Transparency in Education: Allegations of Concealment Trout School Board Members

03/06/2025

Witnesses accuse school board members of ‘hiding’ political affiliations

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Bill to Make School Boards Partisan Elicits Divided Testimony from Witnesses

About 40 witnesses from across the state, including over a dozen from Hamilton County, weighed in on Senate Bill 287, which would require school board candidates to declare a political party and run in primary elections. The current nonpartisan system has been in place for decades.

The legislation has drawn both praise and criticism from those who testified before the House election panel. Supporters, such as Sen. Gary Byrne, say it would boost transparency for voters, as school board candidates often conceal their political leanings from constituents.

Dina Ferchmin, a recent candidate for the Carmel Clay Schools board, argued that hiding one’s party affiliation allows candidates to "present themselves as neutral figures with no political leanings," but "that ship has sailed" given the existing politicization of the curriculum.

Kristina Wheeler, a new member of the Carmel Clay School board, countered that the narrative is "false" and that voters are already aware of the political affiliations of those they elect. She also highlighted endorsements from both sides of the aisle.

Others, like Washington Township Schools board member Steven Thompson, worry that requiring party declaration would "crush the hopes of people" who want to help but don’t want to be tied to partisan politics. Several witnesses, including those working in the judiciary or for federal employers, said they would be prohibited from taking partisan office under Indiana’s Code of Judicial Conduct and the Hatch Act.

The bill’s author, Sen. Gary Byrne, also aims to provide more information to voters, citing that it would give them "one more piece of information" to consider when casting their ballots. Rep. Kyle Pierce agreed, noting that other specialized elected roles, such as coroner or surveyor, are already partisan.

Concerns were raised about the potential for voters to research candidates less, with Carmel resident Jim May accusing supporters of targeting the votes of "wholly uninformed" Hoosiers. Cecilia Poynter suggested addressing transparency concerns by banning school board candidates from using partisan indicators on their materials and requiring school district websites to include links to candidate information.

Senate Bill 287 would also increase school board pay from the current $2,000 maximum by tying compensation to 10% of starting teacher salaries, with a minimum of $40,000. The legislation will be revisited, with several amendments expected to be offered before a potential House vote.

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Hamilton County, Indiana

Fishers’ Top-Ranked Squad Keeps Title Hopes Alive

03/05/2025

First round? ‘That should be a state championship game.’ No. 1 Fishers holds off No. 3 Westfield

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There were no nets cut down after Tuesday’s first-round sectional game at Carmel, but it felt like there should have been. No. 1 and defending Class 4A state champion Fishers held off a furious fourth-quarter rally by No. 3 Westfield for a 54-47 victory in Sectional 8. The prize? Survival. The only thing that matters this time of year.

“I thought it was a great, great high school basketball game,” Fishers coach Garrett Winegar said. “You just hate to see it on the first night of the sectional.”

The sentiment was shared by Westfield coach Shane Sumpter, who saw his team rally from a 13-point deficit to cut it to 50-47 with 1:01 left. The sellout crowd of more than 3,500 fans was at full throat as the Shamrocks nearly forced a steal, then were forced to foul Cooper Zachary, who knocked down both free throws.

On the next Westfield possession, Nathan Baker dove to the floor at midcourt and was able to corral the ball and get a timeout. JonAnthony Hall added the exclamation point with a dunk to allow Fishers to move into Friday night’s semifinal game against Zionsville (12-12).

“Five guys have to do their job,” Winegar said of Baker’s steal. “(Justin Kirby) had a good denial and we had good on-ball pressure. Then we had a deflection, and Bake gets on the floor. It’s usually not just one guy who makes that play. A lot of guys made that play at the most important time.”

Fishers (25-0) has won 38 consecutive games, a streak that has come with its share of close calls. One came earlier this season against Westfield, when the Tigers had to rally from a 15-point second half deficit for a 67-64 win. Hall, who led Fishers with 18 points, said he could sense the confidence from Westfield even before the game started.

“That swagger only seemed to grow after Drew Haffner drilled a couple of long 3-pointers in the first quarter,” Hall said. “When teams match up against us, you can see their captains and see it’s like almost fake tough. But I looked at all three of them and they all seemed like they felt they could beat us. I think their confidence is what caught me the most.”

Fishers led 26-22 at halftime and seemed to take control with a third quarter run that included an alley-oop from sophomore Jason Gardner Jr. to Hall. Fishers led by 11 points going into the fourth quarter.

The Shamrocks nearly forces a steal, then were forced to foul Cooper Zachary, who knocked down both free throws.

