Founded March 20 2012, Zionsville, IN Vol. XV, No. 15
Copyright 2026
Current Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
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Boone County faces barriers for child care
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Boone County lost 89 child care seats between January 2025 and May 2026, according to Child Care Answers, a nonprofit resource and referral agency in Indianapolis
“Anecdotally, at least three times a week, I see someone posting about, ‘I need child care,’” said Michelle Hight-Thomas, founder of the Boone County Early Learning Coalition, a newly founded organization that aims to address the issues of access and affordability in child care.
Hight-Thomas said a 2024 study funded by the Boone County Economic Development Corp. indicated a gap of more than 600 child care seats in the county compared to what is needed.
“We anticipate that need is even higher now,” Hight-Thomas said.
The reasons — cost of care and reimbursement cuts — are easier to identify than solutions, although Hight-Thomas and other stakeholders have some ideas.
One way is using a cooperative model, pooling resources together and sharing costs. Child Care Answers is set to launch the Central Indiana Child Care Alliance, a shared-service model in Boone and Hamilton counties, later this summer.
The organization, through a partnership with United Way of Central Indiana, will provide child care providers with budgeting, human resources and marketing support as well as offer best business practices.
“What it is helping do is keep the doors open,” said Julie Carey, shared services director for Child Care Answers.
The cooperative model also seeks to offer providers discounts on purchases, establish a substitute pool of child care workers and help facilities be proactive in filling seats when children age out.
Staffing is the largest cost for a child care facility, yet most places pay between $13 and $15 per hour. More than 40 percent of child care workers’ families rely on public assistance like food stamps and Medicaid, according to the University of California Berkley. Low wages is a retention issue, as well.
Curriculum, food and overhead costs like utilities are also a factor for providers.
“Providers are just breaking even; they’re just making payroll,” Carey said.
State cuts haven’t helped, either. Many child care facilities, especially those in low-income areas, rely on state vouchers, which are provided to qualifying families. The vouchers make child care affordable and help facilities operate.
Last year, the state capped its voucher program for On My Way Pre-K to 2,500 children while reducing the reimbursement rate for providers and narrowing eligibility for families, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.
“The tuition in most cases barely covers what it costs to operate,” said Anne Gabbert, program resource manager for Child Care Answers.
The impacts were felt immediately. Two providers in the county, one in Lebanon, the other in Thorntown, closed.
Hight-Thomas, who once worked for the state’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, said the rural areas of Boone County, where incomes are lower, were hit hardest by state cuts.
Most of the county’s child care providers are in Zionsville and Whitestown, where incomes are higher. However, annual costs are often well above $10,000 per year, per child, according to infor
mation from Child Care Answers.
Although some areas of Boone County have
to child care than others, affordability remains an issue. (Graphic courtesy of Child Care Answers)
The median two-parent household in Indiana spends about 14.4 percent of their income on child care. It’s significantly higher for a single parent, according to Child Care Aware of America. The cost of care can keep people out of the workforce. The county EDC study found 40 percent of respondents said a lack of child care impacts how many hours they can work. Similarly, employers also experience issues, with a third having difficulty hiring because of child care, and more than half said employees miss time, are late or not as productive for the same reason.
It’s why employers are being included in discussions about child care accessibility in the county. Hight-Thomas said a model called Tri-Share, first piloted in Michigan before spreading to other states, is an option. The model splits the cost of child care between the employer, the family and government funding. Ultimately, it will take an investment from local communities to address both affordability and access, according to Hight-Thomas. She said the state is going to push those solutions onto local municipalities.
“We are trying to be the hub when the responsibility comes back down locally,” she said.
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LEBANON | 765.485.8740
2705 N. Lebanon St., North Pavilion, Entrance A, Suite 340, Lebanon, IN 46052
The Boone County Commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium June 15 on data centers.
The one-year pause will prevent any data center project from being proposed or built in the unincorporated parts of the county. Data centers are often large warehouse-like facilities that house the physical infrastructure that powers the internet and AI.
