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Opinions
Columnist views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.
Under $10 Lunch Special
Nurse charged in state fraud investigation
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A Fishers resident and registered nurse accused of improperly dispensing and using fentanyl and hydromorphone is among eight people recently charged through a statewide investigation into health care fraud.
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office announced June 26 that its Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted multiple criminal investigations into alleged Medicaid fraud, leading to various charges in connection with a nationwide initiative. As of June 23, eight cases have been filed in different counties, according to a news release.
plained that on Nov. 24, 2025, the urine drug screen results … showed a positive UDS for fentanyl and norfentanyl.”
According to the PCA, the internal investigation also revealed issues with Rifner’s record keeping and other concerns.
Among those charged is Brandy Rifner, 42, of Fishers, who faces two felony charges in Madison County court of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and furnishing false information.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed with the court by state investigator Justin White, Rifner is a registered nurse at Community Hospital Anderson, which submitted a complaint to the state following an internal investigation.
“In the complaint, (Community Health) explained that ‘this investigation has definitively uncovered the fact that RN Rifner was diverting (stealing) controlled substances, to wit: fentanyl and hydromorphone for personal use,’” White wrote in the PCA. “Additionally, in the complaint, (Community) ex-
The internal investigation also allegedly showed Rifner had dispensed 3,900 micrograms of fentanyl in a 90-day period, more than double the second-highest amount other nurses dispensed in that same period.
“Furthermore, Rifner dispensed 63.5 mg of hydromorphone,” White wrote. “The second highest was 16 mg and the third highest was 15.5 mg. Rifner dispensed approximately 279 percent more hydromorphone than the second-highest dispenser.”
Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication that is stronger than morphine.
According to the PCA, when Rifner was interviewed by Community Health investigators, she allegedly admitted to diverting the medication and taking it herself.
Rifner is no longer in custody after posting $500 bail. The next hearing in her case is scheduled for Sept. 17 in Madison County Circuit Court.
Other people charged through the state’s investigation efforts are:
• Courtney Schaefer, 40, of Bristow, a licensed practical nurse who faces three counts of obtaining a con-
trolled substance by fraud/deceit and failure to make, keep or furnish a record, all Level 6 felonies.
• Ki’Andreia James, 39, of Indianapolis, a registered nurse charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud/deceit and failure to make, keep or furnish a record, both Level 6 felonies.
• Mackenzie Leigh Deyer, 26, of New Haven, a home health aide charged with multiple counts of felony and misdemeanor fraud, theft and identity deception.
• Paula McCarthy, 50, of Mooresville, a registered nurse charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud/deceit, furnishing false information and forgery, all Level 6 Felonies.
• Tamara Smart, 51, of Indianapolis, a licensed practical nurse charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud/deceit and failure to make, keep or furnish a record, Level 6 felonies.
• Pecola Simpson, 50, of Evansville, a licensed practical nurse charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud/deceit and failure to make, keep or furnish a record, Level 6 felonies.
• Teresa Waltz, 54, of Newburgh, a registered nurse charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud/deceit and failure to make, keep or furnish a record, Level 6 felonies.
Health department warns of E. coli levels
The Fishers Health Department announced July 6 that recent E. coli testing in three locations showed elevated bacteria levels. The locations are:
• White River at the 116th Street Bridge • Fall Creek at Geist Park off Florida Road • Fall Creek at Canal Place close to Harbor Bay Drive According to the FHD, these results often are seen following periods of heavy rainfall. The Fishers Health and Water Quality program provides open water testing
information for 40 creek and open water locations. Results for E. coli, dissolved oxygen, water temperature and algae are published online.
For details about each tested location, visit health.fishersin.gov/ environmental-inspections-services/ environmental.
What had been an uncontested race for Indiana House District 32 is now competitive after Fishers resident Paul Nix was selected June 26 by the Hamilton County GOP as the Republican candidate for the seat held by Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers).
The county Republican Party chose Nix during a closed-door caucus. Nix ran unsuccessfully for HD32 in 2022, losing the Republican primary for the then-new seat that includes portions of Fishers, Carmel and Indianapolis. Garcia Wilburn went on to win the seat in that year’s general election.
The two candidates will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
GARCIA WILBURN
Wilburn is an associate professor of occupational therapy at IU Indianapolis. She was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2022. Garcia Wilburn, who is married to a retired police officer, is a member of the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee, Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Judiciary Committee.
During her tenure, she helped pass legislation providing mental health and resiliency training to public safety professionals statewide.
“Her dedication to the disability community was recognized as Disability Advocate of the Year (in 2024) and helped carry signature legislation for Mental Health America,” Garcia Wilburn’s website states. “She advocates for promoting state and federal policies that advance health equity and mental and behavioral health initiatives.”
On her website, Garcia Wilburn states that she is dedicated to strong public safety, supporting first responders and commonsense gun laws. She also stressed the need to ensure families thrive by improving access to education and health care.
Wilburn has served on the board of directors for the American Occupational Therapy Association and Hope Acad-
emy Recovery High School, Indiana’s only high school for teens in recovery from substance use disorder. She has received the Occupational Therapist of the Year award, was a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and was inducted into the Indiana Latino Leadership Circle.
Garcia Wilburn and her husband have three children.
For more, visit wilburnforindiana. com
NIX
Nix, an insurance professional, owns NIXGROUP INC Retirement Solutions, working with people on or aging into Medicare. He and his wife, Ann, have lived in Hamilton County since 1987, have been married 52 years and have seven children and 22 grandchildren.
In an email to Current, Nix stated that he asked the county GOP to nominate him for the ballot after he saw that Garcia Wilburn was running unopposed for the seat.
“I have always been a political nerd, but never had time to get more involved than working the polls on Election Day,” he wrote. “Now that our kids are grown and I have an established business clientele, I could spend the time needed to be a state representative and would love the involvement of steering policy in the direction I think is needed.”
Nix said he would like to focus on reforming state property tax laws.
“Many people have property taxes and insurance costs that are greater than the principal and interest of their mortgage,” he wrote. “I spoke with someone the other day and his mortgage was $782 per month principal and interest, yet his total mortgage payment was over $1,600 a month. Indiana is leading the nation in mortgage foreclosures (and) property taxes are a big part of the problem.”
He noted a proposal to replace property taxes with a 7 percent tax on services, which he said could solve the issue.
For more, visit nix4indiana.com.
Wilburn
Nix
COMMUNITY
Fishers police charge
Carmel man with trafficking
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A Carmel man faces multiple felony charges of child sex trafficking, child solicitation, child exploitation and possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material following an investigation by the Fishers Police Department and the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
a child to engage in a performance that includes sexual conduct,” the PCA stated. “During his conversation with Minor Victim 1, Bauerle identified himself as a 17-year-old male.”
According to the probable cause affidavit filed in court, an investigation into James Lee Bauerle Jr., 44 — who works for a Fishers software company — started in October 2025 following a report submitted to the national Cyber Tipline by Snapchat, which had flagged an incident as potential online enticement of children.
Officers reviewed the content, which included a conversation between a user later identified as Bauerle and a then13-year-old girl, identified as Minor Victim 1.
Investigators received a search warrant for Bauerle’s Snapchat account and were able to retrieve other messages between him and the 13-year-old girl.
