As I drove to Holland Park Sunday evening, I wondered how many people would come out on a cold, 32-degree night to attend a candlelight vigil in memory of Renée Nicole Good. What I found was a crowd far larger than I expected — more than 200 people, many holding candles and bundled against the chill, gathered to honor her life and mourn her tragic death.

The vigil was a peaceful, heartfelt affair, marked by speeches, songs and moments of reflection. Attendees expressed deep sorrow and frustration over Good’s death — at the hands of a federal immigration agent during an enforcement action in Minneapolis earlier this month — and shared their hope for accountability and change.

State Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn opened the evening with a prayer and a message of unity.

“We don’t stand here today pointing fingers or taking sides,” Representative Wilburn said. “We’re standing here to say that we’ve had enough of this darkness.”

Her words set the tone for a gathering focused on community healing and solidarity rather than division.

Also speaking was Catherine Torzewski, a State Senate candidate in the Democratic primary, who called it an honor to stand with those attending the vigil.

“I know that things are heavy right now,” Torzewski said. “I know it’s hard to keep pushing in the face of what we are seeing, but it’s really important that we all keep going.”

Throughout the event, there were references to the rule of law and the Constitution, and speakers underscored the importance of peaceful civic engagement. The overall atmosphere was solemn but determined.

The vigil was sponsored by Indivisible Fishers Resists, a grassroots organization that focuses on local civic engagement, constitutional advocacy and response to federal government actions.

Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and poet, was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis on January 7. Her death has sparked national controversy and protests across the country as communities grapple with questions about the use of force by federal law enforcement and what happened during the encounter.

The Indiana General Assembly convened last week for its 2026 legislative session, with lawmakers from both parties outlining priorities that reflect sharply different approaches to affordability, public safety, health care, and the role of state government. Fishers is represented in the Indiana House by Speaker Todd Huston, a Republican, and State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, a Democrat, each advancing agendas shaped by their party’s broader goals.

House Republicans, led by Huston, began the session by rolling out a package of priority legislation focused on reducing costs for Hoosier families and businesses. Huston has said the Republican caucus intends to concentrate on housing affordability, utility costs, deregulation, and streamlining state government. GOP leaders argue that reducing regulatory barriers and increasing efficiency will help lower everyday expenses and encourage economic growth.

Among the areas Republicans have highlighted are efforts to boost housing supply by easing regulations, address rising utility bills through energy and cost reforms, and eliminate or consolidate state boards and education requirements they view as unnecessary. Huston has framed the agenda as a continuation of recent legislative efforts to make Indiana more affordable and competitive.

Democrats, meanwhile, have emphasized targeted consumer protections and public safety measures. Garcia Wilburn, who represents another portion of Fishers, has introduced a slate of legislation she says is aimed at keeping Hoosiers safe and healthy while easing financial pressure on families.

Her authored bills include proposals to expand health insurance options by allowing physical and occupational therapists to serve as primary care providers, require colleges to notify designated emergency contacts when a student experiences a medical emergency on campus, and mandate in-person assessments by the Department of Child Services before closing child welfare investigations. Other measures would require the state Insurance Commissioner to consider affordability when reviewing health insurance rate increases and protect emergency medical services degree programs from elimination at state universities.

Garcia Wilburn is also co-authoring legislation addressing Medicaid fraud protections, funding for family recovery and safe baby courts, sentencing enhancements for violent crimes against law enforcement officers, and increased transparency around hospital payment plans and medical debt.

In a statement, Garcia Wilburn said her legislation reflects concerns she hears from constituents about rising health care costs and public safety. She said requiring the Insurance Commissioner to consider affordability when approving premium increases is one way to hold insurance companies accountable to consumers.

As the session moves forward, both parties say affordability will remain a central theme, though their approaches differ. Republicans are focusing on deregulation and cost reduction through structural changes, while Democrats are pushing for direct consumer protections and safeguards for vulnerable populations. With Fishers lawmakers playing prominent roles on both sides of the aisle, residents will have a close view of how those competing priorities unfold at the Statehouse in the weeks ahead.

The Indy Ignite opened their second Major League Volleyball season with a 3–1 victory over the Dallas Pulse on Saturday night at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.

Indy claimed the match with set scores of 25–27, 27–25, 26–24 and 25–20. The contest marked the inaugural game for the Dallas Pulse franchise and featured a tightly contested opening three sets that each went beyond regulation.

Dallas took the first set 27–25, earning the Pulse their first-ever professional set win. The Pulse rallied late after trailing 23–19, closing the set on an 8–2 run to seize the early momentum.

The Ignite responded in the second set, overcoming a 19–14 deficit to even the match. Indy forced extra points and closed out the set 27–25, with newcomers Kayla Lund and Cara Cresse scoring the final points to swing the match back in Indy’s favor.

The third set followed a similar pattern, with neither team able to build a sustained lead. After multiple ties late, Leketor Member-Meneh delivered a decisive kill to give the Ignite a 26–24 win and a 2–1 advantage in the match.

Indy took control in the fourth set, using a 7–1 run midway through to create separation. The Ignite maintained that edge down the stretch, closing out the set 25–20 to secure the season-opening victory.

The win marked a successful debut for Indy head coach Lauren Bertolacci, who took over the program ahead of the 2026 season.

