The Fishers City Council is considering a proposal to implement parking permit systems in neighborhoods surrounding the Alhuda mosque and King Jugg restaurant. King Jugg seeks a zoning variance to continue its outdoor dining operations.

At Monday evening’s meeting, the Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals heard public comments on the variance request. Four residents addressed the board: three spoke in opposition, citing concerns that existing parking is insufficient to accommodate crowds on busy nights. The lone supporter voiced approval for the outdoor dining.

During the meeting, board members questioned the status of a city ordinance that would limit parking in neighborhoods near King Jugg’s Lantern Road location. City Planning & Zoning Director Ross Hilleary informed the board that the City Council has passed the first reading of a proposal to restrict parking in certain neighborhoods at specific times, including the area near King Jugg.

If the ordinance is approved, the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety—comprised of the mayor and two appointees—would be responsible for determining the details of the parking permit system, including which residents are eligible, the exact locations, and the timing of restrictions.

The Zoning Appeals Board decided to continue the hearing on King Jugg’s zoning variance request until the city finalizes its approach to the proposed parking permit system.

If you have always wanted to know about a land trust, Andrea Davis explains how this $55,000 grant will start this trust, which will be aimed at helping families find housing in Hamilton County and other areas nearby.

Andrea discusses that, and much more, in this podcast interview.  Listen at the link below.

The Fishers Century Club marked its fourth anniversary on Tuesday, June 24, continuing its mission to empower local charities through collective giving. The men’s crowd-giving organization gathered for its quarterly meeting, where members heard pitches from three nonprofits and ultimately selected the Kiwanis Holiday Hopes program as this quarter’s funding recipient.

The evening featured presentations from Steve Gilbert for LifeWise Academy, Justin Davis for the Hero’s Foundation, and Fishers resident Howard Burd, who pitched the Holiday Hopes program. Burd’s compelling presentation won the group’s vote, earning the program a significant donation to expand its reach in 2025.

The Kiwanis Holiday Hopes program offers underprivileged children in Fishers a unique holiday shopping experience. Community volunteers are paired with children to shop for gifts, with 75% of the funds allocated for the child’s own gifts and 25% reserved for a present for someone special in their life.

“This model not only helps meet immediate needs but also teaches the children the joy and value of giving,” said Burd. “There are far more underprivileged families and kids in the Fishers community than people might expect, and we are going to use these dollars to allow more children to experience this special holiday program in 2025.”

Burd, a recent Century Club member, encouraged other local men to join the group, calling it “an incredible way to make a real impact.”

The final tally of the crowd-giving funds is still being calculated as contributions continue to come in from members who were unable to attend the meeting. The next Fishers Century Club meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16 at 5:30 p.m. All men interested in supporting local charities are invited to attend and join the growing movement.

The Fishers Century Club meets quarterly, where members hear from three charities pitched by attendees and vote to select a winning cause. For more information, including a list of previous winners, visit  www.fisherscenturyclub.com or facebook.com/fisherscenturyclub. Those unable to attend meetings can participate online at www.tinyurl.com/OnlineGivingFCC.

Parades are fun and Fishers has gathered for a summer parade ever since the Fishers Freedom Festival started in 1989.  That celebration has been transformed itself into the Spark Fishers Festival, and the parade remains the centerpiece of the festival.

I tried my best to record as much of the parade as possible.  Keep in mind, you have an old guy, working alone with a cell phone.  If your unit is not included, it is no comment at all on you. I had to sort through a long list of technical issues.  Video editing is a skill I am very much learning on the fly.

So, with all that in mind, here is my video of the 2025 Spark Fishers Festival Parade.  It is far from perfect, but the best I can do.  Enjoy by using the link below.

It was a warm summer day, but not oppressively hot.  The sun was out, but hid behind clouds on occasion. But more importantly, the rain stayed away.

The 2025 Spark Fishers Festival drew a large crowd Saturday with the street fair at the municipal complex and the always-popular parade through the Nickel Plate District.  As I walked the grounds Saturday, it was clear all were having a very good time.

