News Archive 2004 @ FishersFind.com

Below are older news items posted on FishersFind.com in 2004. They are posted in reverse chronological order, from newest to oldest. Feel free to scroll and browse, or search for a particular story or topic.

Freedom Festival hosts 3 events on 1 day

The Fishers Freedom Festival will host three different fundraisers all on Saturday, October 9th in Fishers. This event typically draws in over 2000 visitors. Events include the “Christmas in October” craft fair, the “5th Annual Classic Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show,” and the “2nd Annual Fishers Freedom Run.” The success of these fundraisers are crucial for the Fishers Freedom Festival since it is a volunteer organization entirely funded by residential donations, grants, booth fees, the business community and fundraisers.

The “Christmas in October” craft fair will host over 150 arts and craft vendors, refreshments will be for sale by the Hamilton Southeastern High School Band, and all proceeds from the raffle will benefit the "Roy Holland Backpacks for Kids" program.

When: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Hamilton Southeastern High School, 13910 E. 126th Street, Fishers
Admission: Adults $3, Students over 12 yr. $1, Under 12 Free

The “5th Annual Classic Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show” will have over 25 different categories to enter and compete for trophies, including “Peoples Choice” and “Best of Show.” Door prizes for exhibitors and free dash plaques to the first 50 registrants.

When: Show registration is 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.,
judging is 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., and award presentation is 3 p.m.
Where: Hamilton Southeastern High School parking lot, 13910 E. 126th St, Fishers
Admission: Entry fee for vehicles is $15 and patrons are free

The “2nd Annual Fishers Freedom Run” is a five mile run and a three mile walk open to the public. The course will take you through southeastern Hamilton County. Awards for the run will be presented to the overall male, female, and Masters plus three deep in each age division and first through third place for male and female walkers. Proceeds benefit the "Roy Holland Backpacks for Kids" program.

When: Registration is 7 a.m. - 8:45 a.m., the run begins at 9 a.m., the walk begins at 9:05 a.m., and awards presented at approximately 10:45 a.m.
Where: Hamilton Southeastern High School parking lot, 13910 E. 126th Street, Fishers
Entry Fee: $20 per person and includes a T-shirt while supplies last.

Back in 1989, the founders of the Fishers Parade and Festival decided to have a community gathering to celebrate Independence Day. With the help of volunteers, the event originated as a one-day community picnic, parade, and a few games for the children. Due to the overwhelming participation by the public, this event grew to a two-day event.

The 17th annual Fishers Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 25 & Sunday, June 26, 2005 will be held at the Roy G. Holland Memorial Park (1 Park Drive) off Holland Drive & Ellipse Parkway in Fishers. This free event offers something for everyone from toddlers to adults. Fireworks, fine arts & crafts, food & business vendors, music, 5K walk/run, K-9 demonstrations, children’s tent and much more entertain over 40,000 attendees from all over the U.S. each year. For more information or questions about the fundraisers, visit www.FishersFreedomFestival.org, email FishersUSA@aol.com, or call 317-595-3195.

The mission of the Fishers Freedom Festival is to encourage fellowship through civic partnerships and citizen involvement by creating a safe environment, developing needed community services, promoting family integrity and striving to improve the quality of life for every Fishers' resident by investing in human potential.

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Fishers Fire Prevention Week activities

Fire Prevention week begins Sunday, October 3 and ends on Saturday, October 11. This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is "Test Your Smoke Alarms." To promote Fire Prevention Week, the Fishers Fire Department is offering these events and activities:

Fire Safety at a Model Home: October 2 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Davis Homes’ Sedona Woods community, located just north of 131st and Promise Road in Fishers. Fire Department representatives will be on hand with safety tips and suggestions displayed at a model home. Get an early start on Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Station Open Houses: Visit the Fishers Fire station in your neighborhood. Meet the firefighters and learn a little about what we do to protect your community. The Open House times are as follows:

Sunday, October 3, 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
Monday through Friday, October 4-8, 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Saturday, October 9, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

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Fishers Parks seeks Scouts to volunteer

Fishers Parks & Recreation is looking for scout troops to help with the new Trick or Treat Trail at Heritage Park on Friday, October 29. Troops are being sought to set up scenes from old movies, such as the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, King Kong, The Mummy, Star
Wars, and others. Scouts are also needed to pass out candy the night of the event. For more information about this fun volunteer opportunity, call Elizabeth Eiler at 595-3155.

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Fishers adds to park lands

At its September 20 meeting, the Fishers Town Council approved a payment of $2 million for 80 acres of land located southeast of Geist Reservoir at 101st Street and Cyntheanne Road in Fishers. Most of the land will be integrated into the Town’s parks system, most likely as both an active and passive park, at a future point in time as the population begins to grow in southeast Fishers.

The park will feature athletic facilities to sustain the community’s need for organized youth sports venues, and greenway trails to take advantage of its close proximity to Flatfork Creek.

“We’re always very excited about adding new parks to the community,” said Fishers Town Councilor Eileen Pritchard. “As the Town continues to develop and grow, we are continuously looking for new opportunities to add new parkland. This not only preserves green space around town, but it also ensures that, as new neighborhoods and residents come into Fishers, the Town is able to provide the recreational amenities and services our community has come to enjoy. Adding a substantial amount of parkland like this certainly helps toward that goal.”

The creation of a park at that location is based on master plan recommendations to provide additional parks as the community grows. Fishers Department of Development estimates indicate that, around the year 2020, the population south of Geist Reservoir and Fall Creek Road, and east of Olio Road, could total 20,000. To meet the recreational needs for southeast Fishers, the as of yet unnamed and undeveloped park will be part of a growing inventory of parkland that will serve that area as new houses are built and the population begins to increase.

More than 80 percent of the $2 million needed for the acquisition came from the Town’s park impact fee account, with the remainder paid for out of the Town’s Cumulative Capital Development Fund.

