Friday, WFYI news posted a story about Hamilton Southeastern School Board candidate John Stewart.  The story centers on candidate Stewart’s handling of a contract running a horse barn for the Hamilton County Parks Department.

Reporter Rachel Fradette used a number of sources for her reporting.  That includes public records, an interview with the Hamilton County Parks Board President, e-mailed comments Stewart provided WFYI, the Hamilton County Parks Department Director and an outside expert.  You can read the WFYI story at this link.

Candidate Stewart sent a message to his supporters which he shared with LarryInFishers in response.  Stewart’s statement is shown below in its entirety.

Continue reading John Stewart →

The Indy Fuel captured their first victory of the season in a 1-0 overtime showdown against the Cincinnati Cyclones Friday night, with defenseman Nick Grima netting his first professional goal to secure the win. Both teams fought fiercely through three scoreless periods, marked by tight goaltending and relentless defense, before Grima ended the contest just 39 seconds into overtime.

First Period: Penalty-Packed Start Sets Intensity

The Fuel came out strong, drawing an early power play when Cincinnati’s Dante Sheriff was penalized for high sticking just two minutes into the game. Tensions escalated between these two division rivals, setting a physical tone for the rest of the evening.

Despite the man advantage, Indy struggled to generate offense, failing to record a shot on goal during the power play. The Cyclones answered with a power play opportunity of their own after an interference call on Ty Farmer at 7:37, but Indy’s penalty kill unit held firm. The period continued with aggressive play and mounting penalties, as both teams battled to establish dominance.

Although the Fuel saw additional power play chances with penalties against Cincinnati’s Matt Murphy and Matt Boudens, they couldn’t capitalize, leaving the period scoreless. Indy managed to outshoot Cincinnati 9-5 in the opening frame.

Second Period: Goaltenders Take Center Stage

With the physicality dialed back, the second period was all about hockey as both teams focused on creating scoring chances. Indy controlled the tempo, applying pressure and outshooting Cincinnati 11-2. Despite multiple opportunities, the Cyclones’ goaltender, along with Indy’s netminder, kept the scoreboard empty.

Third Period: Defenses Hold Strong

The teams entered the third with renewed determination, each eager to break the scoreless tie. Cincinnati found an offensive rhythm, putting up seven shots—its highest of the game. Both goaltenders continued to deliver clutch saves, staving off any attempts to seize the lead.

Penalties crept back into play late in the period as the Fuel faced a minor setback with a delay-of-game call against Ty Farmer at 17:07. Still, Indy’s penalty-kill unit held firm once more, forcing overtime.

Overtime: Grima Seals the Deal

With just 39 seconds into the extra period, Nick Grima made his mark on the game—and his career—by scoring his first professional goal. Assisted by Kyle Maksimovich and Bryan Lemos, Grima’s shot delivered the decisive blow, giving the Fuel a hard-fought 1-0 victory and their first win of the season.

The weekly road construction report doesn’t have much new material but it is always good to peruse how much construction continues, even as we enter the fall season.

Below is the official update for the work week beginning Monday, October 28, as provided by the City of Fishers:

Continue reading Road construction in & around Fishers →

WFYI Public Radio reporter Rachel Fradette posted a story on the radio station’s Web site Friday about Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board candidate John Stewart.

Reporter Fradette reports on a contract Stewart had to run a horse operation for the Hamilton County Parks Department.  The controversy stems from Stewart’s hiring of a family friend that was facing criminal charges out of state.

You can find the story at this link.  WFYI has no paywall.

The Fishers Arts Council (FAC) is reaching out to arts enthusiasts in the community, encouraging residents to apply for board positions and play a hands-on role in shaping the city’s visual and performing arts scene. With a mission to “support, advocate, and cultivate visual and performing arts opportunities” for the Fishers community, FAC invites creative and committed individuals to lend their time and talents toward enriching the local cultural landscape.

FAC is specifically looking for board members who can commit 2-3 hours each month to advancing art initiatives throughout Fishers. Board members will take active roles in meetings, art juries, and community events, all while working closely with FAC’s part-time Executive Director to grow public and private art initiatives.

According to Pat Grabill, FAC board member and watercolorist, joining the FAC board has been a unique experience. “The arts – all of them – bring joy and pleasure to our lives,” Grabill said. “Serving on the Fishers Arts Council has allowed me to meet and greet wonderful people, appreciate beautiful art, listen to amazing musicians, and bring even more art to the Fishers community. We hope those of you who love the arts will join us on the Board.”

