Fishers Police officers made nearly 18,000 traffic stops during 2024 in an effort to reduce speeding.  That number was shared by Assistant Chief Mike Taylor at the Wednesday morning Police Merit Commission meeting.

“Traffic stops are going to be a way of life and a lifeblood for us,” said Chief Ed Gebhart.  “Slowing our community down is really important to us.  It was out of control.  I don’t know that it’s totally in control.”    The Chief told Commission members the 2024 number of traffic stops far exceeds anything he remembers in the past 25 years.

In other items discussed by the Commission:

–Fishers Police are fully staffed at this time, with both sworn officers and civilian staff.  Gebhart said an officer was added in anticipation of a retirement.

–Assistant Chief Luke Gannon says citizen complaints and administrative investigations went down by 3 in 2024, with a total of 9.  4 were administrative probes, 5 were from citizen complaints.  All 4 administrative investigations were sustained and no citizen complaints were sustained.  Gannon told LarryInFishers video evidence was key in these investigations.  The video sources included bodycams, cameras facing forward and backward in police vehicles and cameras located elsewhere in the community that provided video evidence.

—-Warren Henderson will serve as Police Merit Commission President in 2025.  Gary Bolenbaugh will be Vice President and Jim White has been  named Treasurer.

The purpose of the Fishers Police Merit Commission is to administer discipline to department members including suspension, demotion, and termination of employment.  The Commission has not been asked to consider any discipline in a number of years, with any cases settled before Commission action was required.  The Commission is required to meet periodically by law.

The Fishers Arts Council (FAC) is kicking off the new year by celebrating the artistic brilliance of Jerry Mannell, a two-time winner of FAC’s Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists “Best in Show” award. Mannell’s solo exhibit, Free Associations, is on display at the Art Gallery at City Hall in Fishers Municipal Center through January 31. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays, and the exhibit will also be featured during the Second Friday free public reception on January 10, from 6-8 p.m.

An Artist Inspired by Curiosity and Recognition

Mannell’s journey into the world of art began in high school when his talent was recognized by others, fueling his passion for creative expression. That spark led him to pursue a fine arts major in college, where his love for literature and ideas gave his work deeper meaning. “When I began to look at art in that context, it added more meaning to what otherwise would have been just decorative,” he reflects.

Behind the Canvas: Mannell’s Creative Process

Known for his distinctive oil-on-canvas paintings, Mannell’s creative process begins with a simple pencil sketch focused on composition and contrast. These initial sketches serve as blueprints that evolve into abstract compositions, often layered with imagery that invites interpretation. “I keep ambiguity alive by suggesting meaning without actually defining it,” he explains. While the beginning stages of his work come easily, the final steps of refining and balancing the elements often prove challenging—but rewarding.

Building a Legacy in Art

Mannell acknowledges the support he’s received from local art communities in Noblesville and Fishers, though he admits that finding the right audience for his unique style can be a challenge. His goal is to expand his reach with a digital portfolio to connect with galleries that align with his vision.

A Celebration of Art and Music

The highlight of Mannell’s exhibit will be the Second Friday reception on January 10, featuring live music by Elizabeth Lee, refreshments, and a Focus on the Artist session at 6:45 p.m. FAC board member Pat Grabill will interview Mannell in the Fishers Municipal Center Theater, offering attendees insight into the artist’s work and philosophy.

The event, funded in partnership with the City of Fishers, is free and open to all ages. Visitors can enjoy an evening of creative inspiration and community engagement while exploring Mannell’s thought-provoking artwork.

For more information, visit the Fishers Arts Council website or stop by the Art Gallery at City Hall.

The Fishers Arts Council will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Fishers Pavilion, located at 10 Municipal Drive. The venue, nestled between the Fishers Municipal Center and the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, will serve as the gathering point for this important community event.

The meeting is open to the public and will feature key agenda items, including a review of the organization’s 2025 budget, the election of new officers to join the board, and a vote on executive committee positions.

Les Reinhardt, Executive Director of the Fishers Arts Council, encourages residents to attend and engage in shaping the future of arts in the Fishers community.

Community members interested in attending are asked to RSVP by emailing info@FishersArtsCouncil.org no later than January 9, 2025.

The Fishers Arts Council is dedicated to fostering and promoting the arts in Fishers, enhancing cultural opportunities, and enriching the community through creativity and collaboration.

For more information, visit FishersArtsCouncil.org.

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and Human Resources Department recently celebrated the dedication and commitment of 131 employees for their service to the community. Among them, four standout employees marked a remarkable milestone—45 years of employment with the county.

Robin Mills, the former county auditor; Sheena Randall, Director of Human Resources; Janet Hansen, an Administrative Assistant in the Surveyor’s Office; and Peggy Nation, a Filings Deputy in the Clerk’s Office, topped the list of honorees this year. Each has dedicated nearly half a century to serving the residents of Hamilton County.

“I am a Hamilton County born and raised gal,” said Mills, reflecting on her journey. “I started my county career right out of high school. I stayed all these years because Hamilton County is a great place to work and raise a family.”

Randall, who also celebrated 45 years, highlighted the advantages of working for the county. “The county offers great benefits too, such as health insurance, paid holidays, and a 37.5-hour work week,” she noted.

The annual service awards program recognizes employees every five years, with each recipient receiving a service pin denoting their years of service. This year’s honorees included five employees celebrating 40 years, two marking 35 years, five reaching 30 years, and 12 commemorating 25 years. Additionally, 14 employees observed 20 years of service, 14 celebrated 15 years, 27 marked 10 years, and 48 were honored for five years of employment.

