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Questions over cameras, litigation highlight council meeting
By Alicia Stivers alicia@youarecurrent.com
A resident’s questions about Brownsburg’s use of Flock license plate reader cameras prompted town officials to publicly explain how the technology works and why police believe it has become an important investigative tool during the July 23 town council meeting.
The discussion came nearly three years after the town first began using the cameras. Brownsburg Police Department Chief Joe Grimes said the town installed its first Flock cameras in 2023 under a five-year contract and has since expanded the system to 16 cameras positioned along major roadways.
Resident Derek Fudge said he became concerned after noticing cameras throughout town and researched the technology.
“I only have one question that I haven’t found an answer for, and that’s how these cameras are being paid for,” Fudge told the council, adding that he worries about surveillance and data collection.
Grimes said Brownsburg’s cameras are used only after crimes have been reported and are not monitored continuously.
“The only time that we are accessing this is only to utilize it after a reported criminal offense,” Grimes said.
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Grimes also sought to correct several misconceptions raised during public comment, explaining that Brownsburg’s cameras do not record conversations or collect facial images.
“They do not capture sound,” Grimes said. “These are only license plate readers.”
According to Grimes, the department initially purchased the cameras using police forfeiture funds and now pays for the system with Local Income Public Safety Tax revenue.
Opinions
Columnist views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.
Since the cameras were installed, Grimes said they have helped investigators solve a homicide at the town’s dog park within 24 hours, identify suspects in two armed robberies on Northfield Drive and recover multiple stolen vehicles.
“It wasn’t the intention of the Brownsburg Police Department or the Town of Brownsburg to spy on our com-
munity members,” Grimes said. “We are utilizing it for lead information.”
The meeting also touched on another issue with financial implications for residents.
During council comments, Council Member Cindy Hohman asked about a $25,000 payment to the law firm Frost Brown Todd that appeared in the town’s claims docket and was connected to the ongoing Hawk’s Landing litigation.
In February, the Brownsburg Advisory Plan Commission approved the primary plat for the 105-home subdivision at the corner of Ind. 267 and 800 North, despite months of community opposition. Approximately 150 residents attended the two-hour hearing in February, with nearly all who addressed the commission expressing concerns about environmental impacts, ongoing traffic issues in the area and the safety of nearby residents.
Town Attorney Scott Krapf confirmed the payment relates to the pending lawsuit but declined to discuss details because the case remains active.
“There is pending litigation,” Krapf said.
According to a statement released
July 28 by Stop the Build, a local community organization, the group filed a petition for judicial review July 27, stating the plan commission’s approval of Hawk’s Landing violated a key zoning ordinance by approving a subdivision plan that was materially different from the concept plan that served as the basis for the property’s original 2021 rezoning.
The council also delayed action on a proposed 272-unit apartment development by CRG Residential near County Road 900 East and Interstate 74. The project received an unfavorable recommendation from the town’s Advisory Plan Commission, largely because of traffic concerns at the intersection of County Road 900 East and East 56th Street.
Rather than vote on the proposal, council members tabled the zoning request until Aug. 13 while continuing discussions with the developer about possible intersection improvements.
The council also approved a modest annual increase to water (1 percent) and sewer (1.5 percent) rates.
According to town officials, when compared to other utilities in the area, Brownsburg remains at lower rates.
Solar-powered Flock license plate reader cameras capture vehicle details for law enforcement use. (File photo)
New housing law prompts UDO review
By Alicia Stivers alicia@youarecurrent.com
Brownsburg officials believe the town is already well-positioned to meet the goals of Indiana’s new housing legislation after completing a comprehensive update to its development regulations just two years ago.
During its July 27 meeting, the Brownsburg Advisory Plan Commission held a public hearing required under House Enrolled Act 1001, a law approved by the Indiana General Assembly this year to encourage housing development and improve affordability across the state. The legislation requires communities to review local zoning and development regulations before Jan. 1, 2027, and report their findings to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.
Senior Planner Shannon Norman McGriff said the law grew out of statewide concerns that local regulations were making housing more expensive and slowing residential development.
“There were two points of view,” McGriff told members of the plan commission. “Housing matters, but home rule matters, too.”
