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COMMUNITY
5th District Democratic candidates participate in Q&A forum
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
An audience of approximately 300 people packed the Fishers Art Center April 15 for a 5th Congressional District Democrat Candidates Forum presented by the Hamilton County Democratic Party.
All seven candidates — Tara Nelson, J.D. Ford, Steven “Avit” Avitabile, Dylan McKenna, Deborah Pickett, Jackson Franklin and Phil Goss — attended.
The primary election is May 5. The winner will face Republican incumbent Victoria Spartz or Republican Scott A. King in the general election. All candidates said they would support the Democratic primary winner, with many wanting to see Spartz defeated.
“I absolutely support my fellow Democrat colleagues here,” said Pickett, a Carmel resident. “I see so many fabulous Democrats that are out there running for office. We will prevail in November.”
During the forum, community members wrote questions on notecards, which were then presented to candidates by moderators Laura Merriwether Wilson and Robin Winston. Questions covered health care; women’s reproductive rights; labor; ethics and campaign finances; immigration enforcement; and affordability and energy costs.
All candidates said they support protecting women’s reproductive rights. Westfield resident McKenna said more needs to be done to keep the government out of individual health care decisions.
“What I would do even to go further would be to introduce programs or enhance programs that give young mothers the support they need so they don’t feel like pregnancy is the end of their professional life or personal life so that maybe they don’t choose abortion in the first place,” McKenna said.
McKenna also supports fighting for Hoosiers’ rights to Medicare and Medicaid, saying Spartz has “essentially resigned her job,” and somebody needs to go into Washington to fight for these rights. Nelson, a Carmel resident, agreed, saying that Mexico recently approved universal health care for all, which Americans also deserve.
Candidates also discussed their
strategies to ensure Indiana receives its fair share of federal investment, and described specific steps they would take to promote the creation of high-wage union jobs in the 5th District. Franklin, a Muncie resident and former combat medic, said he believes everyone has the right to unionize, and living wages should be at least $25 an hour across the nation.
“I think if Jeff Bezos (and) Elon Musk have enough money to go to outer space, then I know damn sure that they have more than enough money to pay all of their workers a living wage,” Franklin said. “We need to stand up for our unions and stand up for the working class people, not just the billionaire class.”
A significant topic in Hamilton County has been the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Some residents have been concerned following reports of a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement office set to open near I-465 and U.S. 31. Many candidates support the abolishment of ICE, while others say border security is needed, but not in the way it is being enforced. Avitabile said ICE has overstepped its bounds to the point where they have “poisoned themselves.”
“I would be in favor of abolishing ice and reestablishing a new agency in its place,” Avitabile said. “If we do have people that are here illegally that are criminals, yes, I want them gone, but I don’t want mass, roving gangs of armed
thugs posing as law enforcement on the streets.”
Campaign finances also were a topic of discussion. Goss, a Noblesville resident, said campaign finance is what keeps politics going, but he wants to get rid of the Citizens United decision. He said transparency regarding financial disclosure must change.
“Other countries have done this — where there’s online, instant verification of who does what with what monies,” Goss said. “We tend to be stuck in this country, in some old analog system, where it’s filed once every quarter. This should be real time. We have the technology, we can do better, we must do better. When we can verify people’s financial receipts, we can understand whom they really represent.”
Carmel resident and District 29 State Sen. J.D. Ford said his platform is based on affordability, accountability and the people. Among other topics, Ford supports helping residents with rising utility costs, saying he’s already taken action.
“We passed House Bill 1002, which is a sweeping change and a win for Hoosiers,” Ford said. “Part of that bill included language that I had about making sure that we’re not disconnecting service from Hoosiers, particularly in the summertime when it’s over 95 degrees.”
Early voting is underway at select locations.
About us
Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 25
Copyright 2025
Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.
525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
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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.
From left, 5th District Democratic candidates Steven “Avit” Avitabile; J.D. Ford; Jackson Franklin; Phil Goss; Dylan McKenna; Tara Nelson; and Deborah Pickett at the April 15 forum. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
Proven to Deliver for Hamilton County
Endorsed by 4 FOPs Endorsed by 3 Hamilton County Mayors • Sue Finkam, Carmel Mayor
• Scott Fadness, Fishers Mayor
• Chris Jensen, Noblesville Mayor Endorsed by Doug Carter, Retired
Embrace Downtown enters Phase 1B
news@currentnoblesville.com
Phase 1A construction of the Embrace Downtown project, a major infrastructure project in downtown Noblesville, is completed.
Crews have begun Phase 1B construction to improve infrastructure, enhance pedestrian safety and introduce beautification upgrades throughout downtown Noblesville. Besides widening sidewalks, crews will remove curbs and install landscaping buffers to cultivate a traffic-calmed environment centered on pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Phase 1B construction will take place on Logan Street from 8th Street through the intersection at 9th Street. The intersection of 8th Street and Logan Street will be open throughout Phase 1B construction. Logan Street will be closed from east of 8th Street through the 9th Street intersection. Business access will be maintained throughout construction, but there
will be no parking on Logan Street between 8th Street and 9th Street. Detours for vehicles and pedestrians will be clearly identified.
