I remember the first time I was not with my immediate family on Christmas morning. It was the late 1960s, and I had just started working for radio station WFMS, the first FM station to go on the air in Indianapolis. The station was owned by a well-known local broadcast engineer, Martin Williams.

Mr. Williams was an interesting man. Early in his engineering career, he told me stories about installing two-way radio communications in commercial airplanes. He later became chief engineer at WFBM radio. After 1940, he worked as a consulting engineer and, in 1957, put the first FM radio station on the air in Indianapolis.

Let’s just say he loved old big band music, particularly performers like Guy Lombardo and Wayne King. He also featured classical music in the evenings and operated the only station in town providing programming for the city’s many ethnic communities, including German, Irish, and Latvian audiences.

Another fascinating note about Mr. Williams: as a young engineering student in the early 20th century, he met the man credited with inventing wireless communications—Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi.

Martin Williams had a large collection of Christmas music, and that Christmas morning we played nothing but holiday favorites. What impressed me most were the number of people who called the station to thank me for giving up my Christmas morning to provide the sounds of the season. That meant a great deal to me.

As we celebrate Christmas Day with our families, it’s worth remembering that countless people are working today—police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, and yes, the people who keep broadcasting up and running.

Think about those people this Christmas Day. And if you happen to cross paths with someone working today, take a moment to offer a simple thank-you. It will mean more than you may realize.

Now that Fishers has one trash collection contract, the holiday trash collection schedule is now the same for all city residents.  Here is the schedule for Christmas and New Year’s weeks:

• Monday, Dec. 22: Normal collection.
• Tuesday, Dec. 23: Normal collection.
• Wednesday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): Normal collection.
• Thursday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day): No collection.
• Friday, Dec. 26: Thursday’s routes will be collected.
• Saturday, Dec. 27: Friday’s routes will be collected. 

I cannot count how many fiction writers I have known that have written a book but cannot find a publisher to take the book on.  Daniel P McCallister had an idea to write a book set in the Roman Empire about a young man on the lower rung of the social order who found a way to elevate himself in a tough, brutal society.

This author found a publisher and you can now buy his book.

You can order the book Flight of a Prodigy, at this link.

I recorded a podcast with the author on December 23, which you can listen to at the link below.

A Fishers woman is facing a stiff sentence following a guilty plea in an embezzlement charge involving her employer, a nonprofit group.

To read the story from WTHR, use this link.

As the calendar fills with parties around our wonderful community of Fishers, shopping trips and family obligations can bring as much stress as it does joy. Local health professionals say a few simple steps can help us enjoy the season while keeping stress in check.

One of the biggest sources of holiday anxiety is unrealistic expectations. Whether it is hosting the “perfect” gathering or finding the ideal gift, pressure can build quickly. Mental health experts recommend setting realistic goals and remembering that time spent together often matters more than decorations or presents.

Managing time is another key factor. With school events, work deadlines and social commitments competing for attention, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Creating a schedule and prioritizing the most meaningful activities can help prevent burnout.It is a good idea to say no when their calendars become too full.

Physical activity remains a proven stress reliever, even during the colder months. A walk through a neighborhood decorated with holiday lights, a visit to a local park, or a quick workout at home can boost mood and reduce tension. Maintaining regular sleep and healthy eating habits also plays an important role in managing stress levels.

Financial stress can also increase during the holidays. Setting a clear budget for gifts, travel and entertainment can help avoid anxiety and regret later. Some families are choosing alternatives such as gift exchanges, homemade items or experiences instead of expensive presents.

Staying connected is equally important, especially for those who may feel isolated during the season. Reaching out to friends, neighbors or community groups can provide support and a sense of belonging. For those dealing with grief or loss, acknowledging difficult emotions and seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals can make a meaningful difference.

As Fishers prepares for the holidays, experts emphasize that taking care of mental and physical health should be part of the celebration. By slowing down, focusing on what matters most and giving themselves permission to take breaks, residents can reduce stress and make room for the moments of joy the season is meant to bring.

In Fishers, there are a few events each year that reliably bring the community together in large numbers. One is the Mudsock football game, when the high school stadium is packed to capacity. Another is the Spark Fishers Festival, especially the always-popular parade. The third is the Mudsock basketball showdown, when the Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern girls and boys teams meet in regular-season rivalry games.

Until recently, attendance at the Mudsock basketball games was limited by the size of the high school gyms. Several years ago, the Fairgrounds Coliseum was used, but the arrangement proved less than ideal.

The opening of the Fishers Event Center last year changed that. The venue made it possible for far more fans to attend the rivalry games in person. While this year’s Mudsock hoops event did not approach a sellout, it comfortably accommodated many more spectators than would have been possible in a traditional school gym.

On the court, the boys game delivered the kind of drama the rivalry is known for. Fishers, ranked No. 1 in the state and 27th nationally, faced a tough challenge from Hamilton Southeastern. HSE controlled the early minutes, but the Tigers responded and battled back. The game remained close until the final minute, when Fishers pulled away for a 68–61 victory. Despite the loss, the Royals put up a strong fight against their crosstown rival.

The girls game was competitive through three quarters, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops. In the final period, however, Hamilton Southeastern took control and secured a 32–19 win over Fishers.

Beyond the action on the court, Hamilton Southeastern Schools used the Mudsock basketball event to recognize two exceptional students with the district’s highest honor, the Superintendent’s Impact Award. The award celebrates students who exemplify honor, scholarship and excellence through leadership and service to their school and community.

The 2025 honorees are:

Blair Satterfield, Hamilton Southeastern High School, Class of 2026. A standout student-athlete and leader, Satterfield was recently named the recipient of the 2025 IHSAA Theresia Wynns Mental Attitude Award, one of the most prestigious honors in Indiana high school athletics.

Ellie Taylor, Hamilton Southeastern High School, Class of 2025. Taylor earned first place nationally in Agricultural Communications Proficiency at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Her leadership in expanding HSE’s FFA media presence and agricultural advocacy has made a lasting impact well beyond the classroom.

As the weather turns colder, that means the road construction list is much shorter.  However, be aware that  the westbound lane of 136^th Street between Cyntheanne Road and Prairie Baptist Road will not be complete this year.  Access to the single homes and the fire station will be maintained for eastbound traffic; however, the road will remain closed to through traffic.  See the listing below for more details.

Here is the full road construction listing for the Fishers area, for the work week starting Monday, December 22:

Continue reading Here is the weekly road construction report for the work week starting Monday December 22 →