Former FAC President and local artist Laura Villanyi joined the Council out of her admiration for the vibrant art installations around Fishers, particularly the decorated electrical boxes along 116th Street. “As soon as I saw those, I wanted to join,” Villanyi said. “The Fishers Arts Council is a rewarding experience. We have the ability to create opportunities for local artists to show and sell their art.”

Les Reinhardt, FAC Executive Director, emphasized the impact board members have on Fishers’ growing art community. “I’ve seen the wonderful things we can do, simply based on the incredible people we have on our team,” Reinhardt said. “The ideas that come forward and spring to life, the connections we make with artists of all disciplines, the strong partnerships and relationships in our city and county – it is truly rewarding in so many ways.”

FAC encourages all interested individuals to meet current board members and tour the galleries during its Second Friday GALLERY HOP event on November 8, from 6-8 p.m. at the FAC Hub Gallery in the Hamilton County Community Foundation building (11810 Technology Drive) and the Art Gallery at City Hall (1 Municipal Drive). This event is a chance to explore FAC’s current work, ask questions, and get a firsthand look at the organization’s impact.

Applications for board membership can be submitted online or in print and must be received by December 17, 2024. For more information, visit fishersartscouncil.org/how-to-help or contact FAC directly at info@fishersartscouncil.org or 317-537-1670.

The last time I visited the Fishers Event Center construction site, it was a cold day announcing the Indy Ignite professional women’s volleyball team as a tenant in the building.  Now, the facility is nearing completion and one can get a feel for what it will be like to see the touring events, Indy Fuel Hockey, Fishers Freight Indoor Football League action and the volleyball team.

In remarks before invited guests and media, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said 38,000 tickets have already been sold for the touring events, and that does not include the hockey, indoor football or women’s volleyball.  The Mudsock rivalry high school basketball contest between HSE and Fishers High Schools will be held at the Event Center December 20 and about 3,000 tickets have already been sold.

“As we stand here today, I couldn’t be more excited,” said Mayor Fadness. “We have a beautiful building that we are going to deliver on time and – knock on wood – on budget.”

Members of the media and other invited guests were given a short tour of the building, particularly to high-priced area.  The Event Center is taking reservations for VIP boxes and other amenities available.

The Fishers Event Center is one that still requires a hard hat to visit, but that will change soon – 29 days to be exact.

When attending Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board meetings, teachers supporting the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) have worn red-colored clothing.  That changed at Wednesday’s board session.  HSEA supporters wore black clothes.

Before the meeting, the HSEA team charged with negotiating a contract with the HSE District updated teachers on the first two days of negotiations.  On Monday of this week, the HSEA team submitted the first proposal. The administration’s response was not positive.  According to the HSEA team, district officials admonished the teachers’ proposal, “scolded” them and said HSEA, you either just don’t understand or don’t believe what (HSE administration) is saying administrators “are not kidding around and that (HSEA) needed to go home and think about it.”

On Tuesday, the talks began again with a proposal from the district that, according to HSEA, did not move at all.  The teachers then decided to begin movement in the talks by “cutting down in half” what it wants in the pact.  There were productive discussions, but the HSEA team says the district continues not to move at all in these talks.

Given all that, the bargaining team’s goal is to have an agreement by Wednesday next week.  If there is no agreement by the deadline, a mediator will be brought in to help bring about an agreement.  HSEA says it does not want to go into fact-finding, where the courts determine the contract provisions.

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board gave final approval to a spending plan for 2025 of $326,339,619.  In 2025, the referendum tax rate will rise to its limit, from $0.1895​ in 2024 to $0.1995​ in 2025.

The support from the state is based on the number of students.  The student count is now at 20,698 for the 2024-2025 school year, down from 20,913 in 2023-2024.

During the public comment time, support was voiced for teachers as the district and the local teachers association begin collective bargaining.

You can see the full slide presentation from HSE Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown at this link.

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board Facilities Committee reviewed a number of issues Wednesday morning, and one item came through loud and clear – once the Fishers Elementary remodel is complete, a redistricting plan will need to be implemented.

The Fishers Elementary project should be completed by the start of school in August of 2026.  Deputy Superintendent Matt Kegley said the board should have before it a redistricting plan about this time next year.  The process of putting together a redistricting map should start around September of 2025.

The remodel of Fishers Elementary will create a larger student population, requiring  changes in district lines.  A demographic study is now underway in the HSE District with the results expected to be before the school board in December.

With expected population growth in Wayne Township, Kegley said a redistricting plan will buy time for school officials to determine whether a new intermediate or junior high school will be needed in that area.

