Category Archives: LarryInFishers.com

Fishers Road Construction

Look for lane restrictions along the State Road 37 constructions zone.  Also, there is information on road closures for the 5K.

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

 

STATE ROAD 37 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

STATE ROAD 37 AND 146TH STREETAll left-turn lanes are currently restricted on SR 37 and on 146th Street with traffic moved to the interior lanes. Thru traffic and right turns on SR 37 and 146th Street will remain open. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes for all left turn access. View an alternate route map hereOn Monday, November 29 Herriman North will be pushed into the center to allow removal of temporary pavement utilized to accommodate traffic during construction.On Tuesday, November 30 NB SR 37 will be restricted between 141st Street and 146th Street between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to perform repairs to the temporary pavement.Between Monday, December 6 and Friday, December 10 there will be traffic restrictions on SR 37 between 146th Street and Greenfield Avenue to perform pavement smoothness corrections on the concrete weigh-in-motion station.STATE ROAD 37 AND 131ST STREET131st Street at SR 37 is currently closed as work progresses on the interchange. SR 37 will remain open both north and southbound. View the detour map here.The anticipated completion of the 131st Street work that will allow right in/right out movements for southbound SR 37 and 131st Street  is scheduled for December. Please drive with caution through this area. To learn more about the State Road 37 Improvement Project and sign up to receive text updates, visit 37Thrives.com.

5K CLOSURES
FISHERS YMCA WISHBONE 5K

Road closures will be in place on Thursday, November 25 between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. for the Fishers YMCA Wishbone 5K. Closures will begin at the Fishers YMCA on 126th Street, west to Saksons Blvd., around Ellipse Pkwy. to Farley Drive, to Turkel Drive, east on Sunblest Blvd., south on Lantern Road to the Nickel Plate Trail. Participants will continue north on the NPT until 126th Street. View route here.  

GOBBLERS JOG 5K

Road closures will be in place on Thursday, November 25 between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. for the Gobblers Jog 5K. Closures will begin at Witten Park on 134th Street in Saxony Village, east to Olio Road, south to 126th Street, west to Pennington Road, north to 131st Street, east to Saxony Blvd., then west on 131st Street to Pennington Road/Erlen Drive. Participants will continue to Witten Park. View route here.

HSE Schools announce third-grade I-Read results

Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools third-grade students took the state required test named I-Read recently, with the results made available earlier in November.  According to a video released Tuesday featuring HSE Superintendent Yvonne Stokes, the students in the local district scored very well.

Among school districts testing 1,000 or more third-graders, HSE had the top score with a 94.7% pass rate.  According to Dr. Stokes, the I-Read assessment measures foundational reading skills at the third-grade level.

In that same video, the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation was featured as preparing for Giving Tuesday, November 30. The foundation asks for a donation that can be done online at HSEFoundation.org.

The foundation then asks that you post a photo or video on social media proclaiming your donation.  You are also asked to tag the post with #HSEFunselfie – or @hsefoundation

 

Fishers Police issue a warning on deadly counterfeit pills

Three deaths and many accidental overdose cases have led Fishers Police to issue a public warning about counterfeit pills containing the drug fentanyl.

Police officials say overdoses are not only attributed to an individual abusing fentanyl, but also individuals consuming a drug they believe to be originally distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Pills such as oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and alprazolam (Xanax), or other stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall), are being marketed as legitimate prescription pills and often sold on social media platforms.

Popular apps like Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, and Whisper allow teens to connect with local, as well as national drug dealers, and often remain anonymous.

Last month, officers assigned to the FPD Crime Reduction Unit seized more than 25,000 counterfeit pills believed to contain fentanyl.

The Fishers Police Department urges all Fishers’ residents to be aware of the dangers of counterfeit pills and to only take medications prescribed to them, by a medical professional, and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. For more information, visit www.DEA.gov/onepill

Fishers becomes a home for the life science industry and development in general

 

I recall an issue before the Fishers Town Council early in my time covering local government – a municipal investment in a new operation named Launch Fishers.  It was introduced and quickly passed by the council at that time.  I later discovered council members had hashed-out the proposal in a public work session.  I learned my lesson and tried to be there when town council work sessions were scheduled.

