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LEEWARD SECTIONAL

7 Piece Set:

1 Sectional (4 pcs), 1 Swivel Chair, 1 End Table, 1 Cocktail Table

THE LARGO

5 Piece Set:

1 Sofa, 2 Swivel Chairs, 1 Bunching Table, 1 Round End Table

Plan commission advances projects

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Plan Commission granted a certificate of authorization for a demolition, recommended approval for a zoning change for the future Noblesville Police Headquarters and approved a special consideration for a place of worship at its July 20 meeting.

The next plan commission meeting is at 6 p.m. Aug. 17 at City Hall, 16 S. 10th St.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The plan commission granted a certificate of authorization for the demolition of a garage at 1523 Conner St. that is within the Downtown Protection Boundary District. The Noblesville Common Council also approved the demolition July 28.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The existing property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The garage on the property sustained damage during a fire in August 2025. The homeowners,

 WHAT HAPPENED: The plan commission approved a special consideration for the construction of a place of worship and community building on 10 acres at 9854 Cumberland Pointe Blvd.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The proposal is on behalf of Calvary Apostolic Church. Proposed is a 20,000-square-foot community center for the church, to be built prior to a 13,000-square-foot sanctuary. The community center will be used for the church’s youth programs and will provide an indoor recreation space and classrooms. The community center will be constructed on the northern portion of the property and the future sanctuary will be built on the southern portion of the site. An outdoor recreation field and playground are proposed to the east of the community center.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The special consideration will go before the common council at a future meeting for final approval.

Garage at 1523 Conner St. will be demolished.

(Photo courtesy of Noblesville Plan Commission meeting documents)

William and Sandra Lynch, said their insurance carrier evaluated the damage and declared the structure a total loss. The plan commission granted approval for the construction of a new garage on the western side of the property. The existing structure will remain until the new garage is completed.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The homeowners stated they will demolish the existing garage within 60 days of receiving a certificate of occupancy for the new garage.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The plan commission recommended approval for a change of zoning and the adoption of a preliminary development plan and ordinance for the construction of the Noblesville Police Department Station at 1715 Division St.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The proposal is to rezone the base zone of the property to DT (downtown) and create a government use overlay district, or GUO, for the property — a specialized zoning that allows municipalities to accommodate government services

without altering the primary zoning of surrounding properties. The city is setting permitted and prohibited uses for the property that focus on community uses and take out the majority of the auto-related uses that were allowed within the DT district. It also prohibits overnight stays on most of the property because of environmental considerations.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The common council will take a final vote on the proposal at a future meeting.

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Site map for the proposed place of worship and community building at 9854 Cumberland Pointe Blvd. (Map courtesy of Noblesville Plan Commission meeting documents)

Site map for the future Noblesville Police Department Headquarters. (Map courtesy of Noblesville Plan Commission meeting documents)

BEHIND STRONG KNEE

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Commissioners approved the 2026 Community Development Block Grant action plan and tabled updates to a memorandum of understanding at their July 27 meeting. The next meeting is at 2 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Hamilton County Judicial Center.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The Hamilton County Emergency Management department received a grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The department received $9,875, which will be used to purchase additional voltage detectors for first responders and volunteers working in the field after storms. There also are plans to purchase extendable barriers that can be placed between cones to cordon off hazardous areas.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The department will go before the county council at a future meeting to appropriate the funding.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved the 2026 Community Development Block Grant action plan.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The commissioners reviewed the plan at their June

13 meeting. Plans include allocating $400,000 to Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield for public infrastructure improvements; $543,372.80 for affordable housing initiatives; and $235,843.20 for administration and fair housing initiatives.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The total funding available for 2026 is a little more than $2.54 million. For this year’s phase of the plan, the top priority is expanding and sustaining affordable housing development across the region.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners tabled an update to a memorandum of understanding between the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Hamilton Heights School Corp.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The MOU establishes the mission of the School Resource Officer Program between the sheriff’s office and the school. The only update involves special education considerations — ensuring officers receive required training to work with students who require custom special education instruction, goals and support services.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The commissioners tabled the item to further look if anything else in the MOU needs to be updated. The county council also will have to review it.

