Hamilton County Reporter

Westfield Police have arrested a 13-year-old boy in connection with a shooting that occurred Thursday evening in Westfield.

Police reports indicate the incident occurred just before 5:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of Scarlet Street located on the city’s west side.

The victim, a 14-year-old boy, was transported to an Indianapolis hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, was taken to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of aggravated battery and possession of a handgun without a license.

Police have not released a motive, but indicate the suspect and victim did know each other.

Brandi Ruiz, a nearby resident, told news gathering partner WISH-TV that her family moved to the apartments in August. She said there have been issues surrounding crime. Her son, who is also 14, said people have tried to jump him after he gets off the school bus.

Ruiz described the area. “A lot of kids running around here. They’re out of control. The parents aren’t watching their kids. I try to keep my kids inside so they’re not a part of it,” she said.

by

Richie Hall

Sports Editor

Hamilton County Reporter

Hamilton Southeastern had to grind its way to the title game at its own sectional Friday night.

The Class 4A No. 1 Royals got past their biggest rival, a fired-up Fishers team, 36-27 in the second semi-final game of Sectional 8. Southeastern improved to 22-1 with the win and will take on Carmel at 7 p.m. tonight for the championship.

It wasn’t easy. Although the Royals never trailed in the game, the Tigers tied it up five different times, including three times in the third quarter, which ended at 24-24. But Southeastern outscored Fishers 12-3 in the fourth period, thanks to solid defense and perfect free throw shooting.

Despite the close game and tense situation, Royals coach Chris Huppenthal trusted his team would pull it out.

“When they were coming down there towards the end, and you just saw Tayah Irvin get in her stance, and she was ready,” said Huppenthal. “I’ve said this all year about our kids and to Tayah Irvin. Everything starts and ends with her defense. We had talked at some point in the year, and we said ‘At some point, our defense is going to have to win us a game.’ It won us a game tonight. Our kids just played outstanding defense.”

Southeastern senior Malea Jackson scored the first two points of the game on a layin, which Fishers junior Tamia Perryman answered with a rebound basket. Junior Sydney Parrish made two free throws to put HSE up 4-2, then sophomore Katie Burton tied it up again with a layin. That set the tone for the game.

Parrish scored four more points in the first quarter, which ended with the Royals ahead 8-4. The Tigers cut it to 10-9 midway through the second when senior Skylar Fulton made a 3-pointer, but a quick 6-0 run put Southeastern ahead 16-9. Senior Amaya Hamilton made a hook shot, then Parrish added two more baskets.

Cierra Tolbert hit two free throws with two seconds left, and that kept the Tigers within 16-11 at halftime.

“You got to give them a lot of credit,” said Huppenthal. “This is a rivalry game. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. They left their hearts out on the floor. (Fishers coach) Lauren Vail, she had those kids well-prepared. They came out with a belief to them. It was a great basketball game.”

The Royals led 20-14 midway through the third, but the Tigers quickly tied it up by nailing back-to-back 3s, from sophomore Audra Emmerson and Burton. Parrish put HSE back on top with a layin, but a Fishers steal led to a Burton basket, tying the game again.

Hamilton made two free throws with 36 seconds left to get HSE ahead 24-22. The Tigers answered again, as Burton’s floater knotted the game going into the fourth quarter.

The Royals ramped up their defense, and got timely baskets early, with Hamilton making two layins to get her team up 28-24. Those would be the last baskets, but Southeastern got it done from the free throw line, going 8 of 8 in the quarter. Parrish hit the first two foul shots to get the Royals up 30-24.

Sophomore Katie Howard hit a long 3-pointer with under two minutes left to keep the Tigers within 30-27, but Southeastern wouldn’t allow its rival another point. Junior Jackie Maulucci went 4 of 4 from the line in the game’s final 1:10, with Jackson making both her attempts.

Parrish led all scorers with 18 points, also pulling eight rebounds and getting three blocked shots. Maulucci had five rebounds.

Burton had nine points for Fishers, Fulton drained two 3-pointers for six points, and Perryman collected eight rebounds.

“Our kids played exceptionally hard,” said Vail. “And they did all year. We knew that we were playing our best basketball coming down the stretch. Obviously Hamilton Southeastern is a very talented basketball team. I thought that our kids went out and played really, really hard.”

The Tigers finished their season 15-10.

“I thought, really, we did a lot of great things,” said Vail. “We won some that I didn’t have on paper that we’d win, we lost some that I didn’t have on paper that we’d lose. But man, the growth that these kids showed, especially in the way that they came together as far as learning how to be teammates, learning how to play hard for one another and growing in how they understand the game, is all stuff that we’re most definitely going to build on for next year.”

