In my years of covering news in Fishers and sharing it on this blog, only a handful of issues have generated as much buzz—both inside and outside the city—as the one coming before the City Council Monday night. The Council is set to hold a public hearing on what’s quickly becoming Fishers’ latest controversy. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, though the public hearing is scheduled near the end of the agenda.

Mayor Scott Fadness is proposing an ordinance that would cap the number of single-family rental homes at 10% within each subdivision. The mayor believes the public—and most Homeowners Associations (HOAs)—are on board with the idea.

However, the real estate industry across the Indianapolis metro area and the state of Indiana strongly oppose the measure. MIBOR (Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors) and IAR (Indiana Association of Realtors) have issued clear statements against the proposal, arguing it infringes on property rights. They also cite data suggesting there’s no significant issue with institutional investors buying up homes in Fishers for rentals.

One of the most pointed criticisms of the rental cap comes from James Briggs, opinion editor at The Indianapolis Star. In a March 5th column, Briggs argues the ordinance could push young families out of the market. He notes that as lending standards tighten, the average age of a homebuyer has risen from 49 in 2023 to 56, citing numbers from the National Association of Realtors.

Briggs also points to what he calls the NIMBY factor—Not In My Back Yard—arguing that the ordinance serves existing homeowners at the expense of future buyers. In his words:

“The Fishers 10% rental cap would do two things: eliminate potentially affordable homes and suppress the demand for construction of new homes, leading to reduced housing inventory, because this policy restricts the market for people who can live in them. Existing homeowners might say, ‘Yep, sounds great to us.’ That’s the heart of NIMBYism—getting into your own home and locking the gates behind you. But those homeowners should consider that they’re going to have to sell someday. When they do, the de facto investor ban will have reduced the pool of prospective buyers.”

You can read Briggs’ full column at this link (an IndyStar subscription may be required).

Mayor Fadness remains confident his proposed ordinance would strengthen Fishers neighborhoods. Opponents, meanwhile, say it would limit opportunities for young families to buy homes and infringe on property rights.

The real estate industry is putting significant resources into fighting the measure—sending out text blasts and taking out full-page ads in local print publications like Current in Fishers. The city, for its part, is making its case on its official Web site at this link.

Local opponents—led by former City Councilor Jocelyn Vare and real estate professional Steve Ladig—have compiled resources and arguments against the cap, available at this link.

The Hamilton County Reporter has also featured commentaries from both sides. Steve Ladig penned an opinion piece opposing the ordinance, while At-Large City Councilor Todd Zimmerman wrote in support of it.

I’ve recorded two podcasts diving into this issue. The first features Mayor Fadness and his Chief of Staff Jordin Alexander—listen here.  The second features Jocelyn Vare and Steve Ladig—available here.

Notably, the mayor acknowledged during the podcast that if this ordinance passes, the city could be defending it in court. Based on what I’ve heard, this would be the first ordinance of its kind in Indiana—and possibly the entire country.

Following Monday’s public hearing, the City Council could move the ordinance to a second reading, with a final vote likely in May. However, there is the option to suspend the rules and take a final vote that same night. Doing so would require a unanimous vote—something I’d consider unlikely. Still, in my 13 years covering Fishers news, I’ve learned to never say never.

When covering Indy Fuel and Fishers Freight games at the Fishers Event Center, I meet some very interesting people.  At Saturday’s Freight game against the Bay Area Panthers, I talked with Marc Viquez, Regional Correspondent with Stadium Journey.  Viquez writes and produces videos for the operation that looks at various stadiums and arenas throughout the United States.

A few days ago, Marc produced a video documenting his visit to an Indy Fuel hockey game at the Event Center.  Use the link below to watch his take on our new Fishers venue.

Penalties, pass interceptions and defensive lapses added up to a home loss for the Fishers Freight at the Event Center Saturday night.  Bay Area  had the Freight’s number as they forced a fumble late in the game to seal their 57-41 victory.

Freight starting quarterback Jiya Wright was ill and unable to play.  Fishers Quarterback Keegan Shoemaker had success running the ball, but 4 interceptions cost dearly.

