Pulte Homes Proposal for Buckhaven Development Advances in Fishers

Pulte Homes is proposing a new residential development north of 131st Street near Fishers High School and Interstate 69 that would feature 23 single-family homes.

The proposed Buckhaven development would require a rezoning request, followed later by annexation into the City of Fishers. The Fishers City Council gave the proposal a first reading Monday night.

The proposal will next be presented at a neighborhood meeting before moving to the Fishers Plan Commission for a public hearing and recommendation vote.

According to Pulte Homes, the houses are expected to be priced between $600,000 and $700,000.

In other business before the council Monday night:

Patch Development received a five-year real property tax abatement for a new building planned at 9786 Masters Road. The project represents a $7.3 million investment and is expected to create at least five new jobs. Patch Development, based in Fishers since 2019, specializes in land development, build-to-suit projects, site selection and consulting services. The council also approved a resolution designating the site as an Economic Revitalization Area.

— The council gave first reading to proposed changes to the city’s impact fee ordinance to comply with new state law requirements. The proposal will next go before the Fishers Plan Commission for a public hearing and recommendation.

— Final approval was granted for ordinance changes governing the cleanliness and general condition of construction sites within the city.

— The council also gave first reading to a proposal allowing additions and accessory buildings on residential properties within downtown Fishers’ Nickel Plate District.

Fishers Council Approves New Rules for E-Bikes, Scooters and Electric Dirt Bikes

Assistant Police Chief Luke Gannon reviews provisions of the ordinance

The Fishers City Council has approved a sweeping overhaul of the city’s regulations governing bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and other motorized devices, consolidating the rules into a single ordinance aimed at improving safety on roads, sidewalks and trails.

The ordinance creates updated definitions and operating rules for e-bicycles, e-scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices such as Segways and hoverboards, and electric dirt bikes or motorcycles referred to in the ordinance as “E-Motos.”

Following discussion at first reading, the council adopted significant amendments tightening restrictions on E-Motos. Under the final version, E-Motos are prohibited on the Nickel Plate Trail, Geist Greenway Trail, all multi-use trails, sidewalks and bicycle lanes, and may operate only on roadways. Operators of E-Motos must be at least 15 years old, carry identification, wear helmets, obey all traffic laws and ride near the right-hand edge of the roadway except when passing or preparing for a left turn. Speed is limited to the posted speed limit or 35 mph, whichever is lower.

The ordinance allows e-bikes, including faster Class 3 e-bikes, to continue operating on greenway trails, multi-use trails and sidewalks, while e-scooters are permitted on multi-use trails, sidewalks and bicycle lanes, but not on roadways.

Council members also approved an amendment requiring helmets for all operators age 18 and younger, expanding the original language that required helmets only for operators younger than 16.

The ordinance establishes behavioral and safety standards for all users, including prohibitions against reckless riding, wheelies, burnouts, weaving through traffic and unsafe passing of pedestrians. Operators must yield to pedestrians and maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing on trails or sidewalks.

The measure also outlines responsibilities for motorists when sharing the road with bicycles and motorized devices, including maintaining at least three feet when passing riders and yielding when turning across bicycle lanes.

Violations of the ordinance carry a $150 fine, increasing to $300 if unpaid after 30 days. The ordinance also allows for parental or guardian involvement when minors violate the rules and permits police to impound motorized devices in certain situations.

City officials said enforcement will focus more on unsafe behavior than on the type of device being used, with the goal of keeping trails, sidewalks and roadways safe for all users.

HSE Teacher Selected for Prestigious Supreme Court Summer Institute

Lindsey Mahan

Hamilton Southeastern High School social studies teacher Lindsay Mahan has been selected to attend the prestigious Supreme Court Summer Institute in Washington, D.C. this June after a highly competitive national application process.

According to Hamilton Southeastern Schools, only 60 educators from across the country were selected for this year’s program.

The institute, now in its 31st year, is co-sponsored by Street Law, Inc. and the Supreme Court Historical Society. The program is designed for educators involved in law-related and civic education.

Participants study recent U.S. Supreme Court cases, collaborate with legal scholars and Supreme Court advocates, and explore classroom teaching strategies focused on constitutional law and civic engagement.

Mahan said the opportunity closely aligns with the work already taking place in her classroom at Hamilton Southeastern High School.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be selected for the Supreme Court Teacher Institute and so grateful for this opportunity,” Mahan said in a statement released by HSE Schools. “I applied for this professional development because my students get so interested in Supreme Court decisions. They have so many great questions and share thoughtful opinions about the rulings, so I wanted to learn how to better utilize court cases in the classroom and hopefully build more simulations and authentic experiences for students to learn from.”

Mahan said helping students better understand government and civic responsibility remains a key focus of her teaching.

“Helping students understand how the government operates and how the system impacts their lives is a goal of mine, and I’m hoping this opportunity will continue to help the students of HSE grow into civically minded and active members of the community,” she said.

