-county-council-on-north-park-jail-site-after-filing-for-settlement-extension/) for a lawsuit that was filed in 2008\. The ACLU is representing prisoners at the jail over unconstitutionally crowded conditions.
From the public mic on Tuesday, there was some, but not uniform support for the idea that the council should retain outside legal counsel. Critics warned that spending more on lawyers, while other departments are under a hiring freeze, was a bad look for the council.
April Wilson, who was speaking in her personal capacity as a county resident, not as a deputy prosecutor for Monroe County, urged councilors to stop relitigating past slights and start negotiating directly with the commissioners and city leaders over location, cost, and design of a replacement jail. She put it like this:
> I would like to share with you a phrase, though, that I frequently come back to as an attorney and in my personal capacity: Sometimes you can be right, or sometimes you can be married. … Appropriating this money is not a step towards solving the problem. Solving this problem means starting to have joint public meetings rather than speaking about through resolutions or on social media. It means sitting across from each other and talking about the budget and design rather than solely expressing frustration that you don’t know what the answer to that question is.
### Hiring outside legal counsel
The motion that David Henry eventually made at Tuesday’s meeting was “to approve the additional appropriation of $30,000 for contractual legal services and to authorize the council president to identify and solicit proposals from qualified outside counsel and to bring a recommended engagement, including scope and terms back to council for approval with any contract to be executed in accordance with applicable Indiana law.”
Henry described it as a move that is meant to keep options open and simply explore possibilities rather than commit the council to a specific course of action. He framed his support as basically honoring a request from Crossley, as council president, who said she would benefit from advice of outside counsel in the meetings she attends with commissioners and the ACLU attorney. It’s also a precaution to help protect the council, if things escalate to a new lawsuit against Monroe County government by the ACLU. Crossley put it like this, “It is just seeking outside advice of what we should do, should we get to next‑level mayhem.”
The “mayhem” Crossley mentioned would stem from the council’s failure to approve a purchase agreement for North Park at one of its two regular meetings in May. That’s based on the lawsuit’s newly extended [settlement agreement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-13-modified-settlement-agreement-Monroe-County-jail-North-Park-073111704804.pdf), which indicates the ACLU will not extend it again, if the council doesn’t approve a new North Park settlement agreement in May.
That presupposes the county commissioners approve the purchase agreement before the end of April. The settlement agreement is now set to expire on May 29\. Once the settlement agreement expires, it would set the stage for fresh litigation based on current conditions at the jail. That’s the scenario county officials are looking to avoid.
Deckard was skeptical that retaining outside counsel was the right approach. During the meeting, he said, “I think it’s about figuring out … where do we go to get to the agreement?” After the council’s meeting, Deckard told The B Square he thinks the council should stick with problem solving for now instead of “lawyering up.”
At the beginning of the year, Deckard and Henry both declared their formal candidacy for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the District 1 county commissioner seat. Since then, Tuesday night’s vote on the appropriation for outside legal counsel was one of the very few, if not the only decision when the two have voted differently as councilors.
Crossley introduced the $30,000 item for discussion, describing it as a “placeholder” that would allow the council to move quickly, if it decides it needs its own lawyer in the escalating dispute with commissioners over the proposed North Park jail site. Crossley stressed that she was not trying to replace the county attorney who supports the council, and she was not questioning their competence.
But Crossley pointed out that when the same in‑house legal department serves both elected bodies, county council and board of commissioners, it creates an inherent conflict, if the commissioners and the council end up on opposite sides of litigation or a contract fight.
Councilor Peter Iverson also stressed that he does not question the competence of the county attorney who provides legal support to the council, when he pointed to Molly Turner-King saying, “We do have legal representation sitting right here—who’s from … where I’m sitting, is doing a fantastic job.”
Councilor Kate Wiltz indicated that she did not see the choice to move towards getting the outside legal counsel for the county council as a decision to take an adversarial stance towards the jail site issue. Wiltz said she trusts Crossley to “multitask,” which means searching for outside counsel, while continuing the broader, slower work of trying to get the commissioners and city officials to a common solution on location, design, and financing of a new jail. “I do trust that you can do many things at once—I’ve seen you do it,” Wiltz told Crossley.
From the public mic, more than one person was critical of the council’s willingness to appropriate extra money for council’s own outside legal representation while other departments are being told to tighten their belts.
Others echoed the call for collaboration, even as they backed the idea of separate counsel. Former county council president Eric Spoonmore, now CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, spoke through a remote Teams connection, said one of his “greatest regrets” from his time on the council was agreeing to give up a dedicated council attorney. Spoonmore called engaging outside legal counsel an “insurance policy.” Janet Johnson, a county resident, put it like this: “You need to have your own representation.” Johnson also urged “true negotiation and a good spirit” to get a jail deal done.
### Jail bond plan: $135 million now, more decisions later?
Earlier in the same meeting, the council heard a [presentation](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-28-Monroe-County-Council-FSG-jail-justice-bond-analysis-Agenda-Packet.pdf) from Financial Solutions Group consultant Greg Guerrettaz, about how Monroe County might structure borrowing for a new jail and justice center. Working from the most recent jail concept estimates and the current state framework for local income tax (LIT), Guerrettaz modeled a $135 million bond issue. It would be backed primarily by the current economic development LIT and jail LIT, with a property‑tax pledge in the background to support the county’s credit rating.
The $135 million is far less than the most recent price tag that was described to county government for a co-located facility at North Park, which came in at around $225 million.
In the scenario presented by Guerrettaz, the county would finance the project through a building corporation, initially leasing the existing jail to support the bond issuance, then substituting the new facility once construction is complete. As a way to ease into the payments, Guerrettaz proposed smaller “interim lease rentals” in the first couple of years. At a 5% interest rate over 20 years, total principal and interest would come to roughly $223 million.
In the key table showing projected LIT revenues and expenses through 2030, Guerrettaz told councilors that it relied on the 2026 certified LIT as a base and assumed 5% annual revenue growth and 6% annual growth in certain LIT-funded expenses. Based on that table, the county could cover the new jail debt out of existing rates, without triggering an increase up to the maximum state-allowed 1.2% cap for a county’s LIT rate, when that becomes effective in 2029.
That 1.2% ceiling reflects changes enacted by the state legislature in SEA 1, which will restructure local income tax authority beginning in 2029\. In Guerrettaz’s model, the county would need the equivalent of a 0.93% overall LIT rate to maintain the same level of revenue that it currently gets from different kinds of LIT, including economic development, and certified shares, among others. The statutory new ceiling for the one single type of LIT is 1.2%, which leaves “breathing room” of about 0.27 percentage points, Guerrettaz said.
“We feel very comfortable with getting to 2029,” Guerrettaz said, referring to the year when sweeping changes to Indiana’s local income tax system, which were enacted in Senate Enrolled Act 1 in 2025, are now scheduled to take effect. Lawmakers in 2026, through House Enrolled Act 1210, delayed those changes by a year. In addition to pushing implementation from 2028 to 2029, HEA 1201 made additional technical adjustments to the framework.
“Stalling anything off after that could totally change the picture,” Guerrettaz said, arguing that moving ahead on bonding this year would allow Monroe County to take advantage of relative stability in interest rates and state law before the new system takes hold.
Wiltz and others returned to a more basic problem: The county council still does not have an updated, agreed‑upon cost estimate or program for the new facility. The last public number from the county’s architects, presented in an earlier joint work session, was about $225,000 for a fully co‑located justice campus, including courts and related offices. The $135 million now being modeled is, at best, a first phase of that larger concept. But councilors have not seen a clear breakdown of what that first phase includes, or how the county would finance later phases.
Iversen said the last estimate received by the county council was for an architectural rendering for a co-located facility that contemplated a single phase. Iversen put it like this: “I have not seen an analysis that shows that $135 million is phase one.”
Wiltz portrayed the $135 million as essentially an arbitrary number: “Basically, we’re kind of saying, ‘OK, we’ll take, like, about half of that number and assume we’re building half of the project,’” Wiltz said, calling the situation “ridiculous” from a budgeting standpoint. “It’s just insane, because we don’t know what we’re buying and how much it costs,” Wiltz said.
The council took no formal vote on bonding Tuesday night, but the presentation sets the parameters for a decision that Guerrettaz suggested will need to be made within the next few months. That’s if the county wants to lock in financing under current conditions.
---
This week’s meeting of the county commissioners, when a new North Park purchase agreement is expected to appear on the agenda, starts at [10 a.m. on Thursday (April 30)](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-board-of-commissioners-hybrid-8385).
### 6th Street & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/6th-street-walnut-street-23/
Last updated: 2026-04-28T12:40:30.000Z
0:00
/1:17
1×
Lightning flashes across the night sky behind the dome of the Monroe County courthouse. (Dave Askins, April 27, 2026)
### Monroe County campaign filings show highest spending in commissioner race, lowest in assessor contest
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-campaign-filings-show-highest-spending-in-commissioner-race-lowest-in-assessor-contest/
Last updated: 2026-04-30T11:58:12.000Z
This collage was generated by ChatGPT from original Monroe County campaign finance filings, under the direction of The B Square Bulletin.
The May 5 primary election is just a week away. Pre-primary campaign finance filings show Monroe County candidates in key contested races in the Democratic Party’s primary have spent money on a familiar mix of campaign basics like printing, postage, and voter outreach.
The required CFA-4 forms, which show spending and donations from Jan. 1 to April 10 were [due ten days ago](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf), on April 17\.
It’s probably not a big surprise that the highest amount of spending is by candidates for county commissioner, because those officials are more often in the public eye than the county prosecutor, clerk or assessor. This article provides a quick overview of the spending in those four races.
### Commissioner
In the race for the District 1 county commissioner’s nomination, the filings for Trent Deckard and David Henry reflect a combined total in expenditures of $36,836\.
Deckard’s [$19,846.55 ](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Deckard-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026.pdf)in expenditures include several payments for printing of items like door hangers and sending direct mail, along with $650 in payments to two field organizers. Deckard’s wife, Kyla Cox Deckard, contributed $1,800 worth of in-kind services including door hanger design, social media graphics, recruitment flyers, and campaign material development. Deckard’s filing shows $5,491.67 cash on hand.
The biggest individual cash donation to the Deckard campaign came from the Indiana Realtors Association PAC, at $6,800\. The Egis Stronger Future PAC gave the Deckard campaign $1,000.
Egis also gave David Henry’s campaign $1,000, which helped support [$16,989.87](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Henry-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026.pdf) worth of expenditures. Henry’s spending shows some similarities with Deckard’s, with spending on mail pieces, printed materials, and campaign services, but also includes payments for digital outreach and voter contact tools, like the Democratic Party’s VAN (Voter Activation Network). That is the party’s voter database and campaign tool.
The biggest contribution to Henry’s campaign was an in-kind donation of $5,000 for mailers and graphics, from Myers & Croxton Group, a local Bloomington marketing firm. Henry’s filing shows $1,785.34 cash on hand.
### Prosecutor
In the prosecutor race, incumbent Erika Oliphant’s [$9,179.56](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Oliphant-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026.pdf ) includes spending on printing and campaign materials, along with postage and outreach-related costs, including a mailing for $6,000\. Her campaign also paid for access to the Democratic Party’s VAN. Oliphant’s expenditures through April 10 leave her with $8,313.71 cash on hand.
Benjamin Arrington, who is also running for the party’s nomination as prosecutor, reported about the same amount of spending as Oliphant, at [$8,792.24](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Arrington-Benjamin-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026.pdf). Arrington’s expenditures through April 10 leave him with under $100 left as a cash balance. Arrington’s expenditures include basics like signage and printed materials, as well as $7,000 worth of in-kind services for campaign research and a marketing package.
### Clerk
In the race for the Democratic Party’s nomination for clerk, Tressia (Tree) Martin Lucas has spent the most so far at [$3,962.71,](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Martin-Lucas-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026.pdf)which leaves her with a negative cash balance of $1,748.72\. Martin Lucas has loaned her campaign $3,339.53\. Her filing reports spending on campaign signs, printed literature, and outreach materials.
Through April 10, Tanner Branham had not spent much of the $4,500 he raised in direct contributions. The [$598.45](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Branham-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026.pdf) he has spent went for printing and an event venue which leaves him with a cash balance of $3,906.55.
Joe Davis reported no expenditures, out of the [$1](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Joe-Davis-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026.pdf ) direct contribution he made to his own campaign. His CFA-4 filing shows $429.23 in debts for signs from a previous campaign.
### Assessor
In the assessor race, Bob Nyquist’s [$2,223.11](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Nyquist-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026.pdf) worth of expenditures includes spending on graphics, postage, and printed materials, as well as an email blitz for $709, which was the single largest expenditure he made.
Judith Sharp’s total expenditures of [$1,070](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Sharp-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026-6.pdf ) are recorded as a campaign debt, an amount she loaned the campaign, which paid for campaign signs, according to her filing.
### Walnut Street & 6th Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-6th-street-3/
Last updated: 2026-04-27T20:37:21.000Z
0:00
/1:33
1×
Hail falls on 6th Street as a passerby demonstrates the proper use of an umbrella. (Dave Askins, April 27, 2026)
### April 27, 2026: Kirkwood shooting, Perry Township trustee race, residential TIF, downtown Bloomington real estate
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/april-27-2026-kirkwood-shooting-perry-township-trustee-race-residential-tif-downtown-bloomington-real-estate/
Last updated: 2026-04-30T01:41:24.000Z
### Civic Solver
We don’t have a new puzzle this week. We hope to have a new one for you next week!
### Thank you for your support!
Thank you to everyone who contributes to The B Square Bulletin—you are what makes this possible! If today is the day you would like to join others in their support of authentic local journalism, here’s the link: [Support the B Square!](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/signup)
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** Prepare for possible very bad weather. Whatever errands you need to get done, do them early. The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook that includes Monroe County:
> Severe thunderstorms are possible **this afternoon into tonight**. The main threat will be damaging straight line winds, although isolated tornadoes will also be possible. Flooding is also possible.
The probability of rain starts at around 30% at 10 a.m. and increases from there. Chances of thunderstorms start at around 30% at 2 p.m. and increase from there. By 9 p.m. we are almost guaranteed rain, with a 70% chance of thunderstorms. The high temperature will be around 78F°.
**Tuesday:** You’ll have most of the day to get things done. It will be mostly cloudy, then gradually become sunny, with a high near 74F°. But by around 8 p.m. there will be a 70% chance of rain, increasing from there. There will also be a slight chance of thunderstorms, increasing to around 50% through the early morning hours into Wednesday.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Bloomington police correct tally on Kirkwood shooting: 5 hit by bullet or fragments, 1 victim in hospital](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-correct-tally-on-kirkwood-shooting-5-hit-by-bullet-or-fragments-1-victim-in-hospital/). Police now say just five of nine reported injuries in a Kirkwood Little 500 weekend shooting were caused by bullets or fragments; others were hurt fleeing. Two men are believed to have fired shots after a fight between two women. Victims were bystanders, not targets. The investigation continues.
- [Bloomington police seek video after gunfire erupts in Kirkwood crowd, wounding at least 9](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-seek-video-after-gunfire-erupts-in-kirkwood-crowd-wounding-at-least-9/). Bloomington police say several people were wounded after gunfire erupted just after midnight Sunday on Kirkwood Avenue. Victims were taken to hospitals by ambulance, police and private vehicles. No suspects are in custody. Police are asking for help: Detective Chris Scott at 812-339-4477.
- [Photos: Black Key Bulls win 2026 Little 500, after crash ends race under yellow flag](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-black-key-bulls-win-2026-little-500-after-crash-ends-race-under-yellow-flag/). The Black Key Bulls prevailed in Saturday’s Little 500 men’s race, after a crash with two laps to go ended the race under a yellow flag. Photographer Juliette Kniola was there to capture the competition for The B Square.
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-58/). Hawk: A Little 500 bicycle team goes into a bar. They try to order a custom cocktail called the “Two-Tired Toddy.” How does Fish complete the joke?
- [Monroe County property transfers through April 23, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-april-23-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 20 to April 23, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Photos: Alpha Chi Omega wins 2026 Little 500 Women’s Race](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-alpha-chi-omega-wins-2026-little-500-womens-race/). Alpha Chi Omega won Friday’s edition of the women’s Little 500 bicycle race. Photographer Juliette Kniola was there to capture the competition for The B Square.
- [New incumbent, familiar name square off in Perry Township Democratic Party primary](https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-incumbent-familiar-name-square-off-in-perry-township-democratic-party-primary/). Pre-primary filings show little money in the Perry Township trustee race, even if the stakes are big. Incumbent Leon Gordon seeks to continue in office, while Levi Combs appeals to his father's legacy.
- [Request for host hotel proposals OK’d by CIB at Seminary Pointe, activists still hope for land swap](https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/). Monroe County’s CIB approved an RFP for a convention center hotel using the Seminary Pointe real estate, with proposals due June 30\. Housing advocates urged a land swap to preserve 29 affordable units, as Bloomington's RDC pursues its own RFP for College Square.
- [Bloomington council OKs residential TIF for Summit, now back to RDC for final step](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-residential-tif-for-summit-now-back-to-rdc-for-final-step/). Bloomington’s council created the 140-acre Summit District EDA and named Shasta Meadows as its first residential TIF district. The plan aims to fund major infrastructure, but sparked discussion about growth and a shift toward public financing of development.
### 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](https://form.typeform.com/to/VLRkLktK) through May 1\. For B Square background, see: [Four finalist proposals revealed for Bloomington Convention Center art, public input sought](https://bsquarebulletin.com/four-finalist-proposals-revealed-for-bloomington-convention-center-art-public-input-sought/).
**Early voting numbers.** The local early voting numbers for the May 5 primary election continue to be strong. So far this year, 2,664 people have voted early. Monroe County has set up a [dashboard](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/76049a9ff4934c21b5059bdc88a0b671 ) to make it easy to track.
### On the calendar
**Outside counsel for county council about jail?** On the [5 p.m. Tuesday (April 28) meeting agenda](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-county-council-business-meeting-763 ) for the Monroe County council is discussion and possible approval of $30,000 appropriation “as a precautionary measure with regards to the possible ACLU litigation.” For B Square background, see: [County council stand against North Park jail location backed by Bloomington counterparts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/county-council-stand-against-north-park-jail-location-backed-by-bloomington-counterparts/)
**Purchase agreement for North Park as jail site.** Looking ahead to the county commissioners meeting on [April 30](https://events.in.gov/event/copy-of-board-of-commissioners-hybrid-8385 ), there will likely be a purchase agreement for North Park on the agenda.
