January 20, 2026 – Current in Brownsburg

Page 1


AIMING FOR AUTHENTICITY

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Brownsburg council member faces access restrictions after petition interview

A Brownsburg Town Council member’s push to change the town’s form of government has sparked public debate and internal conflict at Town Hall.

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Founded Oct. 14, 2025, at Brownsburg, IN Vol. I, No. 15

nated with town leadership.

Council member Cindy Hohman said Adams misused his key fob and violated established procedures.

Council member Glenn Adams appeared in an interview with an Indianapolis TV station inside the town council chambers in the days leading up to the Jan. 8 council meeting. During the interview, Adams discussed a petition he began circulating in late December for Brownsburg to transition from a town to a city.

The petition had about 200 signatures as of Jan. 9. To advance to a public referendum, 720 valid signatures are required. Adams said the change would give residents a stronger voice by creating an elected mayor accountable to voters. If the measure reaches the ballot and passes, Adams confirmed he would run for mayor.

Adams said he hopes to gather enough signatures by late January or early February. He has hosted two public signing events at the Brownsburg Public Library, and said additional opportunities are being planned.

Some town leaders, however, oppose the petition and Adams’ actions surrounding the interview.

At the conclusion of the Jan. 8 meeting, Adams said the council president, town manager and town attorney asked him to meet privately. He said they informed him his key fob access to the building had been deactivated because he did not seek approval to conduct the interview inside the council chambers. Adams said he can only access the chambers only during public meetings and executive sessions.

Adams said he was unaware permission was required.

“I was told I had to have permission from two of my colleagues to conduct an interview in the council room,” Adams said. “I have never heard of this.”

Adams said he believed the decision was tied to growing attention around the petition.

“We are getting signatures, people are talking and people are excited,”

“We are getting signatures, people are talking and people are excited. There is momentum and they don’t like it.”
- GLENN ADAMS

Adams said. “There is momentum and they don’t like it.”

Adams said he has asked for the policy in writing and has attempted to contact the town attorney.

“If they don’t get this resolved quickly, I’m going to consider legal action,” Adams said, adding that the restriction limits his ability to serve constituents.

Current reached out to Town Manager Deb Cook for comment but she did not respond. The town issued a statement Jan. 14 stating its facility was used by a council member without preapproved authorization for the council.

The statement reads in part: “The function was not a public meeting, nor an official town initiative. Public, taxpayer-funded facilities may not be used for personal or political purposes by any individual without prior approval. A policy currently exists within Resolution #2025-22 that states, ‘The Town Manager, Town Council President, and Community Relations Manager will serve as the Town Spokespersons.’ Both the 2023 and 2025 handbooks also prohibit unauthorized use of public facilities.”

The statement goes on to read, “The individual’s after-hours access to the facility has been temporarily restricted while the council assesses the policy. This action was taken solely in response to the unauthorized use of a town facility. This restriction is not related to any particular policy position, initiative, or viewpoint.”

Council member Travis Tschaenn said interviews conducted inside the chamber during his time as council president were preapproved and coordi-

“It gives the impression that all of us are behind this effort, and we are not,” Hohman said. “There are procedures he must follow, and he didn’t ask permission.”

Hohman added that Adams’ actions were political in nature.

“You can’t do campaign things inside a government building,” she said, adding that Adams “trespassed” by conducting the interview without approval.

In a written statement released following the interview and petition activity, Town Council President Ben Lacey said the issue has not been formally brought before the council but addressed questions circulating among residents.

“While this initiative has not been brought before the Council, or discussed at any Council meeting, we feel it necessary to address it,” Lacey said. “The decision to transition from a town to a city government structure is ultimately determined by the voters in our community.”

Lacey said Brownsburg’s population of approximately 35,000 residents would place it near the threshold of a second-class city under Indiana law, which typically includes a mayor, nine city council members and an appointed controller. He noted that appointed officers, boards and commissions may differ from the current town structure.

He also addressed differences between a mayor-led system and the town’s current manager-led structure.

“A mayor-led system provides a visible, elected community leader, while a town manager system emphasizes professional administration and operational continuity,” Lacey said. “A town manager is hired by the council, while a mayor is elected by residents.”

Lacey cautioned that becoming a city could result in higher costs, including salaries, staffing and transition expenses, and said Brownsburg would not necessarily qualify for additional state or federal funding by making the change.

