US 31 & 161st Street Interchange Opens

Good news for traffic flow along the US 31 construction site as the new US 31/161st Street interchange opened yesterday. The former intersection has been closed since April as crews have been constructing a new overpass and roundabout interchange.

However, while the US 31/161st Street interchange is open, 161st Street remains closed west of Farr Hills Drive to allow the City of Westfield to continue work near the Monon Trail. This closure will allow the City to create a more pedestrian-friendly crossing in the future at a reduced cost with limited traffic interruption. This closure is expected to last through late October.

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Party on the Patio on August 21 from 5:00 to 8:00

By all accounts, Downtown Westfield Association's first two Parties on the Patio were a huge success. Estimated attendance at the inaugural party in June was 75 guests.  We think we had about 100 guests in July.  The next installment is Wednesday, August 21 and we're hoping for even more people to come out and enjoy the late summer evening with good conversation, music and light refreshments.

Westfield's own Brian Graham of Notch 8 Brewery will once again be sharing samples of his brew. Music will be provided by Hip Harp -- a duo consisting of harpist and conga drummer.  This event is sponsored by Tradewinds.

Please plan on joining us on Wednesday.


Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Westfield Once Again One of America's Best Places to Live

Westfield has once again landed on CNN Money Magazine's list of America's Best Small Towns. In the 2013 edition of the list we are ranked first in Indiana, fifth in the Midwest and 18th in the nation.  In fact, Westfield was the only Indiana community that made the list.  You'll recall that Westfield was ranked 48th nationally on the same list in 2011.

You can bet that without such projects as the Grand Junction, Grand Park Sports Campus and the proposed Grand Towers at the intersection of 31 and 32, we wouldn't be making this list.  Of course, our excellent school system also is a major factor at play here.  Make no mistake, people and businesses take such things into account when they decide where to relocate.

Congratulations to Mayor Andy Cook, the City Council and to all the city employees for continuing to do such a great job.

CNNMoney.com is the world's largest business website, CNNMoney is the online home of FORTUNE and MONEY magazines, and serves as CNN's exclusive business site.  For the full list of America’s “Best Places to Live," visit money.cnn.com.
                                                                     

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana                                                                                      

Pasta Fest on Friday Evening

I hope you all have PastaFest on your family schedule for this Friday night, 5:00 to 8:00 at the Westfield High School cafeteria.   The menu is as follows:

Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce or Meat Balls

Penne Pasta in Alfredo Sauce with Chicken

Vegetarian Lasagna

Salad with choice of Dressings and Condiments

Garlic Bread and Bread Sticks

Brownies and Cupcakes

Cost is only $8 adults, $6 children 12 & under, and $30 max per family.

Where else can you go to feed yourself and your family as economically as this on a Friday night? And with such a variety of pastas? There is something to meet every one's taste. And no excuses for those of you who have given up meat for Lent.  We've got you covered.


Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Have You Registered for the Underground Railroad Run?

The 15th Anniversary Westfield Education Foundation Underground Railroad Run will be taking place on March 23, 2003.  Now is the time to register.  You may do so here.  (Scroll to the bottom of the page to register.)

The Underground Railroad Run includes a 5K run and 3K walk starting at Westfield High School and winding its way through downtown Westfield.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Westfield Education Foundation.

The race starts at 9:00 a.m.  There will also be a Health Fair in the high school Multi-Purpose Instructional Facility before, during, and after the race.

On Friday, March 22, the evening before the race, join the Education Foundation and the Westfield Rotary Club as they host the First Annual "PastaFest."    It runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.  Reservations for the PastaFest are encouraged.  Please make your reservation here.

Hope to see you there!

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Local Baseball Organization is National Finalist for Lids "Tip the Cap" Award

Former Westfield resident, and personal friend, Mike Lennox is the Executive Director of Play Ball Indiana, a non-profit organization that provides baseball opportunities for inner city boys and girls in Indianapolis.

Play Ball Indiana is one of three national finalists for the Lids "Tip the Cap" Award of $50,000.  If they are successful, this will have a transformative impact on the 1500 boys and girls in their inner city youth baseball program.  But in order to win, they need our help to win a vote on the Lids Facebook page.

