Curriculum Coordinator for Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools, Jason Urban, presented a plan to place all four district junior high schools on the same schedule.  Urban has been meeting with building administrators and teachers for several months.  He presented a proposed scheduling plan, but emphasized that may be tweaked before it is finalized.  The plan should be complete by March of this year.  For a look at Jason Urban’s presentation to the school board Wednesday night, use this link.

In another matter before the board, students taking physical education (PE) in summer school will see their fees raised from$160 to $180 this year.  The program has been running a deficit of about $14,000 as of 2024.  The fee increase will not totally cover the deficit, but will reduce the amount to under $2,000.  There was some discussion that there may be fewer families choosing PE in the summer now that the PE requirements are changing with the new state rules on graduation credits needed.

Four people chose to make public comments at Wednesday night’s Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board meeting.  All commented in some way on the legal representation provided by the law firm Barnes and Thornburg, particularly legal fees and  responses to public information requests.

Stephanie Hunt, Jamie Cairnes and former board member Michelle Fullhart all offered public comments, some criticizing the board for the amount being paid for legal representation.  Also, a man identified only as Matt, was critical of what he described as a lack of response by the district and attorneys to requests for information.

Barnes and Thornburg attorney Chris Greisl responded that the school district, Indiana’s 4th largest in terms of student enrollment, is regularly “bombarded” with requests for public records requests.

“When records come in, they are produced in a timely fashion,” Greisl said.  “When people do not provide a reasonable particular request like (Matt) has done in the past, or they take a terrible tone with our staff or administration or teachers, they you are going to get a choice response”

According to Greisl, requests for records have been forwarded to the Indiana Public Access Counselor’s office.

As the board prepared to vote on the consent agenda, the newest board member, Latrica Schooley, asked that the item allowing Barnes and Thornburg to continue as legal counsel for the board in 2025 be removed from that vote and postponed to a future meeting.  Her motion passed on a vote of 5-2, with Juanita Albright and Ben Orr voting no.  Greisl told the board there would be no lapse of legal representation as a result of this delay.

Orr praised the job Barnes and Thornburg is doing for the board and the job the firm has done for HSE Schools in the past.

As I walked into the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools administration building Wednesday evening, I ran into State Representative Victoria Garcia-Wilburn.  She talked about how busy the first day of the legislative session had been, but she was at the school board meeting for another reason.  She was there to administer the oath of office to the newest member of the board, Latrica Schooley.

Two other members of the board, Sarah Parks-Reese and Suzanne Thomas, were also sworn-in as they prepare to serve another 4-year term on the board of trustees.

The Indy Fuel treated their home fans to a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against the Wheeling Nailers on Wednesday night. With Ryan Gagnier’s game-winning goal, the Fuel overcame a resilient Nailers squad in their first home matchup of the season.

First Period: Defensive Duel

The game opened with physicality as Dakota Seaman of Wheeling and Indy’s Nathan Noel exchanged unsportsmanlike conduct penalties just three minutes in. The Fuel earned a power play opportunity later in the period after a tripping penalty on David Jankowski, but the Nailers’ defense held firm. Despite outshooting Wheeling 10-4 in the period, the Fuel couldn’t find the back of the net.

Second Period: Momentum Shifts

The second frame brought more action, with Indy’s Ty Farmer heading to the box for holding just 90 seconds in. The Fuel penalty kill proved effective, but the Nailers struck first at 10:40 when Mats Lindgren buried a shot to give Wheeling a 1-0 lead.

Indy answered late in the period at 17:41. Cam Hausinger, with assists from Ryan Gagnier and Kevin Lombardi, evened the score. The Fuel outshot the Nailers 19-12 through two periods but entered the final frame tied 1-1.

Third Period: Tensions Mount

Both teams tightened up defensively in the third period. The Fuel had a power-play chance when Matthew Quercia of Wheeling was called for holding at 6:37, but the Nailers’ penalty killers stood tall. As the Nailers closed the gap in shots, the game became increasingly physical. Regulation ended with the score still knotted at 1-1, setting up a dramatic overtime finish.

