June 16, 2026 — Current in Zionsville by Current Publishing

A SPECIAL METHOD

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Town Council member

Sampson accused in lawsuit

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Former NBA basketball player Josh McRoberts has filed a lawsuit against Zionsville Town Council member Sarah Sampson, alleging she pressured his grandmother to sign over her property while on her deathbed. The suit by McRoberts and Jennifer McRoberts, alleges Sarah and Jon Sampson, along with Zionsville attorney Michael Einterz, convinced Carolyn Pennington to deed her property to the Sampsons days before her death. Jennifer McRoberts is Pennington’s daughter and Josh’s mother.

Pennington, 85, died May 6. The lawsuit claims Einterz drafted legal documents that were signed by Pennington April 30, deeding her property at 6810 S. Ford Rd. to the Sampsons for $750,000, which is below market value.

Days earlier, Einterz drafted or witnessed several documents, including a will, power of attorney and health care representative, that Pennington signed granting those responsibilities to Sarah Sampson, according to legal documents.

Josh McRoberts argues the legal actions are null and void, because Pennington signed a revocable trust in June 2025 that made him the trustee of her estate. McRoberts, 39, was a standout basketball player at Carmel High School and Duke University who spent 11 seasons in the NBA, including three with the Indiana Pacers.

The legal signings purportedly came after Sampson removed Pennington from Rose Senior Living in Carmel to “an undisclosed location.” Pennington was removed while her daughter, Jen-

nifer McRoberts, was on vacation. Rose Senior Living reportedly called police to investigate. Sampson, per the lawsuit, told police Pennington had round-theclock care and was staying with her. The lawsuit claims that isn’t true. Sampson is accused of not allowing Pennington to meet with or speak to family members from April 10 until her death. The lawsuit also alleges Sampson did not notify family Pennington had died and had her body embalmed.

“All of the Defendants occupied a confidential and/or fiduciary relationship with Carolyn,” the lawsuit states. “They abused that relationship to her detriment and caused damage, such that all purported transfers are presumed to be the product of undue influence and constructive fraud.”

Zionsville law firm Einterz and Einterz claimed in a statement that Pennington told medical professionals to not contact her family. The firm said it “strongly refutes the allegations.”

Further, McRoberts, through his attorney Curtis Shirley of Carmel, argues that the documents signed by Pennington earlier this year are not valid as she was not of sound mind. A mental examination Pennington underwent when she entered assisted living last year indicated dementia, the lawsuit said. She was unable to stand or move and was staying at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis the day she deeded her property to the Sampsons.

Einterz and Einterz argues Pennington sought to sell some of or all of her trust to afford repairs on her home. The law firm said she first offered the property to Josh McRoberts, who stopped

talking to her last year. Then Pennington reached out to a neighbor — unnamed in the law firm’s press release — who agreed. Pennington also was determined to be sound of mind by doctors when she agreed to sell, according to the law firm.

The lawsuit accuses the Sampsons of pressuring Pennington to sell her property to them for years, telling the hospital she did not have family and that neighbors looked after her.

Einterz is accused of legal malpractice, having represented Pennington while acting in the interest of Sampson and trying to change Pennington’s life insurance beneficiary. It was Jennifer McRoberts.

“Whether or not of sound mind, a prudent attorney would have contacted her physician, or recommended Carolyn undergo a mental examination before signing anything in April or May of 2026, much less while in the hospital less than a week before she died,” the lawsuit states.

The law firm does not mention the Sampsons except to state it is not representing them in the case.

The lawsuit, filed in Boone County Superior Court 1, asks the court to give Pennington’s estate and trust to the McRobertses with Josh McRoberts as the fiduciary until the matter is resolved. A jury trial is requested. A hearing on the matter was scheduled for June 8.

The Boone County Democratic Party, in a Facebook post June 5, called for Sampson, a Republican, to resign because of the allegations.

Sampson, the county Democratic and Republican parties, and legal representatives for the McRoberts did not return requests for comment.

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West Clay at 131st & Towne Rd

Sampson

Data center pause set for vote

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A one-year moratorium on data centers will be heard by the Boone County Commissioners.

The Boone County Area Plan Commission gave a favorable recommendation on the pause June 3. If passed, the moratorium would prevent any data center project in the unincorporated parts of the county for one year.

John Merson, president of the plan commission, previously told Current the moratorium would allow the board to explore a potential ban of data centers, and if so, which sizes. He said at a previous meeting he thought they should be banned. Merson also said he doesn’t think rural Boone County has the infrastructure to support data centers.

Eleven counties in Indiana have moratoriums, with most being for one year. Marshall and Cass

counties have banned data centers outright.

The commission previously voted to send the moratorium to the commissioners, on May 6, however, no public hearing took place. Plan commission recommendations require an opportunity for the public to give input.

Four people spoke at the June 3 meeting. All were in favor of pausing data center projects with a couple in support of an outright ban.