Sonn, MD

Council OKs funding, residential development

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Common Council approved up to $26 million in utility bonds, financial plans for a new police headquarters and a 303-home residential development at its July 28 meeting. The next council meeting is at 6 p.m. Aug. 11 at City Hall, 16 S. 10th St.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The council approved the issuance of up to $26 million in bonds for two major utility projects — upgrading and rehabilitating the Noblesville Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks and replacing Lift Station 20.

 WHAT IT MEANS: Jonathan Mirgeaux, the city’s utilities director, estimates an actual bond issuance of $23,500,000 to support an overall project cost of $36 million, with the remaining project costs to be funded using the department’s unrestricted capital fund and strategic growth fund. Mirgeaux said both projects are intended to decrease odor issues throughout the city.

 WHAT’S NEXT: Mirgeaux said the bond will have no impact on current sewer rates. The projects are underway, and the utilities department is targeting a bond closing on or around Sept. 2.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The council approved an ordinance regarding the Noblesville Police Department Headquarters planned for 1700 Division St.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The ordinance is a pledge by the city of general revenues to ensure it pays its debt service bonds. The financial plan will provide for a $3.5 million annual debt service payment over a 22-year period. The city plans to use local income taxes, food and beverage taxes and interest earnings to satisfy the obligations. The city also has included a property tax backup on its financing to enhance the credit rating.

Site map for Woodcroft, a residential development approved at the July 28 council meeting. (Map courtesy of meeting documents)

 WHAT’S NEXT: There is one more financial approval needed for the project, appropriation of cash reserves to buy down the overall bond size, which is expected this month. The city anticipates closing on bonds in August, breaking ground in October and an 18to 24-month construction period.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The council approved a residential development to be known as Woodcroft.

 WHAT IT MEANS: Woodcroft will be on 130 acres north of 156th Street and west of Prairie Baptist Road. The Lennar development will have 303 homesites and four home types will be available, with prices estimated to range between $400,000 and $550,000. Amenities will include pathways throughout the community; a clubhouse; fitness center; pool; playground; pickleball courts; and an orchard and community garden.

NYB presents expansion updates

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville Youth Baseball President Adrienne Colla gave an update on expansion plans for the organization’s facilities behind Hazel Dell Elementary School at the July 21 Noblesville Schools Board of Trustees meeting.

In February, NYB presented its plans to the school board, saying the organization had developed several conceptual design plans, including the addition of several new fields. At the time, the board approved NYB moving forward with exploring the feasibility of acquiring land and design options.

Colla said since February, the organization has completed all due diligence, including a survey, title work and drainage analysis, confirming there are no physical land barriers blocking the project’s vision.

One issue that has been identified is a dry detention pond on the property that is at maximum capacity.

“Depending on what happens with a new dry detention pond, the Midland Trail may have to be moved, and that has already been addressed with the city, and they are on board,” Colla said.

Parking options also are being evaluated as design concepts take shape. In addition, plans under consideration include extending the lot further south to increase parking capacity.

Colla also discussed progress on a proposed second access road, which could connect Hazel Dell Road into the undeveloped section of the property at the southwest corner of Hazel Dell Road and Ind. 32, and plans to enhance security.

“We’ve been working with a contact at Gaylor Electric who does facility security,” Colla said. “His idea is four cameras at each tower, one facing each field, and then a couple on the back side of the concessions that would capture the pavilion.”

NYB plans to increase its fundraising goal to help create a rainy day fund for maintenance of the expansion. The goal is to raise $10 to $15 million for the project within three years.

COMMUNITY

City launches ‘All In’ planning initiative

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Work is underway on the City of Noblesville’s newest initiative All In Noblesville, a unified approach to updating Noblesville’s comprehensive plan and unified development ordinance.

The process is expected to take approximately 18 to 24 months, with community input shaping each phase.

Since launching earlier this summer, city officials say more than 230 residents have completed the community survey, and the project’s interactive map has collected more than 200 pin contributions, marking locations tied to connection, opportunity, safety, activity and preservation across the city.

All In Noblesville pop-up events at community gatherings also have drawn more than 600 visitors, according to city officials.

“We know it’s difficult in a city of 80,000-plus people to engage everyone, but I think that public input is really important,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said. “We try to engage folks everywhere we go and have an open door policy at City Hall, but I think this is a great way for people to sit down (and) take a few minutes to really think about their thoughts on Noblesville.”

Jensen said although the comprehensive plan and UDO will see changes once completed as things like technology and the housing market evolve, it’s nice to see how people feel today and where they want to see Noblesville going forward.