“The conversation (shows) that Bauerle knowingly or intentionally requested Minor Victim 1 to produce child sex abuse material and to send it to him, and Bauerle knowingly and or intentionally attempted to entice Minor Victim 1 with the intent of causing
According to the PCA, investigators identified nine more juveniles who engaged in Snapchat conversations with Bauerle. In those conversations, the juveniles stated that they were between 11 and 17 years old.
One juvenile Bauerle chatted with on Snapchat allegedly told investigators that he sent her gift cards after she sent him explicit images. She was 17 at the time.
Investigators interviewed Bauerle in March and he admitted to some of the allegations, stating that he and his wife had been going through a ‘rough patch,” according to the PCA. He told officers that he never met any of the juveniles in person.
“Bauerle advised he gets a thrill in voyeuristic behavior, due to sometimes the home life being rough,” the PCA stated.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Bauerle’s home and searched his computers and electronic devices. According to the PCA, officers found one image of child sexual abuse material, showing an image of a prepubescent girl.
At publication of this report, Bauerle was in custody at Hamilton County Jail. No bail had been set, but a July 6 court hearing was scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
DISPATCHES
Adult Children of Aging Parents presentation — ACAP Indy Metro North will present “From Driver to Passenger: Transitions for Older Adults,” a free educational program for family caregivers, set for 5:30 p.m. July 14, at Church at the Crossing/The Haverstick, Door 10, 9111 Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis. The program will be presented by Sherrie Waugh of The Brain Center. To reserve a spot, visit or contact ACAP Indy Metro North at indymetronorth@acapcommunity.org.
Roundabout construction begins — The City of Fishers is reconstructing the roundabout at Southeastern Parkway
and Olio Road to improve safety and traffic flow. Construction started July 6 with southbound lane restrictions on Olio Road. Portions of the roundabout will close in October for Phase 2. Access to local businesses will remain open during construction. For updates and detour routes, visit FishersIN.gov/Olio.
Car seat checks — Fishers Police Department offers free car seat checks every other Tuesday morning by appointment, helping parents and caregivers make sure children are riding safely. To schedule an appointment online, visit police.fishersin.gov.
Bauerle
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Committee OKs Fishers Fieldhouse design
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Design plans for the recently announced fieldhouse planned for Fishers District were approved July 1 by the Fishers Planned Unit Development Committee. The 180,000-square-foot facility will serve as the practice facility and headquarters for the Indy Ignite professional volleyball team and have flex space for basketball and volleyball courts.
The fieldhouse is part of a $169 million expansion at Fishers District announced mid-June that also includes the relocation of JD North America headquarters and a new residential development.
Construction of the fieldhouse is expected to start this fall, with an anticipated completion in late 2027 or early 2028.
City Planning Director Ross Hilleary noted that in addition to the Ignite space and the courts for community use, there will be a 20,000-square-foot space for another user. The building has separate entrances for the Ignite headquarters and the community-use courts.
Buckingham Companies is the master developer for the Fishers District and
two representatives from the firm were available to answer questions from PUD Committee members. Questions primarily focused on building materials, which will be metal panels, and whether there will be an adequate buffer between the new building and nearby residential developments.
The plans were approved unanimously, with the stipulation that developers continue working with city staff as design work progresses.
In other matters, the committee approved plans for the new 6,600-squarefoot Story Cottage memory care home on Brooks School Road. A rezone to allow that use of the site was approved by the Fishers City Council earlier this year. The rezone changed the site from R2 residential to a Planned Unit Development, restricting the use to a memory care facility for up to 12 residents.
A review of plans for the new Hilton Curio Hotel at The Crossing in Fishers District was removed from the agenda. The five-story, 125-room hotel close to the Fishers Event Center is expected to feature a rooftop bar and pool, conference rooms, ballroom, café, patio and retail/restaurant space.
The next PUD Committee meeting is scheduled for Aug. 5 at Fishers Municipal Center.
Designs for the new Fishers Fieldhouse show a 180,000-square-foot building made primarily of metal panels. (Rendering courtesy of the City of Fishers)
Communities in Senate District 31, which includes Fishers and Lawrence, will receive more than $2.3 million for road and bridge projects through the state Community Crossings matching grant program.
The funding, announced recently by Indiana Sen. Kyle Walker (R-Lawrence), includes about $977,000 for the City of Fishers, $354,000 for the City of Lawrence and $1 million for Hamilton County.
“Indiana is known as the Crossroads of America, which emphasizes the need to maintain our roads and bridges,” Walker stated in a news release. “The Community Crossing grant program is a great way for local communities to improve local transportation networks and I am pleased to see communities in Senate District 31 take advantage of this opportunity.”
The CCMG was established by the Indiana General Assembly in 2016. Since its enactment, the program has awarded more than $2 billion in matching funds for local construction projects. An initial round of awards was announced earlier this year. The recent awards are the result of Senate Enrolled Act 179, which amended eligibility requirements and how funds are distributed.
Through the program, the Indiana Department of Transportation matches up to $1 million annually per community. Counties with populations fewer than 55,000 and cities and towns with populations fewer than 12,500 can receive an 80-20 match, while larger counties, cities and towns receive a 5050 match.
Eligible projects include road and bridge preservation, ADA-compliant improvements associated with preservation projects and material costs for chip-sealing and crack-filling operations.
INDOT will accept applications for 2027 Community Crossings grants Sept. 1 through Sept. 30.
For more, visit in.gov/indot.
County 4-H Fair returns
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
As the opening of the Hamilton County 4-H Fair approaches, organizers are rolling out a new lineup of activities — from cornhole tournaments to neon dance parties — designed to connect the community.
The fair returns to 2003 Pleasant St. in Noblesville July 16-20. It will feature contests, special events, public activities, animals, displays and food. A livestock auction is set for July 21.
The fair features several new attractions, with highlighted events scheduled each day, according to 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Kathleen Bohde.
“We have created a new committee focused on community connections,” Bohde said. “We know we’ve been focused on fairground construction and construction around us with road work, so this year we’re focused on how we can bring the community at large to the county fair.”
A new event is an Open Flower Show. The contest is open to any Hamilton County resident, Hamilton County Extension Homemaker or Hamilton County Master Gardener over the age of 18. Entries are $2 per item and must be submitted for judging July 18 at the fairgrounds.
The theme is “Celebrating America, 1776-2026,” with categories designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Several other events will offer a chance for public participation, including a kids market July 17; an open food and craft show, an open cake contest and a homemade ice cream contest July 18; a youth pedal tractor pull, pet parade and farmer olympics July 19; and a talent show July 20.
Bohde said the new Bicentennial Building also will be spotlighted throughout the fair.
“Half of that building will contain our 4-H projects, but the other half is going to act as a flex space for events,” Bohde said. “We also have a green area outside of that building where we are going to host a cornhole tournament, a glow crazy neon party with a DJ and we have an organization that is putting on some match games and a scavenger hunt. We’re really excited to have new
19
events that will bring in not only our 4-H members but also connect with the community.”
All food vendors at the fair are nonprofits.
“They give back to not only their community, but the 4-H community, and we’re excited to highlight our churches, service organizations, 4-H clubs and producer groups taking great pride in the commodities they produce,” Bohde said.
Bohde said 4-H numbers have remained steady for the last few years. There are more than 60 project options for youth to participate in, ranging from aerospace and food to photography.
“We’re excited to highlight their work,” Bohde said. “A lot of times people see our fair and think we are just livestock. Our 4-H members take great pride in what they have accomplished throughout the year, and the showcase of the county fair is a great avenue for that.”