**Government & Politics calendar.** For a look just at the government and politics events on the community calendar, try this: [pre-filtered view](https://b-square-bulletin.github.io/community-calendar/xmlui/index.html?city=bloomington&embed=true&images=preview&category=Government+%2F+Civic). Yes, I realize that the Spinners and Weavers Guild events are currently mis-classified!
---
**Wise Panic Residency and Events.** (April 26–30) Hosted by [The Hundredth Hill](http://thehundredthhill.com/). A spring residency exploring how communities respond to crisis through conversation, art, and scholarship. Participants include Ira Allen, Shannon Gayk, Mana Rezaei, and Minka Wiltz. Free public events include a [community hike](https://www.thehundredthhill.com/) (April 26, 2–5 p.m.), a workshop at [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/) (April 28, 7 p.m.), and a reading at [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/) (April 30, 6 p.m.).
The residency also supports new creative work, including music and a developing screenplay. Organizers aim to spark discussion on navigating political, cultural, and environmental crises while strengthening community connections.
**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](https://sites.google.com/mccsc.net/hoosierhillsffa/plant-sale?authuser=0).
**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 . 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](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574536874380) for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s [inaugural event](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ms-lake-lemon-pageant-bennett-tops-field-of-16-in-contest-featuring-firewood-nails-mud-puddles/).
---
### Meet Krypto!
Up for adoption, as of April 26 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Krypto](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86381). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a Dalmatian. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Krypto](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86381):
> Meet Krypto, the 6-year-old Dalmatian who is ready to fly right into your heart! Just like his superhero namesake, Krypto is full of energy, spirit, and a whole lot of love. The Quick Stats: Breed: Dalmatian (Check out those iconic spots!) Age: 6 years young Favorite Hobby: Professional Tennis Ball Retriever Superpower: High-speed "Zoomies" He’s incredibly friendly and greets everyone with a wagging tail and a big Dalmatian smile. At 6 years old, he’s found the perfect balance: he has plenty of energy for playtime, but he’s also mastered the art of the post-zoomie nap.
### Photo Finish: Kirkwood Avenue & Dunn Street
Five Bloomington police officers maintain a presence on the block where[ the night before](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-correct-tally-on-kirkwood-shooting-5-hit-by-bullet-or-fragments-1-victim-in-hospital/) a shooting took place that put one person in the hospital. (Dave Askins, April 26, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Kirkwood Avenue & Dunn Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-dunn-street-4/
Last updated: 2026-04-27T00:37:51.000Z
Five Bloomington police officers maintain a presence on the block where[ the night before](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-correct-tally-on-kirkwood-shooting-5-hit-by-bullet-or-fragments-1-victim-in-hospital/) a shooting took place that put one person in the hospital. (Dave Askins, April 26, 2026)
### Bloomington police correct tally on Kirkwood shooting: 5 hit by bullet or fragments, 1 victim in hospital
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-correct-tally-on-kirkwood-shooting-5-hit-by-bullet-or-fragments-1-victim-in-hospital/
Last updated: 2026-04-27T20:23:39.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington police chief Mike Diekhoff and Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson. ****Right:** News media at the press conference.
Maps by The B Square with information from Bloomington police department.
Bloomington’s police chief Mike Diekhoff has corrected an [earlier account](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-seek-video-after-gunfire-erupts-in-kirkwood-crowd-wounding-at-least-9/) from police about how many people were hit by gunfire during a shooting on Kirkwood Avenue between Grant and Dunn streets in the wee hours Sunday on Little 500 weekend. The number of nine injured included just five who were hit by a bullet or bullet fragments. \[[corrected BPD news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-26-Updated-corrected-Bloomington-Police-News-Release-Kirkwood-Shooting-UPDATED-4%5F26%5F26.pdf)\]
At a news conference starting at 1 p.m. at city hall on Sunday Diekhoff said while it was “originally believed that up to nine people had been injured as a result of gunfire,” investigators now think only five people were actually injured by bullets or bullet fragments. More people were hurt as they ran from the scene and suffered injuries such as cuts and scrapes from falling while running, Diekhoff said.
All of those struck by bullets or bullet fragments were women, ages 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22, according to Diekhoff. All were treated and released except one, who was admitted to the hospital in stable condition. Diekhoff said none of the victims were students at Indiana University.
Investigators believe the shooting began with a fight between two women near the Five Guys restaurant on Kirkwood, Diekhoff said. During that fight, more than two people drew guns, based on Diekhoff’s statement, and two people are believed to have fired. Diekhoff said the shooters were male. On video reviewed by police, Diekhoff said, “multiple individuals can be seen drawing handguns, and it is believed that two separate individuals fired their weapons.”
At that point, everyone started running from the scene, and officers rushed to the area to begin to look for victims, Diekhoff said. Diekhoff himself was working the large crowd scene before shooting, and was standing just a half block away from the spot where the shooting happened.
Also personally working the scene was associate vice president and superintendent for the IU police department, Ben Hunter. At the Sunday afternoon press conference, Hunter condemned the violence, praised the “unprecedented cooperation” among law‑enforcement agencies.
Based on current information, the injured women were bystanders, not participants in the initial fight, Diekhoff said.
The investigation is still underway, and police are reviewing cell‑phone videos and footage from nearby businesses. Anyone with video is urged to contact detective Chris Scott at 812‑339‑4477, Diekhoff said.
\[*Updated Monday, April 27, 2026 at 4:22 p.m. An emailed statement from BPD says: “Investigators continue to review submitted cell phone videos and security camera footage from downtown businesses in an effort to determine the identities of those involved in the fight and shooting on Kirkwood Avenue early Sunday morning. Those with additional cell phone video and those who believe they know the involved individuals are encouraged to contact Detective Chris Scott at 812-339-4477\. No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing. No further information is available for release at this time.”*\]
---
Responding to questions from the media, which included broadcast outlets from Indianapolis, additional details emerged about the scale of the gathering, the police response, and the nature of the injuries.
Diekhoff estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 people were in the street. He described a festive but not unruly atmosphere before the shots were fired, saying people were milling around, talking, and listening to music that could be heard from nearby bars. Officers, he said, were interacting with people in the crowd, and the situation appeared calm.
“People were just milling about, hanging around,” Diekhoff said. “You could hear music from the bars, … but it was just really a bunch of people just kind of hanging out, walking around, talking to people. We had a lot of people coming up to the officers talking with them. It wasn’t unruly.” After the gunshots rang out, things got a little chaotic, he said.
Several officers were stationed about half a block away when the gunfire began. Asked why officers did not try to disperse the dense crowd earlier in the evening, as officers had done the night before, Diekhoff said the decision was based on both available resources and an assessment of risk. The crowd on Saturday night was larger than on Friday, he said, and the department believed that trying to clear Kirkwood Saturday night could have created more problems than it solved, given that people were in good spirits and there was no clear trigger for intervention.
“It would become a resource issue. And our belief was, if we tried to move the crowd, that that probably would have caused more problems,” he said. “There wasn’t really any reason for us to move the crowd, because everybody was pretty jovial and happy until the shots rang out.”
On the nature of the injuries, Diekhoff said one woman suffered a direct gunshot wound, believed to have traveled through her abdomen and out near her armpit. Others were injured by bullet fragments, which can break apart after striking hard surfaces such as concrete and still cause serious wounds. He described one injury as a deep cut on the back of a woman’s leg. Some people reported minor injuries from fleeing, including falls in the rush to escape, but not all of them required hospital care. Medics on scene evaluated several people and released them there.
Police recovered shell casings, but Diekhoff declined to say how many or what they might indicate about the number of guns involved, citing the ongoing investigation. Witness statements suggest that two men fired weapons, he said, but investigators are still working to confirm who did what, Diekhoff said.
Diekhoff said investigators are reviewing video from several cameras including some from nearby businesses. He said that the city’s Flock Safety system, which uses automatic license plate readers, is not expected to play a major role in the case. That’s because vehicular traffic had been blocked from the area, and police have no vehicle descriptions connected to the shooting.
Even though the city of Bloomington has [allowed its Flock Safety contract to expire](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-flock-camera-contract-expired-march-5-mayor-reveals-non-renewal-6-weeks-later/), the cameras were kept operational through Monday, in order to cover Little 500 weekend.
### Mayor’s focus: Gun laws
Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson opened the news conference by calling it “an incredibly sad day” and unequivocally condemning gun violence in the community. She said her thoughts were with those injured and praised what she described as strong cooperation between Bloomington Police, Indiana University Police, and the Indiana State Police.
Thomson said the city routinely conducts reviews after major events or violent incidents, and that the city would again examine what worked and what did not in the wake of the Kirkwood shooting.
In her remarks, Thomson stressed Indiana’s gun laws as a limiting factor for cities that want to restrict weapons at public events. She said that while it has been suggested that Bloomington should ban guns from public gatherings, state law does not allow the city to do that.
“It has been suggested that we forbid guns from public gatherings in the future in Bloomington. Unfortunately, Indiana gun laws prohibit such action, and if the gun laws remain as they are, anyone can open carry,” she said.
Thomson encouraged residents and visitors not to bring guns to large gatherings, and urged people to speak to those who have the power to change gun laws at the state level.
Asked about the idea that the victims seemed to hail from cities outside Bloomington, Thomson said that’s actually not clear: “It hasn’t been confirmed that either the shooters or the victims were not actively living in Bloomington.” She said that Bloomington routinely welcomes visitors and that many students also come from outside the city. She said her responsibility as mayor is to keep both residents and visitors safe.
At Sunday’s press conference, an advocate with Moms Demand Action, which is an organization advocating for stricter gun laws and reducing gun violence, tried to ask a question. Thomson declined to take it, saying the city would limit questions to media. “We’re actually only taking questions from the press right now,” Thomson said.
Later, The B Square Bulletin asked the question on behalf of the Moms Demand advocate. It centered on whether Bloomington might challenge Indiana’s open‑carry law in court, given that Monroe County Sheriff Ruben Marté [has sued the state](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-sheriff-sues-indiana-attorney-general-over-new-immigration-detainer-law/) over the enforcement of a new immigration law. So the question was whether the city had considered a similar strategy on gun policy.
Diekhoff responded first, describing efforts by law‑enforcement leaders to influence legislation at the Statehouse rather than through the courts. Drawing on his experience as past president of the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, he said police organizations had actively opposed the changes that loosened gun carrying requirements.
Diekhoff said, “\[We\] lobbied hard at the Indiana legislature against what they passed, because we do not believe that everybody is a person that should be carrying a gun.” He added, “From a law‑enforcement standpoint, we have done everything that we can to lobby the legislature to change the gun laws and not pass them as they did.”
After the chief turned the question over to Thomson she said, “We have not discussed lawsuits at this point.”
### Looking ahead to future Little 500 weekends
Diekhoff said this year marked his 39th Little 500, and that planning for future events will start earlier than usual in light of this year’s Kirkwood shooting. He said that conversations about next year’s planning had already begun that morning. Little 500, he noted, draws visitors and alumni from around the country, many of whom return to Bloomington year after year.
He said police and city officials want to send a clear message that people are welcome to come and celebrate, but that bringing guns and engaging in violence are not acceptable.
“We need to make sure that we get the message out that guns aren’t welcome, violence isn’t welcome, but coming and having a good time is,” he said. “When guns get introduced and the fights \[start\], that’s when we have problems.”.
### Bloomington police seek video after gunfire erupts in Kirkwood crowd, wounding at least 9
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-seek-video-after-gunfire-erupts-in-kirkwood-crowd-wounding-at-least-9/
Last updated: 2026-04-26T20:20:17.000Z
Maps by The B Square with information from Bloomington police department.
A little after midnight Sunday morning on Kirkwood Avenue between Grant and Dunn streets, Bloomington police officers heard what they believe were several gunshots in a large crowd they were monitoring.
\[*Updated at 2 p.m. on April 26, 2026\. At a 1 p.m. news conference, Bloomington police chief Mike Diekhoff clarified that only five of the nine who were injured were wounded a bullet or bullet fragments. The others suffered scapes and bruises trying to get away from the area. A* [*corrected news release*](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-26-Updated-corrected-Bloomington-Police-News-Release-Kirkwood-Shooting-UPDATED-4%5F26%5F26.pdf) *was issued later.*\]
That’s according to a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-26-shooting-Bloomington-investigation-News-Release-Kirkwood-Shooting-4%5F26%5F26.pdf) issued around 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
After the apparent gunshots, the crowd started scattering, and officers immediately found several wounded people.
At least nine people were wounded, based on information in the release. Police have no suspects in custody and are asking anyone who might have video of the shooting, to contact detective Chris Scott at 812-339-4477.
According to the release, some of the people who were wounded might have been struck by bullet fragments instead of direct gunshots. The release reports a total of nine people who were taken to the hospital for their injuries.
From the downtown area, five victims were taken to the hospital by ambulance, one by police squad car and two others by personal cars. Another injured person, who was found at a gas station in the 200 block of West 17th Street with injuries believed to be related to the Kirkwood shooting, was taken to the hospital by ambulance, according to the news release.
The release says that officers from several agencies assisted at the scene, including Indiana University police department, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Indiana State Police. Drones were deployed to document the scene. A state police helicopter also responded to assist in the investigation, according to the release.
The mayor and chief of police are scheduled to give a news conference about the shooting at city hall at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
### Photos: Black Key Bulls win 2026 Little 500, after crash ends race under yellow flag
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-black-key-bulls-win-2026-little-500-after-crash-ends-race-under-yellow-flag/
Last updated: 2026-04-26T04:49:20.000Z
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
The Black Key Bulls prevailed in Saturday’s Little 500 men’s race, after a crash with two laps to go ended the race under a yellow flag. Photographer Juliette Kniola was there to capture the competition for The B Square.
### Photos: 2026 Men’s Little 500
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
Men's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 25, 2025)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-58/
Last updated: 2026-04-26T04:44:22.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #59 (April 26, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through April 23, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-april-23-2026/
Last updated: 2026-04-26T04:43:17.000Z
The B Square reports property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 20 to April 23, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On April 23, 2026, the property at 9690 S Bay Pointe CT was sold to SARA GONZALEZ by KRISTEN L DUSENBURY for $247,000.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 1203 W Dove CIR was sold to AARON WILLIAMS by STEVEN D ANDERSON for $545,000.
- On April 21, 2026, the property at 1219 S Stull AVE was sold to DALE E MYERS by ESTATE OF DUNCAN E SEARLE for $135,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 2410 E Cedarwood CT was sold to AARON DY by GRIFFEN DAHLSTROM for $750,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 4372 S Rotterdam DR was sold to HOVALIN WOODS by LHUNDRUP N NORBU for $655,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 4426 N Preakness LN was sold to LISA KOTYK by CHRISTOPHER D REINBOLD for $554,900.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 2880 N Andy WAY was sold to ELLIE L CROSSMAN by KENNETH K LARMON for $400,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 7102 W Pinnacle DR was sold to THOMAS P WARD by AOLIN EVERSOLL for $349,080.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 712 E Pepperridge DR was sold to THE MAGGIE TRUST by LEANNA B RIGGINS for $265,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 6004 W Merry Way LN was sold to LIAM SMITH by CHRIS BERG for $239,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 785 W Cedar Bluff RD was sold to LINDSAY COULSON by SHEILA L HICKEY for $230,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 825 W 1st ST was sold to SARAH MENEFEE by ELSIE MARIE WEBB REVOCABLE TRUST for $145,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 804 S Anna Lee LN was sold to ANTHONY DAVIDSON by THE ESTATE OF JOHN THOMAS BURNHAM for $105,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 1680 E Sanders Second AVE was sold to IRON SHIELD HOLDINGS LLC by ERIC MORRIS for $85,000.
- On April 20, 2026, the property at 423 S Eagleson AVE was sold to ERIC D SWANK by ERIC D SWANK for $0.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 2514 E Sandberg CT was sold to MICHAL GORDEN by IVY PAW for $635,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 4019 E Bennington BLVD was sold to MARANNA YODER by DEANNA WOEMER for $610,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 4534 N Triple Crown DR was sold to NAVNEET MARTINEZ by BARDI BUILDERS LLC for $585,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 5353 W Stonewood DR was sold to AUSTIN NELSON by J CARLYLE LEE AND NINA B LEE REVOCABLE TRUST for $520,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 5267 E Prince RD was sold to BRIAN K JARMAN by DONALD ADKINS for $460,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 2906 E Winston ST was sold to CRISTOBAL PETROVICH BALBONTIN by KETTENIS REMODELING LLC for $423,700.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 4109 W Dresden DR was sold to MICHELLE FRANKLIN by BRYAN K TOUCHSTONE for $340,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 106 S Clark ST was sold to KING SAUER HOLDINGS, LLC by STEPHEN D GLUFF for $325,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 2634 S Hickory Leaf DR was sold to AUSTIN L SKUTNIK by IRENE R HAMMOCK for $316,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 4021 E Morningside DR was sold to JENNIFER ANN MCDONALD by ERIC ALLEN SADER for $285,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 809 W Oak ST was sold to ELIAS LABORIN PONCE by KIRKWOOD REALTY, LLC for $210,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 1250 W Adams Hill CIR UNIT 401 was sold to JACKI SERNA by SIJIA HUANG for $202,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 714 N Fairview ST was sold to JENNY BOWLES by CHARLES CAMPBELL for $200,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 751 E Waterloo CT was sold to DEVON C JANITZ by LINDA K BRANSTETTER for $200,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 9371 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to BRADLEY ABPLANALP by HANNA J BABBS for $160,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 340 E Brittany WAY was sold to LUNA CAP LLC by MARCIA K BOYD for $120,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at 1750 W Ezekiel DR was sold to EQUITY TRUST COMPANY CUSTODIAN FBO BRENT SACKSTEDER by JOE KEMP CONSTRUCTION, LLC for $96,000.
- On April 17, 2026, the property at S Chapel Hill RD was sold to BRIAN K JARMAN by DONALD ADKINS for $0.
- On April 16, 2026, the property at 3008 S Forrester ST was sold to KYLE T RODERICK by MICHAEL DOVORANY AND KIERSTYN NAPIER-DOVORANY LIVING TRUST for $537,500.
- On April 16, 2026, the property at 4105 S Hedgewood DR was sold to JOHN FELLURE by AARON D BUTCHER for $465,000.
- On April 16, 2026, the property at 9656 S Bay Pointe CT was sold to ROBERT WADE by JESUS A LOQUIAS for $265,000.
- On April 16, 2026, the property at 684 W Ladd AVE was sold to JOCELYN MINKS by SARAH J GIBSON for $249,000.
- On April 15, 2026, the property at 4505 S Eagleview DR was sold to HENRY GABRIEL by STEPHEN B SCHLEGEL AND SUSAN D SCHLEGEL REVOCABLE TRUST for $624,000.