“I’d rather you just say no more to begin with and not even mess with a year,” said Thorntown resident Cynthia Holmes. “Because we have enough information out there now that they’re no good for us, and they’re not good for our county.”

Any potential ban would be recommended by the plan commission and voted on by the commissioners.

The county commissioners next meeting is at 9 a.m. June 15.

Graeter’s opens in The Farm

By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville is home to the third Graeter’s Ice Cream shop to open this year in central Indiana, following new locations in Westfield and Fishers on Lantern Road.

Graeter’s held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony June 3. The shop is part of The Farm at U.S. 421 and Sycamore Street.

The store features a patio and indoor dining area and a menu with more than 25 ice cream flavors, sorbet, sundaes, frozen drinks, shakes, pies and cakes.

“The most unique feature (about this location) is that it’s with a plethora of really nice restaurants,” said Chip Graeter, a fourth-generation co-owner and chief of retail operations. “I don’t know if we have any stores that have that breadth of good quality eating right next door.”

Graeter attended the grand opening with his aunt Kathy Graeter, a third-generation family member who cut the ribbon.

“Hopefully, it’ll be one of our better (stores), and people will like it and want to come back and bring their families,” Chip

Graeter said. “We’re definitely a business centered around families, moms and dads, bringing their kids to an ice cream shop and enjoying some good, quality time together.”

The Graeter family founded the chain in 1870 in Cincinnati. It has since expanded across the Midwest with more than 60 stores. Other Indiana shops are in Carmel and Fishers on Cumberland Road, and another is expected to open in Plainfield this fall.

Graeter’s is at 11822 Sylo Crossing, Suite 601, next to Torchy’s Tacos, and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. Sunday.

Kathy Graeter cuts the ribbon at the family-owned Graeter’s Ice Cream shop June 3. (Photo by Piper Bailey)

Rural gas station proposed

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A gas station and convenience store at the southwest corner of 300 North and U.S. 421 appears to have an uphill battle for approval after the Boone County Area Plan Commission gave the project an unfavorable recommenda tion June 3.

Property owner Dennis Hollingsworth seeks to rezone the property to allow for the gas station, which would employ three people, be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight and have rightin, right-out entrances.

A gas station and convenience store is proposed for the southwest corner of 300 North and U.S. 421. (Boone County GIS)

Plan commission members weren’t very receptive to the project.

The gas station would be 1 mile north of the Zionsville town limits on the northeast side of town.

“We’re going to keep this as high end, meaning it’s going to be designed like we’ve been doing it in Carmel or, you know, in Noblesville, something like that,” said Chris Badger of Badger Engineering, the firm that would build the project.

The owner also offered to install storm sewer pipes large enough to accommodate future growth in the area.

“From the amount of phone calls I had on it, I’m surprised there are not at least 8 or 10 people in here speaking against it,” Commission Member Dustin Plunkett said.

Other members shared concerns about drainage, what a rezone to general business could allow in the mostly rural area and the possibility of a second gas station at the intersection.

Norris overseeing recount

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Town Council member

Evan Norris is overseeing the recount process for three state-level elections.

Norris, a Republican, was chosen as recount director May 26 by the Indiana Recount Commission, a bipartisan group composed of one Republican, one Democrat and Secretary of State Diego Morales. Norris is an attorney with Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP in Carmel. He focuses on construction litigation and law, according to his bio on the firm’s website. Norris said he’s also familiar with election law.

The matter heads to the Boone County Commissioners which will vote on the rezone request. process and that it runs as efficiently, accurately and as quickly as possible,” he said.

Norris has experience with the Indiana Election Commission which is what led to him getting involved. He could not comment on the specifics of the recounts.

The Senate District 23 recount has garnered much attention.

Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) appeared to narrowly defeat Paula Copenhaver, a Donald Trump-backed challenger, in the May primary. Deery, who opposed the President’s congressional redistricting efforts last year, won by three votes, according to certified results.

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The races in question are Senate Districts 15 and 23 and House District 57.

As recount director, Norris must follow a series of guidelines while the State Board of Accounts and Indiana State Police conduct the official recounts. He is not involved with the actual review of ballots.

“My role is essentially overseeing the

Copenhaver challenged the results based on an alleged group of 14 people who disclosed they voted in the Republican primary despite being Democrats or member of a different party. She argues they should not be counted because Indiana law requires voters to vote in a partisan primary only if they voted for that party in the last general election or support most of the party’s candidates in the past.

Norris

SAFETY, MEET STYLE

Voters to decide ZCS referendum

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville voters will decide in November on a referendum for Zionsville Community Schools that would generate up to $21.4 million per year.

The ZCS Board of Trustees approved a ballot question June 8 for an eight-year operating referendum. The referendum is meant to sustain the district’s offerings and class sizes as it will fund one in three teachers, consistent with previous referendums for ZCS.

“Without this renewal, we face reductions that would directly impact students (such as) larger class sizes, fewer course offerings and challenges retaining exceptional educators that define our district,” Board President Katie Aeschliman said.

