Hamilton County Democrats have a new party chairman, and Republicans re-elected their chairwoman during political reorganization meetings Saturday.
Joe Weingarten took over from retiring Keith Clock as Democratic chairman in a caucus held at the Noblesville Public Library. About 60 committeemen and vice committeemen gathered to elect the new chairman without opposition. Named vice chairwoman was Rosemary Dunkle.
The Republican precinct organization, with more than 200 attending, re-elected Laura Campbell as county chairwoman without opposition. The GOP caucus was held at the Ritz Charles in Carmel.
Elected vice chairman was Terry Anker. Congresswoman Susan Books attended and spoke to the reorganization gathering.
The Carmel boys basketball team won its third consecutive sectional Saturday, beating Hamilton Southeastern 69-57 at the Eric Clark Activity Center.
This was a reversal from the two teams’ earlier season game, where the Royals won 72-51. On Saturday, the Greyhounds rolled through the second quarter to take control of the contest, and maintained that advantage in the second half
“Defensively, we were so much better tonight than the first time we played them,” said Carmel coach Scott Heady. “We rebounded a lot better. We controlled the boards all night. And we didn’t turn the ball over. We went in at halftime with two turnovers, and I think that was the key that got us the lead.”
Next up for Carmel is a trip to the Logansport regional, where it will have a noon re-match next Saturday with McCutcheon. The Mavericks beat the Greyhounds in overtime last year at the Berry Bowl, and then made their way to the Class 4A state championship game.
The ‘Hounds were ahead 15-9 at the end of the first period, and beginning a 15-2 run that would take them up to a 29-11 lead late in the second quarter. Senior PJ Baron continued his great play in the first half, scoring 11 points.
“As a senior, it feels great, especially on the home court,” said Baron
Carmel led 17-11 before scoring 12 unanswered points, the majority of its big first-half run. Baron hit a 3-pointer, a putback and a layin, and Eddie Gill finished things up with a 3-pointer of his own.
Southeastern got five quick points off a basket by Connor Rotterman, then Zach Gunn converted a 3-point play. But the half ended with Cole Jenkins tossing in a ‘3’ for Carmel, and the Greyhounds were up 32-16 at the break.
Carmel continued to roll in the third period, ending it with six unanswered points, layins by Britt Beery, Jalen Whack and John Michael Mulloy. That gave the Greyhounds their largest lead of the game at 43-24. The Royals would chip away at the lead in the fourth period, getting to within 59-49 with 1:48 left. But Carmel’s foul shooting allowed it to seal the game.
“We hit some key shots to get us the lead, and we were just able to contain, or to keep the lead and hit free throws down the stretch,” said Heady.
Baron finished the game with 17 points, and pulled nine rebounds as well.
“I think I played pretty well, but I got to stay humble and just keep moving forward into the tournament,” said Baron.
Luke Heady scored 14 points, while Cole Jenkins added 12. Whack and Mulloy both had five rebounds.
“I give our guys a lot of credit,” said Heady. “You look at our lineup tonight, three of our five starters were just strictly JV players last year and the other two guys came off the bench. They were like our seventh and eighth man.
“I know it’s the end of the year and they’re seasoned throughout the year, but thinking about where those guys started the beginning of the year and where they are now is, I think a real tribute to our team and that they got a lot better throughout the year.”
Jack Davidson led HSE with 21 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. Rotterman scored 10 points, as did Gunn, a four-year star who graduates as the Royals’ all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Aaron Etherington pulled six rebounds, while Gunn had four.
More road construction coming for the work week beginning Monday, March 6th. It includes work on I-69 at Exit 210 & 116th Street. Here is the listing, as provided by the City of Fishers:
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I-69 AND CAMPUS PARKWAY
Milestone Contractors has begun mobilizing cranes and other equipment and setting a temporary concrete barrier wall along I-69 at Campus Parkway Exit 210. Work will require alternating lane closures on northbound and southbound I-69 between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Lane closures may recur each night through the end of the week depending on weather and progress. Questions about this project should be directed to INDOT at eastcentralin@indot.in.gov or 1-855-463-6848.
106TH STREET & CUMBERLAND ROAD ROUNDABOUT
The new roundabout at 106th Street and Cumberland Road is now open to traffic. Motorists are encouraged to drive with caution, this site is still an active construction zone.
116th STREET
Work is underway on the new traffic signal on 116th Street just west of Olio Road. During this time, the outside lanes of 116th Street will be restricted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to allow the contractor room to work.
126TH STREET
One lane of 126th Street in each direction will be restricted between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The restrictions will take place between Promise Road and Hoosier Road while the contractor is installing fencing along I-69.
