Tuesday, June 24, 2025
TO HAVE CURRENT DELIVERED TO YOUR PHONE
A CALL FOR CIVILITY
Former Hoosier governors stress need for respectful dialogue to move forward / P11
School district handbook update removes tech
Parking permits eyed for some Fishers neighborhoods / P5 HSE senior picked for GRAMMY Camp / P9
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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XV, No. 23
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HSE handbook updates remove tech opt-out
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
EDUCATION
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Although Hamilton Southeastern Schools district policy was changed about 10 years ago to remove a technology opt-out for elementary students, that option remained in the student handbook until an update that was ratified June 11 by the HSE Board of Trustees, and some parents were unhappy to learn they don’t have that option.
The HSE Board of Trustees unanimously approved the handbook updates, but directed district administrators to further explore the technology opt-out policy. During public comment, two parents spoke against removing the opt-out clause, not knowing that district policy hadn’t allowed it for many years. Erin Domokos said her son is starting kindergarten in the fall and she chose to enroll him at HSE in part
because the previous version of the handbook included a technology opt-out.
“It feels now like a bait-and-switch to find out the policy will be removed,” she said. “Unfortunately, we’re too far along in this process to find alternatives — private schools that might better align with our family’s values around technology use have waitlists. Our family’s vision for raising tech-literate children centers around puzzles, building, exploration, collaborating and problem-solving — not app usage.”
Domokos added that her family is not antitechnology, noting that her husband works in data analytics and coding.
Before the board vote, Director of Student Services Christi Thomas presented the updated handbooks and noted that the district’s policy regarding a technology opt-out was changed about 10 years ago — the update simply aligned the handbook with that policy.
“What (was) in the handbook that she’s
been talking about having removed was a form that dated back to 2012,” she said. “Don’t ask me how it’s survived all those years in our handbook — we haven’t had an opt-out policy since 2016.”
She added that the district can offer a way for parents to see how much and in what ways their children are using technology in the classroom.
Board members asked Superintendent Patrick Mapes to look into the opt-out policy and bring it back to the policy committee for more consideration. He said that might take a couple months.
In other matters, the board approved the three-year Innovate 2028 action plan, which was introduced during the May meeting. The plan is a guide for Hamilton Southeastern Schools to meet academic, fiscal and communication goals.
The next HSE Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 9 at at 13485 Cumberland Rd.
Local 4-H youth, food bank help ‘meat’ the need’
By Brittney Dial news@currentinfishers.com
The Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Meating the Need program — a partnership with local 4-H youth to provide fresh meat for food pantries throughout Hamilton County.
PHILANTHROPY
“4-H was in it from the beginning,” said Anita Hagen, the program coordinator who helped found Meating the Need.
When the program began in 2016, six 4-H students participated. Through community donations, the food bank was able to purchase cattle from those students to distribute to local pantries. The 4-H members then used the funds to purchase additional livestock or put toward college.
In the past decade, 53 4-H students have participated and more than 37,500 pounds of meat has been distributed to local pan-
Abby Holloway is one of the Hamilton County 4-H students participating in this year’s Meating the Need program. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank)
tries through Meating the Need.
“When Meating the Need first arose, it was such a fantastic opportunity to provide fresh, local meat to the pantries in Hamilton County” said Deborah Foley, who, with her husband Tim, is a program supporter. “There seems to be a false impression that Hamilton County doesn’t have a large number of families who need a helping hand. But the truth is, there is a growing need. A majority of the families are hard working and just need a little assistance. This program goes
a long way to provide the boost they need.” The program also allows 4-H students to learn about food insecurity.
“They see the awareness within their local community,” Hagen said. “Hunger isn’t this thing that is foreign…it really is in our own community and everyone can do something to help address that.”
Abby Holloway, an incoming senior at Noblesville High School, is in her ninth year with 4-H and has been a part of Meating the Need for seven years.
“I participate in the Meating the Need program because it’s a positive way to use my animal after I’ve shown him at the county fair,” Holloway said. “Being a part of this program is meaningful to me because it’s a way to give back to my community.”
This year, the food bank plans to purchase 19 4-H animals for $40,000, which just covers the cost of raising the livestock. For more about Meating the Need, visit hchfoodbank.org.
The SWEETEST SANDWICH of the Summer.
This summer, we’re celebrating Tenderloin Tuesday’s Sweet Sixteen! Over 50 Hamilton County restaurants will offer special deals and savory spins on Indiana’s favorite sandwich on Tuesdays from June 24th to July 29th . Claim your passport at TenderloinTuesday.com to redeem deals at your favorite tenderloin spots. Let’s celebrate 16 sweet years of Tuesday tenderness!
The City of Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety voted June 10 in favor of a $300,000 sculpture for the west side of a downtown parking garage along the Nickel Plate Trail. The sculpture, fabricated and installed by Bo-mar Industries, depicts a stylized tree that protrudes 3 to 5 feet from the parking garage with lighting on its hexagonal branches. Director of Public Works
that the tree is expected to be installed this fall. (Rendering courtesy of the City of Fishers)
Two men charged in Fishers home invasion
news@currentinfishers.com
Two Indianapolis men face multiple charges after allegedly breaking into a Fishers woman’s house June 12 while she was home, and then assaulting and robbing her.
