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Founded: Sept. 15, 2009 • Vol. XVII, No.42 Copyright © 2026 by Current Publishing, LLC. Published weekly by Current Publishing, LLC, 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032.
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County GOP calls for election fraud investigation
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton County GOP officials are calling for a criminal investigation into 10 fake signatures found on a petition to place former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on the November ballot for Indiana secretary of state.
Hamilton County GOP Chair Mario Massillamany said in a June 18 statement that Indiana State Police and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office should investigate and prosecute the person who submitted the fraudulent signatures.
The petition is part of an effort to collect the required voter signatures to add Ballard to the November election ballot.
“The irony cannot be overstated,” Massillamany stated. “Greg Ballard is running for the very office charged with protecting Indiana’s elections and a volunteer on his campaign has been caught committing election fraud. If you cannot run an honest petition drive, you have no business running the office that safeguards our elections.”
Ballard’s campaign released a statement in response, noting that the “rogue individual” has been removed from the campaign.
“This is the system working exactly the way it’s supposed to,” the statement added. “It’s why all signatures are verified by the counties and why each signature gatherer has to sign each petition sheet attesting to the validity of the signatures on it.”
Ballard’s campaign stated that the 10 signatures represent about .02 percent of the more than 35,000 collected and turned in at that time.
Ballard served two terms as mayor of Indianapolis from 2008 to 2016. He is
running as an independent candidate. For more, visit gregballard.com.
Hamilton County Elections Administrator Beth Sheller confirmed that a nominating petition had included some potentially fake names.
“We had someone who dropped off many pages of petitions,” she said in an email. “During the certifying of these signatures, we found one page that appears to possibly be fraudulent.”
Sheller said Indiana State Police picked up the petition about two weeks before the county GOP’s statement was released.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joshua Kocher said in a June 18 email that he was aware of Massillamany’s statements related to the collection of signatures for a political candidate’s ballot access.
“The integrity of the election process is fundamental to our maintaining public trust in our democratic institutions,” Kocher said. “As with any allegation of criminal conduct, our office will review any information provided and work with the appropriate investigative agencies to determine if criminal charges are appropriate in Hamilton County. It would be inappropriate to comment further on any specific investigation at this time.”
Massillamany urged election officers throughout the state to carefully scrutinize all Ballard petition documents and called on the Indiana Election Division to flag and audit petition pages from the person who collected the fake signatures.
In a June 23 announcement, the Ballard campaign stated that it had submitted about 64,000 petition signatures to county clerks — more than the 37,000 required —and would continue collecting signatures through the end of the month.
DISPATCHES
Guerin Catholic golfer places second in state — Guerin Catholic High School graduating senior Eli Wessel was the state runner-up in the IHSAA boys state golf finals June 17 at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. Wessel tied with Westfield’s Hudson Kutchma with a two-round 142 total. Kutchma won a two-hole playoff. Wessel will join his brother, Leo, on the University of Cincinnati men’s team next season. The Golden Eagles finished third in the team standings with 596 strokes. Westfield won with a 592 total, one less than Center Grove. Hamilton Southeastern placed fifth with a 608 total and Noblesville sixth with 610. Zionsville senior Max Steiner and Noblesville senior Tyler Marucci finished in a four-way tie for fifth.
United Way of Central Indiana awards literacy grants — United Way of Central Indiana has awarded more than $400,700 to 31 child care providers, schools and community organizations to help start or expand literacy initiatives. United Way’s Literacy Fund provides grants up to $25,000 to support literacy projects and efforts for children up to age 8 that improve language development, early literacy skills, reading and writing. About 6,000 children across Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties will be served through the grants.
Community Health opens new cancer clinic — Community Health Network recently opened a new Hereditary Hematologic Malignancy Clinic, becoming the first health system in Indiana to offer specialized evaluation and testing for inherited risk factors associated with blood cancers. The clinic will be led by Dr. Zachary Wolfe, a specialist in hematologic malignancies. For more, visit eCommunity.com/services/cancer-care/ specialties/blood-cancer.
Ballard
Massillamany
Police HQ plans continue Commissioners OK contract, request for allocation of funds
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Plans for a new police headquarters continue to be unveiled.
The Noblesville Common Council heard introductory information regarding a rezone and government use overlay proposal for the project at the June 23 council meeting.
The proposal will be reviewed by the Noblesville Planning Commission at its July 20 meeting before returning to the council for final approval.
The city received seven parcels on the north and south sides of Division Street from 15th Street to almost 9th Street from the Bridgestone Firestone Company for the new headquarters. The current zoning of most for those properties is heavy industrial, and a request will be presented to rezone the base zone to DT (downtown).