“The other great part of this transaction is that it is an example of how development helps pay for itself,” added Pritchard, noting how park impact fees paid by developers when building new neighborhoods funded most of the deal.

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Fishers folk get to vote on zip

An initiative led by the Fishers Town Council, and championed in Washington, D.C. by Senator Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) to create a uniform ZIP code for Fishers residents, is being put to the people the week of October 3. That’s when Fishers residents who currently have a Noblesville address and ZIP code will receive a survey from the U.S. Postal Service asking them whether or not they want a Fishers address and ZIP code.

“This has been 10 years plus in the making,” said Fishers Town Councilor Eileen Pritchard. “As the Town began to grow, we began requesting that Fishers residents with non-Fishers addresses be given Fishers addresses for a number of reasons ranging anywhere from clearing up general, every-day confusion to addressing public safety and certain tax issues.”

Currently, Fishers residents and businesses have either a Fishers, Indianapolis, Noblesville, McCordsville, or Fortville address due to the way the Town has grown through annexations.

According to the Fishers Town Council, the myriad of addresses has people confused as to where they live or work, has created confusion among different public safety jurisdictions when responding to emergencies, has resulted in missed mail, and has made it difficult to strengthen the Town’s identity and build a strong sense of community.

“It’s created some turmoil for many folks,” said Pritchard. “Recently, for example, a new Fishers business with a Noblesville address was having a ribbon cutting ceremony, and asked the mayor of Noblesville to have a role as opposed to a Fishers Town Councilor. We also don’t know how much in tax revenue we lose due to the address confusion when folks go to register their vehicles at the BMV.”

Other issues, including increased rates for pizza deliveries and intra-state phone calls, were cited by some Fishers residents in letters written to Senator Lugar last spring.

In April, Senator Lugar, after receiving more than 500 letters from Fishers residents and business owners, asked the U.S. Postmaster General to look into the matter. In August, Town of Fishers officials met with local U.S. postal officials, who agreed to conduct the survey.

Beginning the week of October 3, about 3,000 Fishers households with a Noblesville, Indiana address will receive a survey from the U.S. Postal Service. The quick and simple one-question survey will ask whether or not the recipient wants to change their address from Noblesville, Indiana to Fishers, Indiana. Recipients must answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

If a simple majority (51 percent) of respondents (people who respond to and return the survey) answer ‘yes’, then, within around six months, the postal service will notify them of a change to a Fishers address.

Town officials hope postal officials will consider Fishers residents with Indianapolis, McCordsville and Fortville addresses next.

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Five teens, 15 - 17, arrested in Fishers

Fishers police officers were called to the 10900 block of Treyburn Drive in the Windermere sub-division at 4:45 am on Thursday morning, Sept. 16, on a report of suspicious people walking in the area. Officers arrived and located five juveniles. The investigation led to theft charges against all five.

Officers arrived and found four juvenile males and one juvenile female preparing to get into a maroon Mitsubishi. One of the males ran as officers approached, but later returned. Officers discovered a vehicle on Innisbrooke Lane had been broken into. Officers contacted the owner and he confirmed that a CD was stolen from the car. The officer and owner also discovered that someone urinated inside the vehicle. The CD stolen from the car on Innisbrooke was located in the area the male juvenile ran as officers arrived.

Parents were called and all five juveniles were brought to the Fisher Police Department to continue the investigation. The juveniles told investigators that they broke into the car on Innisbrooke and that they had broken into other vehicles in the last three nights. The juveniles turned over some of the stolen property to investigators.

Investigators believe that these juveniles may be responsible for several theft from vehicle reports that have been reported since September 1st in the Fishers area. The juveniles, four males and one female, ranging in age from 15 to 17 years old, were arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center. All were charged with one count of theft and they are all from Indianapolis–Lawrence School District. The arresting offices are Jordan Graham and Kevin Trotter. The investigation is ongoing.

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Fishers businesses to be honored

On Saturday, October 9, 2004 the Fishers Chamber of Commerce will present the 3rd Annual Pillar Awards & Gala celebrating business excellence at the Hawthorns Golf & Country Club. This evening honors the outstanding businesses in the Fishers community. The four Pillar Awards to be presented by the evening’s emcee, Bruce Elscott, radio personality of Gold 104.5 and Fishers resident, are Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Emerging Growth, and Curb Appeal. Along with honoring the outstanding award nominees and recipients, the evening will feature a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation and live music by Edsel Moon.

The independent selection committee that has the difficult task of selecting this year’s Pillar Award recipients are Kevin Brinegar, Indiana State Chamber ; Gerry Dick, Inside Indiana Business; Scott Faultless, Town of Fishers; Scott Fulford, Indiana Department of Commerce, and Barb Summers, Chamber Board Chairman.

The criteria and nominees for each of the four awards are:
Curb Appeal Award is presented to businesses which contribute to the beautification of Fishers through one or more of the following: landscaping, architecture, store front appeal and/or display window design. The nominees for the Curb Appeal Pillar Award are: Hawthorns Golf & Country Club, Randall & Roberts, Storage USA, Wells Flowers, Wesleyan Church Headquarters.

Emerging Growth is presented to businesses which are for profit, have a 15% annual gross sales increase, provide a positive economic impact and have been in business for three years. The nominees for the emerging growth Pillar Award are: Deveau’s Gymnastics, Flexware Innovation, Inc., Golden Stream

Small Business of the Year recognizes businesses which employ less than 25 employees, provide superior customer satisfaction, exhibit community spirit and provide a positive economic impact. The nominees for small business of the year are: Beads Amore, Community Bank, Fishers Eye Care, Handels Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt, Rob Caird DDS PC Aesthetic Dentistry

Business of the Year recognizes businesses that employ over 25, provide superior customer satisfaction, exhibit community spirit and provide a positive economic impact. The nominees for business of the year are: Flexware Innovation, Inc., Indiana Heart Hospital, Meyer Najem, Peterson’s Restaurant, Super Target.