CRIME
According to an announcement from the Fishers Police Department, the incident took place at a home in the Britton Falls neighborhood off Cyntheanne Road on Fishers’ east side. The woman told police that two men had entered her home and attacked her.
Elijah J. Oates of Indianapolis that afternoon. During an interview with detectives, Oates allegedly admitted to the crimes. On June 13, Fishers Police Department officers located and arrested the second suspect, 25-year-old Daquez Stockdale of Indianapolis. At deadline, both men were in custody at Hamilton County Jail.
“The men left the home after stealing property from the victim and fled the area in a vehicle,” the announcement stated. “The victim was able to call 911 and was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and (was) released.”
Detectives identified two suspects and were able to locate and arrest 24-year-old
Oates faces five felony charges of sexual battery, breaking and entering, criminal confinement, robbery that involves putting someone in fear and causing injury, and burglary that results in injury; and misdemeanor charges of fraud and theft, according to the Hamilton County Jail website.
Stockdale faces four felony charges of breaking and entering, criminal confinement, burglary resulting in bodily injury, and robbery that involves putting someone in fear and causing injury; and one misdemeanor charge of theft.
Jonathan Valenta told the board
Oates
Stockdale
The Fishers City Council considered a new residential parking permit program during its June 16 regular meeting. (File photo)
Parking permits eyed for some Fishers neighborhoods
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A plan to issue parking permits for residential neighborhoods that are affected by busy nearby businesses and religious institutions is moving forward following a first reading June 16 by the Fishers City Council.
GOVERNMENT
Fishers Police Department Chief Ed Gebhart told the council that two residential areas in particular led to the proposed ordinance, which will come back to the council for a second reading. One is near the King Jugg Brewing Co., and the other is near the Alhuda Mosque — both on Lantern Road.
King Jugg hosts live music events that attract many customers who have been using the residential streets for overflow parking. Gebhart said the resulting problems include intoxicated customers urinating on lawns and littering. He said the bar owners have tried to alleviate the problem with a shuttle service from another parking area, but it hasn’t made much of a difference.
The mosque has weekly prayer services on Fridays that bring many people to the area, including some from outside of Fishers. Gebhart said that although the mosque has added parking, overflow parking in neighborhoods continues to be a problem there, as well.
“We have met with both neighborhoods and taken concerns in and complaints of what this process would look like,” he said. “We do know that not everybody may be on board with this particular process, but (a parking permit program) is the only way that I, as chief of police, can see my way through this.”
He said that right now, the only way law enforcement can help is if a car is parked
illegally. A residential parking permit program, though, would allow officers to issue $150 tickets to cars that don’t have a permit. Gebhart said permits would be available to residents through the police department and people who live in the affected neighborhoods could have as many permits as they needed.
He said permitted parking would be enforced only during high-traffic times, adding that the proposed ordinance would allow city officials to add or remove affected streets as needed if parking concerns crop up elsewhere.
Mayor Scott Fadness said the city doesn’t want to make parking restrictive for residents.
“We’re not looking to ban street parking 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he told the council. “We know when these are peak times and we’re going to really try to narrow the timing of this to just when we have these acute issues, so that 90 percent of the time, you can park wherever you want. And frankly, you don’t even need a permit for 90 percent of the time — it’s for those small windows where we really have kind of a real parking challenge.”
Fadness said the proposal would allow the police department to work with the Board of Public Works and Safety to determine which streets and times a parking permit would be required.
In other matters, the council approved an update to the city’s code regarding property maintenance. The update adds enforcement capabilities for different departments, adds language for the upkeep of vacant structures and adds more options for the city to enforce property maintenance standards.
The next Fishers City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 21 at the Fishers Municipal Center theater, 1 Municipal Dr.
Mudsock Quilts of Valor program honors veterans
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
CEREMONY
Mudsock Quilters Guild Quilts of Valor program members met June 12 at Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers to present quilts to three area U.S Army veterans: Specialist Jose Sierra III, Sgt. Alan Watts and Specialist Roger Coffel.
The local program is part of the nationwide Quilts of Valor network, which has a goal of gifting every service member in the nation with a quilt of comfort and healing.
The three veterans honored at the ceremony left their mark in the military before discharge.
Coffel volunteered as a combat engineer in 1968 before an honorable discharge in 1971, serving in the Big Red One, the First Infantry Division of the US Army. Watts served from January 1968 to October 1968 and was honorably discharged after serving and maintaining missiles used by artillery forces.
Sierra served as a communications specialist from 2012 to 2017, completing multiple field exercises before separating from the Army due to a disability.
“Everybody has valor when they (serve time),” guild member Ruth Ann Gapen said. “It’s really hard to be pulled away from your family and do stuff you didn’t know about and go places you never heard of. (In Vietnam), nobody wanted to be there.”
Guild members volunteer their time and resources to celebrate nominated veterans, helping to honor the more than 400,000 service members nationwide who have been given a quilt. For more, visit qovf.org.
Cyntheanne Christian Church hosts dog tag flag
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
Cyntheanne Christian Church recently hosted a traveling memorial that supports Veterans and Athletes United, a nonprofit that helps disabled veterans and their families through accessible retreats and adaptive sports and recreation.
MEMORIAL
“The thing I love about VAU is every penny goes to the veterans,” said Jo Neff, Cyntheanne Christian Church Charity Circle co-chair for the VAU Fallen Heroes Memorial. “We are one of their biggest supporters. We have raised over $70,000 for them since 2016.”
