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Byron H., patient

COMMUNITY

HSE schools spending less, still in the red

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton Southeastern Schools Corp. continues to cut costs and spend under budget, but still is spending more than it’s taking in.

During his monthly finance report to the HSE Board of Trustees July 8, Chief Finance Officer Tim Brown focused on district finances as of May, because June’s finances were not yet finalized. He said the education fund had a cash balance of about $22 million at the start of the year and, if the district fully spent its budget, that balance would be down to about $11.4 million.

spending less than budgeted, but still needs to supplement with savings, which won’t last forever.

HSE Schools is asking voters to approve a replacement referendum, which will be on the November ballot. The proposal — in response to the new state property tax law that reduced how much is collected for schools and local government — calls for a maximum rate of 36 cents per $100 of net assessed value over an eightyear term, but school officials have said they intend to start at a lower rate of about 22 cents, increasing that about 6 percent annually to about 33 cents in 2034.

The district launched a new online dashboard to provide easily accessed financial information. It can be viewed at hseschools.org/community/finances.

In other matters, the board unanimously approved a one-time transfer of $2.6 million from the debt service portion of the district’s homestead credit fund balance to the operations portion. Brown said the transfer is allowed only this year through House Enrolled Act 1210 to help spread out the impact of the state’s property tax law.

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“That is less than one month’s expenses,” he said. “So, we’re working extremely hard … to ensure that we try to underspend the budget in 2026 to minimize the hit to our cash balance.”

Brown said the district currently is under budget by about $3.3 million. However, he said, even with that reduction, the district still dipped into its savings. He told the board that the operations and referendum funds each tell a similar story — the district is

The current referendum, ratified by voters in 2023, has a rate of up to 19.95 cents per $100 assessed value.

Board Member Suzanne Thomas thanked Brown and his team for their work to reduce district spending.

“We’re no way out of the woods, but looking at this is reassuring that we are doing a lot of the right things,” she said. “I have heard throughout this month from a few people that have said they really appreciate the financial dashboard.”

“This is not new money, this is not taking money away,” Brown said. “Essentially, what happens is, this entire impact (of the state’s new property tax law) is hitting the operations fund, and so we have the flexibility one time to let the debt service take a portion of that.”

He added that there’s enough of a reserve in the debt service fund to allow the transfer.

“Everyone has managed our bonds over the years to put us in a position where we have the cash balance in that fund to be able to move it over and really help ourselves out,” Brown said. “But again, it’s not something that we can continue to do year after year.”

‘Mass deportation’ rally planned

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The former chief of U.S. Border Patrol Greg Bovino is scheduled to speak during an Aug. 1 “mass deportation” rally in Fishers, with Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith offering video remarks for the event. In an announcement on social media, Bovino stated that he will be “speaking unfiltered at the first mass deportation rally in U.S. history with Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith. Dinner, drinks, serious patriots only.”

 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

The event’s location has not been disclosed. Those who registered and paid $50 per ticket will be sent location information before the event.

The event was organized by Save Heritage Indiana. The event page states that for $500, people also can attend a VIP gathering in Carmel the night before the rally.

“This gathering is for people who have decided that the time for polite

DISPATCHES

theme and will feature a Bourbon Trail with tastings from local and national distilleries, live and silent auctions, an outdoor cigar lounge and dancing. For more, visit IndianaWish.org/events.

 Juried art application period open — Applications for the seventh annual

silence is over,” the event page states. “Commander Bovino will speak directly — unfiltered, unrehearsed and accountable to no handler.”

Fishers Resists, the Fishers chapter of Indivisible, announced that it will host a “Hoosier Hospitality” rally in Fishers from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 1 at Holland Park in support of local immigrants.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Current in Fishers, 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032.

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Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists are open through July 27. 2D and 3D art that meets the posted requirements must have been made between Jan. 1, 2025, and July 27 to be considered. Please send questions to info@FishersArtsCouncil.org before applying.

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Opinions

Columnist views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.

Brown

Beckwith

Bovino

Hollowell announces bid for Hamilton County sheriff

news@youarecurrent.com

Democrat Charles Hollowell has announced his candidacy for Hamilton County sheriff.

The announcement follows the Hamilton County Democratic Party’s precinct chair meeting July 1, where precinct chairs voted to give the party’s chairman the authority to appoint candidates to fill ballot vacancies.

Hollowell, a Fishers resident, will face Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Dustin Dixon, a Republican, in the November general election.