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Beware of solicitation scams

Ron Lipps, Deputy Fire Marshal & Public Information Officer, Fishers Fire Department, advises residents to "Keep your antennae up for people trying to do scams 'on behalf of fire departments.'"

Lipps stated that at least one of Fishers firefighter reported that his wife received a call at work from someone yesterday soliciting donations for the Fishers, Noblesville, and Lawrence Township fire departments. "They wouldn't provide additional information, like a callback number," said Lipps.

"We are pretty strict about not doing any phone solicitations or having any outside agency solicit on our behalf," states Lipps. Any such calls should be reported to the appropriate authorities.

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Fishers Citizens Police Academy

The Fishers Police Department will host a “Citizens Police Academy” for residents that live within the Hamilton Southeastern School District. The Citizens Academy offers “police style” training to our citizens. Some of the training that has been scheduled include: Crime Prevention/Neighborhood Watch, Bicycle Patrol, Criminal Law, Police Canine, Traffic Stops, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Weapons Familiarization, Self Defense, Criminal Investigations, Evidence Collection, and Narcotics. Participants in the Citizens Academy will also complete a ride along with an on duty Fishers Police Officer.

The Citizens Academy will be held at the Fishers Police Department every Thursday
night starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m. This Citizens Academy has been scheduled to begin September 16, 2004. The instructors will be police officers from the Fishers Police Department. The academy will be open to individuals who reside in the Hamilton Southeastern School District. You must be sixteen years old or older to participate in the Citizens Academy.

It the department's goal to build on the relationships we have established in the community. The Citizens Academy will consist of classroom and hands on training that will allow citizens to interact and become more familiar with the tasks that are assigned to a police officer. The Citizens Academy will give community members the opportunity to ask questions about law enforcement and related activities. For more information call the Fishers Police Department (595-3300) and for enrollment information please contact Officer Edward Gebhart at 595-3400 ext. 8106.

There are only a few spots left for this academy. Please call Officer Gebhart if you would like to participate!

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Four arrested in Fishers

The Fishers Police Department arrested four people on Wednesday after an alert witness called police to report a theft in progress. Police were called to 12933 Parkside Drive in Fishers at approximately 3:00 pm. The witness told dispatchers that four suspects were leaving the area in a four door white vehicle. The witness told dispatch that the suspects broke into a vehicle parked on Parkside Drive.

Sergeant Scott Kehl observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on Cumberland Road. Sergeant Kehl activated his emergency lights and attempted to catch the vehicle. The vehicle turned west on Exit Five Parkway and struck a curb. The car stopped and two men fled on foot. Sergeant Kehl stayed with the car that was still occupied by two people. On-Duty Officers, School Resource Officers and off-duty officers working to assist traffic for Hamilton Southeastern Schools were in the area when Sergeant Kehl called for assistance. Officer Rob Thompson and Officer Bob Gaines located the two men that fled on foot just south of Exit Five Parkway in a field.

The witness was brought to the area and positively identified the four suspects and the vehicle. The four suspects and the vehicle were brought to the Fishers Police Department for further investigation. Officers inventoried the vehicle and found the car stereo taken from the Parkside Drive address under the front passenger seat. Officers also discovered a plastic bag containing marijuana. All four suspects were arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Jail.

Arrested:
Jerry Lee Culvahouse, 31, Indianapolis, Theft, Resisting Law Enforcement
Robert Allen Culvahouse, 25, Indianapolis, Theft, Resisting Law Enforcement
Alice F. Dyer, 42, Indianapolis, Theft, Possession of Marijuana
Susan A. Doty, 20, Indianapolis, Theft.

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Fishers Fire Department Accreditation

The Town of Fishers is now one of a select few municipalities in the United States to have both of its public safety agencies accredited to internationally recognized standards. The Fishers Police Department received its accreditation in November 2003, and the Fishers Fire Department received its accreditation on August 11 this year.

The Fishers Fire Department has become one of the first in Indiana to become accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI)- a designation that is shared by only one other Indiana fire department, the Clay Fire Territory, which is located in the northern part of the state. Both departments received their accreditation status on August 11.

“This Accreditation of our Fire Department is a national recognition of something we have long known; that Fishers has a first-class Fire Department and follows best practices and standards,” stated Town Councilor Dan Henke. Henke is currently liaison to both Police and Fire Departments. “By going through the accreditation process, we now insure that our Department will continue to stay at the cutting edge of public safety standards, which means our citizens will receive top quality fire and EMS services.”

The Commission on Fire Accreditation International grants accreditation to fire and emergency service agencies upon the successful completion of an in-depth self-assessment, and an on-site evaluation. The CFAI self-assessment process has been under development for more than 15 years and has involved hundreds of fire service professionals. It helps a fire department find areas that need improvement, and set goals to attain the needed improvement. An accredited fire department undergoes a re-evaluation every five years.

“Accreditation means that we need to maintain our current level of professionalism, but at the same time we also recognized specific areas for improvement and have set goals to make those areas better”, said Fire Chief Brian D. Lott.

The goal of CFAI is to ensure the continuous quality and improvement within the fire and emergency services. The organization's activities are overseen by a Board of Trustees consisting of five members: two members appointed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, two members appointed by the International City/County Management Association, and a member at large appointed by the other four trustees.

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Fishers Begins $7 Million in Road, Path Improvements

On August 16, the Fishers Town Council awarded two contracts totaling more than $7 million for road improvement and path extension projects. A $6,073,227 contract was awarded to Rieth Riley for the widening of Allisonville Road from Easy Street to Eller Road to five lanes plus a median, and a $1,048,575 contract was awarded to Calumet Asphalt and Paving for various road and path system improvement projects.

Public Works officials said that, for the Allisonville Road project, crews will begin to construct a temporary lane along the east side of Allisonville Road this fall, and utility relocation will continue in advance of the construction of the new lanes and median which is expected to begin in the spring of 2005. Motorists will see new road construction signs along Allisonville Road this fall.

