February 17, 2026 — Current in Noblesville by Current Publishing

COMMUNITY

Officials spar over error that could impact delegate numbers at state convention

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

A clerical error could decrease the number of Democratic delegates from Hamilton County at the state convention later this year.

The Indiana Democratic Party assigned 162 delegates to Hamilton County, but party chair Josh Lowry only reported 144 certified delegates before the Dec. 31, 2025, deadline. He later recognized the error and reached out to Hamilton County Election Administrator Beth Sheller about fixing it.

Lowry and county officials disagree about what happened next.

said Lowry first notified her of the error on the morning of Feb. 5 and asked if there was anything the county could do to correct the error.

“I told Josh when he called that (it) might be doable but this situation has never happened and I will check and see if it is,” Sheller said. “After I got off the phone and researched it, it didn’t take long to see that it wasn’t doable by reading a dispatch from the Indiana Election Division.”

“I made a simple clerical error and copied and pasted the wrong breakdown for our delegates per township,” Lowry stated in a post on the party’s Facebook page. “The election administrator, Republican Beth Sheller, uploaded the incorrect delegate count into their voting system despite knowing it was the incorrect count.”

Lowry stated that after notifying her of the error, Sheller initially told him it would be an easy fix, because the deadline for candidates to withdraw had not passed. The deadline was Feb. 13.

“Unfortunately, what was originally an administrative error became a partisan issue,” Lowry stated. “Ms. Sheller has subsequently decided that she will not update the ballots and has given varying reasons for her decision.”

Sheller’s version of events differs. She

Sheller said while fixing the error would be “a huge headache” and take “days to rectify,” that’s not why it could not be fixed.

“Our co-directors at the Indiana Election Division had sent us a memo that stated that by Dec. 31, 2025, according to code, the party chairs had to have their districts and how many were in each district to us,” Sheller said. “So, of course, it’s way past that time. He had given them to us Dec. 4.”

Sheller said her office is not to blame for the mistake.

“(Lowry) admitted it was solely his fault, and then all of a sudden, when he’s talking to (the Hamilton County Reporter), it’s my fault, it’s the election office’s fault and it’s his fault,” she said. “So, it’s funny that he changes his mind when he starts talking to the media. I won’t let my office take the blame for his mistake. We make mistakes, and we take the blame for it when that happens, but not this time.”

In Indiana, elected delegates gather

 Literacy grants — United Way of Central Indiana is inviting Hamilton County child care providers, schools and community organizations to apply for grants designed to help start or expand literacy initiatives. Applications are open through March 9 for United Way’s Literacy Fund, which provides grants of $10,000 to $25,000 to support literacy projects and efforts for children. The Literacy Fund is open to licensed nonprofit child care centers, licensed family child care homes, registered ministries, licensed out-ofschool time providers, Title I elementary schools and nonprofits located in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. Interested applicants must attend one of two virtual information sessions from 3 to 4 p.m. Feb. 17 or 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 23. Register for

at a convention every two years to vote on party nominees for a handful of statewide offices, including lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

“They select their candidates,” said Hamilton County Clerk Kathy Kreag Williams, a Republican. “They don’t file during the primary. So, they have a convention, much like a presidential convention where they go and nominate their candidates, and the delegates who are elected by the people of their district represent their district and vote for those elected offices.”

In the Hamilton County Democratic Party’s case, the error means there would be 18 votes that Hamilton County Democrats wouldn’t have at the state convention.

Lowry stated that the Hamilton County Democratic Party is working with the Indiana Democratic Party to resolve the issue.

Sheller said she hopes the 18 delegates can be appointed.

“I don’t know what the law allows for, because I’ve never faced this,” Sheller said. “I don’t want to see them lose any of their delegate positions, but I have to follow the advice I’m given from the Indiana Election Division. That’s what I did.”

Sheller said the election board did not make any votes regarding the matter at the Feb. 5 election board meeting, and there were no motions from any board members made to attempt to remedy anything with the delegate counts.

Current in Carmel managing editor Ann Marie Shambaugh contributed to this report.

