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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 24

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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Noblesville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

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Wayne Township Board challengers focus on growth, transparency

Compiled by Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Five Republicans are vying for three seats on the Wayne Township Board in the May 5 primary election. The candidates are incumbents Maegen R. Fleck, Robert Dustin Hiday and Joy Sisson Kiskaden, and challengers Eric Cunningham and Joshua Pascoe. There are no Democratic candidates. Cunningham and Pascoe provided the following responses to Current regarding their candidacies. Fleck, Hiday and Kiskaden did not respond before press time. We will include their response at youarecurrent.com if we receive them.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE?

Cunningham: I am running to help manage challenges due to development and growth in Wayne Township and to help navigate legislative changes that may be coming to township government.

Pascoe: Hamilton

City of Noblesville, which may give a new perspective to the board.

Pascoe: Proven board leadership under pressure. I spent 12 years with ASK and Indiana Family to Family as treasurer and board president, guiding them through a merger amid economic turmoil while shifting administrations. I know how to read a budget, lead a board and surface issues others miss.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE CAMPAIGN ISSUES?

Cunningham: Transparency — I would look for opportunities to make it easier for township residents to access board agendas/documents; Fiscal restraint — As a taxpayer, I believe there should be fiscal restraint at all levels of government; Openness to reform — If the state forces consolidation or it would benefit township residents to voluntarily consolidate, I am open to working with city or county government units to make that as smooth of a transition as possible.

township stronger.

REGARDING RECENT LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS TO CONSOLIDATE OR ELIMINATE TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WHAT IS YOUR STANCE ON TOWNSHIP REFORM, AND HOW WILL YOU JUSTIFY YOUR TOWNSHIP’S CONTINUED EXISTENCE?

Cunningham: Township government needs to provide value. If a township is not performing or services could be more efficiently delivered by another unit of government, it may make sense to consolidate. I think Wayne Township gets it right, but we should always evaluate if there is a better way.

Pascoe: Township government is the closest government to the people and often the leanest. Reform should sharpen accountability, not eliminate the local services residents rely on most. I’ll justify Wayne Township’s existence the right way — transparent budgets, strong services and results residents can measure for themselves.

County has been home nearly my entire life, and Wayne Township for over 12 years. After leading two nonprofits serving Indiana families of children and youth with diverse health and mental health needs through a merger and shifting economic headwinds, I’m ready to bring that stewardship to our township.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENTS?

Cunningham: One thing that sets me apart from the current board members is that I reside in the portion of the township that is incorporated in the

Pascoe: Fiscal responsibility — transparent, plain-language budgets residents can verify. Strong township services — fire protection, emergency response and relief done right. And the issues nobody’s raising — infrastructure strain from growth, aging assets and long-term reserve planning.

WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT VOTERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Cunningham: I am the assistant chief of the Noblesville Police Department, where I have 20 years of experience. I enjoy volunteering with the Indiana Parkinson Foundation and am a volunteer coach with the Body in Training Track Club. I am also a veteran of the United States Army.

Pascoe: I’m a husband, neighbor, state delegate, community advocate and man of faith. I’ve led boards through hard seasons. I’m not running for a title — I’m running to serve and leave this

HOW WILL YOU BALANCE WAYNE TOWNSHIP’S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE WITH INCREASING PRESSURES FROM SUBURBAN SPRAWL?

Cunningham: As the city grows, the need for township assistance will grow, but that also means the tax base for fire protection in the unincorporated township shrinks. The expansion of the city into the township will create both challenges and opportunities, and I will support the trustee in managing those changes.

Pascoe: Wayne Township’s farmland and rural character are our identity, not obstacles to growth. As someone who’s watched this county transform over a lifetime, I’ll advocate for thoughtful zoning, protect property rights and ensure infrastructure keeps pace. Farmers built Wayne Township.

Cunningham

Pascoe

•

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Commissioners OK mural, 2027 meeting dates

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

During their April 13 meeting, the Hamilton County Commissioners approved new software for the Hamilton County Emergency Management Department, a mural for the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District building and an exception for seasonal work hours for the Hamilton County Parks Department. Meeting dates and times for 2027 also have been set. The first meeting of each month will be held at 1 p.m., and the second meeting of each month will be held at 12:15 p.m. Meeting dates are Jan. 11; Jan. 25; Feb. 8; Feb. 22; March 8; March 22.; April 12; April 26; May 10; May 24; June 14; June 28; July 12; July 26; Aug 9; Aug. 13; Sept. 13; Sept. 27; Oct. 11; Oct. 25; Nov. 8; Nov. 22; Dec. 6; and Dec. 20.

The next commissioners meeting is at 1 p.m. April 27 at the Hamilton County Judicial Center.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved an addendum to terms of services from the Hamilton County Emergency Management Department for GovWorx, Inc.

 WHAT IT MEANS: GovWorx, Inc. is a new testing software that will be implemented for new hires for communications.

 WHAT’S NEXT: Dispatchers, specifically, will be put through a new series of tests during the hiring process. Instead of taking a standard test, the

new software allows them to do real-life interfacing and work directly in systems closely resembling what they would be if they were a communications dispatcher.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved a mural for the side of the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District building.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The new mural will showcase the department’s new logo and colors. It will be four panels, hand-painted and tie in wildlife, water quality, community involvement and urban conservation.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved an exception for seasonal work hours for the Hamilton County Parks Department.

 WHAT IT MEANS: Because of staff shortages, the exception allows parttime, seasonal employees of the parks and recreation department to exceed 29 work hours per week or 129 hours per month for the 2026 summer season. Normal work hours, for those considered seasonal part-time, will be 37.5 hours per week for those working with events, programs, campground or maintenance.

 WHAT’S NEXT:The employment period will be approximately mid-April to October. No part-time employee will work more than 1,500 hours in 2026.

Rendering of a mural that will be painted on the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District building at 1721 Pleasant St., in Noblesville. (Rendering from of meeting documents)

Council OKs parking changes

news@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Common Council approved parking changes at their April 14 meeting.

The changes, which will go into effect April 23, include:

• Increasing free weekday street parking from two hours to three hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free, no-limit parking will continue in the evening after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

• Removing parking meters in the orange and gold lots. Free parking in these lots will be available for up to three hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays with no change to the unlimited time on nights and weekends.

• The teal lots at Federal Hill Commons will feature free, three-hour parking weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no limit during evenings and weekends.

• Moving free street parking along north 8th and 10th streets to a three-hour limit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

• Updating parking in the Levinson and Federal Hill parking garages from four hours of free parking to three hours of free parking and $2 thereafter.

“These parking updates keep downtown accessible and welcoming, which

square and local businesses.

Residents previously gave mixed reactions regarding the changes.

All lot signage will be updated to universal public parking standards, along with additional wayfinding signage to direct the public to off-street parking.

Baldwin bills become law

news@currentnoblesville.com

Three bills co-authored by State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) were signed into law April 14 by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun.

According to Baldwin’s office, Senate Enrolled Act 189, authored by Baldwin, Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) and Sen. Tyler Johnson (R-Leo), builds on the federal No Surprises Act of 2021 by triggering a good faith conference between parties to negotiate a reimbursement agreement instead of conducting an Independent Dispute Resolution case to avoid delays in medical care and increased costs.

Baldwin said SEA189 will alleviate burdens and enhance competitiveness within Indiana’s health care marketplace.

