Issuu

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 youarecurrent.com

Hendricks County Commissioners address water pipeline concerns Page 2

BCSC details winter weather process Page 3

ALL-AMERICAN BULLDOG

HCCF partners with Candid Page 4

Eldridge makes history for Brownsburg boys soccer Pages 6 & 7

Braun calls for businesss collaboration Page 5

‘Ode to Brownsburg Traffic’ Page 10

THIS EDITION OF

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

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County commissioners seek changes to LEAP water pipeline plans By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com The Hendricks County Commissioners are taking a more active role in the state’s massive LEAP Lebanon water project as Citizens Energy Group moves forward with plans to install a major water pipeline through the county. At the Dec. 9 Hendricks County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Dennis Dawes outlined concerns raised by residents in northeastern Hendricks County, where the pipeline is expected to cross primarily through Brown Township on its way to Boone County and the LEAP Lebanon Innovation District. “The Northeast part of Hendricks County is being affected by this, primarily Brown Township,” Dawes said. “Citizens Energy Group is providing water in LebaDawes non for the LEAP project that is up in the Boone County area. To get the water there, they’re putting in a 40-inch pipe and have sent letters to 475 individuals, many of whom are in Hendricks County.” Citizens Energy Group is developing a new water transmission system to supply Lebanon Utilities with enough water to support the 9,000-acre LEAP district, a state-backed economic development project. Construction is expected to begin early next year on the approximately $560 million initiative, which will ultimately deliver up to 25 million gallons of water per day by 2031. The project is designed to meet the growing industrial demand tied to major investments at LEAP, including Eli Lilly and Co.’s $13.5 billion manufacturing complex and a proposed Meta Platforms Inc. data center that could total as much as $4.8 billion. Lebanon Utilities will be a wholesale customer of

“Nobody’s opposed to the line going through there. They would just like to be able to tie into it and we think from a public policy standpoint that it’s the right thing to do.” - DENNIS DAWES, HENDRICKS COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Citizens, similar to several central Indiana communities, including Brownsburg and Whitestown. To reach Lebanon, Citizens plans to install more than 50 miles of new water mains through Marion, Hendricks, Boone and Hamilton counties. The system will draw from multiple sources, including Eagle Creek Reservoir, Citizens Reservoir Geist and Morse reservoirs, the White River and groundwater. Dawes said Citizens has hired a firm to negotiate easements with landowners along the proposed route. “Citizens Energy Group is using this firm to contact individuals and say, ‘We want to buy an easement from you to run this water line,’ through the northeast part of Hendricks County, up in the Boone County area as well,” he said. “People have said, ‘Great, that’s fine. We will let you do that if you pay us.’” However, Dawes said many property owners have asked whether they could connect to the new line, allowing them to move away from private wells or improve their water access. According to

Dawes, Citizens has so far rejected those requests, dedicating the water supply solely to Lebanon and the LEAP Project. The issue is compounded by Citizens’ authority as a regulated utility, which allows it to pursue eminent domain if easement agreements cannot be reached. That authority has raised concerns among residents and local officials, particularly as eminent domain cases related to the project are already being litigated in some counties. “The issue is that Citizens Energy Group has the ability to do this and do what they want, including using eminent domain on people’s rights,” Dawes said. In response, Hendricks County commissioners agreed to formally voice their concerns. By consensus, the board decided to document its position and apply pressure through official channels. “We’re going to put it in our minutes that the commissioners of Hendricks County are going to write a letter and send it to the Citizens Energy Group,” Dawes said. “We’re also going to send it to some of the legislators that exist in the region and put some pressure on Citizens to rethink this.” Dawes emphasized that opposition is not centered on the pipeline itself, but on how it is being implemented at the local level. “Nobody’s opposed to the line going through there,” he said. “They would just like to be able to tie into it and we think from a public policy standpoint that’s the right thing to do.” Dawes said he plans to work with the Hendricks County Council to draft the letter in the coming weeks. As the LEAP water project advances, Hendricks County officials say they expect continued discussions about land use, easements and the broader impact on residents whose properties lie along the pipeline’s path.