Hollowell has more than 25 years of

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. For tickets, sponsorship information, or to learn more about the center, visit indianaprevention.org.

 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.

 Free concerts — Fishers Parks’ annual Free Tuesdays at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater will feature The Flying Toasters July 21 and Stella Luna & The Satellites July 29. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. For more, visit fishersparks.com/summer-activities-events/ free-tuesday-concerts.

 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.

law enforcement experience and is a lieutenant with the Westfield Police Department. According to his campaign announcement, he has served in a variety of leadership roles dedicated to protecting the community, supporting fellow officers and building strong relationships with the public.

Hollowell said he is running to provide experienced, transparent and community-focused leadership for the sheriff’s office.

“Serving this community has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Hollowell stated. “I’m running for sheriff because Hamilton County deserves experienced, steady leadership that puts people first. I’ll lead a sheriff’s office committed to professionalism, accountability and treating every person with dignity and respect. Together, we’ll continue to maintain a safe, strong community. My commitment is simple: Protecting All. Serving All.”

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Hollowell

-Kathy

Indy Fuel game schedule announced

news@currentinfishers.com

The Indy Fuel hockey team has announced its 72-game schedule for the 2026–27 season — the franchise’s third year at the Fishers Event Center and 13th season overall.

The Fuel will open at home Oct. 16 with a game against the Wheeling Nailers from West Virginia. The team will play 36 home games at the Fishers Event Center and visit opponents in 10 cities during its 36 games on the road.

Home games Monday through Friday start with a 7:15 p.m. puck drop. Saturday games will start at 7 p.m. and Sunday games start at 4 p.m. The only exception is a 10:30 a.m. game Nov. 3.

The Fuel will play eight games against the Fort Wayne Komets, three at home; eight against the Kalamazoo Wings, three home; 11 against the Cincinnati Cyclones, five home; 13 against the Bloomington Bison, seven home; seven against the Wheeling Nailers, four home; and eight against the Toledo Walleye, six home.

“In addition to their heavy Central schedule, the Fuel will play 17 games against eight opponents from the remaining divisions,” the news release stated. “That includes road games against the Atlanta Gladiators, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, the Adirondack Thunder and the Maine Mariners; and home games against the Florida Everblades, the Trenton Ironhawks, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, the Allen Americans and the Kansas City Mavericks.”

The season is scheduled to close April 11, after a final regular season game on the road in Greenville, South Carolina, facing the Swamp Rabbits.

For more, visit indyfuelhockey.com.

The Indy Fuel’s first home game of the season will be Oct. 16 at the Fishers Event Center. (File photo)

HSE board celebrates Hallett Foundation donation

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

During its July 8 meeting, the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Corp. Board of Trustees celebrated a previously announced $1 million pledge to Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation by Hallett Sports Foundation — part of Hallett Sports, which owns the Indy Fuel hockey team and Fishers Freight indoor football team.

The pledge calls for a minimum $100,000 annual donation to HSEF, a nonprofit that supports educational programming, opportunities and initiatives at Hamilton Southeastern Schools. HSEF Executive Director Justin Hirnisey told the board that the pledge is spread out over the next 10 years.

“Where that’s really significant for us as a foundation is, next school year will mark our 25th anniversary of supporting the local school, so that’s a milestone, but to know that we’ve got 10 (more) years of support from an or ganization who’s came to town, already entrenched themselves in the commu nity, is just so impactful for us,” he said.

“We’re trying to make the lives of our teachers and our students better. We’re trying to support innovation, but we’ve increasingly, in recent years, found needs that are basic needs — mental health support, food insecurity, are some areas we’ve got into in the last few years.”

FOR LEASE

Indy Fuel mascot Nitro, on the ground, is surrounded by Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent Matt Kegley, left, HSE School Board President Tiffany Pascoe, Hallett Sports CEO Sean Hallett and Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation Executive Director Justin Hirnisey. (Photo courtesy of HSE Schools)

Freight teams that will be announced later. He also introduced Hallett Sports CEO Sean Hallett, who is a member of the HSEF board.

“A year ago, I joined the HSEF board just to find out what they were all about,” he said. “We already gave them an annual gift as one of their top contributors, but after spending a year on the board, I couldn’t think of any better cause for us to focus our dollars on.”

Hallett said the minimum $100,000 annual donation can grow through various fundraising events that will be planned throughout the year. He provided some examples.

“There will be two Fuel games and there will be two Freight games that will help highlight the school system — the schools, the students, the teachers and the foundation,” he said. “There’ll be opportunities at those games to raise money for the foundation to put us over $100,000.”

