Hamilton County officials are recognizing 123 county employees for milestone work anniversaries that together represent 1,990 years of service to the community.

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and the county’s Human Resources Department annually honor employees who reach service milestones in five-year increments. Those recognized receive a service pin denoting their years of employment with the county.

Human Resources Director Sheena Randall said the recognition reflects the county’s commitment to supporting its workforce. “Our goal is to provide the people of Hamilton County with reliable, responsive service and care,” Randall said. “Supporting skilled employees and giving them purposeful work is central to delivering on that commitment.”

The most senior employee recognized this year is Lynette Duvall of the Prosecutor’s Office, who marked 45 years of service. Duvall, a caseworker and legal secretary, began her career with Hamilton County at age 20 as a receptionist.

“It really has been a lifetime,” Duvall said. “I started out using typewriters and carbon paper—things most people wouldn’t even recognize today. But what’s always stayed the same are the people. The great colleagues and phenomenal benefits are what kept me here all these years.”

In addition to Duvall, five employees are being recognized for 40 years of service, six for 35 years, 11 for 30 years and 14 for 25 years. Another 13 employees reached the 20-year milestone, 11 marked 15 years, 24 celebrated 10 years, and 38 employees were honored for five years of service.

The complete list of employees recognized by years of service is as follows:

Continue reading Hamilton County Honors 123 Employees for Nearly 2,000 Years of Public Service →

It appears a power outage has impacted the Fishers Community Center.  A social media post at 9:25am announced the closure.  There is no word on when power is expected to be restored.

Yes, we have the Golden Globes, the Oscars and other film awards, but if you want to know the best films and performances of the year, I like to rely on our own critics here in Indiana, the Indiana Film Journalists Association.  Originally organized to encourage studios to provide screenings for local critics, the annual awards announcement is one I look forward to each year.

The IFJA announced their nominees recently, and have just revealed the award winners for 2025.

I have dabbled in film criticism in the past, but I’m not as young as I once was so had to cut back on a few of my endeavors.  It takes time an effort to screen films and write reviews.

That said, here are the award winners for 2025 from our local Indiana film critics:

Continue reading Indiana Film Critics Name Award Winners →

Indiana found itself in the national spotlight this past week as the State Senate prepared to vote on a new congressional district map for Washington.

Governor Mike Braun strongly backed the proposed maps, and the Indiana House approved the plan by a 57–41 vote. All Democrats present voted no, joined by 12 Republicans.

That vote shifted attention squarely to the Indiana Senate chamber. The Statehouse was packed with advocates on both sides of the issue, and many political observers predicted a close vote. It was anything but.

In the end, 31 senators voted against the plan, while just 19 supported it. All 10 Democratic senators voted no, joined by 21 Republicans — a clear majority of the chamber and a majority within the GOP caucus.

That outcome raises an obvious question: why would so many senators, including Republicans, reject a redistricting plan supported by a Republican president and governor?

My state senator, Kyle Walker, explained his vote in a written statement.

“I simply could not support an effort to redraw legislative districts in the middle of a decade solely for political purposes,” Walker wrote. “Our commitment to democracy requires predictability, transparency, and public trust.”

Walker also said he heard from a large number of constituents who opposed the plan. His vote carries additional weight because he has announced he will not seek another term in the state Senate.

Already, two Republicans have announced plans to run for the seat next year: Hamilton Southeastern School Board President Juanita Albright and Fishers City Councilor Tiffanie Ditlevson. It would not be surprising to see more candidates enter the race once filing opens early next year for the May primary.

Political observers in Indiana and across the country are now asking a broader question: why did Indiana do this? Why push back against leaders of the same party?

I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But after living in this state for all of my 74 years, I’ve learned something about Hoosiers, regardless of party or ideology: we do not like being told what to do — especially by people in Washington, D.C.

The heavy-handed pressure tactics used by some supporters of the new maps appear to have backfired. Threats directed at lawmakers and their families don’t build support; they only harden opposition.

There were also outside groups urging “Indianians” or “Indianans” to support the plan — a clear signal the message was not written by anyone with a meaningful connection to this state.

Finally, there have been vague threats to withhold federal funding from Indiana because of the Senate vote. That may or may not happen, but politically it would be counterproductive. You don’t make friends or influence people through threats.

Whether you supported congressional redistricting or opposed it, one thing is clear: this episode showed the nation that Indiana still has a mind of its own.

After another round of winter weather dropped about 5.5 inches of snow by midnight Saturday, road crews in and around Fishers have been working to clear snow-covered streets and improve travel conditions. While cleanup efforts continue, dangerously cold air has moved into central Indiana, creating new hazards for residents.

The National Weather Service reports that extreme cold is now the primary concern. Wind chill values early Sunday are expected to remain in the double digits below zero before falling into the single digits by late afternoon. The bitter cold is forecast to persist through early Monday morning, with a gradual warming trend expected to begin around midday Monday.

