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Hamilton County's proposed 2027 budget adds staff for two new courts and funds $85M Public Safety Communications Center; adoption set for Oct. 19, 2026

Hamilton County officials completed two days of hearings on the proposed 2027 budget, reviewing staffing requests tied to two new Superior Courts and capital plans including an $85 million Public Safety Communications Center. The council planned to adopt the final budget at a special session on Oct. 19, 2026.

Hamilton County schools receive nearly $1M in state matching grants for safety upgrades

Hamilton County schools received nearly $1 million from Indiana’s Secured School Safety Grant Program, state legislators reported on Sept. 22, 2026. The matching grants can fund hiring school resource officers, vulnerability assessments, security equipment and bullying-prevention programs.

Three Indiana Pacers coming to Fishers to sign autographs

Carmel approves financial terms for Hotel Carmichael expansion; city stake falls to 45%

The Carmel Redevelopment Commission approved financial terms Sept. 16, 2026 for a Hotel Carmichael expansion that adds 60 rooms and event space. The city’s assessed value in the hotel is projected to rise by $5 million while the city’s ownership stake would fall to 45%; the CRC says it will not fund the build-out.

HSE referendum meetings set

Indianapolis-based Damar Services to pay $65,000 and change hiring policies in EEOC settlement

Indianapolis-based Damar Services agreed to pay $65,000 and implement policy and operational changes under a settlement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after the EEOC alleged its hiring practices screened out applicants with hearing and vision disabilities and rejected a deaf applicant in 2023.

Carmel in brief — September 22, 2026

Fishers’ Harvest Fest (Sept. 13, 2026) showcased 70+ artists, giving local creatives marketplace exposure

Fishers Arts Council and Hamilton County Tourism hosted the seventh annual Harvest Fest on Sept. 13, 2026, along the Nickel Plate Trail in downtown Fishers. The one-day event featured more than 70 artists, 10 nonprofits, live music, games, art activities and food and beverages, with partners including Fishers Parks, the City of Fishers and Hamilton East Public Library.

Simply From Scratch: Noblesville entrepreneurs bridge the gap between farm and table

Ascension St. Vincent to close Carmel sports performance office Oct. 30, 2026 as services shift to OrthoIndy partnership

Ascension St. Vincent announced its Sports Performance office at Clay Terrace in Carmel (14455 Clay Terrace Blvd.) will close on Oct. 30, 2026, as the health system transitions services through a new partnership with orthopedic practice OrthoIndy. Ascension said it will seek continuity of care and transition opportunities for some associates.

Noblesville Schools’ proposed LifeWise partnership raises questions about school-day operations

A Noblesville parent opposes a proposal to bring LifeWise Academy into the district, saying its off-campus, privately funded religious instruction would effectively insert organized Bible teaching into the school day and could expand to all 10 Noblesville schools, the letter says.

Hamilton County Commissioners approve infrastructure, health measures

Carmel founder Jenna Burd becomes first Orr Fellow to run her own partner company while in the program

Jenna Burd, founder of Carmel-based Yalla Solutions, joined Orr Fellowship’s 2026 cohort while continuing to operate her company — the first time an Orr Fellow has participated as an owner of an Orr partner organization. She also launched the Orr Fellowship Foundry; applications for Orr’s 2027 cohort close Sept. 25, 2026.

Carmel celebrates the end of construction on College Ave

The City of Carmel announced a free College Avenue Block Party for Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, to mark the completion of the College Avenue reconstruction project and to thank nearby residents and businesses. The event was scheduled for 5:30–8:00 p.m. at Rosie’s Gardens & Hughes Landscape (10402 N. College Ave.).

Noblesville mayor highlights $4.2B private investment, Ryan Fireprotection $25M HQ2 and Deer Creek District rebrand

Mayor Chris Jensen used his Sept. 10, 2026 State of the City address at Riverview Health Arena to review recovery from the White River flood, outline public-safety and infrastructure spending, and list major private investments and branding tied to continued growth in Noblesville.

Noblesville leaders spotlight SMC’s 950+ jobs, $200M investment and Toyota Automated Logistics’ $165M campus

At his Sept. 10, 2026 State of the City address, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen hosted executives from SMC Corp. of America and Toyota Automated Logistics to highlight continued Japanese investment in Noblesville, including SMC’s more than 950 full‑time employees and $200 million invested since 2009 and TAL’s $165 million campus announced in 2024.

Noblesville proposes $143.5M 2027 budget; public safety pension and retiree health costs drive base growth

The City of Noblesville unveiled a $143.5 million proposed 2027 budget at the Sept. 15 council meeting, including $107.1 million for core operations and $20.6 million in capital projects. City officials say a mandatory $922,000 pension contribution increase and about $400,000 in retiree health costs are primary drivers of base growth. The council will discuss and vote at 6 p.m. Oct. 27, 2026.

Slick City opens 55,000‑sq‑ft Geist action park at former Marsh, training new staff

Slick City Indianapolis opened on Sept. 1, 2026, in a renovated 55,000‑square‑foot former Marsh at 11625 Fox Rd. The indoor action park includes slides, air courts, a zipline and a Hypergrid; management said the first week was busy as new employees trained.

Taco Bell Foundation awards $25,000 to Noblesville Boys & Girls Club; local franchisee K‑MAC nominated recipient

The Tom & Soni Sheehan Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville was named a $25,000 Community Grant recipient from the Taco Bell Foundation to support its Teen Center programs focused on character and leadership development, according to The Reporter on Sept. 17, 2026.

Gus Macker 3-on-3 in Westfield to raise funds for IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center research

The Gus Macker 3-on-3 tournament will be held Oct. 3–4, 2026, at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, with proceeds to support cancer research at the IU Melvin & Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Registration, team fees and volunteer opportunities were described in the event announcements.

Carmel to celebrate 50th anniversary with ice cream social

Noblesville resident launches dog adventure bus service

Kori Brulport launched Zoomie Express, a dog-adventure bus that began serving Hamilton County on 2026-05-04. The service makes home pickups three days a week and takes dogs to a Cicero farm for supervised off‑leash play; rides cost $65 for the first dog and $50 per additional dog, Current Publishing reported.

Lynwood Hills sewer project moving forward

Westfield's $141.5M 2027 Civil City budget proposal prioritizes police, fire; final adoption tentatively Oct. 12, 2026

The City of Westfield introduced its proposed 2027 operations budget of $89,392,368 and a Civil City budget of $141,525,099 at a Sept. 14, 2026 City Council meeting. More than half of the recommended spending is dedicated to the Westfield Police and Fire departments; final adoption is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 12, 2026.