February 17, 2026 — Current in Zionsville by Current Publishing

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Founded March 20 2012, at Zionsville, IN Vol. XIV, No. 48

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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Zionsville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

New ZCS pre-K to expand child care

Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Work is underway on Zionsville Community Schools’ $54 million early learning center.

Construction started last fall on the 125,000-square-foot facility south of Zionsville West Middle School on 700 E. It will be about half the size of the middle school.

The new facility will concentrate the district’s preschool students in one building. Currently, preschool students are spread throughout ZCS’s elementary and middle schools.

The new center aims to meet a need in the community — more affordable child care. ZCS Superintendent Rebecca Coffman said a study by the Boone County Economic Development Corp. indicated “child care is a limiting factor” in the county.

“We have had to turn many families away, because we don’t have the space,” she said. “We know there is a lot of demand for child care.”

Moving preschool students to their own building will free up 19 classrooms across the district. Those rooms will be needed in the future, according to projected enrollment data, Coffman said.

“We want to be ready for that,” she said.

An early learning center also delays off having to build a new elementary school — an expensive project — to a later date. On that front, the school district is working with Pulte Homes of Indiana on a land swap netting the school a parcel in Zionsville that could be a new elementary school in the future.

The early learning center is financed through bonds, which is a common financing method for schools that allows them to take on large sums of money

without impacting the tax rate. Bonds, or debt, are issued after old debt is paid off, sometimes called debt replacement. This is how schools afford a million-dollar project without raising taxes. Coffman said ZCS’ tax rate has not changed since 2012.

The project includes an entrance drive that aligns with the entrance to the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County Whitestown Unit, west of the development on 700 E. There also will be an emergency access road adjoining the Stonegate subdivision.

The district’s educational services administrative center will move to the new facility, as well. This is also meant to free up space.

The project could net the district significant revenue via inflation rebates.

Matt Doublestein, ZCS assistant superintendent of operations, said in January there are rebates related to the district’s use of solar and geothermal

DISPATCH

 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 spec-

tators 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

energy with its new building through the Inflation Reduction Act. Essentially, if that type of energy is used, the federal government cuts a check.

Doublestein said the amount the school could receive is based on the size of the project. It’s unclear how much but could be in the millions of dollars range. Rebates won’t be realized until 2028.

The ZCS Board of School Trustees heard an update on the early learning center at its Feb. 9 meeting.

Underground infrastructure including plumbing is ongoing as are foundation footings, according to Victor Landfair, executive vice president of the Skillman Corporation, a construction management company.

Landfair said the project should “go vertical” in the next 60 days with steel framing beginning.

The early learning center is expected to open fall 2027.

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.

Construction started last fall on a 125,000-squarefoot early learning center and administrative office space for Zionsville Community Schools, south of Zionsville West Middle School on 700 E. (Photo by Spencer Durham)

Storage rezone OK’d

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville Plan Commission approved rezoning for a parcel of land on Oak Street for a storage facility expansion and auto shop at its Jan. 20 meeting.

Sam Scheidler, owner of Zionsville Self Storage, wants to expand his business, using an adjacent vacant lot at 1580 W. Oak St. The 2.6-acre lot also is eyed for a potential automotive service facility that would be on the opposite side of the property.

The proposed auto business drew deliberations from the commission, specifically over noise as the parcel abuts against a neighborhood to the north. Plans call for all auto work to be done with the bay doors closed. The tools that will be used will emit limited noise, and the location of the business was also shifted south to give more space between it and residents to the north.

Scheidler spoke with adjacent businesses and some neighbors who submitted letters of support.

“There’s not very many times I can stand in front of you, and you have a

business use that is adjoined by residences … that support this project,” said attorney Jeff Jacob, who represented Scheidler.

The commission voted to rezone the parcel from urban neighborhood business to urban outdoor business. A plat approval and development plans will need commission approval before the project begins.

