5 Council approves incentives for new Fishers district plans Page 4 HSE board OKs referendum resolution
OneZone named Chamber of the Year
9 City kicks off road construction season
Tenderloin Tuesdays arrives in Hamilton County
Enjoy an in-store discount of 20% off furniture & accessories, and 15% off all regularly priced decorative lighting all month long.
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Northview Church has cut ties with senior pastor C.J. Johnson after several years of hearing and addressing concerns about his leadership style and interpersonal conduct.
The elder board for the Carmel-based megachurch announced the news in an email sent June 10 to church members. The church also provided the email to Current.
Report.
“The attorney said in his final report in September 2025 that Johnson’s account of events was ‘self serving’ and lacked any corroborating evidence,” the story states. “He also advised the elders to remember that where there’s smoke, there is usually fire.”
“We recognize that this news may bring a range of emotions,” the letter states. “For some, it may be surprising and difficult. For others, it may feel like the culmination of concerns that have existed for a long time. Both responses are understandable.”
The letter states that a “significant allegation” was brought to the elder team within the last year. The letter does not provide details about the allegation. Northview Executive Pastor Jason Pongratz told Current that the matter did not involve criminal activity.
However, the Roys Report, a news website that covers the Christian church and community, reported June 11 that the “serious allegation” was raised by a woman in Scottsdale, Ariz., who said Johnson propositioned her to have sex during marriage counseling sessions.
The story claims that Kerri Mosher, 55, told Northview elders earlier this year that Johnson traveled to her home to provide marriage counseling and made several sexually suggestive comments as she showed him around.
Johnson refuted most of the allegations to the law firm and said he mentioned sex and cheating as a test, which he described as a marriage counseling technique, according to the Roys
Northview’s letter states that the investigation’s findings were “inconclusive.”
Current reached out to Northview and Mosher for comment on the allegations in the Roys Report story but did not receive a response. Northview declined to provide the investigation report to Current.
The Northview letter states that three executive pastors raised their own concerns about Johnson’s leadership during a May 19 meeting with elders. While the elders made the decision to terminate Johnson, they received unanimous support from the church’s trustees and executive team.
“The elders did not arrive at this decision quickly or lightly,” the letter states. “Over an extended period of time, as noted, concerns were raised, feedback was received, accountability measures were pursued, and efforts were made to address the underlying issues.”
The letter states that the leadership culture at the church “was inconsistent with our values and expectations for anyone entrusted with spiritual and organizational leadership.”
“Our commitment is to acknowledge the unhealthy culture that developed, learn from our past, support one another, and move forward together in a healthier direction,” the letter states.
“We are committed to rebuilding trust where it has been damaged, strengthening our culture, and ensuring that our leadership reflects the values we seek to
Newcomers Club meeting set — Fishers Newcomers Club meets at 3 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Delaware Township Community Center, 9090 E. 131 St.
“We recognize that this news may bring a range of emotions. For some, it may be surprising and difficult. For others, it may feel like the culmination of concerns that have existed for a long time. Both responses are understandable.”
IN AN
model as followers of Christ, specifically, living a life above reproach.”
Longtime Northview minister Mark Crull will serve as interim senior executive pastor.
The letter encourages those with questions or concerns to contact Northview pastors or elders.
“Beyond that, given the sensitivity of this matter, we want to take our cares to Jesus rather than to others,” the letter states. “That means rejecting the temptation to speculate or pass along secondhand information.”
Johnson joined Northview in 2022 as the successor to longtime senior pastor Steve Poe, who retired after more than two decades leading the church.
Soon after Johnson took over, several former Northview employees shared concerns with Current about the pastor’s leadership style and background. Former members of Johnson’s previous congregation, Southland City Church in Lakeville, Minnesota, also expressed concerns.
Current reached out to Johnson for comment.
Fourth fireworks announced — Celebrate Independence Day with three fireworks shows throughout Fishers plus a concert, presented by Fishers Parks. Enjoy live music by Groovesmash starting at 8 p.m. July 4 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater before fireworks at that location. Residents also can view fireworks from the water on Geist Reservoir, or gather at Hamilton Southeastern High School, 12499 Olio Rd. Fireworks displays are each set to start at 10 p.m.
Menards hosting food drive — Menards home improvement stores are serving as drop sites for local food pantries through the end of July. Donations can be placed in large collection boxes near the exit doors.
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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, Fishers, IN Vol. XVI, No. 22
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By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees voted 6-0 with one abstention June 10 to approve a resolution that will place a referendum question on the Nov. 3 ballot that, if approved by voters, would increase local tax support for public schools.
The proposal includes a maximum rate of 36 cents per $100 of net assessed value over an eight-year term. However, Superintendent Matt Kegley has said repeatedly that the plan is to start at a lower rate of about 22 cents, increasing that about 6 percent annually to about 33 cents in 2034. The current referendum, ratified by voters in 2023, has a rate of up to 19.95 cents per $100 assessed value.
The replacement referendum is in response to Senate Enrolled Act 1, which adjusted the net assessed value used to calculate property tax, reducing what is collected for schools and local government. If the referendum is approved, district administrators estimate the average property owner would pay an additional $37 in 2027 compared to the current referendum rate, adding that the average annual payment is less than what property owners would have paid if SEA1 had not passed.
