Catherine Torzewski files to run for Indiana Senate District 31 in Democratic primary

Catherine Torzewski

Catherine Torzewski has officially filed paperwork to run for Indiana State Senate District 31 in the Democratic primary election.

Torzewski is a local Realtor, small business owner and mother of two who lives in the Geist area. Senate District 31 includes Fishers, Geist and parts of Lawrence.

In her campaign, Torzewski said she is focusing on affordability and accessibility in health care and housing, addressing the overall cost of living in Indiana, fully funding public education, and ensuring teachers and public schools have adequate resources.

“I believe we can do more for our families, our children and our communities,” Torzewski said in a statement. “The quality of life in Indiana has continued to diminish under 20 years of Republican super majority rule. This district is purple and ready to flip for a candidate that can do more and deliver results. I’ve worked in this community, I’m raising my children here, I’m fully invested and ready to work hard for the voters of Senate District 31.”

Torzewski is one of three Democrats who have announced campaigns in the primary race. Kerry Forestal and Lasima Packett have also announced they are seeking the Democratic nomination for the District 31 seat.

Indiana’s primary election is scheduled for May 5, 2026.

Fishers marks MLK Jr. Day with citywide food drive, call to service

As communities across the country observe the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the City of Fishers is encouraging residents to reflect on his legacy through acts of service and community involvement.

Fishers’ 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance is centered on a citywide food drive and volunteer opportunities aimed at addressing food insecurity, a need city officials say often increases after the holiday season. Local food pantries are facing higher demand and shrinking supplies, making this year’s effort especially timely.

The community-wide food drive will take place on Monday, Jan. 19, coinciding with MLK Jr. Day. Last year, Fishers residents donated approximately 30,000 pounds of food, and organizers are hopeful that total can be exceeded in 2026. Officials say the initiative reflects Dr. King’s belief that service to others is a powerful way to strengthen communities.

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve,” Dr. King once said, a message that continues to resonate decades after his death. In Fishers, that message is being translated into action through opportunities for residents to give food, donate time, or both.

Volunteer shifts will be available at Kroger locations in Fishers on Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon and from noon to 2 p.m., at stores located at 7272 Fishers Crossing Drive and 11700 Olio Road. Volunteers will help collect and organize donations as residents drop off food.

Food donations are also being accepted in advance from Monday, Jan. 5, through Friday, Jan. 16, at several locations throughout the city, including Fishers City Hall, the Fishers YMCA, and the Fishers Community Center. On MLK Jr. Day itself, donations will be collected from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kroger stores at 9799 E. 116th Street, 11700 Olio Road, and 7272 Fishers Crossing Drive.

For those unable to participate in person, the city has established online giving options through Amazon and Walmart wish lists. Requested items include nonperishable foods such as canned beans, fruits, meats and soups, boxed pasta, peanut butter, cereal, meal cups, snack bars, and breakfast items. Glass containers are not accepted.

Dr. King’s federal holiday is often described as a “day on, not a day off,” a reminder that his vision extended beyond words to meaningful action. By focusing its observance on service and compassion, Fishers aims to honor that legacy while making a tangible difference for neighbors in need.

Cold Weather Advisory Issued as Wind Chills Could Drop to -19°F Overnight

Hamilton County Emergency Management is warning residents to prepare for dangerously cold conditions overnight, with wind chills expected to drop as low as -19 degrees Fahrenheit.

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. tomorrow (Monday) as a blast of Arctic air moves into central Indiana. Officials say the extreme cold poses a serious risk for frostbite and hypothermia, especially for anyone spending extended time outdoors.

Emergency management officials urge residents to take precautions to stay safe. Those who must be outside are advised to dress in layers and wear a hat, gloves, and insulated boots. At these temperatures, exposed skin can develop frostbite in a matter of minutes.

Officials are also asking residents to check on elderly neighbors, individuals with limited mobility, and anyone without adequate heat. Pets should be brought indoors during the cold snap.

Drivers are encouraged to prepare their vehicles for winter emergencies by keeping extra blankets, warm clothing, and basic emergency supplies in their cars in case of a breakdown or delay.

Homeowners should also take steps to prevent frozen pipes. Emergency management recommends letting faucets drip slightly and opening cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.

