Category Archives: LarryInFishers.com

City Webinar talks trash collection contract implementation

The City of Fishers is poised to start a city-wide trash collection contract with Republic Services.  Implementing this contract is described by Mayor Scott Fadness as a “big undertaking.”  Despite best efforts by the mayor and his staff, expect some challenges as this contract starts in 2025.

Here are some key dates to know:

Weeks of December 30th & January 6th Those not already on the Republic service will have their new bins dropped-off.

Week of January 6th Current Waste Management customers will have their trash bins collected (the city says there should be no fee charged by Waste Management for this)

January 10, 2025  Last service date for Waste Management customers in the City of Fishers

January 13th The start date for city-wide Republic trash collection service

Current Republic customers may well have a new trash collection day as the city-wide service is implemented.  That information should be available in the coming weeks.  It iwill be posted on the Web site and each household in the city will eventually be individually notified.

Current Republic customers will keep their current trash carts.  A recycling bin will be delivered.  If a customer wants to change-up or downsize the number of bins, they need to contact Republic directly by Web site or telephone.

Customer service will be split between the city and Republic, depending on the issue.  For example, if a customer needs a new bin or trash pickup was missed that day, contact Republic.  For any billing issues or recurring service problems, contact the city.

There was a long list of questions asked, some were answered, others will be followed-up and answered on the city’s trash collection Web page at this link.

The story only touches a few main issues, there are many more.  I will do my best to keep everyone up-to-date on this big transition, impacting 31,000 families that will be switching to Republic Services for trash collection.

 

Fishers Celebrates 20-Year Ownership of Ritchey Woods with Anniversary Festival

On Saturday, October 12, the Friends of Ritchey Woods and other community members passionate about green spaces and wildlife will gather to celebrate the City of Fishers’ 20-year ownership of the Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ritchey Woods shelter, located at 10410 Hague Road. The open house is free and open to the public, offering a day filled with activities, networking, and a chance to reflect on the preserve’s legacy.

Ritchey Woods, a state-designated nature preserve since 1983, is considered one of Fishers’ most significant green spaces. It serves as a peaceful retreat in the midst of rapid development, featuring three biodiverse ecosystems—forest, prairie, and swamp—protected by state law. The event’s theme, “Not Just Another Park,” highlights the importance of preserving this space for future generations.

Honored Guests and Speakers

Several notable guests will make brief remarks during the festival:

  • Ron Hellmich, Director of the Division of Nature Preserves at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and his wife.
  • Danesa Stolz, former Chief Naturalist for Ritchey Woods.
  • Bill Stuart, City Council Member for the South West District of Fishers.
  • Kyle Walker, State Senator for Senate District 31, representing Fishers.

Engaging Activities for All Ages

A variety of wildlife and nature groups will have a presence at the event, offering activities for children and nature enthusiasts:

  • Amanda Wanlass, Executive Director of Indiana Phenology, will lead a nature-based children’s activity that emphasizes preservation.
  • John R. Hinton, of the Poetry Society of Indiana, will host a poetry-writing session to encourage creative reflection on the natural world.
  • Representatives from the Hoosier Sierra Club’s Heartlands Group, Indiana Wildlife Federation, Amos W. Butler Audubon Society, and other organizations will have information tables set up for visitors.

Additionally, literature from various conservation groups, including Indiana Tree Stewards, the Central Indiana Land Trust, and the Indiana Native Plant Society, will be available.

A Legacy of Preservation

One of the festival’s key highlights will be a tribute to Dr. James Oscar Ritchey, the visionary who preserved his farmland in the 1970s to ensure its protection for future generations. A portrait of Dr. Ritchey, along with a historical timeline of the preserve, will be on display for attendees to appreciate the foresight and dedication that has kept this green space intact.

Family Fun and Treats

The open house will offer light refreshments, including cupcakes and cookies, as well as door prizes every half hour. A craft activity using leaves (in adherence to preserve guidelines) will also be available, and dog owners passing by with their pets can enjoy water bowls set out for canine companions.

