I have written about the state of local news countless times in this space and it is mostly bad news.  For once, I have some good news.

The two most prominent sources of business news in Indiana, the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) and Inside Indiana Business (IIB), are joining forces.  More specifically, IBJ is buying IIB.  Gerry Dick, the anchor of the weekly Inside Indiana Business television program, owns IIB and made the decision to sell.

In an IBJ podcast released Tuesday, host Mason King had IBJ co-owner Nate Feltman and Gerry Dick as guests and they talked about why IBJ bought IIB and why Gerry Dick decided to sell.

Both operations will stay with their current work force with no layoffs, according to both Feltman and Dick in comments made on the podcast.  They will be housed in one location, most likely the current IBJ home on Monument Circle.

I have small connections to both operations.  I wrote for the online version of Indiana Forefront for a few years, and authored a commentary on the first Fishers mayoral election back in 2014 published in the print edition of IBJ.  I have had several IBJ reporters on my podcasts as guests.

When Gerry Dick decided to open an office at Launch Fishers, he graciously accepted my invitation to appear on one of my podcasts.  We had a good conversation.  Gerry Dick is a very affable yet professional news person.

The most important aspect of this transaction is this – both operations will remain local.  Both will be owned by the current IBJ group – Nate Feltman, Mickey Maurer and Bob Schloss.  They are all local people.

IBJ was owned by a national organization, American City Business Journals, in 1986 but Mickey Maurer bought the paper in 1990, believing local ownership of such a publication was (and is) important.

There is much each organization can gain from this new configuration.  IBJ, which has focused on Central Indiana, now can use the IIB infrastructure than extends throughout the State of Indiana.  IIB uses TV, radio and online presence.  IBJ is a print enterprise with a heavy online operation and produces podcasts, as does IIB.

This arrangement will strengthen the business news reporting greatly in both Central Indiana and the entire state.  Most importantly, ownership of this news organization will remain local.

In an age where large corporations own most media (the IndyStar is owned by national publisher Gannett) the business news in our area will be owned and operated locally.  In today’s news business, that is very good news.

It’s always a good feeling to return home on Labor Day after a great trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, spending time with my daughter, son-in-law and one-year-old grandson Dakota.  Turning 70 was special on September 3rd, just feeling lucky & thankful to be here with generally good health.

But now that I’m back, I have budgets on my mind.  After watching & listening to the YouTube video of the recent City Council Finance Committee meeting and listening to a city briefing on the budget August 31, I know a lot more about what to expect as the city budget process moves forward.

The mayor is proposing a spending plan for 2022 of $121.64 million with cash reserves for all funds at $41 million.  Deputy Mayor Elliott Hultgren says this is $10 million more than required under the city’s guidelines for cash reserves, but Mayor Scott Fadness believes the extra money could be a cushion when plans advance in the coming months for a new city hall, arts center and community center, none of which are part of the 2022 budget proposal.

Fadness expects those project plans to be better understand once a group of experts sift through requests for proposals from the private sector.

But the city does plan to hire 3 more uniformed police officers next year, bringing the total of the sworn officers in Fishers to 123.  The city plans to fully staff the new fire station on the northeast side of the city (once constructed) by hiring 8 new firefighters.

City employees (including elected officials) would receive a 4% pay increase in 2022 under the mayor’s proposal.

Fadness is concerned about a 3.6% decrease in Local Income Tax (LIT) funds for 2022, based on numbers provided by the state.  City number crunchers had forecast a 4.1% increase in that tax revenue.  The difference is costing the city $5 million in revenue.  Fadness has asked House Speaker Todd Huston for an explanation as to how the Indiana Department of Revenue came up with the distribution allocation numbers.

HSE Schools will begin their budget process shortly.  Expect an increase in the 2021 budget of $259.25 million when the 2022 plan is revealed.

Ever since the beginnings of this local Fishers news blog in 2012, I have sent the same message to those kind enough to read me.  Budgets are perhaps the biggest decisions local governments make.  It sets the priorities for government in the coming year.  Yet, there is often very little public comment on the budgets during the decision-making process.

The Fishers City Council has a lot to say about the final budget numbers.  The council will conduct a public hearing on the 2022 budget plan.  Take the time to understand the priorities in the city budget and, if you think priorities should be different, this is your chance to have your voice heard.

Bottom line is this….pay attention to budgets.  They decide where your tax dollars are spent.

Hamilton County announced Friday that there will be lane restrictions over the White River Bridge on 116th Street, along the line between Fishers and Carmel.  The lane closures are scheduled to begin on or after September 20th with the work expected to be completed by November 9th.