- On April 15, 2026, the property at 9567 S Harbour Pointe DR was sold to ERIC REDIFER by W ROBERT ERWIN for $310,000.
- On April 15, 2026, the property at 7544 S Fairfax RD was sold to FRANKLIN STONE JR by BRADLEY E DECKARD for $295,000.
- On April 15, 2026, the property at 9465 S Pointe Retreat DR was sold to MICHAEL GREGORY by ELYSE MYERS for $226,000.
- On April 14, 2026, the property at 3951 W Nimita CT was sold to PAUL J CLIFFORD by BRADLEY A PURVIS for $485,000.
- On April 14, 2026, the property at 2104 S Azalea LN was sold to JENJIRA KHAMLA by GREGORY J SIERING for $350,000.
- On April 14, 2026, the property at 1755 S Kirby RD was sold to CHARITY FAITH KNOY by ESTATE OF ROBERT L BRISCOE for $274,000.
- On April 14, 2026, the property at 620 S Anna Lee LN was sold to GENESIS BUILD LLC by JOINT REVOCABLE TRUST AGREEMENT OF DWAIGHT PREWITT AND ESTHER E PREWITT for $74,900.
- On April 13, 2026, the property at 7270 W Ratliff RD was sold to SANDRA CICCHITTO by STEPHANIE A SANDERS for $420,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 4022 W Glen Oaks DR was sold to TODD R DAWKINS by WILLIAM D LANE for $265,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 7789 E Lampkins Ridge RD was sold to CHERYL A GREGG by ESTATE OF RICHARD D WELLS for $197,500.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 3734 W Arlington RD was sold to CARLOS GENERAL SERVICES LLC by EVERGREEN HOME BUYERS LLC for $122,000.
- On April 9, 2026, the property at S Deer Trace was sold to CHRISTINE WIESENHAHN by JANET STREEPEY for $0.
- On April 8, 2026, the property at 2317 S Bryan ST was sold to ANDREW D MCGLOTHLIN by ALISON K MCGLOTHLIN for $0.
- On April 7, 2026, the property at 1300 E Hillside DR was sold to MAYUREE MANEEWAN by Dolehanty, Cherie B for $440,000.
- On April 7, 2026, the property at 637 E Benjamin ST was sold to DANIEL S DUNCAN by RISHEL NARAN for $430,000.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 220 N Adams ST was sold to MIDWEST PROPERTY LINK LLC by ROBERT E TAYLOR for $95,000.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at N Adams ST was sold to MIDWEST PROPERTY LINK LLC by ROBERT E TAYLOR for $95,000.
- On March 30, 2026, the property at 3734 W Arlington RD was sold to EVERGREEN HOMES BUYERS LLC by HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF TIMOTHY L DAGGY for $85,000.
- On March 20, 2026, the property at 9011 S Oldbend RD was sold to RACHEL WITEK by THE ESTATE OF BARBARA LEA BENDER for $200,000.
### Kirkwood Avenue & Walnut Street
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/kirkwood-avenue-walnut-street-9/
Last updated: 2026-04-26T21:32:50.000Z
Headed west on Kirkwood is a high-riding, purple-and-gold sedan wrapped in a full Kobe Bryant tribute, complete with No. 24 imagery, “Mamba” lettering, and oversized chrome rims. (Dave Askins, April 26, 206)
### College Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-kirkwood-avenue-2/
Last updated: 2026-04-26T21:21:04.000Z
Cutters T-shirts are selling briskly at Inkwell on the square as the pre-Little 500 breakfast crowd is packing the place. (Dave Askins, April 25, 2026)
### Photos: Alpha Chi Omega wins 2026 Little 500 Women’s Race
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-alpha-chi-omega-wins-2026-little-500-womens-race/
Last updated: 2026-04-25T07:41:44.000Z
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Alpha Chi Omega won Friday’s edition of the women’s Little 500 bicycle race. Photographer Juliette Kniola was there to capture the competition for The B Square.
### Photos: 2026 Women’s Little 500
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
Women's Little 500 bicycle race. (Juliette Kniola, April 24, 2025)
### New incumbent, familiar name square off in Perry Township Democratic Party primary
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/new-incumbent-familiar-name-square-off-in-perry-township-democratic-party-primary/
Last updated: 2026-04-25T07:17:48.000Z
B Square file photos from a March 7 [candidate forum](https://bsquarebulletin.com/perry-township-democrats-weigh-background-legacy-in-gordon-combs-trustee-race/). **Left:** Levi Combs. ****Right:** Leon Gordon. (Dave Askins, March 7, 2026) ****Middle:** Perry Township includes the southern half of the city of Bloomington. Map by The B Square.
In the closing stretch before the May 5 primary, the only actual news from any of Monroe County’s local campaigns has come on paper, with the required pre‑primary campaign finance filings, which were [due Friday a week ago (April 17)](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-Calendar-Brochure%5FFINAL-VERSION.pdf ). Those reports show the Democratic Party’s primary for Perry Township trustee to be relatively quiet when measured by money donated.
The [Leon Gordon campaign](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-LEON-GORDON-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026.pdf ) reported $1,365 raised, most of it contributed by himself, which has been spent mostly on yard signs and voter lists. The [Levi Combs campaign](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-COMBS-LEVI-CFA-4%5FPre-Primary2026.pdf ) reported $326 dollars raised, and that was from a single in-kind contribution.
But the race itself isn’t captured just by the financial numbers. Gordon was [selected by a Democratic Party caucus](https://bsquarebulletin.com/liv/) in January, to fill the vacancy left by the death of longtime Perry Township trustee [Dan Combs](https://bsquarebulletin.com/stalwart-township-trustee-dan-carp-combs-dies-at-73/), who was Levi’s father. Dan Combs held the office for roughly four decades and built a reputation for aggressive use of township government as a tool for poor relief and housing stability.
Levi was one of three candidates in the caucus, which was decided by 26 precinct committee chairs. The tally was: Gordon, 15; Combs, 8; and Eric Petry, 3\. Gordon will serve as township trustee at least through the end of 2026.
By staying in the primary race, Levi Combs is now appealing to all of the township voters in the Democratic Party’s primary, to put him in the office his father held.
Gordon is asking voters to let him keep the job of trustee, which he stepped into a couple months ago.
The B Square Bulletin checked in with both candidates this week.
### Levi Combs
Levi Combs is confronting fallout from a recent report in the Herald-Times that surfaced an arrest in 2025 for operating‑while‑intoxicated, and disclosure that the city of Bloomington public works director terminated his employment in 2021 for reporting to work under the influence of alcohol, a violation of a policy spelled out in the city’s [employee handbook](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-03-Bloomington-Employee-Handbook.pdf).
The B Square received an email message with information about the OWI case, and a copy of the termination letter from a source late Tuesday evening (April 21). Early Wednesday morning, The B Square filed a formal records request with the city of Bloomington, to authenticate the termination letter. Indiana’s records law makes certain items in personnel files public, including work history and the status of disciplinary actions up to and including discharge. By the end of the day Friday, the city still had not responded to the B Square’s records request. The Herald-Times published its report on Combs at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
In an interview with The B Square on Thursday, Combs confirmed some key facts, which were his discharge in 2021 from his position with public works for being under the influence of alcohol while on the job, and that the OWI case led to six months of probation. The probation period ends next Monday (April 27). His final in‑person probation meeting was scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at the county probation office on 7th Street. The point of that last check‑in, Combs said, was mainly to confirm that he completed an eight‑week relapse‑prevention course through Centerstone, and that he has paid all court and probation fees.
Combs described a treatment path that included two 30‑day inpatient stays at Boca Recovery Center in Bloomington—first focused on alcohol use, then on overlapping mental‑health issues. Later he spent time at a program at Silicon Beach Treatment Center in the Los Angeles area.
Combs said he doesn’t track his sobriety by day counts and instead relies on a routine of periodic online recovery meetings, and staying in touch with people he met in treatment, in Bloomington and in California. He has also participated in AA‑style meetings at the 12/24 Club in Bloomington, but says his current focus is more on staying in a stable routine.
Combs says he is not currently working a job, in part because he has been helping his mother manage the house and paperwork after his father’s death. When he was arrested on the OWI charge, he was on his way into work at Lowe’s on the west side of Bloomington. Now he says he is between jobs, a little wary of taking a new position just weeks before a primary that, if he wins, could put him in a full‑time public office next January.
On the campaign side, Combs says he has begun knocking doors, starting in his own near‑campus neighborhood east of Third Street Park. He says many of the neighborhood’s residents are students who are not registered to vote locally. He says if voters at the door recognize him as “the guy who got arrested” and ask why they should vote for him anyway, he has an answer: The arrest does not define his character or his capacity to serve, and that he brings inherited institutional memory from growing up in a household where his father was immersed in Perry Township business.
“I still believe that I can get out there and represent the people of Perry Township, near the level that my father was able to represent them,” he said. He added that he wants to keep Perry Township among the state’s higher‑performing townships and work with neighboring townships and the Indiana Township Association as state‑level conversations about township mergers continue.
### Leon Gordon
For his part, Leon Gordon told The B Square on Friday he is balancing a campaign with duties as the sitting trustee. Gordon said his campaign is effectively a one‑person operation, supported by a small circle of advisers who help track filing deadlines and offer tactical advice about early voting, mailings and canvassing.
He has begun using Democratic Party voter‑file software to better target door‑knocking. Supporters he’s known through previous community work have let him place signs in their yards. Gordon said he has spent some time greeting voters outside the early voting polling location at the North Showers building and has canvassed at the farmers market, but he says he has been spending business hours working in the township office.
Gordon says the trustee’s office staff have embraced him “with open arms.” He is still learning the day‑to‑day work, but is already helping to enhance it, he says. There are daily case conferences where he and staff review each application for township assistance. They discuss not just whether to approve a rent, utility or other payment, but how to use that moment as a window of opportunity to connect a family with longer‑term support. He compares the meetings to team staffing sessions he participated in during his earlier work at New Hope for Families.
Gordon points to some changes in the way the office is operating since he started. He has encouraged staff to offer information about other resources even when an applicant doesn’t know to ask, such as township food vouchers and pantry access, or outside programs like Growing Opportunities and other grants that can help stabilize housing and employment. He says staff now routinely reach out to partner agencies when they see a case that could benefit from joint support, rather than handling each application in isolation.
After attending an Indiana Township Association training on township assistance, he said he became more deliberate about where state law leaves room for trustee discretion. One example he cited was extending the internal deadlines the office had used for giving landlords a definitive answer about whether the township would help cover back rent. In at least one case, he said, keeping a commitment open longer gave a family time to assemble the remaining funds and avoid eviction, with help from both the township and other charities.
Gordon has also held what he describes as culture‑building meetings. He has conducted a staff survey aimed at surfacing ideas for improvements and new initiatives. He has started talking with staff about a strategic plan, but says he is deliberately cautious about rolling out major changes before the primary result makes clear whether he will remain in office past the end of the year.
One of those ideas that will have to wait a minute is mobile outreach efforts, such as setting up information tables at places like Kroger so staff can meet residents where they already are.
“With May 5 hanging over us, I’m managing my bandwidth,” he said. “Making it past that day will allow me to spread my wings,” including on mobile access, he added. Until then, he says, most of his time is spent on the existing work of township assistance and on what he describes as bonding with staff and strengthening ties to other social‑service agencies.
---
Primary Election Day is May 5.
### Walnut Street & Smith Avenue (Darn Good Soup)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/walnut-street-smith-avenue-darn-good-soup/
Last updated: 2026-04-24T22:28:15.000Z
How can you tell it’s Little 500 weekend? Soup menu at Darn Good Soup include "Cutters Delight Soup Flight." (Dave Askins, April 24, 2026)
### Request for host hotel proposals OK’d by CIB at Seminary Pointe, activists still hope for land swap
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/
Last updated: 2026-04-29T16:57:46.000Z
Land shaded with purple has been transferred by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB has targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. Map by the B Square \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=14efb4xny4c7v34nQHqP918koljdD4oI&usp=sharing )\]
The Seminary Pointe block and nearby properties that make up about six acres south of the current Bloomington Convention Center are now the subject of an [RFP (request for proposals)](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-24-CIB-Monroe-Capital-Improvement-Board-Bloomington-Convention-Center-Hotel-Developer-RFP-04-24-26%5FFINAL.pdf ) for a host hotel.
The issuance of the RFP was approved by the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) at a special meeting on Friday morning (April 24). Responses to the RFP will be due June 30, with interviews anticipated in early July.
The resolution approving the issuance of an RFP was one of two significant steps taken Friday morning for developing a convention center host hotel project. The other resolution dealt with due diligence on the real estate, which the CIB [just recently received](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-residential-tif-for-summit-now-back-to-rdc-for-final-step/) in transfers authorized by Bloomington’s redevelopment commission and Monroe County government. The due diligence entails getting two independent fair market value appraisals of the site, as well as appropriate environmental reports, including a Phase 1 environmental site assessment.
During public comment time, which scheduled at the end of the meeting, after action items on the CIB’s agenda, the CIB heard continued pressure from the housing advocates to preserve the “super affordable” housing at Seminary Pointe through a potential land swap with the Bloomington redevelopment commission.
CIB discussion on the hotel RFP was brief, but touched on a theme from previous efforts, which was incentives. CIB member Jay Baer recalled that during an earlier round of solicitation, some developers had proposed deals that depended on incentives the CIB did not have the capacity to provide. The question posed by Baer was whether the RFP should state explicitly that the CIB has no incentives available beyond the land itself, to discourage proposals built around additional public financial assistance.
CIB president John Whikehart said he preferred to describe clearly what the CIB is offering and evaluate responses accordingly. “What we’re putting out to hotel developers is telling them what we have to offer them,” he said. “I think when we get responses from the RFP, we’ll know if they’re asking something else of us, and then that will help us determine whether we accept or reject their responses.”
The vote was 6–0, which did not add up to the seven seats on the CIB. That's because of the vacancy left by Adam Thies’s resignation a few weeks ago has yet to be filled. That seat is appointed by Bloomington’s mayor.
The response deadline of June 30 comes about three weeks before the July 20 deadline given by the Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) [for its own public offering](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/) of a different piece of nearby real estate.
The Bloomington RDC’s public offering is for the College Square property (aka former Bunger & Robertson lot), across 3rd Street just north of the existing convention center. The RDC’s decision to make that offering came at its meeting on Monday (April 20), earlier this week.
College Square has been the focus of previous efforts to develop a host hotel, including more than a year’s worth of negotiations between the Bloomington RDC and Dora Hospitality that [did not lead to a deal](https://bsquarebulletin.com/feb-5-meeting-to-review-dora-south-option-convention-center-hotel-mayors-news-release-leaves-cib-head-baffled/).
In the last few weeks, the concept proposed by the CIB has been to [swap its newly acquired land](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-accepts-downtown-parcels-now-seeks-talks-with-bloomington-rdc-on-land-swap-to-secure-host-hotel-site/) from the county government, namely the Seminary Pointe block, to the Bloomington RDC, in exchange for the College Square real estate, which it would then turn over to a hotel developer.
The RDC has now effectively declined the CIB’s request to enter into a 30-day period of negotiations about a potential land swap, by making its own public offering early this week. The CIB would be eligible to respond to that offering with its land-swap proposal, but Friday’s action seems now to preclude that as an option.
Public comment at the end of Friday’s special CIB meeting shifted the focus from hotel development to housing preservation, as housing advocates tried to keep the idea of a land swap alive. Three speakers, representing [Homes for All](https://bh4a.org/), urged the CIB not to walk away from land swap negotiations with the RDC that could preserve Seminary Point as affordable housing.
Amber Corr asked the CIB to continue negotiations with the redevelopment commission to preserve the affordable housing at Seminary Point through a land swap. She described Seminary Pointe as home to 29 units of existing affordable housing, the nonprofit My Sister’s Closet, and Friendly Beasts Cider Company, which she characterized as a community gathering space. Corr said that these are homes and community spaces Bloomington “cannot afford to lose.”
Corr asked the CIB not to pivot away from the idea of a land swap and laid out specific requests: extend tenant leases past the current July 7 deadline; halt rent increases for month-to-month tenants; complete the appraisals and environmental studies that the CIB had just then authorized; and give residents and advocates the chance to present their own vision for Seminary Point’s future. “In a housing crisis, preserving affordable housing isn’t just a priority, it’s an obligation,” she concluded.
Bryce Greene also expressed support for the land swap. He told the board that, at this point, there are several Bloomington city council members who are in favor of the swap.
At the CIB’s April 16 meeting, councilmember Sydney Zulich [spoke from the public mic](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-12-15-Bloomington-Council-Rosenbarger-Flaherty-Piedmont-Smith-Rollo-Memo-to-RDC-re%5F-College-Square-Property.pdf) in favor of swap. At this past Wednesday’s city council meeting, during her report time, Kate Rosenbarger expressed support for the swap, saying that the possibility of subdividing the College Square parcel should be considered in order to match price points.
Greene told the CIB on Friday morning that the around $3.2 million that was paid for the Seminary Pointe real estate in 2010 would surely have increased in value since then. Greene urged the board to treat the situation with urgency, citing the impending expiration of tenant leases in July, and again called for lease extensions to allow more time for negotiations. “This is a housing crisis,” he said, pressing for every possible meeting and phone call to preserve the existing affordable units.
Matthew Joseph weighed in from a remote Teams connection, and also spoke on behalf of Homes for All. He said advocates are working to address one of the RDC’s stated objections to a swap: uncertainty over what the RDC would do with Seminary Point if it acquired it. Joseph said he and others are developing what he described as an “incredible plan” for Seminary Pointe’s future that draws on evidence-based models from other cities that have converted similar sites into vibrant, mixed-use affordable housing hubs.
---
The next regular meeting of the Monroe County capital improvement board meeting is scheduled for [May 20, 2026](https://events.in.gov/event/capital-improvement-board-2026-1434), at 3 p.m.
### Bloomington council OKs residential TIF for Summit, now back to RDC for final step
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-residential-tif-for-summit-now-back-to-rdc-for-final-step/
Last updated: 2026-04-24T11:39:35.000Z
Summit District is shown in orange. Hopwell is shown in green. Bloomington’s consolidated TIF district is shown in yellow. Maps by The B Square with information from the city of Bloomington. Pizza-themed analogy for the TIF allocation area and EDA developed with the aid of DALL·E, an AI image generator developed by OpenAI. \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1A9WHvCdKz8JERcsS6kyN0lIzEhERxwc&usp=sharing)\]
“If we think of an EDA and allocation area as a pizza … we’re only putting one pepperoni in there right now. Every TIF dollar generated from that pepperoni can be spent on the entire pizza.” That was the culinary analogy used by Justin Chang, of Reedy Financial Group to explain to Bloomington city councilmembers the regulations for expenditures from TIF districts inside economic development areas (EDAs).
