If you want to help Hamilton Southeastern Schools, but you are a busy person short on time, you may have an opportunity to help.

The Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation is forming the Game Day Guild, a way to support the annual spring fund raising event for the foundation.

“This is a perfect opportunity for even the busiest person to be an education champion,” says Game Day Guld Chairperson Sneha Shah.

The bottom line is this… Game Day Guild members can determine the amount of time they are able to give to ensure the event is a success in raising funds for all 21 local schools.

A “call out” meeting has been set for 9am on Monday, August 22 at the HSE Administration Building.  To RSVP or for more information e-mail hsefoundation@hse.k12.in.us.

Scott Rhodes is a Nationwide Insurance agent with his office on Lantern Road in the downtown Fishers Nickel Plate District.  The city has announced economic development plans for his Lantern Road office that calls for that structure’s demolition.

Rhodes owns a rental home at 13862 Cumberland Road and he wants to move his insurance office to that location.  In order to do this, Mr. Rhodes must receive a zoning variance, changing the use of the building and land from residential to commercial.  He also will need to annex the building and land into the City of Fishers.  City staff says this rezone would only allow office use for this parcel, not any other commercial activity.

The Fishers City Council heard Mr. Rhodes rezoning request on 2nd reading Monday night. The council heard testimony from several individuals.  Some were in support.  A real estate representative from FC Tucker told the council approving this rezone would not result in the reduction of home values in the area.  Fishers High School Football Coach Rick Wimmer spoke before the council in favor of the rezone request.

But most of the people in the audience that nearly filled the council chambers were there to oppose the rezoning.  They expressed a number of concerns, the most common being the change in atmosphere for what is now only a residential area.

The council members approved 2nd reading.  The measure requires a vote by the full council at 3rd reading for a final decision, which will likely happen at the September city council session.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) alerts area motorists that the southbound lanes of I-69 in and near the Fishers area will shifting as early a Tuesday night, if weather permits.

Below is the full release from INDOT:

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Interstate 69 added travel lane

Weather permitting, southbound lanes on I-69 will be shifted toward the right shoulder tonight. Shifting traffic lanes away from the median will allow room for construction of an additional southbound lane.  Northbound lanes are currently in this traffic configuration.

Current weather forecasts could postpone the traffic shift to later this week.  Shifting traffic lanes will require alternating lane closures on southbound I-69 between Campus Parkway (Exit 210) and 116th Street (Exit 205) between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Temporary concrete barrier lines the I-69 median for construction of an additional lane in each direction.  After southbound lanes are shifted, subsequent overnight lane closures will be needed to modify the barrier and install entrance and exit routes for construction trucks.

Motorists should be alert for construction trucks entering and exiting the roadway.  Signs direct large trucks to use the left lane through the shifted section of interstate.  The speed limit is reduced to 60 mph and further reduced to 50 mph when workers are present.

Interstate 69 patching & paving

Milestone Contractors has completed patching on the 15-mile stretch of interstate from Exit 205 to north of Exit 219.

Following the patching crew, a new asphalt overlay is being paved on existing lanes.  Paving continues on northbound and southbound I-69 between Campus Parkway and State Road 13.

Weather permitting, patching and paving operations require alternating lane closures in various locations six nights a week on Monday through Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.  One lane of I-69 will remain open at all times, and two lanes will remain open during peak daytime travel times.

The speed limit through the work zone is reduced to 60 mph and further reduced to 50 mph when workers are present.  Speed detection and LED display signs are installed in the work zone to alert motorists driving at unsafe speeds.  Indiana State Police are patrolling the work zone to promote public safety and compliance with traffic laws.

State Road 13 Exit 214

Construction crews have started widening the I-69 bridges over State Road 13 to accommodate an additional lane in each direction on I-69.  Work is also underway to install traffic control signals at the interchange ramps.  The new signals are on-schedule to be activated, and State Road 13 traffic lanes will shift for pavement construction, in September.

Campus/Southeastern Parkway Exit 210

Construction of the new double-crossover diamond configuration is underway as Milestone builds up the new interchange ramps and widens the Campus Parkway bridge over I-69.

Campus Parkway traffic lanes are narrowed to 11 feet and motorists should be alert for workers in the area and trucks entering and exiting the roadway.

Later this summer, traffic will be shifted into a double-crossover diamond configuration, which is intended to improve traffic flow during the remainder of construction of the permanent interchange improvements.

The Fishers City Council voted 5-4 Monday night to table an economic development agreement between the city and Citimark.  I have covered Fishers government for over four and a half years, and this is the first time I recall a council delay in implementing an economic development deal.

