The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board moved forward with hiring the CSO architectural firm to design the new, so far unnamed,  elementary school to be constructed next to HSE Intermediate/Junior High School on Cyntheanne Road.  CSO will be paid just under $1 million.  The board will also be contracting with a firm named BrainSpaces at an additional cost of $105,000 to provide professional services tied to making the building better suited for the HSE 21 program of immersive learning.

In addition to those expenses, the elementary school building construction is estimated to cost $18.4 million.  The new elementary is projected to be ready for students by the start of the 2019-2020 school year.

The board vote to approve CSO and Brainspaces was five in favor, one opposed and one abstention.  Amanda Shera voted no and Sylvia Shepler abstained.

In another building-related matter, the board voted unanimously to hire Meyer-Najem as construction manager for the planned renovation projects at Cumberland Road Elementary School and the HSE Schools Administration Building.

In other school board items from the Wednesday night session:

–The board okayed 4 additional full-time-equivalent teaching positions, expanding the availability of world language classes at the 8th grade level.  These additional teachers will be funded through money obtained from the recently approved operating referendum approved by local voters.

–Jeff Harrison told the board the Learning Management System (LMS) Blackboard, that has been utilized for years by the school corporation, will be replaced by another vendor. Harrison says an internal committee will provide the board a recommendation on a new provider at the next board meeting.

–Board members received an update on food services from Director of Food Services Andria Ray.  Her staff is already setting up the menu plans for the next school year.  She says there will be a lower sodium target, which will be hard to meet, but she is optimistic the goal will be met.

–A revised procurement policy received 2nd reading approval.  Final approval comes with the 3rd and final reading vote, expected at the next board session.

It is always an exciting time for any family when a youngster is set to start kindergarten.  It is now getting to be that time for registering your kindergarten student entering the 2017-2018 school year.

Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools will hold open houses at the elementary schools on April 18th, 4pm-7pm.

Parents of new kindergarten students may register online at this link.

The open house events at the HSE elementary buildings will be April 18th, but you can register your child for the Class of 2030 now online.

The winner of the Best Foreign Film Oscar this year was from Iran – here is my review of that film -“The Salesman”

I was out of town when the announcement was made proposing a biking and walking trail along the Nickel Plate Rail Line running through Fishers and Noblesville.  I was able to post some updates on my www.LarryInFishers.com news blog while away.  If the reaction I have seen so far is any indication, we are in for a spirited debate about this idea.

Based on the February 28th announcement held in Fishers, Mayor Scott Fadness and Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear are both supporting the trail proposal.  At the county level, Commissioners Mark Heirbrandt and Christine Altman both appeared at the Fishers announcement in support of the plan.

In my view, there are a number of reasons Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness is in favor of the trail proposal.  He has been a big advocate of these trails throughout Fishers and believes this is a way to continue building a feeling of community in the city.

But there is another reason.  Mayor Fadness was once a big supporter of connecting Fishers with a regional mass transit system.  That rail line was a key in establishing such a connection.  But the mayor has changed his tune on this issue in recent months.  In a podcast with me January 10th, Fadness said new technology will make mass transit as we know it obsolete in the not-too-distant future.  Self driving vehicles will disrupt all transportation modes as we know them now, the mayor says, much like what brick-and-mortar retailing is going through now.

Based on that, don’t look for Fishers to be supportive of spending more money to upgrade the Nickel Plate Rail Line.  I have seen varying estimates on how much would be needed to fix the safety problems on the rail line, but all are in the millions of dollars.  Estimates show the trail would cost $9.3 million.

So, plenty of important government leaders are getting behind the plan to convert the Nickel Plate Rail Line into something like the Monon Trail running through parts of Indianapolis and Carmel.  But there are people with other ideas.

The Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville has operated the Indiana State Fair trains for many years until 2016 – that’s when the track was declared unsafe.

The museum is an independent nonprofit organization and wants to repair the Nickel Plate Line to allow the Fair Train, along with other excursions sponsored by the museum, to resume.  The museum is proposing a joint-use plan, allowing both the train tracks to be utilized and have a trail along the same line at the same time.

There is also a group of people organizing to oppose the Nickel Plate Trail and push for rehabilitating the rail line.  They have established a Change.org petition and have a Twitter hashtag #SavetheNickelPlate

The City of Fishers is holding what it describes as a “community listening session” at 6pm, Tuesday, March 21st, at the City Hall Auditorium.  A second such session will take place in Noblesville on Thursday, March 23rd.

I expect to see a serious debate on this issue in the months ahead.  The lines are clearly drawn.  Do you want a new walking and bike trail along the Nickel Plate Corridor, or should the rail line be repaired and allow the trains to once again utilize the tracks?  If you have strong feelings, attend the listening sessions and let your elected officials know how you feel.

By

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Hamilton County Democrats have a new party chairman, and Republicans re-elected their chairwoman during political reorganization meetings Saturday.

