Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XVI, No. 5
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Fishers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Commission reviews memory care PUD
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Fishers Plan Commission forwarded a proposed planned unit development for a memory care home on Brooks School Road to the Fishers City Council with no recommendation following a lengthy Feb. 4 public hearing, during which many neighbors voiced concerns and a few expressed support for the planned Story Cottage group home.
Before the public hearing, Planning Director Ross Hilleary told the commission that the PUD would maintain the .86-acre site’s residential zoning, but would allow a 7,500 square foot building with 12 beds specifically for use as a memory care home. Hilleary noted that the city’s comprehensive plan designates the area as suburban residential, but city staff have given the PUD a favorable recommendation.
“This is based off of what staff believes is the long-term use of this property,” he said. “While it is not consistent with the comprehensive plan, we do believe this is a comparable residential use.”
Representative for Story Custom Development David Leazenby said the group homes generate minimal traffic, have no signage or commercial lighting and are designed to fit into a residential neighborhood. He added that resident safety is important, and they have added technology to ensure that only care-
givers can open any of the doors.
During the public hearing, Tracy Nicholson said her property directly borders the site and she is in full support of the Story Cottage proposal. She said the residents of a memory care facility would be good, quiet neighbors.
“The proposed building has a residential appearance, residential lighting and will lack roadside signage,” she said. “Their one-story home will be set back 40 feet from our property line, allowing us to maintain the privacy we have enjoyed in our backyard for the last 25 years.”
A few additional speakers also supported the proposal — some stating that they would be interested in placing relatives there — but many other neighbors were strongly opposed. Eric Olson said the area is residential and Story Cottage is a business. Therefore, he said, it does not fit the city’s comprehensive plan
— whether or not the developers call it a “home.” Olson said neighbors have retained an attorney and plan to challenge the development in court if the city approves the PUD.
Other residents expressed concern about traffic safety, noting that the home’s driveway is near the low point of a hill on Brooks School Road, which affects visibility when pulling out. Other speakers questioned the validity of a traffic study that indicated the home would not add significantly to the busy morning and evening commute.
Of the Plan Commission’s 11 members, only six were present Feb. 4, which meant a unanimous vote was needed for any motion to pass.
Commissioner Selina Stoller, who also is a Fishers City Council member, suggested that the commission approve a neutral recommendation.
Commission Chair Howard Stevenson supported a favorable recommendation, noting that the commission voted in favor of a rezone to low-density commercial when the matter first came up in late 2025, before the petition was pulled and then resubmitted as a PUD.
“I don’t see the difference between December and February that would change my vote,” he said.
The vote for a neutral recommendation failed. Stevenson made a motion for a favorable recommendation, but that died for lack of a second. With no approved motion, a neutral recommendation becomes the default.
Proposed law would ban rental cap
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A lengthy tax bill making its way through the Indiana Legislature includes a provision that, if passed, would do away with the City of Fishers’ rental registration and cap that went into effect this year.
House Bill 1210 “prohibits a (governing) unit from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, resolution, regulation, policy or rule that prohibits or restricts an owner of a privately owned residential property from using the property as a rental property,” according to the Statehouse summary of the legislation.
The bill, which otherwise deals with property tax issues, passed in the House and has been forwarded to the Indiana
Senate’s Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness issued a statement Feb. 9 objecting to the proposed legislation.
Fadness urged lawmakers to remove that section of HB1210, stating that the Fishers rental registry policy was the result of more than two years’ worth of research, analysis and public engagement.
“For years, residents across Fishers raised serious concerns about the growing number of large, out-of-state investment firms purchasing single-family homes and converting them into longterm rentals,” he stated. “Homeowners shared their experiences of corporate entities owning homes in their neighborhood, which led to declining main-
tenance, reduced neighborhood stability and a negative impact on one of their families’ primary investments.”
The local ordinance allows up to 10 percent of single-family homes in a subdivision to be used as rentals, grandfathering current rentals until a property is sold and granting exemptions for military deployment or renting to family members.
“The ordinance received overwhelming community support,” Fadness stated. “Now this law is being threatened at the Indiana Statehouse by special interest groups, who prioritize commissions over community and corporate earnings over home ownership.”
The City of Carmel approved a similar local law in 2025.
The Fishers City Council will decide whether to approve a PUD for a memory care center on Brooks School Road. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)
Driver in fatal crash to plead guilty
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
An 18-year-old Fishers resident who was charged in the 2025 death of Mason Alexander has agreed to plead guilty, according to online court records.
Details of the plea agreement between prosecutors and Trey Williams are not yet available. A change-of-plea hearing is set for 2 p.m. March 11 at the Hamilton County Courthouse. Online court records state that “this matter is now set for guilty plea hearing.”
Pittsburgh, where he was a cornerback on the football team. He was home for a visit and was the passenger in the defendant’s 2016 BMW.
Williams entered a not guilty plea in June 2025 to felony reckless homicide, reckless driving and carrying false identification. The charges stem from a March 1, 2025, accident in which Williams drove one of the vehicles involved in a crash on Florida Road that killed 18-year-old Alexander, a former Hamilton Southeastern High School student-athlete.
Alexander graduated from HSE early and was a freshman at the University of
According to law enforcement, the BMW was traveling south on Florida Road from 113th Street. At the same time, a 2015 Toyota RAV-4 was headed north on Florida Road near Geist Park. The BMW tried to pass a southbound car in front of it by entering the oncoming lane just before a hill crest. The RAV-4 and the BMW both swerved to avoid a collision, and the BMW ended up hitting a tree and catching fire. Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene.
Law enforcement testified in court that the BMW was going a minimum of 56 mph in a posted 35 mph zone and that a witness reported that, just prior to the accident, the BMW passed him in a roundabout at a high rate of speed with a maneuver that reminded the witness of the Indy 500.
This report will be updated online when more information is available.
Peternel pleads guilty to child sex abuse material
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A Pendleton man was scheduled to be sentenced in Madison County Circuit Court after pleading guilty in January to four felonies related to possession and distribution of child sex abuse material.
Jonathan Wesley Peternel was arrested in October 2025 following an investigation by the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which had received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about Snapchat files of suspected child sex abuse material connected to Peternel.
ments; Hamilton and Madison county sheriffs; and Homeland Security.
According to information released by law enforcement following his arrest, Peternel possessed more than 2,300 files of sex abuse material.
The four charges Peternel pleaded guilty to are child exploitation, a Level 4 felony; two counts of possession of child sex abuse material, Level 5 felonies; and one count of possession of child sex abuse material, a Level 6 felony.
Peternel’s sentencing hearing was set for Feb. 13, after Current’s print deadline. An update will be written for an upcoming edition.
