Motorists traveling through one of Fishers’ busiest west-side intersections should prepare for construction later this spring as the city moves forward with roadway improvements at 116th Street and Allisonville Road.

City officials say construction on the project is expected to begin on or after March 30 and continue through October 2026. The work is aimed at improving traffic flow and safety at the heavily traveled crossing, which serves as a key north-south gateway into Fishers from Indianapolis and Carmel.

Originally, the project called for the construction of a roundabout. However, after updated traffic studies and additional analysis, the city decided to move in a different direction. Instead of a roundabout, crews will realign the eastbound approach of 116th Street and adjust pavement markings at the intersection to better accommodate traffic, particularly vehicles turning north onto Allisonville Road.

City officials say the revised design should help keep traffic moving more efficiently without requiring the larger reconstruction that a roundabout would have required.

The intersection sits along the Allisonville Road corridor, an area the city has identified for long-term improvements as part of broader redevelopment and mobility efforts on the west side of Fishers. The corridor includes nearby investments such as the new roundabout at 96th Street and Allisonville Road, upgrades to signal systems, beautification efforts, and new commercial development.

During construction, drivers can expect lane shifts, restrictions, and slower travel through the intersection, particularly during peak commuting hours. However, both the intersection and nearby businesses will remain open throughout the project, according to city officials.

As with most roadway projects in Indiana, work schedules may shift depending on weather conditions.

Fishers officials say the improvements should help the intersection accommodate projected traffic volumes for years to come, providing a safer and more efficient route for drivers traveling through the area.

The intersection of 116th Street and Allisonville Road was built in the late 1990s and has experienced steadily increasing traffic as Fishers has grown into one of the fastest-growing communities in Indiana, with a population approaching 107,000 residents.

When completed in the fall of 2026, city leaders say the project will represent another step in modernizing key transportation corridors across Fishers while supporting continued growth on the city’s west side.

Saturday’s matchup between the Fishers Freight and the Quad City Steamwheelers will not only open the Freight’s second season—it will also be the first Indoor Football League game played anywhere in 2026.

With the Freight the only team in action Saturday, the 5 p.m. kickoff at the Fishers Event Center will likely draw attention across the league.

A strong crowd is expected for the home opener. The central question heading into the season is simple: how much success can the Freight achieve in their second year?

Expansion teams often face difficult first seasons. By the time coach Dixie Wooten was hired to lead the Freight in their inaugural campaign, other IFL teams had already spent months signing players. Even so, the Freight won their first two games.

Roster instability—particularly at quarterback—soon followed and contributed to a nine-game losing streak. But despite being out of playoff contention late in the season, Wooten continued reshaping the roster. The result was a five-game winning streak to close the year.

That late surge helped establish a foundation for 2026. Fifteen players who were part of that closing run remain on the roster this season. Wooten said at the end of last year he hoped to bring most of those players back, and largely succeeded.

Quarterback Felix Harper, who helped lead the late-season turnaround, returns to guide the offense. Wooten is also enthusiastic about his offensive line, highlighted by the addition of Navaughn Donaldson, ranked the top offensive lineman in the IFL last season.

Josiah King, whom Wooten calls the “best running back in the league,” also returns for 2026.

Special teams could again be a strength. Wooten is pleased to have kicker Calum Sutherland back after he joined the team during the 2025 season and quickly became a key contributor. In the indoor game, the kicking unit often plays a critical role.

The Freight’s biggest challenge may come on defense. Wooten invited 21 defensive players to training camp—more than usual—to create intense competition for roster spots. The players on the field Saturday are those who made the final cut.

Meanwhile, the league has clarified its television broadcast arrangements for the 2026 season.

About half of all IFL games will be carried on Yahoo Sports. Saturday’s season opener in Fishers, along with the Freight’s March 21 road game at Green Bay, will stream there. The service is free but requires access through one of several platforms, including YahooSports.tv in a web browser, The Roku Channel, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, Plex, Vizio WatchFree+, Fubo, Sling Freestream and, in some markets, YouTube TV.

Games not carried on Yahoo Sports will stream on Overnght (spelled without the “i,” though pronounced “overnight”). The service focuses largely on Olympic-style sports and costs about $12 per month.

Fans can subscribe through Overnght.com or the Overnght mobile app and search the platform for specific IFL games.

With a stronger returning core and renewed expectations, the Fishers Freight enter the 2026 season hoping their late-season momentum from a year ago will carry them to a playoff berth in their second season in the Indoor Football League.

The Hamilton County Community Band has become a familiar musical presence across the county, offering audiences a chance to hear live concert band performances from a group made up entirely of volunteer musicians.

On this week’s episode of Fridays with Larry, I talk with Brian Wuerch, who handles announcing and public relations for the Hamilton County Community Band. We discuss how the group brings together musicians from around Hamilton County, the types of concerts they perform, and how the band continues to provide accessible live music for local communities.

