The Surface Transportation Board has ruled on two major issues in its consideration of the Nickel Plate Rail Line’s future.

Officials in Fishers and Noblesville are asking that the stretch of the line from downtown Noblesville south to 96th street be rail banked, which moves forward plans by the two cities to construct a hiking and biking trail, much like the Monon running from Indianapolis north through Carmel.

First, the board ruled that all comments will be accepted, and there have been a lot of comments submitted over this issue.  A large number of those comments have come from supporters of the “Save The Nickel Plate” organization, advocating keeping that rail line as a modem for train travel.

The second decision by the board denied a motion by “Save the Nickel Plate” for a probe, calling for a suspension of consideration into the rail banking request by the cities in order to “investigate all of the filings and claims submitted.”

“The arguments presented in the motion do not provide any reason for the Board to suspend this proceeding and conduct an investigation,” the board wrote in its ruling.
“The Board has provided ample time for comments on the petition and the building of an adequate record, especially when balanced with the Board’s obligation to issue a decision within a statutory deadline.”

You can read the entire document on both board rulings  at this link.

In a podcast interview recorded January 3rd, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness indicated his administration will continue to move forward on the rail banking process with the goal of building a trail along the Nickel Plate line.

“It’s a project I just really, absolutely believe in,” the mayor said.  “(I) stood on the rail line and told everyone that, and I stay consistent with that.  I’m hoping we get some forward progress in the coming months.”

During that podcast interview, I asked the mayor if he has any concerns about those opposing the rail banking process in the Surface Transportation Board proceedings.

“Concerned in the sense that anytime a resident strongly disagrees with what I believe is the right thing to do, I always take pause to think about that,” said Mayor Fadness.  “But, in that sense, I’ve given a lot of thought to this particular project and still believe it’s in the best interest of our city.  So, we will continue to try to move this project forward. I understand their disagreement with my stance on this, I do.  And, I appreciate all the comments that they’ve made.  We will just have to respectfully agree to disagree.”

You can listen to the entire podcast with Scott Fadness at this link.

By

Jeff Jellison

Hamilton County Reporter

‘”There is no silver bullet to fix the opioid problem” was the message Hamilton County Coroner John Chalfin delivered during a Saturday morning forum hosted by the Carmel Christian Church.

During the forum, Chalfin, along with Rev. Jerry Zehr, Pastor of Carmel Christian Church and president of the Carmel Interfaith Alliance; Justin Phillips, Clinical Addictions Counselor Founder and Executive Director Overdose Lifeline, Inc.;
Rev. Andrea Boutselis, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones; Michelle Sybesma,
Chief of Strategy and Development at Parkdale Centers and Indiana State
Senator Jim Merritt, discussed signs of drug use, securing medicine cabinets
and drug takeback opportunities, resources for detox, treatment and recovery and
recent legislation.

Chalfin reported last year his office investigated 36 drug overdose deaths
that occurred in Hamilton County, and that figure may rise once investigations are
completed on deaths that occurred late in the year.

Chalfin also stated the number may not portray a true picture. “If someone
from Hamilton County has overdosed and they are transported to a Marion
County hospital, and they die there, it becomes a Marion County case.”

Chalfin also noted problems with the way hospitals report deaths directly related
to overdoses.

“Is 36 drug overdose deaths an epidemic? If it is your child, one is too
many,” said the Coroner.

“We need a united front to fight this issue. Beat the doors down at the legislature
and don’t be afraid to confront a family member or loved one if you think there is a problem,” stated Chalfin.

Nearly 100 people attended the forum on a morning with double-digit negative wind chill factors.  In addition to many concerned residents that attended, the event caught the attention of several community leaders. Also attending were Sheriff candidates Jason Sloderbeck and Eddie Moore, Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt, County Councilman Fred Glynn, members of the Carmel City Council and Judge Gail Bardach, who presides over the county’s drug court.

When asked about Saturday’s turnout, Rev. Jerry Zehr said, “This is a very serious issue all around the country, it shows people care.”

This week’s film review will take you back to 1973, when oil magnate J. Paul Getty was the richest man in the world.  His grandson is kidnapped in Rome and held for ransom.  Adam & I weigh in on whether you should give this film a try.

We welcome Adam Dossey of MidwestFilmJournal.com  as he runs down his listing the 2017’s top ten films.

