The Indiana General Assembly is considering legislation that could significantly limit — or eliminate — the ability of cities such as Fishers to regulate single-family rental properties, prompting concern from local officials and residents.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness has issued a public statement opposing language contained in House Bill 1210, specifically Section 3.6, which would restrict local governments from enforcing ordinances related to single-family rental regulations. The proposal is under consideration during the current session of the Indiana General Assembly.

Fadness said Fishers’ rental registry ordinance was not created in a vacuum, noting it followed more than two years of research, analysis, and public engagement. City officials began studying the issue after hearing repeated concerns from residents about the growing number of large, out-of-state investment firms purchasing single-family homes and converting them into long-term rental properties.

According to the mayor, homeowners reported negative impacts on neighborhood stability, including declining property maintenance, disregard for homeowners association rules, and erosion of what is often a family’s largest financial investment — their home.

After extensive public input, the Fishers City Council adopted an ordinance limiting rentals to no more than 10 percent of single-family homes within a subdivision. Existing rental properties were grandfathered until the home is sold, and exemptions were included for circumstances such as military deployment or renting to immediate family members.

City officials say the ordinance received broad community support and was designed to strike a balance between the need for rental housing and preserving neighborhood stability and homeownership opportunities.

Fadness warned that the proposed state legislation could undo that local work, saying it is being driven by special interest groups that prioritize corporate earnings over community concerns.

In his statement, the mayor asked legislators to consider the impact on neighborhoods if 20 to 40 percent of homes were owned by private equity firms and operated as rentals that fail to follow HOA rules or city ordinances — a situation he says already exists in parts of Fishers.

While acknowledging the role rental housing plays in the community, Fadness said balance is necessary to preserve neighborhood stability, residents’ ability to afford homeownership, and the long-term health of communities.

The mayor concluded by urging lawmakers to remove Section 3.6 from House Bill 1210, asking them to respect the voices of Fishers residents and the years of public input that shaped the city’s rental registry policy.

The legislation remains under review at the Statehouse.

I began working in media in 1970 and made my living in that field through July of 1983. During that time, I had the opportunity to meet—and in some cases get to know—many public figures, particularly government officials and politicians. Some were impressive. Others were not.

One of the finest people I had the pleasure of knowing was former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton.

When I started as the morning news anchor at radio station WCSI in Columbus  duringthe late 1970s, Hamilton was the local member of Congress. I also hosted a daily talk show, and Congressman Hamilton was a regular guest. He was always thoughtful, prepared, and respectful of both the audience and the questions.

Hamilton, a Democrat, earned the respect of people in both political parties. He was widely regarded as an expert on foreign policy, particularly the Middle East, and presidents from both parties sought his counsel.

First elected to Congress in 1964, Hamilton represented southeast Indiana for 34 years, serving until 1999. When leaders on Capitol Hill needed a steady, trusted hand to lead or participate in difficult and sensitive work, Hamilton was often the choice.

His record reflects that trust. He served as vice chair of the Iran-Contra Committee in 1987 and was a member of the House Task Force on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1979. In 2006, he co-chaired the Iraq Study Group with former Secretary of State James Baker.

Hamilton may be best remembered nationally as vice chair of the 9/11 Commission, which examined the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and issued recommendations that continue to influence national security policy.

In February 2016, a retired Hamilton visited Fishers High School, speaking to students about government and civic responsibility. During that visit, he said Congress had become “too timid” and needed to assert its authority on major decisions facing the nation.

I had a chance to speak with him that day. He said he remembered me. Whether he truly did or not, I clearly remembered my many encounters with him over the years.

Lee Hamilton died at the age of 94. He lived a full life and served the public with distinction—someone who could look back with pride on a lifetime of service.

Having known many public officials from 1970 to the present day, I place Lee Hamilton among the very best. His accomplishments deserve to be remembered—and valued.

The family of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee has announced plans for a public celebration of life service later this week in Fishers following her tragic death.

The service is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at iTown Church, 12491 E. 136th Street in Fishers. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Those attending are encouraged to wear pink, Hailey’s favorite color.

Hailey, a junior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, was known by classmates, teachers and friends as a bright and generous young woman with a passion for journalism. She served on her school’s broadcast team and worked part-time in the community.

Her disappearance on Jan. 5 sparked an extensive search involving Fishers police, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Initially classified as a runaway, the case was later upgraded to an endangered missing juvenile. Authorities have recovered her remains in Ohio. A 39-year-old Ohio man is in custody on related felony charges, though no murder charge has been filed. The investigation remains ongoing.

In the weeks since her disappearance and the confirmation of her death, the Fishers community has rallied around the Buzbee family in a visible outpouring of support.

Mayor Scott Fadness has proclaimed February as “Go Pink for Hailey Month,” encouraging residents to honor Hailey’s life and support her family. Throughout the month, City Hall, the Fishers Community Center and lighting along State Road 37 and the Nickel Plate Trail have been illuminated in pink. Pink ribbons have also appeared along major roadways, at parks and at fire stations.

A large portrait of Hailey created by a local art teacher is on display at Fishers City Hall, where community members may leave written messages and tributes. Additional memorial items and remembrances have been placed at the Fishers Community Center.

