If you want to know what it is like to go through the Fishers City Government Academy, just talk with someone that graduated from the program.  Then you will know what a great experience it is.

The City of Fishers is preparing to conduct another academy and you can join.  There is no cost, but you are required to register.

What is the City Government Academy?  It’s a ten-week program. You learn how local government works.  There is even a session with local school superintendent Allen Bourff.

Those enrolled in the academy learn about such city departments as parks & recreation, public safety and engineering.  Many graduates walk away from the program saying the most interesting part of the academy was the explanation of how the wastewater treatment plant operation works.

Bottom line, you find out so much about your local government.  And joining is easy.  You just need to carve out the time in your schedule and register.

You can review all the scheduled sessions and register at this link.  Only a limited number of spots are available so do not wait if you are interested

If you have questions, the man to contact is Dan Domisic.  You can send him an e-mail at   domsicd@fishers.in.us or contact him by phone at (317) 595-3151.

It all starts February 13th.  This is your chance to learn what local government does for you each and every day.

Fishers Police Chief Mitch Thompson sits down with Larry to talk about a wide range of local law enforcement issues.

Shelby Bowen spent nearly two years working for the City of Fishers as the Assistant Director of Redevelopment, and now he is one of three people opening a private redevelopment firm in the Fishers Nickel Plate District.  Bowen is joining Jerry Ewing and Jim Ratliff to form Rebar Development.

The new firm plans on pursuing opportunities to partner with local governments on development projects.

Based on a news release announcing the firm’s opening, Ewing will handle the corporate business side of the house, while Ratliff plans to deal with investments and banking.

Rebar’s office will be located at 8937 Technology Drive.

The world of women’s competitive ice skating and Tonya Harding’s place in that world is explored in the film :I, Tonya” – here is my review..

The Surface Transportation Board has ruled on two major issues in its consideration of the Nickel Plate Rail Line’s future.

Officials in Fishers and Noblesville are asking that the stretch of the line from downtown Noblesville south to 96th street be rail banked, which moves forward plans by the two cities to construct a hiking and biking trail, much like the Monon running from Indianapolis north through Carmel.

First, the board ruled that all comments will be accepted, and there have been a lot of comments submitted over this issue.  A large number of those comments have come from supporters of the “Save The Nickel Plate” organization, advocating keeping that rail line as a modem for train travel.

The second decision by the board denied a motion by “Save the Nickel Plate” for a probe, calling for a suspension of consideration into the rail banking request by the cities in order to “investigate all of the filings and claims submitted.”

“The arguments presented in the motion do not provide any reason for the Board to suspend this proceeding and conduct an investigation,” the board wrote in its ruling.
“The Board has provided ample time for comments on the petition and the building of an adequate record, especially when balanced with the Board’s obligation to issue a decision within a statutory deadline.”

You can read the entire document on both board rulings  at this link.

In a podcast interview recorded January 3rd, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness indicated his administration will continue to move forward on the rail banking process with the goal of building a trail along the Nickel Plate line.

“It’s a project I just really, absolutely believe in,” the mayor said.  “(I) stood on the rail line and told everyone that, and I stay consistent with that.  I’m hoping we get some forward progress in the coming months.”

During that podcast interview, I asked the mayor if he has any concerns about those opposing the rail banking process in the Surface Transportation Board proceedings.

“Concerned in the sense that anytime a resident strongly disagrees with what I believe is the right thing to do, I always take pause to think about that,” said Mayor Fadness.  “But, in that sense, I’ve given a lot of thought to this particular project and still believe it’s in the best interest of our city.  So, we will continue to try to move this project forward. I understand their disagreement with my stance on this, I do.  And, I appreciate all the comments that they’ve made.  We will just have to respectfully agree to disagree.”

You can listen to the entire podcast with Scott Fadness at this link.

By

Jeff Jellison

Hamilton County Reporter

‘”There is no silver bullet to fix the opioid problem” was the message Hamilton County Coroner John Chalfin delivered during a Saturday morning forum hosted by the Carmel Christian Church.

During the forum, Chalfin, along with Rev. Jerry Zehr, Pastor of Carmel Christian Church and president of the Carmel Interfaith Alliance; Justin Phillips, Clinical Addictions Counselor Founder and Executive Director Overdose Lifeline, Inc.;
Rev. Andrea Boutselis, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones; Michelle Sybesma,
Chief of Strategy and Development at Parkdale Centers and Indiana State
Senator Jim Merritt, discussed signs of drug use, securing medicine cabinets
and drug takeback opportunities, resources for detox, treatment and recovery and
recent legislation.

Chalfin reported last year his office investigated 36 drug overdose deaths
that occurred in Hamilton County, and that figure may rise once investigations are
completed on deaths that occurred late in the year.

Chalfin also stated the number may not portray a true picture. “If someone
from Hamilton County has overdosed and they are transported to a Marion
County hospital, and they die there, it becomes a Marion County case.”