The second law signed, Senate Enrolled Act 227, authored by Baldwin, Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis) and Sen. Cyndi Carrasco (R-Indianapolis), creates a federally compliant framework to allow law enforcement throughout the state to detect and respond to unauthorized drones only when federal law permits.

The third law signed, Senate Enrolled Act 291, authored by Baldwin, Carrasco and Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), repeals the existing Supreme Court Sheriff safety model and replaces it with a dedicated Supreme Court Marshal.

Baldwin said SEA227 ensures Indiana is prepared to respond to the threats drones present to large public events, airports and critical infrastructure, and SEA291 ensures judges can do their job without fear of intimidation.

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Like many Indiana communities, Noblesville has seen a rise in utility costs.

Noblesville resident Megan Trainor, who lives in an apartment on the east side of Noblesville that uses Duke Energy, said her electric bill is the highest she has ever received.

“My electric bill in a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment where I am the only occupant and am gone at work all day five days a week had electric bills of $275 for January and February of this year,” Trainor said. “I’ve never had an electric bill that large even though I have lived in much larger all electric homes in Hamilton County.”

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is conducting an Investigative Inquiry on Energy Affordability. The commission held a listening session at Noblesville City Hall April 8 about rising utility bills — one of 10 sessions planned across the state.

The investigation, concerning the five largest electric investor-owned utilities, began March 24. According to the IURC, representatives with AES Indiana, CenterPoint Energy Indiana, Duke Energy Indiana, LLC, Indiana Michigan Power Co. and Northern Indiana Public Service Co., LLC made presentations and answered questions on topics related to energy affordability.

“We share the commission’s focus on affordability and are committed to keeping costs as low as possible while delivering the reliable service customers expect,” said Angeline Protogere, a spokesperson for Duke Energy.

State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) said hearing firsthand from residents made it clear that although Hamilton County’s electric rates are below the state and national averages, the rate of increase causes strain.

“My focus remains on ensuring any future adjustments are transparent, predictable and tied strictly to essential infrastructure and reliability,” Baldwin said.

Those unable to attend can submit comments to IURCListeningSessions@ urc.in.gov.

Ivy Tech day set for April 21

news@currentnoblesville.com

Ivy Tech Hamilton County’s annual Ivy Tech Day, a statewide day of giving, is set for April 21.

The Hamilton County Commissioners declared the day as Hamilton County’s celebration of Ivy Tech and will light the courthouse green in celebration. The campus will highlight the impact of philanthropy and support students pursuing education and training for in-demand careers.

“Ivy Tech Day is a day where the community comes together and supports opportunities for students,” said Rachel Kartz, chancellor of Ivy Tech Hamilton County. “All of the dollars raised on that day go directly to supporting students in our Area of Greatest Needs fund.”

Stephannie Bailey, president of the Ivy Tech Foundation, said the day is significant for everyone associated with the college.

“People across the state come together to support our students, celebrate our alumni and enhance the impact we have in Indiana,” Bailey stated. “Ivy Tech Day is a moment where we can celebrate our

successes and nurture the opportunities ahead. We look forward to alumni and friends joining us on this special day.”

Ivy Tech Hamilton County has set a goal to raise $45,000 in unrestricted support this year.

“Indiana communities rely on Ivy Tech to produce a workforce that will support their community workforce needs for decades to come,” stated Marty Pollio, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “We are excited to join hands with our friends and supporters to grow what we’ve started.”

The Hamilton County campus has embraced the theme “Hog Wild for Ivy Tech,” celebrating its campus mascot. Throughout the day, supporters are encouraged to share messages on social media and participate in giving challenges. In addition to online giving, the campus will host an on-site celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a bracelet bar, games provided by SERVE Village, food and music, among other activities.

Starting at midnight April 21, anyone can give for 24 hours at giveday.ivytech. edu/hamiltoncounty26.

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Farmers market returns

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Farmers Market, presented by Noblesville Main Street, returns May 2 to Federal Hill Commons. The market will run each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through Oct. 10.

Market manager Maggie Williams said guests can expect an easier shopping experience this year. New vendors also will be featured, with vendor applications higher than ever before.

“We are making it more accessible,” Williams said. “On our layout and maps, we’re going to have different colors for different vendors. Produce is going to be green, and meat is going to be red. We’ve also got some new cheese, produce and mushroom vendors, and we have a new orchard that came on, so we’ll have some apricots and cherries and apples that are local.”

Several market events will return. Kids days, which celebrate young entrepreneurs by encouraging kids to sell their products, will be June 11, July 13 and Sept. 12.

The wellness series from 8 to 9 a.m. and concert series also will return each Saturday. Health days, which feature additional vendors, will be on the third Saturday of each month.

The market’s annual Mother’s Day Brunch is from 8:30 a.m. to noon May 9. This year, the 21-and-older event has a jazz lounge theme. Tickets are $15.

“We’ve got mimosas they can purchase separately, but it includes coffee and pastries and attendees can sit and listen to the jazz duo,” Williams said. For more, visit noblesvillemainstreet. org/farmers-market.

SMC to host Community Day

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

SMC Corp. of America, which designs and manufactures advanced components and integrated solutions for the automation, controls and process industries, will celebrate National Pneumatics Day this month.

Headquartered at 10100 SMC Blvd. in Noblesville, SMC will host its fifth annual Community Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25, offering a behindthe-scenes look at the power of pneumatics and the future of advanced manufacturing.

Hannah Morrison, SMC manager of corporate communications, said the free event will offer an interactive experience designed to highlight how automation and pneumatic systems power everything from manufacturing lines to everyday products.

Attendees will experience:

• Hands-on STEM activities led by SMC engineers and team members

• Live demonstrations of automation and advanced manufacturing technology

• Behind-the-scenes facility tours

• Bounce houses, local vendors and food trucks on site

The event is part of SMC’s broader commitment to workforce development and community engagement, including partnerships with local schools, internship programs and ongoing investment in STEM education initiatives.

“We have a pretty extensive partnership with local schools throughout central Indiana,” Morrison said. “We offer internships for high schoolers and college students year round, where we can give them hands-on experience. Additionally, we’ve got pilot programs at Hamilton Southeastern Schools, where we recently donated a number of CNC machines that have made their school system one of the most advanced in the country.”

Morrison said SMC also will soon offer an apprenticeship program for HSE students to train on-site after they’ve done additional training at their school — promising them a job at the completion of their course.

Register at eventbrite. com/e/1983458178806.

The Noblesville Farmers Market will include up to 115 vendors throught the season. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville Main Street)

Q&A: Meet the county sheriff candidates

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

Dustin K. Dixon and John Lowes are vying for the Republican nomination for Hamilton County sheriff in the May 5 primary election. Incumbent Dennis Quakenbush cannot run again because of term limits. No Democratic candidates filed to run.

Dixon and Lowes answered the following questions from Current.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR SHERIFF?

Dixon: I’ve been honored to serve our community throughout my adult life. After 25 years of service at this agency, I understand its inner workings and relationships that define it. Leadership must support the staff and set the correct tone for the betterment of the agency and those it serves.

Lowes: I love our community and want to utilize my training, education and experience to keep it safe. People move to Hamilton County because it is safe, stable and well-run. My goal is to protect what people have built, enforce the laws fairly and keep Hamilton County safe for the next generation.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENT?

Dixon: I’ve worked at the agency for my entire professional career. I’ve served in nearly every job assignment and on nearly every specialty team the agency has. Additionally, I’ve been a partner in a successful security consulting and staffing business. I’m wellversed in employee relations along with budgeting expenses and income.