In conjunction with its primary mission, VAU created the Global War on Terror Memorial Flag in 2018, followed by a second flag in 2022. The flags are each made from 7,800 dog tags from veterans who served between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 1, 2021. The flags are designated as Eastern and Western memorials, corresponding with
The Global War on Terror Memorial Flag consists of 7,800 dog tags. (Photo by David Jacobs)
the locations they travel to throughout the year.
“It stands for all of what (the fallen soldiers) did for us so we could be free,” Neff said. “It’s very heartwarming, touching and sad … just so full of emotions.”
Neff helped bring the memorial to Fishers in 2024 on Veteran’s Day in November and was happy to bring it back to the community June 14 for Flag Day.
The memorial flag will be in Indiana twice again this year, with stops in Cicero for the Fourth of July and Huntingburg Aug. 24. For more about VAU and the memorial, visit vetsau.org.
Sierra III Watts
Coffel
FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES
FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR ALL AGES
MSDLT promotes administrators
Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch
Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch
Personalized Care With A Gentle Touch
news@currentinfishers.com
Three Lawrence Township Schools administrators were promoted following the regular June 9 meeting of the MSDLT School Board.
EDUCATION
McGarrell has 23 years of educational experience and has been assistant principal at Lawrence Central since 2018.
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. Molly E. Dwenger, D.D.S.
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. Molly E. Dwenger, D.D.S.
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana
Email: kwarddds@fishersdentalcare.com www.fishersdentalcare.com
info@fishersdentalcare.com
info@fishersdentalcare.com
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070
Email: kwarddds@fishersdentalcare.com www.fishersdentalcare.com
Email: kwarddds@fishersdentalcare.com www.fishersdentalcare.com
Kevin D. Ward, D.D.S. 11959 Lakeside Drive | Fishers, Indiana 46038 317.577.1911 | Fax 317.576.8070
The board approved the appointments of Lawrence North High School Principal Brett Crousore as the new director of secondary education; Lawrence Central Assistant Principal Corey McGarrell as the new principal of Fall Creek Valley Middle School; and Sunnyside Elementary School Principal Edyza Deynes as the new director of dual language.
Home
All three will start their new jobs effective July 1.
According to an announcement from the district, Crousore has been principal at Lawrence North since 2011. He previously served as associate principal, assistant principal, teacher and coach at the school.
“It is an honor to be selected to lead the students, staff, parents and community of Fall Creek Valley Middle School,” McGarrell stated. “I look forward to working with staff, students and families to foster a rigorous, student-centered learning environment where every student can achieve academic excellence and grow as a confident learner.”
Crousore has a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in psychology from Wabash College. He completed his master’s at Butler University in the Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals in 2004.
McGarrell began his teaching career in 2002 in Lebanon and later Lawrence North High School, where he taught Social Studies. He also served as an assistant football coach. He earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education and social studies from Indiana University in 2002 and completed a leadership development program in special education at Purdue University prior to earning his master’s degree in educational leadership at the University of Indianapolis in 2015.
Deynes has been principal at Sunnyside since 2021 and previously served as assistant principal, English as a new language teacher and kindergarten teacher in the district.
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“Serving as the principal at Lawrence North High School has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career,” Crousore stated. “As I transition into this new role, I am excited to continue supporting our schools, staff and students on a broader level — ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive at the secondary level in the MSD of Lawrence Township.”
Superintendent Shawn Smith stated that Crousore will bring insight and experience as the district prepares to implement new state graduation requirements and enhance student workforce development opportunities.
“Ms. Deynes’ experience and intrinsic knowledge of language acquisition make her the ideal candidate to lead the district’s continually growing and high-demand dual language program,” Smith stated. “I am confident of both her leadership and her unwavering commitment to the families and students of our district.”
A native of Puerto Rico, Deynes attended Ball State University, where she earned a bachelor’s in elementary education with a concentration in English as a new language and a Spanish minor. She has a master’s in educational leadership from the IUPUI Urban Principal Program.
Scholarships awarded — The Riverview Health Foundation has awarded seven Hamilton County high school seniors the Dr. and Mrs. Malcom Bray Medical Scholarship and Hamilton County Medical Society Scholarship for seniors from Hamilton County who plan to pursue a medical career. Each recipient receives $1,000. In partnership with the Riverview Health Foundation, each student received an additional $500 from the Hamilton County Medical Society Scholarship. The students are Lainey Adkins, Fishers High School; Bassel Ashour, Noblesville High School; Alex Augustine, Hamilton Southeastern High School; Madeline Linville, Westfield High School; Madelyn Putman, Carmel High School; Elizabeth Smith, Hamilton Heights High School; and Makaley Terry, Sheridan High School.
Greenfield Greenwood
Westfield
Crousore
McGarrell
Deynes
DISPATCH
HSE senior invited to exclusive GRAMMY Camp
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
Thousands of musically inclined high school students from across the country apply every summer to the seven-day GRAMMY camp in hopes of landing a spot at one of its three locations: Los Angeles, Miami or New York.
MUSIC
This year, HSE senior Mallory Kestner was one of the chosen few and is headed to the Los Angeles camp, which starts July 13.
Kestner is the only Hoosier selected for the camp and will focus on the music business career track. Other career tracks the camp offers include audio production, songwriting, vocal performance and instrumental performance.