Joe Weingarten took over from retiring Keith Clock as Democratic chairman in a caucus held at the Noblesville Public Library.  About 60 committeemen and vice committeemen gathered to elect the new chairman without opposition. Named vice chairwoman was Rosemary Dunkle.

The Republican precinct organization, with more than 200 attending, re-elected Laura Campbell as county chairwoman without opposition. The GOP caucus was held at the Ritz Charles in Carmel.

Elected vice chairman was Terry Anker. Congresswoman Susan Books attended and spoke to the reorganization gathering.

By RICHIE HALL

Hamilton County Reporter Sports Editor

The Carmel boys basketball team won its third consecutive sectional Saturday, beating Hamilton Southeastern 69-57 at the Eric Clark Activity Center.

This was a reversal from the two teams’ earlier season game, where the Royals won 72-51. On Saturday, the Greyhounds rolled through the second quarter to take control of the contest, and maintained that advantage in the second half

“Defensively, we were so much better tonight than the first time we played them,” said Carmel coach Scott Heady. “We rebounded a lot better. We controlled the boards all night. And we didn’t turn the ball over. We went in at halftime with two turnovers, and I think that was the key that got us the lead.”

Next up for Carmel is a trip to the Logansport regional, where it will have a noon re-match next Saturday with McCutcheon. The Mavericks beat the Greyhounds in overtime last year at the Berry Bowl, and then made their way to the Class 4A state championship game.

The ‘Hounds were ahead 15-9 at the end of the first period, and beginning a 15-2 run that would take them up to a 29-11 lead late in the second quarter. Senior PJ Baron continued his great play in the first half, scoring 11 points.

“As a senior, it feels great, especially on the home court,” said Baron

Carmel led 17-11 before scoring 12 unanswered points, the majority of its big first-half run. Baron hit a 3-pointer, a putback and a layin, and Eddie Gill finished things up with a 3-pointer of his own.

Southeastern got five quick points off a basket by Connor Rotterman, then Zach Gunn converted a 3-point play. But the half ended with Cole Jenkins tossing in a ‘3’ for Carmel, and the Greyhounds were up 32-16 at the break.

Carmel continued to roll in the third period, ending it with six unanswered points, layins by Britt Beery, Jalen Whack and John Michael Mulloy. That gave the Greyhounds their largest lead of the game at 43-24. The Royals would chip away at the lead in the fourth period, getting to within 59-49 with 1:48 left. But Carmel’s foul shooting allowed it to seal the game.

“We hit some key shots to get us the lead, and we were just able to contain, or to keep the lead and hit free throws down the stretch,” said Heady.

Baron finished the game with 17 points, and pulled nine rebounds as well.

“I think I played pretty well, but I got to stay humble and just keep moving forward into the tournament,” said Baron.

Luke Heady scored 14 points, while Cole Jenkins added 12. Whack and Mulloy both had five rebounds.

“I give our guys a lot of credit,” said Heady. “You look at our lineup tonight, three of our five starters were just strictly JV players last year and the other two guys came off the bench. They were like our seventh and eighth man.

“I know it’s the end of the year and they’re seasoned throughout the year, but thinking about where those guys started the beginning of the year and where they are now is, I think a real tribute to our team and that they got a lot better throughout the year.”

Jack Davidson led HSE with 21 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. Rotterman scored 10 points, as did Gunn, a four-year star who graduates as the Royals’ all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Aaron Etherington pulled six rebounds, while Gunn had four.

More road construction coming for the work week beginning Monday, March 6th.  It includes work on I-69 at Exit 210 & 116th Street.  Here is the listing, as provided by the City of Fishers:

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The City of Fishers plans a series of events in March celebrating Disability Awareness Month.  Below is a listing of what to expect this month:

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Disability Awareness Month Kick-Off Thursday, March 2, 10-11:30 a.m. | Fishers City Hall Auditorium
Visual and Performing Arts Reception Friday, March 3, 6-8 p.m. | Fishers City Hall Foyer and Auditorium
Wheelchair Glider Dedication Friday, March 10, 10 a.m. | Roy G. Holland Memorial Park
“A Long Night of Laughs” Adult Comedy Show Friday March 10, 7-9 p.m. | Britton Hall at Pinheads

HSE Transition Fair Thursday, March 16, 6-7:30 p.m. | Fishers High School
Fishers Athletic Showcase: Adapt and Thrive Friday, March 17, 6-8 p.m. | Fishers High School Gymnasium
Luncheon & Learn: Making Connections for an Inclusive Workforce Tuesday, March 21, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Launch Fishers
Art Unveiling feat. Exhibit by Warren Miller at The Edge Wednesday, March 22, 8:30 a.m. | Shell Gas Station parking lot at the southwest corner of 116th Street and Commercial Drive
“My Point of View Day” Panel Discussion & March Capstone Event Tuesday, March 28, 3:30-5 p.m. | Fishers City Hall Auditorium

By

The Hamilton County Reporter

(This story is posted as part of a partnership between the Hamilton County Reporter newspaper & LarryInFishers.com.  It appeared in the March 2nd edition of the Reporter.  It contains the Indiana Transportation Museum’s response to the recent proposed transformation of the rail line into a walking & biking trail)

With the announcement of plans by the
Cities of Fishers and Noblesville to convert
the local landmark, Nickel Plate railroad to
a walking and biking trail, the area is at risk
of losing a major historic and economic
differentiator.