Overtime: Gagnier Delivers

The Nailers dominated early possession in overtime, peppering Fuel goalie Ben Gaudreau with four shots in just three minutes. Gaudreau turned aside each attempt.

At 3:28, Ryan Gagnier broke free on a breakaway and delivered a decisive goal on Indy’s first shot of the extra frame, sealing the 2-1 victory.

Next Up

The Fuel and Nailers will face off again Friday night at the Fishers Event Center for Hockey Talks Night.

Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools has never had a Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE).  That all changed Wednesday night when the school board officially approved the appointment of Brandon Cloud to the newly-created post.

This is part of an ongoing program by HSE Schools for graduates to be prepared for employment, post-secondary education, or enlistment in the armed services.

“This role is essential to continuing the transformational work that we have started, ensuring our students have access to opportunities that connect learning to real-world applications,” said Superintendent Patrick Mapes in a school district news release.. “I believe Brandon Cloud’s proven leadership within the district and his passion for helping students reach their goals in and outside of the classroom make him the ideal choice for this position.”

Cloud brings nearly three decades of experience in public education to the role, with more than half spent working in HSE

Fractures are beginning to show among members of the Hamilton Southeastern School Board Wednesday night in its first official action of 2025, electing officers to serve during the year.  Bottom line, Juanita Albright will serve a second consecutive year as board president.

Albright attempted to have Vice President Ben Orr offer a slate of candidates for officers, but Sarah Parks-Reese offered a motion first, with Dawn Lang serving as president, Suzanne Thomas Vice President and Sarah Parks-Reese Secretary.  The new board member, Latrica Schooley, seconded that motion.  It was defeated by a vote of 4-3, with Thomas, Schooley and Parks-Reese voting yes, the remaining board members casting a no vote.

Orr then offered a different slate of officers, keeping Juanita Albright as President, Tiffany Pascoe Vice President and Dawn Lang Secretary.  That motion passed on a vote of 4-3, with Albright, Orr, Pascoe and Lang voting yes.

That means Juanita Albright will serve as board president in 2025.

Fishers Police officers made nearly 18,000 traffic stops during 2024 in an effort to reduce speeding.  That number was shared by Assistant Chief Mike Taylor at the Wednesday morning Police Merit Commission meeting.

“Traffic stops are going to be a way of life and a lifeblood for us,” said Chief Ed Gebhart.  “Slowing our community down is really important to us.  It was out of control.  I don’t know that it’s totally in control.”    The Chief told Commission members the 2024 number of traffic stops far exceeds anything he remembers in the past 25 years.

In other items discussed by the Commission:

–Fishers Police are fully staffed at this time, with both sworn officers and civilian staff.  Gebhart said an officer was added in anticipation of a retirement.

–Assistant Chief Luke Gannon says citizen complaints and administrative investigations went down by 3 in 2024, with a total of 9.  4 were administrative probes, 5 were from citizen complaints.  All 4 administrative investigations were sustained and no citizen complaints were sustained.  Gannon told LarryInFishers video evidence was key in these investigations.  The video sources included bodycams, cameras facing forward and backward in police vehicles and cameras located elsewhere in the community that provided video evidence.

—-Warren Henderson will serve as Police Merit Commission President in 2025.  Gary Bolenbaugh will be Vice President and Jim White has been  named Treasurer.

The purpose of the Fishers Police Merit Commission is to administer discipline to department members including suspension, demotion, and termination of employment.  The Commission has not been asked to consider any discipline in a number of years, with any cases settled before Commission action was required.  The Commission is required to meet periodically by law.

The Fishers Arts Council (FAC) is kicking off the new year by celebrating the artistic brilliance of Jerry Mannell, a two-time winner of FAC’s Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists “Best in Show” award. Mannell’s solo exhibit, Free Associations, is on display at the Art Gallery at City Hall in Fishers Municipal Center through January 31. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays, and the exhibit will also be featured during the Second Friday free public reception on January 10, from 6-8 p.m.