Continued on Page 9

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Adams
Lacey

2026 LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS You’re Invited

Jan 26 Feb 23

Teen program launches

The Willow Center introduces mental health and substance use treatment for youth

The Willow Center has launched a new adolescent intensive outpatient treatment program designed to support teens facing mental health and substance use challenges in Hendricks County.

Complimentary breakfast served at 7:00 am

Hendricks Co. 4-H Fairgrounds North South Hall 1900 E. Main St., Danville, IN

This is your opportunity to hear first-hand what’s happening during session from the Indiana Statehouse! These annual legislative breakfasts are Indiana’s largest publicly attended events during session.

There will also be time for a brief Q&A portion.

DATE TIME SITE registration required THURSDAY PRIOR TO JANNA BOLEN janna.bolen@infarmbureau.com (317) 745-4463

The 10-week Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program, or AIOT, is available to youth ages 13 to 17 at the center’s Pittsboro location. The program provides nine hours of group therapy each week, along with weekly individual counseling and regular family therapy sessions.

Group sessions are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and are structured to help students manage conditions such as depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, self-harming behaviors, substance use, trauma-related symptoms and school or juvenile justice involvement.

We have invited Representatives Becky Cash, Craig Haggard, Greg Steuerwald, and Jeff Thompson, along with Senators Brian Buchanan, Brett Clark, & Mike Young.

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“Launching the AIOT program is a pivotal advancement for Hendricks County, addressing the escalating mental health and substance use needs of adolescents through early intervention, prevention and skills-based education,” said Erica Bodeker, LCSW, clinical site supervisor at The Willow Center in Pittsboro.

She said the program emphasizes family involvement, noting that “sustainable change occurs when both youth and their environments are supported.”

According to The Willow Center, the program is facilitated by a master’s-level clinician with specialized experience working with adolescents. Participants focus on identifying and processing emotions, developing healthy coping strategies, improving emotional regulation and strengthening relationships. After completing the program, teens are encouraged to transition to a lower-intensity option to continue building skills and maintaining progress.

Chase Cotten, community director for The Willow Center, said the need for adolescent treatment options in the county remains high.

“For teens in Hendricks County, mental health challenges such as de-

pression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress continue to be experienced at higher rates than we’d like to see, and suicide is still the second-leading cause of death for teens in central Indiana,” Cotten said.

He added that substance use is often used as a coping mechanism.

“There are very few options in Hendricks County for adolescents to seek treatment at this level of care, so The Willow Center wanted to fill that gap,” he said.

Cotten also emphasized the importance of family participation in treatment.

“Addiction is a family disease at its core. Similarly, mental health struggles affect the whole family unit, not just the individual experiencing difficult symptoms,” he said, adding that family engagement helps caregivers learn how to support positive change and stay involved even through setbacks.

Yasmin Martinez, LSW, an adolescent IOT therapist at The Willow Center, said the group-based model allows teens to support one another while building confidence and life skills.

“We all remember how challenging the teenage years can be,” Martinez said. “Watching students discover their strengths and support one another in a safe, judgment-free group environment is incredibly powerful.”

For more, visit thewillowcenter.com.

The Willow Center’s Pittsboro facility is home to a new adolescent intensive outpatient treatment program designed to support teens ages 13 to 17 facing mental health and substance use challenges in Hendricks County. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)

Ambulances crash on ice

Two

fire territory vehicles involved in separate weatherrelated incidents

Jan. 11

Two Brownsburg Fire Territory ambulances were involved in separate ice-related incidents the morning of Jan. 11, one of which sent two firefighters to the hospital as a precaution and temporarily closed a county road, according to Deputy Fire Marshal and Public Information Officer Brett Havlin.

The first and more serious crash occurred around 5 a.m. as an ambulance was returning to its station after completing a call, Havlin said. Road conditions were extremely hazardous at the time, with ice covering roadways throughout the area.

The ambulance was traveling on County Road 550 East when it hit an icy patch, lost control, struck a guardrail and overturned into White Lick Creek. No patient was inside the ambulance.

Havlin said crews used a ladder to extricate the two firefighters from the

New nursing chief appointed

Hendricks Regional Health names Jill Payne chief nursing officer

Jill Payne has been appointed the next chief nursing officer of Hendricks Regional Health, effective Jan. 20, the healthcare system announced in a statement.