In addition to this national recognition, Mahan was recently named Hamilton Southeastern High School’s Teacher of the Year and was also selected as a district-level High School Teacher of the Year finalist.

HSE Schools officials said Mahan’s selection reflects the district’s emphasis on real-world learning experiences that help students connect classroom lessons to broader civic and community issues.

Fishers Community Survey Shows High Marks for Quality of Life, Public Safety

The City of Fishers says results from its 2026 Community Survey show residents remain highly satisfied with life in the city, citing strong ratings for public safety, schools, and city services.

According to the survey, nearly 3,000 residents participated, with 94 percent rating Fishers positively as a place to live. In addition, 99 percent reported a positive overall quality-of-life experience.

“These results reflect a community that is moving forward together,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said in a statement. “As a mayor, there’s nothing more fulfilling than to see survey results with overwhelmingly high numbers in support of everything from city services to quality-of-life amenities.”

Residents identified public safety, city services, and schools among the city’s strongest attributes.

More than 9 out of 10 residents surveyed said they feel safe in Fishers, including 93 percent who reported feeling safe in their neighborhoods at night. City services also received high marks, with 89 percent giving positive ratings for customer service.

The survey also showed continued strong support for Hamilton Southeastern Schools, with 96 percent of residents rating the quality of K-12 education positively.

Fishers City Council President John DeLucia said the results demonstrate alignment between residents and city leadership.

“As Fishers continues to be a national model for innovation and quality of life, these results show strong alignment between residents and City leadership which will allow us to continue to be on the leading edge of communities,” DeLucia said.

City officials said the survey also reflected a strong sense of community engagement and civic pride. More than 9 in 10 residents reported a strong sense of belonging and pride in the city, with many indicating participation in local events, volunteer activities, and civic organizations.

Residents also pointed to neighborhood quality and community design as important factors contributing to overall satisfaction with the city.

“Our employees are passionate about serving residents, and these results reflect their hard work and commitment every day,” Fadness said. “It’s especially meaningful to hear directly from residents that their dedication is building trust and delivering results.”

OneZone Chamber Announces New Small Business Health Coverage Partnership

The OneZone Chamber of Commerce has announced a new partnership with Advantage 1 Health aimed at helping small businesses gain access to more affordable healthcare coverage options.

The program, backed by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, is designed specifically for small employers seeking ways to control rising healthcare costs while continuing to offer competitive employee benefits.

According to the chamber, the Advantage 1 Health plan combines large-group purchasing power with customizable medical, dental and vision coverage options through Anthem. The program also includes stop-loss protection intended to shield employers from unexpectedly high medical claims.

“OneZone Chamber is proud to offer solutions that help local businesses remain competitive,” said Jack Russell in a news release. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and access to affordable healthcare remains one of the biggest challenges many employers face.”

The plan provides access to Anthem’s BlueCard provider network, along with virtual healthcare services, wellness programs, mental health resources and administrative support tools.

Chamber officials said the partnership is intended to benefit both employers and employees by making healthcare coverage more predictable and affordable, while also supporting economic growth through local chamber organizations across Indiana.

Businesses interested in additional information or obtaining a quote can visit OneZone Chamber and select the “Initiatives” section for details about the Advantage 1 Health program.

Ole 60 Bringing “Off The Grid Tour” to Fishers Event Center

Ole 60 (Phot by John Park)

Country-rock rising stars Ole 60 will bring their “Off The Grid Tour” to the Fishers Event Center on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

The Kentucky-based six-piece band announced the international 38-date tour this week. Support acts for the Fishers stop will include Kolton Moore & The Clever Few and Garret Elias.

Venue presale tickets will be available beginning Wednesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. using the password “GRID60.” General public ticket sales begin Thursday, May 21 at 10 a.m. through Fishers Event Center.

Ole 60 has rapidly emerged as one of country music’s fastest-growing new acts. The band, formed in Hancock County, Kentucky, gained national attention in 2024 with the song “smoke & a light,” which topped Spotify’s U.S. Viral Top 50 chart. Their debut EP, three twenty four, also climbed to the top of Apple Music’s Country Albums chart.

The group blends country, indie rock and folk influences, drawing inspiration from artists ranging from Smashing Pumpkins and Metallica to Radiohead and John Prine.

Ole 60 recently completed an extended tour supporting its debut album, Smokestack Town. Industry publications have praised the band’s storytelling style and genre-crossing sound, helping fuel more than 700 million global career streams.

The group also recently released a surprise follow-up single titled “Can’t Take It With You.”

Podcast: Jim Self, New Joint Athletic Director for the City and HSE Schools

In this podcast edition, I take a deep dive into the new interlocal agreement between the City of Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern Schools involving the management and operation of athletic facilities.

My guest is longtime educator and athletic administrator Jim Self, who has been selected to lead this new joint operation. Under the agreement, Self remains an HSE Schools employee while also working directly with the City of Fishers in a unique shared leadership role.

