Writer / Larry Lannan
Photography Provided
The City of Fishers is preparing to investigate a citywide trash collection contract with a private florida firm. At the January 16 Fishers City Council meeting, Mayor Fadness’ Chief of Staff Jordin Alexander outlined the process the city will follow, provided by state law. A request for proposals will be issued by the city. The earliest any program would likely begin would be the first quarter of 2025.
The first Fishers City Council meeting of the calendar year in January brought new council members and a new president. Council members elected Cecilia Coble to be president during the calendar year 2024. Pete Peterson was elected vice president. Both were elected by unanimous council votes. This was the first City Council meeting for new members Tiffany Ditlevson, John DeLucia and Bill Stuart.
After serving as Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) school board president during 2023, Dawn Lang handed the gavel to fellow board member Juanita Albright as president of the board for 2024 during the first meeting in January. The vote to approve Albright as board president was 5-2, with Sarah Donsbach and Sarah Parks-Reese voting no. Ben Orr will serve as vice president of the board and Suzanne Thomas will be the board secretary. Also, as part of the consent agenda, the board approved the resignation of Michelle Brittain-Watts. Brittain-Watts had served as executive director of secondary education for HSE Schools since June of 2021.
For a very long time, HSE school board regular evening meetings have started at 7 p.m. The board has now changed that policy. Evening board meetings will begin at 6 p.m. Morning work sessions will continue to start at 7:30 a.m.
Mark Heirbrandt has been elected 2024 president of the Hamilton County commissioners. Under Indiana law, most Indiana counties have three elected county commissioners that act as mayors for the counties. In Hamilton County, the commissioners traditionally rotate the role of president. Commissioner Steve Dillinger served as president in 2023 and will serve as vice president in 2024. The third commissioner, Christine Altman, has served as president in past years.
The Fishers Arts Council elected officers for 2024 and approved four new members to the board of directors. Ross Hilleary, also planning and zoning director for the City of Fishers, will serve as council president. Chris Hayes will serve as vice president, Doug Dusseau treasurer and Olivia Harris secretary. New members of the board are Sue Dickey, Amanda Wilhite, Latricia Schooley and Tom Rich.
Those enjoying Pinheads were without the services of the local entertainment center following a kitchen fire January 10. The facility opened its doors once again February 1.
Fishers Police arrested a man in late January charged with stealing $90,000 worth of merchandise at Target stores in several states. Authorities identified the suspect as James Covington. Covington had 10 active warrants for his arrest in a number of states.
Following many meetings with local residents and changes to the plans, the Fishers City Council gave final approval to Drive Planning for its headquarters office near 116th Street and Olio Road. The zoning change from residential to commercial was approved by unanimous vote by the council.
The January 10 meeting of the Fishers Armed Services Commission featured the presentation of the Sagamore of the Wabash award to Eddie Rivers, a longtime volunteer for veterans and other local events. Mayor Scott Fadness made the presentation.
More than 1,200 students at HSE Schools have had their outstanding meal balances completely paid off, thanks to a significant contribution from the Food for Thought Community Fund. The donation, aimed at supporting the nutritional needs of students and families within HSE Schools, amounted to $25,107.18. The Food for Thought Community Fund, established in 2021 and managed by the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation, played a crucial role in alleviating the financial burden faced by families. The fund, created by a dedicated local community member, has a mission to address insecurity needs among students within the school district.
Spokenote, a local Fishers operation, has signed an agreement with the Indiana Pacers to place QR codes on player uniforms. Entrepreneur John Wechsler is behind Spokenote. “The partnership breaks new ground in professional sports, as the Pacers become the first major professional franchise in the United States to sport a QR code-like jersey patch,” said an NBA news release.