Hendricks Regional Health President and CEO Dr. Michelle Fenoughty said Payne’s decades of experience in nursing leadership and focus on quality improvement make her well-suited for the role.

ously served as market chief nursing officer for Ascension St. Vincent in Indiana. Before that, she oversaw five Ascension facilities as chief nursing officer. She also held leadership roles at Med Center Health in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and IU Health, where she was associate chief nurse executive and director of clinical operations in the surgical patient care division.

“Her passion for developing future nursing leaders will help ensure we remain a Magnet organization where nurses can grow, lead, and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve,” Fenoughty said.

Payne, a DNP, RN and CENP, previ-

Payne has a Bachelor of Sci ence in Nursing from Indiana State University, a Master of Sci ence in Nursing Administration, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of India napolis. Payne is also a Certified Executive in Nursing Practice. A Brownsburg native, Payne said returning to her hometown is a person al milestone.

“I want to be able to help make an impact on this incredible place where I grew up and my family grew up,” she said. “I am looking forward to working side-by-side with the outstanding nurs es, leaders and entire team who make Hendricks so special.”

Payne

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Robotics team launches season with kickoff event

Brownsburg High School’s robotics team officially launched its 2026 competition season Jan. 10 with a kickoff party that brought students, families and community members together to celebrate science, technology and teamwork.

Team 3176 hosted the event at BHS, coinciding with the worldwide reveal of this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition game. FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, announces a new challenge each year that teams across the globe learn about at the same time. This year’s theme is archeology.

Kickoff day marks the beginning of a six-week sprint in which teams must design, build and test a fully functional robot capable of completing that year’s tasks.

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“This is always one of the most exciting days of the year because everyone finds out together,” said Elly Swain, media student lead for Team 3176. “It’s a team experience from the very beginning.”

The kickoff party invited the local community to take part in the excitement. Attendees met team members, explored robotics technology, bid on silent auction items and even drove last season’s competition robot. Students also demonstrated components used in past builds, explaining motors, wiring and mechanical systems to visitors.

“This is the second year we’ve really opened it up to the community,” said Wendy Swain, a media subteam mentor for Team 3176. “It gives people a chance to see where their support goes and helps encourage interest in STEM at a younger age.”

expenses.

“That’s why community support is so important,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realize how much goes into it.”

Despite the competitive nature of robotics, the culture emphasizes collaboration over rivalry. Matches are played in alliances of three robots, and teams often help one another with repairs and strategy.

“Robotics is different in that everyone is rooting for one another and helping each other out, regardless of what team you’re on,” Elly Swain said. “Some of my closest friends are on other teams, and I’m most excited to see them again at competitions.”

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Team 3176 is made up of multiple subteams that mirror real-world engineering and business roles. Students work in design, electrical, programming and control groups to build the robot, while the business subteam secures sponsorships and manages finances. The media subteam handles social media, graphics, photography and branding.

Running the team is no small investment. Swain said a single season costs at least $30,000, covering robot construction, competition fees and travel

Team 3176 will compete first at the March 7-8 Mishawaka District Event. The team has a strong history, consistently finishing in the top tier of Indiana teams and previously qualifying for the world championship.

As the build season begins, students say the kickoff party served as both motivation and a reminder of the support behind them.

“It really helps knowing your community believes in what you’re doing,” Elly Swain said.

Team 3176’s robot, built for last year’s comptetion, on display at the Jan. 10 kickoff party at Brownsburg High School. (Photo provided by Robotics Team 3176)

HCCF awarded

The Hendricks County Community Foundation has been awarded a $3 million Community Support Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of the ninth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow initiative, according to Frances Mock, director of community relations for the foundation.

The grant is one of 92 awarded statewide through GIFT IX, a Lilly Endowment program designed to strengthen Indiana’s community foundations and improve quality of life. The Community Support Grant component provides flexible funding that allows foundations to respond to pressing needs identified at the local level.

Mock said the funding will give the Hendricks County Community Foundation up to three years to direct the money toward community-driven priorities and enhance its grantmaking capacity.

“This grant is a transformative investment in the people and places of Hendricks County,” said William Rhodehamel, president and CEO of the Hendricks County Community Foundation.

“This funding gives us the capacity to be even more responsive and effective as we address our most pressing local challenges.”

The Community Support Grant is intended to help foundations meet immediate and emerging needs while also supporting longer-term improvements.