We discuss how the partnership came together, what it means for student-athletes and the community, how facilities will be managed, and whether this model could become a blueprint for other Indiana communities. We also talk about the growing role sports and sports tourism play in Fishers and what success for this partnership could look like in the years ahead.

You can listen to the podcast at this link or the link below.

Touch-a-Truck Event in Fishers Postponed Due to Severe Weather Threat

The City of Fishers has postponed Monday’s Touch-a-Truck event because of the potential for severe weather.

Fishers Parks announced the postponement Monday, saying the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” for guests, staff and vendors.

The free family event had been scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in downtown Fishers as part of National Public Works Week activities.

The event was set to feature a variety of city vehicles and equipment, including snowplows, fire trucks, police vehicles, tractors and excavators. Demonstrations from Fishers Department of Public Works, Fishers Fire Department and Fishers Police Department were also planned.

In a statement posted on social media, organizers said they understand many families were looking forward to the event and thanked the public for its patience and understanding.

City officials said they are actively working to secure a new date for the event and will announce rescheduling details soon.

Residents are also being encouraged to remain weather aware throughout the afternoon and evening as storms move through central Indiana.

Candidate Filing Opens Tuesday for HSE School Board Races

With the Indiana primary election now complete, voters know the major party candidates who will appear on the November 3 general election ballot, with only a few close races elsewhere in the state still awaiting possible recounts.

But another important election season is just beginning — local school board races.

In the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District, which includes all of Fishers along with Delaware, Fall Creek and Wayne townships, four of the seven school board seats will be on the ballot this fall. Candidates run within specific geographic districts, and voters may only cast ballots for candidates in the district where they reside.  You can find a map of the four districts at this link.

This year’s school board elections will look different because of a major change in Indiana law approved by the General Assembly.

In the past, Indiana school board elections were officially nonpartisan, meaning candidates appeared on the ballot without a political party designation. Beginning with the 2026 election cycle, that changes.

Gov. Mike Braun signed Senate Bill 287 into law in 2025, allowing school board candidates to identify with a political party on the ballot if they choose.

Under the new law, candidates may:

  • Declare a Republican or Democratic affiliation,
  • Run as an independent,
  • Or choose not to list any party affiliation.

However, several elements of the old system remain in place:

  • There are still no primary elections for school board races.
  • Candidates file directly for the November general election ballot.
  • Straight-ticket voting does not apply to school board contests.

The filing period for school board candidates opens Tuesday, May 19, and closes at noon on Thursday, June 18.

The new law also includes a provision allowing county political parties to challenge a candidate’s claimed party affiliation if that candidate did not vote in the party’s last two primary elections or lacks certification from the county party chair.

Locally, one current HSE board member is unlikely to seek another term. Juanita Albright recently won the Republican primary for Indiana State Senate District 31, and under Indiana law, an individual generally cannot simultaneously hold two elected offices that both provide compensation.

It remains unclear whether the other three incumbents whose seats are up this year will file for re-election.

As the filing process begins, LarryInFishers.com will track candidate filings and announcements as they are confirmed through the Hamilton County Election Office.

School board members make decisions that directly affect students, teachers, taxpayers and the future direction of the community’s public schools. Voters would be well served to learn about the candidates and their positions on the many issues facing public education before heading to the polls this fall.

Mistakes Cost Freight in 68-50 Loss to Jacksonville Sharks

Dominic Roberto with a second quarter TD run

Some nights in football, nearly everything that can go wrong does. Saturday night was one of those nights for the Fishers Freight.

Dropped passes, a blocked extra point, an interception, and a costly holding penalty in the end zone all added up as the Freight suffered their third straight loss, falling to the Jacksonville Sharks 68-50 Saturday night at the Fishers Event Center.

Despite the loss, kicker Calum Sutherland continued his standout season, recording three deuces — kickoffs through the uprights worth two points each — to add six points to the Freight total. Sutherland now extends his league-leading deuce total this season.

For much of the first half, the game resembled the hard-hitting, back-and-forth battles that have become common between the Freight and Sharks. Fishers held a slim 29-27 advantage at halftime and appeared poised to make a run in the second half.

But Jacksonville took control early in the fourth quarter with a momentum-swinging sequence that proved too much for the Freight to overcome.

Sharks quarterback Sammy Edwards scored a touchdown, followed by a deuce from kicker Marc Orozco. Pinned deep on their own 5-yard line on the ensuing possession, the Freight were then flagged for holding in the end zone, resulting in a safety. Jacksonville quickly capitalized on getting the ball back with another touchdown, suddenly stretching the lead to 59-42.

Fishers never recovered from that stretch as Jacksonville pulled away late.

The bye week comes at a good time for the Freight, who will now have an opportunity to regroup before traveling to Jacksonville for a rematch with the Sharks in two weeks.

The Freight return to the Fishers Event Center on June 6 to host Tulsa.