Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Director Chris Stice has been elected a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, joining an organization limited to 150 active members.

Stice was inducted Sept. 30 during the academy’s annual reception and awards dinner in Philadelphia, held in conjunction with the 2026 National Recreation and Park Association Conference, according to a Hamilton County announcement.

The honor recognizes professional achievement, leadership and service in parks, recreation and conservation. Members are selected through nominations and peer review.

Stice has spent 30 years with Hamilton County Parks and Recreation. During that time, he has helped lead the acquisition and development of a county park system that grew from 200 acres to more than 1,800 acres, according to the county.

His work has included supporting a 44,000-square-foot indoor archery complex, year-round camping at White River Campground, development of the Seven Streams Park and Bur Oak Bend properties, and expansion of Potter’s Bridge Park and the Nation’s Trail.

Stice said his goal has been to create experiences families remember.

“My goal has always been to create places where our community can experience what I call ‘mantle moments’, memories so meaningful that a photograph of that experience earns a place on the fireplace mantle at home,” Stice said in the announcement.

“Whether it’s a child’s first fishing trip, a family gathering or a quiet moment connecting with nature, our parks provide the setting for stories people cherish for a lifetime,” he said.

Stice’s professional service extends beyond Hamilton County. He has chaired the National Recreation and Park Association’s National Conference Program Committee and served on the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials board and Legislative Committee.

He also has served as president of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association board and the Great Lakes Park Training Institute board.

Founded in 1980, the academy supports leadership, research, education and mentoring in parks, recreation and conservation administration.

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for Fishers and parts of central, east central and west central Indiana, with temperatures expected to dip below freezing early Sunday.

The warning is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday. Forecasters expect lows as cold as 31 degrees under clear skies and calm winds, with widespread frost likely, mainly after 5 a.m.

The weather service warns that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation and may damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

Residents should bring potted plants indoors or cover garden beds before sundown. Garden hoses should be disconnected and outdoor faucets and irrigation lines protected. Pets should be brought inside overnight. Drivers heading out early Sunday should allow extra time to scrape frosted windshields.

Today is sunny with a high near 55, with a north-northeast wind of 6 to 10 mph and gusts up to 18 mph.

The cold snap won’t last long. After the frost burns off Sunday morning, the forecast calls for sunshine and a high near 63.

More frost is possible early Monday, with patchy frost before 9 a.m. after a Sunday night low around 36. Monday then warms to a high near 68.

From there, the weather service forecast shows a steady warming trend with sunshine every day through the end of the week:

• Tuesday: Sunny, high near 71
• Wednesday: Sunny, high near 74
• Thursday: Sunny, high near 76
• Friday: Sunny, high near 77

Overnight lows will climb as well, from the upper 30s Monday night to the upper 40s by Thursday night. No rain is in the forecast through Friday.

For many Hamilton County gardeners, tonight’s freeze is likely to end the growing season for tender annuals and vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and basil. Hardier fall plantings, including mums and pansies, typically come through a light freeze with little damage.

Milling and paving are complete at 116th Street and Allisonville Road, but drivers should continue to expect intermittent lane restrictions as crews finish other work, according to the latest City of Fishers road construction report.

Striping, traffic signal work, sidewalk concrete work and restoration remain underway. The east leg of Fishers Crossing Boulevard at Allisonville Road is expected to reopen during the week of Oct. 19. Until then, customers heading to Fishers Station Shopping Center should use alternate entrances. Businesses remain open, while sidewalks within the construction area remain closed.

On 136th Street, the widening project continues between Southeastern Parkway and Prairie Baptist Road. The road is closed to through traffic within the project limits, with a signed detour using those two roads. Improvements include raised medians, multi-use paths on both sides, new pavement and drainage upgrades.

Drivers also face restrictions around the Southeastern Parkway and Olio Road roundabout, where the fifth leg has permanently closed. The report calls for one lane in each direction on Olio Road between the roundabout and just south of 136th Street.

That project also includes an approximately three-week closure of 136th Street west of Olio Road, with traffic detoured using 134th Street. Access from I-69 to IU Health Fishers remains open via the bypass lane, and emergency access will be maintained.

USA Parkway north of 106th Street will continue to have lane restrictions through October, weather permitting. Business and driveway access will remain open, with final restoration work continuing into November.

Other work includes periodic lane restrictions during utility relocation at 131st Street and Brooks School Road, ahead of roundabout construction. Duke Energy utility work continues on Cumberland Road between 106th and 116th streets, with restrictions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In Springs of Cambridge, crews are conducting concrete work, with pavement base repairs scheduled to begin on or after Oct. 23.

