The Hamilton East Public Library will kick off its annual Season of Giving on Dec. 1, offering residents a variety of ways to support local families in need while highlighting a new partnership with Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

The campaign runs through Jan. 11 at both the Noblesville and Fishers library branches. Donation drives this year include winter clothing, non-perishable food, and period care products. Items collected at the Fishers Library will go to the Delaware Township Trustee’s Office, while donations at the Noblesville Library will support the Noblesville Township Trustee’s Office.

The library is also partnering with the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank to collect shelf-stable foods. In addition, HEPL is working with HamCo Love, a nonprofit focusing on period poverty, to gather menstrual care products or monetary donations through the organization’s online wish lists or Venmo account.

A new element of this year’s campaign is an externship collaboration with Hamilton Southeastern High School. Three students from the school’s Public Relations class worked with HEPL’s marketing team this fall to assist with storytelling, messaging, photography, and social media promotion for the Season of Giving.

HSE senior Claire Robertson, who led the student team, said their goal was to help boost donations by 5% over last year. “We’re so thankful to our adviser, Bill DeLisle, and HEPL’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Kelsey Sweet, for giving us this opportunity,” Robertson said in the release.

Alongside the donation drives, the library will offer a series of programs for families, adults, teens, and children throughout the season. Events include Bling-a-Book for teens and adults (Nov. 29 in Noblesville and Dec. 13 in Fishers), Teen Gourmet workshops, a Stitch-a-Thon, a Family Portrait Day, Riso holiday card-making at Ignite Studio, a Dec. 26 blood drive in Noblesville, and the Heart Connectors program in January.

Additional drop-in crafts and activities will be available at both library locations. A full schedule and registration details are posted on the library’s online events calendar.

More information about the Season of Giving and donation guidelines can be found at hamiltoneastpl.org.

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, a Republican from Fishers, joined Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta on Friday in strongly condemning a series of recent threats and swatting attempts directed at members of the Indiana Senate.

In a joint statement, the legislative leaders called the incidents “abhorrent and completely unacceptable,” stressing that criminal acts are not an appropriate way to express political disagreement.

“The threats, swatting attempts and other criminal activity being directed at our colleagues in the Senate are abhorrent and completely unacceptable. This is no way to express political disagreement, and it must stop,” Huston and GiaQuinta said.

The lawmakers thanked local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for their swift response and ongoing investigations, noting that officers have been working to ensure the safety of elected officials and their families.

“This is incredibly harmful to those being directly impacted and to our entire state,” the statement continued. “We’re praying for our colleagues, their families and neighbors, and our law enforcement partners. We hope to see swift justice for anyone responsible for these crimes.”

Authorities have not released details about the specific threats or identified any suspects. Swatting involves making a false report to provoke a heavy police response, often placing victims and responding officers in danger.

Five Fishers Police Department officers conducted a targeted traffic enforcement effort along 116th Street on Thursday morning, resulting in 39 traffic stops over a four-hour period.

The traffic blitz took place between Olio Road and Cumberland Road from 8 a.m. to noon. According to the department, the highest speed recorded during the operation was 27 mph over the posted limit.

Police said several stops led to positive conversations with drivers about road safety, and officers noted that many motorists were already following the speed limit.

“Every stop is an opportunity to prevent crashes and protect our community,” the department said in its update.

Fishers Police thanked drivers who slowed down and set “an excellent example for safe driving,” reminding residents that reduced speeds help create safer streets throughout the city.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Thursday on southbound U.S. 31 in the 25000 block near Sheridan.

Deputies were called to the scene around 3:59 a.m. after a Kia Optima traveling southbound struck a deer while attempting to avoid it. According to investigators, the impact caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and go down an embankment before eventually returning to the roadway and coming to rest in the outside lane.

After an unknown period of time, a southbound Volvo semi-truck struck both the disabled Kia and its driver, who authorities believe had been standing outside the vehicle. The driver of the Kia was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office is working to confirm the victim’s identity and notify family members.

The crash remains under investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Crash Team. Agencies assisting at the scene included the Sheridan Police Department, Emergency Management Agency, Sheridan Fire Department, Jackson Fire Department and the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office.

