Category Archives: LarryInFishers.com

Indy Ignite rally past Omaha, close first half of season with 3-1 win at Fishers Event Center

The Indy Ignite shook off a rough opening set Sunday and powered past the Omaha Supernovas 3-1 at Fishers Event Center, winning 17-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-13.

The victory pushed Indy to a league-best 12-2 record at the midpoint of the Major League Volleyball season and extended the Ignite’s winning streak to six matches, a franchise high.

After Omaha controlled the first set, Indy head coach Lauren Bertolacci went to outside hitter Kayla Lund in the second set — and the match changed. Playing extended minutes for the first time in about a month after dealing with a knee injury, Lund delivered 14 kills on 20 swings, finishing with a .700 kill rate and 10 digs for a double-double.

Indy edged the second set 25-22, then used a key surge in the third to take a 2-1 lead. The Ignite closed the third set with outside hitter Anna DeBeer scoring Indy’s final three points, including a service ace, in a 25-21 win.

The fourth set was all Indy. The Ignite jumped out early, hit at a blistering clip in the clincher, and rolled to a 25-13 finish. Indy hit .374 as a team for the match, a figure Omaha noted as the highest hitting percentage the Supernovas have allowed.

DeBeer led Indy with 19 points (13 kills, three aces, three blocks). Lund and opposite Camryn Hannah added 14 points apiece, and middle blocker Lydia Martyn chipped in 10. Setter Mia Tuaniga posted 52 assists and 11 digs for a double-double.

Omaha was led by Emily Londot with a match-high 19 points. The match drew 4,483 fans.

Indy’s next match is Sunday, March 8, at home against Grand Rapids

Podcast Lost, Disability Awareness Month Moves Forward

For nearly a decade, I have recorded and produced podcasts in and around Fishers. As a one-person operation since 2016, that means not only asking the questions, but also handling every technical aspect of production.

Over the years, there have been minor technical issues. Until now, I have always managed to work around them and get each podcast posted.

Last week, for the first time, I lost an entire recording due to a catastrophic technical failure.

That loss is particularly disappointing because the podcast was my annual preview of Disability Awareness Month in Fishers. Fishers City Councilor Cecilia Coble, who chairs the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, and Molly Connolly, who oversees Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) matters for the City of Fishers, joined me for what was a thoughtful and informative discussion. Both have long been deeply involved in disability advocacy and inclusion efforts locally, and they had much to share about this year’s observance.

Unfortunately, that entire conversation was lost.

Even without the podcast, March 1 marks the beginning of Disability Awareness Month, and the observance deserves attention. The City of Fishers and the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability will sponsor a variety of events throughout the month, partnering with local organizations to highlight the contributions of residents with physical and intellectual disabilities and to promote greater understanding and inclusion across the community.

During my 28 years in the federal government — as a rank-and-file employee, union official and manager — I saw firsthand the quality of work individuals with disabilities can produce when given the opportunity and the accommodations they need. It remains one of the most underutilized pools of talent in our workforce.

Each March, Fishers makes a deliberate effort to spotlight those contributions and encourage broader awareness.

Readers can learn more about Disability Awareness Month events and activities in Fishers at this link.

Heartlanders Blank Fuel 2-0 on Blackhawks Night Before Sellout Crowd

Fuel on the attack in Period 2, but no goal

It was Chicago Blackhawks Night at the Fishers Event Center Saturday, complete with a booming rendition of the national anthem by longtime Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornelison and a sellout crowd of 6,572.

But the pageantry did not translate into goals for the home team.

Iowa Heartlanders goaltender William Rousseau turned aside every shot he faced, lifting Iowa to a 2-0 victory over the Indy Fuel. Both goals came in the opening period, and the Fuel were unable to recover.

Jonny Sorenson opened the scoring for the Heartlanders a little more than six minutes into the first period, giving Iowa an early 1-0 edge. Jaxon Nelson added to the lead with just over four minutes remaining in the period.

