(L-R) Megan Forbes, Lorinda Kirk, Daniel Greiwe, Michael Folta and Joe Eaton, TigerONE President
TigerONE, the sports booster club for Fishers High School, has announced 4 scholarship winners, earning $500 each, plus additional grants. All told, the club handed out $15,000. The scholarships were announced at a May 18th awards ceremony.
Here is a list of the scholarship winners, provided by TigerONE in a news release:
Megan Forbes: Girls Basketball: Megan was an officer of the National Honor Society, a Captain of her team, earned the top GPA award two years in a row and had the highest GPA of all of the female scholarship applicants. Megan plans to attend Purdue University and study nursing.
Lorinda Kirk: Girls Cross Country and Track: Lorinda was a member of the National Honor Society, lettered in both sports all four years, was a Captain of her teams, won the Sportsmanship award two different years, was Academic All-State and qualified for the Semi-state and State in cross country. Lorinda plans to attend the Colorado School of Mines and study Chemical Engineering.
Daniel Greiwe: Boys Cross Country and Track: Daniel was a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the state championship We the People team, was a cross country Co-Captain, ran in the cross country State meet in 2014 and 2015, was Academic All-State in 2015 and 2016, and had the highest GPA of all scholarship recipients. Daniel plans to attend Purdue University and study Engineering.
Michael Folta: Baseball and Football: Michael member of the National Honor Society, a two sport participant and was on the leadership council for both sports all four years, was Academic All-State in football, will graduate Summa Cum Laude and was one of the co-founders of the Fishers Sports Network. Michael plans to attend Purdue University and study Mechanical Engineering.
TigerOne also provided grants totaling $12,000 to ten school athletic teams, including the following:
New sideline video system for Football and a contribution to the Trent VanHoosen Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing;
Basketball shooting machine for Boys and Girls Basketball;
New batting cage netting for two batting cages for Baseball and Softball;
Indoor hitting mats and nets and Tiger Golf head covers for Boys and Girls Golf;
Precision Trainer for Girls Volleyball;
Funds for an outdoor record board for Boys and Girls Track and Cross Country; and A new camcorder for Wrestling.
The money for the scholarships and grants come from annual memberships and fund-raising events. TigerONE is already planning the second annual Casino Night at the Forum Conference Center August 13th. Tickets are available at this link
2016 will likely be the last year for the Fishers Freedom Festival to be centered at Holland Park, the site of the celebration since its inception in the late 1980s.
I recorded a podcast with the festival’s Executive Director Jennifer Kehl on June 16th, and asked her about the future of the festival at the Holland Park location. We were talking in her City Hall office.
“Our plan for 2017….the city would like us to move the festival over here to the Nickel Plate District,” Kehl told me. “We’ll kickoff the 2017 (festival) in a new home.”
I asked Jennifer whether any activity will take place in Holland Park during next year’s festival.
“We’re currently working on it, and we’re going to keep working on it,” she told me. “We have a lot of logistics to work out. We’re not really sure.”
I have mixed feelings about the planned changes for next year’s festival. I have some wonderful memories of taking my daughters to the festival when they were little. At that time, our family home was in Sunblest just a few blocks from Holland Park.
On the other hand, for the festival to grow and remain relevant, some new thinking is needed. With all the investment the city has made into the downtown area, and with the major investment the city has in the Fishers Freedom Festival itself, I do understand why change is inevitable.
Change is often needed and it’s not always easy. Next year’s festival in the Nickel Plate District will largely be the same celebration as before, just in a new location. It’s good that the leaders of the city and the festival board recognize the need to balance tradition with change.
You can listen to my entire podcast interview with Jennifer Kehl at this link.
We have come upon another Father’s Day and I have very mixed emotions, as I have had for a very long time on this day.
First and foremost, I am proud to be known as Allison and Mary’s Dad. They are college graduates, preparing to take on the world. Allison’s wedding is coming soon.
When your daughters grow into adults it is a very good feeling as a parent to know somehow you played your part as a Dad to get them there. My twin daughters have grown into outstanding young women. I will add that their Mom had a very large part in that.
So, I celebrate Father’s Day with a great deal of joy. I plan to wear that new shirt from my daughters as a Father’s Day gift quite proudly.