The Indoor Football League (IFL), which includes the Fishers Freight franchise, announced Wednesday a new national broadcast partnership with FanDuel Sports Network that will bring the league’s games to millions of households starting in 2026.

Under the agreement, FanDuel Sports Network will air 60 live IFL games each season across its television channels and streaming app. The package includes national coverage of the Western Conference Championship and the IFL National Championship.

A key feature of the partnership is the launch of Sunday Night Indoor Football, a weekly primetime broadcast set for Sundays at 7:30 p.m. ET. The league says the showcase will highlight the IFL’s fast pace, high energy, and unique indoor atmosphere.

“Partnering with FanDuel Sports Network represents a major step forward for the Indoor Football League,” IFL Commissioner Todd Tryon said in a statement. “This partnership expands our reach to new audiences across the country, gives our coaches, players, and officials the exposure needed to advance their brand, and gives our loyal fans a premier viewing experience each week.”

Jared Widman, president of the IFL Business Division, said the national platform will deliver new opportunities for teams, sponsors, and league partners.

“National exposure across the network reinforces our commitment to growing the IFL brand and showcasing the incredible talent and energy on our fields,” Widman said.

FanDuel Sports Network, operated by Main Street Sports Group, manages a large portfolio of local sports media rights and produces more than 3,000 live sporting events each year, including coverage for select MLB, NHL, and NBA teams.

The IFL’s 2026 season will be the first presented under the new media agreement.

The Hamilton County Democratic Party held its first Torchbearer Gala on Friday, Nov. 14, drawing elected officials, candidates and local supporters to The Hawthorns Golf and Country Club in Fishers.

Party Chair Josh Lowry said the event, themed “A Light in the Darkness,” was designed to underscore the party’s focus on building momentum for upcoming election cycles. “We chose the future of the Democratic Party,” Lowry said, adding that the goal is to support and invest in candidates running in 2026 and beyond.

Speakers included Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun and State Sen. Andrea Hunley. Video remarks were also provided by U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna and newly sworn-in U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva. Additional attendees included State Sen. JD Ford, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, Fishers City Councilor Bill Stuart, Carmel City Council Member Anita Joshi, and State Rep. Carey Hamilton of Indianapolis.

The gala highlighted the party’s slate of candidates for the 2026 state legislative races. The group includes Racheal Bleicher for House District 24, Joel Levi for House District 37, Lasima Packett for Senate District 31, Stephanie Jo Yocum for House District 88, and Tiffany Stoner for House District 25. Party leaders described the candidates as central to efforts to break the Republican supermajority at the Statehouse.

Nocona Canady-Flatt, the party’s events chair, closed the evening by thanking attendees, donors and volunteers. She praised supporters for staying engaged despite what she described as a challenging political climate. “You continue to fight through the fatigue of the endless news cycle to show that hope is possible, change is necessary, accountability is worth fighting for, and that light always defeats darkness,” she said.

Canady-Flatt encouraged guests to continue supporting the party’s work. “May we all continue to hold the torch to light our path through the dark,” she said.

The Indy Ignite professional women’s volleyball team is gearing up for its second season as players, coaches and staff return to Fishers ahead of the Major League Volleyball draft later this month.

Team officials say multiple athletes have begun arriving in central Indiana, marking the start of formal preparations for the 2026 season. New head coach Lauren Bertolacci, who joined the club in September after coaching professionally in Switzerland, has also settled into the area. She has spent recent weeks preparing for the draft and training camp while attending NCAA volleyball matches across the region.

Several returning players are now back with the team, including Elena and Leketor Member-Meneh, who spent the offseason recovering from last season’s injury and is expected to return to the court in January. International signing Alexandra arrived Nov. 1 from Italy, and Camryn is expected in Fishers soon. Ainise and Lydia remained in central Indiana during the offseason and assisted with marketing and community engagement efforts.

The Ignite also welcomed Zuzanna “Zuza” Czyżnielewska on Nov. 1 as the team’s full-time strength and conditioning coach and performance coordinator. Czyżnielewska previously worked in the UCLA athletics department and has experience as both a professional volleyball player and a strength coach for European pro teams.

While players continue arriving, the Ignite front office is preparing for one of its most significant dates of the offseason: Major League Volleyball Draft Day on Nov. 24. The team will select four new athletes from the top NCAA players eligible for the league. The draft will be broadcast live on Roku beginning at noon.