That was all the offense Iowa would need.

The Fuel generated chances over the final 40 minutes, but Rousseau was steady in net, preserving the shutout. Indy pulled goaltender Owen Flores with under three minutes remaining in regulation in favor of an extra attacker, but the move failed to produce a late breakthrough.

Despite the loss, the atmosphere was playoff-like. The building was loud throughout the night. The Fuel, however, could not convert that energy into offense.

With the defeat, Indy remains in the thick of the ECHL playoff race, where every point is critical down the stretch.  The Fuel remain in third place in the Western Conference Central Division.

The Fuel continue their homestand at the Fishers Event Center in the coming week when the Wichita Thunder visit for a three-game series. The teams meet Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

State rental-cap law headed to governor could reshape Fishers housing policy

The Indiana General Assembly has approved legislation that would prohibit cities and towns from enforcing rental home caps — a move that directly affects Fishers, which adopted a 10 percent cap on single-family rentals in certain subdivisions last year.

The measure, House Bill 1210, now heads to the governor for signature.

If signed into law, the bill would bar local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances, policies or regulations that “prohibit or restrict” a homeowner from renting a residential property — or that have the effect of doing so. That language is widely viewed as preempting municipal rental-cap ordinances like the one in Fishers.

What it means for Fishers

Fishers’ ordinance limits rental properties in certain neighborhoods to 10 percent of homes within a subdivision. The stated goal was to maintain owner-occupied stability while addressing concerns about investor-owned properties.

Under HB 1210, cities would no longer be allowed to impose that type of percentage cap. If the governor signs the bill, Fishers would likely be required to stop enforcing its rental-cap framework.

The legislation does allow local governments to continue enforcing:

• Building and fire codes
• Health and safety standards
• Reasonable occupancy limits
• Registration and inspection programs — so long as those measures do not function as a de facto rental cap

In other words, Fishers could still require rental registration or inspections, but it could not limit the number of homes in a neighborhood that may be rented.

The law includes a delayed compliance provision for ordinances adopted before January 1, 2026, but ultimately requires local governments to bring those ordinances into compliance.

What the bill does not change

Importantly, the legislation applies only to local governments — not to homeowners associations.

HOAs in Fishers may still adopt or enforce covenants restricting rentals within their communities.

However, the conference committee report for HEA 1210 adds a significant limitation on who can vote on those issues.

Under new language on page 218 of the report:

Beginning after the law takes effect, only HOA members who use their property as a homestead — as defined under Indiana’s property tax homestead deduction statute (IC 6-1.1-12-37) — may vote on:

  1. A prohibition or restriction on an owner using a residential property as a rental property, or

  2. Any restriction regarding the use of property as a rental property.

In practical terms, “homestead” status generally means the property is the owner’s primary residence and qualifies for Indiana’s homestead property tax deduction.

What that means

In Fishers subdivisions governed by HOAs:

• Investor-owners who do not live in the home would not be allowed to vote on rental-cap amendments or new rental restrictions.
• Only resident homeowners who claim the property as their primary residence could cast votes on rental policy questions.

The law also restricts eligibility for HOA board service in the same manner, meaning board members must use the property as their homestead.

There is one exception: developers are not subject to this limitation while they still own lots within the subdivision. The statute defines a developer as a person or entity engaged in acquiring and improving land for residential construction and sale or lease.

Broader housing policy shift

HB 1210 is part of a broader package of housing-related legislation aimed at increasing housing supply and reducing costs statewide. Lawmakers argued that local rental caps limit property rights and restrict housing availability.

Supporters say the bill protects homeowners’ rights to use their property as they see fit. Critics argue it strips cities like Fishers of local control to address neighborhood concerns.

If signed, the law would represent a significant shift in housing policy for Fishers, moving rental regulation authority away from City Hall and leaving most rental limitation decisions to private HOAs and the market itself.

