The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) accredits local police departments and Fishers has had this accreditation for many years.  In order to keep that accreditation, a survey of local citizens is required.

Fishers Police have started this year’s survey and it will continue through June 1st.

“It is the goal of the Fishers Police Department to achieve and maintain the highest level of quality service for our residents and visitors,” according to a statement from the Fishers Police.  “Input from the citizens of Fishers is essential in the Fishers Police Department’s continued effort to promote effective police services and protection to all members of the community.”

The survey addresses specific questions regarding previous citizen contacts with local officers as well as perceptions of safety in our neighborhoods and business areas.

This is an online survey, and can be found at this link.

It will be another busy week of road construction throughout Fishers and the surrounding area.

Here is the complete listing for the work week beginning May 8th, as provided by the City of Fishers:

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To learn more about the State Road 37 Improvement Project and sign up to receive text updates, visit 37Thrives.com. 

STATE ROAD 37 AND 141ST STREET
A pre-construction phase at SR 37 & 141st Street is currently in place. During this phase, 141st Street will be a Right-In-Right-Out (RIRO) traffic configuration. 
This is not the permanent configuration. This will allow for traffic to flow more freely along SR 37 until the next phases of construction can be activated. This will eliminate backups along SR 37 that have caused dangerous stops to the free flow traffic and backups on the 146th Street interchange. Again, this is not the permanent configuration for 141st Street. The full timeline for the 141st Street interchange will be provided after project bids are accepted in the Summer of 2023. View detour routes here.

To learn more about the Clear Path Improvement Project and sign up to receive text and email updates, visit clearpath465.com 

I-465 & I-69
Drivers will see an increase in construction along the I-69 corridor in the coming months. This work will focus on reconfiguring the interchange at I-465 and I-69. New ramps will provide direct movements from eastbound I-465 and northbound I-465 to northbound I-69. Binford Blvd. will also be reconstructed to separate local traffic from traffic entering and exiting I-69 and I-465. Access to I-69 from Binford Blvd. will remain open. Drivers can expect to see significant activity on I-69 at the 82nd Street interchange.

The ramp from I-69 North to 82nd Street and the ramp from 82nd Street to I-69 North is currently closed through late 2023. For detour routes and additional project information, visit clearpath465.com 

To learn more about the Nickel Plate Trail, view the Capital Project Dashboard here.

NICKEL PLATE TRAIL
The City of Fishers is working on the completion of the Fishers portion of the Nickel Plate Trail. The remaining paving work from 96th Street to 106th Street is underway, and construction crews are currently working to clear and prep the area for paving. In the coming weeks, construction crews will begin the paving process.

There are daily lane closures currently on Cumberland Road, just south of 126th Street for sanitary and water line work. The northbound right turn lane and the southbound passing blister will be closed. 

Please be advised, beginning on or after Tuesday, May 16, Phase 1 of construction for the grade separation intersection improvement will begin at 146th Street and Allisonville Road. One thru lane and one left turn lane in all directions will be closed through the intersection.

Closures of Sowers Drive and Saville Road at 146th Street will be necessary in June. Additional notifications will be provided prior to the closures. In addition to these closures, the worksite speed limit will be 35 mph. Please exercise caution while driving through this construction zone.

For additional project information, visit Hamilton County website here.

During the week of May 8th, Duke Energy will be tree trimming on 116th Street, between Cumberland Road and Brooks School Road.  Lane restrictions will be in place between 9 am and 3 pm.

Fishers Police have identified a man found dead in a Sedona Woods neighborhood pond Thursday.  The pond is located near 141st Street and Promise Road.

Police identified the man found in the pond as James T. Hughes, 35, from Fishers.  Authorities say no foul play is suspected in his death at this time.  Mr. Hughes was reported missing April 30th.

Members of the Fishers Police Department Dive Team responded in recovery efforts. Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators are asking for community members who reside in the Sedona Woods neighborhood to provide any exterior camera footage of the man walking in the area of: Litchfield Place, Catalina Drive, Harborvale Chase, Dobbins Drive, Silverbell Lane and Wynngate Lane.  The times of interest are after 10:37 p.m. on the night of Monday April 24th, 2023, when Mr. Hughes was last seen, through April 25th, 2023, at 02:00 a.m.

This is an ongoing investigation.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Rodriguez at (317) 595-3346.

The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office is conducting the investigation into the cause and manner of death.

Judges in Hamilton County will now have the discretion to allow cameras in their courtrooms.  This follows guidance from the Indiana State Supreme Court.

“We are constitutionally required to have open courtrooms to ensure courts don’t abuse their powers” says Superior Court No. 5 Judge David Najjar in a county news release. “Allowing cameras in the courtroom is another way to ensure our proceedings are public and to allow citizens to watch the work we do and how we do it.”

Under Hamilton County’s rules, the media must request camera coverage from the presiding judge at least five days ahead of the proceeding, except for court hearings in which Zoom or another Internet platform is being used. The presiding judge may then decide if they will or will not allow cameras and can set any conditions they deem appropriate. The judge can also prohibit, limit, or terminate media coverage or testimony of particular witnesses at any time and for any reason.