There also is a new 4-H program called Unified 4-H, an inclusive program designed to bring together youth of all abilities through 4-H experiences. Two events will showcase the Unified program, including a gallery walk at 6 p.m. July 16 when community members can see participants’ exhibits, and a noncompetitive livestock show at 6 p.m. July 17 where Unified program champions can demonstrate the knowledge, confidence and teamwork they have developed with their mentor.
For more, visit extension.purdue. edu/county/hamilton/hamilton-county-fair/4-h-fair.html.
at the fair. (Photo courtesy of Purdue Extension Hamilton County)
GO FRAMELESS
DISPATCHES
Trivia night to benefit kids — The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide will have a college football-themed trivia night from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 at BASH in Carmel. Tickets are $75 and proceeds will support the organization’s prevention education programs with parents, children and youth-organizations and schools. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite college team apparel. For tickets, sponsorship information, or to learn more about the center, visit indianaprevention. org.
Spark!Fishers concert, drone show rescheduled — Because of inclement weather, the June 26 free concert featuring P!NK’D and the drone show were postponed to July 31 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. The concert will start at 8 p.m. and the drone show will follow at 10 p.m.
Beekeepers club meeting — North Central Beekeepers Club meets at 6:30 p.m. July 15 at Cool Creek Nature Center in Westfield. Topics include mite treatments, condensing hives and honey bottling and labeling requirements. A free introduction to beekeeping is offered during every meeting. Meetings are free to all levels of beekeepers, including those interested in becoming beekeepers. For more, visit the club’s Facebook group, “NCBC (North Central Beekeepers Club).”
Portrait of Wishes Gala set — The Indiana Wish Portrait of Wishes Gala is set for Sept. 19 at The Indianapolis Marriott North, 3645 River Crossing Pkwy. in Indianapolis. The event will celebrate the nonprofit’s 42nd anniversary and more than 3,600 wishes granted for Indiana children. It will have a “Roaring Twenties” theme and will feature a Bourbon Trail with tastings from local and national distilleries, along with live and silent auctions, an outdoor cigar lounge and dancing. Earlybird tickets are $250, with the price increasing to $300 after July 1. For more, visit IndianaWish.org/events.
Menards hosting food drive — Menards home improvement stores are serving as drop sites for local food pantries through the end of July. Donations can be placed in large collection boxes near the exit doors.
COMMUNITY
Southeastern Pkwy/Olio
roundabout project begins
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The City of Fishers started work July 6 on an approximately $6.7 million reconstruction of the roundabout at Southeastern Parkway and Olio Road, a project meant to improve safety and traffic flow.
Eighty percent of the project cost is paid for through a Metropolitan Planning Organization Federal Funds Exchange matching grant.
After it is completed later this year, the roundabout will have more room for vehicles, with the goals of reducing backups on nearby roads, making the roundabout easier to navigate and helping drivers move through the intersection more safely, according to the city’s website.
PHASE 1
The first phase is expected to last through September. During Phase 1, the roundabout will remain open with no lane restrictions through early August. However, Olio Road near the roundabout will be reduced to one lane southbound.
Starting in August, Olio Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction and one portion of the roundabout will be closed.
Construction crews for contractor E&B Paving, LLC, will build a new connection between 136th Street and Southeastern Parkway for easier traffic flow during construction. Crews also will make 136th Street a permanent
Gross Lighting and Home expands into Indianapolis
two-way road, providing a detour option during the second phase of roundabout reconstruction.
PHASE 2
Phase 2 is expected to start in October and last through early November. During that phase, drivers heading south on Olio Road will not be able to continue south through the roundabout.
“There will not be a direct or convenient route to southbound Olio Road from this approach during this phase,” the website states. “Drivers should expect to be directed west onto Campus Parkway/146th Street and should seek an alternate route.”
During Phase 2, drivers headed north on Olio Road and east through the area should follow posted detours, using 136th Street — the new two-way road constructed earlier. Drivers traveling west through the area will be able to continue to use one lane of the roundabout to go north on Olio Road or west on Campus Parkway/146th Street.
PHASE 3
Phase 3 is expected to last through mid-December. During the final phase, the roundabout will reopen to traffic in most directions, but northbound Olio Road will remain closed at the north side of the roundabout.
Drivers should expect periodic lane restrictions and delays.
For more details, updates and detour routes, visit FishersIN.gov/Olio.
A new name is helping shape the future of home design in Indianapolis.
Formerly Indiana Lighting, the showroom at 8060 Shadeland Ave. is now Gross Lighting and Home, bringing expanded offerings, a refreshed brand and a renewed commitment to helping customers create beautiful and functional spaces.
The transition marks the Indianapolis expansion of Gross Lighting and Home, a family-owned company led by Laurie Gross. With roots dating back more than 115 years and four generations of family leadership, the company has built its reputation on personalized service, industry expertise and a customer-first approach to lighting and home design. Today, Gross Lighting and Home operates locations throughout Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
While the Gross Lighting and Home name may be new to many Indianapolis customers, the company’s approach is centered on preserving the local relationships, expertise and community connections that made Indiana Lighting a trusted resource for homeowners, builders and designers.
The newly renovated Castleton showroom reflects that philosophy. Customers will find more than lighting fixtures. The space features decorative hardware, furnishings, home accessories and immersive displays that make it easier to explore design possibilities and visualize products within a completed space.
The expansion represents a new chapter built on a trusted local foundation. Rather than replacing what made Indiana Lighting successful, Gross Lighting and Home has focused on building upon it while maintaining
the personalized ser vice and knowledgeable guidance customers expect.
“From the beginning, our priority was preserving the local relationships and expertise that customers value while creating an even more inspiring experience for homeowners, builders and designers,” said Laurie Gross, owner of Gross Lighting and Home. “We believe there is tremendous value in remaining locally connected and helping customers make confident decisions through personalized service and trusted expertise.”
Gross has spent decades helping grow one of the Midwest’s most respected independent lighting businesses while advocating for the importance of local ownership and industry expertise. At a time when many lighting showrooms have been acquired by national chains,
private equity firms or large distributors, she remains committed to the value of independent businesses and local decision-making. Today, Gross Lighting and Home operates locations in Toledo, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Howell and Elk Rapids, Michigan and Indianapolis. As the company continues to grow throughout the Midwest, its approach remains rooted in relationships, ser vice and community impact.
For Indianapolis customers, the result is a showroom experience designed to inspire confidence and creativity. Whether building a new home, renovating an existing space or selecting the finishing touches for a project, customers can find expert guidance, thoughtfully curated products and a team focused on helping them bring their vision to life.
Visit grosslighting.com to learn more.
Advertorial
The City of Fishers has started a roundabout reconstruction project at Southeastern Parkway and Olio Road. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)
Westfield resident puts meteorologist skills to use
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Central Indiana residents have a new option for up-to-date weather information after Justin Abbott of Westfield debuted his new 24-hour YouTube weather channel, just in time for a series of June storms that included one confirmed tornado.
AbbottWX wasn’t scheduled to go live until June 25, but with severe weather in the forecast the week prior, Abbott said he decided it was time.
“I felt like it warranted coverage,” he said. “And sure enough, the first night was the night that there was a strong EF2 tornado in Morgan County that I ended up covering live for an hour.”
Abbott, an insurance data analyst, has a meteorology degree and said he’s been interested in weather since he was 5 years old. He worked as a meteorologist right after college, but eventually took a different career path. However, that didn’t dampen his interest in weather.