She said state lawmakers ultimately adopted a scaled-back version of the legislation after months of discussion. Rather than requiring municipalities to overhaul their zoning ordinances, the law requires local governments to examine whether their regulations unnecessarily limit housing opportunities and to hold a public hearing on the findings.
McGriff said Brownsburg’s adoption of a new Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO, in 2024 already addressed many of the issues identified by the state.
Among the topics reviewed were housing density, accessory dwelling units, manufactured and modular housing, permitting timelines, minimum lot sizes, setbacks, parking requirements and other development standards that can affect the cost and availability of housing.
“I think the Plan Commission has
“Housing matters, but home rule matters, too.”
– SENIOR PLANNER SHANNON NORMAN MCGRIFF
already done a lot of the work,” McGriff said.
She noted that although the state required the town to review those issues, it did not require Brownsburg to make changes if existing regulations already meet the community’s goals.
Besides the required housing review, members of the plan commission considered several proposed amendments to the UDO.
One of the most notable would remove data centers as a permitted use in Brownsburg’s industrial zoning districts while adding a new definition for information processing facilities.
McGriff said the change reflects how technology has evolved since the ordinance was last updated. The new language distinguishes traditional office-based information processing operations from large data centers, or server farms, that typically consume significant amounts of energy and require few employees.
Other proposed amendments would establish a threshold requiring traffic impact studies for developments expected to generate at least 1,000 vehicle trips per day, update definitions to match state law, clarify regulations governing canopy signs at fuel stations and expand restrictions on certain commercial uses along East County Road 600 North (56th Street).
The revisions also would designate elementary, middle and high schools as permitted uses in all zoning districts to comply with a separate state law approved this year.
Following the public hearing, the Advisory Plan Commission voted to recommend approval of the proposed UDO amendments. The Brownsburg Town Council will consider the revisions at a future meeting.
We truly appreciate every member who voted & joined us for our
We look forward to seeing you next year!
McGriff
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Arts festival returns
By Alicia Stivers alicia@youarecurrent.com
The Greater Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce will bring artists, musicians and families together this fall for its annual Festival of the Arts.
The free, two-day event is set for Sept. 19-20 and will feature visual art, live music, artisan vendors, interactive workshops and local food. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 20.
Chamber Director Kiley Chandler said organizers are planning to expand this year’s festival with more hands-on experiences for children and families.
The chamber also plans to highlight participating artists in the weeks leading up to the festival, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about their work before the event.
Designed as a celebration of creativi
pate in creative workshops.
Chandler said the goal is to create an event that appeals not only to art enthusiasts and collectors, but also to families looking for a fun weekend outing.
Admission is free, and community members are encouraged to attend either or both days of the festival. Additional details, including participating artists, entertainment and activities, will be announced by the Greater Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce in advance of the event.
Festival of Arts returns to Brownsburg Sept. 19. (Photo courtesy of Lacy Clagg Photography)
BROWNSBURG AUGUST EVENTS
PRETTY FAST RUN CLUB – WOMEN’S RUNNING CLUB
Arbuckle Acres Park, Tuesdays, 7 - 8 p.m.
HISTORY ON THE TRAIL
Virgil Park, 6:30 p.m.
• August 7 TRAILS OF HONOR
Williams Park, 9 a.m.
• August 10
• August 24
PINTS & PADDLES – PICKLEBALL SOCIAL
Stephens Park, 5 - 8 p.m.
• August 14
MORNING BIRD HIKE
Arbuckle Acres Park, 9 a.m.
• August 15
SUMMER SOUNDTRACKS – LIVE MUSIC
Arbuckle Acres Park, 6 - 8 p.m.
• August 21: Endless Summer Band (Pop hits)
SENIOR MATINEE MOVIES
Eaton Hall, 1 p.m.
• August 26
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Arbuckle Acres Park, 7 p.m.
• August 28: Wicked
FULL MOON HIKE
Williams Park, 8:30 p.m.
• August 28
TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS
Town Hall Council Room, held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday every month, 7 p.m.
• August 13
• August 27
BROWNSBURG FARMERS MARKET & LIVE MUSIC
Town Hall Green, Thursdays, 4 - 7 p.m.
