As someone who writes a local news blog focused on Fishers, following the actions of the Indiana State Legislature isn’t optional—it’s essential. What state lawmakers decide in downtown Indianapolis can ripple directly into our community.

Public health is a core need for every local community. When COVID-19 hit in 2020 and Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness couldn’t find support to launch a testing program, he took action—establishing the city’s own health department. That department just marked its fifth anniversary.

It’s worth remembering that Governor Eric Holcomb created the Governor’s Public Health Commission in 2022, co-chaired by former Noblesville State Senator Luke Kenley and former State Health Commissioner Dr. Judy Monroe. Their report delivered a sobering reality: Indiana ranked 48th in the nation in public health spending. The Commission recommended boosting that investment by $243 million annually to bring us closer to national norms.

While the General Assembly didn’t meet that full recommendation, lawmakers did approve a $350 million increase over the 2023–2025 budget cycle. It was a step forward.

But fast-forward to the end of the 2025 legislative session, and the outlook took a turn. A revised revenue forecast projected $2 billion less in state income than previously expected. That left Governor Mike Braun and legislative leaders with some tough decisions.

Their solution? A higher cigarette tax, elimination of funding for public broadcasting, and—most concerning—a major cut to public health spending.

The timing couldn’t have been more direct. The Fishers Board of Health met Thursday morning, just hours after the budget agreement was announced. Mayor Fadness broke the news: the state’s financial support for local health departments would be slashed by 73% from previously planned levels.

He did his best to frame the news constructively, saying the city would adapt as it builds the 2026 budget. Public Health Director Monica Heltz noted the department is funded through the end of 2025, but the impact will be felt in 2026.

Two years ago, former Senator Kenley stated plainly that Indiana’s chronic underfunding of public health had contributed to our poor health outcomes. Now, the very program designed to prevent those outcomes is on the chopping block.

If the expected Medicaid cuts materialize, Indiana’s emergency rooms could see a surge in patients with nowhere else to go. Others may simply delay care until minor health issues become major problems.

I understand the General Assembly faces difficult budget choices. But it’s disheartening to see them walk back support for public health—a need they acknowledged just two years ago. That need has not changed.

The 2-year Indiana budget bill passed by state lawmakers Wednesday calls for a roughly 73% reduction in the amount of new money local health departments can expect, compared to the last biennial budget.  Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness told the Fishers Board of Health Thursday that the General Assembly had made what he described as a “historic move forward” in funding local health departments in the previous state spending plan, “now we are walking back significantly.”

The city was preparing for less state support of public health, but Fadness says a 73% cut was not anticipated.  But he believes it’s too early to “raise the alarm bell” as the mayor and his staff begin preparing a 2026 city budget.

“We’re a group that thinks our way through these issues, and I feel confident that we’ll come up with a good plan,” Fadness told the board.  He and his staff are looking closely at revenue options as well as the expense side of public health.

Since the state 2-year budget was just revealed Wednesday, he expects to have more concrete steps to place before the Fishers Board of Health by the next meeting, which is tentatively set for May 29th.

Fadness also referred to the property tax reform bill recently signed into law.  He says the city will feel significant funding loss for a 2-year period, then revenues should “build back up.”

Fishers Public Health Director Monica Heltz tells LarryInFishers the Fishers Health Department budget should not be impacted in 2025 unless state legislators put extra responsibilities on her department.  Any state cuts would be felt in 2026.

Director Heltz did remind the Board that the Fishers Health Department is 5 years old as of today (April 24).

Fans of epic film scores are in for a treat this fall as The World of Hans Zimmer – A New Dimension brings its internationally acclaimed arena tour to the Fishers Event Center on Tuesday, September 23. This one-night-only performance marks the North American debut of the 24-city tour following a successful run across Europe in 2024.

Curated and produced by the legendary composer himself, the show features brand-new arrangements of Zimmer’s iconic soundtracks, paired with synchronized film sequences for a full cinematic concert experience. While Zimmer will not perform live, he serves as musical director, guiding the evening’s journey through his celebrated work.

Conducted by Grammy®-nominated orchestrator Matt Dunkley, the performance will include a symphony orchestra with top soloists from Zimmer’s handpicked ensemble, including the renowned Odessa Orchestra & Friends and the Nairobi Chamber Chorus.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. local time at FishersEventCenter.com.

Since 2018, The World of Hans Zimmer concerts have captivated more than 1.2 million attendees worldwide. The new production, “A New Dimension,” promises to immerse fans in the powerful soundscapes behind films like Inception, The Dark Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Top Gun: Maverick.

For more information, visit www.worldofhanszimmer.com.

For those of you utilizing 146th Street at the Allisonville Road construction site along the White River, here is an update from the Hamilton County Highway Department on a lane closure coming for the westbound lanes:

================

Please be advised, effective on or after Friday, April 25, 2025, between the hours of 9AM to 3PM, there will be a lane closure for the left lane of westbound 146^th Street, at the White River Bridge.

Drivers should expect increased construction traffic for material deliveries. Please watch for flaggers while driving through the construction zone.

the next generation of artists and poets from Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern high schools took center stage Friday, April 18, during the 16th Annual Fishers Arts Council Senior Showcase, held at the Art Gallery at City Hall. Sponsored by STAR Bank, this annual event highlighted the exceptional talents of graduating seniors while awarding over $4,800 in scholarships to 22 students.

“The 16th Annual Senior Showcase once again highlighted the impressive artistic talents coming out of the Fishers and HSE School programs,” said Les Reinhardt, Executive Director of Fishers Arts Council. “This year’s expanded gallery space at the Fishers Art Center allowed us to better celebrate the creative achievements of our graduating seniors.”