A new referendum is because of changes to property taxes. Senate Enrolled Act 1 gives property owners more credits and exemptions on their property tax bill. The legislation depresses net assessed values, which is the amount homeowners and businesses are taxed on.

“Our taxable value is actually going to decrease lower than it has been in the last several years,” CFO Regina May said.

If taxable value decreases, the tax rate must increase to make up the difference, which is the main reason a new referendum is sought. However, a higher tax rate doesn’t necessarily mean a significant increase in taxes.

Based on a median home in Zionsville — $600,000 — Superintendent Rebecca Coffman said the average taxpayer will pay an additional $8 or $9.

That’s significantly less than the increase that will be listed on the ballot. The state requires schools to put how much a referendum will increase the median homeowner’s tax bill on the ballot, but the increase is based on if there was no referendum at all. The figure that will be on the ballot for Zionsville voters, which have had a referendum since 2012, is $1,368.

The general election is Nov. 3. To see the complete ballot question, visit youarecurrent.com.

TORO Z CELEBRATES OPENING

Owner Israel Vazquez, right, and his family cut the ribbon during a grand-opening celebration June 4 at El Toro Z, 1576 W. Oak St. Vazquez and his wife Susana bought the Mexican restaurant, formerly El Toro, late last year, after he found out it was going to be sold. Vazquez managed the Zionsville restaurant for years. The rebrand is a nod to the community Vazquez calls home. Vazquez said he’s grateful for the community support he’s received since taking over. “There are a lot of people coming,” he said. “We’ve been busier than usual.” (Photo by Spencer Durham)

Enjoy an in-store discount of 20% off furniture & accessories, and 15% off all regularly priced decorative lighting all month long.

Time is now for composting

Commentary by Jennifer Lawrence

As gardens begin to flourish and yard work is in full swing, June is an excellent time to start composting. Composting is the process of combining organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that improves garden health and keeps food scraps and yard waste out of landfills. Best of all, it’s easy!

Although composting can begin any time of year, summer’s warm temperatures help organic materials break down quickly. Whether you choose a purchased composter or a simple backyard pile, the ideal size is about 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet (one cubic yard).

Successful composting starts with the right mix of materials. Aim for a ratio of three parts “browns” to one part “greens.” Browns provide carbon and include dead leaves, twigs, sawdust, coffee filters, stale bread and shredded paper, cardboard or newspaper. Greens provide nitrogen and include fruit peels, vegetable scraps, grass clippings, tea and coffee grounds and eggshells.

For faster decomposition, all materials should be small, loose, chopped or shredded before being added. Be sure to remove seeds from items such as pumpkins and watermelons to prevent unwanted sprouting later. Avoid adding dairy products, meat, fish, pet waste, diseased plants, oils, glossy paper, metal, glass or coal ash.

Moisture and air flow are also essential. Compost should feel like a wrungout sponge — moist but not soggy. Good drainage helps protect the beneficial microbes that drive decomposition. Regularly turning the pile with a pitchfork or spinning your compost bin introduces air, speeds decomposition and minimizes odors.

If your HOA doesn’t allow compost piles or containers, there are alternative curbside composting options available to residents in Zionsville and Whitestown.

Visit boonecountysolidwaste.com for more on compost piles and alternatives.

Jennifer Lawrence is the executive director of Boone County Solid Waste Management District.

COMMUNITY

Area mayors address crossborder criminal activity

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam is calling out Indianapolis leaders for not doing enough to stop repeat criminals and area mayors agree that more needs to be done regionally to address criminal activity.

In a May 28 social media post, Finkam pointed to a recent arrest by Carmel police of a man who “committed a violent crime against Carmel residents, injured a victim and terrorized a family.” The man, later identified as Manuel Ettress, has faced more than 30 criminal cases in Marion County since 2020, the mayor posted.

dential yard, where it came to a stop against the chimney of a home.

Online records of Ettress’ most recent arrest list him as a Carmel resident, but Finkam told a national news outlet it is an “emergency family address” and that he has lived in Indianapolis and Bloomington.

“Carmel and other donut county residents pay the price when repeat offenders in Marion County cycle through the system without accountability,” Finkam stated in the post. “Our residents deserve to be safe. And police officers, who repeatedly do their jobs and put themselves in harm’s way, deserve a system that works alongside them.”

Area mayors agreed criminal activity spilling from Marion County to surrounding areas is a problem. They also agreed it will take a team effort to address it.

“Criminals could care less what a political boundary is, so our solutions have to do the same,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said. “Hopefully in the coming weeks and months, we’ll continue to double down in the areas that make sense.”

Zionsville Mayor John Stehr said area mayors frequently discuss the issue. He also believes it will take a collaborative effort to address the problem.

“We all have to do our part to make sure the region is as safe as it can be,” he said.