“Recently, I started thinking to myself about doing, like a bunch of people
Community Member Spotlight presented by
can tune into whenever there is severe weather? And when there isn’t, they get just whatever is going on.”
Abbott said his YouTube channel is aimed at people who miss the oldschool Weather Channel, which had regular, low-drama weather forecasts. Most of the time, AbbottWX streams weather data from a computer, with smooth jazz accompanying the stream.
He said weather is fascinating because it always changes and it affects everyone.
“It’s something that we all have to deal with. It’s something that is omnipresent in your life, no matter what,” he said. “I had a healthy fear of storms as a kid, as most meteorologist origin stories start out, but as I’ve gotten older and wiser, I’ve gotten to the point where I wanted to deliver people a forecast, but without all the hype and the exaggeration.”
Abbott said he’s not out to get rich or famous from his channel — his goal is to inform people.
have online, just a streaming channel that comes online during severe weather episodes,” he said. “Eventually, I decided, why not just make it a whole 24/7, 365, round-the-clock thing that people
“It’s running off a dedicated mini PC … that’s been loaded up with a whole bunch of code that goes and pulls data from the weather service,” he said. “I have the ability to go in and alter any forecasts that I don’t necessarily agree with, or I feel like needs tweaked for one reason or another.”
And when the weather gets spicy, Abbott can break in with live updates.
“I just want to tell people what’s going on and let the weather be the star of the story, and not me,” he said.”I have my name on the channel, but that’s just so people know that there is a person behind the operation and it’s not just a computer sending data out into the void.”
Abbott’s weather channel can be found at youtube.com/@abbottwx_tv. He also has a website, abbottwx.com, and is on Facebook, facebook.com/ abbottwx.
Justin Abbott’s YouTube weather channel includes a 24-hour livestream of current central Indiana weather, with real-time updates during significant weather events. (Screenshot from AbbottWX)
SATURDAY, JULY 18
6 p .m. – 11 p.m.
p .m.
The Fun Factor Band is a fun, upbeat, musically versatile, energetic band with quality musicians, strong vocals and experienced entertainers. Electrifying singer, Blair Clark, is the leader of the The Fun Factor Band.
The street party begins at 6 p.m. with plenty of food and beverage vendors!
Don't forget your lawn chairs!
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Hamilton County Democratic Party has announced four new candidates for county office in the 2026 general election in November.
The candidates are Ti’Gre McNear for Hamilton County Commissioner, District 1; Charles Hollowell for Hamilton County Sheriff; Alexandra Wilson for Hamilton County Clerk; and Doug May for Hamilton County Council, District 3.
Party officials say the candidates join a growing Democratic ticket.
“Across Hamilton County, Democratic candidates are stepping forward because they believe our communities deserve thoughtful, accountable leadership and real choices at the ballot box,” stated Josh Lowry, chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party. “The enthusiasm we’re seeing from candidates, volunteers and voters reflects the momentum building across our county. Every office matters, and we’re proud to offer strong candidates who are committed to serving their neighbors.”
Lowry said the addition of the four candidates continues the Hamilton County Democratic Party’s efforts to compete across the county.
“Over the past several election cycles, Democrats have expanded candidate recruitment, increased volunteer engagement and built a year-round grassroots organization dedicated to serving Hamilton County communities.” Lowry stated.
For more, visit hamcodemsin.org.
Democrat candidates file Revolutionary Lantern makes local stops
news@currentnoblesville.com
Hamilton County residents had the opportunity to experience a unique aspect of American history last month as Indiana’s Revolutionary Lantern made stops across the county, part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The lantern, which represents the signal displayed in Boston’s Old North Church April 18, 1775, traveled throughout Hamilton County June 26-28, appearing at the Hamilton County Judicial Center, the Time Traveler’s Ball at Coxhall Gardens, the Arcadia Train Depot, the Spark!Fishers Parade and Westfield Washington Public Library.
Throughout the weekend, the Hamilton County Historical Society encouraged residents to preserve family memories and personal experiences by sharing them with local historical organizations.
“History isn’t just found in books and archives,” Hamilton County Historian Jessica Layman stated. “It lives in the memories of the people who experi-
enced it. By recording and preserving family stories today, we ensure that future generations understand not only what happened in Hamilton County, but how it felt to live, work, celebrate and build a community here.”
The Hamilton County stop was part of a statewide initiative led by the Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution and the Indiana America 250 Commission. Ten symbolic lanterns are traveling to all 92 Indiana counties before going on permanent display at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis.
From left, Democrats Charles Hollowell, Alexandra Wilson, Ti’Gre McNear and Doug May have filed to run for Hamilton County offices in November. (Photo courtesy of the Hamilton County Democratic Party)
Josh Tousey dresses as Paul Revere at the Time Traveler’s Ball. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)
COMMUNITY
Growth, infrastructure focus of State of the County
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
From tackling the county’s most dangerous intersections to funding capital improvement projects, Hamilton County officials are making investments to keep up with explosive population growth.
Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger delivered his 35th State of the County address June 24 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Noblesville, highlighting recent and upcoming investments in infrastructure, capital improvements and quality of life.
Dillinger chose this year’s theme, “Hamilton County: Doing the Right Things for the Right Reasons,” because he said it reflects a philosophy that has guided county leadership through decades of growth and change.
“It’s not always easy, because sometimes when you do things for the right reasons, politically, it’s not very popular,” Dillinger said. “So, if you’re just worried about getting reelected, which happens in some of our government, I don’t think you make the right decisions.”
INFRASTRUCTURE
Several roadway projects have recently been completed throughout the county, including the $181 million Ind. 37 project and the $44 million 146th Street and Allisonville Road interchange project.
Construction was completed on Ind. 37 in the spring, and on the 146th Street and Allisonville Road interchange earlier this summer. Dillinger said more construction is to come along 146th Street as the county looks at the 146th and Hazel Dell Road, 146th and Gray Road and 146th and Carey Road interchanges.
“The sheriff’s department tells us (these) are three of the most dangerous intersections in the county,” Dillinger said. “That’s not acceptable for Hamilton County, so we’re attacking that issue.”
Construction is expected to begin on the $44.9 million 146th and Hazel Dell Road project in the spring of 2027, with completion expected in the fall of 2029. Construction on the $38 million 146th and Gray Road project will not begin until 2029.
Dillinger also noted the completion of the Pleasant Street Corridor project in Noblesville.
“We looked at (Pleasant Street) and tried to figure it out when I was on the city council (from 1980-84),” Dillinger said. “It’s only taken 40 years to get here. It takes a lot of guts and a lot of perseverance to get where (Noblesville has) gotten.”
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Dillinger provided updates on several major projects, including the renovation of the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds; construction of the new 911 Communications Center and Public Safety Training Facility; and the expansion of the Judicial Center, which will add seven new courtrooms.
The $32 million Public Safety Training Center, which also will house the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027. Construction is projected to be completed on the $73 million Judicial Center expansion in the spring of 2029.
The 911 Communications Center, an $85 million project, is expected to open in 2027 and also will include a child care center for children of Hamilton County employees.
“Child care is not an inexpensive
Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds. The $15 million Phase 1 included upgrades to the Exhibition Hall and Llama Barn and the expansion and improvement of classrooms. Phase 2, estimated to cost $20 million, will include a show area, and sheep, hog and cattle barns. It also will expand parking from 238 spots 768.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Dillinger emphasized county investments and partnerships aimed at enhancing quality of life. He highlighted the county’s recent partnership between Riverview Health and Parkview Health as a positive for local health care.