Lilly Endowment established the GIFT initiative in 1990 to help Indiana communities build philanthropic resources and better identify and address local challenges. Through GIFT IX, the Endowment has committed up to $271.5 million statewide to support community foundations in expanding their financial capacity and strengthening their role in local problem-solving.

According to Mock, the award positions the Hendricks County Community Foundation to continue its work supporting nonprofits, community projects and initiatives aimed at improving county residents’ quality of life.

Legislative breakfasts return

Community members invited to hear from state senators and representatives

Hendricks Power Cooperative, Hendricks County Farm Bureau and North Salem State Bank are hosting a series of legislative breakfasts, giving residents the chance to engage with state lawmakers.

State Sens. Brett Clark (R), Mike Young (R) and Brian Buchanan (R) and State Reps. Greg Steuerwald (R), Jeff Thompson (R), Becky Cash (R) and Craig Haggard (R) have been invited to speak and answer audience questions as time allows.

“Anyone is welcome to attend the breakfasts,” said Emily Thomas, manager of communications at Hendricks Power Cooperative. “The goal is to spread awareness of current events and legislation that’s being evaluated at the statehouse.”

Thomas said the legislators value these breakfasts as opportunities to

hear directly from constituents and receive real-world feedback.

“The January breakfast is especially important because there’s still time left in the legislative session for that input to shape amendments or ongoing discussions,” she said.

Questions are submitted in writing throughout the breakfast and are reviewed and selected by the moderator, former State Sen. John Crane. Thomas added that many of the legislators stay for fifteen minutes to chat with community members who may have individual questions.

“Hendricks Power sponsors these breakfasts to stay connected to the community and give members a chance to hear directly from their legislators about issues that affect them,” she said.

The events are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, Feb. 23, and March 16 at the North South Hall on the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds in Danville. Breakfast begins at 7 a.m., served continental style. Attendees are asked to RSVP to Janna Bolen at (317) 745-4463 or janna.bolen@infarmbureau.com by the Thursday prior to each event.

We want to hear from you! Please reach out to Managing Editor Alicia Kelly for story ideas and questions, or connect with Account Executive Gina Lewis to discuss advertising opportunities with Current in Brownsburg. You can contact them via email at alicia@youarecurrent.com and gina@youarecurrent.com.

Barriers to health care aren’t always apparent. Depression and mental illness can impact every aspect of an individual’s life. Fortunately for Donnisha, she found the courage to challenge the stigma around mental illness, and her journey is now inspiring others.

COMMUNITY

Indiana Chamber announces legislative priorities

northindy@youarecurrent.com

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce announced its priorities for the 2026 legislative session, including addressing barriers to work-based learning opportunities, tort reform to help maintain a business-friendly climate and increasing childcare opportunities.

The full list of the Indiana Chamber’s 2026 legislative priorities is:

• Ensure tax conformity or decoupling with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to maintain Indiana’s competitive tax status

• Enact tort reform to protect business owners and improve the state’s business climate

• Address liability barriers for employers hiring students under 18 for work-based learning experiences

• Enable scholarship granting organizations to serve children aged 5 and under in childcare settings

• Provide the option for township governments to eliminate themselves

• Build economic development collaboration across the state

• Enhance workplace safety

• Continue to deregulate as appropriate and cut environmental red tape For more, visit indianachamber.com/ policy.

Continued from Page 3

“This potential transition is not a negative reflection of our current town manager, Deb Cook,” Lacey said. “Deb and her team have consistently carried out the direction of the town council, and town staff have demonstrated professionalism and dedication to serving the community.”

Lacey reiterated that no official action related to the petition is before the council.

“As previously stated, the decision to move from a town to a city is ultimately determined by the voters in the community,” he said. “Should any formal proposal come forward through the appropriate legal and public process, it would be reviewed in accordance with state law and with opportunities for public input.”

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AIMING FOR AUTHENTICITY

Business blends vintage firearms, fine jewelry and history preservation

A gun store and a fine jewelry shop seem like an unlikely pairing, but for Bryce and JoLee Curry, the combination is a reflection of passion, expertise and a commitment to their customers. Their businesses, Premier Arms and P.A. Jewelers, sit side by side on North Green Street in Brownsburg, drawing collectors and local residents alike.