He said results show that people have a strong connection to the community.

With survey responses and map input concluding Aug. 6, Jensen said the project team will take time to shape the next phase of the initiative. He said plans call for an event in the fall that will offer more time for residents to give feedback and showcase initial results.

Jensen said by the end of the year, the city hopes to have a good idea of updates that need to be made.

“These are pretty extensive documents,” Jensen said. “Our UDO has grown from 200 pages to 600 pages, which is part of the reason we need to clean this up. This isn’t an easy document to put together, so we’re going to need some time to do that, but I think (we will) have a pretty substantial document by the end of the year, at least in quarter 1 of 2027, to have that rolled out and really be implementing the results of that.”

For more, visit AllNoblesville.com.

Noblesville Schools students, families and staff pack Federal Hill Commons July 24 for the district’s annual Back to School BASH celebration. The theme was “Heart of the Community” and featured sports, games, live music, art, dunk tanks, food trucks and giveaways from more than 100 community exhibitors. Students returned to school July 30. (Photo courtesy of Noblesville Schools)

May joins council race

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Doug May, a Noblesville resident, has been selected through a caucus process to run for the District 3 seat on the Hamilton County Council.

Democrat May will face Republican Mark Hall in the Nov. 3 general election.

“I stepped into the role to serve for the nominated candidate who had to withdraw in late June,” May said. “I am now researching the Hamilton County budget, developing my positions and examining what is possible to continue to build on the good work that has been done to make Hamilton County one of the best places to live in Indiana and the nation.”

River Township.

“With only 2,500 people in the (township), I believe we need to conserve the land and continue to improve the White River watershed so we are able to increase recreational opportunities and maintain a buffer from our growing cities of Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville and Fishers,” May said. “The no-wake area on Morse Lake northwest of Cicero, Koteewi Park in Strawtown and Conner Prairie are great places and assets that we can and should continue to build linkages with trails and waterways.”

He also wants to address quality of life issues impacting residents, such as affordability and gaps in child care.

May previously worked in human services and served as a representative for the nonprofit CICOA on the Coalition of Human Services Planners. He said he is focused on building on positive aspects of county infrastructure and development while conserving land for parks and farms, specifically noting White

May favors collaborating with public schools and nonprofit organizations to create additional child care options and wants to increase the county’s current $750,000 competitive grant fund for community nonprofits to address wider local needs.

“I will bring fresh eyes to problem solving,” May said.

Carmel Democrat joins race

By Ann Marie Shambaugh annmarie@youarecurrent.com

For the last couple of years, Ti’Gre McNear had been considering a bid for political office.

So, when the Hamilton County Democratic Party was looking for candidates to run in several races that had unopposed Republicans in the May primary, she was ready to step up.

McNear, a Carmel resident, was selected through a caucus process to run for Hamilton County commissioner in District 1. She will face off against longtime incumbent Christine Altman in the Nov. 3 general election.

programs and initiatives in Hamilton County and ensuring tax dollars are spent responsibly.

“Even though we’re the most prosperous (city), anything can happen,” McNear said. “How can we enhance what’s already been done well? I want to ask the questions, the whats, the whys, who it has impacted, who does it benefit.”

McNear, who is married and has an adult daughter, owns a consulting firm, 3T Outreach, that reviews processes and procedures for organizations. She’s also worked as a substitute teacher, a case manager with social safety net programs and as a retail store administrator.

“We didn’t start in the beginning with everybody else, but we’re here now and ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work,” she said of candidates selected in the caucus.

McNear, who grew up in Gary, said her top campaign priorities are expanding access to mental health resources, improving awareness of youth

These experiences, combined with a master’s degree in organizational leadership, make her a good fit for the role of county commissioner, McNear said. But that’s not what she believes makes her most qualified.

Learn more about McNear’s campaign at votemcnear.com.

McNear

Markets, music event set

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Aftershock Events, co-founded by husband and wife Brendan and Jessica Vandergraff of Noblesville, is bringing events to the city to connect residents through music, stories, and art.

Aftershock Events will present two markets in the coming months, with an East Alley Summer Market scheduled for 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 8 and Mercantile on Maple set for noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 19.

The free East Alley Summer Market will feature local makers, artists, handmade goods, boutique vendors, live music and food. Small businesses and nonprofits on the downtown square also will be showcased. Mercantile on Maple will follow a similar format.