During public comment before the vote, four people spoke, with three supporting the referendum. Ray Maddolone was the only speaker who opposed the resolution. He said the district should have cut more teaching positions before asking for additional tax dollars, noting that lower student
enrollment is a significant factor in the district’s financial concerns.
“In business, a company must react to market conditions. They are responsible to their shareholders to run at a profit, not at a loss,” he said. “So, they downsize their employees and close stores to balance expenses against income. HSE should not be going back to the taxpayers when there are options left to save money through right-sizing the district.”
The district recently identified about $7.8 million in cuts, primarily through reduced staffing.
Laura Cole said she campaigned for
the current referendum three years ago and she’s ready to get the word out again.
“When we passed that referendum, we believed we were setting the stage for the next eight years,” she said. “Our schools planned responsibly around that commitment. Our teachers, our students and our families counted on it. Last year, the state legislature changed the funding methodology and framed it as a property tax cut, but the savings came at the expense of municipalities and school districts. The state made the cut, and our schools were handed the consequences.”
She said the upcoming referendum gives the community the opportunity to protect what it previously voted to support.
Two other speakers, Stephanie Hunt and Hamilton Southeastern Education Association President Tyler Zerbe, asked the board to unanimously approve the resolution to show its support for the ballot question.
The board vote was not unanimous. Board President Tiffany Pascoe abstained, noting that she also abstained from voting on the 2023 referendum over concerns about financial transparency.
“Today, I have full confidence in our current administration and CFO. The financial stewardship and transparency now present gives me the trust in today’s leadership,” she said. “However, this referendum spans eight years and I cannot speak to who will be leading this district or sitting in the board at that time.”
Board Member Ben Orr said the board vote isn’t an endorsement of the referendum — it simply puts the decision in the hands of voters. Other board members said they were confident that future elected boards and district administrators would work in the best interest of students and the community. In a statement following the vote, the district announced that community organizations, civic groups and neighborhood associations interested in learning more about the proposed referendum can request a presentation from Kegley and Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown by filling out an online form.
Additional information, financial presentations and frequently asked questions are available at hseschools. org/finances.
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Economic development agreements for a recently announced $169 million investment in the Fishers District area were unanimously approved by the Fishers City Council June 15, providing a decade of tax abatements for JD Sports’ new American headquarters and city-issued bonds for Buckingham Properties to build a multifamily residential community.
Before the vote, Fishers Economic Development Director Megan Baumgartner told the council that the two projects are part of a bigger vision to create a sports-focused area within Fishers District. The area is near the Fishers Event Center, which is home to several professional teams — Indy Fuel hockey, Indy Ignite volleyball and Fishers Freight indoor football.
JD Sports, a sports fashion retail company that owns The Finish Line, has been headquartered in Indianapolis. It plans to move those offices into The Link building that formerly housed former Navient financial services.
“They are planning to purchase this 400,000-square-foot building off of I-69 (and) they plan on relocating 400 existing employees here,” Baumgartner said. “These are their corporate-level folks who are going to be relocating from the east side of Indianapolis into this facility. JD is really expanding within the U.S., and plans to, over the next few years, add an additional 250 additional employees to this location.”
With tenants still in the building, renovation work is expected to start in 2027. Buckingham Companies is the mas-
A map of recently announced projects near the Fishers Event Center in Fishers District. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)
ter developer for the Fishers District expansion that also includes a high-end community, named Contrast | Fishers, which will offer 167 apartments and 98 townhomes. Buckingham plans to break ground on that project in 2026 with anticipated completion late 2028.
Another part of the project led by Buckingham is a new Fishers Fieldhouse, a 180,000-square-foot facility that will serve as the headquarters and practice facility for Indy Ignite, along with youth basketball and volleyball leagues and tournaments. The Fishers Fieldhouse will break ground this fall, with an anticipated opening in late 2027 or early 2028.
Baumgartner said part of the development agreement calls for a private road and parking lot adjacent to the new JD Sports building to become available for Fishers Event Center events, adding more than 800 spots without requiring new parking construction.
Council members congratulated Baugartner on the projects, noting that her efforts have brought significant economic activity into the city.
“Megan, you never cease to amaze me,” Councilor Selina Stoller said. “The other thing I will say is that, in conversation since this big announcement, there seems to be a lot of interest in getting pedestrian and bike connectivity over (I-69).”
A speaker during public comment seconded that. Ross Reinhardt, a biking advocate, told the council many of the new residents in Fishers District probably would like an easier way to attend the city’s farmers markets, free concerts and council meetings.
Read more on Page 8.
news@currentinfishers.com
OneZone Chamber of Commerce was presented the Chamber of the Year Award June 11 by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association.
The award recognizes excellence in chamber leadership, innovation, member engagement, advocacy, programming, organizational growth and overall impact on the business community, according to OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell. Applications are evaluated by a panel of chamber professionals from outside Indiana.
“We are incredibly honored to be named Indiana Chamber of the Year,” he said in an email to Current. “This recognition belongs to our investors, volunteers, board of directors and dedicated staff who work every day to strengthen the business community throughout Hamilton County. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue advancing business and strengthening community.”
Russell said that receiving the award was a reflection of the momentum the chamber has built over the past several
years.