Feb. 17 at tinyurl.com/3au456v9 or Feb. 23 at tinyurl.com/ y82xnnyw.

 Local students gain experience at Indiana Statehouse — Three local college students are serving as interns for the Indiana Senate Majority Caucus during the 2026 legislative session. Among the three is Noblesville resident Salil Gupta, a Noblesville High School graduate. Gupta is pursuing his dual MD-MBA degree at the Indiana University School of Medicine and Kelley School of Business. As a legislative intern, Gupta tracks and analyzes bill data, provides constituent services, staff Senate committee hearings and meetings and conducts legislative policy research. For more, visit IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/intern.

About us

Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 17

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96-lot community proposed

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Rollingwood, a 96-lot residential development, was presented to the Noblesville Common Council at its Feb. 10 meeting.

The proposal will go before the Noblesville Plan Commission in March before the council votes to approve or deny the community. A neighborhood meeting also is planned for early March.

Rollingwood, proposed by Drees Premier Homes, Inc., would be on approximately 72 acres in the 14300 to 14500 block of Prairie Baptist Road southeast of 146th Street. If approved, the community would feature a mix of ranch and two-story homes. Drees anticipates average home sale prices to start at $750,000. All homes would be required to have side load and optional carriage style garages, with home square footage anticipated to be between 2,200 to 4,200.

Jon Dobosiewicz, a land use professional with the law firm Nelson & Frankenberger, presented the project.

Dobosiewicz said the Drees would preserve natural features by using existing woodlands as a common area. The site plan includes more than 25 acres of

open space, and tree preservation areas are proposed.

Councilor Mark Boice asked if the neighborhood would have trails. Dobosiewicz said there have been preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of trails and a park.

“There’s about 43 acres to (the) south where Innovation Mile will extend, and there’s been discussions about the potential for a park,” Dobosiewicz said. “There’s an existing sanitary sewer easement that runs across the property in the area, which would be a tremendous opportunity, because the trees are already gone across where that easement is for potentially a trail to be extended up to 146th Street.”

The next council meeting is at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at City Hall, 16 S. 10th St.

New townhomes annouced

news@currentnoblesville.com

M/I Homes of Indiana, a residential homebuilder, will debut its newest community in Hamilton County this fall — a low-maintenance townhome community just west of Hazel Dell Road and south of the Midland Trace Trail in Noblesville called Village at Trail Crossing.

The community, which will be in the Noblesville Schools district and minutes from Westfield’s Union at Grand Junction Plaza and downtown Noblesville, will offer three designs ranging from 2,100 to more than 2,200 square feet. Sales are expected to begin in late spring.

The structures will be modern, three-story townhomes with open kitchens, living areas, different bedroom layouts and oversized two-car garages.

In addition to townhomes, amenities in the community will include a dog

park, cornhole boards, gathering areas, a formal garden, walking paths and direct access to the Midland Trace Trail and Grand Junction Plaza.

“Our newest community offers generously sized townhomes, larger garages and a central location tailored to meet the needs of today’s homeowners,” stated Cassian Bernard, area president of M/I Homes of Indiana.

For more, visit mihomes.com/newhomes/indiana/indianapolis-metro/ noblesville/village-at-trail-crossing.

Site map of proposed development Rollingwood. (Map courtesy of meeting documents)

Rendering of the townhomes coming to Village at Trail Crossing. (Rendering courtesy of M/I Homes of Indiana)

Shonkwiler up for reelection

news@currentnoblesville.com

Republican State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler has filed her candidacy for reelection in Indiana House District 29.

“Serving the community where I grew up and chose to raise my family is the honor of a lifetime, and our work has just begun,” Shonkwiler stated. “Throughout my first term, I have focused on delivering results for our district by authoring and sponsoring legislation that strengthens public safety, encourages a healthier Indiana, improves energy and utility affordability and makes life more affordable for Hoosier families.”

Her campaign, according to her reelection announcement, focuses

on lower taxes and the elimination of wasteful spending, reliable and affordable utility services that protect consumers and an education system that empowers parents and works for every child.

