Reading the front-page article in the August 17 print edition of the Indianapolis Star brought back many memories for me. The story, written by Jake Allen and John Tuohy, examines the lack of public transportation in Hamilton County, particularly in Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, and Westfield.

While I’m glad the state’s largest newspaper chose to spotlight this long-standing issue, I found it curious that the article opens with the story of a commuter traveling from Indianapolis to Whitestown—located not in Hamilton, but Boone County.

Transit has been a recurring debate in Hamilton County. I recall that during Fishers’ first mayoral race in 2014, candidates sparred over the idea of a commuter train running downtown along the Nickel Plate rail line. At one point, Fishers even had a subsidized commuter bus into Indianapolis during major highway construction projects. The service was popular, but once the subsidy ended, gas prices stabilized, and fares rose, ridership plummeted and the bus was discontinued.

Any hope for rail service ended when the Nickel Plate tracks were removed to make way for today’s trail. Train enthusiasts fought to preserve the line, even taking their case to court, but the trail ultimately prevailed.

The Star piece raises a few important points. Cities across Indiana, many smaller than Hamilton County’s suburbs, operate local transit systems—but they rely heavily on taxpayer subsidies. Here, the notion of subsidies collides with suburban fears: that mass transit might bring crime or waste money with empty buses.

The article cites a Northwestern University professor who notes that even when buses aren’t full, transit systems can still be valuable. After all, he points out, airplanes often fly with empty seats—yet commercial air travel remains heavily subsidized.

For now, the bottom line is clear: Indiana’s wealthiest county has little appetite to fund mass transit. The ones left behind are the workers in Marion County who would gladly fill jobs in Hamilton County but have no reliable way to get there. In the end, employers lose too, struggling to fill positions that local residents cannot.

You can read the IndyStar story at this link, but you will need a subscription to access it.  Once again, subscribe to your local media – if you do not, it will go away.

As many motorists already know, the roundabout projects at Howe & 131st, along with Hoosier Road & 121st, are now open.  But there are plenty of ongoing construction continuing throughout the area.

Here is the full listing, as provided by the City of Fishers:

Continue reading Here is the latest on Fishers area road construction, for the work week of Monday, August 18 →

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) joined disability advocates Thursday to voice opposition to proposed cuts in Indiana’s Medicaid waiver program that would sharply limit recreational therapy services for people with disabilities.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration has proposed capping recreational therapy under the Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) waiver to six hours per month. Advocates say the change would significantly harm individuals who rely on the therapy to build confidence, foster social connections and increase independence.

Garcia Wilburn said the cap would force families to choose between essential therapy and basic needs such as groceries and gas.

“Recreational therapy services are not optional,” Garcia Wilburn said at a press conference in Fishers. “They are a vital part of ensuring Hoosiers of all abilities lead their richest, most vibrant possible lives. We simply cannot ‘do more with less’ when we essentially have been left with nothing.”

She was joined by Ashley Searcy, the mother of Sadie, a Medicaid waiver recipient, and certified recreational therapeutic specialists Tyler Neimeyer and Lori Schweyer. Supporters filled the room to call for the proposal to be scrapped.

Public comment on the proposed changes closed last week after dozens of Hoosiers submitted testimony opposing the cap. Garcia Wilburn noted that a similar attempt to impose limits on therapy services was previously found in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act because it risked segregating people with disabilities from their communities.

The legislator also criticized what she described as misplaced state budget priorities. She argued that despite claims of financial necessity, the state has continued to allocate money for expanded government oversight roles while cutting direct services.

“The money is there – it’s just a question of whether we have the bravery to spend it where Hoosiers really need it or whether we will continue bending to the will of special interests,” Garcia Wilburn said.

She urged Gov. Mike Braun and his administration to reverse course, saying Indiana can be a place where residents with disabilities live their fullest possible lives — but only if the state prioritizes funding for essential services over other expenditures.