The Freight were in the game a good part of the way, trailing 16-14 at the end of Quarter 1.  Bay Area extended their lead at halftime to 38-28.  The game began to get out of hand early in the third quarter, with Bay Area pulling ahead 45-28.

The Fishers Freight prepare to face the Iowa Barnstormers a week from tonight in Des Moines.  They return to the Fishers Event Center May 3rd to take on the Quad City Steamwheelers.

It was April 19, 2025. I was at my desk, working for the federal government, just like any other morning. But something felt different. Managers were moving quickly through the office, visibly unsettled. I noticed one manager wheeling a television into her office, while others gathered around. It was clear something had just happened—something bad.

Thirty years ago today, a bomb exploded at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. That horrific act of domestic terrorism took 168 lives, including 19 children.

A television news crew arrived at our office seeking reactions from federal employees. Because of my media background, I was asked to speak. I had just been briefed on what we knew at the time. All I could share was that my thoughts were with the parents of the children killed or injured in the attack.

After retiring in 2011, I took a long road trip out west. One of my goals was to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial, built on the site of the Murrah Building. The memorial features a serene reflecting pool, powerful artwork, and a field of empty chairs—one for each person who died that day. The smaller chairs represent the children. It was a deeply moving experience.

There is also a museum on site, open to the public for a small fee. I spent time there reflecting on the events of that tragic day. I believe every federal employee should visit that memorial at some point. On April 19, 1995, workers and their children walked into that building—and by mid-morning, 168 lives had been taken, and more than 600 others were injured.

As a retired federal employee who served for 28 years, I will never forget that day. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to visit the memorial, and I hope it continues to stand as a reminder to future generations—to honor those we lost and to ensure we never forget.

The weather is finally beginning to feel like spring, which means road projects in and around Fishers are in full swing.  Watch for lane restrictions involving ongoing and future construction sites throughout the area.

Here is the latest detailed update, as provided by the City of Fishers, for the work week starting Monday, April 21.

Continue reading Latest on Fishers area road construction →

TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Walleye used a strong third period to pull away from the Indy Fuel, earning a 5-2 victory in Game 2 of the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and taking a 2-0 series lead.

The game started with high energy from both sides, but it was Toledo’s Mitchell Lewandowski who opened the scoring early in the first period. Jalen Smereck added another for the Walleye midway through the frame, giving the home team a 2-0 lead after one.

Indy responded in the second with a redirection goal by Matus Spodniak, but Toledo’s Trenton Bliss quickly answered. The Fuel kept battling, and rookie Ethan Manderville netted his first playoff goal to bring Indy back within one. Toledo led 3-2 heading into the third.

After a relatively quiet start to the final period, a flurry of penalties led to a Walleye power play, and Lewandowski capitalized with his second goal of the night. The Fuel’s hopes for a comeback were dashed when Brandon Hawkins scored with just under three minutes left, capping off a four-point performance.

The series now shifts to the Fishers Event Center, where the Fuel will look to stay alive in front of their home crowd Monday in Game 3.

People still ask me how this whole writing-a-news-blog thing started. It goes back to 2012. I had just retired after 28 years as a civilian in government service.

In the years that followed, I did some work for a tax software firm and spent time teaching at Indiana University—earning a little income along the way. But as a retiree, I felt a deeper responsibility to give back to my local community. Fishers had been a wonderful place to raise my twin daughters, and I wanted to find a meaningful way to contribute.

Before shifting careers in 1983, I’d spent several years as a radio broadcast journalist. I began to wonder: could I put that old experience to use as a volunteer?

With the help of Blogging for Dummies and a good friend with strong tech skills, LarryInFishers was born in January 2012. The focus? Fishers news.

My original goal was modest—to attract maybe a few hundred people interested in staying informed about this growing community.

I clearly underestimated how much people care about local news. Very quickly, a few hundred readers turned into something much bigger. Now, in my 13th year of writing this blog, over 100,000 unique visitors have stopped by in 2024 alone.

I’ll be honest—attending meetings, talking to people around town, and staying current with all the latest developments is hard work. It isn’t easy. I’ve tried to walk away from this blog twice, and you—the readers—simply wouldn’t let me.