JOINT GRAND OPENING OF FISHERS CRYOTHERAPY AND THE GYM INSIDE PRECISION FIELDHOUSE AT FINCH CREEK.
Saturday, February 21st, 2026 10am - 6pm
Refreshments, Giveaways, Special Appearances and a Live DJ!
Grand Opening Celebration at Precision Fieldhouse at Finch Creek
Big news for the Finch Creek community — Fishers Cryotherapy and The Gym are officially celebrating their Grand Opening together, and you’re invited to be part of the excitement
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Founders rates available now and through the celebration day
• Special guest appearances • Complimentary refreshments
• Fitness giveaways • Wellness giveaways
• A first look at two incredible new additions to the Fieldhouse
This is your chance to explore cutting‑edge fitness and restorative wellness under one roof, meet the teams, and enjoy a day packed with energy, connection, and celebration.
Fishers Police Department is a member of the task force, which also includes Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Anderson and Greenfield police depart-
Peternel’s father, Nathan Peternel of Pendleton, is lead pastor at Life Church, which has campuses in Noblesville and Fishers, as well as Pendleton and Eagle Creek.
Don’t miss it — this is the kickoff you’ll want to be part of.
Williams
Peternel
New luxury hotel announced for Fishers District
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A new luxury hotel is planned at The Crossing at Fishers District, taking the space previously announced as the location for a new Chicken N Pickle.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness announced the new hotel, developed in partnership with BW Construction and Ratio Architects, during his annual State of the City address Feb. 3 at the Fishers Event Center.
Fadness said Chicken N Pickle couldn’t construct its restaurant and pickleball business on the timeline the city needed, so the city explored options and found a suitable alternative.
“We’re going to be breaking ground on a luxury lifestyle hotel that will break ground very soon … that will have not only a hotel, but a variety of retail opportunities as well,” he said. “The architecture of this building is truly extraordinary, and I think will elevate the engagement and fit the feel of this area.”
Fadness noted that the city isn’t done developing and growing in Fishers
District, and more announcements are pending.
BW Development also is building a $30 million commercial development next to the Fishers Event Center that will feature an upscale steakhouse and other commercial businesses. That construction broke ground in July 2025.
“BW Development is proud to partner with Fishers … on this landmark project in our home city,” the company stated in a social media post. “Additional details will be shared as the project moves toward construction.”
According to BW Construction, highlights of the new hotel will include:
• Elevated dining venues featuring steaks, bourbon and speakeasy experiences
• Rooftop pool lounge and bar with an infinity-edge
• Fifth-floor sky bar offering panoramic views
• Premier meeting and event spaces designed for weddings, celebrations and corporate gatherings
• Curated amenities including a fitness facility, valet and concierge services
A new luxury hotel is planned at the Crossing at Fishers District. (Rendering courtesy of BW Construction)
HSE, FHS students stage walkouts
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Hundreds of Hamilton Southeastern Schools students staged a mid-morning walkout Feb. 9 to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, part of ongoing nationwide protests.
At Hamilton Southeastern High School, media were not allowed on school grounds and all entrances to parking lots were blocked by school buses or maintenance vehicles during the demonstration.
Students started at Door 10 near the school’s athletic fields and walked close to 126th Street and then Olio Road, oftentimes through piles of snow, as they chanted “No Trump. No KKK. No fascist USA.” At one point, passing cars honked indicating support and students cheered loudly in response.
The demonstrations originally had been planned for Feb. 2 but were rescheduled following the Feb. 1 announcement that missing HSE student Hailey Buzbee had died.
Prior to Feb. 2, the school district issued a statement noting that HSE Schools does not organize, promote or endorse student-led walkouts or demonstrations.
“As a public school district, we respect students’ rights to express themselves,” the statement read. “At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure our schools remain safe, orderly and focused on learning. Any student expression must be peaceful, safe and not interfere with the school day.”
The district stated that students who leave during regular instruction time will be marked absent, in accordance with the student handbook.
Students in neighboring school districts have staged similar walkouts, including Noblesville, Zionsville, Carmel and Indianapolis. Westfield students staged a Feb. 10 demonstration.
DISPATCH
David Weekley Homes marks 15 years in Indy — David Weekley Homes is marking 15 years of operations in the Indianapolis market this month, a milestone that coincides with the company’s 50th anniversary. Since expanding to the region in 2011, the Texas-based homebuilder has completed more than 1,700 homes across 40 Indianapolis-area communities. Division President Jess McKinney credited the growth to the company’s regional team and its “CARE” outreach program, which partners with local nonprofits, including Riley Hospital for Children and Wheeler Mission. The company maintains active building projects in four Indianapolis-area communities.
Hamilton Southeastern High School students demonstrate Feb. 9. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
School buses and maintenance vehicles blocked all HSE High School entrances during a student demonstration. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Dezelan files for Senate District 31 primary
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers resident Andrew Dezelan filed Feb. 3 to run in the Democratic primary for Indiana Senate District 31, the seat now held by Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence), who is not seeking reelection.
Dezelan, originally from Greenfield, studied political science at Indiana University and later worked for an insurance company, focusing on supplemental insurance for Medicare recipients. He said he became interested in insurance-related policy, particularly when the Affordable Care Act was first implemented, and started working at the Statehouse as a policy director, helping people navigate the Medicare system. He left that position in 2025 and has since been working in insurance brokerage and consulting. Dezelan said he always thought he might run for public office and when Walker announced he was stepping down, Dezelan decided it was time.
Health care is one topic Dezelan said he would focus on if elected. Other issues on his radar include supporting small businesses, funding public schools and protecting local control, which he said the Legislature has been slowly chipping away. He gave examples such as banning local firearm regulations, which targeted a law in Gary; restricting Bloomington from regulating plastic bags; and various laws targeting Marion County.
“I would like to see those rolled back or at least really scrutinized,” he said. “I
think that the locals need to have their voice. They need to have the power to regulate as they see fit.”
Dezelan is the fourth Democrat to file for the seat. He will join Geist resident Catherine Torzewski, Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal and community advocate Lasima Packett on the May 5 primary ballot.
Three Fishers residents are running for the seat in the Republican primary: Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees Member Juanita Albright; Fishers City Councilor Tiffanie Ditlevson; and Travis Hankins.
Dezelan said he stands out from the crowded field because of his experience at the Statehouse. He said that, unlike the other candidates, he knows the process of legislating and who to call when a constituent needs help.
SD31 includes Fishers, Geist and parts of Lawrence.
For more, visit VoteDezelan.com.
