TODAY’S WEATHER Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Today: Partly sunny. Tonight: Showers and storms possible Sheridan, Noblesville, Cicero, Arcadia, after midnight. Atlanta, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield LIKE & FOLLOW US! HIGH: 83 LOW: 64 Hamilton County Hamilton County’s Hometown Newspaper www.ReadTheReporter.com Reporter Facebook.com/HamiltonCountyReporter The County Line Westfield fired up about training Reporter photo by Jeff Jellison For some One of the world’s largest fire training conferences kicked off in Indianapolis Monday and will continue through the weekend. there is an More than 30,000 firefighters from across the nation and Canada are attending the annual Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC). It features election hands-on training and more than 300 classroom sessions this week. During the FDIC, firefighters are being bussed next week from the Convention Center to Westfield to participate in live fire training exercises By FRED SWIFT in vacant houses located on Union Street On Tuesday, May south of State Road 32. Training officers 2, voters in Adams, will set fires inside the residences so Clay and Washington firefighters can learn proper techniques townships will be el- to extinguish them. For more photos igible to vote in spe- from this event see Page 2 and visit us on Facebook cial referendum elec- @HamiltonCountyReporter. tions in which their respective school districts are asking for approval of sup- plemental tax levies. Most election watchers suspect the voter turnout will be small because there has been little publicity on these im- portant off-year elections with only one question on the ballot. The election in- volves only the residents of the Carmel, Sheridan and Westfield school districts in this county. Realistically, there is little choice but to vote "yes" if citizens wish to main- tain the present quality of their schools. This is because, in most cases, voters approved local supplemental funding in Noblesville brings together parks, the arts past elections, and a "no" vote on May 2 would terminate these previous levies. The REPORTER The result would likely mean larger class For the past three years, Noblesville has combined two fan- sizes and other negative consequences. tastic pieces of its lively culture – the parks system and the arts The use of the referendum can be a – to highlight the work being done in our community. The 2017 slippery slope toward dependence on this Noblesville Parks Foundation's Parks & The Arts Mayor's Lun- method of financing. But, many Indiana cheon is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 28, at Harbour Trees school districts have already embarked Golf and Beach Club in Noblesville. on it. Starting nearly a decade ago, the The foundation has partnered with the Noblesville Schools Indiana General Assembly passed leg- Art Department to make art, not only for this third annual event, islation saying that any school district but to ensure local high school art students get real life experi- which felt a need to raise more money ence throughout the process. This year’s student artwork theme than was provided by tax rates at that is “Landmarks” and bidding on the artwork will be available at time could ask their voters to approve the luncheon, in addition to note card sets of the Top 12 student higher rates by referendum. pieces. The "catch" is that such approval “I want to thank all of the students that participated. Putting must be reconsidered by voters every your hard work on display for others to view and judge is not seven years in order to continue the add- easy,” Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear said. “We have very tal- ed tax. And, in that seventh year, renewal ented students and I encourage them all to continue challenging process there is provision for a school themselves and em- Photo provided district to seek to increase or decrease the brace their creativity.” See Parks & Arts . Page 3 Noblesville High School student Ryan Wheeler’s submission rate, which some districts have opted to This luncheon was selected as one of the Top 12 pieces this year. do. Westfield, for example, wants about 20 cents more per $100 of assessed val- uation in order to finance improvements in its buildings. Bike Carmel launches three new rides this summer Many voters who have not paid The REPORTER events designed to give riders a chance to event takes place on a Saturday morning, close attention, find the process hard to Are you looking for a way to get out- experience routes of up to 25 miles – per- launching at Smoky Row Elementary understand. But school officials under- side a little more this summer? Hitting fect for families or spirited riders. Beau- School, 900 West 136th Street, Carm- standably say approval is needed if their the