But there is another part of Father’s Day for me. 22 years ago, less than 2 months after Allison and Mary were born, my Dad died after a long battle with cancer.
For many years, the sadness was there. But as time has gone by, I have been able to see all the hurt and the pain lessen . Even though my Dad may be gone, he left so much for me and my 5 siblings. He taught us so much about life. That lives on. Dad is with me now in that way, and always will be with me.
So, Happy Father’s Day to all Dads reading this. To all of you with fathers, cherish the time you have with your Dad. It is time you will always remember.
Greg Murray graduated from Fishers High School and now is a sportscaster for Indiana University…I talked to Greg about his time in Fishers and what’s he doing at IU.
If you live in the Fishers area, I don’t need to tell you this is one of the busiest road construction seasons in recent memory. The work week beginning Monday, June 20th, will be no exception.
Below is a detailed list of construction areas, provided by the City of Fishers.
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BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Continuing this week, the bridge on 106th Street between Allisonville Road and Hague Road will be closed by the Hamilton County Highway Department for replacement. Detour routes will be displayed in the area and access to local traffic will be permitted for residents and businesses. Please direct any questions about this project to alison.krupski@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.
CURB REPAIRS
A contractor will be repairing curb ramps in Bluff and Links at Grey Eagle through the coming weeks. Please anticipate periodic lane restrictions in those areas.
FALL CREEK TRAIL
Fall Creek Trail reconstruction work continues; the pedestrian bridges and section of sidewalk along the trail have been removed. Pedestrians should not use the trail within the sections that have been removed. In addition, there will be periodic lane closures along the project throughout the week of May 30th. Please travel with caution, construction barrels have reduced the existing northbound lane width.
I-69 AND CAMPUS PARKWAY
Milestone Contractors has begun mobilizing cranes and other equipment and setting a temporary concrete barrier wall along I-69 at Campus Parkway Exit 210. Work will require alternating lane closures on northbound and southbound I-69 between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Lane closures may recur each night through the end of the week depending on weather and progress. Questions about this project should be directed to INDOT at eastcentralin@indot.in.gov or 1-855-463-6848.
I-69 TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS
INDOT is overseeing an overnight closure on multiple traffic lanes on I-69 overnight this week to continue demolition of the 106th Street overpass bridge. Weather permitting, lane closures and rolling slowdowns of traffic will begin after 9 p.m. and are expected to end before 6 a.m. the next day. Construction schedules and traffic restrictions are subject to change, and questions should be directed to INDOT at indot.carsporgram.org, 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or 511 from a mobile phone.
PAVING
A contractor will be paving streets on Lantern Road from 131st Street to Harrison Parkway, Conner Knoll and Gray Eagle throughout the coming weeks. Please anticipate periodic lane restrictions in those areas.
STATE ROAD 37
Various general survey work has begun along the State Road 37 corridor. Work will take place starting at the 126th Street intersection. Learn more atwww.Fishers.in.us/SR37.
96th STREET
There will be lane restrictions on eastbound 96th Street between Allisonville Road and Masters Road between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Work will is anticipated to last until June 25th. All restrictions will take place at night, and barrels with police officers will help direct traffic.
96th STREET AND CUMBERLAND ROAD
The Hamilton County Highway Department has closed 96th Street and Cumberland Road for 100 calendar days in order to construct a roundabout at this intersection. Anyone with concerns about this project should call 773-7770. Please visit www.Fishers.in.us/DriveFishers to view a detour map. The tentative completion date for this project is June 30, 2016.
106th STREET INTERCHANGE
INDOT has begun work on the 106th Street interchange. A lane shift is currently in place on I-69 and 106th Street is closed as construction continues. Additional details about this project will be released through INDOT and shared on the weekly construction update. Please be advised the speed limit from 82nd Street to 116th Street has been reduced to 55 mph and there are lane shifts on I-69. Please travel with caution and pay close attention to signage in the area.
116th STREET
There may be short-term lane restrictions on eastbound 116th Street between USA Parkway and Exit Five Parkway while utility work is being completed.