Media will also be forbidden to film members of the jury, juveniles, and victims of violence, sex crimes, or domestic abuse. Only broadcast and print media and their professional associations can use cameras in court. Members of the general public, including independent bloggers, are not allowed under the rule.

“COVID brought cameras into just about every courtroom,” Judge Najjar adds. “Live streaming became a necessity when our judicial buildings were closed to ensure we created a public forum and keep courts open to the public. So, a lot of that initial resistance to cameras in the courtroom went by the wayside. There will still be some judges who are hesitant to the idea, but there are others who are very eager to open their courtrooms and let the media in.”

According to Hamilton County, up until now, Indiana and Louisiana were the only two states in the nation to not allow cameras in the court.

After an April public hearing that provided a number of approaches to changing Homeowners’ Association (HOA) rules, the Fishers Plan Commission unanimously provided a favorable recommendation for approval of the changes to the City Council.

Commission members heard a presentation by Planning & Zoning Director Megan Vukusich listing the staff recommendation on amending to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that would require any new HOA to limit the percentage of votes required to make an amendment to governing documents by a simple majority vote for items involving approving budgets, changes to HOA operations, and changes to rental restrictions. All other covenants, conditions, and restrictions would require a 75% consenting vote to change.

The change would also allow HOAs to adjust their rules for a quorum required to conduct business.  The city cites “special consideration” be given, because a quorum rule for a 2,500 home HOA may be different for a 20 home community.

The proposal now goes to the Fishers City Council for a final vote.

The draft ordinance language is available at this link.

In one other matter before the commission, the commission voted no recommendation on a request to rezone 1.76 acres of land from residential to commercial use, near 116th Street & Olio Road.  The proposed Magnolia Hair Salon would be located between the Kroger property and a church.

The commission voted 5-2 for an unfavorable recommendation on the rezone request.  With 7 of the 11 commission members present, and a majority of the 11 members required to pass an unfavorable recommendation, the proposal will be listed as no recommendation when up for a City Council vote.

Kids can explore Fishers’ fleet of big rigs, including tractors, snowplows, police cars, and fire trucks at the free Touch-A-Truck event on Tuesday, May 16 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Drive).
 
Enjoy live demonstrations from Fishers Department of Public Works, Fishers Fire Department, and the Fishers Police Department, including extractions, K-9 exercises, and road paving, as well as kids’ activities from Fishers Parks and food vendors.

Fishers Police completed an extensive investigation that led to charges of theft and fraud related to what investigators say was a rental scam.

Megan Stoner, 25, from Elwood, faces felony charges of theft, fraud and corrupt business influence.

Here is how Fishers Police described the situation:

“In the Fall of 2021, the Fishers Police Department launched an investigation into a possible rental home scheme. The scheme involved a female misrepresenting herself as the owner of a home in Fishers. The suspect allegedly scammed three victims into signing a lease agreement and giving her money as their deposit and first month’s rent. The suspect never provided keys or access to the residence.”

Officers issued an arrest warrant in late April and the suspect turned herself into authorities the next day.

Jennifer Kehl has been the Fishers City Clerk since Fishers switched from being a town to a city.  Ms. Kehl will be on the Republican general election ballot in November, defeating political newcomer Rachel Segars.

With all precincts reporting, Kehl received 1,766 votes (68%) and Segars had 820 votes (32%).

Both women have spouses well known in Fishers.  Jennifer Kehl’s husband is George Kehl, the long-time Fishers Chief of Police before retiring from that post.  Rachel Segars is married to current Fishers City Councilor Pete Peterson.

Kehl will face Democrat Janet Pritchett in November.

In nearby communities, Sue Finkam won the GOP mayoral primary election in Carmel.  She faces Democrat Miles Nelson in November.  Scott Willis won the Republican mayoral primary in Westfield.  No Democrat has filed a candidacy for Westfield mayor in the fall election.

My experience covering emergency services in my journalism career has shown me that people working as firefighters and emergency services are some of the most physically-fit people I have observed as a group.  However, those working in fire & EMS fields are exposed to hazards that can be harmful to one’s health.

As a result, the City of Fishers has announced a special cancer screening process for Fire & EMS employees.

Below is the announcement, as issued by the City of Fishers:

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Fishers Fire and Emergency Services, Community Health Network and GRAIL have united to address the increased risk of cancer in firefighters. The partnership will provide Fishers’ fire men and women access to the Galleri test, an early detection cancer screen. The groundbreaking blood test can detect a signal for over 50 types of cancer before symptoms have appeared, including many that have no recommended screening. 141 department members, out of 155, are participating in the screening. 

Firefighters are at a higher risk of developing cancer due to carcinogen exposure in their line of work. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters are twice as likely to develop certain types of cancer compared to the general population. This increased risk is due to exposure to smoke, soot, and other chemicals during fires and other emergency incidents.

Early detection of cancer is crucial for effective treatment and increased chances of survival and the Galleri test added to recommended screenings, provides a proactive approach. 

