July 21, 2026 — Current in Zionsville by Current Publishing

eCommunity.com/cancer

Byron H., patient

COMMUNITY

Boone County 4-H Fair kicks off July 26

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

There should be no shortage of family fun at the Boone County 4-H Fair. Perhaps best of all, most activities are free. The county fair runs July 26 through Aug. 1. Parking and admission are free, thanks to the many sponsorships fair organizers secured for the event, according to Stephanie Gay, 4-H youth educator with Purdue Extension Boone County.

This year’s theme is “Barn in the USA,” a nod to America’s 250th anniversary.

Gay said the emphasis is on free, family-friendly activities, including daily events such as movie night July 27 featuring the 2006 film “Barnyard,” Princess Night July 28 and Superhero Night July 29, which will have face painting and inflatables.

Lil’ Fair Explorers, where children ages 4 to 7 can meet a 4-Her and learn more about their animals, will be from 10 to 11 a.m. July 28 and 31 at the Lilly Family Pavilion.

Boone Power will host a live line demonstration at 4 p.m. July 29.

“I’ve heard it’s pretty interesting and fun to learn about,” Gay said.

Gay emphasized there will be something for everyone, and organizers are hoping to encourage more people from around the county to attend.

“Zionsville is a community we’re trying to draw up to the fair,” she said.

Carnival rides by North American Midway Entertainment will be July 29 through Aug. 1.

Miss Boone County will be crowned during the queen contest at 7 p.m. July 24, prior to the start of the fair, at Witham Pavilion.

More information on fair events and offerings are as follows. For a complete schedule, visit boonecounty4h.org/fair.

4-H

Most 4-H livestock shows will take place during the morning throughout the week. The supreme showman competition is at 6 p.m. Aug. 1. The competition featuring the top showers throughout the week tests a 4-Her’s skills in showing all types of animals.

“No matter what day you visit on, there will be plenty of animals,” Gay said.

More than 1,000 indoor projects will

plethora of free, family-friendly events throughout fair week. (File photo)

be on display throughout the week. They range from building a small engine and bug collecting to cake decorating and genealogy.

There are more than 1,000 4-H members in Boone County. Gay said numbers in Indiana and the county are increasing.

“We’ve seen continued growth in the past couple years,” she said.

FOOD

Fairgoers can expect plenty of fair food options.

The 4H Jr. Leaders will have their

food stand offering pizza, walking tacos and macaroni and cheese. The food stand is staffed by 4-Hers in grades seven through 12.

The 4-H Dairy Club’s stand is the place to grab a milkshake or handdipped ice cream. There’s also the Boone County Extension Homemakers’ Beehive inside the Witham Pavilion.

The group will offer hot meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Traditional fair food options will also be available around the fairgrounds.

“I don’t think anyone will be going hungry at the fair,” Gay said.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

There will be free, live entertainment on select evenings of the Boone County 4-H Fair. Performances will take place at the free entertainment stage.

• Pop, rock cover band the Paper Cuts, 6 to 8 p.m. July 26

• Black Box Theatre, 6 to 7 p.m. July 27

• 80’s and 90’s rock n roll band the Janeways, 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 30

• Country music artist Dylan Ray-

mond, 6 to 8 p.m. July 31

• Hunter Smith, former Indianapolis Colts punter and musician, 6 to 8 p.m.

NORTH TRACK EVENTS

• Rodeo, 7 p.m. July 26

• National Tractor Pullers Association tractor pull, 7 p.m. July 28

• Demolition derby, 7 p.m. Aug. 1. There is an admission charge for North Track events.

Current in Zionsville (ISSN: 3143-0686 | USPS: 25933) Founded: Mar. 20, 2012 • Vol. XV, No.19 Copyright © 2026 by Current Publishing, LLC. Published weekly by Current Publishing, LLC, 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032.

Business, Editorial, Accounting and Circulation Offices: 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032.

Call (317) 489-4444 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Carmel, IN.

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

Contact the editor

Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share?