The effective date of the legislation is July 1, 2026, if signed into law by Governor Mike Braun.

(Note:  this story was revised to include language in the final conference report dealing with HOA governance and developers)

Road construction update for the work week starting Monday, March 2

 

The weather has recently seen temperatures go up and down, but a sure sign spring is on the way is a longer road construction update for the week starting Monday, March 2.  Note lane restrictions along 116th Street in the area east of Hague Road.  Also, look for preliminary work on the coming improvements at the 116th Street and Allisonville Road intersection.

Here is the full listing , as provided by the City of Fishers:

Continue reading Road construction update for the work week starting Monday, March 2

Ignite Sweep Fury in Columbus, Extend Winning Streak to Five

The Indy Ignite continued their strong early-season run Friday night with a straight-set victory over the Columbus Fury at Nationwide Arena.

With the win, Indy improves to 11-2 and has now won five consecutive matches, strengthening its position near the top of the Major League Volleyball standings.

The Ignite set the tone early, establishing control with aggressive serving and efficient offense. Indy took the opening set and maintained momentum throughout the match, closing it out in three sets.

Veteran attackers Leketor Member-Meneh and Azhani Tealer again paced the Ignite offense, delivering key kills in transition and converting high-pressure points. Indy’s balanced attack limited extended runs by Columbus and forced the Fury to play from behind most of the night.

Defensively, the Ignite were sharp at the net and in the back row. Their blocking disrupted Columbus’ timing, while consistent floor defense turned Fury attacks into counter-scoring opportunities.

Columbus leaders Raina Terry and Regan Pittman had moments offensively, but the Fury struggled to generate sustained rhythm against Indy’s system.

The victory adds to the Ignite’s recent success in the season series against Columbus and continues a stretch in which Indy has shown the ability to win both tight matches and decisive contests.

Head coach Lauren Bertolacci said her team’s consistency and trust in its system have been key during the current winning streak. The Ignite have shown improved execution in late-set situations and have limited unforced errors during the five-match run.

Indy returns home Sunday to host the Omaha Supernovas at the Fishers Event Center. First serve is scheduled for the afternoon as the Ignite look to extend their streak to six matches.

If the current form continues, the Ignite will remain one of the teams to beat as the season moves deeper into its early schedule.

Indy Fuel Defeat Iowa 5-2, Remain Third in Division

Pushing and shoving in Period 2, no penalties assessed

A lively crowd at Fishers Event Center Friday night watched the Indy Fuel skate past the Iowa Heartlanders 5-2.

Iowa pulled goaltender Riley Mercer with two minutes remaining while trailing 4-2, but the Heartlanders could not capitalize. Matt Petgrave sealed the victory with an empty-net goal with 39 seconds left in regulation.

The Fuel struck first in the opening period. Cody Laskosky scored less than four minutes into the contest to give Indy an early 1-0 lead. Jadon Joseph extended the advantage to 2-0 with just over seven minutes remaining in the first period. Iowa answered late in the frame when Keltie Jeri-Leon scored with under a minute to play, cutting the deficit to 2-1 after one period.

Terry Broadhurst pushed the Fuel lead to 3-1 in the second period. With just 50 seconds remaining in the period, Max Patterson scored for Iowa to make it 3-2 heading into the second intermission.

Late in the second period, Fuel defenseman Nick Grima sent the puck into the stands and was assessed a delay of game penalty, resulting in an Iowa power play to open the third. Indy killed off the penalty, maintaining its one-goal edge. Sahil Panwar added an insurance goal midway through the final period to give the Fuel a 4-2 lead before Petgrave’s empty-netter closed out the scoring.

The victory keeps the Fuel solidly in third place in the Western Conference Central Division standings.

The two teams meet again Saturday night in Fishers, where a sellout crowd is expected. Faceoff is set for 7 p.m.