• August 6: Corn Roast – Rich Bryant
• August 13: Chamber Night – Mikey Goode
• August 20: Hometown Heroes –Kyle Bledsoe
• August 27: Market Appreciation Night
Wireman sentenced in overdose death
news@youarecurrent.com
A Clayton man was sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty in connection with the 2024 overdose death of Olivia Ryland.
Jakob Wireman pleaded guilty to methamphetamine dealing and reckless homicide as part of a plea agreement. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed a charge of dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death.
Wireman received a 16-year sentence in the Indiana Department of Correction. He also was sentenced to six years for reckless homicide, to be served concurrently. He received no suspended time or probation.
The case stems from April 10, 2024, when Hendricks County sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported overdose at a Clayton home. Ryland was found dead, and investigators later determined she died from methamphetamine and fentanyl intoxication.
According to court records, investigators alleged Wireman supplied the methamphetamine, fentanyl and Xanax Ryland obtained the day she died. The charges were filed in March 2025 following an investigation that included search warrants for cellphones and a review of text messages related to the alleged drug transaction.
Correction — A July 28 story on the Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home in Zionsville should have said the cabinetry is by Doca and that The Agency, the real estate agency selling the home, has 185 locations worldwide.
Trivia night to benefit kids — The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide will have a college football-themed trivia night from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 at BASH in Carmel. Tickets are $75 and proceeds will support the organization’s prevention education programs with parents, children and youth-organizations and schools. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite college team apparel. For tickets, sponsorship information, or to learn more about the center, visit indianaprevention.org.
Theta chapter earns national honor — The Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta has received the Founders Award, the fraternity’s highest national honor, presented to one alumnae chapter every two years. The chapter was selected from 147 chapters nationwide and also earned the Golden Kite Award at last week’s Kappa Alpha Theta Grand Convention in Las Vegas. The honors recognize the chapter’s growth and commitment to service. Kappa Alpha Theta, founded at DePauw University in 1870, has its international
headquarters in Indianapolis.
FiA North Indy to host meet-and-greet — Females in Action, or FIA, is a national not-for-profit organization active in 24 states. The groups host free, peer-led outdoor workouts for all women, all ages and all fitness levels. The North Indy group meets at 7 a.m. Saturdays at Dillon Park Disc Golf in Noblesville and 7 a.m. Wednesdays at the Westfield-Washington Public Library parking lot for a walk. The North Indy group will host a coffee meet-and-greet from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 22 at Epic Coffee, 7249 E. 146th St. in Carmel for women to learn more about the organization.
Special Olympics plane pull set for Aug. 8 — Special Olympics Indiana will have its 25th annual Plane Pull Challenge Aug. 8 at the Fedex Express World Hub at Indianapolis Airport. The annual fundraiser for Special Olympics has teams of up to 15 people move an 82-ton Boeing 575. The event is the largest single-day fundraiser for Special Olympics with proceeds benefitting children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The family-friendly event also has music, food, souvenirs, games and other activities throughout the day. The Kids Pull, at noon, features children ages 12 and younger who try to pull the airplane down the 12-foot runway.
Wireman
COMMUNITY
Area developer faces federal wire fraud case
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A federal court case filed in the U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana sheds some light on a recent FBI raid of Westfield resident and developer James Andrew “Andy” Card.
Card, 62, founded Card & Associates Athletic Facilities, LLC., which developed the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Finch Creek Fieldhouse in Noblesville and the Mishawaka Fieldhouse, among other projects. The raids took place July 16, the same day that the court case was filed — a civil action accusing Card of wire fraud and asking for the forfeiture of Card’s multimillion-dollar Florida home.
disbursements was transferred to an account called “CA Mishawaka Fieldhouse LLC,” which had two authorized signers — Card and his wife.
“The representations in the disbursements request(s) were materially false and made with intent to defraud the City of Mishawaka and others, as Card and the business did not in fact use all the funds disbursed … as payments or reimbursements for legitimate project costs,” the complaint states. “Instead, Card and the business caused certain funds … to be used for Card’s personal use and benefit.”
The Marco Island waterfront home is jointly owned by Card and his wife Martha. The court filing alleges that the Cards purchased the home by redirecting funds meant for the Mishawaka Fieldhouse, which he was developing for the City of Mishawaka, just east of South Bend.
