Hamilton County has secured the highest possible credit rating from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings, with a ‘AAA’ long-term rating assigned to its upcoming $36 million Series 2025 ad valorem property tax lease rental bonds. S&P also reaffirmed the county’s ‘AAA’ rating on its existing general obligation and lease debt, maintaining a stable financial outlook.

The bond proceeds will fund the construction of a state-of-the-art public safety training facility for local police and fire departments. The center will feature classroom space, a four-story fire training burn tower, a SWAT training area, an outdoor firing range, and an EMA training area. Officials anticipate breaking ground on the project later this year.

“We are proud to be able to fund this important public safety project with low-cost borrowing,” said Steve Dillinger, president of the Hamilton County Commissioners. “Our strong rating and stable outlook will allow us to finance essential projects, like the new training center, without placing additional burden on the taxpayer.”

S&P’s report highlighted Hamilton County’s “robust tax-base growth” and “strong budgetary management practices.” It also recognized the county’s status as one of Indiana’s wealthiest, emphasizing its ability to manage debt levels effectively.

“We are thrilled to receive the ‘AAA’ rating,” said Sue Maki, president of the Hamilton County Council. “It underscores our county’s sound fiscal management, strong economic growth, and future financial stability.”

The Air1 Worship Now Tour, featuring award-winning Christian artists Phil Wickham, Charity Gayle, Josh Baldwin, and Benjamin William Hastings, will stop at the Fishers Event Center on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

Tickets will be available starting with a venue presale on Tuesday, April 8, at noon using the code “FAITH.” General ticket sales begin Thursday, April 10, at 12 p.m. ET via FishersEventCenter.com and Ticketmaster.com.

Phil Wickham, a GRAMMY®-nominated artist known for hits like “House of the Lord” and “Living Hope,” leads a lineup of worship artists bringing faith-filled music to the stage. Charity Gayle, Josh Baldwin, and Benjamin William Hastings will also showcase their powerful voices and chart-topping songs, creating an evening of inspiration and praise.

For more information and ticket purchases, visit FishersEventCenter.com.

The Vietnam War Veterans Day event at Fishers City Hall had to be delayed a few minutes because people were still circling the area trying to find a parking spot.  That’s how many people were in attendance for the commemoration of the sacrifice made by military veterans of that controversial Asian conflict.

Fishers Armed Services Commission Chair El Ahlwardt was the MC and became emotional as he reflected on how Vietnam Veterans were treated upon their return home.  Many were told not to wear their military uniforms in public once back in the States.

The featured speaker was Jill Fewell, the Executive Director of Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans, and also serves as President of the Indiana Gold Star Families.  She wrote a book, A Time To Honor, featuring personal stories of Vietnam veterans living in Indiana.

Ms. Fewell, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and State Senator Kyle Walker handed out pins to the Vietnam vets in attendance.

Find out more about the annual national Vietnam War commemoration at this link.

The wait is over and it is time for the Fishers Freight franchise in the Indoor Football League to take the field.  The Freight’s first game will be on the road in Northern Arizona Saturday night.  Then, the Freight will host their first home game April 4, Friday, 7pm, at the Fishers Event Center.  Tickets are available for the home opener at this link.

Training camp is over. Head Coach Dixie Wooten and his staff have finalized the roster for the 2025 season.  The roster can be found using this link.

You can watch the Freight’s first game on the road in Arizona, and all games home and away, by subscribing to the IFL Network.  There is a free 30 day trial.  Use this link for registration and more information.

To see the full Freight schedule for their inaugural season, the link is here.

I have seen the Indoor Football League in person and on television.  It is an exciting brand of football.  I would recommend you at least try it.

Here are a couple of podcasts I have produced recently, one with Freight Coach and General Manager Dixie Wooten, and a podcast with Indoor Football League Commissioner Todd Tryon, at the links below.

Dixie Wooten 

Todd Tryon

Harrison Parkway Elementary School is set to have new LED lighting installed that will result in projected energy cost savings and improved lighting.  The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board Facilities Committee heard about the plans from HSE Schools Facilities Director Matt Rapp Thursday morning.

The cost of the LED lighting installation is listed as $179,498.76.  However, Duke Energy will provide a rebate of $33, 213.20.  That means the cost to HSE Schools will be $146,285.56.  Rapp says the savings estimate from this project over 11 years will total $267, 138.44.

The committee received the following updates on construction projects:

–The renovation of Fishers Elementary remains on time and on budget as work continues on the interior and exterior walls, as well as stormwater storage.

–The $34.5 million Fall Creek Intermediate project is set to begin as school ends in late May.

–The $15 million plans at Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate & Junior High are also on track to begin in late May.

–Durbin, the former elementary school, will be the home for The HSE Schools Academy and renovation work continues to ready that facility for its new function.

The Indy Fuel kicked off their three-game road series against the Adirondack Thunder in thrilling fashion Wednesday night, overcoming a late deficit to force a shootout and claim a 3-2 victory. The win solidifies their hold on fourth place in the Central Division standings.