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BCSC details inclement weather decision process By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com Brownsburg Community School Corp. officials are reminding families that decisions about delays and cancellations involve hours of coordination, road checks and planning — not a quick glance out the window. Assistant Superintendent Shane Hacker reviewed the corporation’s inclement weather procedures during his Operations report at the Dec. 8 Brownsburg school board meeting, noting the district has already used one two-hour delay this winter. “I promise we’re not just in our warm house looking out the window and making the decision based on what we see,” Hacker said. “It is that important.” Hacker said the decision-making process often begins as early as 3:30 a.m., when the district’s director of transportation arrives to assess conditions. That initial assessment is followed by conversations among transportation, facilities, Brownsburg Community School Corp., Brownsburg Police Department and local law enforcement officials to gauge road safety across the area. By about 4 a.m., crews begin implementing snow removal plans if needed, clearing bus lots, parking lots and sidewalks throughout the district. Superintendent Kat Jessup typically takes to the roads around 4:15 a.m., joined by the school district’s police chief, to personally assess driving conditions. School leaders also coordinate with

neighboring districts to get a broader picture of regional conditions. Hacker said Jessup spoke with seven other superintendents during the most recent weather event. Ultimately, decisions must be made by about 5:15 to 5:30 a.m., before buses begin running and families start their morning routines. “We know that the best place and safe spot for students throughout the course of the day is, in fact, in our schools,” Hacker said. “So, we want to try to be in person as much as possible and have school on time.” Hacker also highlighted the district’s detailed snow removal plans, which are shared with each school’s principal. The plans include maps showing priority areas, equipment assignments and designated snow storage locations, particularly at Brownsburg High School, the district’s largest campus. Facilities crews typically begin work between 4 and 4:30 a.m. and may spend two hours or more clearing sidewalks alone, Hacker said. Despite being down several staff members, the district prioritizes essential areas to ensure buildings are ready for students and staff. “It’s not a lot of sleep, but we are out there and really checking in on things in person before we make that call,” Hacker said. District officials said they will continue monitoring conditions closely as winter progresses, with safety remaining the top priority.

DISPATCHES  Brownsburg Town Council meetings — The Brownsburg Town Council meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted, at Brownsburg Town Hall, 61 N. Green St.  Indiana Energy Saver Program open for applications — The Indiana Office of Energy Development Indiana Saver Program has $182 million in federal funding to provide Indiana residents with utility bill energy savings while enhancing home comfort and energy efficiency throughout the state. The measures aim to reduce energy consumption and lower costs for Hoosier families.

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HCCF – Candid partnership announced By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com The Hendricks County Community Foundation has announced a new partnership with Candid, a national organization that provides comprehensive data on grants, foundations and nonprofits, expanding free access to professional fundraising and research tools across the county. Through the collaboration, the foundation becomes an official Candid Partner, bringing high-value databases such as Foundation Directory Online Professional directly to Hendricks County. The tools, which typically require a paid subscription, will now be available at no cost to the public at all six local libraries. The partnership is designed to support local nonprofits, community organizations and residents by helping them identify funding opportunities and essential services, while also promoting informed giving and volunteerism. “We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to share the Candid database with our community,” said Denise Robinson, director of the Brownsburg Public Library. “Candid is an amazing resource designed to connect nonprofits

and funders for impactful work. This partnership is a great fit, as libraries are often called upon to connect our community with essential resources. We deeply appreciate the Hendricks County Community Foundation’s sponsorship of this valuable tool.” With access to Candid’s databases, nonprofits can search for grants, scholarships and fellowships and identify potential funders to build prospect lists. Residents can use the tools to locate information on local services, such as food banks or shelters, while donors and volunteers can research nonprofits operating in Hendricks County. “Our goal is to remove barriers and give every local organization and resident the professional research tools they need to succeed and thrive,” said William Rhodehamel, HCCF president and CEO. “Candid’s mission is to connect local people and organizations with necessary resources, and HCCF is the ideal partner for making these comprehensive tools available right in the heart of the community.” Community members interested in using the free resources are encouraged to contact their local Hendricks County library for access and assistance.

