Hamilton County Reporter

The Fishers girls team finished its regular season with a 70-54 win Friday at Franklin Central.

The Tigers led 34-33 at halftime over their future Hoosier Crossroads Conference rival, but played strong in the third quarter, outscoring the Flashes 20-8. Fishers then cruised through the fourth period firmly in control.

“It was a great team defensive and rebounding effort,” said Tigers coach Lauren Vail.
Toni Grace led Fishers with 24 points and also grabbed five rebounds. Tamia Perryman earned another double-double, scoring 12 points and collecting 10 rebounds. Kenedi London had nine points and seven rebounds and also played well defensively.

The Tigers are 12-11, and will play the first game at Class 4A Sectional 8, which they are hosting this year. Fishers takes on Westfield at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

By

Craig Adkins

Hamilton County Reporter

It wouldn’t be easy, but Hamilton Southeastern was looking to stay perfect in Hoosier Crossroads Conference play on the road Friday night at Noblesville.

The Millers had their chances throughout, but the Class 4A No. 7 Royals’ size, speed and length turned out to be more than the hosts could handle as Hamilton Southeastern moved to 4-0 in HCC play with a 62-45 victory on Friday.

A chess match for the first couple minutes, the Hamilton County and conference rivals went back and forth for the majority of the first before the Royals found wiggle room.
Noblesville struck first with a Jaron Youree three, but Hamilton Southeastern tied it with a three of their own from Nick Bowman. Teeter-tottering the rest of the quarter, there would be three lead changes before Aaron Ethering swished a fadeaway long two-point jumper in the final seconds to a 13-9 lead for HSE after one.

The Millers got the closest they would get the rest of the night at 15-12 on a Xavier Hines three-point bomb of 7’1 sophomore Mabor Majok. The Royals went on a 13-0 run, thanks to eight points on four field goals from sophomore Chris Grubbs. Noblesville got another three from Hines to make it 28-15 at halftime, only managing two made field goals in the second quarter.

“I thought in the first half we were more locked in defensively and got to things. We moved the basketball better and were able to hit and get it to spots that we talked about,” said Hamilton Southeastern head coach Brian Satterfield on his Royals jumping out to a 13-point lead at halftime.

Hines was back at it right away to start the second half, sinking another three from the left corner to cut the Royals’ lead back to ten at 28-18.

The Millers did everything they could to chip away. Things got a little bit chippy between the two squads at the midway point of the third.

Chaz Birchfield and Eagan Keever-Hill both went for a loose ball and the tie up resulted in what almost turned into a small scuffle. Keever-Hill was whistled for his third personal foul and Birchfield received a technical foul. Birchfield made his two free throws and Hines netted both of his to bring it back under 10 at 32-23.

Jordan Schmidt made two more from the charity stripe with 3:47 left in the third to make it 32-25, but Etherington pushed it back to nine again.

The perimeter attack of Noblesville would get them back to within striking distance again. Hines and Youree helped get the Millers back to within six through three quarters, 37-31.

“I’m really proud of our effort in the third quarter and throughout the game. We battled the boards and hung tough there. We made shots. We took four charges, just kept ourselves in the game,” said Noblesville head coach Brian McCauley on his team’s third quarter play.

“That third quarter, they just out-hustled us and I know there was one time where they had four shots at a basket in one trip. They were getting 50-50 balls and we just didn’t come up with it, then they cut it to six,” Satterfield complimenting Noblesville’s third quarter efforts.
Noblesville gave it one last attempt at keeping the deficit under ten points and chip away, but with the speed and length of Hamilton Southeastern, it was a tougher task.

A bucket by Hines and a free throw from Ryan Barnes and the Millers cut it to 39-34, the closest they had been since 15-12.

From that point on, the Royals kept pouring it on. Southeastern went on an 8-0 run that extended their lead back to double-digits at 47-34, highlighted in the middle of it with a breakaway dunk from junior guard Noah Smith.

Satterfield knows that he can count on players like Smith and Etherington, but Grubbs was one player that stepped up when needed and was an X-factor at times.

“Well, I think that’s something special about this team. We’ve got different guys to step up on different nights and depending on the match up or what’s happening, we know if one guy’s not getting it done, we’ve got other guys who are ready to take on that challenge,” said Satterfield on his team’s willingness to step up, no matter who it is.