The paving and path extensions have already begun, and the work is expected to continue through mid-November. Various primary, secondary and neighborhood streets are affected in addition to intersections (see attached). The project will consist mainly of asphalt overlays, and the addition of 3.36 miles of paths. As a cost savings measure totaling $30,000, the paving and path work was combined into one contract.

Other Town of Fishers road improvement project updates:

116th Street Phase II (Hoosier Road to Brooks School Road) – widening to five lanes with a median – is on schedule and will be completed by mid-September.
116th Street Phase III (Brooks School Road to Olio Road) – widening to five lanes with a median – has been delayed three months due to a delay in telephone line relocation. Completion is anticipated to be Fall, 2005.

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Fishers fall fun guide available

The Town of Fishers Parks & Recreation Department announces the Fun Guide for August – December, 2004 is now available. The Guide contains information about Fishers’ municipal park system and trails. Program highlights include popular events such as Family Game Night September 17 and Pictures with Santa December 8 & 9. Over 18 new programs are offered, such as the Trick or Treat Trail for families at Heritage Park October 29, a Fall Break Mystery Adventure for teens October 28, and Wild Wigglies Story Time based on the popular Eric Carle children’s books September 7 – 28 for ages 3-6.

The Fun Guide is available on line at www.fishers.in.us or at the following distribution sights: the Roy G. Holland Memorial Park building, One Park Drive; Fishers Town Hall, One Municipal Drive; the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 11601 Municipal Drive; Captain Java, 8758 E. 116th Street in downtown Fishers; and after August 24th at the Hamilton East (Fishers) Public Library at Five Municipal Drive.

For more information call the Fishers Recreation office at 595-3155.

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Fishers fire dept. launches boat

The Fishers Fire Department will officially launch a new fire-rescue boat into service on Geist Reservoir, following a dedication ceremony Thursday, August 19
at the Geist Marina.

The boat was purchased in large part by the Geist Lake Coalition, which held a fundraiser earlier this year at the Bella Vita restaurant. That effort raised over $65,000. Most of the remaining funds for the $100,000 boat came from the Fall Creek Township Trustee’s office.

The new boat will supplement another boat already in service on the reservoir, which is operated by the Lawrence Township Fire Department. That boat provides a quick response with basic equipment to incidents on the lake.

The Fishers fire-rescue boat will bring additional equipment, manpower, and a 2,000 gallon per minute fire system that can be used for water-based firefighting from the water or as a supply for ground-based fire apparatus.

The boat’s large deck will provide more work area for dive tenders, and the front wall drops down to the water to become an access ramp for divers entering and exiting the water. For incidents at night, the rescue boat has bright scene lights on all four sides.

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Carmel teens arrested in Fishers theft

Two men were arrested this morning and charged with theft after an alert homeowner phoned in a suspicious vehicle. Police were called to the 9700 block of Valley Springs Boulevard (11000 block of Cumberland Road) this morning at approximately 3:45 am. Officers arrived in the area and observed a 1993 Toyota Camry sitting in front of a residence on Silver Tree Drive. Officers stopped the car as it began to pull away.

The occupants were identified and officers observed a stereo subwoofer sitting on the back floorboard. Officers also observed a yellow wire coming from the subwoofer that had been cut. After conflicting statements from both occupants the car was towed to the Fishers Police Department. The two men were also detained at the police department as the investigation continued.

At 6:45 am a resident from the 11600 block of Tidewater Drive (Sand Creek Woods Apartments) called police to report a stolen car stereo. The stolen stereo was located in the 1993 Toyota Camry. Arrested were Jarred M. Burnstein, 18, and another juvenile male, 17, both of Carmel.

Officers searched the car and discovered three car stereos, the subwoofer and several screw drivers. Investigators will try to locate the owners of the two additional car stereos. Additional charges could be filed. The two are being held in the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center.

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Fishers Police add SROs to HSE

To provide additional support and safety to Hamilton Southeastern School District’s nearly 13,000 students, the Fishers Police Department has added one more School Resource Officer (SRO), bringing the total number to three. The officers will operate out of Hamilton Southeastern High School and Hamilton Southeastern Freshman Campus.

“The purpose of placing these officers in the school system is not in response to a need, but rather it’s an attempt to be proactive, and to make sure that kids are safe,” said Fishers Police Sergeant Randy McFarland. “It is a part of the department’s community policing effort, and the goal of the SRO program is to encourage the development of certain strategies to prevent school violence and provide educational outreach to improve school safety.”

“A recurring theme we hear from security experts from all over the country is that the best way to protect kids, and deter crimes committed by outside individuals against students, is to have a law enforcement presence,” said Hamilton Southeastern Assistant Superintendent Rich Hogue. “To have an additional SRO is a benefit that we will see utilized on a daily basis throughout the entire school system.”

Hogue added that the SROs will be invaluable to protect HSE students from outside individuals, particularly parents involved in custody disputes and sexual predators. In addition, the SROs will be a part of student mentoring and career counseling programs, and will assist with at-risk students and substance abuse outreach and gang resistance.

The Town’s Cops in Schools program is funded by a $250,000 grant from the Office of Community Oriented Police Services (COPS), an arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, which was received in 2002. The grant, which expires in 2005, has paid for a substantial portion of the costs associated with the SROs, and the Town has paid for the rest. The Fishers Police department will apply for additional funding next year.

“We are really fortunate to have fully trained Fishers Police officers present and visible in our schools to help prevent outside individuals from harming HSE students,” added Hogue.

Officers from the Fishers Police Department are able to volunteer for their assignment as a SRO. Those officers then go through an interview process. Each officer is interviewed by a panel that consists of Fishers Police administrative staff, Hamilton Southeastern administrative staff and a member of the high school student body. The panel makes a recommendation to the Chief of Police. All three SROs will attend a SRO class in August that is sponsored by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). The Fishers Police Department will be hosting the school.

