Freight look to rebound at home after last-second loss in Orlando

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The Fishers Freight were four seconds away from one of their biggest road wins of the season Saturday night. Instead, they return home trying to stop a two-game slide.

Fishers fell to the Orlando Pirates 60-57 at Kia Center after Orlando quarterback Paxton DeLaurent found Teo Redding for the game-winning touchdown with four seconds remaining. The loss dropped the Freight to 5-3 after a 5-1 start. Orlando improved to 4-2.

The game had all the makings of an indoor football shootout from the start. Jaiden Roe intercepted Orlando’s opening possession, and Felix Harper later connected with Dominic Roberto for a Fishers touchdown. Orlando answered throughout the first half, including a Thomas Owens touchdown just before halftime.

Fishers continued to trade blows in the second half. JT Stokes opened the half with a quick score, Roe added an end-zone interception, and Roberto remained a key offensive spark. Calum Sutherland also helped swing momentum with his second deuce of the game.

But Orlando had the final answer. After Fishers moved ahead 57-54 late, the Pirates drove for the winning score, handing the Freight a painful road loss in a game that could matter later in the Eastern Conference race.

Fishers will try to regroup Saturday, May 16, when the Jacksonville Sharks visit Fishers Event Center for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Jacksonville enters the matchup as one of the hottest teams in the IFL. The Sharks improved to 5-1 Sunday with a 41-34 comeback win over Tulsa, their fourth straight victory. Jacksonville’s defense made the decisive stop on the final play, while quarterback Sammy Edwards had two rushing touchdowns and linebacker Michael Moore finished with 13 tackles and three tackles for loss.

The matchup gives Fishers little room for mistakes. Jacksonville has been winning close games, while the Freight have now dropped two straight tight contests, including a 57-52 home loss to Green Bay before the Orlando defeat.

Saturday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Fishers Event Center and is listed for streaming on Yahoo Sports.

HEPL Foundation Plans “Night in the Stacks” After-Hours Fundraiser

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The Hamilton East Public Library Foundation is inviting the community to experience the library in a whole new way later this month with an after-hours fundraising event designed exclusively for adults.

“A Night in the Stacks” is scheduled for Friday, May 29, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Hamilton East Public Library Noblesville Library. The 21-and-over event will raise money to support library programs, literacy initiatives, and future services offered through the library system.

Organizers say the event will transform the library into a carnival-style entertainment venue featuring laser tag, arcade and video games, a silent disco, trivia contests, book speed dating, crafts, board games, and other activities. Food and drinks will also be available throughout the evening.

Tickets are $50 and include one complimentary drink. Advance ticket purchases are required.

The event will also serve as the official kickoff for the library’s Summer Reading Program.

“We look forward to welcoming adults 21+ to the library for an after-hours experience designed just for them,” said Foundation Director Lisa Longo in a news release. “Guests will have the opportunity to explore the library as never before, with adventure around every corner. Most importantly, every ticket helps support library programming that benefits our entire community. A Night in the Stacks is truly a party with a purpose.”

The Hamilton East Public Library Foundation supports programs and initiatives focused on literacy, lifelong learning, and community access to resources throughout Hamilton County.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Nickloy, Albright, Gordon & Seibe At Law LLC, Taylored Systems, Indiana Members Credit Union, Connico, and Church Church Hittle + Antrim.

Library officials expect approximately 300 guests to attend the fundraiser.

Additional information and ticket details are available at Hamilton East Public Library.

Hamilton County’s Historic Bell Ford Bridge Restoration Wins Statewide Engineering Honor

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Hamilton County has received statewide recognition for a project that preserved a unique piece of engineering history while creating a new attraction for local residents at Geist Park.

The reconstruction of the historic Bell Ford Bridge earned the 2026 Grand Project Award from the Indiana chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies during the organization’s Engineering Excellence Awards ceremony held April 30. The honor represented the top award among 40 projects recognized across Indiana.

The Bell Ford Bridge was originally built in 1869 in Jackson County, Indiana, where it carried traffic for more than 100 years before eventually collapsing. The bridge is believed to be the only surviving combination Post truss bridge in the world, making preservation efforts especially significant.

Rather than allowing the remaining structure to disappear, historic components of the bridge were salvaged and relocated to Hamilton County. The reconstructed bridge now spans Fall Creek within Geist Park and serves as a pedestrian crossing.

According to Hamilton County officials, much of the original bridge material was reused in the project, including most of the iron framework and portions of the original 19th-century timber structure. The project combined modern engineering practices with historic preservation techniques in an effort to maintain the bridge’s historic character.

“A bridge built in 1869 has a story worth telling, and we didn’t want that story to end,” said Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Director Chris Stice in a statement released by the county. “It took a lot of people working together to make this restoration happen, and we’re honored that ACEC Indiana recognized the work everyone put into it.”

Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said the award reflects cooperation between multiple agencies and organizations involved in the restoration effort.

“This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when strong partners come together with a shared vision,” Heirbrandt said. “From our Highway and Parks Departments to the City of Fishers, VS Engineering, and our partners in Jackson County, this was truly a team effort. We’re proud to help preserve this one-of-a-kind structure for future generations.”

The restored bridge has become part of the expanding trail and park amenities in the Geist area, while also preserving a rare example of 19th-century bridge engineering for future generations.

Fishers Bringing Back Winter Event Tent Near City Hall for 2026 Season

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Many Fishers residents likely remember the large event tent erected north of City Hall during the winter of 2025, which hosted a variety of community gatherings throughout the season. That tent will return later this year after the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety on Monday approved a $203,000 quote from Blue Peak Tents for installation and operation from mid-November through mid-December.

The tent will measure approximately 120 feet by 90 feet and accommodate about 450 people. Plans call for seating areas, a dance floor, stage, catering space, and a walkway connecting the structure to the Arts and Municipal Complex. The tent will be climate-controlled using diesel-powered generators rather than propane.

Eric Steiner, Chief of Staff for the Fishers Department of Public Works, said the facility will once again host “a wide range of events.”

Mayor Scott Fadness said the city was encouraged by the public response to the 2025 installation.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the reaction of residents,” Fadness said. “One of our goals was to get people out of their homes during the winter months.”

In other business Monday, the Board of Works:

–Approved six Neighborhood Vibrancy Grants recommended by the review committee. Another 18 grants are expected to come before the board once required documentation is completed by neighborhood representatives. The six grants approved Monday total $93,640 and include projects in Hawks Landing, Anderson Hall, Vermillion, Berkley Grove, Lake Stonebridge, and Rolling Knoll.

–Approved $173,500 for landscaping and light pole installation work in and around the new 96th Street pedestrian bridge area.

–Approved the use of $85,000 in block grant funding for ADA curb improvements in the Oxford Park, Harvard Park, and Princeton Park neighborhoods — collectively known as The Parks at White River — along with improvements at the entrance to Heritage Park at Eller Road and 106th Street.

–Approved several annual contracts for computer software systems used by city staff.

Hamilton County Deputies Increase Seatbelt Enforcement Through May

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The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership will be increasing patrols across the county through the end of May as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement campaign.

The effort is being coordinated with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and is designed to encourage drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts and ensure children are properly restrained in vehicles.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, officers will conduct overtime patrols from now through May 31. Those patrols are funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and ICJI’s Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program, commonly known as CHIRP.

Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Executive Director Douglas Huntsinger said seatbelts remain one of the most effective safety measures available to drivers and passengers.

“Buckling up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road,” Huntsinger said in a statement. “Seatbelts save lives every day, and every trip should begin with making sure everyone is secured before hitting the road.”

State officials say Indiana has seen a decline in traffic fatalities involving unrestrained vehicle occupants since 2021. Indiana’s statewide seatbelt usage rate reached 94.1 percent in 2025, according to the Annual Seat Belt Usage Survey conducted by the Purdue University Center for Road Safety in partnership with ICJI. That figure is above the national average of 91.2 percent recorded in 2024.

Hamilton County Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush said deputies continue to see crashes where injuries or deaths might have been prevented by seatbelt use.

“Far too often, we respond to crashes where lives could have been saved by one simple decision, wearing a seatbelt,” Quakenbush said. “Buckling up is more than just following the law. It’s about protecting yourself, your family, and everyone counting on you to make it home safely.”

Under Indiana law, drivers and all passengers are required to wear seatbelts. Children under age 8 must be properly secured in a federally approved child safety seat or booster seat. Drivers can also receive citations for unbuckled passengers younger than 16.

Officials are also encouraging parents and caregivers to make sure child safety seats are installed correctly.

Married for 35 Years

LarryInFishers.com

When you think back to May 11, 1991, the headlines were filled with stories about the Soviet Union moving toward collapse, Nolan Ryan having pitched his seventh no-hit game earlier in the month, and concerns over a sluggish American economy.

But for me, another event from that day has stood the test of time far better than any headline.

That was the day Jane Johnson married Larry Lannan.

Today, Jane and I celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary.

Over those 35 years, we have been blessed with two wonderful daughters, Allison and Mary, along with three perfect grandchildren — at least from the perspective of very proud grandparents — Dakota, Callie, and Maya.

As for me, time has certainly left its mark. I have a little less hair than I did in 1991, and the hair I still have has turned a much lighter shade. My beard is no longer black, either. But I remain reasonably healthy for an old guy, and for that I am grateful.

