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Agreement reached in burned home dispute
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
A downtown Zionsville property that burned July 10 and is subject to an active arson investigation was wrapped up in a years-long dispute between the former owner’s family members and his friends.
Drew Kogan owned the former Kogan Antiques and Lighting store at 195 S. Main St., until his death in 2022. He was 63. Kogan owned more than 78 percent of the historic property, acquired through annual deeds from his mother Helen Kogan. Drew Kogan was also the trustee of a trust that owned the other 21 percent of the property, which was transferred from Helen Kogan upon her death.
Investigators believe the fire was intentionally set and antisemitism could have been a motivating factor. The fire originated with the lighting of an Israeli flag on the south side of the building. The flag, along with an American flag, had flown at the building for many years.
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Prior to his death, Drew Kogan signed two transfers on death deeds. The documents left all personal property and his home to his friends Robert Evans and Raymond Rudolph.
The two took possession of the property soon after Kogan died, according to court documents, and changed the locks.
Kogan died intestate, or without a will. Laws dictated the share of the property owned by Kogan’s estate go to his family members, in this case, his brother Warren “Tod” Kogan was appointed administrator of the estate. Drew Kogan’s nephew, David Kogan, is the trustee of the trust.
The brother and nephew sued Evans and Rudolph in June 2022 — Drew Kogan died Jan. 12, 2022 — arguing the transfers on death deeds were invalid because “trust” was written at the top of the document when it was filed. They argued it changed the owner of the property from Drew Kogan to the Drew Albert Kogan Trust.
Boone County Superior Court I judge Matthew Kincaid ruled in the Kogan brothers’ favor in 2023 that the property was to stay in Kogan’s family via the estate and trust. The judge wrote the transfers of death were invalid because the transfer is dependent on a death.
“Trust, however, is not natural person and cannot die, and therefore cannot legally transfer property under the TOD statute,” Kincaid ruled.
The deed also was invalid because the person who signed it, Drew Kogan, did not match what was listed in the document, which was “the Drew Albert Kogan Trust.”
Evans and Rudolph asked the court to reconsider its ruling, arguing the inclusion of “trust” was a clerical mistake and Kogan’s wishes should be honored. A Boone County employee had “trust” written on the document so it could be recorded, according to a court filing.
The case was heard by the Indiana Court of Appeals, which affirmed Kincaid’s ruling.
The parties reached a settlement last year where Evans and Rudolph agreed to pay $10,000 to Kogan’s trust in exchange for the dismissal of all pending claims. The estate was declared insolvent last month because of attorneys
fees and other expenses.
Zionsville attorney Roger Burrus represented Evans and Rudolph. He declined to comment.
Counsel for the Kogans, Greg Neibarger of Indianapolis law firm Dentons, did not respond to a request for comment.
No arrests have been made in the suspected arson case, and the investigation continues. Zionsville Police Department Lt. Elizabeth Frost didn’t share any details of the investigation but did say the community has been supportive.
“Local businesses and community members have been very helpful throughout the investigation by providing information and assisting investigators,” she stated.
Anyone who was downtown between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m. July 10 who saw anything suspicious are asked to call Zionsville Police Department Detective Nicholas Ruby at 317-941-9072.
The former Kogan Antiques and Lighting store at 195 S. Main St. that burned July 10 was the subject of a years-long dispute between former owner Drew Kogan’s family members and his friends. An agreement was reached last year. (Photo by Spencer Durham)
The northbound lane of Zionsville Road near 86th Street will be closed for up to eight days for a gas project.
(Image courtesy of the town of Zionsville)
Gas project to impact Zionsville Road
news@youarecurrent.com
The northbound lane of Zionsville Road near 86th Street in Indianapolis is expected to be closed sometime early this month.
The closure will only impact the north lane and is related to a Citizens Energy Group gas project in the area. The Town of Zionsville stated the project was de-
layed — construction signs indicated the road would close on or after July 27 — and is expected sometime this month.