Department Chief Steven Orusa said, “Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our community. It is important we take care of them by providing access to the latest cancer screening technology. The Galleri test is an important tool in our efforts to protect the health and well-being of our firefighters, so they can continue to take care of our community.”

The tests are being provided to Fishers firefighters through a partnership with Community Health Network. Visit galleri.com to learn more and review Important Safety Information.

“This screening event is significant because firefighters have such a high risk when it comes to exposures, predisposing them to developing cancer throughout their lifetime.,” said Dr. Patrick McGill, Chief Transformation officer for Community Health Network.  “It also shows the power that partnerships can have in promoting healthier outcomes.”

When Scott Fadness assumed the office of Fishers’ mayor in 2015, one of his first initiatives was to improve mental health.  In 2023, this continues to be a major emphasis for his administrations.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the city has announced a partnership with the firm CredibleMind in a revamped Stigma Free Fishers campaign.

“StigmaFree Fishers has raised awareness on mental health supported residents in crisis. The Fishers Health Department is committed to ensuring residents know how to care for their mental health and where to access more resources,” said Monica Heltz, Director of the Fishers Health Department, in a city news release. “The CredibleMind platform will give residents free, research-based access to tools dedicated specifically to mental health that will ultimately provide a preventative approach to health and wellness in Fishers.”

The new partnership with CredibleMind is part of a month-long series of events in Fishers for Mental Health Awareness in May.  Below is a full listing, as provided by the City of Fishers:

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New CredibleMind Wellness Resource
The revamped StigmaFreeFishers.com, powered by CredibleMind, is a free online service for residents offering access to mental health education, resources, and assessments. Fully confidential and available 24/7, the online platform allows access to thousands of evidence-based resources, all reviewed by both experts and users for a highly personalized experience. Combined with scientifically validated assessments, expert-written articles, and thousands of resources including videos, apps, podcasts and books, users can find information to help them make positive improvements no matter what their learning style. Residents who create an account and complete the Mental Health Check-In Assessment by May 15 will be entered to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card. Get started at StigmaFreeFishers.com. 

The Forgiving Sea Project 
Exhibit open Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.| Hamilton County Community Foundation Collaboration Hub (11810 Technology Drive) | Free 
The Forgiving Sea Project, a nonprofit multi-media collaboration from Indianapolis artist Carolyn Springer and composer Joseph Lamm, funded by the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission, will provide an interactive art installation at Hamilton County Community Foundation Collaboration Hub and four public events throughout the month. Learn more at ThisisFishers.com/MentalHealthMonth.

• Family Day & Spiritual Healing Event 
  Saturday. May 6, 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. 
• Fishers Arts Council Second Friday Artist Reception 
  Friday, May 12, 6 – 8 p.m. 
• Lunch Talk with Licensed Art Psychotherapist Katy Wagner, MA, ATR-P, LMHCA 
  Tuesday, May 16, 12:15 – 1 p.m. 
• Lunch Talk with Artist & Founder Carolyn Springer 
  Thursday, May 25, 12:15 – 1 p.m.  

Fishers Parks’ Free Yoga Classes 
Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 | 9 – 10 a.m. | Billericay Park (May 31 class is at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater)  
Saturdays, May 6, 13, 20 & 27 at the Fishers Farmers Market | 8 – 9 a.m. | Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Drive) 
Thursday, May 18 | 5 – 6 p.m. | Fishers AgriPark (11171 Florida Road) 
Fishers Parks is expanding its free yoga program with opportunities throughout the week at Billericay Park, the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater during the Fishers Farmers Market and at Yoga on the Farm at the Fishers AgriPark. No registration is required for any session. Learn more at playfishers.com.  
 
Hope for Happiness  
Saturday, May 13 | 8 a.m. – noon | Nickel Plate District Amphitheater  
Fishers High School and Hamilton Southeastern High Schools’ Bring Change to Mind clubs will host the annual Hope for Happiness event at the Fishers Farmers Market in partnership with The City of Fishers and Fishers Health Department. Stop by the free, family-friendly event to help raise awareness about mental health and the City’s Stigma Free Fishers initiative, participate in mental health activities, find resources from local mental healthcare providers, and more. Learn more at ThisisFishers.com/MentalHealthMonth. 

Fishers Parks’ Wednesday Walk 
Wednesday, May 17 | 9 – 10 a.m. | Holland Park (1 Park Drive) 
Enjoy ecotherapy in nature with a walk with the Fishers Parks’ team to learn more about the parks department. Wednesday Walks will be offered monthly at rotating parks around Fishers. Learn more at playfishers.com. 

Fishers Parks Storywalk 
Throughout the month | Billericay Park (12690 Promise Road) 
During Mental Health Awareness Month, the self-guided Storywalk hike features the children’s book The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld. Visit playfishers.com/Storywalk to learn more. 

Take the Pledge   
Residents are encouraged to take the pledge to learn more about mental health and share their pledges on social media using the hashtag #StigmaFreeFishers. Residents can take the pledge virtually at ThisisFishers.com/MentalHealthMonth.