When I was looking at the list of candidates for Fishers City Council in the 2023 municipal election, I asked myself, would local voters have any interest in listening to podcasts with these candidates? After all, Mayor Scott Fadness was unopposed in the primary and is unopposed in the general election as well.
Only one person declined my invitation on recording a podcast with me, so I took the plunge and recorded 14 total podcasts. Fishers voters will vote for up to 3 at-large council candidates and one from the district where you reside. To see a Council District map, use this link
There is one council seat unopposed, the South East District, with Republican Pete Peterson the only name on that ballot.
My thanks to retired Fishers Junior High School teacher Mike Fassold for participating in the early podcasts. He was not available later, but his questions were still incorporated into the later podcasts as time allowed.
So, here is the listing of all Fishers City Council candidate podcasts with links to each.
The latest update on road construction in the Fishers area is still a decent list, but a bit shorter with cooler weather forecast. Note that street resurfacing is scheduled in the Cottingham Estates neighborhood.
Here is the full rundown, as provided by the City of Fishers:
The City of Fishers has announced the launch of an all-new Tribute Tree Program, inviting residents to commemorate their loved ones and special occasions by donating trees that will enrich the city’s parks and public spaces. This innovative program offers a simple online portal for residents to request and coordinate tree plantings in their preferred locations within several Fishers parks.
Through the application process, applicants can choose the perfect spot in Fishers’ picturesque parks, and the trees will be planted with the expert guidance and assistance of the Fishers Department of Public Works. Furthermore, residents will have the opportunity to hold a tree-planting ceremony, allowing them to honor their loved ones in a meaningful way.
The Tribute Tree Program includes three distinct categories of trees:
Planting a tree in memory: This serves as a living tribute that benefits both present and future generations, allowing residents to keep the memory of their loved ones alive in a vibrant and natural setting.
Planting a tree in honor: Residents can show their appreciation for a loved one, someone who has touched lives, or an individual who has served or is currently serving their country. This category offers a unique way to express gratitude and respect.
Planting a tree in celebration: Residents can celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, new births, anniversaries, and more by planting a tree in their chosen park. It’s a distinctive way to mark life’s significant milestones.
It’s worth noting that applicants are responsible for the maintenance and care of each tribute tree they plant. The Department of Public Works retains the right to remove trees that have degenerated or become damaged and is not responsible for replacement post-installation.
The Tribute Tree Program joins a list of other initiatives in the City of Fishers designed to honor and remember loved ones. These include the “Honor a Hero” program, which allows residents to purchase a brick paver or light pole banner in honor of an armed services member, and the “Angel of Hope Memorial” at Heritage Park, presented by the Fishers Parks Foundation, which offers memorial pavers dedicated to lost children.
For more information about the Tribute Tree Program and to access the online portal for tree donations, please visit fishers.in.us/TributeTree.
The City of Fishers released an update on the closure of 106th St. and Hoosier Rd.
Below is the statement issued Friday morning from the city:
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106TH STREET & HOOSIER ROAD
The intersection of 106th Street and Hoosier Road is currently closed for the construction of a roundabout. Access into and out of the Windermere subdivision will be on Geist Road via Governors Lane. Detour route can be found here. For additional project information, view the Capital Project Dashboard here.
The project timeline has been extended due to utility and county drainage revisions. The contractor is currently working on those design changes with all stakeholders. Work is scheduled to resume on Monday, October 16th, weather pending.
Selina Stoller has served on the Fishers City Council since Fishers became a city in 2015. She seeks another 4-year Council term. She spoke with Larry about her campaign in this podcast.
Bill Stuart has lived in Fishers for 30 years and has served in a number of different roles locally, including the Plan Commission. He now seeks a seat on the Fishers City Council. Mr. Stuart spoke with Larry in this podcast about his campaign.
The Fishers Arts Council, in collaboration with the Hamilton County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), and The Fishers Historical Society, is set to celebrate Hamilton County’s Bicentennial in grand style this October. The celebration takes place in the FAC Hub Gallery, located within the Collaboration Hub at the Hamilton County Community Foundation, 11810 Technology Drive, Fishers.
The exhibit, aptly named “Fishers & Small Town Indiana,” is now open and will run through November 3. The gallery is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday, and by appointment with the Fishers Arts Council on Fridays. To kick off the celebration, a free public reception will be held on October 13, also known as “Second Friday,” from 6 pm to 8 pm at the FAC Hub Gallery.