In other business from the meeting, a planned unit development for Woodland Grove, a 51-acre mixed use subdivision at 2475 U.S. 421 was continued.

The development calls for a series of townhomes, single-family homes, a wildlife preservation district with walking trail and commercial buildings.

The PUD was continued as the town is in between comprehensive plans. The new proposed plan — discussed and continued at the town council’s February meeting — splits the parcel’s land use.

The plan commission also voted down a church meeting house proposed for 7660 W. Oak St.

Concerns about the area, parking and the development not matching the area ultimately sank the proposal.

 Zionsville Redevelopment Commission — The RDC meets at 9 a.m. Feb. 24 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The commission handles items related to development including acquiring land and overseeing tax increment financing districts.

A rendering of a proposed expansion of Zionsville Self Storage at 1580 W. Oak St. (Image courtesy of the Town of Zionsville)

Tickets on sale for Dunk!

news@youarecurrent.com

Tickets are on sale for Dunk!, a basketball-themed fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County.

The 21-years-and-older fundraiser is set for 6-9 p.m. April 18 at the club’s Whitestown location.

Dunk! raises money for the club’s youth sports programs. Last year, the event raised $78,000.

“This is one of our most important fundraising events of the year,” stated Eric Richards, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County. “Dunk! gives adults a fun, social way to come together while making a meaningful investment in the kids who rely on the Club every day.”

There will be food, games, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, friendly competitions and silent and live auctions for items and experiences.

Tickets are $30 per person and $50 for couples. They can be purchased at bgcboone.org/events-news/dunk. There are also sponsorship opportunities.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite basketball jersey.

 Zionsville Safety Board — The safety board meets at 8 a.m. Feb. 17 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The safety board oversees operations of the Zionsville Fire Department and the appeals process for residents seeking relief from the Fire Protection Ordinance.

 Zionsville Plan Commission — The planning commission meets at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The commission makes recommendations regarding development.

Dunk! will take place April 18 at the Boys & Girls Club’s Whitestown location. (Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Boone County)

Sewer transfer up in the air

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville Town Council tabled a wastewater transfer agreement at its Feb. 2 meeting that would allow Citizens Wastewater of Westfield to serve an area of Union Township that is serviced by Hamilton Southeastern Utilities.

The transfer is mired in potential legal questions, concerns about the future and past agreements and settlements.

A hangup for some council members is the exclusivity the transfer would give to Citizens. The utility company would have exclusive provider rights for the area near U.S. 421 and Ind. 32.

The concern, including from President Jason Plunkett and Council Member Joe Stein, is possibly handcuffing future administrations that might want to extend the town’s service to Union Township.

There are no plans to do so at this time — confirmed by Mayor John Stehr — and it would be costly for the town to do so, although it’s an option some council members want left open for the future.

Stein likened it to how some people blame a previous town council that “gave the airport away.”

“I just don’t love the idea of us letting go of something that we currently somewhat have the ability to do,” he said.

Hamilton Southeastern has a certificate of territorial authority or CTA,

giving it exclusive provider rights in the area.

The move would also need Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approval.

However, there is a question of whether the CTA is still valid or expires at the end of the year.

Jeremy Fetty, the council’s outside attorney from Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse, said the CTA could have already expired or expire, depending on orders related to the 2011 annexation and 2014 reorganization. The issue would need to be determined by a court, he said.

Attorney Mike Griffis, representing Hamilton Southeastern, disagreed and said a settlement agreement trumps the 2011 and 2014 orders giving his client exclusivity.

Plunkett suggested a transfer but with a carve out allowing the town in the future to weigh in, in the event a future administration wanted to service the area itself. Steve Krohne, the attorney representing Citizens, said he’d ask his client.

Stehr said he’s in favor as it would streamline future corporate development at the Indianapolis Executive Airport and make it less expensive and more efficient for customers.