“While we’re doing a partnership, a team thing, they don’t own it — it’s still a county hospital,” Dillinger said. “But they’re making great strides in helping us get it where it should be.”
He added that Riverview and Parkview are focused on expanding mental health resources in the area.
thing,” Dillinger said. “(It costs approximately) $25,000 a year to take care of one kid. How can (911) dispatchers and people like that do that? So, we felt like we needed to do something to correct that.”
Dillinger also provided an update on the county’s Domestic Violence Center off Ind. 38, a project in partnership with Noblesville nonprofit Prevail that was put on hold earlier this year.
“We have not trashed it — it is first on our mind,” Dillinger said. “I assure you it is not forgotten, it’s just tabled for a short period of time until we figure out exactly what the best thing to do is.”
Construction also continues on the
Dillinger also provided updates on the county’s two aviation hubs. Additional hangar construction is underway at Indianapolis Executive Airport, which is owned by the Hamilton County Airport Authority, and plans are in motion to relocate private planes from Indianapolis Executive Airport to the Sheridan Airport.
Dillinger concluded by discussing recent milestones achieved by the Hamilton County Parks Department, including the completion of the $7.5 million Bell Ford Bridge project, which opened in 2025. He also noted that the county is looking toward future park expansion following the parks department’s 2024 purchase of 50.85 acres near Potters Bridge Park, which is in preliminary planning stages.
Rendering of the future site for a child care center for Hamilton County employees. (Rendering courtesy of Hamilton County)
Father, son come up aces
Kevin
Kevin
Kevin
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Most golfers go a lifetime without getting a hole-in-one.
Joel Kirsh, 66, and his son, Trevor Kirsh, 33, got their aces in the same round June 7 at Bridgewater Club in Westfield.
“It was amazing and it was both of our first holes-in-one,” said Joel, who lives with his wife on the fourth tee box on The Bridgewater Club. Joel’s younger son, Harrison, 24, was there to witness the remarkable occurrence.
“People have had holes-in-one before in the same round, but for a father and son to do it in the rain on the same day was something that people, even golf pros, said they’ve never heard of anything like that,”
Trevor, a 2011 Lawrence Central High School graduate, started off with a holein-one on the 158-yard No. 2 hole, using a 7-iron. Joel’s hole-in-one came on the par-three 130-yard No. 11 hole, using a 9-iron.
“When we pulled up to the first tee, it was pouring down rain,” Joel said. “We decided to sit under a tree to not get soaked. We played the first hole and it was still raining. We got to the second hole and it was still raining. I said, ‘How are you guys feeling? Time for someone to get a hole-in-one.’ Just kind of joking around.”
The shot looked good, but they didn’t see it go in. Harrison sprinted up the hill and to see if the ball rolled past the hole in the grass before confirming it went in.
“When I hit it felt really good, and thought it could possibly be in,” he said. “Harrison again sprints up the fairway. Trevor grabs his phone and does a video commentary, ‘Hold on, ladies and gentlemen, I think we might have another one.’”
Trevor filmed his father’s reaction because he was sure he saw it roll into the hole.
“We all ran out on the green, we’re all high-fiving and hugging,” Joel said. “I literally said out loud on the video, ‘This is a miracle. I cannot believe it. Both of us in one day is unbelievable.’”
Joel plays twice a week, but sometimes only nine holes.
“We love to play but we’re very average golfers,” Joel said.
Joel and his wife moved to the
Bridgewater neighborhood 12 years ago, then moved to a home on the golf course eight years ago.
“When he got his, I was so happy for him. And then (when) I got mine, I thought in my mind, ‘I don’t want to take away from his excitement,’ but he was just overjoyed with that.”
Trevor, an Indianapolis resident, typically plays once a week.
“My dad was telling everyone around the course about mine, he was very proud,” Trevor said. “To see his go in the hole and capture kind of the video reactions afterwards just made for an incredible experience together. Harrison was very excited for both of us. My dad’s hole-in-one will always stand out to me more than mine, probably because I was 50 times more excited for him.”
Trevor said he had a couple of near-misses in the past.
“I hit the bottom of the flag stick on the fly one time,” he said.
Golfing is something he always shared with his father.
“Before I could even hit a club, I would ride around in the cart with my dad, he taught me a lot of things about the game,” he said. “We’ve had many, many rounds together, but that was definitely the most special one.”
At the end of the rainy round, Joel and Harrison each shot 84 and Trevor had a 90. But the scorecards with the circle around the 1s were all that mattered.
Trevor Kirsh, left, and his father Joel Kirsh had holes-in-one in the same round at Bridgewater Club. (Photo courtesy of Bridgewater Club)
COMMUNITY
LABOR OF LOVE
Fishers family commits to mother’s 24-hour home care
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers resident Bill Lawyer knows a lot about caring for people with dementia. For the past year and a half, with help from other family members, he has been the full-time caretaker for his mother, Jennie Lawyer, who was diagnosed in 2021.
Lawyer has started a new support group for people caring for family members with memory loss that meets twice a month at the Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers.
Lawyer said that following her diagnosis, his mother, now 95, was able to live on her own for a while — with the help of home-care aides and family visits — but in 2024, she fell and had to stay in a rehab hospital for three months while she recovered.
“At that point, it was either put her in assisted living or bring her home,” he said. “I was able to convince my siblings that I would absolutely be able to handle it. We were hours from just signing the contract with one of the big homes here in the area.”
Lawyer, 62, is retired from a career in finance, is single and has no children, which gave him the time to commit to his mother’s care. He moved into her Fishers home and, with regular breaks provided by his siblings and other family members, has been providing much of the 24-hour-a-day companionship and care that she needs.
Lawyer prepared for the new responsibility while his mother was in the rehab hospital. He spent every night there with her and talked with the nurses, who gave him tips and encouragement. He said when he and his mother were back in her home, her overall health — physical and mental — improved.
“Sleep is 100 times better in her familiar master bedroom and bath,” he said. “And probably most importantly, she’s gained 20 pounds, from 90 pounds to 110. She’s so much healthier now in all facets.”
Lawyer said after coming home, his mother quickly remembered — and
wanted — to floss her teeth and insert her hearing aids, along with other routine tasks that help reduce her anxiety and improve her day-to-day quality of life.
He stressed that while he’s the fulltime caregiver, the whole family helps.
Two of his siblings are local and his sister, Mary Lawyer Allman, lives in Bloomington and drives up several times a month to stay. The siblings’ spouses and children also contribute.
Allman said the family visited several assisted living facilities and decided together that it was best for their mom to stay home, if possible.
“She can get confused easily and we are one-on-one with her all day and all night,” she said in an email to Current.
“Mornings are the best, as we enjoy our coffee and flowers in her gardens.”
Allman added that by staying home, their mother avoids colds and other illnesses that can spread easily in an
SUPPORT GROUP SCHEDULE
The Memory Care at Home support group meets from 1 to 3 p.m. every other Sunday at the Fishers Library, 5 Municipal Dr. The meeting schedule and topics are:
• July 19: Safe & Happy
• Aug. 2: Risks & Opportunities A
• Aug. 16: Risks & Opportunities B
• Aug. 30: Health Concerns
• Sept. 13: Assisted Living guest speaker
Space is limited to 20 people. For more and to register, visit meetup.com/ fishers-dementia-care-group
assisted living home. She said it’s a big commitment and the family couldn’t have done it without Lawyer’s ability to live full-time with their mother.