July 1
July 1
Lions Park 7:00 pm
Lions Park 7:00 pm
The Sweet Beats
The Sweet Beats
Beatlemainia Band
Beatlemainia Band
July 15
July 15
Lions Park 7:00 pm
Lions Park 7:00 pm
Big Buckle & His Side Hustle
Big Buckle & His Side Hustle
Country
Country
July 8
July 8
Lions Park 7:00 pm
Lions Park 7:00 pm
“We’re trying to do what we can,” Commissioner Scott Pell said in response to a public comment about sticking up for county residents. “We’re going to look this over and take a hard look at this thing.”
Lucky Pickers
Lucky Pickers
Bluegrass
Bluegrass
County officials intend to use the time to review planning and zoning requirements. The county is in the process of updating its comprehensive plan.
“This moratorium gives the county an opportunity to carefully study data center development, gather information, and ensure our policies align with the long-term goals and priorities of our residents,” Boone County Commissioner President Tim Beyer stated.
July 22
July 22
Lions Park 7:00 pm
Lions Park 7:00 pm
It’ll also give time for county officials to explore banning data centers outright. It is unclear if that’s the route the county will go but discussions during Boone County Area Plan Commission meetings mentioned exploring bans.
The Sax Pistols
The Sax Pistols
Quirky-Jazzy-Rock-Pop
Quirky-Jazzy-Rock-Pop
The moratorium originated from the plan commission. Its president, John Merson, said he was in favor of banning them. Comments made by the public during the commission’s June 3 meeting were also supportive of a ban.
Eleven counties in Indiana have moratoriums, with most being for one year. Marshall and Cass counties have banned data centers outright. Any ban would be voted on by the commissioners.
Mulberry Street to be closed through June 30 — Mulberry Street between Ash Street and Bloor Lane will be closed to through-traffic until June 30. The closure is for culvert work. The sidewalk is also closed during this time.
Gas station project pushed to July
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
A decision on a controversial gas station and convenience store proposed for Holliday Farms will wait at least a month.
The Zionsville Plan Commission was supposed to hear the project June 15. However, because certain rules were not followed by the petitioner — Carmel-based engineering consultant Keeler-Webb Associates — the commission opted to push the matter to July.
Specifically, publication of a legal notice notifying the public of the project and public hearing, which was scheduled for June 15, did not meet the commission’s requirement that it be published 14 days before the meeting. The legal notice ran in an Indianapolis newspaper 13 days prior. State law only requires 10-day notice, but the plan commission is more stringent.
Additionally, there were last-minute engineering documents submitted that were not able to be reviewed by the town’s planning staff or the commission prior to the meeting.
“No one has had a chance to look at them at all,” Commission President Brad Johnson said. “We have no idea if it’s affected anything on the project we might be considering tonight.”
Attorney Kyle Resetarits, who represented the pe-
An eight-pump gas station and convenience store proposed for Holliday Farms would be at 3805 Marketplace Dr. (Image courtesy of the Town of Zionsville)
titioner, said the publication issue was because of the newspaper not running it on time. The updated engineering documents were in response to comments from the Department of Public Works.
The gas station would be at 3805 Marketplace Dr. The eight-pump Friendly Market would be open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
The proposal generated significant pushback from
neighbors who submitted well over 100 letters of remonstrance. Main concerns are the proximity of a gas station to homes and how close it would be to a retention pond.
“It just doesn’t make good sense,” Zionsville resident Kerrie Patton said. “Any kind of leak potential or runoff worries people.”
The June 15 meeting featured a significant crowd with the expectation of a public hearing.
Resetarits lobbied for the commission to hear the project. Town council members were split.
There was a faction in favor of enforcing the commission’s rules and continuing the project to July.
“I am still of the firm stance and belief that when your stuff is due, it is due,” Commission member Kendrick Davis said. “There’s that 14-day period, if anything comes in after that period, it should be an automatic continuance.”
Perkins, Johnson and Jim Hurst were in favor of continuing until July. Commission members Craig Melton, Josh Fedor and Nick Plopper supported suspending the rules. Two separate votes — one to continue, the other to hear the project June 15 — both split down those lines. Member Nicole Finelli was absent.