The second request is to create a Government Use Overlay District, or GUO, for the property — a specialized zoning designation applied over an existing base zone that imposes an extra layer of regulations or permits designed ex-
clusively for public use, public facilities or civic operations. It allows municipalities to accommodate government services without altering the primary zoning of surrounding properties.
“One of the things I would like to note is that we will remain the property owner through some conditions from that property transfer with Bridgestone Firestone, and we will be proposing permitted uses for the property and other general development restrictions during that GUO,” Assistant Director of Planning and Development Denise Aschleman said.
Aschleman said the proposed GUO and development of the police station allows the city to begin to implement parts of the East Gateway plan.
“The East Gateway plan called this a community hub, and it is a new category that we added as part of this,” Aschleman said. “What it also does is implement a key goal as part of that plan, and that is to uplift the former Bridgestone Firestone site and put a reuse on the property.”
The next council meeting is at 6 p.m. July 14 at City Hall, 16 S. 10th St.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton County Commissioners approved a contract with Live Nation and a request from Hamilton County Community Corrections at its June 22 meeting. The next commissioners meeting is at 1:45 p.m. July 13 at the Hamilton County Judicial Center.
WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved a contract with Live Nation, which owns and operates Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville.
WHAT IT MEANS: The contract allows off-duty sheriff deputies to help provide security and other law enforcement activities at the venue.
WHAT’S NEXT: The current agree-
ment with Live Nation became void upon the commissioner’s approval. The new agreement has different clauses for identification and liability purposes.
WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved a request from Hamilton County Community Corrections for the allocation of restricted opioid settlement funds for two community corrections programs.
WHAT IT MEANS: The two programs are a participant drug testing program, estimated to cost $90,000, and the Riverview Health Medication Delivery Partnership Program, estimated to cost $330,968 for the first year, $344,322 for the second and $365,148 for the third .
Grant — The Ivy Tech Hamilton County campus recently received a $35,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to expand workforce training programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. For more, visit ivytech.edu/hamco.
Dr. Susan Leedy Helsel
Laurel S. Patient
Muncie man charged with child sex crimes
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
A Muncie man has been charged with felony child exploitation and six felony charges of dissemination of matter harmful to minors in Hamilton County.
Joshua Parry, 39, was in the Hamilton County Jail as of June 24. His bond was set at $25,000.
An officer with the Noblesville Police Department conducted a forensic interview with the 17-year-old victim March 12. The victim disclosed that she met Parry, who was 38 at the time, while working at The Waters in Tipton, and that the two began “dating” Dec. 31, 2025. The probable cause affidavit states that the two had sexual relations and sent explicit photographs back and forth via Snapchat several times. The victim also stated that Parry had saved
an explicit video of her performing a sexual act on him.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim stated she consented to everything that happened and “didn’t do anything she didn’t want to do.” She stated that Parry told her he could get in a lot of trouble and “his kids could get taken away from him because of her age.”
When officers served a search warrant for Parry’s Snapchat account, they found the account had been deleted March 15. A search warrant also was served for Parry’s electronic devices, and at the time of download, there was no child sexual abuse material on his phone. Saved messages from the victim’s phone included videos Parry sent to the victim performing sexual acts on himself and texts messages where Parry talks about the risks of their relationship.
A pretrial is set for Aug. 11.
Foundation awards $97,813
news@currentnoblesville.com
The Noblesville Schools Education Foundation awarded $97,813 to 74 Noblesville educators, staff and students across all ten Noblesville Schools throughout the 2025-26 school year.
One example of an NSEF grant was at Hazel Dell Elementary, where second grade teachers Chrystal Turner, Raquel Boos, Emily Betz and Barb Horsfield received $400 to enrich their Core Knowledge Language Arts medical and nutrition unit.
Another grant was led by Erin Brattain, director of food and nutrition services, who received $5,645 to install an on-site hydroponic garden. The garden will produce fruits and vegetables for school salad bars, supporting a “farmto-tray” approach, The project also will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities focused on sustainability, nutrition and STEM concepts.
An
Parry
-Kathy
WESTFIELD JULY EVENTS
WEED WRANGLE
Join the community in helping get rid of invasive plants that pose a threat to the environment. Hamilton County Invasives will be restoring the ecological health of the prairie at Bray Family Homestead Park from 9 a.m. to noon July 11 by removing a variety of invasive species. For more and to register, visit hcinvasives.org/weedwrangle.html.