Contact Managing Editor Spencer Durham at spencer @youarecurrent.com or submit it at youarecurrent. com/newstips. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

Delivery questions

To request, update or cancel your home delivery, scan the code below or visit: youarecurrent.com/subscribe

Advertise your business

If you’re interested in reaching the Zionsville market (12,685 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Zionsville advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.

Find us on the social media platforms below @youarecurrent

Opinions

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

The Boone County 4-H Fair runs July 26 through Aug. 1. Organizers are touting a

COMMUNITY

Arson suspected in Village

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Arson is suspected in a July 10 fire in downtown Zionsville and antisemitism might have been a motivating factor.

The former Kogan Antiques and Lighting store at 195 S. Main St. burned during the early hours of July 10. A passerby reported the fire at 1:41 a.m. The Zionsville Fire Department arrived shortly after and had the fire under control within 15 minutes. Preliminary damage is estimated at more than $150,000.

Officials believe the fire was intentionally set and originated with the lighting of an Israeli flag on the south side of the building. Zionsville Mayor John Stehr said during a July 10 press conference that Israeli and American flags had flown at the building for years.

“Judging by the burn pattern on the building, as well as surveillance footage we have, ZFD has determined the fire was likely caused by arson,” he said. “There is some belief the arsonist set fire to the Israeli flag and the fire spread from there.”

Aaron Gibbons, deputy chief of operations for ZFD, said all accidental causes were eliminated during the investigation. The Indiana State Fire Marshal, along with the FBI, are part of

the investigation.

Stehr said the fire was concerning and does not define the town or its residents.

“This is profoundly disappointing to me, and I think (to) the vast majority of people in Zionsville,” he said. “It is appalling and repugnant and a whole list of other words I probably can’t say out loud right now.”

The local Jewish community has rallied around the incident. A group gathered in front of the burned home July 12 in an act of solidarity. New Israeli and American flags adorn the building.

The building was a historic home and commercial structure. The first floor was the antique and lightning store with residential space above. Stehr said the building had been unoccupied since the owner died a few years ago.

The Main Street property has been wrapped up in a years-long legal case following the death of former owner Drew Kogan in 2022. The case involves the ownership of the property and the trust and estate of Kogan. The case is still pending.

No injuries were reported. No other buildings were damaged, either.

Those downtown between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m. July 10 who saw anything suspicious should call Zionsville Police Department Detective Nicholas Ruby at 317-941-9072.

The fire occurred at the former Kogan Antiques and Lighting store at 195 S. Main St. (Photo by Spencer Durham)

Traffic circle planned for intersection

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A roundabout for the intersection at 300 South and 975 East in Zionsville has been approved, although it will be a while before construction begins.

The Boone County Commissioners voted to have USI Consultants develop plans for the roundabout in rural Zionsville. It marks progress toward actual construction after years of the county trying to secure funding.

The busy intersection is slated for a roundabout because of the intersection’s traffic volume, crash history and the elevation change for westbound traffic, especially during winter, according to Brent Wheat, communication director for Boone County. A roundabout seeks to alleviate those issues.

“Roundabouts are recognized as a proven safety countermeasure, because they reduce conflict points, encourage lower vehicle speeds and can significantly reduce crashes resulting in serious injuries or fatalities,” Wheat stated. It took four years for Boone County to win funding for the roundabout project through Indiana’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant. The county received $584,000 in state and federal funding for the project. Wheat said the grant program is highly competitive and requires extensive documentation and supporting data with demand exceeding funding available.

Construction is not expected to begin until 2031. Wheat said much planning, design and other actions must take place before construction begins.

Boone County will put up $279,000 of its own funding. Communities must contribute at least 20 percent in matching funds and meet other federal requirements. The total cost of the project is $863,000.

 Church hosting blood drive — St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church will have a blood drive from 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. July 26 at the church’s sports field at 1870 W. Oak St. Appointments are not required but are encouraged. Visit donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/ or call 800-485-6594 to schedule a time.

