John DeLucia (left) will serve as Fishers Council President inf 2026, succeeding Pete Peterson (right)
The Fishers City Council will begin 2026 with new leadership following unanimous votes taken Monday night.
Council members selected John DeLucia to serve as council president, succeeding current president Pete Peterson. Councilor Tiffanie Ditlevson was also unanimously approved to serve as vice president for the coming year.
In addition to electing new officers, the council adopted the Rules Committee’s recommendations for board and commission appointments in 2026.
Ditlevson will represent the City Council on the Fishers Plan Commission, replacing Brad DeReamer. Pete Peterson and Selina Stoller will continue to serve as the other council representatives on the commission.
Peterson will also continue his role on the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Committee. Members of the Riverplace PUD Committee will include Councilor John Weingardt, along with Shawn Curran and Drew Bender.
The council voted to reappoint Dan Canan and Brad Johnson as its representatives on the Fishers Redevelopment Commission.
Appointments to the Fishers YMCA Board include Naureen Ahmed, Brendan Murphy, and Josh Palmer.
Rich Bassett was approved for a two-year appointment to the Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals.
Fishers-based life sciences firm INCOG is planning a major expansion that could more than double its local workforce over the next several years.
INCOG CEO Cory Lewis told the Fishers City Council Monday night that the company expects to grow from its current workforce of about 400 employees to roughly 1,000 workers by 2030.
The City Council unanimously approved an economic development package to support the expansion. Fishers Economic Development Director Megan Baumgartner said INCOG has fully complied with the terms of its first two economic development agreements with the city and is now seeking approval for a third phase.
The new agreement includes a 10-year real property tax abatement and city assistance with improvements to an adjacent pond area, which will be redeveloped to provide additional parking for the company’s growing workforce.
Baumgartner described INCOG as an “incredible” partner with the city.
Mayor Scott Fadness said the company has played a key role in promoting Fishers as a destination for life sciences firms. He noted that INCOG helped attract Italian-based company Stevanato Group to locate in Fishers.
INCOG is a contract development and manufacturing organization that specializes in the production and packaging of sterile injectable biopharmaceuticals.
It appears there is more than a power outage going on at the Fishers Community Center. A late afternoon Monday update from the Center says “mechanical issues’ are impacting the heating system. The latest information says the Center is “hopeful” to be open once again at noon on Tuesday.
Lynette Duvall (front and center) with the 3 county commissioners (Photo provided)
Hamilton County officials are recognizing 123 county employees for milestone work anniversaries that together represent 1,990 years of service to the community.
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and the county’s Human Resources Department annually honor employees who reach service milestones in five-year increments. Those recognized receive a service pin denoting their years of employment with the county.
Human Resources Director Sheena Randall said the recognition reflects the county’s commitment to supporting its workforce. “Our goal is to provide the people of Hamilton County with reliable, responsive service and care,” Randall said. “Supporting skilled employees and giving them purposeful work is central to delivering on that commitment.”
The most senior employee recognized this year is Lynette Duvall of the Prosecutor’s Office, who marked 45 years of service. Duvall, a caseworker and legal secretary, began her career with Hamilton County at age 20 as a receptionist.
“It really has been a lifetime,” Duvall said. “I started out using typewriters and carbon paper—things most people wouldn’t even recognize today. But what’s always stayed the same are the people. The great colleagues and phenomenal benefits are what kept me here all these years.”
In addition to Duvall, five employees are being recognized for 40 years of service, six for 35 years, 11 for 30 years and 14 for 25 years. Another 13 employees reached the 20-year milestone, 11 marked 15 years, 24 celebrated 10 years, and 38 employees were honored for five years of service.
The complete list of employees recognized by years of service is as follows:
It appears a power outage has impacted the Fishers Community Center. A social media post at 9:25am announced the closure. There is no word on when power is expected to be restored.
Yes, we have the Golden Globes, the Oscars and other film awards, but if you want to know the best films and performances of the year, I like to rely on our own critics here in Indiana, the Indiana Film Journalists Association. Originally organized to encourage studios to provide screenings for local critics, the annual awards announcement is one I look forward to each year.
The IFJA announced their nominees recently, and have just revealed the award winners for 2025.
I have dabbled in film criticism in the past, but I’m not as young as I once was so had to cut back on a few of my endeavors. It takes time an effort to screen films and write reviews.
That said, here are the award winners for 2025 from our local Indiana film critics:
A winter storm that brought several inches of snow to the area has moved on, but dangerously cold conditions are lingering across Central Indiana this morning.
The National Weather Service says a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. as wind chill values dip as low as 19 degrees below zero. Forecasters warn that exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions.
Snowfall ended late Saturday, giving area street crews the opportunity to begin clearing roads and treating icy spots. Crews worked overnight and into Sunday morning to improve driving conditions, though officials continue to urge motorists to use caution, particularly on secondary roads and bridges where ice can persist.
Despite the harsh weather, the Indy Fuel went ahead with their annual Teddy Bear Toss game Saturday night at the Fishers Event Center. The game drew a sellout crowd, and most ticket holders attended, braving the snow and cold to support the team and the charitable tradition.
As of 5:40 a.m. Monday, Hamilton Southeastern Schools had not announced a delay or cancellation, indicating buses were expected to run on their normal schedule barring any last-minute changes. Parents and students are encouraged to continue monitoring school communications for updates.
The National Weather Service says conditions will gradually improve later today as wind chills rise, but cold temperatures will persist. Residents are urged to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors, including the elderly and those without adequate heating.