An official schedule has not been announced but work will last eight days. Southbound traffic on Zionsville Road will remain open.
Citizens Energy Group did not immediately provide additional details to Current.
Cellphone policy OK’d
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community Schools is going with a secured storage approach to keep students off their cellphones.
The ZCS Board of Trustees approved an updated cellphone policy July 13 that prohibits students from using their phones during the entire school day. Phones must be turned off and stored in either a locker or in classroom storage containers, if applicable. The policy also applies during lunch and passing periods.
There are exceptions to the law, including for students who may require a device as part of their Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan, or who need language translation or have a medical condition.
“We do anticipate there will be some requests for exceptions that we will navigate as a staff,” ZCS Superintendent Rebecca Coffman said.
The policy also allows for the superintendent to let students use their phones in an emergency, although state law offers no guidance on this matter.
This year, The General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 78, which prevents students from using phones and other devices capable of communication during school hours. It’s a stricter law compared to a previous version that prohibited phones in class.
Phones must be inaccessible, but what that means is up to school districts to decide. The vagueness was intentional so schools could determine the best way to implement the policy.
High school students who are caught with their phones will have them confiscated and their parents notified. A second infraction requires the parent to pick up the phone and a possible suspension.
Coffman said enforcing the rule at lunchtime at the high school could be challenging, though there have been few issues with previous phone policies.
“We’ve not had an issue by and large with students,” she said.
Coffman
Subdivision approved County employee info leaked
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
A 14-custom home subdivision off U.S. 421 was approved July 20 by the Zionsville Plan Commission.
Walnut Run Estates, by developer JB Partners LLC in Zionsville, received primary plat and development plan approval.
The property at 5356 U.S. 421, just north Templin Road and the Chelsea Park subdivision, will be split into 14 plots.
The project received architectural relief from the Michigan Road Overlay, which dictates design, among other items in the area. Similar architecture is enforced for commercial and industrial buildings but is usually waived for a residential development.
The developer agreed to relocate a sidewalk, upon a request from the plan commission, and fully build out another sidewalk on the north part of the property. The Town of Zionsville requires most new projects to have sidewalks built on the property and connect to existing paths when
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Social Security numbers and names of all Boone County employees were inadvertently shared July 21 by the Department of Child Services to at least two vendors who work with the county.
list was disseminated by the employee.
DCS said in a statement the agency is following state and federal protocols, identifying who the list was shared with, recalling the emails that included the information, contacting third parties to delete the information and reporting the incident to the Indiana Office of the Attorney General.
Boone County’s IT department removed the email from its internal system. It also directed the vendors to delete the email and any copies.
JB Partners had sought a waiver for the north sidewalk because of typography challenges and the cost to build. The project was a point of frustration at the June plan commission meeting as information was not submitted on time and staff had to reach out to the developer on the matter. It, along with another proposed development, led the commission to call for developers to submit ready projects to prevent delays, large agendas and long meetings, which have been common this year.
Beth Copeland, attorney for the county, stated in an email that a DCS employee sent an email with the spreadsheet that included the names and Social Security numbers to four county employees and two outside vendors. The county has 290 employees.
Copeland said it’s unclear why the possible.
The list was compiled by the Boone County Auditor’s Office and sent to DCS to comply with a federal program that is operated through the agency.
Copeland said the program reimburses the county for expenses related to certain employees who have long term disability insurance. The personal information of employees is needed by DCS to receive funding. The practice is part of an annual audit.
In an email sent to employees, the county said it requested DCS determine if the list was shared, forwarded or saved, confirm every recipient has deleted the email, explain corrective actions taken and provide identity-theft protection and credit monitoring services to affected Boone County employees and establish a secure method for counties to submit the information.
County employees were told it does not appear the information has been misused and were encouraged to review their credit reports and financial accounts.
The 14-acre property at 5356 U.S. 421 will be split into 14 plots for custom homes. (Image courtesy of the Town of Zionsville)
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.”
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.
ily 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 alltime 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.