During Phase 1B, a 6-foot-wide sidewalk will be maintained adjacent to building frontages for visitors to gain access to businesses. The remaining portion of sidewalk and street up to the Hamilton County Courthouse seat wall will be closed as work progresses. For more, visit EmbraceDowntownNoblesville.com.
Parking map for Phase 1B construction. (Map courtesy of Matt Werner)
The Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Noblesville Economic Development Department, presented the annual Taste of Business event April 22. For the first time, the event was held at The Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile, which provided more space for vendors and activities. The event featured more than 100 businesses; more than 25 local restaurants; a new learning series; and indoor and outdoor exhibits. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
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Sheriff candidates: Same party, different priorities
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Two Republicans with lengthy careers in local law enforcement are vying to become the next sheriff of Hamilton County.
Although there are many similarities between John Lowes and Dustin Dixon, they took different paths to their current roles in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and offer competing views on top priorities for the agency. Lowes places more emphasis on addressing national issues at the local level, while Dixon stresses community partnerships.
Local leaders have taken notice. Lowes has been endorsed by Hamilton County Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush, who is leaving office because of term limits, and Westfield Mayor Scott Willis and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. Dixon has endorsements from Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and the police unions representing the four largest cities in the county.
Lowes and Dixon will face off in the May 5 Republican primary. The winner is on track to become the next sheriff, as no other candidates in any other parties have entered the race.
Lowes joined HCSO as chief deputy in 2019 after the newly elected Quakenbush recruited him from the Westfield Police Department, where he had worked for 19 years.
in seven years,” Dixon said. “It’s something that has to be built by 25 years of frontline experience.”
Both men said under their leadership, HCSO would continue to partner with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement efforts in the county. But there are differences in their motivations.
For Dixon, it’s primarily a matter of following Indiana code.
“The state legislature changed the law in the last year or two to where essentially all county sheriffs are now required to honor any detainer from (ICE),” Dixon said. “We’re certainly going to follow the law.”
Lowes lists securing the U.S. border among his campaign platforms on his website. Although Indiana isn’t a border state, Lowes said communities throughout the nation are impacted by people in the U.S. illegally and that Hamilton County has seen an increase in this area in recent years.
“We have to enforce the law,” Lowes said. “In communities that don’t support ICE, we see that it seems like things are falling apart. So, when a federal agent — whether it’s ICE or FBI or whatever it is — requests help, we have to be ready to assist them.”
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Lowe’s said he supports continuing recent efforts to address and support HCSO employees’ mental and physical health. He also wants to continue to look for ways to protect taxpayer dollars.
His work at HCSO includes overseeing day-to-day operations and managing a $34 million budget.
“The executive level experience really sets me apart (from Dixon), because that’s something that he doesn’t have at the agency,” Lowes said.
Dixon, a U.S. Army veteran, joined HCSO in 2002 and worked his way through the ranks to become a lieutenant. During that time, he said he’s “done virtually every job (the) agency has” and built relationships with officials across the county.
“Really getting to know the people and the concerns and the needs and their issues regarding public safety is something you can’t learn in an office
“Leadership matters, and how we run the department really determines whether it becomes (financially) bloated, or are we able to look for efficiencies,” Lowes said, adding that HCSO has spent below its budget in recent years.
Dixon said he supports resuming HCSO training alongside law enforcement officials in the county’s smaller northern towns, a practice he said ended during Quakenbush’s tenure. He also would like to dedicate an officer to managing active arrest warrants, create units to focus on traffic enforcement and patrolling county waterways.
“We don’t even own a watercraft to be able to patrol those areas,” Dixon said. “We have to borrow a good citizen’s boat or wait on DNR.”
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NOBLESVILLE MAY EVENTS
TOURNAMENT
The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville Teen Center will present a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at 5:30 p.m. May 8 on the BGCN’s outdoor courts. The event is open to teens ages 13 and older. Participants will compete for cash and prizes, with 1st place earning $300 in cash and 2nd place receiving $150 in gift cards. The tournament is free for current BGCN members, and non-members can participate for $20 per player. For more, contact 317-7734372 and ask for Maggie or AJ.
ART FAIR ON THE SQUARE
The Hamilton County Artists’ Association is sponsoring the annual Art Fair on the Square from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 9. More than 60 artists from across the region will set up tents on the historic Noblesville square to display and sell their artwork. There will be art demonstrations, live music and interactive exhibits. The event is free. For more, visit hcaa-in.org/ art-fair-on-the-square.
INDIANA PEONY FESTIVAL
The sixth annual Indiana Peony Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 at Seminary Park in Noblesville. The event is free and features vendors selling potted plants and floral displays among other items. There will be food and spirit beverage trucks, activities for kids, and peonies, among other features. For more, visit indianapeonyfestival.com.