Launch Fishers marked a way a small business, not quite ready for an office of its own, could move from the kitchen table to an environment of high-speed Internet connections and human connections that led to other opportunities.

The high-tech sector dominated, but was not the only business populating Launch Fishers.  Many companies that have grown within Fishers were hatched at Launch Fishers.

There has been a new emphasis of economic growth in the city of late – the life sciences.  Fishers announced several week ago that Stevanato, an Italian bio-tech firm, will locate a manufacturing facility in Fishers near 126th Street and Cumberland Road.

It was recently announced that a South Korean company, List Therapeutics, will locate in Fishers not far from the Stevanato facility.  According to city officials, both firms will have manufacturing facilities in Fishers.

Yet another firm, Genezen, described by the company as a cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization, plans a big expansion to its manufacturing plant in Fishers.

All of this development will be partially financed through state and local incentive packages.

There is another business announcement I believe is worth noting.  Mojo Up is a marketing firm that started in Launch Fishers and plans to expand into the heart of downtown, part of the Nickel Plate Cultural District, in the Switch Building.

Mojo Up is a Black-owned and minority operated company.

“The City of Fishers provided incentive support for Mojo Up through the City’s master lease program, which provides flexible, short-term lease options for growing businesses,” says a city news release.

The economic development of Fishers is continuing fall-speed-ahead under the leadership of Mayor Scott Fadness.  The development along 116th Street downtown, which includes the First Internet Bank headquarters, is moving along and should be opening in the coming months.  This will make a marked change in the feel and atmosphere of downtown Fishers.

The City is close to naming a design group for he new City Hall, which is likely to include an indoor facility for the arts.  Another facility is being planned not far from downtown for indoor and outdoor sports.

One thing I have learned about Mayor Fadness is his desire to move forward.  He is moving on life sciences, public facilities and minority-owned businesses.    I do not expect any slowing down of that commitment anytime soon.

 

HAMCO school superintendents & their pay

The reporter covering northside suburban education for the Indianapolis Star, M.J. Slaby, has run some numbers on the amount of compensation for four Hamilton County school districts.  Her figures show the highest paid school leaders and not tied to the size of the school corporation but more tied to the tenure in the job.

The highest paid superintendent is Beth Niedermeyer in Noblesville.  She has been in her job the longest.  Mike Beresford in Carmel is second, but could jump to #1 if he hits incentives in his contract.  Both Niedermeyer and Beresford were assistant superintendents with Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools previous to their current positions.

Yvonne Stokes, HSE superintendent, is the lowest paid, but she has also been on the job the shortest length of time..

You can see more details on all this by reading the IndyStar story at this link.  Note that you must be an IndyStar subscriber to access this story.  I encourage you to subscribe to your local media.  You can sign-up initially for a Star subscription for as little as $1 a month for the first few months.

Mayor Fadness says a final goodbye to retired City Councilor David George

Mayor Fadness presents retired City Council
Member David George receives a commemoration of his service to Fishers

Mayor Scott Fadness was out of town working on an economic development project and missed the October City Council session, the final meeting for Councilman David George.  He resigned his seat and David Giffel was selected by a Republican party caucus to finn-in the remainder of Mr. George’s term

The mayor asked David George to return once more time to City Hall for a council meeting so Fadness could present a small commemoration of Mr. George’s long service to Fishers.

Mayor Fadness pointed to the way the councilman was involved in the development of Fishers, which has led to a $1 billion total investment here.

“He was a staunch advocate for his constituents and his neighborhood,” Fadness told the City Council.  “He always, always cared about our employees.”

David George was the longest-serving council member, going back to the days of Fishers as a town.  He was a council member for 19 years.