DISPATCHES
Lucas Oil to sponsor 500 Festival parade — The 500 Festival announced that Lucas Oil is the new title partner of the 500 Festival Parade, The partnership marks a milestone in the Festival’s history, leveraging Lucas Oil’s commitment to serving people and communities and giving back through civic involvement, according to the announcement, Scheduled for May 23, the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade attracts roughly 200,000 spectators celebrating iconic Indianapolis traditions such as larger-than-life balloons, creative floats and appearances by INDYCAR drivers. Tickets go on sale in March.
Lucas Oil previously supported the 500 Festival in a variety of ways, including as an associate partner of the 500 Festival Memorial Service and as a member of the Corporate Member Program.
Fishers residents pen travel book — Fishers residents Ann Craig-Cinnamon and John Cinnamon recently released their travel memoir, “Travel Is No Vacation: A Love Story.” The book chronicles their experiences traveling through 120 countries and all seven continents. The self-published book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Andrew Dezelan is running for the Indiana Senate District 31 seat.
(Photo courtesy of Andrew Dezelan)
Noblesville attorney running for judge
Hamilton County attorney Trampas Whalin has filed to run for judge of Hamilton County Superior Court 4 in the May 5 Republican primary election.
His judicial philosophy is guided by respect, reason and reliability, according to a press release about his campaign.
“Justice is more than decisions from the bench,” Whalin stated. “It’s about how people are treated, how the law is applied and whether the court earns the confidence of the public it serves.”
Whalin has dedicated his legal career to serving the people of Hamilton County. After graduating from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2010, he began his practice at Adler Law Office in Noblesville. He leads his own firm, Whalin Legal, where he represents clients in criminal law, civil (small claims) and family law, the primary areas handled by Superior Court 4.
Whalin is a two-time president of Noblesville Elks Lodge 576, a past president of the Indiana West Central District Elks and founding chairman of the Indiana Elks Endowment Fund for Cancer Research. He also volunteers with Sigma Nu Fraternity.
Within the legal community, Whalin serves as president of the Hamilton County Bar Association, is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and serves on the Hamilton County Community Corrections Advisory Board. Learn more at whalinforjudge.com.
Community Center accepting ‘SilverSneakers’ — The Fishers Community Center is now accepting insurance-based memberships, such as SilverSneakers, Renew Active, Silver&Fit and Active&Fit. Insurance-based memberships provide the same access as regular memberships, but fees are processed directly through the member’s insurance. For more, visit fisherscommunitycenter.com/insurance.
Whalin
Hankins running for Senate
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Travis Hankins has filed to run in the Republican primary for Indiana Senate District 31, the seat now held by Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence), who is not seeking reelection.
On his campaign website, Hankins, 44, states that he is a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, but most importantly, a husband, dad and community member.
“After living and traveling all over the world, I can say with confidence there is no better place to live than Fishers,” he stated. “I will work tirelessly to keep it that way. I’m a proud supporter of our community and you’ll often find me coaching my son’s Mudsock basketball team or cheering on our local Fishers, HSE and Lawrence North athletes.”
tives in 2010 and 2012.
“After stepping away from politics, I focused on building a family and a career,” he stated.
“In 2020, I transitioned into the technology and fintech industry, working in San Francisco and gaining real-world experience outside government. In 2024, my family and I returned home to Fishers, where we now live near Geist (Reservoir).”
Hankins states on his website that he is 100-percent pro-life; supports a property tax cap and eventual elimination of property taxes; supports a strong crackdown on illegal immigration; and would focus on legislation that creates jobs. He stated that he also supports term limits.
For more, visit travishankinsforindiana.com.
Hankins was born in Columbus, Indiana, and attended Indiana University in Bloomington, graduating in 2004. After college, he attended Kanakuk Institute, a Christian leadership and bible program.
In 2005, he moved to Washington, D.C., and helped start conservative organizations on college campuses nationwide. He had unsuccessful campaigns for the U.S. House of Representa-
Hankins is the third Republican candidate to file for Senate District 31. The other two candidates on the May 5 Republican primary ballot are Fishers City Councilor Tiffanie Ditlevson and Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees board member Juanita Albright.
Four Democrats also are running in the May 5 primary: Fishers resident Andrew Dezelan, Geist resident Catherine Torzewski, Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal and community advocate Lasima Packett of Indianapolis.
DISPATCHES
Mudsock football names new coaches — Mudsock Youth Football recently announced new leadership for two travel programs. Andrew Goodman will lead the Junior Royals and Mike Peo is the new head coach for the Junior Tigers. Goodman previously led third- through sixth-grade teams before taking a brief hiatus to focus on family. Peo has had three seasons in Mudsock programs and a role as a sixth-grade All-Star coach, as well as seven years as a high school assistant coach, five as a 4A high school head coach and two years as defensive coordinator at Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate Junior High.
College fair set — Area high school students can attend the Greater Indianapolis Northside College Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. March 11 at the Carmel High School Greyhound Activity Center, 2400 E. Smoky Row. The
free event will provide college information with more than 100 colleges and universities represented. Students are encouraged to register in advance at StriveFair.com. Registered students will receive a barcode to more easily share information with admission reps.
AARP grants application open — AARP Indiana is accepting applications through March 6 from nonprofits and governments for its 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. Grant amounts range from $2,500 to $25,000 and fund projects that make communities more livable. Projects will be considered if they serve the needs of people 50 and older, improve public places, transportation, walkability and pedestrian safety, among other criteria. For more, visit aarp.org/livable-communities/ community-challenge.
Hankins
‘Hailey’s Law’ proposed
news@currentinfishers.com
Fishers-area lawmakers are working to expand Indiana’s Amber Alert system following the death of Fishers teen Hailey Buzbee.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers), State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers), State Sen. Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence) and State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) made the announcement Feb. 9 with Hailey’s parents.
The amendment was added during a Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee hearing. The bill passed unanimously out of committee.
“Our Fishers community is mourning the terrible loss of Hailey Buzbee, and our hearts are with her family,” Huston stated. “We’re acting urgently to close loopholes in Indiana’s alert system to give law enforcement the tools they need and to better protect kids online.”
Jeter highlighted an amendment to House Bill 1303 that would expand the definition of a missing child to include a “high-risk missing person,” allowing law enforcement to act more quickly in cases involving heightened safety concerns.
“The loss of Hailey Buzbee is truly heartbreaking, and my condolences continue to be with her family, friends and our Fishers community,” Walker stated. “We’re working together in both the Senate and House and with our law enforcement partners to strengthen protections and help prevent a similar tragedy from occurring.”
Legislators also are considering strengthened social media protections for Hoosier children and teens. The House Education Committee heard an amendment to Senate Bill 199 to continue the conversation.