MEMORIAL DAY
As a part of the 250th Celebration of America, the Hamilton County Historical Society and the Noblesville VFW Ralph Lehr Post 6246 will feature an actor portraying President Abraham Lincoln as he delivers the Gettysburg Address on the grounds of the Hamilton County Courthouse in Noblesville at 11 a.m. May 25. The event is free. After a short ceremony, the actor will be available to interact with participants, and copies of the Gettysburg Address will be given away on a firstcome, first-served basis.
DUCK RACE
The annual Noblesville Main Street Duck Race will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the White River. Participants must be 18 or older. Ducks can be purchased at any Noblesville Main Street event or from any NMS board member. For more, visit noblesvillemainstreet.org.
Playground coming to Seminary Park
news@currentnoblesville.com
An accessible playground is being developed for Seminary Park in Noblesville.
The playground will feature inclusive equipment designed to create an accessible environment for children of all abilities. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the playground will take place at 9 a.m. May 14 at Seminary Park, 350 S. 10th St.
According to the Noblesville Parks & Recreation Department, the playground was made possible through a gift from Tom and Soni Sheehan through the Timothy J. Sheehan Memorial Endowment Fund.
According to the city, the Sheehans were philanthropists whose impact was felt throughout Noblesville and Hamilton County.
“Seeing this project to fruition has been wonderful,” the Sheehan’s daughter, Tracey Sheehan, stated. “My parents led by example, teaching us the
importance of helping others and giving back to the community. Carrying forward their charitable work isn’t an obligation, it’s an honor and through every act of kindness I feel their presence and guidance as I continue the legacy they so selflessly began. How lucky am I!”
Noblesville Parks & Recreation Director Savannah Wines said the project reflects what community partnerships can accomplish.
Rendering of the playground planned for Seminary Park in Noblesville. (Rendering courtesy of the City of Noblesville)
Hurdles no obstacle for Hamilton Southeastern senior
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
About a month after competing in the 300-meter hurdles for the first time, Hamilton Southeastern High School senior Chloe Senefeld had instant success.
Senefeld placed second in the 300 hurdles at last year’s IHSAA girls state track and field meet.
Now, she is ready for an equally impressive encore as a senior.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish in the 300 hurdles this year now that I have much more experience,” Senefeld said. “I was so new to hurdling last year, so I feel like I will improve a lot this season. I have trained so much and been working with my coach since the summer. I’m also excited for both our 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams. I think we have a lot of potential in both and are even looking to break school records.”
Senefeld’s goal is to break the state record in the 300 hurdles.
“This would require a big (personal record), but I don’t think it’s necessarily out of reach,” she said. “The record is
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MEET CHLOE SENEFELD
Favorite athlete: Sydney
McLaughlin-Levrone
Favorite vacation spot: Turks and Caicos
Favorite subjects: Anatomy and psychology
Favorite movie: “Deadpool & Wolverine”
41.36 (seconds), and I ran 42.62 last year. However, that 42-second run was only my sixth time ever running the 300 hurdles. So, I believe this season, after all the work I’ve put in, this is an attainable goal.”
Royals girls track and field coach Julie Alano said Senefeld developed quickly.
“If a strong sprinter is willing, it’s better to learn the hurdles later because then you have the strength and speed to do well in them,” she said. “She was able to take that 400 and 200 training and just transfer right over to the 300 hurdles.”
Senefeld is now working on the 100 hurdles, which she didn’t compete in last season because she hadn’t developed the proper form for the higher hurdles.
“The 300s are 3 inches lower and don’t
necessarily require the precise form that the 100s do, at least not when you’re starting out,” she said.
Senefeld ran the 400 hurdles in 2025 at the Nike Outdoors Nationals, her first time running.
“She just missed All-American. She was ninth and the top eight are All-Americans,” Alano said.
Alano said Senefeld is very coachable.
“She leads by example and does everything we ask her to do,” Alano said. “She’s usually the last one here because she is still working out in the weight room or somewhere — she is always trying to get better.”
Senefeld committed to the University of Iowa in late October 2025.
“I absolutely loved the coaching there,” she said. “All the coaches are extremely qualified and have a ton of experience. I also feel like Iowa is more of a hurdle-focused school compared to some others I visited. The head coach is also the hurdle coach, which I love since my high school head coach, Coach Alano, is also my hurdle coach. She really sets the standard high for my future coaching.”
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Hamilton Southeastern High School senior Chloe Senefeld is a top hurdler.
(Photo by Mike Kepner Photography)
Candidates attend forum
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton County Democratic Party presented a forum April 17 at Clay Middle School in Carmel featuring several candidates from various races.
Indiana House District 29 Democratic candidates Coumba Kebe and Devon Wellington, who are vying for the seat held by Republican Alaina Shonkwiler, attended.