With interactive experiences and the opportunity to learn from local conservation leaders, the Anniversary Festival at Ritchey Woods promises to be a meaningful event for anyone who values the preservation of nature in central Indiana.

For more information, visit the Friends of Ritchey Woods Facebook page at www.facebook.com/friendsofritcheywoods or email friendsofritcheywoods@gmail.com.

 

Humane Society to Benefit from 2nd Annual Tom Greiwe Fall Classic Charity Golf Scramble

On Monday, October 7, the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) will receive  support from the 2nd Annual Tom Greiwe Fall Classic Charity Golf Scramble, an event created to honor the memory of Tom Greiwe, a beloved local resident, golfer, and animal lover. The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and is set to make an impact on the lives of homeless pets in Hamilton County.

Last year’s inaugural event, held in October 2023, raised over $2,000 in honor of Tom, who passed away in July 2023 following a courageous battle with cancer. Tom’s passion for animals, especially his dog Bella, was well-known to his family and friends.

“Tom would be so proud of the community’s support for the Humane Society for Hamilton County,” said his partner, Beverly Purtlebaugh. “Tom loved Bella, and they were inseparable. The unconditional love between an animal and its human is something special, and there’s no better way to honor Tom’s memory than by helping animals in need.”

This year’s event has seen overwhelming community support, with registration closing early and officials anticipating a record turnout. The charity scramble has grown significantly, expanding from 10 teams with 40 players in its first year to 24 teams with 96 players this year.

“More than 25 local businesses have stepped up, contributing services, merchandise, gift cards, and cash donations,” said Ed Ferris, a friend of Tom’s and the tournament’s organizer. “Their generosity ensures that 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit the Humane Society and the animals they care for.”

Lily Darling, HSHC’s Community Engagement Manager, expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support. “To know that so many animals will be helped in Tom’s memory is humbling. We couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to continue Tom’s legacy and help these animals find the care they need.”

The funds raised will support HSHC’s mission to provide shelter, medical care, and adoption services to homeless pets in Hamilton County.

 

Public hearing expresses support for HSE teachers

Plenty of red in the audience, with red denoting support for teachers

I have covered the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board for 13 years, and this is the first time the district has chosen to have a required public hearing outside a regular board meeting.  State law requires a public hearing before formal bargaining begins between a local teachers union and a school corporation.

With that formal bargaining about to begin, the HSE Schools chose to have a public hearing not part of a school board session Tuesday evening.  The hearing was not live streamed on video as in regular board meetings, but administrators said a video recording would be posted by the school district October 2nd.

There were nine speakers at this public hearing, all expressing strong support for the teachers’ union, the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA).  Many argued they moved to the Fishers area to be a part of HSE Schools, a district with a solid reputation.  Most argued that reputation could wane if teachers are not compensated properly.

Teachers said if there is no pay raise this year, a more than 8% increase in health insurance premiums will equate to a pay cut for the teaching staff.

There were comments on the district’s decision to move away from interest-based bargaining to a traditional, or positional, bargaining model (For more on that use this link).  They were critical of going to a more confrontational method of negotiations.

Representatives of the school district and HSEA will now enter into formal talks, with the goal of reaching agreement on a new contract.  State law provides a deadline of November 15 to reach an agreement.  If no agreement if reported to the state by then, the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board  will begin a mediation process.

 

Former HSEA President Janet Chandler speaks at the public hearing

HS Senior Recognized with Prestigious Congressional Award

FHS Principal Jason Urban (left) and Trenton Qualls

Fishers High School senior Trenton Qualls has earned the prestigious Congressional Award Gold Medal, a recognition that honors young Americans for their dedication to personal growth and community service.

The award, established by Congress in 1979, encourages young people to achieve personal goals in four areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. Unlike many accolades based on competition or academic performance, the Congressional Award highlights a commitment to self-improvement and community impact.

Qualls spent the past two years meeting the rigorous requirements for the Gold Medal, including completing at least 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and a week-long expedition in a new environment.

“What I enjoy so much is helping others and giving them a smile,” Qualls said, reflecting on his efforts. “Whenever I see someone who needs help, I ask, ‘Hey, can I help you with that?’ Knowing that I’ve helped them always makes me feel better too.”