Ettress is facing 26 charges filed May 26 in Hamilton County after allegedly carjacking a vehicle from the GetGo gas station on Illinois Street in Carmel and running over its owner’s foot, according to local reports. After speeding away, Ettress crashed the vehicle into an electrical pole and through a resi-

Finkam told Current June 1 that she can’t understand why someone like Ettress, who has faced dozens of felony charges, is not in jail.

“Our officers tell me that they’re frustrated, and I can’t imagine how (Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department) officers feel,” Finkam said. “They’ve arrested this gentleman and other repeat offenders numerous times, but then before they can get to the end of their shift, they’re back out on the streets.”

Stehr said Marion County prosecution is the issue.

“The prosecutors have to do their part, too,” he said.

When reached for comment, IMPD referred Current to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecutor’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

However, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears told an Indianapolis TV station May 29 that Finkam is “looking to score political points.”

“It’s interesting that they single out Marion County when the most recent case was in Hancock County, and the mayor didn’t say a single word about that,” Mears said.

Finkam told Current the matter is about outcomes, not politics.

“Families deserve to be safe, and residents deserve confidence that dangerous repeat offenders, which is my whole point this whole time, are being dealt with appropriately,” Finkam said.

Finkham and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hegseth announced June 5 they will create a Regional Mayors’ Safety partnership summit. The group will meet multiple times a year to discuss improving safety in the region.

Leila Kheiry and Spencer Durham contributed to this report.

Finkham Stehr

Fadness

DISPATCHES

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 Zionsville Redevelopment Commission — The RDC meets at 9 a.m. June 23 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The commission handles items related to development including acquiring land and overseeing tax increment financing districts.

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 Town council appropriates funds — The Zionsville Town Council approved the appropriation of three different fund transfers in May. About $12,000 left over in the Zionsville Police Department’s continuing education fund from last year was moved to the 2026 fund. The fund, supported by Indiana hand gun sales, is used for training by ZPD. Another $499,554 was appropriated for the town’s road projects this year. This is the town’s share of funds that was matched by the state. Paving projects include First Street between Cedar and Ash streets and 106th Street from Zionsville Road to the town limits. Another $41,000 was appropriated for a bridge to be built over Cox Creek along U.S. 421.

 Free summer meals for kids — The Shalom House in Lebanon is offering free summer meals for kids throughout the summer. Meals are distributed every Monday through Aug. 3. Zionsville Christian Church, 120 N. Ninth St. is a pick up site. Meals can be picked up between 5-6 p.m. each Monday. Each bag includes five lunch and breakfast entrees, five snacks, five fruits, milk voucher and book. No registration is required. Parents should bring photo ID or proof of residency.

 National security expert to speak — Steven Cash, the executive director and co-founder of The Steady State, will speak from 6-8 p.m. June 17 at the Whitestown branch of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library. Cash will discuss patterns of democratic erosion in the United States, according to a news release. He is a former CIA officer. The Steady State is an organization of more than 400 hundred senior security professionals spanning multiple intelligence agencies. The group advocates for constitutional democracy and rule of law. A Q&A will follow the talk. Admission is free. Register to attend or sign up for the live stream at indivisibleboone. org/steady-state/.

Community Health appoints new CFO

news@youarecurrent.com

Community Health Network recently named Jerry Yang as its new chief financial officer, effective June 9. Yang brings extensive experience leading finance functions for large, multiregional health systems.

Yang most recently was senior vice president and chief financial officer of Aspirus Health, where he oversaw financial performance for a 19-hospital integrated delivery system.

Oklahoma and LifePoint Health. His experience includes financial operations, system integration and market-level leadership across complex health systems.

Yang earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He succeeds Kyle Fisher, who retired in 2025. Holly Millard served as interim CFO during the transition.

Previously, Yang held senior health care finance leadership roles at MultiCare Health System in Washington, Beaumont Health in Michigan, Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa,

Outside of work, Yang enjoys traveling, cycling, hiking and spending time with his wife and daughter. Although he grew up in Alabama, Yang has ties to Indianapolis and stated he is excited to return to the area.

 Beekeepers club — North Central Beekeepers Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Cool Creek Nature Center in Westfield, 2000 E. 151st St. Meetings are free for all levels of beekeepers north of Indianapolis. Those interested in becoming beekeepers are welcome. Learn more at facebook.com/groups/ncbclub.

Yang

Photo

Volunteers upkeep Howard School

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Elaine Dickerson keeps dozens of children busy when she holds class at Howard School.

Students participate in a spelling bee, learn about germs and have story time. The activities are akin to the era of oneroom schoolhouses. Howard School, located in Perry Township, is the last unaltered one-room schoolhouse in Boone County.

Students also make paper cups. Dickerson pulls a jug of water off the shelf and students test out their cups.

“The kids think it’s the best water in the world,” she said. There’s nothing special about it, though. It comes from her kitchen sink.

Dickerson is an original member of the Howard School Restoration Group, a group of volunteers who restored the 1881 one-room schoolhouse. She also serves as one the schoolmarms, a term used to describe women who taught in rural schoolhouses.

