by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Financing for a proposed solar energy system for Hamilton County’s jail complex
and health department will remain under study by the County Council following
Wednesday’s council meeting. The proposal came from County Commissioners in June
and was tabled by the council in July for study by their finance committee.

The $8 million project would provide electric power for buildings on the Corrections
Complex and the Health Department building, using solar panels to collect energy
and convert it to power for lighting, heating and air conditioning. Several governmental
units in the state, including Sheridan Schools, are currently using solar power.

Steve Schwartz, a council member who favors the technology, says the plan is a “no
brainer” because the cost can be retrieved from money currently spent on electricity,
a cost that is rising. Other council members promise the finance committee will review
the plans in the next few weeks.

In other matters, the council gave approval to begin the process for right-of-way
acquisition to construct a “flyover” ramp and roadway from 146th Street to
southbound Keystone Parkway.

The construction, an extension of Lowe’s Way south, will enable motorists much
easier access to Keystone. Cost is estimated at $12 million with a third of the money
coming from federal highway funds.

And, after several months of consideration, council members approved a request
from elections administrator Kathy Richardson for electronic poll books. The $430,000
purchase will allow electronic tabulation and reporting of election results from the county’s 215 precincts. The equipment is currently in use in nearly half of the state’s
counties.

The council also gave its approval to the Hamilton North Library’s plans for a bond
issue to construct additional facilities at its Jackson Township libraries. And a resolution,
authorized by state law, was adopted which recommends all taxing units in the
county maintain their 2018 tax levies at current levels.

by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

–Mosquitoes infected by the West Nile virus have been found in the Noblesville area.
The County Health Department has begun spraying the area where the infected
insects were found.  There have thus far been no reports of persons becoming ill
with the virus. Health officials urge residents going outside, especially between dusk and dawn, to use repellent and try to avoid areas known for large mosquito populations.

–Wayne Sturtevant, judge of Hamilton Superior Court 5 for the past 20 years,
retires on Friday. At his request there will be no retirement reception. No successor has
been named. Gov. Eric Holcomb will appoint a new judge to fill out Sturtevant’s
term which runs through December 2020.  Court Magistrate David Najjar and Carmel
City Judge Brian Poindexter are believed top contenders for the appointment.

–The road construction season is in full swing. The county highway department has
warned of the following road closures:

-276 Street from U.S. 31 to Anthony Road for
reconstruction,

-Towne Road between 146th and 151st Streets for reconstruction,

-the intersection of 136th Street and Prairie Baptist Road for rebuilding the crossing, and

-151st Street between Greyhound Pass and U.S. 31 for a new roundabout.

–The annual national conference of the Metropolitan Information Exchange will be
co-hosted by Hamilton County on September 11-14. The meeting of about 50 Chief Operating Officers of Information Technology services will be held in Indiana
for the first time partially because of the outstanding Hamilton County IT
Department. Local speakers will include County IT Director Chris Martens, Fishers
Mayor Scott Fadness and County Commissioner Christine Altman. The attendees will visit Kotweii County Park as part of the effort to showcase Indiana.

–Hamilton County has also won a Digital County Award from the National
Association of Counties. The award goes annually to counties that demonstrate how
technology improves public services and promotes efficiency.

–A date of September 6 has been chosen for a caucus of the Senate District 20
Republican precinct committee. The caucus, to be held at the IVY Tech auditorium in
Noblesville, will select a new state senator to replace Sen. Luke Kenley who retires
effective September 30. At least five candidates have announced intentions to run
in the caucus.

The Hamilton County Leadership Academy  (HCLA) has announced its new incoming class, many with Fishers connections.  The academy members learn about county government and work on a specific project during their tenure.

Here is the announced listing: Continue reading HCLA Announces New Class →

by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Below is the County Line’s annual quiz to see how knowledgeable readers are on Hamilton County government, history and geography. All the answers have appeared in the Reporter during the past year.

