On July 21st, 2013, Peyton Riekhof’s vehicle was pulled from the waters of Geist Reservoir. The 18-year-old recent graduate of HSE High School was found dead in her car.  Authorities said she had driven off a neighborhood street into the lake.  After that tragic event, her father Mike Riekhof formed the Peyton Reikhof Foundation for Youth Hope.

According to her father, Peyton Riekhof suffered from depression. “She took her life because she couldn’t live in the darkness,” said Mike Riekhof.  “She couldn’t live in the depression that she was living with her every day.”

Reikhof cited some recent statistics from a recent anonymous survey of HSE School District students Grades 7-12.  35% of those surveyed were not engaged, 37% felt stuck and hopeless and 30% responded they lack well being.  Reikhof  called those “staggering numbers.”

Mike Riekhof was the featured speaker at a breakfast for the Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI).  YMI trains adult volunteers to mentor young people in the Fishers area.

The group is looking for 50 new adults to mentor the youth of the local area as part of the “Mayor’s Challenge.”  YMI is also working to reach a fund raising goal of $50,000.  YMI has a new app you can access at this link.   You can also access the YMI Web page at this link.

Riekhof says YMI can be important to young people in the Fishers community.  “Our community has so much to offer,” Riekhof said, “I’m so glad Youth Mentoring Initiative is here give youth another outlet.”

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and Hamilton Southeastern School Superintendent Allen Bourff spoke at the YMI breakfast to support the group’s efforts.  The MC for the event was Fishers City Councilman Todd Zimmerman.

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board tabled a vote on its Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.  The issue now will be referred back to the school administration’s policy committee for another possible revision.  The controversy centers on the following passage:

“Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation…does not discriminate on the basis of a protected class including but not limited to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability or sex (including sexual stereotype nonconformity), in the programs or activities which it operates or the employment therein or admission thereto. The School strictly adheres to all non-discrimination and anti-harassment laws and does not tolerate any such acts.”  

The language sparking the most discussion was the phrase “sexual stereotype nonconformity.”

Two people spoke on this policy, both HSE School employees.

Suleman (Suley) Hussain is a music teacher at Cumberland Road Elementary School.  He told the board about attending a school district much like HSE, coming out as gay during his high school senior year in 2005.  He described the difficulty students had in forming a gay-straight alliance club sponsor.  Hussain described what it was like to be gay and have no protections.

“I’m here because I’m very concerned about the language that we’re proposing tonight,” said Hussain, “that it might be vague, and it really doesn’t protect gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual people.”

Laura Rinderknecht, who works in special education at HSE Schools, took aim at the language in the proposed policy.  “I’m concerned that it’s not espousing that we are a safe district to work in,” she told the board.  “As this language is currently written, it’s not reassuring of an inclusive and respectful work environment.”

Rinderknecht said the lack of strong non-discrimination language can impact hiring and retaining employees at HSE Schools.  She provided examples of nearby school districts with stronger language in their non-discrimination policies.

“My question is, what is our intention?,” said Rinderknecht.  “If it’s to declare to our current and future employees that HSE is a safe and inclusive place to work in, I ask that we be intentional about that in our language we’re using.”

Board Vice President Karen Harmer, who presided over the meeting in the absence of HSE Board President John DeLucia, read the following statement:

“As we are not a full board this evening, and since several items of concern or differing opinions have been brought to our attention in recent days regarding our recommended wording in this policy, and since our high school handbooks and perhaps in other grade level handbooks differ from our new policy, I recommend that after we have some discussion, we table this policy, until further research and discussion can be had and the full board is present.”

The board unanimously approved the motion to table the proposed language.  DeLucia was the only member not attending this meeting.

The board then had a lengthy back and forth with the attorney advising them on this board policy.  Board member Michelle Fullhart voiced her concern about the phrase “sexual stereotype nonconformity.”

“I look at this from a student’s standpoint,” Fullhart said.  “If I were a high schooler questioning my sexual identity, and I read that…I think that is very legalese up there, it’s not clear and to the point.”

Several board members suggested adding language that “we are a welcoming community.”

“I think it comes down to not throwing people away,” board member Terry Tolle said.  “If your kid did something, you’re gonna love them regardless, so you’re not going to throw people away.  That’s the main thing.  Whether it’s drugs, sexual orientation, or whatever, I think we need to focus on saving and reclaiming our people and treating everybody right.”

After the board vote and discussion, Hussain told LarryInFishers he was encouraged by board member Michelle Fullhart’s comments.  “It’s very, very lofty and good to say we don’t discriminate against anyone,” said Hussain, “but if everything is off limits then nothing is off limits.  You do have to list that.  There is a reason there are protected classes listed.”