A continuance was ultimately approved after a request from Resetarits.
The next plan commission meeting is 6:30 p.m. July 20 at Town Hall.
Enjoy an in-store discount of 20% off furniture & accessories, and 15% off all regularly priced decorative lighting all month long.
3 incumbents seek reelection to ZCS board
By Spencer Durham and Piper Bailey news@youarecurrent.com
All three of the Zionsville Community Schools Board of Trustees members who are up for reelection are running for another term.
Vice President Michael Berg and members Jennifer Valentine and Christy Wessel-Powell all filed for reelection. No other candidate had filed as of June 15.
The general election is Nov. 3.
The three candidates filed without declaring a party affiliation. This is the first year school board candidates can declare a party affiliation, thanks to a change in state law, though it is not required.
Current spoke with each board member as they prepare for their campaigns.
BERG
Berg is running for a third term. He said the challenges the school district and board will face in the coming years was one reason why he filed to run again.
“The time isn’t good to step away,” he said.
Those challenges include funding streams and state property tax legislation that will limit how much revenue ZCS collects each year. The district is seeking a new eight-year referendum that would raise up to $21 million per year. Voters will decide in November.
The impact of the legislation is phased in with significant hits to local funding expected in the coming years.
Berg said having experience on the board is preferred during this time.
He’s also supportive of the referendum.
“You can’t afford to have significant drops in funding,” he said.
Berg, a licensed therapist and program manager, said he’s confident voters will support the referendum. The previous one passed with more than 70 percent approval in 2019.
“I think we need to work really hard to make sure we pass that and understand what’s at stake,” he said.
The referendum would fund one in
three teachers for the district.
VALENTINE
Valentine is a stay-at-home mom of four kids, two who graduated from Zionsville Community High School and two who are still in high school. She said she is running again because she likes being “part of positive change in the community” and that it’s “extremely fulfilling.”
“The way that the legislature made us word the referendum on the ballot (is frustrating),” Valentine said. “It’s extremely misleading, and I think the biggest challenge we have is to explain it in a way that makes sense and is truthful.”
Valentine is supportive of the referendum. She moved to Zionsville in 2014 after a previous referendum did not pass.
“We had parents teaching P.E. at my kid’s elementary school,” Valentine said. “They asked me to help out, and I was like, ‘Sure, of course’, because I’ll do whatever, but I didn’t really realize or understand why parents were teaching.”
Valentine said messaging, especially on the wording of the ballot question, will be important in the coming months.
WESSEL-POWELL
Wessel-Powell, a professor at Purdue University and education researcher focusing on literacy and school equity, is running for a second term. She has two children at ZCS.
“I just feel really strongly about being civically involved and care about education,” she said. “I’m happy to support those things.” She echoed Berg’s comments about funding being the critical issue for ZCS. “We’re hoping the referendum can be supported by the community in the fall so we can safeguard the excellent education,” Wessel-Powell said.
She also said supporting families that move into the district with strong communication is important.
Berg
Valentine
Wessel-Powell
Priority Recommendation 1: OAK STREET (Connect to Big-4 Rail Trail)
Sidewalk upgrades proposed
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Templin Road, Ottinger Drive and Pleasant View Road could all benefit from additional sidewalks, according to
The pathways committee is an advisory group that makes recommendations on
On Templin Road, the committee recommended extending the existing sidewalk on the south side all the way from U.S. 421 to Willow Road. About 1,400 feet would complete the path.
An additional 300 feet of sidewalk on Ottinger Drive, behind Lowe’s Home Improvement, would result in a contiguous sidewalk for that area. The gap is in front of the Royal Run subdivision.
“That neighborhood has expressed willingness to take their entrance sign out if something like that was put in,” Gressel said.
The committee also recommended adding 650 feet of sidewalk on the east side of Pleasant View Road near the Cedar Bend neighborhood. The addition would give pedestrians access to the new cross walk at Oak Ridge Drive to the south.
Direct access on both sides of Oak Street for the Big-4 Rail Trail also was recommended. Oak Street does not have direct access to the trail currently.
