We have lots of data available.  We know the number of novel coronavirus deaths in Indiana has surpassed 1,700.  In Hamilton County, we have recorded 91 deaths.  But, how many of those 91 deaths are people living in Fishers?

According to the city, a new online dashboard should be available by next week.  More on that, and other COVID-19 items, in tonight’s Larry’s Log commentary.

Kurt Christian of the Indianapolis Business Journal reports that a new 314-home development may be on the way in the Geist area.  Young families and empty nesters are targeted by the developer.

For more, read the story at this link.  (NOTE: You may be limited on the number of IBJ stories available if you are not a subscriber.  My message, subscribe to local media, including the IBJ)

If you miss going to the Fishers Farmers Market in person, you will get your chance this Saturday, May 23rd.  The market opened this year as pickup only with online ordering in advance.

The market will be operating under different rules beginning May 23rd.  Here are the rules from the City of Fishers:

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New Market Guidelines:
The market will be practicing and encouraging social distancing. Booths will be spaced further apart, shoppers will be spaced when waiting in lines, and overall capacity will be limited. Shoppers should wear a mask while visiting the market and not touch for-sale items unless they are planning to purchase those items. Reusable bags are not permitted at this time. No eating or dogs will be allowed on site.

Senior & High-Risk Shopping Times:
8–8:30 a.m. will be designated as a special shopping time for those 65+, high-risk, or immunocompromised. All are welcome between 8:30 a.m. and noon.

For more details on the Fishers Farmer’s Market, use this link.

The Fishers City Council debated clarifications to the city’s noise ordinance Monday night and enacted a measure putting decisions about exceptions to the ordinance into the hands of the Fishers Board of Works and Public Safety.  Also, why the concept of independent inspectors general is worth keeping.

It was March 29th when I announced the end of regular local Fishers news coverage on this blog.  After more than 8 years going to meetings, news conferences and a myriad other events, it was time to scale back.  But with the novel coronavirus impacting all our lives to dramatically, I have tried to keep an eye on local angles of that story.

I also asked myself, what do I do now?  I plan to continue podcasts on a variety of subjects, including local nonprofits and the arts.  Well, there’s only so much happening on the arts scene, so I have tried to feature nonprofit organizations doing important work in the local community, and that will continue.

Then, I decided to do a daily Monday-Friday podcast, just 5-7 minutes long, about what happened that day and other days.  Nothing special, just a few thoughts that come into my mind.  I usually post the podcast between 10pm & midnight.

If you would like to sample some of my Larry’s Log podcasts, use this link.

Be careful, please be safe, wash your hands and wear a mask in public.

My May 12th Larry’s Log podcast discussed Indiana Republican House member Jim Lucas from Seymour.  He was accused of a recent racist post on Facebook.  Lucas immediately defended himself, saying the post was not racist and he is not racist.  I urged House Speaker Todd Huston (from Fishers) to consider pulling Lucas from his committee appointments in the House.  Friday afternoon, Huston published new committee assignments and Lucas was no longer on two, demoted from vice-chair to regular member on a third panel.  Here is my followup commentary on the speaker’s actions.

There will be plenty of Fishers road construction underway in the coming week.  State Road 37, 96th Street, Allisonville Road and several downtown projects are on the list.

Here is the listing provided by the City of Fishers:

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The HAND Board of Directors has announced Friday the promotion of Andrea Davis to executive director of the nonprofit organization.  HAND’s mission is promoting affordable housing in Hamilton County.

Davis has served as interim executive director for several months before being named to the post permanently.  She joined the staff of HAND in 2016.

“We are excited with the progress that both Andrea and Rebekah have made in continuing HAND’s mission,” Board Chairman Keith Broadnax said of the appointments, approved May 14. “If there was ever a need for affordable housing, it is now. We are committed to continuing to serve the affordable housing needs of our families and communities.”

Interim Deputy Director Rebekah Metzger has been named Development Director.  This signifies a shift made by the HAND organization to emphasize the ongoing focus on neighborhood and community development.

Before being named the executive director, Ms. Davis recorded a podcast interview with me that can be heard at this link.

Fishers has had a program aimed at improving mental health since transitioning from a town to a city.  COVID-19 is bringing even more urgency to mental health treatments.  Here is tonight’s Log

The local Hamilton County nonprofit group HAND, which promotes affordable housing throughout the county, has just been awarded a $150,000 COVID-19 grant from the United Way for those struggling with their rent payments.  All the details have not been worked out, but HAND’s Interim Executive Director Andrea Davis says her organization will be working with the local township trustees to help their clients in rent payment issues.

I talked about that, and other local housing issues, with Andrea Davis in this podcast.