Category Archives: LarryInFishers.com

Fishers to Begin Major Improvements at 116th and Allisonville Intersection

The City of Fishers will begin a major roadway improvement project at the intersection of 116th Street and Allisonville Road next week, with construction expected to continue through late October.

City officials say the project, originally planned as a roundabout, has been redesigned and will now consist of roadway improvements aimed at enhancing traffic flow and safety at one of the city’s busiest intersections.

Construction is scheduled to begin during the week of April 13, weather permitting. Early work will include installation of construction signage and signal-related upgrades. That will be followed by intersection improvements, curb and ADA ramp work, sidewalk construction, and paving later in the season.

Despite the construction, the intersection will remain open to traffic throughout the project. However, drivers should expect lane shifts, restrictions, and slower travel times, particularly during peak hours.

Access to nearby businesses will be maintained during all phases of construction.

City officials note that, as with most roadway projects, the timeline is dependent on weather conditions and the availability of materials, and schedules may change as work progresses.

Podcast: Lasima Packett, candidate, Indiana Senate District 31 Democratic primary election

Lasima Packet was the first Democrat to announce her candidacy for Indiana Senate District 31, prior to incumbent Republican Kyle Walker’s announcement he will not seek another term.  Now, she is one of many candidates in the Democratic primary.

I spoke with Lasima Packett and talked about her candidacy in a podcast interview.  That podcast is available at this link or the link below.

HAND to Host Suburban Housing Conference in Westfield April 23

A regional housing nonprofit will bring together public and private sector leaders later this month for a focused discussion on one of Central Indiana’s most pressing issues—housing.

HAND, Inc. will host its 12th annual Suburban Housing Conference on Thursday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the IMMI Conference Center in Westfield.

The half-day event, presented by Hamilton County Community Foundation, is expected to draw elected officials, municipal staff, developers, employers, lenders and nonprofit leaders from Hamilton, Boone and Tipton counties.

This year’s theme—“From Plans to Places: Turning Housing Systems into Real Homes”—emphasizes practical solutions and real-world challenges facing growing suburban communities.

Organizers say the 2026 conference will take a more hands-on approach than in previous years, guiding participants through a four-part framework:

  • See It – examining what is driving today’s housing market
  • Feel It – participating in an interactive simulation exploring community tradeoffs
  • Translate It – connecting those challenges to local conditions
  • Fix It – identifying potential solutions and next steps

A centerpiece of the event will be the Indiana debut of the Homeward simulation program developed by Urban Land Institute. The exercise is designed to help participants better understand the complex decisions and constraints that shape housing outcomes. A member of the ULI team will travel from Boston to lead the session.

HAND Executive Director Andrea Davis said the goal is to provide a clearer picture of how housing intersects with broader community issues.

“Housing impacts workforce, economic development, schools and the long-term health of our communities,” Davis said. “We want people to leave with a better understanding of how the system works and where they can play a role.”

The conference will also feature a moderated panel of local leaders in government, planning and development, offering insight into how housing challenges are playing out across the region.

Registration is open through HAND’s website.

HAND, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Housing Development Organization serving Hamilton, Boone and Tipton counties. The organization develops and manages rental housing and works to expand housing options across the region.

Prescribed Burn Planned at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve Wednesday

The City of Fishers will conduct a prescribed burn at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve on Wednesday, April 8, as part of an ongoing effort to restore native habitats and control invasive plant species.

The burn is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., weather permitting, at the 127-acre preserve located at 10410 Hague Road. The park will be closed to the public during the operation and is expected to reopen around 6 p.m. once the burn is complete.

City officials say prescribed burns are a key land management tool, helping to reduce excess vegetation while promoting the growth of native plant species that are essential to the preserve’s ecosystem.

Residents living near the preserve may notice smoke or the smell of burning vegetation during the process. Officials advise limiting prolonged outdoor exposure if smoke is present.

The burn will only take place under favorable weather and air quality conditions. If conditions are not suitable, the operation may be postponed. Updates will be provided through Fishers Parks social media channels.

Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve is one of only two state-designated nature preserves in Hamilton County. The site features more than two miles of trails and serves as a popular destination for walking, wildlife observation, and environmental education.

Early voting starts April 7

Old Hamilton County Courthouse

Early voting is now underway in Hamilton County for the May 5 primary election, following the close of voter registration. County election officials have released a full schedule of early voting hours and locations across the county.

Below is a breakdown of when and where voters can cast ballots before Election Day:

Noblesville

Judicial Center
One Hamilton County Square

  • April 7–10: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • April 13–17: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • April 20–24: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • April 25: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • April 27–May 1: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • May 2: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • May 4: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Hamilton County Fairgrounds
2003 Pleasant Street

  • April 7–10: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • April 13–17: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • April 20–25: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • April 27–May 2: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • May 4: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Carmel

Wilfong Pavilion (Building A) – 11675 Hazel Dell Parkway
Jill Perelman Pavilion – 3000 W. 116th Street
Carmel Public Library – 425 E. Main Street

  • April 22–23: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • April 24–25: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • April 29–30: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • May 1–2: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fishers

Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building – 1 Park Drive
Billericay Park Building – 12690 Promise Road

  • April 22–23: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • April 24–25: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • April 29–30: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • May 1–2: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Westfield

Westfield City Hall – 130 Penn Street
Cool Creek Nature Center – 2000-1 E. 151st Street
Westfield Washington Township Offices – 17400 Westfield Blvd.