For drivers traveling through northeast Indianapolis, overnight Clear Path restrictions are scheduled for Oct. 16 and 17, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The report lists closures of the 82nd Street ramp to northbound I-69 and northbound Binford Boulevard access at 75th Street, along with other ramp restrictions. A fifth northbound I-69 lane north of 82nd Street is expected to open by Sunday morning, Oct. 18.

Construction schedules remain subject to weather and other conditions. The full report follows below.

Continue reading Paving complete at 116th and Allisonville; closures continue elsewhere in Fishers →

Both Fishers-area high school football teams lost Friday night. Now the Hamilton Southeastern Royals and Fishers Tigers get a week off before meeting each other in the first round of the IHSAA sectional tournament.

That game is set for Friday, Oct. 30, at Hamilton Southeastern.

Brownsburg 35, Hamilton Southeastern 7

Brownsburg scored on its first five possessions and built a 35-0 halftime lead over Hamilton Southeastern at HSE.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring with a touchdown pass and added a rushing touchdown to lead 14-0 after the first quarter. Brownsburg then put the game away in the second quarter, throwing three more touchdown passes before halftime.

Hamilton Southeastern got on the board in the third quarter with a touchdown pass and the extra point to make it 35-7. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.

Zionsville 45, Fishers 7

Zionsville beat Fishers 45-7.

Fishers quarterback Roman Wessell completed 15 of 38 passes for 148 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. His touchdown pass went to Darian Girton, who led Fishers receivers with three catches for 60 yards.

Wide receiver Hayden Skelton led the Tigers on the ground with 35 yards on five carries.

Up next

Both teams have next week off. The Royals and Tigers will then meet in the sectional opener at Hamilton Southeastern on Oct. 30, with the winner advancing in the state tournament and the loser’s season coming to an end.

The Indy Fuel gave their fans plenty to cheer about Friday night, opening the 2026-27 ECHL season with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over the Wheeling Nailers at the Fishers Event Center.

Harrison Israels scored the game-winner with 1:43 remaining in the seven-minute overtime period, assisted by Aaron Bohlinger and Chase Dafoe, sending the opening-night crowd home happy.

The victory marked the beginning of the Fuel’s 13th season as an ECHL franchise and their third season playing home games at the Fishers Event Center.

Before the puck dropped, team owner Jim Hallett welcomed fans to another season of Fuel hockey. The pregame ceremonies also included a special appearance by recently retired team captain Chris Cameron, who dropped the ceremonial puck and thanked fans for their support during his five seasons with the team.

Cameron, who announced his retirement in September, leaves the Fuel as the franchise’s all-time leader in games played with 309. The defenseman also holds team records for penalty minutes with 552 and a plus-47 career rating. He was named captain before the 2024-25 season.

Friday’s attendance appeared to be a strong opening-night crowd, although somewhat smaller than the crowds for the previous two home openers in Fishers.

Once the game began, the two teams battled through a tightly contested, physical matchup.

There was an unusual sequence early in the first period when a Fuel player inadvertently directed the puck into his own net. However, with a delayed penalty pending against Wheeling, officials disallowed the apparent goal.

Indy eventually broke through late in the opening period when Chase Dafoe found the back of the net, assisted by Tommy Budnick and Mitchell Hoelscher, giving the Fuel a 1-0 advantage.

Wheeling answered in the second period when Tristan Thompson scored, with assists credited to Cam Cook and Matt Crasa, tying the game at 1-1.

The physical nature of the contest was evident as the second period came to a close, with tempers flaring and players exchanging blows. Neither team was able to turn the resulting physical play into an advantage on the scoreboard.

The score remained tied through the third period, forcing overtime and setting the stage for Israels’ game-winning goal.

The Fuel controlled much of the offensive pressure, outshooting the Nailers 31-19.

The win came against a Wheeling team that finished last season with a 46-20-3-3 record, captured first place in the ECHL’s North Division and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to eventual Kelly Cup champion Florida.

Wheeling has returned to the Central Division this season, making Friday’s matchup an early divisional test for both clubs.

The Fuel also opened the season under unusual circumstances behind the bench. Newly named head coach Jesse Messier has been awaiting immigration authorization to begin his coaching duties, leaving assistant coach Christian Horn to direct the team in the meantime.

Indy will have little time to enjoy its opening-night victory. The Fuel return to the ice Saturday evening, October 17, hosting the Cincinnati Cyclones at the Fishers Event Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Saturday’s game will feature Mossy Oak Camo Night, with the Fuel wearing specialty jerseys that will be auctioned following the contest.

The opening weekend offers Fishers hockey fans an early opportunity to see how the Fuel will compete in a Central Division race that promises to be challenging once again.

One of the key members of Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness’ administration is leaving city government after more than 11 years.

