Ricker Oil announced its fundraising efforts for Third Phase, Hamilton County’s largest shelter, food and clothing pantry, Jan. 19, with a kick-off at its Fishers location.

Third Phase is a Christian-based ministry that serves as a Red Cross emergency shelter, a distribution center for a local food bank, a resource for those in need of clothing and household items and a second chance for at-risk girls and women.

During the next four to five weeks, the following Hamilton County area Ricker’s locations will participate in the fundraiser, selling cards of Pops the Clown – the Ricker’s mascot – for $1: 96th Street Ricker’s (3201 E. 96th St.), Carmel Ricker’s (1850 E. 151st St.), Fishers Ricker’s (9797 E. 116th St.) and the Noblesville Ricker’s (16788 Clover Rd.). Proceeds from the cards will benefit Third Phase and its programs. Monetary donations may also be made at the five locations. Full Story

Hamilton County women who use a wheelchair: Do you have what it takes to become the next Ms. WheelchairIndiana?

The People on Wheels’ Ms. Wheelchair Indiana Pageant is now accepting entries for its 2012 program. The winner of Ms. Wheelchair Indiana will have the opportunity to help educate the public, advocating for people with disabilities through local news interviews and school, church and civic appearances. Her reign will conclude at the Ms. Wheelchair America 2013 Pageant, to be held in Providence, RI, Aug. 6-12. Full Story

Adventurers of all ages are gearing up for Cache for the Big Game geocache series hosted by Noblesville, Fishers, Westfield and Washington Township parks and recreation departments.

The high-tech hunt for caches is bringing the fun and competition of the Super Bowl to parts of Hamilton County as the departmentsoffer a county-wide geocache competition to win specially-made Super Bowl geocache tags.

Stephanie Fix, Westfield Parks and Recreation Dept. administrative assistant who introduced the idea, says she thinks the free geocache series is a unique family activity no matter what sport you like.

“The great thing about your community hosting the Super Bowl is there are activities for everybody, and you don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy the Super Bowl,” Fix said.

Amanda Jackson, Fishers Parks and Recreation Dept. program coordinator, said the county-wide event is away to show the amenities Hamilton County has to offer.

“We wanted to give both Fishers residents and visitors to Hamilton County an opportunity to experience not only our parks, but those throughout the county during the exciting time in Indiana before the big game,” Jackson said. Full Story

A local amateur radio club is inviting all Federal Communications licensed amateur radio operators, as well as those who would like to obtain a license, to join and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow operators and great programs about amateur radio (also known as ham radio) technologies, and the latest news about activities in the area. The Hamilton County Amateur Radio Emergency Services Club has programs each month to provide information and discussion about all areas of the rapidly-growing hobby.

HCARES meets the first Saturday of every month and features programs about various topics of ham radio interest in the area. While the thrust of the club is public service, its activities include virtually every facet of amateur radio, including occasional field trips.

There are more than 700 licensed radio amateurs in Hamilton County and the number increases daily. Today’s ham radio encompasses the latest microprocessor technologies in digital radio and satellite operations. Local hams are able to communicate “when all else fails,” enabling them to set up emergency communications when severe storms or other disasters knock out cell towers, commercial power and landline communications everyone depends on every day. Full Story