by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Volunteerism has traditionally been a strong and revered part of American life, and certainly strong in Hamilton County. But, there is a problem. The participants are getting older, and new, younger faces are few.

My definition of volunteerism includes folks who belong to service clubs and community organizations as well as those who volunteer individually at a hospital, volunteer fire department, food pantry, animal shelter, etc.

In a few years, a lot of community and charitable organizations are going to run out of manpower to keep their services viable. It has the appearance of a coming crisis. Can be it averted? Of course it can be, but the current trend is not encouraging.

As I see it, the problem is simple: Too many younger folks are addicted to the TV or computer screen. To their credit, high schools in this county are encouraging kids to get involved in groups and programs benefiting the community. But, after their school days many young adults don’t continue volunteering.

I notice the people working at church programs, the local fish fry, delivering Meals on Wheels or helping at political events. So many of them are well into middle age and beyond. Obviously this is going to create a problem in coming years if younger folks do not involve themselves.

I suspect organizations are going to need to launch recruiting drives to engage new volunteers, and some have done so with notable success.

Habitat for Humanity, the county parks Youth Advisory Council and the Hamilton County Humane Society have involved new people. But, most every community group needs to generate more participation, and certainly there is plenty of talent and potential help in a growing area such as ours.

It’s just going to take some effort to motivate the many who are “sitting out” this time of growing need.

Gathering a group of people together is a lot easier when you offer everyone breakfast, and that’s what the City of Fishers did Tuesday morning.  Local leaders from many faith communities gathered at City Hall to begin forming the Fishers Multi-Faith Community for Compassion.

Those attending represented a wide range of religious beliefs, including Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and Christian.  They all discussed issues that can be tackled together, where all have a common interest.  Some of those concerns included mental health and substance abuse.

Mayor Scott Fadness told those gathered that many mayors choose to shy away from engaging with local religious leaders citing separation of church and state, but Fadness has chosen to tap into the local religious community for initiatives such as his mental health project.

The mayor says he looks at bringing-in faith leaders as a way to build Fishers as a community.  People move to Fishers for a variety of reason, according to Fadness, such as the quality of the schools or just a desire to leave the core of a large city.  But once here, the challenge is to bring those suburban residents into the community of Fishers.

Muzaffar Ahmad, a Muslim originally from Pakistan, now a resident of Fishers, is forming the multi-faith group.  You can learn more in a podcast interview I recorded with Mr. Ahmad at this link.

Fishers Multi-Faith Community for Compassion has established a Facebook page, which can be accessed at this link.

The City of Fishers has hired a firm charged with putting together a preliminary design for the trail, tunnel and drainage along the Nickel Plate Trail.  Following the Monday vote by the Fishers Board of Works and Public Safety,  the firm of Butler, Fairman and Seufert was awarded the contract.  This plan will determine the scope of the final design.  The board approved paying $ 220,350 for this initial work.

In other action by the board:

–The Holland Roofing Group was awarded a $128,550.00 contract to replace the roof on the Launch Fishers building.

–The board approved a resolution authorizing city officials to  negotiate with First Internet Bank, in order to provide banking services for the city’s operating accounts.

My series of podcast conversations with Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board candidates continues.  Here is my talk with Ben Elsbury, one of three hopefuls for the District 1 seat.

My wife Jane and I never had the chance to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary with an out of town trip.  2 1/2 years later, we finally had that chance.  But that meant I was not in town for the September 17th Fishers City Council meeting.  Although I was unable to attend the session in person, I did watch the video of that meeting posted online by the city.  Below is a story written based on watching that video.

For the past several months, Fishers city officials have been working on a spending plan for 2019.  At the September 17th City Council meeting, Mayor Scott Fadness laid-out his more than $108 million budget for next year.  Following his presentation, a public hearing was held for people to comment on the budget proposal.

One resident asked what study had been done on building a trail alongside the railroad tracks on the Nickel Plate line, allowing both rails and trails.  The mayor responded that not pursuing both the rail and trail on the Nickel Plate was a policy decision made by the city.

“We’ve also looked at it from an engineering perspective, and the amount of homes or properties that would have to be taken to accommodate (the rail and trail), plus the additional cost, we did not find it to be a viable project from the start,” Mayor Fadness said.  Someone in the audience yelled something at that time, but it is not possible to discern what was shouted at the mayor from the audio on the recording.

Several other issues were raised at the public hearing, including how the wheel tax money is being spent by the city and a sidewalk near 126th and Olio Road.  The wheel tax is being spent only on local roads, and the sidewalk should be built in 2019, according to the mayor.

The city council will vote on the 2019 budget at the Monday, October 22nd meeting.

There were other matters raised at the council session:

–Council approved a 3% pay raise for city staff and elected officials in 2019.