Shonkwiler lives in Noblesville with her husband and their two children.

Candidates set for primary

news@youarecurrent.com

The following candidates have filed to run in the May 5 primary election for state and county offices. The filing deadline was Feb. 6. The general election is Nov. 3. Asterisk indicates incumbent.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, 5TH DISTRICT

Democrat: Steven Avitable Avit, J.D. Ford, Jackson Franklin, Phil Goss, Dylan McKenna, Tara Nelson, Deborah Pickett

Republican: Scott King, Victoria Spartz*

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 29

Democrat: Coumba Kebe, Devon Wellington

Republican: Alaina Shonkwiler*

COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Republican: Christine Altman*

COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 3

Democrat: Kevin Miles Wright

Republican: Mark F. Hall*

COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 4

Democrat: Jason E. Frank

Republican: Ken Alexander*

COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, NO. 3

Republican: Chris Evans, Amy B. Summerfield

COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, NO. 4

Republican: Chadwick Hill, Angela Brown Swenson, Trampas Alan Whalin

COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, NO. 5

Republican: David K. Naijar*

COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, NO. 8

Democrat: Emily L. Angel Shaw

Republican: Danica L. Eyler

COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, NO. 9

Republican: Christopher Barrows, Sarah Shields, Paul C. Sweeney

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY OF HAMILTON COUNTY

Republican: Josh Kocher*

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Republican: Beth Sheller

COUNTY SHERIFF

Republican: Dustin K. Dixon, John Lowes

COUNTY CORONER

Republican: Brad Craig, Jeff D. Jellison*

COUNTY ASSESSOR

Republican: Kevin W. Poore*

NOBLESVILLE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE

Republican: Theresa Caldwell*

NOBLESVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD

Democratic: Paula Jo Gilliam, Jenna Stewart

Republican: Thomas (TJ) Houghtalen, Jr., Joe Arrowood*, Peggy R Pfister*, Mary Sue Rowland*, Jo Spangler

Republican State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler files for reelection. (Photo courtesy of Mike Cross)

COMMISSIONERS RECOGNIZE RETIRING EMPLOYEE

Galloway volunteered on the plan commission for 36 years and on the board of zoning appeals for many of those years. Galloway has been a part of zoning in Hamilton County since its inception. “I really appreciate everything (Jim has) done for the county,” Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger said. “(He’s been) in a very unappreciative position a lot of times — (he takes) a lot of heat — but I believe (he has) always done the right thing for the right reasons, and I think we’ll sorely miss (him).” (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)

COUNTY LIGHTS COURTHOUSE PINK IN REMEMBRANCE OF FISHERS TEEN

Hamilton County is participating in Go Pink for Hailey month by illuminating the Hamilton County Courthouse pink throughout February in remembrance of Hailey Buzbee, a Hamilton Southeastern High School student who was missing for several weeks before authorities recently confirmed her death. “Hamilton County stands resolute in its commitment to the safety of all our communities through strong partnerships with community leaders and the public safety professionals who serve and protect our county,” Hamilton County Commissioner President Christine Altman stated. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)

The Hamilton County Commissioners recognized Jim Galloway, second from left, a Hamilton County Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals member who is retiring, at the Feb. 9 commissioners meeting.

 Lucas Oil to sponsor 500 Festival parade — The 500 Festival announced Feb. 5 that Lucas Oil is the new title partner of the 500 Festival Parade. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the Festival’s history, leveraging Lucas Oil’s commitment to serving people and communities and giving back through civic involvement, according to the announcement. Scheduled for May 23, the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade attracts roughly 200,000 spectators celebrating iconic Indianapolis traditions such as larger-than-life balloons, creative floats and appearances by INDYCAR drivers. Tickets go on sale in March. “There is nothing quite like May in Indy — it is one of our favorite times of the year, and the 500 Festival Parade is a big part of what makes it so special,” stated Katie Lucas, president of Lucas Oil. “This event brings the state together, celebrates the heritage of Indianapolis and kicks off one of the most meaningful weeks in American motorsports. Being part of that tradition and celebrating the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, is incredibly special for our team and the racing community we proudly serve.” Through the years, Lucas Oil has supported the 500 Festival in a variety of ways, including as an associate partner of the 500 Festival Memorial Service, and as a member of the Corporate Member Program.

