It is always odd that summer camp registration begins in the depth of winter, but here we go again in 2024.  The Fishers Parks & Recreation Department will begin accepting registrations for the 2024 summer camp program for Fishers residents now, for nonresidents beginning January 8.

The summer  camp program is for children ages 5-10 to explore their interests, make friends, and shake their summer-break boredom. Whether your kid is an adventurer, nature-lover, artist, all-star athlete, or scientist-in-training, Fishers Parks offers something for everyone to keep kids active and learning.

Here is a listing of what the camps have to offer in 2024, as provided by the Parks Department:

• An engaging and vibrant camp experience focused on a variety of physical, mental, and social learning opportunities. Each week of camp will include outdoor play and exploration, sports, water play, arts and crafts, STEM activities, music, and more!
• All camp counselors must pass a criminal background check and are required to complete over 40 hours of mandatory training.
• Two T-shirt(s) per registered camp week, to be worn each day of camp (for camps at Holland Park, Billericay Park, Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, Fishers AgriPark, and HSE Schools locations only)
• Outstanding counselor-to-camper ratios
• Procedures to ensure camper’s safety, including on-site medical forms, and photo identification for child sign-out

Access the camping schedule, and online registration, at this link.

I recall recording a podcast with Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and Launch Fishers Founder John Wechsler.  John was leaving his post running Launch and was about to take on a new challenge he could not announce at that time.  I later discovered Wechsler’s new endeavor was and is a business named Spokenote.

The way John explained it to me, his new business would place QR Codes on products allowing the customer to access a video.  The example John gave me was a flower shop delivering a floral arrangement.  The person sending the flowers could add a video message with a QR Code on the card.

Wechsler’s latest innovative project has just landed a partnership with the NBA and the Indiana Pacers.  The Pacers will feature Spokenote QR Codes on player jerseys.

Below is the news release issued by the NBA Wednesday:

The Poynter Project is one of the most respected nonprofit organizations dealing with journalism.  A recent post on their Web site provides troubling data on the state of news, particularly local news, in America.

I write this blog as a mostly volunteer activity (I receive a small amount writing for Fishers Magazine and providing an advertising portal for them).  That means I do not need to monitor ad revenue or paid subscriptions to determine whether I continue to publish this blog.

But if you are in the game to make money, the numbers are grim.  Online ad revenue is being gobbled-up by the big players in tech, like the Googles, Apples and Metas.  That does not always leave enough ad revenue left for local news outlets to survive.

Here is part of the story posted by Poynter December 27th:

As the holiday season approached, CNN laid off hundreds of employees. Gannett, the country’s largest newspaper chain, cut its news division by 6%. The Washington Post, NBCUniversal and ABC News all announced layoffs for early 2023.

What followed has been a bloodbath. Though data from December is not yet available, the news industry has already seen more job cuts this year — 2,681 — than all of 2022 or 2021, according to employment firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. The firm has tracked a total 20,324 job cuts in media through November, the highest year-to-date total since 2020, which saw 30,211 cuts in the same time period.

Those numbers do not reflect what is happening at smaller operations locally.  Many are down to one reporter, others have just closed up shop for good.

I have heard it said by many people involved in local media that this is the best time to be a corrupt local official.  Often, if there is wrong-doing in a local community, it is the local  newspaper that brings it out in the open and forces others to follow-up.

I am not saying there is corruption everywhere, but if you want to be corrupt locally, the lack of a local newspaper enhances your chances of getting away with it.

But local news is much more than that.  Local reporters showing up at government meetings to report on what happens is more important than you may think, even with many government meetings available on video online.  I have had more than one local official tell me a meeting is handled one way with an independent journalist present, and an entirely different way with no reporter in the room.

I will say there are some bright spots in journalism locally.  Capital Chonicle and Mirror Indy are nonprofit organizations doing local news in the Indy area.  Axios Indy and State Affairs are examples of private sector news operations.

But even those news outlets do not replace good, local news coverage.  I sincerely hope a business model emerges to allow local news to become profitable enterprises.

In the meantime, I will continue my Fishers news blog as best I can.  But, once again, I urge everyone to support your local media.  Local news deserves your support!

As I write this, we are in the second day of 2024.  So, what do we know is in store for Fishers in 2024?  There is a little we do know.