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myhhsb.com Town officials join the owners and employees of Don Julios as they cut the ribbon during the restaurant’s grand opening in Brownsburg Dec. 9. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)

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OneZone CEO Jack Russell, left, speaks with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

Braun urges business-led growth By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com Indiana Gov. Mike Braun told area business owners Dec. 10 that Indiana’s geographic location, business-friendly environment and fiscal health give the Hoosier state a leg up to maintaining its economic viability. Braun was the special guest during the OneZone Chamber annual meeting and luncheon, and spoke for about 30 minutes with OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell in front of a crowd of chamber members at the FORUM Event Center in Fishers. Braun said that while Indiana has great opportunities, leaders still need to put in the work to make sure the state benefits. He added that he wants the business community to step up, and not rely on state government to solve everything. “Businesses are going to be the main beneficiaries of childcare. They’re going to be the main beneficiaries of preschool,” he said, adding that he wants the business community to be involved in creating and financing solutions to those kinds of needs. “That’s kind of what I preach. I want to make sure that government is doing everything it can, short of paying for it, when the beneficiaries are going to be clearly Main Street and bigger companies.” Braun said Hamilton County is one of the state’s success stories, economically, but there are other counties that are struggling. “You need to keep doing what you’re doing,” he said. “Help us see how we can get more counties to take what

you’ve got that’s working, and then I’m always going to be a business partner with you to make sure you keep heading in the direction that you seem to have done pretty well on your own.” He said energy is and will be the big issue moving forward, driven by the need for data centers. He said the amount of energy one center needs surprised him. “When you start hearing megawatts, gigawatts — and one data center can take one gigawatt of electricity,” he said. “I wondered how many gigawatts are we producing? I figured, just by common sense, surely one data center couldn’t be more than 1 percent. I was astounded — we only produce 20 gigawatts of electricity for all households and existing businesses (in Indiana).” Braun said he wants the state to keep utility rates low for residents but also find a way to bring data centers to rural areas that need the potential economic boost. Braun said he wants the business community and state government to work well together. “Businesses are the places where you create things — that’s where all the new stuff comes from,” he said. “And then government’s got to be smart — smart enough to nurture it and not suffocate it.” OneZone Chamber serves Carmel, Fishers and northern Hamilton County. It has about 1,200 members and focuses on strengthening community businesses through programs and advocacy. For more, visit onezonechamber. com.

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ALL-AMERICAN Eldridge makes history for Brownsburg boys soccer By Alicia Kelly alicia@youarecurrent.com By the time Micah Eldridge leapt into a celebratory dog pile in the corner of the field, he knew Brownsburg boys soccer had announced itself to the rest of the state. The Brownsburg High School senior scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Hamilton Southeastern in the Bulldogs’ season-opening Hoosier Crossroads Conference match — a moment that would set the tone for a historic year. The Bulldogs went on to enjoy one of the most successful seasons in program history, led by Eldridge, who was later named Hendricks County Player of the Year and became the first All-American boys soccer player in school history. “For me, personally, the HSE game was a huge moment,” Eldridge said. “It was our conference opener, and coming into my freshman year, we hadn’t beat them yet. I knew it was our last chance to make a big impression in a big game. We ultimately won 2-1 and I scored the game winner.” Beyond the goal itself, Eldridge said the moment symbolized a shift in how Brownsburg soccer was viewed. “It was just a perfect moment,” he said. “And it let everyone around the state know that we were the real deal this year because, obviously, it’s one thing beating the small teams, but to have a big statement win early on is a really special moment.” Eldridge’s senior season was fueled by a mindset forged long before the first whistle. After last year’s postseason loss, the Bulldogs returned to work immediately. “Coming into last year when we lost, we started the winter workouts immediately,” he said. “And from that moment, it was kind of like, how can I do the work now that’ll benefit me later on? So, it was my last chance to do something.” That mentality shaped his approach each day. “Every day coming to practice, it was, ‘How can I get a little bit better? How can I do stuff before practice? How can I stay later just to better myself?’” Eldridge said. “So, it was just the mentality shift to work harder.” Although accolades followed, the season was not

