Podcast: Marissa Deckert & Kara Hall talk about a busy summer for Fishers Parks & Recreation

April 30, 2026LarryInFishers.comLarry

As summer approaches, the City of Fishers is preparing for another busy season filled with events, activities and opportunities for residents of all ages.

In this podcast, I sit down with Fishers Parks and Recreation Director Marissa Deckert and Marketing and Public Relations Manager Kara Hall to preview what’s ahead for summer 2026.

We cover a wide range of offerings, including the return of the Fishers Farmers Market, summer camps and programming at the Fishers Community Center, and a full lineup of concerts at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater — featuring both free and ticketed shows. The city’s annual Memorial Day ceremony is also back, continuing a long-standing tradition that draws large crowds.

Deckert and Hall also discuss popular family attractions like the Maker Playground at Hub & Spoke, the AgriPark’s busy summer season, and the return of Touch-a-Truck, giving kids a hands-on look at city equipment. Geist Waterfront Park is set to open for the season, while this year’s Spark!Fishers festival will shift to primarily a two-day format in late June.

It’s a comprehensive look at what residents can expect as Fishers heads into the summer months.

The LarryInFishers.com podcast series is sponsored by Citizens State Bank.

Listen to the podcast at this link or the link below.

Fishers Farmers Market opens Saturday with larger footprint, new vendors

April 30, 2026LarryInFishers.comLarry

The Fishers Farmers Market returns this Saturday, May 2, with its largest footprint to date and more than two dozen new vendors, according to Fishers Parks.

The market, presented by IU Health, runs from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday through September at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 6 Municipal Drive. City officials say the 2026 season features a reimagined layout surrounding the AMP designed to make it easier for visitors to navigate and discover vendors.

More than 90 Indiana vendors are expected this season, offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, specialty foods, plants, coffee and artisan items.

New this year is the Fishers Farmers Market Breezeway Café, located near the Fishers Municipal Center. The space will offer coffee, pastries and additional seating for visitors to gather and enjoy their purchases.

Opening day will also include the annual “Hope for Happiness” event, marking the start of Mental Health Awareness Month. The event is held in partnership with Hamilton Southeastern High School’s Bring Change to Mind clubs and the Fishers Health Department as part of the city’s StigmaFree Fishers initiative. Activities will include creating glitter stress jars, decorating mindfulness journals and other hands-on experiences focused on well-being.

In addition to shopping, the market offers weekly programming, including free community yoga from 8 to 9 a.m., live music from 10 a.m. to noon and children’s activities through the Fishers Parks “Kids Zone.”

Several themed days are scheduled throughout the season, including Sustainability Day (May 9), Thrift-a-Thon events (May 23, July 25 and September 26), the Biz Kidz Festival (June 20), Accessibility and Inclusion Day (July 11), Health and Wellness Day (August 1), Safety Day (August 22), Day of Service (August 29) and Club Day (September 19).

Fishers Parks Director Marissa Deckert said the expansion is aimed at enhancing both the shopping experience and the community atmosphere.

Free parking is available throughout the Nickel Plate District, including nearby garages and surface lots. A full vendor list and market map can be found at FishersParks.com/FarmersMarket.

Kegley discusses priorities, staffing and referendum in first interview as HSE superintendent

April 30, 2026LarryInFishers.comLarry

Just hours after being formally appointed superintendent of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Dr. Matt Kegley sat down Thursday morning for a podcast interview to discuss the challenges and priorities ahead.

Kegley, a longtime district educator and administrator, outlined several key issues during the conversation.

He said his top priority is maintaining strong academic standards while ensuring additional support is available for students who need help to succeed.

On staffing, Kegley confirmed that Reduction in Force (RIF) notices will soon be issued to some teachers. He declined to specify how many positions could be affected but expressed optimism that normal attrition in a district the size of HSE should reduce the need for actual layoffs.

Kegley also said he plans to request a school board work session in May to begin discussions on a possible referendum. Changes in the state’s school funding formula are expected to impact district finances, and any referendum proposal would likely appear on the November general election ballot.

The conversation also touched on the district’s joint effort with the City of Fishers to develop and manage athletic facilities, as well as the city’s long-standing support of HSE Schools.