Megan Baumgartner, the city’s Director of Economic and Community Development, will leave her position in early November to accept an opportunity in the private sector, according to a statement released by the city.

Baumgartner has been a major figure in Fishers’ economic development efforts during a period of substantial growth, helping recruit businesses, attract investment and guide redevelopment projects throughout the community.

“After more than a decade of service to the City of Fishers, Megan Baumgartner will be transitioning from her role as Director of Community and Economic Development in early November to pursue a new opportunity in the private sector,” Fadness said in the statement.

“Megan has made valuable contributions to our community, helping guide economic development to bring record new jobs and capital investment and building relationships that support Fishers’ continued growth. I appreciate her leadership and service to our city and wish her continued success in this next chapter.”

Baumgartner joined the Fishers economic development staff in July 2015 as assistant director, coming from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, where she worked with companies pursuing expansion projects and state economic development incentives.

In January 2019, she was promoted to economic development director, succeeding Brandon Dickinson. Her responsibilities expanded in 2020 to include community development and oversight of the city’s Planning and Zoning Department.

Her work has placed her at the center of many of the city’s most significant development initiatives.

Among the projects pursued during her tenure were The Yard at Fishers District, the Hub & Spoke development, redevelopment along 116th Street and efforts involving Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport. The city identified those projects in a 2020 profile of its economic development department.

At that time, the city credited the department’s efforts since Baumgartner’s arrival with helping attract 25 companies, generating $500 million in capital investment and approximately 4,900 high-wage job commitments.

According to the city’s economic development website, Fishers has recorded more than $3.47 billion in capital investment and 11,046 new job commitments since 2014, with an average committed salary of $76,287. Those figures cover the city’s broader economic development record and are not attributable solely to Baumgartner.

Among the more recent developments announced by the city were the $200 million expansion of INCOG BioPharma in December 2025 and the June 2026 announcement that JD Finish Line would relocate its North American headquarters to Fishers as part of a major expansion of Fishers District.

In a previous interview published by Invest Hamilton County, Baumgartner described economic development as the process of selling a community, saying the work aligned with her interests in government and business growth.

Her departure comes as Fishers continues to pursue corporate investment, redevelopment and major projects designed to expand the city’s commercial tax base.

The city’s statement did not identify Baumgartner’s new private-sector employer or specify her last day in office. No successor or interim appointment was identified in the announcement.

For Fadness, who became Fishers’ first mayor in January 2015, Baumgartner’s departure represents the loss of an experienced member of the administration who has been involved in the city’s economic development strategy for nearly his entire tenure as mayor.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association have reached a tentative agreement on a 2026-27 teacher contract that would increase eligible teachers’ base salaries by $1,225, with another $603 dependent on voters approving the district’s replacement operating referendum Nov. 3.

The agreement follows a year in which teacher salaries remained unchanged. If the referendum passes, the combined base salary increase for eligible teachers would total $1,828.

A public hearing on the tentative agreement is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. The school board is scheduled to consider ratification Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m.

“After having to hold salaries steady last year, we’re glad to be able to offer our teachers an increase,” Superintendent Matt Kegley said in the district’s announcement. “I want to thank HSEA and our district team for the time and work they put into these negotiations. There was good collaboration throughout the process, and both sides worked hard to reach an agreement.”

To qualify for the general base salary increases, teachers must have been employed for at least 120 days during the 2025-26 school year and still be employed by HSE when the contract is ratified. Teachers who were on leave for the entire 2025-26 school year would not qualify. The agreement also ties the increases to an evaluation sufficient to maintain employment and the district’s need to retain teachers.

Starting pay under the salary schedule for teachers hired after ratification would increase by $750. Passage of the referendum would add another $250, bringing that increase to $1,000. Teachers hired for the 2026-27 school year before ratification would receive a $500 upward adjustment to their starting base salaries.

The agreement includes several other compensation provisions:

• A $200 payment for bargaining unit members with a confirmed early literacy endorsement by ratification. That payment would not be subject to the general raise’s eligibility or factor requirements.
• A $4,000 supplemental payment upon ratification for employees who earned a master’s degree between Dec. 15, 2024, and ratification.
• A $500 supplemental payment for qualifying employees who started with the district between Jan. 1, 2026, and the end of the 2025-26 school year, began working during that school year and remain employed at ratification, but otherwise would not qualify for the general base salary increases.

The proposal also addresses leave and teacher safety.

Effective June 30, 2027, certified bargaining unit members would receive 14 paid time off days each school year. Teachers would have to use those days before drawing on accumulated sick leave. Medical certification would be required after three consecutive days of accumulated sick leave.

The sick leave bank provisions would allow approval of up to 90 days, supported by a doctor’s note. Updated medical certification would be required to support additional days beyond those originally certified. Enrollment would be available from the start of school through Oct. 1, with employees hired after that date given 30 days to enroll.