If you would like to help, please click here and then do the following:
             
1.  Watch the new short video that Major League Baseball produced about their program.
2.  Click on to the Lids page (right under the calendar) and vote.
3.  Pass this on.  Do you know some people that might support their project?

Note:  The voting is through Facebook, so you'll need to have an account.

Thank you.


Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

U.S. 31 Lane Restrictions on Monday, February 18

As part of the ongoing construction of the new U.S. 31 highway, INDOT will be closing one lane in each direction on U.S. 31 between Rangeline Road and Greyhound Pass on Monday, February 18. The left lane will be closed on the northbound side and the right lane will be closed on the southbound side. The closure will be in effect from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In my opinion, the construction of the limited access highway has not been too burdensome so far.  INDOT has done a good job of maintaining traffic flow through Westfield. It seems to me that things could be a whole lot worse. Nevertheless, I'll be very happy when the whole project is complete.



Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Main Street Through Downtown Westfield Not a War Zone

Not to worry. Main Street (State Road 32) just east of US 31 isn't some sort of war zone. Trust me, it's not blight.  It's not the result of absentee landlords run amok (well, on second thought, maybe it is). It's not indicative of a deficit in pride of ownership.

It's only temporary. Really.

Next, the structures are going to come down. Then we'll have a bunch of empty lots. Again, not to worry.

You see, it's simply a matter of the state having purchased those properties in preparation for the construction of the junction between the new US 31 and State Road 32. SR 32 will be widened through that stretch to accommodate the additional lanes needed coming off of the interchange.

So, as with many examples of progress, two steps have to be taken back before we can move forward. For now, it's not going to be pretty. But with a little patience, we'll all be able to get through it.


Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Union Street Flats Starting to Take Shape in Downtown Westfield

If you haven't driven through downtown Westfield lately, you've missed the fact that the much anticipated Union Street Flats are starting to sprout up out of the ground. This is great news for those of us who want to see more economic development attracted to our downtown.

Union Street Flats will be an apartment complex built and managed by the J.C. Hart Company. There will be approximately 250 upscale apartments when the project is completed. That will bring roughly 500 new residents within walking distance of downtown Westfield and the planned Grand Junction Plaza. That's a good thing.

More downtown residents will help attract more downtown businesses such as restaurants, coffee shops, small boutique retailers, bike shops and the like. Won't it be nice when downtown Westfield is thriving and bustling? When it truly becomes a place where connections are made. When it becomes a grand junction of trails, roads and waterways.

Let's keep the momentum going.

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Flags to Half Staff From Sunrise to Noon on Monday

Did you know that on Memorial Day you're only supposed to fly the flag at half mast until noon?  After noon, raise the flag to full staff.  I must confess that I wasn't aware of this little detail until today.  You can confirm it for yourself by checking out section 7M of the Flag Code (U.S. Code Title 4, Chapter 1).


Matt Knowlan of the American Flagpole and Flag Co. says:

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:

by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes;
by visiting memorials;
by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon;
by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act);
by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance" at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played;
by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Enjoy a safe and meaningful Memorial Day!

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

Time to Bark for our Park Again!

Last year Westfield, Indiana was a finalist for a $100,000 grant from PetSafe but we ultimately didn't win.  We're trying for it again this year.  If you'd like to see Westfield build its very own dog park, please vote at both of the web sites each day.  The more votes, the more likely we win the grant.  We are competing against cities all over the country for this, so it's important to get online and vote every day.  We'd love to build this park and use grant money to do it.  You can vote by clicking on the links below.  Remember to vote every day until June 15.  Twice if you're on Facebook.  Thanks.

www.petsafe.net

www.facebook.com/petsafebrand

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

"The Westfield Grand" Half Marathon on October 6

Save the date!  The Westfield Rotary Club is organizing the first annual Westfield Grand Half Marathon to be run in Westfield, Indiana on October 6, 2012.

The event will include a half marathon run and a 5K family fun run/walk.  In addition--drum roll, please-- there will be a speed skating marathon and half marathon.  Yes, you read it right--speed skating on the roads of Westfield.  This unique aspect of our event has garnered a lot of attention and we hope to have a sizeable field entered in the speed skating races.  And, yes . . . quad skates are allowed.  We just ask that any members of the Naptown Roller Girls refrain from hip checking the competition.