Lawyer said he’s always been close with his mother and caring for her now is fun for the most part. They cook together, sit outside and enjoy the flowers, and watch the popular PBS show “The Joy of Painting,” featuring Bob Ross.
Partly because of the success the family has had caring for their mom. Lawyer decided to start a support group to help other families experiencing similar challenges. He wrote curriculum for each meeting and scheduled presenters for the group, which meets every other Sunday.
The first meeting was June 21. It’s starting slow, but he hopes to reach more people and grow a community of caregivers who can support each other.
“We have speakers set up … and I tell them, you know, we may have to cancel because we may not have anyone, but they’re still making the commitment and preparing appropriately,” he said, adding that he’s visited local stores and rehab centers to hand out flyers and spread the word.
Lawyer said before a person decides to become a full-time caregiver, it’s important to consider whether they will be happy doing it, because it’s not always a “fun” job.
“You have to be an optimistic person, otherwise … it won’t be fun for you, but if you’re happy doing an unfun job, then do it,” he said. “It takes a lot of energy to do it, as you can imagine. Can you operate on a little bit of sleep a couple nights a week? Are you able to cook and make good food, and is that important … to your mom or dad, or whoever you’re caring for? You just have to be well versed in a lot of different things.”
Lawyer invited people interested in learning more to reach him via email at wmlawyer@yahoo.com.
ON THE COVER: Jennie Lawyer at her home in Fishers before she was diagnosed with dementia. (Photo courtesy of Bill Lawyer)
Jennie Lawyer, seated, at home with her daughter, Mary Lawyer Allman, and son, Bill Lawyer. (Photo courtesy of Bill Lawyer)
Kroger reaches agreement to buy Giant Eagle stores
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Grocery store chain Kroger has reached an agreement to acquire food retailer Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion.
Cincinnati-based Kroger plans to spend $1.25 billion in cash and assume $400 million in outstanding liabilities to acquire Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle, according to a press release.
Giant Eagle has 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana, including Market District stores in Carmel and Westfield It generates approximately $9 billion in annual sales.
“Giant Eagle is a well-run, high-quality regional grocer with a strong reputation for fresh products, pharmacy, private label and customer loyalty,” Kroger CEO Greg Foran stated in a press release. “We evaluated the opportunity carefully, and the strategic fit is clear. Giant Eagle expands our reach into attractive adjacent markets, allowing us to do what we do best: Run outstanding stores, deliver fresh foods and convenient meal solutions at affordable prices, and take care of our customers and associates every single day.”
Giant Eagle CEO Bill Artman said the agreement “marks an exciting next chapter” for the business.
“Together with Kroger, we will be
well-positioned to advance our strategy and deliver better quality and service, better everyday value and a better shopping experience for our customers, while providing greater growth opportunities for our dedicated team members,” Artman stated.
The sale has been approved by Kroger’s board of directors but is pending regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to close in 2027.
Kroger operates more than 2,700 stores under a variety of names, including in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville and Brownsburg.
DISPATCHES
One Impact campaign — OneZone Chamber of Commerce has launched a $10,000 capital campaign for its One Impact Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that focuses on scholarships, leadership programs, workforce and talent initiatives, and direct support for nonprofit organizations and small businesses. For more, visit onezonechamber.com, click on the Programs & Initiatives tab and then on the One Impact Foundation tab.
Christmas in July — Piney Acres Christmas Tree Farm and The Pond will host the first “Jingle in July” Festival July 25, featuring more than 50 vendors offering handcrafted goods and holiday-themed items, along with a dedicat-
big tRees now!
ed kid vendor area showcasing young entrepreneurs. The event will include Santa and live music, with headliner Dave & Rae, along with Booze Hounds Bluegrass and Katie Jo Robinson School of Music.
Former governor launches AI transition initiative — Former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo recently announced the launch of RAISE US, a nonpartisan national organization that will partner with governors, employers, workers and training organizations to help the American workforce transition to an AI economy. For more, visit raiseus.ai.
Kroger plans to acquire Giant Eagle. (File photo)
(Smaller
Hormones and vision
Commentary by Dr. Kennedy Penny
Most people know that hormones can influence mood and energy levels — but your eyes are surprisingly sensitive to these internal shifts as well. Throughout life, natural hormone shifts can cause noticeable changes in how your eyes feel and how well you see. One of the most common effects comes from changes in estrogen and progesterone. These are the hormones that help regulate the moisture levels in your eyes. When their levels fluctuate — during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause — you may notice your eyes feeling dry, irritated or unusually tired. This happens because hormone shifts can reduce tear production or change the quality of your tears, making your eyes feel gritty or strained.
Hormonal changes also can temporarily affect vision clarity. For example, during pregnancy, an increase in fluid retention can slightly alter the shape of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This may cause blurry vision or make contact lenses feel uncomfort-
able. Usually, these changes resolve after pregnancy, but they can be surprising if you’re not expecting them, and are important to monitor.
Thyroid hormones also play a key role in eye health. Overactive or underactive thyroid function may cause symptoms such as dry eyes, light sensitivity or puffiness around the eyes. In some severe thyroid conditions, the tissues around the eyes can swell, leading to a feeling of pressure or changes in how the eyes move.
While most hormone-related eye changes are temporary and manageable, it’s important to pay attention to anything that persists or feels unusual. If you’re noticing ongoing dryness, blurry vision or discomfort, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam can help you understand what’s going on and keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Dr. Kennedy Penny works at Little Eyes in Carmel. She earned her Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University in 2023.
Carmel actress lands coveted role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Nathalie Cruz knew the “wrong” play was right for her.
The Carmel resident will appear in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” which runs from July 16 through Aug. 23 at the Indianapolis venue. The comedy follows an accident-prone theater group that attempts to stage a murder mystery.
“This was one of my favorite shows I’d seen some nine years ago in New York City,” Cruz said. “I had no idea what I was about to watch and had a ball. I’ve never laughed so hard. I said, ‘I don’t know how and when, but one day I will belong in this ensemble to do this show.’ So, having this opportunity to do it is really exciting.”
Cruz plays the role of Annie Twilloil. She has performed in three shows at Beef & Boards, with “The King and I” being the first in 2024.
“Nothing beats that first experience,” she said. “I had a great time with my cast then and the whole production team was amazing. Bringing life to the iconic Lady Thiang role was an opportunity I can’t pass up. I find her iconic song was a treat, not just for me, but for the audiences who love Rodgers and Hammerstein music. So, that left a good impression on me that maybe coming back again to the Beef would be a good idea. Then I got to be a part of ‘A Christmas Story’ and ‘Tootsie,’ which were both equally fun, and again I had fantastic experiences.”
She played Suzi in “Tootsie” in 2025. She was joined in the show by Joey Boos, who also is in “The Play That Goes Wrong.”
Cruz took a break from acting after the COVID-19 pandemic closed theaters in March 2020.
“The COVID era really did a number on me, thinking I won’t and cannot go
back to performing ever again,” she said. “Now that I’m back doing shows whenever possible while juggling my daytime work as a (beauty-personal) stylist and my travels, I find myself back at it again, like that pause never happened.”
Cruz said between commercial gigs and readings and developing new material, she performs in two or three shows a year. She said it’s not as much as she used to do with performing in back-to-back shows.
“Life-plans change over time, and traveling while young is on my agenda,” she said. “Whenever you see me on stage, I make sure it counts and it’s something I really want to do.”