After hearing the school board discussion, Rinderknecht repeated her concern about sending a clear message.  “I think it is one thing to say that we are welcoming,” she said.  “I think sometimes for people that are outside of the district, they may not necessarily view Fishers as being as welcoming as Fishers thinks it is.”

Rinderknecht said she personally believes Fishers is a welcoming community to all, she is just concerned about the perception of the local school system from people outside the area.

Saturday, September 12th, was Public Safety Day in Fishers St. Vincent Hospital parking lot near I-69 & Olio Road, and there were families all around enjoying the day.  Nearly all Hamilton County public safety agencies were on hand.  There were health care and commercial tents.  All in all, it was a good day for all that visited.   Here are some pictures from Public Safety Day.

During halftime of the Mudsock Football Game, someone tried to congratulate Fishers High School Principal Jason Urban when his school was leading HSE 21-0.  Urban refused to accept the congratulatory message.  He reminded the fan that there was another half of football to play.

Urban has been around long enough to know how momentum can quickly change in a rivalry football game.  HSE High School won the big contest by scoring 39 points in the second half and coming out on top at the end, 39-33.  It was a satisfying win for the Royals and a bitter defeat for the Tigers.

But HSE High School was not the biggest winner.  The HSE School Corporation honored the Teachers of the Year at halftime.  The HSE Schools Foundation sold out on their VIP game tickets for a very successful fundraiser.  The Pasta Bowl collected boxes of pasta for area food banks.

The annual Mudscock Game is not just one of the biggest events of the year in Fishers, it benefits a number of important causes.  In that respect, everyone in Fishers benefits…even Tiger fans.

The work week starting Monday, September 14th, will be another busy one around the City of Fishers.

Some good news…progress is being made in the area of Lantern Road and Commercial Drive, near the Target shopping center.  By Wednesday, September 16th, the stop sign at the railroad tracks is scheduled to be replaced with signals and traffic signals will become operational on Commercial Drive.

106th Street is schedule to remain closed to traffic between Allisonville and Hague Roads through September 23rd.

Be aware that there will be lane restrictions on the westbound lanes of 116th Street near the downtown railroad tracks.  The city says the restrictions will not be in place during “peak traffic hours.”

Below is a full listing of the road work from the city…

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Cyntheanne Road

Beginning the week of September 14, Cyntheanne Road could see shoulder work for construction of the acceleration and deceleration lane and passing blister at Oakhurt subdivision south of 104^th Street. This project is dependent on the timing of utility work, and could be delayed until the week of September 21st.

Cyntheanne Road will also see lane restrictions during daytime hours for coring of the pavement to investigate pavement thicknesses.

Lantern Road and Commercial Drive Intersection

On or after Wednesday, September 16, the signal at Lantern Road and Commercial Drive will be online. At that time the railroad signal will also be activated.

104^th Street

Passing blister construction could start as early as next week on 104^th Street just west of Cyntheanne Road for the Steeplechase Sanctuary site.

106^th Street

Force main work continues along 106^th Street, and the road will be closed to thru traffic between Allisonville Road and Hague Road until September 23. Please use alternate routes while this closure is in effect.

116^th Street

Continuing the week of September 14 there will be periodic lane restrictions along 116^th Street in the westbound lane from the railroad tracks to Municipal Drive. Restrictions will be implemented outside of peak traffic hours.

131^st Street 

We appreciate your patience as shoulder work and striping continue along Parkside and Cumberland Road. Please use caution when traveling through the area.

136^th Street 

On Tuesday 9/15 and Wednesday 9/16, contractors will be replacing a storm pipe along 136 Street, 2000’ west of Cyntheanne Road in preparation for the new development, Hunters Run. This will be completed in two phases to prevent the road from being closed, however flaggers will be in place to help direct traffic during construction. Both Cyntheanne Road and 136^th Street could see shoulder work for construction of the acceleration and deceleration lane at the entrance.

Thursday evening, September 10th, the Fishers City Hall was the scene of a public hearing on the proposed 106th Street interchange on Interstate 69.  I always try to attend such events, but due to a long-standing personal commitment, I was unable to attend this public hearing.

However, Lindsey Erdody of the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) was on hand for the session and wrote a detailed story about what happened.  Bottom line, those testifying at the hearing were residents of the area around 106th Street and I-69 in Fishers.  They clearly don’t like the proposal.

I have a great deal of sympathy for those residents.  Many have lived in those Fishers neighborhoods for a very long time.  They never could have imagined the scope of growth that would encompass Fishers when they originally moved into their homes.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has promised to carefully review all the comments on the proposed interchange before any plan if finalized.  However, I’m fairly certain even the residents testifying at the hearing know the interchange is going to be constructed, the only questions remaining are aimed at the final details of the design.