Jessica Vandergraff said Aftershock Events started out focused on weddings and small events. The markets were created to utilize unused spaces in the downtown area.

“It just feels like a really good use of space,” she said. “As long as the weather cooperates, it’s kind of a win-win for everybody. People can find vendors

they don’t typically see at the farmers market or those who are just getting started.”

Besides the markets, Aftershock Events will present Romp the Commons at Federal Hill Commons Aug. 15. The free event, inspired by Mrs. Roper, a fictional television character, will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the picnic pavilion near the playground.

The first 50 costumed attendees will receive a limited-edition Romp the Commons sticker.

For more, visit aftershockevents. com.

Aftershock Events utilizes unused space such as alleyways in downtown Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Aftershock Events)

‘Dream Home’ open to host tours in August

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Buyers in the market for a luxury home can explore a unique option at Holliday Farms.

This month, The Agency, a luxury real estate company, will host tours for The Reverie, a new, 11,366-square-foot custom home at 4430 Elmscott Ridge. It has views of the seventh fairway on the Club at Holliday Farms’ Championship Golf Course.

The three-story home built by Scott Bates Custom Homes and designed by Goldberg Design Group has five bedrooms, six bathrooms and four half-bathrooms. High ceilings are a dominant feature. It has an in-home spa, water circuit, a waterfall that goes into a resort-style pool and a 20-foot entertainment wall.

Traci Garontakos, managing partner for The Agency’s Indianapolis office, and listing agent for the property said an in-home spa is a larger wellness trend for luxury homes and buyers.

“People no longer want to go to a gym,” she said. “They want it in their home.”

The Reverie is this year’s Dream Home by Indianapolis Monthly, an annual event that showcases popular trends and designs in residential home building. And unlike most years, the home is not spoken for.

The Reverie is on the market for $10.975 million

and will be move-in ready in October. It will be fully furnished. Furnishings are by Dare 2 Design. Kitchen appliances are Gaggenau, and the cabinetry is Doca.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a buyer,” Garontakos said.

Outside, there are retractable screens from Zionsville-based Phantom Screens. Landscaping is by P.J.E. Lawn Care & Landscaping.

“All the designers had free reign to show you what they can do,” Garontakos said.

Garontakos said the home is designed for the busy, high net-worth buyers who don’t have time to build a home themselves.

The Agency will use its national and global reach to find buyers. The Agency has 185 locations worldwide.

“We’ve made a name for ourselves in the new construction space,” Garontakos said.

Tours of the 2026 Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home are open this August. Learn more and buy tickets at indianapolismonthly.com/dreamhome.

The Reverie is at 4430 Elmscott Ridge at Holliday Farms. It is more than 11,000 square feet. (Images provided by Scott Bates Custom Homes and Dare 2 Design)

Westfield 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.

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 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.

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 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

“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.”

Food insecurity addressed

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Teter Organic Farm, a nonprofit and outreach ministry at 10980 E. 221st St. in Noblesville, is on a mission to end local hunger — and it’s hosting two upcoming fundraisers to accomplish its mission.

The first event, Farm Fest, will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 25. It features family activities like a petting zoo, wagon rides, games and crafts, along with a 7 p.m. Twilight 5K on the farm’s wooded trail.

Runners, walkers and joggers will receive a T-shirt and commemorative honey jar while supplies last. Top male, female and youth finishers win medals, while the overall winner receives a week of fresh vegetables. Kids are admitted free with a donation to the Hamilton County Food Pantry, and adult tickets are $20 for individuals or $30 for two.

“A huge part of our mission is about helping the community access greenspace and ecological education, and all of those things happen at Teter,” event coordinator Wendy Hantelman said. “Fundraising in other locations is always great, but when people are at Teter, they get to see what’s going on. It’s the No. 1 way for us to be able to build community engagement.”

Teter’s largest annual fundraiser, an adult-only Farm to Table Dinner, will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at Harbour Trees Main

Clubhouse in Noblesville. Tickets are $100, with sponsorships available.

The evening includes a meal prepared with fresh farm vegetables and presentations from Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, Hamilton County Resource Coalition Leader Tracey Horth Krueger and nonprofit leader and volunteer Tom Bayer.

“This fundraiser gives our donors the ability to interact with one another in a setting that is equally supportive,” Hantelman said. “I think the cool part about this event is it’s a lot of different donors who may not otherwise be in the same room, able to connect over something that they’re passionate about.”

