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.
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.
Aaron Gillison was the featured speakerHouse Speaker Todd Huston congratulates a Vet on receiving a pin from the City of FishersThe White River Brass Troupe provided the music
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.
Robing ceremony for Magistrate Danica Eyler (photo provided by Hamilton County)
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.”
The Fishers Arts Council will host its fourth Gallery Hop of 2025 on Friday, November 14, offering residents an evening of art, music, and community in downtown Fishers. The free, family-friendly event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and features seven gallery locations, each showcasing local artists, live performances, refreshments, and artisan vendors.
New to this Gallery Hop is a special film screening of Stranger at the Gate at 6:45 p.m. in the Art Gallery at City Hall, presented in partnership with the Fishers Multi-Faith Community for Compassion. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the subject of the film, with ASL interpretation provided. Admission is free, though advance registration is encouraged at bit.ly/stranger-at-the-gate.
Participants can also earn a sweet reward—visitors who get their Hop Card stamped at least six of the seven participating venues will receive a free dessert with dinner at Four Day Ray Brewing over the weekend. Cards and details are available at FishersArtsCouncil.org/galleryhop.
The Gallery Hop locations include:
Citizens State Bank, 9 Municipal Drive, 5–7 p.m.
Ignite Studio at Hamilton East Public Library, 5 Municipal Drive, 5–7:30 p.m.
Art Gallery at City Hall, 1 Municipal Drive, 5–9 p.m.
FAC Hub Gallery at the Hamilton County Community Foundation, 11810 Technology Drive, 6–8 p.m.
Fishers Art Center, 1 Municipal Drive, 6–9 p.m.
Featured exhibits and performances include Artwork by Krista Darrow and Haley Vergon with Alec Kosla at Citizens State Bank; Random Fandom and Layered at Ignite Studio; Captured & Created at Hub & Spoke; and Paintings Thus Far at Meyer Najem Gallery. City Hall’s gallery will host Duty, Honor, Creativity: Veteran Artists, while the FAC Hub Gallery presents Individual Views and the Fishers Art Center features Guilty As I Go with The Andy Schomburg Band.
The Fishers Arts Council, supported by the City of Fishers, manages the Gallery Hop series and welcomes new partners and sponsors to join future events.
My father was many things. He was, first and foremost, the best of dads—but he was also much more than that. He spent most of his working life as a devoted civil servant for the U.S. Department of Defense.
In addition to his government service, my dad served for many years on the board of directors of a credit union. That experience began early in his career at what was then called the Army Finance Center—still located today at 56th Street and Post Road in Lawrence, now known as DFAS. Back then, the credit union was known as the Finance Center Federal Credit Union and served only employees of the Finance Center and their families. Today, it has grown to serve a broader membership under the name Financial Center First.
My father never received compensation for his board work. He viewed credit unions as a vital nonprofit alternative to commercial banks and believed deeply in their mission. For him, volunteering was about service and purpose, not recognition.
There was one story about his time on the board that I’ll never forget—although I didn’t hear it from him. A long-time credit union employee who knew my father well once told me about a particularly contentious meeting. The board was sharply divided on a key issue, and emotions ran high. Through it all, my dad sat quietly, listening.
When the debate finally exhausted itself and the room fell silent, my father spoke. He proposed a compromise that blended the best ideas from both sides. His solution broke the impasse and became the motion that passed that night.
That was my father. He didn’t always take sides—he sought solutions.
As Veterans Day approaches, I find myself thinking about him again. His name was Bernie Lannan, a disabled veteran who cared deeply for his fellow servicemembers. I often wonder how he would approach the challenges facing our community today.
My hope is that more of our public officials—and all of us—might approach decisions the way he did: by listening first, finding common ground, and working toward solutions.
My father passed away 31 years ago, but his example continues to guide me and my siblings. His legacy is one of unity and understanding.
(from the left) Board members & staff – Greg Dierfeldt, Les Reinhardt, Ross Hilleary, Calvin Caskey
The Fishers Arts Council (FAC) is inviting residents passionate about the arts to apply for board positions and help advance visual and performing arts opportunities throughout the city.