The tragedy has also prompted calls for legislative change. Hailey’s family and community advocates are supporting efforts to create what has been referred to as “Hailey’s Law,” which would establish a new alert system for missing individuals when credible risk indicators are present and expand education on online grooming and predator awareness in Indiana schools.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools has offered counseling and support services for students and staff as the community continues to mourn.

As the Buzbee family prepares to celebrate Hailey’s life in a public service, residents across Fishers continue to find ways to honor her memory and support a family navigating unimaginable loss.

The filing deadline has passed for the May primary election, setting the stage for some key races in Hamilton County. The most high-profile contest will be the Republican primary for sheriff, as incumbent Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush is term-limited.

Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination: Dustin Dixon and John Lowes. Dixon has received the endorsement of former Hamilton County Sheriff and former Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. Lowes has been endorsed by Quakenbush. No Democrat filed to run for sheriff.

One additional countywide race will be contested in the Republican primary. Incumbent Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison faces a challenge from Brad Craig, a former deputy coroner in Hamilton County.

Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman is running for re-election and will not face a primary opponent. No Democrat filed for the commissioner’s race by the filing deadline.

There are also no contested primary races for the four Hamilton County Council seats on the ballot this year. However, a Democratic candidate has filed in each of the four council district races for the November general election.

Voters wishing to participate in the May primary must be registered by April 6. Early voting begins April 7, and Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 5.

One wonders if the overtime game and shootout in Wheeling Friday night, followed by a late return trip to Fishers, took some energy out of the Indy Fuel. Whatever the reason, the Iowa Heartlanders were the sharper team Saturday night, skating past Indy with a 3-1 victory.

The opening period ended in a 1-1 tie, with both teams capitalizing on the power play. Iowa struck first when Kelti Jeri-Leon scored nearly halfway through the period. The Fuel answered with their only goal of the night when Brett Moravec found the back of the net with just under six minutes remaining.

Tempers flared late in the first period, leading to a string of penalties. Iowa briefly enjoyed a one-man advantage but was unable to convert before the intermission.

The second period was largely uneventful until Jonny Sorenson slipped a shorthanded goal past Fuel goaltender Owen Flores, a score that proved to be the game-winner.

Iowa added an insurance goal with less than six minutes remaining in the third period when Nick Carabin scored to make it 3-1. The Fuel pulled the goaltender in the final minutes but were unable to generate a late comeback.

Before the game, the Fuel asked the sellout crowd of 6,557 to observe a moment of silence in honor of Hailey Buzbee, the 17-year-old who was found dead in Ohio on Sunday.

The Fuel return home to the Fishers Event Center on Wednesday to face the Wheeling Nailers.

Here is a look at the week ahead in road construction in and around Fishers.  Note that some guardrail work may result in some lane restrictions at the State 37 construction site at 141st Street.  Also, traffic signal work between Cumberland Road and I-69 on 116th Street will be happening during the week.

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

Continue reading Road construction update for the week starting Monday, February 9 →

The Fishers Community Center will begin offering insurance-based memberships on February 9, expanding access to the facility for residents whose health plans include wellness benefits.

City officials said many health insurance plans, Medicare supplemental plans, and employer-sponsored programs now cover the cost of fitness memberships. Eligible participants may receive full access to the Fishers Community Center at no cost, with membership fees processed directly through their insurance provider.

Beginning February 9, the Fishers Community Center will accept the following insurance-based programs: SilverSneakers, Renew Active, Silver&Fit, Active&Fit Enterprise, and Prime. Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance provider or employer in advance to confirm eligibility.

Enrollment and membership transfers must be completed in person during regular business hours. To register, individuals should bring a photo ID, an insurance card if applicable, and a program code, which is preferred.

To assist with the rollout, the Community Center will offer special sign-up hours from Monday, February 9, through Friday, February 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration assistance will be available in the Community Room and Program Room 1. Prospective members should enter through Door 2 on the east end of the building.

Current members and Community Pass holders may transfer to an insurance-based membership. Charter Members are also eligible to switch while retaining their exclusive benefits, with the exception of free childcare at the Action Zone.

The Fishers Community Center offers a wide range of amenities and programming, including more than 90 fitness classes, an aquatics center, a full fitness center, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. Programs also focus on mental health, nutrition, and overall wellness, with priority registration available for members for special events and activities.

This week’s episode of Fridays With Larry tackles a mix of deeply personal local tragedy, city leadership priorities, and national issues making headlines. The Feb. 6 edition begins with continued discussion of the Hailey Buzbee case and its lasting impact on the Fishers community, followed by key takeaways from the City of Fishers’ State of the City address and what it signals for the year ahead.

The conversation also turns to the release of the Epstein files and the broader questions they raise.

Joining the show this week is Casey Harrison, owner of Polished Strategic Communications, who offers insight into messaging, reputation management, and the challenges of communicating clearly in today’s fast-moving media environment.

You can watch the podcast on YouTube at this link.  If you prefer to listen only use this link, or utilize the links below.

Fridays With Larry is brought to you by Citizens State Bank.