Wellington said Statehouse politics have drifted away from being a voice for constituents and their individual problems, saying her goal is to provide relief for constituents.
Kebe said her experience as a public health professional led to politics after advocacy didn’t do enough to allay her concerns with policy decisions.
The candidates were asked what the most significant issue is in District 29.
“Anyone that I’ve talked to, parent or nonparent, tells me its education,” Wellington said. “Our community knows the schools we have invested in are the foundation of our entire community and that foundation is being threatened
because of decisions happening in the Statehouse.”
Kebe said the biggest issue is affordability.
“In addition to public education cuts impacting our teachers and public safety teams, a lot of our educators didn’t receive raises this year due to (Senate Enrollment Act 1),” Kebe said. “And in addition to that, their health care premiums went up, but income did not.”
The primary election is May 5.
Democratic candidates for the Indiana House District 29 seat Coumba Kebe, left, and Devon Wellington answer questions at the April 17 town hall. (Photo by Todd Golden)
New practice set to open
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Local resident Tim Reed is opening a mental health practice, Sentry Integrative Mental Health, at 210 N. 10th St. in Noblesville, at the beginning of May.
Reed, who lives in northern Hamilton County, specializes in holistic psychiatry, IV therapy and whole-person wellness. A nurse of 15 years, he recently completed a psychiatric nurse practitioner program.
“Psychiatric care is just like anything else where you have a whole lot of pressure put on community providers to render care expediently,” Reed said.
“I don’t think you get to spend a quality amount of time with the patients, because you have to move quickly and push people through. A lot of that is not the fault of the provider, but the fault of the health care system. I want to be able to control how the care is delivered.”
Reed said he will treat adolescents, adults and working professionals, such as those in the public safety field.
“I think I’m different because I’ve lived that life,” Reed said. “I’m a veteran. I have worked very close to public safety my entire career in health care. My ties to that public safety community is what really sets me apart for that patient population. But also just approachability — offering whole patient care, integrating traditional medicine practices with a faith-informed foundation to look at nutrition and family dynamics.”
Reed will offer traditional psychiatric services, treating mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
“I’ll also be offering IV therapy, so we’ll take a look at nutrition and labs and really look at the patient holistically, rather than just prescribing medication and doing a follow up,” Reed said. “I think that I’ll be able to offer my patients a little bit more attention to detail than they historically would get in the traditional medical setting.”
For more, visit sentryintegrativemh. com.
Reed
Workforce program launches
Invest Hamilton County recently announced a new workforce training program to help individuals in recovery gain and retain meaningful employment.
Offered monthly at Ivy Tech Hamilton County, Rise and Reskill provides eight hours of classroom instruction over two days, with curriculum developed by Ivy Tech. Candidates are referred through a recovery house or other partner organization, with a goal of leaving the program with a workready resume, tools to find employment and access to services that support longterm success.
Rise and Reskill operates under IHC’s InvestOnward initiative, which provides career development, skills training and wraparound services. According to the announcement, steady employment can reduce recidivism rates from 52 percent to below 20 percent, underscoring the connection between career stability and recovery outcomes.
“What we’re seeing through our InvestOnward initiatives is that when you
build the path to vitality for people to walk, the first step gets easier,” stated Mike Thibideau, president and CEO of Invest Hamilton County. “The results in Hamilton County speak for themselves — purpose and employment change outcomes. Rise and Reskill takes what we’ve learned and puts it into action for people in recovery who are ready to take that step.”
Classes are set for the first Tuesday and Thursday of each month, starting at 5:30 p.m.
To learn more, visit investhamiltoncounty.com/investonward.
The first Rise and Reskill class completed the new program in early March. (Photo courtesy of Ivy Tech Hamilton County)
MILLER ROYALTY
Four Noblesville High School grads are 500 Princesses
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School is certainly well represented in the 2026 500 Festival Princess Program.
Four NHS graduates, Jackie Lawrence, Megan Broviak, Emma Pearce and McKinley Underhill are among the 33 Princesses.
JACKIE LAWRENCE
Lawrence, in her first year as an Indiana University McKinney School of Law student in Indianapolis, is the eldest of the group, graduating from NHS in 2021. She learned about the Princess Program at an early age.
“My mom’s college roommate was the 500 Queen,” the Butler University graduate said. “Ever since I was a little girl, we’d go to the 500. This will be my 16th 500, and my mother always made sure to point out the Princesses. From a very young age, I thought they were so cool and so inspiring. Then as I got older, I had friends through undergrad who had done the program, and they were very instrumental toward encouraging me. It’s also a scholarship. Law school is expensive, so any scholarship opportunity is important to pursue.”
Lawrence looks forward to running in the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, set for May 2. She has been training with Indy Runners.
“The Princesses have a water station at Mile 9, so I can’t wait to run past them,” she said. “I’ve done the Mini before, like walking it, but I’ve never ran the whole thing. I’ve done it the past four or five years. My family does it every year. I usually walk it, they usually run it.”