Below is the full statement from the county highway department:

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Please be advised, beginning on or after Monday, September 20, lane closures will be in effect for 116th Street between River Road and Eller Road for the rehabilitation of Bridge No. 160: 116th Street over the West Fork White River. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times on 116th Street throughout construction. Lane closures are expected to be lifted by Tuesday, November 9.

In addition, River Drive West will be closed at 116th Street for the first project phase beginning on or after Monday, September 20. Residents are requested to utilize the signalized intersection at 116th Street and River Drive East for the duration of the closure.

Please exercise caution while driving through the construction zone.

The meteorologists say September 1 is the first day of the fall season, but we know there are plenty of good-weather days left for road construction in and around Fishers.

State Road 37 work continues.  The west side of 131st Street has been blocked, but that is expected to change, switching over to a blocked east side of the highway, likely beginning late in September.

For what is happening now, here is the road construction update, as provided by the City of Fishers:

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STATE ROAD 37 AND 146TH STREET
All left-turn lanes are currently restricted on SR 37 and on 146th Street with traffic moved to the interior lanes. Thru traffic and right turns on SR 37 and 146th Street will remain open. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes for all left turn access. View an alternate route map here.

STATE ROAD 37 AND 131ST / 135TH STREETS
The westside of 131st Street at SR 37 is currently closed as work progresses on the interchange. SR 37 will remain open both north and southbound. SR 37 southbound left and right turns onto 131st Street will be restricted. Westbound left turns onto SR 37 will also be restricted on 131st Street. View the detour map here.

The Northbound SR 37 right turn lane onto 135th Street is currently closed from 131st Street to approximately halfway to 135th Street for Phase 1 construction. This portion of the dedicated turn lane will not reopen to regular capacity until the interchange is complete.

Please drive with caution through this area. To learn more about the State Road 37 Improvement Project and sign up to receive text updates, visit 37Thrives.com.

116th Street in downtown Fishers has fully opened to four lanes of traffic after the completion of the Nickel Plate Trail tunnel. Upon completion of the Nickel Plate Trail, slated for Spring 2022, pedestrians will access the trail via the tunnel to provide safe passage beneath 116th Street. Construction in the area related to the downtown development projects will impact the roadway at various times in August and September.

NICKEL PLATE TRAIL
Paving of the northern portion of the Nickel Plate Trail is currently taking place, beginning at 131st Street and moving north of 146th Street over the coming weeks. The project is anticipated to take approximately six weeks to complete, pending weather delays. A speed table (roadway crossing) and pedestrian warning signal for motorists will be installed at 141st Street during this construction. Until paving is complete, this northern portion of the railbed remains closed and no trespassing is permitted. The northern portion is anticipated to be open for pedestrian use by the end of October.

106TH STREET 
On Tuesday, September 7 and Wednesday, September 8, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., 106th Street will have lane restrictions in place between Mollenkopf Road and Hoosier Road for storm work. Flaggers will be in place to direct traffic.

ADA ramp and curb reconstruction has started as part of the 2021 Resurfacing Project. After ADA ramp and curb reconstruction is completed, those areas will be restored with topsoil and seed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to water the seed for the seed to germinate. Prior to road resurfacing, residents will be notified via street signage for street parking restrictions.

My brother Tom is 2 years younger than me.  He called on September 3rd to remind me that a number is just that – a number.

Tom & I grew up together and he has a couple of years to go, but September 3rd, 2021 does represent a number – it is the day I turn 70 years of age.

Reflecting on that number brings so much into my mind I cannot express all of it here, but let’s look at some of the major thoughts.

We do not choose our families, but I hit the jackpot with mine, with a pair of wonderful parents.  My mom is still around at age 91 and I treasure every day with her.  My dad has been gone for 27 years but taught me so much that remains with me today.

I am the oldest of 6.  I am so proud of all 5 siblings.  They are special people.  My extended family is also important to me.  So, I may not be wealthy in some ways, but very rich in others.

My wife Jane has been by my side for 30 years.  No father anywhere can be more proud of his daughters as I am of twins Allison and Mary.  They have grown up to be outstanding young women.

I have made so many friends through my work in radio broadcasting and the federal government.  There is no way I could name you all here, but you know who you are and I have not forgotten any of you.

Facebook is something that is good and not so good at the same time.  But it does provide a way for people to wish others a happy birthday, and I have a long list of well-wishers on this September 3, 2021.  I cannot reply to everyone wishing me a happy birthday, but do try to add a like to each one just to let you know I saw and read your message.