Kegley addressed concerns about transparency in district decision-making, an issue raised frequently in recent months.

The LarryInFishers.com podcast series is sponsored by Citizens State Bank.

You can listen to the full podcast interview at the link below.

State Senate candidate Dezelan responds to arrest, says he is cooperating and will continue campaign

April 30, 2026LarryInFishers.comLarry

A Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate District 31 is responding publicly for the first time following his arrest in Fishers over the weekend.

Andrew Dezelan, who was taken into custody Sunday night on preliminary charges of cocaine possession and resisting law enforcement, issued a statement saying he is cooperating with authorities and taking the matter seriously.

“I understand that many people have seen the reports and have questions,” Dezelan said. “I take this situation seriously and am cooperating fully. I’ve retained counsel and I am exploring my legal options moving forward.”

The arrest was announced earlier this week by the Fishers Police Department. Officers were dispatched to a neighborhood on a report of a person soliciting and later arrested Dezelan after what police described as signs of impairment, an attempted departure in his vehicle and resistance during the arrest. A substance found in the vehicle field-tested positive for cocaine, according to police.

In his statement, Dezelan said he has been advised not to discuss details of the case.

“I have much to say. For those that know me this should come as no surprise,” he said. “However, I have been advised by counsel not to discuss the details of the case, and I will respect that process as it moves forward.”

He acknowledged the situation may raise concerns in the community.

“I know this raises concern, and I understand why. I ask for patience as the facts are addressed through the proper legal channels,” Dezelan said.

Despite the arrest, Dezelan indicated he intends to remain in the race for the District 31 Democratic nomination in the May 5 primary election.

“I remain committed to this campaign and to the people of this district,” he said, adding he is grateful for those who have expressed support.

Formal charges and court proceedings in the case are pending. All allegations remain accusations unless and until proven in court.

Indy Fuel suffer tough playoff loss to Fort Wayne

April 29, 2026LarryInFishers.comLarry

The Indy Fuel came up just short in a chance to even their opening-round playoff series Wednesday night, falling 3-2 to the Fort Wayne Komets in Game 4 at Fishers Event Center.

Coming off a strong 6-4 win the night before, Indy was unable to generate enough offense until late, as Fort Wayne built a two-goal lead and held on despite a late push.

The first period featured multiple penalties on both sides, but only one converted opportunity. After Indy’s Cody Laskosky was sent off late in the period, Fort Wayne capitalized on the power play when Austin Magera scored with just 55 seconds remaining in the frame. The Fuel held a 10-8 edge in shots but trailed 1-0.

Fort Wayne extended its lead in the second period, again taking advantage of special teams. Matt Miller scored on the power play at the 10:07 mark to make it 2-0. The Fuel answered later in the period when Laskosky got Indy on the board at 14:28, finishing a play set up by Marcus Joughin and Trevor Zins. The Komets carried a 2-1 lead into the third period, with shots even at 17-17.

In the third, Indy killed off an early penalty but could not keep Fort Wayne off the scoreboard for long. Just after exiting the penalty box, Reid Pabich scored to give the Komets a 3-1 advantage.

The Fuel continued to battle and pulled goaltender Owen Flores for an extra attacker in the final minutes. The move paid off when Tyler Weiss scored with about three minutes remaining, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Laskosky and Joughin were credited with assists.

Indy applied heavy pressure in the closing moments but could not find the equalizer.

Fort Wayne finished with a 30-22 advantage in shots on goal.

Kegley formally takes helm as HSE superintendent, vows to build on district strengths

April 29, 2026LarryInFishers.comLarry

Dr. Matt Kegley speaks before the school board for the first time as superintendent

Dr. Matt Kegley stood before the Hamilton Southeastern School Board for the first time as the district’s superintendent, reflecting on a journey that began roughly two decades ago when he first applied for a principal position at Hamilton Southeastern High School.

He got that job and spent several years leading the building — the start of a long tenure in the district that has included roles as a teacher, coach, building administrator and central office leader.

Kegley thanked his family for their support throughout his career in education.

