The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools and the Hamilton Southeastern Educations Association (HSEA) have been in contract negotiations the past couple of weeks.  HSEA has updated its membership during gatherings before school board meetings, the last held October 23.  Wednesday afternoon, HSE Schools issued a statement about the talks as they stand now.

The HSE statement, from Superintendent Patrick Mapes, expresses a willingness by the school district to consider union proposals, listen to teachers’ concerns, and work toward solutions that benefit both sides.

Mapes points to the funding mechanism for public schools, largely tied to the number of students.  The HSE student population has been slowly declining recently.  “We currently are using cash balances to operate the district,” the statement said, “but it would be irresponsible to rely heavily on these funds for a contract agreement.”

Mapes argues the administration contract proposal offers teachers more than additional funding coming from the state.  “In hard financial times, we remain committed to providing base salary increases that have a lasting impact for teachers,” said the district.

Mapes points out that the bargaining deadline is November 15 and says HSE is available almost daily to continue the talks.  If no agreement is reached by November 15, both sides enter into a fact finding process with the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board.

In updating teachers October 23, the HSEA bargaining team said they had made major concessions in their latest proposal at that time.  The most recent social media post from HSEA says, “Due to mediation of the ULP and needing for our attorney to be present, we will be rescheduling bargaining.  The district has agreed to provide new dates to the Association in order for us to settle our contract.”

The ULP appears to be unrelated to the contract talks.

Below is the full statement from Superintendent Mapes, posted on the HSE School District’s Web site:

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Continue reading HSE Supt. issues statement on the state of bargaining with local teachers →

The traffic restrictions due to the roundabout construction at 96th Street and Allisonville Road has resulted in traffic backups in the area, but that comes to a halt today.  The long-awaited project is now complete and traffic at the roundabout is open in all directions.

The roundabout replaces a Michigan Left configuration, which was not popular with many area motorists.

However, be aware that more construction on Allisonville Road in Fishers will be coming next year, with a new roundabout scheduled to begin construction at 116th Street.  More details about that construction project are expected later.

Art enthusiasts across Hamilton County can look forward to an immersive evening of creativity, as the second Fishers Gallery Hop takes place on Friday, November 8, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hosted by the Fishers Arts Council (FAC), Noblesville Creates, and the Fishers Art Center, the event will feature four unique gallery locations, each spotlighting a different artistic experience.

The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. at Meyer Najem’s 2nd Floor Gallery, located at 11787 Lantern Road. Here, the photography of Fishers-based artist Michael Jack will be on display. Jack’s exhibit, titled “Stories from the Coast,” focuses on the landscapes and history of Washington State’s Palouse region—a place of both beauty and loss, due in part to agricultural consolidation. Known for his storytelling through images, Jack’s work at Meyer Najem will be available for viewing until December 27, with a reception lasting until 8 p.m.

At 6 p.m., art lovers can head to the FAC Hub Gallery inside the Hamilton County Community Foundation at 11810 Technology Drive. The “Aspiring Artists” exhibit showcases the work of budding artists aged 6 to 60+ from five Hamilton County art schools, in mediums including painting, photography, and collage. This gallery is a great chance to connect with local art educators from Fishers, Carmel, and Noblesville.

Simultaneously, at 6 p.m., the Art Gallery at City Hall at 1 Municipal Drive will unveil “Small Treasures” by artist Jeremy Mallov. Through small paintings that capture fleeting moments of inspiration, Mallov reveals the beauty he finds in limited time and small spaces. Visitors can then explore the nearby Fishers Art Center’s “Interwoven” exhibit, which showcases sculptural works by Detroit-based Austen Brantley and Indianapolis-based Susan Tennant. Together, Brantley’s culturally rich sculptures and Tennant’s dynamic fiberglass weavings offer a new perspective on human interconnectedness.

The evening’s programming will include live music, refreshments, and opportunities to meet the artists. The JBJ Collective will perform jazz at City Hall, while the guitar duo Maruchan will bring neo-soul vibes to the FAC Hub Gallery. Additionally, at 6:45 p.m., FAC board member Pat Grabill will interview Jeremy Mallov at the Fishers Municipal Center Theater in a “Focus on the Artist” session.

For those eager to make the most of the Gallery Hop, FAC has introduced an added incentive: the first five attendees to visit all four galleries will receive $25 off artwork purchased that night. Gallery Hop cards will be available at each location for participants to track their journey.

This engaging art-filled evening promises to highlight Hamilton County’s creative talent and connect community members through art, music, and conversation. The FAC encourages driving to the furthest gallery to ensure attendees have ample time to enjoy each exhibit. For more information, contact the Fishers Arts Council.

The Hamilton County Highway Department says there will lane closures along 146th Street this coming weekend.  Here is the full text of the announcement:

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Please be advised, beginning on or after Friday, November 1st at 6PM and lasting until 6AM on Sunday, November 3rd, drivers should expect intermittent lane closures for the resurfacing of 146th Street. The intermittent lane closure will take place between Hazel Dell Pkwy. and the White River bridge. 

Please use extreme caution while driving through this construction zone.

Fox News personality and comedian Greg Gutfeld will take the stage at the new Fishers Event Center on Saturday, March 15, 2025, for an evening of laughter, commentary, and twists. Joining Gutfeld will be comedian Tom Shillue, and a mystery guest is also promised for the night.