CeCe Winans to Bring ‘Come Worship!’ Tour to Fishers Event Center

Eighteen-time Grammy Award winner CeCe Winans will bring her largest headlining tour to date to Fishers this fall.

Winans’ “Come Worship!” Tour stops at the Fishers Event Center on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. The evening will feature special guests Charity Gayle, Red Worship and Terrian. Tickets are on sale now through the Fishers Event Center website.

Organizers describe the tour as a multi-generational call to unity, inviting people of all ages and backgrounds for a night centered on worship and community. The concert will blend gospel classics, contemporary worship favorites and spontaneous moments designed to create what promoters call a unified, arena-scale worship experience.

Winans is widely regarded as the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time. Over a career spanning decades, she has earned 18 Grammy Awards, 31 Dove Awards and 19 Stellar Awards. She has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Nashville Music City Walk of Fame. Her crossover hit “Count on Me,” a duet with Whitney Houston from the “Waiting to Exhale” soundtrack, reached the Top 10 across multiple charts.

Her recent albums, Believe For It and More Than This, have generated more than 1 billion streams and downloads worldwide and fueled a global tour run of more than 100 shows over the past two years.

Joining Winans in Fishers, Charity Gayle is known for worship anthems such as “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” and “I Speak Jesus,” while Red Worship is the musical collective of Redemption Church in San Jose, California. Terrian, a Memphis native and former member of TobyMac’s Diverse City band, has emerged as one of Christian music’s rising voices, earning Dove Award and K-LOVE Fan Award nominations.

The Fishers Event Center, which opened in November 2024 with a capacity of 7,500, hosts concerts and sporting events and serves as home to several professional teams.

WTHR: Plea Agreement Reached in Fatal 2025 Crash Case

A plea agreement has been reached in the case of Trey Williams, 18, in connection with a fatal crash on March 1, 2025.

According to a report by television station WTHR, attorneys for Williams and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office have agreed that Williams will plead guilty to reckless homicide. In exchange, prosecutors will dismiss charges of reckless driving and false informing.

The case stems from a crash that claimed the life of Mason Alexander, 18, a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School. The crash occurred in the 10000 block of Florida Road near Geist Park.

Under the terms of the plea agreement as reported by WTHR, Williams would receive a six-year sentence, with no more than three years to be served at the Indiana Department of Correction. The judge would have discretion to suspend part or all of the sentence and to apply credit for time already served.

The agreement also calls for Williams to serve two years of probation and have his driving privileges suspended for five years.

A change-of-plea hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11.

Read the WTHR story at this link

HSE Opens Second Year of Non-Resident Transfer Enrollment

Hamilton Southeastern Schools is opening its second year of non-resident transfer enrollment beginning Friday, Feb. 27.

District officials say the initiative reflects HSE’s continued focus on providing high-quality learning opportunities while maintaining financial stability and making full use of district facilities and programs.

Families who live outside HSE district boundaries may apply for available seats across the district. According to enrollment studies and demographic projections, HSE is no longer experiencing the rapid growth seen in past decades. As a result, the district reports approximately 900 open seats across grades kindergarten through 12.

Applications submitted by April 17, 2026, will receive priority consideration. After that date, rolling admissions will continue until the third Friday in January or until capacity is reached at individual schools or grade levels.

District leaders say offering non-resident transfers can help strengthen financial sustainability, attract and retain high-quality staff, expand high-demand programs such as STEM and Career and Technical Education, and maximize the use of existing facilities and resources.

Under the program, transfer students will be placed only in schools and grade levels where space is available. Enrollment will close at individual schools once capacity is reached. Families of out-of-district students will be responsible for transportation, and transfer students must reapply each year to maintain eligibility.

More information about eligibility requirements and the application process is available on the district’s website at hseschools.org/about/enrollment/non-resident-transfer.

HSE officials say the district remains focused on delivering what it describes as a world-class educational experience for every student it serves.