The SROs are:

Sergeant Randy McFarland, who is assigned to the freshman campus. Sergeant McFarland has been with the SRO unit since its inception, and has been with the Fishers Police department for 11 years.

Officer Matt Ruhnow, who is assigned to the high school. Officer Ruhnow has been with the Fishers Police department for two years. This is his second year on the SRO unit.

Officer Leslie Hulse, who is the third and newest SRO. Officer Hulse has been with Fishers Police department for seven years.

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Fishers Police using new alert service

The Fishers Police Department announced today that it will begin utilizing the national A Child is Missing alert network, created by A Child is Missing, Inc. (ACIM), a Florida-based non-profit organization, when attempting to locate missing children, the elderly (usually with Alzheimer’s) and the mentally or physically disabled.

The alert network is a sophisticated combined telephony and computerized imaging program that allows local law enforcement agencies to involve their communities in locating missing people. The network, which will be activated by the Fishers Police department when a missing person is reported and confirmed missing, will, within 15 minutes, call listed landline residential and commercial phone numbers within a ¼ mile radius of the missing person’s last known location and deliver a recorded message. The message will inform listeners that an individual has been reported missing near their home or business, and will then provide a detailed physical description of the missing person and ask the listener to call the police department if they have seen anyone matching the description. The network has the ability to place 1,000 calls every 60 seconds, and, according to ACIM, there is a 98 percent listen rate. Calls are generally made between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Through the use of a computerized mapping system, the network can place more calls to new areas if reports of sightings are received. Only one phone call per listed number will be made in each calling area.

“We know that the first two to three hours after someone is reported missing are critical in terms of saving lives,” said Fishers Chief of Police George Kehl. “The use of the network’s rapid response communication service will allow the Fishers Police department to use the eyes of the community to assist with safely recovering missing individuals faster.”

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Fishers to host Indiana 9/11 memorial

What started as a community project to help people grasp the concept of the number of lives lost on September 11, 2001, two years later has become a national memorial. From September 11 through September 19, 3,000 United States Flags will solemnly fly at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Fishers in the state’s first Healing Field (TM).

A breathtaking display of patriotism and unity, this community project invites all to participate and heal together from the heartache of a nation attacked. The Indiana Healing Field marks the 38th field in just two years of its inception. Founded in 2002, by Paul Swenson, president of Colonial Flag in Sandy, Utah, the Healing Field (TM) was derived from the idea of showing the vastness and enormity of the losses experienced in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon.

Shane Harley, President of The Indiana District Exchange Clubs and chairman of the Indiana Healing Field said, “This will be a patriotic and spiritual event for the volunteers and everyone who comes to experience the field. The American flag was the first positive image to come out of 9/11 and the Indiana Healing Field presents an opportunity for our community members to honor the victims lost, to remember and to heal.”

Exchange Clubs across the country have been helping bring Healing Fields (TM) to their local communities. Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers learned about the Healing Field, and gave their financial support and manpower to make it happen in 2004.

“When you see something like this, something that is so important and so good; something that will help a community heal and remember, we knew we had to bring it to our community,” said Tony Lloyd, Executive Vice President, Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers.

The Field will be assembled on September 10 with the reading of all 3,000 victims while the flags are placed on the field. A formal ceremony will take place on September 11 at 8:30 am at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road. The Field will be open to the public September 11 through September 19 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; there is no cost involved.

Community members can take part in the Healing Field (TM) by volunteering or by sponsoring a flag. Flags can be sponsored at any Fifth Third Bank now through September 18 for $30. All proceeds will benefit local charities including the Disabled American Veteran’s Indiana Service Foundation, The Indiana District Exchange Clubs, National Exchange Club Foundation (for Prevention of Child Abuse) and local Boy Scout troops. The sponsor will receive the flag on or after September 19 allowing the opportunity to fly the flag year round in honor of those lost.

Volunteers to date include The National Guard, Indiana District Exchange Clubs, Boys Scouts, and Fishers Police and Fire Departments. Other organizations, groups or individuals interested in volunteering should contact Bob Donahue, Volunteer Coordinator, at 317-266-0518.

For more information on The Indiana Healing Field or to sponsor a flag, log onto www.healingfield.org/fishers.

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Fair Train schedule

The Indiana Transportation Museum will be providing round trip transportation from the Fishers Train Station to the Indiana State Fairgrounds August 11 – August 22. Tickets can be purchased at the Fishers train station for $10 (adults) and $6 (children age 3-12). Children under age three ride free. The train will depart Fishers Station every 1 ½ hours rain or shine, and no reservations are needed.

Fair Train Schedule

Departs Fishers / Departs Fairgrounds

8:45 AM / 9:30 AM

10:15 AM / 11:00 AM

11:45 AM / 12:30 PM

1:15 PM / 2:00 PM

2:45 PM / 3:30 PM

4:15 PM / 5:00 PM

5:45 PM / 6:30 PM

7:15 PM / 8:00 PM

8:45 PM / 9:30 PM

10:15 PM / 11:00 PM

For more information about the Fair Train, go to www.itm.org.

Parking Information

Limited parking is available at the Train Station, and additional parking is available throughout the Fishers Municipal Complex (116th and Municipal Drive). Parking attendants will be on hand to assist visitors with parking.

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Lightning strikes Fishers home

A home in the Talon Bluff section of Hamilton Proper was heavily damaged after lightning sparked a fire in the attic Wednesday, August 4, 2004.

Workers at a home under construction next door witnessed the lightning strike the chimney at 12281 Talon Trace. The bolt also contacted a nearby dumpster and some workers who were standing in the garage nearby.

“The carpenters who felt the jolt were just shaken up,” said Fishers Fire Department Public Information Officer Ron Lipps. “They didn’t see any fire, so they went back to work. About an hour later they spotted smoke pouring out of the house next door.”

The construction crew called 911 and banged on doors and windows of the burning house, but nobody was home. Gary and Kathryn Kleinrichert, who were apparently on a family vacation at the time of the fire, own the house.