The next town council meeting is 7 p.m. March 2 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. Meetings also are streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

OPTIMIST CLUB SUPPORTS FOOD PANTRY

The Zionsville Optimist Club recently donated $10,000 to the Zionsville Food Pantry to support the backpack programs at Zionsville Community Schools. The funds were raised through the club’s 2025 Hit the Bricks 5K. Each year, the Optimist Club chooses an organization to benefit that serves its mission to support children in Zionsville and Boone County. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Optimist Club)

Edits likely to draft plan

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville Town Council plans to propose edits to the town’s draft comprehensive plan.

The council continued a vote on the plan Feb. 2 as it considers edits to the all-encompassing document meant to guide the direction of Zionsville for the foreseeable future.

A list of concerns, questions and possible changes were presented by the council to Adam Peaper, a community planner and project manager with HWC Engineering.

The list includes the location of two regional activity centers, potentially reclassifying some land use areas and a series of recommendations about changing zoning ordinances.

The comprehensive plan covers land use — i.e., what type of developments can go where — along with road improvements and economic development.

The changes to zoning ordinances recommended in the plan drew ques-

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Grammy-award winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer will perform a variety of songs when it visits Zionsville later this month.

St. Francis-In-The-Fields Episcopal Church will host the all-male choral group for a concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 24.

tions as to whether they should be made first before approving the plan, however town council attorney Heather Harris said it’s customary to establish the plan then take the actions laid out in the document.

Peaper suggested the council only leave the calls to action in the document if they’re something they intend to follow through on.

“We want this to be as specific as possible and as action oriented as possible,” he said.

Edits made by the town council will go back to the Zionsville Plan Commission for approval.

Town council members expressed a desire to have a working session to work through possible changes.

“I think we’re very close,” said councilor Evan Norris. “They sound like major edits, but in my mind I think they are very minor edits.”

It likely means adoption of the plan is another month or two out.

The next town council meeting is at 7 p.m. March. 2 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St.

Selections range from jazz and gospel to indigenous music. The songs are part of the group’s 2026 tour, “Our American Journey,” and meant to represent American music culture spanning the nation’s history.

“It’s a collection of American songs and American voices and composers who shaped our choral traditions in America,” said Andy Van Allsburg, one of three tenors in the 12-member Chanticleer. “We try to include a little something for everyone, especially when we’re on the road.”

The theme coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Van Allsburg said despite the group’s formal stage attire, shows are fun and

interactive with the audience.

“It’s not a stiff, upright concert,” he said.

Chanticleer’s 2002 album, “Our American Journey,” was inducted into the National Recording Registry, an honor bestowed by the Library of Congress for works deemed culturally significant. Tickets are $40-$60 for adults and $10 for children. They can be purchased at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ chanticleer-our-american-journey.

Tickets are general admission. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early to get their preferred seat. A reception will follow the show.

Chanticleer

Recycling website is

local resource

Commentary by Jennifer Lawrence

The Boone County Solid Waste Management District works with residents, businesses and community groups to promote responsible waste reduction, recycling and disposal practices throughout Boone County.

The district registers all solid waste haulers that service Boone County. A comprehensive list of registered haulers, their contact information and the services they provide can be found on the district website.

At the core of the district’s services are recycling programs designed to make it easy for residents to divert common materials from the trash. Curbside recycling is available for residents of Lebanon and Zionsville through contracts with local waste haulers, offering single-stream pickup of recyclables such as paper, bottles, cans and cardboard.

In addition, the district funds 24/7 recycling drop-off locations in Whitestown, Advance and Thorntown where residents can bring clean, dry, loose recyclables at any time.

The district also organizes special collections and events to handle materials that require special attention. These include Tox Drop collection events for household hazardous waste like cleaners and chemicals; electronics recycling collections; sharps disposal and pharmaceutical drop-off programs; and annual community efforts such as shoe recycling and flag disposal initiatives.

To support local sustainability initiatives, the district offers community and municipal grant programs that help schools, non-profits, civic groups and local governments fund projects that reduce waste, increase recycling or educate the public on environmental issues.