The outcome was a unanimous vote by the city council on Wednesday (April 22) to establish Summit District as an economic development area (EDA). It’s is a 140-acre undeveloped area in the southwest part of Bloomington. The EDA is sliced up into five different TIF (tax increment finance) districts based on different neighborhoods.
The idea is to use the TIF from residential areas to pay for the development of public infrastructure like roads.
The city council’s resolution created the “Summit District” economic development Area (EDA), covering the entire Summit District PUD. That’s the “whole pizza” in Reedy Financial Group Justin Chang’s analogy. It also designated Shasta Meadows as the first TIF allocation area, as a residential TIF. Once finalized, the growth in assessed value there will be captured in Shasta Meadows and it can be spent anywhere within the Summit EDA.
The proposal now goes back to Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) for a public hearing and confirmatory resolution.
It was the RDC that got things started, with a [resolution](https://bsquarebulletin.com/summit-district-residential-tif-gets-initial-nod-from-bloomington-rdc-accord-on-road-design-okd/) in early March, which was followed by action from Bloomington’s plan commission last week. In early January, RDC had received a [briefing](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-to-consider-establishing-future-residential-areas-as-tif-districts/) on the city’s planned approach to residential TIF in the city.
While TIF districts have long been used for commercial properties in Bloomington, this would be the first time a residential TIF has been used locally. In the wording of [state law](https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/36#36-7-14-53), Bloomington is creating a residential housing development program (RHDP)—often called a “residential TIF.”
Summit District is one of the two geographic areas where Bloomington eventually wants to use residential TIF districts. The area was [approved for a rezone ](https://bsquarebulletin.com/140-acre-rezone-in-southwest-part-of-town-okd-by-bloomington-city-council-on-7-2-vote/) by the city council in May 2024\. The other area envisioned for residential TIF is the planned 24-acre Hopewell neighborhood, at and around the site of the former IU Health hospital at 2nd and Rogers Streets.
While Wednesday’s meeting included a lot of discussion about the benefits of adding population to the city of Bloomington, councilmember Andy Ruff offered a dissenting view, even though he voted for the resolution on a residential TIF:
> I'm at this point in my life, after being in this town over 60 years, it's been said tonight by more than one individual: This will bring lots of residents to Bloomington, which benefits us in so many ways, when we never ask ourselves: Where does that end? What's the ideal size for Bloomington—200,000? 500,000? A million?
>
> Where does it stop? … I'm really tired of just this denial that there are downsides, and that there are a lot of people who don't agree with just the pursuit of growing the community and that it automatically results in economic benefits.
---
On Wednesday, assistant city attorney Dana Kerr told council members the entire Summit PUD, five neighborhoods in all, would be designated as an EDA, while Shasta Meadows would serve as the first TIF allocation area.
Kerr described the TIF as the financing mechanism for a substantial package of infrastructure in and around the development, including extending Adams Street from Bloomfield Road all the way down to Tapp Road, building a new Sudbury Road connection, constructing Vanguard Way to address the current jog and one-lane bridge on Weimer Road, upgrading at least five intersections, and supporting a potential fire station. “That’s a lot of infrastructure that needs to be done,” Kerr said.
Chang walked the council through how TIF works under Indiana’s levy-limited property tax system, stressing that under a levy system, increased assessed value alone does not generate additional revenue for local government.
A TIF allocation area, Chang said, captures the incremental value and directs the resulting revenue to the RDC. Even if there were an additional $100 million in assessed value added to the city’s tax rolls, under the levy system, without a TIF, “The city would not get any benefits from the $100 million,” he said. He described TIF as a mechanism that “is not taking any money from the city or the underlying taxing units,” but capturing revenue that would otherwise be lost to rate reductions.
He contrasted the proposed residential TIF with Bloomington’s existing commercial TIFs, noting that residential TIFs can capture both residential and commercial growth, whereas commercial TIFs cannot capture residential increment. Residential TIFs also have shorter statutory lives—20 years from bond issuance, compared to 25 years for commercial TIFs.
For Shasta Meadows, Chang said financial advisors estimate about $50 million in new assessed value, generating roughly $443,000 annually in TIF revenue. For the full Summit build-out, which is estimated at $477 million in new assessed value, that could translate to roughly $4.7 million to $9.4 million per year, depending on tax caps. Chang cautioned that those figures were “broad strokes.”
Council members also asked about impacts on other taxing units, especially Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC). Chang said the effect would largely come through circuit breaker credits, estimating a “worst case” reduction of about $16,000 annually from Shasta Meadows. He added that new residential development would likely bring additional students which means more revenue based on state funding formulas, which could more than offset that impact.
City controller Geoff McKim stressed the more general point: “With the TIF, we can actually bring in more revenue for city infrastructure than we could without the TIF.”
The sharpest discussion focused not on the mechanics of TIF, but on whether the proposal represented a shift in city policy. Councilmember Matt Flaherty said Bloomington has historically required developers to pay for infrastructure associated with large projects. “Historically… we have not spent public dollars on this type of thing,” he said, making the point that the Summit TIF proposal appears to mark a departure from that approach. Flaherty expressed some frustration about the lack of a clear discussion about the change in a major policy.
Travis Vencel, one of the Summit District developers, told the council that the sequencing of the project, which requires major roads like Sudbury and Adams to be built before occupancy, makes public contributions necessary. He added that “significant public infrastructure money” had been part of discussions early on. The Summit PUD anticipated city participation, Vencel said, pointing to [wording in the PUD plan](https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/Summit%20District%20PUD%203.13.2024.pdf#page=11 ) that referred to utility expansion and funding sources, including TIF.
When Bloomington mayor Mayor Kerry Thomson took the mic, she described the earlier understanding more cautiously, saying there had been no firm commitment, but that financing infrastructure before development generates revenue had always been a challenge.
Councilmember Hopi Stosberg said the public funding implications felt “like a surprise.”
Councilmember Andy Ruff said he believed some level of partnership had been contemplated when the PUD was approved, but used the moment to question broader assumptions about growth. “We never ask ourselves, where does that end?”
Other councilmembers pointed to the site’s long vacancy and the city’s housing needs. Isabel Piedmont-Smith said the land had sat undeveloped for decades largely because of infrastructure costs: “We need this development.”
Stosberg said about the use of public money for infrastructure that “it feels like a bait and switch to me,” but said she would support the resolution because “it can’t proceed without these roads.”
### April 23, 2026: North Park, College Square, candidate forum, public art
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/april-23-2026-north-park-college-square-candidate-forum-public-art/
Last updated: 2026-04-23T10:42:15.000Z
### Civic Solver
We don’t have a new puzzle this week. We hope to have a new one for you next week!
### About this newsletter
The Almost Daily Bulletin, which is currently sent just on Mondays and Thursdays, is free, just like all the news published by The B Square Bulletin. Anyone can sign up. It’s not often that you have to endure requests for voluntary financial support, like this one. But the one in five of you who make a recurring monthly donation deserve a thank you. Thank you to everyone who contributes to The B Square Bulletin—you are what makes this possible! If you would like to help, here’s the link: [Support the B Square!](https://bsquarebulletin.com/#/portal/signup)
### Weather Talk
Based on the National Weather Service forecast in [text](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Thursday:** Roll out of bed, grab your sunglasses, and go straight out into the world, because you won’t need anything else today. The high temperature under sunny skies will reach 81F°.
**Friday:** Take rain gear, if you’re planning to watch the women’s edition of the Little 500, because there will be scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. The high will be near 76F°.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [County council stand against North Park jail location backed by Bloomington counterparts](https://bsquarebulletin.com/county-council-stand-against-north-park-jail-location-backed-by-bloomington-counterparts/). Bloomington’s city council voted unanimously on Wednesday to oppose a new jail at North Park, backing an in-city alternative as legal deadlines approach for the county government. County officials warn that delays risk renewed litigation and higher costs.
- [Bloomington police: Man arrested on charge of attempted murder with aid of Flock cameras](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-man-arrested-on-charge-of-attempted-murder-with-aid-of-flock-cameras/). A 37-year-old man was arrested on attempted murder, battery and arson charges after a Tuesday night fire on S. Rogers Street left a woman critically injured. Police say ALPR data helped locate him at a Mitchell motel. A council briefing on the ALPR system is set for Wednesday
- [Deckard, Henry outline competing approaches to Monroe County leadership](https://bsquarebulletin.com/deckard-henry-outline-competing-approaches-to-monroe-county-leadership/). Democrat county councilmembers Trent Deckard and David Henry faced off at two forums Tuesday as they compete for the District 1 county commissioner nomination. Housing affordability, local taxes, homelessness and plans for a new jail were among the issues discussed.
- [Bloomington RDC signs off on public offering for College Square, declines 30‑day pause for land‑swap talks](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/). Bloomington’s redevelopment commission voted April 20 to proceed with a public offering for the 2-acre College Square site, declining a CIB request for a 30-day pause to explore a land swap tied to a convention center host hotel. Responses to the $7.59M minimum offering are due July 20.
- [Four finalist proposals revealed for Bloomington Convention Center art, public input sought](https://bsquarebulletin.com/four-finalist-proposals-revealed-for-bloomington-convention-center-art-public-input-sought/). 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.
- [Student cards again barred as ID at Indiana polls as federal appeals court halts prelim injunction](https://bsquarebulletin.com/student-cards-again-barred-as-id-at-indiana-polls-as-federal-appeals-court-halts-prelim-injunction/). A federal appeals court on April 20 stayed a district court order that had allowed student IDs for voting in Indiana’s May 5 primary. The ruling restores application of a 2025 state law barring IDs issued by educational institutions while the state’s appeal of the injunction proceeds.
- [16 teams converge for bike polo in Bloomington at Hoosier Tenderloin Classic tournament](https://bsquarebulletin.com/16-teams-converge-for-bike-polo-in-bloomington-at-hoosier-tenderloin-classic-tournament/). Bloomington’s Frank Southern Ice Arena traded ice for bicycles as the Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bike polo tournament returned for its second year. Hosted by Bloomington’s Bike Polo Club, the event drew 16 teams and riders from across the Midwest and South for two days of fast-paced competition.
### Quick Notes
**Hopewell South rezone: Postponed again.** At its regular meeting on Wednesday (April 22) Bloomington’s city council again postponed a vote on the Hopewell South PUD. A “reasonable condition” on affordable housing requirements was not yet completely sorted out, which led to the postponement. [Hopewell South PUD pushed to April 22 as Bloomington council, mayor spar over conditions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-pushed-to-april-22-as-bloomington-council-mayor-spar-over-conditions/).
**Ballard resigns from plan commission, BZA.** Tim Ballard will step down from the Bloomington plan commission and the board of zoning appeals effective May 1, in part due to a family move tied to the purchase of an 1865 farmhouse near Ithaca, New York. Plans include developing a therapy and healing center there.
Ballard will continue his real estate work locally, but will no longer serve on the BZA or plan commission. In his note to other BZA members he alludes to some interactions with members of the public, writing that he had “faced self righteousness and antagonism in the public realm,” and said recent meetings “crossed a line” in a way that changed his willingness to volunteer. His note concluded:
> Thank you to each and every one of you for impacting my life for the better. It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to work with such amazing, dedicated individuals committed to positive change for this community. I will always be grateful.
The appointment to Ballard’s seat on the partisan-balanced plan commission is made by the mayor.
### On the calendar
**Cancelation of county commissioners meeting.** Thursday’s regular meeting of the Monroe County commissioners has been canceled. That leaves April 30 as the last remaining regular meeting date in April when commissioners could approve a new North Park purchase agreement, as described in the jail [settlement agreement extension](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-jail-site-dispute-plays-out-in-new-federal-court-filing-by-monroe-county-commissioners/).
**Friday: Special CIB meeting**. In the wake of a decision by the Bloomington RDC to make a public offering of the College Square property, the Monroe County capital improvement board has set a special meeting for [Friday (April 24) at 10:30 a.m.](https://events.in.gov/event/capital-improvement-board-special-meeting) at the Bloomington Convention Center.
The agenda includes an item for: “Board Discussion re: Real Estate.” Options for the CIB include no action, a move to respond to the RDC’s public offering with a land-swap proposal, or a move to make its own public offering of the Seminary Pointe block. For B Square background, see: [Bloomington RDC signs off on public offering for College Square, declines 30‑day pause for land‑swap talks](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/)
**Arbor Day.** Friday (April 24) at 9 a.m. The Bloomington parks and recreation department is holding a ceremony at [Rogers Family Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BVBhRVuEKXvPCMY5A) for a ceremony celebrating Arbor Day and Bloomington's 42nd consecutive year of being named a Tree City USA. Following the ceremony, parks and recreation urban forestry crews and tree-loving volunteers will plant 23 new trees in the park! Festivities begin at the red barn at Rogers Family Park. There is bench and picnic table seating available at the barn, but no restrooms or water. Please bring a water bottle and dress for the weather!
**Wise Panic Residency and Events.** (April 26–30) Hosted by [The Hundredth Hill](http://thehundredthhill.com/). A spring residency exploring how communities respond to crisis through conversation, art, and scholarship. Participants include Ira Allen, Shannon Gayk, Mana Rezaei, and Minka Wiltz. Free public events include a [community hike](https://www.thehundredthhill.com/) (April 26, 2–5 p.m.), a workshop at [Redbud Books](https://redbudbooks.org/) (April 28, 7 p.m.), and a reading at [Morgenstern Books](https://morgensternbooks.com/) (April 30, 6 p.m.).
The residency also supports new creative work, including music and a developing screenplay. Organizers aim to spark discussion on navigating political, cultural, and environmental crises while strengthening community connections.
---
**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](https://sites.google.com/mccsc.net/hoosierhillsffa/plant-sale?authuser=0).
**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 . This is hosted by Electrify Indiana, a local volunteer-driven nonprofit, in partnership with the city of Bloomington.
**Little 500: April 24–25, 2026.** On Friday and Saturday, the Little 500 bicycle race is on the calendar. Remember that even in a limestone town, a team called the Cutters can’t take winning for granite. After the races, we will retire that joke. That is also a great joke, when you think about it.
**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](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574536874380) for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s [inaugural event](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ms-lake-lemon-pageant-bennett-tops-field-of-16-in-contest-featuring-firewood-nails-mud-puddles/).
---
### Meet Odin!
Up for adoption, as of April 23 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Odin](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86355). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is an Akita. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Odin](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/86355):
> Odin is a big ole handsome gentleman who loves people and has been very polite meeting other dogs!
### Photo Finish
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/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**
---
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### County council stand against North Park jail location backed by Bloomington counterparts
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/county-council-stand-against-north-park-jail-location-backed-by-bloomington-counterparts/
Last updated: 2026-04-23T13:44:04.000Z
****Left:** Bloomington’s city council. ****Right:** Monroe County councilor Jennifer Rose Crossley. (Dave Askins, April 22, 2026)
Bloomington’s city council has formally joined the Monroe County council in opposing construction of a new county jail at the North Park site. The council voted unanimously on Wednesday (April 22) to adopt a [resolution](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-22-city-council-resolution-2026-07-in-support-of-county-council-effort-to-keep-jail-in-city-limits-north-park-Thomson.pdf) that rejects the location off SR46 north of town and urges an unspecified alternative inside the city limits.
The resolution says the city council “stands with its county council colleagues and their decision not to fund the purchase of the property at North Park.” It also pledges that the city will work with county officials “to support an expedited zoning and permitting process for the construction of a new jail within city limits.”
The vote came as county officials face renewed legal pressure tied to a [long‑running federal lawsuit](https://thebloomingtonchronicle.org/index.php/Monroe%5FCounty%5FJail) over jail conditions. A 2008 lawsuit over overcrowding led to a private settlement agreement that has been periodically extended.
The latest extension, through May 29 of this year, was approved by the court on April 14, which was the day before the extension of the settlement agreement expired. In mid-January this year, the ACLU, which represented the plaintiffs in the original lawsuit, agreed only to a 90-day extension, after agreeing for several years to a year-long extension. It was a measure of frustration for the ACLU over lack of progress on constructing a new jail.
Under the [most recent court filing](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-13-modified-settlement-agreement-Monroe-County-jail-North-Park-073111704804.pdf), county commissioners are supposed to approve a new purchase agreement for North Park by the end of April. If the county council does not approve that agreement at either its May 12 or May 26 meeting, the filing says, the ACLU anticipates moving to dismiss the settlement agreement, which opens the way to new litigation.
While a new purchase agreement for North Park had been expected to appear on the Thursday (April 23) regular meeting agenda for the county commissioners, that meeting has been canceled. That leaves April 30 as the last remaining regular meeting date in April when commissioners could approve a new North Park purchase agreement.
### Background: County council v. County commissioners
In October last year, county councilors unanimously rejected the appropriation that was needed for commissioners to close the real estate deal on North Park. County councilor have since approved their own resolution declaring they are not interested in pursuing the property.
Since last week’s [news of the settlement extension](https://bsquarebulletin.com/north-park-jail-site-dispute-plays-out-in-new-federal-court-filing-by-monroe-county-commissioners/), county commissioner Jody Madeira has stressed in online commentary that the conditions tying the settlement extension to a North Park purchase came from ACLU lawyers, not from local elected officials. “The ACLU is the party that is imposing the requirement that the council approve the purchase agreement,” she wrote. “That requirement was announced to commissioner and council leadership and was not something that county officials had the opportunity to negotiate. It’s either take it or leave it.”
A subsequent [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-15-Private-Settlement-County-Commissioners-ACLU-BoC-Response.pdf) from commissioners stated that “the conditions attached to that extension were imposed by the ACLU, not by the Commissioners.”
### Sentiments from Bloomington city councilmembers
At the city council’s Wednesday meeting, councilmember Sydney Zulich framed the North Park decision as both an access issue and a financial one. She said the scale and cost being discussed for the North Park project would translate to about $5,000 per county taxpayer.
“This is a project that at the North Park property would cost every taxpayer in this county $5,000,” she said. “I’m happy to pay my taxes, but I would much rather those resources be going towards prevention services and keeping people out of jail and in their own homes with their families.”
Zulich also urged a shift in mindset about capacity. “When we look toward the future of criminal justice in our community, our goal should never be to maximize space,” she said. “The space will be filled if it is created. How will we invest in resources that reduce crimes instead of building bigger spaces to confine those that commit them?”
