After two consecutive e-learning days due to the recent winter storm, Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools will return to in-person classes Wednesday, but with a 2-hour delay.
Category Archives: LarryInFishers.com
Democrat Devon Wellington Announces Bid for Indiana House District 29
Democrat Devon Wellington of Noblesville has announced her candidacy for Indiana House District 29, a seat that includes portions of Fishers and is currently represented by Republican Alaina Shonkwiler.
In a statement announcing her campaign, Wellington said she is running to provide what she described as more responsive representation for residents of the district.
“I am running because I believe every single Hoosier in District 29 deserves a representative who listens to their concerns and fights for their priorities,” Wellington said.
Wellington said she has spent time speaking with families across the district and believes their concerns are clear.
“I have listened, and the families of District 29 have made their priorities clear: they want a more affordable life, strong public schools, and real economic opportunities for themselves, their children, and future generations,” she said.
Wellington has lived in Noblesville since 2023. She works as an educational policy advocate consultant and is a small business owner. According to her campaign, she volunteers at her children’s school, serves on Noblesville school district boards, and is involved with the civic engagement organization MadVoters.
Indiana Overhauls Local Income Tax System, Giving Cities Like Fishers New Authority
Indiana lawmakers have approved a major overhaul of the state’s local income tax system, shifting decision-making power away from counties and toward cities and towns — a change that will require Fishers officials to decide in the coming years whether to enact a city income tax for the first time.
For decades, Indiana’s local option income tax (LIT) was primarily a county-level decision. Counties chose whether to impose an income tax and at what rate, and the revenue was collected countywide. The state then distributed those dollars to cities, towns, townships and other local units using a statutory formula.
In Hamilton County, that countywide income tax rate has been 1.1 percent. Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield and other local governments each received a share of the revenue based on population and other factors set by state law. Cities did not control the tax rate directly and could not opt in or out independently.
That system is now changing under a sweeping tax reform package approved by the Indiana General Assembly in 2025 as part of broader property tax relief legislation.
Under the new law, existing countywide local income tax rates will expire after 2027. Beginning in 2028, counties and municipalities will each have the authority to adopt their own local income taxes within state-established limits.
For the first time, cities and towns — including Fishers — will be allowed to impose a municipal income tax directly on their residents. Cities with populations above 3,500 may adopt a local income tax rate of up to 1.2 percent. Counties will also be permitted to impose income taxes for county services, but under a restructured system.
State law caps the combined local income tax rate — county plus municipal — at 2.9 percent. That means any income tax adopted by Fishers would count toward that combined maximum along with any Hamilton County tax.
The change effectively ends the long-standing practice of pooling county income tax revenue and redistributing it to cities. Instead, local governments will be responsible for raising their own income tax revenue if they choose to do so.
For Fishers, the shift has significant budget implications. The city currently receives millions of dollars annually from Hamilton County’s local income tax distribution. Under the new system, that revenue source will disappear unless Fishers adopts its own municipal income tax. Mayor Scott Fadness has indicated he favors a city income tax, but there is no rate that has been suggested up to this point.
City officials are expected to begin discussing the issue during the 2026 and 2027 budget cycles, ahead of the 2028 implementation date. Any decision to enact a local income tax would require action by the Fishers City Council and would include public hearings.
Supporters of the new law say it gives cities more direct control over their finances and increases transparency by tying tax decisions more closely to the governments that provide services. Critics argue the change could pressure cities to raise income taxes to replace lost revenue tied to property tax relief.
For residents, the impact will depend on decisions made locally. While the overall local tax cap remains in place, Fishers’ future tax structure — and how city services are funded — will soon be determined closer to home.
Fishers Crews Make Major Progress After Historic Snowfall
After one of the most significant winter storms to hit Fishers in a decade, city officials say road conditions are steadily improving thanks to the tireless work of Fishers Department of Public Works snow plow drivers and support crews.
DPW crews worked around the clock through the weekend and overnight, clearing streets during the heaviest snowfall the area has seen in 10 years. City officials say most neighborhoods have now been reached, with crews continuing spot plowing overnight to address remaining trouble areas.
Because of the sheer volume of snow, some neighborhoods may still see large snow piles or limited space for snow storage. Officials note that during a storm of this magnitude, not all snow can be fully removed right away. Crews will remain focused on priority routes and known problem spots as cleanup continues.
With conditions improving, residents should expect to be able to travel normally on Tuesday, though caution is still advised—especially on side streets and in areas where snow has been pushed to the curb.
Hamilton Southeastern Schools to Remain Virtual
Hamilton Southeastern Schools announced students will learn from home for a second straight day on Tuesday, citing the dangerously cold temperatures expected overnight and into the morning. District officials said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution to protect students waiting at bus stops and traveling to and from school.
Trash and Recycling Delayed
Due to the storm, Monday’s trash and recycling collection has been moved to Tuesday. All collections for the week will be delayed by one day, with service running Tuesday through Saturday. Residents are asked to place carts out on their newly scheduled collection day.