First, the City Council will convene with 3 new members and a work session coming on a possible process to take bids on a city-wide trash collection contract.  Many surrounding municipalities either run their own trash collection operations or contract with a private firm to handle the job.  Mayor Scott Fadness has said he has no interest in having a city trash collection department, so a city-wide private contract with the potential to save money for citizens and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) in their trash collection fees is most likely the solution to be considered.  We will see where this goes in 2024.

Another major decision coming locally is on a new Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Superintendent.  The previous superintendent, Yvonne Stokes, resigned in September with a generous separation agreement with just under one year left in her contract.  The school board has narrowed the list of superintendent candidates down to 5, according to a statement from Board President Dawn Lang delivered at a recent meeting.  A decision is expected in late January or early February.

There are many big events local residents are awaiting in this new year.  The new City Hall/Arts Complex is expected to open in late spring or early summer this year.  The Events Center, to be the home of the Indy Fuel minor-league hockey team and the indoor football team Fishers Freight in 2025, is on target to open in November of this year.  A new community center should break ground soon. There are also new hotels and restaurants opening in the downtown Nickel Plate District.

So, there is a lot in the pipeline.  When I ask local officials what to expect in new announcements during 2024, most tell me me the year will be about starting what’s already been announced and finishing what the city has already started.

What will the biggest story of 2024 be in Fishers?  My best guess is the biggest story is the one we cannot predict or imagine today.  In most years, it is the stories we cannot envision now that will be big in the new year.

Happy New Year to all my readers!

Fishers Arts Council will host their annual meeting on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 7pm-8pm in the Fishers Parks Maker Lab 4, located at in the Hub & Spoke building at 8100 E. 106th Street, Suite 150, Fishers. The public is welcome to attend this meeting which will review the Fishers Arts Council budget for 2024, elect new officers to join the board, and vote on executive committee positions.

If you wish to attend, please notify Fishers Arts Council executive director, Les Reinhardt, by sending an email to info@FishersArtsCouncil.org by January 10, 2024.

Celebrating the month of January, the Fishers Arts Council (FAC) presents “My Favorite Things,” an exhibition featuring the artistic brilliance of local talent, Mark Rouse. Renowned for securing the Best in Show accolade at the prestigious 2023 Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists, sponsored by Jiffy Lube of Indiana and hosted by the Fishers Arts Council, Rouse brings a collection that encapsulates his passion and creative journey.

The exhibit, located at the FAC Hub Gallery within the Collaboration Hub at 11810 Technology Drive, Fishers, will run from January 8th to February 1st. Additionally, the exhibit will be available for viewing by appointment from January 2nd to 5th by contacting the FAC directly.

Rouse’s artistic prowess extends beyond individual achievement, as he introduces an exceptional feature to his showcase—artworks by his family members. His daughters Laura and Ashley, alongside their children, will display an eclectic mix of photography, illustration, collage, and intriguingly, “paper pants,” unveiling an artistic legacy that resonates within their family.

Expressing his artistic philosophy, Rouse shares, “I paint the things I love, and I hope people love the things I paint! Critters? Cars? Land and Water? Sports? I paint all of this and more.” The exhibit promises a vibrant narrative spanning various themes close to Rouse’s heart.

However, the artist’s journey towards this exhibition was not without challenges. Rouse, having faced a diagnosis of legal blindness, underwent a remarkable evolution in his creative process. Exploring diverse materials and techniques became pivotal during his recovery, allowing him to surpass artistic boundaries he once thought insurmountable.

Reflecting on his family’s involvement in his artistic endeavors, Rouse speaks proudly of their diverse talents. His daughters Laura and Ashley have ventured into photography and teaching, respectively, while his daughter Lindsay beautifully intertwined painting into her wedding celebration. The artist beams with enthusiasm, seeing the same creative fervor in his grandchildren.

Looking ahead, Rouse is working on paintings for an upcoming sports-themed exhibit at Four Day Ray in July and August. His ambitions extend further, aiming to collaborate with jazz musicians to orchestrate a live painting experience—an innovative fusion of music and art.

In a heartwarming revelation, Rouse expresses gratitude for regaining his vision post-2015, declaring, “Creating art is a joy!” The gallery at the Collaboration Hub aims to be a space where residents can witness the beauty of art created within their community.