–An increase in the storm water rate in Fishers, with the roughly 27,000 homes using the service paying $20.52 per year more, was passed by council members.  This will raise additional money for needed capital projects and ensuring financial solvency for the utility in the next few years. Most commercial users will be paying much more, with HSE Schools seeing the largest increase among nonresidential customers.  Commercial rates are computed on a formula, based on the size of rooftops, driveways and parking lots.

–A change was made in the golf cart ordinance, carving out an exemption for people doing public service work with the carts.

–City Council members have decided to leave council districts unchanged for next year’s municipal election.  Council members are choosing to wait until the 2020 census numbers are available before making any changes, according to a statement read at the meeting by Council President Todd Zimmerman.

–Finally, in the comments allowed at the end of the meeting, people residing in the area of 116th Street & Allisonville Road voiced concerns about the economic state of that area on the west side of the city and a feeling that their area is being neglected.  Mayor Fadness responded that he and his economic development team are aware of the issues in that area of town and take it seriously.  He said timing is what is needed, and the timing has not been right to bring all the parties together needed to make development projects happen there.  Fadness also cited the decision by Kroger to pull back on a number of new projects, when their stock dropped recently after Amazon announced new plans to expand its grocery offerings, as another reason development has not happened as planned.   Kroger had planned a new grocery across Allisonville Road, but decided to remodel the current store instead at 116th & Allisonville.

I was unable to personally attend the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) school board candidate forum last Wednesday at HSE High School, but HSEA did post a video recording of the event on their Web page.  I reviewed the entire recording and based on viewing that video, here is a summary of what I learned.

There are ten candidates total, but if you reside in the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District boundaries, you vote only for the candidate within your district.  You can view the school board district map at this link.  HSEA President Janet Chandler reminded everyone that if you vote a straight party ticket in this year’s general election, which voters in Indiana are entitled to do, you must wait on the voting machine to see the school board election, since in our state, school board elections are non-partisan.  That means no party affiliation is listed on the ballot for any school board candidates.

All ten school board hopefuls were on hand for the forum sponsored by the local teacher’s union.  I have attended several local school board candidate forums in the past few years.  There are a few themes I have heard in all of them.  Everyone wants more and better communication with the public, no one is in favor of less communication.  Everyone cares about the roughly 22,000 students in the HSE School District and the teachers.  When asked about a nondiscrimination policy to include transgender students, all appeared to favor it and encouraging inclusion for students and staff.  There was a lot of agreement, although there was a difference in emphasis with some candidates.

Below is a summary of what I heard from each candidate at the forum.

DISTRICT 1

Brad Boyer – He was inspired by his mother, a teacher, on educational values.  HSE Schools can and should do more for its teachers and parents with the goal of improving the schools.  He wants to provide strong leadership as a board member.  He would work to redefine our educational system and be an instrument for change.  Mr. Boyer admitted he did not have all the answers on education funding and does not understand all its complexities, but is concerned about the issue.

Ben Elsbury – He is a banker, has knowledge of finance and will work to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely.  His daughter is a product of HSE Schools.  People move to Fishers because of the schools and the quality of life, so schools must remain strong.  He is proud of how HSE Schools has handled the massive growth in recent years.  He is concerned about attracting and keeping good staff and providing a quality of work life that will encourage them to stay.  He wants to pressure state lawmakers to provide the needed amount of funding for HSE Schools, which the board has been doing.

Josh Richardson – Mr. Richardson is an attorney with a state agency and is a product of public education, a graduate of Ball State University and IU Law School.  Both parents were public school teachers.  He believes a strong school corporation is key to a strong community.  Mr. Richardson is less focused on specific issues, saying he is most concerned about his approach to serving on the school board.  He wants more opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom.  He admits dealing with the Indiana Legislature is hard, but will work with state elected officials on issues such as funding for HSE Schools.

DISTRICT 2

Matt Molter – Mr. Molter touts his experience as a police officer, and then starting his own company to develop software designed for law enforcement agencies.  He described falling in love with his wife she invited him to her teaching classroom.  He has 3 children and believes in creating an atmosphere allowing for a love of learning.  He is concerned about school bureaucracy restricting an atmosphere allowing a love of learning.  He wants to reduce the need for referendums to fund local schools and remove the need for referendum money to fund teacher salaries, although he was not specific about how he would favor getting that done.  He has undergone active shooter training as a police officer and he argues that gives him a perspective on security issues in the schools.

Janet Pritchett – Ms. Pritchett has been married 17 years, 14 of those years as a Fishers resident.  She and her husband have 4 children.  She has served as a volunteer, particularly in Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs).  STEM education is a focus, including other projects such as the chicken coop at one elementary school.  She wants local schools to look at alternative testing and work to bring all our schools into the 21st century, with a focus on softer learning methods.  Local school officials must continue to lobby state lawmakers to ensure enough funding for the HSE Schools.  She works as a manager at the Herff Jones Company.