ACCOLADES • First All-American in BHS boys soccer history • Hendricks County Player of the Year • Conference-opening game-winning goal vs. HSE

without adversity. Eldridge battled multiple injuries throughout the year, including a fractured foot and ongoing back issues. “Coming into the season, I had a fractured foot and I had a lot of back injuries,” he said. “A lot of my time during practice was spent on recovery. I was recovering for the next and had to rehab quickly.” Despite the setbacks, Eldridge never considered stepping away. “At the end of the day, when you love a program and the people around you, you’re willing to do anything for it,” he said. “Although the injuries impacted how I played this season and some of the experience, it never held me back from wanting to play.” Eldridge credits much of his growth to the relationships built over four years in the program. “My teammates, whether they came from my freshman year through my senior year, they all made me realize that there’s something bigger than myself,” he said. “Having the privilege to be a mentor helped me realize that. Soccer is something bigger than myself and that I won’t be able to do on my own.” He said the trust within the team helped him navigate pressure-filled moments. “They help calm me down, help me realize that I can lean on them as much as they lean on me,” Eldridge said. “I’m human.” His coaches played a similar role. “They just continue to develop me and just pour into me, even when I’m not easy to coach or when I get in my head,” he said. “They calm me down and help me realize that it’s part of being human.” Brownsburg’s boys soccer coach Sean McGrath said from the moment Eldridge arrived as a freshman, he showed promise, but what truly set him apart was his commitment to getting better each day. “This season is a reflection of that commitment and dedication to himself and the program. Finishing his high school career as the first and only All-American in Brownsburg soccer history is an incredibly special accomplishment,” McGrath said. “Over the past four years, we’ve talked often about leaving the jersey in a better place than you found it, and Micah did exactly that on the field and in the locker room. I’m proud of the player he’s become and even more proud of the young man he is.” The All-American honor came as a surprise to Eldridge.

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I never thought that I’d be able to do it, to honest, because I didn’t even know about award,” Eldridge said. “All the work that done has prepared me for this. So when get blessed with an award like that, it’s humbling to realize that all the work ’ve put in has finally showed up.” t home, the celebration was heartfelt and et. My family got me a cake that said ‘All erican — we are so proud of you!’” he said. y mom and dad shared on Facebook and it’s fun seeing the comments from everyone.” ext, Eldridge will take his talents to IU y, where he is committed to play collegiate cer while studying psychology. When I was a kid, I always said that I want lay soccer until I can’t anymore,” he said. ing given an opportunity to play collegiatend semi-professional at club is just an optunity to keep perfecting my skills.” is advice to younger Bulldogs and aspiring letes is simple. It sounds cliche, but just dream big,” Eldge said. “Just know that if one person can t, you can too.”

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Locally Owned By Andrew and Kelsey Stevens Brownsburg senior Micah Eldridge earned All-American honors during the 2025 boys soccer season, capping a historic year for the Bulldogs program. (Photo courtesy of Brownsburg Athletics)

WHAT’S NEXT? • College: IU Indianapolis • Major: Psychology • Continued club and semi-professional soccer aspirations ON THE COVER: Micah Eldridge, a senior at Brownsburg High School, was named Hendricks County Player of the Year after a standout season with the Bulldogs. Eldridge became the first All-American boys soccer player in school history. (Photo courtesy of Brownsburg Athletics)

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 12.23.25 • youarecurrent.com

