Fuel Fall to Komets in First Matchup of the Season

The Indy Fuel faced off against the Fort Wayne Komets on Friday night in their first clash of the season, but a tough, hard-fought game saw the Fuel shut out, 3-0.

The Komets claimed an early advantage in the weekend series, with the two teams set to meet again Saturday night in Fishers.

The game opened with a physical and defensive tone, as both teams exchanged early penalties. Indy’s first power-play opportunity came at 3:54 after Nolan Volcan of the Komets was sent to the box for slashing, but the Komets successfully killed it off.

Fort Wayne capitalized on their first real opportunity at 11:00 when Justin Taylor found the back of the net, assisted by Jack Dugan and Volcan.

Despite their best efforts, the Fuel couldn’t convert on a goaltender interference penalty against Brandon McManus later in the frame. The period ended with a controversial moment as a Komets goal was waved off after a review showed Ben Gaudreau had been interfered with in the crease.

At the buzzer, the Komets held a slight edge in shots, 9-8.

The second period flew by with few stoppages and no scoring, but the penalties continued to mount for both sides. The Fuel took their second too many men penalty of the game at 11:17, but the penalty-kill unit remained solid.

Nick Grima was sent to the box for the second time with another slashing call at 18:27, but Indy’s defense held strong to keep the game within reach heading into the third.

Fort Wayne extended their lead in shots, finishing the period with an 18-15 advantage.

Indy started the third period by successfully killing off Grima’s penalty but continued to struggle offensively. Despite a few solid opportunities, they couldn’t break through Fort Wayne’s defense.

The Komets doubled their lead at 15:00 when Dugan scored his second point of the night, and less than a minute later, Harrison Rees added another goal to put the game out of reach.

In a last-ditch effort, the Fuel pulled Gaudreau for an extra skater in the final minutes but couldn’t generate enough pressure to find the net.

The Komets narrowly missed an empty-net chance, but it didn’t matter as the clock expired with a 3-0 final score.

The Fuel will have a chance for redemption as they host the Komets in a rematch Saturday night at the Fishers Event Center. Indy will look to regroup and generate more offense in front of their home crowd.

Stay tuned as the rivalry between these two division foes continues to heat up!

HSE takes girls Mudsock trophy, Tiger boys take theirs

Fishers Tigers boys accept the Mudsock trophy

In the past, getting a ticket to a Mudsock basketball game was difficult.  The high school gyms can only handle so many fans.  The one time years ago the game was hosted by the Fairgrounds Coliseum was a disaster because winter weather descended on the area and it took fans hours to get home in Fishers.

2024 marks the start of a new Mudsock basketball era.  The game was played Friday night at the Fishers Event Center.  Over 5,600 tickets were sold, not a sellout but a large crowd.

The HSE Royals took the trophy in the girls game, 47-34 over the Fishers Tigers.

But the Tiger boys won the second contest of the evening, defeating the Royals 65-49.

But the night featured more than two basketball games…here is what happened in addition:

–Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness honored retiring Fire Chief Steve Orusa.

–A new award, the Superintendent’s Impact Award, was presented to Fishers High School senior Sam Quagliaroli for his athletic and academic accomplishments.

–The Fishers Tiger state champion boys basketball players from last season were honored at halftime of the girls Mudsock game.

A new tradition began as the Mudsock games were the first to make use of the historic basketball court at the Fishers Event Center.  Most importantly, every fan that wanted to view these games in person had the opportunity to do so in 2024.

Fire Chief Orusa and Mayor Fadness embrace at the Mudsock game

St. V Fishers celebrates national recognition

Colts cheerleaders on hand at St. Vincent Fishers

When Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Fishers was recognized as one the Top 100 community hospitals nation-wide, they felt it was time to have a party, bring the Colts along and invite the local community.  That’s what happened Monday, December 16.

PINC AI announced the Top 100 list recently in Fortune Magazine.  PINC AI is the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc., and is known for its honest and unbiased method rating medical operations. 

Colts center Wesley French, Colts mascot “Blue” and cheerleaders were all part of the celebration, along with hospital staff and the nearby community. 

Fishers reveals new trash pickup schedules

Here is one side of the card being sent to Fishers residents

As the year 2024 draws to a close, the City of Fishers is gearing up to begin a city-wide trash collection service through a contract with Republic Services in January.