Lowes: I am in my 28th year of fulltime, sworn police service. I have 16 years of executive-level experience in law enforcement. In my current role as chief deputy, I supervise the agency’s six division commanders, oversee dayto-day operations of the sheriff’s office and jail and manage the $34 million budget.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE CAMPAIGN ISSUES?

Dixon: Crime, including the influx of violent crime from surrounding areas and proactive response to those issues; Retention and wellness of our officers and staff; Positioning the sheriff’s office for the future requires increased service within the Corrections and Court Divisions and specialized law enforcement services within our Operations Division.

Lowes: Law and order, protecting Constitutional rights, lower taxes and smaller government.

HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS JAIL OVERCROWDING AND THE NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT IN CORRECTIONS?

Dixon: The jail is operating well within its designed capacity. The majority of incarcerated individuals suffer from some type of mental health and/or substance abuse issue. Agency leadership must continue to support inmates, service providers and staff. I will continue offering programs that meet these needs and innovate with other approaches.

Lowes: The county jail has 525 beds and currently houses approximately 400 individuals daily. There is ongoing discussion about creating a mental health court. I support this because I believe it will provide a path for those with mental health challenges to better adjust to life after court proceedings.

HOW SHOULD THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE WORK WITH ICE IN LOCAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT?

WHAT, IF ANY, BOUNDARIES SHOULD BE IN PLACE?

Dixon: We will always work with and support our federal law enforcement partners. My expectation for any agency we partner with is well-trained, professional and accountable public safety-personnel.

Lowes: I already lead Hamilton County’s Immigration Commission because this issue is not theoretical. Drug trafficking, human smuggling and repeat violent offenders do real harm. Hamilton County has never been a sanctuary county, and under my leadership, it never will be.

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Shamrocks senior softball player off to fast start

By Mark Ambrogi mark@yourecurrent.com

Westfield High School senior center fielder Makayla Watson has learned to take a philosophical approach to playing softball.

“I’ve made the most improvement in my mental game over my career,” she said. “You fail way more than you succeed in this sport, and that was something I used to let affect me and my performance. But now I am able to embrace the failure, learn from it and use it to make me a better player.”

Along with a deep run in the postseason, Watson said one of her goals is being a good leader. New Shamrocks coach Maddie Moore said she has handled the role well.

“She is definitely one of our natural leaders on the team when it comes to skills and doing what’s right,” said Moore, a 2017 Noblesville High School graduate who played softball at Butler University. “She’s a really hard worker. Even before the game, she has her headphones in, and she is just locked in. She is tracking down balls in the out-

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Favorite movie: “How to Lose a Guy in 10 days”

Favorite TV show: “Stranger Things”

Favorite vacation spot: Outer Banks

Favorite subject: Math

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field, and she is fast. She does a really good job using her IQ to help her game situations.”

Moore said Watson helps the Shamrocks’ two freshmen.

“She has taken them under her wing and made sure she is talking with them,” Moore said.

In the first seven games, Watson has a .483 batting average and seven stolen

Westfield High School senior center fielder Makayla Watson is a fouryear starter. (Photo courtesy of Rocks Media House)

bases. She is seeking to break her own school single-season stolen base record of 24, which she shares with Avery Parker. Watson hit .444 as a junior.

“When the defense doesn’t know what’s coming, whether you are going to slap, stay in the box and hit or bunt (it’s an advantage),” Moore said.

A four-year varsity starter, Watson said her primary strengths are her work ethic, ability to read the defense at the plate, speed and softball IQ.

“Some things I am currently working on are improving my explosive power

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and the placement of my slaps,” she said.

Watson started playing softball at age 6. She also played soccer, volleyball, basketball and was a competitive gymnast but focused on softball by age 10.

Watson will play for North Carolina State next season.

“Key factors in choosing N.C. State were the feeling of home as soon as I stepped on campus, the surrounding area of Raleigh, and most importantly, the coaching staff and the culture they created for the program,” she said. “I will report there at the end of June, but I will continue to play a couple tournaments with my travel team for my final season.”

Watson interned at The Freak Performance, an athletic training facility, in Westfield this school year.

“While I am not majoring in a related field, it has taught me collaboration, communication skills, what it is like to run a business and attention to detail,” said Watson, who plans to major in biology and wants a career in anesthesiology. “I also train there, which has taught me a lot about how to recover my body and strengthen it for my sport.”

PETER SWIATEK, MD

Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon

HAND to host conference

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

The nonprofit Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development Inc. will host its 12th annual Suburban Housing Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23 at the IMMI Conference Center at 18880 East St. in Westfield.

Presented by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, the conference will include local elected officials, municipal staff, developers, employers, lenders and nonprofit leaders from across Hamilton, Boone and Tipton counties.

HAND Marketing and Fundraising Manager Kerri Hubble said the conference will focus on solutions to housing issues.

“We’ve been doing this long enough that everybody knows there’s a problem,” Hubble said. “So last year, we really switched to being more of a solutions kind of conference.”

The theme is “From Plans to Places: Turning Housing Systems into Real Homes.”

The conference is split into three

interactive sessions, with focuses on the housing market, land use and problem-solving.

“The benefit for the overall greater community is just a better understanding of the decisions that are being made and the way things play out,” Hubble said. “This is just a better way for people to get involved in that and have a better understanding of (why) those decisions and tradeoffs are made through the development process.”

Hubble also noted that the conference will focus on all housing issues, not only affordable housing.

For more, visit tinyurl.com/2dt37fsh.

The 12th annual HAND Suburban Housing Conference will take place April 23 at the IMMI Conference Center in Westfield. (Photo courtesy of HAND)

Council approves residential development, reviews two

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Common Council approved a residential development and reviewed two others at its April 14 meeting.

The next council meeting is at 6 p.m. April 28 at City Hall, 16 S. 10th St.

COURTYARDS OF DEER CREEK

The council approved a residential development — Courtyards of Deer Creek — on 80 acres north of 158th Street and east of Olio Road. The 55-and-older development by Epcon Communities previously went before the council Dec. 16, 2025, and was recommended for approval by the Noblesville Plan Commission Feb. 17.

The community will feature 160 single-family courtyard-style homes, with values ranging between $450,000 and $1 million. Because of a floodway traversing the site from northeast to southwest, 31 homes will be constructed on the west side of Sand Creek, with remaining lots to be constructed on the east side of the parcel.

Councilor Aaron Smith said it was approved with a caveat.

“The council had concerns about connectivity within the development but acknowledged there’s a regulated drain that goes through,” he said. “The compromise we struck was that they’re able to build on the eastern portion but have to come back to us with their solution for the vehicular access across the easement before starting on the western portion.”

Epcon plans to construct a bridge over the regulated drain in the floodway. If the required local, state and federal permits cannot be secured, Epcon must go back through the plan commission and council to amend the Courtyards of Deer Creek Planned Development Ordinance to create two separate projects.

WOODCROFT

The council reviewed introductory information for a residential development to be known as Woodcroft on 130 acres north of 156th Street and west of Prairie Baptist Road.

The development, proposed by Len-

nar, would have 300 homesites with pond features and approximately 16 acres of tree preservation. Four home types would be available, with prices estimated to range between $400,000 and $550,000.

Amenities would include pathways throughout the community; a clubhouse; fitness center; pool; playground; pickleball courts; and an orchard and community garden.

The development will go before the

Noblesville Plan Commission in May to be reviewed before returning to the council for final approval.