Safety recommendations were made for the roundabout at Ford Road and Mulberry Street, specifically rumble strips. Gressel said raised crosswalks
The Zionsville Pathways Committee has suggested connection points on both sides of Oak Street for the Big-4 Rail Trail. (Image courtesy of the Town of Zionsville)
would be better, though drainage in the area could make significant improvements difficult.
The committee also suggested surface mounts on Pleasant View Drive, near the Spring Knoll and Smith Meadows neighborhoods. The paths in the area merge into the road. Some type of physical barrier separating the two would help with safety, Gressel said, especially with children walking to school. The suggestion was based on a walking audit conducted by Health by Design, a planning and urban design consulting firm.
Town Councilor Craig Melton, who serves on the pathways committee, said he plans to ask for funding for the proposed project during this year’s budget process.
U.S. 421 slated for work
A portion of U.S. 421 will have lane closures through July.
The highway between 300 South and Willow Road is set for lane reconstruction. The project will result in certain lanes being closed. Lanes will be closed one at a time. The Indiana Department of Transportation advises caution in and around the work zones.
Work was expected to begin June 15 and last through July, though completion is weather dependent and subject to change.
Carpenter Nature Preserve open to the public — The 215-acre Carpenter Nature Preserve on the former Wolf Run Golf Course property at 601 S. 900 E. was expected to open June 22 to the public. An unveiling was held May 21. Work is still ongoing but the nature preserve includes a pavilion with restrooms and nature playground, two miles of trails, an outdoor classroom, amphitheater, two scenic overlooks and a wildlife blind.
CELEBRATE 4 DAYS OF THE DISPATCHES
ZFD BATTLES TRAILER BLAZE
Zionsville Redevelopment Commission — The RDC meets at 9 a.m. June 23 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St.
Mulberry Fields concession stand open — A concession stand at Mulberry Fields, near the splash pad and pickleball courts, is now open. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Mulberry Fields is at 9645 Whitestown Road.
The Zionsville Fire Department, along with departments from Whitestown and Pike townships, extinguished a construction trailer fire in the early hours of June 10 near Chauncey Street and Johnson Road in the Wild Air subdivision. The fire was under control in about 20 minutes. There were no injuries. The fire is under investigation. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Fire Department)
COMMUNITY
HISTORIC FLIGHTS
Commemorative Air Force celebrates Barnstorming Days with World War II aircraft
By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com
For the Commemorative Air Force, a volunteer-led aviation nonprofit, preserving and flying historic aircraft is about more than entertainment. Volunteers say the experience allows spectators to see, hear and feel a piece of history while honoring the sacrifices of World War II.
CAF’s Indiana Wing presented its annual Barnstorming Days June 13 at Indianapolis Executive Airport, featuring four training aircraft visitors could fly in, including the Boeing Stearman PT-17 and Fairchild PT-26A.
FedEx partnered with the organization and provided a $10,000 grant for military veterans to fly for free. About 20 to 25 veterans received free flights.
Kevin Littlejohn, a U.S. Marine Corps and Army veteran who served a combined 27 years, is a self-described history buff who said he was honored to fly in the PT-26A.
Scott Scheurich, a former U.S. Navy pilot who served from 1979 to 1985 and has more than 40 years of aviation experience, was Littlejohn’s pilot.
“It’s what we call seat-by-the-pants flying,” he said. “You really feel the airplane, what it does, what it moves, a lot of input. A lot of the new airplanes have all the computers, but everything (with these) is manual. It’s like driving an old car.”
Organizers said preserving the aircraft helps bring history to life for visitors of all ages.
Zionsville resident Mark Van Zant is the development officer for Indiana’s CAF wing. He served in the Air Force from 1991 to 1994 and the Indiana National Guard from 1994 to 1998. Now, he’s an aircraft maintenance manager for FedEx.
“I think it’s important that we give people the opportunity to not only go to a museum and experience what that greatest generation did but to offer them a fully immersive experience,” he said. “These were 18-year-old boys that put their life on a line … I just have a lot of respect for what that generation
(Below) The Commemorative Air Force is a volunteer-lead organization that preserves and shares America’s military aviation heritage through aircraft restoration, public events and education outreach.
stepped up and did on our behalf.”