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“This is an immediate step we can take to give law enforcement greater discretion in high-risk missing child cases,” Jeter stated. “But this is part of a much larger effort to modernize Indiana’s child welfare and endangerment laws so they reflect the realities of social media and online activity that impact young people today.”
Dwight Eugene Gallian 10/05/1952 – 11/07/2025
Dwight Eugene Gallian, 73, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, passed away on November 7, 2025, in Bloomington, Indiana.
“Hailey’s tragedy has affected me viscerally as the mother of a 17-year-old girl,” Garcia Wilburn stated. “We need to do all we can to make sure that this does not happen to one more Hoosier child or family. To do that, we must give law enforcement all the possible tools in the toolbox to stop predators and rescue children in unsafe situations.”
Hailey’s father Beau Buzbee echoed support for the legislative action.
“There’s no higher priority than the safety of our children,” Buzbee stated. “The changes we make together will be rooted in the love Hailey brought into the world during her time with us.”
OBITUARY
and by all of his fellow history reenactors who shared his passion and camaraderie.
Born to Roger and Wilma Gallian, Dwight lived a life rooted in family, hard work, and curiosity. A historian, storyteller and skilled blacksmith, he brought the past to life through his craft and storytelling, always eager to share the lessons and beauty of history with others.
Dwight was a devoted husband and is survived by his beloved wife, Laura “Mig” Gallian, and a proud father to his children— Jake, Faith (Tommy), Justin, Hayley (Matt), and Hannah (Clayton). and grandson, Ridge; Dwight’s love for his family was the foundation of his liffe. He will be deeply missed by his second family at Conner Prairie
Those who knew Dwight will remember his warmth, his humor, and his ability to make everyone feel at home in his presence. He had a gift for connection and a deep appreciation for life’s simple, meaningful moments.
Donations in Dwight’s memory may be made to A GoFundMe set up to support his wife, Laura (Mig) as she navigates this difficult time and help financially with medical bills and other unexpected costs.
https://gofund.me/c57e77de8
A privafe Celebration of Life was held with his immediate family and Conner Prairie family on 1/26/2026
Dwight’s story will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the stories he so loved to tell.
Buzbee
Fishers High School boys swimmer’s dedication grows
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Fishers High School coach Joe Keller has watched as junior swimmer Alex Koo keeps growing as a swimmer.
“Alex is maturing in many ways which has allowed him to make huge strides in his training and preparation, both in the pool and in dry land (weight room),” Keller said. “Thus, these improvements are creating preparation that will produce positive outcomes. Alex is training at a high level — both consistently and is very disciplined in it. Coupled with his skill level, then he is seeing huge improvements and making championship strides,”
Keller said Koo will swim the 50-yard freestyle and then either the 100 butterfly or 100 freestyle and in relays in the IHSAA sectional, set for Feb. 21 at FHS. The state meet is Feb. 28.
Koo captured the 50 and 100 freestyle races at the Hoosier Crossroads Confer-
APPROACH
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MEET ALEX KOO
Favorite athlete: Orlando Magic’s
Paolo Banchero
Favorite musician: Tame Impala
Favorite TV show: “Prison Break”
Favorite food: Fried chicken
ence meet last month.
Koo said his goal is to win his individual events in the state meet.
“I like the 50 free because it’s short,” he said.
Koo finished sixth in the 50 freestyle in 20.88 seconds and the 100 free in 45.84 seconds at last year’s state meet. He was on the second-place 200 freestyle relay and the sixth-place 200 medley relay.
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Although Keller said Koo is a man of few words, he leads by example with his work ethic.
“He’s one of the swimmers who sets the tone in the pool with training and in the weight room,” Keller said.
Koo said the weight room has helped him develop his mobility and strength.
“I also think this season I’ve realized how specific movements we do in the weight room correlate with what we do with swimming,” he said.
Koo’s sister, Diane Koo, is a Fishers High School graduate and is a senior
swimmer for Amherst (Mass.) College, an NCAA Division III program.
“I started swimming when I was around 6 and I tried basketball and track but not very seriously,” he said. “I’ve been passionate (about swimming) because of the team and I feel accomplished when I do well.”
Koo wants to swim collegiately but doesn’t have any offers yet.
“Men’s swimming because of NIL (name, image, likeness compensation) has taken a different route and shape,” Keller said. “Division I schools are recruiting foreign athletes at a higher rate than ever because some of them are 21, 22 or 23 years (old). When you are recruiting a 16-year-old boy, it’s something different. We’ll see how things shape up at the end of his junior year. Hopefully, that’s going to open up a lot of opportunities. I tell college coaches to keep this guy on your radar because he’s going to become really good.”
Keller said Koo’s mental approach has improved.
“The focus and effort and his mental and emotional growth have developed,” he said.
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IN FISHERS
Fishers High School junior Alex Koo prepares for a race. (Photo courtesy of Koo family)
Koo
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Fishers honors teen’s memory with Go Pink month
Expert gives tips on protecting teens from online threats
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness has declared February “Go Pink for Hailey Month” following the news of local teen Hailey Buzbee’s death.
In a Feb. 5 proclamation, Fadness stated that the City of Fishers mourns alongside the Buzbee family and will honor Hailey and her family by “Going Pink.” That will include pink exterior lighting on city buildings, including City Hall, Fishers Community Center and Ind. 37 and the Nickel Plate Trail. In addition, pink ribbons will be placed along 116th Street and at all city properties.
are not met. State and local lawmakers have expressed support for the proposal. For more, visit bit.ly/4qTQdM4.
The proposed law also would mandate predator awareness education in Indiana. While not addressing legislation or Buzbee’s case specifically, a local expert on online dangers encouraged parents to learn as much as they can about how to protect children from internet groomers.
Fishers resident Angie Morris is the nursing manager for Community Hospital Anderson’s Sexual Assault Trauma Center. She said the center sees a lot of kids who were victims of online grooming.
tion for what it truly is.”
Hailey Buzbee’s portrait is on display at Fishers Municipal Center. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)
a.m. gaming.”
There are ways for parents to monitor cellphone use, she said, and one thing to look out for is a change in behavior. If a child who has been spending a lot of time on Instagram, for example, suddenly shifts to another app, that could indicate they’re communicating with an online predator.
She stressed that parents who notice a red flag should not overreact or punish the child, because that can make a kid shut down and become more vulnerable.
Members of the public are invited to share written messages to the family at a memorial at the the Art Gallery at City Hall, which includes a portrait of Hailey Buzbee by local artist and Fall Creek Junior High art teacher Shelley Feeney; and at the Fishers Community Center, which has a “We Love Hailey” canvas and a spot to place memorial items and tributes.
Buzbee went missing in early January. Officials announced Feb. 1 that she was deceased and a 39-year-old Ohio man was in custody on charges related to her disappearance.