“GRAMMY camp is an opportunity for high school students to launch their career in the music industry,” Kestner said. “I’m just really excited to meet everybody (and) be surrounded by people who have the same passion as me.”
The application process involves written and video essays, answering a variety of prompts — a deterrent for many. A simple “Why not?” led Kestner to kickstart her music career.
“The acceptance rate is pretty low for this kind of thing,” Kestner said. “There’s so many people who apply and are super talented, so even getting accepted, I was so stoked. I found out when I was in class and had to leave to call my dad. I was
Mallory Kestner, seen at Indiana University’s Sample Gates, is the only student from Indiana who received an invitation to GRAMMY camp. (Photo courtesy of Mallory Kestner.)
freaking out.”
Growing up in a musical house, Kestner inherited a passion for music from both of her parents, but specifically her dad and uncle.
“I started collecting vinyl and love going to the record store with my dad,” Kestner said. “(Then) I grew a love for going to concerts and live music. Once I figured out that was a passion of mine, I started to look into types of careers in music as someone who doesn’t have the musical talent.”
When Kestner found out about the business side of music, passion and career began to align.
“I’m really interested in music marketing,” Kestner said. “I went to see my favorite band, Inhaler, in Philadelphia, and they do this thing where (fans) can take over their Instagram account and talk about what’s going on at the concert. So, I got chosen to do the takeover and that was something that showed me that I wanted to be a music marketer because I had a lot of fun doing it and received a bunch of feedback.”
Kestner plans to attend Indiana University in the fall of 2026 to pursue a degree in music business, but in the meantime, is thrilled to participate in GRAMMY Camp in L.A.
“I think it will just be a good learning experience for me,” Kestner said. “I’m excited to hear from the guest speakers who are in the industry. I think that kind of insight will really set the stage for me.”
I Bridge.
FISHERS JULY EVENTS
FOURTH OF JULY
Multiple Fourth of July events are planned, including:
• City of Fishers free concert and fireworks — The city’s Parks and Recreation Department has booked My Yellow Rickshaw to perform a free concert starting at 8 p.m. at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, with fireworks at 10 p.m. Other community fireworks displays are planned at Cyntheanne Park and Geist Reservoir.
• City of Lawrence Fourth Fest — the city has a full day of events planned at Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Rd., starting with the annual parade that begins at 10 a.m.; a fish fry, games, food trucks and car show at 11 a.m.; bounce houses from 3 to 5 p.m.; a skateboarding contest starting at 4 p.m.; a free concert starting at 6 p.m. with Big Rosco & The Hammers followed by Toy Factory; and fireworks at 10 p.m.
• The American Legion Fishers Post 470 is hosting a Fourth of July party from noon to 5 p.m. at the post, 9091 E. 126th St. Activities will include a blind draw cornhole tournament and water balloons for the kids, along with free burgers and hotdogs.
FISHERS ARTS COUNCIL RECEPTION
The Fishers Arts Council will celebrate its July exhibit, “All Our Best: Hamilton County Artists’ Association Member Show” with a Second Friday reception from 6 to 8 p.m. July 11 at the Art Gallery at City Hall, 1 Municipal Dr. Visitors to the free public reception can meet the artists, listen to live music and enjoy light refreshments. A Focus on the Artist program will start at 6:45 p.m. For more, visit fishersartscouncil. org/upcoming-events.
ONEZONE CHAMBER EVENTS
• OneZone Chamber’s Eggs & Issues will feature special guest Jim Morris, pres-
ident and CEO of Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. The event is set for 8 a.m. July 18 at The Bridgewater Club, 3535 E. 161st St., Carmel. To register, visit onezonechamber.com.
• OneZone will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for Wahl to Wahl Eyecare, set for 4 p.m. July 24 at the business, 11594 Whistle Dr., Suite 170.
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
The following Fishers government meetings are scheduled during the month of July:
• Plat Committee — 4 p.m. July 2, Fishers Municipal Center theater
• Planned Unit Development — 5 p.m. July 2, Fishers Municipal Center theater
• Plan Commission — 6 p.m. July 2, Fishers Municipal Center theater
• Town Hall Building Corporation — 4 p.m. July 14, Nickel Plate Conference Room
• Board of Public Works & Safety — 9 a.m. July 15 and 29, Nickel Plate Conference Room
• Finance Committee — 5 p.m. July 16, Nickel Plate Conference Room
• Redevelopment Commission — 4 p.m. July 21, Nickel Plate Conference Room
• City Council — 7 p.m. July 21, Fishers Municipal Center theater
• Nickel Plate Review Committee — 5 p.m. July 23, Nickel Plate Conference Room
• Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals — 6 p.m. July 23, Nickel Plate Conference Room
• Fall Creek Board of Zoning Appeals — 6 p.m. July 24, Nickel Plate Conference Room
• Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees — Finance committee, 8 a.m. July 2; policy committee, 8:30 a.m. July 2; facilities committee, 9 a.m. July 3; and board meeting, 6 p.m. July 9. All meetings are at 13485 Cumberland Rd.
DISPATCHES
Food drive planned — Menards home improvement stores are serving as drop sites for local food pantries through July 31. Menards offers nonperishable food items that can be donated to the food pantries. There are collection boxes for donations near the exit doors. For more, contact Jeff Abbott at jabbott@menardinc.com or 715-864-2658.