An Artist Inspired by Curiosity and Recognition

Mannell’s journey into the world of art began in high school when his talent was recognized by others, fueling his passion for creative expression. That spark led him to pursue a fine arts major in college, where his love for literature and ideas gave his work deeper meaning. “When I began to look at art in that context, it added more meaning to what otherwise would have been just decorative,” he reflects.

Behind the Canvas: Mannell’s Creative Process

Known for his distinctive oil-on-canvas paintings, Mannell’s creative process begins with a simple pencil sketch focused on composition and contrast. These initial sketches serve as blueprints that evolve into abstract compositions, often layered with imagery that invites interpretation. “I keep ambiguity alive by suggesting meaning without actually defining it,” he explains. While the beginning stages of his work come easily, the final steps of refining and balancing the elements often prove challenging—but rewarding.

Building a Legacy in Art

Mannell acknowledges the support he’s received from local art communities in Noblesville and Fishers, though he admits that finding the right audience for his unique style can be a challenge. His goal is to expand his reach with a digital portfolio to connect with galleries that align with his vision.

A Celebration of Art and Music

The highlight of Mannell’s exhibit will be the Second Friday reception on January 10, featuring live music by Elizabeth Lee, refreshments, and a Focus on the Artist session at 6:45 p.m. FAC board member Pat Grabill will interview Mannell in the Fishers Municipal Center Theater, offering attendees insight into the artist’s work and philosophy.

The event, funded in partnership with the City of Fishers, is free and open to all ages. Visitors can enjoy an evening of creative inspiration and community engagement while exploring Mannell’s thought-provoking artwork.

For more information, visit the Fishers Arts Council website or stop by the Art Gallery at City Hall.

The Fishers Arts Council will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Fishers Pavilion, located at 10 Municipal Drive. The venue, nestled between the Fishers Municipal Center and the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, will serve as the gathering point for this important community event.

The meeting is open to the public and will feature key agenda items, including a review of the organization’s 2025 budget, the election of new officers to join the board, and a vote on executive committee positions.

Les Reinhardt, Executive Director of the Fishers Arts Council, encourages residents to attend and engage in shaping the future of arts in the Fishers community.

Community members interested in attending are asked to RSVP by emailing info@FishersArtsCouncil.org no later than January 9, 2025.

The Fishers Arts Council is dedicated to fostering and promoting the arts in Fishers, enhancing cultural opportunities, and enriching the community through creativity and collaboration.

For more information, visit FishersArtsCouncil.org.

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and Human Resources Department recently celebrated the dedication and commitment of 131 employees for their service to the community. Among them, four standout employees marked a remarkable milestone—45 years of employment with the county.

Robin Mills, the former county auditor; Sheena Randall, Director of Human Resources; Janet Hansen, an Administrative Assistant in the Surveyor’s Office; and Peggy Nation, a Filings Deputy in the Clerk’s Office, topped the list of honorees this year. Each has dedicated nearly half a century to serving the residents of Hamilton County.

“I am a Hamilton County born and raised gal,” said Mills, reflecting on her journey. “I started my county career right out of high school. I stayed all these years because Hamilton County is a great place to work and raise a family.”

Randall, who also celebrated 45 years, highlighted the advantages of working for the county. “The county offers great benefits too, such as health insurance, paid holidays, and a 37.5-hour work week,” she noted.

The annual service awards program recognizes employees every five years, with each recipient receiving a service pin denoting their years of service. This year’s honorees included five employees celebrating 40 years, two marking 35 years, five reaching 30 years, and 12 commemorating 25 years. Additionally, 14 employees observed 20 years of service, 14 celebrated 15 years, 27 marked 10 years, and 48 were honored for five years of employment.

“Our goal is to give the citizens and taxpayers of Hamilton County the most responsive governmental services possible,” said Randall. “Employing top-quality people, providing them with meaningful work, and retaining their services helps serve the public efficiently and effectively.”