Former Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri will be inducted Aug. 8 into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Colts)
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, 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 fam-
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 Zionsville 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
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.
Vinatieri
Cash: Laws help reduce baby deaths
Commentary by Rep. Becky Cash
For far too long, Indiana faced one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. Every infant death is a heartbreaking tragedy, and for years those statistics reminded us more needed to be done to better support mothers, babies and families across Indiana.
That’s why the legislature made reducing infant mortality a priority by passing House Enrolled Act 1004 in 2015, which established the Safety PIN Program. Rather than relying on a onesize-fits-all approach, Safety PIN invests in organizations that are making differences in communities throughout Indiana. We strengthened our commitment in 2023 by increasing funding for this program from $5.5 million in 2022 to $11 million and maintained that increase in the latest biennial budget.
Additionally, I supported a law passed in 2024 to ensure families who provide a home through adoption to a child in foster care receive financial support equal to 100 percent of the amount the child received while in foster care. We also passed legislation to clearly outline the rights and responsibilities of foster children, improving transparency within the foster care system and empowering foster youth.
Today, these investments and policies are producing results.
According to provisional data from the Indiana Department of Health, Indiana’s infant mortality rate reached a historic low in both 2024 and 2025 — the lowest since statewide record keeping began in 1900. This milestone demonstrates that collaboration, smart investments and community partnerships are making a real difference.
I’ve been proud to support legislation and initiatives that produce results for Hoosier families. Protecting our most vulnerable citizens begins long before a child enters a classroom.
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) represents Indiana House District 25, which includes parts of Boone, Hendricks and Marion counties.
Student shines at Civics Bee
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Former Zionsville West Middle School student Hasini Kosaraju was one of the top performers at the third annual Indiana Civics Bee in June.
Kosaraju, 14, who will be a freshman at Zionsville Community High School, finished third at the state competition. She qualified by winning a regional competition this spring at Zionsville Middle School.
The Civics Bee, hosted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, tested students’ knowledge of U.S. history. Kosaraju said there were questions about legislative acts and executive orders.
The competition also had students write an essay about an issue facing their community and give a speech about it. Kosaraju advocated for getting senior citizens more involved in their community.
The idea came from growing up with her grandmother in Indianapolis. Kosaraju said senior citizens have knowledge that could help their communities.
Hasini Kosaraju, who will be a freshman at Zionsville Community High School this fall, placed third at the Indiana Civics Bee in June. (Photo courtesy of Kuladeep Kosaraju)
The speech was a three-minute pitch about what organizations could help with her cause.
“It was nervewracking, especially being at the state competition,” Kosaraju said. “Looking back, it was a lot of fun.”
A teacher at ZWMS told Kosaraju about the competition. The Civics Bee aims to get more students engaged with civics and involved in their communities. The state competition was at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis. State winners move onto the national competition in Washington, D.C. Kosaraju won $250 for placing third and $500 for winning her regional.
Local students receive future-educator scholarships
news@youarecurrent.com
Area students studying to become teachers are among the more than 300 recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, a state program that supports future Indiana educators.
The scholarship program was established in 2016 and awards a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 per year — up to $40,000 total — to high-achieving high school and college students who commit to teach in an eligible Indiana school for at least five years.
This year, more than 1,000 students applied, representing more than 300
high schools in 90 of Indiana’s 92 counties, according to a news release.
Local students who were among the scholarship recipients are:
• Lydia Ertel, Zionsville Community High School
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class, earn a score in the 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT, or have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship applications for the 2026-27 school year will open in November. For more, visit bit.ly/4fr8xct.
DISPATCHES
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.
Zionsville Board of Zoning Appeals
— The board of zoning appeals meets at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The board considers relief from the requirements of Zionsville’s zoning ordinance.
State Senate candidate proposes water czar
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Senate District 29 Republican candidate John Ruckelshaus wants to consolidate water management in the state.
