You can often gauge the economic vitality of a community by the banking services it attracts. For years, Citizens State Bank, headquartered in New Castle, has maintained a steady presence on Municipal Drive in Fishers. Now, another financial institution is joining the area’s growing commercial landscape in the Nickel Plate District.

Northwest Bank, based in Columbus, Ohio, officially opened its doors Tuesday in a new office near the Nickel Plate Amphitheater. The new branch offers a spacious, modern environment and a full range of banking services tailored to both individuals and businesses.

I spoke with Jennifer Gibson, Region President for Northwest Bank, about the institution’s decision to invest in a full-service retail banking center at a time when many banks are scaling back physical locations in favor of online services. Use the link below to watch my full video interview with Gibson.

Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony drew several local dignitaries. To mark the occasion, Northwest Bank donated $5,000 each to the Fishers Youth Initiative and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indiana. Gibson emphasized that the bank’s community involvement won’t end there—Northwest plans to support local nonprofits not only through financial contributions but also by encouraging employees to actively volunteer across the area.

Fishers has had a summer festival just before the 4th of July since 1989.  This year, the Spark Fishers Festival is set for June 24-28, with an added attraction on Monday, June 30 for a Rotary golf event.

I spoke with Fishers Parks and Recreation Director Marissa Deckert, along with her Assistant Director Allison (Allie) Kaser, on a podcast to talk in detail about this year’s festival plans.  You can listen to the podcast at the link below.

Ed Gebhart came to Indiana from California 25 years ago, joining the Fishers Police Department.  He is now the  Fishers Chief of Police and was honored Monday night for his years of service to the city.

Mayor Scott Fadness praised Chief Gebhart for his leadership qualities in a presentation before the City Council.  “We are safer and better for it,” said Mayor Fadness.

Also at Monday night’s City Council session, a group of students from the 2025 Mayor’s Youth Academy made their case before the Councilors to construct a zipline in the city.

Finally, Fishers Armed Services Commission President El Ahlwardt recognized Jonathan Tangara, a recent Fishers High School graduate, now preparing to enter the military academy at West Point.

The Fishers City council had a pointed discussion about zoning policy before approving a rezone requested by Pulte Homes to develop 21 homes at 11052 Cumberland Road by a 6-2 vote.  The development, known as Gerardot Planned Unit Development (PUD), is 9.15 acres that was rezoned by the Council vote to reflect the specific zoning for this project as part of the PUD.

Councilman Brad DeReamer was critical of the Pulte plan for this project, saying there will not be enough space between the homes to install heating and air conditioning units.  DeReamer also explained a view he has expressed often during his time on the Council, saying PUDs do not respect the zoning ordinances of the city.  A PUD essentially provides the zoning rules for that particular development.

Council President Pete Peterson expressed support for using PUDs in developments, arguing this process allows the city to get changes from the developer favorable to the city.

The vote to approve the rezone was 6-2, with Councilors DeReamer and Bill Stuart voting no.  Stuart attended the meeting remotely.  Councilman Todd Zimmerman was not in attendance.

In other matters before the Council Monday night:

–Life Science firm 1Elaven plans to move its operations from San Diego to Fishers in a currently vacant space measuring 130 square feet, at 12001 Exhibit 5 Parkway, providing 120 jobs over 10 years with an average salary of $90,000 annually.  Councilors unanimously voted to approve the economic development package.

–The Council approved the annual review of economic development compliance by firms entering into such agreements with the city.  Only 2 were terminated, Republic Waste and Stanley Security.  Republic has since moved from the site that created the incentives and Stanley’s agreement was terminated by the company’s request.  All other economic development deals show compliance by the private firms.

— The Fishers Fire and Emergency Services Department requested increases in emergency services fees, covering additional costs.  The Council suspended the rules by unanimous vote and passed the changes.  For more on the changes, see this link.

–Councilors gave first reading to changes in the property maintenance code.  The new language changes some verbiage that has not been updated since 2014.  For the proposed fees, use this link.  You can review the proposed ordinance language at this link.  The ordinance is not yet final.