 Election board — The Hamilton County Election Board will have a public meeting at 1 p.m. Feb. 19 at 1 Hamilton County Square in room 106. The meeting will address a late campaign finance report, voting system and electronic poll book disposal plan and any candidate challenges.

 David Weekley Homes marks 15 years in Indy — David Weekley Homes is marking 15 years of operations in the Indianapolis market this month, a milestone that coincides with the company’s 50th anniversary. Since expanding to the region in 2011, the Texas-based homebuilder has completed more than 1,700 homes across 40 Indianapolis-area communities. Division President Jess McKinney credited the growth to the company’s regional team and its “CARE” outreach program, which partners with local nonprofits including Riley Hospital for Children and Wheeler Mission.

21st,

Grand Opening Celebration at Precision Fieldhouse at Finch Creek

Big news for the Finch Creek community — Fishers Cryotherapy and The Gym are officially celebrating their Grand Opening together, and you’re invited to be part of the excitement

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Founders rates available now and through the celebration day

• Special guest appearances • Complimentary refreshments

• Fitness giveaways • Wellness giveaways

• A first look at two incredible new additions to the Fieldhouse

Noblesville attorney runs for judge seat

news@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County attorney Trampas Whalin has filed to run for judge of Hamilton County Superior Court 4 in the May 5 Republican primary election.

His judicial philosophy is guided by respect, reason and reliability, according to a press release about his campaign.

“Justice is more than decisions from the bench,” Whalin stated. “It’s about how people are treated, how the law is applied and whether the court earns the confidence of the public it serves.”

Whalin has dedicated his legal career to serving the people of Hamilton County. After graduating from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2010, he began his practice at Adler Law Office in Noblesville. He leads his own firm, Whalin Legal, where he represents clients in

“Justice is more than decisions from the bench. It’s about how people are treated, how the law is applied and whether the court earns the confidence of the public it serves.”

— TRAMPAS WHALIN

criminal law, civil (small claims) and family law, the primary areas handled by Superior Court 4.

Whalin is a two-time president of Noblesville Elks Lodge 576, a past president of the Indiana West Central District Elks and founding chairman of the Indiana Elks Endowment Fund for Cancer Research. He also volunteers with Sigma Nu Fraternity. Within the legal community, Whalin is president of the Hamilton County Bar Association, is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and serves on the Hamilton County Community Corrections Advisory Board.

Learn more at whalinforjudge.com.

noblesvillebaptist.com/counseling

Whalin

COMMUNITY

Riverview Health Foundation turns 50 Riverview Health announces new CEO

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Riverview Health Foundation will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.

Members of the foundation, established in 1976, raise funds to support Riverview Health by focusing on enhancing community health through funding new equipment, programs and facility projects.

Several community events will be part of the yearlong celebration, including the foundation’s Celebration Gala Oct. 2, the Women of Vision Luncheon March 12, the Heartfelt Thanks Golf Outing June 25 and Wine, Women and Whiffs Aug. 18.

Megan Wiles, vice president of foundation and community affairs, said each event will feature stories about the last 50 years.

“Overall, we are approaching the $19 million mark of dollars that we have

provided to programs and projects to benefit the patients and staff at Riverview Health,” Wiles said. “We’re going to tell the stories of people who have been involved over the years at the events, but also on social media throughout the year. We want to honor the numerous individuals and families and corporations that have had such a financial impact on Riverview Health and the foundation.”

Wiles, who has been a part of the foundation for 11 years, said more projects and programs are planned.

