Two of the biggest names from the 1990s music scene will perform in Fishers next year as part of a fundraiser for local schools.

The Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation (HSEF) announced that Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms will co-headline a benefit concert Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at the Fishers Event Center.

Proceeds from the event will support HSEF programs, including teacher grants, student scholarships, mental health resources, and wellness initiatives across all grade levels in Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

Blues Traveler, formed more than 35 years ago in Princeton, N.J., has released 14 studio albums and sold more than 10 million units. The band is best known for its Grammy-winning single Run-Around, which became the longest-charting radio hit in Billboard history. The group has performed more than 2,000 shows for 30 million fans and continues to tour nationally. Their 2021 album Traveler’s Blues was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Blues Album category.

Gin Blossoms, founded in 1987 in Tempe, Ariz., rose to prominence with their 1992 album New Miserable Experience, which went quadruple platinum and produced hits such as Hey Jealousy, Allison Road, and Until I Fall Away. Their 1996 release Congratulations I’m Sorry went platinum and included the Top 10 single Follow You Down along with the Grammy-nominated track As Long as It Matters.

In addition to the concert, the evening will include HSEF’s annual silent auction. The auction will feature hundreds of items and experiences, including baskets created by each of the district’s 22 schools and PTOs. Bidding will be available online and will close the night of the event.

Limited table seating with early access, food, and beverages will be available through HSEF’s annual sponsorship program.  Tickets go on sale September 26 at 10:00am.

There has been plenty of discussion lately about free speech and censorship. As someone who conducted live radio interviews throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, and has hosted a regular podcast since 2016, I’ve been reflecting on the ethics of interviewing public officials as a journalist.

That reflection deepened after I read a recent column by Jim Shella in the Indianapolis Business Journal’s opinion section, Forefront. For those unfamiliar with his work, Shella covered state politics for WISH-TV in Indianapolis for more than three decades and hosted the long-running public broadcasting program Indiana Week in Review. Even in retirement, Shella continues to write and, as his most recent column revealed, occasionally joins podcasts. His perspective on how journalists should approach such conversations is worth noting.

When inviting public officials or political candidates to appear on my podcast, I’m often asked in advance what questions I plan to ask. My answer is always the same: I’ll share the general topics, but not the exact questions. Journalism doesn’t work when interviews are pre-scripted. On the rare occasion I get pushback, I point out that advance approval of questions is common practice in places like Russia, China, and North Korea—not here. That usually ends the debate, and most officials agree to participate. A few decline, and that is their choice.

In his column, Shella described being invited by public relations professional Robert Vane to join a podcast conversation with Indiana Senate Pro Tem Rod Bray. For those less familiar with the General Assembly, the Pro Tem is the Senate’s top leader, much like the Speaker of the House in that chamber.

At the time of the interview—August 28—redistricting was a hot issue, and Bray held significant influence over whether it would happen mid-decade. According to Shella, Vane asked him not to bring up redistricting. Shella refused, citing journalistic ethics. To Vane’s credit, he still allowed Shella to participate, and Bray knew the subject would likely come up.

When Shella asked about it, Bray offered the same canned response twice: “We have heard the ask and we are considering it.” The questions weren’t combative, but they went unanswered. Shella’s point in his column was clear: the public deserved more from such an influential elected leader.

I agree with Shella. Guests on my podcast aren’t entitled to know my specific questions in advance. What I offer instead is rare in today’s sound bite media climate: a long-form conversation, usually around 30 minutes, where officials and community leaders have the space to explain themselves fully. It’s not a “gotcha” setting—but it’s also not scripted.

Jim Shella is a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame, an honor he has earned. Even in retirement, he models the ethical standards he upheld throughout his career.

As for me, I left professional journalism years ago to serve in the federal civil service. Now, in retirement, I devote my time to writing this local news site and producing podcasts because I believe independent local journalism still matters. The ethics I learned decades ago as a broadcaster remain important today, even in a volunteer role.

Thanks for listening to my podcasts and for supporting this site.

You can read Jim Shella’s Forefront commentary at this link.  IBJ does have a pay wall, but it appears this commentary can be accessed by non-subscribers.

The semi-annual Fishers event – Recycling Day – is coming up Saturday, September 27.  It is the first item below on the road construction update.  Although we are in the final weeks of heavy road construction in and around Fishers, there is plenty to see in this list.

Here is the information, for the work week starting Monday, September 22, as provided by the City of Fishers:

Continue reading Latest Fishers road construction update →

The Fishers Century Club gathered this week for its third-quarter meeting, once again uniting local men to support area charities through its unique crowd-giving model.

Members first heard from June’s winning charity, Kiwanis’ Holiday Hopes, which shared how donations from the previous meeting were used to help families in need. Two new organizations were then presented for consideration: Folds of Honor, introduced by Mike Daggett, and Rock Steady Boxing, presented by Steve Gilbert.

