The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association is publicly criticizing HSE Schools’ decision to issue 18 reduction-in-force notices to teachers, arguing the district had alternatives that could have avoided the layoffs.

In a social media statement posted Wednesday, the union said it worked collaboratively with district leadership during recent discussions surrounding the RIF process, but contends school administrators chose not to pursue options such as retirement buyouts for veteran educators.

According to the statement, HSEA proposed buyouts during negotiations that union leaders believe would have saved money while preventing the loss of experienced teachers.

“We know many veteran teachers are delaying retirement because of the rising cost of health insurance and the gap before Medicare eligibility,” the union wrote.

The union said the 18 teachers affected represented more than 100 combined years of classroom experience. HSEA described the educators as respected building leaders, second-career teachers who felt “called to teach,” and instructors who had all received “effective” evaluations in what the union called one of Indiana’s highest-performing school districts.

HSEA’s statement emphasized the emotional impact of the layoffs on those educators.

“18 teachers left wondering what they did wrong,” the statement said. “18 teachers forced to watch the careers and futures they built suddenly disappear.”

The district has previously indicated the staffing reductions are tied to ongoing financial pressures and enrollment-related adjustments. HSE Schools officials have warned in recent months that state funding challenges could force difficult financial decisions, including staffing reductions and possible consideration of a future operating referendum.

Indiana law governing teacher reduction-in-force decisions places priority on teacher performance evaluations rather than seniority alone when districts eliminate positions.

The union acknowledged district and union leaders had worked together during the process but urged school administrators to “exhaust every possible alternative before resorting to RIFs in the future.”

“Teachers are not line items in a budget that can simply be cut,” the statement said. “They are human beings. They are mentors, leaders, neighbors, and caregivers.”

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board is scheduled to meet Wednesday night.

Executives at FOX59 are likely smiling ear-to-ear Wednesday morning after the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced a grandstand sellout for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, clearing the way for live local television coverage of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

For the second consecutive year, racing fans in the Indianapolis area will be able to watch the Indy 500 live at home without worrying about the long-standing local blackout rule.

Officials at IMS announced that all reserved seating for the May 24 race has sold out, triggering the lifting of the local blackout. The race will air live in central Indiana on FOX59.

“Anticipation for race day is approaching an all-time high right here in central Indiana and across the globe,” said Doug Boles, president of IndyCar and IMS. “We can’t thank the world’s greatest and most loyal fans enough. The stars of the NTT IndyCar Series are ready for an unparalleled showcase of speed, bravery and competition in front of a historic and massive crowd.”

IMS estimates approximately 350,000 fans will be on hand for race day festivities. Officials also said all badges and passes providing pit and garage access have sold out. Limited general admission tickets for the IMS infield remain available.

The sellout continues a recent trend of relaxed blackout restrictions for the iconic race. IMS lifted the blackout for the 100th Running in 2016 due to a sellout crowd. The race also aired locally in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19 attendance restrictions, in 2024 because of a lengthy rain delay, and again in 2025 following another sellout.

For decades, the Indianapolis 500 blackout was intended to encourage fans to attend the race in person rather than watch on television. While blackout policies have largely disappeared across professional sports because of changing media and streaming landscapes, IMS has continued the tradition longer than most major sporting events.

FOX59 will begin race day coverage at 5 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, with national FOX network coverage taking over at 10 a.m. The green flag is scheduled for 12:45 p.m.

Local viewers will also have a second opportunity to watch the race later that evening when FOX59 airs a tape-delayed replay at 7 p.m. The rebroadcast has long been a tradition for many fans returning home from IMS to relive the day’s action from a television perspective.

Fishers Police say a New York man has been arrested in connection with an elaborate fraud scheme that allegedly cost a Fishers resident more than $200,000.

According to police, 21-year-old Anmolpreet Singh of Levittown, New York, was arrested May 4 on felony charges of conspiracy to commit theft and conspiracy to commit fraud.

Investigators say the case began April 30 when a Fishers resident contacted police after believing they had been targeted by scammers posing as federal officials. Detectives say the suspects convinced the victim to complete multiple financial transactions, including cryptocurrency deposits and wire transfers totaling more than $200,000.

Police said the suspects also allegedly sent the victim a fake arrest warrant and instructed the person to make an in-person cash payment of $50,000.

Believing the scammers would continue trying to contact the victim, Fishers Police detectives worked with federal law enforcement partners to set up an operation aimed at intercepting those involved in the scheme.

According to police, the suspects told the victim they would arrive in Fishers around 4:30 p.m. on May 4 to collect the money. Detectives used Flock camera technology to identify the suspect vehicle as it entered the area, while officers also deployed drones to monitor movements in the neighborhood.

Police say investigators observed the suspect vehicle being driven in a manner consistent with counter-surveillance tactics. Detectives also said the suspect attempted to arrange a hand-to-hand exchange with the victim, a method authorities say is commonly used to avoid detection by law enforcement.

Officers eventually conducted a traffic stop and took Singh into custody without incident.

During the investigation, detectives determined Singh had been communicating with the victim and had knowledge of the fraud scheme, according to police.