For more, visit teterorganicfarm. com.

Local group receives funding

to pursue opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.”

The Hamilton County Community Foundation has created Strategic Grants as a new funding pathway designed to provide larger investments in organizations pursuing significant opportunities or navigating critical challenges. Through its inaugural Strategic Grants cycle, HCCF awarded $1.675 million to eight organizations across Hamilton County.

“Our Strategic Grants are very different from our traditional funding,” stated Danielle Stiles-Polk, HCCF president. “They are designed to meet organizations at key moments when a larger investment can help them take the next step. These resources allow nonprofits

The 2026 Strategic Grant recipients include:

• Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville: Awarded $250,000 to advance facility improvements and renovation planning focused on safety, accessibility and expanded capacity.

• Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program: Awarded $250,000 to support the expansion of services across all six local youth assistance branches.

• Teter Organic Farm: Awarded $250,000 to support construction of a new Produce Production Barn. For more, visit hamiltoncountycf.org/ grants-resources.

Children participate in games at a previous Farm Fest. (Photo courtesy of Wendy Hantelman)

COMMUNITY

Vinatieri set for Pro Football Hall of Fame induction

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For former Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, this has been quite the memorable year.

“It’s been an incredible year with the Hall of Fame knocking on the door right before the Super Bowl, and then, obviously, now with the Colts Ring of Honor, that’s an incredible honor as well,” Vinatieri said.

The Zionsville resident will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio. Following that, he will become the 21st member of the Colts Ring of Honor Oct. 18 when they host the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Vinatieri, 53, asked Colts CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon to introduce him at the Hall of Fame ceremony. She became owner of the Colts with her two sisters after their father Jim Irsay died in May 2025.

“I know when Jim was alive, he was my first and only choice,” Vinatieri said. “Then I chose Carlie because her family has meant so much to me. They’ve done so much for me and my family. I still feel like I’m a big part of the Colts organization, even though I’m not playing anymore. It just felt like the more I thought about it, the clearer that decision was. I’m really proud of how she took over the team and what she’s doing, and I’m happy to be her first inductee into the Hall.”

Vinatieri, who played 10 seasons with the New England Patriots before playing 14 seasons with the Colts, is the NFL’s all-time leading scorer with 2,673 points. He holds NFL records for field goals made with 599 and postseason points with 238. He was on three Super Bowl-winning teams with the Patriots and one with the Colts.

He will be the third full-time placekicker inducted in the Hall of Fame, joining Morten Andersen and Jan Stenerud. Fittingly, Andersen — who attended Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis — delivered the news to Vinatieri.

“It was the perfect choice to come knock on my door,” said Vinatieri, who lived in Carmel before moving to Zi-

onsville six years ago. “He was always a hero of mine when I was growing up as a kid, and I was fortunate enough to play against him a handful of times. I admired and respected the heck out of him. I can’t tell you how excited I was when we got the knock and I opened it up and saw him in a gold jacket.”

Vinatieri is helping coach football at Zionsville Community High School, where his youngest son, Gabriel, is a junior safety and backup kicker. He previously helped coach when his older son, A.J., played his final two seasons with the Eagles after transferring from Carmel High School.

Vinatieri works with special teams during practices.

“I’m just trying to bring some football knowledge to the program,” he said. “I’m doing a bunch of public speaking, particularly this year. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to do some meet-and-greets and I have a great time doing those things. I still do quite a bit of stuff with the Colts when I get a chance as well.”

Vinatieri said Gabriel would rather play a position than strictly kick.

“We have a really good senior kicker right now, so (Gabriel) is kind of the backup if something goes awry,” Vinatieri said. “But he really, really loves playing defense, and I told him, ‘Hey, man, you don’t have to follow in my footsteps. If you want to do something different than your old man, that’s OK. You don’t have to do what I did.’”

A.J. was the punter last season for Lindenwood University, a Football Championship subdivision school in St. Charles, Mo. A.J. entered the transfer portal and has one year of college eligibility left.

Former Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri will be inducted Aug. 8 into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Colts)

Vinatieri

Lions’ trike race returns

By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com

The Indiana Lions’ annual Brian’s Trike Race returns Sept. 12 after a twoyear hiatus. The event raises money for the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The race was paused in 2024 because of the construction of a new combined campus for the Indiana School for the Deaf and Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Donations go toward resources for students to help them prepare for independent living.