HSE Facilities Director Matt Rapp said the huge crane above the Fishers Elementary construction may be the highest point in Fishers right now.  HSE and the City of Fishers may need to deal with some drainage issues that come under responsibility of state government, tied to inaccurate topographical maps near the wall on I-69.  HSE and Fishers could fix the problem now, not delaying the Fishers Elementary construction, and negotiate with the state later on being reimbursed  for those expenses.

In other items before the Facilities Committee:

–The District is working to reduce the number of portable classrooms throughout the corporation.  During the school year so far, 1 portable was removed at Fishers Elementary and 3 taken from Hoosier Road Elementary.  There are now 27 portable classrooms in use in the HSE District.  During the winter break, if weather allows, Brook School Elementary will have 3 portables removed.

–The former Durbin Elementary School will be the site for two HSE programs – FOCUS and the Academy.  It will cost an estimated $1.5 million and will be funded through proceeds from a 2021 bond.  The Academy and FOCUS are currently in leased space and the rental costs are expected to increase.  Durbin cannot be expanded due to the lack of a sewer line hookup, but that may change in years to come if commercial and/or residential development moves closer to the Durbin building.

–The Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate and Junior High (often referred to as the HIJH) will be adding classrooms, with request for proposals to be issued in December and contractor bids expected in January of 2025.  This is another effort to eliminate portable classrooms and expand student capacity.  The construction period is expected to last 18-24 months, with a possible completion date of August 2026.

Early voting began in early October if you want to travel to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds or the facility in downtown Noblesville.

Early voting begins in Fishers Wednesday.  Below is a listing of the days and times you can early vote in Fishers, followed by other locations.  If you live in Hamilton County, you are able to early vote at any Hamilton County early voting locations.

Now below is the full listing.

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Roy G Holland Memorial Park Building, 1 Park Drive, Fishers

Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 & 24 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, October 25 & 26 from 10 am to 3 pm

Wednesday and Thursday, October 30 & 31 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, November 1 & 2 from 10 am to 3 pm

Billericay Park Building, 12690 Promise Road, Fishers

Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 & 24 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, October 25 & 26 from 10 am to 3 pm

Wednesday and Thursday, October 30 & 31 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, November 1 & 2 from 10 am to 3 pm

Here are the details of early voting in Hamilton County.  You may early vote at any Hamilton County early voting location if you reside in Hamilton County:

Noblesville   

Judicial Center, One Hamilton County Square, Noblesville

Tuesday thru Friday, October 8 – 11 from 8 am to 4:30 pm

Monday thru Friday, October 14 – 18 from 8 am to 4:30 pm

Monday thru Friday, October 21 – 25 from 8 am to 4:30 pm

Saturday, October 26 from 9 am to 4 pm

Monday thru Friday, October 28 – November 1 from 8 am to 4:30 pm

Saturday, November 2 from 9 am to 4 pm

Monday, November 4 from 8 am to noon

Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Hall C, 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville

Tuesday thru Friday, October 8 – 11 from 9 am to 4 pm

Monday thru Friday, October 14 – 18 from 9 am to 4 pm

Monday thru Saturday, October 21 – 26 from 9 am to 4 pm

Monday thru Saturday, October 28 – November 2 from 9 am to 4 pm

Monday, November 4 from 8 am to noon

Westfield

Westfield City Hall, 130 Penn Street, Westfield

Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 & 24 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, October 25 & 26 from 10 am to 3 pm

Wednesday and Thursday, October 30 & 31 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, November 1 & 2 from 10 am to 3 pm

Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 E 151^st St, Carmel

Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 & 24 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, October 25 & 26 from 10 am to 3 pm

Wednesday and Thursday, October 30 & 31 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, November 1 & 2 from 10 am to 3 pm

Carmel

Carmel Library, 425 E Main St, Carmel

Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 & 24 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, October 25 & 26 from 10 am to 3 pm

Wednesday and Thursday, October 30 & 31 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, November 1 & 2 from 10 am to 3 pm

Wilfong Pavilion at Founders Park, 11675 Hazel Dell Pkwy, Building A, Carmel

Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 & 24 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, October 25 & 26 from 10 am to 3 pm

Wednesday and Thursday, October 30 & 31 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, November 1 & 2 from 10 am to 3 pm

Jill Perelman Pavilion, 3000 W 116^th Street, Carmel

Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 & 24 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, October 25 & 26 from 10 am to 3 pm

Wednesday and Thursday, October 30 & 31 from 2 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday, November 1 & 2 from 10 am to 3 pm