126th STREET
Continuing the week of June 20th, there will be intermittent lane restrictions for westbound traffic just west of Promise Road. These restrictions will allow the contractor to construct the entrance into Granite Ridge subdivision. Advance warning signs will be in place including a directional arrow board, as needed.
Temporary lane restrictions will be in place on 126th Street between Cyntheanne Road and Atlantic Road in order for shoulder work to be completed. Please drive with caution in the area.
Rob Cullin of Kimberly Boland and Associates asks what the libraries in Fishers Noblesville need?
The Fishers Library lost a tenant for lower-level space recently when Launch Fishers moved to a new building, but that provided an opportunity when the space reverted back to the library. The town (and later city) of Fishers leased that space from the Hamilton East Library Board to house Launch Fishers. The lease has expired and the library has the space.
Library officials are now asking the public how the space should be used. In two focus group meetings I attended, there were many ideas provided in brain-storming sessions.
Consultant Rob Cullin talked about a concept many other libraries around the nation are utilizing called “Makerspace.” This would provide hands on experiences for two kinds of activities.
The first type would be “Physical,” providing equipment and activities for cooking, crafts, costuming, to name a few.
The second type would be “Digital,” providing the tools to have TV & audio production, 3-D printing, robotics, and many others.
Cullin described the concept as “collaborative consumption,”
He reminded those in the focus groups that libraries were started at a time when books were expensive and beyond the reach of most people at that time. For example, today most people do not have a TV production or Audio production facility in their home, but could utilize one at the local library.
Those in the focus groups provided a variety of suggestions.
Cullin reminded everyone that remodeling the lower level of the library in Fishers will not increase taxes. The funding will come from existing financial reserves.
Beth Meyer, Deputy Library Director, told LarryInFishers the remodeling plans are in the “embryonic stage” and any final decision is a long way off.
Another new project is coming to the Nickel Plate District, this time at North Street and Lantern Road. The $47 million development will house an office building 3-stories high, a parking garage housing 500 spaces and includes a mixed use building. The mixed use component will include 240 residential units and 5,000 square feet of commercial space.
An engineering and architectural firm, RQAW, will have its corporate headquarters as part of the complex.
The Fishers City Council will vote Monday night on a $16.5 million incentive package. Incentives include the land on which the complex will be built, fee waivers and the cost of the parking garage. There will also be incentives from the State of Indiana, according to the city.
Below is the full text of the news release issued by the City of Fishers
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The City of Fishers announced a $47 million redevelopment project proposed for the Nickel Plate District today. The project will feature a three-story office building, a 500-space parking garage and a mixed-use building on the northwest corner of North Street and Lantern Road. The City Council will consider the project and economic development agreement at Monday’s council meeting.
“This redevelopment project really raises the bar for our entrepreneurial city,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “A creative development like this one, that meets the needs of small business owners and establishes much-needed office space in the Nickel Plate District, brings significant value to our downtown and furthers the ecosystem in which entrepreneurs can thrive.”
The three-part project will include a three-story, 30,000 square feet office building located on the northeast corner of North and Maple streets. RQAW Corporation, a consulting engineer and architect firm, plans to invest $4 million to relocate their headquarters and up to 60 jobs to the building once complete. RQAW will occupy 15,000 square feet of the new building on the second and third floors, while the remaining space will be available for lease. Commencement of the RQAW component is contingent upon both City Council approval and the offer of state incentives.
“We are thrilled to plant our flag, so to speak, in the Nickel Plate District,” said Brad Battin, vice president at RQAW Corporation. “Our new headquarters will be the physical embodiment of our core values, designed by us for us, and located in a walkable, connected downtown. We look forward to this project not only helping us attract and retain top-tier talent, but also showcasing our strengths as a partner in the communities we serve.”
In addition, a regional, 500-space parking garage is planned to serve the corporate and residential parking needs of the area. Employees from Meyer Najem and RQAW, as well as residents from the mixed-use building, will use the parking garage daily. Visitors to the Nickel Plate District will have access to the parking garage on evenings and weekends.
The third component includes a mixed-use development with 240 residential units and 5,000 square feet of commercial space. Future tenants will have their choice of one or two bedroom apartments with unique live-work units on the first floor facing Lantern Road. The live-work units will have street-level commercial entrances for an office or studio and residential space for living.