COMMUNITY

The Overlook now open

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Golf Course’s newest amenity is a spot for community gatherings and for golfers to grab a drink, an extra sleeve of balls and a bathroom break during a round.

Community leaders and golf course staff celebrated the opening of the Overlook July 13 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The facility overlooks the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth holes of the course.

The concession stand-style structure features a shaded seating area, restroom facilities and food — including a pimento cheese sandwich — drinks, beer, wine and golf gear. It also offers a scenic view of much of the golf course. The Overlook opened July 3.

The Overlook is open to both golfers and residents. It is accessible via the cart path on the course. There is a public drive off of East Willow Street near Maple Street. It can be accessed on foot or by golf cart.

The Overlook was the idea of Pete Prust, of Zionsville National, who wanted to get the community more involved with the course downtown. And so far, that’s exactly what’s happened. Prust, who oversees maintenance at Zionsville Golf Course, said the Overlook has had plenty of residents stopping by to check it out, sit, relax or enjoy a glass of wine. People have also inquired about having meetings there.

“I never thought it would take off this quickly,” he said. “It is exactly

what I envisioned.”

Paul Kite, who along with Prust, took over operations of the golf course in 2024, said the limitations of the clubhouse also factored into building the Overlook.

“The real impetus was we had these inadequate bathrooms there (at the clubhouse),” he said.

The new restrooms at the Overlook are ADA compliant. A new clubhouse is likely the next project at the golf course.

A tee box for hole six will be right next to the Overlook. It’s expected to be completed in the coming weeks. For now, golfers tee off on a turf mat at the end of the facility. It can add some fun, or pressure, for a golfer if there’s a crowd watching.

Previously, the area was overgrown with dead trees and brush. An old storage barn was torn down.

“It was an eyesore was what it was,” Prust said.

Zionsville Golf Course operates as a public-private partnership. Zionsville National maintains the course while the town owns it.

The Overlook project cost $299,991 with $130,000 coming from the town’s golf course fund. The funds came from previous course revenues that were set aside for improvements. The golf course covered the rest of the costs.

“I think it’s been very clear this has been a tremendous success,” Zionsville Mayor John Stehr said.

For more, visit zionsvillenational.com.

The Overlook at the sixth hole on Zionville Golf Course is both a concession stand, restroom area and community hang-out spot rolled into one. (Photo by Spencer Durham)

news@youarecurrent.com

An outdoor painting event for artists of all ages returns Aug. 1 to downtown Zionsville.

The 24th annual Zionsville Paint Out hosted by SullivanMunce Cultural Center and the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association invites artists to create original artwork in any medium. First, second and third place awards will be given to each category of artists: professional, youth (ages 7-11) and teen (12-17). Professional artists can win monetary awards. The winner of the first-place award will have their name added to the Cynthia Van Tassel Yeo Plein Air Award plaque which is on display at the SullivanMunce Cultural Center.

Artists will register between 7 and 10 a.m. the day of the event. No advance registration is required. The event is free for SullivanceMunce and Plein Air Association members, along with children 17 and younger. It is $25 for nonmembers.

Youth ages will be provided with canvas and paint. Teens can use what is provided or bring their own supplies. All work must be submitted by 2 p.m. to be eligible for judging. The public is invited to watch artists paint, ask questions and come back to SullivanMunce at 2 p.m. to view the paintings from the day and stay for the awards ceremony at 3 p.m. Paintings will be for sale directly from the artists.

The Zionsville Paint Out will be held rain or shine.

SullivanMunce is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

For more, visit sullivanmunce.org or call 317-873-4900.

Pamela Newell of Fishers participates in the 2024 Zionsville Paint Out. (File photo)

Quilt exhibit opens July 24

news@youarecurrent.com

A new quilt exhibit at SullivanMunce Cultural Center inspired by trees and brick streets will be on display starting July 24 with an opening reception.

The public can meet the artists behind the “Trees & Bricks,” the 2026 Biennial Quilt Exhibition by the Charm Club, from 6 to 8 p.m. July 24. The exhibit will be on display through Aug. 29.

