by
Fred Swift
Hamilton County Reporter
The Hamilton County Highway Department, along with city engineering departments in Noblesville, Carmel and Fishers, are consulting with one another to determine the best location for another White River bridge. County Commissioner Christine Altman says there is increasing need for improving the county’s east/west traffic flow. No specific site has yet been established.
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Steve Key, director of the Hoosier State Press Association and former Noblesville resident and writer for the Noblesville Ledger, says it appears there will not be state legislation this year that would end schools’ requirement to publish an annual performance report. A bill in the legislature had earlier included elimination of that requirement. State Sen. Victoria Spartz (R-Noblesville) had opposed elimination of the requirement while State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero), favored it.
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Probably the fastest growing revenue source for Hamilton County government is the Innkeepers Tax. The treasurer’s office reports nearly $5.5 million in collections last year. That figure is expected to grow significantly this year with its 5 percent tax on each hotel and motel room rented. The revenue can only be used for advancing the county tourism, convention and visitor industry.
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There is preliminary work in progress planning for Hamilton County’s bicentennial in 2023. County Historian David Heighway says a group will be formally organized to make certain anniversary is properly marked. The county, named for Alexander Hamilton, was established by state legislation in 1823 when the population was around 1,000. Dave would probably like to hear from folks interested in assisting the efforts.
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The widely-respected Carmel Dads’ Club will celebrate its 60th anniversary later this year. The organization has provided an organized sports experience for thousands of young people, many of whom has gone on to excel in high school and college sports. The club was organized in 1960 by a group of Carmel fathers to further athletic activity and provide a feeder system for the high school which has proved highly successful.
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Big Woods, the growing chain of informal restaurants and brew pubs, announced this week it will soon open at 146th Street and Hazel Dell Road, Noblesville. Based in Nashville, Ind., the restaurant and brewing firm is headed by Jeff and September (Hinshaw) McCabe, who are both former county residents and alumni of Carmel High School.