By FRED SWIFT
The County Line
Each year I have written for The Reporter, I have listed what I believe were the top news stories of the past year. Hamilton County was fortunate in many ways during 2021: no tornadoes, no floods or blizzards; serious crime was at a minimum; and prosperity continued for the local population.
1.
The top news story was, however, the continuing battle with the coronavirus. Early in the year life-saving vaccines became available. By year’s end the vast majority of eligible citizens had received their shots. But, then a new variant appeared on the scene. Fortunately, most vaccinated folks will be safe from the latest outbreak, experts say. Nevertheless, the COVID pandemic has remained on the minds of most throughout the year.
2.
The year 2021 was not an election year, but politics and government still made big news. The county’s new congresswoman, Victoria Spartz took office in January. The state legislature created a new Superior Court for Hamilton County, and two candidates quickly expressed interest in running for its judge. County political parties reorganized and, for the first time, both major parties elected female leadership. And Steve Nation and Sue Maki took seats on the county council, creating a more progressive majority.
3.
Hamilton County, including its eight cities and towns, received $120 million in COVID relief funds from the federal government. This huge financial windfall resulted in some officials saying privately they were not sure what to do with all the money, and even questioned whether it was necessary in a prosperous county that has not suffered nearly the financial losses experienced elsewhere. But the funds will be pumped into the local economy over the next two years, mostly in local government projects, small business grants and assistance to community non-profit charities.
4.
The official 2020 U.S. Census was released in mid-year 2021 showing Hamilton County with a population of 347,600. The county is now the fourth largest in Indiana after Marion, Lake and Allen. The 72 percent increase in 10 years also showed the county to be the fastest growing by far in the state and one of the most rapidly growing in the nation.
5.
Growth and development continued unabated during 2021 not only in new residential subdivisions, but in business development in downtown Noblesville, Carmel and Fishers. All the new construction resulted in a soaring tax base which will help hold down property taxes in most areas.
6.
County high schools’ sports teams continued to be among the most impressive in the state. Carmel won its fifth state championship in basketball and 35th consecutive title in girls swimming. Noblesville won a state championship in girls’ soccer. And, Westfield went to the state championship game in football for the second year in a row.
7.
For the first time in history, a drug dealer was sentenced to prison for providing drugs to a person who died of the drugs supplied to the victim. But, extremely dangerous drugs continued to be brought into the county resulting in at least 30 overdose deaths by year’s end compared with 22 in 2020. Chief among the deadly drugs is fentanyl, often mixed with other potent opioids.
8.
An international conference of the organization known as Making Cities Livable was held during the summer in Carmel. Hundreds of leaders and their guests attended the event hosted by Mayor Jim Brainard. Meanwhile, Noblesville, Fishers and Westfield also received national recognition as being among the safest, livable and best places to raise a family.
9.
There was also controversy during the year. Various school districts experienced debate over handling of pandemic safety measures and something called Critical Race Theory, which some parents said was being taught and school officials, who denied it. A spirited race for school board in some districts was predicted for elections in November 2022. And controversy rocked Westfield City Hall where there were charges and counter charges between the mayor’s office and the clerk-treasurer of alleged spying on one another.
10.
The Nickel Plate Trail became a reality through Fishers and Delaware Township. A section between downtown Noblesville and 146th Street remains in the planning stage with no construction date yet announced. Eventually, the pedestrian and bike greenway will reach from Noblesville to downtown Indianapolis, much like the popular Monon Trail which is now open from Westfield to Indianapolis.