The Fishers Art Center is opening registration for its fall lineup of classes and workshops, offering opportunities for all ages and skill levels at its location in the Fishers Municipal Complex.

The schedule includes new three-day workshops, multi-week courses, and “Make It Take It” sessions, with topics ranging from ceramics and painting to digital art and knitting. Upcoming programs include:

• Family Make It Take It: Dream Catchers – Aug. 16

• Fun with Clay! (ages 4-6) – Aug. 17 to Sept. 14

• Make It Take It: Paint Like the Impressionists – Sept. 5

• Knitting – Beginner/Intermediate – Oct. 14 to Nov. 25

• Digital Art (ages 10-14) – Oct. 18

• Fall break art camp for ages 6-14

A full schedule of offerings is available online.

In addition to its regular programming, the Fishers Art Center will have a presence at the Thrift-a-Thon at the Fishers Farmers Market, presented by IU Health, on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 8 a.m. to noon. Instructors will offer free tie-dye projects for children and share information about upcoming classes.

The center’s fall programs aim to attract both first-time participants and returning students looking to expand their artistic skills.

City officials, developers and community members gathered Friday to mark the grand opening of District South Apartments, a $33 million mixed-use development in the Nickel Plate District.

Located a block south of 116th Street on South Street, the five-building complex combines modern apartment living with new commercial space. The project, led by Rebar Development, broke ground in February 2024 and now features 84 apartment homes and five commercial suites designed for small businesses.

“I’m excited to see the Nickel Plate District vision continue to come to life thanks to the leadership of Rebar Development with the addition of District South,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “Today’s ceremony marks a milestone for the south side of 116th Street that will spur more vibrancy and opportunities to live, work, and play in downtown Fishers.”

District South is designed as a walkable, bike-friendly, pet-friendly community with direct access to the Cheeney Creek and Nickel Plate trails. Shared amenities include a rooftop patio, cafe, co-working lounge, fitness center, civic plaza, courtyard with grilling stations and fire pits, and water features.

The largest structure in the development, Building Three, houses the new headquarters of The Annex Group on its first floor, with 42 one-bedroom loft apartments above. The remaining buildings feature a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and retail or office spaces.

Businesses already open in the development include Osborn Insurance Agency, Mac Experience, Sam Shaw Salon, CrossCountry Mortgage, and The Annex Group.

“With direct access to both trails, Farmer’s Market, concerts, and great restaurants and shops, this is going to be a fun place to live and work,” said Shelby Bowen, founder of Rebar Development. “We are grateful to be part of another successful public-private partnership with the City.”

District South is now leasing apartments and commercial spaces. More information is available at www.DistrictSouthApartments.com.

Marian University’s Leighton School of Nursing and Ascension St. Vincent are inviting future nurses to learn about career opportunities in the growing healthcare field at a free event on Aug. 27.

The ninth annual Come Explore Nursing program will run from 4–7 p.m. in the main lobby of Ascension St. Vincent Women and Infants Hospital, 2001 W. 86th St., Door 4A, in Indianapolis. The event is open to anyone considering a nursing career — from high school students to professionals seeking a career change.

Attendees will meet Marian University faculty, admissions staff, current students and Ascension St. Vincent nursing leaders. Information will be available on Marian’s traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, the 16-month Accelerated BSN program, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, which offers Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist tracks.

“This event is a chance for participants to learn about the rewards of becoming a nurse,” said Angela Bailey, site director of Marian’s Accelerated BSN Program. “Marian University is uniquely positioned to provide a much-needed answer to the growing nursing shortage in Indiana while putting nurses to work in careers they love.”

The demand for nurses remains high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in nursing jobs nationally through 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. In Indiana, the Hospital Association estimates the state will be short 5,000 nurses by 2031, a concern heightened by the state’s aging population.