WINSLOW HILLS

The council reviewed introductory information for a proposed residential development to be known as Winslow Hills on 160 acres on the southwest corner of E. 156th Street and Cyntheanne Road.

The development, proposed by Lennar, would be a gated community featuring 200 homesites, 2.52 miles of internal paths and multiple pond features. A structure on the property, the former Fairview Schoolhouse, would be developed into the Fairview Post Office where residents can collect their mail. The development also would feature an indoor pickleball facility called The Court Club Lounge.

Home values are estimated to range between $650,000 and $900,000. The development will go before the Noblesville Plan Commission in May to be reviewed before returning to the council for final approval.

Site map for Winslow Hills. (Map courtesy of Lennar)

Man charged with sex crimes

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

A Noblesville man is charged with child solicitation, two counts of performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor, display of matter harmful to minors and possession of child sex abuse material.

John Hagan was arrested April 8. He has since been released from the Hamilton County Jail on a $125,000 bond. His jury trial is set for July 13.

According to court documents, a Noblesville Police Department officer responded to a Noblesville home Feb. 3, where the complainant advised that her husband, Hagan, had shown sexual material and toys to her 7-year-old daughter, who is not the biological daughter of the accused. The victim’s mother works at a preschool and noticed her daughter sitting in “sexually suggestive” positions. The mother thought the behavior was odd, as did another teacher at the school.

Court documents say on the way

home, the mother asked the victim where she learned to sit like that, and she stated, “Daddy showed me a video.” The victim told her mom that Hagan had shown her sexual material and a toy. When the mother questioned Hagan, he acknowledged he had shown the victim the toy and a video and “explained” it to her but gave no further information. The mother told Hagan to leave and he did.

According to court documents, an interview was conducted with the victim Feb. 4. at the Cherish Center. The victim described that her dad was doing “inappropriate stuff,” which she described in graphic detail. The victim said she told the accused to stop and started crying, and he told her not to tell anyone what he showed her.

Court documents say when the victim was asked if anyone had tried to get her to touch them, she said, “Yes, dad.” The victim said she told him no and ran out of the room.

Read the full story at youarecurrent. com.

Hagan

• Laser and surgical treatment for ingrown and fungal nails

• Diabetic and Non Diabetic foot care

• Plantar warts/ callouses

• Heel pain/orthotics

 Kindergarten enrollment opens — Noblesville Schools kindergarten enrollment is open now. Children must be at least 5 years old on or before Aug. 1, 2026 to enroll for kindergarten or qualify through the school’s early entrance process. For more, visit bit.ly/48MSEsM.

 Property Tax Statements — Hamilton County property tax statements for 2026 are being mailed out. The spring due date is May 11 and the fall due date is Nov. 10. Payments can be made in the treasurer’s office by cash or check only. Credit and debit cards are accepted only on the county’s website with an additional 2.5 percent fee or by e-check for $1. BMO Bank, Community First Bank of Indiana, Farmers Bank, First Farmers Bank, Horizon Bank, Merchants Bank of Indiana and Star Financial Bank are accepting payments through May 11. For more, visit secure2.hamiltoncounty. in.gov/PropertyReports/index.aspx.

 Community Banking Month — Community First Bank of Indiana is launching a checking account promotion designed

to make a direct impact across Hamilton County for Community Banking Month. Through May 2, for every new personal or business checking account opened at CFB’s Hamilton County branches, the bank will donate $20 on the customer’s behalf to the Hamilton County Community Foundation. The impact of each donation will be tripled through the Lilly Endowment GIFT IX matching program, turning every $20 contribution into $60. For more, visit CFBindiana.com/ locations.

 Procurement Portal — Hamilton County has launched a new online Procurement Portal powered by OpenGov, providing vendors with a centralized platform to view bid opportunities, receive notifications and submit proposals electronically. The new system allows vendors to register, track solicitations and respond to requests for proposals, bids and other purchasing opportunities. Vendor registration is free. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/2130/ Bid-Opportunities-and-Solicitation.

Community Health Network is dedicated to breaking down barriers of healthcare and providing care when and where you need it. That’s why we’re continually expanding our reach — with same-day appointments, virtual care, and more primary care providers, plus new locations, like our recently opened Westfield campus and Community Clinic at Walgreens. Find the care you need at eCommunity.com/PrimaryCare

Dr. Susan Leedy Helsel Primary Care

Laurel S. Patient

25 Years of Faith: Riverview’s longest-serving volunteer

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville resident Faith Gates has spent 25 years volunteering at Riverview Health in Noblesville.

Gates, 85, is the current longest-serving volunteer at the hospital.

“Faith Gates has given so much of her time and has made such a tremendous impact to the hospital,” Riverview Health Volunteer Manager Melinda Nash said.

Gates began volunteering at Riverview Health in 2001.

“My mother had always volunteered at her local hospital,” Gates said. “That kind of gave me the idea. I’ve always been able to volunteer, and I have always wanted to.”

A former teacher, Gates said she has performed several tasks as a Riverview Health volunteer.

“Mostly, it’s about what we can do for the patients and people coming into the hospital,” Gates said. “I started out working in the surgery area greeting the patients and families as they came in to have surgery. I also have worked

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it’s about being a friendly face to greet them with a smile and help them find what they need.”

After her husband Keith Gates retired, she talked him into joining the volunteer team at Riverview Health as well. The two also have done volunteer work with Agape Therapeutic Riding, local food pantries and their church.

with others at the hospital, saying the team makes each shift worthwhile.

“We have a lot of volunteers, and we all look out for each other and care about each other,” Gates said. “That’s another thing that makes a difference. You make friendships.”

She said it’s fulfilling to help people.

“People know you care when you show that you’re interested in them,” Gates said. “It’s just very satisfying to know that I can do this little thing, especially when I’m as old as I am, to help other people.”

Gates encourages other community members to look into the volunteer program at Riverview Health.

at the visitors entrance, the nurses station, in the cardiac waiting room and at the emergency room desk.”

She enjoys talking to patients and families.

“I like being out where I meet people and get to talk to them,” Gates said.

“Most of the time it’s very pleasant, and it’s just a quick conversation, but

“It’s really good for us to do it together,” Gates said. “We can talk about it, and the other person understands a little bit more about what we’re doing, what has happened and circumstances. We get lunch at the hospital when we work, and we eat lunch together with a whole bunch of other volunteers and have a good time getting to know each other.”

Gates said she enjoys volunteering

“Volunteering at the hospital helps them immensely,” Gates said. “The little jobs we do that take a lot of time or energy ensure the nurses and other staff don’t have to do those things. When I first started, I didn’t know many people and didn’t branch out as much. Now, since I have been here and have gotten to know a few more volunteers and staff, it’s made a difference in my life, and I hope it’s made a difference in the lives of people that I’ve met.”

Noblesville resident Faith Gates began volunteering at Riverview Health in 2001. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

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MILESTONE CELEBRATION

Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville serves youth for 75 years

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

As Noblesville’s population has risen from approximately 6,500 in 1951 to nearly 78,000 in 2026, the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville has grown right along with the city.

Founded July 26, 1951, the BGCN — which is celebrating its 75th anniversary — has provided after-school and summer programs to local youth for more than seven decades.

Last year, the organization served 2,245 kids — an average of 331 per day.

“For generations of families, the club has been more than a place to go after school,” said Monica Peck, a Noblesville resident who attended the club as a child. “It’s been a safe space, a source of mentorship and a foundation for young people to build confidence and discover their potential.”

BGCN Director of Development Nathan Helm said the initial focus was giving boys something productive to do after school. Girls were added to the organization in 1985.