Sure, there are days when the meetings stack up, the news feels like too much for one person to handle, and I find myself wondering why I do this.

Then something happens. I’m covering a Fuel hockey game, and three people stop me just to say “thank you.” At community events, strangers walk up to express appreciation for what I do.

Every time I start to feel the weight of running this one-man news operation, someone leaves a kind comment—either in person or online. It’s as if the universe is sending me a message.

Not long ago, I made a big error in one of my stories. Within minutes, a loyal reader reached out to point it out. I quickly corrected it and joked that maybe I’m getting too old for this. He replied, “There are people in Fishers who’ve got your back.” That meant more than he probably knew. It reminded me that people really do value this work.

From time to time, I get attacked on social media. I understand that. If being in the public sphere bothered me, I wouldn’t be doing this. But what always amazes me is how people I’ve never met will jump in and defend me. All I can say to that is—wow.

Just to be clear, I receive a small payment for writing a monthly news summary for Alison Gatz at Fishers Magazine, and I have a modest advertising deal with Tom Britt’s Towne Post Network. But trust me—I’m not in this for the money.

There’s only one reason this blog continues: you. The readers of this blog, and the listeners of my podcast series, are the reason LarryInFishers keeps going. You’ve made it clear that I’m providing something meaningful. That means the world to me.

So, let me close with a familiar refrain…

Thanks for reading.

TOLEDO, Ohio — The Indy Fuel opened the Kelly Cup playoffs Thursday night in Toledo with a high-intensity matchup against the Walleye, ultimately falling 6-3 in Game 1 of the Central Division Semifinals.

Toledo jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on special teams opportunities. Trenton Bliss struck first with a shorthanded goal just 3:30 into the game, followed by a power play tally from Brandon Hawkins to make it 2-0. Despite some pushback from the Fuel, Walleye goaltender Jan Bednar held firm, and Toledo carried a one-goal edge in shots after the first period.

Indy’s Owen Robinson netted the Fuel’s first goal of this postseason early in the second, but Toledo answered quickly. Goals from Jalen Smereck and Sam Craggs extended the Walleye lead to 4-1. Bryan Lemos responded for Indy to keep the game within reach, but Craggs notched his second of the night to make it 5-2. The Fuel killed off a two-man disadvantage late in the period but couldn’t close the gap before the intermission.

Colin Swoyer added a sixth goal for Toledo early in the third. Jarrett Lee tallied a late goal for Indy on a redirection to bring the score to 6-3, but the Fuel couldn’t mount a comeback. The final minutes turned chippy, with several penalties handed out after a series of scrums and hits.

Toledo finished the night with a 30-27 edge in shots. The teams will square off again Friday night at 7:15 p.m. in Toledo for Game 2 of the best-of-seven series.

When police begin investigating a crime, one of their top priorities is identifying and charging a suspect. That process often takes weeks or even months of interviewing witnesses and analyzing crime scene evidence. But the Fishers Police Department is now demonstrating how technology can dramatically shorten that timeline.

Lt. Jim Hawkins recently gave a live demonstration of the department’s use of Rapid DNA technology—an advanced tool that can provide officers with enough probable cause to charge a suspect in as little as 90 minutes.

Once charges are filed, the evidence is forwarded to the Indiana State Police Lab for further analysis, which prosecutors rely on in court. To strengthen the scientific validity of the results, Fishers PD is partnering with the University of Indianapolis, whose scientists help confirm the DNA findings when necessary.

Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart addressed reporters at the demonstration, emphasizing that the effort highlights how the mayor and city council are actively supporting law enforcement. He added that the department’s use of state-of-the-art technology is a key factor in keeping Fishers among the safest cities in the country.

Demonstrations at the event walked attendees through the process of analyzing DNA and fingerprint evidence using tools rarely available to local agencies. Chief Gebhart also noted that the department’s DNA lab is utilized by other police departments and has contributed to solving cold cases that are decades old.

According to Lt. Hawkins, the department’s Rapid DNA program has helped resolve 44 cases involving unidentified human remains, led to 18 criminal identifications and added 465 suspect profiles to the database.

Demonstration of the M-VAC system, part of the scientific analysis