“We want to continue to build resources so there’s always a permanent source of support for Riverview Health,” Wiles said. “It’s a little challenging sometimes, because people like to know how their dollars are being helpful today. So, we are continuing to finish the acute inpatient rehab unit project and then are talking with the leadership team about what the next big project is.”

news@youarecurrent.com

Julie Nix is the new CEO of Riverview Health, effective April 1, 2026.

John Bowen is serving as interim CEO.

Nix joins Riverview Health from Little Rock, Ark., bringing more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in health care operations, strategic growth and patient-centered innovation, according to an announcement from Riverview Health.

nizations through periods of growth. Her vision and expertise will be invaluable as Riverview Health continues to expand services.”

Nix will oversee all system operations, strategic planning, clinical and organizational performance, and community engagement efforts across Riverview Health’s hospitals, physician network and outpatient facilities.

Nix was most recently a senior health care executive in the Little Rock region.

“We are thrilled to welcome Julie Nix to Riverview Health,” stated Dr. William Kirsch, vice chair of the Riverview Health Board of Trustees. “Julie is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader with a strong record of improving patient experience, cultivating physician relationships and guiding health orga-

“I am honored to join Riverview Health and excited to work alongside its exceptional physicians, nurses and team members,” Nix stated. “Riverview Health has a long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. I look forward to building on that foundation and partnering with the community to ensure we continue meeting the evolving health care needs of Hamilton County and beyond.”

For more, visit riverview.org.

Wiles

Nix

Grants open for churches

news@youarecurrent.com

Indiana Landmarks is accepting applications from historic churches and other houses of worship that need financial help to preserve their buildings. Applications are due by midJune, with a webinar set for Feb. 19 to provide guidance about the application process.

“Churches and other historic houses of worship stand among the most architecturally distinguished structures in a community, and when congregations shrink, maintenance suffers and landmarks become threatened,” the nonprofit stated in a news release.

The Sacred Places Indiana Program started in 2015 with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., in response to the need for maintenance funds.

In December 2025, Lilly Endowment renewed its support with a $10 million grant for ongoing programs to support historic houses of worship, including expert guidance, training and financial assistance.

“We’ve already seen the impact that the program is having, not only in

terms of support to participating congregations and the historic buildings they steward, but to the communities they serve as well,” stated David Frederick, director of Sacred Places Indiana.

The Sacred Places Indiana Fund awards matching funds for planning grants up to $25,000 and capital grants up to $500,000, according to the news release.

To register for the webinar, visit indianalandmarks.org/ sacred-places-indiana-fund-webinar.

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S TARIFF NO. 50 PARALLEL OPERATION – FOR QUALIFYING FACILITY

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around February 25, 2026, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit its Tariff No. 50, Parallel Operation-For Qualifying Facility (“Tariff No. 50”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing of Tariff No. 50 provides the updated calculation of the standard offer rates for the purchase of energy and capacity for 2026.

Tariff No. 50 is available to any customer contracting for parallel operation of a qualifying facility and is expected to be approved approximatelythirty-days from the date of filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W. Washington St.

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar

Previous recipients of capital grants from Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Indiana Fund are, from left, North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis; Saint Adalbert Catholic Church in South Bend; and First Christian Church in Bloomington. (Photo collage courtesy of Indiana Landmarks)

Fishers High School boys swimmer’s dedication grows

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School coach Joe Keller has watched as junior swimmer Alex Koo keeps growing as a swimmer.

“Alex is maturing in many ways which has allowed him to make huge strides in his training and preparation, both in the pool and in dry land (weight room),” Keller said. “Thus, these improvements are creating preparation that will produce positive outcomes. Alex is training at a high level — both consistently and is very disciplined in it. Coupled with his skill level, he is seeing huge improvements and making championship strides.”

Keller said Koo will swim the 50-yard freestyle and then either the 100 butterfly or 100 freestyle and in relays in the IHSAA sectional, set for Feb. 21 at FHS. The state meet is Feb. 28.

Koo captured the 50 and 100 freestyle races at the Hoosier Crossroads Confer-

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

MEET ALEX KOO

Favorite athlete: Orlando Magic’s

Paolo Banchero

Favorite musician: Tame Impala

Favorite TV show: “Prison Break”

Favorite food: Fried chicken

ence meet last month.