Hamilton Southeastern ended the game on a 15-8 scoring spree that would put the icing on the cake of this HCC win at Noblesville on Friday night, 62-45.

“Ultimately, we battled and had the ball with five minutes to go, down five with 5:48 to go, and unfortunately, we turned it over on that possession,” said McCauley on the Millers’ chances to comeback in the fourth.

The Millers (8-8, 2-1 HCC) lost their first conference game of the season and get stay in conference on Saturday night, as they head to Zionsville as the second game of the girls-boys doubleheader.

Noblesville was led in scoring by Xavier Hines and his game-high 20 points. Jaron Youree had 10 points on four field goals and Jordan Schmidt added nine.

Hamilton Southeastern (15-2, 4-0 HCC) won its fourth straight game and is now in sole possession of first place in the HCC with Zionsville defeating Brownsburg 68-51 on Friday.
The Royals were led by Aaron Etherington’s team-high 15 points. Nick Bowman was right behind him with 14, with Chaz Birchfield and Chris Grubbs each adding 10 for four from HSE in double figures.

When a Fishers couple noticed bruises on their child, the parents reported it to police and their in-home child care provider has been arrested.  Once the parents became suspicious, they reported their suspicions to authorities.  The couple provided police with video footage from their home surveillance system,  and police say the videos show the suspect engaged in abusive behavior.

After presenting evidence to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s office, an arrest warrant was issued.

Shannon E. Gillen, 27, from Indianapolis, faces several felony charges, including Strangulation, Battery and Neglect.

Hamilton County Reporter

amilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger presented his 29th State of the County address Wednesday. He began by saying, “There is a lot of tension in Washington right now because people don’t know how to work together. I will show you the things today – almost all of them are the result of our cities and our county working together for the betterment of our citizens.”

His talk was divided into several segments.

Financial Stability

When addressing fiscal responsibility, Dillinger noted that Hamilton County reported an $18 million budget surplus in 2017. For 2018, the general fund has a current balance of $33.5 million and the rainy day fund has a balance of $13.7 million.

Infrastructure

According to Dillinger, during his term as county commissioner, which began in 1989, Hamilton County has grown from a population of 80,000 to 130,000. (Editor’s note: According to the U.S. Census data, in 1990 the population of Hamilton County was 108,936 and the estimated 2016 population was 316,373.)

Dillinger noted this creates some infrastructure challenges. Using the State of Indiana’s U.S. 31 and Carmel’s Keystone Parkway thoroughfare projects as examples, he explained that the State Road 37 project will pass under existing roads to create a new thoroughfare. This is similar to Keystone Parkway and stands in contrast to the overpasses of U.S. 31.

The State Road 37 project is being funded by contributions from the State of Indiana ($100 million), Noblesville ($24 million), Fishers ($24 million) and Hamilton County ($24 million). The projected budget for the project is $124 million, which Dillinger noted is not a final number, but rather a “moving target.”

Phase One of this project goes from 126th Street to 146th Street. Dillinger noted the hope is that Phase One comes in at or under budget so there will be funds remaining for Phase Two.

Dillinger said he considers State Road 37 to be the most important road project since completing 146th Street. It will, however, create necessary changes to drainage systems in the area.

The first portion of the State Road 37 project will be at the intersection at 126th Street, which is anticipated to take place between April and November of 2019. Dillinger said the county does not yet know which order the other major intersections at 131st, 135th, 141st and 146th streets will be addressed.

This will create additional challenges for 146th Street and Allisonville Road, which is currently not a funded project.

Dillinger also spoke briefly about the three-phase project for the Pleasant Street bridge and extension, noting that while it is a collaboration between the Hamilton County and the City of Noblesville, the bulk of the project falls under Noblesville supervision. Engineers and consultants have been selected and hope to begin work as soon as 2022. The projection is for a 29 percent reduction in traffic between 8th Street and River Road as soon as Phase One, the bridge construction, is completed.

Beginning in spring of this year, the first phase of the 146th Street from Lowes Way to the southbound Keystone Flyover project involves a roundabout as well as bridges over Cool Creek and Keystone Parkway. Beginning in 2020, Phase Two will involve and extension and improvements to Range Line.

Growth and Capital Improvements

The Government and Judicial Center, completed in 1992, is about to undergo a 132,000-square-foot expansion at a cost of $25 million. That project will begin in May of 2018 and should be completed in October of 2019. One reason for the expansion is to consolidate offices currently housed in the courthouse. The auditor, assessor, treasurer and recorder will be moved to the first floor after the expansion. The second and third floors of the expansion will be left unfinished for future expansion needs.