The $38 million fieldhouse was funded through city, state and municipal bonds, with the bond debt paid for through tax increment financing. The project also received a $5.2 million state Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI, grant.
The court filing states that a development agreement was signed in January 2023. In April 2023, a disbursement of about $2.9 million was made to a Card & Associates account for “architectural services, developer services and reimbursements, crossroad engineers and pre-engineered metal building.”
Another disbursement was made in May 2023 of about $2.4 million for similar expenses. On two separate occasions, about $4.3 million of those
The complaint alleges that investigators traced funds meant for the fieldhouse through various accounts, and records show those funds eventually were used to pay for about $2.7 million of the Marco Island home’s $6.625 million purchase price.
Card released an email statement July 18, expressing hope that he will be “vindicated” as the case proceeds.
“Nothing is more important than the health and happiness of my family,” he stated. “I am, however, temporarily relinquishing control of the development division at Card and Associates and will manage operations (as CEO) for current facilities only. My professional reputation is paramount to me. I am hopeful I will be fully vindicated.”
Card & Associates was one of the firms under consideration in 2023 for operation and management of Grand Park in Westfield, but was not selected. In 2022, Card also expressed interest in purchasing Grand Park.
The company also submitted a proposal in 2023 to develop a Noblesville event center and parking garage, losing out to Patch Development. That project became The Arena at Innovation Mile.
Card & Associates’ website and social media are no longer active.
DISPATCHES
Hendricks Power announces board election results — Hendricks Power Cooperative announced board election results and highlighted growth, reliability and member benefits during its 90th Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Event July 23 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds. Nearly 2,500 members voted online or in person. Elected to the board were Hal Truax (Area 4), Keith Cooper (Area 5) and David Thomas (at large).
REIMAGINED HOME
Century-old Main Street house becomes Greek’s Pizzeria, giving a historic property new purpose
By Piper Bailey Piper@youarecurrent.com
A two-story house nestled between a Walgreens and a neighborhood on Main Street in Brownsburg has found a new life as a Greek’s Pizzeria.
Zionsville residents Mike Cole and his wife Julie bought the house, which is nearly 100 years old, last summer after being charmed by its character and potential as a commercial property. Cole envisioned adding a deck for outdoor seating and making use of the landscaped backyard.
“I’ve scouted in Brownsburg for about the last 12 years, trying to find the perfect location,” Cole said. “I try to find quirky places. I try to stay away from strip mall-type settings. I like the mom-and-pop-shop look.”
Most of the home’s interior was preserved with the exception of an ADA-compliant bathroom being added to the first floor and converting the kitchen for commercial use. Cole noted that he was fortunate to find a space that required very little changing.
In June, the restaurant hosted its soft opening. It held its ribbon-cutting ceremony July 27.
“It’s been overwhelming,” Cole said. “The support of the Brownsburg community is more than we ever expected. I mean, I’ve opened 20-some (Greek’s Pizzerias), and this is the biggest opening I’ve ever had.”
Cole worked at a Greek’s Pizzeria near Ball State University’s campus in the mid-to-late ’90s while he pursued a degree in teaching. A couple of years later, he and Julie opened their first Greek’s restaurant in Angola.
Since then, they have opened and sold more than 20 Greek’s restaurants throughout Indiana. Most recently, the Coles sold their Zionsville store in November 2025 after owning it for about 15 years.
Greek’s Pizzerias offer pizza, breadsticks, salads, sandwiches, pasta, wings and more, all made with fresh ingredients. Pizza dough is made fresh each morning and the sauce is made inhouse. The Brownsburg restaurant also
offers gyros and vegan options.
“I think half the people are coming for the food,” Cole said. “The other half are coming to see the cool things we did with the house.”
Despite loving renovating properties and opening new restaurants,
the Coles have no plans to sell the new store. Instead, the couple plans to move to Brownsburg, where they want to become more involved with the community.
“My goal now is to dive into the community and try to be involved with as
GREEK’S PIZZERIA AT A GLANCE
Owners: Mike and Julie Cole
Experience: Opened and sold more than 20 Greek’s Pizzerias across Indiana
Location: 34 W. Main St.