This year’s exhibition draws inspiration from one of Zionsville’s most recognizable features — the tree-lined brick Main Street. Artists explore nature, architecture, memory, texture, pattern and place. Through traditional quilting, innovative stitching and contemporary fiber art techniques, the exhibition showcases the creativity and individuality of each quiltmaker.

The Charm Club was founded in 1987 and had its first meeting at SullivanceMunce. The club was inspired by Zionsville’s Betsy Harris, a former editor at the Indianapolis Star and organizer of the paper’s quilt contests and Cheryl Spence of Carmel, owner of QuiltsPlus, the first quilt shop in Indianapolis.

courtesy of SullivanMunce Cultural Center)

The 10-member club debuts a new exhibit every other year. The first exhibit celebrated the traditional charm quilt where no two fabric pieces are alike. SullivanMunce is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more, visit sullivanmunce.org or call 317-873-4900.

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.

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.”

“Hoosiers across Indiana are concerned about the rise of Islam, not only

“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.

“Trees & Bricks,” the 2026 Biennial Quilt Exhibition by the Charm Club, draws inspiration from Zionsville’s tree lined brick Main Street. (Photo

Med student publishes paper in medical journal

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A Zionsville native’s research paper argues dermatologists should advocate for nutrition policies and safeguarding SNAP because food insecurity is detrimental to children’s skin health.

The paper, authored by Umayr Shaikh, was published in Pediatric Dermatology, a peer-reviewed medical journal. Shaikh, who is a fourth-year medical school student at Georgetown University, believes the paper is the first-of-its-kind to examine how SNAP and food insecurity could impact children’s skin.

“I hadn’t seen anything about SNAP and children’s skin health,” he said.

Food insecurity can lead to micronutrient deficiencies. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. Some deficiencies present as skin conditions like dermatitis, alopecia and poor wound healing, Shaikh said. For example, dry skin cracking at the corners of one’s mouth can be an iron deficiency.

“Food insecurity and micronutrient deficiencies do affect the things we can see,” he said.

Therefore, Shaikh concluded, SNAP is important for low-income children’s skin health and the dermatology field has an express interest in advocating for the protection of SNAP benefits.

“Healthy skin doesn’t start with a prescription,” he said. “It starts with giving every child the chance to be healthy.”

Shaikh argues dermatologists should conduct a brief two-question screening with patients regarding food insecurity.

This would help connect families with needed resources while promoting skin health.

Moreover, dermatology societies, like the American Academy of Dermatology, could issue formal policy positions and advocate for food assistance programs and update clinical practice guidelines for pediatric dermatology to include nutritional assessments.

“Dermatologists are well-positioned to contribute to this advocacy, given the specialty’s clinical expertise in recognizing nutritional dermatoses and its growing engagement with social determinants of health,” the paper states.

Shaikh, who wants to work in underserved areas as a dermatologist, said his research allowed him to follow a passion. He wrote the paper with two other med school students and dermatology academics and surgeons. Shaikh hopes his paper will spur future research on the issue.

Being published in a peer-reviewed journal is an impressive feat. The submission process is competitive. Shaikh said Pediatric Dermatology only accepts about 20 percent of submissions, although his paper being selected is even more rare. It was published under the “Arts, Humanities and Social Issues” section which typically only takes one submission per publication.

Shaikh said it’s also rare to have a paper published in a Pediatric Dermatology where none of the authors work in pediatric dermatology.

“I think that proves my point even more,” he said. “You don’t have to be a specialist to recognize these things.”

Earlier this year, Shaikh was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the top medical journal in the field, for his research on a type of aggressive skin cancer that predominately affects people of color. He also received the top prize at the Scientific Symposium of the Skin of Color Society for the same research.

Shaikh’s most recent paper is available at onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ doi/10.1111/pde.70282.

 Zionsville Redevelopment Commission — The RDC meets at 9 a.m. July 28 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The commission handles items related to development including acquiring land and overseeing tax increment financing districts.