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Hirnisey said the funding will come from special events with the Fuel and

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Hallett said his company is a Fishers company — it owns the Fuel Tank youth arena in Fishers and both its teams are based at the Fishers Event Center. He added that he soon will be a Fishers resident, as well.

He said the company also will offer special Sunday season tickets for families, with all proceeds from tickets sold through a special HSEF link going directly to the foundation.

Board members thanked Hallett, who was accompanied by Indy Fuel mascot Nitro, for the company’s support of HSEF.

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Meals on Wheels names CEO, outreach director

news@currentnoblesville.com

Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County recently named Tricia Hudson its new executive director and CEO, and Jennifer Sturges as its development and outreach director.

Hudson, a Fishers resident, will lead the organization’s mission of serving the elderly or those with disabilities facing food insecurity, or unable to prepare food for themselves. She brings decades of nonprofit leadership experience to the role with a background spanning human resources, accounting, finance and executive management.

“I have always wanted my work to help bring about life change for people, and Meals on Wheels does just that,” Hudson stated. “I have a passion for mission-driven work because I want my time and skills to contribute to something bigger than financial profit. I want my work to have a tangible human impact.”

Hudson is active in the Hamilton County Nonprofit Collective, the Hamilton County Executive Directors group, the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce and the OneZone Chamber of Commerce.

Sturges will lead the organization’s fundraising strategy, donor and sponsor cultivation, community partnerships, grant management and stewardship efforts while overseeing fundraising events, including the Al Haimbach Memorial Golf Classic and Dancing with Our Stars.

Most recently, Sturges, a Westfield resident, worked as a realtor with Match House Realty Group while volunteering with 2025 Al Haimbach Memorial Golf Classic. She recognized the development and outreach director position as an opportunity to combine her professional experience with a mission she already supported.

For more, visit mealsonwheelshc. org.

Hudson

Sturges

COMMUNITY

FAST swimmer sets national record

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

At age 10, Gabe Brown has the distinction of being faster than Olympian Michael Phelps at the same age.

“It’s motivation that all my training has paid off,” said Gabe, a member of Fishers Area Swimming Tigers.

Gabe set a USA Swimming national age group record in 10-and-under in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1 minute, 56.12 seconds at a meet in McFarland, Wis. The previous record was 1:56.41 in 2017.

Gabe has one advantage over his fellow youth swimmers.

“My background is in athletic performance and personal training, so he gets a cheat to have a personal trainer at his beck and call,” said his father, Devon Brown, who owns Adventure Fit in Greenfield.

Gabe spends one hour five days a week training with his dad. He spends two hours six days a week in the pool Gabe, a Greenfield resident, who turns 11 Aug. 7, has been with FAST for several years. He started swimming at 3 years old and competitive swimming at age 6.

Gabe has 17 individual state titles and has been on six more relay state champions. He has 13 Indiana state championship records.

“I like to go to practice and prove everyone wrong who says I’m going to burn out when I’m an older swimmer,” Gabe said. “The records motivate me to go ever farther on pushing myself.”

Gabe will aim for six more state titles at the Indiana Age Group Short Course

belt his parents purchased to signify his national swimming age group record. (Photo courtesy of Devon Brown)

Championships July 25-26 at Carmel High School.

Gabe also competes in cross country and triathlons.

“My parents don’t let me do just one sport to make sure my body stays healthy,” he said.

He previously competed in soccer and wrestling..

“We thought he was going to be a wrestler because he liked the feeling of loyalty and togetherness,” Devon Brown said. “But at 8 years old, he said ‘Dad, I think I want to focus on (swimming) more.’ So, we let our kids lead.”

Gabe said the butterfly is his favorite stroke, but freestyle is his fastest.

DISPATCHES

 Grant supports online volunteer hub — United Way of Central Indiana has created a centralized online platform, volunpair.org, where nonprofits can post volunteer opportunities and community members can match their volunteer interests with what’s available.

 Cross-county public transit service offered — A new public transit service that takes riders between Hamilton and Hancock counties has launched through a Central Indiana Regional Transportation

Authority, Hamilton County Express and RIDE Hancock partnership. One-Call Connect helps riders navigate a public transportation funding rule that doesn’t allow transit providers to cross county lines. The new service, which offers users a flat one-way fee of $8, has a transfer point in McCordsville where riders switch between each county’s ADA-accessible transit providers. To book a trip weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., call 317-327-7433 at least 48 hours in advance.

