The Hamilton County Leadership Academy has announced the speaker lineup for its 13th annual Leadership Summit, scheduled for June 18 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center.

The event, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will focus on workplace culture—an issue organizers say is increasingly important as employers compete to attract and retain talent.

This year’s panel will feature three Hamilton County business leaders:

• Bethany Gremel, Director of Culture and Brand Experience at Beck’s Hybrids
• Mandy Haskett, Leadership Consultant with ADVISA
• Mike Pote, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Gaylor Electric

The discussion will be moderated by Heather Haas, CEO and owner of ADVISA.

According to HCLA Executive Director Maria Kanger, the panel will explore how organizations define and build strong workplace cultures, along with how emerging factors such as artificial intelligence are shaping those environments.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have this phenomenal panel of leaders from well-respected Hamilton County employers,” Kanger said in a statement. “Those who attend the Leadership Summit are bound to benefit from their wisdom and willingness to dig into key questions.”

In addition to the panel discussion, the summit will include the presentation of HCLA’s Distinguished Alumni and Honorary Alumni awards. Recipients have not yet been announced.

The event is open to the public, with individual tickets and sponsorships currently available. Registration is scheduled to close June 1.

Founded in 1991, the Hamilton County Leadership Academy provides leadership development opportunities for residents and professionals across the county. Its flagship Signature Program is a 10-month course that examines key community issues and prepares participants for leadership roles in civic organizations, nonprofits and government.

Hamilton County residents will have an opportunity this weekend to safely dispose of unused or expired medications as part of a nationwide effort to combat prescription drug misuse.

The Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs will host a drive-thru medication drop-off event Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon in the east parking lot of Riverview Health, across from Federal Hill Commons in Noblesville.

The event is part of the 30th annual National Drug Take Back Day coordinated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The initiative, held each spring and fall, aims to reduce access to potentially dangerous medications that often remain in home medicine cabinets.

Locally, Hamilton County has participated in the program for years, collecting hundreds of pounds of medications annually.

“A critical aspect of the prescription drug epidemic is the supply chain,” said Monica Greer, executive director of the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs. “For most people who misuse these drugs, the source isn’t an anonymous street dealer but a trusted friend or family member, and the point of access is the home medicine cabinet.”

Greer said removing unused or expired medications from homes can play a key role in preventing misuse and abuse.

The April 25 event will accept expired and unused prescription medications, as well as vape devices. However, organizers say liquids, sharps and needles will not be accepted. Those items should instead be taken to the Hamilton County Household Hazardous Waste Center for proper disposal.

For residents unable to attend Saturday’s event, year-round disposal options are available at several local law enforcement agencies, including the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, as well as police departments in Fishers and Westfield. Some retail locations, including Walmart, Walgreens and Meijer, also offer medication drop-off services.

Officials encourage residents to take advantage of the event as a simple step toward improving public health and safety.

Additional information on local medication disposal can be found at www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov

Reporter Cate Charron of the IndyStar has a story posted to the newspaper’s Web site Tuesday morning centered on a man in Fishers that has been behind anti-Trump protests in the area.  The story contains much more, including involvement by the Fishers Police Department, which, according to this reporting, referred some information to the FBI.

There is so much involved in this story I hesitate to summarize it for you.

It is unclear whether this story is behind the IndyStar paywall.  If you are a subscriber you will have access.  If not, you may or may not.  Here is the link.

Once again, the only reason a news organization like the IndyStar can do reporting like this is through subscribers.  Initial online subscription rates are very inexpensive.  Once again, I communicate this message – subscribe to your local media!  Otherwise, someday, it could go away.

Monday night, the Fishers City Council approved the first reading of a sweeping ordinance that would overhaul how bicycles and a growing range of motorized devices are regulated across the city.  The measure now moves toward a final vote expected in May.

Fishers Assistant Police Chief Luke Gannon explained the ordinance to the Council.  The proposed language consolidates and updates rules that are currently scattered across multiple sections of city code. City officials say the goal is to create a single, clear framework governing bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, electric dirt bikes and similar devices as their use continues to expand.

The measure would repeal portions of existing traffic rules and replace Chapter 73 with a new section titled “Operation of Motor Vehicles, Bicycles, and Motorized Devices on Multi-Use Trails, Sidewalks, and Roadways” .

In doing so, the ordinance introduces updated definitions reflecting newer technology, including three classes of e-bikes, as well as e-scooters, “e-motos” (such as electric dirt bikes), and electric personal assistive mobility devices like hoverboards and Segways .

A key component of the proposal spells out where each type of device can and cannot be used. For example, traditional bicycles and lower-speed e-bikes would generally be allowed on trails and sidewalks, while higher-speed devices—such as Class 3 e-bikes and some e-motos—would face restrictions on multi-use trails and sidewalks . E-scooters and personal mobility devices would be prohibited from operating on roadways, while certain e-motos and higher-class e-bikes would be allowed on streets under specific conditions .

The ordinance also establishes uniform operating rules, including requirements to yield to pedestrians, maintain safe passing distances, and avoid reckless behavior such as excessive speed or weaving through traffic .