Zionsville native Umayr Shaikh, center, with, from left, Dr. Patrick Sockler, Dr. Joseph Sobanko, Leela Raj and Christopher Richter. Shaikh worked with Raj and Richter on the peer-reviewed paper that was published in Pediatric Dermatology. (Photo courtesy of Umayr Shaikh)

COMMUNITY

DOWN ON THE FARM

Development continues on U.S. 421, grocery store on the way

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Multiple businesses have opened in The Farm this year, and many more are in the works, including a grocery store.

And now, the grocery store has a name.

Steve Pittman of Pittman Partners, which developed the 48-acre property that was once his family’s farm, said the grocery store planned for the mixed-use development will be The Fresh Market. The supermarket chain was founded in North Carolina and is based on a European-style market. There are two in Carmel.

The Fresh Market was named the Best Grocery Store in America three consecutive years by USA Today. The article prompted Pittman to land The Fresh Market.

“When I read it, I said, ‘That’s what I want the grocery store to be,’” he said. “I want west Carmel and Zionsville to have the best.”

A development plan for the grocery store received town approval earlier this year. A late 2027 opening is anticipated.

The Farm rounded out its food options this year with the opening of Torchy’s Tacos, Sweetgreen, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and Rise’n Roll Bakery. The establishments joined Bibibop, Piada Italian Street Food and West Coast Sourdough. Offerings range from high-end like Niku Sushi to more affordable options like Shake Shack and Torchy’s.

“We have a lot of the food category checked off,” said Sam Pittman, who handles the retail side of the development. Sam is Steve Pittman’s son.

Steve Pittman said he’d like to land a high-end steakhouse next to The Fresh Market, although that’s likely several years away.

Construction is underway on another commercial building that is expected to be completed by September. It will house five new tenants. The first will be a Crafter’s Pizza and Drafthouse.

The Pittmans intend to bring in more service businesses at The Farm. Current ones include Community Pet Healthcare and Machos Barbershop. A nail

salon is in the build-out phase.

Sam Pittman said they are selective about what tenants they add. Any new ones must be a good fit and offer something new.

“We probably say no more than we say yes,” he said.

The Pittmans said they want The Farm to be a community where tenants at the

Sylo, the 400-unit apartment complex, as well as people from all over the area, can enjoy. However, that doesn’t mean constant construction. There is an empty lot between Niku and Stock Yards Bank & Trust, which opened in June, that will eventually be developed.

“We haven’t felt the need to be building something everywhere,” Steve Pitt-

man said.

Rather, they prefer smaller, incremental steps in filling up The Farm. The development has been phased in.

The first phase was the construction of Sylo. It opened at the end of May 2025. Steve Pittman said occupancy is nearing 60 percent.

“In spite of a lot of supply, the place is really filling up,” he said.

A single bedroom starts at $1,599 a month. Sam Pittman said prices are competitive in the local market. There are plenty of amenities at the luxury apartments including an infinity pool, golf simulator, large common areas, fitness studio, cabanas and more.

Steve Pittman said there is a mix of tenants, from older residents who have downsized but don’t want to live in a retirement community, to young professionals and those waiting on their home to be built in another development in Zionsville.

“I think this has been well received by Zionsville,” he said. “It really serves the need in the community.”

ON THE COVER: The Farm at Zionsville, a 48-acre mixed-use development, has had a number of new businesses open in 2026 including a taco restaurant and ice cream shop. (Photos courtesy of Pittman Partners)

THE FARM TENANTS

EATS:

• Bibibop

• Cava

• Graeter’s Ice Cream

• Crafter’s Pizza and Drafthouse (coming soon)

• Niku Sushi

• Piada

• Rise’n Roll Bakery

• Shake Shack

• Sweetgreen

• Torchy’s Tacos

• West Coast Sourdough

SERVICES:

• Community Pet Healthcare

• Hollywood Nails (coming soon)

• Machos Barbershop

• Prime IV Hydration & Wellness

• Stock Yards Bank & Trust

A new building will house five more tenants. Contruction is expected to be finished in September.