Selina Stoller, Rich Block, David George, Cecilia Coble and Brad DeReamer voted for the delay.  Those voting against the delay were Eric Moeller, John Weingardt, Pete Peterson and Todd Zimmerman.

The proposal calls for Citimark to buy the former Schwab call center on Visionary Way and the new Launch Fishers building next door.

Some council members want to work on details of the proposed project.  No one expressed opposition to the deal itself, just a desire to work out some of the fine points.

Matt Carlstedt, Senior Vice President of Citimark, told LarryInFishers after the vote that he plans to move forward and work with council members on ironing out details.  But he added this will delay the start of the project.

Under the proposed agreement between the city administration and Citimark,  $32.7 million would be invested in the old Schwab facility.  This includes the purchase of the building, renovation and upgrading the facility.  It also includes buying the new Launch Fishers structure next door from the city.

Fishers city employee Dan Domsic gave the Hamilton Southeastern School Board a summary of plans for the Mayor’s Youth Council August 10th.  Now the city is prepared to take applications to become a part of it.  Details of the program are below in a city news release:

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 As the 2016-2017 school year approaches, the City of Fishers is offering an exciting opportunity for upper class high school students to participate in the Mayor’s Youth Council. Inspired by Fishers Citizen’s Academies, the Mayor’s Youth Council intentionally engages high school students in an effort to build community awareness, inspire future careers in the public sector and provide hands-on learning opportunities that enhance curriculum.

Complete an application online, today!

It’s time to come clean to everyone I know and everyone reading this blog.  I am not interested in the Olympic games.  There, I wrote it, for all to see.

This is not something new, it’s something I have always felt, going back to the first Olympics I watched on TV.  The events are just not interesting to me.

Even a sport like basketball, which I have learned to enjoy because my of my father’s love for round balls going through hoops. does not hold my interest.  The Olympic rules and playing style may be the reasons, but I cannot be sure.

This is not to discount the amazing athletes competing in these games.  Most have made major sacrifices and have largely devoted their lives to the Olympic quest. I admire them. I’m just not interested in watching them on TV.

NBC is in a quandary because audience levels are generally down from the London games on regular TV, but the Internet streaming audience appears to be breaking records.  NBC will still show a profit from the Rio games.

I have tried to get interested in these sports.  As a mostly retired guy, I have some time available to watch during weekdays, but just cannot get into it.

I may be in the minority, but the Olympics don’t do much for me.

Road construction is now in full throttle all around Fishers.

First, Monday, August 15th, a new roundabout will begin construction at 106th Street and Cumberland Road.  The south leg of the intersection will be closed during construction, which is expected to continue until late into the month of September.  The rest of the intersection will remain open.

Below you will find the news release and map from the city on the roundabout construction.  Below that you will find the weekly listing from the city on construction projects going on this week.

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Beginning on or after Monday, August 15th, roundabout construction will begin at the intersection of 106th Street and Cumberland Road. During the first phase of construction, the south leg of the intersection on Cumberland Road will be closed until late September. All other legs of the intersection will remain open. A detour map is available to help guide residents around the closure. Roundabout construction will help ease the flow of traffic at the intersection and will allow for pedestrian access once complete. Construction has been coordinated with Fishers Fire and Emergency Services’ Station 94 and Hamilton Southeastern Schools to ensure ease during the construction period. Upon completion of phase one, construction will move into phase two, and additional details will be shared as available. Residents are encouraged to sign up for weekly road notice emails to track progress on this project. Sign up by visiting www.fishers.in.us and selecting Fishers Alert. Ongoing updates will also be shared on Twitter at@DriveFishers.