Lawrence’s father, Jack Lawrence, is the principal of Hinkle Creek Elementary School in Noblesville. She plans to do an outreach at Hinkle Heyday, bringing information about the Indy 500. She’s also planning a story time at Hamilton East Public Library.
At NHS, Lawrence was involved in the cheer and dance team and Riley Dance Marathon. She also competed in discus and shot put for the track and field team. She was on the cheer team at Butler
EMMA PEARCE
Pearce has attended the 500 Festival Parade for as long as she can remember.
“My grandparents have had tickets for the parade for probably 50 years,” she said. “I remember every single year the Princess Parade float has always been my favorite. When I was like 5 years old, one of the Princesses looked at me and blew me a kiss and waved. I knew that was something I wanted to do.”
The Indiana University junior began researching the program when she became older.
“I realized the Princesses did a lot of work in the communities and had a positive impact,” Pearce said. “I fell in love with the program and it’s something I’ve been seriously working toward since I was about 12 years old.”
Pearce said she knew the three other
Princesses from Noblesville when she was in high school. She was on the track team with Lawrence and was in band with Underhill and Broviak.
Pearce said she fell in love with the Indy 500 when she was around 7 years old.
“My grandfather (Robert Pearce) has gone to the Indy 500 71 times,” she said. “May has always been a huge month for my family. My grandfather said I had to wait until I was 10 to go to the race. But I begged and begged him to go to the 100th running and he let me go even though I was 9. I’ve been going every year since and it’s my favorite day of the year.”
A sports media major, Pearce works as a photographer through the Mark Cuban Center for Sports Media and Technology.
“I would love to work in motorsports, specifically IndyCar,” she said.
Besides the May 23 parade and May 24 race, Pearce looks forward to the 500 Festival Kids Day May 9.
“I just want to inspire a love of the festival and the race,” she said.
MCKINLEY UNDERHILL
Underhill looks forward to several 500 Festival events.
“If I had to pick, I am most excited about the opportunity to connect with youth who may not know much about the Indy 500 Festival or the race itself,” the Purdue University senior said.
“During an outreach event at an elementary school, one student asked me if girls could be racecar drivers, too. Being able to have that kind of impact on young people is incredibly meaningful and I am looking forward to continuing to make a difference in that way.”
Underhill learned about the Indy 500 Festival Princess Program when she was in elementary school.
“One of the Princesses visited my school and spoke about the program and how to become involved,” she said. “I was impressed by how well-spoken she was and by her knowledge of the
Indy 500 Festival and the race. That experience sparked my interest in the program, which has continued into my college years.”
She will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in animal science and has been accepted into Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
“I plan to study mixed animal medicine in veterinary school and hope to join the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer,” said Underhill, who graduated from NHS in 2023.
At Purdue, she serves as the vice president of Collegiate 4-H and works as a resident assistant in the Purdue Honors College.
MEGAN BROVIAK
Broviak is eager to share experiences alongside the 32 other Princesses.
“Every person there has such an interesting story and passion,” the Butler University sophomore said. “It has been incredible to get to meet so many new people and volunteer in so many new environments and I can’t wait to continue.”
Broviak said she knew of a few individuals that had participated in prior years.
“I heard great stories so I was so excited to get the opportunity,” she said. “While in high school, I was heavily involved in the band program as well as many of its leadership organizations,” she said. “In college, I am involved in a variety of organizations, from giving tours, to volunteering with the Lilly Scholars Network, to getting my EMT license and working in an emergency department. With my chemistry and Spanish degree, I am hoping to go to medical school and look forward to being able to learn and help practice as a pediatric oncologist.”
ON THE COVER: From left, Noblesville graduates Jackie Lawrence, Megan Broviak, Emma Pearce and McKinley Underhill are participating in the 2026 500 Festival Princess Program.
Lawrence Pearce
Underhill
Broviak
From left, Emma Pearce, Jackie Lawrence and Megan Broviak at Carroll Stadium. (Photo courtesy of Jackie Lawrence)
BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT:
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Carmel home was expanded with a light-filled sunroom addition, creating a seamless transition to the outdoors while enhancing everyday living and entertaining space.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Added sunroom to extend living space and improve indoor-outdoor connection.
• Clean-lined ceiling with recessed lighting for a seamless, cohesive look.
• Large windows maximize views and bring in abundant daylight.
• Stone fireplace creates a warm, central focal point.
• Neutral palette and layered textures for a timeless, cohesive feel.
• Direct access from the kitchen to the backyard for effortless entertaining and relaxation.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy. com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
AFTER Carmel home gets sunny addition
June 25, 2026, at Pebble Brook Golf Club in Noblesville 11 a.m. shotgun start
Scan to register or visit riverview.org/26Golf. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Polly Craig at 317.776.7938.