Menu: Pizza, wings, gyros, breadsticks, salads, sandwiches, pasta and more Fun Fact: The pizzeria is in a house nearly 100 years old
much stuff as we can with the school systems, businesses and other organizations in town,” he said. “We’ve already done three farmers markets (and) we’re signed up for the arts festival in the fall.”
Cole plans to host fundraising nights and other special events with local organizations every few weeks.
Greek’s Pizzeria is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
From left, Greek’s Pizzeria employees Geri Cook, Julie Johns Cole, Cayden Madding, Mike Cole and Kennedy Madding at the restaurant’s ribbon cutting July 27. (Photo by Alicia Stivers)
ON THE COVER: Greek’s Pizzeria owners Julie Johns Cole and Mike Cole celebrate the opening of the new restaurant during the ribbon cutting July 27 in Brownsburg. (Photo by Alicia Stivers)
What actually is a stye?
Column by Dr. Kennedy Penny
A stye — also known in medical terms as a hordeolum — is a common, often uncomfortable bump that develops along the eyelid. It occurs when one of the tiny oil glands near the base of your eyelashes becomes blocked and infected.
Although a stye can look alarming, it’s typically harmless and responds well to simple treatments. Still, guidance from an optometrist can make the healing process smoother and help prevent future episodes.
Most people first notice a stye as a tender, red bump that may cause swelling, tearing, itching or a gritty sensation in the eye. In many cases, it resembles a small pimple. Although it can create discomfort, a stye rarely affects your vision. The majority develop externally, at the lash line, but there also are internal styes — on the inner eyelid — that can be more painful and may take longer to heal.
Optometrists play an important role in managing styes. During an eye exam, we evaluate whether the lesion is truly a stye or another condition that may look similar, such as a chalazion, cyst or even an eyelid infection requiring urgent care. We also assess underlying issues like eyelid inflammation or gland dysfunction, both of which can increase the likelihood of a stye reoccurring.
Treatment usually begins with warm compresses that are applied for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. This helps soften the blocked oil and encourages natural drainage. Your optometrist also may recommend gentle lid hygiene techniques, such as using a warm, diluted cleanser designed for the eyelids. In some cases — especially when the stye is persistent, unusually painful or accompanied by spreading redness — antibiotics may be prescribed.
There is good news — with proper care and early attention, most styes resolve quickly, allowing your eyes to feel comfortable and healthy again.
Dr. Kennedy Penny works at Little Eyes in Carmel. She earned her Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University in 2023.
Commentary by Larry Greene
Along Ironwood Golf Club in Fishers, this kitchen was reworked with brighter finishes, smarter storage, and a more inviting everyday layout.
• White cabinetry and quartz surfaces brighten the room while preserving a timeless, tailored look.
• A large green island adds contrast, seating and generous workspace at the center of the kitchen.
• Relocated appliances and expanded cabinetry improve function, storage and movement throughout the space.
• Patterned tile, open shelving and dark hardware bring warmth and personality.
• The refreshed layout now feels cohesive, comfortable and better suited for daily cooking and gathering.
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.
Lynyrd Skynyrd keeps the music going
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke gets tremendous joy when he looks out over “Skynyrd Nation.”
“Our fan base is usually (age) 8 to 80,” he said. “They come to hear ‘Simple Man,’ ‘What’s Your Name” or ‘Tuesday’s Gone,’ ’Sweet Home Alabama’ and ‘Free Bird,’” Medlocke said. “Every night, the songs take on a little bit of a change to keep it fresh. I just love entertaining the audience and making them feel great.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner are co-headliners on the “Double Trouble Double Vision” tour, which lands at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center. Six Gun Sally is the opener.
“We go last every night,” Medlocke said. “They wanted it that way. (Foreigner) didn’t want to follow ‘Free Bird.’”
Medlocke, 76, played drums with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1971-72 and left to rejoin his group Blackfoot. He returned to Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1996 as a guitarist at the urging of original member Gary Rossington, who died at age 71 in 2023.
“I love to see the audience feeling good and being happy about it,” Medlocke said. “I have often said this, if it wasn’t for the fans, we might be digging ditches or doing whatever else.”