============================================================= ALLISONVILLE ROAD Northbound Allisonville Road will have periodic lane restrictions in place at Deerbrook Drive beginning on Monday, August 15th through Friday, August 19th. This project is weather permitting and allows for the completion of utility work.   BRIDGE REPLACEMENT Continuing this week, the bridge on 106th Street between Allisonville Road and Hague Road will be closed by the Hamilton County Highway Department for replacement. Detour routes are displayed in the area and access to local traffic will be permitted for residents and businesses. Please direct any questions about this project to alison.krupski@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.   CYNTHEANNE ROAD   Road work began on Cyntheanne Road between Southeastern Parkway and 136th Street the week of July 25th. Periodic lane restrictions and flaggers remain in place to help direct traffic. ERLEN DRIVE   Erlen Drive will be closed between Minden Drive and Pennington Road for emergency road repairs. Currently there are steel plates in place. Please find an alternate route, if possible.   FALL CREEK TRAIL   Fall Creek Trail reconstruction work continues; the Fall Creek Trail project between 96th Street and Brooks School Road will have periodic lane closures for paving operations. Please travel with caution, construction barrels have reduced the existing northbound lane width.   I-69 AND CAMPUS PARKWAY   Milestone Contractors has begun mobilizing cranes and other equipment and setting a temporary concrete barrier wall along I-69 at Campus Parkway Exit 210. Work will require alternating lane closures on northbound and southbound I-69 between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Lane closures may recur each night through the end of the week depending on weather and progress. Questions about this project should be directed to INDOT at eastcentralin@indot.in.gov or 1-855-463-6848. I-69 TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS   INDOT is overseeing an overnight closure on multiple traffic lanes on I-69 overnight this week. Weather permitting, lane closures, traffic changes and rolling slowdowns of traffic will begin after 9 p.m. and are expected to end before 6 a.m. the next day. Construction schedules and traffic restrictions are subject to change, and questions should be directed to INDOT at indot.carsporgram.org, 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or 511 from a mobile phone. Please drive with caution as a new traffic pattern is in place.   STATE ROAD 37   Various general survey work has begun along the State Road 37 corridor. Work will take place starting at the 126th Street intersection. Learn more atwww.Fishers.in.us/SR37. 106th STREET & CUMBERLAND ROAD ROUNDABOUT   Beginning on or after Monday, August 15th, Cumberland Road from 106th Street to Mud Creek will be closed as Phase 1 of a new roundabout begins. 106th Street will remain open and Cumberland Road north of 106th Street will remain open at this time. Please continue to check the weekly construction update for ongoing progress on this project.   106th STREET INTERCHANGE   INDOT has begun work on the 106th Street interchange. A lane shift is currently in place on I-69 and 106th Street is closed as construction continues. Additional details about this project will be released through INDOT and shared on the weekly construction update. Please be advised the speed limit from 82nd Street to 116th Street has been reduced to 55 mph and there are lane shifts on I-69. Please travel with caution and pay close attention to signage in the area. 116th STREET   There may be short-term lane restrictions on eastbound 116th Street between USA Parkway and Exit Five Parkway while utility work is being completed. Nightly lane restrictions will also be in place on 116th Street between Commercial Drive and USA Parkway between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. beginning the night of July 6th.   131st STREET   Lane restrictions will be in place on 131st Street between Brooks School Road and Olio Road to allow contractors to perform paving activities. Weather permitting, restrictions will be in place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The annual rivalry football game between Fishers & HSE High Schools is coming up in less than a month (September 9th), and the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation reminds everyone their VIP seats for last year’s Mudsock Game sold out.

Tickets are $50.  Below is a foundation news release with more details:

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The Forum Credit Union Conference Center was filled with Red & White the evening of August 13th, as Tiger One, the booster club for Fishers High School Athletics, had its big annual fund raising event.  The silent auction and food samples from area eateries were popular with those attending.

You can learn more about Tiger One at this link.

Here are some pictures taken during the evening of August 13th.

If you know anyone that has completed the Fishers City Government Academy, ask that person about the experience.  You will likely hear a heap of praise for the program, which teaches local citizens about the workings of city government behind the scenes.

The city is preparing to form the next academy class.  This is your opportunity to better understand the form of government closest to you.

Check the news release below from the city for more details:

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The City of Fishers is excited to announce the award-winning City Government Academy (CGA) is returning this fall with opportunities for residents 18 and older to learn more about the inner-workings of local government. The free, 10-week program begins on Wednesday, September 21^st in the City Hall Auditorium beginning at 6 p.m., and meeting locations and topics vary weekly.

CGA provides opportunities for residents to connect with local leaders while exploring different departments within the city. Meetings take place weekly from 6 to 8 p.m. Highlights of the program include sessions with Fishers Police Department, Fishers Department of Fire & Emergency Services, City Court, Fishers Parks & Recreation and the Wastewater Treatment Plan. Participants will also have an opportunity to visit Launch Fishers and learn more about Hamilton Southeastern Schools with a presentation by Dr. Allen Bourff.

Residents interested in learning more about the program or the fall scheduleare encouraged to visit the City of Fishers’ website. Spots in CGA are available on a first come, first served basis, and applications can be completed online. Residents unable to complete an application online or in need of supportive services in order to participate are encouraged to contact Dan Domsic atdomsicd@fishers.in.us or directly at (317) 595-3151. All accommodations must be arranged 48 hours prior to a meeting, and applications are due by September 20^th.