The showcase will be inaugurated with a free, public reception on January 12th, from 6:00-8:00 P.M., embracing live music, engaging interviews with the artists, and a special performance by Rouse’s grandson, Cam DeVore, at 6:30 P.M. FAC board member Pat Grabill will lead an interview session with the artists around 6:45 P.M., welcoming all art enthusiasts to join the celebration at the FAC Hub Gallery.

Gallery hours are from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Thursday, with Friday visits available by appointment only, arranged by directly contacting the Fishers Arts Council.

For those passionate about art and eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of creativity, the FAC Hub Gallery is a must-visit destination this January.

For more information or to schedule appointments, reach out to the Fishers Arts Council.

After a successful 2023 event, the City of Fishers, in collaboration with Vision Event Management, gears up for the return of the 16th annual Geist Half Marathon Race Series on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Offering picturesque views of the Geist Reservoir, tree-lined trails, and stunning waterfront bridges, this family-friendly race is set to draw participants of all ages and abilities.

Scheduled for the early fall, the race series presents three distinct distances to cater to varying preferences and capabilities. Participants across all categories will receive a race shirt, a medal, and exclusive access to the post-race celebration.

2024 will witness the revival of the 0K race alongside a revamped VIP experience. This enhanced VIP Perks package boasts reserved parking, exclusive apparel, a private gear check, an extra drink ticket, and access to the Recovery Zone post-race. The VIP experience will seamlessly blend into the public post-race party, allowing VIP registrants an additional drink ticket while they revel in the festivities alongside friends and family. The VIP registration is available for an extra $49 fee.

Ginny Zimmerman, Culture of Health Ambassador for the City of Fishers and Race Director of the Geist Half Marathon Race Series, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m thrilled to continue to establish the footprint of the Geist Half Marathon as Central Indiana’s most scenic race series in the early fall.”

Zimmerman credited the success of the event to the support received from the community, acknowledging the invaluable insights provided by previous board members, organizers, and past participants. She highlighted the course’s allure, emphasizing its blend of challenge and beauty, offering panoramic water views along tree-covered trails.

With the aim to cater to a broader audience, the reintroduction of the 10K was an easy decision, providing more distance options to participants. Zimmerman also emphasized the accessibility of the 5K, catering to first-timers, families, and fitness enthusiasts, fostering a healthy sense of community and accomplishment.

Public registration for the race series will commence at GeistHalf.com on December 31, with a two-day New Year’s promotional offer before prices escalate on January 2. During this promotional period, prices will start at $24.99 for the 5K, $31.99 for the 10K, and $52.99 for the half marathon. Virtual registration options are also available for interested participants.

In preparation for this large-scale event, the City of Fishers is actively seeking the support of hundreds of community volunteers. Various volunteer roles—from packet pickup and runner services to on-course entertainment and course marshals—are up for grabs. Interested individuals can register to volunteer at VolunteerFishers.com.

To delve deeper into the event details and secure a spot in the race, individuals are encouraged to visit GeistHalf.com.

The roundabout at 106th Street & Hoosier Road is open to traffic, based on the weekly update from the City of Fishers.  However, the Engineering Department warns that more work will be needed at that location once weather allow.

Below is the full road construction summary for the week, as provided by the city:

================ Continue reading Road Construction update – 106th & Hoosier Rd roundabout open to traffic →

I am wrapping-up my 12th year of writing a local Fishers news blog.  When starting this volunteer endeavor in 2012, I never imagined over 95,000 unique visitors in one year, but that is the number for 2023.  I appreciate all my readers and will work at providing something of value as we head into 2024.

That said, I have worked at finding my 15 most important news stores in Fishers from 2023.  As I have written before, in most newsrooms, it takes many days of arguing, screaming and throwing things at each other to come up with a list like this.  Since this blog is a one-man-band, I spend time going back and forth on this list myself.

So, this is the best I can do, as one guy trying to cover Fishers news in 2023.  Some of you may agree with the listing, others may not.  That is fine.  There are no right or wrong answers.

So, here we go, the top 15 Fishers news stories in 2023 as reported on LarryInFishers.com.

15  Fishers faces trash crisis

Okay, crisis may be too strong a term, but individual homeowners and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) have seen large increases in the cost just to collect trash.  Only 2 trash collection firms are operating in Fishers at this time.  A big story as we enter 2024 will be whether the City of Fishers will take bids on a city-wide trash collection contract with a private company.