So, there is a lot to look back upon over 70 years.  The many people I have known and so much I have been able to achieve.  I feel extremely fortunate to be in relatively good health for a guy my age.

The past nearly 10 years has been my volunteer effort as a local Fishers news blogger.   I’ve tried to quit at least twice, but circumstances always draw me back into the fray.  We have a special community here in Fishers and it will stay that way only if we, as the citizens of this city, pull together to keep it special.

Thanks for reading this blog and listening to my podcasts.  I’m looking back over 70 years and have no idea what the future looks like – but for as long as I am able, I’ll be writing about it here.

Fishers may have been a bit of a sleepy suburb in 1991 when I arrived, but no one can say that in 2021.

The City of Fishers is reminding everyone of the many events set, kicking-off September with the annual Blues Fest at the Amphitheater September 3 & 4.

Don’t forget the rescheduled concert with the Spin Doctors October 1st (OK, it is one day after September).

Of course, Fishers plans a special commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of September 11th.

For more, check this listing below, as provided by the City of Fishers:

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• Fishers Blues Fest
  • Friday, Sept. 3 & Saturday, Sept. 4 | NPD AMP | 5 – 10 PM
• Fishers Farmers’ Market
  • Every Saturday through Sept. | NPD AMP | 8 AM – Noon 
• Purple Veins – The Essential Prince Tribute Band
  • Friday, Sept. 10 | NPD AMP | 8 – 10 PM
• September 11 20th Anniversary Commemoration
  • Saturday, Sept. 11 | NPD AMP | 8 AM – 8 PM 
  • Register for the Run to Remember 5K
• Fishers Arts Council and Fishers Parks & Recreation Foundation’s Harvest Fest
  • Saturday, Sept. 12 | Heritage Park | Noon – 7 PM
• Maker Playground: Family Night
  • Saturday, Sept. 25 | Maker Playground | 5 – 7 PM
• Spin Doctors
  • Friday, Oct. 1 | NPD AMP | 8 – 10 PM

The pandemic has been brutal for many groups that depend on live performances, but nonetheless the Fishers Community Chorus is gearing-up for its 6th season.

A meet & greet event is set for September 14, 7-9pm, at the new Hub & Spoke Design Center.  You will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with chorus members, with a 30-minute “master class in basic vocal techniques” as part of the evening.

For more information on the Fishers Community Chorus, just e-mail – FCC@fishersmusicworks.org

Here’s how the group describes potential members:

   Fishers Community Chorus is open to all who live, work, or play in Fishers, Indiana. We are a non-auditioned, mixed chorus open to all people over the age of 18. We only require 3 things:

1. You can carry a tune (virtuosic talent not necessary)

2. You are committed to making your community a better place through a shared love of music!

3. You are willing and prepared to put forth a little effort as necessary to make this experience fun and rewarding for all involved.

Harvest Fest is back for a second year with the celebration to be held on the beautiful setting of the Ambassador House and Heritage Park.

The Fishers Arts has issued a news release with all the details.  Here is the text of that release:

Fishers Arts Council will have 29 artists and artisans participating in the Fishers Parks and Recreation Foundation’s Harvest Fest at the Ambassador House and Heritage Park, 10595 Eller Road, Fishers, from noon to 7 pm on Sunday, September 12th.

This is a free, family friendly event with proceeds benefitting the Ambassador House and Gardens, the Fishers Arts Council (FAC), Fishers Police Corps, Fishers Historical Society, Knights of Columbus, and Fishers Youth Assistance Program. Each group will offer something different to raise money. The Parks Foundation will offer raffle baskets and face painting while the Fishers Police Corps will be selling hot dogs, chips, and water. The Ambassador House will be selling adult beverages and offering house tours. Fishers Youth Assistance Program will be offering bake sale and dessert items. Knights of Columbus will offer fried veggies, and there will be three food vendors, Rose and Lois, Snow Cone, and Indy Fresh. FAC artists Laura Villanyi, Olivia Holt, and Pat Grabill will lead a make and take craft. Music, provided by the City of Fishers, includes the bands J. Elliott 12-2pm; Jump for Joy, 2-4pm; Retro on the Rocks 4-7pm.