The Ignite will operate an internal draft room from its Fishers offices, but fans are invited to a public Draft Day celebration at The Lounge at Parks Place Pub. Radio host Jake Query will broadcast “Query & Company” live from the pub, with festivities beginning at 11 a.m.

Following the draft, the team will turn its attention to its season opener. Indy Ignite will return to the Fishers Event Center on Jan. 24 for its first home match of the new season. The venue, which opened last November, is coming off its first full year as the home court for the Ignite.

The club also marked two milestones this month. Dec. 7 marked the second anniversary of the official announcement of Indy Ignite, and Nov. 22 marked the first anniversary of the Fishers Event Center.

Head coach Bertolacci recently summed up the team’s approach as preparations intensify: “Being crowned a champion is not totally in your control, but acting like one is,” she said during remarks at the IHSVCA State Finals Banquet.

The City of Fishers is ushering in the holiday season with a packed lineup of events, highlighted by the debut of Jingle Bell Junction at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.

Jingle Bell Junction, running December 5–14, transforms the amphitheater into a weeklong destination featuring themed nights, hands-on activities, live music, and special programming inside a heated, clear-top tent. Events include DIY wrapping paper, Santa’s Workshop, Reindeer Games, a jazz improv workshop and lounge, and holiday movie festivities in partnership with the Heartland Film Festival.

The city’s annual tree-lighting celebration, Night Lights, takes place December 5 from 5–7 p.m. The free event includes live music, fire pits, ice carving, reindeer, igloos, food trucks, and the lighting of the city Christmas tree with Santa and Mayor Scott Fadness at 6:30 p.m.

Several long-standing traditions return this year, including Santa’s Mailbox, available through December 12 at City Hall and the Fishers Parks headquarters. Children who include their address will receive a reply from Santa.

Holiday programming also extends across the community. Conner Prairie’s A Merry Prairie Holiday runs select nights November 28 through December 23, offering thousands of lights and historic holiday experiences in Prairietown. The Hamilton East Public Library will host its Season of Giving through January 11, with donation drives and gift-making opportunities.

The Fishers Arts Council will present its Winter Art Market on three Thursday evenings in December at Peace Water Winery, featuring rotating local artists and artisans. The group will also host its Second Friday Art Reception on December 12 at City Hall.

Several family events round out the month, including two Cookies with Characters programs—featuring the Grinch on December 13 and Bluey on December 14. Tickets are required.

The Fishers Event Center is also offering a full holiday lineup, including a Christmas Together concert with Amy Grant, Cece Winans and Michael W. Smith on December 4, Indy Fuel home games throughout the season, and the Mudsock Rivalry boys basketball game on December 19.

Other community activities include the Fishers Police Department’s Winter Wonderland Walkthrough on December 12–13, the Fishers Art Center’s Crafts & Carols programs on select dates, and the Rotary Club’s Water is Life Charity Gala on December 5.

For families needing child care during the holidays, the city will offer Winter Break Camp at Holland Park from December 22 to January 2.

Holiday light displays around the Nickel Plate District and Municipal Complex will be available nightly throughout December, and the city’s annual Christmas tree recycling program will run December 26 through February 1 at three park locations.

The Fishers Event Center has added a second Professional Championship Bull Riders (PCBR) show in January after strong ticket demand, facility officials announced Wednesday.

The bull riding event will now take place twice over the weekend, with the originally scheduled performance set for Saturday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. A newly added show is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m.

Organizers say the weekend will feature top-ranked bull riders competing against some of the toughest bulls in the country, along with barrel-racing cowgirls aiming for the fastest times.

The event will include several promotions. The first 300 children through the doors each day will receive a free cowboy hat and autographed poster. Meet-and-greet opportunities with the riders will also be available.

Tickets for the Sunday show are on sale now at FishersEventCenter.com.

Most of us think about winter weather when we have snow and ice, but the Fishers Department of Public Works plans year round to keep the roads open and safe even in the worst weather conditions.  And that is just one of many responsibilities of the department.

I spoke with DPW Director Jonathan Valenta and Assistant Director Nick Powell about all that and more in the podcast linked below.