Koo said his goal is to win his individual events in the state meet.

“I like the 50 free because it’s short,” he said.

Koo finished sixth in the 50 freestyle in 20.88 seconds and the 100 free in 45.84 seconds at last year’s state meet. He was on the second-place 200 freestyle relay and the sixth-place 200 medley relay.

Fishers High School junior

Alex Koo prepares for a race.

(Photo courtesy of Koo family)

Although Keller said Koo is a man of few words, he leads by example with his work ethic.

“He’s one of the swimmers who sets the tone in the pool with training and in the weight room,” Keller said.

Koo said the weight room has helped him develop his mobility and strength.

“I also think this season I’ve realized how specific movements we do in the weight room correlate with what we do with swimming,” he said.

Koo’s sister, Diane Koo, is a Fishers High School graduate and is a senior

EXPERT SPINE CARE NOW IN

swimmer for Amherst (Mass.) College, an NCAA Division III program.

“I started swimming when I was around 6 and I tried basketball and track but not very seriously,” he said. “I’ve been passionate (about swimming) because of the team and I feel accomplished when I do well.”

Koo wants to swim collegiately but doesn’t have any offers yet.

“Men’s swimming because of NIL (name, image, likeness compensation) has taken a different route and shape,” Keller said. “Division I schools are recruiting foreign athletes at a higher rate than ever because some of them are 21, 22 or 23 years (old). When you are recruiting a 16-year-old boy, it’s something different. We’ll see how things shape up at the end of his junior year. Hopefully, that’s going to open up a lot of opportunities. I tell college coaches to keep this guy on (their) radar because he’s going to become really good.”

Keller said Koo’s mental approach has improved.

“The focus and effort and his mental and emotional growth have developed,” he said.

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Koo

COMMUNITY

HER FINAL BOW

Founder of longtime ballet studio to retire, pass ownership to its director

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville resident Diana Ephlin said it has been her honor to teach ballet to the children of Noblesville.

Ephlin, 80, has owned Noblesville’s oldest dance studio, The Dancin’ Place — home of the White River Ballet Co. and Stone Soup Children’s Musical Theater at 587 Westfield Rd. — since she founded it in 1981.

After staging ballets and productions for more than 40 years, Ephlin will take her final bow as The Dancin’ Place’s owner and principal director in May. She looks forward to spending time with her three adult children, who live in different states.

“I turned 80 in December,” Ephlin said. “I have three children who have been saying for all these years, ‘Mother, you’re always in a production. You can only stay a week.” Now, I can go and stay for as long as I want to with each one of them.”

Ephlin’s final production, “Cinderella,” is May 30 and 31 in the Noblesville High School auditorium. Ephlin is selling the studio to its director and ballet teacher, Catherine Borrone.

“I put a little ad on Facebook, and here came this darling woman, Miss Catherine,” Ephlin said. “We connected right away. She’s been with me for two years. I asked if she would be interested in taking over my studio, and almost immediately she said yes. Plus, the girls adore her, and that means everything to me.”

Ephlin began dancing at age 3.

“My father was at Indiana University, having returned from 32 World War II missions over in Europe, and he went to IU on the GI Bill with my mother and me,” Ephlin said. “I started dancing at IU, and from there, I took classes from anyone with a solid ballet background.”

She soon discovered she wanted to teach, too.

“I began teaching everywhere,” Ephlin said. “No matter where I moved, if there was a YMCA or a studio, I taught there. I decided while I was teaching that I wanted to just do the story ballets. I wanted to introduce children ages 3 to 18 to magnificent classical music.”

Ephlin and her husband, Phil, moved to Noblesville in the ‘80s, which is when she took over a studio in downtown Noblesville and renamed it The Dancin’ Place.

“There was a gal here in town, and I cannot remember her name,” Ephlin said. “She had a studio. I had two small children and was pregnant with my third, but I began teaching for her. She came up to me one day and said her husband had been transferred and asked if I would take over her studio.”

