by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Here are some news bits of the week brought to you by your vigilant County Line writer.

Noblesville’s 31st annual Historic Homes Tour is set for Sept. 16. It is sponsored by the Noblesville Preservation Alliance, an organization that attempts to save the city’s historical homes and cultural sites. Most recently NPA has embarked on an effort to save the Nickel Plate Railroad. The home tour will allow participants to visit several of the city’s historic homes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16. Advance sale tickets are $15 and may be purchased through the NPA website.

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Hamilton County Extension Agent Diane Turner says Purdue agriculture experts report farm crops in Hamilton County and surrounding areas look good, about the same as last year. Despite a wet spring and very dry weather since July, “farmers’ expectations are favorable for the upcoming harvest,” Turner says. Corn is expected to average about 172 bushels per acre, about the same as last year. Soybeans should average about 55 bushels, down about 2.5 bushels per acre.

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Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard has apparently had his plans for a carousel (the sophisticated name for a merry-go-round) shot down by his city council. The mayor wanted $5 million included in a new city bond issue to buy and house the antique Canadian attraction. Most city council members said the public didn’t like the idea. The mayor may still got $95 million to lure a luxury hotel, build more roundabouts and other projects.

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Readers may still remember Noblesville has a downtown parking study pending. It’s been nearly two years since it was begun and is presumably complete, but city officials won’t release its findings. Deputy Mayor Steve Cooke is in charge of the study, the fourth in the past 20 years. The city public relations office says it’s uncertain when we will see the suggestions on providing more public parking.

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The county budget for next year is about ready for review by the Hamilton County Council. On Sept. 13 the budget of each department of county government will be examined in detail. County Auditor Robin Mills says the multi-million dollar budget, to be adopted in October, is not expected to require any increase in the property tax rate.

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Cobe’s Run is being sponsored by Carmel American Legion Post 155 on Sept. 9 beginning at 10 a.m. The motorcycle run is planned to financially benefit Cobe Scott, a local area child who recently lost an eye to cancer. Entry fee for riders is $25 and passengers $10. Proceeds go to Cobe’s medical treatment and the cost of a prosthetic eye. Food and prizes follow the run at the Legion post. Those interested in riding may contact the post at 846-0001.

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A jazz concert on the Courthouse Square is set for Friday. It’s September’s ‘First Friday’ event with music starting at 7 p.m. and going until about 9. The concert on the east lawn of the square is free. Those attending may want to bring a lawn chair. First Friday events are sponsored by Noblesville Main Street.