Ruckelshaus said, if elected, his first piece of legislation would be to propose a water czar to oversee Indiana’s waterways and safeguard water. The former District 30 senator announced his idea July 16 outside of Rick’s Cafe Boatyard, which overlooks Eagle Creek Reservoir.
Ruckelshaus said he’s heard from many people who don’t know who to direct concerns to regarding the LEAP project in Lebanon.
“I’ve heard over and over again, ‘Who do I talk to about LEAP?’” said Ruckelshaus, who grew up near Eagle Creek Reservoir.
The water demands for the LEAP district and the proposal to use water from Eagle Creek for the massive development has drawn pushback from area residents. Eagle Creek Park had been a possible discharge location for wastewater from LEAP. However, that plan was scrapped.
The senate candidate said there are multiple agencies that have a role in the LEAP water issue which contributes to the confusion among residents.
The water czar would be a cabinet-level position appointed by the
governor and confirmed by the Indiana Legislative Council, a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Ruckelshaus said bipartisan support is an important part of the process.
The water czar would be tasked with managing all water resources in the state; implementing a rigorous permitting process for large-scale water withdrawals; developing a statewide comprehensive water plan; ensuring wastewater treatment meets Clean Water Act standards; and providing platforms for the public to give feedback.
“They’ll have one person, one office they can go to,” he said. “Citizens have got to have one (person) they can go to … and know what’s going on. This is going to be one throat to choke.”
Ruckelshaus said a water czar should be a nonpolitical individual with a strong science background, have familiarity with government entities and be willing to engage with the public.
“They have to be an individual that is sensitive to citizens,” he said.
The position would add transparency, Ruckelshaus added, while also being good for business as they could help guide developments and avoid situations where local water supply doesn’t match demands.
Ruckelshaus won a three-way race in the Republican primary for District 29. He will face Democrat Kristina Moorhead in the Nov. 3 election.
We know how priceless moments at home are. That’s what sets our approach to home building apart. We have a deeper commitment to making sure the experience – and final result – is everything you imagined. We take care of you the way we’d want to be taken care of so you can live the most rewarding home life. That’s The Weekley Way!
Indiana Senate District 29 candidate proposes a state water czar position July 16 outside of Rick’s Cafe Boatyard along Eagle Creek Reservoir. (Photo by Spencer Durham)
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FC soccer has success
The team also played in the United States Youth Soccer National League. It won its league championship and advanced to the National League Regional Competition in Virginia. Carmel FC won that regional tournament, which sent it to the National League Finals in St Louis, where it finished second.
Lily Boyle, an eighth grader at Zionsville Middle School, has been with the program for four years.
Boyle said the team is close because, “We travel so much and are with each other a lot in hotels.”
The team also included Zionsville residents Millie Poorman and Claire
Carmel FC team was 11th in the Youth Soccer National Championships in Smyrna, Tenn., in (Photo courtesy of Carmel FC)
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.
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)
SAVORY MIX
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Aziz Mountassar had master’s degrees in political science and economics when he first linked up with the top chefs in France. His first dish would take him in an entirely different direction.
“When I saw the smile on the people’s face, I said, ‘That’s what I want to do,’” Mountassar said.
Today, he’s Chef Aziz at Niku Kitch en & Sushi Bar, an upscale Japanese restaurant at The Farm in Zionsville. Niku, which is Japanese for meat, has a menu that blends Japanese cuisine with other cultures. The restaurant opened at the end of May.
For example, the marinated sea bass with miso butter includes a micro green salad with citrus for a dish that combines Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Mountassar, who was born in Casablanca, Morocco, and grew up in France, said he wants to introduce people to new cultures when they visit Niku.
“My job in the world is to mix cul tures,” he said. “If people can meet, what about ingredients?”
Mountassar, who lives in Carmel and speaks eight languages, is well-traveled. He cooked at Michelin Star restaurants in France, Italy and Spain before moving to the U.S. He attended Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France. Typically reserved for the wealthy and well-connected, a chef supported Mountassar so he could attend the culinary school.
Every dish has a special touch.