Gilbert’s personal story of living with Parkinson’s disease resonated deeply with attendees. He described how Rock Steady Boxing’s non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness program has improved his mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. Founded in Indianapolis in 2006, Rock Steady Boxing now operates more than 800 affiliates worldwide, offering exercise programs designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s. Locally, several participants benefit from scholarships that make the program more accessible.

The presentation struck a chord, leading Rock Steady Boxing to be selected as this quarter’s winning charity.

“We continue to hear from our attendees about great charities doing good work,” said Fishers Century Club founder Adam Kallick. “It’s great to highlight organizations like Rock Steady Boxing that make such a direct and personal impact for those with Parkinson’s in our community. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank our meeting hosts, The Club Coworking and Knowledge Services, for the use of their event space and food donations.”

Final donations from this quarter are still being collected as members who could not attend Tuesday’s meeting add their contributions. Supporters who wish to help can contribute online at www.tinyurl.com/OnlineGivingFCC.

Since its founding, the Fishers Century Club has stood out among charitable groups by keeping its process simple—every dollar raised goes directly to the winning charity. The club does not hold a bank account, ensuring all funds are passed along to the selected nonprofit.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Men interested in giving back to the community while building local connections are invited to attend. Each quarterly meeting features presentations from up to three charities, with members voting to determine the recipient of the evening’s collective donation.

Two Democratic state lawmakers expressed disappointment Friday after the Hamilton County Election Board failed to approve a proposal that would have allowed countywide voting centers on Election Day.

The three-member board considered the measure on Thursday, Sept. 18. State law requires a unanimous vote to adopt voting centers. Republican County Clerk Kathy Williams and Democratic appointee Greg Purvis supported the change, but Republican Party representative Raymond Adler voted no, defeating the proposal.

State Sen. J.D. Ford (D-Carmel) and State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) issued a joint statement Friday criticizing the outcome.

“We are disappointed with the result of yesterday’s Hamilton County Election Board meeting, which struck down the possibility for vote centers in Hamilton County despite the measure being approved unanimously by both the Hamilton County Commissioners and County Council and receiving widespread public support,” the lawmakers said.

Ford and Garcia Wilburn argued that vote centers would make it easier for busy families to cast their ballots by allowing residents to vote at any location in the county rather than being limited to an assigned polling place.

They also cited Indiana’s low turnout in the most recent primary election, when the state ranked 50th nationally.

“By advancing vote centers, Hamilton County would have been rolling out a proven method to make voting more accessible for all of those families who call Hamilton County home,” the statement said.

Currently, 67 of Indiana’s 92 counties use the vote center model, and state officials have discussed expanding the system statewide.

The lawmakers also noted that vote centers could save Hamilton County money. The number of polling places would be reduced from 235 to 57, cutting election costs “by thousands of dollars each election,” according to their statement.

“Hamilton County is on the cutting edge of so many governmental reforms and programs, and we take pride in that fact,” Ford and Garcia Wilburn said. “That’s why it’s disappointing to us that our community won’t benefit from this model that makes it easier for working families to make their voices heard during the 2026 elections.”

Despite Thursday’s vote, the two legislators said they remain committed to finding ways to improve access and turnout.

“We remain focused on finding ways to ensure secure, safe and free elections while also finding paths to increase turnout and accessibility,” their statement concluded.

The ice is set and ready for action at the Fishers Event Center as the venue prepares for its first full fall and winter season.

The newly built rink follows the Legends Global 2025 Operations Ice Summit, hosted at the arena September 10–12. The three-day event brought together industry professionals from across the country to share best practices for ice building, maintenance, and venue changeovers.

During the summit, the Fishers Event Center crew worked alongside ice experts to prep, paint, install logos, and build the rink. Participants also attended training sessions on refrigeration, logo installation, and ice management, and even took part in a Zamboni “mini boot camp.” Vendors included Jet Ice, Mid America Rink Services, Zamboni, CIMCO and Athletica.

Venues represented at the summit ranged from large civic centers and arenas to sports complexes, including facilities in Knoxville, Florence, Peoria, Boston, Charleston, and Jacksonville, among others.

Fishers Event Center officials say proper ice management is key to running the building efficiently and ensuring a high-quality competition surface. That will be especially important when the Indy Fuel return to the ice for their 12th season opener on Friday, October 17.

Tickets and schedule details for the Fuel’s upcoming season are available at indyfuelhockey.com.

Hamilton County voters will not see election day voting centers in 2026 following a decision Thursday afternoon by the county’s Election Board.

A unanimous vote was required to adopt the system, but the three-member board split 2–1. Republican County Clerk Kathy Williams and Democratic appointee Greg Purvis supported the proposal, while Republican representative Raymond Adler voted against it. By contrast, county commissioners and council members have generally expressed support for voting centers.

Voting centers would have allowed residents to cast ballots at any election day location, rather than being restricted to their assigned precinct. Early voting in Hamilton County already allows voters to use any location.