The Fishers Fire Department was dispatched to the fire at 8:31 am. It took about 90 minutes to mark the fire fully under control.

Lipps said that part of the challenge firefighters faced to extinguish the fire was getting to all the places it was burning. “The attic had a few different levels and some very narrow spaces that were only accessible by removing all of the ceiling from below. Our firefighters would get the fire out only to find it flaring back up in another attic space they hadn’t found yet.” While the fire was contained mostly to the attic areas, damage to the living areas was primarily from smoke, water and falling debris.

One firefighter received a minor injury during extinguishment efforts. No dollar loss estimate been made. The Wayne Township and Noblesville Fire Departments also assisted at the scene.

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126th Street closing Saturday

The Fishers Department of Public Works announced today that 126th Street between Brooks School Road and Olio Road will be closed on Saturday July 31 from approximately 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. The closure will allow work crews to lay storm water drainage piping to allow offsite drainage for the Tanglewood subdivision.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to reach their destinations during that time.

Though not a Town of Fishers project, developer Boomerang Development applied for and received the necessary permits and authorization allowing the drain improvements and road closure.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at 317-595-3160.

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Motorcycle crash on 116th

The Fishers Police Department is investigating a personal injury crash that occurred at approximately 10:22am Sunday, July 18. Lt. Troy Fettinger observed a yellow motorcycle westbound 116th Street at approximately 116th Street and I-69. The motorcycle was traveling approximately 50mph in a 35mph zone. Lt. Fettinger positioned his vehicle behind the motorcycle and ran the license plate of the motorcycle, which returned to a different motorcycle.

Lt. Fettinger attempted to stop the motorcycle near the I-69 interchange on 116th Street and the motorcycle sped up in an effort to get away from Lt. Fettinger. The vehicle traveled approximately a ¼ mile west of the interstate at speeds estimated in excess of 100mph when the motorcycle switched lanes. At approximately 116th Street at Municipal Drive, the motorcycle began traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. Almost immediately upon switching lanes into oncoming traffic, the motorcycle came into contact with the center median, causing the motorcycle to crash. The motorcycle came to rest in approximately the 8400 block of 116th Street.

Medical personnel were called to the scene and the operator of the motorcycle was transported to Methodist Hospital via ambulance. It does not appear at this time that the injuries are life threatening.

The driver was identified as Robert C. Bennett (31 year old white male- Fairland IN) and it was confirmed that the driver’s license of the operator was suspended and he was classified as a habitual traffic violator, a C felony. The driver also advised officers at the scene he had consumed alcohol prior to the crash. The investigation is on-going.

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Armed robbery in Fishers

The Fishers Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred Saturday morning, July 17, at approximately 4:10 a.m. Two men robbed the Shell Gas Station, 9510 E. 126th Street in Fishers, and fled on foot. Officers tracked the suspects with a police K-9 unit to an apartment in Fishers, 12524 Melrose Circle, where the two men were later arrested.

Officers from the Fishers Police Department arrived at the scene of the robbery within 30 seconds of the call. The employee at the Shell told officers that two men entered the store wearing sweatshirts with the hoods up covering their heads and partially covering their faces. The black male suspect (later identified as Lathan Evans) displayed a handgun. The white male suspect (later identified as David Dewitt) pushed passed the employee and took $305 in cash from the cash register.

The two men fled on foot. The employee was not injured and called 911 immediately. Officers set a perimeter around the area and discovered shoe prints in the dew covered grass. A police K-9 unit from the Noblesville Police Department arrived to assist. The K-9 tracked the suspects across State Road 37 to Sunlake Apartments and directly to the back door of the Melrose Circle address at approximately 5:00 a.m. Officers moved the perimeter to the Melrose Circle address and attempted to make contact with no success. The Fishers and Carmel Police Emergency Response Teams were called to the scene. All residents in that apartment building were evacuated for safety.

The teams set a perimeter around the apartment building. Police negotiators attempted to make contact by landline telephone at approximately 8:40 a.m. The negotiators were unable to make contact. Officers used a bullhorn without success and at 9:15 a.m. threw a portable phone through a front window. Within minutes of the phone going into the apartment, Lathan Jamar Evans opened the front door and surrendered to police without incident.

Officers attempted to make contact with the second suspect by phone, bullhorn and with police K-9 presence. The second suspect did not respond to any requests. Officers deployed gas canisters at approximately 9:45 a.m. At approximately 10:00 a.m. officers broke out a rear window with flash bangs to remove the window blinds to increase visibility into the apartment. Officers made forced entry into the apartment at approximately 10:15 a.m. They found David Bryan Dewitt hiding in a bedroom under a bed. Dewitt did not respond to commands and physically resisted officers. He was taken into custody without incident or injury. Dewitt was treated at the scene by Fishers Fire Department personnel for gas exposure. Both suspects were transported to the Fishers Police Department.

Investigators interviewed both men at the police department and transported them to the Hamilton County Jail. Investigators are at the apartment collecting evidence. They have recovered the cash and the 22 caliber semi-automatic pistol that was used in the robbery from inside the apartment. The investigation is ongoing.

Arrested: David Bryan Dewitt, 20 years old, Indianapolis, Indiana
Charges: Robbery Class B Felony, Theft Class D Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement
Held: Hamilton County Jail


Arrested: Lathan Jamar Evans, 23 years old, 12524 Melrose Circle, Fishers, Indiana
Charges: Robbery Class B Felony, Theft Class D Felony
Held: Hamilton County Jail

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Ritchey Woods in care of Fishers

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and Town of Fishers officials announced today that the Town of Fishers will become the management entity for the Ritchey Woods Environment Education Center at 106th and Hague Road in Fishers. Town of Fishers officials received the property’s deed, which was recorded on June 23, and its management responsibilities are effective immediately, which concludes The Children’s Museum’s designated 12-month transitional period to determine the future of the property.

