All posts by Larry

Controversial Fishers Roundabout Draws More Media Attention

The Indianapolis media has been devoting considerable attention to the roundabout at 96th Street and Allisonville Road, which sits on the border between Fishers and Indianapolis.

On Thursday, Indianapolis Star reporter John Tuohy published a story focusing on traffic incidents at the intersection, citing data provided by the Fishers Police Department.

According to the figures shared with the Star, traffic crashes at the intersection have decreased by 20% over the past five months, compared to the previous three-month period. The data also show that there were significantly fewer accidents during the time the intersection was configured as a Michigan Left—a design that drew frequent complaints from drivers.

While many criticized the Michigan Left, the new roundabout has sparked its own share of controversy, continuing to be a focal point for public discussion and media coverage alike.

You can read reporter Tuohy’s story at this link.  (Note:  As of this writing, the Star has no paywall on this story)

Finance Committee updated on billing for city trash collection

Fishers City Controller Lisa Bradford delivered encouraging news to the City Council Finance Committee during its meeting Wednesday, reporting that residents are generally keeping up with their monthly trash collection payments.

While the percentage of fees collected appears to decline slightly each month, Bradford clarified that this is due to the billing cycle, which charges residents in arrears. She also noted that some delays can be attributed to mail service issues.

Deputy Mayor Elliott Hultgren added that the city’s customer experience team has received very few complaints. “We’re just not getting the phone calls about trash,” he told the committee.

The city launched its centralized trash collection system in mid-January under a new contract with Republic Services. The rollout appears to be going smoothly based on payment trends and minimal resident concerns.

In addition to the update on trash billing, the committee began preparations for developing the city’s 2026 budget in coordination with the mayor’s office. A series of planning meetings was scheduled:

  • Thursday, August 14 at 5 p.m. – Initial budget session with a presentation from City Judge Dan Henke.

  • Wednesday, August 20 at 8:30 a.m. – A high-level discussion of the 2026 budget.

  • Wednesday, August 27 at 8:30 a.m. – Department heads will present and review their proposed spending plans.

  • Wednesday, September 10 at 5 p.m. – Regular monthly meeting of the Finance Committee.

  • Monday, September 15 – The full City Council will hold a public hearing and first reading of the 2026 budget proposal.

  • October Council Meeting – Target date for final budget adoption.

Indiana law requires a city to finalize its budget by November 1, effective the following year.  If the City Council fails to meet that deadline, the city would be bound by the previous year budget.

HSE Students Outperform State Averages on 2025 ILEARN Assessment

Hamilton Southeastern Schools (HSE) students posted strong academic results on the 2025 ILEARN standardized assessment, significantly outperforming statewide averages in both math and English/Language Arts (ELA), according to data released by the Indiana Department of Education.

District-wide averages for students in grades 3 through 8 showed 66.31% proficiency in math and 62.5% in ELA—well above the state averages of 42.1% and 40.6%, respectively. Depending on the grade and subject, HSE students outpaced their peers across Indiana by as much as 20 to 35 percentage points.

“These results reflect the incredible work happening in our classrooms every day,” said Superintendent Pat Mapes. “Our students rose to the challenge, and our teachers embraced new systems designed to meet learners where they are. This progress is a testament to our commitment to student success and continuous improvement.”

District officials attribute the strong performance to several key strategies, including a focus on early literacy, personalized instruction, and the use of data-driven teaching practices. These efforts align with the state’s upcoming move to a checkpoint-based ILEARN model, set to launch in the 2025-26 school year.

HSE students will return to class on August 6.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools is one of the largest districts in the state, serving students across Fishers and parts of Noblesville.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools to Host Annual ‘Before the Bell’ Celebration July 31

Hamilton Southeastern Schools will kick off the 2025-26 school year with its third annual Before the Bell celebration on Thursday, July 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.

Presented by Meijer, the free, family-friendly event is designed to bring students, families, and staff together in a festive atmosphere before the start of classes.

The evening will showcase live performances from student groups across the district’s high schools and junior highs, including bands, choirs, cheerleaders, and dance teams. A wide variety of activities will be available throughout the event, including a petting zoo hosted by FFA, a kid-friendly obstacle course, and a high-energy show by “Bubble Jim” on the amphitheater’s center lawn.

Families can also enjoy balloon artists, inflatables, and a photo booth hosted by the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation to commemorate the back-to-school season.

Local food trucks will be on-site offering dinner options, allowing families to relax and enjoy the evening together.

Information booths will be set up across the venue, giving families the chance to connect with district departments such as Food Services, School Safety, Transportation, and Health Services. Several community organizations will also be present to share resources and programs available to students and families throughout the year.

The event will be held rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, festivities will move indoors to Fishers High School at the same date and time.

Before the Bell is a wonderful example of the strong partnerships we have in this community,” said HSE Superintendent Pat Mapes. “With the support of the City of Fishers and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation, this event has grown into a fun, engaging tradition that brings our families together and builds excitement for the year ahead.”

Hamilton Southeastern Schools invites all district families and community members to join in ringing in the new school year.