This is one of only a few occasions during the year that people in and around Fishers have the chance to gather and just enjoy themselves.

The Festival started Tuesday and featured converts, drone shows, fireworks, a 5K run and one evening devoted to classic cars and artists.  It all culminated with the Saturday events.

Here are some additional photos from Saturday.

Continue reading Weather generally cooperated for the 2025 Spark Fishers Festival →

When I sat down with Fishers Freight head coach Dixie Wooten for a preseason podcast, he echoed a sentiment I’ve heard from countless coaches over the years: most football games, at any level, are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Saturday night in Tulsa, his team proved that point with authority.

The Freight controlled the trenches on both sides of the ball, shutting down the Oilers and holding them to just 7 points—the lowest total in Tulsa’s IFL franchise history. Fishers’ defense was relentless, with Aaron Jackson recording three interceptions and the unit delivering multiple key fourth-down stops that kept the Oilers out of rhythm. The Freight rolled to a convincing 33-7 win, their fourth victory of the season.

Another recurring storyline for Fishers has been the ever-changing quarterback situation. I have honestly lost count, but I think Felix Harper became the fifth player to take snaps under center this year. Signed just days before the game, Harper made an immediate impact, especially with his mobility in the running game.

The roster shakeup didn’t end there. Starting quarterback Carlos Davis was placed on short-term injured reserve, and running back Shane Simpson was released. To bolster the backfield, Wooten brought in Josiah King, who responded with several strong runs in his debut. Wide receiver Jerrod McGaw was also released as the team continues to fine-tune its lineup.

With a well-earned bye week ahead, the Freight will take a break for the July 4th holiday before returning to action on July 12 with a road trip to Des Moines, facing the Iowa Barnstormers.

With summer in full swing, the Fishers area road construction listing continues to grow.

Here is the full listing, as provided by the City of Fishers:

Continue reading Latest on Fishers area road construction →

When Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness began to see the rising cost of health insurance for his employees, he was shocked when told an annual increase was “only” 8%-13%.  What would a bad year yield for a health insurance increase?

As I have reported here many times, Fadness made a decision to insure the entire city staff with a plan with one provider – Community Health.  There are a few exceptions, but for the most part, those on the City of Fishers payroll go to Community for health care.

The mayor knew at that time this would not be easy for many staff members with themselves and family members already under the care of physicians and providers outside the Community network.  But with the lower cost, everyone, over time, transitioned to the new reality.

Indianapolis Business Journal reporter Daniel Lee wrote a front-page piece for the June 27 edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal about these “narrow” health plans, using the City of Fishers as the example.

You can read the IBJ story at this link.  (Note:  You may not be able to access this story if you are not an IBJ subscriber)

The Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) has announced the 36 individuals selected for its Class of 2026. These participants, who either live or work in Hamilton County, will take part in a 10-month community leadership program beginning in late August with a two-day opening retreat.

Excitement for the new class is shared by HCLA staff, volunteers, alumni, and community partners. HCLA notes it is fortunate to have a strong legacy of leaders who continue to invest in the program. Among them is Duke Energy, a long-time supporter and the official sponsor of the Class of 2026.

Included in this year’s list are Ross Hilleary, Director of Planning and Zoning for the City of Fishers…and Melissa Loiselle, Hamilton East Library Director.

“We’re excited to again support the Hamilton County Leadership Academy mission and congratulate the Class of 2026,” said Duke Energy government and community relations manager Mark LaBarr. “Investing in the next generation of leaders is essential to the long-term vitality of Hamilton County, and we’re proud to champion opportunities that build stronger communities through collaboration, education, and civic engagement.”

Each year, HCLA selects participants through a competitive application process. Those chosen demonstrate strong community engagement, a desire to grow through the program, a passion for service and leadership in Hamilton County, and diverse perspectives that enrich the overall learning experience.

HCLA also recently announced that Angie Frazier will serve as the Dean for the Class of 2026.

The Class of 2026 includes the following individuals:

Continue reading Hamilton County Leadership Academy Announces Class of 2026 →