As we enter the final days and hours of 2024, it is time for me to take a look at the year of news in Fishers.  This is never an easy task and I do take it seriously, taking time to review the entire year of news and attempt to pick the top 10 news stories.

A lot of this is subjective so I understand that.  There may be many of you that will take issue with my list, but that’s fine, it can sometimes be a conversation starter.

So, here we go, the LarryInFishers.com top ten news stories of 2024:

10.  Solar Eclipse   

I cannot count the number of stories I wrote and other local news outlets published warning us about the onslaught of tourists expected for the solar eclipse April 8th.  There were visitors, and I know local law enforcement and emergency services were prepared.  However, the crowds never did come, at least nowhere near as anticipated.  But my wife Jane & I enjoyed watching it all from our patio and it was fun.

9.  Indy Ignite Volleyball Team coming to Fishers

The Indy Fuel hockey team and the Fishers Freight Indoor Football League squad will be joined by the Indy Ignite women’s professional volleyball team as tenants in the new Fishers Event Center.  In addition, it was announced in 2024 that 2025 would feature the league’s first all-star game, to be nationally televised and played at the Fishers Event Center.

8.  Charter/Innovation School Proposal Withdrawn  

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board explored the possibility of partnering with an organization named Opportunity Education to create an Innovation School under the Indiana law governing charter schools.  After much public criticism, and a public hearing where every speaker opposed the proposal, Opportunity Education withdrew the proposal before the HSE School Board was scheduled to hold a vote on the issue.

7  Fire Chief Orusa Announces Plans to Retire

After 12 years heading the Fishers Fire and Emergency Services operation, Chief Steve Orusa announced his plans to retire in January of 2025.  The Chief ends an illustrious career in fire protection and emergency operations.  The Chief will be missed.

6.  HSE School Board Election

The local school board held its at-large election with 3 seats up for grabs.  Two incumbents, Sarah Parks-Reese and Suzanne Thomas, both won second four-year terms.  Sarah Donsbach chose not seek another term and Latrica Schooley was elected to her seat.

5.  City Hall, Arts Center & Event Center Open Their Doors

Fishers opened two major public buildings in 2024.  The new City Hall/Arts Center had the ribbon cut, and the new Fishers Event Center opened to the public later in the year.  Both were major projects of Mayor Scott Fadness and the City Council.

4.  Ground Breaking for New Community Center 

Another major public building did not open in 2024 but construction began on the new community center, near Hoosier Road and 121st Street.  The new public amenity is expected to open later in 2025.

3.  Road Construction 

I moved to Fishers in 1991 and I cannot remember a year when road construction was not listed as a major local story.  The roundabout at 96th Street and Allisonville Road opened in 2024, with happy motorists knowing the construction was largely over, but that did not stop social media complaints about traffic backups during rush hours.  The Hamilton County project at 146th Street and Allisonville Road has been ongoing during 2024, with a projected completion date in 2025.  Another area, 141st Street and State Road 37, did see a bid awarded and that work should be ongoing into 2025.  These are just some major projects, there are many more in and around the Fishers area.  There is no end in sight for road construction in a place like Fishers, Indiana.

2.  Patrick Mapes named HSE School Superintendent 

The HSE School Board saw Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes choose to resign with a separation package in 2023.  The board hired Patrick Mapes as the new HSE Superintendent of Schools.  There were many other changes at the HSE Central Office,  board approved in 2024.

Number 1 –  Fishers Awards City-Wide Trash Pickup Contract

I am certain many of you may wonder why this story is my number one for the year.  Let’s just say I took an historical view.  This has been lurking as a story for more than ten years.  In 2013, the Town of Fishers explored such a city-wide trash pickup contract with the aim of saving residents money.  The public backlash was, in a word, vicious.  Elected officials were accused of being Communists for coming up with such an idea.  That resulted in no elected official even bringing up such an idea after the failure in 2013.

City Councilor David Giffell raised the issue in 2023 and Mayor Scott Fadness decided to begin the process of taking bids.  Councilor Giffell lost his bid for re-election in 2023 and was not in office to see the city decide to join cities in our area and award a city-wide residential trash collection contract to Republic Services, effective in January if 2025.  For most Fishers residents, this will mean a reduction in the cost of trash collection.