Hailey’s family members are lobbying state lawmakers to establish Hailey’s Law, which would create a “Pink Alert” system for missing people and children “when credible risk indicators exist” but criteria for Amber and Silver alerts
“A lot of the patients that we see, especially when it comes to adolescents — when the perpetrator is not a family member or someone super close to them — every single time, a cell phone has been involved,” she said. “Ultimately, I think it comes down to, kids don’t recognize grooming. There are a lot of reasons for this, but first and foremost it’s because it looks like kindness. It looks like someone who is really interested in them, someone who just wants to be a mentor, be there for them and support them. It looks like someone who has shared interest.”
Morris said adolescent brains haven’t yet developed the ability to recognize the danger — no matter how smart or “good” a kid might be.
“This isn’t a character flaw in kids — this is developmental biology,” she said. “Their brain is not fully developed, so they can’t assess risk appropriately. They certainly can’t understand and assess the potential for consequences. They have very limited impulse control and they’re not able to see manipula-
Morris said that just like making sure kids eat healthy food and wear seatbelts in the car, parents need to watch for online safety threats — but many don’t know how. She said the first steps include an ongoing conversation with children about social media use, as well as monitoring and limiting how their kids use the internet.
“Because of the addictive nature of apps and games and things like that, we cannot expect kids to self-regulate online,” she said. “It’s just not going to happen. Because, if left to their own devices, they’re going to be up until 3
She added that taking steps to limit online use is not about a lack of trust between parent and child.
“What you cannot trust is the world with your child and that’s what this is about,” she said. “When they have unsupervised access online, what you’ve really allowed is that you’ve allowed the world to have unsupervised access to your child.”
To report a potential online child predator, visit the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force website, icactaskforce.org, or call local law enforcement.
Morris
MORE THAN ‘SHOW & TELL’
Fishers mayor focuses on maintaining a ‘great’ community during State of the City address
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said it’s always tempting to focus the State of the City address on exciting projects — like a preschooler during “show and tell.” He did a little of that during his annual presentation Feb. 3 at the Fishers Event Center, but then pivoted to more serious topics, such as political leadership, what it takes to be a great city in today’s world and what keeps him up at night.
During the brief show-and-tell portion of his presentation, Fadness noted that the second Target store he announced last year is under construction at 136th Street in east Fishers and should be open in 2027. He also touted a Formula One facility that’s under construction in the 96th Street area that should be open this year, along with other ongoing construction in Fishers District.
“Downtown is vibrant as well,” he said. “Many of you have seen construction (of) City View, which is a 55-and-over luxury apartment development. We’re excited to have these folks in downtown.”
Fadness added that the city’s medical services continue to expand, with IU Health’s recently completed hospital remodel and other medical offices going up around the hospital. Life science and technology companies also have moved into Fishers, bringing high-paying jobs to the community.
Fadness then took his speech in another direction.
“It’s such a strange privilege to be able to come up on stage and have people actually care what you might have to say about a variety of topics, and I don’t take that lightly,” he said. “So, today I wanted to talk to you about probably three things that have been on my mind. One — political leadership and my evolving thoughts about what that needs to be in today’s modern society. Two — what does it take to be a great city in today’s world, in today’s economy? And three — what keeps me up at night and how are we going to solve that?”
Fadness said he spends most of his free time with his three sons, cheering at the sidelines during soccer games and coaching basketball. When interacting with other parents and people at his church, he said, he realized that most people are busy managing their daily lives and need politicians who will help make those lives easier, not take up more space.
“The problem with modern-day political leadership is there’s a narcissism to anybody that runs for office. And there’s a belief today that I need to consume as much of that space in your bucket as I can … ‘Can I get you pay attention to me? Can I get you to like me on Facebook. Will you watch a video of me?’” he said. “I think that’s the wrong approach to modern-day political leadership.”
He said there is too much focus on leadership and
not enough on service.
Fadness said establishing a great city takes a great team, and he credited his team at City Hall as well as the Fishers City Council for their roles in Fishers’ success. He listed specific elements that make a city great, starting with safety, which he said is in great hands with the Fishers police and fire departments. A great city also needs to have opportunities for people to find good, meaningful employment.
Fadness noted that Hamilton Southeastern Schools provides a solid foundation for local kids to take advantage of those opportunities, despite politics.
“I’ve borne witness to us, adults in our community, on the far right and on the far left, trying to bring our political agendas into the confines of our schools,” he said. “That perception in the headlines that we see doesn’t match up with the reality of who our school system is. Look at the numbers that these kids, these educators and these administrators have produced.”
He noted the district’s 98.8 percent graduation rate and consistently high standardized test scores.
Fadness also addressed the need to keep city costs low while still providing the service that keeps Fishers running well; and the importance of maintaining quality of life through the city’s parks, recreational programs, entertainment and dining options.
What keeps him up at night? Fadness said it’s his theory about the life cycle of a city. He said it’s common for cities to go though periods of growth followed by stability and then a slow decline before redevelopment begins, starting the cycle over again. Right now, he said, Fishers is in the growth stage and he wants to break the cycle to avoid the “decline” part of the equation.
“In the coming months, my intention is to follow up … with a series of proposals to our city council to see if we can’t do just that — to defy the standard cycle of a community,” he said. “Keep in mind, this isn’t a discussion for today, tomorrow, or five weeks from now, or even six months from now. The things that I’m talking about are 10, 20, 30, 40 years in the future, but the decisions you make today will have an impact on what it looks like in Fishers 20 or 30 years from now.”
He said breaking the cycle will require continual reinvestment in the community to maintain a constant state of renewal, and not compromising on the city’s high standards.
HONORING SEN. KYLE WALKER
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness kicked off his Feb. 3
State of the City address by honoring Indiana State Sen. Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence), who is not seeking reelection to the Senate District 31 seat.
Fadness said Walker’s support at the Statehouse helped the city improve public safety, develop sports facilities that attracted professional teams and receive a more equitable share of local income tax.
“We’re building parks that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to build because of what Kyle did,” Fadness said. “Those are big things, but it’s not just what he did, it’s how he did it.”
Fadness lauded Walker’s willingness to take stands
on controversial issues and to have conversations with people who disagree with him.
presented Walker with a plaque made with a piece of the Nickel Plate Trail.
Hundreds of people attend the Fishers State of the City address, hosted by OneZone. (Photo courtesy of OneZone)
Fadness
Indiana State Sen. Kyle Walker, left, receives a plaque from Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness.
(Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)
ON THE COVER: Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness gives his annual State of the City address at the Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)
BUSINESS LOCAL
Max & Tilly’s in Fishers closed
news@currentinfishers.com
A little more than a year after opening, downtown Fishers restaurant Max & Tilly’s Chip Shop and Eaterie has permanently closed. The restaurant, owned by England native Sharon Moore, opened in December 2024 at the corner of 116th Street and Moore Road. It specialized in authentic British fish and chips and other British dishes.
Moore also operates Tilly’s Tea Room in the same location, which is still open. There was no formal announcement of the closure. The restaurant’s website, maxandtillys.com, states. “Max & Tilly’s has closed. After a wonderful run, we’ve closed our doors. Thank you to everyone who supported us, shared a meal and made this place special. We’re deeply grateful for the memories.”
DISPATCHES
Northwest Bank names new executive — Northwest Bank has named Garrett Doan as the new regional commercial banking market executive for Indiana. In his role, Doan will lead the bank’s commercial banking strategy and growth efforts across the state, based out of Northwest Bank’s downtown Fishers banking center. Doan has more than 30 years of banking and financial services experience, including more than 20 years in the central Indiana and Fishers area.
Awards nominations open — The Indiana Manufacturers Association is accepting nominations through April 30 for the 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards, which honor Indiana companies and individuals for outstanding work, exceptional contributions and impact on the future of manufacturing in Indiana. The awards are open to all manufacturers in Indiana. For more, visit indianamfg. com/2026-manufacturing-excellence-awards.
Murphy Beds & Offices
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Zionsville basement was transformed from unfinished storage into a warm, inviting entertaining space designed for gathering, hosting and everyday use.
THE BLUEPRINT
• A custom-built bar creates a hub for entertaining, balancing clean lines with rich, darker finishes for a polished yet approachable feel.
• MSI Quartz countertops and matte black fixtures add contrast and refinement while keeping the space practical for casual hosting.
• Textured tile at the bar introduces subtle movement and visual interest, elevating the design without overwhelming the room.
• Thoughtful lighting and layered materials help define zones for dining and conversation.
• Cortec flooring ties everything together, making the lower level feel like a true extension of the home rather than a finished basement.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy.com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
February 21 - 7 p.m.
At the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts
Continue your Valentine’s Day celebrations with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra! Join us and Guest Conductor Kelly Corcoran for an evening of romantic, heartfelt works that are sure to leave you swooning.
Jean Sibelius - Rakastava, op. 14, “The Lover”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Symphony No. 31, K. 297, “Paris”
Edward Elgar - Salut d’amour, op. 12, “Love’s Greeting”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Concerto for Flute and Harp, K. 299
featuring soloists Tamara Thweatt, flute and Melanie Mashner, harp
Learn
at
Melanie Mashner, Harpist
Tamara Thweatt, Flutist
Beef & Boards to feature unlikely love story
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Adam du Plessis understands audiences have long embraced the Cinderella-type love story.
“‘Pretty Woman’ is such an iconic movie for many people and it’s such a joy and privilege to bring it to stage for them while at the same time introducing it to anyone who is not familiar with the movie,” du Plessis said. “Add in some Bryan Adams music and you’re sure to have a wonderful time.”
“Pretty Woman” runs Feb. 19 through April 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. This is the first time the musical, which had its world premiere in 2018, has been presented at the Indianapolis venue.
The musical is based on the 1990 movie in which Edward Lewis, a corporate mogul, and Vivian Ward, an escort, become unlikely soulmates, set in Los Angeles in the late 1980s. National tour veterans Dani Kucera plays Vivian and Charlie Fusari as Edward.
A few actors in the cast have been in the show previously.
“Revisiting a show you are so familiar with is always fun and they have the opportunity to show how far they have come and how much they have grown as performers, whether it’s stepping into lead roles or understudying roles they didn’t before,” said du Plessis, who played the Happy Man on the “Pretty Woman” national tour.
planning and troubleshooting and going 100 miles a minute. You have to be able to shut that down and focus on the project you’re in at the moment. But saying that, it does become a welcome break and allows you to come back with fresh eyes.”
Prior to “The Mousetrap,” du Plessis appeared in “Waitress” in the summer of 2025.
moved to the U.S. 10 years ago and became a citizen four years ago.
“I have no true home base here. I go wherever the work takes me,” he said. “But as most theater folks do, I always circle back to NYC in between contracts.”
While preparing for the show, du Plessis performed in “The Mousetrap,” which was scheduled to conclude Feb. 15.
“Time management is, of course, crucial as well as the ability to switch off the part of your brain that is working on the new project,” he said. “Directing a show this large is a juggling act, and your mind is constantly
“Beef & Boards has very quickly become one of my favorite places to work,” he said. “They have created something very special here, introducing new shows and material alongside the stories and theater everyone has loved for years. The people who work here are welcoming, caring and passionate about providing high-quality theater, and the audiences are so very supportive. It’s been an absolute privilege to work here.”
A native of South Africa, du Plessis
Kucera made her Beef & Boards debut as Vivienne Kensington in “Legally Blonde” in 2024. She performed as a swing and understudy for Vivian Ward in the national tour of “Pretty Woman.”
Fusari is making his Beef & Boards debut after he understudied his role as Edward and performed in the ensemble on the tour.
The score is by Adams and his longtime collaborator Jim Vallance. The book is by the late screenwriter-director Garry Marshall, who died in 2016, and J.F. Lawton. Marshall directed the 1990 movie. Current Publishing is sponsoring “Pretty Woman.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Feinstein’s cabaret presents “Dueling Pianos” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE PAGEANT’
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “The Pageant” through Feb. 22 at The Florence at Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
‘THE GREAT GATSBY’
Civic Theatre presents “The Great Gatsby” through Feb. 21 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
SECOND HAND SOUL
York Automotive Concert Series presents Second Hand Soul Band at 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.
‘LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN’ TOUR
Mariachi Herencia de México’s “La Nueva Generación” tour is set for 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Payne & Mencias at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘LOVE LETTERS FROM PARIS’ Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Love Letters from Paris” is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
‘EVENING WITH JJ GREY & MOFRO’
“An Intimate Evening with JJ Grey & Mofro” is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Adam du Plessis, left, performed with Scot Greenwell in “The Mousetrap” at Beef & Boards. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)
du Plessis
Kucera
Fusari
BATHROOMS
BATHROOMS
CSO to present ‘Love Letters’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Although its upcoming concert will be performed a week after Valentine’s Day, Carmel Symphony Orchestra knows it’s a month for lovers.
Tamara Thweatt are featured on the piece.
“This is a bucket list item for me,” Thweatt said. “This is my first performance of the piece. I’ve played a lot of Mozart before, and I’ve played with the harp a lot before. I love playing with the harp and strings in general.”