POKÉMON GO FEST
Shiny Hunters of Noblesville will present Pokémon GO Fest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 11-12 at Dr. James A. Dillon Park in Noblesville. Blue Smoke BBQ will serve brisket and ribs and July 12 Filler’s Oven Baked Stuffed Burgers will also be on site. There will be Mewtwo, Eevee and Pikachu headbands distributed while supplies last. The event will feature a 15-box daily raffle and a daily Poké Ball Scavenger Hunt across the park trails. For more, contact ShinyHuntersOfNoblesville@Yahoo.com.
HEROES & HEALING MUSIC FESTIVAL
Brotherhood Designs will present its inaugural Heroes & Healing Music Festival from 4 to 11 p.m. July 16 at Federal Hill Commons in Noblesville. The event will feature live music by Billy & The Tall Boys, Mike Riley & The Show Ponies, Gary Burk III and headliner Clayton Anderson. It also will feature food trucks and a beer garden presented by Bier Brewery. For tickets, visit brotherhooddesigns.org/events/ heroes-healing-music-festival.
HAMILTON COUNTY 4-H FAIR
The annual Hamilton County 4-H Fair will return to the fairgrounds at 2003 Pleasant St. in Noblesville from July 16-20. It will feature contests, special events, family activities and entertainment, animals, displays and food, among other activities. For the complete schedule of events, visit extension.purdue.edu/county/hamilton/ hamilton-county-fair/4-h-fair.html.
MEET THE INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS
Join Noblesville Parks & Recreation from 11 a.m. to noon July 17 for a meet-andgreet event with the Indianapolis Indians at Tom Thumb Miniature Golf Course & Concessions at Forest Park.Meet the teams mascot, learn about upcoming games and promotions, grab some giveaways and enjoy a round of mini golf with family and friends. For more, contact 317-776-6350. “It
Residents frustrated by odor
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Several residents have expressed frustration regarding a chemical smell, which they believe is coming from IDI Composites in Noblesville.
IDI Composites, headquartered at 15389 N Pointe Blvd., is a global manufacturer and custom formulator of advanced thermoset molding compounds.
Landon Logue, who lives off Greenfield Avenue and Ind. 37 in Noblesville, said he often notices “a strong chemical smell” when driving on Ind. 37 and in the surrounding area.
“I’m honestly fed up with it at this point because I can’t enjoy my home if the wind happens to blow my direction and blow the smell to my house,” Logue said.
IDI Composites moved from its former facility on Conner Street in Noblesville to its current facility in 2024, which is when Logue first noticed the smell. In response to a post on Facebook questioning other residents about the smell, Sue Sprunk said she
also can smell it at the south end of the Wellington Northeast neighborhood in Noblesville.
Current contacted Mayor Chris Jensen’s office for comment but did not receive a response.
According to Director of Operational Excellence at IDI Composites International Rich Snyder, the strongest smelling chemical it uses is styrene, a chemical building block used primarily to manufacture polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber and protective resins.
“We’ve been in Noblesville since 1966, and we want to be a good neighbor,” Snyder said. “We do fence line level readings for styrene, and the styrene levels at the fence line are always 0.0. Some people are more sensitive than others, but styrene is a natural occurring substance.”
Snyder said he is willing to bring the meter to anyone’s house and that IDI Composites has air permits with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and complies with all laws and regulations.
For more, contact 317-773-1766.
Supreme Court declines case
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Supreme Court has declined to review a former Noblesville High School student’s case regarding anti-abortion club flyers.
A panel of federal appeals court judges ruled last year that NHS did not violate the former student’s First Amendment rights when it derecognized an anti-abortion group she founded on campus. The ruling will now stand.
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys and co-counsel Charitable Allies asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case on the student’s behalf earlier this year. The controversy began in 2021 when NHS officials allowed a student to launch Noblesville Students for Life, a local chapter of a national organization that opposes abortion.
NHS temporarily suspended the club after the student and her mother sought approval from an administrator to display a flyer in the school featuring political messages after the principal had already rejected them.
School officials told the student that club flyers could only contain neutral information about meetings and that a photo depicting people holding signs with messages such as “Defund Planned Parenthood” and “I am the Pro-Life Generation” was not permitted.
Associate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Anthony Alito Jr. was the sole dissent in the decision, saying the court should clarify the relationship between Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, a 1988 decision by the Supreme Court which held that student speech in a school-sponsored student newspaper at a public high school could be censored by school officials without a violation of First Amendment rights if the school’s actions were “reasonably related” to a legitimate pedagogical concern, and subsequent government-speech decisions.