“I love coming to work every day,” Bryce said, seated inside the store’s private buyers’ room. “What gets me out of bed is wondering what’s going to come through that door. What cool piece of jewelry or firearm is going to be here today?”

Premier Arms opened in 2001 and distinguishes itself from other gun stores in the region, according to the Currys, through its vast inventory, specialized knowledge and dedication to preserving history. The couple deals in firearms spanning centuries, from pre-Civil War muskets to World War II rifles and rare collectibles. Unlike most shops that focus on a narrow category or sell items purely for profit, Premier Arms buys complete collections and helps maintain historical integrity.

“We don’t just take the good pieces and leave people with the rest,” Bryce said. “We buy nearly everything — ammunition, accessories, collectibles. People appreciate that. They know we understand the value of what they’ve collected.”

Bryce’s knowledge extends to the historical and technical aspects of firearms. Older guns, he said, require careful handling because they were often designed for black powder, not modern smokeless cartridges. Premier Arms cleans and inspects every firearm before resale, ensuring both safety and historical accuracy.

“A lot of the guns we sell, people can shoot them, but we educate them on how to use the proper loads,” Bryce said. “Some are display pieces, some are for shooting, but every piece gets treated carefully.”

The Currys’ attention to history doesn’t stop at firearms. P.A. Jewelers specializes in natural diamonds, vin-

tage pieces, and estate jewelry. Bryce explained that the shop restores old jewelry rather than melting it down, preserving craftsmanship and historical value. He has even documented obscure Civil War-era European muskets and maintained records of rare diamonds, many of which date back more than a century.

“We’re caretakers,” he said. “We take care of these pieces until someone else gets to enjoy them.”

Bryce credits much of his expertise to hands-on learning, mentorship and a willingness to make mistakes.

“I learned by doing. Oh, whoops, I bought that necklace thinking it was 10-karat gold, and it was heavy plate. You figure out what tools and processes you need,” he said. “After 24 years, you can

almost look at a piece and know its story.”

JoLee left the corporate world to join Bryce in running the businesses, bringing her IT and project management skills to expand operations.

“We decided we could make a go of jewelry, and we haven’t looked back,” Bryce said. “It was about taking a leap of faith and trusting in what we could build together.”

Premier Arms has also gained a reputation for fairness during periods of high demand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when firearms and ammunition prices soared, Bryce kept prices at cost.

“Why take advantage of a situation?” he asked. “We made a living without exploiting our customers, and word got around.”

PREMIER ARMS & P.A. JEWELERS AT A GLANCE

Top Collectibles: Civil War muskets, World War II rifles, rare Colt and Smith & Wesson firearms and original military gear

Jewelry: Vintage and estate pieces, restored historical jewelry and unique diamonds

History: Preserving stories behind firearms and jewelry, with a future museum planned

Philosophy: Fair pricing, customer education and respect for history over profit

The Currys also plan to share the stories behind their collectibles through a future museum space. From rare World War II German and Japanese firearms to a vaporized teacup brought back from Hiroshima, Bryce said the goal is to preserve history for families and collectors.

“It’s not just inventory; it’s a constant history lesson,” he said. “We want people to know the story behind what they’re buying.”

Whether it’s a 19th-century Colt revolver, a European mine-cut diamond, or a rare World War II artifact, Bryce and JoLee Curry have made Brownsburg a destination for collectors who value expertise, honesty and history.

ON THE COVER: Inside Premier Arms and P.A. Jewelers, customers can browse firearms, jewelry and historical collectibles in a space that blends showroom and personal curation. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)

The Brownsburg storefront of Premier Arms and P.A. Jewelers, known for rare guns and vintage jewelry. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)
Premier Arms’ showroom in Brownsburg features rare firearms, from Civil War muskets to vintage World War II rifles. (Photo by Alicia Kelly)

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THE BLUEPRINT

• The redesign ties the porch seamlessly to the home, creating a cohesive, intentional addition.

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• Improved layout and flow strengthen the connection between the home and yard.

• Clean lines, neutral tones, and layered stonework complement the existing exterior.

• The result is a low-maintenance outdoor retreat that turns the backyard into a destination.

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Spotlight on PorchFest features headliner Midnight RedEye

Midnight RedEye has a deep playlist featuring a mix of country, classic rock and 1990s alternative hits.