“OneZone has focused on delivering value, fostering collaboration and creating meaningful opportunities for businesses of all sizes,” he said. “We’re grateful for the trust our members place in us and proud to represent Hamilton County on a statewide stage.”
Through a partnership, OneZone represents not only Carmel and Fishers, but the northern Hamilton County communities of Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero and Sheridan.
For more, visit onezonechamber.com.
news@youarecurrent.com
Several area residents are representing Team Indiana in the 2026 Transplant Games of America June 18-23 at several venues in Denver.
The Transplant Games began 33 years ago and bring together individuals whose lives have been touched by donation and transplantation.
Organ, eye and tissue recipients are joined by living donors, donor families, patients waiting for transplant, and professionals from the donation and transplant world.
The Games include more than 20 competitions for recipients and living donors along with more than 60 special events including lectures and workshops.
Area participants and the events they will compete in include:
• Brownsburg: Ashley Zavela (basketball, bowling and volleyball), Todd Zortman (tennis, pickleball, basketball, cycling, golf and trivia.
• Fishers: Abigail Beckman (Swimming), Kira Newkirk (bowling, cornhole)
• Noblesville: Jill Nicolich (5K race/ walk, bowling), Bret Schmutte (cycling, 5K race/walk, memorial fitness challenge competition)
• Westfield: Jacquin Gallagher (5K race/walk, swimming, track and field), Kaitlyn St. Vincent (5K race/ walk).
For more, visit transplantgamesofamerica.org/ and indianadonornetwork.org/
By Hannah VanLandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, alongside corporate partners and other city leaders, recently announced a $169 million expansion of the Fishers District, including the relocation of JD North America headquarters, the new Fishers Fieldhouse and a residential development.
JD North America anchors the expansion with its new corporate headquarters, located in The Link building at 11100 USA Pkwy. Renovations to the existing structure will begin in 2027. The building will house more than 400 employees, with plans to expand by another 200 in the next few years.
“We have a lot of growth coming and we’re excited to be in Fishers, here, to do it,” JD North American President and CEO John Hall said. “We get our inspiration through sport and community, and we found a perfect fit.”
In addition to the JD North America headquarters, construction will begin soon on the $65 million, 180,000-squarefoot Fishers Fieldhouse, which will serve partly as a community space with a focus on youth programming.
“This facility represents our commitment to providing first-class opportunities for our young people here in Fishers,” Fishers Athletic Director Jim Self said. “The impact of the Fishers Fieldhouse will be measured not only in games played and tournaments hosted, but in lives changed through the participation in sports.”
Part of the fieldhouse will be allocated to Major League Volleyball’s Indy Ignite’s new 29,000-square-foot practice facility.
Self said the collaboration will benefit the whole community.
“Together, we are creating a destination that not only elevates sports in our community but also inspires the next generation of athletes.”
The city’s partnership with Indy Ignite will bolster the top-ranked team as they continue to grow and compete.
“There’s never been a more exciting time for volleyball and Indy Ignite,” Ignite General Manager and President Mary Kay Huse said. “We are building a national epicenter for volleyball right here in Fishers.”
Surrounding larger developments in the area will be a 50-acre mixed-use development, dedicated as a walkable entertainment-driven district. The area will contain more than 300 apartments and townhomes, along with restaurants and retail spaces.
The project was developed by Buckingham Companies, proud to help the city continue to grow.
“(JD North America chose to relocate here) because of quality of life … because work, live and play lives here; it’s real, not just on a marketing flyer,” Buckingham Companies President and CEO Brad Chambers said. “It’s progress for this community and we’re thrilled to be a part of this.”
The economic development agreements for the projects were approved by Fishers City Council June 15.
The City of Fishers has launched the 2026 construction season with $12.4 million in roadway and infrastructure investments, including work at the Southeastern Parkway and Olio Road roundabout, intersections improvements at Allisonville and 116th Street and 96th Street and Cyntheanne Road, and various street resurfacing projects.
“As Fishers continues to grow, we’re making intentional investments in infrastructure that not only address today’s needs but support our community well into the future,” stated Hatem Mekky, City of Fishers’ engineering director. “From corridor improvements to intersection upgrades and resurfacing, this work is critical to enhancing mobility, improving safety and maintaining the high quality of our roadways.”
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead by using GPS map apps, allow for extra travel time and use caution when driving through work zones.
Upcoming projects include:
• Southeastern Parkway and Olio Road Roundabout, with completion expected in November. Traffic will be restricted throughout construction as the city reconstructs the roundabout to improve safety and traffic flow. The roundabout will remain open in all directions with periodic lane restrictions while crews improve 136th Street and build a new connection between 136th and Southeastern Parkway.
• Allisonville Road and 116th Street intersection, with completion expected in October. Improvements aim to enhance safety, mobility and access to westside neighborhoods and businesses. Work includes lengthening left-turn lanes for each direction, replacing sidewalks and ADA ramps and upgrading traffic signals. The intersection
will remain open during construction, with lane shifts, restrictions and slower travel times expected.
• 96th Street and Cyntheanne Road, with completion expected in August. Construction of a new roundabout is underway, requiring a full closure of the intersection. The project is designed to improve traffic flow and enhance safety.
• Olio Road resurfacing, set to begin in summer and last through November. Hamilton County Highway Department will resurface Olio Road from 96th Street to north of 104th Street and south of the Geist Reservoir bridge.