“I continue to want to make this a destination district — a place where people want to come and raise their kids, where they want their kids to be challenged academically, where future educators want to come and teach alongside some of the best teachers around, and administrators want to be here to be challenged by the folks around them,” Kegley told the board and a large audience. “I look forward to what lies ahead for us as a district, and I again thank you for your support.”

Board members who spoke before the vote offered strong praise for Kegley. Having covered numerous superintendent hires, I can say it is rare to see what could best be described as a near-unanimous show of enthusiasm from both the board and the community as trustees voted unanimously to approve his contract.

Public comment during the required hearing was limited to one speaker — Hamilton Southeastern Education Association President Tyler Zerbe — who noted Kegley’s long history within the district and described the relationship between district leadership and the teachers union as one of “collaboration and collegiality.”

“That being said, it is difficult to overlook the last 26 months here at HSE,” Zerbe said. “However, we are optimistic that we can continue to move forward together.”

Zerbe also urged the board to conduct an open search process in future superintendent hires to allow for broader stakeholder involvement.

In other action, the board confirmed that Kegley’s former role as deputy superintendent will not be filled as part of a cost-saving measure.

School attorney Chris Greisl also outlined minor corrections to the superintendent’s contract as originally posted online, including increasing the monthly car allowance to $750 and fixing an error in the life insurance example. The board approved those changes as part of its final vote.

Kegley now takes over at a time of significant challenges for the district. State lawmakers have introduced a new funding framework, while enrollment declines due to demographic changes — a key factor in determining state support — are expected to impact future budgets.

Matt Kegley speaks before the school board.

People lined-up to congratulate Dr. Kegley after the board meeting

New I-69 traffic pattern, weekend closures ahead of Binford ramp opening

April 29, 2026LarryInFishers.comLarry

Drivers in Fishers who rely on Interstate 69 should prepare for a series of weekend closures and a major traffic shift tied to a long-running construction project.

The Indiana Department of Transportation says a new ramp connecting southbound I-69 to southbound Binford Boulevard is expected to open on or after Sunday, May 3. The change is part of the Clear Path project, which has been reshaping the busy northeast side interchange for several years.

Weekend closures and restrictions

To prepare for the new ramp, multiple closures and lane reductions will be in place beginning Friday night:

Friday, May 1 (around 9 p.m.) to Sunday, May 3 (by 6 a.m.):
- Ramp from southbound I-69 to southbound Binford Boulevard closed
- Ramp from 96th Street to southbound I-69 closed
- Ramp from 82nd Street to southbound I-465 closed
Friday, May 1 (around 11 p.m.) to Saturday, May 2 (by 6 a.m.):
- Ramp from southbound I-69 to southbound I-465 closed
- Detour: Drivers will be directed to westbound I-465 and turn around at Michigan Road (U.S. 421)
- Southbound I-69 reduced to one lane between 116th Street and the I-465/I-69 interchange
Saturday, May 2 (around 6 a.m.) to Sunday, May 3 (by 6 a.m.):
- Ramp from southbound I-69 to westbound I-465 closed
- Detour: Drivers will be directed to eastbound I-465 and turn around at Pendleton Pike (U.S. 36)
- Southbound I-69 reduced to two lanes between 116th Street and the interchange

New traffic pattern begins May 3

Once the new ramp opens, drivers will need to adjust to a different lane configuration on southbound I-69 approaching the 96th Street area:

Drivers heading to southbound Binford Boulevard or westbound I-465 should move to the right lanes before reaching 96th Street.
Drivers heading to southbound I-465 should stay to the left lanes.

Currently, the Binford Boulevard exit is located on the far left, but that will change with the new configuration.

INDOT officials say the work includes restriping pavement, moving barrier walls and updating overhead signs to guide drivers through the new pattern.

Motorists are urged to allow extra travel time, watch for changing traffic conditions and follow posted detours during the transition period.

Northwest Bank Adds Commercial Banker in Fishers

April 29, 2026LarryInFishers.comLarry

Northwest Bank has added a veteran commercial banker to its Central Indiana team, with a focus on serving businesses in the Fishers area.

Northwest Bank announced that Chad Brandenburg has joined the company as a Commercial Relationship Manager. Based in Fishers, Brandenburg will work with commercial and industrial clients across the Indianapolis region, offering banking services tailored to growing businesses.