The Ignite will continue their season on the road, at Columbus and Orlando, before returning home for their home opener against Omaha at the Fishers Event Center on January 24.

Two local community organizations, Indivisible Fishers Resist and Streetside Democracy Defenders, are planning a candlelight vigil this weekend in Fishers.

According to an announcement from the groups, the vigil is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Roy G. Holland Memorial Park, located at 1 Park Drive. Organizers say the event is intended as a peaceful gathering in response to what they describe as a wrongful incident involving Renée Nicole Good on January 7.

In their statement, organizers said they are calling on community members to come together to acknowledge what they believe occurred and to show solidarity. The announcement criticizes what it describes as actions and messaging from the current administration, though no specific officials or agencies were named.

Organizers emphasized that the vigil is meant to be family friendly and focused on strengthening community connections. Candles will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring posters or signs, though the groups ask that messages remain appropriate for all ages.

“The goal is to keep the messages family friendly and to strengthen the ties within our community,” the announcement states.

The vigil is open to the public, and no speeches or programming beyond the candlelight gathering were outlined in advance. Organizers say the hour-long event is intended to provide space for reflection and peaceful expression.

The City of Fishers has changed-up the format of the weekly road construction report.  Instead of starting the listing with the State Road 37 and Clear Path updates, it relegates those items to the end, but starts the listing with the expected local road closures.

So, if you are accustomed to the old format, this will be new, but many will see this as a better way to communicate with the public.

With that in mind, here is the Fishers area road construction report, as provided by the City of Fishers, for the work week starting Monday, January 12:

Continue reading Weekly Fishers Area Road Construction Report for the week of Monday, January 12 →

Onyx+East has announced the sales launch of Nickel Row, a 35-unit luxury townhome community planned along the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers.

The three-story townhomes will be built adjacent to the popular rails-to-trails multi-use path, providing residents with direct access to the trail and walkable connections to downtown Fishers. Vertical construction is expected to begin in February, according to the builder. The first model home, located at 11356 Fishers Pointe Boulevard, is scheduled for completion in September.

Homes at Nickel Row will start in the mid-$500,000s and are designed to offer a walkable, suburban lifestyle. Each brick townhome will feature open-concept floor plans, energy-efficient technology, high-end finishes and attached two-car garages. Buyers may choose from multiple floor plans ranging from 2,190 to 2,317 square feet, with three to four bedrooms and 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms. Twelve of the homes will also offer optional private elevators.

Onyx+East said buyers will have access to its local design center and professional team to customize finishes and features throughout the home.

The community’s location places residents within a 10-minute walk of the Nickel Plate District, which includes restaurants, shopping, hotels and entertainment venues such as the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Fishers has consistently been recognized as one of Indiana’s top places to live and is home to a highly rated school district.

“Nickel Row is an exciting milestone for Onyx+East as we expand our footprint in Fishers and throughout all of Hamilton County,” said Kelli Lawrence, CEO of Onyx+East. “With direct access to the Nickel Plate Trail and proximity to downtown Fishers, Nickel Row offers an opportunity to enjoy modern living in one of the best locations on Indianapolis’ north side.”

Nickel Row marks Onyx+East’s first development in Fishers. The company is also building homes at Flora in Carmel and plans to break ground in Westfield in 2026 on Trillium, a subdivision planned along the Monon Trail.

Lieutenant Dustin Dixon, a 24-year veteran of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and a U.S. Army veteran, has filed as a Republican candidate for Hamilton County Sheriff.

Dixon is currently a lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Office, overseeing day shift patrol operations, including animal control and probation security. He is in his 24th year with the agency and has served in a variety of leadership and operational roles during his career.

He began working for Hamilton County in 2001 as the Pretrial Diversion Coordinator for the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office before being hired in 2002 as a Merit Deputy with the Sheriff’s Office. Over the years, Dixon has held assignments in Patrol, Investigations, the Canine Unit, and the agency’s Tactical Team. He graduated as an Honor Graduate from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 2003 and is also a graduate of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Leadership Academy and the Hamilton County Leadership Academy.

Dixon holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from Ball State University, with a minor in finance. While in college, he worked as a juvenile corrections officer and completed an internship with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. He is a member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 103 and serves as the Sheriff’s Office liaison.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Dixon is involved in several community organizations. He serves as president of Shop For Kids, vice president of the Noblesville Youth Assistance Program, and is involved with the Morse Waterways Association and the Elks Lodge.

Dixon is also a business partner and client manager for a local security consulting and staffing firm, where he oversees client relations and administrative operations.

His campaign has received the endorsement of retired Indiana State Police Superintendent and former Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Carter, who is serving as honorary campaign chairman.

“Dustin Dixon is the right leader for Hamilton County,” Carter said. “His integrity, character, and commitment to public service are unmatched.”

Dixon said he decided to run for sheriff to continue serving the community and the Sheriff’s Office.

“I am running for Hamilton County Sheriff because this community has trusted me to serve and protect it for nearly 25 years,” Dixon said. “Public safety will always be my number one priority.”

Dixon and his wife, Roslynn, have been married for 23 years and live in Noblesville. They have a 16-year-old son and a retired K-9, Fonzie.