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Snapshot: Westfield makes ‘Top Workplace’ list

Westfield swears in two lateral firefighters as city highlights public-safety spending in 2027 budget

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis and Fire Chief Robert Gaylor administered the oath to lateral firefighters Enis Becirevic and Nolan Bastien during the Westfield City Council meeting on Sept. 14, 2026. The swearing-in comes as the city’s proposed 2027 budget continues prioritizing police and fire, noting 36 fire positions added since 2024.

Westfield resident to chair 500 Festival board

HSE unveils $325.9M 2027 budget with cuts, planned raises; public hearing set Oct. 14

Hamilton Southeastern Schools presented an advertised $325.9 million 2027 spending plan on Sept. 23 that is about $15 million below the current budget. The proposal anticipates staff pay increases, cites revenue losses from the 2025 property tax law change, and includes a Nov. 3 referendum proposal; a public hearing is Oct. 14.

Judge rules Carmel won’t have to pay legal fees for short-term rental owner

Hamilton County Judge David Najjar ruled on Sept. 15, 2026, that the City of Carmel is not required to pay legal fees sought by XF Property Group in a suit the city filed in September 2025 over an alleged short‑term rental code violation. Carmel says the litigation cost the city about $60,000.

Parcels removed from East Side, Grand Junction PUDs

INDOT to build $2.35M roundabout at Ind. 38 & Prairie Baptist Road; right‑of‑way work slated for summer 2027

The Indiana Department of Transportation plans a $2.35 million single‑lane roundabout at State Road 38 and Prairie Baptist Road in Hamilton County. INDOT held a public hearing Sept. 17, 2026; right‑of‑way acquisition is expected in summer 2027, bidding in fall 2027 and construction beginning in spring 2028.

Westfield Washington Schools to host 'Drive the Bus' hiring event Oct. 3 to recruit drivers

Westfield Washington Schools invites prospective bus drivers to a Drive the Bus hiring event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the WWS Transportation Center, 17900 Towne Road. Attendees can drive a school bus, ask staff questions, and complete applications on site; WWS provides paid training.

New spaces to read, play & explore

Hamilton County Community Foundation wins $375,000 Civic Hub grant to boost civic engagement in northern Hamilton County

Hamilton County Community Foundation was awarded $375,000 through a 2026 Civic Hub grant from the Trust for Civic Life, the foundation announced Sept. 24, 2026. The funding is intended to expand leadership opportunities, create spaces for community dialogue and support resident-led projects in northern Hamilton County.

Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel one of five heart hospitals in U.S. with highest quality & patient experience scores

Developer lowers density for Eagle West PUD

Letter: Recent financial history doesn’t support referendum need

Snapshot: Carmel celebrates 50 years of cityhood with ice cream social

Westfield Fire Department moves into new 20,000‑sq‑ft Station 84 on 191st Street

Westfield Fire Department crews moved into Station 84 on Sept. 16, 2026; the new 20,000‑square‑foot station sits at the roundabout of 191st Street and Chad Hittle Drive. Station 85 is under construction and is expected to be complete in 2027.

Everwise Credit Union continues growth with grand opening in Fishers

Indiana Orthopedic Institute appoints Jennifer Worthy as chief operating officer

Hamilton County completes 146th/Allisonville interchange; awards $39.9M contract for 146th/Hazel Dell project

Hamilton County held a ribbon-cutting on Sept. 14, 2026, for the new 146th Street and Allisonville Road grade-separated interchange and on the same day awarded a $39.9 million contract to Carmel-based Gradex for a planned 146th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway interchange, with work set to start in fall 2026 and continue into 2029.

MI Homes proposes 413‑home Forest View Farms on 215 acres in Noblesville, seeks rezoning

MI Homes of Indiana has proposed Forest View Farms, a 413‑unit for‑sale neighborhood on about 215 acres near 166th Street and Olio Road in Noblesville, requesting rezoning to build a mix of ranch and two‑story homes priced from the low $400,000s to about $700,000. The plan goes to the Noblesville Plan Commission Oct. 26, 2026.

Fishers proposes $224M 2027 budget with raises, wastewater boost and 6.7‑cent property tax-rate increase

Mayor Scott Fadness presented a draft 2027 Fishers budget on 2026-09-21 that totals about $224 million (roughly $20 million higher than 2026). The plan includes 3% raises for all employees, a higher retirement match, a longevity pay increase for first responders and a proposed 6.7‑cent increase to the city property tax rate; the council will vote Oct. 12, 2026.

Nonprofit supports supports, connects women in finance professions

Second Wawa coming to Westfield

Hamilton County’s No. 1 state life expectancy tied to higher incomes, public safety and Riverview Health investments

Hamilton County ranks first in Indiana for life expectancy at 81.2 years, two years ahead of No. 2 Hendricks County, according to the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps database. The Reporter article attributes the lead to higher household incomes, public-safety measures and broad healthcare access including Riverview Health investments.

Get your tickets now for The Pride of Westfield’s Community Night