Harvest Fest returns — Harvest Fest sponsored by Hamilton County Tourism, a nonprofit fundraiser inside a juried art fair, returns for its 6th year, but at a new location — the Nickel Plate Trail in downtown Fishers. The application deadline is July 7. For more, visit fishersartscouncil. org/blog.
A CALL FOR CIVILITY
Former Hoosier governors stress need for respectful dialogue to move forward
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Three former Indiana governors — including one former U.S. vice president — sat down for a discussion about public service and leadership in front of a packed OneZone Chamber luncheon Jan. 12 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton conference center in Noblesville.
Gov. Mitch Daniels, governor from 2004 to 2012; Vice President Mike Pence, elected governor in 2012 and vice president in 2016; and Gov. Eric Holcomb, elected governor in 2016 and 2020, spoke with OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell to an audience of about 600.
During the discussion, Pence said he was proud of the Trump-Pence administration, even if it didn’t end the way he wanted it to.
After President Trump lost his bid for reelection in 2020, Pence defied Trump’s call to not certify the results of that election. Trump supporters on Jan. 6, 2021, then stormed the U.S. Capitol where that certification was taking place.
Pence said at the June 12 forum that it was a privilege to serve as vice president. Without referencing current events, he added that he believes that the future of democracy depends on civility, character and respect.
Daniels agreed, stating that there are many examples of people in public office who treat their jobs with dignity and respect — even when they vigorously disagree with each other — and that he didn’t think those attributes would remain permanently out of fashion.
“It’s not that long since I left elected office in such a different world (than) today,” he said. “I hope that we’ll have people who, once again, embrace the idea that — yeah, having the right answers, the right policies, that’s important. But character is, too.”
Daniels said Pence displayed “remarkable character” during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and the audience applauded in agreement.
Holcomb, who was recovering from losing his voice during an Indiana Pacers game the night before, agreed that civility
will come back — but only if people work to make it happen.
Russell asked his three guests to name the most important issue facing Indiana.
Holcomb said there are many issues, but if forced to pick one it would be workforce readiness — making sure Hoosier students are ready for the future. He added that Hamilton County is doing a good job with that.
Mike Pence, left and Mitch Daniels talk after a June 12 forum. Former Gov. Eric Holcomb, right, speaks with an audience member.
Pence said the top current issue was the Pacers winning the NBA Finals, eliciting another round of applause from the audience. He noted that the two teams — Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder — are a metaphor for what’s happening in the country, with a stronger focus on the heartland.
Daniels agreed that Indiana is in a good position with a growing population and
THREE FORMER GOVERNORS
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb was the 51st governor of Indiana and is a lifelong Hoosier. He was born in Indianapolis and graduated from Pike High School and Hanover College. He served six years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, first at Naval Station Great Lakes and later at Naval Air Station Cecil Field Florida and then overseas in Portugal. Holcomb finished his second term as governor in 2024.
Gov. Mitch Daniels served as a two-term governor of Indiana from 2004 to 2012 and as the 12th president of Purdue University from 2013 to 2022. He now serves as a Distinguished Scholar and Senior Advi-
more college graduates choosing to stay. He said the challenge is to maintain that momentum in the face of what he said will be tough economic times ahead.
When asked to recall moments that made them proud to be Hoosiers, Daniels noted times when he traveled the state following floods or tornadoes and was inspired by the people who showed up to help.
Pence said balanced budgets and strong policies are important, but agreed with Daniels that the most memorable times were when state residents showed what Hoosier hospitality means.
“If you run (toward) the sound of guns, you actually get to see people in their worst settings at their best — and those are Hoosiers,” he said, adding that his hope for the future is rooted in his faith in God and in the goodness, decency and character of the American people.
Holcomb agreed with his colleagues, adding that one of his proudest moments was hosting guests at the annual Indy 500 race, which he called a crown jewel of the state.
Closing out the forum, Russell said his three guests had made important contributions that shaped the course of the state.
sor at the Liberty Fund. At Purdue, Daniels prioritized student affordability and reinvestment in the university’s strengths and froze tuition and mandatory fees at 2012 levels for all students. The freeze remains in place today.
Vice President Mike Pence was born in Columbus, Ind. After graduating from Hanover College and the Indiana University School of Law, he embarked on a career that included law practice, hosting a talk show and serving as a congressman for six terms. Pence was elected the 50th governor of Indiana, and in 2016 was elected vice president, serving four years in that office.
“But more than policies or headlines, what they share is this — a deep belief in Indiana’s potential, a willingness to make hard decisions and a legacy rooted not in politics but purpose,” he said. “They didn’t just occupy the office of governor — they used (the role) to lead and to move Indiana forward. These three men showed us true leadership. Now it’s our turn to learn from these three great leaders, because the next chapter in Indiana’s story won’t be written by one person in one office. It will be written by the people in this room.”
Russell encouraged audience members not to wait for a title or for conditions to be perfect before they become a leader, and to help create solutions to the challenges Indiana faces in the future.
ON THE COVER: Former Indiana governors Mitch Daniels, left, Mike Pence and Eric Holcomb answer questions from OneZone President Jack Russell during a June 12 forum. (Photo courtesy of OneZone)
Former Indiana governors
(Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Daniels Pence
Holcomb
Automate Your Front Desk
Fishers attracts bio-pharma firm
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A compounding pharmacy that has been based in California is moving to Fishers to take over the former Juno Lighting building on Exit 5 Parkway.
