The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s office has asked a judge to bring charges to a suspect from juvenile court to adult court.  This involves the accident that took the life of former HSE High School football player Mason Alexander.

You can read the story on the WTHR Web site at this link.

The Fishers Freight of the Indoor Football League announced several roster moves Friday as the team prepares to travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, for a matchup against the Blizzard.

The Freight have signed quarterback Carlos Davis, who played college football at Western Carolina and Towson University.

Also joining the Freight is wide receiver Vincent Gregory. He most recently played for the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football One League and previously spent time in the IFL with the San Antonio Gunslingers and Duke City Gladiators (Duke City has paused operations for the 2025 season).

The third addition to the roster is kicker Calum Sutherland, who played last season with the IFL’s Massachusetts Pirates. He also comes to the Freight from the Albany Firebirds.

Freight quarterback Keegan Shoemaker exited last Saturday’s game against Jacksonville with an injury and has been placed on short-term injured reserve. Under IFL rules, a player on short-term IR must sit out for a minimum of three weeks but no more than six.

In positive news, wide receiver Shavarez Smith has been activated from short-term injured reserve and will rejoin the active roster.

Fishers has also released three players: defensive back Devin Hafford, wide receiver Julian Walker, and kicker Victor Leventritt II.

The Health First Indiana plan provided a significant boost to the Fishers Health Department in recent years—delivering $1 million in additional state funding in 2024, with even more support in 2025. However, that upward trend is set to reverse. The Indiana General Assembly recently voted to slash Health First Indiana funding to local health departments by 73%, a decision that has major implications for Fishers’ public health operations in 2026.

On Thursday morning, the Fishers Board of Health approved a required budget report to the state, detailing 2024 expenditures and outlining projections for the next two years. The report includes a response plan to address the steep reduction in state funding.

After a thorough review of departmental revenues and expenses, city officials offered one key reassurance: no current staff will lose their jobs. However, one open nursing position will remain unfilled. Savings are also being achieved through planned reductions in rent—thanks to the department’s upcoming move into the under-construction Community Center—as well as cuts to utilities, maintenance, and staff training. Staff emphasized that while training will be scaled back, essential professional development will continue.

Initially, the projected 2026 budget showed a deficit of $480,000. The cost-cutting measures outlined above have trimmed that gap to $200,000. Mayor Scott Fadness told the board that his administration will work with the City Council to identify funding covering the shortfall in the city’s 2026 budget process.

One area that will take a hit is funding for what Mayor Fadness described as “stakeholders” in the community—organizations or initiatives the Health Department has supported in past years. That external support will be reduced due to the loss of state dollars.

While the Health Department collects some revenue through service fees, the majority of its funding comes from local property taxes and Health First Indiana allocations. Unlike most state funding, which follows a July–June fiscal year, local health department funds from the state are allocated on a calendar-year basis.

Mayor Fadness pointed to one reason behind the legislature’s decision to cut funding: many local health departments across Indiana have not yet spent the funds they were previously granted under Health First Indiana. Statewide, more than $40 million remains unused. Fishers, however, has fully utilized its share.

The Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) will launch its Annual Matching Campaign on June 1, offering donors a chance to double the impact of their contributions to support animals in need.

Running through June 30, the campaign matches every dollar donated to HSHC, with generous donors pledging to match up to $115,000. The organization hopes to raise a total of $230,000 to fund essential services for the more than 4,000 animals it cares for each year, including shelter, food, and medical treatment.

The campaign has become a vital part of HSHC’s operations, particularly for animals that spend extended periods at the shelter awaiting adoption. Currently, the shelter’s longest resident has been waiting nearly 900 days to find a permanent home.

“At HSHC, we are committed to finding a loving home for every animal, no matter how long it takes. But we cannot keep that promise on our own,” said Emma Nobbe, Community Engagement Manager. “By donating during the Annual Matching Campaign, you are offering these animals an even greater chance to find their happily ever after.”

HSHC reports that at least 50 animals in its care have been waiting more than 200 days to be adopted. Funds raised through the campaign will help the shelter continue to provide care and maintain its no-kill commitment, ensuring animals are supported regardless of how long they stay.

Supporters can participate in the campaign by:

• Donating online at HamiltonHumane.com/Matching

• Mailing a check to 10501 Hague Road, Fishers, IN 46038, with “Matching Campaign” in the memo line

• Visiting the shelter in person between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily

For more information about the Annual Matching Campaign or the Humane Society’s work, visit HamiltonHumane.com/Matching.

Hamilton County officials launched a new online platform aimed at connecting residents in crisis with local support services. The tool, called NavigateHC, provides quick, anonymous access to behavioral health and wellness resources across the county.

Unveiled during a live demonstration at the Hamilton County Judicial Center, the website allows users to enter their ZIP code and select the services they need—from mental health support and substance use disorder treatment to food pantries, veteran services, and foster care. The system then generates a list of free, local services tailored to the user’s selections.