Hamilton County Emergency Management says residents should continue to monitor weather updates and follow guidance from local officials as conditions develop.

Residents are reminded that taking simple precautions can help prevent cold-related injuries and property damage during extreme winter weather.

Fishers Announces Expanded Summer Camp Program for 2026

The City of Fishers has announced the lineup for its reimagined summer camp program, now hosted by the Fishers Community Center, with expanded offerings and extended hours aimed at better serving local families.

The summer camps, previously organized through Fishers Parks, will run weekly in June and July at six locations throughout the city, including the new Fishers Community Center. The expanded program now includes options for children as young as three years old, as well as half-day and full-day camps.

Full-day camps will offer expanded before- and after-care options, with care available from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing additional flexibility for working families.

Several new camp offerings are planned for 2026, including a preschool camp designed for children ages three to five. Additional enrichment camps will also be available, such as Bowling Camp, Cooking Camp, Hoosier Heights Camp, and Urban Air Camp.

“The Fishers Community Center is excited to build upon this well-loved summer camps program with refreshed programming and new amenities for 2026,” said Mike Lindbloom, Director of the Fishers Community Center. “Not only are we excited to offer our brand-new facility as one of the camp sites, but we’ve also added new themed camps across the city and increased our capacity so more kids than ever can join in on the summer fun.”

Registration for Fishers Summer Camps opens January 19, for Fishers residents and Fishers Community Center members. Public registration opens on Monday, January 26.
Fishers residents will receive discounted pricing at all camp locations except for the Fishers Community Center, while discounts for camps hosted at the Fishers Community Center are available exclusively to Community Center members.

Registration will open to the general public on Monday, January 26.  Register using this link.

Indy Ignite Survive Five-Set Thriller to Start Season 2–0

The Indy Ignite picked up a dramatic road victory Saturday night, outlasting the Columbus Fury in a five-set battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The win improves the Ignite’s record to 2–0 early in the 2026 Major League Volleyball season.

In Columbus, the Ignite and Fury traded momentum throughout a tightly contested matchup. Indy ultimately prevailed 25-23, 24-26, 25-18, 22-25, 22-20, in a high-intensity final set that saw neither team give ground. Long rallies and clutch points defined the closing moments as the Ignite showed poise and composure under pressure.

Head coach Lauren Bertolacci praised her team’s resilience after the match, noting the intensity of the final stretch and expressing pride in how the players responded in critical moments.

Saturday’s win followed Indy’s four-set road victory over the Dallas Pulse to open the season, giving the Ignite back-to-back wins to start Bertolacci’s tenure as head coach. The strong start has provided early momentum as the team settles into the new campaign.

The match also continued a trend between the Ignite and Fury. It marked the third time the two teams have gone to five sets, with Indy emerging victorious in all three meetings. The ability to close out tight matches has quickly become a hallmark for the Ignite early in the season.

With contributions across the lineup on both offense and defense, Indy will look to build on its unbeaten start as league play continues. The Ignite are scheduled to return home Saturday, January 24, for their home opener in Fishers, where Fishers area fans will get their first chance this season to see the team in action.

Fuel Fall to K-Wings 3-2 in Overtime on Sold-Out Star Wars Night

The Indy Fuel came up just short in a rematch with the Kalamazoo Wings on Saturday night, falling 3-2 in overtime in front of a sold-out crowd of 6,671 fans at Fishers Event Center on Star Wars Night.

Indy entered the game riding momentum after a 4-1 win in Kalamazoo on Friday, and the Fuel carried that energy early despite being unable to convert on two first-period power plays. Jadon Joseph opened the scoring at 16:06 of the first period, finishing a play set up by Chris Cameron and Michael Marchesan to give Indy a 1-0 lead. The goal was reviewed for a potential high stick but upheld.

Joseph struck again early in the second period, scoring at 4:13 to extend the Fuel lead to 2-0. Cody Laskosky and Tyler Paquette assisted on the goal. Kalamazoo responded midway through the period when Zach Okabe found the net to cut the deficit in half.