14  Restaurant letter grades from Health Department

Health departments routinely inspect restaurants within their jurisdiction and issue reports.  if there are major problems, the restaurant might be closed down until the problems are corrected.  The Fishers Health Department issued letter grades to local establishments, which can be easily seen when you enter the eatery.  The grades are A, B & C.  Below C means the department needs to work with the restaurant to correct problems  So far, the system seems to be working well.  I have not received many complaints.

13  Bastian plans large operation on Fishers border

Why would Fishers have any concern about a new industrial development in Noblesville?  Because the Bastian Company, a supplier for a major auto manufacturer, plans to locate just north of 141st Street, east of Promise Road.  Many Fishers residents on the south side of that planned development have had questions about how this will impact their quality of life on issues such as noise and traffic.  So far, Noblesville and the company have attempted to address those concerns.  Time will tell how this works out overall.

12  Kroger to locate in new store north of 116th on Allisonville Road

The saga of the Kroger store in this area of town has been interesting.  Originally, there was a plan to move the Kroger grocery north of 116th Street on Allisonville Road across the street to a newly-constructed location. Market conditions changed and Kroger decided to stay in the current location instead.  A large study on the future of the Allisonville Road corridor in Fishers revealed Kroger has decided to build a new store in the east side of Allisonville Road after all.  It now appears Kroger is committed to the new grocery in that area, but we will watch developments.

11.  Cumberland Cottages development breaks ground

A new housing development on Cumberland Road, just south of 141st Street, broke ground in 2023 with completion expected in 2024.  There will be 11 units, half or less will be for affordable housing, the rest at market rate rents.  The development is being built by HAND, a Noblesville-based nonprofit organization that has constructed a number of affordable housing projects in the area.

10.  Geist Waterfront Park opens

After much planning and construction the Geist Waterfront Park opened with the only public space on the Geist Lake.  But two issues arose quickly.  First, the city, wanting to ensure local residents had access to the park, instituted a $50 parking fee for nonresidents, which resulted in a rash of bad publicity for Fishers, with some basically arguing Fishers was trying to keep outside people out of a public park.  Secondly, there were some water quality issues on the beach, but the Parks Department was testing the water and after a short closing, the beach reopened when water quality tested at an acceptable level.

9  City Council looks at HOA governance issues

When hedge funds started buying-up homes in neighborhoods throughout the nation, including Fishers, there were discussions about what could be done about it.  It appeared that Homeowners Association (HOA) rules could be used.  But when a proposal went before the Fishers Plan Commission lowering the common language requiring 75% of homeowners to change such HOA rules, several industry representatives argued against lowering the normal 75% threshold for changes in HOA covenants, citing unintended consequences that would follow.   In the end, the city decided to allow lower HOA voting thresholds only in newly-formed HOAs, which would impact only a handful of HOAs.

8.  New Fishers Events Center on the way

Construction began on a new Fishers Events Center, to become the new home of Indy Fuel minor league hockey team.  It was also announced that a new indoor football league team will be coming, named the Fishers Freight, in 2025.  The center is scheduled to be completed in November of 2024.  Fishers has hired a well-connected firm to handle bookings of other dates for the events center.  It is also expected that local graduation ceremonies and the Mudsock basketball games between Fishers & HSE High Schools (girls & boys) would be played at the new center.  HSE Schools indicated they would apply with the IHSAA to host state tournament basketball games at the new center.

7.  141st Street & State Road 37

This intersection was bid, but the bids received were way, way over the engineering estimates.  The bids were taken at a time when the construction industry was recovering from the COVID.  Those bids were way over budgeted amounts.  The decision was made to wait and bid in the spring of 2024.  Meanwhile, that intersection is right-in right-out east-west on 141st Street for the time being.  City officials have assured residents this is just a temporary solution and a roundabout will be constructed for east-west motorists along 141st Street by early 2025.

6.  146th Street & Allisonville Road

The Hamilton County Highway Department has taken on the issue of major traffic backups in this area by reconstructing the intersection.  Construction continues into 2024, building a roundabout on Allisonville Road on ground level, with ramps to enter and leave 146th Street, leaving 146th with no interruption in traffic flow.  The construction phase has been painful for many, particularly those living in the area.  But the end result will allow for much better traffic flow in that area.