The races will start and finish at the Monon Trails Elementary School near Westfield's Grand Park, currently under construction.  The course consists of flat, rural roads in northwest Washington Township.

Several Rotarians were at the Indianapolis Mini Marathon Expo on the days preceding the Mini Marathon marketing our event to participants of the Mini Marathon.  It's amazing how many Westfield residents we talked to there picking up their race packets!  In fact, my very unofficial and unscientific survey indicated that the City of Westfield had the most participants in the Mini of any other community (at least that's how it seemed).

Rotarians Dave Duba (l) and Jeff Dickison (r) hand out race info.

Registration is now open.  The cost is $25 for the 5K and $50 for all the other races.  All the proceeds go to support the Westfield Rotary Club and its various community and international service projects.  

For more information and to sign up online, please visit our website at www.thewestfieldgrand.com.

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

Flags at Half Mast Today for Peace Officers Memorial Day

I don't know about you, but I'm always curious when I see flags flying at half mast.  Sometimes I can readily identify who we are mourning based on current events.  However, more often than not, I really have no idea why the flags have been lowered and I wish there was some easy way to find out.

You may have noticed that flags in Westfield are flying at half mast (or half staff) today, Tuesday, May 15, 2012.  In fact, flags should be at half mast throughout the country today because the president has proclaimed today to be Peace Officers Memorial Day.

By a joint resolution of Congress approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103 322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136 137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week."

From the president's proclamation:

"Every day, public safety officers work tirelessly to protect our citizens, enforce our laws, and keep our neighborhoods safe. They report for duty knowing full well the dangers they face and the sacrifices they may be called upon to make. This week, we pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who serve us with extraordinary bravery, and we remember the heroes who have laid down their lives in pursuit of a safer, more just society.

 

We owe a profound debt to all those who have worn the badge, and to the families whose care enables them to serve with courage and pride. When the unthinkable happens and officers give their lives or are seriously injured in the line of duty, we have an obligation to give their loved ones the support they deserve. During Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, we recall the selflessness of our law enforcement officers and their families, and we honor all those who devote their lives to forging a stronger, safer America. Let us reflect on their invaluable contributions as we enjoy the peace they bring to our communities, and let us vow that their service will never be taken for granted." 

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

. . . .

Mayor Announces Possible Sale of Westfield's Water and Sewer Utility

Speaking at today's Westfield Rotary Club meeting, Mayor Andy Cook announced that the city will seek potential private sector buyers of its water and waste water utility.

Citing the challenges of maintaining fiscal responsibility during tough economic times while simultaneously preparing for the infrastructure needs of the next 20 years, the Mayor laid out the rationale behind the decision to seek potential suitors.  "Many cities in the Midwest and across the country are faced with meeting the demands of growth," he said. "The City of Westfield is exploring various creative options that will preserve an adequate source of water for the future, address environmental mandates relating to waste water, solve urgent capital needs resulting from rapid growth, and harness future water rate increases."

The city's debt load of $8 million in municipal debt and $6 million of Tax Increment Finance debt pale in comparison to the $56 million of utility debt.  Although this utility debt is by no means out of proportion with other similarly sized municipalities around the state and country, it still represents challenges for the future.  By selling the utility to the private sector, the city hopes to erase that utility debt while also raising cash that can be used to make needed infrastructure improvements.  Such improvements could include much-needed intersection improvements as well as filling gaps in the trail system.

The Mayor lauded Rotarian Kurt Wanninger, Westfield Public Works Director, for the job he has done building the utility to be the valuable asset that it is today.  Potential private suitors should be attracted by the quality of the water assets and infrastructure as well as Westfield's enormous potential growth.

Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be distributed locally and nationally this week.  Responses should be received by mid-June.  An advisory team of city department heads as well as appointed and elected officials will review the proposals and recommend a course of action to the Mayor and City Council by late July.