For more information, the district encourages residents to contact their office or visit the website at boonecountysolidwaste.com.

A life saver

Grants available for historic houses of worship

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 mid-June, 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.

“Lilly Endowment’s continued support for Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Indiana program is valuable beyond words,” stated David Frederick, director of Sacred Places Indiana. “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.”

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. In 2025, the program provided $2,835,950 to 25 congregations around the state.

To register for the webinar, visit indianalandmarks.org/sacred-places-indiana-fund-webinar; or call 317-639-4534 or 800-450-4534.

DISPATCH

 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. The company currently maintains active building projects in four Indianapolis-area communities.

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)

COMMUNITY

Indianapolis author Theresia Whitfield wrote a book about her cancer journey. (Photo courtesy of Theresia Whitfield)

Author pens faith-based guide for life after cancer

By Brittney Dial Testin news@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis author Theresia Whitfield shares her faith journey through cancer treatment and beyond in her first book, “After Cancer: Now What?”

“It’s a biblical guide to navigating life after cancer and it comes in two parts,” she said. “Part 1 is my story of my breast cancer journey that I went through. The second part is where I talk about navigating life after cancer. After I went through my cancer journey, I experienced a myriad of emotions, including great sadness, great depression, great anger, great bitterness.”

Whitfield, 58, is an award-winning, Indianapolis-based freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience in TV news, national and international publications. She was diagnosed in 2022 with Stage 1 triple negative breast cancer following a mammogram, completed chemotherapy that year and later had a bilateral mastectomy. She has been in remission for more than three years.

When Whitfield was struggling through her cancer journey, she said she felt she lacked resources.

“I had a lot of fear of recurrence, and I wasn’t sure what to do with all the emotions,” she said. “There weren’t any books around that were very helpful or talked about it from a biblical perspective, so the Lord prompted me to write the book myself.”

Whitfield said she wanted to give hope and encouragement to others go-

ing through cancer treatment.

“I also wrote it for people that are caregivers or friends, and loved ones of those that are going through cancer so that they can get a real, hard, raw look at what the cancer journey is actually like,” she said. “I interviewed about 15 other people for this book, two of whom were two of my pastors at church. I talked to a ton of people who have had cancer or their kids have had cancer, and I talked to them about how they experienced anger and bitterness and grief and depression.”

Whitfield placed an emphasis on community support, whether through family, friends or faith.

“Probably one of the smartest things I did was as I was writing this book, I put a prayer team together,” she said. “There was a group of 13 ladies that walked alongside me every week.”

She said the book could be helpful to people with any chronic illness.

“I really do think that you can replace cancer with ‘insert illness here,’ you know, because I really do think that people that have chronic illnesses go through a lot of the same emotions that people with cancer do,” Whitfield said. “So, why not try to … replace that word ‘cancer’ with ‘hypothyroidism’ and how do I overcome the fear of that progressing or having a flareup or how do I deal with the anger?”

“After Cancer: Now What?” was published by Lucid Books. It is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million. For more, visit aftercancerbook.com.

House OKs Cash’s bill

news@youarecurrent.com

The Indiana Senate will consider State Rep. Becky Cash’s bill to expand the employer child care tax credit.

House Bill 1177, filed by the Zionsville Republican, was approved Feb. 2 by the Indiana House of Representatives.

Cash said the bill would expand eligibility for the state’s employer child care tax credit to include companies with up to 500 employees. Businesses would be eligible for the credit if they offer an employer-run child care facility for their employees or if they contract with a facility or provider to offer care.

“As we look at the rising costs of child care, we need to find innovative ways to support Hoosier families,”

Cash stated. “The bill expands a pre-existing tax credit so that more employers can assist their employees in finding and affording reliable child care. It’s a great example of how the state and private businesses can work together to support parents in the workplace.”