Well, there it is, my top ten list of the most important new stories in Fishers for 2024.  In 2025, there will be no elections so we get a short respite from politics for one year.  Look for Fishers to generate plenty of news in 2025.  I will be making every effort to cover what happens in the coming year, God willing.

In the meantime, allow me to wish you and your families the very best of new years!

The Indy Fuel capped off a grueling weekend of hockey on Sunday, falling to the Fort Wayne Komets in a dramatic 3-2 shootout at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

The game began with a flurry of action in the first period. Ty Farmer opened the scoring for the Fuel at 14:02 with a long-range blast from the blue line, assisted by Kevin Lombardi. However, the Komets responded quickly, just 50 seconds later, as Cameron Supryka found the back of the net with a similar shot from the point, leveling the game at 1-1.

Neither team committed penalties in the first period, but the Komets outshot the Fuel 12-9.

The second period saw physicality ramp up, starting with a major hit by Nathan Noel that sent Odeen Tufto briefly to the locker room. Noel’s hit resulted in a roughing penalty, but the Fuel successfully killed off the minor.

Fort Wayne grabbed the lead at 14:58 when Michael Gildon capitalized on a dump-and-chase play, burying his second goal of the season. Moments later, the Komets’ Nick Deakin-Poot was penalized for roughing, but the Fuel couldn’t convert on the power play.

The period ended with fireworks, as multiple players were assessed roughing penalties during a post-whistle scrum. Nathan Noel and Jack Dugan received 10-minute misconducts for escalating the altercation.

The third period featured more back-and-forth action. At 10:08, Cam Hausinger tied the game for the Fuel with a one-timer off a cross-ice pass from Nathan Burke. Both teams had chances, but stellar goaltending and disciplined defensive play kept the game knotted at 2-2.

A late tripping penalty against Chris Cameron with 15 seconds left in regulation carried over into overtime, but neither team could capitalize during the extra frame despite four quality chances apiece.

In the shootout, goaltenders Ben Gaudreau and Fort Wayne’s netminder stood tall through three rounds. In the fourth round, Nathan Burke failed to convert for the Fuel, setting the stage for Odeen Tufto’s heroics. Tufto, who had returned from injury earlier in the game, delivered the game-winner to secure a 3-2 victory for the Komets.

Fort Wayne outshot Indy 44-34, with Gaudreau making 41 saves, including three in the shootout, in a valiant losing effort.

The Fuel, looking to regroup after a hard-fought weekend, head to Kalamazoo for a New Year’s Eve match-up, then return home to the Fishers Event Center Friday, January 3rd, facing Kalamazoo once again.

The Toledo Walleye showcased their dominance Saturday night, defeating the Indy Fuel 4-1 in their first visit to the Fishers Event Center this season, before a second-straight sellout crowd.  A fast start and strong special teams play propelled Toledo to the victory.

Toledo wasted no time, scoring just 35 seconds into the game as Colin Swoyer lit the lamp to put the visitors ahead 1-0. Despite a high-sticking penalty on Indy’s Nathan Burke at 3:15, the Fuel successfully killed off Toledo’s first power play.

The rest of the period featured tight defense and limited chances, though tensions boiled over after the horn when Indy’s Chris Cameron and Toledo’s Chaz Reddekopp dropped the gloves. Each received two minutes for roughing.  Indy held a slight edge in shots, outshooting Toledo 7-6.

Toledo found their rhythm in the second period, with Jalen Smereck doubling the lead at 6:56. The Walleye capitalized again at 13:16, as Brandon Hawkins made it 3-0 with a pinpoint shot.

The Fuel had back-to-back power play opportunities late in the period but couldn’t convert, thanks to a stingy Walleye penalty kill. Toledo entered the third period with a commanding three-goal lead.

Hawkins struck again just 54 seconds into the final frame, notching his second goal of the night and extending Toledo’s lead to 4-0.

Indy had several chances to climb back into the game, including a power play following a delay-of-game penalty on Smereck. However, the Walleye’s penalty kill unit proved impenetrable, shutting down every opportunity the Fuel managed to create.

As frustration mounted, physicality escalated. A series of brawls resulted in multiple penalties, including a 10-minute misconduct for Smereck and fighting majors for Cameron and Reddekopp.