The City has created a website dedicated to the possible water and waste water utility sale.  It can be found within the city's website at www.westfield.in.gov.  The site will contain all relevant important documents, including the RFP. Additional information and updates will be sent to rate payers' homes and a series of public community meetings will be scheduled in the upcoming months to discuss the RFP. Those dates, times and locations, when available, will be found on the website. 

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

David McIntosh at Westfield Lighting April 4

Another Republican candidate for Dan Burton's former congressional seat will be visiting Westfield next week.  

David McIntosh, the former congressman, will be holding an informal "Meet and Greet" at Westfield Lighting on Wednesday, April 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Light refreshments will be served. Westfield Lighting is located at 3440 East State Road 32 in Westfield, Indiana.  I encourage you to attend.

You can learn more about David at www.DavidMcIntosh.org.  If you're on facebook, you can also check him out at facebook.com/davidmcintoshforcongress.

I am still uncommitted on this race.  I have posted information here regarding events in Westfield for those candidates that have directly provided me with such.  Any other candidates that give me similar event information will be treated in the same manner.

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

Westfield Grand Park Construction

Most people don't notice or pay much attention but Grand Park construction continues at a steady pace.  Recent activity includes burying infrastructure now so it won't have to be done later.  This includes pipes for the sewer system as well as the various water and storm water lines.

The water system is being pressure tested; equipment is being delivered; and more erosion control fencing is being installed along Cool Creek.  Much of the storm water infrastructure will be installed this week, weather permitting.

This activity is important.  It signals to would-be private investors that Westfield means business when it comes to Grand Park.  This is much more than just another plan gathering dust on a shelf.  Grand Park will become reality very soon.  

The pace of economic development will soon quicken.  Main Street, the senior living facility, which was the first piece of economic development to land next door to Grand Park has filed plans with the City Community Development Department for their building.  I truly believe that economic development around Grand Park will snowball.  I understand that there are some very real possibilities that will be announced soon.

If you get a chance, drive by the site and take a look at what's happening for yourself.  Just drive north on US 31 and turn left on 196th Street.  Keep going west on 196th Street and when you pass Tomlinson Road, you'll see the Grand Park site on your left stretching all the way to Springmill Road.  Just don't get off the road or you'll get stuck in the mud!

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana

 

Governor Daniels and INDOT Proposing to Speed Up Construction of US 31 Through Westfield

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels today proposed to accelerate the construction of US 31 through Westfield and Carmel. The plan involves consolidating the entire project through Hamilton County into one large project and utilizing contractor financing. The upshot is that the project will cost less and open to traffic three years earlier than originally planned. The quicker completion time will be accomplished by completely shutting down portions of the highway during construction--a new strategy, as far as I know.

I haven't had a chance to speak to the Mayor yet, so I'm not sure what his reaction is to this news. On the one hand, it'll be great to get US 31 completed much quicker. On the other hand, the intensity of the disruption in and around Westfield during a complete shut down of the highway will be much greater.

There will be a "New U.S. 31 Hamilton County" public open house on Thursday, March 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Carmel High School main cafeteria. That should be an interesting event.

For your convenience, I've linked to an Indianapolis Star story and to the "New U.S. 31 Hamilton County" web page if you want more information. The links are on the upper right corner of my main blog page under the heading "Westfield News Around the Web."


Thanks for reading.

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Westfield Reduces Tax Rate

Westfield announced in a press release today that the city property tax rate for 2012 will be less than it was in 2011. This comes after a decision by the state Department of Local Government Finance authorizing Westfield to raise its rate to compensate for $35 million of lost assessed value.

Given the opportunity to raise rates, most governments would have done so. Consider Washington, where increasing the budget at a slower rate than the previous year is routinely referred to as "cutting" the budget.

"Instead of raising the rate to the authorized amount it is our responsibility to be a fiscally responsibile muncipality, furthermore, instead of raising the rate, we've responded to the economic realities and we were able to slightly lower the rate," said Mayor Andy Cook. "We are constantly looking at developing ways to deliver services to our citizens in the most efficient ways possible," he said.

I'm told that the rate was reduced by a couple of cents per hundred dollars of assessed value. Although not a hugely significant dollar figure, this reduction in rate sends the message that the city continues to do its best to do more with less.