Scott Fadness, his wife Aunna and the latest addition to their family, Hudson, all braved the snowy Friday morning to allow the incumbent mayor to officially file his paperwork to become a candidate for another term in office as Fishers first and only mayor.

In a campaign news release announcing his filing, Fadness touted the city’s growth, economic development, city service improvements and low tax rate during his tenure in office.

“We’ve made great strides as a city. Our signature initiatives have been the result of collaboration with community leaders, nonprofit leaders, neighborhood activists and residents across Fishers,” Fadness said. “Recently being named the ‘Best Place to Live in America’ reflects our thoughtful planning and hard work.”

Fadness also points to his mental health initiative as a high priority during his time as mayor.

So far, Scott Fadness is the only candidate to officially file the paperwork with the Hamilton County Election Office in Noblesville as a Fishers mayoral candidate.

Logan Day has formed an exploratory committee for a run for mayor, but has not yet officially filed.  The filing deadline for candidates in the May 7th primary election is noon on Friday, February 8th.

Hamilton County Reporter/WISH-TV

There’s been outrage throughout Hamilton County and central Indiana about a video that has been making the rounds: A group of dogs outside in the severe cold.

On Wednesday, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said the owners did not break the law in any way.

Videos from Arcadia flooded social media and the Sheriff’s Office. They showed dogs at Raebark German Shepherd Dog Kennel. Wind chill temperatures were well below zero, and the dogs sitting and running outside.

“You instantly are heartbroken for these animals,” said Jordan Hawk, who saw the video and pictures and started a petition calling for action.

Sheriff’s Capt. Mark Bowen said the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office checked on the dogs.

“They have igloo kennels. Their water is warm and not frozen. They have adequate food and shelter,” he said.

A man at the business said he has been out there throughout the day to check the dogs. Bowen, who is Hamilton County’s former sheriff, confirmed they did nothing illegal.

Hawk said it was reassuring to know authorities checked on the dogs. She said there needs to be clear focus on what’s next.

“If we’re going to come together for some good cause, it should be not to beat her down and not to say she needs to close her doors and all of this, but we need to address Indiana itself and say, ‘Hey, this is our concern’,” Hawk said.

She said her concern is the state code that she said doesn’t go far enough to protect animals.

Bowen said owners have to provide a shelter.

“I don’t think it specifically defines size, shape or anything of that nature, just requires they have shelter,” he said when asked about specifics of state law.

Bowen said under Indiana’s current law, it’s not defined when it’s too hot or cold for animals to be out. Hawk said other states have stricter laws.

Hawk created a change.org petition to get lawmakers talking about whether the law needs to change. The petition had nearly 3,000 signatures by Wednesday night.

Hamilton County Reporter

Hamilton Southeastern picked up a Hoosier Crossroads Conference win on Thursday, beating Franklin Central 75-58 in the Royals’ gym.

Southeastern led 15-11 after the first quarter, but took control in the second period, scoring 22 points to take a 37-23 lead. Three HSE players landed in double figures, starting with Aaron Etherington, who had 25 points eight rebounds and five assists.

Chris Grubbs reached double-double status with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Noah Smith scored 10 points along with handing out nine assists. Landon Morris had five rebounds, four points and three blocked shots.

The Royals are 4-2 in the conference and 12-5 overall. They will host New Castle on Tuesday.

by

Richie Hall

Sports Editor

Hamilton County Reporter

If there’s one thing the Fishers boys basketball team can do, it’s win under tough circumstances.

The Tigers traveled to Westfield for a Thursday Hoosier Crossroads Conference game, and slowly took control in the third quarter to grab a 63-53 win over the Shamrocks at The Rock. Fishers got the win despite having two players out, and is now 5-1 in conference play, second to Zionsville’s 6-0 record.

Tigers coach Matt Moore noted that it was the third game in a row his team held an opponent under 55 points. The coach said it was a grind it out game, but Fishers seems to thrive in that situation.

Those aren’t the prettiest sometimes, but those are games that we can win,” said Moore. “And we’ve been able to win those a lot this year.”

Westfield led 15-12 after the first quarter. The Shamrocks had five different players score in that period, with Chris Chin and Caleb Welch both getting four points. Josiah Matthews had seven points, including a 3-pointer, to keep the Tigers within striking distance.

Fishers made its move in the second quarter, outscoring the ‘Rocks 16-9 to take a 28-24 lead. It was Willie Jackson’s turn to shine in that period, and he poured in 11 points.

The Tigers then turned it up in the third quarter, scoring 19 while holding Westfield to nine, going up 47-33. Jeffrey Simmons, who has quickly established himself as one of the better freshman players in the state, threw in 14 points.