1. Can you name the six public school districts in our county?
2. Who is our current member of the U.S. Congress?
3. Which is the approximate current population of Hamilton County: 100,000, 200,000 or 300,000?
4. What community was the first county seat of Hamilton County?
5. How many cities are currently found in the county?
6. William Conner is considered the first county white settler. What was his American Indian wife’s name?
7. There were once two major railroads running north and south through Hamilton County. Name them.
8. The county had two high school football state champions in 2016. Who were they?
9. The powerful leader of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan was convicted of murder in a nationally publicized trial in Noblesville. Who was he?
10. The County Council is composed of how many members, five, seven or nine?
11. What historic pre-Civil War route operated through Hamilton County?
12. In area, the county is the smallest of 10 Hamilton Counties in the U.S. Is it about 40 square miles, 400 square miles or 4,000 square miles?

Answers: Continue reading Fred Swift’s Hamilton County Quiz →

For some strange reason, every time there is a big story breaking about the Nickel Plate Rail Line, I seem to be out of town.  That is what happened on Monday, July 31st.  That is the day the owners of the line made the decision many expected.

The decision comes down to this.  The rail line, running from Tipton south to Indianapolis, is owned by three governmental entities….Fishers, Noblesville and Hamilton County.  Officials from all three governments announced late in 2016 that they would move forward with a plan converting the Nickel Plate Rail Line to a trail from downtown Noblesville south to 96th Street, taking the trail through the City of Fishers all the way to the Hamilton-Marion County Line.

This decision means there will no longer be a fair train running from downtown Fishers to the State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.  The fair train ran for many years, but ended in 2016 when the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority, the entity with appointees selected by the track owners, had the rails inspected and made a decision that the rails were not up to safety standards.

The Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville argued strongly that the rail line was not as bad as the Port Authority determined.  But as the owners, the Authority had the legal right to make that judgment.

There was a public hearing in Noblesville to take comments on the trail proposal, and the rail supporters filled the room to overflow, making emotional arguments to save the rail line.

The Port Authority then took requests for proposals on the use of the entire line. The three owners reviewed all the proposals and announced their decision Monday morning.  There will be some rail excursions, after acceptance of the proposal submitted by Hamilton County Tourism Inc. on behalf of Arcadia Arts & Heritage Depot and Atlanta Pacific Railroad LLC.  The approved bid calls for operating tourism trains only on the northern portion of the corridor—from Arcadia to Tipton.

The county abstained from voting because Commissioner Christine Altman recused herself and Commissioner Steve Dillinger was not present at the Monday morning gathering.  That left only one commissioner, Mark Heirbrandt, available to vote.  But the votes of Mayors Ditslear and Fadness were enough to approve the plan.

Hamilton County, Fishers & Noblesville will now move forward on converting the rail line south of downtown Noblesville to 96th Street.

There have been a number of twists and turns along the way.  Some rail supporters utilized the Indiana public access laws to make public e-mails from Noblesville Deputy Mayor Steve Cooke.  The messages were embarrassing, leading to Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear to remove Cooke from the rail issue.

Rail supporters asked for a federal court injunction but the judge turned down that request.  There is a civil lawsuit pending over the rail vs. trail issue, but no one knows how that will end.

I have written several times that this entire debate has pulled me in a number of different directions,  I have very fond memories of the Nickel Plate train.  I took my daughters on the fair train when they were young.  My wife and I took the dinner train excursions and enjoyed them very much.  It is very clear to anyone familiar with the history of Fishers and Noblesville that the Nickel Plate Rail Line is very much a part of the fabric that helped build Fishers into the community we have today.

But, in talking with many city officials, they are looking for a trans-formative use for that rail line.  For many years, there was talk of a mass transit connection to downtown Indianapolis.  That talk faded as Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness began talking about how technology will likely make our current mass transit systems obsolete.  It was after he began making that argument that the trail proposal was unveiled.