5.  New Community Center plans revealed

The City of Fishers conducted a survey of citizens, asking what they would want from a city community center.  There were thousands of responses.  The demand for arts classes was a surprise to many, and will be part of the new City Hall complex currently under construction.  But the plans for the new Community Center, to be located a 121st Street and Hoosier Road, were announced in 2023.  Preparations continue and ground-breaking for the new facility is expected in early 2024.

4.  City Council election

Every 4 years, cities in Indiana elect the mayor and city council.  For 2023 in Fishers, there were no opponents for incumbent Mayor Scott Fadness in the primary or general election, so he will have 4 more years in the mayor’s office.  However, all but one City Council race had one opponent.  In the end, incumbent Democrats Jocelyn Vare and Crystal Neumann and incumbent Republican David Giffel lost in their bids for a 4-year term.  New members of the Council taking office in 2024 include Republicans John DeLucia and Tiffanie Ditlevson, along with Democrat Bill Stuart.  City Clerk Jennifer Kehl won another term and City Judge Den Henke was unopposed.

3  New HSE School Board

Four new members of the Hamilton Southeastern School Board took office in 2023, and there were controversies galore.  After considering the refusal of a $5.7 million mental health grant, the board decided not to stand in the way of accepting the gift.  The Panorama Survey was cancelled, even though the district had paid $152,000 in advance for surveys that will not be done, with no legal way to recover those funds.  The board fired long-time law firm Church, Church, Hittle and Antrim and hired Barnes & Thornburg to handle the board’s legal matters.  The board voted to remove language on microaggressions from the student handbook. Top administrators did not have their contracts renewed, normally a routine matter.  And, the biggest controversy the board had in 2023 was the resignation of Superintendent Yvonne Stokes with a large separation agreement.  The board expects to hire a new superintendent in early 2024.  Whether you agree or disagree with the board’s actions and inactions, controversies were plentiful.

2  Hamilton East Library Board

Many will question why this is not number 1, but that will be addressed later.  A majority of the Hamilton East Library Board voted to institute a policy of reviewing every book in the young adult section based on its content, judged by criteria written by the board.  When author John Green objected to one of his books being moved from the young adult to the adult collection, his social media comments made national and international news.  Even when the board said his book would be returned to the young adult section, Green pressed for the board to end this policy.  Green granted interviews to the Indianapolis Star and New York Times to make his case.  The board later voted to “pause” the book reviews, then when a new majority emerged on the board following resignations and a new appointment, the board voted late in 2023 to end the young adult review of books.

1.  HSE School referendum passes

This is my number 1 story of the year because this vote will impact the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools for 8 years, beginning in 2024.  The 2016 funding referendum expires at the end of 2023, so the local school board voted to put a referendum question on the November ballot, continuing the funding referendum with a slightly lower property tax rate.  Voters overwhelmingly cast yes ballots, ensuring HSE Schools will have adequate funding to keep class sizes at a reasonable level in the lower grades, provide competitive compensation to the teachers & other staff members and continue important programs.  The board’s decision to place the referendum question on the ballot was an important one.  No organized opposition to the referendum emerged during the election campaign.  The Advance HSE Political Action Committee (PAC) drew plenty of volunteers and they worked throughout the HSE community advocating passage of the referendum.  Because this referendum vote has a long-term impact on our local schools, I judged this the number 1 Fishers story of 2023.

Well, there you have it.  You may wonder why I didn’t mention the new City Hall/Arts Center.  That was under construction all of 2023 so the lack of any news is a good thing.  There were plenty of personal items you, my readers, allowed me a point of personal privilege to write about on this blog.  I lost my mom and youngest brother in 2023, but celebrated the birth of my granddaughter Callie.  My grandson Dakota turned 3 years of age.  And, I humbly accepted a Jefferson Award, about the highest honor a volunteer in America can receive.

So, agree or disagree with my decisions, this is the best list I could put together as one guy doing his best to cover news in my local community, Fishers.  Once again, I thank my readers of this blog and listeners of my podcasts.  You continue to be there, in record numbers during 2023.  I will try to honor your trust in me by providing the best coverage possible.

Thanks and happy new year to everyone!