The Shamrocks made a comeback in the fourth quarter, at one point cutting Fishers’ lead to eight points. Welch had an outstanding quarter, with 10 points, including two 3s. But the Tigers were carried through with their free throw shooting, making 12 of 17 in that period.

“They’re a team that has been competitive in nearly all their games, even the ones that they’ve lost,” said Moore of Westfield. The coach thought his team would have to make plays in the fourth quarter to get the lead, but Fishers had the lead well in hand by then.“

We were able to get to the free throw line a lot more in the second half,” said Moore. I thought Willie did a great job of, in that third quarter, hitting the free throw line. I thought Jeff did a really nice job of us establishing an inside presence. But I thought we shared the ball well tonight.”

Jackson made all six of his free throws on his way to 19 points. Simmons added 18 and Matthews scored 13 points.

The Tigers were without Justin Long, who was sick, and Terry Hicks, who has a broken fifth metatarsal in his foot. Moore said Hicks “will have surgery sometime next week,” and is looking at a four to six week recovery period.

“There’s an outside chance we get him back for the end of sectionals, potentially, and we’re holding out hope on that,” said Moore. “But it’s unfortunate for him.”
Hicks is a starter for Fishers, and Luke Hernandez started in his place. Hernandez played well in his role, scoring five points. Other players stepped up, such as Emmanuel Davis and Dominic Castellani.

“With losing Terry, it hurts us because of his versatility,” said Moore. “But at the same time, I think Luke steps in and does a great job. When Justin Long, who was sick tonight, is in there, he can do some things. Tonight I think Manny Davis, if we had a game ball to give, we’d give it to him just for his effort, his ability to stay on the floor and help make plays.”

Welch scored 19 points for the Shamrocks, with Zach Banks adding 10 points. Chin totaled eight points, and Camden Simons scored six. Braden Smith, also one of the better freshman players in the state, led Westfield in rebounding with eight, in addition to five points and four assists.

I thought we did a lot of good things the first half,” said Shamrocks coach Shane Sumpter.

“I thought we rebounded well, I thought we kept them out of the lane. The second half, a lot of those things disappeared is basically what happened. They came out strong the second half. They got a little bit of fire. They really hurt us inside. Jeff Simmons hurt us inside. We gave up a lot of offensive rebounds the second half and we struggled to score. Give Fishers a lot of credit. Defensively, they’re really good. We just dug ourselves a hole.”

Fishers is 14-5 overall and is back in the Tiger Den Tuesday to host Anderson. Westfield is now 1-5 in the conference and 8-7 overall; the Shamrocks’ next game is also Tuesday, at Harrison.

Many families within the Hamilton Southeastern School District often ask – how does the administration decide whether to call off school or impose a 2-hour delay on bad weather days?  Superintendent Allen Bourff reviewed that policy for school board members Wednesday night.

Unless a decision is made the day before, Hamilton County school superintendents talk to each other through text messaging around 4:10am that day, and compare notes on what each has been observing or seeing within their school district boundaries.

Each Hamilton County superintendent is also on contact with their respective transportation director.  The transportation chiefs use their network of bus drivers to evaluate the condition of the roads.

The Hamilton County Highway Department, as well as city road crews, the sheriff’s department and city police are all contacted for their perspective.  The National Weather Service and local television meteorologists have information the school districts evaluate in making this decision.

“Sometimes it’s an easy call and sometimes it’s not,” Dr. Bourff said.  “It’s never a call that’s going to be a good one as far as everyone is concerned.”

The condition of the roads and the overall weather are evaluated in making a decision.  The general temperature threshold for calling school is a wind chill factor of 19 degrees below zero and lower.

“When the (wind chill) is 19 degrees below zero, it becomes dangerous for students to stand outside for lengths of time, 5 minutes or more,” Bourff told the board.  “The 19 below zero is not a hard and fast rule. If the buses are sluggish, if we are experiencing difficulty in the buildings, we can deviate from that.”

Road conditions can vary widely within the Hamilton Southeaster School District boundaries.  For example, Bourff said weather conditions can be quite different on Lantern Road and 116th Street in Fishers, compared to the Durbin area in Wayne Township.

After peppering staff with questions, the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board has cleared the way to install solar panels in three school buildings this year.  Work will begin as early as April, with full installation expected this summer.

The three buildings that will use the solar system are Sand Creek Elementary, Sand Creek Intermediate and the HIJ (Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate & Junior High).

Bob Rice, Energy Management Director for HSE Schools, told board members the savings in electricity means the project will pay for itself in 11 years.  The solar project will be financed through a 4-year bond issue that will not trigger a tax increase, per HSE Chief Financial Officer Mike Reuter.

The $2.8 million contract was awarded to the private firm AMERESCO, which has done similar projects for schools on the east and west coast, and solar projects for local governments in Indiana.