DEVELOPMENT
Megan Baumgartner is the economic development director for the City of Fishers. She told the Fishers City Council June 16 that 1Eleven owners, who originally are from Indiana, want to relocate the San Diego-based compounding pharmacy and eventually expand its services.
patients through this journey of whatever their compounding drug might be.”
She said future expansion plans include manufacturing peptides at the Fishers facility, rather than importing them.
Incentives that the council unanimously approved to help bring the company to Fishers included 10-year tax abatements on the building and personal property, which includes medical manufacturing equipment.
“They specialize in compounding peptides,” she said. “They are starting their business as a compounding pharmacy — that is taking different elements and different materials that are manufactured off-site, combining them all into one single drug and then distributing them that way. What’s really exciting about 1Eleven is that they’re going to do vertical integration with the compounding pharmaceutical side of the house, so they will have an e-health service that will be within this facility as well, so they can help navigate with
“In exchange for that investment, they plan approximately 120 new positions and employees will be in this facility over the next 10 years,” Baumgartner said. “Of the average salaries, there will be approximately $90,000 for those 120 new employees.”
Almost exactly one year ago, a different pharmaceutical manufacturing company had expressed interest in the former Juno Lighting building. That unnamed Philadelphia-based company had tentatively planned to manufacture drug delivery systems, such as pre-filled injection pens. That tentative agreement, presented to the council in June 2024, never came back for further action.
Blueprint for Improvement: Noblesville kitchen gets bold
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Noblesville kitchen evolved from a dark, cramped galley into a bright, pattern-rich space that celebrates both color and character.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The dramatic renovation replaced dark cabinets and plain counters with sage green cabinetry and crisp white quartz surfaces.
• Eye-catching geometric floor tiles create visual interest, while a classic subway tile backsplash adds timeless appeal.
• The arched doorway was preserved as a charming architectural feature.
• Warm wood window trim and vintageinspired lighting, including a stunning stained- glass pendant, infuse the space with personality and warmth.
• The result is a kitchen that feels both contemporary and timeless.
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.
After
look
Before
Urban set to perform ‘High and Alive’ tour at Ruoff
By Alan Sculley editorial@youarecurrent.com
Keith Urban has always been an artist willing to take chances musically, to leave room in the recording studio for creative spontaneity that allows songs to go in unexpected directions and take on dimensions he didn’t anticipate.
Urban will perform his “High and Alive” tour at 7 p.m. June 28 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville.
As such, Urban’s albums have generally included at least a song or two that ventured beyond his signature rock-and-popinflected country sound or incorporated production approaches that veered from the norm of mainstream country music.
But as Urban turned his attention to making his follow-up to “The Speed Of Now Part 1,” he wondered if he should rein in his tendency to go off script in the studio. So, he purposely sought to create a more structured environment with the recording sessions.
Urban followed his plan and recorded all the songs for the album, which he planned to name “615” after the area code for Nashville where the album was recorded. That’s when something happened that Urban had never experienced before. With all the songs finished and ready for sequencing, Urban didn’t like what he heard and he scrapped the album.
“I think subconsciously I was wondering if sometimes my albums feel a bit scattershot and hard to define what they are,” Urban said. “And I thought, well, maybe I need to have more focus and definition for a specific kind of sound and a certain kind of song, and so I started recording those kinds of sounds and songs and I didn’t really, it didn’t allow for as much spontaneity as I’ve done on every other record — and exploration. The result was something a little bit too linear for me.”
Urban reluctantly set aside the album, but he now realizes he had been doing the right thing all along by allowing for spontaneity in the studio. And he set about making an album that felt right.
“The very first song we wrote after
that was ‘Chuck Taylors,’” Urban said. “It’s probably not coincidental why that song is so buoyant and high energy because I felt liberated after the ‘615’ experience. I’m like, ‘OK, well, I’ve confirmed how I don’t want to make records and I’d rather do it this way.’”
Urban named his new album “High” to represent the joy he felt during the project. And the music feels worthy of the enthusiasm the 57-year-old guitarist-singer-songwriter expresses about the album. “High,” which was released in the fall of 2024, opens on an especially upbeat note with “Straight Line,” a rootsy tune with an irresistible groove, perky acoustic instrumentation and plenty of hooks that will feel instantly familiar to Urban’s fans. The same can be said of hefty ballads like “Daytona” and “Messed Up As Me,” two songs brought over from the “615” album that feel like prototypical Urban tunes. But Urban stretches out with other songs. The aforementioned “Chuck Taylors” combines the organic tones of acoustic guitar and a peppy synthetic beat to create a fresh and catchy sound, while “Laughin’ All The
Way To The Drank” punches up the beat and goes even more high octane when it hits an instrumental segment with banjo, violin and guitar solos. Taken together, “High” is a diverse, well-rounded effort that offers both musical comfort food and adventure.
Urban was happy with his latest album. But as he started planning for his tour in support of “High,” he sensed it was time for another change. He parted ways with three members of his touring band — Grammy nominated drummer Terence F. Clark, guitarist/keyboardist Nathan Barlowe, and most notably, guitarist and band leader Jerry Flowers, who had worked side by side with Urban since 1997.