Prevail honors partners
Prevail, a Noblesville-based nonprofit that advocates for victims of crime and abuse in Hamilton and surrounding counties, honored first responders and community partners during its April 15 Community Partner Awards event.
According to the organization, the event recognized individuals and organizations whose work supports survivors and helps build a safer, more supportive community ahead of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 19-26.
“We believe that community strengthens survivors, and this year we are honored to recognize so many exceptional first responders and community partners who are making an impact,” Executive Director of Prevail Tami Wanninger stated. “Together, we are creating a powerful network of trauma-informed (responders) for survivors in our community, ensuring they have the resources and support to heal after trauma.”
Guardian Angel Restoration was the event’s presenting sponsor. Owner Michael Talbot emphasized the impor
tance of recognizing those who work daily to support survivors.
“Every day, we walk into homes where people are experiencing some of the most overwhelming moments of their lives — loss, disruption and uncertainty,” Talbot stated. “What Prevail does goes even deeper, helping individuals heal from trauma that can’t always be seen. Supporting this event is not just about recognition — it’s about reinforcing a community where no one has to face hardship alone.”
For more, visit prevailinc.org/donate or call 317-773-6942.
Award winners and Prevail staff at the April 15 Prevail Community Partner Awards event. (Photo courtesy of Prevail)
Etheridge brings ‘Rise’ tour to Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
It always invigorates Melissa Etheridge to share her music with an audience.
“Having this new album that seems to be received so well, I’m able to do these new songs, so it makes for a new show,” she said. “I was able to rethink some of the older songs, put them together differently and it makes for a new show that me and the band are really enjoying doing.”
Etheridge will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 3 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. She also performed in Carmel in 2018.
Etheridge’s album “Rise” was released in late March. It marked the first time working with Grammy-winning producer Shooter Jennings, son of the late Waylon Jennings.
“I was very, very happy to work with him,” Etheridge said. “It had been about seven or eight years since I did a full studio album on my own of new material. I really wanted to do something different, new, and I really wanted to look at the artists who were making country rock, outlaw country and Americana and all that, all those genres that I’ve always thought were just rock ‘n’ roll. But (Jennings) was just a name that kept coming up and, boy, he was so wonderful. I loved working with him.”
Etheridge, 64, said her new song “Matches” is unique.
“I’ve never allowed myself to kind of write a song with that kind of feel,” she said. “It kind of just rolls along, and it’s a memory that brings us into right now. The last verse I love because it’s now, ‘I’m rolling down the road, pulling into your town,’ and whenever I sing that, the people in the audience, they go nuts and it’s a really fun song to do.”
Etheridge co-wrote a song with Chris Stapleton called “The Other Side of Blue.”
“I first wanted to write with him
because I appreciate and respect his music, his art and him as a person,” she said. “I’ve always felt that he’s got this great presence in music right now and is such a great talent.”
Etheridge, who is based in Los Angeles, said she met Stapleton in Nashville.
“I had never met him before, and we wrote it very easily and quickly,” she said. “He was just very open, very creative. I think he’s an amazing writer. Then after we wrote it, I said, ‘Chris, I really think the world should hear the two of us sing together,’ and so we decided to do it as a duet. I’m just very pleased and very grateful.”
Etheridge said she hasn’t performed the song on the tour yet, but might sing it solo on the tour.
The song deals with navigating grief and finding hope. Etheridge’s son, Beckett, died from causes related to his opioid addiction at age 21 in 2020.
Etheridge said writing that song
Melissa Etheridge will perform May 3 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Primary Wave Music)
and “Call You” provided some comfort.
“Presenting that to an audience, I realize I’m not alone in that (grief), unfortunately,” she said. “It feels very cathartic. It’s a great thing to get off my mind.”
Etheridge has been performing about seven songs from “Rise’ on the tour that began in March
“I do five or six hit songs,” she said. “I do a couple of deeper tracks, so there’s eight of my old songs.”
Some of Etheridge’s biggest hits are “I Want to Come Over,” “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One” and “Like the Way I Do.”
Although she wasn’t selected, Etheridge was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the first time in February.
“It was nice to be thought about and in the room with everyone,” she said. For more, visit thecenterpresents. 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
“Now That’s Funny: Brian Hicks” is set for April 30, followed by Tim Wright & Steel Petals at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘BROTHERS GRIMM’
The Point Theater presents “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” May 1-3 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thepointtheater.org.
‘RISE’
Melissa Etheridge will perform a concert in support of her latest album “Rise” at 7:30 p.m. May 3 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘SUNSET BOULEVARD’
Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Sunset Boulevard” through May 10 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.
‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’
Civic Theatre presents “Fiddler on the Roof” through May 9 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
ELO EXPERIENCE
The Electric Light Orchestra Experience featuring Evil Woman — The American ELO will perform at 8 p.m. May 2 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FRiddler on the oof
Actor back in ‘Figaro’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Rafael Porto is very familiar with “The Marriage of Figaro.”