Rice told the board this project will produce more than cost savings over time, students will be able to learn about solar energy as part of the school curriculum.  He also touted the reduction in the carbon footprint, as well as awareness among students of jobs in the solar industry.

The board vote to approve the project was unanimous.

You can review the entire presentation to the board at this link.

The Hamilton Southeastern School Board has not yet started video live-streaming board meetings, but the board is still talking about how long to make the recordings of those sessions available.

Three new board members took office in 2019, but the previous board had approved a policy of allowing video recordings to be available to the public for 45 days.  Board member Michelle Fullhart asked that the issue be placed on the agenda of Wednesday night’s meeting and it sparked a lively discussion.

When all was said and done, the board took no action, but sent the issue back to the Policy Committee, with the intention to possibly vote on the issue at the February 13th board meeting.

There were several ideas voiced by different board members, from keeping the current policy of a 45 day video retention period to keeping the videos online for 4 years.  There was no consensus from the board on this issue Wednesday night.

by

Rich Torres

Hamilton County Reporter

The temptation was there, but the Fishers girls basketball team refused to look ahead. Instead, the Tigers hushed that impulse quickly with chemistry and execution on Tuesday night.

One win away from a rematch with rival Class 4A No. 1 Hamilton Southeastern, the
Tigers (15-9) stayed grounded during the opening round of Sectional 8 and knocked
off Anderson 58-33 to advance into Friday’s semifinals.

“Early on, the focus was just playing our game and making sure we came out and we
were crisp in what we were trying to do,” Fishers coach Lauren Vail said. “The fact
that Anderson has been playing good basketball lately that helped our kids stay
focused, and I like where our kids are right now. I think they’re enjoying being around
one another.”

The Tigers were all business throughout and all smiles by game’s end as they built a
33-point lead after three quarters, never trailing after breaking a 2-2 tie in the first
quarter.

Sophomore Katie Burton led the Tigers with a game-high 25 points, eight rebounds,
two steals and an assist. Burton put Fishers ahead 4-2 and tallied 12 points by halftime.
She shot 11-of-14 from the field and buried 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.

“Our emphasis was to stop Staisha Hamilton and Tyra Ford. Lock them down. We knew if we did that, then we would be successful as a team,” Burton said. “Now, we’re focused on HSE for the next game.”

The Tigers defense stymied Hamilton, who had a 30-point game in a 76-71 loss to
Warren Central last Tuesday and 20 points against Logansport this past Thursday.

The senior has averaged 18.0 points per game for Anderson this season and was shutout against Fishers, while Indians’ sophomore Tyra Ford had nine rebounds and 18 points, coming up short of her 22.1 ppg.

“Hamilton has been playing really good basketball. She’s had 30 a couple of times
lately and she had 16 in the first quarter Saturday against Lafayette Jeff, so she was
really the one we wanted to hone in on,” Vail said. “I give our kids a lot of credit. They
held her scoreless tonight. That was our main focus.”

Dominating the glass was their second goal, and the Tigers went to work, winning
the rebounding battle 40-27.

Senior Cierra Tolbert hauled in a teamhigh 10 rebounds for Fishers, and Tamia Perryman, a junior, had nine, which pushed her past Rachel Puckett as the program’s all-time leading rebounder.

Puckett set the career record with 424. Perryman now has 431 with 173 this season.
Perryman added eight points against Anderson to increase her season total to 231.

“Rebounding will be key against HSE, for sure. We’re definitely faster than they
are, so if we can rebound and push the ball, then I think that will be crucial for our
offense,” Burton remarked on Friday’s semifinal matchup. “It’s a big one, especially
because they are No. 1 in the state. We have to forget about this one and focus on that
one now.”

If the Tigers want to derail the host Royals (21-1) and their 11-game winning
streak, they will need their chemistry, which has led to run their recent streak to four
straight games.

Fishers lost to HSE 65-41 on the Royals’ home floor on Dec. 15.

“From our very first game this season to now, we have grown a lot. Our team chemistry, our offense, defense, even our chemistry on the bench has come a long way,” Burton said. “It’s unbelievable how much better we’ve gotten from our very first practice.”

Their unified approach has been the catalyst in recent weeks as Fishers turned the page on a five-game losing streak to reach the sectional semifinals for a second straight year – and again against HSE.

The Royals defeated the Tigers 60-35 last postseason before losing to Carmel
68-48 in the sectional championship.

“(HSE is) very talented and haven’t lost to anyone in the state of Indiana this season
and that’s for a reason. It’s going to take a very good performance on our part,” Vail
said. “We have to bring our best offensively and defensively, obviously, but it’s a rival
game. I think those are always fun and anytime you get a rematch, those are fun,
too.”