Teachers physically harmed by a student would receive paid administrative leave for the remainder of the school day. The same provision would apply when administrators determine a student has made a bona fide, credible threat of physical violence or serious intimidation.

Before returning to the classroom, the teacher and building administrator would meet to discuss safety concerns and support measures, with a safety plan developed when appropriate. For incidents near the end of the school day, the superintendent or a designee could approve paid administrative leave for the following school day.

Bereavement leave would have to be used within one year of the death.

The district’s announcement also cited newly approved health insurance rates representing an investment of nearly $2.5 million.

Beginning in 2027, the agreement would provide an additional health savings account contribution for married couples who are both HSE certified bargaining unit employees. A $20,000 pool would be divided evenly among qualifying couples, who must notify the central office by Oct. 30 through an administration-provided survey.

The proposal would also add extracurricular compensation for high school esports, a student entrepreneurial class sponsor and a high school guidance counselor department chair, while increasing compensation multipliers for high school We the People sponsors and Guiding Coalition positions.

The district directs residents to its public notices page for the tentative agreement.

The nearly two-acre dog park at the Fishers Community Center will open to members Monday, Oct. 19, with a grand opening celebration scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Memberships are already sold out, but residents can join a waitlist for future openings.

The off-leash park will operate year-round and feature water stations, shaded areas and a separate section for small dogs weighing less than 35 pounds, according to a city news release.

Dog park memberships cost $72 for six months and will be offered for purchase twice a year. They are separate from community center memberships, which cover amenities such as the fitness center, aquatics facility and gymnasiums.

“A community dog park has been identified as a top request from residents since we conducted a community-wide survey back in 2021,” Mayor Scott Fadness said in the release.

The Oct. 27 celebration begins at 1 p.m. and will include brief remarks from Fadness and a ribbon cutting. The Humane Society for Hamilton County will be on-site, and Speck’s Pet Supplies will distribute gift bags to attendees.

The dog park’s opening comes shortly before the Fishers Community Center, Strengthened by IU Health, marks its first anniversary Nov. 1.

More information and the membership waitlist are available on the Fishers Community Center dog park website.

I spend much of my time covering local news in Fishers, but two longtime interests have never left me: movies and baseball. Both are part of this edition of Fridays With Larry.

I begin with a look at the movie business, from the experience of going to a theater to the questions artificial intelligence raises for filmmakers. There’s a local connection, too: the Heartland Film Festival.

Then I reach into the archives of Hamilton County Goes to the Movies, the podcast Adam Aasen and I once recorded together. You’ll hear Adam’s 2017 interview with director Rob Reiner about LBJ, comedy and The Princess Bride.

I close with some baseball memories and my thoughts on Shoeless Joe Jackson. His story raises a question that reaches beyond the game: What responsibility comes with knowing something is wrong and staying silent?

Fridays With Larry is sponsored by Citizens State Bank.

You can watch the video or listen to the audio using these links or the links below. Thanks for being here.

Ferras Abdalla says his two daughters are a major reason he is running for the Hamilton Southeastern School Board. One already attends HSE schools, and the other will follow when she is old enough.

Abdalla, a candidate in District 2, joins me for the latest installment in my series of podcasts with HSE School Board candidates. We discuss school finances, supporting teachers, academic priorities and how board members should listen to the people they represent.

His background in property management includes working with boards, managing budgets and bringing people with different viewpoints together. Abdalla says that experience would help him serve on the school board, where he wants to emphasize cooperation and transparency.

The HSE referendum is an important part of our conversation. Abdalla supports it, pointing to teacher compensation and retention as his primary reasons. But he says conversations with voters have given him a better understanding of concerns about the cost, including those raised by residents without children in the schools.

I also ask how he would approach spending decisions. Abdalla suggests reviewing vendor contracts, seeking competitive bids and exploring opportunities to work with other school districts on purchasing. If the referendum fails, he would look for additional support through sponsorships, private-sector partnerships and alumni donations.

On academics, Abdalla praises the work of HSE teachers and staff while calling for more opportunities for students to explore skilled trades. He sees standardized tests as one useful measure of learning, while recognizing that test scores cannot capture everything students know or can do.

Supporting teachers, in his view, also means giving them opportunities to be heard, access to district leadership and a positive working environment.

We discuss how to make the board more accessible to parents, how to weigh differing views from families, teachers and students, and where to draw the line between board oversight and the superintendent’s day-to-day responsibilities. Student safety, mental health and making students from different backgrounds feel welcome are also part of the conversation.

My thanks to Citizens State Bank for sponsoring this episode of LarryInFishers.

Listen to my full conversation with Ferras Abdalla at this link, or the link below.