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By Kyle Neddenriep, Indianapolis Star,

21 hours ago

Hamilton County Teacher Recruiting Fair Set to Attract Top Talent

03/05/2025 (updated 03/05/2025)

Hamilton County hosting a teacher recruiting fair

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Central Indiana Schools Step Up Recruiting Efforts to Fill Teacher Vacancies

A shortage of teachers is plaguing the state, with over 1,475 open positions posted on the Indiana State Teachers’ Association’s job bank. According to data, more than 807 of those jobs are located within a 25-mile radius of Noblesville. To combat this shortage, some school districts are teaming up to host teacher recruiting fairs.

This Wednesday, Noblesville Schools is partnering with Carmel-Clay, Hamilton Southeastern, Westfield Washington, and Zionsville community schools to host a teacher recruiting fair from 5-7 p.m. at the Carmel Educational Services Center. Additionally, MSD Washington Township Schools will host a separate fair at their central office from 5-7 p.m.

Lindsey Bradshaw, a 7th grade science teacher for Hamilton Southeastern Schools, says she loves her job, but acknowledges the difficulties of navigating the shortage. “Class sizes are a major concern,” she explained. “When you start getting class sizes that are over the state average, it can be tough.” Bradshaw hopes that potential educators will look past the challenges and consider joining the profession. “Teachers are the front lines, and we’re the guides for every profession,” she said.

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Hamilton County, Indiana

Teenager Arrested in Connection to Nightclub Shooting That Left One Dead

03/05/2025

14-year-old surrenders Anderson police for nightclub shooting that killed one

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A 14-year-old has been arrested in connection with the Anderson nightclub shooting and crash that claimed the life of 20-year-old Dayla Swain. This marks the third juvenile arrest in the case, following the apprehension of a 17-year-old on February 28. Swain was killed on February 2 after shots were fired at Sonny Ray’s nightclub on South Madison Avenue. Two other women were also injured in the incident, with one treated for her injuries and the other struck by a car. The Madison County Prosecutor’s Office is currently reviewing the case, and no charges have been filed at this time. The Anderson Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward to Detectives Brett Webb or Travis Thompson at 765-648-6731. The public can also report tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana or the P3tips app.

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By Parker Carlson,

1 days ago

Murder Suspect in Custody: 14-Year-Old boy Arrested in Anderson Homicide

03/04/2025

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POLICE CHASE ERUPTS ON INTERSTATE, SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

A high-speed police chase on the northbound lanes of the interstate came to a halt late last night, with the suspect in custody and no one injured. According to reports, officers from several agencies responded to a 911 call around 11pm, reporting a suspicious vehicle traveling recklessly. The pursuit, which reached speeds of over 100mph, spanned nearly 20 miles of interstate before the suspect’s vehicle lost control and crashed into a concrete median. The driver, identified as 32-year-old John Smith of Springfield, was taken into custody and is currently being held at the county jail pending charges. No further information is available at this time.

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Hamilton County’s State Road 32 to Get All-Way Stops

03/03/2025

INDOT to add all-way stops to State Road 32 in Hamilton County

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Two new all-way stops are coming to State Road 32 in Hamilton County, the Indiana Department of Transportation announced. Between Noblesville and Lapel, INDOT will install two all-way stops, flashing stop signs, advance warning signs, and rumble strips. The stops will be placed where State Road 32 intersects with Durbin Road and Prairie Baptist Road. INDOT hopes the changes will make the stretch of State Road 32 safer and easier to travel. Construction is expected to begin March 10. INDOT reminds all drivers to slow down and be extra careful when driving, especially near work zones.

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Hamilton County, Indiana

Businesses Under Fire: “Economic Blackout” Boycott Hits Companies Ending DEI Initiatives

03/02/2025

‘Economic blackout’ boycott targets companies ending DEI program

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Local Residents Join National Effort to Boycott Companies that Roll Back DEI Initiatives

INDIANAPOLIS — Some local residents have joined a national movement to boycott companies that are rolling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The effort, which involves a 24-hour “economic blackout,” urges consumers to redirect their spending to corporations that maintain and expand their DEI programs.

Indianapolis-based consultant and civil rights attorney Doneisha Posey, CEO of Impacto Strategies, emphasized the importance of consumers’ spending power, stating, “By choosing where we spend our money, we choose what’s important for our communities.” She noted that the Black, Latino, and disabled communities wield significant buying power, with combined totals of $1.3 trillion, $3.6 trillion, and $14 trillion, respectively.

Some residents, like Denita Johnson, chose to support local businesses instead of large corporations like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Johnson stated, “I think it will make a difference in the stores. I’m disappointed that some companies dropped DEI programs. To me, it sends a message to your customers that I’m not only doing this because I have to, but now that I don’t have to, I’m not doing it.”