• USA Parkway expansion, set to begin in summer and last through fall. This project will widen the roadway to two lanes in each direction from 106th Street north to IKEA, improving traffic flow and accommodating increased travel demand.
• 136th Street from Prairie Baptist to Cyntheanne Road, with completion expected in fall. Construction continues along 136th Street as work resumes from Prairie Baptist Road to Cyntheanne Road, with a full closure of 136th Street from Prairie Baptist Road to Southeastern Parkway.
• Resurfacing, with work on various roads lasting through fall. Scheduled roads include Promise Road (126th Street to 131st Street), Howe Road (131st Street to 141st Street) and 131st Street (Cumberland Road to Promise Road). The city also pans to resurface neighborhood roads in Rosewood, Sunblest, Summerlin Trails, Weaver Woods and Springs of Cambridge.
To stay up to date on projects, residents can follow @DriveFishers on X and the City of Fishers on Nextdoor, subscribe to the Drive Fishers newsletter and view the Capital Project Dashboard at FishersIN.gov/DriveFishers.
By Hannah VanLandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com
Tenderloin Tuesdays have officially arrived in Hamilton County.
Throughout July, more than 60 local restaurants on the Tenderloin Trail across Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and the Northern Towns will be competing for the title “Best Tenderloin in Hamilton County”.
The contest is a partnership between Hamilton County Tourism and Current Publishing.
“We are excited to partner with Hamilton County Tourism on this initiative,” said Steve Greenberg, executive vice president of Current Publishing. “Hoosiers love their breaded tenderloins, so we are eager to see which restaurant will receive the most votes and take home the trophy.”
The Tenderloin Trail celebrates a Hoosier specialty in many forms, featuring traditional pork tenderloins as well as creative takes on the classic sandwich.
“Tenderloin Tuesday has always been about celebrating local restaurants
More than 60 Hamilton County restaurants will compete for the title of “Best Tenderloin” during the annual July promotion. (Graphic courtesy of Hamilton County Tourism)
through Indiana’s iconic breaded tenderloin, and this year we are turning up the heat in exciting new ways,” stated Todd Bolster, Hamilton County Tourism’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and sport. “The Hamilton County Tourism team is thrilled to welcome more restaurants than ever to the 2026 Tenderloin Tuesday passport and looks forward to crowning our first ever winner in the ‘Best Tenderloin’ competition in partnership with Current.”
Customers can take advantage of dis-
counts and earn prizes every Tuesday during the month of July at participating restaurants. Participants can vote daily for their favorite pork tenderloin in Hamilton County. The winner will be crowned at the end of the month. Redeem Tuesday-only deals at four
participating restaurants to earn a commemorative T-shirt while supplies last. Event and promotions will take effect every Tuesday from June 30 to July 28. For more and to claim a Tenderloin Tuesday pass, visit tenderlointuesday. com.
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
An infusion of state funding is helping Indiana State Police address a backlog of unprocessed rape kits at its crime labs.
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) spearheaded legislation in 2025 that led to ISP receiving funds to test more kits. Funding went toward more robots for DNA analysis. A rape kit stores physical evidence such as hairs and bodily fluids and contains supplies such as swabs and glass slides.
be used for infrastructure. Her bill would have allowed funds to be used for salaries.
“We will continue to work on that,” Cash said.
Cash said the backlog, which prior to the additional funding ranged between 600 and 800 kits, was predominantly because the state’s crime labs don’t just process DNA for sexual assault cases. The court schedule also plays a part.
A sexual assault case needs forensics to go to court, but if another type of case already has a court date a rape kit gets put aside, according to Cash.
“By buying more robots, they can obviously process more (evidence) … in general and rape kits,” Cash said.
Cash said the backlog was down to 482 as of May 27.
Cash’s legislation did not pass. The Senate did not vote on it, but the funding made it into ISP’s budget. Despite $2.6 billion being cut from the state’s budget, the line item for ISP was spared. Cash said it’s rare to secure funding without the language getting approved.
Cash had hoped some of the funding could be used to pay the scientists who process the kits, to offer competitive wages, but the funds can only
Cash said efforts to address the backlog have garnered national attention.
“Indiana went from bad to good,” she said. “This legislation really put us on the map in getting the backlog down.” Cash said addressing the backlog will benefit victims, possibly exonerate the innocent and hopefully encourage other sexual assault victims to come forward.
“We need to build trust in the system,” she said.
Cash requested the state legislature’s Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services to study the development and implementation of a statewide sexual assault response plan for law enforcement agencies. The goal is to have a consistent model in place across all agencies for when a victim comes forward with sexual assault allegations.
“There is not a consistency between police departments and law enforcement agencies,” Cash said.
While some victims have had good experiences discussing their abuse with police, Cash said others have found it traumatizing.
“They were treated like they had done something wrong,” she said.
Additionally, Cash said there is work to be done to address the shortage of nurses who are qualified to administer a rape kit.
“It’s really looking at all things surrounding that,” she said.
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Every year in late June, tens of thousands of community members converge on the City of Fishers’ Nickel Plate District Amphitheater to celebrate Spark!Fishers — the city’s pre-Fourth of July festival featuring music, activities, a street fair, a parade and fireworks — this year, set for June 26 and 27.