Hamilton County Reporter

Fishers picked up a historic victory on Friday, beating Pike 52-46 at the Tiger Den.

This was the first time in school history that the Fishers boys basketball team defeated the Red Devils. In order to do so, the Tigers had to recover from an 8-3 deficit after the first quarter.

Fishers outscored Pike in each of the next three periods, cutting the Red Devils’ lead to 22-20 by halftime. Terry Hicks scored eight points in the second period, with Josiah Matthews adding five points.

Fishers jumped ahead 36-34 after three quarters; Matthews scored six more points in that period. The Tigers then clinched the game by going 8-of-9 from the free-throw line in the fourth period.

Terry Hicks earned a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Josiah Matthews added 13 points, while Willie Jackson scored 10.

The Tigers are now 5-6 for the season and will host Arsenal Tech on Tuesday.

Hamilton County Reporter

Hamilton Southeastern dropped its first game of the season on Friday, falling to Lawrence Central 58-46 on the road.

The Class 4A No. 2 Royals trailed the Bearcats 15-12 after the first quarter, then were held to only two points in the second period as LC took a 25-14 halftime lead. Noah Smith scored

10 points to lead Southeastern, with Mabor Majak adding nine.

Aaron Etherington pulled six rebounds, with Majak collecting five. Smith handed out five assists and Majak blocked three shots.

The Royals are now 11-1 and are back at their home gym tonight to play 4A No. 4 Warren Central.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has been working on adding a travel lane in each direction of I–69.  The additional lanes are opening now from Exit 205 in Fishers, north to exit 219 (State Road 38).  Also, watch for work at the intersection of 131st & Cumberland Road, along with landscaping work at 106th & Geist Road.

Below is the full construction schedule provided by the City of Fishers, for the week beginning January 7th.

===========================================

131ST STREET 

There will be periodic lane restrictions at the intersection of 131st Street and Cumberland Road while utility relocation work is completed.

106TH STREET

Crews will be landscaping the center of the roundabout at 106th Street and Geist Road throughout the week, weather permitting. Temporary lane restrictions may be in place as work is completed.

I-69   

Milestone Contractors has opened additional travel lanes on Interstate 69 between State Road 37 Exit 205 and State Road 38 Exit 219. I-69 is open to three lanes in each direction on the heavily traveled stretch of interstate.

As part of a $92 million design-build contract, Milestone has added a third lane in each direction to the median, repaired and resurfaced existing pavement, and rehabilitated bridges and drainage structures on 15 miles of I-69 in Hamilton and Madison counties. Construction of an additional auxiliary lane between the 116th Street entrance ramp to I-69 South and the I-69 South Exit 204 ramp to 106th Street will continue through next spring.

I-69 South will be temporarily reduced to two lanes to allow space for the State Road 37 and 116th Street entrance ramps to safely merge while construction continues on the southbound auxiliary lane between the 116th Street and 106th Street ramps.

Crews plan to close lanes on I-69 South and State Road 37 South beginning on Friday, December 8th to modify pavement markings in the area to establish this winter traffic pattern. Questions about this project should be directed to INDOT ateastcentralin@indot.in.gov or 1-855-463-6848.

STATE ROAD 37  

The Meeting Presentation from the December 11th State Road 37 Project Public Meeting, along with additional information about the project, are available here.

The State Road 37 improvement project is a $124 million joint project between Fishers, Hamilton County, Noblesville, and INDOT. Questions or concerns may be directed todrivefishers@fishers.in.us.

OUTSIDE OF FISHERS   

Cyntheanne Road between 146th Street and 156th Street is closed to replace the bridge over Keiser Drain. Please contact Hamilton County Highway Department at 317-773-7770 with any questions.

Tom Roush plans to move his Lincoln dealership from Westfield to Fishers, at State Road 37 & 131st Street.

You can read the full story, written by Lindsey Erdody of the Indianapolis Business Journal, at this link.

The Hamilton Southeastern girls basketball team took a tough loss to Warren Central Thursday, 34-33 at the Royals’ gym.