Cash said the bill would also allow local redevelopment commissions to use tax increment financing revenues to encourage the construction, expansion or operations of child care facilities.

The credit could be used to help pay for related costs such as operating a child care facility, employee training and higher wages for staff.

Cash represents House District 25, which includes Zionsville, other parts of Boone County and parts of Brownsburg.

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HOLD WALKOUT TO PROTEST ICE

Approximately 200 University High School students participated in a walk out Feb. 5 to protest U.S. ICE policies. The students, many carrying signs expressing their views, left campus at 2:45 p.m. and traveled toward Towne Road. Students at high schools nationwide have held walk outs in the last month in protest of federal policies and actions. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

ANSWERING A CALL

Doctor finds purpose helping disabled children and adults

Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Dr. Jim Dalton was destined to be a preacher. His parents were sure of it. They were positive he’d hear the call. It’s what they told when he’d return home from college in the summer.

That didn’t pan out, but Dalton found his calling as a pediatric psychologist and president and CEO of Damar Services, Inc., a nonprofit that offers a full continuum of care for children and adults with severe disabilities.

A Zionsville resident, Dalton has been with the Decatur Township-based organization — one of Indiana’s largest nonprofits — for 23 years.

Damar has expanded significantly under Dalton’s leadership. Growth includes additional locations in Richmond and East Chicago, affordable housing for adults with disabilities, Applied Behavior Analysis autism clinics, a public charter school and pharmacy offering low prices for disabled patients.

Each of those came in response to a need, Dalton said. For example, Damar Village, the housing complex for disabled adults, was the result of parent concerns.

Adults with disabilities are living longer, thanks to better treatment, Dalton said.

However, they often live with their parents. What happens when their parents die?

Damar established its public housing program for that reason. Dalton said it is a relief for parents.

Campuses in other areas of the state aim to meet the needs of a growing population of children with disabilities. Damar services 1,700 people daily.

“As long as there are waitlists for services, we will continue to address the need,” Dalton said.

Cheering and music could be heard upstairs in Dalton’s office as he reflected on his time with Damar. A celebration was underway. When a child completes treatment and is released, it’s cause for celebration. This was one of those times.

A child and their family walked

down a blue carpet as staff members filled the lobby. The music was selected by the child, a custom at Damar. Dalton previously was the director of behavioral health at Community

Health Network leading the Lutherwood Residential Treatment Center — a facility for victims of child abuse with behavioral issues — when Damar came calling.

ANNUAL GALA SET FOR FEB. 28

The 2026 Damar Gala will be held Feb. 28 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis.

The sold-out show will feature comedian John Mulaney as the evening’s entertainment. The gala is Damar’s premier annual fundraiser, raising money for the organization’s expansive services.

Damar was founded in 1967 by Theodore and Beverly Farkas, who wanted better care for their disabled children, David and Martha. Damar is a combination of their names.

Damar’s first residence was opened in 1972.

He initially turned the organization down.

“I was just thrilled with my life,” Dalton said. “It was the greatest job ever.”

At a friend’s urging, though, Dalton visited Damar’s campus. That’s when he heard the calling.

“The moment I stepped on to the property, I had this feeling,” Dalton said. “I felt overwhelmingly, there was something special.”

Dalton was named CEO in 2011 after serving in other leadership roles. He is the third CEO in Damar’s history. He’s consulted with state legislators and the justice system to improve services for those with disabilities.

Dalton served on Gov. Mike Braun’s ABA working group and helped influence a change in state law in how children are deemed incompetent to stand trial. Previously, children were sent to state hospitals if they were considered incompetent to stand trial.

That system took away beds from patients. Now, those children go to Damar with the goal of making them competent to stand trial. If that is not possible, they remain at Damar.

Dalton also serves as an expert witness for court cases when a child with disabilities is charged with a serious crime.

“We help the court understand the need,” he said.

Dalton’s shift away from ministry came in college when he decided he wanted to help people.