“My goal is (for you to) remember the last bite,” he said.
Mountassar previously managed the kitchen at Anthony’s Chophouse in Carmel, worked at the Capital Grille in Indianapolis and opened Marrakesh
Moroccan Cuisine & Bar at 49th Street and College Avenue. He was brought in as a consultant at Niku and ended up sticking around.
“This is what I call the baby,” he said.
Mountassar said he wants to put Niku on the map. Other locations are being considered.
Hospitality is an important part of Moroccan and Japanese cultures.
Mountassar said in his home country it is commonplace for people to offer
Mountassar regards himself as a sort of psychology doctor when it comes to food.
“My medicine is whatever I put on the plate,” he said. “Whatever I give you should make you feel better.”
Niku also offers one of the only omakase experiences in the Indianapolis region. Omakase is a Japanese dining experience where customers do not order from a menu, rather the chef chooses selections based on their preferences. Customers who opt for omakase, which translates to “I’ll leave
THE NIKU MENU
Fish is flown in twice a week directly from Japan. Fresh ingredients are a staple of all Niku selections.
The menu includes A5 Miyazaki wagyu and Ibérico pork, which is known for its marbling. The pork comes from the Black Iberian pig. The pig’s diet, mostly acorns, gives the meat a special taste.
The roasted duck is another rare item at Niku. It is served with beet puree, Cointreau orange sauce and charred leeks.
For a full menu, visit niku-sushi.com/ menu-food.
Niku is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.
The restaurant is at 11543 Sylo Xing, Zionsville.
Ther will be a grand opening at 4 p.m. Aug. 6.
one a place to stay if needed. In Japan, hospitality is called omotenashi, where care of guests is emphasized and based on Japanese tea ceremonies.
It ties nicely into Mountassar’s approach for his kitchen and Niku’s dining experience.
“If I can mix the cultures, I can mix the flavors,” he said.
ON THE COVER: Chef Aziz Mountassar blends Japanese cuisine with other cultures at Niku
& Sushi Bar in Zionsville. Mountassar is from Morocco and has worked at Michelin Star restaurants in France, Italy and Spain. (Photo by Spencer Durham)
Kitchen
(Below)
Chef Aziz Mountassar pours a yuzu demiglace over a Harmony Filet, a center-cut flame filet mignon. It is served with a fried oyster mushroom, which adds flavor to the dish.
BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT:
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
tiktok.com/@jjallstarsportscards
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
COMMUNITY VOICES
Comments were bigoted
Editor,
Do you think Micah Beckwith gets up each morning asking himself what he can do to divide people more, because that’s exactly what we need in our country right now? Do you think he decides to use the most bigoted and uninformed words he can about a group of people he dislikes?
The pieces on Beckwith’s call to ban Islamic public calls to prayer in the July 28 Current in Zionsville suggest he does. These are Beckwith’s remarks, which your article quotes, given during an appearance on the “Conservative Review Podcast.” “We’re not going to let you put these words of death and destruction throughout the city streets in any of our cities, right?”
His office issued a statement about these remarks, “Lt. Gov. Beckwith … refuses to apologize for saying sharia law has no place in this country ...”
How calls to prayer became sharia
Editor,
law to Beckwith is beyond me.
I was glad you reached out to the Council on American-Islamic Relations for a sane explanation: “The adhan is a peaceful call to prayer recited by Muslims around the world for more than 14 centuries.” In addition, it is described online as, “a call to pause worldly activities and focus on spiritual purpose.”
Very sad that some people — especially those holding public office — feel it’s part of their job to divide us and encourage hatred among those of different cultures or religions, instead of saying and doing all they can to foster understanding and acceptance.
Perhaps Beckwith would benefit from some prayer time in a mosque.
I hope people like Beckwith who fan the flames of discord will be voted out of office; unfortunately, we have to wait until November 2028 to do so.
Cynthia Starks, Zionsville
Beckwith promotes fear
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 disre-
spects 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?” 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.
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