Gabe Brown holding a custom-made championship

Beckwith: Ban call to prayer

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith is calling for the government to ban public Islamic calls to prayer.

Beckwith, who also is pastor of the Life Church campus in Noblesville, made the comment during an appearance on the June 26 episode of the “Conservative Review” podcast.

“If you’re a mosque and you want to have a loudspeaker and you want to start pumping these out five times a day locally, the state can say, you’re not going to do that,” Beckwith, a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist, said on the podcast. “We’re not going to let you put these words of death and destruction throughout the city streets in any of our cities, right?”

Current contacted the lieutenant governor’s office for comment and received a statement from Deputy Communications Director Graham Loughead in response.

“Hoosiers across Indiana are concerned about the rise of Islam, not only in our state, but across the country,” the statement reads. “Lt. Gov. Beckwith will always stand up for American values and refuses to apologize for saying Sharia Law has no place in this country and that America is now and always should be one nation under God.”

Also on the podcast, Beckwith claimed that America is a Christian nation, which gives Christianity precedence over other faiths in public life.

The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a July 10 statement describing Beckwith’s remarks on the podcast as “fearmongering and constitutional misinformation.”

“The adhan is a peaceful call to prayer recited by Muslims around the world for more than 14 centuries. To portray it as a call to ‘death and destruction’ is not only offensive — it is a malicious falsehood that demonizes an entire faith and the millions of Americans who practice it,” stated Hafsa Haider, communications director for CAIR-Chicago.

Beckwith

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

As the new school year rapidly approaches, Hamilton Southeastern Schools Corp. Board of Trustees voted July 8 to approve the hire of several new administrators who will start their new roles in time for the Aug. 5 first day of school.

The meeting’s personnel report also noted that HSE Schools Assistant Superintendent of Operations Bryan Rausch has resigned, effective July 23. Superintendent Matt Kegley expressed appreciation for Rausch, who was not able to attend the July 8 meeting.

(and) special education teacher.”

McCaffrey said that Abel also worked in higher education as a sociology instructor through the University of California, San Diego, extension program and at Northwestern University, where she supported student development, disability services, policy implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Abel told the board that she is honored and excited for the new role.

Another new administrator is Rachael Powell, a fourth-grade teacher at Southeastern Elementary. She will be the new assistant principal at the school, replacing Trae Heeter, who resigned.

“He has been a great resource for many of us on our team,” Kegley said. “I think I speak for our whole team, I know I do, in the mentorship he’s provided and guidance he’s provided, and really have gotten to see the expertise that he’s had from his years as being a superintendent, and he will be missed. So, I want to publicly thank him for his work.”

Rausch was hired in 2024. He previously served as superintendent at Liberty-Perry Community Schools.

Among the new hires for the upcoming school year is Andrea Abel, the new assistant principal at Hamilton Southeastern High School. She was introduced to the board by HSE Principal Craig McCaffrey, who said she brings a combination of instructional leadership, special education and student services experience, and a commitment to building positive school cultures.

“She most recently served as a dean of students at Avon High School, where she oversaw discipline attendance, as well as serving in staff development support and on other key leadership committees,” he said. “Prior to working in Indiana, Andrea served in Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska as an assistant special education coordinator, a substitute middle school principal

Southeastern Elementary School Principal Nicole Kaminski introduced Powell to the board. She said Powell was one of the founding staff members when the school opened seven years ago and “made the leap” from teaching kindergarten to fourth grade, “which is another way that she shows just how willing she is to jump in and take charge and try new things.”

“Over the years, I’ve been able to watch Rachel at Southeastern raise her hand time and time again and really take on some new challenges, really dig into initiatives and lead important changes within our building,” Kaminski said. “As a lead teacher, she doesn’t wait to be asked, she simply sees that there’s something that needs to be done and she jumps in and does it for the better of our entire learning community. She’s a thoughtful leader, an incredible teammate and someone who always keeps her mind and her heart on children, and I think that’s probably one of the biggest, best things about her.”

Powell said she’s grateful to move into the new role.

Another new administrator is Katrina Curry, who will be the new assistant principal at Fall Creek Junior High. Curry was not able to attend the July 8 board meeting.

Rausch

COMMUNITY

BRANCHING OUT

Plans call for a new HEPL library to better serve eastside residents

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Eastside residents of Fishers and Noblesville who are reluctant to drive 30 minutes or more to use local library services may soon have an option closer to home.