“Since Hazelwood was decided, lower courts have struggled to ascertain its precise limits, and in my view, clarification by this court is in order,” Alito stated in his dissent.
Open Houses
Seniors, coaching help Guerin Catholic win state title
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Dave Schrage spent 38 years coaching college baseball, including head coaching stints at Notre Dame, Butler and four other NCAA Division I programs.
Two years after retiring from Butler in 2022, he applied for the Guerin Catholic High School coaching job. The Noblesville resident didn’t expect to get the job after suffering a heart attack a week after applying, but he was wrong.
Schrage guided the Class 3A No. 2 Golden Eagles to their first state baseball title as Guerin topped No. 1 Andrean 9-3 in the championship game June 19 at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
“I feel like God put me here for a purpose,” Schrage said. “I want to carry out that purpose, which is to have our players grow in their faith, learn some baseball, learn how to play for each other and enjoy the experience. It was a joy to see all the hard work the players put in come to fruition. They were a tight-knit group that cared about each other, were talented and worked hard.”
Senior right-handed pitcher Tate Troxell, who is headed to the University of Alabama, struck out 12, allowed only four hits and one earned run in six innings against Andrean.
“We knew we were capable of accomplishing what we did,” said Troxell, who finished with a 9-0 record and a 1.23 ERA. “We came out there and I think shocked everyone in that ballpark. We got out to an amazing start, scoring three in the top of the first, making my job on the mound so much easier.”
The Golden Eagles (28-3-1) scored nine runs in the first four innings.
Senior Nolan Ratcliff had two hits and tied a 3A state record with four RBIs.
“Pitching with a lead gives me so much more confidence and cushion to attack hitters and get ahead early,” Troxell said.
For Troxell, it was the perfect way for the nine seniors to go out.
“It means everything to us seniors,” he said. “Most of us had started varsity all four years, and to finally accomplish this goal after coming up short before is a pretty sweet ending to our high school careers.”
Junior infielder Ben Canada said the team was motivated after losing to Jasper 5-0 in the 2025 semistate championship game.
“After losing, we all committed to each other that we would find a way back to this position since we were returning so many starters and big contributors,” Canada said.
The Golden Eagles outscored opponents 37-9 in the seven postseason games, including three shutouts.
“First and foremost, our pitching staff in the post season was incredible,” Canada said. “Our defense has been amazing all year, and we have the offensive firepower to beat anyone. Combine those three aspects, and we had so much confidence and belief in each other to do our part.”
Canada had two hits in the title game to raise his final batting average to .382. Canada, who has committed to Northwestern University, will be one of the key returnees.
Senior pitcher Luke Gremelspacher, who finished with a 7-0 record, was named the 3A Mental Attitude Award winner.
The Guerin Catholic High School baseball team celebrates winning the Class 3A state title. (Photo courtesy of IHSAA)
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Sagamore neighborhood in Noblesville will present a Fourth of July parade at 10 a.m. July 4.
A firetruck will start the parade, which will feature decorated golf carts, bicycles and scooters in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
The parade will start on Golden Bear Way at Morningside Court, go around Hanbury Manor, turn right on Golden Bear Way and end after going around Golden Bear Circle. Prizes will be given to the most patriotic entries and popsicles will be given to all kids.
Denise Good, a member of the community’s HOA board, said this is the first time the community has presented a parade in about four years.
“It was just that people just really missed it, and also it’s to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the (nation),” Good said.
Good said although the city presents a larger parade, the neighborhood
missed letting their kids decorate their bicycles and scooters.
“Families enjoy seeing their kids participate, and our parade is probably less than 30 minutes long because we don’t have a very long parade route,” Good said. “The parade goes very slow, because the kids are on bicycles and scooters, and it’s just a great family event.”
The community’s HOA also distributed small American flags for residents to display in their front yards.
“We’re looking forward to how that looks, where everybody comes together, and they’ve got all these flags out in their yard,” Good said. “I handed them out before Memorial Day, and I was amazed how many people put them out for Memorial Day. So, now here we are preparing for July 4 and celebrating a milestone (anniversary), so I think it’ll be neat to see all the flags out.”
HEPL gears up for annual library card campaign Parade returns to Sagamore
news@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton East Public Library is preparing for its third annual “Show Your Library Card and Save” campaign.
In September, library card holders will be able to access special offers from local businesses, exclusive to HEPL cardholders. Offers may include discounts, free items with purchase, special promotions or other incentives determined by the participating business, according to a news release.
Those who do not have a card at HEPL can sign up, and those who have library cards are invited to further explore the library’s resources.
The campaign was created to celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month within the local community, connecting the library and its patrons to local businesses.