“Our focus has come a long way in the past 75 years to include academic support, good character, citizenship, active healthy lifestyles and life and workforce readiness,” Helm said. “After serving hundreds of thousands of kids, the organization has molded into a community staple that provides a place for kids to feel safe, learn, grow and discover their potential.”

BGCN offers several programs, including cooking classes; homework assistance and tutoring; an art club; and STEM instruction, among others. It also offers college visits and career exploration opportunities.

“It’s a much more well-rounded holistic approach to development versus 75 years ago,” Helm said. “While our mission is still about development, it’s more intentional regarding program offerings available for children to become our community’s next productive citizen, mayor, professional athlete, doctor, nurse or lawyer.”

Helm said the BGCN always looks for opportunities to serve more youth while remaining an affordable option. Kids can attend the club every day after school for an annual membership fee of $75, while Helm said the true cost of services provided is approximately $1,000 per child.

Helm said the biggest barrier is transportation.

“Our facility is able to house more kids per day, but funding for transportation is a large chunk of our budget,” Helm said. “Transportation is offered from all Noblesville Schools. We have four elementary schools whose buses are full and on a waitlist.”

The club will celebrate its anniversary this summer with two community events. A Birthday Bash Open House is set for Aug. 4 with food, music and

kid-friendly activities. A new fundraiser, Adult Recess, is scheduled for Aug. 15.

“It’s an adult-only event with food and beverages to get adults into our club to participate in some kid-related activities that happen on a daily basis during our after-school program,” Helm said.

BGCN also launched a campaign focused on future growth. All pledges will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $375,000, and those who commit $7,500 or more will join the Diamond Giving Society, a group of supporters investing in the long-term strength of the club. Donations can be pledged and fulfilled over one, two or three years.

Helm said the goal is to raise an additional $750,000 this year.

“As part of joining this exclusive society, we will have a party in October at Mustard Seed Gardens where there will be some naming signage opportunities for our Community Center, plus a few other things,” Helm said. “The first $200,000 we raise will be matched by Maggioli Families First Foundation, and then the next $175,000 we raise will be matched by Jeff and Laura Watson.”

For more, visit bgcni.org.

ON THE COVER: Club members celebrate the 75th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Helm)

A TIMELINE OF MILESTONES

• 1951 — The Boys Club was founded July 26, 1951.

• 1952 — A capital fund drive raised $20,000 to purchase and remodel the third floor of a building at 848 Logan St. — now known as The Lacy Arts Building.

• 1969 — Another capital campaign was coordinated to renovate the former Noblesville High School property. The organization moved to the building at 1448 Conner St. in 1969 and was there for 49 years, offering activities like woodshop and ping pong.

• 1975 — The organization began accepting girls on a part-time basis.

• 1982 — A group of women formed the Ladies Auxiliary to support the club and its members by providing programming and financial resources.

• 1985 — Girls were welcomed full-time, and the name changed to the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville.

• 1990 — A facility addition at 1448 Conner St. opened to accommodate growing membership numbers.

• 2004 — An athletic facility, the Community Center, opened at 150 N. 17th St. after a successful $3 million capital campaign.

• 2006 — Camp Crosser became the permanent location for outdoor camping activities that continue to be a staple for the organization.

• 2015 — A $6 million capital campaign was launched to build a new facility to meet increased demand and provide new program opportunities.

• 2018 — The club opened its current facility at 1700 Conner St. Jan. 15, 2018.

The club’s former campus at 1448 Conner St.

Members participate in programming at the first club location in the 1950s. (Photos courtesy of Nathan Helm)

Members play basketball at the club’s former facility at 1448 Conner St. in the late 1960s.

2026Primary Election

May 5 May 5

The communities served by Current Publishing are comprised of highly educated and, predominantly, issues-focused residents. As a candidate for election to public office, it’s arguably the best audience in the state to which you can state your campaign’s case. As has been the practice in elections past, Current is using a level playing field with respect to pricing. Any candidate wishing to advertise may do so at Current rates customarily reserved for advertising placements of between 13 and 26 times a year. You are entitled to use the rates below one time or more to connect with our audience. Thank you for your consideration, and good luck on the campaign trail.

For more, contact your Ad Representative by email ads@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444

Support group offers support for men with prostate cancer

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis psychologist John Gallagher began leading prostate cancer support groups about 13 years ago — coinciding almost exactly with the first time he was diagnosed with the disease at age 56.

He had been negotiating a contract to provide support groups through an Indianapolis urology center, and the day before he signed that contract, he received his diagnosis. Since then, he said, he received treatment, went into remission and then was diagnosed three more times, but he’s now been “squeaky clean” — as far as prostate cancer goes — for about a decade.

Gallagher’s contract with the urology center ended, but his commitment to helping others didn’t. He now leads support groups for men with prostate cancer through the nonprofit Cancer Support Community Indiana, with meetings twice monthly at the center’s north Indy facility, 5150 W. 71st St., and at Gallagher’s south side office, with virtual attendance available for those who can’t make it in person.

Gallagher said his personal experience and his ability to research have helped him facilitate the support groups over the years, as well as understanding how men process something as devastating as a cancer diagnosis.

ously, but what we do is we present a composite of information that pretty much amounts to one-time, one-stop shopping for about everything you might need to know about prostate cancer if you’re embarking on making a decision,” he said.

One of the 14 options is a nonFDA-approved immunological treatment available in Greece that Gallagher credits with eliminating the aggressive form of prostate cancer he had been battling. He added that lifestyle factors can improve outcomes for all types of cancer risks. Those factors include diet, exercise, stress management and social support. And although his support groups are less about feelings than similar groups, he said the men who join value the sense of community — some even continue to participate long after they successfully complete cancer treatment.

Anyone interested in joining Gallagher’s support group can call Cancer Support Community Indiana at 317-2571505 or email info@cancersupportindy. org for details.

For more about the nonprofit, visit cancersupportindy.org.

PROSTATE CANCER FACTS

• Cancer is the leading cause of death for American men and prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer for men. Lung cancer is the first.

“What happens in a support group with a bunch of guys is different from the stereotype about support groups,” he said. “Men do not come to a support group for people to be sympathetic with them. Men are information-seeking, problem-solving animals, and the very useful thing that is consistently appreciated by my guys (is) they learn about treatment options that they were never going to hear from their physician.”

Gallagher said most physicians will offer treatments that they know how to provide, which can limit options for patients. He said that over the years, he and others in his groups spent a lot of time researching those options and compiled a list of 14 primary approaches.

“We don’t give medical advice, obvi-

• One in eight men is diagnosed with prostate cancer and one in 44 will die from the disease. Black men have a higher rate and double the mortality rate.

• About 60 percent of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men 65 or older.

• Death rates from the disease have declined in the past 30 years due to earlier detection and better treatments.

For more, visit cancer.org/cancer/ types/prostate-cancer.

HEALTH

Foundation receives $1.6M

news@currentnoblesville.com

The Riverview Health Foundation recently received a $1.6 million gift from the estate of Tom and Soni Sheehan through the Thomas P. Sheehan Trust to support the expansion and renovation of the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Riverview Health’s Noblesville hospital.

The funding is the largest single gift in the foundation’s 50-year history.

According to hospital officials, Tom and Soni Sheehan were supporters of the Riverview Health Foundation for more than two decades. Tom served on the foundation’s board of directors for several years, including as board chair from 2004 to 2006. The Sheehan family’s philanthropic impact at Riverview Health also includes support for the Women’s Pavilion and the creation of the Sheehan Chapel.

