March 12, 2026: Buses, hotel taxes, Perry Township trustee candidates

Civic Solver

Civic Solver turns Bloomington’s everyday civic life into a puzzle. This week’s game is a jigsaw puzzle.

Weather Talk

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

Thursday: Wear something warmer than you had on the last couple of days, because the day will start from an overnight low of just under freezing at 31F°. The temperature won’t get higher than 49F°, but the clear sunny skies might put you in a warmer mood. Making it feel every bit as cold as 49F°, though, will be the gusty winds up to 21 mph.

Friday: Hang on to your hat, because the steady wind out of the southwest will be blowing between 16 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. The NWS has issued a wind advisory for Friday. Due to the wind, you’ll need at least a light jacket, even with a predicted high near 58F°.

Sign up for weather alerts: Monroe County emergency alert system

Recent articles

• Murky picture for Monroe County innkeeper’s tax revenue even muddier due to short term rentals.  At Tuesday’s meeting of the Monroe County convention and visitors commission, a report on long-term trends for innkeeper's tax revenue was complicated by a shift in monthly distributions last year, as well as the exclusion of some short-term-rental revenues.
• County council approves $184K to keep Bloomington Transit Route 13 running to west side.  Monroe County councilors unanimously approved $184,104 in EDIT funding to keep Bloomington Transit’s Route 13 operating for a year between downtown and the Ivy Tech–Park 48 corridor. Debate centered on process and regional transit policy, but there was no opposition to keeping the route running.
• Perry Township Democrats weigh background, legacy in Gordon–Combs trustee race.  At a Monroe County Democratic Party forum, Perry Township trustee Leon Gordon and challenger Levi Combs offered contrasting backgrounds but similar priorities for the office. The May 5 primary will likely decide the seat, with no Republican currently on the ballot.

On the calendar

Final approval: Bloomington Transit Route 13 funding. On the 10 a.m. Thursday (March 12) meeting agenda for the Monroe County commissioners is an MOU to support Bloomington Transit bus Route 13. For B Square background, see: County council approves $184K to keep Bloomington Transit Route 13 running to west side

Indiana Avenue redesign. The city of Bloomington is collecting another round of feedback on the planned redesign of Indiana Avenue as it runs along the western border of the university campus. There’s an in-person meeting on Thursday (March 12) in city council chambers starting at 5:30 p.m. There’s also an online form for giving feedback.

Public test of election equipment. The word from the election office is that the regular public test of election equipment for the May 5 primary is supposed to take place on Friday (March 13) at 9:30 a.m. The location is the Monroe County Government Center at 501 N. Morton Street, which is the new early voting location. There seems to be some uncertainty about the date and time, based on a social media post. But The B Square is currently planning to start Friday morning with the election equipment test.

Democratic Party primary candidate forum: County commissioner, House District 61. On March 23, the League of Women Voters is hosting a forum for Democratic Party candidates for Indiana House District 61 representative (Matt Pierce and Lilliana Young) and Monroe County commissioner, District 1 (Trent Deckard and David Henry). The time is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Location is Tri-North Middle School.

Zingtrain: April 1. Brought to you by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, this is a full day of training at the Bloomington Convention Center from the world’s leading experts in customer service—Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. That’s not just the chamber telling you that, it’s me—former Ann Arbor resident for two decades—telling you that. And check this out: This event is free to everybody, chamber members and non-members alike. The chamber’s event description has more details. Lunch will also be provided!

Trashion Refashion: April 12. Trashion Refashion has announced the release of ticket sales for this year’s event, which is set for April 12, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Organizers describe the event like this: “This beloved event blends high fashion with sustainability, showcasing over 50 original, upcycled designs modeled by a diverse cast of community members. A highlight of Bloomington’s arts scene since 2010, the show promotes environmental sustainability and artistic creativity while challenging conventional notions about beauty and consumerism.” It’s a fundraiser for the Center for Sustainable Living. There’s more information in the link to the news release, but here’s a direct link to purchase tickets.

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

Meet Alvin!

This very, very good boy is an unidentified mix. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about Alvin:

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: 3rd Street & Woodcrest Drive

The Photo Finish items are drawn from the B There section of the B Square website.

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

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

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