Brian’s Trike Race will be at 2701 N. Devon Ave. in Indianapolis. All teams must be registered and have paid the $100 entry fee by Aug. 15.

Teams of four compete on adult-sized tricycles in a tournament-style competition. Participants do not have to be Lions Club members, but they must be at least 14 years old.

“We have people who do come and just watch and cheer the riders on,” said Linda Scott, co-chair of Brian’s Trike Race. “They have a good time laughing at all the adults on the tricycles racing

like crazy.”

The event was created in 1996 by Brian Hellerman as a fundraiser for the Washington Township Lions Club. It was renamed in Hellerman’s honor following his death before the second race. Check-in starts at 11 a.m. with practice at 11:30 a.m. Races begin at 1 p.m.

For more, contact Linda Scott at lindamscott@comcast.net.

Lion’s Club member Toby Salyers competes in Brian’s Trike Race in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Linda Scott)

ON ANGELS’ WINGS

Nonprofit flies patients for long-distance medical care

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The nonprofit LifeLine Pilots is ensuring distance never stands between a patient and medical treatment.

LifeLine Pilots is an organization that offers free flights for passengers with medical or humanitarian needs far from home. It was created by pilot Wanda Whitsitt in 1981.

LifeLine Pilots Communications and Public Relations Manager Andrea Pietrowsky said what started as Whitsitt volunteering her time to transport blood to hospitals from the Red Cross has transitioned to transporting patients undergoing things like cancer treatments to their long distance medical appointments.

“We’ve never flown more patients than we do today,” Pietrowsky said. “The key point of distinction is that these aren’t emergency flights; these aren’t air ambulances. What was done 45 years ago is the same as today — flying people to their appointments that they would otherwise struggle to access, or maybe not even be able to access at all.”

Flights are typically facilitated in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. In Indiana, many flights take off at Indy Executive Airport, a Zionsville-based airport owned by the Hamilton County Airport Authority, and Indy Metro Airport in Fishers. Jennifer Hatcher, a Noblesville resident and development manager for LifeLine Pilots, said although Hamilton County is viewed as affluent, many people struggle to get to and from medical appointments.

“I think there’s a misconception that people here don’t need help,” Hatcher said. “But there is a need here. We want to be able to reach the people who need us and who can use our services. Our goal is to increase word here and also maybe get any pilots on board to volunteer since we do have a large pilot community here being so close to the Indy Executive Airport and Indy Metro Airport.”

Locally, Hatcher works within the community to spread the word about LifeLine Pilots to community organizations like the Noblesville Rotary Club and at community events.

“The mission really spoke to me, and I’ve been trying to do grassroots outreach here to get the word out,” Hatcher said. “I’ve been fortunate to see one of the flights out of Indy Metro, and it’s just really rewarding.”

Last year, LifeLine Pilots flew nearly 1,300 flights at no cost to patients. The one qualification is passengers must have a physician treating them who can verify the need and that they are safe to fly.

“There’s no requirement of age or condition,” Pi-

LifeLine Pilots flies patients up to 1,000 miles away for medical treatment. (Photo courtesy of Lifeline

etrowsky said. “It’s simply if someone can show they have a case and need assistance. There’s no strict income threshold. It’s just that if you would need to fly weekly or monthly, and that shows some sort of challenge. If there’s a barrier of distance, or if you physically struggle to ride for hours in a car.”

A database system shared with other charitable public aviation groups is used to identify patients in need.

“It’s based on regional access for where the pilots are,” Pietrowsky said. “A lot of our pilots are flying flights that are no more than 200 miles at a time, but we do fly passengers up to 1,000 miles from where they’re going. Sometimes, it becomes a two-legged flight where two pilots and two planes are doing a trade-off from Point A to B to C. Our pilots are incredible volunteers. They love helping people.”

Approximately 300 pilots volunteer their time, planes and fuel. Locally, Bernie Hirsch, a Carmel resident, has been flying planes for LifeLine Pilots since 1998.

Hirsch said every flight is interesting and fulfilling.

“I’ve been a pilot for over 40 years, and my philosophy about that is I’m going to fly around anyway, so I might as well do something useful with that and something that impacts the lives of other people in a positive way,” Hirsch said. “I think it’s important that people who have specialized skills use them in a way to help other people, and that’s primarily what I’ve been doing for decades with LifeLine Pilots.”