The conversation also touches on the band’s upcoming performances and how residents can attend or even become involved with the organization.

I also discuss the situation at Hamilton Southeastern Schools that has led to a a lot of conversation in the Fishers area.

The Fridays With Larry podcast is sponsored by Citizens State Bank.

You can watch the video version of the podcast using this link or just listen at this link.  You can also use the links below.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness has endorsed Fishers City Councilor Tiffanie Ditlevson in her campaign for the Indiana State Senate District 31 seat.

The endorsement was announced Thursday in a campaign press release issued by Ditlevson’s campaign.

In the statement, Fadness described Ditlevson as a “proven, results-focused leader” who has demonstrated compassion and consistent engagement with the community.

“Tiffanie is the kind of leader who is consistently engaged with the community she serves,” Fadness said in the release. “She shows up, listens to residents, and works through issues with a compassionate, practical approach. That kind of constituent-focused leadership will serve Fishers well at the Statehouse.”

Ditlevson currently serves as an at-large member of the Fishers City Council. She is also a former U.S. Air Force major and combat veteran. Her campaign has emphasized what she describes as “common-sense conservative leadership,” with priorities that include protecting taxpayers, supporting Indiana families, preserving local control for communities, and ensuring state investments in infrastructure and education deliver value for residents.

“I’m honored to have Mayor Fadness’ support,” Ditlevson said in the campaign statement. “He has led Fishers through tremendous growth while maintaining a strong focus on quality of life, responsible planning, and strong public safety. I’m proud to serve our community alongside him.”

Ditlevson said her campaign is focused on bringing experience and accountability to the Statehouse, noting her background in both military service and public office.

“I’ve been accountable to voters across this community, worked on the local issues that directly affect families and neighborhoods, and led in both military service and public office,” she said. “I’m running to be a strong, credible voice for District 31 and to fight for responsible government, safe communities, and a stronger future for the next generation.”

In the same statement, Ditlevson said she believes she brings a unique set of qualifications to the race, including elected municipal experience and service as a combat veteran.

Indiana Senate District 31 includes portions of Fishers and surrounding areas in Hamilton County. The seat is currently held by Republican Kyle Walker.

Hamilton Southeastern School Board member Juanita Albright is also a candidate in this Republican primary election, along with Travis Hankins and Jan Kepley Keefer.

A dramatic shift in weather moved into the Fishers area Thursday, bringing sharply colder temperatures and strong winds in the forecast that prompted a Wind Advisory from the National Weather Service.

The advisory will be in effect from 5am until 8 p.m. Friday for much of central Indiana, including Hamilton County.

Forecasters say southwest winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour are expected throughout Friday, with gusts reaching as high as 50 miles per hour. The strongest winds are expected across north central Indiana, though the Fishers area is also experiencing significant gusts.

The windy conditions follow a steep drop in temperatures from Wednesday, making it feel noticeably colder across the region.

According to the National Weather Service, the strong winds could blow around unsecured outdoor objects and may break tree limbs. Isolated power outages are also possible if limbs fall onto power lines.

Drivers are urged to use extra caution, particularly those operating high-profile vehicles such as trucks, vans and SUVs. Strong crosswinds can make steering more difficult on open roads and highways.

Residents are also encouraged to secure outdoor furniture, trash containers and other loose items that could be carried by the wind.

Apex Benefits made a presentation to the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board Wednesday night outlining its consulting work for the district and the costs associated with those services.

Apex began its consulting contract with HSE Schools on July 1, 2024. In the first year, the firm charged the district $20,000 per month, or $240,000 for the year.

Beginning July 1, 2025, that cost was reduced to $7,232.28 per month, or $86,787 annually. Apex told the board there were no charges for July and August of 2025 due to what the firm described as “the value of ancillary commission received in the prior year.” That adjustment reduces the projected cost for the 2025–2026 contract year to $72,243.

HSE operates a self-funded employee health insurance plan administered by Anthem. Apex representatives explained that a self-funded system means the district directly pays medical claims rather than paying a fixed premium to an insurance company.

Because of that structure, Apex said a small number of very expensive claims—such as cancer treatments—can significantly affect overall costs. The firm said while those treatments are necessary and not something the district would deny, they can drive up the rates employees ultimately pay.

In July 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026, compared with July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025,  medical claims increased by 20.5 percent, or about $360,000 per month. That represents a projected increase of approximately $4.3 million over a 12-month period.

However, Apex said a change in the district’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager has produced significant savings. The firm reported pharmacy spending has dropped by about $133,000 per month, with projected annual savings of roughly $1.6 million.

Apex and HSE Schools are currently in the middle of a three-year contract. The school board is expected to consider an updated agreement at its next meeting reflecting the monthly consulting fee of $7,232.28 through June 30, 2027.

During the presentation, board member Latrica Schooley asked Apex how often school districts use a request for proposals (RFP) process to select benefits consultants. Apex representatives said some districts use an RFP process while others do not.