Fishers has plans for the holiday season

As we move toward the holidays, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, the City of Fishers is full of holiday events.  The city just released a listing.  You can view that listing, as provided by the city, below:

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Holiday Lights Map Through December 31 Throughout Fishers 
Free 
Looking for the best holiday light displays around Fishers? Grab some hot cocoa and hop in the car to enjoy the festive displays from fellow residents using the digital Fishers Holiday Lights Map, that will debut later this month. Is your house decked out for the holidays? Help spread holiday cheer and show off your display by adding your house to the map. Learn more at ThisIsFishers.com/FishersLights 
 
Shop Fishers: Holiday Series  November 27-December 31 
Throughout Fishers 
Free  Support Fishers’ homegrown small businesses during the Shop Fishers: Holiday Series, beginning on Small Business Saturday, November 27 and running through December 31. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and take advantage of special deals and promotions at 70 local businesses around Fishers, including boutiques, restaurants, fitness centers, spas, home and garden stores, entertainment centers, and more! New this year, several Shop Fishers businesses have partnered with local non-profits to give back to the community with special deals on Giving Tuesday, November 30. Get the full list of deals at ThisIsFishers.com/ShopFishers 
 
Santa’s Mailbox 
November 29-December 17   Fishers City Hall (1 Municipal Drive, Fishers) 
Fishers Parks Headquarters (8100 E. 106th Street, Fishers) Free 
Drop off your letter to Santa in the special mailboxes located at Fishers City Hall and Fishers Parks. Include a self-addressed envelope, and you’ll receive a reply from St. Nick! Letters can be dropped off at either location anytime, just look for the mailbox just outside the main entrances. Can’t drop off in person? Email Santa through December 23 at santa@fishers.in.us! 
 
Winter Wonderland 
December 4, 4-7 p.m. 
Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Drive, Fishers) 
Free 
Celebrate the season at Winter Wonderland, presented by Centier Bank, with the annual City of Fishers Tree Lighting at 6 p.m., carriage and train rides, fire pits and s’mores, cookie decorating, live ice carving, a special Winter Wonderland Storywalk, the Fishers Arts Council’s “Winter Wonderland of Art” exhibit inside City Hall, food, drinks, music, and more. Learn more at playfishers.com/582/Winter-Wonderland. 
 
Feast with the Grinch 
Breakfast: December 18 & 19, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. 
Brunch: December 20 & 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 
Fishers Parks Headquarters (8100 E. 106th Street, Fishers) 
Registration required, ages 1-11 are $12, ages 12+ are $20 
Families will enjoy a meal of Grinch-inspired goodies, a visit from the Grinch, and Whoville-themed activities. Snap a photo with the Grinch himself at the photo booth for a delightful keepsake! Four meal sessions are available, register by December 11 at playfishers.com/583/Feast-with-the-Grinch. 
 
Wreath Making at the AgriPark 
December 6, 6-8 p.m. 
Fishers AgriPark (11171 Florida Road, Fortville) 
Registration required, $30 per person 
Create your own winter or holiday wreath to deck the halls using live greenery in a workshop led by Jenny Russell of Flower Chic Indy. Refreshments are included. Register by November 29 here.
 
Printmaking Wrapping Paper Pop-Up Event 
December 11, 2-7 p.m. 
Maker Playground (8100 E. 106th Street, Fishers) 
Free 
Get creative by designing your own holiday gift-wrapping paper using basic printmaking techniques at this pop-up event. No registration is required. Learn more at fishersmpg.com. 
 
Fall Fishers Farmers Market 
Through December 17 
Online ordering available Saturdays at 9 a.m. to Wednesdays at noon 
Purchase fresh, local goodies for your holiday feast with the virtual Fall Fishers Farmers’ Market and enjoy free delivery to your door each Friday. Featuring market favorites and new vendors, find cookies, breads, cakes, cold-weather veggies, meat and eggs, dog treats, jams and jellies, drinks, and more. Shop online at playfishers.com/FarmersMarket. 
 
Storywalk 
November: Cyntheanne Park (12383 Cyntheanne Road, Fishers) 
December: Holland Park (1 Park Drive, Fishers) 
This season, Fishers Parks’ self-guided Storywalk hike features “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorrell in November and “A Day So Gray” by Marie Lamba in December. Visit playfishers.com/storywalk for more info. 
 