If you have not yet received a card in the mail from the city, you soon will. It lists a QR code and Web address to use in order to find your new trash collection day of the week beginning in mid-January, using a color-coded map.

For example, My wife Jane and I will see our weekly trash pickup day move from Tuesday to Thursday.  To access the interactive map, use this link.

Hamilton County Humane Society Launches “Holiday Sleepover” Campaign

This holiday season, the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) is inviting animal lovers to make the holidays brighter for shelter pets through its unique Holiday Sleepover program. Aimed at giving furry friends a break from shelter life, the campaign offers community members the chance to host an animal for a short stay, no strings—or tinsel—attached.

“We know there are a lot of folks who love animals, but they aren’t in a place to adopt a pet, or even foster one for several weeks,” said Lily Darling, Community Engagement Manager for the Humane Society for Hamilton County. “This short-term fostership is a win-win for shelter animals who need a break, and for someone who may be alone during the holidays, or frankly, anyone who could use a little holiday cheer.”

The program allows participants to foster a pet from December 19 through December 24, with the option to return the animal as early as December 26. The shelter provides all necessary supplies, eliminating any financial or logistical burden. Participants simply need to complete a foster application and meet HSHC’s approval guidelines.

Interested individuals can pick up their foster pets during HSHC’s adoption hours. They are encouraged to bring the following items to streamline the process:

  • A completed foster application, available at hamiltonhumane.com/foster-application
  • All household members for compatibility checks
  • Resident dogs for meet-and-greets with potential canine fosters
  • A landlord’s pet policy if renting
  • Government-issued ID

While most animals are eligible, some may be excluded due to age, medical needs, or other special considerations.

The shelter is open Christmas Eve from 12–3 p.m. for last-minute matches. Returns after the holiday must be made by appointment.

For more details or to apply, visit hamiltonhumane.com.

The Humane Society for Hamilton County is dedicated to enriching the lives of pets and people through education, adoption, and advocacy. Located in Fishers, the shelter serves as a safe haven for animals in need while striving to find them loving homes.

 

Indy Fuel fall to Bloomington Bison 3-1

Fuel on a 2nd period power play

It was a closely-fought contest between franchises owned by Jim Hallet…this time the Bloomington Illinois Bison came out on top 3-1 in a Wednesday night game at Fishers Event Center.

An open-net goal by Bloomington’s Dalton Duhart with 22 seconds remaining in Period 3 sealed the victory for the Bison.

No one scored in the first period.  The Fuel had one power play opportunity but could not cash-in.  Blake McLaughlin found the goal in the waning moments of Period 2, bringing the tally to 2-0 Bison.

The Fuel’s Darby Llewellyn put  his team back in the game with a goal early in Period 3, with a 2-1 score.  The Fuel pulled goaltender Joe Verbetic with a little over 2 minutes left in Period 3.  The Fuel battled with a number of shots, but none connected.

Dalton Duhart of Bloomington had an open-net goad with seconds on the clock, sealing the win for the Bison.

The Fuel travel to Fort Wayne Friday and face the Komets.  Then the Komets will travel to Fishers and face the Fuel this Saturday.

Jeff Foxworthy and Reno Collier to Headline HSE Foundation’s Inaugural Legacy Celebration

Reno Collier

Renowned stand-up comedian Reno Collier will be the opening act for Jeff Foxworthy, bringing their signature humor to the inaugural Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation (HSEF) Legacy Celebration at the new Fishers Event Center. The event, is scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2025.

Reno Collier, a former P.E. teacher turned comedian, will open the show with his relatable and hilarious take on life. Collier, who got his start in comedy at Atlanta’s Punchline Comedy Club, has earned national acclaim, performing alongside comedy icons like Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, and Ron White. Known for his Comedy Central special and his work entertaining U.S. troops abroad, Collier brings a unique blend of wit and warmth to the stage.

Headlining the evening is none other than Jeff Foxworthy, a household name and one of the most beloved comedians in America. Famous for his “You might be a redneck” jokes, Foxworthy has entertained millions through stand-up specials, books, and TV shows, solidifying his status as a comedy icon.

The event is more than just a night of laughter—it’s an opportunity to give back. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the staff and students of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, supporting HSEF’s mission to enhance education and provide resources for the local community.

Tickets for this can’t-miss event are on sale now at www.FishersEventCenter.com.

Don’t miss your chance to witness two comedy powerhouses come together for a memorable evening in Fishers while making a positive impact on local education.