In recent years, the festival expanded into a multiday event. This year, however, Fishers Parks Director Marissa Deckert said organizers decided to bring it back to two days — while still offering participants the most popular events — to accommodate busy families.
“We really wanted to focus on the core components of what people wanted when they came to Spark!Fishers,” she said. “We just kind of compressed it back to Friday and Saturday and brought in all of those components. So, you can expect on Saturday that you will see the Car and Art Show, for instance, that used to be a standalone event on Thursday night. We’ve expanded the number of stages that we have, so instead of running things throughout the week, we have more stages and more entertainment at the (Saturday) festival.”
Another change to the festival schedule is that fireworks have moved back to Saturday night as a fitting close to the event.
“We had made a shift a couple years ago that we did the fireworks on Friday night, and then our street fair just kind of ended,” Deckert said. “We were like, ‘That doesn’t feel like Spark!’ So, we are bringing the fireworks back to end our street fair on Saturday.”
The festival begins June 26 with a kick-off concert featuring P!nk’d, which pays tribute to recording artist Pink.
“It’s complete with an aerial experience, which Pink is kind of known for,” Deckert said. “We’re really excited about that high-energy show. And then we will end that night with our drone show on Friday night.”
Saturday’s festivities start at 4 p.m., which is later than previous years.
“When we looked at our attendance, we can see hour by hour when was the most popular time,” she said. “And so, we bumped it a little bit later. The Car and Art Show will be a component, (and) we will have seven standalone stages throughout the footprint, which is more than we’ve ever had.”
The event will have a dedicated kid zone, but no inflatables — a move that eliminates the need for families to register for wrist bands ahead of time.
“We have hands-on activities for kids
to do, and then we have a dedicated children’s stage,” Deckert said. “So, we’ll have children-focused entertainment throughout the day leading up to the fireworks at the end.”
Kid zone activities will include a petting zoo, giant building blocks and a free-play area, in addition to kid-centered entertainment.
The Car and Art Show — which features classic and unique vehicles in addition to artist booths — will conclude at 6:30 p.m. with its own parade for the
In addition to the city-sponsored activities on June 26 and 27, two additional Spark!Fishers-related activities are planned. The full festival schedule includes:
• Rotary Club of Fishers’ Mental Health Initiative Golf Outing, set for June 22. Visit wedoauctions. com/app/public/bidapp/spark26 to register
• Spark!Fishers 5K and Firecracker 1-Miler on June 24. Visit RunSignUp.com/SPARKFishers5K for more and to register
• Free community concert featur-
ing P!nk’d, starting at 8 p.m. June 26 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater
• Spark!Fishers drone show, June 26 after the concert
• Spark!Fishers Street Fair, Car and Art Show and Thrift-a-Thon, all starting at 4 p.m. June 27 at the NPD Amphitheater
• Spark!Fishers Parade, starting at 7 p.m. June 27. Visit SparkFishers.com for parade route information
• Fireworks finale, starting at 10 p.m. June 27
vehicles to ceremoniously exit the area and make room for the Spark!Fishers parade, set for 7 p.m. and featuring community groups, organizations, bands and more.
“(The parade) will be the same route as we’ve had the last two years, and we’ll continue with vendors and activities,” Deckert said. “And then we will end the night with fireworks at 10 p.m.”
The street fair will have about 100 vendors, offering everything from shaved ice and barbecue to quilts and clothing. The fair also will include a mobile library, community organizations and a Thrift-A-Thon — booths that specialize in secondhand items.
The seven entertainment areas will include a variety of music and dance groups, such as Bach to Rock music school students, a drum circle and a small stage at the shuttle bus stop.
“Our (pickup) shuttle location is just south of our parks office, which is off Lantern Road and 106th Street,” Deckert said. “So, you park your vehicle there, you hop on the shuttle and the shuttle will drop you off right by the Hotel Nickel Plate at the top of the Monumental Stairs, and then we will have a performer there at the stairs.”
A designated parking area is important, because Spark!Fishers attracts between 10,000 and 30,000 people each year.
For more, visit sparkfishers.com.
Commentary by Larry Greene
This East Carmel backyard transformation replaced an aging deck and patio to create a stunning outdoor retreat designed for entertaining and everyday enjoyment.
• Replaced the existing deck with a larger, more functional outdoor living space.
• Added a covered porch with integrated grilling station and fireplace feature.
• Installed low-maintenance Trex decking with black aluminum railings.
• Created a spacious patio below, complete with a custom fire pit gathering area.
• Incorporated Weather Ledge stone and Black Pearl Suede granite accents.
• Enhanced circulation, views and yearround enjoyment throughout the backyard.
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.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Singer-songwriters Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan have collaborated to form a powerful folk trio.
The musicians, who all have had success with other projects, formed I’m With Her in 2014 and released the album “See You Around” in 2018. A single from that release,“Call My Name,” won the 2020 Grammy for Best American Roots Song.
The group’s second album, “Wild and Clear and Blue,” was released in 2025. It won two Grammy Awards, one for Best Folk Album, and the song “Ancient Light” won Best American Roots Song. The group released a live album, “Sing Me Alive,” in April.
I’m With Her will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 25 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Watkins plays the fiddle, guitar and ukulele. O’Donovan plays guitar and piano and Jarosz plays banjo, mandolin and guitar.