One controversial component of the design calls for a roundabout at the interchange instead of the usual traffic signals.  It appears the highway engineers have studied this area and came to the conclusion that the roundabout would move traffic more efficiently than the traditional traffic lights.

Also, one resident testifying at the hearing called the detour plan during construction “a nightmare.”  I can’t argue with that assessment.  Just about every road construction detour in Fishers has been a nightmare, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours.  But without the detours, there would be no upgrades to our road system.

Based on Lindsey Erdody’s story, construction on this interchange will start next year and be complete in 2017.  Here’s how Lindsey describes the funding breakdown on the $34 million plan:

“INDOT and the Federal Highway Administration would pay for $22.44 million of the project, Fishers would contribute $9.52 million and Hamilton County would pay $2.04 million.”

You can see more details of the proposed interchange on the INDOT Web site at this link. You can also submit comments through September 25th, and you may submit those comments based on guidance at the bottom of that INDOT Web page.

The City of Fishers is gearing up to start its next class in the Citizens Academy.  It’s a way to experience first hand how your city government works.

For more details on what is planned and how to sign up, use this link.

If police work is more to your liking, the Fishers Police Department is setting up its own Citizens Academy.  Use this link to get details

The proposed 106th Street Interchange on I-69 is a very big deal for Fishers.  It is expected to become a major economic development engine for that area of the city.  There are strong indications an employer will soon announce a number of new jobs in that area, and one can only surmise that the proposed new interchange is a major factor in choosing that location.

There are plenty of reasons this interchange is a good idea.  First and foremost is the need to relieve the traffic burden on nearby I-69 interchanges, such as 96th, 116th & Exit 210. That alone is justification enough for many regular Fishers commuters.

The tentative design for this interchange is very different.  It calls for a roundabout to move vehicles on and off the interstate.  I am sure that idea will spark plenty of comments locally.

There is a public hearing set for Thursday, September 10th at 6pm, at Fishers City Hall.  If you have any interest in this proposed project at all, I would urge you to attend this meeting.  Officials from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT, the state highway people) will be there to present the plans as they exist at this time.  You will be given a chance to speak and comment on the project during the public hearing process.

Meanwhile, I continue to get questions on the status of the proposal to revamp State Road 37 along Fishers and Noblesville, creating overpass roundabouts replacing the traffic signals we have now.  This proposal would look much like Keystone Avenue in Carmel.  The last official word on this is that all the government entities involved (cities, county, state) have been in talks about how to fund a project expected to cost about a quarter-billion dollars.  There have been rumors of some movement in those talks.  We should know more before the end of September.

For the fast growing parts of southern Hamilton County, easing traffic woes is a major quality of life issue for those commuting to and from work.  I commuted from downtown Indianapolis to Fishers for about 6 years.  I have experienced first hand just how a lengthy and difficult commute can suck the energy out of a person over time.  It appears our elected officials are trying to come up with some solutions.  It is now time for you, members of the public, to speak at the public hearings and let your elected officials, from the governor on down to your city council members and everything in between, know how you feel about these proposals.

I recall some time ago being asked why a certain incident in Fishers had not been reported on my blog, or any other news media outlet.  I tried my best to explain, but I’m not certain the other party fully understood.

This was a case of one man parking his car in a Fishers church parking lot, pulling out a gun and committing suicide.  The people at the church and many others were aware of what happened, but there had been no news coverage of his death.  The question I was asked was, why?

This issue also went through my mind as Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness is preparing his special task force to release a host of recommended actions addressing local mental health issues. The mayor told the task force there had been 5-7 suicide attempts in Fishers during the two weeks preceding that task force session.

A suicide is a tough call for journalists.  In most cases, suicides, even unsuccessful suicide attempts, are not reported.  However, when the person involved is a high-profile person or celebrity (think Robin Williams) the media will have no choice but to report a death as the result of a suicide.

Edward Wasserman is a journalism ethics professor at Washington and Lee University.  He sums up the journalistic ethics on reporting suicides this way in a recent blog post:

“Although suicides claim twice as many lives as murders do, only three types generally make the news: those that take place in public, involve public figures—or exemplify some larger social problem.” 

In other words, journalists need some compelling reason to report the suicide, otherwise individual incidents are not reported.  Part of this ethic stems from the belief by some that reporting suicide deaths would cause a “copycat” response, possibly encouraging others to take their own lives.

I was once asked if homicide rates would be reduced if the media reported fewer of them.  I really don’t have a good answer for that, but murders are not like suicides as far a prevention strategy goes.

