Category Archives: LarryInFishers.com

Fuel Fall to Walleye 5-4 in Overtime Thriller at Fishers Event Center

The Indy Fuel pushed a Central Division matchup to the limit Wednesday night but came up short in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Toledo Walleye at Fishers Event Center.

The game, originally scheduled for Dec. 28, featured multiple lead changes and a strong response from Indy throughout the night.

Toledo struck first midway through the opening period when Cam Hausinger scored against former teammate Mitchell Weeks. Indy answered less than three minutes later as Cody Laskosky found the net, assisted by Jordan Martin, to even the score at 1-1. The teams finished the period tied, with shots even at nine apiece.

The second period brought a flurry of offense. Toledo regained the lead early on a goal by Mitch Lewandowski, but the Fuel responded on the power play when newcomer Marcus Joughin scored at 11:35. Just 19 seconds later, Martin gave Indy its first lead of the night, 3-2.

That advantage was short-lived, as Brendon Michaelian tied the game again at 3-3. Despite being outshot 26-18 through two periods, the Fuel stayed even heading into the third.

Laskosky delivered again early in the third, scoring his second goal of the game at 2:53 to put Indy ahead 4-3. After a successful penalty kill midway through the period, Toledo answered once more when Dylan Moulton tied the game at 4-4.

Neither team could break the deadlock in regulation, though Toledo held a decisive 46-23 edge in shots.

In overtime, the Walleye needed just two shots to seal the win. Tanner Dickinson scored the game-winner at 2:04, handing Indy a hard-fought loss.

Despite the result, the Fuel showed resilience in forcing overtime against one of the top teams in the division.

Plan Commission Backs ICC Floors Rezone for Former Kittle’s Building Near I-69

ICC Floors proposed view from I-69 traveling north (rendering provided)

The Fishers Plan Commission has unanimously recommended approval of a rezoning request that would allow a major renovation and reuse of the former Kittle’s Furniture building along Interstate 69.

At its Wednesday night meeting, the commission voted to send a favorable recommendation to the Fishers City Council for a proposal by ICC Floors Plus involving the 62,000-square-foot building at 9810 Carney Drive.

Under the request, ICC Floors plans to reconfigure the interior space to support a mix of uses. The proposal calls for 40 percent of the building to be used for warehouse operations, with the remaining space divided evenly among gallery, fabrication, and office functions.

The project also includes a series of exterior and site improvements. Plans call for additional truck docks, upgraded landscaping, parking enhancements, and updates to the building façade. Those improvements will require both an Improvement Location Permit and a Commercial Building Permit.

Because the structure exceeds 25,000 square feet, the project must also receive approval for a Commercial Change of Use permit, identified as CUP-26-3. That request is currently under review by the City Council,

City planning staff recommended approval of the rezoning with one condition: prohibiting outdoor storage on the site.

The proposal is expected to move to the Fishers City Council for final consideration at its April 20 meeting, where both the rezoning and the change-of-use request will be reviewed together.

New Indiana laws aimed at protecting children signed following Fishers teen’s death

Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn
Todd Huston

Legislation designed to strengthen protections for children and teens in Indiana has been signed into law, prompted in part by the death of a Fishers teenager and the advocacy of her family.

Governor Mike Braun ceremonially signed House Enrolled Act 1303 and House Enrolled Act 1408, measures intended to improve responses to children believed to be in danger, crack down on child sexual abuse, and expand protections for minors on social media.

The laws were drafted following the death of Fishers teen Hailey Buzbee, who disappeared and was later found dead in Ohio. Her parents, Beau and Ronya Buzbee, have since advocated for stronger safeguards to protect young people.

They joined the governor, legislators and other state officials for the ceremonial bill signing.

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, a Democrat representing Fishers, said the legislation is a step toward preventing similar tragedies.

“I am thankful that we were able to honor Hailey by getting this legislation to protect Hoosier kids across the finish line,” Garcia Wilburn said in a statement. “Law enforcement needs as many tools in the toolbox as possible to stop child predators.”

Garcia Wilburn added that conversations will continue with constituents about additional safeguards, particularly involving social media, and further steps the legislature could take to improve child safety.

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, a Republican from Fishers, also pointed to the impact of the Buzbee family’s advocacy.

“The Fishers community is still grieving the loss of Hailey, and her parents’ courage in speaking out to protect other young Hoosiers has been incredibly moving,” Huston said.

Huston said the new laws include enhancements to Indiana’s alert system, allowing law enforcement to respond more quickly when a child may be in danger. The legislation also establishes new social media safeguards, including requirements for parental consent for minors and expanded tools for parents to monitor their children’s online activity.

State leaders say the measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen protections for children across Indiana, with additional policy discussions expected in future legislative sessions.

WRTV sale closes; widespread newsroom cuts reported as WISH staff fills broadcasts

 

The phrase “in the public interest” has long guided federal broadcast policy, dating back to the Communications Act of 1934 that created the Federal Communications Commission and established oversight of the nation’s limited broadcast spectrum.