Officials also remind pet owners to bring animals indoors and to ensure space heaters and other heating devices are used safely as the region endures the latest blast of winter weather.
Indiana found itself in the national spotlight this past week as the State Senate prepared to vote on a new congressional district map for Washington.
Governor Mike Braun strongly backed the proposed maps, and the Indiana House approved the plan by a 57–41 vote. All Democrats present voted no, joined by 12 Republicans.
That vote shifted attention squarely to the Indiana Senate chamber. The Statehouse was packed with advocates on both sides of the issue, and many political observers predicted a close vote. It was anything but.
In the end, 31 senators voted against the plan, while just 19 supported it. All 10 Democratic senators voted no, joined by 21 Republicans — a clear majority of the chamber and a majority within the GOP caucus.
That outcome raises an obvious question: why would so many senators, including Republicans, reject a redistricting plan supported by a Republican president and governor?
My state senator, Kyle Walker, explained his vote in a written statement.
“I simply could not support an effort to redraw legislative districts in the middle of a decade solely for political purposes,” Walker wrote. “Our commitment to democracy requires predictability, transparency, and public trust.”
Walker also said he heard from a large number of constituents who opposed the plan. His vote carries additional weight because he has announced he will not seek another term in the state Senate.
Already, two Republicans have announced plans to run for the seat next year: Hamilton Southeastern School Board President Juanita Albright and Fishers City Councilor Tiffanie Ditlevson. It would not be surprising to see more candidates enter the race once filing opens early next year for the May primary.
Political observers in Indiana and across the country are now asking a broader question: why did Indiana do this? Why push back against leaders of the same party?
I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But after living in this state for all of my 74 years, I’ve learned something about Hoosiers, regardless of party or ideology: we do not like being told what to do — especially by people in Washington, D.C.
The heavy-handed pressure tactics used by some supporters of the new maps appear to have backfired. Threats directed at lawmakers and their families don’t build support; they only harden opposition.
There were also outside groups urging “Indianians” or “Indianans” to support the plan — a clear signal the message was not written by anyone with a meaningful connection to this state.
Finally, there have been vague threats to withhold federal funding from Indiana because of the Senate vote. That may or may not happen, but politically it would be counterproductive. You don’t make friends or influence people through threats.
Whether you supported congressional redistricting or opposed it, one thing is clear: this episode showed the nation that Indiana still has a mind of its own.
INDOT camera showing I-69 at 116th Street at 7:30am Sunday
After another round of winter weather dropped about 5.5 inches of snow by midnight Saturday, road crews in and around Fishers have been working to clear snow-covered streets and improve travel conditions. While cleanup efforts continue, dangerously cold air has moved into central Indiana, creating new hazards for residents.
The National Weather Service reports that extreme cold is now the primary concern. Wind chill values early Sunday are expected to remain in the double digits below zero before falling into the single digits by late afternoon. The bitter cold is forecast to persist through early Monday morning, with a gradual warming trend expected to begin around midday Monday.
An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday, followed by a Cold Weather Advisory that continues through 9 a.m. Monday. According to the National Weather Service, wind chill values could drop as low as 23 degrees below zero during the warning period and remain near 21 degrees below zero during the advisory.
Forecasters warn that exposure to these conditions can be dangerous. Frostbite on exposed skin may occur in as little as 30 minutes, particularly during the coldest periods. The extreme cold may also complicate snow removal efforts, as low temperatures can cause icy conditions to persist on roadways even after plowing.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors when possible and take precautions if travel is necessary. The National Weather Service recommends dressing in multiple layers, including hats, gloves, and face coverings, to protect against frostbite and hypothermia. Drivers should continue to use caution on area roads as crews work to manage lingering snow and ice.
The cold weather is expected to ease slowly Monday, but officials stress the importance of remaining cautious until temperatures return closer to seasonal norms.
The Indy Fuel skated in front of a sellout crowd Saturday night at the Fishers Event Center, hosting the Cincinnati Cyclones for the team’s annual Teddy Bear Toss game. While the Fuel came up short on the scoreboard in a 4-1 loss, fans still flooded the ice with teddy bears for charity following Indy’s lone goal of the night.
The opening period was marked by frequent special teams action, with both squads combining for several penalties in the first 20 minutes. Indy controlled much of the early play and outshot Cincinnati 8-5 in the period, but the Cyclones capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity late in the frame. John Jaworski scored at 18:56 to give Cincinnati a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
Cincinnati added to its lead in the second period during another stretch of penalty-filled play. After the Fuel successfully killed off several penalties, Jaworski struck again with just four seconds remaining on a high-sticking minor to make it 2-0. Through two periods, Indy held a slim 18-17 edge in shots on goal.
The Cyclones extended their advantage in the third period. Ryan Kirwan scored at 9:57 to push the lead to 3-0, and Zack Trott followed with a power-play goal at 12:09 after an Indy boarding penalty, making it 4-0.
The long-awaited Teddy Bear Toss moment came late in the game. Terry Broadhurst, who recently rejoined the Fuel after spending three seasons playing in Europe, scored just two seconds into a power play at 18:01 to break the shutout. Jadon Joseph assisted on the goal, prompting fans to shower the ice with teddy bears destined for local charities.
The Cyclones and Fuel finished even in shots on goal, 25-25, but Cincinnati’s special teams proved to be the difference on a night that blended holiday tradition with high-energy hockey.