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Musician stays busy with songwriting Singer-songwriter Tay Bronson likes to have fun with his songs. The 54-year-old Carmel resident, who describes his style as traditional country, released a new single Nov. 19 called “Golf Cart” that is available on all streaming platforms. The song is a tongue-in-cheek ode to a rolling neighborhood parade of golf carts. There is a music video on Bronson’s YouTube channel. Bronson’s song idea came from visiting his girlfriend’s permanent campsite at Indian Lakes in northern Indiana. “It’s more like Indian ponds because they are tiny little lakes,” he said. “It’s like glamping and people are driving around on golf carts. Having my cynical sense of humor, I got up one morning and I didn’t want to use the toy hauler bathroom, so I went to the bathroom, and there’s a lot of golf carts lined

“I was acting like a goofball on the back of the golf cart playing the song,” he said. Besides the recent release, Bronson’s 2024 album, “Bad Apple,” was named the Male Album of the Year in August at the International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards ceremony in Atlanta. “It’s kind of like the minor leagues to the Country Music Awards or Grammys,” he said. “I was tickled Singer-songwriter Tay Bronson performs pink to have my album recognized as solo and with his band, The Tackle Box. Album of the Year. There are 35,000 (Photo courtesy of Tay Bronson) members in the organization.” up with dads doing the same thing I Bronson’s band is called Tay Bronwas doing.” son and the Tackle Box. The band inBronson sent a text message to his cludes keyboardist Jason Barth and girlfriend about his situation and the drummer Matt DeVore, both Carmel different types of golf carts. Then he residents, who were previously Push decided to turn it into a song. Down & Turn with Bronson. “The song killed it at the campThe Tackle Box also includes ground, so I had to make a video that bassist Scott Nelson and pedal steel is just as funny as the song,” Bronson player Joe Alterio. Bronson also said, performs smaller singer-songwriter Bronson had friends from the concerts. campground follow him around. For more, visit taybronson.com

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CO M M UN I T Y VOICE S

‘Ode to Brownsburg Traffic’ Oh, Brownsburg, fair land of endless delay Where Northfield meets Green Street in asphalt malaise A circus of brake lights, horns, and despair — The traffic lights mock us, “You’re going nowhere” Green Street’s a parking lot in disguise Where patience withers and hope slowly dies Northfield Drive, a semi-truck maze Consumes our evenings, our lives, our days Yet somehow, beneath all the honking and mess There’s pride in your people, a warmth nonetheless Friday night lights, and hometown parades Still shine through the chaos with events and plans made So here’s to your spirit — stubborn, but sincere Too much traffic but full of good cheer Maybe one day the traffic will clear And we’ll see why we’ve stayed, year after year Through gridlock, frustration, stress and pain Your people stay smiling, through sunshine and rain There’s heart in your chaos and grit as cars crawl And though it’s not perfect, The Town of Brownsburg is worth it all! Poem submitted by Rob Smith, Brownsburg resident for 21 years

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A year of memories, Part 1 Commentary by Dick Wolfsie It’s a tradition I have followed for 25 years. Every December, I look back at the previous 12 months and give thanks to those who made this weekly exercise in humor possible. It’s the only exercise I really enjoy. I try to get in about 100 yuks a week. Thanks to the Swedish food company that recalled 17,000 portions of beef lasagna because it contained one percent pork, which the company admitted meant the product was not 100 percent Kosher. Or as my rabbi would say, “Not Kosher.” The bottom line is that even though the manufacturer is pulling the pork-tainted casserole off the shelves, the entrée remains a favorite among many consumers. After all, who doesn’t like pulled pork? Thanks to a well-known manufacturer of yoga pants that had to include a disclaimer on the label stating, “In some cases, you may experience extreme sheerness.” In other words, the pants might be see-through. When your clothing choices come with potential side effects, you might want to reconsider your wardrobe. Thanks to the radiologist who was performing a lung biopsy on me. The doctor told me that while I was under partial anesthesia, I kept making jokes. I asked him if they were funny. He said, “No, that’s why I never read your column.” Thanks to all the older men in my neighborhood who know I lack handyman skills. Over one week this summer, they helped me fix my lawnmower, smoke alarms and a broken lamp. I also received help with my tax returns, changing a tire and assembling an IKEA futon. They were happy to help