That standard is once again part of the discussion in Indianapolis.

The sale of ABC affiliate WRTV to Circle City Broadcasting—owner of WISH-TV—was finalized March 31. The deal, valued at $83 million, was approved earlier this year by federal regulators, allowing Circle City to own three stations in the Indianapolis market.

What followed the closing, however, has raised significant questions.

It remains unclear exactly how many employees were affected, but multiple signs point to a sweeping reduction of WRTV’s newsroom staff on the day the deal closed. Local newscasts airing the night of March 31 and the morning of April 1 on WRTV featured on-air personnel from WISH-TV, with no visible presence of WRTV’s previous news staff.

A report published late March 31 by Indianapolis Business Journal said the transition “appears to mean a major personnel shakeup at WRTV, with numerous people losing their jobs, possibly most of the newsroom.”

Public statements from WRTV journalists strongly support that assessment.

Anchor-reporter Nicole Griffin wrote, “Today was my last day at WRTV.” Meteorologist Kyle Mounce said, “The staff at WRTV was shown the door today, as new management took over.”

Those posts suggest the changes were immediate and extensive, rather than a routine restructuring.

Circle City Broadcasting has not publicly detailed the scope of the staffing changes or outlined its long-term plan for WRTV’s newsroom. The Federal Communications Commission, in approving the deal, said the combination could strengthen local broadcasting operations and improve competition in the market.

For now, the immediate impact is clear: a number of experienced broadcast journalists in Indianapolis are out of work as of April 1.

Broadcast journalism has never been an easy business. But the latest wave of ownership consolidation is reshaping local newsrooms in ways that are being felt quickly and deeply.

Whether those changes ultimately serve viewers—and meet the long-standing standard of operating “in the public interest”—is a question that is likely to be debated in the days ahead.

Symphony on the Prairie returns to Conner Prairie with 2026 summer lineup

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2026 season of Kroger Symphony on the Prairie, bringing a mix of orchestra performances and tribute concerts back to Conner Prairie this summer.

According to a news release issued Tuesday, the annual outdoor concert series will open June 26 and run through Labor Day weekend at the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre in Fishers.

The 2026 schedule includes 11 performances by the ISO and 13 tribute concerts, continuing a long-running summer tradition that draws thousands to the venue each year.

The season opens June 26-27 with “Face 2 Face: A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John.” One of the summer’s signature events, the Star-Spangled Symphony, is scheduled for July 2-4, featuring patriotic music and fireworks.

The orchestra’s lineup also includes themed performances tied to popular music and film, including programs featuring music from Star Wars, Harry Potter and Disney, along with concerts highlighting artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire and hits from the 1980s and the Yacht Rock era.

In addition to the orchestra-led shows, the series will feature a number of tribute acts throughout the summer, with performances dedicated to artists including Adele, The Beatles, Huey Lewis, Bob Seger and the Bee Gees.

Tickets for the 2026 season are scheduled to go on sale April 7 at 11 a.m., according to the release.

Symphony on the Prairie has been a staple of summer entertainment in central Indiana for decades, offering a casual outdoor setting where attendees can bring lawn chairs, picnic dinners and enjoy live music under the stars.

The concert series is held at Conner Prairie’s amphitheater grounds on the west side of Fishers, just north of 126th Street.

More information about the full schedule and ticket options is available through the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

OneZone Business Action Committee endorses Mark Hall for Hamilton County Council

The OneZone Business Action Committee (ZoneBAC) has endorsed Mark Hall for Hamilton County Council District 3, according to a statement released by the organization.

ZoneBAC, a group made up of members of the OneZone Chamber of Commerce, said its endorsement was based on Hall’s experience and approach to county government, particularly in the areas of budgeting, infrastructure and public safety.

“Mark Hall brings a disciplined, common-sense approach to county government, with a clear focus on public safety, infrastructure, and responsible budgeting,” said OneZone Chamber President Jack Russell in the release. “He understands that strong fundamentals are what allow businesses and communities to thrive.”

Hall currently serves on the Hamilton County Council, where he has emphasized financial oversight and long-term planning. According to the statement, his priorities include maintaining strong financial reserves, carefully reviewing county expenditures and preparing for continued population growth.

ZoneBAC cited Hall’s leadership and understanding of business-related issues as key factors in its decision. The committee said it evaluates candidates using what it describes as nonpartisan criteria, including qualifications, positions on key issues and commitment to the local business community.

Voter registration deadline nears for May 5 Indiana primary; key Hamilton County races on ballot

Hamilton County voters have until Monday, April 6, 2026, to register if they want to cast a ballot in Indiana’s primary election, which will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, April 7. Hamilton County Clerk Kathy Kreag Williams said residents can check their registration status or make changes online through Indiana’s voter portal, using this link. The clerk also noted that 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the November general election are eligible to vote in the primary.