One of the standout features of this “Second Friday” reception will be the opportunity to view historical documents, photos, and items, courtesy of The Fishers Historical Society. Attendees can also enjoy a demonstration of traditional spinning techniques by the Conner Prairie Youth Spinners. The event will be further enriched with musical performances by students and teachers from Bach 2 Rock Fishers, highlighting the talents of Indiana composers, including Carmel composer Frederick Hunt.
For those with a keen interest in the history of Fishers, a special interview segment will be conducted by FAC board member Pat Grabill, featuring life-long Fishers residents, Martha Rouse and Bob Kincaid, at 6:45 pm. Complementing the evening, there will be free refreshments and a cash bar available, making this an all-ages event. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit.
The exhibit will showcase works from fourteen incredible local artists: Kathy Bowen, Regina Bunting, John Dierdorf, Shelley Feeney, Karen Fehr, Alexa Litchfield, Sue Payne, Joanne Roeder, Mark Rouse, Michael Rouse, Randy Swaim, Walt Thacker, Dave Voelpel, and Philip Worrall. Many of these pieces will be available for sale, offering a unique opportunity to own a part of Fishers’ history.
In addition to the contemporary artwork, the exhibit will feature historic copies of works provided by county historian David Heighway. The goal of the exhibit is to detail the history of Fishers and provide insights into life in small-town Indiana.
“We’re proud to partner with The Fishers Historical Society for this exhibit. This partnership is special to us as historical society board member, Mark Rouse, is a Fishers Artist and is our guest curator for the exhibit. Mark has a passion for history along with a great creative eye and has done an excellent job of bringing these artists together to showcase the beauty and history of Fishers. We’re also thankful to the Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission for sponsoring this reception and all of the fantastic celebrations in Hamilton County this year,” said Fishers Arts Council Executive Director, Les Reinhardt.
The “Fishers & Small Town Indiana” exhibit promises a unique blend of artistic creativity, historical insight, and the rich tapestry of Hamilton County’s bicentennial celebration. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Fishers and small-town Indiana.
For more information and appointments, contact the Fishers Arts Council at this link.
As the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board wrapped up its Wednesday night meeting, board President Dawn Lang provided an update on the search for a superintendent. The vacancy will be announced in all the places such job searches are listed as of October 16.
The board is contracting with an outside firm, Administrative Assistance, to conduct the search.
“The search will continue until the position is filled,” said Lang. Applications should be submitted no later than December 1 of this year.
The HSE District wants the new superintendent to assume the position as soon as possible, but no later than July 1, 2024.
According to Lang, there will be a community forum on the search for a superintendent, but no other details were provided.
Superintendent Yvonne Stokes submitted her resignation and the board approved her separation agreement September 13. Matt Kegley is serving as interim superintendent.
Becky Schroeder, appearing before the school board
Imagine for a moment you leave your home country and enter an entirely new place in another nation. You may have some language skills in your new home, maybe not. Life can be complicated learning a new language.
The Hamilton Southeastern School Board gave special recognition to English as a New Language (ENL) teacher Becky Schroeder, whom has been helping new English learners in the local school district. She started her career as a science teacher, but later transitioned into teaching ENL, winning several distinguished awards. Most recently, she was given the English Learner Educator Excellence Award by the Indiana Department of Education.
A video about Ms. Schroeder was presented to the board Wednesday. Watch the video at the link below.
Ryan Taylor, speaking before the HSE board Wednesday
In January of 2022, Ryan Taylor bid farewell to the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools, retiring after years of service to the district. He entered the private sector, serving as Vice President at Safe School Solutions, a division of Safe Hiring Solutions.
However, it appears Ryan Taylor couldn’t resist a return to public education. The HSE School Board formally approved his appointment Wednesday night as the new Executive Director of Staff and Student Services, essentially the same job he had when retiring in 2022.
“I am very excited to be returning to the school community I have called ‘home’ for more than two decades, and I look forward to continuing to serve our students and staff.” said Taylor in as written statement.
Interim HSE Superintendent Matt Kegley appears pleased with Taylor’s return to HSE Schools.
“We are confident that Ryan Taylor’s extensive experience and dedication to the safety and well-being of both staff and students at HSE will contribute significantly to the continued success of the school district,” said Kegley.
Taylor is wasting no time getting down to work, he starts October 13.
He replaces Kim Lippe, who left the position to become principal at Brownsburg High School.
During the board session public comment Wednesday, Stephanie Hunt and HSEA President Abby Taylor reminded the board that Taylor was given a 2-year contract, but 3 top administrators with HSE did not have their contracts renewed, as has been the custom. Abby Taylor gave special attention to Katy Dowling, one of the 3 without a contract extension, praising Dowling for her work in bargaining with the local teachers’ union.