The Farm has both eateries and service businesses, along with Sylo, a 400-unit apartment complex. Other developments are planned for the coming years. (Images courtesy of Pittman Partners)

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

COMMUNITY

Senior living facility opens

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Roberta Smith, Gerry Claghorn and Don Watson enjoyed breakfast together one morning at Holliday Farms Senior Living.

The residents at one of Zionsville’s newest retirement communities enjoy the amenities, including daily meals, of the up-scale facility.

“It’s nice not having to do the dishes,” Smith said. “The food is delicious and the people are great.”

Holliday Farms Senior Living, 11143 Ambrose Lane, opened its independent living apartments in April. It has 157 units and offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. The majority are independent living.

Executive Director CJ Boswell said the facility is at about 20 percent capaci ty. Holliday Farms Senior Living recent ly received its license for memory care. There is no shortage of amenities for the residents at the retirement commu nity. There is restaurant-style dining with an onsite chef, an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven, dog run, bocce ball court, a community greenhouse, pool and bistro area offering grab-and-go food. An exercise room includes staff

“It was getting to be laborious with my wife,” Watson said of living at home.

For more, visit hollidayfarmsseniorliving.com.

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

Stan

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC

By:

Pinegar, President

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-

Ashton Glickman gets ready to interview Sylvia Likens’ best friend, Sheila Jane Johson Wells. (Photo courtesy of Ashton Gleckman)

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

YAP challenges teens with ‘Chicago’ production

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 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,” Mora 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.

“Theater is literally the personification of empathy,” she said. “You’re stepping into someone else’s shoes, literally and figuratively. I think that makes it really special, even though I’m so different (from) my character … To get to play in this new light and new character is really fun because it helps you learn about the world around you and different perspectives.”

Blake Valentine, another 2026 NHS graduate who is entering his first year at Ball State University studying media production, has performed since age 12. He hopes his role as Amos Hart, Roxie’s forgotten husband, connects with audience members who are going through a hard time.

“I think a lot of people have had moments where they have felt alone or overlooked,” Valentine said. “I think (my solo ‘Mr. Cellophane’) shows them that there’s other people like this out there. You’re not alone in feeling alone.”

“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 Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, 3 Carter Green in Carmel.

For more, visit civictheatre.org/ chicago.

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)

GO FRAMELESS

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.

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.”

Beckwith

ENTERTAINMENT

Lobster Palooza closes

By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com

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

The event raised more than $26,000 to support the organization’s Fund-A-Need campaign, which provides programming for public libraries, schools and homeschool groups 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. For every goal met, performances were unlocked.

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)

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.”

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

LOU GRAMM: THE ORIGINAL VOICE OF FOREIGNER

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DEMOLA LIVE!

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE & PABLO CRUISE

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS 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 EMMET: THIS THING CALLED LOVE

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

NILADRI KUMAAR: THE SPACE BETWEEN THE NOTES –HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN

7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

HASTA LA MUERTE

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BLKBOK

7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND: LEDBETTER HEIGHTS 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY

| PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS TOUR 2026

| PAYNE

Editor,

COMMUNITY VOICES

Leave the animals be

Early spring and summer are generally the seasons many animals raise their families, from deer to rabbits to birds. Animals make it their “mission” to continue their lineage. Unfortunately, the environment and/ or humans can impede them from accomplishing this goal.

It is important to know what to do if you find an injured or abandoned animal, but most importantly we need to know what not to do. For example, just because you see a bunny nest and no mother, she has not left them alone. In order to not draw attention to them she only feeds them morning and evening then she goes away. Most baby animals are being cared for even if you do not observe it. Baby robins jump from the nest before they can fly and spend up to a week hopping on

the ground and slowly going higher into bushes and then trees all while being fed by both parents.

Unless an animal is in obvious danger or injured it is best to put animals back in their nest and watch from afar for parental care. If you find an injured or abandoned animal the most important thing to know is to keep it safe and warm and do not feed it anything. For example, birds do not drink milk or eat bread and squirrels do not eat processed human food. It is best to contact a licensed Indiana wildlife rehabilitator found on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website. Rehabbers are listed by county and the animals they will take. Please help our wild animals in the safest way possible.