“On the recommendation of the Museum’s Ritchey Woods task force, we have transferred management of the property to the Town of Fishers. The task force is confident in Fishers’ continued commitment to maintaining the natural state of the property and providing the public with improved access to this unique nature preserve,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Ritchey Woods’ covenants call for 42 acres of land, protected by the State of Indiana, to forever remain a nature preserve, as directed by Dr. James O. Ritchey, who donated the preserve to the Nature Conservancy who, in turn, donated the land to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in 1982. Fishers Town Council President Scott A. Faultless announced that the Town will integrate the property into its Parks system as passive parkland.

“Ritchey Woods is one of the foremost examples of natural Indiana beauty that we want to nurture and sustain,” Faultless said. “It’s an excellent living classroom where people can study and enjoy its wetlands and forest, as well as its indigenous plants, flowers and fauna, and the Town is proud to be the custodian of that.”

At its June 21 Town Council meeting, the Fishers Town Council approved a conservation easement, formally extending the nature preserve protection to an additional 85 acres that were also transferred to the Town. However, the easement does permit the development and maintenance of a nature center and trails and restrooms. The easement has already been reviewed and approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and is pending approval by Indiana Governor Joe Kernan.

“The Children’s Museum’s dedicated Ritchey Woods volunteers are excited to work with Gary Pruitt, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Fishers, as he and his team explore enhanced educational programming opportunities for children and families at Ritchey Woods,” added Patchen.

In its proposal to The Children’s Museum, the Town of Fishers stated its intent to embrace, sustain and advance The Children’s Museum’s vision to provide educational programming for children at the preserve, while, at the same time, restoring, preserving and enhancing it.

The Town outlined various programs that would execute the vision for the nature preserve, including, but not limited to:

• An open trails program that would provide opportunities for walking, observation and nature study;

• A campfire program that would be naturalist-led, educationally-focused and similar to such programs at national parks;

• Guided walks that would be naturalist-led and focused on the study of trees, flowers, animals, birds and insects;

• Educational programming for scouting groups;

• Summer nature camps;

• Environmental education programs for Hamilton Southeastern School District teachers and students;

• An amateur naturalist program.

The addition of Ritchey Woods into the Town of Fishers Parks system brings the total number of park acreage in Fishers to 411. The acquisition of the property necessitates the hiring of a full-time naturalist, and several part-time seasonal programming and summer nature camp staff in addition to a diverse and active volunteer corp to develop and execute comprehensive programming planned for 2005.

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Fishers Police investigate death

The Fishers Police Department is investigating a drowning that was reported Tuesday, June 13 at approximately 6:15 am. The Fishers Police and Fire Departments were called to 10254 Lothbury Circle when family members found Maria Del Carmen Menendez floating in the water. Paramedics from the fire department pronounced her dead at the scene.

Investigators met with family members and were told that Ms. Menendez is visiting from Gijon, Spain. She was staying in a house two doors down that is also owned by family members. The family also told investigators that Ms. Menendez suffered from depression and had attempted suicide two times in Spain.

The family woke up in the morning and looked out a back window and saw something floating in the water approximately 6-8 feet from the shore. They walked outside and discovered that it was Ms. Menendez. They called 911 immediately and pulled her from the water. They started CPR until medics arrived.

The investigation is underway. Ms. Menendez was last seen by family members at approximately 6:00 pm on July 11, 2004. Investigators recovered a note that was inside the residence where Ms. Menendez was staying and will have it translated. Officers also discovered an area in the backyard of the residence where it appears Ms. Menendez was sitting in the grass. Ms. Menendez’s shoes and cigarettes were sitting close to that area as well. There are no signs of any crime at the residence where she was staying and no evidence of injury to Ms. Menendez. The Hamilton County Coroner was called to assist in the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Fishers Police & YMCA hold Teen Academy

The Fishers Police Department is teaming up with the Fishers YMCA Teen Center to reach out to the teens of Fishers. The 1st annual FPD Teen Academy will be held at the YMCA Teen Center July 12th through July 16th. The academy is one week of law enforcement type training that will allow teens to better understand how law enforcement works. The academy will also allow teens to get to know several officers. Each days lessons will begin with physical exercise and conclude each day with a social activity with officers and students.

“The youth of our community are very important to us. Through programs like this as well as our D.A.R.E. Program, we want our young people to understand what we do and we want to help provide positive role models for them” said George Kehl, Chief of Police.

The purpose of the academy is to allow teens to better understand police officers and to strengthen the relationship between the police department and the community. Officers will teach blocks of instruction on various topics such as emergency vehicle operations, building searches drug investigations and domestic violence. Students will have classroom instruction as well as practical “role play” training each day.

Officer Ed Gebhart has been instrumental in creating this program as well as the departments Citizens Academy. Gebhart’s goal is to create a program more tailor made to a younger audience. This program will be more hands on with more physical activity.

“It is our hope to continue to be involved in the lives of the youth of Fishers through programs like this. We want to show kids the importance of making good decisions as well as what can happen when someone makes a poor decision,” said Lt. Mike Johnson, FPD D.A.R.E. Coordinator.

For more information on the Teen Academy, contact Officer Ed Gebhart at the Fishers Police Department at 317-595-3300 ext. 8106.

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Fishers Police investigate assaults

The Fishers Police Department is investigating two assaults that occurred in the Town in June. In both cases, women were walking in public areas at or around 9:00 pm when they were approached from behind by an unknown man. The man grabbed the women touching their breasts and vaginal area on the outside of their clothing. The man fled the area within seconds.

On June 9, 2004 investigators were notified of an assault that took place in the area of Holland Drive and Ellipse Parkway. Two women were walking in the area when a man approached them from behind and grabbed one of the women. The suspect ran away from the two victims within seconds of the assault.

On June 28, 2004 investigators were notified of an assault that took place on Fishers Pointe Boulevard south of 116th Street in Fishers. Two women in their mid 20’s were walking south on Fishers Pointe Boulevard when they heard a man running up behind them. Thinking he was jogging, the women moved over to allow him to pass. The man grabbed one of the women from behind and knocked her to the ground. He ran away from the victims within seconds of the assault.