“We are drawing from both of the I’m With Her records and a couple of covers here or there thrown in,” Watkins said. “It’s been really neat developing the songs from the stage over the last year. They continue to kind of shift and adapt to the stage from the album and we’re really enjoying playing the music.”
Watkins said the setlist might vary each concert.
“We get into a groove of a certain group of songs that feel good for a few days and then we might shift it,” Watkins said. “With just the three of us on stage, all the songs are pretty exposed. They are arranged quite vigorously, so that we can support each other at all the moments that need to be supported. We’ll find some magical combinations and that really helps us execute all the songs and have them be featured in the right way based on a sequence. The nice thing about not being hugely popular with ‘hits’ is that
we get to do whatever we want to do.”
Watkins said it’s not a situation where every popular song has to be played each concert.
“One of the lovely things about being a folk band is there’s some flexibility and the audiences are very happy to go on the journey with us,” she said.
Watkins said they enjoy playing together.
“We are big fans of each other individually, our individual projects and other collaborations,” she said. “We love to support each other and there is a huge amount of things that we have in common, but the thing that makes it most interesting is where our musical histories and personal histories vary. We’re all bringing different things to the table while having enough of a common language that we collaborate really well together. We travel really well together, and for those reasons, and for all the mysterious ones that I’m sure not all of us realize, it’s just a really gratifying project.”
Watkins said they wrote the “Wild and Clear and Blue” album together.
“We came together with very small starts of songs, little seeds of ideas, and every song was built up from there,” Watkins said. “We were staying in the same house, living together, writing together. All of these songs were constructed, arranged and written by all
three of us, basically all in the room at the same time.”
Watkins said the debut album also was a collaborative effort.
“We hadn’t written together before and we had eight days to write together for that first record,” she said. “We came in with a verse and a chorus and then the other two bandmates would help finish the song or tweak the lyrics. There would be a pretty good chunk of lyrics already for most of these songs.”
Watkins debuted as the fiddler in Nickel Creek in 1989, joining her brother Sean Watkins and mandolinist Chris Thile. Nickel Creek released a new album and toured in 2023. Watkins and her brother also tour together.
“It’s nice to be able to step away and then come back together and not feel that every bit of our individual creativity has to come into this one project,” she said. “We get to step away and dig into these other parts of ourselves. It’s neat to have all these outlets, and then when we come together with I’m With Her, it’s different. I think that’s why the collaboration is so fun because it’s a unique thing that happens only when we do an album. We get to write by ourselves other times and co-write with other people.”
For more, visit thecenterpresents. org and imwithhertheband.com.
“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Jennifer Magley, Stooge Quest-Live is set for June 24, followed by Now That’s Funny June 25, “Esque, Burlesque” June 26 and “I Want My 80s: A Totally Tubular Party!” at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
The York Automotive Concert Series presents Andy Falco and Travis Book playing Jerry Garcia music at 8 p.m. June 27 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.
‘SHREK
Civic Theatre presents “Shrek Jr.” through June 24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
“Wait Until Dark” runs June 24-28 and July 1-5 (except July 4) at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
Wilco’s Tweedy concert set — Singer-songwriter Jeff Tweedy, best known as frontman and founder of rock band Wilco, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tweedy will bring his solo acoustic tour with opening act Case Oats. Tickets starting at $55 are on sale at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317843-3800, or in person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, 1 Carter Green.
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO DE AMALIA HERNÁNDEZ
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS WITH CONRAD TAO 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SIMPLY THREE
7PM | THE TARKINGTON
MAVIS STAPLES
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH BERNADETTE PETERS 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PUNCH BROTHERS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD
BAND: LEDBETTER HEIGHTS
30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS TOUR 2026
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN IN COMING HOME: THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
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
8PM
HOLIDAYS IN HARMONY WITH GIRL NAMED TOM
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ALAN CUMMING: UNCUT
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LIVE AND LET DIE: THE MUSIC OF PAUL MCCARTNEY
FEATURING TONY KISHMAN
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BIG BANG BOOM
3PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MARCUS MILLER
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Rachelle Woolston is ready to take a spin at opera jukebox.
The soprano from Carmel will be one of the Indianapolis Opera singers at the annual Lobster Palooza fundraiser, set for 6 p.m. July 11 at the Basile Opera Center in Indianapolis.
THE MUSIC OF THE BEACH BOYS FEATURING PET SOUNDS LIVE 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
PAVLO AND BAND IN CONCERT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
VICTORIA CLARK: IMPROBABLE INGENUE
MUSIC DIRECTOR, TED SPERLING
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JOHN MALKOVICH AND THE VIENNA ACADEMY
ORCHESTRA: ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SPYRO GYRA WITH SPECIAL GUEST STANLEY JORDAN 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
KRUGER BROTHERS 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
DIONNE WARWICK: OVER AND OUT A FAREWELL TOUR 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
STRAY CATS’ LEE ROCKER
MENCIAS
“It’s a fun, fast-paced fundraising opportunity, and our guests are treated to opera snippets as a reward for raising money for the education and outreach efforts,” Woolston said. “They make a donation through an online link, and when they unlock a certain tier, the opera singers treat them with solos or duets from little snippets from operas that are super famous.”
