An in-depth report by Indianapolis Star reporter Jake Allen takes a close look at the Republican primary race for Hamilton County sheriff — a contest that is likely to decide the county’s next top law enforcement officer.

No Democrat or third-party candidate has filed for the office, meaning the May primary will almost certainly determine who becomes sheriff.

Allen reports that two prominent figures in Indiana law enforcement have aligned themselves on opposite sides of the race.

Current Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush has endorsed his chief deputy, John Lowes, positioning him as the candidate to continue the current administration’s leadership.

Meanwhile, former Hamilton County Sheriff and former Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter is backing challenger Dustin Dixon.

Dixon has also secured several other high-profile endorsements. Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen have both announced their support, along with former Hamilton County judge and County Prosecutor Steve Nation. In addition, the Hamilton County Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed Dixon.

Both Lowes and Dixon bring extensive experience within the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Each has spent years serving in the department and points to that background as qualification to lead one of Indiana’s fastest-growing counties.

With no opposition expected in November, Allen’s reporting underscores the significance of the Republican primary, which now stands as the decisive election in determining Hamilton County’s next sheriff.

You can read Jake Allen’s story at this link.  (Note:  You will need an IndyStar online subscription to access this article.  As I have stated many times, subscribe to your local media!  If you do not, it will go eventually go away.)

I programmed music for radio stations in the 1970s, but once you get past about 1978, my knowledge of popular music becomes a bit thin. That’s why I was surprised when the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation asked me to cover its annual fundraising event Friday night with a reviewer’s pass.

The featured acts were Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler, bands that reached peak popularity in the 1990s. It makes perfect sense that the foundation would book artists from that era. Many parents with children currently in school came of age during that time and remain loyal fans of that music.

My reviewer’s pass provided an excellent vantage point from the stands, offering a clear view of the stage and the performance. But the foundation’s annual fundraiser is about much more than the concert itself.

It is one of a handful of events each year in Fishers that brings together many of the city’s political, business and civic leaders. From my perch above the floor of the event center, I had a bird’s-eye view of the activity below — tables filled with guests, food and conversation before the show, a silent auction underway, and many of the community’s movers and shakers greeting one another.

As for the music, I will readily admit it is not from my era of expertise. But the packed house needed no introduction. The audience clearly loved every minute of both performances. While I may not be qualified to critique the set lists or guitar riffs, I can confidently report that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed what they heard — and that is review enough.

I also had the opportunity to visit with the couple seated next to me, learning about their family and their close-knit neighborhood. They, too, were clearly having a wonderful evening.

The concert, combined with the silent auction, raised significant funds for the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation, which supports teachers, classrooms and students in Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

That, in the end, is the true measure of success for Friday night’s event.

Not much new in this week’s Fishers area road construction report.

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

Continue reading Weekly Fishers-Area Road Construction Report →

The Indy Fuel opened a three-game weekend series in Michigan on Friday night with another tight battle against the Kalamazoo Wings, but fell 4-3 in overtime.

Indy struck first just 2:45 into the opening period when Lee Lapid found the back of the net off an assist from Jesse Tucker, giving the Fuel an early 1-0 lead.

Kalamazoo answered midway through the period. After Ryan Gagnier — making his season debut for Indy — was called for interference at 9:57, the K-Wings capitalized on the power play. Andre Ghantous scored at 11:25 to even the contest at 1-1. Kalamazoo held a slight 11-10 edge in shots after the first 20 minutes.

The K-Wings took their first lead late in the second period. Powell Connor scored at 18:26 to give the home team a 2-1 advantage heading into the third. Through two periods, Kalamazoo led in shots 24-18.

Early in the third, Collin Saccoman extended the K-Wings’ lead to 3-1 with a goal at the 12-minute mark.

The Fuel responded quickly. Just 1:20 later, Gagnier scored in his return to the lineup, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Cody Laskosky and Will Ennis were credited with assists.

With time winding down in regulation, Indy pulled goaltender Mitchell Weeks for an extra attacker. The gamble paid off. Terry Broadhurst netted the game-tying goal at 19:10, assisted by Tucker and Gagnier, sending the game to overtime tied 3-3.

Neither team scored again in regulation despite Kalamazoo holding a 33-32 advantage in shots.

In overtime, Zach Okabe delivered the winner for the K-Wings at 4:40, sealing the 4-3 victory. Kalamazoo outshot Indy 6-2 in the extra session.

The two teams meet again Saturday afternoon in Kalamazoo before traveling to Fishers for a Tuesday morning matchup.

A number of issues now moving through the Indiana General Assembly could have a direct impact on Fishers and Hamilton County residents, and they are the focus of this week’s Fridays with Larry podcast.

In the February 20 episode, I provide an update on legislation known as “Hailey’s Law,” named for local crime victim Hailey Buzbee. The proposal contains two key elements — changes designed to enhance Indiana’s Amber Alert system and new restrictions aimed at limiting young people’s access to social media. Lawmakers continue to debate both provisions as the bill advances at the Statehouse.

Another topic drawing attention locally involves efforts to overturn municipal rental caps, including Fishers’ limits on the number of single-family rental homes permitted within certain neighborhoods. The measure has prompted discussion about property rights, neighborhood stability, and the role of local government versus state authority.

My guest this week is Jocelyn Vare of ReCenter Indiana. She discusses a recent study conducted by her organization examining why many young Hoosiers register to vote but ultimately do not cast ballots. The conversation looks at civic engagement trends and what the findings could mean for future elections in Indiana.