Snow Plow Damage Claims
Residents who believe their mailbox was damaged during snow removal operations may submit a service request through Fishers Connect. The city reminds residents that crews do their best to avoid damage, but limited visibility and narrow streets can make snow removal challenging during major storms. To submit a claim for damage, use this link.
Extreme Cold Continues
While snowfall is winding down, dangerously cold temperatures remain a concern. An Extreme Cold Warning is in place from 7 p.m. Monday through 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Wind chills are expected to drop as low as 20 to 25 degrees below zero overnight. The National Weather Service warns that frostbite on exposed skin can occur in as little as 20 minutes, with hypothermia possible during prolonged exposure.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, wear hats, gloves, and face coverings when outdoors, and limit time outside whenever possible. Pet owners are also advised to keep animals indoors during the extreme cold.
City leaders again thanked residents for their patience and cooperation during the storm and praised DPW crews for their extraordinary effort in keeping Fishers moving through one of the harshest winter events in years.
Could Indiana Really Lure the Bears? Lessons — and Warnings — From Kansas City
As members of the Indiana General Assembly advance legislation designed to entice the Chicago Bears to build a new stadium in Northwest Indiana, sports economists and recent history offer a cautionary tale: landing an NFL franchise often costs far more than promised, delivers fewer public benefits than projected and can leave taxpayers holding the bag for decades.
The proposal comes as officials in Kansas face mounting criticism over a funding plan aimed at moving the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri to the state of Kansas. That deal, which relies heavily on future tax revenues and optimistic attendance projections, has drawn skepticism from economists who question whether the promised economic impact will materialize.
Indiana could face similar pitfalls if it attempts to lure the Bears across state lines.
One major challenge is the cost of stadium construction. Modern NFL stadiums routinely exceed $2 billion, with teams increasingly seeking public contributions through bonds, tax credits and infrastructure spending. While supporters argue that visitor spending will offset those costs, numerous independent studies have found that professional sports facilities generate limited net economic growth, often shifting entertainment dollars rather than creating new ones.
There is also significant risk in revenue projections. Deals are frequently structured around future hotel, sales or income tax growth tied to game-day activity. If attendance, tourism or development falls short — as has happened in other markets — the public sector can be left responsible for debt payments with few options to recoup losses.
Location presents another obstacle. While Northwest Indiana offers proximity to Chicago, it would place the Bears outside their historic fan base and corporate center. Corporate sponsorships, premium seating sales and weekday event bookings often depend on ease of access for businesses, something a border-area stadium may struggle to provide.
Transportation and infrastructure costs could further complicate the picture. Expanding road networks, transit options and public safety services around a new stadium typically requires additional public investment not included in headline funding numbers.
Finally, the political risks are real. Stadium deals often span 30 years or more, far outlasting the terms of the lawmakers who approve them. Future legislatures and governors could face pressure to renegotiate terms if revenues underperform or maintenance costs rise.
As Indiana lawmakers explore the possibility of bringing the Bears to the Hoosier State, the experience in Kansas City serves as a reminder that splashy sports announcements often come with long-term financial consequences. For taxpayers, the biggest question may not be whether Indiana can attract an NFL franchise — but whether it can afford to.
Travel Warning Continues as Fishers Digs Out From Heavy Snow and Extreme Cold
A travel warning remains in effect across Hamilton County as Fishers and surrounding communities continue to dig out from a major winter storm paired with dangerously cold temperatures.
Road crews in Fishers have been working around the clock, plowing and treating streets through the night and into Monday. Officials say the intense cold has complicated snow removal efforts, as lower temperatures reduce the effectiveness of salt and slow progress on already snow-packed roads.
Snowfall totals varied across the city, with most Fishers neighborhoods receiving between 8 and 9 inches. While main roads continue to see improvement, drivers are urged to use caution, particularly on neighborhood streets, cul-de-sacs, and less-traveled routes.
City trash and recycling pickup will not happen Monday this week. All Fishers trash collection will be delayed by one day.
Hamilton Southeastern Schools announced an e-learning day for Monday, citing hazardous travel conditions and extreme cold. Families are encouraged to monitor district communications for any additional updates.
The National Weather Service has issued a series of cold weather alerts for central Indiana, including Fishers. An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. Monday, followed by a Cold Weather Advisory from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Another Extreme Cold Warning is then set to begin at 7 p.m. Monday and last until 9 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chills as low as 20 to 27 degrees below zero are expected during the warning periods, with wind chills between 10 and 20 below zero during the advisory. Officials warn that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 20 minutes, and prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors whenever possible and to dress in layers, including hats, gloves, and face coverings, if they must go outside. The National Weather Service also advises checking frequently on elderly family members, friends, and neighbors, ensuring space heaters are used safely, and never using generators or grills indoors.
Pet owners are encouraged to keep animals indoors as much as possible during the extreme cold. Travelers who must be out on the roads should allow extra time, drive cautiously, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Local officials continue to ask residents to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve and crews can safely clear remaining snow and ice from city streets.
Trash Collection in Fishers Delayed by one day
In an update posted Sunday evening, the city of Fishers announced there will be no trash collection Monday, delaying the week’s schedule by one day.
