The November elections are upon us and contrary to what you have read there are several interesting races.

In House District 87 (which includes Broad Ripple), State Representative Christina Hale (D) faces challenger Mike Friedman (R). Hale told Round the Ripple:

. . . During my short time in office, it has been a very rewarding experience to collaborate with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get legislation passed that truly impacts our district. Senator Jim Merritt and I co-authored a bill to begin to reduce the extremely high rates of sexual assault against Indiana's children. I co-authored another bill to address the dangerous abuses of cash for gold stores. . . Knowing the high rate of home invasion in HD 87, this measure to make it more difficult for thieves to dispose of their stolen goods was particularly useful.

Mike Friedman (R) is the challenger. Friedman is a small business owner and real estate developer. He develops student housing via a public private partnership. He is running because he decided to do something. A major issue is crime. Indeed, his family was a victim of a home break in. He supports mandatory minimum sentences for criminals.

Details about both candidates can be found on their respective Facebook pages. An in depth interview will run in this column as we get closer to the election.

Representative Ed Delaney (D) (who represents District 86 in the Midtown area) is running unopposed for re-election. (He is also a candidate for mayor in 2017.)

There are also several school board races. According to the September 5, 2014, Amos Brown column in the Indianapolis Recorder, there are 10 individuals running for three spots on the IPS School Board including Northside District 3 where Kelly Bentley faces incumbent Samantha Adair-White. Also on the ballot are two Metropolitan School District Washington Township races (one District 1 seat & one District 2 seat).

Be sure and register to vote by October 6, 2014. For an absentee ballot, call 327-5100.

Drivers going north-bound on College Avenue have been forced to detour at around 75th and College (due to William Creek Bridge repairs just north of there). The job was scheduled to be completed on September 14, 2014, but now will be re-opened during the first week of October.

According to Kelly Ann Janssen of the City's Department of Public Works, there were a few delays due to weather that pushed it out a few weeks after the original completion date.

The Caress Law Firm at 54th and College offers these tips on safe bicycling:

• Do: Use lights on the front and back of your bicycle at night (and even during the day to be extra safe)

• Do: Use the middle of the lane in the street if you do not feel safe by cars passing you in the bike lane (you have a right to be there!)

• Don't: Don't ride on the sidewalk, especially when a bike lane is available

• Don't: Don't wear headphones while riding your bicycle - it is important to be aware of all your surroundings while riding, and your ability to hear is key to that.

• Don't: As a motor vehicle operator, do not pass a cyclist and leave less than three feet of space. . .

See all the tips at www.caresslaw.com.

The firm specializes in personal injury cyclists involving runners, cyclists, and fitness walkers.

Just under 3 hours or less west of Indy on I-74 is the historic city of Peoria. Settled by the French in the late 1600s and named for an Indian tribe, the city, located on the banks of the beautiful Illinois River, features a revitalized waterfront (including Riverfront Museum), warehouse district, and more.

The remodeled historic Pere Marquette Hotel by Marriott and the new Courtyard Hotel next door are lodging options. Gamblers will like the Par-a-Dice casino on the waterfront. Yes, it will play in Peoria. While in Central Illinois, stop by White Pines State Park (lodging available) and Castle Rock State Park (on the Rock River). See northern plants at their southern limit. Ride or canoe along the unspoiled Rock River. Visit the boyhood home of President Reagan in Dixon. North central Illinois is a gem.