It does bring up a larger question.  Sometimes, but not always, suicide results from a mental health issue.  Perhaps some better journalistic reporting on the fact that there are many more suicides in America each year compared to the number of homicides, would shed some light on what can be done to prevent the tragic situation where someone chooses to take his/her own life.

The recommendations forthcoming from the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force will likely call for special training among first responder personnel from the city.  It will also recommend a program of suicide prevention training for youth in grades 8 and above.

I want people in Fishers to know that when I choose not report a suicide, it is not an effort to cover-up anything.  You may see some suicides reported if the public nature of the person or the situation is such that you cannot tell the story without that information.  But I believe most suicides are painful enough to the families involved without shining a public light on it in news coverage, unless it just cannot be helped.

In a homicide, the coroner’s office can issue a ruling on the cause of death.  The police and prosecutor’s office can charge suspects and explain possible motives.  In a suicide, it is often impossible to determine a definite reason why it happened.

There are no hard and fast journalistic rules on when to report and not report suicide deaths.  All newsrooms must make those judgments on their own.

Since there are plenty of Colts fans in Fishers (& a few scattered Pats fans around town), allow me to join the crowd and give you my take on the entire DeflateGate so-called scandal and where it now stands.

I enjoy reading books about sports, particularly professional sports.  Many are behind-the- scenes stories of how the major sports leagues are run.  After reading about that, I am not surprised DeflateGate ended up that way it has.

Owners of professional sports teams are generally control freaks.  There is only one exception to that rule, and that’s the Green Bay Packers.  The Pack is owned by its fans.  (By the way, the remaining owners in all major American sports have enacted rules that prevent a Packers ownership model to be replicated)

Most owners made their fortune doing something else.  They then used that pile of cash to buy into sports.  Most have no idea how to run a sports franchise.  The best owners hire good people and let the professionals make the decisions.  But when it comes to business decisions, they nearly always want to take a hard line.

That is true in football.  The owners have tried their best to weaken the players union and have been effective in doing so in past years.  But once the players hired DeMaurice Smith to run the union, they got an attorney that knows how to think strategically and get the players what they want.

In the last collective bargaining talks, the players took more money in exchange for allowing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to be a virtual monarch in deciding player discipline.  The players took their money, but Smith had an Ace card up his sleeve.  He knew Goodell would take a heavy-handed approach that could be challenged in court successfully.

Bob Ryan, a sportswriter that has covered Boston area sports for a very long time, has taken the view that the other owners firmly believe (rightly or wrongly) Pats owner Robert Kraft is very good at cheating.  Since the commissioner of any sport is just a tool for the owners, Goodell felt the heat from all the owners except Kraft to come down hard on the Patriots, not necessarily over the deflated footballs, but because those other owners have it in their heads that the Pats deserve a comeuppance for these alleged past transgressions.

Roger Goodell, the faithful servant of a majority of NFL owners, decided to use the authority given to him in the players contract and come down hard on Pats QB Tom Brady with a 4-game suspension.  Most legal “experts” expected the courts to side with the NFL due to the plain and strong language in the players collective bargaining agreement (CBA) allowing Goodell to discipline players.

Judge Richard Sherman shocked the sports world by removing Brady’s suspension, all 4 games.   The judge basically said in his ruling that Brady never got a fair hearing in the NFL’s process.

This happens to sports ownership in America all the time.  The owners take a tough, hard line, even when that may not be the smartest strategy.  When smart union leaders, like Don Fehr in baseball and Smith in the NFL, take on the owners, the players usually win as long as they stick together.

This Brady ruling is a big win for players’ rights in the NFL.  That’s why even Colts players understand that the Pats are big rivals on the field, but Brady’s win is a win for all players.  It will pave the way for player discipline to be meted out in a much more fair fashion.

Those same legal experts say the NFL has an excellent chance of winning an appeal, which was filed very quickly.  I suppose that’s always possible.  But I came to know a few judges in my reporter days and I know no jurist wants to have a decision overturned by a higher court.  Judge Berman must feel his ruling is on solid legal grounds.

This is not over yet.  I believe everyone looks bad in this situation so far.  The NFL loses for obvious reasons, weakening the commissioner’s standing as judge, jury and executioner in player discipline.  But Tom Brady’s legacy has been tarnished.  He refused to turn over his cell phone to league investigators.  That was not an unreasonable request by an employer in a conduct probe.  I know Brady didn’t want to set that precedent, but most fans will assume the cell phone had incriminating evidence on it, but we will never know the facts due to Brady’s stance.

All this just solidifies my decision to drastically cut down on the amount of time I watch NFL games this season.  The league and its owners are too wealthy and have too much power for me to enjoy watching the game being sold to us.  I still love high school and college football, but the pro game is taking a back seat for me this season.