CYNTHEANNE ROAD
There will be periodic lane restrictions on Cyntheanne Road between 136th Street and Southeastern Parkway until the end of March, weather permitting, to allow for the installation of a guardrail.
NORTH STREET
Beginning Feb. 27 until April 30, North Street will be periodically restricted between Lantern Road and Municipal Drive as crews deliver building materials. During this time, several parking stalls will be unavailable on the south side of North Street, west of Maple Street. Flaggers will be onsite to help direct traffic while materials are being delivered.
DUKE ENERGY MAINTENANCE
Duke Energy will be in various locations throughout the City performing routine pole maintenance. Flaggers will be onsite directing traffic where necessary.
The City of Fishers plans a series of events in March celebrating Disability Awareness Month. Below is a listing of what to expect this month:
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Disability Awareness Month Kick-Off Thursday, March 2, 10-11:30 a.m. | Fishers City Hall Auditorium
Visual and Performing Arts Reception Friday, March 3, 6-8 p.m. | Fishers City Hall Foyer and Auditorium
Wheelchair Glider Dedication Friday, March 10, 10 a.m. | Roy G. Holland Memorial Park
“A Long Night of Laughs” Adult Comedy Show Friday March 10, 7-9 p.m. | Britton Hall at Pinheads
HSE Transition Fair Thursday, March 16, 6-7:30 p.m. | Fishers High School
Fishers Athletic Showcase: Adapt and Thrive Friday, March 17, 6-8 p.m. | Fishers High School Gymnasium
Luncheon & Learn: Making Connections for an Inclusive Workforce Tuesday, March 21, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Launch Fishers
Art Unveiling feat. Exhibit by Warren Miller at The Edge Wednesday, March 22, 8:30 a.m. | Shell Gas Station parking lot at the southwest corner of 116th Street and Commercial Drive
“My Point of View Day” Panel Discussion & March Capstone Event Tuesday, March 28, 3:30-5 p.m. | Fishers City Hall Auditorium
(This story is posted as part of a partnership between the Hamilton County Reporter newspaper & LarryInFishers.com. It appeared in the March 2nd edition of the Reporter. It contains the Indiana Transportation Museum’s response to the recent proposed transformation of the rail line into a walking & biking trail)
With the announcement of plans by the
Cities of Fishers and Noblesville to convert
the local landmark, Nickel Plate railroad to
a walking and biking trail, the area is at risk
of losing a major historic and economic
differentiator.
The Indiana Transportation Museum,
which has operated events and excursions
on the line since 1990, is disheartened by
the direction local leaders have chosen.
With downtown developments carrying the
Nickel Plate theme, the railroad as a
historical, tourism-oriented entity has the
capacity to continually enrich the area’s
market appeal and economic footprint.
Studies have shown ITM is one of the top
attractions in Hamilton County.
Many cities have walking and biking
paths, but few in the United States have an
operating heritage railroad operating
through bustling business districts with
access to a large metropolitan market such
as Indianapolis. The organization brings in
more than 40,000 riders into the area each
year at a growing rate, and many travel from
out of town. These visitors buy gas, soda
and snacks at convenience stores; have dinner and drinks at local restaurants and
bars as well as stay in local hotels. The
economic impact of such a move on the local
businesses and community must be carefully
considered before the heritage railroad is
removed.
Museum officials have prepared a
master plan that calls for increased
excursions and events in order to maximize
economic and cultural benefit. The Museum
urges city officials to consider a join-useplan
for the rail corridor, thereby allowing
for both attractions to coexist for maximum
community benefit. The Museum believes
collaboration with city leaders is of the
utmost necessity to preserve this unique icon
and differentiator for the region as well as
future generations of enjoyment.
Currently, as many as 10,000 families
from across the region make museum events
such as Polar Bear Express, FairTrain and
regular offerings a family tradition. The
Museum wishes to reach a joint resolution
to ensure these experiences are preserved
for all to enjoy, thus allowing for the longterm
continuation of museum programs.
(This story is posted as part of a partnership between the Hamilton County Reporter newspaper & LarryInFishers.com. It appeared in the March 2nd edition of the Reporter)
The Hamilton County Traffic Safety
Partnership, a consortium of law
enforcement agencies
including Carmel
Police, Cicero Police,
Fishers Police,
Noblesville Police,
Westfield Police,
Indiana State Police,
and the Hamilton
County Sheriff’s
Office, announced
today they will join
efforts with over 250
Indiana state and local
law enforcement agencies to increase
education and enforcement around
dangerous and impaired driving.
From March 3 through March 26, 2017,
officers across the state will conduct highvisibility
patrols specifically designated to
identify and intercept those driving
aggressively and under the influence.