Dillinger explained the jail expansion is necessary due House Bill 1006, effective January 2016, requiring the county to keep level 6 felons (those sentenced to less than one year) in the jail rather than sending them to the Indiana Department of Correction. While jail capacity is 294 inmates, the county is often running closer to 400 inmates.

The new jail addition is set to begin construction in February and complete in February 2019. This project will add 120 beds to the jail’s capacity. It is a $13.5 million project. According to Dillinger, the solar panel portion of this project is projected to save $900,000 in utility costs in the first 18 months and $25.6 million over 25 years.

The new Riverview Hospital in Westfield is set for completion by June.

Dillinger spoke highly about Koteewi Park’s archery range, zip line, equestrian facility and the new snow tubing hill. He also mentioned the refurbished iron bridges added to Koteewi Park and the RV park.

Tourism

According to Dillinger, visitors to Hamilton County spend $738.2 million per year and generate $105.4 million in state and local taxes. He said 90 cents of every $1 visitors spend stay in Hamilton County. Tourism saves county residents $850 per year in taxes and is the seventh-largest industry in the county if measured by employment numbers, supporting over 14,000 jobs.

Late January is normally described as the dead of winter, but in and around Fishers, road construction is a year-round operation.

Below is the construction schedule for the work week starting Tuesday, January 30th, as provided by the City of Fishers…

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Periodic lane restrictions will occur at the intersection of 131st Street and Cumberland Road as utility relocation work is completed.

116TH STREET   

The outer lane of westbound 116th Street and Hague Road will be restricted, as well as the right turn lane on Hague Road, on Monday and Tuesday as AT&T completes work.

MORGAN DRIVE   

Morgan Drive will be closed between Lantern Road and Emmanual Court for work on stormwater structures.

106TH STREET

Crews will be landscaping the center of the roundabout at 106th Street and Geist Road throughout the week, weather permitting. Temporary lane restrictions may be in place as work is completed.

Expect lane restrictions at the intersection of 106th Street and Allisonville Road (affecting the northbound and southbound lanes of Allisonville Road) as utility work is completed.

I-69   

As part of a $92 million design-build contract, Milestone has added a third lane in each direction to the median, repaired and resurfaced existing pavement, and rehabilitated bridges and drainage structures on 15 miles of I-69 in Hamilton and Madison counties. Construction of an additional auxiliary lane between the 116th Street entrance ramp to I-69 South and the I-69 South Exit 204 ramp to 106th Street will continue through next spring.

I-69 South will be temporarily reduced to two lanes to allow space for the State Road 37 and 116th Street entrance ramps to safely merge while construction continues on the southbound auxiliary lane between the 116th Street and 106th Street ramps.

Questions about this project should be directed to INDOT via email or at 1-855-463-6848.

STATE ROAD 37  

The Meeting Presentation from the December State Road 37 Project Public Meeting, along with additional project information is available.

The State Road 37 improvement project is a $124 million joint project between Fishers, Hamilton County, Noblesville, and INDOT. Questions or concerns may be directed via email to Drive Fishers.

Mark Hall, Noblesville, will be a candidate for the District 3 Hamilton County Council seat in the May Republican primary election.

Hall is a local business owner and describes himself as a conservative.

“Over the past year I’ve listened to hundreds of our neighbors talk about life in Hamilton County. While issues vary the concerns are troubling and similar,” Hall said in his news release announcing his run.” Voters ask, why doesn’t government think about the taxpayers’ money first? Why doesn’t someone stand up for us? Our district deserves better than big spending establishment career politicians. I watch firsthand how the families and taxpayers in District 3 are represented. Spending big dollars has become way too easy and is now the “normal”, not the exception. Cronyism and going along to get along has taken the place of kitchen table common sense. This is why I am a citizen candidate.”

Mark Hall lives in Noblesville with his wife of 38 years, Lisa, along with their four Australian Shepherds. They are members of Harbour Shores Church and actively volunteer with Shepherd Community Center, Truth at Work and teaching employment classes to inmates and underprivileged young adults in the area. Mark enjoys his grandchildren, music, hometown theater, improv comedy and date nights with Lisa.