The exhibit featured a vibrant collection of 125 two-dimensional artworks, 30 three-dimensional pieces, and seven poetry submissions. Ninety-five students participated in the showcase, which continues on display through April 28 at both the Art Gallery at City Hall and the Fishers Art Center, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This year’s Best in Show honor went to Oliver Miles of Hamilton Southeastern High School for his striking painting titled “Sil3nce.” The Jordan D. Snider Award for Best Representation of the Written Word was awarded to Alexander Kairi Walton of Fishers High School for their powerful poem, “As Strong as the Beginning,” which they read aloud during the evening reception.

The awards ceremony, held during the city’s Third Friday celebration, was presented by Chris Hayes, President of Fishers Arts Council, joined by City Councilor At-Large Cecilia Coble and STAR Bank’s Karissa Shaffer. Catherine Snider presented the award named in memory of her daughter, Jordan D. Snider, celebrating excellence in poetry.

Continue reading Student Talent Shines Bright at 16th Annual Fishers Arts Council Senior Showcase →

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of high-energy fun and community spirit as the Fishers High School Auditorium transforms into a game show arena on Sunday, May 4 for the Game Show Battle Room Roadshow — an interactive fundraiser in support of the Fishers Marching Tiger Band.

From 2:00 to 4:00 PM (with doors opening at 1:30 PM), attendees will be treated to a fast-paced, laugh-filled experience inspired by classic game shows. Expect all the excitement of your favorite TV competitions—complete with friendly rivalries, hilarious challenges, and plenty of crowd participation.

There are three ticket options to choose from, ensuring everyone can join in the fun at their own comfort level:

• Top Fan Ticket: Guaranteed to take the stage in one of the games, these guests enjoy the full VIP experience with reserved seating and parking, plus complimentary snacks.

• Participant Ticket: For those who want a shot at the spotlight, this option includes a chance to be randomly selected to compete in one of the games.

• Observer Ticket: Prefer to cheer from the sidelines? This ticket lets you enjoy the show from the audience while still supporting the band.

The event promises something for everyone—whether you’re ready to play or just want to enjoy the spectacle. Most importantly, all proceeds benefit the hardworking students of the Fishers Marching Tiger Band, helping fund equipment, travel, and future performances.

So, gather your family and friends, bring your sense of humor, and prepare to make some unforgettable memories—all while supporting an incredible cause in our local community.

For tickets, use this link.

This 2024-2025 hockey season did not start easily for the Indy Fuel.  The first 15 games of the season had them on road ice, waiting for their new venue’s construction to be completed.

The Fuel ended the season at their new home, the Fishers Event Center, Tuesday night, losing to the Toledo Walleye 4-2.  Toledo swept the Fuel 4 games to none in this playoff series.

The Fuel fought valiantly to make the playoffs, but came up short as the 4th seed in the Central Division facing the number one seed, Toledo.

The Fuel struggled in the first two periods, constantly killing off the penalties which just kept coming from this officiating staff.  The Fuel trailed 3-0 in the third period when Ethan Manderville and Kevin Lombardi found the back of the net, putting Indy back into the game, trailing 3-2.

With goaltender Ben Gaudreau pulled with less than 2 minutes remaining, Toledo’s Sam Cragg registered an open net goal to seal the victory for Toledo.

It is sad to see the season end, but the Fuel staff should be proud of the large crowds that filed into the Fishers Event Center this season.  Next time, the Fuel will  not have 15 consecutive road games to start the season.

I have learned one thing covering as many Fuel home games I could attend this season – Fuel fans are a special group.  I will look forward to seeing them again in the fall of 2025.

It appears leaders in the Indiana House and Senate have stripped language that would have limited cities like Fishers and Carmel from enacting caps on home rentals.

John Tuohy of the Indianapolis Star updated a story late Tuesday morning about the rental cap issue, saying the legislator that placed the language in a conference committee report has agreed to remove it.  This is from reporter Tuohy’s story:

“…bill author Rep. Jim Pressel said Tuesday morning the attachment had been removed from the larger bill and had been floated only as a trial balloon.  ‘So as quickly as it went in, it came out just as quickly, yeah, but I was able to get testimony on it,’ he told IndyStar at the Statehouse. ‘So sometimes you’re testing the water just a little bit, figure out what may be good policy, what’s not so good policy, and how do you make things better?'”

The Fishers City Council unanimously approved the Fishers rental cap ordinance Monday night.

John Tuohy’s full story is available at this link.  (There appears to be no paywall on this story)

While Monday night’s Fishers City Council meeting made headlines for the approval of home rental caps, several other noteworthy developments also took place.

Mayor Scott Fadness and the Council took time to honor three local academic teams for their recent state championship wins. The recognized teams included the Fishers High School Classic Quiz Bowl team, the Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate and Junior High Science Bowl team, and the Southeastern Elementary Science Bowl team. Mayor Fadness noted a personal connection to Southeastern Elementary through his family, adding a special touch to the recognition.

In other actions from Monday’s meeting, the City Council:

• Approved changes to the Andretti project’s economic development bonds and project agreement, reflecting updates tied to the Cadillac Formula One operation now slated to occupy the entire complex.

• Made modifications to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) arrangement for The Union, a mixed-use development adjacent to the Fishers Event Center.

• Approved adjustments to the I-69 Economic Development Area.

• Passed the first reading of several voluntary property annexations into the city.

• Authorized the Fishers Health Department to begin charging a $350 fee for certified pool operator license training.