“It was really born of the fact that I wanted to be literally out of a comfort zone of familiarity,” Urban said, adding that he and Flowers will always remain close friends. “I kind of have to just keep creating new things and creating with new people creates new things. It just does. And I was wanting to do that at some point when it just was the strongest sort of voice, and this year felt like the voice was speaking the strongest. It was like get out of your comfort zone. Throw yourself into a completely unfamiliar musical environment and see what happens.”
Known as one of country’s best live performers, Urban promises fans who see his “High and Alive” shows this summer will come away happy with the experience.
“We’ve got obviously new songs to put in there from the new record,” said Urban, who has 24 No. 1 singles on his resume, “(We’re) looking back into the catalog and finding some things we haven’t done in a long time or maybe ever, finding acoustic moments to do spontaneous things each night.
“I want it to be a high-energy night, so we come out of the gate swinging with the first couple of songs. I just want everybody to release. I just want everybody to forget about their lives for a couple of hours and just have a great time and leave feeling better than they came. That’s my mission.”
For more, visit ruoffmusiccenter.net.
‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’
“The Little Mermaid” runs through July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“An Evening with Matt Soverns” is set for June 27, followed by “Bubbles Up! Let’s celebrate Jimmy Buffett” June 28 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE COTTAGE’
Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “The Cottage” June 25-29 and July 2-6 at the Frankfort venue. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
‘THE RETURN OF THE KING’
“The Return of the King,” an Elvis Presley tribute show, is set for 7 p.m. June 27 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘ELTON AND ME’
“Elton and Me,” featuring songs by Elton John and singer-songwriter Salvadore Liberto, is set for 3 p.m. June 29 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCHES
Tenderloin Tuesdays are back — Tenderloin Tuesdays return to Hamilton County June 24 to July 29, featuring more participating restaurants than ever. Fifty local businesses will offer deals and discounts each Tuesday during the promotion, spanning a variety of establishments throughout Hamilton County’s cities and towns. For more, visit TenderloinTuesday.com.
CSO receives $20,000 grant — The Carmel Symphony Orchestra has been notified it will be receiving a $20,000 grant from the Allen Whitehall Clowes Charitable Foundation for operational costs for 2025. The funds will help the symphony fulfill its mission to provide family-friendly concerts and engage youth through education.
MUSIC
Keith Urban will perform his “High and Alive” tour at 7 p.m. June 28 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of PFA Media)
Red Barn to present ‘Cottage’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Red Barn Summer Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor and Associate Artistic Director Luke McLaughlin took an immediate liking to “The Cottage” after seeing it on Broadway.
PLAY
“’The Cottage’ is fresh off Broadway and the Red Barn is fortunate to be one of the first theaters in the Midwest to have the privilege of producing this play,” McLaughlin said. “As soon as the rights became available, I mentioned that Michael (Taylor) should try to scoop it up because it would be a hot property for theaters nationwide. We both cannot wait to share this hysterical, unique theatrical experience with our audiences.”
Red Barn presents “The Cottage” June 25-29 and July 2-6 at the Frankfort venue. McLaughlin, who will direct, said Taylor also attended a regional production in Chicago to determine if it would be feasible to present the show in a theater of Red Barn’s size.
“‘The Cottage’ is a farce with a style entirely of its own,” McLaughlin said. “It will
Katherine Abel and Michael Taylor rehearse a scene from “The Cottage.” (Photo courtesy of Luke McLaughlin)
be a great challenge for our company this year.”
Taylor, a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate who is a Frankfort High School theater teacher, portrays Beau in the production.
“Timing is the true challenge,’ McLaughlin said. “British wit demands a cadence that requires time and practice to perfect. With only 10 days to put the show together, the company knows it will take additional time and effort to polish the dialogue for our audiences. “
The cast consists of three men and three women.
For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
THE SONGBOOK ACADEMY® IN CONCERT SAT, JUL 19 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS MAN ON THE MOON TOUR
WED, AUG 6 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS & OTHER DELIGHTS
THU, AUG 7 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BURTON CUMMINGS OF THE GUESS WHO A FEW GOOD MOMENTS TOUR SUN, AUG 10 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
STORIES AND SONGS WITH ROGER MCGUINN SAT, SEP 13 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
SAMARA JOY FRI, NOV 14 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
PEABO BRYSON FRI, NOV 21 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE TUE, DEC 2 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FRI, DEC 5 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
Live music - Delicious food - Local vendors Rides & games in the KidsZone Indiana’s largest 4th of July Parade
Epic fireworks finale synced to music
Shop CarmelFest merch online at CarmelFest.net/shop
Get updates & sign up to volunteer at CarmelFest.net
AN EVENING WITH BRIAN MCKNIGHT FRI, SEP 26 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
JAY LENO
SAT, SEP 27 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
RICK BRAUN & MINDI ABAIR
SAT, OCT 4 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
IL DIVO BY CANDLELIGHT THU, OCT 9 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
MATTHEW MORRISON: RHYTHMS & REVELATIONS FRI, OCT 17 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
AN EVENING WITH TOMMY EMMANUEL, CGP SAT, OCT 18 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
VIENNA BOYS CHOIR SUN, OCT 19 AT 7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS: JAZZ FROM THE BACK O’ TOWN FRI, OCT 24 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY SAT, NOV 1 AT 8PM & SUN, NOV 2 AT 2PM PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
LISA LOEB & JOAN OSBORNE FRI, NOV 7 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
TITO PUENTE JR. AND HIS LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE SAT, NOV 8 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND CREOLE CHRISTMAS MON, DEC 8 AT 7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS FRI, DEC 12 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM
CHRIS ISAAK SAT, DEC 13 AT 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
JAY LENO
BRIAN MCKNIGHT
DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE SAMARA JOY JAKE SHIMABUKURO AIDA CUEVAS
Many remote possibilites
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
HUMOR
My birthday is coming up — in about 9 months — but don’t give it any thought. I have already bought myself the perfect gift from the Brookstone website: the Brookstone Pillow Universal TV Remote Control.