paths and trails in Carmel, Indiana is tiful views along our many trails, casual el. The schedule begins at 10 a.m. with schools are to continue to meet the needs one of the easiest (and most fun) things terrain and rest stops will be included for registration, followed by a special safety in our growing communities. you can do with your family! each event. seminar and then a ride. This summer, the City of Carmel SAFE SUMMER CYCLING – See Election . Page 6 is launching three new “Bike Carmel” May 20; 10 a.m. – This educational See Bike . Page 3 2 Westfield Firefighter Training The annual Fire Department Instructors Conference is going on this week in Indianapolis, and Westfield is playing host to live fire training exercises. Vacant houses located on Union Street south of State Road 32 are being used for trainers to teach various aspects of firefighting skill. For more photos from this event, visit us on Facebook @Hamilton County Reporter. Reporter photos by Jeff Jellison News 3 PARKS & ARTS Construction begins on from Page 1 brings awareness to the Parks Founda- Sponsorships, tables and seats Sheriff’s office parking lot tion, which plays a vital role in main- may still be reserved. Individual tick- taining the parks. The foundation was ets are $75; with sponsorship levels The REPORTER ing around the Community Corrections formed in 2014 as a joint venture be- at $600, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000, Area residents with business at the building and on the south side of the tween the parks and citizen supporters each receiving a table of eight for Sheriff’s Office and those visiting in- main drive while Phase 2 includes the to serve as a fundraising auxiliary for the luncheon, plus varying sponsor- mates at the Hamilton County Jail or main driveway and the north side park- the Noblesville Parks & Recreation De- ship perks. For information, visit Juvenile Services Building will encoun- ing lot. Much of the work is expected to partment and its programs. www.noblesvilleparks.org. ter construction as the parking lots and be done outside business hours but vis- driveways around the Sheriff’s Office itors may experience some work during complex are redone. Grinding and repav- various hours of the day. Signs and traf- ing of asphalt areas began on Monday. fic direction will be in place to assist vis- Phase 1 of the project affects park- itors to the Sheriff’s Office. Seeking Noblesville Class of ‘72 The REPORTER mates would be appreciated: Debbie The Noblesville High School Class Allen Johnson, Bill Coverdale, Chuck of 1972 will hold their 45th class reunion Compton, Robbie Bockman, John Bud- on Saturday July, 29, 2017 at South Har- nick, Sara Clark, Gary Morefield, Cathy bor Club House in Noblesville. Ward Reitz, Brenda Wariner Huntsing- A save the date was mailed earlier er, Roxanne Gerber, Wavren (George) this year and more information regarding Grimes, Danny Gray, Tim Howard, Julia reservations will be mailed out in June. Horan Carlyle, Terry Irving, David John- Please visit our class Facebook page at son, Cathy Kinney, David Lakey. Noblesville High School class of 1972, Please contact Peggy (Baldwin) for updates. Beaver with information or questions at Help locating the following class- (317) 372-2674 or [email protected]. BIKE from Page 1 At this event, we’ll show you and Range Line Road and Main Street starts your children the proper way to wear at 9 p.m. a helmet, the best ways to be visible to SACK LUNCH RIDE – August 13; others when you’re out and most impor- 12:30 p.m. - Learn the healthiest things tantly, the rules of the road. We’ll also to pack for your children’s lunch at our make sure you’re properly sized for your Sunday afternoon Sack Lunch Ride bike. After the Safe Cycling demonstra- starting at the Village of West Clay. We tion, we’ll put those brand new skills to will gather at 12:30 p.m. for registration. the test and head out for a 10-mile ride. We’ve partnered with Market District Plan to stick around after the ride to provide various healthy food items for free caricatures, face painting and at each Support and Gear (SAG) stop the Carmel Clay Mobile Library. Carm- which will represent a nutritious lunch el residents will be able to sign up for when completed. At 1 p.m. we will have a free public library card while they’re a brief presentation from a nutritionist to here. talk about the benefits of healthy eating RIDE DINE AND DANCE – July at school and provide quick snack ideas. 1; 5:30 p.m. - You’ll want to find a sit- The ride begins at 1:30 p.m. When you ter when you join us for this Saturday return, make sure to stay after for car- evening Ride, Dine and Dance! We’re icatures, face painting and more event partnering with the Carmel Arts & De- surprises! sign District’s “Late Night on Main” If you’ve been looking for the right party.