Medlocke said the music Lynyrd Skynyrd created in the mid-1970s was remarkable. Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, one of the primary songwriters, was killed in a 1977 plane crash along with two other band members Steve Gaines and sister Cassie Gaines, two pilots and the band’s road manager. Rossington and other band members Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell and Artimus Pyle were seriously injured.
“I always called Ronnie a Southern poet. He just had that gift,” Medlocke said. “Ronnie could paint a picture in front of you that you could see with words and he was just a genius in my book.”
Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie’s younger brother, has been the band’s lead singer since 1987.
Medlocke rejects any talk of Lynyrd Skynyrd being called a cover band.
“Johnny and I feel we are Lynyrd Skynyrd and we can lay claim to that,” he said. “We’ve talked about it and we’d like to take it on to another three to five years, and then after that, you never know. As long as everyone keeps their health and does what they need to do, we’ll keep going forward.”
Medlocke said he has excellent physicians.
“I’ve adopted a certain protocol for eating, taking care of myself and getting as much rest as I can,” he said. “I can’t stand being idle. I have to be doing something, creating music on the side and writing songs for soundtracks. Then my other passion is the sports world. I’m heavy into fishing and that keeps me going.”
PERFECT FIT
It seems natural that Six Gun Sally would open for Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner.
The band, which formed in 1992, draws inspiration from Southern rock and classic rock of the 1970s.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase
Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke began his second stint with the band in 1996. (Photo
our music and our band,” said Dave Barbe, the bandleader and drummer. “I’ve loved Lynyrd Skynyrd since I was a kid and still love them now. Our music fits well. The audience is receptive to us.”
Aimee Jane Williams, the lead singer, joined the band in 2024.
“I feel so blessed,” she said. “I wasn’t there for the hard, hard work that the guys put in to get to the place we are now. I think our music is better than ever. It felt like a dream come true to join in with these guys after many years.”
Barbe said Williams has a threepronged attack.
“She sings well, looks well and writes well,” he said.
Six Gun Sally’s set includes some original songs and covers, such as the Allman Brothers’ “Ramblin’ Man” and Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love.”
“We love the way Aimee does Janis Joplin’s ‘Piece of my Heart,’” Barbe said.
The band opens its set with its latest single “Sittin’ Pretty.”
“It’s the perfect song to come out to, it’s just fun,” Williams said. “Sometimes, some of the best songs are written so quickly and we’re laughing the whole time.”
‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’ “The Play That Goes Wrong” runs through Aug. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
JESSE WELLES
Jesse Welles with special guest Steph Strings will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park In Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.
‘ANASTASIA’
Hendricks Civic Theatre’s production of “Anastasia” runs through Aug. 9 at Hendricks Live! For more, visit hendrickslive. org.
GLADYS KNIGHT
Gladys Knight’s concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
‘Sylvia’ wins Indy Shorts honor — The 2026 Indy Shorts Film Festival concluded July 26, with a record number of filmmakers in attendance (350), world premieres (37) and short film programs (40). The Indy Shorts presented more than $35,000 in cash prizes to filmmakers at the July 25 Awards Brunch. The Indiana Spotlight Documentary Audience Choice Award and a $500 cash prize was awarded to “Sylvia,” directed by Carmel filmmaker Ashton Gleckman. The Indiana Spotlight Narrative Award and a $1,000 cash prize were presented to director Bella Ray Rosales for the film “Lottie Baby.” The Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Documentary Award and a $1,000 cash prize were awarded to director Jason Whalen for the film “Finding A Way: Revitalizing Nature in America’s Heartland.”
courtesy of Vector Tour Marketing)
HEADLINE PERFORMANCE
THE BACON BROTHERS
‘Weird Al’ concert set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Alfred “Weird Al” Yankovic had no idea his career would have the staying power it has.
Yankovic
‘Nobody really thought that when I was first starting out because it was very difficult for me to get signed to a record deal because the conventional wisdom was, ‘Oh, you do novelty music. You’ll be lucky to last six months,’” Yankovic said. “So, that’s sort of like the big irony of my life and career is that I started out in the early ‘80s, and a lot of the acts that were huge back then are not really around today. On the other hand, I still am.”
Yankovic brings his “Bigger and Weirder” tour to Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center for a 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6 concert.
His previous tour was “The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Vanity Tour.”