Yes, someone finally had the brains to sew a TV remote inside a throw pillow. Brilliant! The people who wasted valuable time thinking up Windows 11 or the new iPhone must be kicking themselves. Really, what man hasn’t spent 15 minutes looking for his clicker, then wondered why he couldn’t change channels with something he never misplaces — like his can of beer. Hey, there’s another place to put a remote.
Never again will you ask, “Where’s the remote?” Instead, your wife will ask why there is mustard on her pillow. One fan commented, “It looks like the regular pillow I cuddle with.” OK, that is a little creepy, but I was still intrigued.
There are some safety warnings — like a minor possibility of being electrocuted if you drool on the thing. It shuts off after two hours of inactivity. This is not going to happen because most men are persistent channel surfers. However, falling asleep on the pillow is a pressing problem, so to speak. A few customers complained that one minute they were watching a documentary about FDR on the History Channel and minutes later woke up to “The Simpsons.”
As I mentioned, the significant benefit is that you will never lose the remote again. I’m not optimistic that this is a surefire solution for me. Most people when they play golf occasionally lose a golf ball. The last time I played, I lost three clubs. At Kroger, I typically spend 20 minutes shopping and another 20 looking for my car. The designers of this pillow state that the gadget is idiot-proof. But when I paid 40
“Yes, someone finally had the brains to sew a TV remote inside a throw pillow. Brilliant! The people who wasted valuable time thinking up Windows 11 or the new iPhone must be kicking themselves.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
bucks for this contraption, I think I proved them wrong.
My wife Mary Ellen wondered if she could start the dishwasher with the pillow, but I had to put my foot down. This kind of laziness is ruining our country, although it would be awesome to get Orville Redenbacher popping in the microwave by just leaning back in bed right before the movie starts. But I’d be afraid that in the morning, when I turned over for a final few zzzs, it would tun on the car in the garage. Cause of death: exhaustion.
Mary Ellen and I decided not to wait for Christmas and ordered the pillow remote online. We don’t have the same taste in television shows, so we often have a little spat about what we should watch on our big-screen TV. Now that we have this new cushy gadget, it has added some spice and excitement to our marriage.
Never underestimate the value of a good pillow fight.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
LIFESTYLE
1. Arctic floating mass
5. Really put one’s foot down
10. Poker declaration
15. Man’s palindromic name
16. Not as bright
17. Gives a hoot
18. Start of a sleepyhead’s pun
21. Tuna type
22. Appliance brand
23. Downtown Carmel map phrase: “You ___ here”
26. Poet Maya
29. Guitar’s kin
33. “Break a leg out there!”
35. Approves, informally
36. Like some adult films
38. Watched
39. Brickyard Billiards stick
40. Indy Zoo beast
41. Chicago’s overhead rails, briefly
42. Pun, part 2
46. Clean air org.
49. $, initially
50. NBA tiebreakers
51. Solemn vow
55. Hoosier Park victory margin
57. ___ Rigo Mexican Bar & Grill (Carmel eatery)
58. Cut drastically
59. Alternative to Rover
60. Mimic
63. Sound of relief
64. Healing plants
66. Knee injury inits.
68. End of pun
76. Killer whales
77. Arm bones
78. Geist inlet
79. Pacers three-pointers
80. Director Welles
81. Comprehended Down
1. Droid cousin
2. Biblical verb ending
3. GPS suggestion
4. Painter of IMA’s “Three Majos and Three Majas Dancing”
5. Homeland of 4-Down
6. Mai ___
7. Elderly
8. Most of the periodic table
9. WRTV teaser
10. Desktop image
11. “Deck the Halls” snippet
12. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard
13. New papal name
14. Clay Terrace shoe store letters
19. Bogus
20. Social blunder
23. Amaze
24. Fountain County town: Rob ___
25. Female sheep
27. Zionsville Farmers’ Market squash or pumpkin
28. ___ out a living
30. Eiteljorg Museum tribe
31. ___ Aviv
32. Current staffers, briefly
34. Big name in ice cream
37. Sleep stage
39. Couch component
40. Anthem rival
43. Victory Field ump cry
44. Cheer for the Shamrocks
45. Costa del ___
46. Santa’s helper
47. Architect IM
48. Plus
52. Hoosier Motor Club letters
53. IND safety org.
54. LBJ’s veep
56. “Scram!”
57. Expel from law practice
58. Religious offshoot
61. Mass Ave bar
62. “___ Care of Business” (BTO hit)
65. Minus
67. Sure bet
68. Drunkard
69. Indiana governor (1981-89)
70. Fishers Event Center
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