For more, visit lifelinepilots.org.

ON THE COVER: LifeLine Pilots volunteer pilot Bernie Hirsch, right, with passenger Darrin and his stepdaughter. (Photo courtesy of LifeLine Pilots and Bernie Hirsch)

A POSITIVE IMPACT

and area residents have benefited from the free flights offered by LifeLine Pilots.

Carmel pilot Bernie Hirsch said he has helped people dealing with all kinds of crises. He recently helped an Indiana couple who were involved in a car accident get home from Mississippi.

“I went down there and picked up the husband, Darrin, and his wife had to be air ambulanced home,” Hirsch said. “Darren was in a little bit better shape. He had a broken leg and back injury, but he was able to sit up in an airplane, so I flew him and his stepdaughter home. It really saved them.”

He also recently flew an 11-month-old boy being treated for hyperinsulinism and his family home from West Virginia. The boy’s mother said it is a huge relief knowing trips are shorter and less of a financial burden because of LifeLine Pilots.

“Every story is unique, and every person is unique, and so many people are so thrilled to have a way to get to their treatment and get home from their treatment,” Hirsch said. “I think in our current world, with the way things are, it’s beautiful to see people coming together to help each other. That’s what I really love doing about this.”

Several Indiana

Pilots and Bernie Hirsch)

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.

Community performs 1,000th robotic bronchoscopy

news@currentinfishers.com

Community Heart and Vascular Hospital in north Indianapolis, part of Community Health Network, announced a new milestone in the early detection of lung cancer after performing its 1,000th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure using the Ion Endoluminal System.

Robotic bronchoscopy allows physicians to navigate deep into the lungs with enhanced precision and stability to biopsy small or hard-to-reach nodules, according to the announcement. Earlier and more accurate diagnosis of lung cancer gives patients more options and improves survival rates.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication of our clinical team and their commitment to detecting lung cancer earlier, when it is most treatable,” stated Dr. Tom Schleeter, vice president, physician executive, CV Product Line. “Each procedure represents a patient who gained access to

Rachel

registered

Diana Simmons, registered nurse, Angie Arthur, Bronchoscopy Program coordinator, Dr George Rubeiz, interventional pulmonologist, Dr Walid Hadid, interventional pulmonologist, Stacy Worsham, CHVH surgery manager. (Photo courtesy of Community Health)

advanced diagnostic care at a critical point in their health journey.”

Community Heart and Vascular Hospital is among more than 900 Ion programs across the United States and ranks in the top 50 globally for patient impact and top 10 in the north central region, according to the announcement.

For more, visit eCommunity.com.

Dr. Kennedy Penny works at Little Eyes in Carmel. She earned her Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University in 2023.

From left, Monica Richey, CHVH Nursing Director,

Nobbe,

nurse,

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.

THE BLUEPRINT

• 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.

Quaint kitchen refresh near Ironwood Golf Club

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 courtesy of Vector Tour Marketing)

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.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Eric Baker & Friends present a Huey Lewis tribute Aug. 7 and “Sweet Caroline, The Life and Music of Neil Diamond” Aug. 8 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘NATIVE GARDENS’

Carmel Community Players will present “Native Gardens” Aug. 7 to 16 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

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.”

ENTERTAINMENT

‘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.

“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.”

Yankovic

READY TO ADVANCE

Beckwith acting against American, Christian 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.

read, “Have we not all one father? Hath not one God created us all?” While we differ in important theological ways, we share a belief in one God and a moral obligation to treat one another with dignity and respect.

“American values guarantee freedom of religion; Christian values urge followers to “love their neighbor.”

Mr. Beckwith’s call to ban an Islamic practice goes against these values.”

– JANICE ROGER

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

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.” Mr. Beckwith’s call to ban an Islamic practice goes against these values. 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

COLUMNISTS ON THE WEB

This week’s commentaries by Current Publishing essayist Terry Anker and humorist Dick Wolfsie may be read at youarecurrent.com.

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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.

14. Mine finds 15. Underwater detection system

16. Colts’ training camp site

18. Prefix with “sound” or “marathon”

19. Streaming delay

20. CTRL-ALT-___

21. A whole bunch

23. Wore away

25. For all of us

26. Blue Jackets’ org.

28. Kind of pool

29. Butler frat letter

30. Chinese “way”