  • April 22–23: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • April 24–25: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • April 29–30: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • May 1–2: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In addition to early in-person voting, the deadline to request an absentee ballot is approaching. Voters must submit an application by midnight on Thursday, April 23. Applications can be completed online at indianavoters.com, or requested by calling the Hamilton County Election Office at 317-776-8476.

Election officials encourage voters to take advantage of early voting opportunities to avoid potential lines on Election Day.

Freight Roll Past Defending MVP, Rattlers to Signal Contender Status

Coach Wooten challenged a play in the 4th quarter and was successful after officials reviewed the video

The Fishers Freight sent a clear message Sunday night that they intend to be a contender in the 2026 Indoor Football League season.

Coming off a win over Quad City and a tough road loss at Green Bay, the Freight returned home and delivered an emphatic 63-42 victory over the Arizona Rattlers at the Fishers Event Center. Arizona was led by reigning league MVP quarterback Max Meylor.

Fishers’ high-powered offense once again operated at full throttle, while the defense and special teams contributed key plays that helped turn the game decisively in the Freight’s favor.

Running back Dominic Roberto led a strong ground attack with a standout performance, and quarterback Felix Harper continued his impressive start to the season, making plays both through the air and on the ground in critical moments.

The Freight defense rose to the challenge against one of the league’s most potent offenses. Jaiden Roe highlighted the effort with an interception of Meylor, and Fishers forced two turnovers on downs, stopping Arizona on fourth-down conversion attempts.

It marked a notable step forward for a defense that showed signs of vulnerability earlier this season, particularly in the first half against Quad City. Against Arizona, the unit delivered timely stops to complement an already explosive offense.

The victory serves as an early-season measuring stick for Fishers, which improved to 2-1 with the win over one of the IFL’s top teams.

The Freight return to action Saturday, April 11, when the Iowa Barnstormers visit the Fishers Event Center.

Attendance was lower than the home opener, likely due to the Easter holiday, but those in attendance provided a loud and energetic atmosphere throughout the game.

Spring Break Brings Quieter Week to Fishers

Red Rock hikers, on spring break from somewhere in the United States

Fishers residents may notice a slightly different pace around town this week, as spring break for Hamilton Southeastern Schools gets underway.

Traffic volumes are expected to be lighter at times, and local restaurants may be less crowded than usual, as many families take advantage of the break to travel. While not everyone leaves town, a noticeable portion of the community typically heads out for vacation during this period.

The school calendar also has a ripple effect on local government schedules. Public meetings are less frequent this week, with some boards adjusting their timelines.

The Hamilton Southeastern School Board, which normally meets on the second Wednesday of the month, has postponed its April meeting by one week. The board is now scheduled to meet April 15 to accommodate spring break.

Meanwhile, the City of Fishers has no public government meetings scheduled during the week, reflecting the seasonal slowdown.

For those remaining in town, the quieter streets and shorter wait times may offer a welcome change of pace. For students, teachers, and school staff, the break provides an opportunity to rest and recharge before the final stretch of the academic year.

Ignite Sweep Omaha, Strengthen Hold on First Place

The Indy Ignite tightened their grip on first place in Major League Volleyball on Saturday, sweeping the Omaha Supernovas 25-21, 25-19, 25-21 in Omaha. The official league scoreboard listed the match as a 3-0 Indy victory, and the league standings show the Ignite at 15-4 entering the weekend, ahead of Dallas at 15-5.

Saturday’s result was an important one for Indy, which had lost two of its first three meetings this season with Omaha. The Supernovas came in holding a 2-1 edge in the season series, including a five-set win over the Ignite on March 14 at CHI Health Center.

This time, Indy finished the job quickly.

According to Hurrdat Sports, the Ignite closed out the match in 86 minutes and never dropped a set, taking control with efficient play in all three frames. Omaha was playing short-handed, missing three usual starters, but Indy still did what first-place teams are expected to do on the road by handling business in straight sets.

The victory also gave the Ignite a strong response after their last outing before the All-Star break, a four-set loss at Grand Rapids on March 25. In that match, Indy fell to 15-4 but remained atop the league standings. Saturday’s win over Omaha kept the Ignite in that lead position as the regular season heads into the stretch run.

Indy entered the weekend with one of the best records in the league, while Omaha was fighting to solidify its playoff position in a crowded middle tier of the standings. That made Saturday’s contest one of the more important late-season matches on the MLV schedule.