Ephlin began presenting several ballet productions

annually.

“We have done every ballet you can imagine,” Ephlin said. “We do ‘The Nutcracker’ at Christmas. Then in the spring, we do another story ballet — ‘Cinderella’, ‘Giselle’, ‘Coppélia.’ We have even made up our own ballets. Through all these years, it’s still magical and wonderful to me.”

She also founded the White River Ballet Co. as a nonprofit entity of The Dancin’ Place in 1986 with Shannon Jenkins, a former employee at The Dancin’ Place.

“Miss Shannon and I wanted to open a nonprofit to give merit scholarships to students,” Ephlin said. “There’s a myriad of reasons we started the nonprofit. It has (benefited) so many children here in Noblesville, and I’m proud of that. It’s given costumes, ballet shoes, pointe shoes and free classes. I’m very proud that it has done what it was supposed to do.”

After retiring, Ephlin will continue to teach kinderdance and combination classes at the studio on Tuesdays.

“It has been an honor to share my passion for ballet, classical music, theater, nursery rhymes and fairy tales with children,” Ephlin said. “It is quite a gift to watch children perform. I’ve been very blessed.”

For more, visit thedancinplace.com.

INTRODUCING MISS CATHERINE

Catherine Borrone, a Noblesville resident, has been a ballet instructor for more than 18 years. She will assume ownership of The Dancin’ Place in the spring.

Borrone said owning a studio has been a dream for several years.

“I’ve had a couple opportunities before to possibly own a studio, but it just wasn’t in the cards at that time,” Borrone, 39, said. “When (owner) Miss Diana (Ephlin) came to me and asked if I would be interested, it just felt like it was so meant to be.”

Although she plans no major changes, Borrone wants to create new signage and merchandise for the studio and update its website and software.

“I just want to make everything online easier for the parents — maybe create an app or something,” Borrone said. “But other than that, I really want to keep the story ballets alive. I know that’s important to Miss Diana.”

She also wants to eventually offer an adult program.

“It’s really important for me to share ballet with everyone,” Borrone said. “That is why I want to add the adult program — because it’s never too late.”

ON THE COVER: Noblesville resident Diana Ephlin as Mother Gigogne in “The Nutcracker.” (Photo courtesy of The Dancin’ Place)

Diana Ephlin, center, has portrayed Mother Gigogne in every one of the studio’s productions of “The Nutcracker.” (Photo courtesy of Diana Ephlin)

Borrone

Commentary by Larry Greene

This Zionsville basement was transformed from unfinished storage into a warm, inviting entertaining space designed for gathering, hosting, and everyday use.

THE BLUEPRINT

• A custom-built bar creates a natural hub for entertaining, balancing clean lines with rich, darker finishes for a polished yet approachable feel.

• MSI Quartz countertops and matte black fixtures add contrast and refinement while keeping the space practical for casual hosting.

• Textured tile at the bar introduces subtle movement and visual interest, elevating the design without overwhelming the room.

• Thoughtful lighting and layered materials help define zones for dining, and conversation.

• Cortec flooring ties everything together, making the lower level feel like a true extension of the home rather than a finished basement.

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.

Zionsville Basement Bar Transformation

Beef & Boards to feature unlikely love story

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Adam du Plessis understands audiences have long embraced the Cinderella-type love story.

“‘Pretty Woman’ is such an iconic movie for many people and it’s such a joy and privilege to bring it to stage for them while at the same time introducing it to anyone who is not familiar with the movie,” du Plessis said. “Add in some Bryan Adams music and you’re sure to have a wonderful time.”

“Pretty Woman” runs Feb. 19 through April 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. This is the first time the musical, which had its world premiere in 2018, has been presented at the Indianapolis venue.

The musical is based on the 1990 movie in which Edward Lewis, a corporate mogul, and Vivian Ward, an escort, become unlikely soulmates, set in Los Angeles in the late 1980s. National tour veterans Dani Kucera plays Vivian and Charlie Fusari as Edward.

A few actors in the cast have been in the show previously.

