Conner Prairie Opens New Museum Experience Center
Hamilton County civic and business leaders gathered March 30 as Conner Prairie officially opened its new Museum Experience Center, marking a major milestone in a $44 million privately funded expansion.
The building, originally opened as the Welcome Center in 1988, has been transformed into an indoor, interactive museum space operating year-round, six days a week. Conner Prairie President and CEO Norman Burns described the project as years in the making, calling it a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal” aimed at changing how people experience museums.
Major Roadwork Planned at 116th and Allisonville
Construction is set to begin as you read this at one of Fishers’ busiest intersections—116th Street and Allisonville Road—with work expected to continue through October 2026.
City officials say the project is designed to improve traffic flow and safety along a key corridor connecting Fishers with Indianapolis and Carmel. Plans have shifted from an earlier roundabout concept. Instead, the project will realign the eastbound approach of 116th Street and adjust pavement markings to better handle turning traffic.
Cumberland Road Widening Moves Toward 2027 Construction
The long-anticipated widening of Cumberland Road between 106th and 116th streets is now expected to go out for bid later this year, with construction beginning in 2027.
The update was presented March 24 to the Fishers Board of Works and Public Safety. The board approved a $237,000 utility reimbursement agreement with Duke Energy, part of ongoing relocation work that continues to delay the project.
HSE Superintendent Announces Resignation
Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent Patrick Mapes has stepped down.
Mapes, who came out of retirement in February 2024 to lead the district, cited academic progress during his tenure, including record IREAD-3 scores and graduation rates. In a letter to families and staff, he said his focus was improving outcomes in an already high-performing district.
HSE Expands Experiential Learning with Industry Partnership
Hamilton Southeastern Schools are expanding hands-on learning opportunities through a new partnership with SMC Corporation of Noblesville.
Officials marked the collaboration March 23 with a ribbon-cutting at HSE High School for new manufacturing equipment. The equipment will be used by students from both HSE and Fishers high schools, providing real-world experience with advanced manufacturing tools and preparing students for post-graduation careers.
New City-District Athletic Director Role Established
Jim Self will transition from his role as athletic director at Hamilton Southeastern High School to serve as a city-district athletic director under a new five-year interlocal agreement between HSE Schools and the City of Fishers.
Under the agreement, Self remains an HSE employee, with the city reimbursing the district for his compensation. The partnership also includes approximately $3.6M in athletic facility improvements at both high schools, aimed at expanding community access and coordination.
Fishers Robotics Team Earns Statewide Honors
The Fishers High School robotics team, FRC #5010 Tiger Dynasty, earned finalist honors and a major statewide award at a competition in Columbus.
Competing against 38 teams, the 57-member group advanced to the playoff rounds and served as an alliance captain before finishing as a finalist. The team also received the prestigious FIRST Engineering Inspiration Award, sponsored by SpaceX.
4-H Fairgrounds Campaign Enters Public Phase
The Friends of Hamilton County Extension have launched the public phase of a major fundraising campaign to enhance the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds as part of the Silos @ 37 project.
Organizers say more than $4 million has already been secured through donations, grants, and pledges. The public kickoff took place during the “Denim & Diamonds” event on March 6, where early donors—including the Beck and Reynolds families, along with Charlotte and Forrest Lucas—were recognized.