The school was restored in 2011 following seven years of work. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The project was spearheaded by Perry Township resident Jack Belcher who called a community meeting in 2004 that eventually led to the creation of the restoration group. He rallied friends to join his cause.

“He would definitely put you to work,” said Bonnie Kincaid, president of the group. “It didn’t matter who you

were.”

The school hosts field trips for area elementary students and can also be rented out for graduation parties. One couple even got married at the school. Those associated with the school want more people to know about the rural destination.

“I want to make sure it’s around for a very long time for people to enjoy,” said Alysea Belcher, Jack’s daughter.

The school was officially known as Perry School No. 1. The Howard name comes from John B. Howard, an early settler of Boone County and former trustee, who originally owned the property. The school closed in 1916 during winter break. Students were moved to Perry Central.

Volunteers put a new roof on the building. New windows were installed. A tree growing on the inside was removed. Today, it is full of items and memorabilia meant to match the time of one-room school houses, like chalkboard slates, wooden desks and an American flag with a few less stars. Many of them were locally sourced. The only original wood is the patch in front of the door.

Belcher died in 2023. Alysea Belcher spread some of his ashes around the flagpole.

“This was the best project for him,” she said. “He loved the community so much.”

For more information, to get involved or donate, visit howardschoolhouse. org/home.html.

Bonnie Kincaid, left, and Elaine Dickerson are two of the volunteers who helped restore and preserve Howard School, a one-room school house in Perry Township. The school hosts field trips and can be rented out for events. (Photo by Spencer Durham)

SKYLAKE ADVENTURES OPENS IN SHERIDAN

SKYLAKE Adventures in Sheridan just north of Westfield’s city limits had a soft opening June 2. The park officially opened June 4. The water attractions opened first. Other attractions will be phased in over the coming months as construction continues. (Photo by

DISPATCHES

 Tickets on sale for street dance — The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce’s Street Dance will be 6-10 p.m. Aug. 1 on the north end of Main Street in the Village. Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance and $25 at the gate. Kids 10 and younger are $10. VIP tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance. The annual event includes live music, beverages from local breweries, wineries and distilleries, food trucks and a kids play area. This year’s entertainment features Pigeons of Market Square and The Dundies. Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/yn6ppejx

World Food Championships tickets on sale — The world’s largest live cooking competition will take place Oct. 15-18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. Three hundred chefs, home cooks, pitmasters and culinary teams from around the globe will compete live across 10 championship categories. For more and to purchase tickets, visit worldfoodchampionships.com.

Todd Golden)

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COMMUNITY

A SPECIAL METHOD

Equestrian-based therapy benefits kids with autism

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

It took moving to Germany for Laila Rahmatian’s son to start talking.

There, Rahmatian discovered a form of equestrian-based therapy for her nonverbal son, Donatello, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 2.

The results were remarkable. Weekly riding time led to Donatello speaking, potty training, making eye contact and plenty of other developments his mother hadn’t seen in her son.

Now, she’s bringing the therapy to Zionsville.

Cornerstone Equestrian Services will host Horse Boy Method Level 1 certification training June 25-26. The training will be led by Horse Boy Method founder Rupert Isaacson and occupational therapist Leana Tank.

Horse Boy Method was developed by Isaacson after his son, Rowan, was diagnosed with a severe form of autism spectrum disorder. Traditional behavior therapies worsened Rowan’s condition, so Isaacson, who has a journalism background covering civil rights in Africa, sought other ways to help his son.

Isaacson discovered his son responded positively to being in nature and riding a horse.

“The first day I put him in the saddle, he started speaking with me,” Isaacson said.

Rahmatian and her family previously lived in Carmel. Locally, she experienced a lack of access for her son, often driving an hour or more for equinebased therapy that was shorter than the drive time it took to get there.

“I was not able to get the help we needed in Indiana, because everyone was full,” she said.

Learning about Horse Boy Method while her family contemplated a move to Germany for her husband’s work proved to be the final push.

“That was the trigger,” Rahmatian said. “We decided to move to Germany to get help for my son.”

Isaacson and his family traveled to Mongolia to learn from traditional sha-

mans, slowly developing what became Horse Boy Method.

“I came back with a very different kid,” he said.

The key is what happens in the brain of a child as they ride a horse. The brain releases oxytocin, the feel-good hormone that’s also related to communication. Isaacson said the rocking of the

Laila Rahmatian, a former Carmel resident who lives in Germany, found success with her son who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder after they tried Horse Boy Method, an equine-based therapy for children with autism. (Photos courtesy of Laila Rahmatian)

hips that happens while riding helps with incontinence. The therapy also helps the brain create more brain cells. Simply, it’s applied neuroscience with ponies, according to Isaacson.

“It’s neuroplasticity in motion,” he said.

Rahmatian said her son has made great strides since starting the therapy.

HORSE BOY METHOD TRAINING

There are four levels to the equinebased therapy called Horse Boy Method. The training offered by Rupert Isaacson and Leana Tank June 25-26 at Cornerstone Equestrian Services will cover level one.