–The Council changed the city’s salary ordinance to provide an Executive Lieutenant position in the Police Department.

–Final approval was given to the Gray Eagle project for apartments on the grounds of the golf course.

The Fishers City Council on Monday night reviewed a proposed ordinance aimed at addressing parking congestion in two neighborhoods frequently impacted by nonresident vehicles during specific times.

The plan, introduced during the council’s first reading of the ordinance, would establish a resident parking pass system for two targeted areas along Lantern Road—one near the King Jugg establishment and the other surrounding the Al Huda Mosque.

Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart told council members that King Jugg generates increased street parking primarily during live music events and select other occasions. Meanwhile, the Al Huda Mosque draws large crowds—many from outside Fishers—especially during Friday prayers and the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Under the proposal, residents in these affected neighborhoods would be eligible for parking permits, allowing them to park on the street during designated times when parking would otherwise be restricted. City officials clarified that these restrictions would only apply during peak demand periods, not around the clock.

Mayor Scott Fadness explained that the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety—which includes the mayor and two appointees—would be responsible for determining the specific days and hours when restrictions are in effect. If a resident plans to host a special event, such as a graduation party, the city would work with them to accommodate parking during the restricted times.

Violators of the ordinance would face a $150 fine.

As this was only the ordinance’s first reading, city officials noted that there will be opportunities for public feedback and revisions before a final vote is taken.

The Fishers Freight’s road matchup against the Quad City Steamwheelers Saturday night was anything but typical, even by Indoor Football League standards. The first quarter ended in an unusual 5-5 tie, and the game quickly turned chaotic from there.

Two Quad City offensive linemen were each flagged for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, meaning they had to leave the game, forcing the team to shift two defensive linemen to offensive duty—something rarely seen at any level of football.

The Freight ultimately fell 45-28, marking their ninth consecutive loss after opening the season with two wins. The contest was defined by constant penalties, with both teams repeatedly flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct in what turned into a highly physical matchup. Whether the game was out of control or the officiating crew was simply overzealous, penalties played a central role in the night’s action.

After the first-quarter tie, the Steamwheelers took control early in the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown run and never looked back. Fishers failed to regain the lead at any point for the remainder of the game.

All-too-familiar struggles continued to plague the Freight: failed fourth-down conversions, costly fumbles, and key interceptions all contributed to the loss.

The Freight will return home on Saturday, June 21, for “Summer Camp Night,” hoping to find a bright spot and end their inaugural Indoor Football League season on a more positive note.

Now that we are into the summer road construction season, the listing of projects has grown.  Note the lane restrictions in place along Olio Road and Geist Reservoir, now until July 2.

Here is the complete listing of area road construction projects, as provided by the City of Fishers:

Continue reading Here is the Fishers-area road construction update for the week beginning Monday, June 16 →

As the Fishers Freight prepare to travel to Quad City for their upcoming Indoor Football League game on Saturday, the team has announced several roster changes.

Running back Dominic Roberto and defensive back Justin Terry have officially signed with the team. Wide receiver Shavarez Smith has been activated from the injured list and is now available to play.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Jordan Kress has suffered a season-ending injury and has been placed on the Injured Reserve list.

The Freight have released defensive back AJ Fenton and wide receiver Vincent Gregory.

In addition, quarterback Jiya Wright, who started the season as the team’s signal caller, remains on the “Refused to Report” list. Reports indicate Wright is currently playing football in Mexico.

This is not about Fishers per se, but allow me a point of personal privilege to plug a new podcast series I am producing with my friend Duncan Giles.  We call it Lannan & Giles: Unscripted. We talk about news stories others may have missed.  We discuss one major topic, which in our first episode, centers on public demonstrations and how they are part of America’s history.  We do a critic’s corner and do a top ten list.  We talk about serious subjects, but have some fun at the same time.

Feel free to like and subscribe to our podcast.  Find the video & audio versions linked below.