“Nursing is more than a career — it’s a calling to serve, heal, and lead with compassion,” said Jill Payne, chief nursing officer at Ascension St. Vincent. “Events like this provide a window into what’s possible.”

Registration is available online at cloud.email.mariannursing.com/082725CEN.

Four NCAA Division I volleyball programs will compete in Hamilton County this fall when Butler University hosts the 2025 Butler Invitational at the Fishers Event Center, home of Major League Volleyball’s Indy Ignite. The tournament is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20.

Joining the Bulldogs in the field are IU Indianapolis, Oakland and Eastern Michigan. The two-day event opens Friday at 4 p.m. with Oakland facing Eastern Michigan, followed by Butler taking on IU Indianapolis at 7 p.m. Saturday’s schedule features Butler against Oakland at 2 p.m. and Butler versus Eastern Michigan at 5 p.m. IU Indianapolis will also host Eastern Michigan on Thursday, Sept. 18, at its downtown campus.

Tickets go on sale Monday, Aug. 18, at noon at FishersEventCenter.com.

“We’re thrilled to host the Butler Invitational here at the Fishers Event Center,” said Mitch List, the venue’s general manager. “As the home of Indy Ignite, the Fishers Event Center has become the place to experience premier volleyball in the Midwest, and the enthusiasm is only growing.”

Butler head coach Kyle Shondell said the move from campus to Fishers creates a new opportunity to connect with the local volleyball community. “The excitement around volleyball within this community has never been greater,” Shondell said. “Our hope is that an event like this can become an annual tradition.”

The change in venue comes as Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse undergoes a major renovation in September, including the installation of more than 2,700 square feet of new LED video display technology. The Bulldogs will host Purdue on Tuesday, Sept. 9, before work begins, with the project expected to be completed in time for Butler’s next home match Oct. 10 against Providence.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools is accepting applications to fill an upcoming appointment to the Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) Board of Trustees.

The position is open to residents who live within the HSE Schools boundaries and are interested in community service. The role is unpaid and requires a minimum four-year commitment, with the term running through August 2029.

The HEPL Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring the library remains a welcoming and valuable resource for the community. The board typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:15 p.m., alternating between the Fishers Library’s Center Meeting Room and the Large Meeting Room at the Noblesville Library.

Applications are due by noon on August 27. The president of the HSE Board of School Trustees will appoint the new member, as outlined in Indiana Code 36-12-2-19.

Andre Miksha is the current HSE School appointee to the library board, and it is his term that is expiring.

More information about the position and the application process is available on the Hamilton East Public Library website.

HSE Board, meeting Wednesday evening

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board has approved a resolution designating the district as a Purple Star School district. The move allows individual school buildings to apply for the Purple Star designation, a recognition aimed at supporting military families whose children often change schools due to parental reassignment.

In other business from Wednesday’s meeting:

• Roofing Project Approved: The board awarded a $1.8 million contract to replace 87,000 square feet of roofing at Fishers High School.

• Social Media Lawsuit Participation: HSE will join 80 Indiana districts and 1,800 nationwide in litigation against social media companies, seeking to recover costs tied to the negative effects of social media on students. The district will not incur legal fees unless a settlement or judgment is reached.

• Positive Start to School Year: Superintendent Patrick Mapes described the opening week of school as a “great start,” noting progress in navigating road construction and ensuring students arrived safely at their schools.

• HSEngaged Program Enrollment: Thirty-nine local residents will participate in HSEngaged this year, a program designed to give community members an inside look at district operations.

• District’s First Therapy Dog: Hamilton Southeastern introduced Reggie, a seven-year-old poo-ton and the district’s first certified therapy dog. Accompanied by his handler, Lantern Road Elementary resource teacher Jill Early, Reggie visits each Friday to greet students, sit with them as they read aloud, and provide emotional support. Trained and certified through First Friend K-9, Reggie has prior experience working in hospitals and nursing homes. Superintendent Mapes supported bringing the program to the district, which aims to enhance students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.