“Noblesville, Hamilton County and central Indiana have been blessed by the extraordinary generosity of Tom and Soni Sheehan,” stated Megan Wiles, vice

president of foundation and community affairs for Riverview Health. “Their commitment to this community and to improving the lives of families and children has left a lasting legacy. We are deeply grateful for this historic gift, which will benefit patients and caregivers for generations to come.”

Hospital officials said the $1.6 million gift will enhance Riverview Health’s ability to serve patients by supporting modernized spaces, advanced equipment and program enhancements that promote recovery, independence and improved outcomes.

Tom and Soni’s daughter, Tracey Sheehan, said the gift reflects her parents’ lifelong values.

“Mom and dad were kind and selfless individuals who believed deeply in helping others,” Tracey said. “As patients of Riverview Health, they experienced firsthand the exceptional care provided by the physicians and health care team. Supporting organizations that serve families and children in this community was always important to them.”

The CLIMB provies aid

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Sue Lightle is a firm believer that staying active has slowed her Parkinson’s disease.

The 71-year-old Noblesville resident was diagnosed with the progressive disease in July 2006.

“I started with the shaking finger like (actor) Michael J. Fox had and somebody told me to go to a neurologist, and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” Lightle said. “It hasn’t progressed as much as most people have because I try to stay active and go to exercise classes.”

Choose to Move 5K Run and Walk is too much for Lightle, she promotes it and other IPF events, such as its pickleball tournament.

“Whatever money they make goes to help the classes and with Parkinson’s in general,” she said.

When Lightle started The CLIMB, she used a cane and now no longer needs it. She attends five classes a week — two at the YMCA in Fishers and three days a week at the PrimeLife Enrichment in Carmel Her main issue is balance.

Lightle has participated in the Noblesville-based Indiana Parkinson Foundation’s The CLIMB for the past seven years. With April being Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the Indiana Parkinson Foundation’s Choose to Move 5K Run and Walk and 1-mile Walk will be held April 25 at Witten Park in Fishers. Although the large crowd at the

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“I’ve fallen quite a number of times, most recently about a year ago,” said Lightle, whose husband Buck provides support.

“But it’s also stiff muscles and what they call dystonia, where you can’t move all your muscles at all. It causes you to freeze, which means you start to walk and you can’t. I don’t shake as much as I jerk, and it’s mostly the lower part of my body.”

For more, visit indianaparkinson. org/choose-to-move-race/.

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Your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From building robots in the garage to leading the choir to state finals, you have always followed your own path with courage and curiosity. It feels like only yesterday we were dropping you off for your first day of school, and now we stand in awe of the visionary young leader you’ve become. As you head off to study Engineering this fall, know that your home team is behind you forever. You have the heart of a lion, the mind of an innovator, and a spirit that lights up every room. The sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning. We love you more than words can say!”

CHEERS TO, PRESLEY ROSS CLASS OF 2026

We are so incredibly proud of the woman you’ve become. From your first day of kindergarten to walking across the stage, it’s been a joy to watch you grow. We can’t wait to see what you achieve at Purdue!

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Noblesville couple expands custom-clothing brand

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

A Noblesville couple is expanding their custom-clothing business from a focus on suits to pieces for everyone.

Kristy DeTar and Thain Thomas, who are engaged, own the Indianapolis franchise of Pearce Bespoke, a mobile custom-clothing company. They purchased a franchise and moved from Fort Wayne to Noblesville in 2024 to be closer to the Indianapolis market.

The couple started out solely creating custom suits but recently expanded to include custom clothing for men and women and experiences for wedding fittings.

“We now have jeans, sweaters and custom fit T-shirts, but we still do the suits and women’s suit skirts,” DeTar said. “We also now do groomsmen evenings where we host grooms and their groomsmen and bring cigars, bourbon and hors d’oeuvres, and either rent an Airbnb or go to their home to do everybody’s fittings at once.”

DeTar said the mission is to make clothing convenient for everyone — from men on their wedding day to women going through postpartum.

“It’s a very flexible company in the way that we can make sure everybody’s feeling confident in what they wear,” DeTar said. “We do the measurements, and for suits, especially, they can choose from hundreds of different options to

customize and make it their own. With jeans, they can choose from boot cut, flare or whatever fit, and then the style of buttons and pockets. It is fully customizable based on what they want.”

As the business has grown, the couple has developed several partnerships, including with Butler University and the PGA Chapter of Indiana. They recently contracted to customize a suit for Indiana University football player Jamari Sharpe, who will visit the White House in May to celebrate IU’s football national championship.

DeTar said the goal is to eventually open a storefront.

“There’s no custom-clothing retail space in Noblesville,” DeTar said. “We’d love to have a shop here, but right now, we’re still building from the ground up and focusing on our big partnerships.”

For more, visit pearcebespokeindy. com.

Sheetz to open in Indiana

news@youarecurrent.com

Pennsylvania-based conveniencestore chain Sheetz recently announced plans to expand into Indiana — starting with the Greater Indianapolis area — part of the company’s ongoing Midwest growth plans.

According to the announcement, Sheetz will open its first Hoosier stores in and around Indianapolis in 2027, eventually opening 100 stores in the state over the next 10 years — a $1 billion investment expected to create more than 3,000 jobs.

Specific locations and opening dates for Sheetz’s initial sites will be announced later.

“Over the past several years, we have received a significant number of inquiries from Indiana residents who want to see Sheetz in their communities,” President and CEO Travis Sheetz stated. “This momentum has been reinforced by the enthusiastic response to our unique offerings in new Midwest markets. It is an exciting time for Sheetz, and we look forward to giving customers everything they need in one stop, creating quality jobs and being a positive force in the Indiana communities we serve.”

Sheetz was founded in 1952 by Bob Sheetz and remains family operated. The stores sell made-to-order food, drinks, snacks and fuel. For more, visit sheetz.com.

Custom wedding suit jackets designed by Pearce Bespoke. (Photo courtesy of Pearce Bespoke)

BUSINESS LOCAL

DAIRY QUEEN OPENS ON 146TH STREET

Local business receives national recognition

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK Indianapolis North, a full-service junk removal company, recently won the Junk Eco Hauler Award, a top national recognition for environmental stewardship out of the brand’s 70 locations nationwide.

The company, which originated in Noblesville, achieved a 5.24 percent disposal cost, which is the lowest in the country. TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK Indianapolis North General Manager Curtis Lewandowski, a Noblesville resident, said this is the first time the Indianapolis North location has earned the award.

“It starts with the trucks,” Lewandowski said. “While we’re out there, we’re sorting on each job and going through the items the customers want us to haul away to figure out what we can reuse and where we can recycle. There’s some items that have to go to the landfill, but we try to keep that as minimal as possible.”

The 5.24 percent disposal cost means the majority of what the company col-

lects is recycled, repurposed or donated in the community rather than being dumped into a landfill.

“As a company, we try to do landfill diversion,” Lewandowski said. “So, we try not to have items go to the dump as much as possible. We’re really trying to donate as many items as we possibly can or recycle. We try to make sure our items have a place, whether it’s a charity, women’s shelter or Salvation Army.”

Lewandowski said he hopes to connect with more organizations in 2026 and lower the disposal cost.