Economist Kyle J. Anderson from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a one-day boycott, stating, “I don’t know if this will get to the scale that it’ll have a major impact on these organizations. I think they’ll notice that one day of sales are fewer, but I don’t think it’ll have a broader impact.”

Posey concurred, “While one day of not spending is not going to financially cripple corporations, what it does do is create awareness that the American people are listening and taking notice of what’s happening.” She added that this effort is about more than just a single day of spending; it’s about sending a message to companies about the importance of prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The national movement is just one aspect of a broader effort to hold corporations accountable for their DEI initiatives. Other groups, including faith leaders, are also organizing similar boycotts and protests. A website, targetfast.org, has been launched to recruit participants for a 40-day Target boycott starting on March 5, and the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network has announced plans to identify and boycott companies that abandon their DEI pledges within the next 90 days.

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Indianapolis, Indiana

A New Chapter: Anderson Church Seeks New Home for Homeless Ministry

03/02/2025

Anderson church now searching for new place to house homeless

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Anderson Church Ceases Shelter Services Due to Permits and Community Concerns

A local church in Anderson, Indiana, has been serving as a temporary shelter for the homeless since February, but has recently made the difficult decision to cease the service. The church, Restoration Church, had been providing a warm and welcoming space to those in need, with volunteers like Jessica Mccullough stating, "These people last night cried because they didn’t know where they were going. Last night, I cried because I couldn’t do anything to help."

The church’s Homeless Outreach Coordinator, Richard Moghadam, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Every human has the right to sleep at night without the fear of being robbed or raped, and you should have the ability and the right to have something in your belly on a daily basis." The church’s Pastor, Mike Weller, also expressed his concern, adding, "I didn’t feel like I was fighting the world alone for a change, and I felt like everybody here had the same kind of heart as I do."

Despite their efforts, the church faced a setback when it became clear that they did not have the proper permits to operate as a shelter, and some neighbors began to express concerns. According to the lead administrator of the church building, this made it impossible to continue providing overnight shelter services.

However, the church will continue to offer meals and snacks to those in need, and is exploring alternative properties in Anderson that could be used as a shelter. Weller stated, "They’re good people. They just need help."

In related news, the city of Anderson has allocated $1,150,000 from American Rescue Funds to address the issue of homelessness. The funds will be used to support a two-year program providing outreach, supportive services, and housing assistance to those in need. As part of this program, the city is partnering with local non-profits and hiring additional staff to work with the homeless population.

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By Rachael Wilkerson,

1 days ago

Daleville Police Investigate Fatal Crash Involving Intoxicated Driver

03/01/2025

Daleville police say woman was intoxicated at time of crash that killed young Anderson man

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Daleville Police: Woman Intoxicated at Time of Deadly Crash

A 39-year-old Markleville woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a February 24th crash that claimed the life of a young Anderson man. According to investigators, Charlotte E. Cleveland was driving a Toyota Camry eastbound on Main Street in Daleville when it left the highway, striking a series of obstacles before coming to rest on its side in the middle of the road.

The passenger in the vehicle, 22-year-old Jordan Vance Cleveland of Anderson, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 39-year-old driver, Charlotte E. Cleveland, was taken to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie with injuries and has since been held in the Delaware County Jail under a $12,500 bond.

Preliminary charges against Cleveland include driving while intoxicated causing death, driving while intoxicated, and driving without financial responsibility. The Delaware County prosecutor’s office will determine whether formal charges will be filed. Daleville police are continuing to investigate the crash and are asking anyone with information to contact Sgt. Adam Curtis or Officer Fred Cummings.

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By Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press,

3 hours ago

Teen Arrested in Fatal Shooting and Crash at Local Nightclub

02/28/2025 (updated 03/01/2025)

Anderson police arrest 17-year-old in fatal shooting, crash at nightclub

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17-Year-Old Arrested in Fatal Shooting at Anderson Nightclub

A 17-year-old suspect has been taken into custody and charged in connection with a fatal shooting and crash that occurred on February 2 at an Anderson nightclub. Dayla Swain, 26, died at an Indianapolis hospital after the incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. at Sonny Ray’s on South Madison Avenue.

Anderson police responded to a reported shooting at the club and found two women, including Swain, had been injured. A third woman was found to have been hit by a vehicle. The identities of the two other women have not been released to the public.

A search warrant was executed at an undisclosed location in the 2600 block of Meridian Street, where officers recovered firearms and other evidence. The Madison County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case, and no charges have been filed pending the results of the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives Brett Webb or Travis Thompson at 765-648-6731, or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers.

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4 hours ago

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