“This case highlights the lengths scammers will go to manipulate and financially exploit victims,” Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart said in a statement. “We want our community to know that Fishers Police will use every tool available to identify, investigate, and pursue criminals who target our residents.”

Fishers Police are reminding residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages claiming to come from government agencies or law enforcement officials, especially when demands involve cryptocurrency, wire transfers, cash payments, or secrecy.

Police emphasize that legitimate government agencies do not demand payment through cryptocurrency or threaten arrest over the phone.

Hamilton County has received statewide recognition for a project that preserved a unique piece of engineering history while creating a new attraction for local residents at Geist Park.

The reconstruction of the historic Bell Ford Bridge earned the 2026 Grand Project Award from the Indiana chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies during the organization’s Engineering Excellence Awards ceremony held April 30. The honor represented the top award among 40 projects recognized across Indiana.

The Bell Ford Bridge was originally built in 1869 in Jackson County, Indiana, where it carried traffic for more than 100 years before eventually collapsing. The bridge is believed to be the only surviving combination Post truss bridge in the world, making preservation efforts especially significant.

Rather than allowing the remaining structure to disappear, historic components of the bridge were salvaged and relocated to Hamilton County. The reconstructed bridge now spans Fall Creek within Geist Park and serves as a pedestrian crossing.

According to Hamilton County officials, much of the original bridge material was reused in the project, including most of the iron framework and portions of the original 19th-century timber structure. The project combined modern engineering practices with historic preservation techniques in an effort to maintain the bridge’s historic character.

“A bridge built in 1869 has a story worth telling, and we didn’t want that story to end,” said Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Director Chris Stice in a statement released by the county. “It took a lot of people working together to make this restoration happen, and we’re honored that ACEC Indiana recognized the work everyone put into it.”

Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said the award reflects cooperation between multiple agencies and organizations involved in the restoration effort.

“This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when strong partners come together with a shared vision,” Heirbrandt said. “From our Highway and Parks Departments to the City of Fishers, VS Engineering, and our partners in Jackson County, this was truly a team effort. We’re proud to help preserve this one-of-a-kind structure for future generations.”

The restored bridge has become part of the expanding trail and park amenities in the Geist area, while also preserving a rare example of 19th-century bridge engineering for future generations.

Many Fishers residents likely remember the large event tent erected north of City Hall during the winter of 2025, which hosted a variety of community gatherings throughout the season. That tent will return later this year after the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety on Monday approved a $203,000 quote from Blue Peak Tents for installation and operation from mid-November through mid-December.

The tent will measure approximately 120 feet by 90 feet and accommodate about 450 people. Plans call for seating areas, a dance floor, stage, catering space, and a walkway connecting the structure to the Arts and Municipal Complex. The tent will be climate-controlled using diesel-powered generators rather than propane.

Eric Steiner, Chief of Staff for the Fishers Department of Public Works, said the facility will once again host “a wide range of events.”

Mayor Scott Fadness said the city was encouraged by the public response to the 2025 installation.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the reaction of residents,” Fadness said. “One of our goals was to get people out of their homes during the winter months.”

In other business Monday, the Board of Works:

–Approved six Neighborhood Vibrancy Grants recommended by the review committee. Another 18 grants are expected to come before the board once required documentation is completed by neighborhood representatives. The six grants approved Monday total $93,640 and include projects in Hawks Landing, Anderson Hall, Vermillion, Berkley Grove, Lake Stonebridge, and Rolling Knoll.

–Approved $173,500 for landscaping and light pole installation work in and around the new 96th Street pedestrian bridge area.

–Approved the use of $85,000 in block grant funding for ADA curb improvements in the Oxford Park, Harvard Park, and Princeton Park neighborhoods — collectively known as The Parks at White River — along with improvements at the entrance to Heritage Park at Eller Road and 106th Street.

–Approved several annual contracts for computer software systems used by city staff.

When you think back to May 11, 1991, the headlines were filled with stories about the Soviet Union moving toward collapse, Nolan Ryan having pitched his seventh no-hit game earlier in the month, and concerns over a sluggish American economy.

But for me, another event from that day has stood the test of time far better than any headline.

That was the day Jane Johnson married Larry Lannan.

Today, Jane and I celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary.

Over those 35 years, we have been blessed with two wonderful daughters, Allison and Mary, along with three perfect grandchildren — at least from the perspective of very proud grandparents — Dakota, Callie, and Maya.

As for me, time has certainly left its mark. I have a little less hair than I did in 1991, and the hair I still have has turned a much lighter shade. My beard is no longer black, either. But I remain reasonably healthy for an old guy, and for that I am grateful.

What I still cannot fully explain is how Jane has managed to put up with me for 35 years. Somehow, she has done exactly that — with patience, love, and unwavering support.

She has been a wonderful wife and a true partner in everything I have done. From this local news blog to my podcasts and all the projects that come with them, Jane has always been there encouraging and supporting me. Without her, I honestly do not know how any of this would have been possible.

So to Jane — thank you for 35 wonderful years, and for making the journey such a meaningful one.