The Indiana Transportation Museum,
which has operated events and excursions
on the line since 1990, is disheartened by
the direction local leaders have chosen.
With downtown developments carrying the
Nickel Plate theme, the railroad as a
historical, tourism-oriented entity has the
capacity to continually enrich the area’s
market appeal and economic footprint.
Studies have shown ITM is one of the top
attractions in Hamilton County.

Many cities have walking and biking
paths, but few in the United States have an
operating heritage railroad operating
through bustling business districts with
access to a large metropolitan market such
as Indianapolis. The organization brings in
more than 40,000 riders into the area each
year at a growing rate, and many travel from
out of town. These visitors buy gas, soda
and snacks at convenience stores; have dinner and drinks at local restaurants and
bars as well as stay in local hotels. The
economic impact of such a move on the local
businesses and community must be carefully
considered before the heritage railroad is
removed.

Museum officials have prepared a
master plan that calls for increased
excursions and events in order to maximize
economic and cultural benefit. The Museum
urges city officials to consider a join-useplan
for the rail corridor, thereby allowing
for both attractions to coexist for maximum
community benefit. The Museum believes
collaboration with city leaders is of the
utmost necessity to preserve this unique icon
and differentiator for the region as well as
future generations of enjoyment.

Currently, as many as 10,000 families
from across the region make museum events
such as Polar Bear Express, FairTrain and
regular offerings a family tradition. The
Museum wishes to reach a joint resolution
to ensure these experiences are preserved
for all to enjoy, thus allowing for the longterm
continuation of museum programs.

By

The Hamilton County Reporter

(This story is posted as part of a partnership between the Hamilton County Reporter newspaper & LarryInFishers.com.  It appeared in the March 2nd edition of the Reporter)

The Hamilton County Traffic Safety
Partnership, a consortium of law
enforcement agencies
including Carmel
Police, Cicero Police,
Fishers Police,
Noblesville Police,
Westfield Police,
Indiana State Police,
and the Hamilton
County Sheriff’s
Office, announced
today they will join
efforts with over 250
Indiana state and local
law enforcement agencies to increase
education and enforcement around
dangerous and impaired driving.
From March 3 through March 26, 2017,
officers across the state will conduct highvisibility
patrols specifically designated to
identify and intercept those driving
aggressively and under the influence.

“As a state known for basketball
hysteria, March is a time of celebration and
fun here in Indiana,” said Hamilton
County Sheriff Mark Bowen. “Throw in St. Patrick’s Day as well, and its critical we
drive home the message that the only way
to celebrate, is responsibly. For this reason,
our officers will be working day and night
all across the county looking out for our
fellow Hoosiers, because if we do see you
driving dangerously or impaired, we will
pull you over.”

Increased enforcement during March is
a statewide effort supported by federal
funding allocated to the Hamilton County
Traffic Safety Partnership from the Traffic
Safety Division of the Indiana Criminal
Justice Institute (ICJI). Officers from around
the county will work overtime to conduct
observational patrols and sobriety
checkpoints around the clock.

According to ICJI, in March 2016 there
were 495 alcohol-related crashes across
Indiana, resulting in 231 injuries and 11
fatalities. Additionally, during the same
period, crash reports indicate 1,128
collisions occurred due to dangerous
driving, resulting in 260 injuries and two
fatalities. Dangerous driving includes
factors such as “speed too fast for weather conditions,” “driver distracted,” and “driver
asleep or fatigued.”

“Protecting all those traveling Indiana’s
roadways is an action we do not take
lightly,” said ICJI Executive Director Dave
Murtaugh. “With various celebratory events
taking place during the month of March, it’s
important we remind all drivers and
passengers the responsibility of staying safe
on the road, lies at their feet. I want to thank
our hard working and dedicated officers who
will be out in full patrol working to ensure
this message is front and center in the mind
of all those behind the wheel. The key to
safe travel is simple. Buckle up and drive
sober.”

Crashes resulting from dangerous and
impaired driving are preventable. The
Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership
and ICJI would like to remind motorists safe driving is as simple as following these easy
steps:
• Before the celebration begins, plan a safe
way home
• Do not drive impaired
• If you do drink, use a taxi, public
transportation, ridesharing service or
designate a sober friend or family member,
and give them your keys
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call
911
• If you know someone who is about to drive
or ride impaired, take their keys and help
make arrangements to get them home safely