Hamilton East Public Library officials are approaching the final stages of planning for a new branch on Olio Road, in between 146th and 156th streets in Noblesville’s Wayne Township — just north of the Fishers city line, within the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Corp. district boundaries and about a 10-minute drive from HSE High School.

The 30,000-square-foot library would be built on 10 acres HEPL has owned since 2008 and would be about a third the size of the library system’s existing branches in Fishers and Noblesville, with room to expand as needed. The new branch still needs approval from the Hamilton County Council to move forward, with a vote expected in September.

HEPL Library Director Melissa Loiselle said a feasibility study for a new branch started soon after she became director in 2024 — a key part of the library’s then-new strategic plan.

“For years, we’ve had requests, specifically from the east side of our service territory,” she said. “We’ve had a growing number of people asking for library services out there, and so we selected Veritas Group to help us conduct a feasibility study to look at that.”

Loiselle said Veritas Group looked at demographics and travel times, and conducted a community survey to kick off the study, with about 5,000 people responding.

“One of their key findings was that with the current library locations — our location in Noblesville and our location in Fishers — that there were a lot of people who had very long drives to get to the library, and that was impacting their usage of library services,” she said.

The study showed that more than 50 percent of those who didn’t use the

library cited distance as a primary barrier. Veritas researchers explored whether those non-users would be likely to visit a new branch on the east side of the service territory, and more than 65 percent said yes.

“The (resulting) recommendation was, yes, to look at pursuing a third branch and that the Olio Road location would be ideally situated to serve that eastern side of our territory,” Loiselle said, citing growth in Fall Creek Township and the growth that’s expected in Wayne Township.

Preliminary plans for the new branch show areas for children, young adults and adults, along with a programming space and study rooms.

“It will have all of the services that we have in our current libraries,” Loiselle said. “It’s going to have meeting rooms that can be reserved by the community — and fairly large ones — and it’s being designed so that potentially there could be after-hours events that could be hosted there.”

Jacquie Carson, a Hamilton Southeastern High School teacher, said the

The proposed new library branch would be about a third the size of HEPL’s two existing libraries. (Images courtesy of HEPL)

new branch would provide students with a free, nearby place to work, study and collaborate in a quiet setting that provides access to research materials.

“Yes, our school libraries can request materials from the branches, and yes, students have access to online databases, but a library branch can have materials that are more readily available, (which) will make it easier for students to get copies of books that might already be checked out in their school libraries,” Carson said. “Additionally, librarians are a wealth of information and support — and what a great way to supplement our already amazing librarians in the schools.”

Loiselle noted that a new residential neighborhood is under development across the street from the site, and library officials anticipate serving many families at the new branch. With a smaller footprint, she said the new branch wouldn’t have as many materials on site as the other branches, but cardholders could request anything from within the HEPL system and have it delivered to their “home” branch.

OLIO ROAD BRANCH AT A GLANCE

• $20.7 million construction cost paid for through the library’s existing tax rate

• 30,000-square-foot building with space for children, young adults, adults, study rooms and meeting rooms

• 10-acre site on Olio Road between 146th and 156th streets

• Groundbreaking tentatively set for 2027; completion in 2028

The proposed new Hamilton East Public Library branch would serve the library’s east side.

Mike Reuter is the library’s financial consultant. He said the $20.7 million construction cost would be paid for through bonds and would not require any additional tax money from the library’s service territory.

“We’ve tailored this around a bond issue that’s paying off,” he said, noting that a portion of the library’s bond debt will be paid off in 2028. “We’ve tailored the financing around that drop off of that old payment, and so from a tax levy standpoint, it will remain the same.”

If everything goes to plan and the county council signs off on the project, Loiselle said they expect to break ground in 2027 and open in 2028.

Loiselle added that the proposal has received support from the mayors of Fishers and Noblesville, as well as HSE and Noblesville schools.

“Sometimes people question, ‘What is the need for libraries?’ And our community still appreciates and values library services,” she said. “We’re very excited to be able to look at a location out on the east side to serve the people who maybe don’t want to make a 30-minute drive, but still want access to a library.”

Jessica Todd contributed to this story.

ON THE COVER: A new Hamilton East Public Library branch has been proposed for Olio Road just north of Fishers. (Photos by Jessica Todd / Illustration by Zach Ross)

Local forensic nurse program proposed

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Victims of sexual assault and other crimes in Hamilton County must travel to Indianapolis, Anderson or beyond if they want to be treated by a nurse with specialized training to conduct

vices. “It’s going to be huge to have this available in Hamilton County.”