Frank Whelan – Mr. Whelan has been a part of HSE Schools for 20 years and has lived in Fishers for 23 years.  He has 3 children throughout the HSE schools.  Being engaged and active as a parent has taught him much about local schools.  His family has endured 4 redistricting processes.  He has experience serving on boards of nonprofit organizations and says he has an understanding of a school board member’s role.  HSE schools are high-performing by state standards and should strive to be a national leader.  The board should be looking 10 years ahead in formulating goals.  He wants to continue lobbying for funding from the state and continue cooperation with the City of Fishers to get that done.

DISTRICT 3 

Michelle Fullhart – Ms Fullhart is the only serving board member running for reelection in 2018.  She is grateful for the nearly 4 years serving on the board.  She was a 1st grade teacher for 14 years.  She worked on creating the first HSE Schools Web site as a contractor.  Ms. Fullhart cannot imagine any of her children attending any school district other than HSE.  She is proud of accomplishing her goals of getting into classrooms, promoting internships, apprenticeships and measuring success. She believes the level of engagement with the community and the school board has increased during her tenure.  HSE was the 3rd lowest funded school district in the state when she went on the board, and that has changed.

Jennifer Reardon McSoley  – Ms. McSoley claims not to be a typical candidate or politician, but felt called to run for school board.  She says she has a passion for students and staff.  She has lived in Fishers the past 12 years, has two small boys and is active as a school volunteer, also donating time to the Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI).  For the past 12 years, she has worked in child care.  Her first goal on the board would be improving communications out to the front lines., particularly about any new initiatives and believes in explaining why any changes are made.  She wants HSE students to thrive, be focused on college readiness or careers after high school.  Experiential learning is something she will push as a board member.

DISTRICT 4

Brad Banks –  Mr. Banks is a former prosecuting attorney now in private practice.  He spends time volunteering in organizations aimed at helping children, including Prevail, Big Brothers and Indy Premier Soccer Club.  His wife has volunteered in PTO activities.  He promises what’s in his heart and brain will drive his decisions in best interest of children as a school board member.  School security is a high priority for him and wants continued partnership with the city to provide more School Resource Officers.  He is proud of HSE educators, because they have accepted challenges.  HSE schools should expect the best and treat staff well.  State Representative Todd Huston has done a good job in pushing for local school funding.

Julie Chambers – She and her family have lived in the area for 10 years, the last 3 in Fishers.  She is also a former prosecuting attorney now in private practice.  She has 2 daughters, one in 1st grade.  Volunteering in Daisy Scouts is an activity she supports.   Ms Chambers’ mother taught special education.  The school board is not always listening to the concerns of parents and teachers, in her opinion.  She believes local schools should be willing to try new things without the fear of failure.  Board docs on the HSE Web site is not so easy to use, she says, and would work toward accessing that information easier.  She favors a listening tour with board members.  She would advocate better state funding for HSE, and push for security on several fronts, saying school shooters are not the only security issue.

That is my best summary of what each candidate had to say during the forum.  If you would like to watch and listen to the entire 2-hour video of the forum, you may do so at this link.

by 

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Few counties in Indiana – or the country for that matter – have as many festivals and public events this weekend as Hamilton County offers. Folks should have little reason to claim “there’s nothing to do around here.”

Two major annual events at opposite ends of the county are the New Earth Festival in Atlanta and the International Arts Festival in Carmel. Each draws thousands and both are free.

In addition, the Fishers Octoberfest and the St. George Orthodox Festival are both set for this Saturday in Fishers.

At Westfield’s Grand Park, the Home and Outdoor Living Fall Show is scheduled Saturday and Sunday.

At Koteewi Park at Strawtown, visitors can enjoy the new Treetop Trails and Zipline along with the other increasing number of park features. Add to this the regular Farmers Markets in Noblesville and Carmel on Saturday and you have a variety of entertaining opportunities that should be of interest to most everyone.

Making most these events possible are the hundreds of citizen volunteers and service club members that donate their time and talents to give local and out of town folks such a variety of wholesome entertainment.

So, go and enjoy these close-to-home events that not everyone may find in their own backyard.

Hamilton County Reporter

It was a long night in Avon for Fishers Friday, as the Class 6A No. 5 Orioles beat the Tigers 33-0.

Avon scored its first touchdown of the game late in the first quarter, when Sampson James ran the ball in two yards. James would score again eight seconds into the second period, then two field goals gave the Orioles a 20-0 lead at halftime. Avon added one touchdown each in the third and fourth quarters.

Fishers was frustrated by the Orioles’ defense, as the Tigers were allowed only three all-purpose yards and held to negative 10 yards rushing. Dylan Scally had the most yardage, with 12 on six carries. Collin Statz had three catches on the night; Marcus Roux was 4-of-16 throwing the ball.

