Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) teachers and their supporters walked out of Wednesday night’s school board meeting after Board President Juanita Albright ruled that comments about ongoing teacher contract negotiations were not allowed.

Several teachers had planned to speak about the state of bargaining between the HSE School District and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA). However, Albright cited board policy, which limits public comments to topics listed on the meeting agenda. Because there was no specific agenda item related to collective bargaining, a speaker attempted to address the issue under the agenda item covering claims and payroll.

Albright determined that the item was not related to union negotiations and ruled the comment out of order. Following her decision, teachers and supporters—who filled the boardroom—stood and exited the meeting together.

At the conclusion of the meeting, some board members noted that their email accounts remain open to community members who wish to share feedback on any topic.

In other business, the board’s consent agenda—typically approved unanimously and covering routine items such as personnel reports, claims, and payroll—passed on a narrow 4–3 vote. Board members Latricia Schooley, Sarah Parks-Reese, and Suzanne Thomas voted no but did not explain their votes.

Within the personnel section of the consent agenda, the board approved the resignation of Riverside Intermediate School Principal Dana Kaminski, effective December 31. Tim Mankin was appointed as interim principal effective October 15.

There are always a number of issues to discuss with Monica Heltz as she leads the Fishers Health Department.  We discuss a wide variety of issues in the podcast linked below

A local political group and the local teachers union are at odds over transparency and priorities within the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District.

In a news release this week, Fishers One criticized the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA), saying the union’s voting process lacks transparency and excludes some teachers from contract decisions. The group said only dues-paying members were allowed to vote on a recent tentative contract, which was rejected by 86% of voting members. Fishers One argued that this policy prevents nonmembers from having a say in a contract that affects all teachers.

The release also raised concerns about the lack of publicly available information on HSEA’s ratification process and voting procedures, claiming union leadership has declined to clarify how membership and voting are handled.

In response, HSEA said Fishers One is attempting to “make this a political issue in order to cause discord amongst HSE teachers.” The union said its focus remains on ensuring that all bargaining unit members — not just HSEA members — receive fair pay and benefits.

“The real issue,” the union’s statement said, “is teachers taking home less pay this year than they did last year.” HSEA said it continues to advocate for a contract that “keeps all teachers whole,” regardless of union membership.

Negotiations between HSEA and the district have been ongoing following the rejection of the tentative contract.

Real American Freestyle (RAF), billed as the first unscripted professional wrestling league, will bring its next live event — RAF04 — to the Fishers Event Center on Saturday, Dec. 20.

The 10-match card will feature a heavyweight title showdown between reigning champion Wyatt Hendrickson and top contender Mason Parris. The matchup was first teased at RAF01 in Cleveland, when Parris publicly challenged Hendrickson following his dominant win over Olympian Mostafa Aly Elsayed Gabr.

“When two hammers like Wyatt and Mason meet, it’s not just a match, it’s a moment,” said Izzy Martinez, RAF co-founder and chief operating officer. “These are the matchups fans dream about, and RAF04 delivers it live in Fishers.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. at FishersEventCenter.com. The event will also stream live on FOX Nation as part of RAF’s expanded media partnership with the network. Attendees will have a chance to meet the wrestlers during a post-event meet and greet.

RAF launched earlier this year and has quickly gained attention in the combat sports world, combining elements of wrestling, MMA, and live entertainment. Previous events were held in Cleveland, State College, and Chicago.

“RAF04 represents a milestone, not just for the athletes stepping on the mat, but for everyone who’s helped bring this vision to life,” said RAF CEO and co-founder Chad Bronstein. “Closing 2025 with Wyatt vs. Mason feels like the right way to set the stage for what’s ahead.”

After weeks of surveys, focus groups, public meetings, and data analysis, the consulting firm Woolpert has released its recommended redistricting plan for Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools. The firm was hired by the HSE School Board to develop new school attendance boundaries.

The proposed map adjusts boundaries for elementary, intermediate, and junior high schools, beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

In a recent podcast interview, district officials said the goal was to allow families to attend the schools closest to their homes and to keep neighborhoods together whenever possible. However, they acknowledged that achieving both goals wasn’t feasible in every case due to enrollment and capacity numbers.

The school board is scheduled to receive Woolpert’s recommendation at its meeting Wednesday night. Board members will have the option to accept the proposal as presented or make modifications. A final vote on the redistricting plan is expected in December.

You can see the recommended maps at this link.

Each year, as I cover the Veterans Day observance in Fishers, I think back to the events held more than a decade ago when Fishers was still a town. Those early ceremonies were smaller, but the spirit was the same — to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States.

At this year’s 2025 Veterans Day ceremony, a large crowd gathered once again to pay tribute to local military veterans. El Ahlwardt, chair of the Fishers Armed Services Commission, served as master of ceremonies, continuing his long-standing role in leading the event. Music was provided by the White River Brass Troupe, adding a ceremonial touch to the morning’s program.

Mayor Scott Fadness thanked the community for its ongoing support of veterans living in Fishers and expressed appreciation for those who have served.