SANE nurses don’t only conduct examinations tied to sexual assaults. They also treat patients who have been victims of violence, child abuse, workplace accidents and more.

Hamilton County, would see the value in any of our hospitals moving forward with this,” said Griffin, a firefighter with the Carmel Fire Department.

Riverview Health, which operates hospitals in Noblesville and Westfield, aims to begin offering the service by September. The SANE nurses will be available at the Noblesville campus.

“Not only have (victims) had this horrible event, but now they’re having to leave and go away from home to get the care they need to help prosecute the case,” said Molly Beck, Riverview Health manager of emergency ser-

Griffin said officials at every hospital he contacted about launching a SANE program were receptive to the idea and that it gained steam at Riverview after it signed a managed services agreement with Parkview Health last fall.

Fort Wayne-based Parkview employs SANE nurses and was eager to share its expertise with Riverview and local officials.

“They brought all of their key personnel here to explain what they’re doing, and we were just fascinated by what they’re doing and the level of care,” Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said. “We’re starting to see a lot of momentum grow with what Tim started as a vision, and we’re seeing all these pieces of the puzzle coming together.”

Beck hopes to eventually have 10 SANE nurses available to manage cases 24/7.

Heirbrandt, who said he was surprised to learn the program wasn’t already available in Hamilton County, said the program will not lead to any additional costs for the county.

Griffin

Heirbrandt Beck

Commentary by Larry Greene

This east Carmel kitchen was reimagined with rich green cabinetry, improved storage and a brighter layout designed for everyday gathering.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Deep green cabinetry brings personality, depth and a custom feel to the refreshed kitchen.

• A wood-toned island adds warmth, contrast, storage and comfortable casual seating.

• White quartz countertops and glossy tile keep the palette bright and balanced.

• Brass hardware and ribbed-glass pendants introduce polished warmth throughout.

• Reworked openings improve flow between the kitchen, dining area and adjacent hall for everyday entertaining.

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy. com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

East Carmel kitchen gets a bold refresh

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Carmel filmmaker focuses on tragic story

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The tragic story of Sylvia Likens has long weighed on Carmel filmmaker Ashton Gleckman’s mind, even though it happened long before he was born.

Gleckman, 25, has made a short documentary about Likens, who — at age 16 — was tortured and murdered in 1965 by her caregiver Gertrude Baniszewski, her children and neighbors. Likens’ parents., who were carnival workers, left Sylvia and her sister in Baniszewski’s care.

“From the time I was growing up I remember hearing about this case,” Gleckman said. “My grandparents, who grew up in Indianapolis, recalled that memory. I continued to return to this case because what makes this is the element of communal silence.”

Gleckman’s documentary will make its debut during the Indy Shorts Film Festival July 21-25. The film will have its premiere at 5 p.m. July 23 at Frank Basile Theater in Indy Art Center. It will be shown at 2:30 p.m. July 26 at the same location.

“The fact that you have this horrific crime taking place, and as I discovered talking to neighbors, people could hear the screams,” Gleckman said. “Children were participating in this and there was a sense of silence. We see in the film that when Sylvia’s best friend went to the teachers and tried to ask where she was and what was going on, the teachers would just shake it off. It’s the ultimate example of what reporting could possibly do to save a life. There were so many instances where someone could have and should have intervened.”

Gleckman said the neighbors next door heard the scraping of a shovel and the screaming going on for hours and never called police.

The documentary is 33 minutes long. Gleckman said he wanted to tell Sylvia’s story and interviewed her Tech High School best friend, Sheila Jane Johson Wells.

“At the time, Sheila was a young

African American student in her first integrated school, and Sylvia had no friends and (the) two of them came together,” Gleckman said. “This was the time she was being abused before she was pulled out of school for the last few weeks. Sylvia would go to school with all these marks on her body and Sheila would sit there with her in the gymnasium locker room. It went from a story about the case to being a story about friendship, about empathy and the way these two people came together amid extraordinary circumstances.”

Wells still lives in Indianapolis. The neighbor interviewed is Colleen Marsha Moore, who lives in Tennessee. Her mother, Phyllis Vermillion, lived next door.

“She tells us she could hardly go to sleep because she would be hearing these sounds,” Gleckman said. “You could see the pain in this woman’s eyes. She’s now in her 60s, but the memory is still there of hearing these sounds. Her mother and father made a conscious decision not to get involved because they felt it wasn’t their business.”