Councilmember Courtney Daily called the North Park concept “far, far too expensive for our community” and questioned the size of the proposed facility. “I agree that we need adequate space, but this planned expansion is not a realistic need for our current incarceration needs,” she said. “I’m deeply uncomfortable with creating vastly more space than we currently need because, hey, that’s got to be filled one way or another—so it will.”
Daily said that dollars should be shifted to mental health support, addiction recovery and other programs that keep people out of jail, and warned that a remote site would make it harder for families to visit and for people leaving custody to connect with services.
Councilmember Isabel Piedmont‑Smith tied the resolution to an [Oct. 22, 2025 letter](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-10-22-sydney-zulich-letter-about-Monroe-County-jail-land-purchase.pdf) written by Zulich, which the city council ultimately supported, urging county officials not to move forward with North Park. She reiterated her support for the county‑owned Thomson property on South Rogers, which was purchased years ago for a juvenile justice center and located in her city council district, as a better option.
“There is a property that already belongs to the county that was purchased for a juvenile justice center, and that’s the Thomson site,” she said. Even if utility lines there need to be moved, she added, “I think it would still come to less money than what it would cost at North Park.” Piedmont‑Smith also cautioned against building far more beds than are currently needed, saying, “If there are vacant beds…you know, ICE is going to come and knock on our door and say: We’ve got some people to store.”
Councilmember Hopi Stosberg said she is ready to support moving an in‑city project as quickly as realistically possible, but noted that current councilmembers cannot dictate how fast independent bodies like the plan commission or board of zoning appeals will act.
Andy Ruff said that if the community did “full cost accounting,” including social and environmental costs and not just construction, renovation of the existing facility would likely emerge as the least expensive option overall.
### Sentiments from county commissioners
County officials used the public commentary time during the city council’s meeting to underscore what they see as hard deadlines and real legal risk. Speaking via a Zoom video conferencing connection, Madeira told city councilmembers that their resolution was like “rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic after it’s hit the iceberg.”
Madeira continued by saying after 17 years under the original lawsuit, “it’s too late to complain that you’re being rushed into litigation.” Letting the settlement lapse without a concrete plan, she said, would force the county government to operate a “constitutional jail” under direct court oversight, with added costs to house people in other counties, transport them, hire more staff, and pay for lawyers and monitors.
“This isn’t caution or compromise,” Madeira said about the city’s resolution. “It’s not simply a symbolic expression of preference about geography or social equity. This is an invitation to continue down a path that sends the county off a cliff into a lawsuit it can’t defend, and that’s the part that the public deserves to hear clearly. You are pushing us through the courtroom doors.”
County commissioner Julie Thomas, also speaking from a remote electronic connection, focused on the mechanics of building and financing a new facility. She said the county’s bond counsel has advised that a bond to pay for construction has to be issued by July 2026\. North Park, with a purchase framework already in place, is “shovel ready,” she said, while the Thomson site would require a change to its planned unit development (PUD) as well as work on karst, dirt removal, relocation of high‑voltage power lines. Duke Energy estimates the powerline relocation will take at least a year and a half, Thomas said.
“The city plan commission and city council must approve a change to the planned unit development. We cannot proceed without that approval,” Thomas said. “It is a necessary public process that we respect, and it cannot be shortened nor avoided. That fact alone makes any project on Thomson impossible to complete either by Falk’s deadline…or the bond counsel’s deadline of July of 2026.” Ken Falk is the lead attorney for the ACLU on its lawsuit.
Thomas said the ACLU is focused on getting a constitutional jail in place as soon as possible, with a full justice center to follow. She told city councilmembers that transit access to North Park would have to be addressed by the county under obligations that will arise in 2029 under the constraints of SEA 1.
### Sentiments from county council president
Speaking in person from the public mic in city council chambers was county council president Jennifer Crossley, who thanked the city council for taking up the issue, but pressed for something more specific than a general promise to “expedite” approvals. She said county officials have heard informally that city planning and zoning steps could take nine to twelve months and said that the ACLU would need clear, written commitments from the city to accept an in‑city alternative.
Crossley asked for something specific. “Whatever we can do to put words to paper, that would be my humble ask, because we just need something,” she said. Crossley also warned that if the county continues toward North Park, everyone in the room could look forward to higher taxes.
### Sentiments from the public
Members of the public echoed concerns about both cost and location. At least six city residents spoke directly on the jail item. Several, including Seth Mutchler, urged a serious look at renovating the existing downtown jail, pointing to past consultant estimates that put renovation in the tens of millions—well below the projected $200‑million‑plus price tag for a new facility. “Since 2020 we have not exceeded 233 average daily population, and in 2023 we were under 200,” Mutchler said. “We don’t need more beds. We need to do the work to incarcerate fewer people.”
Others emphasized reentry and family access, pointed to existing bus routes and nearby services at the current location. They warned that a remote jail along a four‑lane highway would make it harder for people leaving custody to reach food, treatment, and housing supports, and harder for families to visit, especially those without cars.
### Reservations from the city council president
Council president Isak Asare, who was participating in the meeting from a remote electronic connection, ultimately joined the unanimous vote in favor. But that was only after laying out reservations about passing a largely symbolic statement that the city might not be able to back up with concrete action. He said he agreed with the direction, which was opposing North Park and favoring a site inside the city.
But Asare worried that promising to “expedite” zoning and permitting without specifics could amount to little more than posture: “If we’re just standing with you, but we can’t follow through with the way that we’re standing with them, don’t we think that that language needs to be very specific?”
Asare also questioned the way the two units of government were communicating mainly through resolutions instead of direct joint work, suggesting that particular dynamic itself helps explain why the issue has dragged on for years.
After indicating he would support the resolution, Asare immediately turned to what should happen next: “My call would be that, after we vote for this, that, you know, that we move to either have some joint session or something that we actually can just get around the table and figure out what needs to be done.”
Zulich welcomed that idea, noting that Daily had already suggested a joint discussion on the jail. She said the city “would love to host” county councilors and commissioners “to hash out how we might be able to expedite the planning process.”
---
Asked for comment after the city council’s decision, Madeira said by text message to The B Square: “Tonight’s vote by the Bloomington city council marks a disappointing turn in what should be a collaborative community process. Advancing a resolution that supports placing the jail downtown—despite clear legal concerns—puts Monroe County on a path toward unnecessary and costly litigation and delays any solution to the human rights nightmare in the current facility.”
Madeira continued, “My priority is to ensure responsible stewardship of public resources as well as pursue solutions that reflect broad community input, public safety needs, and fiscal accountability. Moving forward under the threat of this lawsuit does not serve those goals. I remain committed to finding a path that is lawful, transparent, and grounded in cooperation rather than conflict. Our community and our jail residents deserve such a process.”
### Bloomington police: Man arrested on charge of attempted murder with aid of Flock cameras
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-police-man-arrested-on-charge-of-attempted-murder-with-aid-of-flock-cameras/
Last updated: 2026-04-22T21:29:56.000Z
Map by the B Square with information from the Bloomington police department.
A 37-year-old man has been arrested and booked into jail on charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery, and arson in connection with late Tuesday (April 21) fire in the 2000 block of S. Rogers Street, according to a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-22-news-release-Bloomington-Police-Rogers-Street-Attempted-Murder-Arrest-4%5F22%5F26%5Fdocx.pdf) from Bloomington police on Wednesday (April 22).
According to the news release, Flock cameras equipped with automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) played a role in the apprehension of the suspect, Shandor Jackson.
At its [regular Wednesday night meeting](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16708/download ), Bloomington’s city council is due to get a briefing from chief of police Mike Diekhoff on the city’s use of ALPRs. The briefing comes in the context of an [announcement](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-flock-camera-contract-expired-march-5-mayor-reveals-non-renewal-6-weeks-later/) last week from Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson that the city had allowed its contract with Flock Safety to expire.
The news release recounts the events of Tuesday night. Around 11:50 p.m. there was a call about a fire on Rogers Street.
When the officers arrived, a big part of the house was on fire, as was the whole roof. Officers could hear someone inside yelling for help, so they kicked in the front door. They found a 54-year-old woman on the floor surrounded by fire. Officers carried the severely injured woman outside, as she couldn’t move on her own. Officers then checked that there wasn’t anyone else inside.
Until firefighters from Bloomington’s fire department and the Monroe Fire Protection District arrived, police officers provided medical care to the woman. She was taken by ambulance to IU Health Bloomington Hospital, and later transferred to an Indianapolis hospital. The release says the woman is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
The use of ALPRs factored into the search for the woman’s son, according to the release. Neighbors told officers that the woman lived at the home with her 37-year-old son, Shandor Jackson. They also told officers that the woman drove a tan Hyundai passenger car. Investigators then used Flock automatic license plate readers (LPRs) in an effort to find the woman’s vehicle, which was successful.
Specifically, the Hyundai was spotted by Flock ALPRs traveling in Greene County, Orange County, and Lawrence County. Investigators were able to use the Flock data to narrow their search for the car and located it soon after that, parked at a motel in Mitchell, Indiana around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The news release says that a Flock Safety ALPR close to the scene of the crime on Rogers Street was of no use, because it had been vandalized, with its cables sliced and the camera lens spray painted.
After search warrants for the hotel room and the car were obtained, around
12:30 p.m., officers took Jackson into custody. He was then taken to the Bloomington Police Department for questioning. He was booked into jail on the following charges: attempted murder (level 1 felony), aggravated battery (level 3 felony), arson (level 4 felony), vehicle theft (level 6 felony).
According to the news release, the investigation is still underway, and no further information is available for release at this time.
### Deckard, Henry outline competing approaches to Monroe County leadership
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/deckard-henry-outline-competing-approaches-to-monroe-county-leadership/
Last updated: 2026-04-22T10:24:29.000Z
Candidate forum at the Waldron Arts Center. ****Left:** David Henry. ****Right:** Trent Deckard. (Dave Askins, April 22, 2026)
Candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the District 1 county commissioner’s seat, Trent Deckard and David Henry, appeared at two forums on Tuesday (April 21).
The first was a lunchtime gathering of Democrats at D’Angelo’s restaurant. The second was an evening forum hosted by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce at the Waldron Arts Center on Walnut Street, moderated by former Bloomington mayor and now Amplify Bloomington CEO John Fernandez.
The pair of Democrats currently serve together on the seven-member county council as at-large representatives. The council is the fiscal body of county government, while the three commissioners function as both the legislative and executive branch.
Both were elected to the council in 2024\. Henry’s victory that year was his first. Deckard was reelected after first joining the council in 2019 through a Democratic Party caucus that filled the vacancy created when Lee Jones won election to the District 1 commissioner seat in 2018\. Jones is not seeking reelection.
Although candidates must live within District 1, a western slice of Monroe County, voters countywide will choose between Deckard and Henry in the May 5 Democratic primary.
The forums took place as voting is already underway. Early voting began April 7, and by Tuesday evening [1,771 voters](https://gis.co.monroe.in.us/portal/apps/dashboards/76049a9ff4934c21b5059bdc88a0b671) had cast in-person ballots. Through the same period, that’s 35% more than in 2018, which is the year that had the highest numerical early voting turnout over the last five mid-term elections. It’s likely an indicator of strong interest in a local race that will shape decisions on housing, the new jail, and how county government conducts itself over the next decade.
There’s no Republican candidate on the primary ballot. The GOP could still fill the ballot vacancy, and independent candidates could still appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, if they collect enough signatures.
### Housing: Country club economy, 3 blocked generations
Housing affordability was a big topic at both events.
Deckard framed the issue partly through his family’s experience, saying he comes from “a nine-generation family that’s seen a lot of change” and has worked in federal, state, and now county government. He noted that his father bought a house in 1977 for about $17,000, while his own home in 2007 cost about $139,000\. Realtors now tell him the typical local sale price is around $379,000\.
The result, Deckard said, is that Monroe County risks becoming “a country club economy,” where people who already own homes remain locked in and those trying to enter the market struggle to get in.
Deckard said the county needs to build housing across a wider range of price points and should treat areas such as the airport corridor as potential hubs for jobs, housing, and services.
Henry also said the county’s housing market is failing many residents, framing the issue in generational terms. “Fewer and fewer kids are able to stay in our community if they choose to,” he said, adding that three generations of residents (Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z) now face barriers to buying their first home or moving up to a larger one.
Henry linked the problem to local policy decisions, including zoning rules and the county’s development code, which he said have limited opportunities for middle-class housing.
Henry also pointed to an affordable housing advisory commission, on which he served, that examined using federal pandemic relief funds for projects such as tiny homes and transitional housing, but said the response of county commissioners to those recommendations was to dissolve the advisory commission.
For Henry, the county’s 800-page development code has restricted innovation and helped close off the housing ladder for younger residents. At D’Angelos, Henry made Deckard’s ninth-generation-family talking point his own: “Can they afford to stay here, so that your kids, your grandkids, my kids, might be able to call Monroe County home and be a ninth-generation Monroe County resident someday, too? That’s why I’m running.”
### Local taxes after SEA 1
Candidates were asked about Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1), a state law that reshaped local government tax structures and could reduce revenue for local governments.
The question was whether the county should consider imposing the law’s new authority to adopt a countywide local income tax of up to 1.2 percent.
Deckard said any decision would require coordination with local governments and agencies including the city of Bloomington, Ellettsville, townships, fire districts, and the library. He said officials must evaluate potential property-tax losses while remaining mindful that “taxpayers are stretched as it is.”
Henry also acknowledged that SEA 1 could reduce revenue and shift more of the burden toward wage earners. But he started with his basic answer to the question of imposing the maximum rate: “Let me cut to the chase of the question, which is: No.” Henry said governments should demonstrate better fiscal discipline before asking residents for additional revenue. Both the city of Bloomington and Monroe County, he noted, adopted 2026 budgets that relied partly on reserves.
Henry suggested the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization could evolve into a broader regional structure to share costs with Bloomington, Ellettsville, and townships on services such as emergency management and cybersecurity.
Deckard said governments now face expenses their predecessors did not, pointing to the cost of body-worn cameras and cybersecurity threats as examples of obligations that must now be part of local budgets.
### Homelessness, Thomson encampment
On homelessness, both candidates said the county has often reacted too late.
Henry described homelessness as a continuing economic crisis and said Monroe County should invest more heavily in prevention with local service providers. He also said the state government is moving toward criminalizing public camping through new legislation. That’s a reference to [SEA 285](https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/285/details), which prohibits camping, sleeping, or using for long term shelter land owned by the state or a political subdivision.
Deckard said the county’s approach has sometimes placed nonprofit organizations in difficult positions, asking them to take on work that government declines to fund while also facing community resistance when those organizations expand services.
Both candidates discussed the encampment on county-owned Thomson property.
Henry said he visited the site after learning the camp might be cleared near the holidays. He said the county still lacks a clear plan for what will happen to residents if the site is closed.
Deckard said he participated in meetings organized by fellow councilor Kate Wiltz that brought together people connected with the campsite to discuss the situation.
Both agreed that homelessness policy should shift toward prevention rather than emergency responses after encampments form.
### Jail and justice building
The proposed new county jail and the deteriorating justice building was an obvious topic for the forum, which Fernandez introduced as moderator with dry humor: “You’re going to be shocked by this next question!”
Deckard emphasized the county’s constitutional obligation to maintain safe jail conditions and said the county must move forward rather than delay further.
Henry said that if the county builds a new jail, it should remain within Bloomington rather than outside the city. He also questioned whether the county has the tax base to support the scale of some proposals that have been discussed.
Deckard said the first step should be agreement among commissioners and council members on non-negotiable factors such as size and cost. Delays, he said, will only push construction costs higher.
Henry also raised concerns about mold and other conditions in the justice building, where courts and county employees work. Henry noted that county commissioners had sent out a [memo](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-21-mold-county-justice-building-Monroe-email.pdf) that morning, telling employees to get ready for mold season again. Henry said the county government should have been taking care of the building for the past 20 years so that employees are not breathing in mold. He said the county should treat repairs and upgrades as a defined project with clear timelines and budgets.
Deckard said decisions about a new jail should also account for operational realities, including the costs of moving people and services between facilities if courts and the jail are located separately.
Both candidates agreed the current situation with the jail and justice building cannot continue indefinitely.
### Planning and the county development code
Land-use policy and the county’s development code were also major themes.
Henry said that for more than a decade the county plan commission has made development difficult by repeatedly raising new obstacles for modest projects. He said the county’s comprehensive plan has not been fully updated since 2012 and should be revisited to guide future growth.
Deckard said Monroe County has often been passive in shaping development and should take a more active role in attracting jobs and housing. Deckard said the county’s development code is overly complex and confusing for residents trying to understand what can be built on their property.
### What’s leadership?
Probably the sharpest exchange came late in the Chamber forum during a discussion about housing supply.
Deckard warned against candidates offering “magic wand” solutions to complex problems and said effective leadership requires navigating difficult conversations in a community with many competing views.
Deckard put it like this:
> We’re tough people, have lots of different opinions on what housing looks like, and how it should go. We need an elected official that can have that conversation with those tough communities, and keep them into the room so that we can move forward. So much of our action doesn’t happen because those conversations aren’t navigated. I think that I have the background, the training and the skills to do that, and not only do it, but get us to the action, so that we can get results
After a couple of months of campaigning, Henry said the audience had heard many of the same lines from the two candidates before. “You know, I appreciate the play-by-play. I’m just not running for county commentator. I am running for county commissioner.”
Henry said that campaigns are precisely the time for candidates to present clear positions, not just to talk about how they will listen. Henry put it like this:
> The listening occurs in the entire time you’re a citizen of this community, involved in organizations and at your kid’s sporting events, where people are telling you things. Campaigns are about elections or campaigns are about ideas. They’re about issues and putting them before the public. Based on those conversations, we run on ideas and put them before people in this community, because that’s who we are.
---
Early voting in Monroe County takes place at one location in downtown Bloomington, at the [North Showers building](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZDMHeEGUghzJ97xVA) on Morton Street.
### Bloomington RDC signs off on public offering for College Square, declines 30‑day pause for land‑swap talks
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/
Last updated: 2026-04-21T10:08:05.000Z
Land shaded with purple has been authorized for transfer by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB has targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. The dark yellow areas are historic districts. The 424 S. College address is listed as "contributing" in the city’s 2018 survey. Map by the B Square \[[dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1K67oC7nlVXsrkPog6MKF4-iQCDK0J1I&usp=sharing )\]
The Bloomington redevelopment commission meets to approve a public offering of the College Square property. (Dave Askins, April 20, 2026)
At its regular Monday meeting (April 20) Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) voted unanimously to move ahead with a [public offering](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-College-Square-Offering-Sheet-Bloomington-RDC-redevelopment-commission.pdf) for the College Square property at 4th Street and College Avenue.
