The Heartland Film Festival, one of the Midwest’s most respected film events with a strong national reputation, has selected a student-produced film for its 2025 lineup for the first time. 11:17, created by the Hamilton Southeastern High School Film Club, will be featured at this year’s festival.
Club adviser Jamie Follis and producer Katie Follis joined Larry to discuss the film, its selection, and the work of the HSE Film Club. Listen to the conversation at the link below.
The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) and Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools announced Tuesday evening they have reached a settlement in a dispute stemming from an Unfair Labor Practice complaint filed by the union earlier this year.
HSEA, which represents district teachers, had accused HSE officials of creating a hostile environment for union leaders. The complaint alleged that district administrators—particularly the newly hired Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources—engaged in intimidation, refused to reschedule meetings when union representatives were unavailable, and even made threats tied to employment status. The union claimed those actions were attempts to interfere with union operations and to hinder teachers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
The settlement comes as the two sides prepare to open negotiations on a new teachers’ contract, a process governed by state timelines.
In a joint statement issued Tuesday, both parties acknowledged problems in how the situation was handled and pledged to move forward with improved communication.
“The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association filed a complaint against Hamilton Southeastern Schools alleging the school committed unfair labor practices by interfering with the Association’s right to represent teachers and by threatening retaliation for protected Association activities,” the statement read. “Both parties agree the actions of Hamilton Southeastern Schools described in the case were inappropriate and should not have occurred. The parties have agreed to training by the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board to improve relationships moving forward. The parties look forward to working together for the best interests of students.”
Neither side released additional details about the settlement. However, both emphasized that the agreement clears the way for a more constructive relationship as contract talks begin.
The Unfair Labor Practice case had been a lingering point of contention between HSE Schools and HSEA, underscoring strains in labor-management relations. With negotiations on a new contract now set to begin, both sides are publicly signaling a desire to turn the page.
Jeff Worrell has served on the Carmel City Council for many years. He has seen a change in the atmosphere of his local politics. He began to sense a lack of civility.
That motivated Jeff to help found Project Civility, a nonprofit organization. He is helping to sponsor a seminar September 26 & 27 in Carmel to focus on civility. For more information on Project Civility, use this link.
Jeff speaks with Larry about his views on civility and the upcoming seminar. Listen to the podcast at the link below.
As recently announced, Fishers will no longer pursue a roundabout at 116th Street and Allisonville Road. Instead, the city will move forward with a traditional intersection, and the Board of Works and Public Safety has approved a resolution accepting $2.6 million in federal funds to support the project. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
City Engineering Director Hatem Mekky told the board the change in design will minimize disruptions. A roundabout would have required closing the intersection entirely, while the new plan allows traffic to continue flowing, though with lane restrictions during construction. Extended left-turn lanes will be added to reduce rush-hour backups.
Mekky said the project will also include upgraded traffic signals with advanced technology to better manage traffic flow. He expects that system to be expanded to major corridors across Fishers. The 116th & Allisonville upgrade should remain effective for at least a decade, according to Mekky.
Looking further ahead, Mekky predicted that Allisonville Road will see lighter traffic once major nearby road projects wrap up in 2026 and 2027. Those include INDOT’s Clear Path work at I-69 and I-465 in Marion County, Hamilton County’s project at 146th Street and Allisonville Road, and construction at 141st Street and State Road 37.
Other board actions
Sports banners downtown: New banners will soon be installed on the Edge Building along 116th Street, highlighting the three teams that will call the Fishers Event Center home — Indy Fuel hockey, Indy Ignite volleyball, and Fishers Freight indoor football. The signage is scheduled to be up by October 7.
Sewer service for Lynwood Hills: The board approved a professional services agreement with Butler, Fairman & Seufert to prepare construction documents for extending sewer service to 160 homes in the Lynwood Hills neighborhood, near 131st Street and Allisonville Road. The homes currently rely on septic systems. Mayor Scott Fadness praised the project and the annexation process that made it possible, calling it “a good project for the community.”