Gleckman interviewed Andy Wysong, who had been friends with Richard Hobbs, a participant in the abuse. Hobbs, who was tried as a mi-

nor, was convicted of manslaughter and spent less than two years in the Indiana Reformatory. Wysong was affected when he learned his close friend was one of the abusers.

“One of the elements of Sylvia Likens’ story in Indianapolis is the pain that leaks down all the way through the generations,” Gleckman said. “The people that were there and the descendants of the perpetrators are still affected by it. Every one of the people that I came into contact with had vivid emotional memories of this period. One of the interviews was with the daughter of the first police officer to respond to the crime scene, and she told me he was traumatized by the situation.”

Gleckman reached one of Baniszewski’s children, who was indicted but not convicted in the case.

“She did not admit anything to me, would not talk or take responsibility at all, so even within some of the perpetrators, there was no interest in confronting what had happened 60 years ago,” he said.

The producers are Sam Mirpoorian, Amy Pauszek and Andie Redwine. Daniel Ronacher is an executive producer. For more, visit heartlandfilm.org/ events/indyshorts.

‘THE

PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’

“The Play That Goes Wrong” runs through Aug. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

IBC SUMMER GALA

Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s Summer Gala is set for 5:30 p.m. July 23 at Studio Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.

‘WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD’

Art Garfunkel’s “What A Wonderful World Celebration’ concert is set for 8 p.m. July 24 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Hoagy and Cole: Indiana Music on the Mind” is set for July 22, followed by “Now That’s Funny” July 23, “Thank You for the Music! An ABBA Party” July 24 and “Unbreakable Voices: An Evening with Effie Passero” July 25 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

CARMEL COMEDY CLUB

Carmel Comedy Club presents a show at 7 p.m. July 25. For more, visit thecat.biz.

‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’

Main Street Productions presents “Alice in Wonderland” through July 26 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

‘CHICAGO’

Civic Theatre will present Young Artists Program’s production of “Chicago: Teen Edition” July 23-26 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more,, visit civictheatre.org.

Ashton Glickman gets ready to interview

Sylvia Likens’ best friend, Sheila Jane Johson Wells. (Photo courtesy of Ashton Gleckman)

ENTERTAINMENT

YAP challenges teens with ‘Chicago’

By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com

For 37 teens ages 14 to 18, Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program production of “Chicago: Teen Edition” is more than simply a community theater opportunity. It’s nearly five hours every weeknight of training, rehearsal and community.

The musical runs July 23-26 and is based on the Broadway musical with mature themes modified for younger performers. The production is directed and choreographed by YAP Coordinator Anne Beck, who trained with Ann Reinking, the director, choreographer and star of the 1996 Broadway revival of “Chicago”.

Students have requested “Chicago” for years, Beck said. She is trained in the dance techniques of Bob Fosse, choreographer of the original 1975 production, and teaches classes on it. His style is minimalist, satirical and requires more energy and containment than other techniques.

“Many of these kids are from top show choirs all over central Indiana where they are told to be bigger and energized,” said Beck, who also serves as an assistant professor of musical theater and tap dance at Ball State University. “(Fosse’s style) is having all of that energy, but super, super pointed. I have to reel them back and contain their energy to be really specific.”

The costumes are all black, mirroring the revival’s attire, and feature wigs designed by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Drew Bryson, also known as Blair St. Clair. This production also features the

production

Maaike Mora, left, and Kate Boice play rivals Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart from July 23 to 26 at Civic Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)

orchestra on stage as the revival did.

“Chicago: Teen Edition” draws students from 14 Indiana schools for intensive summer training. Beck calls the program “a conservatory and a rehearsal process all at the same time” and treats students like professionals.

Maaike Mora, who will be a senior at Carmel High School in the fall, plays Velma Kelly. Mora hopes audiences don’t let the musical’s subject matter overshadow its comedy.

“I hope that people laugh,” she said. “It’s a really funny musical, and I hope they find the satire in it too and not just think it’s a dark story.”

Kate Boice, a recent Noblesville High School graduate who will attend the University of Oklahoma to study musical theater, has performed with Civic Theatre since fourth grade and plays the lead, Roxie Hart. She enjoys portraying a character unlike herself.

“Chicago: Teen Edition” is at 7 p.m. July 23; 7 p.m July 24; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. July 25; and 2 p.m. July 26 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

For more, visit civictheatre.org/ chicago.