I close the podcast with commentary on the proposed effort to bring the Chicago Bears to Hammond, Indiana, and what such a move could mean for the state.

Fridays With Larry is sponsored by Citizens State Bank.

You can watch or listen to the February 20 edition of Fridays with Larry at the links below, or use these links for the video and audio versions

The Indy Ignite tightened their grip on first place Thursday night with a road victory over the Dallas Pulse, defeating Dallas in four sets Feb. 19 at Comerica Center.

With the win, the Ignite completed a season sweep of the Pulse and strengthened their position atop the Major League Volleyball standings.

Indy set the tone early, using aggressive serving and disciplined net play to control the first set. Dallas responded in the second, capitalizing on a brief Ignite lull to even the match. But from there, Indy regained momentum.

The Ignite’s balanced attack proved decisive. Multiple hitters reached double figures, and Indy’s defensive effort limited Dallas’ ability to generate extended scoring runs. Strong play at the net and consistent back-row coverage frustrated the Pulse offense throughout the final two sets.

The third set was tightly contested, with neither team able to build more than a two-point advantage for much of the frame. Indy pulled away late behind timely kills and a key service run to take control of the match. In the fourth, the Ignite jumped out to an early lead and never allowed Dallas to mount a serious comeback.

The victory not only extends Indy’s strong road performance this season but also gives the Ignite a clear edge in the head-to-head series against one of their closest challengers in the standings.

Thursday’s win continues a stretch of strong play for the Fishers-based franchise as it pushes toward the second half of the season. With depth across the roster and consistent production from both starters and reserves, the Ignite have shown they can win in multiple ways — including in hostile road environments.

Indy now turns its attention to Atlanta as they travel south to face the Vibe Saturday night.

Fishers, Indiana will observe National Disability Awareness Month in March with a month-long series of events designed to celebrate inclusion, highlight the contributions of residents with disabilities, and promote accessibility across the community.

The celebration, presented by Old National Bank, is organized by the City of Fishers and the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability. Activities throughout the month will include sporting events, art exhibits, educational workshops, and family-friendly programming open to residents of all ages and abilities.

“Fishers has grown and evolved since we first launched our local celebration of March Disability Awareness Month a decade ago,” said Cecilia Coble, co-chair of the advisory committee and a Fishers City Councilor. “Our committee is committed to advocating for disability awareness and inclusion and making a difference in Fishers and beyond.”

The month begins Monday, March 2, with a kick-off event and Accessibility & Inclusion Awards ceremony at the Theater at the Fishers Municipal Center. The free public event will feature Mayor Scott Fadness and guest speaker Jessica Minor of the accessABILITY Center for Independent Living, along with recognition of this year’s Disability and Inclusion Award winners.

Community partners will host programs throughout March, including the Fishers Arts Council, Hamilton East Public Library, Fishers Event Center, and the Fishers Community Center.

Among the featured events:

• On March 13, the Fishers Arts Council will host a Disability Awareness Exhibit during its Second Friday celebration, showcasing visual art created by artists who identify as having a disability.

• On March 19, the Indy Ignite will face the Columbus Fury at the Fishers Event Center in a Deaf & Hard of Hearing Night celebration.

• On March 24, employers and hiring managers are invited to an Opening Doors to Employment Breakfast focused on inclusive hiring practices.

• On March 28, members of the U.S. National Power Soccer Team will participate in a live exhibition and meet-and-greet at the Fishers Community Center.

Families can also take part in a StoryWalk at Brooks School Park throughout the month, featuring the book Monster Hands by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan. New adaptive swim lessons for children ages 5 to 12 are being introduced at the Fishers Community Center, offering semi-private instruction led by certified instructors.

The Hamilton East Public Library’s Fishers branch will present a series of workshops, including Autism 101, a Dementia Friend session, art classes, and a neurodivergent teen hangout.

Kelly Hartman, advisory committee co-chair and president and CEO of KQuad Consulting, said the goal is to bring the community together. “Through this month-long celebration, we aim to highlight inclusive opportunities and reinforce our commitment to creating spaces, programs, and events where everyone feels welcome.”

A full schedule and registration details are available at FishersIN.gov/DisabilityAwareness.

Fishers residents should prepare for a potentially active weather day Thursday, with forecasters calling for storms to develop and strengthen after 1 p.m., following a morning of fog and scattered showers.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis reports that scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are likely this afternoon into the evening across central Indiana. Damaging winds are expected to be the primary threat, with the possibility of an isolated tornado. Forecasters also note that a few storms earlier in the day could produce small hail.

For Fishers and Hamilton County, the main window for stronger storms appears to be mid-afternoon through the evening hours, roughly 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. That timing could overlap with school dismissal, the evening commute and after-school activities.

The NOAA Storm Prediction Center has placed much of Indiana, including the Fishers area, under a Slight Risk, or Level 2 of 5, for severe weather. That designation indicates scattered severe storms are possible, though not everyone will experience severe conditions.

If stronger storms develop, residents could see wind gusts strong enough to bring down tree limbs and power lines, leading to scattered outages. Heavy downpours may also reduce visibility for drivers and create brief travel hazards. Outdoor activities and athletic practices may need to move indoors quickly if warnings are issued.

Forecasters urge residents to monitor weather conditions closely throughout the day and to have multiple ways to receive warnings, including NOAA Weather Radio and wireless emergency alerts on mobile phones. With storms expected into the evening hours, having a plan in place before they arrive could make a difference if conditions deteriorate quickly.