CSO will present “Love Letters from Paris: Music from the Heart” at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Thweatt said she discovered the piece in college.
“It’s a lovely program of music that’s pleasing and beautiful,” said Kelly Corcoran, who will serve as guest conductor for the second time in the 2025-26 season. “It’s really expressive, emotive music. The (Edward) Elgar piece is a brief, beautiful kind of love letter that he wrote as a love song to his future bride.”
Jean Sibelius’ “The Lover” has a poetic inspiration, she said. Corcoran said the concert program was a collaborative effort.
“I put forward the Sibelius piece to bring in the concept of love a little more,” Corcoran said. “It’s a beautiful piece that’s not performed very often.”
It’s the first time she has conducted the piece.
“The two (Wolfgang Amadeus) Mozart pieces are the meat of the program,” Corcoran said. “He was young and wrote both pieces when he was living in Paris. They were written for Parisian audiences. The ‘Paris’ symphony is a wonderful piece of music, and the ‘Concerto for Flute and Harp’ also is just gorgeous. It’s great to highlight (soloists) from the orchestra.”
Harpist Melanie Mashner and flutist
Patinkin’s performance postponed — Because of a TV series schedule conflict, Mandy Patinkin’s April 9 performance at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Carmel’s Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts has been postponed. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for a new date in the 2026-27 Center Presents Season, to be announced this spring.
“So, for decades I’ve known about this piece and listened to it, especially the romantic second movement, which I think is a favorite of audiences,” she said. “It’s a melody that gets stuck in your head. It’s just soaring and beautiful.”
Thweatt said there are times when the harp and flute play together when the orchestra isn’t playing.
“There are times when the flute will play a solo for eight bars, accompanied by the orchestra, and then the harp will be featured, then we all play together,” said Thweatt, who is in her sixth year with CSO.
Mashner said it’s unusual to have two soloists on the same piece.
“It’s unique for multiple reasons, because of the combination, because there’s two of us and because it’s the harp,” she said. “I’m excited to get the chance to do this and perform the piece in the Palladium.”
The concerto lasts about 30 minutes and is the finale.
Mashner said it’s the only piece written by Mozart for the harp. She has performed it twice previously with different orchestras.
For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
DISPATCHES
Heartland fundraiser to have Westerns theme — Heartland International Film Festival’s signature fundraiser, Cinemania presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. returns for a third year April 17 at The Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis. The theme is, “A Tribute to Westerns.” For more, visit cinemania.eventive.org/ EventTickets/buy. In addition, Heartland Film has announced that Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at the Square in Indianapolis will be the presenting sponsor for the next three years. Alamo Drafthouse, which has 13 theaters, will be the primary venue for Heartland Festival set for Oct. 8-18.
Corcoran
Mashner
Thweatt
ENTERTAINMENT
Discovering Broadway to commission musical
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Discovering Broadway has commissioned its first yet-to-be named musical.
Zack Zadek will write the musical, and Discovering Broadway founder Joel Kirk, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate, will co-develop and direct it.
Besides offering writers’ retreats, concerts and master class programs, Discovering Broadway will commission one new musical each year.
“For now, Zack and I are keeping the title and plot under wraps — by design — so audiences discover this completely original story live, together and in the room,” Kirk said. “It reflects Discovering Broadway’s commitment to a bold range of work, from celebrated adaptations like ‘A Beautiful Mind’ to top-secret new musicals that can only be experienced in-person”
The writers’ retreat and concert premiere will take place this summer in Indianapolis. Dates will be announced and tickets will go on sale soon at discoveringbroadway.org.
In 2022, Zadek’s musical “The Turning’ was the fourth musical selected for Discovering Broadway’s incubator program. Zadek taught master classes for Discovering Broadway in 2023.
“In 2022, a single YouTube song of his, ‘Sick,’ moved our entire board to tears and led us to program a monthlong retreat, during which he grew from one song to 12 by the concert premiere,” Kirk said. “Since then, I’ve seen firsthand his rare ability to craft emotionally raw, original musical storytelling, most recently with ‘The Turning,’
which just workshopped in Manhattan starring Lola Tung and Jordan Fisher, alongside his collaborations with Tate McRae and upcoming projects with Warner Bros Theatrical Ventures and Universal Theatrical Group.”
Kirk said commissioned work is the next logical step for Discovering Broadway, which formed in 2019. He said the Discovering Broadway process begins by first understanding what creative teams need.
“After five years and seven Broadway-bound musicals, our show committee — made up of board, advisory and community volunteers — recognized that some of the most ambitious work requires commission funding to exist,” he said.
Submissions can be made from Feb. 22 to March 1 for the 2027 Sabello Musical Commission, the nonprofit’s second commission. Composers, lyricists and book writers are invited to submit a one-page application to administration@discoveringbroadway.org, including artist bios, a one-paragraph plot synopsis, and three demos.
LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S TARIFF NO. 50 PARALLEL OPERATION – FOR QUALIFYING FACILITY
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around February 25, 2026, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit its Tariff No. 50, Parallel Operation-For Qualifying Facility (“Tariff No. 50”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing of Tariff No. 50 provides the updated calculation of the standard offer rates for the purchase of energy and capacity for 2026.
Tariff No. 50 is available to any customer contracting for parallel operation of a qualifying facility and is expected to be approved approximatelythirty-days from the date of filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W.
By: Stan Pinegar
Duke Energy Indiana, LLC
Discovering Broadway founder Joel Kirk, left, and Zack Zadek will collaborate on a musical. (Photo courtesy of Joel Kirk)
COMMUNITY VOICES
Objections equal NIMBY
Editor,
I read with wonder, the article entitled “Neighbors concerned about planned memory care home” that appeared in the Feb. 3 edition of Current in Fishers and Geist. The quoted objections are the perfect illustration of NIMBYism.
The Story Cottages’ business model is for very small, intimate care for memory care facilities that are inconspicuous in their appearance with minimal impact on their surroundings. The facilities are secured, and the residents are unable to leave the building without being accompanied by family members or authorized personnel. The vehicular traffic is less than what would be experienced from the neighborhood music lesson instructor.
How do I know this? My mother is currently in one of the care facilities
It’s
that (one neighbor) describes with “at least 15 people per shift taking care of the residents.” After touring one of the Cottages locations, my siblings and I will be moving our mother to one of the Cottages locations.
The Cottages are in no way comparable to the facility that (one neighbor) describes. For the past four months, I have driven past the Cottage in the Village of West Clay several times each day without ever noticing it until just a few days ago, because architecturally and in scale, it fits into the surrounding homes.
Having experienced large and now small care facilities, I am certain that the Story Cottage on Brooks School Road will not be an intrusive neighbor any more than any of the other Story Cottages are to their neighbors.