Cruz performed with her husband, Ian Cruz, in “The King and I.” Then later in 2024, they were in SiteLines Indy’s production of “Side Man.” Whenever the opportunity arises, she enjoys performing with him.
Cruz said one truly enjoyable performance was when they played opposite each other as Anita and Bernardo in Civic Theatre’s “West Side Story.”
In addition, she played the title role of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and Ian was Aldolfo in the Civic Theatre production.
“That one was a hilarious experience because we can’t keep a straight face
with our scenes,” she said.
Cruz was born in Manila, Philippines. She was part of a dance company that performed in Manila.
The couple, who have lived in Carmel since 2012, are graduates of the University of the Philippines. Cruz’s degree is in broadcasting and Ian has an engineering degree.
“We both share the love for theater and performing arts,” she said. “I was a full-time dance performer while he was busy doing plays. I met him when I was hired as a choreographer for a musical play. He initially ignored me, thinking I was old, or older. He said the tight hair bun was the culprit. We’ve been laughing our buns off since then.”
The computer programming scare of Y2K in 2000 prompted the couple’s move to the U.S.
“Ian was an IT guy and I was a young 24-year-old mom of three,” she said. “I don’t know how we did it, but Ian and I were literally fearless then. I guess traveling far has been in our blood all along. Indiana wasn’t really our solid choice for us to settle in, but as months passed and years came in search for the perfect state to live in, we forged friendships here in Indy in the process. We kept looking when home really was here all along.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’
“The Play That Goes Wrong” runs through July 16 through Aug. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Postmodern Jukebox Presents Scott Bradlee and Miche Braden is set for July 15, followed by Dueling Pianos July 18 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘SOMETHING ROTTEN!’
“Something Rotten!” concludes July 1519 at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’
Main Street Productions presents “Alice in Wonderland” July 16 to 26 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
SONGBOOK SHOWCASE
The Songbook Academy performers will hold a concert at 7 p.m. July 16 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT
The Songbook Academy in Concert is set for 7 p.m. July 18 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
JOE RUSSO’S ALMOST DEAD
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead is set to perform at 6 p.m. July 17 at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.
Nathalie Cruz, left, and Joey Boos perform in “Tootsie” at Beef & Boards. Both are returning to Beef & Boards for “The Play That Goes Wrong.” (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)
Cruz
BATHROOMS ADA BATHROOM REMODEL
ATI to host tribute to Indiana composers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Actors Theatre of Indiana Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell is returning to a tribute to Indiana composers Hoagy Carmichael and Cole Porter he created nearly 30 years ago.
“Hoagy and Cole: Indiana Music on My Mind” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 22 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael. The performance is a fundraiser for ATI’s season.
“It’s a new version of this show,” Murrell said. “I was actually commissioned to write the show almost 30 years ago for (former owner) Dick Pletcher at Amish Acres and the Round Barn Theatre (in Nappanee). I was doing some programming, performing and directing and various things with them.”
Murrell said Round Barn previously staged a cabaret-style revue of Carmichael and Porter
“But Dick wanted something that fleshed out their lives a little more, so he hired me to write the show,” Murrell said. “People just loved it. The way I conceived it was to research actual articles, autobiographies, biographies, television and radio interviews with Hoagy and Cole or about them by their contemporaries. I strung together the narrative of the show using their own words, so I did little in terms of editorializing or adding very much.”
“Michael Feinstein’s commitment to the Great American Songbook is obviously legendary, and this show is nothing but Great American Songbook standards. And then to be in the Hotel Carmichael, playing Hoagy Carmichael’s music in that space, I just think it’s the perfect fit.”
– DARRIN MURRELL
in Portland. He later presented it at Muncie Civic Theatre and other venues. He said the success encouraged him to create two other shows about composers in the same style. One show is about George and Ira Gershwin and the other is about Harold Arlen and Jerome Kern. Barber, Murrell’s wife, has performed in the Hoagy and Cole show in the past.
“It was exciting to me to have Don and Judy knowing their talents and their voices,” Murrell said. “I went back to it and reshaped it. We’ve never done it with a chorus of four. We’ve usually done it with a chorus of three. I added a couple of songs and took away a couple of songs and played to the strengths of the people we have. I’m excited to see this latest iteration of it.”
Murrell then paired the songs with the particular stories from their lives.
“I used the music to frame some of those moments,” he said.
Murrell, ATI Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald, Don Farrell and Julie Lyn Barber will provide the chorus. Farrell is an ATI co-founder.
“We’ll play various people in those composers’ lives as well as serve as narrators of the show,” Murrell said.
Terry Woods plays the piano on the Hoagy Carmichael parts on the upright piano, and Keith Potts plays Cole Porter songs on the baby grand piano.
“They will play, sing and do some acting as well,” Murrell said.
After the original production, Murrell produced the show for a theater
Some of the characters that appear are at a dinner party with Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, who had an Indiana connection with Porter.
“Red Skelton makes an appearance,” Murrell said. “It’s a role I’ve never got to do before and I get to do Red’s famous ‘Guzzler’s Gin’ routine.”
Murrell said Feinstein’s is the perfect setting for the show.
“Michael Feinstein’s commitment to the Great American Songbook is obviously legendary, and this show is nothing but Great American Songbook standards,” Murrell said. “And then to be in the Hotel Carmichael, playing Hoagy Carmichael’s music in that space, I just think it’s the perfect fit.”
For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Murrell Fitzgerald
ENTERTAINMENT
NHS grad plays biggest role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
In her final role in a youth production, Lilah Cross faces her biggest challenge.
The 2026 Noblesville High School graduate has the title role of Alice in Main Street Productions’ presentation of “Alice in Wonderland,” which runs July 16-26 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.
“This is the largest role I’ve had in a show so far,” she said. “I’ve never played a leading role in a performance, so that’s a big change for me. It’s a lot of work, but I really love it.”
Cross said Alice is a fun character.
“She’s very sassy and kind of grows throughout the shown and I like portraying that on stage,” said Cross, who will double major in multimedia journalism and theater at Loyola University in Chicago. “I’m used to playing younger roles in all my performances. I really like the youthful energy there is in portraying her.”
Sydney Weitz, who will be a junior at Carmel High School next month, plays the Queen of Hearts.
“I really enjoy playing the villainous characters,” she said. “From an audience perspective, it can be really hard to justify her actions.”
Carmel resident Amelie Thibodeau, a homeschooled junior, appears in two performances as the Queen of Hearts’ understudy.
Jack Fentz, a rising senior at Noblesville High School, plays the Mad Hatter.
Rylie Cuellar, a Zionsville resident who will be a junior at Herron High School, plays the Cheshire Cat. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
Actress gets ‘Footloose’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Ashlynn Stone, returning to performing in “Footloose” is a special experience.
Stone plays Vi Moore, the wife of the Rev. Moore, in Footlite Musicals’ Young Artists Production of “Footloose,” set for July 17-26 at Hedback Theatre in Indianapolis. Cast members range in age from 13-18.
Stone, a 15-year-old Fishers resident who will be a sophomore at Mt Vernon High School, appeared in the school’s production of the musical “Footloose” in 2025.
emotional range that I’ve never really gotten to explore in past roles I’ve played,” Stone said. “Vi carries a lot of frustration and quiet strength beneath the surface, and balancing the layers of her character has been such a fun challenge. I especially love the second act of the show because that’s when Vi finally speaks out about how her voice has been ignored over the years.