because they are all retired and looking for something to do. I hope they realize how lucky they are to have me living in the neighborhood. Thanks to the mega hardware store where I bought a new toilet. Some toilets were labeled “smart.” They had several buttons and a remote control, but what they remotely control is still a mystery. I didn’t want a smart toilet that answers the phone, connects to Bluetooth or gives me a weather report. I don’t want my bottom warmed or scented. I simply want my toilet to sit there. And I plan to do likewise. Thanks to my wife for suggesting that we go out for the evening and pretend it was a blind date. Honestly, we didn’t hit it off, but there must have been something brewing because despite a dismal first encounter, we both ended up back at my place. To the neurologist who said his research showed that being confused about what day of the week it is might be a sign of dementia: I’m not confused. I’m retired. Who cares what day it is? Except when it’s Tuesday and I have to put out the trash. Or is that Monday? To the father of nine in Utah who intentionally left the computer on his lap for two days because he read that prolonged heat exposure in this area could potentially cause infertility. This method was more affordable than a vasectomy. Update: Nine months later, his wife downloaded twins. Several more for next time.

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

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

PUZZLES 1

CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

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ACROSS 1. Bill Estes car sticker abbr. 5. From the Netherlands 10. Remove, as a hat 14. Eiteljorg Museum

Plains people 15. Eiteljorg Museum Plains people 16. “I cannot tell ___!” 17. Far from tanned 18. Indiana’s is 320 feet

above sea level in Posey County 19. Golfer Ballesteros 20. youarecurrent.com, e.g. 21. “Last one ___ a rotten 6 Board Games

egg!” 22. Cave sound effects 24. A holiday flier 26. ___ E. Coyote 27. Eagle Creek Reservoir crew need 28. Brownsburg civic club member 32. A holiday flier 35. A holiday flier 36. ___-Magnon 37. Oscar winner Jannings 38. Spanish houses 39. Wild hog 40. Mai ___ (cocktail) 41. A holiday flier 42. Holiday fliers’ pilot 43. Develops rust 45. “Quiet!” 46. Blue hue 47. A holiday flier 51. Speed Stick deodorant brand 54. Hold on to 55. “Wheel of Fortune” buy 56. Former Brownsburg School Board president Hylton 57. Dangerous bacteria 59. Places for rent (Abbr.) 60. Cut into cubes 61. Sound at the beginning of “gym” 62. Fencing sword 63. Crystal ball user 64. Nothing-butnet sound at Hinkle 4 Indiana Motto Words

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5 4 2 1 6 8 5 7 3 4 5 5 6 7 Fieldhouse 65. Respiratory illness in 2002 news DOWN 1. Clean, as a spill 2. Fab Four drummer 3. Missouri campus town 4. Baseball Hall of Famer: ___ Wee Reese 5. A holiday flier 6. IND carrier, once 7. Small amounts 8. Hollywood techie’s special effects letters 9. Cry of discovery 10. A holiday flier 11. Bread spread 12. Number of “Guys” it takes to make a burger and milkshake? 13. Attorney’s charges 21. Confident comment 23. Attired 25. Christmas carol 26. Tom of “The Dukes of Hazzard” 28. Deceptive ploys 29. Clickable image 30. “I smell ___!” 31. Writer Ephron or

Roberts 32. Mike Braun’s no 33. Big-screen film format 34. Unlucky Roman numeral 35. Indianapolis Zoo animal with a hump 38. Snug state 39. Thai money 41. Art-film theater 42. Cruise vessel 44. A holiday flier 45. The holiday fliers’ vehicle 47. Alternatives to suspenders 48. Frank of the Mothers of Invention 49. Sign on a door 50. Sniffers 51. Lilly drugs, briefly 52. A Great Lake 53. Opposite of naughty on a list 54. Ex-UN chief Annan 58. Fair Oaks Farms female 59. Two-time loser to DDE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

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