The investigation into these assaults is ongoing. The victims were able to provide a description of the man and investigators are working to obtain more information. Investigators are asking for anyone with information about these attacks or similar suspicious activity that has not yet been reported to call the Fishers Police Department.

Suspect Description: White Male, Approx. 30 years old 200-240 lbs Dark Clothing – Possibly a Jogging Suit, 5’8”-5’9” Tall, Short Brown Hair.

Police Contact Numbers: Fishers Police Department 595-3300; Communication Center 773-1282; Anonymous Tip 595-3400 #7000.

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July 10 is Safety Day

The Fishers and Lawrence Township Fire Departments have teamed up with Walmart, SAM’S Club and Menards to host their 7th annual Safety Day:

Location:                     SAM’S Club on 96th Street, just West of I 69

Date & Time:             July 10, 2003, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Once again, visitors can expect over 30 different organizations to be there with their various areas of safety expertise. One new feature at this year’s Safety Day will be a Safe Kids car seat inspection station. Parents of young children can have their car seats inspected for proper installation. Space is limited and inspections will be done on a first-come, first served basis.

“Both fire departments, as well as our partners at SAM’S, Menards and Walmart, have worked as a team to bring together as wide a variety of safety topics as possible” said Fishers Fire Department Public Information Officer Ron Lipps. “You’ll have access to a variety of safety information as well as a chance to see fire, police, medical and other vehicles up close”.

Some of the highlights of this year’s event include:

For more information, call the Fishers Fire Department at 595-3200, or the Lawrence Township Fire Department at 845-4930, or find our link on the internet at www.fishers.in.us .

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Semi / RV crash investigated

The Fishers Police Department is investigating a crash that occurred Tuesday night, June 29, on Interstate 69 just north of the 9 mile marker. The crash occurred at approximately 9:50 pm and involved a semi-tractor trailer and a Winnebago RV. Both vehicles had extensive damage and the semi came to rest on its side in the roadside ditch. Both drivers received minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals to be checked by medical personnel.

Preliminary information from the drivers indicates that the semi was driving southbound on Interstate 69 in the area of S.R. 238 (10 mile marker). The driver, David A. Kilbourn, stated that he was driving south on I-69 when he blacked out or fell asleep. The next thing he remembers is the truck on its side in the ditch. The driver of the RV, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson, stated that he was driving south on I-69 from the 10 mile marker in the right hand lane. Wilkerson stated that he saw the semi in his rearview mirror. Wilkerson said the semi struck the rear of his RV and pushed him off the roadway.

The investigation is ongoing. An accident reconstruction team from the Fishers Police Department responded to the scene. Speed estimates for both vehicles are not available at this time. Fishers Police records indicate that the RV was disabled and parked on the side of the road just south of the 10 mile marker earlier in the week. Wilkerson told officers that he returned to the vehicle last night, got the vehicle running and was driving southbound prior to the crash.

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116th Street To Close On Sunday, June 27

 A few Fishers roads will be closed on Sunday, June 27 from 4 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. due to the annual Fishers Freedom Festival’s Main Parade. Once the parade has completed and parade observers have cleared, all roads will be reopened to the public. The roads closed are:

• 116th Street: From immediately west of the Commercial Drive intersection going west through Hague Road. (The Commercial Drive & 116th Street intersection and the 116th Street & Hague Road intersection will both remain open with police traffic control measures.)

• Lantern Road: Immediately south of Sunblest Boulevard going south to 116th Street. 116th Street & Lantern intersection will be closed.

• Holland Drive: From Holland Park going south to 116th Street. 116th Street & Holland Drive intersection will be closed.

• The Thomas A. Weaver Memorial Municipal Complex: All roads closed. This includes access to Municipal Drive, the Fishers Post Office, the Fishers Public Library, Town Hall, BMV Fishers Branch, Train Station, Fishers Fire Headquarters & Fishers Police Headquarters.

Residents will have limited access to their neighborhoods off 116th Street within the closed road area, but absolutely no through traffic will be allowed on 116th Street.

Those wanting to access the Fishers Corner Business Park (which includes SuperTarget) and the Northeast Commerce Park (Technology Drive and Visionary Way) can do so only by approaching from 116th Street and Interstate 69 area, then going north onto Commercial Drive.

The Main Parade begins at 5 P.M. at the corner of 116th Street & Lantern Road. The parade will continue west down 116th Street, turns north on Holland Drive, and finishes at Holland Park. The parade will not circle Ellipse Parkway.

All parade watchers are asked to stay off of the street when the parade is in progress (due to motorized vehicles participating in the parade). Also, please do not throw water balloons or use super soaker water guns on the parade participants. These items have caused damage to expensive equipment in the past.

Immediately after the Main Parade’s conclusion, the high energy band “Endless Summer” will perform classic smash hits from the past to the present at Holland Park before the fireworks begin at dusk.

The 16th annual Fishers Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 26 & Sunday, June 27 is held at the Roy G. Holland Memorial Park (1 Park Drive) off Holland Drive & Ellipse Parkway in Fishers. This free event offers something for everyone, from toddlers to adults. Fireworks, fine arts & crafts, food & business vendors, music, 5K walk/run, K-9 demonstrations, children’s tent and much more entertain over 40,000 attendees from all over the U.S. each year. For more information, please visit www.FishersFreedomFestival.org, email FishersUSA@aol.com, or call 595-3195.

The mission of the Fishers Freedom Festival is to encourage fellowship through civic partnerships and citizen involvement by creating a safe environment, developing needed community services, promoting family integrity and striving to improve the quality of life for every Fishers' resident by investing in human potential.

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Fishers boy saves choking sister

Fifteen year old Leigh Ann Williams probably appreciates her little brother a little more than most sisters would. That’s because her 12 yea