Under Indiana law, school districts are not required to issue bids or requests for proposals when hiring firms for consulting services, although some districts choose to use those procedures.

Apex Benefits is an Indianapolis-based employee benefits consulting and brokerage firm specializing in group health insurance and employee benefits strategy. Founded in 2003, the company says it focuses exclusively on advising private employers, governments and school districts on the design and management of employee benefit plans.

A panel of government, utility and economic development leaders gathered Wednesday in Indianapolis to discuss the growing role of data centers and how the rapidly expanding industry could affect communities across Central Indiana.

The discussion was hosted by the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA) and moderated by Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, who also serves as the organization’s vice chair.

Municipal leaders and industry experts participating in the panel included Bargersville Town Council President Andrew Greenwood, Morgan County Economic Development Corporation official Mike Dellinger, Patrick Maguire of AES, Justin Forshey of CenterPoint Energy, Ed Bukovac of Citizens Water, Erin Schneider and Kelley Karn of Duke Energy, and Chad Sweeney of Ginovus, a land-use consulting firm.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, who has been active in CIRDA’s regional economic development work, attended the meeting along with other local leaders from across Central Indiana.

Panelists discussed the infrastructure and resource requirements associated with data centers, including power, water usage and land needs. The technology sector has seen increasing demand for data centers as companies expand cloud computing and artificial intelligence capabilities.

Jensen said the goal of the session was to ensure communities have reliable information as they consider whether data center development fits their long-term plans.

“Today was a very important step for Central Indiana — which represents 40% of the state’s GDP — to have a factual conversation about data centers, knowing that this technology is going to continue to grow,” Jensen said.

CIRDA officials described the panel as part of a broader effort to develop a long-term regional economic development strategy that will help keep Central Indiana competitive globally.

“CIRDA is going to continue to be part of the discussion in Central Indiana, and we need to understand the facts around what type of energy uses they have, what type of water uses they have, what kind of land they’re looking for,” Jensen said. “Then, that allows us — on the local level — to go back and inform our citizens and have an honest conversation about our future.”

CIRDA meetings are open to the public and are scheduled for May 13, July 15 and September 16 at IU Indianapolis’ Hine Hall, Kelley Room 137, located at 875 W. North Street in Indianapolis. Meetings run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Jim Self will no longer serve as Athletic Director at Hamilton Southeastern High School, but will instead take on a new role as city-district athletic director under a new five-year interlocal agreement between Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools and the City of Fishers.

Under the agreement, Self will remain an employee of HSE Schools, but the City of Fishers will reimburse the school district for his compensation.

The pact also calls for approximately $3.6 million in improvements to athletic facilities at both Hamilton Southeastern High School and Fishers High School. The partnership is designed to expand access to athletic facilities, enhance those facilities and strengthen coordination between school and community athletic programs.

The agreement also includes plans to improve data collection and scheduling systems used to book athletic fields, allowing for more efficient use of those facilities.

Improvements at both high school campuses are expected to begin this spring and be completed by late summer.

The announcement came during the annual joint meeting between the Fishers Mayor and City Council and the HSE School Board.

City officials also presented results from a recent community survey. According to the city, 90 percent of respondents said they would recommend HSE Schools to others, while 92 percent said they would recommend Fishers as a place to live. The survey also found that 92 percent of respondents said they feel safe in Fishers and 93 percent rated the city’s quality of life as exceptionally strong.

Fishers has a long history of partnering with HSE Schools, and Mayor Scott Fadness and members of his staff outlined a number of ongoing joint initiatives.

One of the most visible collaborations is the placement of School Resource Officers (SROs) — uniformed police officers — inside school buildings. There are currently 16 SROs jointly funded by the city and the school district.

The city also plans to add two School Safety Officers (SSOs), positions typically filled by recently retired law enforcement officers. Mayor Fadness said the city will fully fund the new SSO positions for now as the school district works through current budget challenges.

Ever since Patrick Mapes became superintendent of Hamilton Southeastern Schools in February of 2024, Dr. Matt Kegley has served as deputy superintendent. Mapes made it clear that when he was away from the district, Kegley would handle day-to-day leadership at the district’s administration building.

Now, following Mapes’ surprise resignation, the school board is moving quickly to place Kegley in charge.

Board President Tiffany Pascoe quickly announced the board’s intention to appoint Kegley as interim superintendent to lead the district during the transition.

Kegley has spent much of his career in the HSE district and has held a wide range of roles in education. His experience includes time as a teacher, assistant principal and athletic director. He later served as principal at Riverside Junior High and then at Hamilton Southeastern High School before moving into district administration.

As part of his appointment as interim superintendent, Kegley will receive an additional $375 per week.

The board voted unanimously Wednesday naming Kegley to the interim position.

School board members have not indicated how long Kegley will serve in the interim role. The board has also not announced whether it plans to conduct a formal search for a permanent superintendent.