An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday, followed by a Cold Weather Advisory that continues through 9 a.m. Monday. According to the National Weather Service, wind chill values could drop as low as 23 degrees below zero during the warning period and remain near 21 degrees below zero during the advisory.

Forecasters warn that exposure to these conditions can be dangerous. Frostbite on exposed skin may occur in as little as 30 minutes, particularly during the coldest periods. The extreme cold may also complicate snow removal efforts, as low temperatures can cause icy conditions to persist on roadways even after plowing.

Residents are urged to limit time outdoors when possible and take precautions if travel is necessary. The National Weather Service recommends dressing in multiple layers, including hats, gloves, and face coverings, to protect against frostbite and hypothermia. Drivers should continue to use caution on area roads as crews work to manage lingering snow and ice.

The cold weather is expected to ease slowly Monday, but officials stress the importance of remaining cautious until temperatures return closer to seasonal norms.

The Indy Fuel skated in front of a sellout crowd Saturday night at the Fishers Event Center, hosting the Cincinnati Cyclones for the team’s annual Teddy Bear Toss game. While the Fuel came up short on the scoreboard in a 4-1 loss, fans still flooded the ice with teddy bears for charity following Indy’s lone goal of the night.

The opening period was marked by frequent special teams action, with both squads combining for several penalties in the first 20 minutes. Indy controlled much of the early play and outshot Cincinnati 8-5 in the period, but the Cyclones capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity late in the frame. John Jaworski scored at 18:56 to give Cincinnati a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

Cincinnati added to its lead in the second period during another stretch of penalty-filled play. After the Fuel successfully killed off several penalties, Jaworski struck again with just four seconds remaining on a high-sticking minor to make it 2-0. Through two periods, Indy held a slim 18-17 edge in shots on goal.

The Cyclones extended their advantage in the third period. Ryan Kirwan scored at 9:57 to push the lead to 3-0, and Zack Trott followed with a power-play goal at 12:09 after an Indy boarding penalty, making it 4-0.

The long-awaited Teddy Bear Toss moment came late in the game. Terry Broadhurst, who recently rejoined the Fuel after spending three seasons playing in Europe, scored just two seconds into a power play at 18:01 to break the shutout. Jadon Joseph assisted on the goal, prompting fans to shower the ice with teddy bears destined for local charities.

The Cyclones and Fuel finished even in shots on goal, 25-25, but Cincinnati’s special teams proved to be the difference on a night that blended holiday tradition with high-energy hockey.

The National Weather Service office in Indianapolis has upgraded its forecast for central Indiana, issuing a Winter Storm Warning as snowfall expectations increase across the region.

Forecasters now say 4 to 6 inches of snow are likely in the Fishers area and much of central Indiana, with isolated locations possibly receiving higher amounts. The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday through midnight.

The snow is expected to create slippery and hazardous travel conditions throughout the day and evening. Officials warn that road conditions could worsen quickly as temperatures fall after the snow ends.

Compounding the situation, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from midnight Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday. Wind chills are forecast to drop as low as 23 to 25 degrees below zero, creating dangerous conditions for anyone outdoors for extended periods.

The extreme cold will also make snow and ice removal more difficult for road crews, as treated surfaces can quickly refreeze once temperatures plunge.

The National Weather Service cautions that frostbite on exposed skin could occur in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions, and prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia.

Drivers are urged to use caution if travel is necessary and to keep emergency supplies such as food, water and a flashlight in their vehicles. Residents heading outside are advised to wear layered clothing, hats and gloves to protect against the bitter cold.

Up-to-date road conditions across Indiana are available by calling 511.

The City of Fishers has added a reminder to the weekly road construction report, containing links to the snow removal priority map and how to report snow plow damage.

You can view all that and more in the weekly road construction report, provided by the City of Fishers:

Continue reading Road Construction Report for the Work Week Starting Monday, December 15 →

The Indy Fuel dropped a 6-3 decision to the Bloomington Bison on Friday night, despite outshooting them and cutting an early deficit to one goal late in the game.

Bloomington jumped out to a fast start, scoring three times in the first 10 minutes. Brenden Datema opened the scoring at 4:36, followed by a goal from captain Eddie Matsushima at 7:08. Ayden MacDonald added a power-play goal at 9:23 to make it 3-0.

Indy responded before the end of the first period when Kevin Lombardi scored at 16:04, with Tyson Feist and Harrison Israels picking up assists.

The Fuel continued to push in the second period, killing off an early penalty before Lombardi struck again at 5:34 to cut the deficit to 3-2. The same trio of Lombardi, Feist and Israels combined on the goal. Bloomington answered later in the period with a goal from Zakary Karpa to regain a two-goal advantage.

Matsushima extended the Bison lead to 5-2 with a power-play goal early in the third period. Israels pulled Indy back within two at 9:06, assisted by Lombardi and Feist, giving all three players three points on the night.

Indy pressed late and pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker, but Lou-Félix Denis sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 17:47.

The Fuel outshot Bloomington 38-27 and return home Saturday night to host the Cincinnati Cyclones in their annual Teddy Bear Toss game.