Woolston couldn’t attend last year but said it sounded like fun.
“It’s a really creative way to get donations,” she said.
Woolston said the funds help Indianapolis Opera target underfunded and underserved schools, libraries and after-school programs and community organizations.
“It really helps us bridge the gap to reach these communities that wouldn’t be able to afford a program like ours with the education and outreach programs that we offer,” she said.
Woolston, formerly the education director for Indy Opera, teaches at Ball State University. She works in productions for the opera and runs its summer vocal camp for teenagers
“I’m so grateful that Indy Opera hires local singers and involves us in all
these capacities,” she said.
Joining her will be Ganson Salmon, who grew up in the Lawrence area of Indianapolis. He is participating in Lobster Palooza for the first time.
“I’ve gone to the event with my family and my (grandmother),” the 2011 Heritage Christian graduate said. “I’m very familiar with the tradition of the event, but this is my first time being part of the entertainment.”
Salmon said he likes the opera jukebox concept.
“It’s a creative way to make the evening really fun and spice up the evening and the fundraising,” he said. “It won’t be as tightly wound as a formal concert. It will be a hair-down evening. Lobster Palooza has seemed to me like not only a fundraiser but (also) so tied to the history of Indianapolis Opera. It’s been going on so long, so it always feels like a celebration of Indianapolis Opera, kind of a coming together of the family of Indianapolis Opera, the supporters, the donors, the singers of the company.”
Salmon, a tenor, made his Indy Opera main stage leading role debut in a production of “Rigoletto” in November 2025.
“That was a very important moment for me,” said Salmon, who moved back to the Indianapolis area during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Salmon’s grandmother, Sarah Jane Gradison, died in January at age 97.
“She got to see my performance in ‘Rigoletto,’” he said. “She was my main draw for staying here.”
For more, visit indyopera.org.
Answers to HOOSIER
HODGEPODGE: Cities: GARRETT, GARY, GAS CITY, GOSHEN, GREENFIELD, GREENWOOD; Teams: COLTS, ELEVEN, FEVER, FUEL, PACERS; Awards: EMMY, GRAMMY, OSCAR, TONY; Apps: PAYPAL, VENMO, ZELLE; Cereals: CHEERIOS, FRUIT LOOPS; County: MARION
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Discovering Broadway is taking its next step with an inaugural program called First Listen.
“First Listen equips Broadway au thors with commission funds to create ground breaking work from scratch,” said Joel Kirk, founder of Discovering Broadway, a pre-Broad way incubator.
Kirk, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate, will direct and help create the yet-untitled musical by composer-lyricist and writer Zack Zadek. Grammy nominee Justin Jesso and Sophia Anne Caruso are making their Discovering Broadway debut in a concert of songs from the musical at 7 p.m. June 26 at The Cabaret in Indianapolis
Q&A with the cast,” Kirk said. “Many will be attending their first theatrical experience.”
Kirk said the commission was made possible by the support of Marianne Glick and Mike Woods.
“This commission represents the
Kirk said the event will feature the new songs, along with an on-stage panel discussion about the project.
“Following the concert, sponsored students will participate in a private
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Red Barn Summer Theatre will present a new adaptation of a classic thriller play and movie.
Red Barn’s presentation of “Wait Until Dark” is set in 1944 in Greenwich Village in New York City. That differs from the 1967 movie, “Wait Until Dark,” featuring Audrey Hepburn playing a blind character threatened by criminals.
“The new adaptation takes some creative liberties with the original story that I believe pay off in the end,” said Red Barn Associate Artistic Director Luke McLaughlin, who is directing the production. “Audience members familiar with the 1967 film or the original stage version will experience a different perspective on the classic story.”
The show is set for June 24-28 and July 1-5 (no show July 4) at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort.
“The main character is newly blind, which presents a challenge for the actress portraying her and as a director,” McLaughlin said. “We rely so much on eye contact and energy in the theater,
is the next evolution of that mission by creating wholly original work from the ground up.”
Kirk said he and Zadek will create the first draft of the musical the week leading up to the concert.
Caruso, who appeared in the Broadway musical version of “Beetlejuice,” will hold masterclasses for ages 1422 June 27 at the Cabaret. There is still availability in the 12:30 p.m. session. For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org or Instragram at @ discoveringbroadwayinc.
Abi Hampton, left, and Eloise Brown rehearse for “Wait Until Dark.” (Photo courtesy of Luke McLaughlin)
and that aspect of the role is stripped away in this production. I’m super excited about the actress we’ve brought in to portray the role. ‘Wait Until Dark’ also includes a child actress, which we don’t often do at the Barn because of our limited rehearsal window. The young lady (Abi Hampton) playing that part will be a sophomore at Frankfort High School.”
Eloise Brown, from New York City, plays Susan, the blind woman. Red Barn Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor plays Mike, one of the criminals. Taylor, who lives in Frankfort, is a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate.
For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
Escape to Feinstein's for a summer of unforgettable sound!
From the nostalgic pop of BBMAK and the Nashville soul of Jed Harrelson, to classic Neil Diamond favorites and req uest-driven Dueling Pianos, we’re serving up a high-energ y mix of music, comedy, and magic. Sn ag your seats for the ultimate night out!