Fans of Gutfeld’s nightly show, GUTFELD! as well as his regular appearances on THE FIVE, know to expect a unique blend of humor and provocative commentary as he explores today’s most pressing issues. Billed as “one massive beautiful mess like no other,” GUTFELD LIVE ’25 promises a night of unscripted comedy.

Tickets for the show will be available to the general public starting Friday, November 1, at 10 a.m. Reserve seats for this one-of-a-kind experience by visiting  FishersEventCenter.com for more information.

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This November, the Fishers Arts Council features artist Jeremy Mallov in their Artist of the Month showcase at the Art Gallery at City Hall. Jeremy’s exhibit, titled Small Treasures, reflects his recent focus on capturing beauty in the everyday through small-scale works. On display from November 4 through December 2, the exhibit is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a special Second Friday reception on November 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Jeremy Mallov’s journey to becoming an artist was a surprising twist. Starting his academic career at Indiana University with plans to study psychology, he quickly discovered a deep passion for art. “After sophomore year, I got bitten bad by the art bug,” Jeremy recalls. This led him to pursue art education, which he has taught at Amy Beverland Elementary School for 21 years.

While his early work drew inspiration from international travel, including paintings of Venetian canals and European cityscapes, life has since brought him closer to home. With his wife, four daughters, and a menagerie of pets, Jeremy’s family-focused lifestyle has inspired him to look for “small treasures” in everyday moments. “I’ve found myself creating smaller 8”x10” paintings in places like a cheer studio waiting room or capturing a sunrise during school drop-off duty,” he says. “These paintings are like short stories, providing a glimpse into my world.”

The Small Treasures exhibit highlights these intimate snapshots, inviting viewers to see the beauty in seemingly simple scenes. The exhibit is a blend of relatable themes and artistic expression, and visitors will have the chance to dive deeper into Jeremy’s creative process on November 8, when board member Pat Grabill will interview Jeremy at the Fishers Municipal Center Theater.

Adding to the event, the JBJ Collective will perform live, thanks to a grant from the Fishers Arts + Culture Commission. November 8 also offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts with a Gallery Hop in collaboration with Noblesville Creates and Fishers Art Center. Starting at the Meyer Najem 2nd Floor Gallery, the FAC Hub Gallery, the Art Gallery at City Hall, and Fishers Art Center, attendees who visit all four galleries will receive $25 off artwork purchased that evening.

For questions, contact the Fishers Arts Council at info@fishersartscouncil.org and join the Arts Council as we celebrate art that captures the beauty of life’s small treasures.

Friday, WFYI news posted a story about Hamilton Southeastern School Board candidate John Stewart.  The story centers on candidate Stewart’s handling of a contract running a horse barn for the Hamilton County Parks Department.

Reporter Rachel Fradette used a number of sources for her reporting.  That includes public records, an interview with the Hamilton County Parks Board President, e-mailed comments Stewart provided WFYI, the Hamilton County Parks Department Director and an outside expert.  You can read the WFYI story at this link.

Candidate Stewart sent a message to his supporters which he shared with LarryInFishers in response.  Stewart’s statement is shown below in its entirety.

Continue reading John Stewart →

The Indy Fuel captured their first victory of the season in a 1-0 overtime showdown against the Cincinnati Cyclones Friday night, with defenseman Nick Grima netting his first professional goal to secure the win. Both teams fought fiercely through three scoreless periods, marked by tight goaltending and relentless defense, before Grima ended the contest just 39 seconds into overtime.

First Period: Penalty-Packed Start Sets Intensity

The Fuel came out strong, drawing an early power play when Cincinnati’s Dante Sheriff was penalized for high sticking just two minutes into the game. Tensions escalated between these two division rivals, setting a physical tone for the rest of the evening.

Despite the man advantage, Indy struggled to generate offense, failing to record a shot on goal during the power play. The Cyclones answered with a power play opportunity of their own after an interference call on Ty Farmer at 7:37, but Indy’s penalty kill unit held firm. The period continued with aggressive play and mounting penalties, as both teams battled to establish dominance.

Although the Fuel saw additional power play chances with penalties against Cincinnati’s Matt Murphy and Matt Boudens, they couldn’t capitalize, leaving the period scoreless. Indy managed to outshoot Cincinnati 9-5 in the opening frame.

Second Period: Goaltenders Take Center Stage

With the physicality dialed back, the second period was all about hockey as both teams focused on creating scoring chances. Indy controlled the tempo, applying pressure and outshooting Cincinnati 11-2. Despite multiple opportunities, the Cyclones’ goaltender, along with Indy’s netminder, kept the scoreboard empty.

Third Period: Defenses Hold Strong

The teams entered the third with renewed determination, each eager to break the scoreless tie. Cincinnati found an offensive rhythm, putting up seven shots—its highest of the game. Both goaltenders continued to deliver clutch saves, staving off any attempts to seize the lead.

Penalties crept back into play late in the period as the Fuel faced a minor setback with a delay-of-game call against Ty Farmer at 17:07. Still, Indy’s penalty-kill unit held firm once more, forcing overtime.

Overtime: Grima Seals the Deal

With just 39 seconds into the extra period, Nick Grima made his mark on the game—and his career—by scoring his first professional goal. Assisted by Kyle Maksimovich and Bryan Lemos, Grima’s shot delivered the decisive blow, giving the Fuel a hard-fought 1-0 victory and their first win of the season.

The weekly road construction report doesn’t have much new material but it is always good to peruse how much construction continues, even as we enter the fall season.

Below is the official update for the work week beginning Monday, October 28, as provided by the City of Fishers:

Continue reading Road construction in & around Fishers →