With just 20 seconds remaining, Ryan Orgel provided a glimmer of hope for the home crowd, scoring his first goal with the Fuel to break the shutout.

The loss drops Indy to 0-1 against Toledo this season.  The Fuel now head to the road, visiting Fort Wayne and Kalamazoo before returning to the Event Center January 3rd against Kalamazoo.

The Indy Fuel faced the Fort Wayne Komets for the third consecutive game, falling 4-2, despite a strong start at the Fishers Event Center. The Fuel jumped to an early lead but were unable to hold off a relentless Komets squad.

Indy opened the scoring at 5:23 when Darby Llewellyn capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity, netting his second such goal of the season. Assisted by Jordan Martin, Llewellyn gave the Fuel a 1-0 edge.

The first period saw plenty of physical play, with multiple penalties on both sides. While Indy outshot Fort Wayne 8-5, neither team could convert additional chances, leaving the Fuel up by one heading into the intermission.

The Komets responded quickly in the second frame. At 3:30, Cam Hausinger scored his fourth goal in two games, tying the game with help from Adam McCormick and Bennett Stockdale.

Fort Wayne continued to press, and Michael Gildon evened the score at 14:02 with a goal assisted by Luke Dugan and Logan Rees. The period ended in a 2-2 stalemate after the Fuel killed a late penalty.

The Komets took control in the final frame. Despite early power play opportunities for the Fuel, Fort Wayne’s penalty kill proved unyielding. At 11:38, Kyle Mayhew buried a power-play goal to give the Komets their first lead of the game, assisted by Gildon and Petruzzelli.

Indy pulled goaltender Antoine Gaudreau in the final minutes for an extra attacker but could not find the equalizer. With 33.5 seconds remaining, Jack Gorniak sealed the victory for Fort Wayne with an empty-net goal.

Postgame Notes:

• Fort Wayne’s special teams played a decisive role, scoring a power-play goal and maintaining a perfect penalty kill.
• Cam Hausinger continued his hot streak with another key goal.
• Indy’s penalty troubles proved costly, as the Komets capitalized on critical opportunities.

The Fuel face the Toledo Walleye tonight at home, 7pm.

There are a few items of note in this week’s road construction report.

First, be aware of an upcoming closure in the area of Lantern Road and 116th Street starting January 11, and lane restrictions later.  It is related to water utility work tied to development in that area.

Second, the city includes a reminder of how “zipper lanes” work, because one is currently in operation on  Fall Creek Rd between Brooks School and Carroll Rd.

Here is the weekly report, as provided by the City of Fishers:

Continue reading Road Construction Update for the work week starting Dec. 30 →

I know this is not a Fishers story, but anyone that has spent any time with our neighbor to the north, Noblesville, has likely visited the Jim Dandy Restaurant.  There has been a social media buzz for days that the long-time eatery will soon be closing.

John Tuohy of the Indianapolis Star wrote a story  (Subscription may be required) about the history of the establishment and why the owners are set to close it soon.

It is a familiar story, the owners are aging and younger family members have no interest in keeping the restaurant going.

My major memory of Jim Dandy was when I invited Mark Heirbrandt to appear on one of my podcasts during a recent re-election campaign.  Despite all the background noise, Mark insisted we record at Jim Dandy, a favorite place for the County Commissioner to eat.  The staff was helpful in working out the technical details required to get the podcast recorded.

Jim Dandy is part of Hamilton County history and many in and around Noblesville will miss it.

To all that celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, have a wonderful and peaceful time.  I know many people not of the Christian faith that celebrate Christmas as a holiday anyway, so the best to all of you as well.

What troubles me the most in 2024 is the situation in the Middle East.  Many annual celebrations in the town of Bethlehem are not happening because of the war raging in that part of the world.  My hope and prayer is that those living there, including the Holy Land, find a way to have peace.

I have never visited the Middle East but know many people that have.  It is a sad situation that the civilian populations in that part of the world are forced to deal with war.

But, to all my readers in Fishers and elsewhere, I wish you the best on this special holiday.

The Fishers Arts Council has announced an array of exciting opportunities for visual and performing artists in 2025, promising a vibrant year of creativity and community engagement.

Musical Performances
Musical acts ranging from solo performers to trios are invited to showcase their talent during the council’s paid, indoor events. The first performance is set for Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, making it a perfect opportunity for local musicians to spread joy through music. Details on how to submit availability can be found at fishersartscouncil.org/post/2025-musicians.