Saturday | July 11, 2026 | 6pm
Editor,
Two things we cannot change. First, who our parents are. Second, the color of our skin. Yet too often, those two factors judge our self-worth. Our country is going through some self reflections on who really is an American and who has total rights to this country and its Constitutional protections.
Every ethnic group wanted to come to America to know freedom and opportunity. And in so doing, faced criticism, ridicule and discrimination. While other white Europeans could eventually melt into the white Protestant majority in this country, other skin tones and
facial features limited acceptance. We claim to enjoy ethnic foods and embrace cultural differences as enriching our lives, yet the bold truth is that many still resent immigrants unless they are white, educated and wealthy.
If America wants to be a Christian nation, then we should practice what Christ taught us — value all human life, regardless of color and wealth; love your neighbor as yourself.
When we interact with others, we find out they want the same as we do — the pursuit of happiness.
Diane Crawford, Fishers
Editor,
Indiana Faith Voices for Justice is deeply concerned by recent public statements by Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith regarding Islam and Muslim communities. As a multifaith organization, we respond in a spirit of truth, respect and solidarity.
Religious freedom is a foundational American value. Every Hoosier has the right to practice their faith without fear, discrimination or prejudice. This freedom belongs equally to Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and people of all faith traditions.
Indiana Faith Voices for Justice stands with our Muslim neighbors. They are educators, health care workers, business owners, students, community leaders and people of faith whose contributions strengthen our communities every day.
Our faith traditions call us to love our neighbors, honor the dignity of every
person and reject rhetoric that fosters fear, division or suspicion toward entire communities. When public leaders speak about religious groups in ways that diminish or stereotype them, real harm can result.
We remain committed to building an Indiana where people of every faith and background are treated with dignity and respect. Our shared commitment to justice, compassion and the common good is stronger than the forces that seek to divide us.
Mariann Scott, interim executive director, Indiana Faith Voices for Justice
This week’s commentaries by Current Publishing essayist Terry Anker and humorist Dick Wolfsie may be read at youarecurrent.com.
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.
16. Have a steak at Bowdie’s
17. Insurance giant
18. Taylor’s Bakery cake topping
19. Caustic solution
20. *Post-infraction restart
22. Lowest deck on a ship
24. “Raiders of the Lost ___”
25. Countries
27. Lock horns
31. Bone filler
32. V-formation flier
33. Singing Sledge
34. Babe in the woods
37. October birthstone
38. *Game
39. Hawaiian tuber
40. ___ Aviv
41. 19th US President
42. North Dakota’s largest city
43. Danish coins
45. Cow chow
46. Nail polish remover
48. TTYL part
49. Aerodynamic
50. Quadrennial soccer event being played in the US now...and a hint to the answers to the starred clues
55. Chatter
56. Big name in multilevel marketing
59. Sculpted figure
60. Poet’s “before”
61. Bookstore section
62. Mosque leaders
63. I-69 road goo
64. Rotisserie rods
65. One of six US vice presidents from Indiana DOWN
1. Shapiro’s bread unit
2. Finished
3. Quote as a source
4. “Green Gables” girl
5. Fluid loss
6. Young fowl
7. Poolroom accessory
8. Numerical prefix
9. Sun. follower
10. Prejudice
11. *Penalty signal
12. Synthetic fabric
13. There are 780 in the Bop to the Top race
21. Fury
23. ___ de Janeiro
25. DEA agents
26. St. Louis landmark
27. Showbiz award “grand slam”
28. Slangy refusal
29. *Last line of defense
30. Lip-reading alternative, briefly
31. Taxi ticker
33. Name on a check
35. Desire
36. Party pooper
38. Road with an exit on I-465
39. Tiny bit
41. Pipes at some bars
42. Ball that may hit an umpire
44. GPS suggestion
45. Gift tag word
46. Thus far
47. Santa ___, Calif.
48. They have their ups and downs
50. Light bulb measure
51. Indiana Statehouse roof
52. Start of some juice names
53. Gomer Pyle’s org.
54. Model
57. Floor cleaner
58. It ended on 11/11/1918
ANSWERS ON PAGE 14
The assists the Accounting Manager and Business Manager by maintaining census information, doing data entry, and assisting with financial record keeping. The Office Professional is accountable to perform these duties according to the Mission and Values of the Roman Catholic Church.
Responsibilities
• Provides a hospitable welcome to callers or persons having business in the parish.
• Assures the existence of a current record for each parishioner in the Parish Data System (PDS). This includes Census, Contribution, Sacramental, Talent, and other information as determined by the Pastoral Coordinator. Maintains files of original parish registrations
• Assures all envelope and check contributions to the parish are accounted for in an accurate and timely manner and reconciles amounts with the bookkeeper. This is accomplished by posting all weekend collections in the PDS immediately after counting is accomplished by the counters. Reviews offering envelopes for notes from parishioners and/or visitors regarding census information or requesting to register.
• Schedule Counting Teams; work with Counting Teams when necessary to maintain consistency.
• Update parishioner records. Log donations and contributions. Maintain ministry rosters and attendance.
• Organize digital files, generate reports, other data entry requests.
• Assist Accounting Manager and Business Manager as needed. Other duties as assigned by supervisor or Pastor.
Qualifications
• Strong attention to detail
• Data entry experience
• Some spreadsheets familiarity
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and Interest in nonprofit/church work preferred