In his new role, Brandenburg will develop and manage client relationships while providing customized credit solutions, deposit services and treasury management tools designed to support long-term financial growth.

Brandenburg brings nearly 20 years of financial and operational experience, including more than a decade in commercial banking leadership positions. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager at 1st Source Bank, where he helped establish and expand the bank’s Indianapolis market presence.

His previous experience also includes senior commercial and business banking roles with Wells Fargo, Huntington National Bank, PNC and JPMorgan Chase.

Fishers High School to name Miles Wayer new boys basketball coach

April 29, 2026LarryInFishers.comLarry

Fishers High School is expected to officially name Miles Wayer as its next boys varsity basketball coach during Wednesday night’s school board meeting.

Wayer returns to Fishers after serving one season as head coach at Greenfield-Central, where he posted a 12-12 record during the 2025-26 campaign. His hiring would bring him back to a program he knows well, having previously spent three seasons as an assistant under former head coach Garrett Winegar.

Wayer takes over one of the top programs in Indiana high school basketball. Winegar stepped down earlier this year after six seasons leading the Tigers, compiling a 132-25 record. That run included a Class 4A state championship in 2024 and a state runner-up finish in 2025.

A Mt. Vernon High School graduate, Wayer played college basketball at the University of Indianapolis, where he was a guard and a three-time Academic All-GLVC selection. During his high school career, he was an all-conference and all-county player and helped lead Mt. Vernon to a 24-2 season and a regional championship.

In addition to his coaching experience, Wayer has been involved in player development through training programs in central Indiana, working with youth and high school athletes.

His familiarity with the Fishers program is expected to provide continuity for a team that has been among the state’s elite in recent years.

The Hamilton Southeastern School Board is scheduled to vote on Wayer’s hiring during its meeting Wednesday evening.

(NOTE: I had an incorrect photo of Miles Wayer earlier, and have replaced it. My apologies for the error)

Kegley to be named superintendent of Hamilton Southeastern Schools

April 29, 2026LarryInFishers.comLarry

After several days of speculation, the Hamilton Southeastern School District is prepared to make it official — Dr. Matt Kegley will become the district’s next superintendent. That is according to documents posted as part of Wednesday night’s school board meeting.

The HSE Board of School Trustees is expected to formalize the appointment following a public hearing, elevating Kegley from his current role as interim superintendent. He has been serving in that capacity since mid-April following the resignation of former superintendent Patrick Mapes.

Kegley is a familiar figure within the district. He is in his 20th year with HSE Schools and has spent three decades in education. His career in Fishers includes leadership roles as principal at Riverside Junior High and Hamilton Southeastern High School, along with time in district administration.

Before coming to HSE, Kegley worked as a teacher, assistant principal and athletic director. He holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from Indiana University and both a specialist and doctoral degree from Ball State University.

This is not Kegley’s first time stepping into the district’s top job on an interim basis. He also served as interim superintendent in 2023 following the resignation of then-superintendent Yvonne Stokes. His appointment to the permanent role signals the board’s preference for continuity during a period of leadership turnover.

HSE has experienced multiple superintendent changes in recent years. Stokes stepped down in September 2023, Mapes was hired in early 2024, and his resignation was announced in March of this year, effective April 13.

Under the proposed contract terms outlined in a public notice, Kegley’s agreement would run through June 30, 2028. The contract calls for a base salary of $205,000 annually, with the possibility of increases following board evaluations. Additional compensation includes a 10 percent district contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan, along with monthly allowances for a vehicle and technology.

Kegley takes over at a time when the district continues to emphasize academic performance and long-term planning initiatives. HSE leaders have highlighted recent gains in areas such as early literacy and graduation rates, along with ongoing efforts tied to the district’s strategic plan.

The district also faces challenges related to changes in the financial structure of Indiana school funding. The board is expected to soon consider whether to pursue a new operating referendum and, if so, what property tax rate to present to voters.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools serves more than 21,000 students and employs approximately 2,500 staff members, making it the largest employer in the City of Fishers.

Kegley and his family have been Fishers residents since 2007. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children, all graduates of Hamilton Southeastern High School.