Visual Art Exhibits
Visual artists are encouraged to submit their work for several upcoming exhibits at two prominent locations: the Art Gallery at Fishers City Hall and the FAC Hub Gallery, located within the Hamilton County Community Foundation. The first exhibit, “The Golden Age: Artists 50 & Better,” celebrates seasoned artists and has a submission deadline of January 17, 2025. Artists facing challenges with the online form can contact the council via email at info@FishersArtsCouncil.org or call 317-537-1670. Detailed exhibit call-outs are available at fishersartscouncil.org/blog.

Geist Half Marathon T-Shirt Design
In a unique partnership with the City of Fishers, the council is hosting a design contest for the 2025 Geist Half Marathon t-shirt logo. The winning design will appear on race participant shirts and may also be sold after the race. The selected artist will receive a $500 prize, with submissions due by January 17, 2025. Design requirements and submission details are available at fishersartscouncil.org/post/geisthalf-tshirtdesign.

More to Come
The council hints at additional opportunities for artists to participate in galleries, receptions, and events in the new year, fostering a dynamic environment for artistic expression in the Fishers community.

For more information or questions, contact the Fishers Arts Council at info@fishersartscouncil.org or call 317-537-1670.

Motorists should begin preparing for a road closure and lane restrictions in the area of 116th Street and Lantern Road in coming weeks.  Fishers Director of Engineering Hatem Mekky told the Board of Works and Public Safety the water utility, Citizens Energy, will be working on underground equipment, making way for the under-construction City View development.  This closure is scheduled to begin Saturday, January 11 and end at 5am the following Monday.  The city will be recommending detours for the area of 116th Street between Lantern Road and Municipal Drive during this period.

A second phase of work by Citizens Energy will require the closure of the Lantern Road southbound lane later in January.  This phase of work will be 9am-3pm.  Phase 3 will come later and work will happen 9am-3pm.

Mekky says this will reduce the need to close traffic to the area, which originally was scheduled to last 7-10 days.

In a related item, AT&T will have a road cut resulting in lane restrictions at 116th Street and Allisonville Road beginning January 7th, and continuing that week.  Police will be directing traffic and there will be signage guiding drivers in the area.  This is in preparation for the coming roundabout construction at that intersection.

In other items before the board at the December 20th session:

–A public hearing was held to approve the public-private partnership between the city and Meyer Najem to construct a park on the White River near 96th Street and Allisonville Road.  The board originally approved the item in October, but did not provide the public hearing as required by law.  The only public comment was critical of the city for not holding the public hearing in a timely manner.  The board again approved the agreement.

–A pedestrian path connecting the Forum Credit Union headquarters with Fishers District and the Event Center will have lighting to help those walking in the dark.  It is hoped the illumination will discourage people from walking along the nearby streets.  The board approved a lighting easement to allow for this installation.

–The city has completed improvements to two areas of private roads under the Barrett Law, which assesses property owners located on the roads for the cost of improving the streets, and the city then takes the roads into the municipal inventory for future maintenance.  The board approved accepting two areas of private roads into the city inventory now that improvements are done.  One is described as Barrett East, including private roads of Parkside Drive, Publishers Drive, and Enterprise Drive.  The second area, labeled Barrett West, takes in private roads of Britton Park Road, Trade Center Drive, and East Park Court.

When Indianapolis media pay attention to Fishers, I try to point it out to my readers.  Two stories have been published in the past few days worth noting, one in the IndyStar, the other in the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Reporter John Tuohy writes about a variance approved by the Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals in the IndyStar.  The Alhuda Foundation will be consolidating its schools into a new large facility near Launch Fishers, which is not far from the Islamic mosque on Lantern Road.  You can read the story at this link, but may need a subscription to access it.

The Indianapolis Business Journal features a question and answer session with First Internet Bank CEO David Becker.  Reporter Cate Charron conducted the interview, which explains Becker’s transformation from a critic of apprenticeships to a supporter, following a trip to Switzerland, where he discovered first-hand how well the program works there.

You can read the Q&A with Mr. Becker at this link, but, again, may need a subscription to access the story.

Once again, I encourage my readers to subscribe to your local media.  If you do not, it will go away.