Sahm’s café at new community center: Sahm’s will operate a café inside the Fishers Community Center, which is set to open in early November. The café will be open to both Center members and the general public.
Expanded parking ban: Maple Street, both east and west sides, will now fall under the city’s 3 a.m.–6 a.m. parking ban, which already covers much of the Nickel Plate District.
The Board of Works consists of Mayor Scott Fadness and his two appointees, Jeff Lantz and Steve Orusa.
The Hamilton County Highway Department has good and bad news for area motorists traversing 146th Street along the construction zone at Allisonville Road. The bad news is there will be ramp closures on Tuesday, September 23. The good news is both ramp closures should start at 9:00am and be complete by 3:00pm, and be done one at a time, if all goes as scheduled.
See the update below, provided by Hamilton County:
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Please be advised, beginning on or after Tuesday, September 23, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM, drivers should expect the southwest ramp at 146th and Allisonville to be closed. Drivers will not be able to access Allisonville Road from eastbound 146th Street.
After completion of the work on the southwest ramp, the contractor will close the northeast ramp, at which time drivers will not be able to access Allisonville Rd. from westbound 146th Street.
All ramps are expected to be reopened by 3:00 PM.
Please use extreme caution and follow the posted work zone speed limit while driving through this construction zone.
The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association HSEF) is planning another big night at the Fishers Event Center in February of next year. In this podcast, Executive Director of HSEF, Justin Hirnisey, talks about the big fund raiser for the foundation and much more in this podcast with Larry.
Two of the biggest names from the 1990s music scene will perform in Fishers next year as part of a fundraiser for local schools.
The Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation (HSEF) announced that Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms will co-headline a benefit concert Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at the Fishers Event Center.
Proceeds from the event will support HSEF programs, including teacher grants, student scholarships, mental health resources, and wellness initiatives across all grade levels in Hamilton Southeastern Schools.
Blues Traveler, formed more than 35 years ago in Princeton, N.J., has released 14 studio albums and sold more than 10 million units. The band is best known for its Grammy-winning single Run-Around, which became the longest-charting radio hit in Billboard history. The group has performed more than 2,000 shows for 30 million fans and continues to tour nationally. Their 2021 album Traveler’s Blues was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Blues Album category.
Gin Blossoms, founded in 1987 in Tempe, Ariz., rose to prominence with their 1992 album New Miserable Experience, which went quadruple platinum and produced hits such as Hey Jealousy, Allison Road, and Until I Fall Away. Their 1996 release Congratulations I’m Sorry went platinum and included the Top 10 single Follow You Down along with the Grammy-nominated track As Long as It Matters.
In addition to the concert, the evening will include HSEF’s annual silent auction. The auction will feature hundreds of items and experiences, including baskets created by each of the district’s 22 schools and PTOs. Bidding will be available online and will close the night of the event.
Limited table seating with early access, food, and beverages will be available through HSEF’s annual sponsorship program. Tickets go on sale September 26 at 10:00am.
There has been plenty of discussion lately about free speech and censorship. As someone who conducted live radio interviews throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, and has hosted a regular podcast since 2016, I’ve been reflecting on the ethics of interviewing public officials as a journalist.
That reflection deepened after I read a recent column by Jim Shella in the Indianapolis Business Journal’s opinion section, Forefront. For those unfamiliar with his work, Shella covered state politics for WISH-TV in Indianapolis for more than three decades and hosted the long-running public broadcasting program Indiana Week in Review. Even in retirement, Shella continues to write and, as his most recent column revealed, occasionally joins podcasts. His perspective on how journalists should approach such conversations is worth noting.