That meant the RDC declined a [request](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-accepts-downtown-parcels-now-seeks-talks-with-bloomington-rdc-on-land-swap-to-secure-host-hotel-site/) from Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB) to delay action for 30 days to explore a possible land swap. The RDC wants to negotiate a swap that would trade the Seminary Pointe block, which was [recently transferred](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-land-transfer-to-cib-has-final-ok-with-calls-for-land-swap-to-preserve-housing-put-host-hotel-on-north-parcel/) by the county government to the CIB, for the College Square property, so that the CIB could offer it to a potential developer of a host hotel for the convention center.
The RDC’s resolution authorizes issuance of a notice of offering for the roughly 2‑acre College Square site, which is often called the former Bunger & Robertson lot.
The minimum offering price is set at $7.59 million, the average of two recent appraisals, according to RDC executive director Anna Killion‑Hanson. That figure is higher than the nearly $7 million the city’s RDC paid in 2019 to purchase the property in two transactions under then‑mayor John Hamilton.
The RDC meeting included public commentary from several housing advocates and tenants of the Seminary Pointe property, as well as a Bloomington city councilmember, Courtney Daily, who all spoke in favor of a 30-day delay to negotiate a land swap with the CIB.
In the end RDC members were not persuaded that 30 days was enough time to get information about appraisals and environmental conditions for the Seminary Pointe property in order to conduct a meaningful negotiation.
The time frame for the public offering would allow for the CIB to make a proposal with that kind of information. The idea is to publish the notice of offering on April 27, with responses due and opened at the RDC’s July 20 meeting. That’s an 84‑day window that RDC executive director Anna Killion-Hanson characterized as a realistic response period for serious developers.
RDC member John West pointed out that the RDC’s public offering allows for the possibility of a response from a host hotel developer. But based on his comments, the prospects of a host hotel getting developed at College Square as a result of a land swap with the CIB sound grim. The long-time commercial real estate broker said:
> I just, I’ll rip the band aid off: I don’t think the land swap as proposed is a good opportunity or even a good deal for the city.
> ...
> At the end of the day, it’s my opinion, never appraised it, but I don’t think you’re going to see equal value. So I don’t know how we get to $7.5 million.
### The role of appraisals
One of the conditions given by the RDC to the CIB on the start of negotiations was a current appraisal for the Seminary Pointe property. That doesn’t exist, but the property was purchased in 2010 in two transactions totalling about $3.2 million, which is about half the RDC’s asking price.
During Tuesday’s meeting, RDC executive director Anna Killion-Hanson said the RDC does not yet have basic information about the Seminary Pointe property that it would ordinarily want before contemplating a land swap. There are no updated environmental reports, no current rent roll, no financials to help gauge the property’s value or the scope of any deferred maintenance.
“It’s hard to know if that particular property is also worth $7 million,” she said.
The Bloomington RDC bought the College Square real estate in two separate transactions—one in [2019](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/18/bloomington-monroe-county-both-move-on-separate-land-acquisitions-as-part-of-planned-expansion-of-convention-center/) and the other in [2023](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-set-to-pay-1-9-million-for-ne-part-of-parking-lot-planned-for-convention-center-expansion/).
Back then, the [average of the two appraisals](https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-notebook-bloomington-releases-past-appraisal-figures-for-north-property/) for the two parcels making up the property was $6,585,000\.
Based on [city of Bloomington financial records](https://bloomington.spending.socrata.com/#!/year/All Years/explore/1-/priority?x-return-url=https:%2F%2Fbloomington.finance.socrata.com%2F%23!%2Fdashboard&x-return-description=Return to Open Finance ), two more recent appraisals were paid for by the RDC, one by First Appraisal which cost $5,000 (March 13, 2026), and the other by Michael C. Lady Advisors, which cost $3,950 (May 9, 2025).
Killion Hanson indicated that one of the two current appraisals was less than $7 million. Given the $7.59 million average, the basic arithmetic means one of the appraisals was more than $8 million. Killion-Hanson said about the higher appraisal, “I’m not sure that the appraisal that was over the $7 million mark fully considered the environmental conditions that were present.”
### Environmental conditions
The College Square site consists of three tracts totaling about two acres between 3rd and 4th streets along College Avenue. The property currently includes a one- and two-story office and storage building with about 39,000 square feet of space and sits adjacent to the B-Line Trail and the convention center area.
The offering packet notes that environmental studies have found that “environmental conditions do exist” on the property based on earlier Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments. The RDC says it is working with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to further evaluate the site.
The IDEM virtual file cabinet on the College Square site includes a [Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2019-07-03-College-Square-PHASE-II-ENVIRONMENTAL-SITE-ASSESSMENT-BCA-83887144.pdf), a [Supplemental Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-09-30-College-Square-SUPPLEMENTAL-PHASE-II-ENVIRONMENTAL-SITE-ASSESSMENT-BCA-83887146.pdf), and internal IDEM review memos from late 2025 by the agency’s [Geological Services](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-11-18-College-Square-IDEM-Office-Memorandum-83902301.pdf), [Chemistry Services](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-11-21-College-Square-IDEM-office-memorandum-83902754.pdf), and [Risk Services](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-11-25-College-Square-IDEM-office-memorandum-OLQ-Risk-83902878.pdf) sections
The investigations found that soil on the site does not exceed standards for direct contact, meaning it is not considered a health risk under current state guidelines. But groundwater beneath the property contains petroleum-related compounds and metals above state screening levels, including benzene, arsenic and lead.
IDEM reviewers concluded that contamination in soil appears to be fully identified, but the extent of groundwater contamination has not yet been mapped. Additional sampling may be needed to determine how far the contamination extends and whether cleanup measures or land-use restrictions will be required as part of redevelopment.
According the [supplemental Phase 2 ESA](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-09-30-College-Square-SUPPLEMENTAL-PHASE-II-ENVIRONMENTAL-SITE-ASSESSMENT-BCA-83887146.pdf) by BCA Environmental Consultants, the site’s history includes gasoline filling stations operating from the 1920s through the mid-20th century, as well as battery service and railroad-related activities.
### Seminary Pointe: Historic buildings?
RDC executive director Anna Killion‑Hanson noted that Seminary Pointe has some buildings, and described two of them as “historic.” That could require the city, if it owned the site, to work with the historic preservation commission and possibly face a [demolition delay](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT8HIPRPR%5FCH8.12DEPUSA%5F8.12.010GE) for some redevelopment scenarios, she said.
Based on the city’s map of historic properties in the city, the status of the buildings on the Seminary Pointe block does not appear to be inside a historic district. However, the Jeff’s Warehouse and Bluetip Billiards building at 424 S. College Avenue is listed as “contributing” in the city’s [2018 survey](https://data.bloomington.in.gov/Housing-Neighborhoods/2018HistoricSitesandStructuresSurvey/xct4-utqa/data%5Fpreview) of historic sites and structures.
And according to the [city’s flowchart](https://bloomington.in.gov/historic-bloomington/demolition-delay) for demolition of buildings, if a building is listed as “contributing” in the survey, then it is potentially subject to the demolition delay process, even if it is not locally designated as historic.
### Offering framework: Not just about the money
Killion‑Hanson walked commissioners through the structure of the offering, stressing that while the RDC is statutorily required to set the initial minimum price at the average of two appraisals, price alone will not determine the winning proposal.
Assistant city attorney Dana Kerr put it like this: “It is not based on money. It’s not like the highest bid for the property wins.” The RDC can select the project it believes is best for the site.
The draft offering describes the RDC’s goal as attracting a “transformative, mixed-use redevelopment project in the heart of downtown Bloomington.”
The offering makes clear that purpose‑built student housing rented by the bedroom will not be considered. It allows condominium housing that offers ownership options for residents. It states a preference for mixed‑use projects tied to Bloomington’s strengths in life sciences, technology and innovation, defense technology, destination tourism, and higher education.
It also acknowledges the possibility of a convention center host hotel on the site, but requires any such proposal to secure all necessary approvals from the CIB as a condition of award, negotiation, and closing. A hotelier, in other words, would have to respond directly to the RDC’s offering and separately obtain the CIB’s blessing.
### CIB request: 30‑day pause to talk land swap
The central point of contention Monday night was not the wording of the offering itself, but its timing. During public comment, attorney Jim Whitlatch appeared on behalf of CIB president John Whikehart, to read aloud a [prepared statement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-Whikehart-statement-land-swap-30-day-College-Square-RDC-Meeting-of-April-20-2026.pdf ) that echoed the CIB’s written request to RDC president Deborah Myerson for a 30‑day pause.
The statement recounted some of the backround: The CIB is now in control of the Seminary Pointe block south of the convention center, which is property with commercial and residential tenants, including some of the city’s lowest‑rent apartments. The CIB wants to explore swapping that block to the RDC in exchange for College Square, then offering College Square to a host hotel developer as part of the long‑planned convention center expansion.
Whikehart’s statement framed the question less as a straight real‑estate trade and more as an opportunity to jointly advance community goals. He said that if the CIB’s proposed land exchange is viewed simply through the lens of a cost‑benefit analysis of a transactional real estate swap for equal‑value properties, the CIB “does not have that to offer in a negotiation,” given that Seminary Pointe has no current appraisal supporting a value comparable to $7.59 million.
“What we propose is that prior to your public offering, you consider a different cost‑benefit analysis, one of opportunity for the public good, rather than simply a transactional one based on cash value. Perhaps there is a different return on investment to consider,” Whikehart’s statement said.
### Advocates for 30-day pause for land swap
Several speakers during public commentary focused on the existing “super affordable” apartments at Seminary Pointe and the prospect of preserving or re‑imagining the site as permanently affordable, community‑oriented housing.
Barry Herbers, who lives down the street from Seminary Pointe, described the complex as “30‑odd units of super affordable housing” and said friends who live there rely on the low rents as a “ lifeline” in the face of job losses and growing families. Herbers pointed to Friendly Beasts, one of the commercial tenants, as a small anchor of the neighborhood community, and said a land swap could allow that sense of place to be strengthened rather than erased.
Bryce Greene, who told the RDC he has lived in Bloomington for about a decade, said that the city currently has people and organizations ready to step into a development role at Seminary Pointe, if the city were to acquire it. Green talked about local cooperative and land‑trust models that already support deeply affordable housing in Bloomington. With the right approach, Greene said, the Seminary Pointe block “can be one of those fixtures of Bloomington that makes it unique and a really lovely place to be.”
Also speaking in favor of a 30-day delay was Courtney Daily, who told the RDC she was the lone dissenter on the Bloomington city council’s letter of [May 6, 2024](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-05-06-Letter-from-City-Council-Members-to-Blomington-RDC.pdf), which called on the RDC to recoup the full purchase price of the College Square property. In that context, Daily said, “This is my moment to speak.” She said there is no better place for a host hotel than College Square, and it doesn’t make sense to put a host hotel for the convention center down on The Seminary Pointe property, because it is too far away.
Responding to John West’s characterization, Daily said, “I respectfully disagree that it’s not an opportunity. I think it is actually a great opportunity for the city.” She continued, “It is so close to Hopewell … We could do something wonderful with that land.” Daily wrapped up saying, “I think we can really revitalize that entire block area if we can pull off that land swap.”
### RDC member sentiments
Significant for RDC member Sue Sgambelluri was the city council’s 2024 letter, on which Daily dissented, which called on the RDC not to undervalue the land: “I hear that, and I find that a compelling statement on behalf of our city council.”
Sgambelluri also said the 30-day time frame was not long enough: “I also find it compelling that 30 days is not a long time. … The notion that a great deal can change in 30 days isn’t compelling to me.”
RDC member Lauri McRobbie said she agreed with her fellow commissioners, that “30 days is not going to change anything.” So she felt like moving forward quickly might start to “open up some other possibilities and opportunities that may not be evident to us because we haven’t been clear about what our vision is for College Square.”
---
The CIB’s next step could be to issue its own RFP for hotel proposals, at the Seminary Pointe block.
Whikehart’s prepared statement ended by warning that if the RDC proceeded with its public offering and invited the CIB simply to “throw its hat in the ring with other potential suitors, ... then the CIB will meet to decide if instead we re-engage immediately in hotel development for the south and west properties we now have to offer.”
The next step for the CIB likely will become clear by the time of its next regular monthly meeting on [May 20](https://events.in.gov/event/capital-improvement-board-2026-1434).
### Four finalist proposals revealed for Bloomington Convention Center art, public input sought
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/four-finalist-proposals-revealed-for-bloomington-convention-center-art-public-input-sought/
Last updated: 2026-04-20T18:54:31.000Z
Clockwise from upper left: Racing with the Clouds (Kipp Kobayashi), Petals (Hou De Sousa), Form of Connection (Benjamin Ball), and Digital Tapestry (Jason Bruges). These are the four finalist proposals for the Bloomington Convention Center expansion public art project. Images are from the [online survey](https://form.typeform.com/to/VLRkLktK ) that the Monroe County capital improvement board is asking people to complete.
In a [news release](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-CIB-Press-Release-20260420-Public-Feedback-on-Arts-Proposals.pdf ) Monday morning (April 20), the Monroe County capital improvement board revealed four finalist proposals for the public art project to be installed at the expansion of the Bloomington Convention Center. The board is asking for public [feedback](https://form.typeform.com/to/VLRkLktK ) on the four proposals.
The [announcement](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-01-21-convention-center-public-art-five-artists-CIB-Public-Announcement-1-22-2026.pdf) of the five artists, from the 180 who applied, was made in the second week of January.
- [Hou De Sousa](https://www.houdesousa.com/)
- [Benjamin Ball](https://www.ball-nogues.com/)
- [Jason Bruges Studio](https://www.jasonbruges.com/)
- [Kipp Kobayashi](https://www.kippkobayashi.com/)
- [Matthew Mazzotta](https://www.matthewmazzotta.com/)
The five were each invited to make proposals specific to the Bloomington Convention Center site.
Monday’s news release notes that the CIB formed a Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD) advisory group to give the CIB input on the expenditures for the public art component. The group was chaired by Galen Cassady, co-owner and manager of the Uptown Cafe. Cassady has since been named to the CIB as the county council appointment to the seven-member board, replacing Geoff McKim who resigned when he took the job of controller for the city of Bloomington.
The group BEAD advisory group gave advice on spending $520,000 of the expansion’s $52 million construction budget for public artwork. The one-percent figure is not arbitrary. CIB is following guidelines in the city’s “[percentage for the arts](https://library.municode.com/in/bloomington/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=TIT2ADPE%5FCH2.02BOCO%5F2.02.080PEARPR)” ordinance. But the winning art installation chosen from the four finalists will [not have the whole $520,000](https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-notebook-extra-costs-include-foundation-change-for-sanitary-sewer-art-project-draws-180-applications/) for a budget.
Of the $520,000 budget for the convention center expansion public art project, honoraria and travel were allocated $32,000\. Artists who made the final cut were to be paid a $5,000 honorarium, and also have their travel to Bloomington covered.
The project itself is allocated $400,000, which will cover the selected artist’s fee, fabrication, installation, insurance, shipping, and contingency. An additional $87,500 is being allocated for adding to the existing collection of art for the convention center by local artists.
The news release indicates that just four of the five finalists were “selected to advance to the next phase of the process based on completed proposals submitted by the April 10 deadline.” According to CIB president John Whikehart, Mazzotta submitted materials by the deadline, but had left unresolved some engineering and architectural issues, which made the proposal functionally incomplete.
According to the CIB’s news release feedback from the public can be [submitted](https://form.typeform.com/to/VLRkLktK) through Friday, May 1, 2026.
### Student cards again barred as ID at Indiana polls as federal appeals court halts prelim injunction
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/student-cards-again-barred-as-id-at-indiana-polls-as-federal-appeals-court-halts-prelim-injunction/
Last updated: 2026-04-28T15:38:24.000Z
This example illustrates the [key requirements ](https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/voter-information/photo-id-law/)for Indiana’s current voter IDs: photo; name; expiration date; and issuance by the state or federal government, ****but not an educational institution**. The image was prompted by The B Square and generated by DALL·E, an AI image generator developed by OpenAI.
A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked a [ruling made last week](https://bsquarebulletin.com/judge-restores-use-of-state-issued-university-student-cards-as-voter-id-in-indiana-for-now/) that allowed student identification cards to be used for voting in Indiana’s May 5 primary election.
On Monday (April 20), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit granted a [stay of a preliminary injunction](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-stay-of-preliminary-injunction-Student-ID-26-1783.pdf) that had been issued six days earlier by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. The injunction had barred enforcement of a 2025 state law, which prohibited the use of IDs issued by state educational institutions as voter identification.
The appeals court’s order on Monday means the law ([Senate Bill 10](https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/10/details)) will remain in effect while the appeal of the district court’s ruling proceeds.
Judge Young issued the preliminary injunction on April 14, about a week after early voting for Indiana’s primary had started on April 7\. The order required election officials to accept qualifying student IDs at polling places, despite the new law.
State election officials moved quickly to challenge the ruling. On April 16, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office filed an emergency motion in the Seventh Circuit in an effort to halt the injunction while the appeal is pending.
The state argued that the district court’s order improperly changed election rules after voting had already begun, citing a U.S. Supreme Court precedent that cautions courts against altering election procedures close to an election.
Plaintiffs in the case include the advocacy groups Count US IN and Women4Change Indiana, along with Indiana University student Josh Montagne. They opposed the stay, arguing that the ruling simply restored a practice Indiana had followed for nearly two decades, during which student IDs meeting statutory requirements were accepted as voter identification.
Montagne, one of the plaintiffs, was [able to vote](https://bsquarebulletin.com/preliminary-injunction-allowing-student-ids-at-polls-gets-immediate-use-in-monroe-county/) using his Indiana University student ID, during the three-day window last week when it was legal to do so.
The dispute centers on Senate Bill 10, enacted in April 2025\. The law amended Indiana’s voter identification statute to exclude documents issued by educational institutions, even if they otherwise meet the law’s requirements for name, photograph, and expiration date.
Plaintiffs contend the change burdens young voters and violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments as well as the Twenty-Sixth Amendment’s prohibition on age-based discrimination in voting.
The district court agreed that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claim that the law imposes a significant burden on students and young voters, and it temporarily blocked the law’s enforcement.
With the Seventh Circuit now granting a stay, the injunction is suspended while the case proceeds. That means student IDs will not be accepted as voter identification under Indiana law.
Monday’s order staying the injunction was issued by a three-judge panel consisting of Chief Judge Michael B. Brennan and Circuit Judges Michael Y. Scudder and Joshua P. Kolar.
With the stay now in place, the student-ID ban will remain in effect, while the state’s appeal of the preliminary injunction is pending.