What I still cannot fully explain is how Jane has managed to put up with me for 35 years. Somehow, she has done exactly that — with patience, love, and unwavering support.

She has been a wonderful wife and a true partner in everything I have done. From this local news blog to my podcasts and all the projects that come with them, Jane has always been there encouraging and supporting me. Without her, I honestly do not know how any of this would have been possible.

So to Jane — thank you for 35 wonderful years, and for making the journey such a meaningful one.

HSE Film Students Premiere New Feature Film “Behind the 8 Ball”

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Olio Road Productions, the film club at Hamilton Southeastern High School, has developed a reputation for producing ambitious student-made feature films each school year.

Last year’s production, 11:17, earned widespread recognition, including becoming the first student-produced film selected for screening at the prestigious Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis.

As the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close, Olio Road Productions is preparing to premiere its latest feature film, Behind the 8 Ball.

The film tells the story of a financially struggling high school senior who wagers her future on a pool tournament, only to discover the real challenge is deciding what kind of life she wants to lead.

Screenings of Behind the 8 Ball will take place this week at the Charles D. Leonard Auditorium at Hamilton Southeastern High School. Showtimes are scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., along with an additional screening on Friday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10, with proceeds helping offset expenses for this year’s production and supporting next year’s student film project.  Buy your tickets now using this link.

Fishers High School Sophomore Earns Perfect ACT Score

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Zaid Abuhassan (Left) with Fishers HS Principal Kyle Goodwin

Fishers High School sophomore Zaid Abuhassan has accomplished something very few students across the country ever achieve — earning a perfect score of 36 on the ACT.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools announced the achievement this week, noting that Zaid’s accomplishment is even more unusual because he earned the score as a sophomore. The district also pointed out this marks the second consecutive year an HSE Schools student has achieved a perfect ACT score.

The ACT measures student performance in English, mathematics, reading and science. Scores in each section range from 1 to 36 and are averaged into a composite score. Only a small percentage of students nationwide earn a perfect composite score each year.

Zaid said preparation and learning from previous testing helped him reach the milestone.

“I tried to be strategic in my studying and focus on the topics I was weakest in,” Zaid said in the district release. “When I missed questions, I would go back, read the explanations, and figure out how to solve them correctly the next time.”

According to HSE Schools, Zaid first took the ACT during the summer and scored a 35, missing a perfect score by one question. When he took the exam again in February, he was determined to improve.

“I was pretty excited when I got the results,” he said. “I had been practicing for quite a long time, so seeing it pay off was really nice.”

Fishers High School Principal Kyle Goodwin praised Zaid’s work ethic and commitment.

“Zaid’s accomplishment reflects the kind of curiosity and determination we see in many of our students,” Goodwin said. “He has set a great example of what is possible through preparation and perseverance.”

Beyond academics, Zaid is heavily involved in extracurricular activities at Fishers High School. He participates in cross country and track, competes on the math team and Academic Super Bowl, and is active in both DECA and HOSA. Earlier this year, he qualified for international competitions through DECA.

Zaid said physics is currently his favorite class and that he is considering future careers in either engineering or biology. He also credited the support system available at Fishers High School for helping him succeed.

“There’s so much support and so many resources,” he said. “Meeting with my counselor early on really helped me understand how everything works and set goals.”

Zaid also encouraged other students preparing for standardized testing to start early rather than waiting until the last minute.

Fishers Freight Fall in High-Scoring Battle at Orlando, 60-57

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The Fishers Freight came up just short Saturday night in a wild offensive shootout in Florida, falling to the Orlando Pirates 60-57 at Orlando’s Kia Center.

The loss drops Fishers to 5-3 on the season after back-to-back defeats, but the Freight again showed they can score with anyone in the Indoor Football League. Game highlights released by Yahoo Sports showed several big offensive plays from both teams throughout the night.

Among the highlights posted online were touchdown runs by Orlando quarterback Vincent DeLaurent and a scoring play by former Kansas running back Pooka Williams, one of the Pirates’ top offensive threats.

Fishers also generated explosive plays offensively, including a touchdown highlighted by Yahoo Sports in which a Freight player broke free from multiple defenders for a score.

One of the key defensive moments appeared to come on an interception by Orlando’s Roe in the end zone, a play highlighted in postgame coverage and one that may have proved pivotal in the three-point final margin.

The matchup featured two Eastern Conference contenders entering the weekend near the top of the Indoor Football League standings. Orlando improved to 4-2 with the victory while the Freight fell to 5-3 overall.

Fishers now returns home next weekend for another important conference game. The Freight are scheduled to host the Jacksonville Sharks on Saturday night at the Fishers Event Center.