There are 81 CAF units in the United States.
“There’s a lot of good things that are being done all over the country,” Van Zant said. “We just happen to have a
piece of it here in our backyard, which is pretty special for central Indiana.”
Laura Stants fell in love with aviation after attending a similar event when she was a girl. Today, she’s a CAF instructor pilot with 36 years of experience.
WORLD WAR II TRAINING AIRCRAFT
Visitors could take flights in the following World War II airplanes at the Indiana Wing of the Commemorative Air Force Barnstorming Days event June 13.
PT-17 Boeing Stearman
• 1943 primary trainer
• More than 10,000 built and 1,000 still flying
PT-26A
• 1944 primary trainer
• 1,700 built to replace Stearman and less than 100 still flying
BT-13
• 1942 basic and advanced flight trainer
• More than 7,000 built and about 40 still flying
AT-6D
• 1942 to 1944 advanced trainer
• More than 17,000 built and about 350 still flying
RC-45J
• 1943 Multi-engine trainer for bomb squadrons
• Used for reconnaissance for the Navy
“I hope people have a good experience out here,” she said. “These airplanes are safe, living, breathing pieces of history … (I hope) they learn a little bit about World War II, the guys that defended our country back then and that they have fun.”
Stants gave a flight to a child who was excited from the moment he arrived at the airport. She let him fly it momentarily, and after the flight, the boy immediately asked his mother for lessons.
“Now, he has to be a little older (for lessons),” Stants said. “Once it gets its hooks in you, sometimes it stays. So, hopefully, he’ll be in the air in a few years, too.”
ON THE COVER: Community members and veterans had the opportunity to fly in World War II-era training aircraft, including the Boeing Stearman PT-17. (Photo by Piper Bailey)
World War II-era planes, including the Stinson L-5 Sentinel, were on display at Indiana Wing of the Commemorative Air Force’s Barnstorming Days June 13 at Indianapolis Executive Airport. (Photos by Piper Bailey)
Rise’n Roll Bakery opens
By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com
Rise’n Roll Bakery held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony June 9 for its fifth central Indiana shop at The Farm off U.S. 421 and Sycamore Street.
The bakery primarily sells preservative-free Amish-made goods, including pies, popcorn, cheeses, jams, ice cream and candy. Members of Amish communities in northern Indiana handmake the products and deliver them before stores open each morning.
More than 25 varieties of doughnuts are available, including the company’s most popular item, the “Amish Crack.”
“It’s a cinnamon doughnut (with) caramel that kind of melts in your mouth,” franchise owner Ben Graves said. “It’s really good. It’s definitely our top seller.”
Besides the Zionsville store, Graves also owns Rise’n Roll franchises in Fishers, Westfield, Nora in Indianapolis and Greenwood.
“I expect (this location) to be pretty busy and be around for decades,” he said. “This is probably (our) best loca-
tion (from a) real-estate perspective. It’s definitely the highest-quality location that we have.”
An Amish couple started the business in 2001 from their home in Shipshewana. In 2004, they opened a bakery that did not use modern technology and continued to make its products by hand. The company was sold in 2009 and has since expanded through franchising.
Rise’n Roll is at 11581 Sylo Crossing, between Shake Shack and Piada, and is open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
For more, visit risenroll.com.
New realty office opens
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
One of the largest real estate brokerage firms in the nation is expanding into northwest Indianapolis.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices had a grand opening June 9 for its Anson office at 6001 Perry Worth Rd., north of Belle Tire, in Whitestown.
The office is the company’s 15th in Indiana.
Katie Malott, regional vice president and manager for the Whitestown office, said the location allows the company to take advantage of the growth in Boone County, especially in Lebanon, and close the gap between it and Berkshire’s Carmel office, which is east of U.S. 31.
“The area has had so much growth,” she said. “We just want to be part of the growth.”
Berkshire Hathaway works with buyers and sellers of both residential and commercial properties as well as rentals. Malott also said the company can be a good landing spot for real estate agents looking to move up in the industry and those looking to wind down
their careers.
