by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

From here and there in our county are a few items hopefully of interest to our readers:

For $5,000 you and seven of your best friends can be a “jet sponsor” and VIP at the Nov. 30 Grand Outdoor Party planned by the Hamilton County Republican Party. The rather novel fundraising event will be held in Beck’s Hanger at the county’s Executive Airport on State Road 32 west of Jolietville. Sonny Beck of Beck’s Hybrid Seed Company owns the impressive airplane hangar and will be speaker at the party function. Individual tickets to the dinner and rally are only $75.

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There was standing room only Thursday afternoon for the official swearing-in of the county’s newest judge, David Najjar. The new judge of Superior Court 5 was robed in ceremonies at the historic Courthouse courtroom. Retired judge Wayne Sturtevant administered the oath as nearly 200 well-wishers looked on. Najjar was appointed by Gov. Eric Holocomb after Sturtevant vacated the Superior 5 bench.

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Hamilton County Commissioners had scheduled approval of plans for bidding a major addition to the county jail when they meet Monday. But, the County Council which must approve funding for the expansion could not arrange a date to meet with Commissioners until Nov. 30. Commissioners want to nearly double the number of bunks at the overcrowded jail, but council members have not yet agreed to an expansion of that size. So, apparently no action Monday.

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Carmel may yet be the owner of an antique carousel (merry-go-round) which was nixed last month by city council members. Mayor Jim Brainard who wants to buy and house the ride for about $5 million said he would pursue the idea with private funding. This week there were indications he may have found a way to do that, but officials are mum on details or confirmation that a deal has been made with donors.