THE LATEST HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS AROUND FISHERS
Writer / Larry Lannan
RECORD FLOODING PROMPTS EVACUATIONS
Record flooding swept through Fishers and Hamilton County in August, forcing evacuations and closing roads and parks. The White River at Noblesville crested at 24.6 feet Aug. 15, surpassing the 23.8-foot record set in 1913, according to the National Weather Service.
Fishers crews evacuated 16 homes in two neighborhoods, and Mayor Scott Fadness declared a local disaster emergency Aug. 15. As floodwaters receded, attention shifted to cleanup and helping displaced residents. Fishers established an assistance hotline and online request form, while countywide efforts included a fairgrounds resource center, SERVE Village volunteers and Hamilton County Community Foundation donations. The city’s Aug. 24 update still listed neighborhood road closures and closures at Fishers White River Park and Hamilton County’s Geist Park.
HSE READERS REACH SIX-YEAR HIGH
Hamilton Southeastern Schools’ third graders achieved a 97.3% pass rate on the 2026 IREAD assessment, the district’s best showing in six years. Of 1,426 students tested, 1,387 demonstrated reading proficiency. HSE reported the highest passing rate among Indiana districts testing more than 600 students, up 1.3 percentage points from 2025. Hoosier Road, Geist and Southeastern elementary schools each reached 100%.
MARCHING TIGERS HEADED TO ROSE PARADE
The Fishers High School Marching Tiger Band will make its Rose Parade debut on New Year’s Day 2028 in Pasadena, California. More than 200 students learned of the selection during a surprise announcement Aug. 29 after a day of rehearsals. The invitation follows the band’s appearance in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fundraising is underway to help cover the California trip.
STUDENT ARRESTED OVER IMITATION FIREARM
A 13-year-old Fishers Junior High student was arrested Aug. 25 after a school resource officer and administrators found an imitation firearm in his backpack, Fishers police said. Police reported a Class B misdemeanor charge under Indiana’s new prohibition on possessing imitation firearms on school property or school buses. School officials will address any disciplinary action separately.
VOTE CENTERS GAIN SUPPORT
Hamilton County’s proposed switch to vote centers gained momentum in August as school districts agreed to host voting again. The proposal would replace 102 precinct polling locations with 57 centers, allowing registered voters to use any center countywide on Election Day beginning in 2027, if approved. HSE spokesperson Emily Abbotts said the district would work with county officials to protect students and staff while minimizing disruptions.
COUNTY AGENCIES SHOWCASE SHARED HOME
Residents explored the new shared home of Hamilton County’s Soil & Water Conservation District, Household Hazardous Waste and Weights & Measures during an Aug. 25 open house at the county fairgrounds. Activities at 1721 Pleasant St. highlighted conservation, recycling and environmental stewardship.
Attractions included a community mural, the hands-on Soil Trailer and a touch-a-truck display.
BANK WITHDRAWS BRANCH PROPOSAL
Citizens State Bank withdrew its rezoning request for a branch on 116th Street just west of Olio Road. City planners announced the withdrawal Sept. 2, following the City Council’s August decision to table the request amid concerns about traffic and left turns at the site.
ARTS COUNCIL EXPANDS ITS REACH
Fishers Arts Council added board members Fabi Gonzalez and Esperanza Alonzo and expanded exhibition opportunities through partnerships with Build BW and the Ball State Fishers Center. Gonzalez brings business and architecture experience; Alonzo brings a legal background and family ties to the arts.