“I did the very next best thing that I thought would make mom and grandma proud,” he said.

Dalton credits his mother, Karen Tomlin, for his passion for children. He knew he wanted to work with children while doing his practicum at a children’s hospital in Louisville.

“From that point on, that’s what I felt attracted to,” Dalton said. “I wanted to help that population.”

ON THE COVER: Dr. Jim Dalton, CEO and president of Damar Services, is a Zionsville resident. The nonprofit helps children and adults with severe disabilities. (Photo by Spencer Durham)

Dr. Jim Dalton and his wife Jodi at last year’s Damar gala fundraiser. Dalton has been with the nonprofit for 23 years. (Photo courtesy of Damer Services, Inc.)

BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT:

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 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.

AFTER Zionsville basement bar transformation

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. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor PNC Center 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-2494

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar

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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

ENTERTAINMENT

Discovering Broadway to commission musical

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

“In 2022, a single YouTube song of his, ‘Sick,’ moved our entire board to tears and led us to program a monthlong retreat, during which he grew from one song to 12 by the concert premiere,” Kirk said. “Since then, I’ve seen firsthand his rare ability to craft emotionally raw, original musical storytelling, most recently with ‘The Turning,’

which just workshopped in Manhattan starring Lola Tung and Jordan Fisher, alongside his collaborations with Tate McRae and upcoming projects with Warner Bros Theatrical Ventures and Universal Theatrical Group.”

Kirk said commissioned work is the next logical step for Discovering Broadway, which formed in 2019. He said the Discovering Broadway process begins by first understanding what creative teams need.

“After five years and seven Broadway-bound musicals, our show committee — made up of board, advisory and community volunteers — 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, the nonprofit’s second commission. Composers, lyricists and book writers are invited to submit a one-page application to administration@discoveringbroadway.org, including artist bios, a one-paragraph plot synopsis, and three demos.

DISPATCHES

 Patinkin’s performance postponed — Because of a TV series schedule conflict, Mandy Patinkin’s April 9 performance at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Carmel’s Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts has been postponed. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for a new date in the 2026-27 Center Presents Season, to be announced this spring.

 Heartland fundraiser to have Westerns theme — Heartland International Film Festival’s signature fundraiser, Cinemania presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. returns for a third year April 17 at The Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis. The theme is, “A Tribute to Westerns.” For more, visit cinemania.eventive.org/ EventTickets/buy. In addition, Heartland Film has announced that Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at the Square in Indianapolis will be the presenting sponsor for the next three years. Alamo Drafthouse, which has 13 theaters, will be the primary venue for Heartland Festival set for Oct. 8-18.

Discovering Broadway founder Joel Kirk, left, and Zack Zadek will collaborate on a musical. (Photo courtesy of Joel Kirk)

Wary of the waiting game

Commentary by Terry Anker

We all wait. We wait in traffic, at the airport, for dinner, our birthday, Christmas and the return of a decent television sitcom. Waiting is a significant part of the human condition.

Famed Irish-born playwright and author Samuel Beckett wrote “Waiting for Godot” in French in 1948. By 1953, the play had been translated into English and successfully premiered in Paris. It frames the story of Vladimir and Estragon patiently waiting by a solitary tree hoping to encounter a mysterious person. Various characters appear and disappear, yet Godot fails to show up. Not satisfying its viewers with a resolution, we never know if Godot is a spy, ingénue or a friend. Waiting, it seems, is the point.

A member of the French Resistance, Beckett happily survived Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II. Ultimately being nearly discovered, he and his lover fled to the countryside to hide out for the remainder of the war. They waited. They waited in certain fear. They waited with certain hope.

As the Nazis were defeated and peace restored, Beckett found himself preoccupied with the very notion of the wait. Perhaps it stemmed from some post-catastrophic disorientation, latent trauma or simply the difficulty of enduring a prolonged stasis of uncertainty, the playwright had learned to live in the moment foregoing any aspiration of a satisfying outcome. In a nation still scarred from World War I and nearly destroyed by a second outing only years later, it seemed impossible to imagine a clear and constructive narrative closure.