The keynote address was delivered by retired U.S. Army Colonel Aaron P. Gillison, who also served with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in nearby Lawrence. Gillison reflected on the nation’s military history, noting the millions of Americans who have served since World War I, while reminding the audience that less than one percent of the population currently serves in the armed forces.

He spoke about the oath taken by every member of the military at the start of service.
“You live it. You’ve had it in your heart,” Gillison said. “Each veteran signs a blank check, payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to and including one’s life.”

Several elected officials attended the ceremony, including members of the Fishers City Council, Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, and State Senator Kyle Walker.

Fishers-area residents will have an opportunity this week to voice their opinions on proposed off-cycle congressional redistricting at a public listening session hosted by ReCenter Indiana Inc.

The session will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at Geist Christian Church, 12756 Promise Road in Fishers. The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is requested through Eventbrite.

This is the third and final stop in a series of statewide listening sessions organized by ReCenter Indiana to gather feedback on redistricting and other voter concerns. Earlier meetings in Martinsville and Beech Grove drew strong opposition to redrawing congressional maps outside the normal census cycle.

The discussion comes as Indiana lawmakers prepare for a special legislative session next month. House Speaker Todd Huston, who represents the Fishers area, and Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray have called legislators back to the Statehouse at the request of Gov. Mike Braun. Braun, reportedly under pressure from the White House, has urged lawmakers to revise the state’s congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Redistricting typically occurs once a decade following the U.S. census.

Polling suggests most Hoosiers prefer to keep the current congressional map unchanged.

At Thursday’s event, University of Indianapolis political science professor Laura Merrifield Wilson will provide an overview of the redistricting process before opening the floor for questions and public comment. Participants will also be invited to share other legislative issues they believe deserve attention.

ReCenter Indiana plans to compile feedback from the three listening sessions and share the results with state officials and interested citizens.

Those unable to attend in person can watch a livestream provided by The Indiana Citizen at indianacitizen.org. More details are available at recenterindiana.org.

The Fishers Event Center will mark its first anniversary later this month, celebrating a year of concerts, sports, and community events since opening its doors on November 22, 2024.

To commemorate the milestone, the venue is launching a social media campaign called #FECFirsts, inviting fans, guests, and community partners to share their favorite memories from the center’s inaugural year—from the first concert and first game to personal moments like a first date or special celebration.

Participants can take part beginning Monday, November 10, by posting their stories, photos, or videos on social media using the hashtag #FECFirsts and tagging @FishersEventCenter. Selected posts will be featured as part of the celebration.

Located within the expanding Fishers District development, the 7,500-seat Fishers Event Center sits on a 53-acre site and serves as a premier entertainment destination for central Indiana. The arena hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, sports, and community gatherings such as graduations. It also provides a home base for three professional teams: the Indy Fuel of the ECHL, Indy Ignite of Major League Volleyball, and the Fishers Freight of the Indoor Football League.

With advanced sound and lighting systems, modern seating design, and streamlined entry and concessions technology, the facility has become a popular venue for both major national acts and local events.

Upcoming shows and events include:

• John Legend – Sunday, November 16

• AEW Presents Dynamite – Wednesday, December 3

• Amy Grant, Cece Winans & Michael W. Smith: Christmas Together Tour – Thursday, December 4

• The Mudsock Rivalry Basketball Game (Fishers vs. Hamilton Southeastern) – Friday, December 19

• Professional Championship Bull Riders – Saturday, January 10

• Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms – Friday, February 20

• Conan Gray: Wishbone World Tour – Saturday, February 21

• Heart with Lucinda Williams – Sunday, March 15

• Third Day 30th Anniversary Tour with Zach Williams – Thursday, April 30

The venue continues to offer a mix of entertainment across genres, from rock and country to theater and comedy, while maintaining a focus on community engagement.

For event listings, tickets, and “Know Before You Go” details on parking, policies, and directions, visit FishersEventCenter.com.

The Hamilton County judiciary welcomed Magistrate Danica Eyler to the bench Thursday afternoon during a robing ceremony at the Hamilton County Government & Judicial Center.

Eyler was appointed by the county’s eight elected judges to fill the vacancy left by Magistrate Aaron “A.J.” Johnson.

Born in Vincennes, Indiana, Eyler moved to the Indianapolis area as a child and has spent most of her adult life in Hamilton County. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from IUPUI in 2001 and a law degree from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law in 2004.

“Becoming a lawyer has been my dream since I was nine years old,” Eyler said. “My mom was a student studying to become a paralegal, and I loved helping her hunt for law books in the library.”

Eyler began her legal career in downtown Indianapolis, practicing civil litigation, criminal defense, land planning and zoning, and probate law from 2003 to 2015. She joined Webster & Garino LLC in 2018 and became a partner in 2020.

“Over the past decade in private practice, I’ve found the greatest reward in helping people reach resolution,” Eyler said. “This new role gives me the opportunity to help people move forward.”

Hamilton County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Bloch, who was appointed to the bench by Governor Eric Holcomb in 2024 after five years as a magistrate, praised Eyler’s appointment.

“We are excited to add Magistrate Eyler to the Hamilton County bench,” Bloch said. “She has been an attorney for over twenty years and brings unique practical and legal experience in a wide variety of areas of law to our growing judiciary.”