Here is the full statement from the city:
Fishers DPW crews are operating at full capacity and will continue working overnight and into tomorrow. A travel warning is in effect (travel only for emergency personnel).
Please move parked vehicles off the street. Cars left on roadways will be buried and prevent plows from operating safely—there is no way to avoid this during a storm of this magnitude.
Monday’s trash/recycling service is DELAYED – all collections will be delayed by one day with service occurring Tuesday through Saturday this week. Please place carts out on your newly scheduled collection day.
Blowing snow and drifting are expected, requiring crews to repeatedly focus on keeping primary and secondary thoroughfares clear. As a result, progress in neighborhoods will take additional time. Residents should plan alternative arrangements for tomorrow’s travel.
Fuel Shut Out by Bloomington in 3–0 Loss to Close Three-Game Weekend
The Indy Fuel wrapped up a three-games-in-three-nights weekend against Bloomington on Sunday night but were unable to find the net in a 3–0 loss to the Bison.
After earning a win over Bloomington the night before, the Fuel struggled to convert scoring chances in the series finale. Bloomington opened the scoring at the 10-minute mark of the first period when Nikita Sedov broke the scoreless tie to give the Bison a 1–0 lead.
Indy had chances early to respond. Sahil Panwar was called for slashing just 1:43 into the game, but the Fuel penalty kill held strong. Later in the period, Bloomington’s Brenden Datema took a high-sticking penalty at 11:52, though the Fuel power play was unable to even the score. The first period ended evenly, with shots tied 9–9.
The second period was scoreless and featured no penalties. The Fuel outshot Bloomington 19–16 through the first 40 minutes but could not solve the Bison goaltender.
Early in the third period, Will Ennis was assessed a tripping penalty at 1:55, but Indy again held firm on the penalty kill. Bloomington extended its lead at 6:02 when Shane Ott scored to make it 2–0.
The game turned more physical late in the third, with Jadon Joseph and Datema each receiving roughing minors with 6:40 remaining. Panwar later took an interference penalty at 15:28, though the Bison failed to convert on the power play.
Bloomington sealed the victory with an empty-net goal by Mikhail Abramov at 19:43, closing out the 3–0 win and the weekend series.
Dangerous Winter Weather Continues as Travel Warning Remains in Effect in Fishers
A travel warning remains in effect across Hamilton County as a winter storm and dangerous cold continue to impact Fishers and surrounding communities. Officials continue to urge residents to stay off the roads except for emergency travel.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Monday, with additional snowfall of up to two inches possible. Snowfall totals in Fishers are now nearing nine inches, contributing to hazardous and, in some areas, impassable road conditions. Blowing and drifting snow are expected to continue, making travel difficult and limiting visibility.
The city of Fishers reports that Department of Public Works crews are operating at full capacity and will continue plowing operations overnight and into Monday. Crews are prioritizing primary and secondary thoroughfares, which means progress in neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs will take additional time. Officials warn that neighborhood streets, especially cul-de-sacs, will be particularly difficult to navigate.
Residents are asked to move all parked vehicles off the street. City officials say cars left on roadways will be buried by snow and prevent plows from operating safely, with no way to avoid this during a storm of this magnitude.
If plows have not yet reached a neighborhood, travel is strongly discouraged, especially for low-profile vehicles, which are likely to become stuck. Residents are urged to plan alternative travel arrangements for Monday, as delays are expected and many neighborhood streets may remain impassable without high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles.
In addition to snow, the region remains under multiple cold weather alerts. Wind chills could fall to 20 to 25 degrees below zero, with frostbite possible on exposed skin in as little as 20 minutes. Officials encourage residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
City and county officials continue to monitor conditions and urge residents to stay informed through official weather and emergency updates.
Travel Warning Issued in Hamilton County as Winter Storm and Extreme Cold Continue
Hamilton County Emergency Management has upgraded road conditions to a travel warning, the highest level of local advisory, as dangerous winter weather continues to impact central Indiana.
A travel warning means all non-emergency travel is strongly discouraged, with road use restricted to emergency personnel only. Officials urge residents to remain off the roads and follow all emergency directives until conditions improve. The warning will be reevaluated Monday afternoon.
Hamilton Southeastern Schools announced Sunday that Monday would be an e-learning day.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness underscored the severity of conditions Sunday, posting on social media that he was out assisting with snow removal and personally helped three stranded motorists while operating a snow plow.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Monday. An additional up to two inches of snow is possible across central Indiana, including Hamilton County. Officials warn that roads may remain snow-covered and slick, potentially impacting the Monday morning commute.
In addition to snow, the region is facing a prolonged period of dangerous cold.
An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from midnight Sunday night through 11 a.m. Monday, followed by a Cold Weather Advisory from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. Another Extreme Cold Warning will be in effect from 7 p.m. Monday through 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Wind chills are expected to drop as low as 20 to 25 degrees below zero, with frostbite possible on exposed skin in as little as 20 minutes. Prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia.
Officials remind residents to avoid all travel during the warning, dress in layers if going outdoors briefly, check on vulnerable neighbors, bring pets indoors, and monitor official updates from Hamilton County and the National Weather Service.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and remain indoors until conditions improve.