Free Yoga Wednesdays 
Wednesdays through December 29, 9-10 a.m. 
Billericay Park Building (12690 Promise Road, Fishers) 
Free 
Relax from the holiday stress at weekly yoga sessions guided by Roots & Wings Yoga and Wellness. All skill levels are welcome, and no registration is required. Participants must bring their own yoga mat. Visit playfishers.com/533/Free-Yoga-Wednesdays for more information. 
 
Angel of Hope Paver Dedication December 6, 6 p.m. 
Heritage Park at White River (10595 Eller Road, Fishers) 
Free 
Fishers Parks and Recreation Foundation hosts the second annual winter dedication of pavers at the Angel of Hope memorial. The Ambassador House will be open at 6 p.m. to welcome the community, followed by a candlelight procession to the Angel of Hope Memorial Garden and the reading of names by Mayor Fadness at 7 p.m. For more information about the Angel of Hope or to order a paver, visit fishersparks.org.  

More 5G towers considered by the City of Fishers

Fishers approved 2 5G Verizon small cell towers in Fishers neighborhoods and tabled 2 more.

The Board of Public Works and Safety, consisting of the mayor and his 2 appointees, approved a new 5G tower for the Harrison Park subdivision over the objections of a resident that says the tower will be placed in his front yard.  The board said the placement of this tower was within the guidelines of other similar tower placements.

In Morgan Meadows, there was a request to move the tower further north.  Verizon had previously said no to moving the tower south, so the board tabled the request to allow Verizon a chance to consider moving the tower north.

The board approved one permit for a tower in the River Glen subdivision, but tabled an additional tower request.  This will allow the city engineering department to evaluate the light fixtures on the proposed tower location.

In other items before the board Thursday morning:

–The city accepted a $1 million state grant to help pay for resurfacing of Technology Drive in the Northeast Commerce Park.  The entire project to replace the concrete pavement with asphalt will cost a total of just under $3 million.  The bid was awarded to Morphey Construction.  The project is expected to be complete by June of 2022.

–Residents in the neighborhoods of Cottingham Estates and Harrison Green will be allowed more grant money for improvements along the Nickel Plate Trail adjacent to their property.  The additional grants will be financed through the bond money for the trail construction.  City staff says the situation in those 2 neighborhoods justify the need for additional city funds.

–The Wellington Banquet and Conference Center will take over the management of Saxony Hall.

–The Fishers Vaccination Center on 116th Street near Brooks School Road will go to a month-to-month lease beginning in January.  The city is unsure how long the vaccination center will be needed.  The location is a former Marsh grocery store.

–The Fishers Town Hall Building Corporation will work with Hub & Spoke to construct additional parking.  This should allow enough parking space for the businesses located at Hub & Spoke and residents using the Nickel Plate Trail.

–The board approved a project agreement with Rebar to develop and construct office space and renovate existing office space along the Nickel Plate Trail with a $7.2 million investment. Incentives will go through the Fishers Town Hall Building Corporation.

Fishers Health Department: COVID cases increasing

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, the Fishers Health Department says we have seen an increase in COVID cases locally.  The department says after 6 consecutive weeks of decline, the past two weeks have seen an increase.

The Hamilton county unique individual positivity rate went up from 9.9% last week to 13.2% this week.

The case incidence rate, which is a 14-day rolling average of cases per 100,000 population, is up for a second straight week – 21.2% last week to 30.07% this week.  Fishers Health Department Epidemiologist Josh Robinson says over the 2-week period, the case incidence rate is up by a whopping 82%.

According to Robinson, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) availability has been going down in our local arear.  The availability rate is now at about 21%…it had been closer to 30% previously.

There was one piece of good news – the Fishers testing site has seen a decrease in positive cases from 13.38% to 10.23% over the past week.

Among those in Fishers age 18 and older, 85% have at least one COVID vaccine dose.  Even with that high vaccination rate Robinson says “there still remains a large number or residents in our community that have not yet initiated the vaccination process.”

Robinson encourages all eligible Fishers residents to get the vaccine.  “The case rates in unvaccinated residents is five times higher than the case rates in vaccinated residents” said Robinson.

Below is this week’s entire video message from Josh Robinson.