Fiscal responsibility on the part of the city alone is not enough. Therefore the city hopes to work with other taxing entities that impact our property tax bills in Westfield to reduce our overall tax bills. Did you know that the city tax represents approximately 25% of your property tax bill? Westfield-Washington schools make up about 65% of your bill, while the other entities such as Washington Township, the County, and the Library make up the remaining 10%.

I find it odd that there is generally very little public attendance at School Board meetings. It would seem that, given the share of the property tax bill apportioned to the schools, more attention would be paid to their fiscal practices.

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Art Exhibit at Cool Creek Park

Today we went to Nature's Inspirations, a fine art exhibit and sale at the Cool Creek Park Nature Center in Westfield.  The exhibit runs until March 11, so there is still time for you to visit if you wish.  And why not?  It's free. 

Many of the artists are local Hamilton County artists, some are well known residents of Westfield.  If you do visit, you'll see paintings, illustrations, photography, woodcarving, and sculpture--all featuring nature and wildlife in some form or another.

One of my favorite pieces was a Valeri Dawson photograph of a trail through the woods during early fall, entitled "Inviting Path."  It reminded me of hiking in Brown County or at Turkey Run.

Two watercolors by Lola Gamble also caught my eye.  One entitled "Bubba" is a head shot of a large tortoise.  The other, titled "Polly," is of a scarlet macaw.  We always appreciate parrot art since we have parrots.

I also liked a photograph of a group of bald eagles by Gene McClarney--mostly for its title:  "The Committee." Been there, done that.

A photograph of a bathing hummingbird by John W. Sumner also caught my eye.  It's rare to see a hummingbird sit still on a branch.  You almost always see them in flight, their wings beating so fast they're invisible.

When you go, be sure to pick up a ballot and vote for your favorite piece in the show.  The top vote getter wins the People's Choice Award.  Voting concludes on Thursday, March 8 and a ribbon will be placed on the award winning piece on Friday, the 9th.

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Notable (Or not so Notable) Leap Day Birthdays

I had to write something on Leap Day just to ensure that the date, February 29, officially appears on this blog.


At www.leapyearday.com I found a list of notable people born on Leap Day over the centuries and was hoping to share it with you. However, I only recognize a few of the names, so I'm not going to bore you with the whole thing. Here are the most notable of the notables (judged by whether or not I recognize them or think that they are interesting):

• 1468  Pope Paul III last Renaissance pope (1534-1549.
• 1692  Edward Cave, England, printer (Gentlemen's Magazine).  Not sure if this is the namesake for Cave and Company, printers in  Westfield.
• 1904  Adolph Blaine Charles David Earl Frederick Gerald Hubert Irvin John Kenneth Lloyd    Martin Nero Oliver Paul Quincy Randolph Sherman Thomas Uncas Victor William Xerxes  Yancy Zeus Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenberdorft Sr., Germany; had a Christian name for every letter in the alphabet, shortened it to Mr Wolfe Plus 585 Sr. The world's longest name officially used by a person.
• 1904  Jimmy Dorsey (James Francis Dorsey) - Legendary saxophonist, conductor, songwriter and composer.  He formed an orchestra with his brother, Tommy Dorsey, lasting from 1933 to 1935, and then led his own orchestra, rejoining Tommy's orchestra in 1953 and taking over the orchestra at Tommy's death. (d. 1957)
• 1916  Dinah Shore (Frances Rose Shore) - USA, Actress, Singer, Talk Show Host.
  Some sources list her birth date as March 1, 1917.
• 1936  Jack Lousma - Astronaut; was a crew member of the Skylab 3 flight in 1973.
  and Columbia Space Shuttle in 1982.
• 1944  Dennis Farina, USA, Actor.
• 1960  Anthony Robbins - American Motivational Speaker.
• 1960  Heidi Henriksen -The 1st of 3 siblings born on consecutive Leap Days.
• 1964  Olav Henriksen -The 2nd of 3 siblings born on consecutive Leap Days.
• 1968  Leif-Martin Henriksen -The 3rd of 3 siblings born on consecutive Leap Days.

So there's a bit of trivia you can have some fun with today.

Ken Kingshill

Westfield, Indiana