When inviting public officials or political candidates to appear on my podcast, I’m often asked in advance what questions I plan to ask. My answer is always the same: I’ll share the general topics, but not the exact questions. Journalism doesn’t work when interviews are pre-scripted. On the rare occasion I get pushback, I point out that advance approval of questions is common practice in places like Russia, China, and North Korea—not here. That usually ends the debate, and most officials agree to participate. A few decline, and that is their choice.
In his column, Shella described being invited by public relations professional Robert Vane to join a podcast conversation with Indiana Senate Pro Tem Rod Bray. For those less familiar with the General Assembly, the Pro Tem is the Senate’s top leader, much like the Speaker of the House in that chamber.
At the time of the interview—August 28—redistricting was a hot issue, and Bray held significant influence over whether it would happen mid-decade. According to Shella, Vane asked him not to bring up redistricting. Shella refused, citing journalistic ethics. To Vane’s credit, he still allowed Shella to participate, and Bray knew the subject would likely come up.
When Shella asked about it, Bray offered the same canned response twice: “We have heard the ask and we are considering it.” The questions weren’t combative, but they went unanswered. Shella’s point in his column was clear: the public deserved more from such an influential elected leader.
I agree with Shella. Guests on my podcast aren’t entitled to know my specific questions in advance. What I offer instead is rare in today’s sound bite media climate: a long-form conversation, usually around 30 minutes, where officials and community leaders have the space to explain themselves fully. It’s not a “gotcha” setting—but it’s also not scripted.
Jim Shella is a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame, an honor he has earned. Even in retirement, he models the ethical standards he upheld throughout his career.
As for me, I left professional journalism years ago to serve in the federal civil service. Now, in retirement, I devote my time to writing this local news site and producing podcasts because I believe independent local journalism still matters. The ethics I learned decades ago as a broadcaster remain important today, even in a volunteer role.
Thanks for listening to my podcasts and for supporting this site.
You can read Jim Shella’s Forefront commentary at this link. IBJ does have a pay wall, but it appears this commentary can be accessed by non-subscribers.
The semi-annual Fishers event – Recycling Day – is coming up Saturday, September 27. It is the first item below on the road construction update. Although we are in the final weeks of heavy road construction in and around Fishers, there is plenty to see in this list.
Here is the information, for the work week starting Monday, September 22, as provided by the City of Fishers:
The Fishers Century Club gathered this week for its third-quarter meeting, once again uniting local men to support area charities through its unique crowd-giving model.
Members first heard from June’s winning charity, Kiwanis’ Holiday Hopes, which shared how donations from the previous meeting were used to help families in need. Two new organizations were then presented for consideration: Folds of Honor, introduced by Mike Daggett, and Rock Steady Boxing, presented by Steve Gilbert.
Gilbert’s personal story of living with Parkinson’s disease resonated deeply with attendees. He described how Rock Steady Boxing’s non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness program has improved his mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. Founded in Indianapolis in 2006, Rock Steady Boxing now operates more than 800 affiliates worldwide, offering exercise programs designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s. Locally, several participants benefit from scholarships that make the program more accessible.
The presentation struck a chord, leading Rock Steady Boxing to be selected as this quarter’s winning charity.
“We continue to hear from our attendees about great charities doing good work,” said Fishers Century Club founder Adam Kallick. “It’s great to highlight organizations like Rock Steady Boxing that make such a direct and personal impact for those with Parkinson’s in our community. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank our meeting hosts, The Club Coworking and Knowledge Services, for the use of their event space and food donations.”
Final donations from this quarter are still being collected as members who could not attend Tuesday’s meeting add their contributions. Supporters who wish to help can contribute online at www.tinyurl.com/OnlineGivingFCC.
Since its founding, the Fishers Century Club has stood out among charitable groups by keeping its process simple—every dollar raised goes directly to the winning charity. The club does not hold a bank account, ensuring all funds are passed along to the selected nonprofit.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Men interested in giving back to the community while building local connections are invited to attend. Each quarterly meeting features presentations from up to three charities, with members voting to determine the recipient of the evening’s collective donation.