This includes the basics of motion and neuroscience, how to train horses and apply it, as well as how to create an environment conducive to Horse Boy Method.

Isaacson said a fundamental aspect of the therapy is that it is fun for the

child.

“Humor and play are absolutely vital to this,” he said. “Too (often), the parents take therapy too seriously, and the kids don’t enjoy it.”

The Zionsville training is open to therapeutic instructors, therapists and teachers with a horse background and riders with an interest in autism. For more information, visit ntls.co/ events/us-in-horse-boy-method-1certification-course/.

Horse Boy Method is rooted in neuroscience, but its most important feature, according to founder Rupert Isaacson, is that it be fun for kids. Therapy sessions are called “play dates.” “Humor and play are absolutely vital to this,” he said.

It’s helped his emotional regulation, curbs tantrums and having to use his lower core while riding has helped with incontinence — a common symptom among those with autism spectrum disorder. Donatello is also communicating, pointing and sharing apples with the horse he rides.

“He’s learning the importance of sharing,” Rahmatian said. “He wasn’t sharing with anybody before he got on the horse.”

Today, Horse Boy Method is an internationally recognized therapy, the subject of a book by the same name as well as a movie, “The Long Ride Home.” It is in 40 countries and serves 300,000 people a week and has been the subject of multiple academic studies.

Where it isn’t is Indiana. Isaascon’s training in Zionsville will be the first for the state. Rahmatian wants to see the therapy take hold in the Hoosier state.

“I need to plant the seed in Indiana, because I’m not moving back until there is Horse Boy,” she said.

ON THE COVER: Rupert Isaacson, right, founder of Horse Boy Method, an equinebased therapy for children with autism, works with a child during a session. Isaacson founded the Horse Boy Method after traditional behavioral therapy was ineffective for his son.

Rahmatian)

(Photo courtesy of Laila

Performers having ‘Shrek’ of a time

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For Quincy Carman, this is a perfect way to start her summer.

Carman is performing as Fiona in Civic Theatre’s Junior Civic’s musical version of “Shrek Jr.” June 19-24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“Ever since I was little I have loved the show, so it’s very cool that I get to play one of my dream characters,” said Carman, who will be an eighth-grader at Carmel’s Creekside Middle School in the 2026-27 school year. “I think all the music is very fun and creates a good match. The message is it’s OK to be weird, be yourself, don’t judge a book by a cover. Those are the main ones.”

Carman said “I Know It’s Today” and “I Think I Got You Beat” are her two favorite songs in the show, which she saw Junior Civic perform in 2019. This is the largest role she has had.

“Memorizing is very tricky but I’m trying my hardest,” she said.

Evan Cohen, who will be a freshman at Carmel High School in August, plays Shrek.

“Before I auditioned,I liked listening to Shrek’s solos and music from the main version,” he said. “Some songs are cut in the junior version, but I think the music is really good and pulled me into really wanting the role.”

It’s the biggest role Cohen has had, too.

“I’ve never had this many lines before, so I have to memorize a lot,” he said.

Cohen will be painted green before each performance. Carman also has to be painted green for part of the performance. Ari Yuckman, who plays the Donkey, will be a freshman at CHS.

“Travel Song” is one of Cohen’s favorites because it’s from two perspectives.

“One character is singing and he is annoying Shrek, and then Shrek is singing about how annoyed he is with Donkey,” Cohen said. “I like ‘I Think I

Got You Beat’ because we are not afraid to let our differences show.”

“I Think I Got You Beat’ is a one-upmanship between Shrek and Fiona on whose life has been more difficult. Fiona has been trapped in a tower and Shrek’s been shunned.

“That’s the song where Shrek and Fiona realize they aren’t as different as they thought they were,” director Shelby Myers said. “You start to see the kindling of a relationship. That’s the turning point in the musical.”

The cast features approximately 35 performers. Most are 14 or younger.

“There’s definitely scenes where we have everyone on the stage at the same time,” Myers said. “What’s great about this show is that there are so many opportunities for different groups of kids to have featured moments in the show. It’s such an ensemble show. It’s so much about community and togeth-

erness. Shrek’s story, in particular, is all about loneliness, what do we need from each of us as human beings.”

Myers said the message of the musical is relatable.

“The finale of the show is ‘This is Our Story,’” Myers said. “It’s about storytelling and it’s about the journeys we all go through. It’s about the assumptions we have as we go into life and how life can flip that right back around. It’s about how we are princesses and ogres at the same time. People are complex, and that’s what makes us beautiful. It’s celebrating diversity and inclusion.”