“As a state known for basketball
hysteria, March is a time of celebration and
fun here in Indiana,” said Hamilton
County Sheriff Mark Bowen. “Throw in St. Patrick’s Day as well, and its critical we
drive home the message that the only way
to celebrate, is responsibly. For this reason,
our officers will be working day and night
all across the county looking out for our
fellow Hoosiers, because if we do see you
driving dangerously or impaired, we will
pull you over.”
Increased enforcement during March is
a statewide effort supported by federal
funding allocated to the Hamilton County
Traffic Safety Partnership from the Traffic
Safety Division of the Indiana Criminal
Justice Institute (ICJI). Officers from around
the county will work overtime to conduct
observational patrols and sobriety
checkpoints around the clock.
According to ICJI, in March 2016 there
were 495 alcohol-related crashes across
Indiana, resulting in 231 injuries and 11
fatalities. Additionally, during the same
period, crash reports indicate 1,128
collisions occurred due to dangerous
driving, resulting in 260 injuries and two
fatalities. Dangerous driving includes
factors such as “speed too fast for weather conditions,” “driver distracted,” and “driver
asleep or fatigued.”
“Protecting all those traveling Indiana’s
roadways is an action we do not take
lightly,” said ICJI Executive Director Dave
Murtaugh. “With various celebratory events
taking place during the month of March, it’s
important we remind all drivers and
passengers the responsibility of staying safe
on the road, lies at their feet. I want to thank
our hard working and dedicated officers who
will be out in full patrol working to ensure
this message is front and center in the mind
of all those behind the wheel. The key to
safe travel is simple. Buckle up and drive
sober.”
Crashes resulting from dangerous and
impaired driving are preventable. The
Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership
and ICJI would like to remind motorists safe driving is as simple as following these easy
steps:
• Before the celebration begins, plan a safe
way home
• Do not drive impaired
• If you do drink, use a taxi, public
transportation, ridesharing service or
designate a sober friend or family member,
and give them your keys
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call
911
• If you know someone who is about to drive
or ride impaired, take their keys and help
make arrangements to get them home safely
The sectional re-match between the
Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern boys
basketball was hard-fought and intense, just
like everybody expected.
In the end, the Royals were able to get
past the Tigers 72-66 in a first-round game
at Class 4A Sectional 8 at Carmel’s Eric
Clark Activity Center. With the victory,
Southeastern advanced to Friday’s semifinals
to take on Anderson, while Fishers
with a 10-14 record.
That record didn’t fool Royals coach
Brian Satterfield. He remembers the regularseason
game between HSE and the Tigers,
in which the Royals needed overtime to win.
“They’re better than their record shows,”
said Satterfield.
The first quarter ended with Southeastern
up 16-12, with the Royals’ senior star
Zach Gunn scoring nine of those points. On
the Fishers’ side, sophomore Armaan Franklin
made his entrance into star territory,
scoring all 12 of the Tigers’ points.
Franklin would eventually finish with 33
points, leading all scorers.
“I thought he was absolutely spectacular,”
said Fishers coach Joe Leonard. “He
got an offer from IUPUI, so people were on
to him. He’s going to be a big-time player
here.”
The Royals led 39-31 at halftime, and
ran their lead up to 12 at one point in the
third quarter. Noah Smith had a solid second
period for HSE, scoring 11 points.
But the Tigers made a run, and tied the
game back up at 50-50 by the end of the
period. Franklin scored another seven points
in that quarter, while Connor Washburn
added six and Jamil Turner-Hall four.
Fishers took the lead twice early in the
fourth period, but Southeastern quickly tied
the game back up both times, and gradually
took control of the quarter. A 3-pointer from
Nick Bowman helped the Royals out during
the period.
“We had some good ball reversals and
got a wide open look in the corner, and
Bowman hits a big 3 for us to tie it,” said
Satterfield, whose team is now 20-5 for the
season. “And then we got a few stops during
that stretch where they came back and tied
it.”
“We came up with some of the loose balls, the rebounds and things like that. But
at the offensive end, we were very efficient.
We sort of got shots that we wanted to from
that point on.”
“Very proud of how they fought
tonight,” said Leonard. “We had played
them earlier in the season and had got down
12 and came back. It’s a group that I would
never give up on because of their ability to
come back.”
Gunn led HSE with 23 points, including
10 in the third quarter. He also grabbed nine
rebounds. Smith added 20 points, and dished
out four assists. Jack Davidson scored 12 for
HSE.
After Franklin’s 33, Washburn scored
nine points and grabbed nine rebounds as
well. Jamil Turner-Hall added eight points
and handed out eight assists.