The artists and artisans are Brad Baker, acrylic, gouache on canvas; Ingrid Blount, alcohol ink paintings, jewelry, décor; Tracy & Amy Brauchla, leather work; Aimee Bruno, alcohol Ink paintings; Madison Clayborn, handmade soy candles; Susan Davis, gel plate cards, centered on Fishers; Shelley Feeney, acrylic, oils, textured paintings; Brad Fields, watercolors; Pat Garcia, watercolors, prints; Doug Hamilton, acrylic pour paintings and jewelry; Tyler Hamilton, handmade stone cut artisan jewelry and woodcraft; Paige Harper, a variety of pottery items for the home; Beverly Jerabek, handmade jewelry; Nyla Kerstiens, originals and prints in acrylic, watercolor, gouache, marker and pencil; Patty Klunzinger, glass blowing, fused glass jewelry, home décor; Matthew Macklin, mixed media,

expressionistic works; Sana Mulla-Malik, multi-cultural peg dolls; Vicki Nelson-Spicklemire, soaps; Leigh Petersen, watercolor, pen & ink; Angela Rosenau, soaps and lotions; Mark Rouse, acrylic washes, digital imagery and acrylic over-painting; Doug Sauter, stained glass, acrylic on canvas; Bryant Shields, acrylic dream paintings; Michael Vansickle, woodworking, clocks; Anna Villanyi, laser cut wood designs; Caroline Vogt, hand drawn art transferred onto clothing and other items; Taylor Walker, portraits, acrylic, encaustic and watercolors; Hannah Weaver, prints & originals in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil and more; Teresa Wesley, crochet Amigurumi animals and other figures. Walt Thacker will be demonstrating oil painting at the FAC booth from noon to 3 pm.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and his staff are revealing the 2022 budget proposal to be considered by the City Council.  I watched and listened to the City Council Finance Committee meeting held late last week and reported on that in a story posted August 28 and can be found at this link.

The mayor, his staff and Finance Committee Chair John Weingardt met with the media to discuss the budget during the afternoon of August 31st and more was revealed about next year’s proposed spending plan.

The mayor repeated that city number crunchers had initially projected a 4.1% increase in the city’s share of the Local Income Tax (LIT) but the official numbers from the state now show a 3.6% decrease compared to the previous year.  That is costing Fishers $5 million in revenue for 2022, according to city officials.

Fadness has asked House Speaker Todd Huston, who represents most of Fishers, to look into why this happened.

“How does Hamilton County, when our unemployment rate never really achieved anything near where others did, see that kind of decline in income tax revenue?” Fadness said.  “It’s just a head-scratcher.”

The city is making no accusations that there are errors in the LIT distribution, the mayor just wants this checked out and the city only wants an explanation as to why this happened.

In another LIT-related issue, Carmel will be sending $224,000 in LIT money to Fishers based on an agreement reached to alleviate what Fishers argued was an imbalance in LIT distributions under the state formula.

The mayor is finalizing a new 5-year contract with a provider for employee health insurance.  All workers will be in the Community Health Network under this plan.  60% of city workers are already a part of the Community Network.  The city has not raised employee health premiums for nearly a decade, but the city’s costs have risen.  Fadness says the 5-year horizon will stabilize the city’s funding for the new plan.

The city is budgeting $250,000 for nonprofit organizations as part of the 2022 budget, but the mayor says there may be a change on how that money will be divided up.  In the past few years, a city council committee has decided which organizations will receive city funds and how much will be provided to each group.

“We’re evaluating the best way to do that, the most efficient way to decide where those dollars go,” the mayor said.

A former primary candidate for Hamilton County Commissioner is advocating for Fishers to be within one commissioner district, but Mayor Scott Fadness says he sees no immediate need to push for such a proposal.

Fishers resident Bill Smythe has been involved in Republican politics for many years and was a candidate in the 2016 GOP primary for a Commissioner seat.  Incumbent Mark Heirbrandt won that election.

“According to the new census data, Fishers is the sixth largest city in the state and ranks second in Hamilton County, just behind Carmel,” wrote Smythe in a statement released Tuesday. “However, the city of Fishers has never had its own representation in the executive branch of our county government.”

Smythe also points out that none of the three Hamilton County Commissioners reside in Fishers.  The entire county votes in county commissioner elections, but each commissioner must live within their respective districts.  New district lines will be drawn based on 2020 census data.

According to Smythe, this has nothing to do with any future political plans of his own.  “I have no intention of ever running for office again and most assuredly I will never appear on a GOP ballot in the future,” writes Smythe.

Fadness says he has worked well with all three commissioners on projects such as State Road 37 and the local airport. “Obviously, anytime there’s representation for Fishers that’s a good thing, but I don’t know that I have a sense of urgency about it,” Fadness said.

Both City Councilman John Weingardt and Mayor Fadness added that it takes two of the three commissioners to decide anything, so having a relationship with only one commissioner may not be in the best interests of Fishers.  How lines are drawn for state legislative districts are of much more interest to Mayor Fadness.