“The live-work concept is unique to Fishers, but has worked well in other forward-thinking cities,” said Scott Baldwin, principal at Envoy, Inc. “Situated near Launch Fishers and in the heart of the vibrant downtown, the development is designed to meet the needs of young, entrepreneurial talent in Fishers.”
A partnership between central Indiana companies, Envoy, Inc. and Hageman Group, will develop, own and operate the parking garage and mixed-use building. RQAW will develop and own the office component. Construction is expected to start yet this year and be completed in May 2018. On Monday, June 20, Fishers City Council will consider an economic development agreement for the project that totals $16.5 million and covers the cost of the land, waiver of fees, and construction of the parking garage and surrounding hardscapes.
“Our mission is to invest in great projects that positively transform communities,” said Shane Hageman of the Hageman Group. “The City of Fishers has established the Nickel Plate District as an impressive economic engine that is attracting new jobs, investment and residents. We believe in the City’s vision for the District and are proud to be part of making that vision come to life.”
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About RQAW Corporation:
Since 1954, RQAW has been providing our clients with the best in engineering and architecture services. RQAW is committed to outstanding design, superior execution, and strict attention to clients’ needs at every turn. RQAW is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of customer service that our clients have come to count on throughout the life of their project and beyond.
About Envoy, Inc.:
Envoy has managed nearly $1 billion in construction projects, establishing the company as a recognized leader in the construction management industry. With long-standing relationships with schools, government agencies and private-public partnership, Envoy’s approaches each project with a high standard of accountability, transparency, and integrity.
About Hageman Group:
Hageman Group is a privately-held company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana that manages assets and investments with a focus in agriculture and real estate. The real estate division has a long-term focus while acquiring and developing properties with an above average return potential. The current portfolio includes commercial buildings and luxury college apartment complexes. We seek to create value for our stakeholders and partners by applying our knowledge and experience in building relationships and developing sustainable returns.
Fishers City Council Finance Committee discussed compensation for elected officials
Fishers City Council President John Weingardt says he and fellow Council Member Selina Stoller plan to recommend to the Finance Committee a plan increasing compensation for elected city officials and establishing a plan whereby those same officials can get reimbursed for expenses incurred in their work on city business.
If the Finance Committee members go along, the plan would be put to a vote by the full Fishers City Council.
On the issue of elected officials salaries, Weingardt told the Finance Committee “…we, as a group, are recommending an increase.” The council president said he and fellow council member Selina Stoller have been looking at data on elected officials salaries and where Fishers fits in, but are not prepared to provide a specific plan to increase salaries yet. That could come next month.
Weingardt did say his group would recommend an accountable plan where city council members can be reimbursed for expenses they currently pay our of their own pockets. This would not be a flat monthly allowance, but would provide a system where councilors could submit vouchers for specific reimbursement once expenses are paid.
In other news from the Wednesday night Finance Committee session…
–The full City Council will likely vote Monday night on setting up an Audit Committee. This would allow the city to ask for state approval to use a private, independent accounting firm to conduct audits of the city’s finances, instead of having this done by the State Board of Accounts.
–A new transparency Web portal is expected to be available by the end of June.
–The partial city census is continuing. Census workers are going door-to-door collecting information. The census should be complete by October, or earlier.
Fishers residents are being reminded of laws governing cycles with motors, particularly mopeds.
Below is a release issued by local police on those rules.
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Fishers Chief of Police George Kehl would like residents to be aware of the state law pertaining to motor driven cycles.
No more mopeds, scooters, or motorized bicycles…they are all motor driven cycles.
All must be registered and plated
Operators and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet
Divides into two categories;
Class A MDCs
Greater than 50cc
Require Insurance
Require Operators License
Class B MDCs
50cc or less
No license, no insurance
Requires ID
Class B requirements
15 years old
ID card with MDC Endorsement
No passengers
No interstates or sidewalks
Not faster than 35 mph
“I want to be sure that residents are aware of the laws relating to motor driven cycles and make sure that the riders operate in a responsible manner for their own safety and for the safety of others on the roadway” said Chief of Police George Kehl. Anyone with questions regarding motor driven cycles is encouraged to call Sergeant Tom Weger at 317-595-3308.