“We want to focus on making people aware that we have a pretty wide genre of music,” Midnight RedEye drummer Ryan Morris said. “We cover a very large array of music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, all the way up to the newer stuff. We’re pretty lucky that our singer has a very wide range. He can get down to some low octaves of doing Johnny Cash and Elvis (Presley), which we do, and get up into the high octaves of doing some Guns N’ Roses and Bon Jovi.”

Midnight RedEye is the headliner for Spotlight on PorchFest Jan. 24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The concert supports the Carmel PorchFest Grant Program.

The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. with a VIP reception and silent auction in The Tarkington’s lobby.

Lisa Frank and the Trapper Keepers, a 1990s cover band, will perform at 7 p.m. Carmel PorchFest will award four $1,500 music grants to students from the Carmel community at 8 p.m. Midnight RedEye performs at 8:30 p.m. Morris, lead singer Trey Chelf and lead guitarist Mike Kruer live in Westfield. The other full-time members are bassist Abel Robinault, Frankton, and violinist and backup vocalist Georgina Sanchis-Miralles of Fishers.

Keyboard player Alex Poisal, Beech Grove, is a part-time member who will join the band at The Tarkington.

Morris said the band formed in 2022, playing its first concert as Midnight RedEye in April 2023. He said the band is working on some original songs.

“We have five songs in the works right now that we’re hoping to polish up and maybe get recorded before the end of the year,” he said. “We might do

one of the originals. We did one live in November, but we just want to get it a little more perfected.”

Morris said all band members have full-time jobs. They play a little more than 20 shows a year on average.

Midnight RedEye has played at Carmel PorchFest twice and headlined Carmel PorchFest’s Late Night on Main in 2024.

“Late Night on Main was a huge exposure event for us,” Morris said. “I think there were about 1,500 people there, so that was a lot of fun for us.”

Morris and Kruer have been friends for several years. They met Chelf and Robinault at an open mic night at Morse Reservoir in December 2022.

Lisa Frank and the Trapper Keepers is named for the multicolored school supplies from the 1990s, drummer Steve Fulton said.

“It’s three guys with a beard,” said Fulton, a 1996 Sheridan High School graduate who lives in Broad Ripple. “Some people totally get it, and some people think there’s a girl in the band, which makes it hilarious.”

Kris Huntley, a Fishers resident who

grew up in Noblesville, is the lead singer and guitarist. Indianapolis resident Steve Krider plays bass.

The band performs songs by groups such as Nirvana, Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins

“There are a lot of one-hit wonders,” Fulton said.

Fulton said the band has played Carmel PorchFest several times.

“It’s always a favorite show of ours for the year,” said Fulton, who said the band plays across the state. “We play a lot of breweries and private events. We also played on Late Night on Main in Carmel.”

General admission tickets are $15. VIP reception and preferred seating tickets are $50. The Carmel PorchFest Grant Program was created to provide financial support to students interested in the musical arts to cover such items as new instruments, lessons, schooling, musical opportunities, etc., in exchange for volunteer hours at PorchFest events. To date, Carmel PorchFest has awarded more than $30,000 to students.

For more, visit bit.ly/3YAG2Qf.

‘PET SOUNDS’

“Pet Sounds: A Tribute to the Beach Boys” is set for 8 p.m. Jan. 24 at Hendricks Life! in Plainfield. For more, hendrickslive.org.

‘THE MOUSETRAP’

“The Mousetrap” runs through Feb. 15 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Now That’s Funny: Kristen Toomey” is set for Jan. 22, followed by “Thank You for the Music! An ABBA Party” Jan 23 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘MIDNIGHT GREEN TOUR’

“Neko Grey Midnight Green Tour” is set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘BYE BYE BIRDIE’

A youth production, presented by The Drama Department, of “Bye Bye Birdie” is set for Jan. 23-25 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

MAC MCANALLY

Country artist Mac McAnally will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

CABARET AT WOODSTOCK

Cabaret at Woodstock, an Indianapolis Opera fundraiser, is set for 5:30 to 9 p.m. Jan. 24 at Woodstock Country Club in Carmel. The fundraiser will feature cocktails, dinner, musical numbers from Broadway, the Great American Songbook and opera favorites. For more, visit indyopera.org.

Midnight RedEye members, from left, Trey Chelf, Abel Robinault, Mike Kruer, Georgina Sanchis-Miralles and Ryan Morris. (Photo courtesy of Kristi Swango Photography)

Point Theater presents ‘Cinderella’

Laura Baltz has been eagerly anticipating this production.