“It’s one of my favorites. It’s timeless and really fun to do,” he said.
Porto will perform in the famous opera for the sixth time in Indianapolis Opera’s May 1-3 production at The Toby Theater at Newfields in Indianapolis.
Marcellina have is falling apart.
Porto’s wife, Cara Collins, plays Marcellina. The couple were married in October 2025. They sing in the Lyric Opera in Chicago, one of three full-time opera choruses in the nation.
Porto, who grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Ben Davis High School, portrays Don Bartolo for the fifth time. He was cast as Figaro once.
“I love the comedic elements of the role,” he said. “I think (Bartolo) is a guy who is not trying to be funny. The comedy comes from him thinking he has everything figured out and knows how to work the system, and he doesn’t realize he’s getting played like a fiddle. The fun side is he thinks he’s quite serious and brilliant.”
Porto said the comedy comes from the audience seeing the plan he and
Porto performed in the same production in 2025 at Northern Lights Music Festival in Minnesota.
“We also had the same director (A. Scott Parry) and the same Figaro (Jason Cox) and Countess (Rebecca Krynski Cox) in this production,” Porto said. “It will be very fun to do it with them again because that’s more of a rarity. It’s a really good group of people with good chemistry.”
The first time Porto appeared with Indianapolis Opera as a chorus member was at Butler University, and then his first principal role was in “Madame Butterfly” in 2011.
“It’s been a company that’s just been a part of my life for my whole artistic journey,” said Porto, who earned his bachelor’s degree at Butler and master’s degree at Indiana University.
For more, visit indyopera.org.
Porto
VIEWS
Editor,
In the early 1950’s, my father wired the first Boy’s Club campus on the third floor of what was Kirk’s Hardware.
I watched the club being built, became a member in the early 1950’s and went to the club after school almost daily. The gym in the club was very small and the walls were out of bounds for basketball. When you went for a layup, you hit the wall. Some of the best teams for Noblesville High School that won IHSAA sectionals and regionals in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s were developed in that gym.
Our Boy’s Club team won an Indiana Boy’s Club state championship in 1963 and the guys who remain are still good friends.
During my term on the board of directors, we voted to become the Noblesville Boys and Girls Club. The Noblesville Boys and Girls Club has been a valuable part of the Noblesville community and a priceless asset.
David Cox, Noblesville
COMMUNITY VOICES
Residents reflect on history of the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville Evans
Editor,
One of the most important things that occurred was when the Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville won a Teen Supreme Grant from Taco Bell.
I don’t recall the name of the local Taco Bell franchise owner who supported the club, but he helped us establish a Teen Center and bolster the teen program. I’m sure it doesn’t exist anymore, but it was an important step for us at the time.
I was the first female president of the board of directors. The basketball programs for boys and girls were wonderful. Glad they have such a super facility now.
Jane Howard, Noblesville
Editor,
As the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville celebrates its 75th anniversary, it’s clear that staying relevant for three-quarters of a century doesn’t happen by accident — it happens because of a community that continues to show up.
If you grew up here — or are raising a family here now — there’s a good chance the BGCN is part of your story. It remains one of Noblesville’s most enduring and impactful community anchors.
As part of this milestone year, the BGCN has launched a campaign focused on future growth — ensuring it can continue serving local youth for the next 75 years. Thanks to the generosity of the Maggioli Families First Foundation and Jeff and Laura Watson, all pledges will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $375,000, doubling the impact of every gift.
Those who commit $7,500 or more will join the Diamond Giving Society, a group of supporters investing in the longterm strength of the BGCN. These gifts can be pledged and fulfilled over one, two or three years, making it easier for individuals and families to participate in a meaningful way.
Editor,
My name is Doug Carter. I recently retired after nearly 40 years of law enforcement service, primarily in Hamilton County. As a former state trooper, two-term elected sheriff of Hamilton County and most recently retired as the superintendent of the Indiana State Police after serving 12 consecutive years, I’m pleased to endorse Magistrate Judge Chris Evans to be the next judge of Hamilton Superior Court 3.
Chris presently serves as a magistrate judge in Hamilton County, having been appointed by the elected judges. Magistrate Evans has a reputation as a fair and hardworking judge with a demonstrated commitment to the rule of law. He has extensive experience presiding over bench and jury trials involving complex civil and criminal proceedings and is the only candidate for Court 3 with judicial experience.
His character, judicial demeanor and expe-
rience make him the best choice to serve as the elected judge of Hamilton Superior Court 3. This is a challenging time for law enforcement and the judicial system, making judicial experience more important than ever. Chirs Evans is the only candidate for Court 3 with that very experience.
I encourage all Hamilton County residents to vote for Chris Evans for Court 3 on May 5. Now more than ever, your vote for experience matters. Magistrate Judge Chris Evans is ready on day 1.