“We’re really proud that we were able to achieve this feat,” Lewandowski said. “Going into 2026, we’re trying to redo that, donate as much as possible and try to keep things out of the landfill. We’re shooting for a 4.24 percent disposal cost for the year by reaching out to different recycling plants to see what items they can take that we may not have known before or reaching out to other charities and seeing what kind of stuff they may need.”

The company offers clean-out services, furniture removal, debris and trash pickup and appliance removal. For more, visit twomenandajunktruck.com.

Dairy Queen franchisees Harsh Barot, Pravin Patel and Has Patel celebrate the grand opening of their new Dairy Queen location on the border of Noblesville and Carmel April 6 at 7245 E. 146th St. They have been Dairy Queen franchisees for five years and plan to open additional locations in the future. The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.

(Photos by Kelly Sullivan)

ATI presents ‘Sunset Boulevard’ musical

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Judy Fitzgerald is indeed ready for her close-up as Norma Desmond.

Fitzgerald, the Actors Theatre of Indiana’s artistic director, plays silent-screen star Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” April 24 to May 10 in ATI’s production at the Studio Theater in Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“My goal is for the character to be true to the movie and the musical,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s an honor to get to play the role. It’s a huge role that runs the gamut from falling in love to going completely crazy.”

Don Farrell, an ATI co-founder along with Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins, is making his first ATI performance since “Million Dollar Quartet” in June 2023. He stepped away from ATI to work on his other projects.

“When Judy called and said we’d love to cast you in this, I was honored she thought of me for this role,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to come back to working with Judy on this stage that has so many memories.”

Farrell portrays Max, Desmond’s loyal servant.

“The tragedy and desperation for each character — and when you hear the score Andrew Lloyd Webber has for each character — it’s really something special,” he said. “Max is a fierce defender of Norma. He’s very silent but he’s always there. He’s always observing. It’s almost creepy. He’s watching the relationship between Joe and Norma and how she’s starting to fall (for Joe). He’s wanting to protect her.”

Fitzgerald said Max has a lot more presence in the musical.

“He has some big numbers,” Fitzgerald said.

Farrell saw the show on Broadway in the early 1990s.

“It’s amazing storytelling,” Farrell

said. “There’s so much mystery.”

Fitzgerald said the musical is true to the 1950 movie, which starred Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond.

Luke Weber, who is based in Dallas and performed in “Violet” with ATI in 2022, plays Joe Gillis, a writer.

“There’s a lot of decisions Joe makes that I’m thinking, ‘Why would he do that?’” Weber said. “But I think it’s his desire to be involved and wanting to be recognized for his work and wanting to make it big in some way. There’s a lot bubbling under the surface that I’m excited to play with.”

Fitzgerald’s former North Central High School classmate Michael Blatt is directing.

“I love getting to come back to Indianapolis and ATI,” Blatt said. “This will be my fifth show with ATI, and I am so grateful to be able to practice my craft at such a wonderful theater. It’s always

so special for me to get to do theater here. I really found my love for theater in Indianapolis and had wonderful opportunities here, in starting from a young age at Starlight Musicals, Jr. Civic and Footlite Musicals, and then later at North Central High School.

And it’s extra special to get to direct Judy Fitzgerald. We have been friends since high school and starred in all the shows together there. I think our young selves would be so happy that all these years later we are still friends and creating theater together.”

Blatt is directing an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical for the first time.

“It really feels like a rite of passage to finally direct one of his shows,” Blatt said. “I’m a huge fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber and I’ve seen every Broadway production of ‘Sunset,’ and I’m excited to put my own stamp on the material.”

For more, visit atistage.org.

‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’

“Singin’ in the Rain” runs through May 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Feinstein’s cabaret presents Ball State Studio Band & Josh Kaufman April 23, followed by Human Jukebox with The Ahlwardts April 24 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc. com.

‘MEN ON BOATS’

The Carmel Community Players production of “Men on Boats” runs through April 26 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

JOSHUA BELL

Violinist Joshua Bell will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 23 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’

Civic Theatre presents “Fiddler on the Roof” April 24 to May 9 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

SNARKY PUPPY

Snarky Puppy will perform its Somni Tour concert at 8 p.m. April 25 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘THE

GOLDEN RECORD’

Hendricks Symphony’s “The Golden Record” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. April 24 and 3 p.m. April 26 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

Judy Fitzgerald and Luke Weber perform in “Sunset Boulevard.” (Photo courtesy of ATI)

Farrell

ENTERTAINMENT

NC grad returns for ‘Figaro’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This will be a change of pace for Ian Michael.

“It will be nice to do more of a comedic role,” he said. “I think the character is funny.”

The 2010 North Central High School graduate will portray Antonio in “The Marriage of Figaro” May 1-3 at The Toby Theater at Newfields at Indianapolis. The performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 1-2 and 3 p.m. May 3.

Michael, a South Bend resident, is the chair of the community engagement and education committee for South Bend Lyric Opera.

“It’s been several years since I lived in Indy, so it’s nice to come back and actually spend time here,” he said. This is Michael’s second production with Indianapolis Opera, as he performed in “Rigoletto” in November 2025.

For “Figaro,” Michael is in the ensemble for the first act and then appears as Antonio in the second act.

“The funny thing is, he doesn’t show up until the middle of Act 2 finale and (the script) says half-drunkenly, running into tell someone about the plot,” he said. “It’s more a comedic role compared to Count Ceprano in ‘Rigoletto.’ It’s nice to do something a little more slapstick.”

Michael performed with Indiana Repertory Theatre, Civic Theatre and Summer Stock Stage as a youth.

“I didn’t know that much about Indy Opera, so it was a pleasure when I came in November to see what the experience was like,” he said. “It was phenomenal. I was blown away by the cast’s talent.”

A bass-baritone, Michael attended the University of Michigan and then moved to Fort Wayne after graduation. He was part of Heartland Sings Inc. and became involved with Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

“Opera is one of the things I do but I style myself as a crossover artist,” he said.

For more, visit indyopera.org and ianmichael.org.

Yakovleva

Michael

Violinist Bell to perform

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Each year, violinist Joshua Bell talks about cutting down his schedule. However, that never seems to happen.

“I play about 120 concerts a year, which means some 200 days of traveling and six major continents,” he said. “I have friends everywhere, so I tend to keep filling up (my) schedule. I’m lucky to be in that position. I’ve been based in New York City for the past 30 years or so. New York was an easier base for my touring life since I spend half of my year in Europe, but Indiana is still my spiritual home.”

The Indiana University graduate and Bloomington native will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 23 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Bell, 58, will be accompanied by recording artist and pianist Shai Wosner. The appearance will be Bell’s sixth at the Palladium.

“Shai is a wonderful pianist that I met several years ago in New York and it’s really a duo recital for violin and piano,” he said. “All the pieces are equal for violin and piano. We have four big sonatas that we’re playing on the program that are different sides of classical music.”

The composers include Franz Schubert, Edward Greig, Segei Prokofiev and Maurice Ravel.

“It’s kind of a tasting menu of classical music is the way I like to think of it —- all very accessible and exciting pieces,” he said. “I’ve probably not done all in this combination, and some I have not done with this pianist. All the pieces have been in my repertoire for a long time in my life. You live with them

and get to know them better, and you start working with a new pianist and it changes your perspective.”

Bell said the great thing about classical music is he gets to explore the depth of the pieces.

“They are so rich and so deep with the genius of these composers,” he said. “These four composers are some of the great musical minds of the last couple of centuries.”

Bell has been the music director of the Academy of St. Martin of the Fields in London since 2011.