Craig Gigax, Fishers
our right
Editor,
In response to David Trueblood’s “cautionary tale” opinion: Please research what the First Amendment states. It talks about freedoms, such as free speech and peaceful assembly, which allow documenting injustices such as George Floyd’s murder. Without video, those police officers would have literally gotten away with murder. Renee Good and Alex Pretti’s deaths were both ruled homicides by medical examiners. They were murdered by our own government on our own streets of America for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly. Renee did not try to run over the masked armed man and Alex did not wield a gun as many videos prove. These cowardly armed masked men that terrorize families, such as the 5-year-old Liam Ramos family, are not concerned with the worst criminals in America and they will be rightfully brought to justice. As for criminals, our Republican president is a convicted felon with 34 counts of falsifying business documents.
Trump was also found guilty of sexual abuse by the New York district courts and also ordered to pay back $2 million to eight different charities he
stole from, including a Children’s Cancer Foundation. The Trump family has profited approximately $4 billion in just this past year.
There’s a saying that’s used a lot around our president — follow the money. At this time, 75,000 people are being held in ICE detention centers, with more than 73 percent of these people, many children, have no criminal history at all. Not sure why anyone, GOP or otherwise, would support this happening to our country.
Americans boycotting, calling representatives, donating, running for office and even peacefully protesting these injustices, is what empathetic, informed, patriotic Americans do. Heather Garrison, Fishers EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to space limitations, additional letters to the editor on this topic are published online only, youarecurrent.com/category/ view. Future letters on this topic also will be published exclusively online.
COLUMNISTS ON THE WEB
This week’s commentaries by Current Publishing essayist Terry Anker and humorist Dick Wolfsie may be read at youarecurrent.com.
Editor,
When (U.S.) Rep. Victoria Spartz was interviewed in the Feb. 3 Current issue, she was asked if she always follows through on her word. Her answer was, “I always follow through on my word.”
At her 2025 town hall meeting in Westfield, I specifically asked her if she would vote to approve any national budget that increased the national deficit. Her response was, “Absolutely not!”
She went on to say she was a CPA and understood the burden of our current
No follow through Untrue assertions
debt on future generations.
The great big beautiful bill will add at least $2 trillion to the national debt. Prior to the final vote to approve the budget, I wrote Ms. Spartz to remind her of her words and suggested she help to revise the budget bill to ensure that no more debt was added to our current debt. No revisions to the bill were made, Victoria Spartz voted to approve it as is.
So much for “always following through on her word.”
Bob Reetz, Fishers
Editor,
In his Feb. 3 letter, David Trueblood blames Renee Good for her own shooting death at the hands of a federal agent. In addition to the cruelty of blaming an unarmed mother of three for her own death, Mr. Trueblood makes assertions that simply are not supported by fact: that she disobeyed orders, that she weaponized her vehicle, that she tried to run down a law enforcement officer.
There is no compelling evidence to support any of these claims. To the contrary, the most careful video analyses suggest otherwise. However, the only way to adequately assess this tragic event is by a thorough, professional and impartial investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice working with local investigators and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. This is not occurring. Why? Because the DOJ refuses to cooperate or share information and evidence with state and local investigators.
So, how much confidence should we have that the DOJ acting alone will conduct an impartial investigation and give us an honest conclusion? Try zero. Not only did high-ranking Trump administration officials publicly disparage Renee within hours of her death, they made claims about her conduct and motives with no supporting evidence whatsoever.
Initially, six federal prosecutors in Minneapolis resigned over their supervisors’ insistence on investigating Good’s widow instead of the agent who shot Good. Since then, eight additional federal prosecutors are reportedly leaving the Minneapolis U.S. Attorney’s office out of frustration.
Finally, Mr. Trueblood asserts that criminals are the face of the Democratic party and asks why. Here is an alternative question better grounded in fact: Why is a 34-count convicted felon the face of the Republican Party?
Dona Thomas, Fishers
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
15. Buildings and land
16. ___ de cologne
17. Greeting in prison?
19. Siesta
20. Pair
21. Silently acknowledges
22. Indiana Senate young aide
23. I-69 tractor-trailer
24. Chicago trains
25. Farm machine
26. Anger
28. Smudging
31. “Yikes!”
32. Woven fabrics
33. Helpful telephone service for men?
37. Warhol genre
38. Mosque leader
41. “Braveheart” setting
44. Hamilton County Fair wooly beast
46. “M*A*S*H” setting
47. ___-cone
48. Not pos.
49. Declare
50. Lacking factual validity
53. Had wings at The Mash House
54. Business card abbr.
55. Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer who represented Hoosiers in congress for 34 years...and an anagram of 17- and 33-Across
57. IU Health triage sites
58. Head Hun
59. Let off steam
60. GPS reading
61. Sculptor’s tool
62. Cerebral spark DOWN
1. Source of durable wood
2. Gushing
3. About 2.2 pounds
4. Letters on a baseball cap in Missouri
5. Bird on a baseball cap in Maryland
6. Remains unsettled
7. Highland headgear
8. Musical sign
9. Palindromic man’s name
10. Shapiro’s loaf
11. Mount McKinley, to locals
12. ___-Dazs ice cream
13. Winter Olympics skiing event
18. Force on Earth
22. Root veggie
25. Java neighbor
27. Travel kit plug
28. Epee, e.g.
29. Victory Field glove
30. Building wing
32. “Better late ___ never”
34. “Damn Yankees” vamp
35. Clean air org.
36. Radiated
39. Nail polish remover ingredient
40. Purplish-red shade
41. Winter Olympics rink competitor
42. Secret
43. Ultimatum ender
44. Kind of cracker
45. Central points
47. Layered rock
50. “Breaking Bad” drug, for short
51. Aptly named cooler brand
52. “Now hear ___!”
55. Clippers, on a Pacers scorebaord
56. 56, on Super Bowl shirts ANSWERS ON PAGE 23
PUBLIC NOTICE
Crown Castle Fiber, LLC is proposing to construct a 34-Foot small cell telecommunications structure near 12216 North Meridian Street, Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana (39° 58' 7.8" N, 86° 9' 30.5" W).
Crown Castle Fiber, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Comments may be sent to Environmental Corporation of America, ATTN: Annamarie Howell, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or via email to publicnotice@eca-usa.com. Ms. Howell can be reached at (770) 667-2040 x 108 during normal business hours. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice. 25-005091b/JET.
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& TRIMMING • LEAF REMOVAL • FERTILIZING • TRIMMING • TREE WORK • MOWING/EDGING • MULCH/WEEDING FREE ESTIMATES CALL/TEXT 317-500-6619