After the vote, Williams said she was “disappointed” with the outcome. She noted the 2026 election will proceed under the same precinct-based model and added that implementing a new system by 2028 would be unlikely, given the larger turnout expected in a presidential election year.

Public comment on the proposal drew five speakers, most of whom favored the change. Hamilton County Democratic Chair Josh Lowry endorsed the plan, suggesting a minor language change. The Hamilton County League of Women Voters also voiced support.

Purvis introduced an amendment requiring minimum staffing and equipment levels for each voting center, which the board approved. However, Adler ultimately voted against the full proposal, blocking adoption of the voting center model.

Currently, 67 of Indiana’s 92 counties use voting centers.

A strong community response has prompted Fishers Event Center to extend its coat drive benefiting Kids Coats Hamilton County, giving residents additional opportunities to donate gently used winter gear.

Donations of clean coats, hats and gloves in all sizes—from infant to adult—are being collected outside the main entrance of the Event Center, 11000 Stockdale St., Fishers.

New collection times have been added:

• Friday, Sept. 19: 3 p.m. until the end of the second match during the Butler Volleyball Invitational

• Saturday, Sept. 20: 1 p.m. until the end of the second match during the Invitational

• Sunday, Sept. 21: 3–5:30 p.m. during the Indy Fuel Open House

The Butler Volleyball Invitational brings Butler University together with IU Indianapolis, Oakland and Eastern Michigan, offering fans a chance to see four NCAA Division I programs compete in Hamilton County.

On Sunday, the Indy Fuel will host a free open house at the Event Center, featuring the unveiling of new season jerseys, discounted merchandise in The Garage team store, meet-and-greet opportunities with special guests, and food and drinks.

Kids Coats Hamilton County distributes winter coats to families across the county at no charge. Working with local churches and organizations, the nonprofit provides not only coats but also connections to additional community resources.

Families seeking coats can register online beginning in August each year for the organization’s November giveaways, with a registration deadline of Oct. 15. Those who miss the deadline can still receive coats throughout the winter at the Merciful HELP Center in Carmel by appointment. Adults may also obtain coats during designated times after children have shopped or at the Merciful HELP Center.

For more information about Kids Coats Hamilton County, including donation and distribution details, visit this link

Northwest Bank is sponsoring this year’s Welcoming Week at Hamilton East Public Library, supporting a series of events designed to celebrate the city’s multicultural community.

As part of the sponsorship, Northwest Bank Financial Center Manager Michael Connors presented a $2,500 check to Lisa Longo, foundation director for Hamilton East Public Library. The funds will help support programming through Sept. 21, including Dance Around the World: A Global Dance Showcase. The event will feature local groups performing West African, Indian, Latvian and Mexican folk dances.

“At Northwest, we’re the bank where people make the difference,” Connors said. “Sponsoring Welcoming Week is just one way we help strengthen our community by celebrating everyone who lives and works in Fishers.”

Longo said the support is key to ensuring the success of Welcoming Week. “We are grateful to Northwest for this generous contribution and their ongoing partnership in the community,” she said. “Welcoming Week brings people of all backgrounds together to build meaningful connections and emphasize the importance of welcoming everyone.”

The sponsorship comes just months after Northwest opened a full-service financial center in Fishers, located across the street from the library.

Police say community involvement played a critical role in the arrest of three juveniles linked to a rash of vehicle break-ins across Indianapolis and Fishers.

The suspects — a 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds, all from Indianapolis — were taken into custody early Monday near the intersection of Conner Knoll Parkway and Knolton Court in Fishers. Officers with Fishers Police, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force coordinated to move in and arrest the teens, who were driving a stolen vehicle at the time.

Authorities now say the scale of the investigation is extensive. Since the arrests, detectives have executed 11 search warrants — four in Fishers and seven in Indianapolis. They recovered six firearms, including one reported stolen and another modified with a Switch attachment, along with multiple magazines, vehicle theft tools, and other evidence. Two stolen vehicles were also recovered.

Fishers Police reported 50 vehicle break-ins in their city alone. Investigators continue to sift through evidence and will notify victims when their property can be returned.

Officials credited residents for helping crack the case. “The public’s sending videos and reporting the crimes was instrumental in our investigative process,” Fishers Police said in a statement. “Because of their reporting and our officers, along with IMPD and the FBI, we were able to saturate the area and catch the criminals in the act.”

Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart said the case underscores the importance of interagency cooperation. “The criminals that would come out and do these crimes in all our communities don’t have borders. Our message today is, neither do we,” Gebhart said.

IMPD Chief Chris Bailey praised the joint effort but questioned parental accountability, asking, “Where were these kids’ parents?”

The investigation remains active, and more charges could follow.

Police continue to urge residents to take precautions: lock vehicles, remove valuables — especially firearms — and call 911 if suspicious activity is observed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.