“The website was designed to quickly direct community members to behavioral health and wellness resources,” said Monica Greer, Executive Director of the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs. “Users simply enter their ZIP code and select the services they need. The website then populates a list of free support services—quickly and anonymously.”

In addition to self-navigation, the site offers an option to connect with a trained local navigator—someone familiar with the array of available services—who can guide users through the process.

“This app serves as a central clearinghouse of information—not just for individuals in need, but also for service providers, caregivers, and local organizations,” said County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. “We’re proud to invest in a solution that will serve all corners of our community.”

The development and launch of NavigateHC cost $67,800 and were funded through Opioid Settlement Dollars. County leaders hope the tool will reduce barriers to care and streamline access to critical services for Hamilton County residents.

More information is available at www.navigatehc.org.

The Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals has unanimously approved a zoning variance for Rivian, an electric vehicle operation planning to establish a new facility in the area. The planned site, located north of 96th Street on Masters Road near the PREMA auto racing team headquarters, will support sales, service, maintenance, charging, repair, and storage for both new and used electric vehicles.

Rivian representatives told board members that the facility will be dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles. Currently, the nearest operations of this kind are in Fort Wayne and Cincinnati.

The project will utilize just over six acres of land and include the construction of a 41,000-square-foot building. Rivian said Fishers and the greater Indianapolis area were selected due to anticipated demand for electric vehicle services.

As a condition of the variance, the Board—acting on a recommendation from city staff—stipulated that the approval applies solely to Rivian as the owner and operator of the facility.

No members of the public spoke during the meeting. The variance was approved by a 5-0 vote.

Hamilton County is restructuring the leadership of its emergency services, promoting two seasoned public safety officials as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and enhance coordination across departments.

The Hamilton County Commissioners have appointed Mike Hubbs as the county’s new Director of Administration. Hubbs currently serves as Executive Director of Communications and oversees the Hamilton County 911 Center. He will succeed Lee Buckingham, who is retiring after more than 30 years in public service.

Simultaneously, Chad Knecht, the current Executive Director of Emergency Management, will expand his role to oversee both the Emergency Management Agency and the 911 Center. This consolidation is part of the creation of a more unified Emergency Operations Department. The county plans to appoint new directors for each division in the coming weeks.

“This transition marks a new era for how we manage emergency services in Hamilton County,” said County Commissioner Christine Altman. “We are creating a more unified Emergency Operations Department, and we’re fortunate to have strong leaders in place to guide that transition.”

Hubbs brings a long history of law enforcement and emergency management experience to his new position. His previous roles include Director of the Marion County 911 Center, commander with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Trooper, and U.S. Secret Service agent.

“Mike’s leadership has always been centered on people,” said Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. “Emergency dispatch is a stressful environment to work in, but the way Mike supports his staff and the level of service they deliver is top-notch. He’s exactly the kind of leader we need in administration.”

Buckingham, who also previously served as County Prosecutor, will step down on May 30. Hubbs and Knecht will assume their new responsibilities following his departure.

The county expects to announce further leadership appointments as the reorganization progresses.

Country-rap rocker Ryan Upchurch and his band The Dixielanders are set to bring their high-octane live show to Fishers this fall as part of their newly announced “The Civil Tour.” The group will perform at the Fishers Event Center on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Tickets for the show go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 30, at 10 a.m. at FishersEventCenter.com. A limited presale begins Thursday, May 29, at 10 a.m., with fans able to access early tickets using the passcode “CIVIL.”

Upchurch, known for blending country, rap, and rock elements, is taking a darker, heavier direction on this tour, which is built around the band’s latest project, Creeker III. The Dixielanders lineup includes drummer Molly Rose, guitarist Tyler Landess, and bassist Ethan Maltsburger.

“This tour is about getting loud, getting real, and connecting with fans face-to-face,” Upchurch said in a statement. “No gimmicks. Just good songs, tight players, and a lot of noise.”

Fans can expect a mix of new tracks and crowd favorites, delivered with what the band promises will be an unfiltered, aggressive energy.

The Civil Tour marks a new chapter for Upchurch & The Dixielanders, aiming to recapture the roots of rock while continuing to push the boundaries of genre.

It’s a special day for students and staff at Hamilton Southeastern Schools—Wednesday, May 28 marks the final day of classes for the 2024–2025 school year. Teachers will return for one additional workday on Thursday, May 29.

Next up: graduation ceremonies! For the first time, both high school graduations will take place right here in Fishers at the brand-new Fishers Event Center.

• Fishers High School Graduation – Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00 PM

• Hamilton Southeastern High School Graduation – Thursday, June 5 at 7:00 PM

Congratulations to all students and staff on completing another successful school year. The new academic year will begin in August, with staff returning on Monday, August 4, and students kicking off the new term on Wednesday, August 6.

Enjoy your summer break!