Whether you agree or disagree with the plan announced by the three owners of the rail line, all of us most understand the reality of the situation.  The three government entities owning the track are elected officials.  We elect our mayors and county commissioners to make these decisions.  The governments own the track and those elected to run those governments have made their decision.

Barring some unforeseen event, such as a court ruling, this decision has been made.  It is time to move forward, whether we agree or disagree with the decision.

Here is this week’s edition of Hamilton County Goes To The Movies.  Justin Mack is our guest – he handles breaking news on IndyStar.com and has a daily video posted on the Web site.  Adam & I review the films Dunkirk & The Big Sick

Posted by

Hamilton County Reporter

The new double-crossover diamond interchange at Campus Parkway and Interstate 69 (Exit 210) is nearly complete and is anticipated to open to its final traffic pattern next week. Additional lanes will be opened in both directions over I-69 and on some interchange ramps.

Milestone Contractors plans to pave surface asphalt and apply final pavement markings starting Monday night, July 31. In order to complete the work more safely and efficiently, the interchange will be partially closed each night next week between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Campus Parkway access over I-69 will be closed. The Campus Parkway entrance ramps to I-69 and the I-69 exit ramps to Campus Parkway may be closed. Electronic message signs and police will advise motorists of the closures and direct traffic to the Olio Road overpass to cross over the interstate during the overnight operations.

Weather permitting, the interchange is expected to be complete and open in its final configuration and capacity by the end of the week. Some additional work may remain with little to no impact to traffic.

Click here to watch a short video on how to navigate a double-crossover diamond interchange. The video is provided by INDOT.

About the double-crossover diamond interchange

Two similar interchanges have been constructed with success in Indiana. The first was at I-69 and Dupont Road in Fort Wayne, and the second was built at I-65 and Worthsville Road in Greenwood.

This interchange design may appear unusual, but by following signs, pavement markings and traffic signal instructions, drivers find these interchanges easy to navigate.

Right turns at double-crossover diamond interchanges are very similar to traditional intersections.

For traffic crossing the Campus Parkway bridge over I-69, traffic signals, signs and pavement markings briefly shift traffic to the left side of the road. This allows left-turning traffic to flow more freely as it enters and exits I-69.

Through traffic on Campus Parkway shifts back to the right side of the road at the next traffic signal.

Added travel lane construction

Widening Campus Parkway at I-69 and building the double-crossover diamond interchange is part of the $92 million I-69 Major Moves 2020 project adding a travel lane to each direction of I-69 between State Road 37 (Exit 205) and State Road 38 (Exit 219). In addition, other improvements are being made to rehabilitate existing bridges, pavement and drainage structures on the 15-mile stretch of interstate.

Two lanes of traffic in each direction of I-69 are currently shifted to accommodate construction of the additional travel lanes. Signs direct large trucks to use the left lane while traffic is shifted toward the right shoulder through the work zone. The speed limit is reduced to 60 mph and further reduced to 50 mph when workers are present.

I-69 is expected to open to three lanes in each direction between State Road 37 and State Road 38 before the end of this year.

For more information about the I-69 Major Moves 2020 project, visit http://www.in.gov/indot/3440.htm and subscribe to receive project updates via text or email.

Posted by

Hamilton County Reporter

Jill Doyle, Executive Director for the Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA), has announced she is stepping down at the end of August. Doyle has served HCLA for the past seven years.

In a statement posted on the HCLA website, Doyle said, “The Hamilton County Leadership Academy has a strong board of directors in place and a dedicated group of volunteers and stakeholders ready to continue to move this organization forward.  I have no doubt that HCLA is in a great position for the future!”

Doyle thanked the people who had helped support and mentor her in her role as executive director. “I firmly believe in this community leadership program and know that I will continue to see many of you leading and contributing to all of the organizations that make Hamilton County a great place to live, work and play,” Doyle said. “I will always be an advocate of HCLA and hope that you will also continue to support the mission of educating and inspiring leaders to create change in our community.”