Hall will face incumbent Steve Schwartz in the GOP primary.   Hall & Schwartz are, so far, the only ones to file so far for the Republican nod in that district. Jeremy Hawk is the only Democrat to file candidacy in District 3.

The graduation date for HSE and Fishers High School seniors will be moved a week for the 2019-2020 school year, following school board action Wednesday night.  The original calendar had the graduation ceremonies slated for June 6, 2020.

With the 2020 Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25th, the June 6th date would mean graduates and their families would be waiting two weeks from the last student day at school to the commencement ceremonies.

After ensuring the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum is available, the board voted to mover the 2020 graduation day from Saturday, June 6th to Saturday, May 30th.  Commencement rehearsal will be held the day before, May 29th.

The board voted unanimously to approve the change.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the school board honored Fishers Students In Action, after the group earned state and national awards. Last year, they received a Jefferson Award and went on to place fourth in nation for their service.

Students In Action aims to develop high school students into community leaders by encouraging teens to positively impact their schools, communities and world. The Fishers SIA organization has completed numerous service projects and continues to be role model for others.

The Hamilton Southeastern School Board voted in favor of adopting a new logo (shown above) Wednesday night.  The outside firm of MilesHerndon presented their plans.  You can access more details at this link.

The logo is part of a branding effort by the local school corporation that includes a new look and design for the Web site.  School officials say the logo incorporates the district name, “Hamilton Southeastern Schools,” alongside a red and blue image that represents the colors of the two district high schools.

In a statement contained in a school corporation news release, HSE School Board President Matt Burke says, “…we desire to present our district in a positive manner through modern imagery and clear communication. We believe our future updated website, improved messaging and logo will enhance our school district’s image and communication for the benefit of our students, families and staff.”

MilesHerndon conducted numerous community focus groups, phone interviews, online surveys and in-person school tours before finalizing the logo design.

BitWise is working on the Web site redesign.  The new Web site is expected to be easy to navigate, ADA-compliant and mobile-friendly, based on the school corporation’s news release.

“We appreciate the feedback that many of our parents, teachers, students and community members provided during this project,” HSE Schools Superintendent Dr. Allen Bourff said. “The refreshed logo depicts a school district, bold and confident in its future, and aware of its place and origin in Hamilton County, a Hoosier county known for its solid educational values.”

Last June, the board approved contracts with MilesHerndon and BitWise.  $50,000 goes to MilesHerndon for the branding and $98,599 to BitWise for the Web site redesign, for a total of $148,599.   No tax money was used to pay these companies, the funds were from commercial contracts with the local schools, such as the exclusive deal with Coca-Cola.

The board vote approving the logo was 6-1, with Amanda Shera the only no vote.

The Fishers Police Department is gearing-up for its 34th Citizens Academy, allowing local residents an opportunity to experience “police-style” training.  The academy holds its sessions for 12 consecutive Wednesday evenings, beginning March 7th.

Each session starts at 6:30pm and goes until 9:30pm.  The program includes:

Crime Prevention/Neighborhood Watch

Bicycle Patrol

Criminal Law

Police Canine

Traffic Stops

Weapons Familiarization

Self Defense

Criminal Investigations

Evidence Collection

and

Narcotics.

The instructors will be police officers from the Fishers Police Department. Participants in the Citizen’s Academy are eligible complete a ride along
with an on- duty Fishers Police Officer.  Participants will have both classroom and hands-on experience.

This program is open to anyone living in the Hamilton Southeastern School District, or anyone employed by HSE Schools.  The minimum age is 16.

You can apply at the Fishers Police Department Web page at this link 

You can also apply in person by just showing up at police headquarters.

If you have questions, contact Officer Rob Thompson at this e-mail address – thompsonr@fishers.in.us – or call Officer Thompson at (317) 595-3300.

Hamilton County Reporter

The Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association will present a District
Coach of the Year Award to Fishers’ Matthew Cherry.

The coaches of his District voted him as their District Coach of the Year following the
2017 season after the Tigers went 27-6 and won first-ever Hoosier Crossroads Conference and sectional championships. Cherry has coached for the past 11 years.

This recognition will be part of the IHSBCA State Baseball Clinic awards banquet. The banquet will also include the recognition of State Coaches of the Year,
Victory Club achievement and the induction of five individuals into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame. The banquet will take place on Saturday at the Sheraton at the Crossing Hotel in Indianapolis.