Fishers residents with tender plants still outdoors may want to cover them tonight.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued a frost advisory for much of central Indiana, including Hamilton County, from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday. Forecasters say temperatures could dip as low as 35 degrees, cold enough for frost to form on grass, rooftops, car windshields and exposed vegetation.

The advisory also covers portions of east central, north central, south central, southeast, southwest and west central Indiana.

According to the weather service, frost could damage sensitive outdoor vegetation, and plants left uncovered may be killed.

Tonight is expected to be clear with a low around 36 and a light southeast wind. Clear skies and light winds are the classic recipe for frost because heat escapes quickly from the ground overnight, allowing frost to form even when the official air temperature stays a few degrees above freezing.

Protecting your plants

Gardeners can take a few simple steps before heading to bed Sunday night:

• Bring potted plants, hanging baskets and herbs indoors or into a garage.
• Cover in-ground plants with old sheets, blankets or burlap, letting the fabric reach the ground to trap warmth. Avoid letting plastic touch the leaves directly.
• Harvest any remaining tomatoes, peppers, basil and other cold-sensitive produce.
• Remove coverings Monday morning once temperatures rise.

Hardy fall favorites such as mums, pansies, kale and ornamental cabbage typically handle a light frost without trouble.

Monday morning commute

Drivers should allow a few extra minutes Monday to scrape frosty windshields. P

Warm, dry week ahead

The chill will not last long. Monday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 68 and calm winds, and temperatures will climb into the low 70s by midweek.

The forecast calls for sunshine every day through Saturday:

• Monday: Patchy frost early, then sunny, high near 68. Low around 38.
• Tuesday: Sunny, high near 70. Low around 42.
• Wednesday: Sunny, high near 71. Low around 43.
• Thursday: Sunny, high near 71. Low around 46.
• Friday: Sunny, high near 69. Low around 44.
• Saturday: Sunny, high near 69.

The stretch of dry, mild weather should be good news for fall yard work and weekend outdoor events across Fishers.

Frost advisories are a regular part of the season in central Indiana as fall settles in. Once a hard, widespread freeze ends the growing season, the weather service typically stops issuing frost advisories for the area until spring.

There are two weeks each year when Fishers seems to ease off the accelerator: fall break and spring break.

Traffic feels a little lighter. Getting a table at a local restaurant can be a little easier. In a community where school schedules shape so much of daily life, the change is noticeable.

Now it is fall break’s turn.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools students are off Oct. 19–23, with classes resuming Monday, Oct. 26, according to the district’s calendar.

HSE serves families across Delaware, Fall Creek and Wayne townships, so a week away from the classroom has a reach well beyond the school buildings.

At the Oct. 14 school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley reminded the community that the break began after classes ended Friday, Oct. 16. Even when suitcases are packed and vacation plans are calling, there is still that final school day to finish.

For some families, the break means heading to Florida or another vacation destination. Others will visit friends and relatives, while plenty will enjoy the time off close to home.

Of course, a school break does not necessarily mean a break from work for parents. A week without classes can require some juggling, with grandparents, relatives and other caregivers helping fill the gap.

I know a little about that. Our grandson, a kindergartener at an HSE school, will be spending some time at our home during the week. Our household may be a bit busier even if the roads are a bit quieter.

For those staying here, fall break offers a chance to enjoy an autumn walk, visit a local park or simply spend some time together without the usual school-day rush. A vacation does not have to involve an airport or a long drive.

As for LarryInFishers.com, I will still be here on the Internet, keeping an eye on the news. The local meeting calendar sometimes seems to catch its breath along with everyone else at fall break, but news does not always follow the school schedule.

Whether you are traveling, welcoming family or staying close to home, enjoy fall break.

The Indy Fuel staged a furious third-period comeback Saturday night, but an early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Cincinnati Cyclones handed the Fuel a 4-3 loss at the Fishers Event Center.

Playing their second game in as many nights, the Fuel faced a Cincinnati team making its 2026-27 regular-season debut with a substantially rebuilt roster. The Cyclones, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, entered the season with nine players assigned by the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies.

The infusion of talent was evident early as Cincinnati controlled much of the opening period, taking advantage of two Indy turnovers to build a 2-0 lead.

Continue reading Late Fuel rally falls short as Cincinnati Cyclones win 4-3 in Fishers →

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.