The game opened with physicality as Dakota Seaman and Brendan Less dropped the gloves just 5:40 into the first period. Seaman received an additional two-minute instigating penalty, served by Owen Robinson.

At 11:48, the Fuel struck first when Kyle Maksimovich buried a rebound past Adirondack’s Jeremy Brodeur, assisted by Chris Cameron and Bryan Lemos. The first period ended with Indy leading 1-0.  Both teams recorded seven shots on goal.

The second period saw the Fuel ramp up offensive pressure, firing 14 shots on goal. However, Brodeur remained solid in net. After killing off two penalties, the Thunder finally broke through at 18:45 when Ryan Conroy scored the equalizer, sending the game into the third period knotted at 1-1.

The third period remained tight until Adirondack capitalized on a four-minute power play. Lars Rødne, making his professional debut, scored his first career goal to give the Thunder a 2-1 lead.

With time winding down, the Fuel pulled goaltender Ben Gaudreau in favor of an extra attacker, a gamble that paid off when Maksimovich netted his second goal of the night at 18:22, forcing overtime.

After a scoreless seven-minute overtime, the game proceeded to a shootout. It took four rounds before Jarrett Lee secured the win with a decisive goal, lifting Indy to the 3-2 victory.

With this hard-fought win, the Fuel earned two crucial points in the standings, further strengthening their playoff push in the Central Division.

A home in the Cottingham Estates neighborhood was denied a zoning variance allowing short-term rentals Wednesday night, although the petitioner was willing to withdraw the request after hearing a number of complaints by neighbors.

The Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to deny the variance after 9 residents of the Cottingham area voiced their opposition.  The Homeowners Association (HOA) at Cottingham Estates has, in its covenant, language that would not allow a short-term rental in the neighborhood.  When the home owner, Biao Chen, was notified of the violation, he apparently threatened legal action.  As a small HOA with 121 properties and low dues, the HOA says it decided not to pursue the matter due to legal costs.

Eric Swanson spoke for his father-in-law. Mr. Chen, saying Chen is a missionary out of the country most of the year and uses the short-term rental to afford a home in some summer months when he returns to the United States.

After hearing 9 speakers from the neighborhood complain about parties, vehicles on the street and other complaints, Swanson asked the Board to withdraw the request on behalf of Mr. Chen.  The Board’s legal counsel advised that it was too late in the process to withdraw the petition and the Board had to act.  Board members voted unanimously to deny the petition.

After the meeting, Swanson was seen talking with the neighbors about the situation.

Also, the Board voted to install officers for 2025.  Steve Ferucci will serve another term as Chair of the Board and Howard Stevenson was voted Vice President.

Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools are planning to accept bids for pharmacy benefit managers that are expected to save the school district 35% in cost the first year.  The HSE Benefits Committee has recommended acceptance of a bid from Capital Rx for non-specialty medications and Archimedes for specialty medicines.  Five firms responded to the request for proposals and three were interviewed by the committee.  The contract with the current provider ends June 30 of this year.  Both new companies have each provided a letter of commitment, with a contract expected in 30-60 days.  This will not be ready for a school board vote in April, but possibly will receive a vote at the May meeting.

The school board Finance Committee prepared for a vote next week by the full board on a 5-year extension of the current contract with Community Health.  The pact includes nursing services, the health care clinic and sports medicine.  With the expansion in the number of sports, one trainer has been added to each high school staff.  The Community Health agreement providing behavioral health is a separate matter with a one-year extension and will be a year-to-year decision.

The Finance Committee was presented with a renewal of the Skyward contract that will feature a 3% increase in the licensing fee.  The total cost of this contract is $189,507.  Superintendent Patrick Mapes says an enhancement is coming to the Skyward system in June that feature improvements.

Fishers Youth Initiative (FYI), the recently merged organization formerly known as Youth Mentoring Initiative and Fishers Youth Assistance Program, has begun its search for a new executive director following the resignation of Brittany Rayburn.

Rayburn, who played a pivotal role in guiding the organization through the first phase of the merger, will step down from her role on May 28. She previously served as the executive director of Youth Mentoring Initiative for four years before taking on a leadership role in FYI.

“We’re grateful for Brittany’s steadfast leadership for the last four years as YMI’s executive director, and recently during the transition to become Fishers Youth Initiative,” said Matt Schlueter, Co-President of FYI’s Board of Directors. “As we look ahead, we are excited to bring together critical services and support to youth in Fishers and look forward to bringing in a dynamic leader that can continue to grow FYI’s impact.”

The FYI Board of Directors has established a search committee to identify a new executive director. The position posting is available online, and interested candidates can inquire directly with FYI Co-President Anderson Schoenrock at schoenrock@memoryventures.com.

In the meantime, Fishers Youth Initiative is gearing up for its annual spring fundraiser, Wines Around the World, on Friday, May 16. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at this link..

As FYI continues to expand its services and outreach, the organization remains committed to supporting the youth of Fishers through mentorship, education, and community resources.