The court indicated that the reasoning behind the decision for stay would come within two business days. \[[2026-04-20 Opinion by COA](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-Court-of-Appeals-granting-of-stay-26-1783-Student-ID.pdf)\]
### Recent Filings
- [2026-04-15 notice of appeal](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-15-notice-of-appeal-1-25-cv-00864-RLY-MKK.pdf)
- [2026-04-16 motion for stay of preliminary injunction](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-16-Motion-for-stay-of-emergency-stay-Student-ID-26-1783-.pdf)
- [2026-04-17 response in opposition to motion for stay](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-17-Response-in-opposition-to-motion-for-stay-Student-ID-26-1783.pdf)
- [2026-04-17 reply in support of motion to stay](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-17-Reply-in-support-of-motion-to-stay-Student-ID-26-1783.pdf)
- [2026-04-20 order on stay of preliminary injunction](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-20-stay-of-preliminary-injunction-Student-ID-26-1783.pdf)
### 16 teams converge for bike polo in Bloomington at Hoosier Tenderloin Classic tournament
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/16-teams-converge-for-bike-polo-in-bloomington-at-hoosier-tenderloin-classic-tournament/
Last updated: 2026-04-20T12:09:29.000Z
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
This past weekend (April 18–19) at Bloomington’s Frank Southern Ice Arena, the ice was gone but the boards were still busy, given over to bicycle polo. Think polo, but with bicycles instead of horses. Or hockey on bikes.
Riders steer with one hand on the handlebars and swing a mallet with the other, bashing the ball with the closed end or guiding it along with the open cup. The occasion was the [Hoosier Tenderloin Classic](https://bsquarebulletin.com/april-20-2026-earth-day-political-poll-7-59m-price-for-college-square/), a two-day tournament now in its second year.
With help from other [Bloomington Bike Polo Club](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php ?id=61564332445765#) members, the event was organized by John Arbuckle. This year’s event drew 16 teams of four players, a 64‑person field.
Players traveled from near and far: Louisville, Cincinnati, San Antonio, Arkansas, Michigan, Milwaukee, Memphis, and Atlanta. The tournament ran all day Saturday and all day Sunday.
The regular home field for Bloomington’s local club is at Building Trades Park off 2nd Street, on a multi-use court they share with other sports. Thursdays they go from 6 p.m. to dark and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. That’s a year-round schedule, Arbuckle says. The only thing that might stop a regular practice is ice and snow covering the court. Cold weather just means they bundle up, Arbuckle says.
A [master plan](https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2024/05/22/5947) for the city of Bloomington’s Building Trades Park leans toward pickleball courts, but Arbuckle said the club is hopeful that a least one full court will be preserved as a flexible surface for bike polo, basketball, roller derby, field hockey, or similar sports.
At Frank Southern, Arbuckle coordinated with the facility manager Chris Hamric to put on the tournament. Arbuckle told The B Square that Hamric and the city staff are “excellent to work with.” Arbuckle pointed out that the rink benefits from use as a bike polo venue because it generates off-season revenue.
### How Bike Polo Works
In its standard form, bike polo is a three‑on‑three game. On a rink the size of Frank Southern, however, the club has shifted the format to four‑on‑four, which inspired the “Tenderloin” name—a nod to an oversized sandwich to match the oversized court.
Play is fluid. There are no fixed positions like forwards, defenders or goalies. Players rotate through defense and attack, including duties as goaltender.
Players have to stay on their bikes at all times. If a player puts a foot on the ground, that’s a “dab” or a “foot down,” which means they have to sprint to the center line and tap the wall before they can re‑enter play. If a player is ignoring a loose ball, it’s often because that rider is briefly out of the game, racing to hit the wall and come back in.
The mallet has two striking surfaces. One is a solid “shot” end and the other a cup‑shaped side. Goals have to be scored with the solid side. Using the cup to “scoop” the ball into the net doesn’t count. But the cupped side of the mallet can be used to collect the ball and drag it along.
### Tournament format
The Hoosier Tenderloin Classic spreads its competition over two days. On Saturday, teams play five seeding rounds. That means the results from one round determine a team’s next opponent, so winning teams keep meeting other winners and losing teams face other teams with losses. That keeps the level of competition relatively even through the day.
At the end of the seeding rounds, teams are ranked one through 16 for Sunday’s double‑elimination bracket. The top seeds face the lowest seeds. The number one seed plays the sixteen seed, two plays fifteen, and so on. Teams have to lose twice to be knocked out. Even a team that drops its first game can still work its way back to the final from the lower bracket. But in the championship round it would have to beat an undefeated upper‑bracket winner twice to claim the tournament championship.
For the Tenderloin Classic, if the 15 minutes of regulation play ended in a tie, there was a 3-minute overtime period. If there was still a tie, it was resolved with penalty shots. The penalty shots were taken outside in the parking lot, to free up the hockey rink for the next game. To finish all the games by the end of the day meant there was no time for dawdling between contests.
Last year’s debut tournament drew 10 teams, Arbuckle said. This year’s second edition has grown to 16, which is a point of pride. Arbuckle says there will be another Hoosier Tenderloin Classic in 2027\. He also says to keep an eye out for another tournament this fall, before the rink at Frank Southern is iced for winter hockey.
### Video: A winning penalty shot
0:00
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1×
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
### Photos: Hoosier Tenderloin Classic 2026
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
Hoosier Tenderloin Classic bicycle polo Tournament. (Dave Askins, April 19, 2026)
### April 20, 2026: Earth Day, political poll, $7.59M price for College Square
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/april-20-2026-earth-day-political-poll-7-59m-price-for-college-square/
Last updated: 2026-04-21T18:21:39.000Z
### 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](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1653&lon=-86.5264&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) and [charts](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=39.1648&textField2=-86.5174&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&BackDay.x=47&BackDay.y=12&ref=bsquarebulletin.com) here’s some advice.
**Monday:** To start the day, wear at least a light jacket and socks with your Birkenstocks or Tevas (do not let fashion bullies intimidate you). You’ll probably need sunglasses. We’re coming off an overnight low of 37F° with a frost advisory. The daytime high will hit 61F°, but the cloudless sky will make it feel a little warmer.
**Tuesday:** Leave on your socks for today, because the overnight low of 44F° will make the morning feel chilly. But you can probably get away without an extra layer because the mostly sunny skies will include a high of 76F°. Watch out for wind gusts of 25mph.
**Sign up for weather alerts:** [Monroe County emergency alert system](https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942730/login?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2uaB5CUic7chciSA3zDnmEUsIRflEEWlELCaK1ouZgLADRnRCwugmnaAg%5Faem%5FAe5PkplH7bE%5F9j2C%5FACtHn6b%5F2754gizB4sxhDXVFPSLSBNROE4f4on5K4QE3b4HB7LYxsLKy0utImzhOmrxXV95)
### Recent articles
- [Photos: Earth Day, Eco-Heroes](https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-earth-day-eco-heroes/). At Bloomington’s Earth Day celebration Saturday at Switchyard Park, visitors helped build a sprawling sand mandala, adding colored sand by the cupful, handful, or grain-by-grain. Winners of the city’s Eco-Heroes Art Contest displayed their work inspired by this year’s theme, “Our Nature at Night.”
- [Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish](https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-57/). Hawk says: On my front bicycle wheel, one of those thin metal rods that connect the hub to the rim was busted. I took my bicycle to the shop. The mechanic just said, "I cannot comment! I cannot comment!" And started laughing. So weird. What explanation did Fish give?
- [Monroe County property transfers through April 14, 2026](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-april-14-2026/). This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 14to April 14, 2026\. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- [Bloomington sets $7.59M minimum for College Square as hotel plans remain unsettled](https://bsquarebulletin.com/rdc-wants-7-5m-2/). Bloomington’s redevelopment commission will consider a public offering Monday (April 20) for the 2-acre College Square site, with a $7.59 million minimum price. The move comes as the CIB seeks a 30-day pause to negotiate a land swap tied to a convention center host hotel proposal.
- [Political poll on Bloomington mayor, Hopewell South, other city issues circulates by text](https://bsquarebulletin.com/political-poll-on-bloomington-mayor-hopewell-south-other-city-issues-circulates-by-text/). A text-message poll circulating to Bloomington area residents asks about mayor Kerry Thomson’s job performance, and views on city government. When asked, Thomson did not explicitly confirm that she or her campaign commissioned the survey.
- [CIB accepts downtown parcels, now seeks talks with Bloomington RDC on land swap to secure host hotel site](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-accepts-downtown-parcels-now-seeks-talks-with-bloomington-rdc-on-land-swap-to-secure-host-hotel-site/). The Monroe County capital improvement board accepted downtown parcels transferred from city and county governments, then proposed swapping the Seminary Pointe block south of the convention center for the city-owned College Square site. The swap is aimed at clearing the way for a host hotel.
### Quick Notes
**Year-long delay of federal web accessibility requirements.** The U.S.Department of Justice has [put off for one year](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/20/2026-07663/extension-of-compliance-dates-for-nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web) the requirements that governmental units like Bloomington and Monroe County comply with Web Accessible Content Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1). The new deadline for compliance is April 26, 2027\. The guidelines require among other things that images displaying text include machine-readable digital text. The recent revisions to the way Bloomington assembles information packets for boards and commissions and the city council were prompted by the new requirement for WCAG 2.1 compliance.
### On the calendar
**Public offering of College Square by Bloomington RDC.** On the [5 p.m. Monday (April 20) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16711/download) for Bloomington’s redevelopment commission is a resolution that would make a public offering for the College Square (aka former Bunger & Robertson site) property at 4th Street & College Avenue. For B Square background, see: [Bloomington sets $7.59M minimum for College Square as hotel plans remain unsettled](https://bsquarebulletin.com/rdc-wants-7-5m-2/)
**Proposed revisions to westside bus routes.** On the [5:30 p.m. Tuesday (April 21) meeting agenda](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h5tWyNjJhfqhzXyExfN0-6uPXGbnVJ27o5XEs3SuQYM/edit?tab=t.0) for the Bloomington Transit board are revisions to Route #3 and Route #13, which currently serve the west side of town, including Ivy Tech and Cook Medical, as well as Walmart. The basic idea is to combine the two routes into a single route. For more background, see B Square coverage: [Ridership slide fuels Bloomington Transit strategy shift: bigger buses, route rethink](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ridership-slide-fuels-bloomington-transit-strategy-shift-bigger-buses-route-rethink/)
**Forum for county commissioner candidates.** On Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. David Henry and Trent Deckard, the two candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination for county commissioner have been invited to a forum hosted by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. The forum is scheduled to take place at the [Waldron Arts Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AKnHaU28R7vepGHh7) on Walnut Street.
**Hopewell South rezone.** Back on the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (April 22) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16708/download) for Bloomington’s city council is the rezone of Hopewell South as a PUD. The city council wants to add conditions to the rezone. For B Square background, see: [Hopewell South PUD pushed to April 22 as Bloomington council, mayor spar over conditions](https://bsquarebulletin.com/hopewell-south-pud-pushed-to-april-22-as-bloomington-council-mayor-spar-over-conditions/)
**Flock camera report.** Also on the [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (April 22) meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16708/download) for Bloomington’s city council is a report on the status of Flock cameras. For B Square background: [Bloomington Flock camera contract expired March 5, mayor reveals non-renewal 6 weeks later](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-flock-camera-contract-expired-march-5-mayor-reveals-non-renewal-6-weeks-later/).
**Jail settlement agreement extension: North Park purchase agreement?** Bloomington’s city council is expected to consider a resolution at its [6:30 p.m. Wednesday (April 22) meeting](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16708/download) opposing the choice of North Park as a jail location. That will be a part of he backdrop for Thursday (April 23), when the county commissioners could have a purchase agreement for North Park on their agenda for that day’s meeting. For B Square background, see: [Pushback from public, county council on North Park jail site after filing for settlement extension](https://bsquarebulletin.com/pushback-from-public-county-council-on-north-park-jail-site-after-filing-for-settlement-extension/).
**Little 500: April 24–25, 2026.** Looking ahead to the end of the week, the Little 500 bicycle race is on the calendar. Remember that even in a limestone town, a team called the Cutters can’t take winning for granite.
**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](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574536874380) for details, as they become available. The B Square covered last year’s [inaugural event](https://bsquarebulletin.com/ms-lake-lemon-pageant-bennett-tops-field-of-16-in-contest-featuring-firewood-nails-mud-puddles/).
---
### Meet Alvin!
Up for adoption, as of April 19 at the city of Bloomington’s animal shelter is [Alvin](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/82671). Here’s another link: [all animals up for adoption at the shelter](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals?ref=bsquarebulletin.com). (The photo is from the city’s website.)
This very, very good boy is a mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about [Alvin](https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter/animals/82671):
> Alvin is a friendly guy who has lived his whole life outside before he came to the shelter. His previous foster said when hanging in the house with them he was a total couch potato. He also gets along with dogs and cats as long as they are social and friendly. He needs that special someone to show him all the ways of indoor living! If you have the time to give this guy a chance to blossom in a home environment please come visit him and give him a chance! He does need to be in a home with children 12 yrs and older.
### Photo Finish: 4th Street & Walnut Street (Landlocked Music)
Molly Tuttle plays a miniset as a teaser for her show at the Bluebird tonight. It's also a celebration of Record Store Day here at Landlocked Music. She tries to remember exactly what day it was [three years ago](https://bsquarebulletin.com/molly-tuttle-my-backyard-is-an-indiana-farm-bloomington-is-alright/) when the mayor of Bloomington proclaimed it Molly Tuttle Day. (Insider tip: That exact date doesn't matter, because any day Molly Tuttle is visiting Bloomington is considered Molly Tuttle Day.) She performed three songs: “Highway Knows,” “Goodbye Little Miss Sunshine,” and “San Joaquin.” (Dave Askins, April 18, 2026)
The Photo Finish items are drawn from the [B There](https://bsquarebulletin.com/tag/b-there/) section of the B Square website.
---
Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!
**Dave Askins**
**734-645-2633**
**dave@bsquarebulletin.com**
---
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---
### Photos: Earth Day, Eco-Heroes
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/photos-earth-day-eco-heroes/
Last updated: 2026-04-19T13:14:11.000Z
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
On Saturday, at Bloomington’s Earth Day celebration, held at Switchyard Park’s pavilion, a big highlight was a sprawling sand mandala that grew slowly as visitors added colored sand by the cupful, the handful, and even one grain at a time.
Inside the pavilion, another set of creations drew attention. Winners of the city’s 14th annual Linda P. Thompson Eco-Heroes Art Contest, open to residents of all ages, were recognized. Their winning artwork was on display. Members of the city’s environmental commissioner were there to make the awards. This year’s theme, “Our Nature at Night,” inspired paintings, drawings, and mixed-media pieces imagining the life of the natural world after dark.
Freelance photographer Juliette Kniola was on hand to capture some of the fun.
### Photos: City of Bloomington Earth Day 2026
\[*Click on any photo, to arrow or swipe through all the images at full-screen size.*\]
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
City of Bloomington’s Earth Day 2026 celebration at Switchyard Park (Juliette Kniola, April 18, 2026)
### Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/sunday-funnies-hawk-v-fish-57/
Last updated: 2026-04-19T04:03:12.000Z
****Hawk v. Fish Episode #58 (April 19, 2026)**
The origin story for the image might make the cartoon a little funnier, if you’re a reader who does not instantly recognize the fish.
On top of the historic Monroe County courthouse there is a weathervane featuring a metal fish crafted by blacksmith Austin Seward, which is called [Hoagy](https://web.archive.org/web/20250314175146/https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-courthouse-fish-receives-an-official-name.php) as the result of a naming contest in 2018\. Sometimes, one of the red-tailed hawks that lives in downtown Bloomington will land on the fish. The art for the cartoon was made by applying a software filter to a photograph of that scene.
### Monroe County property transfers through April 14, 2026
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-property-transfers-through-april-14-2026/
Last updated: 2026-04-25T22:56:47.000Z
The B Square is now reporting property transfers in Monroe County. Generally these reports will be published every Sunday.
This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 14 to April 14, 2026\. The data in this report comes from [Beacon](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/), the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
- On April 14, 2026, the property at 5398 S Harmony RD was sold to TRAVIS HAWKINS by BERNARD A GUERRETAZ, II for $190,000.
- On April 13, 2026, the property at 5511 E Kerr Creek RD was sold to HAZEL LEIGH JAMES by WILLIAM PARKS for $650,000.
- On April 13, 2026, the property at 4420 N Preakness LN was sold to SANTINO M SUNSERI by S & AMP; L HOMES, LLC for $630,000.
- On April 13, 2026, the property at 2401 N Dunn ST was sold to JASON L HACKETT by CHARLES G BOWMAN for $425,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 7880 N Thames DR was sold to ANN AMRIE CLUTE by STUART KUHSTOSS for $745,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 3809 S Mill Stone CT was sold to KYLE OVERWAY by DAVID P GIDROC for $675,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 2806 S St Remy CIR was sold to JDHD INVESTMENT GROUP LLC by THE JANE CRAWFORD AND BERNARD FRISCHER REVOCABLE TRUST for $575,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 5376 S Fairfax RD was sold to GARRETT RICHARD HENSLEY by BRADLEY N FRANEN for $450,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 3493 S Wickens ST was sold to TAYLOR EUGENE ALLEN by DAVID MICHAEL MORRIS for $350,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 5835 N Maple Grove RD was sold to AUSTIN HUMBERT by PHILIP TOURULA for $310,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 630 N Diana DR was sold to ROBERT DOLLAR by RAYMOND MOORE for $284,500.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 3200 W Woodhaven DR was sold to XAVIER WALKER by GARRETT R HENSLEY for $277,500.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 2708 S Mccartney LN was sold to JOHN K TRAYLOR by HYDE PARK VILLAGE LLC for $275,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 8720 N Old State Road 37 was sold to CHARLES M CARTER by JOSHIA MICHAEL BROWN for $265,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 717 W Allen ST was sold to ROBERT BRENT PETTIE by JAMES BRADLEY, III for $249,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 515 W Allen ST was sold to BRADEN BONCZEK by AARON NEAL for $238,000.
- On April 10, 2026, the property at 2799 E Schacht RD was sold to YKMS INVESTMENT LLC by ESTATE OF ALICE MARIE ROGERS for $170,000.
- On April 9, 2026, the property at 4444 N Seabiscuit CIR was sold to AARON P BECKER by GENERATIONS HOMES LLC for $654,248.
- On April 9, 2026, the property at 1617 W Hennessey ST was sold to ADRIAN ILDEFONSO by STEVEN S BAXTER for $410,000.
