I cannot count how many fiction writers I have known that have written a book but cannot find a publisher to take the book on. Daniel P McCallister had an idea to write a book set in the Roman Empire about a young man on the lower rung of the social order who found a way to elevate himself in a tough, brutal society.
This author found a publisher and you can now buy his book.
You can order the book Flight of a Prodigy, at this link.
I recorded a podcast with the author on December 23, which you can listen to at the link below.
School board conducts a public hearing Tuesday morning
The tentative contract agreement between the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) was formally presented to the school board Tuesday morning, followed by a public hearing as required under state law.
HSEA members have already ratified the agreement. The school board is scheduled to take a final ratification vote at a special meeting on December 30 at 7:30 a.m.
Three speakers addressed the board during the public hearing, voicing concerns about the contract and its impact on teachers.
Former school board member Michelle Fullhart said teachers in the district “feel disrespected” by the agreement. She noted that the contract marks the first time in HSE Schools’ history that teachers will not receive a pay increase, and she said many educators will take home less pay under the new terms.
Fullhart argued that other nearby districts facing similar funding challenges have still managed to provide salary increases and step raises based on years of service. She said allocating one-half of one percent of the district’s annual budget—approximately $1.7 million—could have prevented some teachers from seeing a reduction in their take-home pay.
Julie Roberts, who described herself as a former teacher and the parent of two HSE graduates, said Fishers is frequently ranked as one of the best places to live nationally and warned the contract could “stain” the city’s and the school board’s reputation. She also cited a budget surplus that she said was not applied toward teacher compensation.
Board member Dawn Lang pushed back on those comments, emphasizing the district’s need for long-term financial sustainability. She pointed to rising costs, low per-student funding under the state funding formula, and a slightly declining student population as ongoing budget challenges.
Board member Latricia Schooley encouraged the district to use interest-based bargaining in the next contract cycle, saying it could help avoid a prolonged negotiation process that ultimately required a mediator.
Board member Suzanne Thomas said the board lacked sufficient detailed executive sessions during negotiations, which led to her being surprised by some provisions included in the tentative agreement.
The contract calls for no salary increases or step pay increases for teachers. Depending on the health insurance plan selected, a certain number teachers will see a reduction in their take-home pay under the agreement.
You can view HSE’s Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown’s presentation to the board on the new contract at this link.
Catherine Torzewski, a Geist-area Realtor, small business owner and mother of two, has announced her candidacy for Indiana Senate District 31, an open seat that includes Fishers and part of north Indianapolis.
The seat is open following the decision by incumbent Republican Sen. Kyle Walker not to seek reelection. Torzewski enters a growing Democratic field that already includes Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal and Lasima Packett.
Torzewski grew up on the east side of Indianapolis and attended Saint Simon Catholic School and Scecina Memorial High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Indianapolis in 2005. Her mother worked as a local librarian, and her father was a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 20, experiences Torzewski says helped shape her sense of community.
She is a Central Indiana Realtor and owns a small business focused on investment properties. Torzewski is active in the MIBOR Association of Realtors, serving on multiple committees and participating in the MIBOR Real Estate Academy of Leadership.
In addition to her professional work, Torzewski serves on the Lawrence Township School Foundation Board. She also volunteers with Moms Demand Action, where she advocates for what she describes as common-sense gun safety measures, including safe storage practices and the Jake Laird Law.
Torzewski brings campaign experience to the race, having managed several political campaigns in Hamilton and Marion counties. Most recently, she managed the 2024 reelection campaign of State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, in which Wilburn increased her winning margin by nearly five points. She also managed a Fishers City Council campaign in 2023.
In announcing her candidacy, Torzewski said voters in Senate District 31 are frustrated with partisan division and are seeking a more practical approach to governing.
“Voters in Senate District 31 are tired of the polarizing politics,” Torzewski said. “They want lawmakers to get back to Hoosier values, values that prioritize public school funding, safety, and a comfortable life for all.”
She said her campaign will focus on transparency, community-based leadership and policies aimed at improving quality of life for families.
“I’m raising my kids here, I’m doing business here, my friends and family all live here,” Torzewski said. “Indiana is home, and I want to make it the best place it possibly can be.”
The Democratic primary for Senate District 31 is expected to be competitive, with multiple candidates seeking the nomination in the open-seat race.