“It was a scaled-down version of our show where we sat on stools and sang our songs,” he said. “This is the exact polar opposite of that. We doubled the size of the band. It’s back to the costumes, props and LED screens. It’s an arena show. It’s kind of a greatest hits show. We have a few deep cuts for the hardcore fans, but it’s really kind of a big-tent show that hopefully everyone can enjoy.”
Yankovic said he strives to make every tour different. For example, on one tour he performed with a full symphony orchestra. He has done various tour versions because he is no longer on a cycle of supporting a new album with a tour.
“I stopped doing albums 12 years ago, so now I’m trying to make every tour special in its own way,” he said.
The concert will include parodies, original songs and his polka medleys.
“We probably feature the parodies a bit more because those tend to be the big hits,” he said. “Sometimes people don’t need to hear the whole song, but if they hear a verse and a chorus, then they kind of feel like they’ve heard it. We do kind of a mega medley in the middle.”
VIEWS
COMMUNITY VOICES
Beckwith acting against values
Editor,
As a clergyperson serving the Jewish community in Indiana and working alongside other faith communities in our state, it is painful to see Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s call to ban the public Islamic call to prayer for several reasons.
First, such a ban runs contrary to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees the right of all religious groups to freely exercise their faith. The call to prayer is part of Muslim practice and has been for centuries.
Secondly, Mr. Beckwith is fueling the fires of fear that plague our country. The divisiveness that already exists is made worse by his misrepresentation of what the call to prayer actually says. It does not translate as words of death and destruction; it means, “Allah is great; there is no god but God; Mohammed is the messenger of God; hasten to prayer.” These are central tenets of Islam. There is no mention of sharia law in these words.
Finally, because Mr. Beckwith presents himself as a man of God, I find it difficult to understand why he disrespects his Muslim neighbors. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” is a foundational ethical principle of Christianity, found in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39. In Malachi 2:10, we read, “Have we not all one father? Hath not one God created us all?”
A statement from Mr. Beckwith’s deputy communications director stated, “Lt. Gov. Beckwith will always stand up for American values and refuses to apologize for saying Sharia Law has no place in this country and that America is now and always should be one nation under God.” American values guarantee freedom of religion; Christian values urge followers to “love their neighbor.”
I am embarrassed by the actions of our lieutenant governor and hope that our legislature will not enact such a ban – ever!
Janice Roger, Carmel, cantor emerita, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation
Here’s a show I saw in London several years ago. I Googled it to see if it was still on the telly. The show was called “Bring Your Husband to Heel.” The creator of this show claimed that you can apply the same principles you use to teach your schnauzer or dachshund to train your husband.
The show is no longer running. Either that or it is simply playing dead.
The show only dealt with dogs. As you ladies know, husbands are already like cats. They pay no attention to you, sleep all day and are always on the wrong side of the door.
The woman who hosted the show claimed her results were undeniable and that she trained her husband to be the perfect mate.
(Author’s note: So far, everything I have written is 100 percent true. But now let’s have some fun).
When we got home from England, my wife Mary Ellen was eager to try out a few sure-fire techniques. I told her I wasn’t going to take this lying down, but I had just rolled over for a treat, so I was in no position to argue.
After dinner, for example, we usually strolled around the lake in our neighborhood. When she said, “Dick, do you want to go for a walk?”, I started rotat-
ing my backside in anticipation of our outing.
“You’re not taking this seriously, Dick. I am simply applying basic behavioral techniques to our relationship, and you are making a mockery of it.”
“You don’t think it’s funny when I get out of the shower and shake instead of using a towel?”
“Yes, that was cute, but when I’m driving, it’s dangerous for you to stick your head out the window. And when you come home from work, please just use your key. The scratching at the front door is driving me crazy.”
There were some advantages to this experiment. More belly rubs in one week than I got in the previous 30 years of marriage. I am allowed to “go out” as often as I want, but that electric collar is really cramping my style.
I didn’t want my wife to treat me like a dog anymore. So, one night after dinner out, I gave her roses and Champagne. I was looking forward to a very romantic evening.
Later that night, she told me to get off the bed.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
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14. Disappoint
16. Hoarder of emails, photos and texts at Montrose Farms?