THE FOUR PHANTOMS IN CONCERT

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BONEY JAMES

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM A CONVERSATION WITH AMY SEDARIS 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

SIMPLY THREE

7PM | THE TARKINGTON

MAVIS STAPLES

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH BERNADETTE PETERS 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PUNCH BROTHERS

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD

BAND: LEDBETTER HEIGHTS

30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY

PALLADIUM

THE BILLY JOEL LEGACY: CELEBRATINGTHE PIANO MAN

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS: INDIGO PARK TOUR

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE WAR AND TREATY

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE SIXTIES SHOW

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

INVINCIBLE: A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DANIEL

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

NILADRI KUMAAR: THE SPACE BETWEEN THE

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS TOUR 2026

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN IN COMING HOME: THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

HOLIDAYS IN HARMONY WITH GIRL NAMED TOM

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS

CHRISTMAS TOUR

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

ALAN CUMMING: UNCUT

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

LIVE AND LET DIE: THE MUSIC OFPAUL MCCARTNEY

FEATURING TONY KISHMAN

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BIG BANG BOOM

3PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

MARCUS MILLER

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

Indianapolis Opera closes curtain on Lobster Palooza

By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com

BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO DE AMALIA HERNÁNDEZ

7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS WITH CONRAD TAO

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE MUSIC OF THE BEACH BOYS FEATURING PET SOUNDS LIVE 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

PAVLO AND BAND IN CONCERT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

VICTORIA CLARK: IMPROBABLE INGENUE

MUSIC DIRECTOR, TED SPERLING

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JOHN MALKOVICH AND THE VIENNA ACADEMY

ORCHESTRA: ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

SPYRO GYRA WITH SPECIAL GUEST STANLEY JORDAN

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

KRUGER BROTHERS 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

DIONNE WARWICK: OVER AND OUT A FAREWELL TOUR 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

STRAY CATS’ LEE ROCKER

ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

YASMIN WILLIAMS 7PM | THE TARKINGTON THE BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTET

Indianapolis Opera held its 16th and final Lobster Palooza July 11 at the Basile Opera Center in Indianapolis.

The event raised more than $28,000 to support the organization’s Fund-A-Need campaign, which will provide programming for 46 underfunded schools and libraries in Indiana.

“(Being able to perform thanks to the education program) planted such an important seed for me,” said Lyndsay Moy, Indianapolis Opera’s director of education and former resident artist. “I know, especially now when so many music programs are getting cut from these schools, that these experiences mean so much to these kids.”

The event included a cocktail hour with caricature and balloon artists, a four-course meal and a live performance by five opera singers: H. Conor Angell, baritone; Rachelle Woolston, soprano; Ganson Salmon, tenor; Angela Brown, soprano; Moy, mezzo-soprano; and pianist Elizabeth Goodenough. The concert was modeled on a jukebox. For every goal met, performances were unlocked.

Angela Brown is the organization’s artistic cultural ambassador. She won the National Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions in 1997 and has since performed as a professional opera singer on six continents. She gave a live rendition of Giacomo Puccini’s “Vissi d’arte” once donations reached $24,000.

“Opera looks like me, too,” Brown said before her performance. “Without a company like this in the state of Indiana, who else is going to do what we

do? We do it so well … I want so many of those little babies to be able to come and enjoy what we do.”

David Craig Starkey, Indianapolis Opera’s general director, hosted the event and stressed the importance of supporting arts programs throughout the fundraiser.

“(Performing arts programs are) not extra,” Starkey said. “It’s not a cute opportunity — this is essential … AI will never be able to duplicate (what live singers do) because it’s original, it’s one-of-a-kind.”

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S FILING OF REVISIONS TO TARIFF NO. 6 – RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around July 27, 2026, Duke Energy Indiana will submit revisions to its Tariff No. 6, Residential Electric Service, for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing will correct the tariff on file at the Commission which has a slight difference ($0.000001) in the energy charge per kwh versus the amount currently charged on Residential bills.

Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission 101 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703 Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor - PNC Center 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-2494

KNIGHT BONEY JAMES HASTA LA MUERTE MARCUS MILLER

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President

Ganson Salmon, left, and Rachelle Woolston perform “O soave fanciulla” from Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème” at Indianapolis Opera’s Lobster Palooza fundraiser July 11. (Photos by Hannah Vanlandingham)

From left, Lyndsay Moy, H. Conor Angell, Rachelle Woolston and Ganson Salmon perform “Va pensiero” from Giuseppe Verdi’s “Nabucco” after donations surpassed the $25,000 fundraising goal.