In Hamilton County, one of the highest-profile local races on the Republican ballot is the primary for sheriff. The two candidates are John Lowes, chief deputy of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Dustin Dixon, an HCSO lieutenant. Lowes was endorsed by outgoing Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush, while Dixon was endorsed by retired Indiana State Police Superintendent and former Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Carter.

The Republican primary for Hamilton County coroner has changed since the filing period closed. Brad Craig was disqualified by the Hamilton County Election Board in February, leaving incumbent Jeff Jellison unopposed for the Republican nomination.

Another race drawing attention locally is the open Indiana Senate District 31 seat. Republican Sen. Kyle Walker announced in December that he would not seek reelection, creating a crowded contest in both parties’ primaries. Senate District 31 includes Fishers, Geist and parts of Lawrence.

On the Republican side, the candidates are Juanita Albright, Tiffanie Ditlevson, Travis Hankins and Jan Keefer. Albright has served as president of the Hamilton Southeastern school board, Ditlevson is a Fishers city councilor, Hankins is a businessman, and Keefer is an attorney from Lawrence Township.

Democrats running for the Senate District 31 nomination are Andrew Dezelan, Kerry Forestal, Lasima Packett and Catherine Torzewski. Dezelan is a Fishers resident and former longtime policy director for Senate Democrats; Forestal is the Marion County sheriff; Packett is a community advocate and Army National Guard veteran; and Torzewski is a Geist-area Realtor and small business owner.

Hamilton County voters may cast early ballots at the Judicial Center and Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville beginning April 7, with additional Fishers, Carmel and Westfield satellite locations opening later in the early-voting period. Election Day polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fishers High robotics team earns finalist finish, Engineering Inspiration Award at state competition

The Fishers High School robotics team, FRC #5010 Tiger Dynasty, earned finalist honors and a major statewide award at a weekend competition in Columbus, competing against 38 of Indiana’s top teams.

After two days of competition, the 57-member team advanced to the playoff rounds and served as an alliance captain for one of the finalist alliances. The team fell just short in the final match but secured the prestigious FIRST Engineering Inspiration Award, sponsored by SpaceX.

The award recognizes teams that demonstrate exceptional success in promoting respect for engineering and inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Judges also consider measurable community impact and efforts to recruit and engage students in engineering programs.

With the performance, Tiger Dynasty is now ranked No. 3 in Indiana and has qualified for the Indiana State Championship, scheduled for April 18–19. A strong showing there could lead to an invitation to the FIRST World Championship in Houston, set for April 29–May 2.

The team’s success follows six weeks of intensive preparation, during which students designed, built and programmed their 2026 competition robot, “Lasagna.” The robot was unveiled earlier this season at a public event at Fishers High School after thousands of combined hours of student work.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board President Tiffany Pascoe praised the team’s efforts.

“This program exemplifies how our students apply real-world STEM skills, collaboration and creativity in meaningful ways,” Pascoe said. “The dedication demonstrated by these students reflects the strength of our academic opportunities and the commitment of our staff and community partners.”

Tiger Dynasty is led by coaches Amelia (Amy) Stone and Kyle Heaton and supported by a group of volunteer mentors who assist students throughout the build and competition season.

School officials say participation in the robotics program continues to create opportunities for students pursuing higher education and careers in STEM fields, including scholarships and, in some cases, full-ride offers for graduating seniors.

The team includes a number of first-year members this season, with school officials noting that peer collaboration and mentor support have played a key role in their development.

Fishers High School’s robotics program is part of Hamilton Southeastern Schools’ broader focus on hands-on, experiential learning designed to prepare students for future careers while fostering an inclusive environment.

OneZone Business Action Committee endorses Griffin for County Council District 1

The OneZone Business Action Committee (ZoneBAC), affiliated with the OneZone Chamber, has endorsed Tim Griffin in his bid for Hamilton County Council District 1.

In a statement released March 30, ZoneBAC cited Griffin’s record on fiscal policy and economic development as key reasons for the endorsement.

“Tim Griffin has demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, thoughtful leadership, and supporting a pro-business environment in Hamilton County,” said OneZone Chamber President Jack Russell. “His experience and focus on smart investments and long-term planning make him a strong choice for Hamilton County Council.”

Griffin currently serves on the Hamilton County Council and, according to the committee, has been a consistent advocate for responsible budgeting, transparency, and strategic investment in county priorities. His work has included support for infrastructure improvements, public safety funding, and initiatives aimed at maintaining economic growth across the county.

ZoneBAC, made up of OneZone Chamber members, said it evaluates candidates using nonpartisan criteria. The committee reviews qualifications, policy positions, and a candidate’s alignment with issues important to the local business community.

In announcing the endorsement, the committee pointed to Griffin’s experience and understanding of economic issues facing Hamilton County, along with what it described as a commitment to responsible governance and continued growth.

The endorsement adds to Griffin’s support within the business community as the race for the District 1 council seat continues.