Safety provisions include helmet requirements for riders under 16 across several device types, along with stricter rules for higher-speed devices. For instance, operators of e-motos and Class 3 e-bikes must be at least 15 years old and wear helmets at all times .

Motorists are also addressed in the proposal, with updated language requiring drivers to maintain at least three feet of distance when passing bicycles or motorized devices and to yield appropriately in bike lanes .

Violations would carry a $150 fine, increasing to $300 if not paid within 30 days, with additional provisions for parental responsibility when minors are involved and the potential impoundment of devices in certain cases .

City officials say the changes are designed to improve safety and reduce confusion as new forms of transportation become more common on Fishers streets and trails.

Council members made generally positive comments about the new proposed ordinance.  Mayor Scott Fadness emphasized that there will be a communications and educational component once this receives final passage.  Enforcement is an option but the goal is to impact behavior for safer streets, sidewalks and trails.

The Mudsock Youth Athletics program has long had first call on city athletic facilities, with parks such as Cyntheanne serving as a home field for its large youth soccer operation.

That long-standing arrangement will change under a new ordinance approved by the Fishers City Council.

The City of Fishers is partnering with Hamilton Southeastern Schools to consolidate management of school and city athletic facilities under a single director. Former HSE High School athletic director Jim Self will oversee the combined system, with his salary split between the city and the school district.

Under the newly approved ordinance, Mudsock will retain “priority” access to fields, but the city will assume control over scheduling and allocation. That change opens the door for additional organizations—including other soccer groups—to gain access to facilities.

The measure passed on a 6-1 vote, with Councilor Bill Stuart casting the lone dissenting vote.

Stuart raised concerns about provisions lowering the percentage of Fishers residents required for teams to use city facilities, which he said could fall to between 60% and 75% in some cases.

“What’s invariably going to happen on some of these travel teams is somebody’s going to be cut from Fishers to make room for someone else that isn’t paying taxes here,” Stuart said. “Philosophically, I have a problem with that.”

Mayor Scott Fadness defended the changes, saying the goal is to expand opportunities for youth participation in sports. He added that revenue generated from facility rentals would be directed into a dedicated fund to support and improve local sports programs.

City Councilor Todd Zimmerman, citing more than 30 years of coaching youth athletics, supported the ordinance, saying it would broaden access and participation.

Fadness also noted the policy could be revisited if problems arise.

Chief of Staff Jordin Alexander said the lower residency threshold would primarily apply to what she described as “emerging” sports, such as cricket.

The change drew criticism during Community Comment at the end of the Council session from Justin Burtner, president of Mudsock Soccer. Burtner argued the ordinance “should not have occurred” and said the proposal was advanced without sufficient community input.

He also accused the city of disadvantaging entry-level players, saying “we don’t have the funds to lobby the mayor’s office or the city to get exactly what we want.”

Burtner said the city’s message has shifted from allowing Mudsock to control access to prioritizing broader participation across multiple organizations.

There are few details yet available, but Fishers Police confirm there was a fatal accident on Allisonville Road near Harrison Parkway Monday evening,

The crash resulted in the closure of Allisonville Road.  Traffic has been diverted onto 131st & 141st Streets.

The three Billy Strings concerts scheduled for April 24-26 at Fishers Event Center have been rescheduled for August 6-8, according to an announcement Monday from the venue. Fans holding tickets for the original dates are being told to keep them, because those same tickets will be honored for the corresponding August shows.

Under the revised schedule, tickets for Friday, April 24 will be valid for Thursday, August 6; tickets for Saturday, April 25 will be honored on Friday, August 7; and tickets for Sunday, April 26 will be valid for Saturday, August 8. The venue also said 2-day tickets originally purchased for April 24-25 will be honored for the new August 6-7 dates.

While the Fishers Event Center announcement did not specify a reason for the change, Billy Strings publicly disclosed Monday that he suffered a broken leg in a backstage skateboarding accident, prompting the rescheduling of his remaining spring dates, including the Fishers run. National music outlets including Billboard and Rolling Stone also reported the injury and postponements Monday.

The postponement affects what had been one of the marquee concert weekends of the spring at the Fishers venue. Billy Strings’ official tour page now lists the August 6, 7 and 8 Fishers dates, and marks all three as sold out. His site also shows the nearby Charleston, West Virginia stop moved from April 22 to August 4.

For Fishers Event Center, the change reshuffles a busy event calendar that has helped establish the venue as a major stop for touring acts. On Monday, the venue’s home page was prominently carrying a “Billy Strings Rescheduled August 6-8” notice.

The Humane Society for Hamilton County is extending its adoption hours later this month in an effort to place more animals into permanent homes, as shelters nationwide continue to grapple with overcrowding and long-term stays for pets.

For one day only—Thursday, April 30—the Fishers-based shelter will remain open until 7 p.m. in recognition of National Adopt a Pet Day. Officials say the extended hours are designed to give more residents an opportunity to visit after work and consider adoption.

The event comes as shelters across the country report a growing concern: dogs and other animals spending extended periods in kennels, sometimes for months or longer, leading to emotional and behavioral decline.