As the calendar fills with parties around our wonderful community of Fishers, shopping trips and family obligations can bring as much stress as it does joy. Local health professionals say a few simple steps can help us enjoy the season while keeping stress in check.
One of the biggest sources of holiday anxiety is unrealistic expectations. Whether it is hosting the “perfect” gathering or finding the ideal gift, pressure can build quickly. Mental health experts recommend setting realistic goals and remembering that time spent together often matters more than decorations or presents.
Managing time is another key factor. With school events, work deadlines and social commitments competing for attention, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Creating a schedule and prioritizing the most meaningful activities can help prevent burnout.It is a good idea to say no when their calendars become too full.
Physical activity remains a proven stress reliever, even during the colder months. A walk through a neighborhood decorated with holiday lights, a visit to a local park, or a quick workout at home can boost mood and reduce tension. Maintaining regular sleep and healthy eating habits also plays an important role in managing stress levels.
Financial stress can also increase during the holidays. Setting a clear budget for gifts, travel and entertainment can help avoid anxiety and regret later. Some families are choosing alternatives such as gift exchanges, homemade items or experiences instead of expensive presents.
Staying connected is equally important, especially for those who may feel isolated during the season. Reaching out to friends, neighbors or community groups can provide support and a sense of belonging. For those dealing with grief or loss, acknowledging difficult emotions and seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals can make a meaningful difference.
As Fishers prepares for the holidays, experts emphasize that taking care of mental and physical health should be part of the celebration. By slowing down, focusing on what matters most and giving themselves permission to take breaks, residents can reduce stress and make room for the moments of joy the season is meant to bring.
Fishers Tigers accept the Mudsock Trophy Friday night
In Fishers, there are a few events each year that reliably bring the community together in large numbers. One is the Mudsock football game, when the high school stadium is packed to capacity. Another is the Spark Fishers Festival, especially the always-popular parade. The third is the Mudsock basketball showdown, when the Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern girls and boys teams meet in regular-season rivalry games.
Until recently, attendance at the Mudsock basketball games was limited by the size of the high school gyms. Several years ago, the Fairgrounds Coliseum was used, but the arrangement proved less than ideal.
The opening of the Fishers Event Center last year changed that. The venue made it possible for far more fans to attend the rivalry games in person. While this year’s Mudsock hoops event did not approach a sellout, it comfortably accommodated many more spectators than would have been possible in a traditional school gym.
On the court, the boys game delivered the kind of drama the rivalry is known for. Fishers, ranked No. 1 in the state and 27th nationally, faced a tough challenge from Hamilton Southeastern. HSE controlled the early minutes, but the Tigers responded and battled back. The game remained close until the final minute, when Fishers pulled away for a 68–61 victory. Despite the loss, the Royals put up a strong fight against their crosstown rival.
The girls game was competitive through three quarters, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops. In the final period, however, Hamilton Southeastern took control and secured a 32–19 win over Fishers.
Beyond the action on the court, Hamilton Southeastern Schools used the Mudsock basketball event to recognize two exceptional students with the district’s highest honor, the Superintendent’s Impact Award. The award celebrates students who exemplify honor, scholarship and excellence through leadership and service to their school and community.
The 2025 honorees are:
Blair Satterfield, Hamilton Southeastern High School, Class of 2026. A standout student-athlete and leader, Satterfield was recently named the recipient of the 2025 IHSAA Theresia Wynns Mental Attitude Award, one of the most prestigious honors in Indiana high school athletics.
Ellie Taylor, Hamilton Southeastern High School, Class of 2025. Taylor earned first place nationally in Agricultural Communications Proficiency at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Her leadership in expanding HSE’s FFA media presence and agricultural advocacy has made a lasting impact well beyond the classroom.
As the weather turns colder, that means the road construction list is much shorter. However, be aware that the westbound lane of 136th Street between Cyntheanne Road and Prairie Baptist Road will not be complete this year. Access to the single homes and the fire station will be maintained for eastbound traffic; however, the road will remain closed to through traffic. See the listing below for more details.
Here is the full road construction listing for the Fishers area, for the work week starting Monday, December 22:
The Indy Fuel picked up an important road win Friday night, edging division rival Fort Wayne in overtime after a tightly contested game at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
The Fuel struck first in the opening period despite being outshot early. Nico Blachman was called for roughing at 5:32, and Indy quickly made the Komets pay on the power play. Harrison Israels tipped in a shot from Jesse Tucker to give the Fuel a 1–0 lead. Fort Wayne controlled much of the opening frame, finishing the period with an 11–5 advantage in shots on goal.