“Our goal is to give the citizens and taxpayers of Hamilton County the most responsive governmental services possible,” said Randall. “Employing top-quality people, providing them with meaningful work, and retaining their services helps serve the public efficiently and effectively.”

Fishers is slowly emerging from the worst winter storm we have seen in many years.  Snow depths vary even within the Fishers City Limits, but most parts have experienced over 6 inches, some more.   Staff members were told not to report on a planned day at Hamilton Southeastern Schools Monday but students are back in class on schedule today.

The City of Fishers reports early this morning that local road crews, as of midnight, were approximately 50% complete in the neighborhoods.  The city’s day staff members are on full snow duty today finishing up.

In a Special Weather Statement issued late Monday night, the National Weather Service warns of continued slick spots in the area.  Cold temperatures and wind chill numbers will be dipping to dangerous levels in the coming days, so if you must be outside, dress in layers.

(Updated 9:40am Monday)

Students are not scheduled to return for classes until Tuesday, but teachers and other staff member were to report Monday, January 6, preparing for the start of school following winter break.  The winter storm resulted in Hamilton Southeastern Schools calling off Monday activities, even closing the central office on Cumberland Road.

The city of Fishers offered this update at 9:00am Monday:

“DPW crews have been working overnight clearing roadways. With the wind and continued snowfall, roadways are passable but motorists are encouraged to reduce speeds, leave plenty of room between vehicles, and yield to snow plows. Focus today will be on neighborhoods. Vehicles parked on the streets make this process much slower, so please move vehicles into driveways if possible.”

The Fishers Police Department issued this update at 7:00am Monday:

WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations up
  to two inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze. Winds
  gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, and west central
  Indiana.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may
  down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Plan on
  slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could
  significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could
  impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is
winterized and in good working order.

There may be winter weather coming, but road construction and other items continue in and around Fishers.  Note that there is still a closure scheduled for 116th and lanter Road this coming weekend, January 9th.

Here is the full listing, as provided by the City of Fishers:

=========

Continue reading Fishers area road & other construction →

 (Updated 8:30am Sunday 1/5/25)

The National Weather Service office in Indianapolis continues to predict a snow depth of more than 6 inches and as much as 9 inches for our area through Monday at 7pm.  A light glaze of ice is also possible.  In addition, forecasters expect high winds to be a problem as well.

The City of Fishers plans to deploy 50 snow removal trucks, clearing the roadways with crews on 12-hour shifts.  There is a priority list on which streets and roads are cleared first.  The map is available at this link.

Here is more from the city on how the priority system works:

All roads in the City of Fishers are prioritized into groups for snow removal operations. Priority roads 1-2 will always be maintained with the maximum service level. Priority 3-4 roads will be maintained as the winter storm conditions allow.

• Priority 1: Primary Roads (Blue) facilitate traffic coming into and through Fishers and must remain open to connect public safety facilities throughout the city. This includes roads with hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.
• Priority 2: Secondary Roads (Green) are feeder roads distributing traffic toward subdivision main roads. These higher-traffic roads may have schools, parks, and businesses, or act as the primary road within a subdivision.
• Priority 3: Subdivision Main Roads (Red) are longer roads that make up a residential neighborhood.
• Priority 4: Subdivision Roads (Purple) are shorter roads and cul-de-sacs within a residential neighborhood.
• Other Roads (Not Highlighted): Any road not highlighted is not incorporated within city limits or is identified as a private road. These roads are not serviced by the City of Fishers.

Here is how the city recommends residents prepare for a big snow event:

======

• Remove parked vehicles, basketball goals, and trash bins from neighborhood streets to ensure plow drivers have plenty of space to operate
• Use caution and provide plenty of space around snow plows on roadways
• Stay up to date with the City of Fishers online:
• Website: www.fishers.in.us/Weather
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/fishers.indiana
• X/Twitter: twitter.com/FishersIN
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/fishersin/
• Per City Ordinance, when the temperature is 40 degrees or lower, shelter for animals must include sufficient, dry bedding material or other means of protection from the weather that will allow the animal to retain body heat when the weather is colder than what an animal of that breed and condition can comfortably tolerate.

Below is the full text o the Winter Storm Warning  from the Weather Service, issued at 4:11am Sunday:

WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow
  accumulations between 6 and 9 inches and ice accumulations around
  a light glaze. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, and west central
  Indiana.

* WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 7 PM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may
  down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Travel
  could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly
  reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the
  Monday morning and evening commutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is
winterized and in good working order.

Ty Farmer had one goal for the season going into Friday night’s contest with Kalamazoo.  The Fuel defenseman tallied 2 goals in the third period to cement a 4-1 win for the home team.

It was Glow night and the Fuel had a chance to glow in their performance before a sellout crowd at the Fishers Event Center.  The first two stanzas were largely defensive.  Then Farmer tallied 2 goals within 4 minutes to provide the final winning margin,

The Fuel’s Colin Bilek started the scoring 14 minutes into Period 1, his 8th of the season.  Ben Berard notched a goal for Kalamazoo near the end of the period tying the score.

7 minutes into Period 2, Brian Lemos scored his first goal of the season, providing the Fuel with a 2-1 lead.

Farmer put the game out of reach with his 2 goals in the final period.

The Fuel head down I-74 to face the Cincinnati Cyclones Saturday.  The next home game is Wednesday, January 8, 7pm, when the Fuel take on the Wheeling Nailers.