Fishers Event Center Adds Second Show for Comedian Leanne Morgan Due to High Demand

Leanne Morgan

Comedy fans rejoice! The Fishers Event Center has announced a second special matinee performance for comedian Leanne Morgan on Saturday, July 26, 2025, following overwhelming demand for tickets.

The newly added 4 p.m. show will give fans another opportunity to catch Morgan’s signature blend of relatable humor and Southern charm. Tickets for the matinee go on sale this Friday, December 20, at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online at FishersEventCenter.com.

The originally scheduled 7 p.m. show, which was initially planned for Saturday, November 30, 2024, has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 26, 2025. Tickets already purchased for the original date will be honored at the rescheduled evening performance.

Leanne Morgan has become a comedic sensation, thanks to her hit Netflix special I’m Every Woman, which showcases her wit and heartwarming storytelling. With a career spanning over 25 years, Morgan has captivated audiences by sharing humorous takes on family life, parenting, and everyday moments that resonate with fans of all ages and backgrounds.

For more details and to secure your tickets, visit FishersEventCenter.com.

Fishers Arts Council to Showcase Art by Artists with Disabilities for Disability Awareness Month

In honor of Disability Awareness Month, the Fishers Arts Council, in collaboration with the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability and Ignite Studio at the Hamilton East Public Library, will host a special art exhibit featuring works by artists with developmental or intellectual disabilities. The exhibit, themed “Connected Through Language,” will be on display throughout March at the Art Gallery at City Hall in Fishers Municipal Center and Ignite Studio.

Call for Artists

The Fishers Arts Council is inviting artists with developmental or intellectual disabilities to participate in the exhibit. To be considered, artists must submit their application by 3 p.m. on January 24, 2025.

Submissions should include the artist’s name, mailing address, phone number, email address, and two to three samples of artwork in JPEG or PDF format. Artists can apply via email at info@fishersartscouncil.org (subject line: “March Awareness”) or through the online form at Fishers Arts Council’s website, selecting the option for the March Disabilities Awareness exhibit.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a developmental or intellectual disability
  • Be a 2D or 3D visual artist
  • Provide two to six family-friendly pieces for display
  • Agree to modifications for proper installation, if necessary

Artists can also be represented by organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: January 24, 2025, by 3 p.m.
  • Notification of Acceptance: February 3, 2025
  • Artwork Delivery: February 28 (3-5 p.m.) or March 1 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) at Fishers Municipal Center, with potential additional drop-off dates for selected artists.

For questions or additional information, contact info@fishersartscouncil.org.

This March, the City of Fishers invites residents and visitors alike to experience the transformative power of art and join in celebrating the talents and stories of these exceptional artists.

Fishers High School Senior Earns Prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Sabrina Alberty, in her Little Mermaid role

When Sabrina Alberty was called to the principal’s office at Fishers High School, she expected the usual chat about academics or school events. Instead, she walked into a life-changing moment.

Surrounded by smiling staff and supporters, Sabrina learned she had been named a 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, a prestigious honor awarded to just 147 Indiana students each year. The scholarship covers full tuition, required fees, and a stipend for books at any accredited public or private four-year college or university in Indiana.

“It was crazy. I walked in, and all these people were there. I was definitely surprised, but it felt amazing,” Sabrina recalled.

Sabrina’s success reflects a dedication to academics, the arts, and community service—qualities the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship aims to celebrate and support in future leaders. At Fishers High School, Sabrina has fully embraced a diverse range of opportunities, balancing rigorous coursework with her passion for the arts.

As a member of the school choir and theater programs, Sabrina has performed in numerous productions, most recently stepping into the colorful role of Flounder in Fishers High School’s fall presentation of The Little Mermaid.

“Fishers does such a good job of letting you explore extracurriculars like the arts while still taking challenging classes,” Sabrina said. “I’m so grateful for those opportunities.”

Her hard work and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed.

“Sabrina has been a role model for our students, demonstrating a remarkable balance of academic rigor, artistic passion, and service to others,” said Interim Principal Kyle Goodwin. “She is incredibly deserving of this scholarship.”

With the scholarship in hand, Sabrina plans to attend Purdue University to study civil or environmental engineering.

For Sabrina, the journey to this achievement has been fueled by embracing her passions. She hopes other students will follow her example.

“Do as much as you can and pursue what you’re passionate about,” she advised. “Passion leads to great opportunities and amazing experiences.”