Class 4A No. 6-ranked Southeastern led 20-12 at halftime, but the Warriors worked their way back to take a 27-26 lead by the end of the third quarter. Warren led 32-28 late in the fourth, but the Royals got back in front after Tayah Irvin drained a 3-pointer and Amaya Hamilton made a layin with around three minutes left in the game. Neither team would score again until the Warriors made a layin with about four seconds remaining.

“I thought our girls did everything right,” said HSE coach Chris Huppenthal. “Sometimes it just doesn’t go the way you want it to.”

Malea Jackson led the Royals with 12 points, including three 3-pointers. Irvin had two 3-pointers on her way to nine points. Hamilton grabbed seven rebounds with Irvin collecting five. Molly Walton handed out six assists, Irvin made four steals and Hamilton blocked three shots.

“I thought our kids did a lot of really good things today,” said Huppenthal. “I thought they played hard.”

Southeastern is now 13-5 and off until Friday, Jan. 12, when it travels to Westfield for a Hoosier Crossroads Conference girl-boy doubleheader. The girls game starts at 6 p.m., with the boys game to follow.

By

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Steve Schwartz, Noblesville, was elected Wednesday as president of the Hamilton County Council on a 4-3 second ballot vote which revealed the deep division between factions on the seven-member council.

Traditionally the presidency of the council is rotated among the members. While under this arrangement it was Schwartz’s turn to lead the council this year, outgoing president Fred Gwynn called for a secret paper ballot when members first voted.

Councilor Brad Beaver was nominated for president by councilor Rick McKinney. In the council’s first secret ballot in memory, a 3-3 tie resulted with one abstention. The second ballot produced a 4-3 victory for Schwartz who then nominated Beaver for vice president, and he was elected.

By state law secret ballots are prohibited in public meetings, but Schwartz asked that the second ballot be taken by individual voice vote, making his election legitimate.

The council as fiscal body of the county has voted unanimously on many issues, but on some critical or controversial items the split has become obvious over the past few years. All seven members are Republicans.

In other action, the council re-appointed Carol Carley, Carmel, to the county Alcoholic Beverage Board. Appointed to the Hamilton County Economic Development Commission was Jim Ginebaugh, Noblesville, and to the Westfield Economic Development Commission was Joe Duepner.

by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

With the new year 2018 comes the beginning of a new political season. Candidate filing for 52 state and local offices begins Jan. 10. The primary election will be May 8, and as usual in Hamilton County, most of the action will be on the Republican side in the primary. But, Democrats also claim they will have some names on the ballot this year.

In the important May voting, candidates will be chosen for at least five major offices being vacated by incumbents. The county will select a new state representative in District 29 where Rep. Kathy Richardson is not running for re-election.

Garen Bragg, Chuck Goodrich and Greg O’Connor have announced their plans to seek the seat in the GOP primary. Also showing interest is Noblesville resident Mark Hall.

Candidates for judge in Superior Court 1 will be chosen to replace the retiring Judge Steve Nation. Nation has not officially announced his retirement, but at least two potential candidates are known to have expressed interest in running.

County Clerk Tammy Baitz is also retiring. Ms. Richardson plans to seek nomination for that vacated position.

Sheriff Mark Bowen ends his two terms allowed by law at the end of 2018. Four candidates have announced intentions to seek the GOP nomination for sheriff. They are: Bill Clifford, Eddie Moore, Mitch Russell and Jason Sloderbeck.

Two Republican candidates are already in the field hoping to replace County Councilman Paul Ayers who is leaving the council at the end of his term. Ken Alexander and Rick Sharp have indicated they will run.

Township trustees and township board members in all nine of the county’s townships are up for nomination in May. So far Noblesville Township’s Tom Kenley and Clay Township’s Doug Callahan have said they will run again. Their board members are expected to follow suit.

Other offices at stake in 2018 are state legislative seats held by Reps. Tony Cook, Donna Schaibley, Jerry Torr and Sen. Mike Delph. All are expected to run again but have not officially announced.

The offices of Prosecuting Attorney, County Assessor, County Recorder and County Coroner are also up. Prosecutor Lee Buckingham is known to be planning to seek re-election as is Coroner John Chalfin. Incumbent Assessor Robin Ward and Recorder Jennifer Hayden have not yet announced their intentions.

All current officeholders are Republicans. No Democrat has yet announced for office.

Non-partisan school board members who formerly were elected at the time of the primary are now not to be chosen until the November general election.