Bell purchased a Stradivarius violin, known as a Gibson ex Huberman, from 1713 in 2001. He paid about $4 million for it, but it is estimated now to be worth $14 million.

“I’m incredibly privileged to have acquired a Stradivari and I think it is one of the great ones,” he said. “The fact of the matter is when you get used to one instrument and all the nuances, it’s very hard to switch between instruments.”

Bell purchased his first Stradivarius at age 19.

“I got very lucky, but it was one of the cheaper ones because it didn’t have all its original parts but still for me it was incredibly expensive,” he said. “But I was able to trade myself up throughout my career, and this is the third Stradivari that I’ve owned.”

Violinist Joshua Bell will perform April 23 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)

ENTERTAINMENT

Hendricks Symphony presents ‘space’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hendricks Symphony Music Director Amy Eggleston came up with a unique concept for a concert.

Hendricks Symphony will perform “The Golden Record” at 7:30 p.m. April 24 and 3 p.m. April 26 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. The name was derived from “The Golden Record,” which went into space on the Voyager in 1977.

“Many of our selections are directly from the record, which is music and cultural sounds from all over the planet (that) we sent out into space to tell any extraterrestrial being that we come in friendship and peace and to demonstrate what sounds happen on planet Earth,” Eggleston said.

Eggleston said the concert includes pieces from the record, such as the first movement of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto” and the “Queen of the Night” aria from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” opera.

Eggleston said the symphony will conclude the first half with Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony, the Ode to Joy.”

“So, everybody will know that (piece),” she said.

Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” including dancers from The Children’s Ballet, is about 35 minutes and is the entire second half of the concert.

“That is not a piece many orchestras get the opportunity to play, so many of the members are excited about putting it together,” Eggleston said. “We’re going to have fun with it.”

“The Golden Record” included greetings from Earth in many different languages. It also included bird sounds and other natural sounds along with music.

The concert is the fifth of six for the 2025-26 season, which is themed “Silver and Gold.” The finale concert is a patriotic music concert set for June 26 and June 28 at Hendricks Live!

Eggleston

What’s the difference?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Words flex in their meaning with the passage of time and fashion. Something that would have one day been the cat’s meow now sounds like the bleating of an old goat. Those of us who use words for a living pay special attention to the peccadillos of these subtle but meaningful cultural transitions. What we might have said comfortably 10 years ago is today considered by some to be an offense. Regardless, we must wander in this world hoping to be understood and taken for what we intend, if not by what we might say.

The good people at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage have undertaken to deliver its annual Folklife Festival from the confines of the Washington, D.C., National Mall to the far corners of our great nation. Supported, in part, by our own Lilly Endowment, Inc., the storied institution celebrates the abundance of people and places that have contributed heartily to the remarkable 250-year run, and counting,

of our experiment in self-government. By showcasing the many ways that we express ourselves and our communities, it is that we might come to better understand and appreciate others.

Much in the way that a single snowflake is discovered in its true glory only when it is examined separate from the blizzard, each component is beautiful but unrecognizable when lost in the perhaps equally beautiful yet swirling corpus. To many, diversity has come to mean that we are all different, even that we should bring those differences to become self-defining. But if we are all unique, doesn’t that make us all the same? If we could allow for the changing application of our language, would we come to see that it is in variety that unity is found rather than discord? Are we all exactly the same, only different?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

Who’s at vault?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I recently received a letter from my bank informing me that it will no longer rent safe deposit boxes. This struck me as very odd, like getting a note from your kennel saying it no longer has space for dogs. Or from Kroger telling everyone there is no longer room on its shelves for Rice Krispies. Isn’t one of the original purposes of a bank to keep your valuables safe? Like in a vault? No explanation was given. They told me to visit my branch and “formally close the box.” Why does this event have to be formal? I haven’t worn a tux in years, and I wasn’t going to rent one just to see my marriage license.

Banks also claim that the boxes increase personnel costs. Huh? I put my stuff in. I take out my stuff. I look at my stuff, and I put my stuff back in. I’m the one doing all the work.

– DICK WOLFSIE

I also was informed in the letter that if I do not close my box within the next 30 days, the bank will drill it open and “carefully remove the contents.” I was glad to hear that because I wouldn’t want anyone to rough up my birth certificate.  After all, it’s almost 80 years old.

The letter goes on to say that if the bank removes any contents, it will be securely stored in a vault “in accordance with state retention laws.” I already have enough retention problems at my age, and I wasn’t banking on this kind (don’t excuse the pun). By the way, what vault is it using to store my valuables? And why can’t it keep my stuff in that vault? I think that is a very reasonable request.

Next, I turned to AI, my source for

the latest dubious information. I asked CoPilot if it had any idea why Chase was doing this. Its first explanation was that this service was not a money-maker for banks because many people have gone digital with their storage. What a great idea! I’ll just upload my father’s Bronze Star from World War II. If you hack me next month, just look for the folder, “My Father’s Bronze Star.” Don’t blame me if your printer jams. Banks also claim that the boxes increase personnel costs. Huh? I put my stuff in. I take out my stuff. I look at my stuff, and I put my stuff back in. I’m the one doing all the work. Now, I have a final question. What are the banks going to do with all these unused safe deposit boxes? How about places for paperclips, rubberbands and thumbtacks? And, of course, loose change?

And what about all the room banks will now have in the private viewing areas? Why not open a coffee shop? Maybe a Star BUCKS. How about a liquor store, a Fifth THIRST Bank? Expect it to be pricey.

They’ll make you fill out a deposit SIP.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

15. Plural of louse

16. Be a bad winner

17. One way to stand by

18. Boatload

19. Swindles

20. Iconic design created

by Terre Haute’s Root

Glass Company in 1915

23. Actor Reeves

24. Medical research agency inits.

25. “Norma ___”

27. Indiana tax ID

28. Boot part

31. Tangle

34. Astronomical “Way”

36. Paper units

37. Indy’s Taggart Baking Company creation in 1921

40. Plot of land

42. Glower

43. Butler’s non-scholarship players

46. WTTV net.

47. WFYI net.

50. Falcons, on a Colts scoreboard

51. Choose

53. Retailer with 2,486 stores in 1994. In 2026? Three.

55. Innovation created for use at the Indy 500 in 1911

60. Noncommittal answer

61. Hindu royal

62. Sit in the sun

63. Freeze

64. Publishing ID

65. Bad day for Caesar

66. Westfield HS exams

67. Durable wood

68. Army officers (Abbr.) DOWN

1. Movies

2. Changes the decor

3. “The Wizard of Oz” prop

4. Ancient Central American

5. Too

6. Cash drawer

7. Arctic ___

8. Beginner, to a gamer

9. Letters before Q+

10. Dismounted

11. I-90 in Indiana, e.g.

12. Zero in

13. UFO crew

21. Slice

22. Electrical unit

26. Chicago trains

29. Antiquated

30. Barely get, with “out”

32. Beer, slangily

33. Authentic

34. Imitation

35. Jr. and Sr. at NHS

37. White River fish

38. Letters on an email header, maybe

39. Steal

40. Defunct IND carrier

41. Exhausting routine

44. Indianapolis Monumental Marathon mo.

45. Ghost

47. Annual July 4 CarmelFest event

48. Not working

49. Emphasize

52. Josh

54. “Sex and the City” character

56. Be next to

57. Spartz and Carson, briefly

58. Fever’s org.

59. Stole material

60. Cambridge univ. ANSWERS ON PAGE 31

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GLIDDEN FENCE MAKES SENSE!

PUZZLE ANSWERS

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