Fishers writes-off uncollectible sewer & stormwater accounts

Fishers Board of Works, meeting Tuesday morning

The City of Fishers is writing-off $75,914.70 in uncollectible accounts for sewer and stormwater operations.  The Board of Public Works and Safety voted in favor of the resolution at the Tuesday morning meeting.  City Controller Lisa Bradford told the board a number of the smaller amount items occur when people move out of a residence and call asking for a final bill, not knowing the billing cycle is in arrears and there is one more bill on the way.  Among the larger amounts owed are due to the changeover from HSE Utilities to the city sewer utility, but if those owing the accounts are no longer owners of the property, the ability of the city to collect is gone.

In other items before the board:

–The study recommending the location of a traffic signal for the Spyglass Falls neighborhood along 116th Street should be ready for the next Board of Works meeting, scheduled at this time for July 29.

–Also at the July 29 meeting, the board may begin approving streets subject to parking permits for certain days and times, in neighborhoods located near the Al Huda Mosque and King Jugg.  This presumes the City Council votes to enact the ordinance at the July 21 meeting.

–The Fishers Health Department has been awarded the Flexible Local Epidemiology for X-factor Emerging Diseases (FLEXED) Learning Community grant through the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) in the amount of $20,000.  The first  two agreements call for $3,331.03 to be spent initially.

Current Publishing: Expansion, name change for IU Health Saxony

The local IU Health facility has been undergoing a major expansion, and with that, a name change as well.

A story posted Sunday on the Current Publishing Web site cites an announcement from IU Health saying the facility, named IU Health Saxony since its inception, will now be known as IU Health Fishers.  This is happening alongside a $300 million hospital expansion.  The construction work should be complete by October of this year.

To read the entire story, use this link.

Remembering Don Hein

I had watched Don Hein on television for many years before I started coming into contact with him every morning.

It was late 1982 and working the morning news shift at Indianapolis radio station WNDE.  Don had taken on the extra gig of handling sports on the radio morning show in addition to his TV work.  So, I had the chance, for a few months, to talk with Mr. Hein each weekday morning.

Let’s just say I gained some inside scoop on what was happening behind the scenes of Indy area sports.  It was an eye-opening experience.

He was clearly not particularly diplomatic in his dealings with the executive-types at WTHR television.  I think his immediate boss often ran interference for him and Don, although dropped once by the TV station, and brought back by popular demand, managed to have a long and storied career covering the sports scene in Indianapolis.

I was saddened to learn of Don Hein’s death at the age of 85.  Although I did not know him well, I always enjoyed the times we were able to talk.  He was very easy to talk with and was quite personable.  Let’s just say not all television celebrities are that way.

Allow me to express my sincerest sympathies to his family.  Don Hein made a mark on Indy area media.  I am proud to have known him just a little.

Freight pick up 3rd straight win in Iowa

Josiah King runs a kickoff for a touchdown in the 4th quarter (photo from IFL Network broadcast)

After enduring a grueling nine-game losing streak marked by costly penalties, missed fourth-down conversions, and an abundance of turnovers, the Fishers Freight have found their rhythm in the Indoor Football League (IFL). The team, which struggled to stay competitive earlier in the season, has now strung together three consecutive victories, signaling a remarkable turnaround.

Harper Takes the Helm

Much of the Freight’s recent success can be attributed to stability at the quarterback position. Following a season of uncertainty under center, Felix Harper has emerged as the team’s leader on offense. With Harper at the helm, Fishers secured a hard-fought 58-50 victory over the Iowa Barnstormers in Des Moines Saturday night.

Game Recap: Freight Outlast Barnstormers

The matchup was a back-and-forth battle in the first half, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Fishers managed to take a 35-29 advantage into halftime and never relinquished the lead in the second half. Iowa threatened, closing the gap to just two points, but failed to convert a crucial two-point attempt in the third quarter that would have tied the game.

A pivotal moment came early in the fourth quarter when Josiah King ran a 55-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, extending Fishers’ lead to 51-42. The Barnstormers were unable to recover, and Fishers effectively sealed the win by recovering an onside kick in the final minute.

Standout Performances
  • Josiah King: 55-yard kickoff return for a touchdown

  • JT Stokes, Josiah King, and Isaiah Coulter: Each delivered big plays, with Coulter making an immediate impact in his debut week with the Freight

  • Felix Harper: Provided steady leadership at quarterback and helped limit turnovers

The Freight’s improved ball security and disciplined play were key factors in their latest victory.

Looking Ahead

Although Fishers is not in contention for a playoff spot with a 5-9 record, the team is determined to finish the season on a high note. The final two games will be played at home, starting this Saturday against the San Diego Strike Force, one of the top teams in the IFL West. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Fishers Event Center, and tickets are now on sale.

Fishers fans have reason to be optimistic as the Freight look to build on their newfound momentum and close out the season strong.

Fishers area road construction update for the work week of Monday, July 14

 

July is the height of road construction season and there is plenty of it in and around Fishers.  There is a long list of items to know as you plan your trips.  Note changes in the Clear Path project as it impacts access to Binford Boulevard.  Lots of other items, including neighborhood road resurfacing.

Here is the official list, as provided by the City of Fishers:

Continue reading Fishers area road construction update for the work week of Monday, July 14