“It’s heartbreaking to see just how long so many of our animals are forced to wait for a forever home,” said Emma Nobbe, the shelter’s community engagement manager, in a statement. “We hope that our community will rally on a day that is nationally recognized for finding homes for shelter pets.”

To encourage adoptions, the shelter will reduce fees for adult dogs and cats to $30 for the day. In addition, six animals identified by staff as most in need of homes will be available for adoption at no cost.

The shelter currently has hundreds of animals available, representing a wide range of breeds, ages and temperaments.

Adoption packages include spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, a wellness exam at a participating veterinarian, and post-adoption support. New dog owners will also receive a custom bone, while cat adopters will receive treats, both donated by a shelter volunteer.

Shelter officials encourage prospective adopters to review available animals and submit applications in advance through the organization’s website. Those planning to adopt are asked to bring all household members, along with any required documentation such as pet policies for renters and a valid government-issued ID. Residents with dogs at home are encouraged to bring them for meet-and-greet introductions when considering another dog.

The adoption event will run from noon to 7 p.m. at the Humane Society’s facility at 10501 Hague Road in Fishers.

With shelters continuing to face capacity challenges, officials say community participation—especially on high-visibility days like National Adopt a Pet Day—can make a meaningful difference for animals waiting for homes.

I had an American history professor in college who argued that, of all the Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin may have contributed more than anyone else to everyday American life and culture. He made a compelling case, and over the years I have come to think he may well have been right.

Franklin’s contributions are almost too numerous to count. But one of the most lasting was his role in establishing what became America’s first successful lending library. In 1731, Franklin helped found the Library Company of Philadelphia, a subscription library that opened the door to broader public access to books and ideas.

I was thinking about Franklin when I realized this is National Library Week, observed this year from April 19 through April 25. It is a fitting time to celebrate one of the most important civic institutions we have.

Anyone who reads this website regularly probably already knows I am a strong supporter of public libraries.

I support public funding for libraries. I support librarians and library staff. And I appreciate the work they do every day, often quietly and without much fanfare, to strengthen the communities they serve.

Here in our area, that means Hamilton East Public Library, with its main library in Noblesville and its large Fishers branch serving a growing part of our community. There has also been discussion of a future branch on the Olio Road side of the library district, something many residents in that area would surely welcome.

My wife Jane and I are regular visitors to the Fishers library. There is always something uplifting about walking through those doors and seeing families, children, and readers of all ages making use of what the library has to offer. It takes me back to the days when our twin daughters, now 32, were frequent visitors there with their mom.

Libraries today are about much more than books, important as books remain. They are places for learning, gathering, discovery, and civic life. Hamilton East has done a particularly nice job of bringing authors to this community, giving local readers a chance to hear directly from the people who create the stories and ideas they enjoy.

I have had the good fortune to work with library staff in recording podcasts with some of those authors ahead of their appearances. Two recent examples are Kwame Mbalia and Tiffany Crum. Crum’s novel, This Story Might Save Your Life, made the New York Times bestseller list ahead of her April 18 appearance in Fishers.

So yes, this is a week to appreciate libraries and the people who make them work.

In an age of distractions, division, and declining trust in so many institutions, the public library remains one of the best things Americans have ever built: open to all, rooted in learning, and dedicated to the common good.

That is worth celebrating.

The Indy Ignite strengthened their grip on first place in Major League Volleyball Sunday night, defeating the second-place Dallas Pulse 3-1 before a sold-out crowd at Fishers Event Center. Indy won by set scores of 25-17, 25-18, 22-25 and 25-21.

The victory pushed the Ignite to 19-5 on the season, while Dallas fell to 18-7. Just as important, Indy completed a regular-season sweep of the Pulse, who have now lost four times this year to the Ignite. The win also lowered Indy’s magic number to two for clinching the No. 1 seed in the four-team MLV Championship set for May 7-9 in Dallas.

Sunday’s matchup had the feel of a postseason preview, with the league’s top two teams meeting in front of more than 6,500 fans in Fishers. But for the first two sets, the Ignite left little doubt. Indy controlled the match early with efficient hitting and strong defense, taking the opening set by eight points and following with another comfortable win in set two.

Dallas did not go quietly. The Pulse hit .316 in the third set and used a late 4-0 run to steal that frame 25-22. In the fourth set, Dallas jumped out to a 5-0 lead, only to watch Indy answer with a decisive surge that turned the match back in the home team’s favor. The Ignite eventually closed it out, winning the final set 25-21.

Azhani Tealer again led the way for Indy, finishing with 19 kills and a block for 20 points while adding 11 digs. Leketor Member-Meneh contributed 13 kills, two blocks and 16 digs, and Lydia Martyn made a strong return to the starting lineup with 10 kills, five blocks and an ace. Setter Mia Tuaniga directed the offense with 55 assists, along with four kills, two aces and nine digs. Anna DeBeer added eight kills and 11 digs.

Indy coach Lauren Bertolacci said afterward she was pleased with the way her team adjusted when Dallas made its push in the final two sets. With only a short time left in the regular season, the Ignite look very much like a team built for a deep postseason run.

The Ignite return to action Thursday, April 23, on the road against Orlando, with two more regular-season home matches still ahead in Fishers.