Chalfin also noted problems with the way hospitals report deaths directly related
to overdoses.

“Is 36 drug overdose deaths an epidemic? If it is your child, one is too
many,” said the Coroner.

“We need a united front to fight this issue. Beat the doors down at the legislature
and don’t be afraid to confront a family member or loved one if you think there is a problem,” stated Chalfin.

Nearly 100 people attended the forum on a morning with double-digit negative wind chill factors.  In addition to many concerned residents that attended, the event caught the attention of several community leaders. Also attending were Sheriff candidates Jason Sloderbeck and Eddie Moore, Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt, County Councilman Fred Glynn, members of the Carmel City Council and Judge Gail Bardach, who presides over the county’s drug court.

When asked about Saturday’s turnout, Rev. Jerry Zehr said, “This is a very serious issue all around the country, it shows people care.”

This week’s film review will take you back to 1973, when oil magnate J. Paul Getty was the richest man in the world.  His grandson is kidnapped in Rome and held for ransom.  Adam & I weigh in on whether you should give this film a try.

We welcome Adam Dossey of MidwestFilmJournal.com  as he runs down his listing the 2017’s top ten films.

Hamilton County Reporter

Fishers picked up a historic victory on Friday, beating Pike 52-46 at the Tiger Den.

This was the first time in school history that the Fishers boys basketball team defeated the Red Devils. In order to do so, the Tigers had to recover from an 8-3 deficit after the first quarter.

Fishers outscored Pike in each of the next three periods, cutting the Red Devils’ lead to 22-20 by halftime. Terry Hicks scored eight points in the second period, with Josiah Matthews adding five points.

Fishers jumped ahead 36-34 after three quarters; Matthews scored six more points in that period. The Tigers then clinched the game by going 8-of-9 from the free-throw line in the fourth period.

Terry Hicks earned a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Josiah Matthews added 13 points, while Willie Jackson scored 10.

The Tigers are now 5-6 for the season and will host Arsenal Tech on Tuesday.

Hamilton County Reporter

Hamilton Southeastern dropped its first game of the season on Friday, falling to Lawrence Central 58-46 on the road.

The Class 4A No. 2 Royals trailed the Bearcats 15-12 after the first quarter, then were held to only two points in the second period as LC took a 25-14 halftime lead. Noah Smith scored

10 points to lead Southeastern, with Mabor Majak adding nine.

Aaron Etherington pulled six rebounds, with Majak collecting five. Smith handed out five assists and Majak blocked three shots.

The Royals are now 11-1 and are back at their home gym tonight to play 4A No. 4 Warren Central.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has been working on adding a travel lane in each direction of I–69.  The additional lanes are opening now from Exit 205 in Fishers, north to exit 219 (State Road 38).  Also, watch for work at the intersection of 131st & Cumberland Road, along with landscaping work at 106th & Geist Road.

Below is the full construction schedule provided by the City of Fishers, for the week beginning January 7th.

===========================================

131ST STREET 

There will be periodic lane restrictions at the intersection of 131st Street and Cumberland Road while utility relocation work is completed.

106TH STREET

Crews will be landscaping the center of the roundabout at 106th Street and Geist Road throughout the week, weather permitting. Temporary lane restrictions may be in place as work is completed.

I-69   

Milestone Contractors has opened additional travel lanes on Interstate 69 between State Road 37 Exit 205 and State Road 38 Exit 219. I-69 is open to three lanes in each direction on the heavily traveled stretch of interstate.

As part of a $92 million design-build contract, Milestone has added a third lane in each direction to the median, repaired and resurfaced existing pavement, and rehabilitated bridges and drainage structures on 15 miles of I-69 in Hamilton and Madison counties. Construction of an additional auxiliary lane between the 116th Street entrance ramp to I-69 South and the I-69 South Exit 204 ramp to 106th Street will continue through next spring.

I-69 South will be temporarily reduced to two lanes to allow space for the State Road 37 and 116th Street entrance ramps to safely merge while construction continues on the southbound auxiliary lane between the 116th Street and 106th Street ramps.

Crews plan to close lanes on I-69 South and State Road 37 South beginning on Friday, December 8th to modify pavement markings in the area to establish this winter traffic pattern. Questions about this project should be directed to INDOT ateastcentralin@indot.in.gov or 1-855-463-6848.

STATE ROAD 37  

The Meeting Presentation from the December 11th State Road 37 Project Public Meeting, along with additional information about the project, are available here.

The State Road 37 improvement project is a $124 million joint project between Fishers, Hamilton County, Noblesville, and INDOT. Questions or concerns may be directed todrivefishers@fishers.in.us.

OUTSIDE OF FISHERS   

Cyntheanne Road between 146th Street and 156th Street is closed to replace the bridge over Keiser Drain. Please contact Hamilton County Highway Department at 317-773-7770 with any questions.