The Komets evened the score early in the second period after Nick Grima was assessed a delay-of-game penalty at 3:56. Fort Wayne’s Austin Magera scored on the ensuing power play at 4:50, tying the game at 1–1. Physical play picked up midway through the period when Will Ennis and Brady Stonehouse were both sent off for roughing at 9:30, creating four-on-four hockey for two minutes, but neither team was able to break the tie. Fort Wayne continued to dictate the pace, outshooting Indy 28–12 through two periods.
Special teams played a role again in the third period, though neither club could convert. The Fuel were whistled for too many men at 1:31, a penalty served by Sahil Panwar, but Indy’s penalty kill kept the game even. Chris Cameron later went to the box for holding at 4:54, and once again the Komets came up empty on the power play. Fort Wayne held a 32–18 edge in shots by the end of regulation, but the score remained tied heading to overtime.
Indy took control in the extra session and capitalized on a prime opportunity. Owen Robinson broke free on a breakaway and scored 1:13 into overtime to lift the Fuel to a 2–1 victory.
The win gives Indy a hard-earned road result against a key division opponent as the Fuel continue their push through the season.
Teachers in the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District have ratified a new contract with the district.
The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) announced Friday evening on social media that its members approved the tentative agreement following a ratification vote.
“While it may not be everything we hoped for, we are proud that we were able to secure additional money for our teachers to help with the recent increase in insurance premiums—our primary focus throughout bargaining,” HSEA wrote in its statement. “We are incredibly grateful to our teachers, students, parents, and community members who stood with us every step of the way. Your support, your presence, and your words truly mean more than we can express.”
The agreement includes no pay increase for teachers during the current school year. When combined with higher insurance premiums, the contract will still result in reduced take-home pay for many teachers compared to last year. However, the ratified agreement narrows that gap more than a previous contract proposal that teachers rejected earlier this fall.
The next step in the process is a review by the Hamilton Southeastern school board. Board members are scheduled to review the contract and hold a public hearing at a meeting on Tuesday, December 23, at 7:30 a.m. A final ratification vote by the board is set for December 30, also at 7:30 a.m.
Training camp is underway and preparations are ramping up for the Indy Ignite as the professional women’s volleyball team gets set to open its second season in January.
In a year-end update to fans, Ignite President Mary Kay Huse said most of December has been focused on getting the organization ready for the 2026 season, both on and off the court.
Nearly all members of the 2026 roster are already training at the team’s practice facility, working to learn the system of head coach Lauren Bertolacci. Three additional players — Cara Cresse, Emma and Taylor — are expected to join the team once their collegiate seasons conclude.
“If you thought the team looked strong and aggressive last season, buckle up for what’s to come,” Huse said in her message.
One of those incoming players, Cresse, brings local ties and national recognition. The Fort Wayne native and University of Louisville middle blocker was named a Third Team All-American this week. Cresse was selected by the Ignite in November and is expected to join training camp in the coming days.
Bertolacci, entering her second season as head coach, emphasized continued growth and innovation in her approach.
“Comfort is the death of teams,” Bertolacci said in the team’s 2026 manual. “What got us here will not take us there. Find new solutions to old problems. Keep changing the game for the better.”
Away from the gym, Ignite players have been active in the community, attending Winterlights at Newfields and making plans to attend the Indianapolis Colts’ final home game of the season on Dec. 28. Fans can expect to see players on the sidelines during pregame warmups at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Ignite front office is also preparing for the season, finalizing plans for ticketing and match-day experiences. All 14 home matches will feature individual themes, beginning with the home opener on Jan. 24 at Fishers Event Center. The opener, themed “Ignite the Night,” will include the return of a pregame bonfire and s’mores event, which debuted during last season’s sold-out inaugural match.
The Ignite will open the season at home at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 against the Omaha Supernovas, one of the league’s top teams. Tickets are available through the team.
The organization has also expanded its media reach for the upcoming season. All 28 Ignite matches will be available on national broadcast television or via streaming platforms. As part of a new partnership with WTHR, Channel 13, 16 home and away matches will stream on the WTHR+ app during the 2026 season.
Huse said fan support continues to play a key role in the team’s growth, noting recent outreach efforts in which players personally called season ticket holders to thank them for their support.