Qualls credits his father for introducing him to the program after the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially uncertain about taking on the challenge while balancing swimming, Scouts, and schoolwork, Qualls says the support of his family and Boy Scout troop helped him succeed.

As he approaches graduation, Qualls advises fellow students to embrace opportunities without becoming overwhelmed. “Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can, but make sure it’s not a burden,” he said. “Hit the ground running but know when to pace yourself.”

 

Blake Shelton coming to Fishers March 29

The Fishers Event Center has booked a major country music act for March of next year in Blake Shelton.  He performs, Saturday, March 29.  Tickets go on sale October 4 at 10:00am, at this link.

Blake Shelton’s country music resume is a long one, with  20 years in the business. In that time, he has accumulated 28 No. 1 singles, sold nearly 15 million album equivalents, and earned upwards of 12.5 billion global streams. Shelton has received a long list of  awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, 10 CMAs, 11 CMTs, and six People’s Choice, and more.

As an original coach on the Emmy Award-winning television show The Voice, Shelton brought a steady diet of current and classic country music to the NBC primetime audience. After 23 seasons and nine championships, he stepped away from the show in May of 2023.

Learn more about Blake Shelton at this link.

 

Kitchen Social, Sushi.Kitchen.Bar coming to the Union development

Two new restaurants have been announced by developer Thompson Thrift for The Union, an area near the now under-construction Fishers Events Center.  The two eateries will be new to the Indy-area market – Kitchen Social and Niku Sushi.Kitchen.Bar. Both restaurants will join Piedra, Flavors of Mexico, from the Arechiga Restaurant Group, when the first tenants open at The Union at Fishers District during the latter half of 2026.

“We are thrilled to welcome both Kitchen Social and Niku to The Union at Fishers District,” said Ryan Menard, vice president of development at Thompson Thrift. “The respective restauranteurs behind these concepts are committed to providing special, unique experiences that align perfectly with our vision for this vibrant mixed-use destination.”

Kitchen Social is described in a Thompson-Thrift news release as a polished casual restaurant serving international cuisine with refined flavors. They are known for offering a variety of from-scratch products including their signature cheddar and scallion handmade biscuits, eggplant meatballs, shrimp tempura, teriyaki ribeye, and a large selection of craft cocktails and wines from family wineries worldwide. The restaurant was named best new eatery when it opened in Columbus and was named the best overall in the city in the following three years. The 4,500-square-foot Union location will be the first in Indiana and the eighth overall for the concept.

Niku Sushi.Kitchen.Bar will offer upscale Japanese cuisine in an approximately 6,000-square-foot space with an outdoor patio area. Niku is the brainchild of Prime Restaurant Group, an experienced Indianapolis operator with 14 open concepts.

Located near Interstate 69 and 116th Street, The Union is one of five developments in the expansive master-planned Fishers District development.  The Union is expected to break ground in the first quarter of 2025. Thompson Thrift is actively negotiating leases on several of the 15 remaining retail spaces. Additionally, 70,000 square feet of Class-A office space is available.

 

 

Thanks to the library & all school board candidate podcasts in one place

There are a total of 6 candidates running in the 2024 Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board election.  All 6 agreed to record a podcast with me, something that has not always happened since I began podcasting in February of 2016.

First, my sincere thanks to the Hamilton East Library in Fishers.  The staff at the Ignite area has been wonderful in helping me schedule these podcast recording sessions in their AV Studio.

I should also mention that public radio station WFYI and Current Publishing will be sponsoring a debate with the HSE School board candidates October 10, 7pm, at City Hall.  Tickets are already sold out for this event but WFYI will livestream the debate.

I have now recorded podcasts with all 6 candidates.  As a reminder, all voters residing within the Hamilton Southeastern School District vote on all 3 township board contests.

Here are the candidates, with links to their respective podcasts:

Fall Creek Township

Terry Tolle

Suzanne Thomas

 

Delaware Township

Greg Lannan

Latrica Schooley

 

Wayne Township

Sarah Parks-Reese

John Stewart