- On April 9, 2026, the property at 8851 W Kirksville RD was sold to PAUL ADAMS by DELORES J CARMICHAEL for $200,000.
- On April 9, 2026, the property at 7716 N Lydy RD was sold to AMY SUE EVANSON by ESTATE OF RAYMOND DALE LONG for $152,000.
- On April 9, 2026, the property at 201 N Adams ST was sold to MATTHEW P WILSON by GLORIA GIBSON for $130,000.
- On April 9, 2026, the property at S Deer Trace was sold to CHRISTINE WIESENHAHN by JANET STREEPEY for $1.
- On April 9, 2026, the property at E Lampkins Ridge RD was sold to CHRISTINE WIESENHAHN by JANET STREEPEY for $1.
- On April 9, 2026, the property at 802 S Brighton CRST was sold to MARY G GREEN-HIGGINS REVOCABLE TRUST by MARY G GREEN-HIGGINS for $0.
- On April 8, 2026, the property at 5904 S Phyllis ST was sold to NOAH MICHAEL CIASTO-POOR by WALTER A WOOD III for $300,000.
- On April 8, 2026, the property at 311 N Kelli DR was sold to MEGAN GENS by JESSICA M GLEASON FKA JESSICA M KEISTER for $170,000.
- On April 7, 2026, the property at 1300 E Hillside DR was sold to MAYUREE MANEEWAN by Dolehanty, Cherie B for $440,000.
- On April 7, 2026, the property at 672 E Benjamin ST was sold to DANIEL S DUNCAN by RISHEL NARAN for $430,000.
- On April 7, 2026, the property at 5393 N Hanna CT was sold to THOMAS J KOOI by Lavin Family Trust for $290,000.
- On April 7, 2026, the property at 705 N Hanover GLN was sold to ROGER D SCNEAR III by MADISON C BOX for $275,000.
- On April 6, 2026, the property at 2512 E Caray CT was sold to BRYAN MAU by Byon, Kunwung for $675,000.
- On April 6, 2026, the property at 7204 E Pine Grove RD was sold to SCM VENTURES LLC by Kirkwood Realty LLC for $499,000.
- On April 6, 2026, the property at 2301 W Fountain DR was sold to FIELDS I LLC by RUDY D FIELDS for $306,000.
- On April 6, 2026, the property at 1376 S College Mall RD was sold to Hall, John D by Wei, Jia for $180,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 537 E Fawn Ridge TRL was sold to JOHN M MYERS by SOUSA, GERALD A for $1,350,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 5368 W Stonewood DR was sold to CLIFFORD WARREN COX by Espinosa, Jorge Garcia for $520,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 614 N Grant ST was sold to CJ SATELLITE LLC by CLAYTON NUNES for $500,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 720 W Whitethorn PL was sold to DAKOTA THOMPSON by LEIGH K BEEVERS for $429,900.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 4383 W Meadowvale DR was sold to Hannah, David R by GOODMAN, RANDALL G. for $410,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 4773 N Shadow Wood DR was sold to COLLEEN GOETZ by Hiller, Stephen C for $380,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 3433 S Glasgow CIR was sold to QOffers-B LLC by MICHAEL T HOGAN for $375,420.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 429 N Roosevelt ST was sold to NORTH COLLEGE PARTNERS LLC by CJ SATELLITE LLC for $315,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 1307 W Gourley PIKE was sold to ROBERTA OVERMAN by ESTATE OF CINDY J CHAMBERS-SHAW for $282,500.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 175 E Sunny Slopes DR was sold to ELIZABETH HOFFMAN by Cheng, Rachel for $273,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 101 W Hoosier ST was sold to JACOB METZGER by Ross, Michael P for $265,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 1312 E Richland DR was sold to MICHAEL P ROSS by KELLY MICHELLE EADS for $250,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 3532 E Rogers RD was sold to PADGETT PROPERTIES LLC by ESTATE OF KEDRICK L BEASLEY for $250,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 3921 W Fairington DR was sold to RONALD DOUGLAS KERR by Pettler, Zoe C for $215,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 9382 S Lake Ridge DR was sold to Webster, Michelle M by Schneider Holdings LLC for $176,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 1225 S Walnut ST was sold to TJP COMMERCIAL LLC by WILMA JEAN CORNWELL REVOCABLE TRUST for $150,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at S Walnut ST was sold to RON OSKOUIE by NORMA K JAIN for $115,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 8892 S Aster CT was sold to KIEF CONNER by LAND OF INDIANA, INC for $50,000.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 3709 S Judd AVE was sold to CASIE HEART by HEART, Casie for $0.
- On April 3, 2026, the property at 4500 S Dunlap RD was sold to WILLIAM S KELLEY by CAROLYN S SOUTHERN for $0.
- On April 2, 2026, the property at 7493 E Rush Ridge RD was sold to DAVID MOORE AND LESLIE MOORE REVOCABLE TRUST by Sullivan, Kimberly for $1,195,000.
- On April 2, 2026, the property at 3372 E Moffett LN was sold to THE WHITEHALL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INC by ISAAC STRUNK for $570,000.
- On April 2, 2026, the property at 3372 E Moffett LN was sold to THE WHITEHALL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INC by ISAAC STRUNK for $570,000.
- On April 2, 2026, the property at 3416 S Claybridge DR was sold to TAEYOUNG LEE by LAMBRIGHT, JEFFREY A for $486,734.
- On April 2, 2026, the property at 3700 W Woodmere WAY was sold to BENJAMIN TATE JR by Doraci, Alfred for $253,000.
- On April 2, 2026, the property at 3705 S Duncan RD was sold to TIARA EVANS by Truelock, Danny J for $80,000.
- On April 2, 2026, the property at 933 W Cascade AVE was sold to BIG RED RENTALS LLC by SUNNY DAY PROPERTY INC for $30,000.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 811 S Fess AVE was sold to MATTHEW EWING by Sprinkle, Shari K for $660,000.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 1005 E Maxwell LN was sold to MACRITCHIE FAMILY REVOCABLE TRUST by Ezzo, Samantha S for $297,000.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 2101 S Bayberry DR was sold to XINTONG LIU by Crayton, Shaun for $243,000.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 1207 S Grant ST was sold to GLENN MYERS by Buzan, Susan E for $235,000.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 1872 E Moffett LN was sold to JOSEPH BOMBA by JUDSON CASEBEER for $200,000.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 7155 S Shields Ridge RD was sold to BAILEY BENGTSON by JEFFREY K KING for $199,900.
- On April 1, 2026, the property at 220 N Adams ST was sold to MIDWEST PROPERTY LINK LLC by 95000 for $95,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 5408 S Chalmers CT was sold to THE SCMACCA FAMILY 2023 DECLARATION OF TRUST by DEREK D ROLLINS for $550,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 1600 S Ira ST was sold to Qian, Fan by Diamond Joe LLC for $522,500.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 3983 W Sawtelle DR was sold to JOSHUA MCCUBBIN by Surface, Steven C for $510,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 5347 W Stonewood DR was sold to JIMMIE KEITH AND RHONDA LYNN CROWE REVOCABLE TRUST by Murphy, Gerald M for $445,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 2240 S Bent Tree DR was sold to CHAPARRA HOLDINGS LLC by Friedman, Seth A for $306,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 5560 W State Road 48 was sold to STONERIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH, INC by DAVID D GRAY for $239,000.
- On March 31, 2026, the property at 705 E Crestline DR was sold to EDWIN A URQUIJO AREVALO by B3ST HOMES LLC for $235,000.
- On March 30, 2026, the property at 1619 S Renwick BLVD was sold to DEREK D ROLLINS by Peng, Xiaoshan for $519,900.
- On March 30, 2026, the property at 638 E Ironsides DR was sold to KAI ALLEN THOMAS JOHNSON by Wieneke, Timm for $346,500.
- On March 30, 2026, the property at 3850 E Lydia LN was sold to PEGGY HAU by COLE M SMITH for $273,000.
- On March 30, 2026, the property at 3734 W Arlington RD was sold to EVERGREEN HOMES BUYERS LLC by HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF TIMOTHY L DAGGY for $85,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 3665 E Robin RD was sold to COLE SMITH by Glazar, Matthew for $410,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 1115 E Azalea LN was sold to CRIS AND EMILY O'NEALL LIVING TRUST by Gu, Shijie; for $395,100.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 4550 E Heritage Woods RD was sold to Ciorciari, Giselle by TAYLOR, MARK S for $386,739.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 1112 S Morton ST was sold to ROBERT HOLAHAN by DARRELL M JERDEN for $375,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 2770 W Watson DR was sold to BARBARA OOLEY by Whitlow, Carol S for $197,000.
- On March 27, 2026, the property at 3948 E Eagle Bay DR was sold to Biette, Steven by Slaven, Hiram S for $175,000.
- On March 24, 2026, the property at 1200 N Woodlawn AVE was sold to 1200 WOODLAWN LLC by ERL-2, LLC for $700,000.
### Bloomington sets $7.59M minimum for College Square as hotel plans remain unsettled
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/rdc-wants-7-5m-2/
Last updated: 2026-04-20T20:47:28.000Z
Land shaded with purple has been authorized for transfer by either the city or the county government to the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) to support the convention center expansion project. The gray area bordered in orange is the site of the convention center expansion. It’s the dark purple area that the CIB has targeted for a possible land swap for the blue square to the north, which is the College Square property, formerly owned by Bunger & Robertson. Map by the B Square \[[link to dynamic map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=14efb4xny4c7v34nQHqP918koljdD4oI&usp=sharing )\]
A public offering of the downtown Bloomington real estate at 4th Street and College Avenue, which is owned by Bloomington’s redevelopment commission (RDC) appears on the RDC’s [regular meeting agenda](https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/meetingFiles/16711/download) for Monday (April 20).
The 2-acre parcel in question is named College Square, but is known informally as the former Bunger & Robertson lot, which was purchased in 2019 by the RDC, when John Hamilton was mayor, for just shy of $7 million. The public offering to be considered on Monday sets the minimum offering price set at $7.59 million, the average of two appraisals.
Approval of the public offering is not something the Monroe County capital improvement board (CIB) wants to see as soon as Monday. The CIB made an effort this past Wednesday (April 15) to convince the RDC to [hold off for 30 days](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-accepts-downtown-parcels-now-seeks-talks-with-bloomington-rdc-on-land-swap-to-secure-host-hotel-site/) on the public offering, in order to negotiate a land-swap idea tied to the convention center host hotel.
The CIB is looking to swap the Seminary Pointe block, which has now been [transferred by the county government](https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-land-transfer-to-cib-has-final-ok-with-calls-for-land-swap-to-preserve-housing-put-host-hotel-on-north-parcel/) to the CIB, to the Bloomington RDC in exchange for the College Square real estate. The CIB wants to offer the real estate to a host hotel developer.
Dora Hospitality was selected as the CIB preferred hotelier and negotiated with the Bloomington RDC for over a year, before those talks concluded without a deal. The sticking point was price—Dora Hospitality said its project was not economically feasible without a contribution of the real estate at nominal or no cost.
The offering sheet makes clear that the RDC will not consider proposals that would construct student housing, but would consider condominium housing that offers ownership options for residents. Generally, the offer sheet describes the parcel as intended for mixed use, putting it like this: “\[T\]he RDC prefers mixed‑use projects that leverage Bloomington’s economic strengths in life sciences, technology and innovation, defense technology, destination tourism, and higher education.”
Still, the RDC’s offering sheet also explicitly mentions the possibility of a host hotel project at College Square. But the scenario is one where a hotel developer responds directly to the public offering:
> Proposals that include a host hotel for the Convention Center expansion project must also receive approval from the Monroe County Capital Improvement Board (CIB). Respondents shall be solely responsible for securing all necessary CIB approvals and providing such documentation to the Redevelopment Commission as a condition of award, negotiation, and closing.
It was immediately after Wednesday’s CIB meeting that CIB president John Whikehart [emailed](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-04-15-CIB-Bloomington-RDC-Request-for-Whikehart-Negotiations-Bunger-and-Robertson.pdf ) RDC president Deborah Myerson with a request that the RDC wait 30-days before makint its public offering.
The fact that the offering appears on Monday’s agenda means the RDC could decide at that meeting whether to go ahead immediately with the public offering, or grant the CIB’s request for a pause.
If the RDC moves forward with the offering, it does not seem to necessarily rule out the idea of a land swap with the CIB. Presumably, the CIB could respond to the RDC’s public offering with a specific land swap proposal.
Or the CIB could conclude that the College Square site is conclusively, for all time, off the table as a potential host hotel location. The CIB could then move ahead with a public offering of its own, for the Seminary Pointe block as a potential host hotel site. The College Square site is generally considered a better location for a host hotel than the Seminary Pointe site, because of its closer proximity to the courthouse square.
The potential land swap raises questions about relative property values. In a [comment](https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-accepts-downtown-parcels-now-seeks-talks-with-bloomington-rdc-on-land-swap-to-secure-host-hotel-site/#ghost-comments-69e2c616d63bbf0001170c09) left on B Square coverage about the county government’s land swap, Amplify Bloomington CEO and former Bloomington mayor John Fernandez asked: “Has anyone seen appraisal for the land the County is transferring to the CIB?
A reply came from Geoff McKim, who is Bloomington’s controller: “\[T\]here is no recent appraisal. Presumably there was one when the Convention Center Building Corporation purchased the property back in 2010—but nothing current. Of course there would need to be one (or two) before the CIB could leverage the value of the property in any swap or sale to a public entity at least.”
The property that was transferred to the CIB was acquired by Monroe County in [2010 for $2.57 million](https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=1171&LayerID=31894&PageTypeID=4&PageID=12999&KeyValue=53-08-04-200-079.000-009 ) using innkeeper’s tax revenues as part of a long-term strategy tied to convention center development. The property has commercial and residential tenants.
The residential tenants have been notified their leases, for apartments that are among the cheapest in the city, will not be renewed past July 7 this year. One of the arguments for the land swap is that the city of Bloomington would be in control of the Seminary Pointe property and could treat the real estate as an opportunity to develop or preserve affordable housing there.
The Bloomington RDC bought the College Square real estate in two separate transactions—one in [2019](https://bsquarebulletin.com/2019/07/18/bloomington-monroe-county-both-move-on-separate-land-acquisitions-as-part-of-planned-expansion-of-convention-center/) and the other in [2023](https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-set-to-pay-1-9-million-for-ne-part-of-parking-lot-planned-for-convention-center-expansion/).
Based on the minimum price in the offering sheet, fresh appraisals appear to have been done since the those that were used [for the RDC’s purchase of the property](https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-notebook-bloomington-releases-past-appraisal-figures-for-north-property/). Back then, the average of the two appraisals for the two parcels making up the property was $6,585,000\. Here’s the breakdown:
Office building and portion of parking (Bunger & Robertson)
First Appraisal
Mordoh & Assoc.
Average
Purchase Price
$5,500,000
$5,000,000
$5,250,000
$4,995,000
Corner of parking lot (Thomas Sicks and Nancy Held)
First Appraisal
Mordoh & Assoc.
Average
Purchase Price
$1,270,000
$1,400,000
$1,335,000
$1,900,000
### Site details and environmental issues
The College Square site consists of three tracts totaling about two acres between 3rd and 4th streets along College Avenue. The property currently includes a one- and two-story office and storage building with about 39,000 square feet of space and sits adjacent to the B-Line Trail and the convention center area.
The offering packet notes that environmental studies have found that “environmental conditions do exist” on the property based on earlier Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments. The RDC says it is working with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to further evaluate the site.
The IDEM virtual file cabinet on the College Square site includes a [Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2019-07-03-College-Square-PHASE-II-ENVIRONMENTAL-SITE-ASSESSMENT-BCA-83887144.pdf), a [Supplemental Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-09-30-College-Square-SUPPLEMENTAL-PHASE-II-ENVIRONMENTAL-SITE-ASSESSMENT-BCA-83887146.pdf), and internal IDEM review memos from late 2025 by the agency’s [Geological Services](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-11-18-College-Square-IDEM-Office-Memorandum-83902301.pdf), [Chemistry Services](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-11-21-College-Square-IDEM-office-memorandum-83902754.pdf), and [Risk Services](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-11-25-College-Square-IDEM-office-memorandum-OLQ-Risk-83902878.pdf) sections.
The investigations found that soil on the site does not exceed standards for direct contact, meaning it is not considered a health risk under current state guidelines. But groundwater beneath the property contains petroleum-related compounds and metals above state screening levels, including benzene, arsenic and lead.
IDEM reviewers concluded that contamination in soil appears to be fully identified, but the extent of groundwater contamination has not yet been mapped. Additional sampling may be needed to determine how far the contamination extends and whether cleanup measures or land-use restrictions will be required as part of redevelopment.
According the [Supplemental Phase 2 assessment](https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-09-30-College-Square-SUPPLEMENTAL-PHASE-II-ENVIRONMENTAL-SITE-ASSESSMENT-BCA-83887146.pdf) by BCA Environmental Consultants, the site’s history includes gasoline filling stations operating from the 1920s through the mid-20th century, as well as battery service and railroad-related activities.
### 4th Street & Walnut Street (Landlocked Music)
URL: https://bsquarebulletin.com/4th-street-walnut-street-landlocked-music/
Last updated: 2026-04-20T00:03:36.000Z
Molly Tuttle plays a miniset as a teaser for her show at the Bluebird tonight. It's also a celebration of Record Store Day here at Landlocked Music. She tries to remember exactly what day it was [three years ago](https://bsquarebulletin.com/molly-tuttle-my-backyard-is-an-indiana-farm-bloomington-is-alright/) when the mayor of Bloomington proclaimed it Molly Tuttle Day. (Insider tip: That exact date doesn't matter, because any day Molly Tuttle is visiting Bloomington is considered Molly Tuttle Day.) She performed three songs: “Highway Knows,” “Goodbye Little Miss Sunshine,” and “San Joaquin.” (Dave Askins, April 18, 2026)
### Lineup from later that night at the Bluebird Cafe
Molly Tuttle (guitar, vocals)
Mair Meyer (mandolin, fiddle, keys)
Vanessa McGowan (upright bass)
Megan Jane (drums)
Karl Smakula (banjo)
### Set list
Rosalee
The Highway Knows
She’s a Rainbow (Mick Jagger & Keith Richards)
That’s Gonna Leave a Mark
Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell)
Alice in the Bluegrass
Where Did All the Wild Things Go?
White Freight Liner Blues (Townes Van Zandt)
Down Home Dispensary
Stranger Things
Everything Burns
Dooley’s Farm
Crooked Tree
Goodbye Little Miss Sunshine
She’ll Change
The Weight (Robbie Robertson)
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