Douglas G. Carter, superintendent (ret.) of the Indiana State Police
Now is an opportunity for our community to come together once again. By supporting the BGCN today, we are investing not only in the kids who walk through its doors now, but in the generations who will follow.
Monica Peck, Noblesville
big trees now!
I hate the 70s
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
Last month, I celebrated my 79th birthday. My wife Mary Ellen and son tried to find me the perfect gift. But I am a very difficult person to shop for. I know this because my mother started telling me this when I was 3 years old.
To help them, I Googled “Gifts for men in their 80s.” I still have a year to go, but I wanted to give my family a good start on the next decade.
Here was the first recommendation: “The gift should convey to the celebrant that he is still loved, respected and appreciated.”
I don’t want to be a celebrant. It’s bad enough that many consider me an irritant.
Another suggestion: “Why not a collage of stamps from that person’s birth year? Can you think of a better present?” Yes. How about a gift certificate for my next colonoscopy? By the way, a postage stamp in 1947 cost 3 cents, which was expensive at the time. That’s why my father didn’t want to send out my birth announcements.
Then there also were several ideas
for personalized coffee mugs: “What about an eye-catching cup with a list of all the famous people born on their birthday?” I thought that sounded like a good idea, so I did a little research about March 5 on AI. Amazing how many notables share my birth date:
• Tang Gonghong (Chinese weightlifter)
• Jef Eygel (Belgian basketball player)
• Olusegun Obasanjo (former president of Nigeria)
But how long will that priceless gift last before someone swipes it?
Mary Ellen ended up giving me a coffee mug: TO MY FAVORITE SEPTUAGENARIAN
I don’t like being in my 70s. It certainly doesn’t sound as much fun as being a sexagenarian.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
14. Florida city
15. Kinky coiffure
16. Start to an “udderly” ridiculous riddle
19. Typical Westfield HS student
20. Negative prefix
21. Too big for one’s britches?
23. Off-Broadway award
25. Colts’ QB stat
27. Keen
29. I-69 roadside assistance org.
30. NHS subj.
31. Jazz Kitchen instrument
32. A Kardashian
34. Unconscious condition
36. Take a timeout
37. Part 2 of the riddle
40. Mafia boss
43. Tesla’s Musk
44. Customary
48. Be too generous at a garage sale
50. Eiteljorg Museum tribe
52. Pacers’ current org.
53. James Whitcomb Riley works
54. Cigar residue
55. “The King and I” setting
56. USN rank
57. Pencil filler
59. Defeat decisively
61. Riddle’s answer
66. Grandson of Adam and Eve
67. God of Islam
68. ___ King Cole
69. Rajah’s wife
70. Personal records
71. Org.
DOWN
1. Clay Terrace shoe store letters
2. “Go Greyhounds!”
3. Three-dimensional
4. Lymph ___
5. Easily identifiable
6. ___ ‘n’ cheese
7. Become swollen
8. [Boring!]
9. Cruel person
10. ET’s craft
11. Abundant
12. Recital pieces
17. Purgatory Golf Club
peg
18. “Hogan’s Heroes” setting
22. Send a brief message
23. Zionsville street between Cedar and Pine
24. Scrooge’s cry
26. Politely
28. Apt rhyme of “courts”
30. Red or Dead
31. B-plus beater at Butler
33. Scents
35. Yoko ___
38. Cups, saucers, sugar bowl, etc.
39. Coloration
40. Geist inlet
41. One who rights old wrongs
42. ___ non grata
45. Bringing together
46. Pacers’ former org.
47. Hasty escape
49. First female Speaker of the House
51. Larynx locale
54. “Skyfall” singer
55. Tom Wood offering, briefly
58. “Moby-Dick” captain
60. ___ and aahs
62. Freight weight
63. Columbus Crew org.
64. Fishers Farmers Market corn unit
65. Some Indy 500 drivers’ sponsorship letters ANSWERS ON PAGE 23
WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Waterstone Neighborhood Wide Garage Sale
Tons of homes participate. Make sure you get to all four neighborhoods!
Designer clothing, furniture, housewares, kids stuff, and incredible deals!
This sale is too good to miss!
Waterstone is east of Gray Road between 116th and 126th
Entrances to neighborhood are at 116th, 126th, and Gray Road
Includes:
Bayhill, Brookfield,Stonewick, and Windpointe
Thursday April 30th 8-5
Friday May 1st 8-5
Saturday May 2nd 8-2
GARAGE SALES
GET A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT 8 HOME-A-RAMA SHOWCASE HOMES
Meet the exclusive builders. See what goes into a dream home.
CELEBRATE THE CONCLUSION OF THE PARADE OF HOMES WITH A BEHIND THE SCENES PREVIEW OF HOME-A-RAMA!
The 2026 McComb Pella Window & Door Home-A-Rama will be held at Wild Air, the newest community in Zionsville, this September. Get a sneak peek of behind the scenes builds of some of the top builders in Central Indiana.