FAC’s mission is to “support, advocate, and cultivate visual and performing arts opportunities that educate, enhance, and enrich the lives of those who live, work, and visit Fishers.”
The nonprofit is looking for individuals willing to contribute two to three hours each month to assist with public and private art initiatives. Board members may serve on juries, participate in meetings, or volunteer at art events and activities.
FAC leaders emphasize that this is a hands-on, working board that plays an active role in supporting the council’s part-time executive director.
Applications are available at this link and are due by December 9, 2025. Interested residents can also learn more about the organization during the Second Friday Gallery Hop on Friday, November 14, from 6–8 p.m. at the FAC Hub Gallery in the Hamilton County Community Foundation, 11810 Technology Drive, and from 5–9 p.m. at the Art Gallery at Fishers City Hall, 1 Municipal Drive.
FAC Board President Chris Hayes, a woodworker who joined the board in 2023, said his involvement stems from admiration for other board members and appreciation for the council’s encouragement of local artists.
“It’s great to know there’s a growing number of people who are discovering that we have an outlet like the council to help grow and communicate creativity in all its forms,” Hayes said.
Past president and current vice president Ross Hilleary encouraged community members to get involved. “If you are interested in joining an organization which is synonymous with all things arts in Fishers, then the Fishers Arts Council is your go-to,” he said.
FAC Executive Director Les Reinhardt, who joined the board in 2018, said the council’s success stems from the dedication and creativity of its members. “The ideas that come forward and blossom into opportunities for creatives, the connections we make with artists of all disciplines, the strong partnerships in our city and county – it is truly rewarding in so many ways,” she said.
Questions about board membership can be directed to info@fishersartscouncil.org or 317-537-1670. Applications can be completed online, mailed, or emailed. Those who need a printed or electronic copy can contact FAC directly.
The Indy Fuel wrapped up their three-game week with a 3-1 victory Saturday night in Bloomington, taking the early season series against the Bison two games to one.
The Fuel wasted no time getting on the board, scoring on their first power play just three minutes into the game. Brett Moravec found the back of the net, assisted by Kevin Lombardi and Jesse Tucker — the same trio that led the team’s offense in Friday’s home win.
Both teams spent much of the first period trading penalties, but neither side could capitalize again. Indy outshot Bloomington 11-8 and took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
Midway through the second period, Bloomington appeared to tie the game on a goal by Nikita Sedov, but it was overturned for goaltender interference. Moments later, a double-minor penalty on Indy’s Christian Berger gave the Bison their first power play of the night. Bloomington’s Riku Ishida converted to even the score 1-1 at 13:52.
The Fuel had one more man-advantage before the end of the period but couldn’t regain the lead, sending the game into the third tied at one.
After a quiet start to the final frame, Jesse Tucker broke the stalemate at 14:57, finishing off a setup from Owen Robinson and Lombardi to put Indy up 2-1. With less than two minutes left, Robinson sealed the win with an empty-net goal after Bloomington pulled goaltender Dryden McKay for an extra attacker.
Indy goaltender Ryan Ouellette turned aside 25 shots to earn the win as the Fuel outshot the Bison 34-26.
The victory capped off a strong weekend for the Fuel. Indy returns home Wednesday, taking on the Rapid City Rush.
The Rotary Club of Fishers has announced a date change for its 15th Annual WaterIsLife Charity Ball. The event, originally set for Saturday, December 6, will now take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, under a heated clear-span tent behind Fishers City Hall.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness will serve as the event’s honorary chair.
Organizers said the change was made to avoid a potential conflict with what could be a historic weekend for Indiana University football, as the Hoosiers are expected to make a Big Ten Championship appearance.
All other event details remain the same, including live music from a 14-piece jazz and pop orchestra, gourmet dining, spirited auctions, and an open bar.
Proceeds from the WaterIsLife Gala support clean water initiatives locally and globally. For tickets and more information, visit www.fisherswaterislife.com.