“Revisiting a show you are so familiar with is always fun and they have the opportunity to show how far they have come and how much they have grown as performers, whether it’s stepping into lead roles or understudying roles they didn’t before,” said du Plessis, who played the Happy Man on the “Pretty Woman” national tour.

planning and troubleshooting and going 100 miles a minute. You have to be able to shut that down and focus on the project you’re in at the moment. But saying that, it does become a welcome break and allows you to come back with fresh eyes.”

Prior to “The Mousetrap,” du Plessis appeared in “Waitress” in the summer of 2025.

moved to the U.S. 10 years ago and became a citizen four years ago.

“I have no true home base here. I go wherever the work takes me,” he said. “But as most theater folks do, I always circle back to NYC in between contracts.”

While preparing for the show, du Plessis performed in “The Mousetrap,” which was scheduled to conclude Feb. 15.

“Time management is, of course, crucial as well as the ability to switch off the part of your brain that is working on the new project,” he said. “Directing a show this large is a juggling act, and your mind is constantly

“Beef & Boards has very quickly become one of my favorite places to work,” he said. “They have created something very special here, introducing new shows and material alongside the stories and theater everyone has loved for years. The people who work here are welcoming, caring and passionate about providing high-quality theater, and the audiences are so very supportive. It’s been an absolute privilege to work here.”

A native of South Africa, du Plessis

Kucera made her Beef & Boards debut as Vivienne Kensington in “Legally Blonde” in 2024. She performed as a swing and understudy for Vivian Ward in the national tour of “Pretty Woman.”

Fusari is making his Beef & Boards debut after he understudied his role as Edward and performed in the ensemble on the tour.

The score is by Adams and his longtime collaborator Jim Vallance. The book is by the late screenwriter-director Garry Marshall, who died in 2016, and J.F. Lawton. Marshall directed the 1990 movie. Current Publishing is sponsoring “Pretty Woman.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Feinstein’s cabaret presents “Dueling Pianos” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘THE PAGEANT’

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “The Pageant” through Feb. 22 at The Florence at Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

‘THE GREAT GATSBY’

Civic Theatre presents “The Great Gatsby” through Feb. 21 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

SECOND HAND SOUL

York Automotive Concert Series presents Second Hand Soul Band at 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

‘LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN’ TOUR

Mariachi Herencia de México’s “La Nueva Generación” tour is set for 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Payne & Mencias at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘LOVE LETTERS FROM PARIS’

Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Love Letters from Paris” is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘EVENING WITH JJ GREY & MOFRO’

“An Intimate Evening with JJ Grey & Mofro” is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Adam du Plessis, left, performed with Scot Greenwell in “The Mousetrap” at Beef & Boards. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

du Plessis

Kucera

Fusari

A musical collaboration

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Discovering Broadway has commissioned its first yet-to-be named musical.

Zack Zadek will write the musical, and Discovering Broadway founder Joel Kirk, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate, will co-develop and direct it.

Besides offering writers’ retreats, concerts and master class programs, Discovering Broadway will commission one new musical each year.

“For now, Zack and I are keeping the title and plot under wraps — by design — so audiences discover this completely original story live, together and in the room,” Kirk said. “It reflects Discovering Broadway’s commitment to a bold range of work, from celebrated adaptations like ‘A Beautiful Mind’ to top-secret new musicals that can only be experienced in-person”

The writers’ retreat and concert premiere will take place this summer in Indianapolis. Dates will be announced and tickets will go on sale soon at discoveringbroadway.org.

In 2022, Zadek’s musical “The Turn-

ing’ was the fourth musical selected for Discovering Broadway’s incubator program. Zadek taught master classes for Discovering Broadway in 2023.

Kirk said commissioned work is the next logical step for Discovering Broadway, which formed in 2019.

“After five years and seven Broadway-bound musicals, our show committee recognized that some of the most ambitious work requires commission funding to exist,” he said.

Submissions can be made from Feb. 22 to March 1 for the 2027 Sabello Musical Commission by emailing administration@discoveringbroadway.com.