Stone Hilger
“I was in the adult ensemble and I had immediately fallen in love with the music and the message,” she said. “The movie has also become one of my favorites since then.”
The story is about a city teenager who moves to a small conservative town.
“Vi has been such a fun character to portray because she has a lot of
“Footloose” directors Rick and Chris Barber also directed Stone in the Mt. Vernon High School production.
Ben Hilger, 16, a junior homeschool student from Noblesville, saw the movie for the first time about two weeks before auditioning began. He plays a police officer.
“This is my first show I’ve ever been a part of with Footlite,” he said. “My mom (Kristin Hilger) is how I got connected to it because she’s performed twice there and was the props master for ‘Kinky Boots.’
For more, visit footlite.org/show/ footloose/.
Amelie Thibodeau, left, and Lilah Cross perform in “Alice in Wonderland.” (Photo courtesy of Amber Roth)
Fear of safety?
Commentary by Terry Anker
Fifteenth-century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes argued that fear of violent death led humans to establish governments and surrender their personal freedoms in the hopes of some collective protection. About 150 years earlier, famed Italian political commentator Niccolò Machiavelli advised would-be leaders that, “It is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with.” Even our own President Franklin D. Roosevelt was concerned that fear propagated by the financial crisis of the early 1930s would lead to even worse outcomes.
We humans are as surely fueled by fear as we are by cheeseburgers. Still, it is a mixed bag. Fear of extinction
LEGAL NOTICE
Corporate Commercial Group is planning a minor subdivision with 3 proposed single family homes at their property located at 10075 E. 121st Street, Fishers, Indiana 46037. The property is generally rectangular in shape and zoned R2 - Residential, with residential zoning to the East and PUD –Planned Unit Development zoning to the South, West, and North. Runoff from this site will discharge into the Bartholomew Irwin Drain and eventually into Sand Creek. Questions or comments regarding this project should be directed to Justin Hoffman, P.E., of Brooks Construction Company, Inc., Site Engineer Contractor for the project.
LEGAL NOTICE:
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for the City of Indianapolis, Marion County, and the City of Fishers, Hamilton County, Indiana, Case No. 25-05-1961P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and, if applicable, the FIS report have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE Status/bf e main.asp , or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).
spawns cooperation. Fear of outsiders fuels war. Fear of failure inspires innovation. Fear of change resists progress. None among us is entirely immune to its grip. Experience brings perspective and we can train our minds to manage its triggers, but fear is relentless. Many have not fully recovered from the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic, whose long-term effects may prove to outweigh the harm caused during its run. And American political discourse has been entirely disrupted by millions disenfranchised by shifting labor needs. Commonly grouped as MAGA, millions of people who did everything right, followed the rules laid out for them, still suffered because of changing circumstances demanded a warrior to assuage their fears. Now, one might imagine another wave of the disenfranchised. Millions of expensively educated young people did everything right, followed the rules laid out for them, and still suffered because of changing circumstances. AI is routinely accused of “taking” their rightful jobs. Will there be a SMAGA — Socialism’ll Make America Great Again? There are many fueling the fear and vying to ascend as their warrior. Alas, we’ve never been safer and more afraid at the same time.
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.
COLUMNISTON THE WEB
This week’s commentary by Current Publishing humorist Dick Wolfsie may be read at youarecurrent.com.
COMMUNITY VOICES
Fireworks embarrassment
Editor,
I have lived in the Masthead area out at Geist for the past 38 years. I endured the forced annexation of our area by Fishers in the famous Fishers Tax Grab. I have survived Fishers denying street cleaning, snow removal, etc., for my street because of our designation as a “private drive,” which none of the eight families on my street wants. But to have the Fishers police
out here, on our nation’s 250th birthday, just to keep citizens from being able to watch the July 4th (rescheduled to July 5) fireworks display is disgusting. This used to be a wonderful event with food trucks, patriotic music and thousands of happy citizens. What the heck happened?
Bruce Black, Geist
Cultivate prairies
Editor,
I’m a local eighth-grade student at Riverside Junior High School. I love nature and everything in it, especially monarch butterflies, which are an at-risk species. Not only that, central Indiana is a crucial stop along their migration route.
With the urbanization of our area, we’ve lost many species, especially milkweed, which monarchs rely on. I believe putting in effort to foster the growth of milkweed and the related prairies could be exactly what these butterflies need. Prairie habitats are declining and so are the animals that
live there. By making a point to plant prairies in our Fishers parks, we not only help monarch butterflies, we help critically endangered species like the American bittern, the Franklin’s ground squirrel, the regal greater fritillary and many more beautiful and unique species.
These species bring our citizens special summer days in flower-filled fields surrounded by colorful butterflies, adorable mammals and serene birds.
and Scout
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
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Lilianna Kennedy, Fishers student
16. Female horse
17. Shapiro’s, e.g.
18. Quickly
19. Trendy berry
20. *Salon01 options
23. Charged particle
24. Top-notch
25. Get the picture
26. Shutting off the audio
28. “Come again?”
30. Stocking stuffer
31. Former French coin
32. Soon, to a bard
34. Indiana tax ID
35. *Like some boots or stockings
38. ICU hookups
40. Caramel-filled candy
41. Actress Rene
45. Opp. of WNW
46. Food enhancer, for short
47. Have words with 48. Undress
50. Neil Young: “Piece of ___”
52. Slangy assent
53. *Major fuss at a ballroom dance contest
57. Upscale hotel in downtown Indy
58. Thrown for ___
59. Kunis of “Black Swan”
61. Discourteous
62. Zionsville’s county
63. CIA operatives
64. Old Russian ruler
65. Skin woes
66. Sponsor of the Hamilton County Fair, quite literally...and a hint to the answers of the starred clues DOWN
1. Ne’er-do-well
2. 60 minutes
3. Georgia city
4. Unlucky Roman number?
5. New England chowder
clam
6. Remove, as a brooch
7. Wise saying
8. “___ a deal!”
9. Shoe part
10. Mental picture
11. Small bags of scented powder
12. Formal speech
13. Full of spunk
21. Salad dressing choice
22. “Sorta” suffix
23. UN trade org.
27. Colts QB stats
28. Sounds from Santa
29. Numerical prefix
32. Wide-eyed
33. Stanley Cup grp.
34. Synagogue
36. 1040 org.
37. Pie chart alternative
38. Narrow land link with water on both sides
39. Type of porch
42. Through the roof
43. Sneakiness
44. “Alley ___”
45. Protective guard
46. Dashboard abbr.
47. Dull browns
49. More frosty
50. Sing like Bing Crosby
51. Arledge who created “Wide World of Sports” and “Nightline”
54. Four-line rhyme scheme
55. Indiana Senate alliance
56. Asian nurse
60. Fireplace residue ANSWERS ON PAGE 27
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Christel House International in Indianapolis, Indiana is seeking a College & Careers Collaboration Coordinator to be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the College & Careers (C&C) Collaboration Program. Duties include promoting the program and its benefits; assessing and selecting partner schools; interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, supervising, and evaluating Career Coaches; developing and implementing strategies to improve program effectiveness and quality; monitoring program outcomes and generating reports and metrics; creating and reviewing curriculum materials, templates, forms, and procedures; and managing technological and program-related information using systems such as ZOHO and ClickUp. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Social Service, Human Resources, or a related field and experience coordinating teams. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to HR, 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 170, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