Fishers is 0-4 in Hoosier Crossroads Conference play, while the Orioles are now 3-1, tied for second in the HCC with Noblesville. Brownsburg continues to lead the conference standings at 4-0, although the Bulldogs got a big scare from Westfield Friday night.

The Tigers are 1-5 overall and will play at new HCC opponent Franklin Central next Friday. This game will kick off at 7:30 p.m.

by

Richie Hall

Sports Editor

Hamilton County Reporter

Hamilton Southeastern played well from start to finish Friday night, and the result was a well-deserved win.

The Royals beat Class 5A No. 8 Zionsville 30-14 in their Homecoming game at Reynolds Royals Stadium. The victory pulled Southeastern’s record back to even at 3-3, and also put the Royals in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference chase at 2-2.

“I’m just happy our kids get positive results, because they’re working really hard,” said HSE coach Adam Morris. “Whether we would’ve won today or not, they’re doing a great job in the weight room. I do think we’re having good practices.”

The Royals left little doubt this game would be a positive result, as they scored the first 17 points of the game. The first six points came from an 8-yard touchdown reception, a perfect throw from Kody Sparks to Nate Haas.

Mitch Hebenstreit followed that up with an extra point. He would follow that up early in the second quarter with a 29-yard field goal to put Southeastern up 10-0. That lead became 17-0 late in the quarter when Matt Harris ran in to the end zone from 13 yards.

The Eagles got on the board with 1:06 left Gus Baumgartner ran the ball in from the 1-yard line. But the Royals quickly got the ball down the field, and got some points when Hebenstreit nailed a 26-yard field goal as the halftime clock ran out. That put HSE ahead 20-7.

“I was really proud of how we started the game,” said Morris. “Defensively, getting some stops. That’s a really, really good offense. I thought we did a good job keeping them in front of us.”

The Royals continued to cruise through the second half. Harris scored a second touchdown when he punched the ball in from the 2-yard line midway through the third period. In the fourth quarter, Hebenstreit kicked in another field goal, this one from 27 yards. Hebenstreit’s final total: 3-for-3 field goals, 3-for-3 extra points.

Zionsville scored again late in the fourth quarter when Jordan Hull took a 54-yard pass into the end zone with 4:12 left.

Harris finished the game with 195 yards rushing, plus the two TDs. Harris’ play fits perfectly with what Morris wants the Royals’ identity to be: Pound the football.

“Now that’s obviously who Matt is,” said Morris. “He’s a big, strong kid. He runs hard. But that’s what our identity’s going to be. We’re going to spread people out, but we still want to be a power team and run the football.”

Sparks finished the game completing 14 of 22 passes for 125 yards. Ben Boysen had six catches, with Haas making five, including the score.

Southeastern goes back on the road next week, playing Noblesville.

“The goal is to be as good as we can at the end of the season, so we can go compete in the post-season, and I think today we took a step forward,” said Morris. “There’s a lot of football left. Noblesville’s a really good, a really improved, physical team. It will take our best game to win.”

Mayor Scott Fadness said his 2019 budget plan will fund the first phase of the Nickel Plate Trail, and feedback sessions are planned to get ideas from the public on the details.  Fadness told the Fishers City Council Monday night that the first phase will encompass the trail from 106th Street to 126th Street.

The Fishers Nickel Plate Trail Master Planning Committee, chaired by City Councilman John Weingardt and local resident Amanda Welu, is looking for public comments on what to do with the public space that is part of the planned trail.

“We are encouraging our residents to be bold, be original and be heard,” said John Weingardt, Co-Chair and Council member said in a city news release. “It is a blank slate right now, and I can’t wait to see what this community working together can dream.”

The Track-To-Trail campaign is asking for comments on a kick-off weekend that includes:

·         Four Day Ray Happy Hour — Friday, September 28th, 4 to 6pm

·         Movies in the Park at the Amp — Friday, September 28th, 7 to 10pm

·         Fishers Farmers Market — Saturday, September 29th, 8am to Noon

·         Brooks School Park — Sunday, September 30th, Noon to 3pm

The kick-off weekend starts a month-long period where the committee will be seeking public input.

Focus groups with educators, students, entrepreneurs, artists and public safety officials will be a part of the process.  Neighborhoods and businesses along the trail will also be asked for their ideas.. Throughout the month, people will be able to submit their suggestions online or via mail. This phase of the master plan will conclude with a Community Conversation at Delaware Twp. Community Building on Tuesday, October 30th, 7 – 9 pm.

“There are 4.5 miles of future trail in Fishers. Our goal is to create a one-of-a-kind experience, a new kind of public space that happens to have a trail running through it,” said Amanda Welu, Co-Chair and Owner of DELV Design.

The committee has been meeting since May.