If we come to live our lives without expectation of conclusion, is a certain hopefulness sufficient to sustain us?

Even if we overcome our fears of disappointment, can we exist each day waiting for a Godot that will never arrive?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

Hold your drunken horses

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Did you enjoy the Super Bowl? I’m not a big football fan, so when I watched the game, I tried to distract myself with other things. I don’t knit, collect stamps or play games on my phone. So, what did I do?

A senior publication in South Dakota sends me a copy monthly. I was leafing through it during the game. As I prepared myself with chips, salsa and mini egg rolls, an article in the newspaper caught my eye. South Dakota has outdone Indiana in legislative innovation. A new law in the Mount Rushmore state resolves that while authorities will lock you up for driving your Chevy pickup after downing six pints of hard lemonades, it is now perfectly legal to ride your tricycle down Main Street even after having several Bloody Marys. Or is it Bloody Maries? Maybe Bloodies Mary? (Cathy, my proofreader, please help me out here).

Love Letters from Paris

presented by

February 21 - 7 p.m.

At the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts

Continue your Valentine’s Day celebrations with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra! Join us and Guest Conductor Kelly Corcoran for an evening of romantic, heartfelt works that are sure to leave you swooning.

Jean Sibelius - Rakastava, op. 14, “The Lover”

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Symphony No. 31, K. 297, “Paris”

Edward Elgar - Salut d’amour, op. 12, “Love’s Greeting”

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Concerto for Flute and Harp, K. 299 featuring soloists Tamara Thweatt, flute and Melanie Mashner, harp

SAVEWITH 3-CONCERT SUBSCRIPTIONS!

Learn more at CarmelSymphony.org

Tickets on sale at the Fifth Third Bank Box Office

Phone: 317.843.3800

TheCenterPresents.org

criticism. Many Dakotans argued that some locals actually imbibe with their horses, and although most of the horses can handle their liquor, many of the less refined breeds — like pintos — get pretty wrecked (so to speak) after just one glass of merlot. If you’re driving behind a pinto, be very cautious. I hope I am not too late with this warning.

There have been some setbacks. A rider who was apparently intoxicated caused a four-car pile-up by galloping his horse through a red light. After a breathalyzer test, it was found that the rider was sober.

“You can be drunk on your horse or on your bike, but not in your car.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

In an attachment to the bill, it also is legal in South Dakota to get completely looped as long as you ride home on your mustang and not in your Mustang. Let me translate all this: You can be drunk on your horse or on your bike, but not in your car.

Why are Indiana lawmakers wasting time arguing about I-69, ISTEP, taxes and zoning rules? Let’s pass a few laws that benefit the average guy or gal. I hope they pass a law like that here in Indiana, because when I’ve had a few too many over at my favorite trough, I’ll drive home in my Dodge Colt instead of getting my Clydesdale out of the garage

In South Dakota, this law faced some

However, the horse was tipsy. The horse refused the breathalyzer test and had to appear in court.

The horse’s lawyer claimed that the bartender who gave his client the fifth glass of ChardonNAY should also be held responsible. The bartender said it was hard for him to refuse a customer with such a long face, which shows that while wine might get better with age, some old jokes remain just as bad.

Well, the Super Bowl is over. After reading this, you might wonder if one should write a humor column while watching a sporting event at the same time. Look on the bright side: If the Colts had been in the Super Bowl, I would have watched more carefully, and this column would have been even more lame.

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

LETTER 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.

Dick Wolfsie

Melanie Mashner, Harpist

Tamara Thweatt, Flutist

15. Buildings and land

16. ___ de cologne

17. Greeting in prison?

19. Siesta

20. Pair

21. Silently acknowledges

22. Indiana Senate young aide

23. I-69 tractor-trailer

24. Chicago trains