Tensions rose late in the second frame when Indy’s Christian Berger and Kalamazoo’s Kishaun Gervais fought at 13:51, igniting a physical stretch between the two teams. Despite additional penalties, neither side added to the score, and Indy carried a 2-1 lead into the third period.

Kalamazoo tied the game early in the third on its first power play opportunity. Former Fuel forward Colin Bilek scored just seven seconds into the man advantage at 1:25, evening the score at 2-2. Both teams continued to push through a physical final period, but strong penalty killing and goaltending kept the game tied through regulation.

The Fuel outshot the K-Wings 30-20 by the end of regulation, forcing overtime. However, Kalamazoo’s Jayden Lee ended the game just 56 seconds into the extra session, scoring on the second shot of overtime to give the Wings a 3-2 victory.

Despite the loss, Indy earned a point in the standings and finished the night outshooting Kalamazoo 30-22.

Fuel Roll Past K-Wings 4-1 in Kalamazoo

The Indy Fuel opened a weekend home-and-home series with Kalamazoo in strong fashion Friday night, building an early lead and cruising to a 4-1 victory over the K-Wings at Wings Event Center.

Indy struck quickly and often in the first period, scoring three times to seize control of the game. Michael Marchesan opened the scoring just 2:04 into the contest, converting on Indy’s first shot of the night.

The Fuel doubled their lead at 12:43 when a wide-angle deflection off a shot by Eric Martin found its way into the net. After a brief review, the goal stood, giving Indy a 2-0 advantage.

Less than two minutes later, the Fuel capitalized on the power play. Terry Broadhurst scored at 14:56, with assists from Martin and Cody Laskosky, to make it 3-0. The goal prompted Kalamazoo to replace starting goaltender Ty Young with Jonathon Lemieux. Indy led 3-0 after one period while outshooting the K-Wings 9-6.

The second period was largely uneventful, with limited scoring chances and no goals. Kalamazoo earned its first power play late in the period after a goaltender interference penalty on Indy’s Matt Petgrave, but the Fuel penalty kill carried the momentum into the third. Shots were even at 19-19 after two periods.

Kalamazoo finally broke through at 6:32 of the third period when David Keefer scored to cut the deficit to 3-1. Indy responded midway through the frame, as Sahil Panwar scored at 13:34, assisted by Broadhurst and Petgrave, to restore the three-goal cushion.

The K-Wings pulled their goaltender late in an attempt to rally, but the Fuel held firm. Kalamazoo outshot Indy 29-28 overall, but the Fuel skated away with the 4-1 win.

Kalamazoo and the Fuel will wrap up the weekend series Saturday night at the Fishers Event Center.

Indy Fuel Announce Rescheduled Dates for Three December Postponements

The Indy Fuel announced Friday the rescheduled dates for three games that were postponed in December 2025.  The games were not played as originally scheduled due to a player strike that has since been resolved.

The Fuel will host the Toledo Walleye on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. at Fishers Event Center.

Indy will then travel to Fort Wayne to face the Komets on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. That game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

The third rescheduled contest will take the Fuel on the road to Wheeling, where they will play the Nailers on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 7:10 p.m.

The Indy Fuel are the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks and the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. The team is in its 12th season.

New Podcast series launches today – Fridays With Larry

This week marks the launch of a new weekly podcast, Fridays With Larry, a more relaxed, conversational companion to our regular local news coverage.

Each Friday, the podcast will take a step back from headlines to look at what’s been happening across Fishers and the surrounding area. I’ll offer perspective on the week’s local news and sit down for a one-on-one conversation with someone who is helping shape life in our community — from public safety and schools to local government, nonprofits, and neighborhood initiatives.

The inaugural episode, released January 16, features a conversation with a Fishers Police Department officer who is leading the department’s current recruitment efforts. With a significant number of officers nearing retirement, the department is working to attract the next generation of uniformed officers to serve the community. We talk about what the department is looking for in applicants, how the recruiting process works, and what a career in law enforcement in Fishers looks like today.

Fridays With Larry will be published weekly and is designed to be informative, approachable, and rooted in the local conversations that matter most to our readers and listeners.

I have a new sponsor for my podcasts, Citizens State Bank.

You can find the video version of the first edition of this new podcast at this link.  Or, if you prefer just listening, use this link.  You can also use the links below.