HCLA Board President Jody L. Dedon responded to Doyle announcement by thanking Doyle for her service and dedication.

“Jill has made Hamilton County a better place through her service to HCLA,” Dedon said. “Through Jill’s unyielding leadership, HCLA is poised for future growth. A board transition committee is already working toward identifying candidates.”

A new executive director is expected to be named this fall.

by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

(Note: Commentaries by Fred Swift are posted on as a result of a partnership between the Hamilton County Reporter and LarryInFishers.com.  Views expressed are those of Mr. Swift and do not necessarily reflect the views LarryInFishers.com)

Decision time for the future of the Nickel Plate Railroad is at hand, but few involved seem anxious to make that decision. It is not the best kept secret that city and county administrations want to convert the railroad to a hiking trail from downtown Noblesville south to at least the Marion County line. But, it is controversial with Nickel Plate supporters objecting to most any plan that would remove significant portions of the railway.

But, for those supporters, the time is approaching when they must decide whether it is better to take half a loaf or continue their fight and possibly watch the rails rust. The cities of Noblesville and Fishers along with the county own the tracks and seem willing to keep the railroad intact to the north from Forest Park to Tipton.

The Hoosier Heritage Port Authority which administers the rail line for the owners, have accepted proposals from five groups which advised they are able and willing to operate all or part of the railroad. The port authority has passed along these proposals to city and county officials for a decision, but no date has been set for the three governmental entities to vote.

The controversy grew this week when it was revealed that Noblesville Deputy Mayor Steve Cooke tried to rig a public meeting on the railroad’s future by filling seats with folks who favor a trail. His emails favoring the city’s position were made public, thus embarrassing the city administration and possibly slowing a decision. Cooke was reassigned to duties other than promoting the trail plan. Usually, it would be a matter of money that would keep anything from happening. In this case, however, there is money available. It would come indirectly from the Hamilton County Visitor and Convention Bureau which has submitted a plan to provide train service to the north and a trail to the south, a plan that is likely to be accepted.

Generally known as the Tourism Bureau, this county governmental agency collects large amounts of money each year from an innkeeper’s tax on all hotel and motel rooms which visitors pay along with room rent. Last year the bureau had revenues of $3,573,000, according to its financial statement. The income may near $4 million this year.

In their proposal, Tourism would make any needed safety repairs, supply engines and train cars, crews to operate a train and oversee removal of the rails south of Forest Park, but not be responsible for the cost of converting the rail bed to a trail from Noblesville south to 96th Street. No estimate has been given on the overall cost of the plans.

Tourism officials consider the passenger train experience to be a tourist attraction, and would repay themselves or any loan they might make from train ticket sales. Presumably the popular Polar Bear Express, dinner train and other excursion rides would be scheduled, but the Fairtrain would, of course, not be possible.

So, the hot potato is in the hands of Mayors John Ditslear and Scott Fadness of Fishers along with county commissioners. And, it’s time to act.

Lindsey Erdody of the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) does a great job covering the business side of Indy’s northern suburbs in her North of 96th beat.  Lindsey often lists the comings and goings of business in the northern suburbs, including Fishers.

Here are some of her Fishers-related items in her latest Roundup column published on the IBJ Web site (you can see her entire listing at this link).

–You may have already seen the signs, but the former Walgreen’s location near 126th Street and State Road 37 (12550 Reynolds Drive will soon become a Dollar Tree.

–Look for Planet Fitness to add a location in Fishers, 11728 Fishers Crossing Drive, near Allisonville Road.

–Gratitude Boutique and Gifts is now open at 8912 E. 96th St. in the former Salon Krelic spot.

–Toppers Pizza plans to open at 11640 Brooks School Road, near 116th Street. This would be the second Hamilton County location. The chain, started in Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1993, with more than 100 stores now open in the Midwest.