The brokerage office will cover the area including Lebanon and Whitestown down to Brownsburg and Avon.
Craig West, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Indiana, said the company specifically targeted the I-65 corridor, which is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state.
“This was the perfect location for us,” he said.
For more, call 765-225-8901 or visit bhhsinrealty.com.
Rise’n Roll bakery is at 11581 Sylo Crossing. (Photo by Piper Bailey)
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, 6001 Perry Worth Rd., Whitestown, had its grand opening June 9. (Photo by Spencer Durham)
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.
THE BLUEPRINT
• 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.
East Carmel home’s outdoor space reimagined
Folk trio I’m With Her set for Palladium
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’
“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
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.
JERRY GARCIA
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 JR.’
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’
“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.
From left, Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins and Sarah Jarosz form the folk trio, I’m With Her. (Photo courtesy of Shervin Lainez)
ENTERTAINMENT
Lobster Palooza set
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.
“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.”
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.
THE FOUR PHANTOMS IN CONCERT
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BONEY JAMES
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
A CONVERSATION WITH AMY SEDARIS 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
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
“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.
PUZZLE ANSWERS
J 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
STEWART COPELAND: HAVE I SAID TOO MUCH 7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON
GLADYS KNIGHT
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LOU GRAMM: THE ORIGINAL VOICE OF FOREIGNER
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DEMOLA LIVE!
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE & PABLO CRUISE
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE BILLY JOEL LEGACY: CELEBRATINGTHE PIANO MAN
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS: INDIGO PARK TOUR
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE WAR AND TREATY
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
THE SIXTIES SHOW
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
INVINCIBLE: A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DANIEL EMMET: THIS THING CALLED LOVE
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
NILADRI KUMAAR: THE SPACE BETWEEN THE NOTES –HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN
7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HASTA LA MUERTE
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BLKBOK
7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON
SIMPLY THREE 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
MAVIS STAPLES
7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH BERNADETTE PETERS
8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PUNCH BROTHERS
Woolston Salmon
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price includes installation & warranty
for $925
Red Barn has new take on classic thriller
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. To retain the thrill and mystery, that’s all I’m willing to share.”
The show is set for June 24-28, 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, 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, so it’s exciting to see young, local talent getting a chance on our stage. Lastly, it is a period piece, which always presents unique challenges for the set, costumes and props.”
Eloise Brown, from New York City, plays Susan, the blind woman. Red Barn Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor is plays Mike, one of the criminals. Taylor, who lives in Frankfort, is a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate. Matthew Reich, from Los Angeles, plays Carlino and this is his second summer at Red Barn. Ben Brickner, from Chicago, plays Sam and also is in his second summer at Red Barn. Aaron Moon, Whitestown, plays Roat.
For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
Abi Hampton, left, and Eloise Brown rehearse for “Wait Until Dark.” (Photo courtesy of Luke McLaughlin)
PUZZLES
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 15
PUBLIC NOTICE
Keeler-Webb Associates, 486 Gradle Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 is submitting a NOI letter to notify the Town of Zionsville DWP, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements of the Town of Zionsville DWP – MS4, as well as the requirements of 327 IAC 15-5 and 327 IAC 15-13, to discharge stormwater from the construction activities for the following project:
This is Public Notice in compliance with 327 IAC 15-5 (Rule 5), notice is hereby given for the construction of a Friendly Market Convenience Store and Gas Station in Zionsville, IN in Boone County, Indiana is scheduled to begin immediately, and construction should be completed by year end 2026. More specifically, the project is located at 39° 59’ 10.88” North latitude, 86° 15’ 34.28” West longitude, also the 1.22±-acre site is a part of Holiday Farms –Section 7, Range 12 East. Additionally, all stormwater which leaves this site will discharge via storm system and swales to Holiday Farms detention pond.
Any questions should be directed to Mr. Jesse Mann, 181 Sagamore Pkwy S, Lafayette, IN, (888) 250-2607.
WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES
HIRING PARISH FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
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