While the younger actors are performing “Shrek Jr,” Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program will present “Revue!” at 6 and 8 p.m. June 22 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘CINDERELLA’

“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“The Magic of David Ranalli” is set for June 18, followed by Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends June 19 and Dueling Pianos June 20 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘DESCENDANTS’

The Carmel Community Players Rising Star production of Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” runs through June 21 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘THE GERMAN TROPICS’

“The German Tropics” runs through June 21 at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

DISPATCH

 Karaoke Night set for Palladium – Inspired by the success of its annual all-ages World Voice Day celebration, Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts is offering a new opportunity for local residents 21 and older to share their talents on stage. Adults of all abilities are invited to join in the inaugural Karaoke Night, set for 8-10 p.m. June 18, at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a $10 minimum, on sale now at thecenterpresents.org or 317-843-3800. All proceeds benefit Allied Solutions Center’s arts and educational programming. Registration to sing starts at 8 p.m. on a first-come, firstserved basis.

From left, Quincy Carman, Evan Cohen and Ari Yuckman appear in Junior Civic’s “Shrek Jr.” (Photo by Joshua Hasty)

HEEL PAIN?

Grammy-winning artist Clark set for concert

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Brandy Clark had trouble believing a New York Times panel had named her one of the 30 greatest living American songwriters.

“It was a surprise to me then, and I actually thought when they called me they were calling to interview me about someone else,” she said. “I didn’t believe I was on the list for a bit. I had my publicist double-check because it’s such a weighty list. I think the great thing about it for me is I want to spend the rest of my life proving that I deserve to be on it because it is a big honor.”

Clark will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 21 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Indianapolis singer-songwriter Kara Cole will open for Clark.

Clark won a Grammy Award for Best Americana Performance for her song “Dear Insecurity,” which featured Brandi Carlile. “Dear Insecurity” won the Song of the Year from Americana Honors & Awards.

Carlile produced Clark’s self-titled album in 2023.

“I won my first Grammy on that record,” Clark said. “It was so fun to work with her and it taught me a lot. It did get me back to my roots, not just to the (Pacific) Northwest, but just of songwriting, and reminded me of why we all write songs to begin with. It got me back to that sort of place.”

When she was young, Clark’s parents enjoyed the country music of that era while her grandmother favored older country artists.

“There are a couple songs on that new album that tip their hat to that oldschool country sound,” she said. “Then there are more progressive songs.”

Clark was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Country Album for her 2013 debut album “12 Stories.” She had already been writing songs for artists such as Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker for several years.

Clark’s next album will come out in late July, but the first single, “American Roots,” was released June 5.

Clark will perform new songs and some favorites, such as “She Smoked in the House.”

“I love that people always want to

hear that song, and ‘Hold My Hand’ is one that always has to get played,” she said.

Clark grew up next door to her maternal grandparents.

“I feel like my influences go back further than most people my age because of my grandparents,” she said. “My parents were definitely listening to the country that was on commercial radio at that time. I’ve always felt fortunate for those influencers like Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. There were artists like Kenny Rogers on the radio when I was a kid, so it was a good hodgepodge of music to grow up in.”

McEntire recently asked her to write a song called “Trailblazer” for McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Laney Wilson.

“That was incredible because those are three female singers and songwriters that I absolutely love,” Clark said. “So, getting to collaborate with them was such a big deal. I’m always proud when someone covers my songs.”

Clark was joined by collaborators Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne on the Times list. She and McAnally created a pop-country score for a Broadway musical called “Shucked” in 2022.

“Shane is one of the greatest collaborations of my life,” she said. “He’s a best friend, so the work we’ve done together means a lot more because of that. We’ve gone through a lot. We’ve written hits. We’ve had misses and we wrote a musical together. We’re turning that into a movie, so we are writing potential new songs for a musical movie. Shane’s always been my biggest cheerleader and I’ve been his.”

For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

Brandy Clark will perform June 21 at Hendricks Live! (Photo courtesy of Pamela Springsteen)

ENTERTAINMENT

Academy kids head to NYC

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel’s Midwest Academy students are getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take the stage on Broadway.

Midwest Academy, which serves students with learning differences such as ADHD, autism and language-based processing challenges, is taking 21 students to the Arts for Autism, a one-night benefit performance June 22 at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.

Broadway performers join performing arts students from across the U.S. for the benefit. It’s the 10th anniversary of the program and Midwest’s first appearance.

Alicia McClure, a Midwest music and theater arts teacher, said the school was invited to submit a video and sent one from a “Frozen Jr.” production in 2025.

“We have a piece we take with us and do two group numbers and we have 13 Broadway performers that work with us over the weekend (June 20-21) on the group numbers,” McClure said.

The performance piece is “Everybody Rejoice” from “The Wiz,” which was an

Midwest Academy students Katie Villamin (Dorothy), Ethan Hurry (Scarecrow) and Oliver Tuttle (Toto the dog) perform in “The Wizard of Oz Jr.” (Photo courtesy of Midwest Academy)

encore song when Midwest Academy presented “The Wizard of Oz Jr.” in March.

Ethan Hurry, who played the Scarecrow in the March production and is a 2026 graduate, said he has been part of each musical production at Midwest.