Nancy Tatum, Carmel

Now is the time to reflect

Even if we can agree on the problem, reaching agreement on a path to resolution is rare. We are likely to identify, and cling to, our own solutions, disregarding others. Is the key to poverty a robust welfare system, jobs training, or both? Is there a resolution to hunger in providing no- or low-cost calories to all, or even some? And if we do, what then of related obesity and poor health? Should we direct the choices of those we help or would doing so be an affront to human dignity and self-determination? Alas, there are few “solutions” that arrive without a retinue of accompanying new, hopefully lesser, problems. How is it that we become so entrenched in our own take that the views of others are perceived as aggressive hostilities rather than respected perspectives? If we lift the voice of one, others cry foul, claiming suppression of their own view. Politics may be first among these arenas. None more illustrate the dilemma more than our state’s secretary of state candidates. Newcomer Republican Max Engling was elevated by

revolting convention delegates dissatisfied with incumbent Diego Morales. Birch Evans “Beau” Bayh IV, son of former Indiana Gov. and U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh and grandson of former U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh, returned to Indiana for the first time since childhood two years ago to run. The Libertarians advanced Lauri Shillings. Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is campaigning as an independent. “We need a novice!” “We need a noble!” “We need a dissenter!” “We need independent choice!” Whatever the flavor, this race has it. Sadly, many, overwhelmed by the fervor, will stay home from the polls, leaving the selection to those who get informed or those already sold on their champion. Now is the time to consider alternatives in calm reflection, long before we are inundated with angry commercials aimed at swaying our thinking.

Seal of disapproval

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I don’t have a lot of friends. I know lots of people, but that’s not the same. The people I do call friends sometimes disappoint me. Alex won’t take me to the airport at night (something about cataracts. Oh, please). Jenny wouldn’t feed our cat when we went away for the weekend (yes, Angel had bitten her, but no stitches were required … either time), and Janie won’t water our plants (sure, philodendron makes her windpipe contract, but what are friends for?).

dish from a new restaurant in town. I ate so many that when St. Elmo heard about it, they called to ask if I wanted to compete with Joey Chestnut in the spring when he came to town.

“I know lots of people, but that’s not the same. The people I do call friends sometimes disappoint me.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

The need for dependable friends was made clear when I was down in the basement recently and found an old box filled with expired coupons.

CONGRATULATIONS, YOU’VE WON! Feed the Seals at the Indianapolis Zoo 4 people (No Expiration)

It was an auction bid I placed at an event long ago. I always put my name on a list of items so people will see my signature and think I’m a big spender. Then I devote the rest of the evening hoping someone will outbid me. That’s how I ended up with a lifetime supply of bubble wrap.

This annual food fair used to invite me to serve as a food judge, where I would sample from every booth and pick winners. I don’t have much willpower. I was supposed to sample at each booth. Gorging is frowned upon. If my first stop had been fish tacos, I might have been OK (I’m not a fan). A taste would suffice. But the first booth was a shrimp cocktail

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

Reality began to set in. Even though there was no expiration date, I’m 80 years old, and I have an expiration date. I really needed to invite three friends soon. But who?

“Hi, Rob, it’s Dick Wolfsie. Say, I’m trying to get a group of people together to feed some seals …”

“Gee, Dick, only you, in landlocked Indiana, could find homeless, hungry seals.”

“These are not homeless seals. These are well-fed, happy seals at the zoo.”

“Then you need to find a more deserving charity. Aren’t we saving elephants anymore?”

I tried Heidi.

“How would you like to feed some seals with me?”

“Dick, does that require holding dead fish?”

“Yes, that’s why Mary Ellen won’t go.” As I recall, I bid about $300 for this opportunity to provide nourishment for our slippery friends. As of today, I have not reaped a single benefit from my generous donation.

Nor have the seals.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent. com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

Commentary by Terry Anker