The Point Theater founding artistic director said the youth theater’s presentation of “Cinderella” was set for the 2015 schedule, but the licensing was pulled.

“Cinderella” was again on the schedule for the 2020-21 season, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a cancellation.

“Our theater has the students vote on the shows we perform, and ‘Cinderella’ hasn’t won the vote again until this year,” Baltz said.

The Point Theater, featuring students ages 8 to 18, will finally present the classic musical from Feb. 6-8 at Marian University Theatre.

The Point Theater has owned Cinderella’s carriage for years, waiting to use it for its own production.

“We’ve rented the carriage to other schools since obtaining it,” Baltz said. “It’s always a little heartbreaking to watch it roll across other stages while we continue to wait. Seeing it finally cross our own stage will be incredibly meaningful.”

Westfield High School freshman Abby Mickelson

plays the title role.

“Cinderella is definitely one of the largest roles I’ve had,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting to sing some of my favorite songs in musical theater as Cinderella.”

Mickelson said there are some challenges.

“It’s a lot of time onstage throughout, and I have had to learn a lot of ballroom dancing, something I’ve never really done before,” she said.

Carmel Middle School eighth-grader Evan Hackney plays the Prince.

“This is one of the biggest roles I’ve had besides playing SpongeBob in ‘SpongeBob the Musical,’” he said. “I’ve had a lot of challenges playing this role because a lot of the roles I’ve played have felt like me and felt similar to who I am off stage, but this role is very much different than who I am, so it takes a lot of work to get into character and learn the personality of the Prince.”

The cast also features Lily Brenner, a 15-year-old University High School student from Carmel, and Julianna Smith, a 13-year-old from Zionsville Middle School, as the wicked stepsisters. Liv Keslin, a 15-year-old University High School student from Zionsville, plays the role of the Fairy Godmother.

For more, visit thepointtheater.org.

Mickelson Hackney

PUZZLES

1. Ho-hum 5. Numerical prefix 9. “Hold your horses!” 13. Brownsburg’s legal designation as a munici-

pality...and the start of a word ladder

14. AAA Hoosier roadside offerings

15. Oodles

16. James Whitcomb Ri-

ley, e.g.

17. Barnes & Noble purchase

18. Great Lakes fish

20. Actress Longoria

22. ATM transaction

24. Biblical twin

25. Hendricks County winter hrs.

27. Write illegibly

30. Perform with the BHS Show Choir

31. A Stooge

32. Yankee Doodle’s ride

33. Some jazz groups

35. Cold War inits.

37. Mac rivals

38. IND screening org.

39. NASCAR racer Stewart

41. Wee

43. Spelling contest

44. Winnie-___-Pooh

46. Prescribed amount

49. Rented

52. A Simon

54. Battleship letters

55. Ancient Peruvian 56. Most slippery 58. Health supplement chain

59. Muscat native 60. Light brown 61. Tabloid topic

63. Detection device

65. Track

68. Like ___ of bricks

71. Evergreen-scented 72. Feel sorry for 73. What some people in the community want Brownsburg’s legal designation to become... and the end of the word

tongue 76. “___, Brute?” DOWN

1. Motor oil letters

2. Tic-tac-toe winner

3. Most sugary

4. Being aired

5. Handicapper’s hangout, for short

6. Dove’s sound

7. 48 hours

8. Crooked

9. Oz. and lb.

10. A run of playing eight consecutive days at Victory Field, for the Indians

11. Baby’s bodysuit

12. Inclines 19. Jerks

21. Nile reptile 23. Schemers

25. Ostrich’s kin 26. Distress signal

28. Fix a Current story, say

29. GOP org.

34. CBS forensic franchise

36. Emulates John Dillinger

40. Maiden name preceder

42. “Happy to fill that request!”

44. Destination of many a disappearance?

45. “___ Haw”

47. Indiana tax ID

48. F1 neighbor

49. Fibber

50. Mesmerized

51. GMC SUV

53. A/C measure

57. “___ diem!”

62. Mirror image?

64. McAlister’s Deli bread

66. Part of TGIF

67. Caustic stuff

69. Giants Hall of Famer: Mel ___

70. Lady Gaga and Meg Ryan’s sch. ANSWERS ON PAGE 14

STILL ACING IT

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Carmel resident excels on mound in
league for older adults

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