“I’m a big fan of the acting,” said Hurry, a Whitestown resident. “I think it’s really cool playing a different character.”

Indianapolis resident Layla Callahan, who wlll be a junior in the 2026-27 school year, played Glinda in the school production.

“I’ve always wanted to go to New York, it’s one of my dreams,” she said.

The flexibility to be flexible

Commentary by Terry Anker

The French have been long regarded for many innovations. The pastries are outstanding. The bread and cheese are among the best. Some might credit them for developing their own form of smooching. Oddly, they cannot claim fries — that “honor” goes to the Belgians. But, the French delivered to us the bureaucrat – translated literally to “rule by the desk.” Although the English later adopted the term, and the ethos, in administering its vast empire, the French still can claim the innovation.

Bureaucrats tend to the machinery of government, big corporations and giant nonprofits. They serve critical functions in ensuring the stable and consistent stewardship of these important institutions. But too often, these officials are disciples of form over function, unwilling or unable to adapt. They block resolution with the mantra, “These are the rules, and if you don’t capitulate, you will be punished,” tacitly expressing their authority to ensure that we do things exactly the way they

want. The functionaries bark arbitrary orders rarely designed to accomplish anything other than to validate their power. One could imagine an officious elf returning millions of letters to Santa because of deficiencies in the children’s spelling or punctuation.

In most cases, our friendly neighborhood bureaucrat is a welcomed guide through the Byzantine halls of leviathan institution, focusing more on outcomes than inputs. While there are those only playing defense, these good souls are constantly endeavoring to move the ball. If there is an “I” that was undotted or a “T” uncrossed, they still manage to process the request. Rules exist for a reason — still they are made to be broken. If we become truly inflexible, should we snap in the wind, or is it respectable enough to bend a little?

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

LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S TARIFF NO. 67 CREDITS ADJUSTMENT

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or about July 20, 2026, Duke Energy Indiana will submit an update to its Tariff No. 67, Credits Adjustment (“Tariff No. 67”), to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. Tariff No. 67 provides the rate adjustment to 1.) adjust for the 2025 reconciliation, 2.) refund the IGCC Property Tax Incentives, 3.) amortize Excess Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes resulting from the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, 4.) reflect the Step 2 rate adjustment from Duke Energy Indiana’s retail rate case (Cause No. 46038.), 5.) refund expense associated with the Grantors Trust, and 6.) credit the amortization expense related to the IGCC Outage Costs. Tariff No. 67 is applicable to all Duke Energy Indiana retail electric customers. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, Dana Kosco or Carol Sparks Drake of 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

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC By: Stan Pinegar, President

Sob story about lost fobs

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

“I want my key back,” I told my wife. Of course, I didn’t mean my house key. I meant my car key — the way they used to make them. I haven’t had a real car key in about 20 years. I miss them. When I lost one, I would simply get my spare key, take it to the hardware store and have a copy made. Problem solved. Three bucks, tops.

Now, we have fobs, also called keyless entry devices. Instead of carrying a thin, easily replaced piece of metal, they now give you a mini electronic device that costs 500 bucks to replace. I know that because I’ve lost mine twice.

“The car starts,” I told him.

“Dick, that is the oddest complaint I have ever heard. The fob has to be in your car.”

Later, my wife Mary Ellen helped me search for it in the vehicle …

“Dick, why not just call it?”

“Why can’t they track a fob like a cellphone? They do stuff like that on ‘Law & Order’ all the time, and we’re watching episodes that are 35 years old.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

“Mary Ellen, it’s a fob, not a cellphone.”

“Why can’t they track a fob like a cellphone? They do stuff like that on ‘Law & Order’ all the time, and we’re watching episodes that are 35 years old.”

So, how do you manage to lose a fob? It must be in your house somewhere, or how did you get home? Misplacing a fob is very difficult. But I have a very high IQ, so I figured out how to do it multiple times. Here’s my method: When I go somewhere, usually the gym, I take my athletic bag, to which I have attached one of my fobs. But I also absentmindedly stick the extra fob in my pocket, and then … Do I really have to explain how to lose a fob? This is not something you want to learn.

Once, when I thought I had lost my fob, the car still started, even though I had left the duplicate on the kitchen table. I searched every nook and cranny like a Thomas’ English Muffin engineer, but I could not find it. I went to the dealer …

“What’s the problem?” he asked.

By the way, I had no idea what FOB stood for. I thought it was an acronym, like SOB. My best guess was either Found Only Between the couch cushions or Functionally Overpriced Button. But it’s just a fob. The term “fob” comes from 17th-century Germanic roots meaning “pocket,” and it originally referred to a small pocket sewn into clothing. I’m not sure why I told you that. You can Google as well as I can. Truth is, I really do like the oldtime keys.

“Dad, can I have the fob to the car tonight?” does not have a nostalgic ring to it.

As of now, I can’t find either device. I wonder where those two little SOBs are hiding?

at wolfsie@aol.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

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

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him

17. Abhors

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20. Up in the air

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auctions

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