“Library Card Sign-Up Month is an opportunity to celebrate one of the most valuable cards in your wallet while also
Good said although the parade is specific to the neighborhood’s residents, other residents are welcome to attend. For more, contact sdenise.good@gmail. com.
supporting the businesses that help our community thrive,” HEPL Director of Marketing and Communications Kelsey Sweet stated. “We’re excited to partner with local businesses to encourage library use, strengthen community connections and drive residents to explore what Hamilton County has to offer.”
Participating businesses will have exclusive offers for HEPL cardholders throughout the month in exchange for promotion on the library’s website, social media, email newsletters and other campaign related materials.
Local businesses can join the campaign through Aug. 10. Although the opportunity for businesses to be included in the Discover Guide has passed, HEPL will include new offers in its digital promotions.
Local businesses interested in participating can visit hamiltoneastpl. org/showcase-your-business-during-library-card-sign-up-month-2026.
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Y Your hearing is more important than you may realize: Research is consistently showing us that hearing loss is related to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases and arthritis…and untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation,
Meridian Audiology is located in Nora and is open 9am-4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only. We accept most major insurances, offer convenient scheduling via phone or email and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals
When calling the office, Michael can schedule your appointments and answer many of your questions!
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(Advertorial)
Fireworks festival set
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Fireworks Festival returns to Forest Park from 6 to 10 p.m. July 4.
The free festival, presented by IDI Composites, will feature a kids zone with inflatables; airbrush face painting; a rock-climbing wall; a bungee trampoline; balloon twisters; food trucks; beer gardens; and family activities.
A DJ will be playing music on the main stage from 6 to 7:25 p.m., and Sixteen Candles will headline the festival from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The fireworks show begins at 10 p.m.
it’s rewarding to see those investments being enjoyed across the event.”
Wines said this year’s fireworks display also will be larger and more dynamic to reflect the significance of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“The festival has continued to grow significantly over the years,” Noblesville Parks & Recreation Director Savannah Wines said. “The fireworks display has always been the centerpiece, however, this event has evolved into a larger community celebration featuring live entertainment, food vendors, family activities and interactive experiences throughout the event site. We’ve also seen increased participation from local businesses, organizations and sponsors, helping us expand the offerings we can provide to attendees each year.”
The VIP section, where attendees reserve tables near the live performances with private restrooms and direct access to the Beer Garden, is sold out.
“We’ve expanded the VIP area and added direct access to the Beer Garden, creating a more elevated atmosphere for guests seeking premium seating and amenities,” Wines said. “We’re thrilled to see such strong interest. Our goal has been to create an exceptional experience for every visitor, whether they choose VIP or general admission, and
“The Fourth of July celebration has become a tradition for many families in our community,” Wines said. “As the event continues to grow, we are always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience through new entertainment, expanded activities, partnerships with local businesses and improvements to event operations. We want to preserve the traditions people love while continuing to introduce new elements each year.”
Parking will be available at Noblesville High School, with free shuttles to and from Forest Park. In-park parking passes, which allow parking in the pool parking lot during the festival, are available for $30. Parking passes must be picked up from the park’s department office at 701 Cicero Rd. no later than 4:30 p.m. July 1.
For more, visit noblesville.in.gov/504/Fourth-of-July-Parade-andFireworks-Fest.
The Noblesville Fireworks Festival is from 6 to 10 p.m. July 4. (Photo courtesy of Savannah Wines)
A GRAND HONOR
Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville to lead Fourth of July Parade
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
This year’s Fourth of July Parade is a double celebration — honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. and the 75th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville.
The city has selected BGCN as the grand marshal of the parade, celebrating the organization’s commitment to fostering character, intelligence, confidence and life skills in local youth.
“The city is honored to have the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville serving as the Fourth of July Parade grand marshal to celebrate the positive impact they make on youth in our community,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said. “As we celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on how America’s future will be shaped by our youth, and the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville plays an important role in guiding and preparing the next generation to be great citizens and leaders.”
BGCN has provided after-school and summer programming for youth since July 1951, supporting students through tutoring and homework assistance, cooking classes, art classes, STEM programming and clubs, among other activities.
BGCN Executive Director Becky Terry said being selected is an honor.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of generations of members, staff, volunteers, board members, donors and community partners who have helped make the club a place where young people can learn, grow and thrive,” Terry said.
Jensen said the club was deserving of being selected.
“We want to honor community members or organizations who have given selfishly to their community, and the Boys & Girls Club (does) that every single day,” Jensen said. “So, it was actually an easy pick, because they just absolutely define everything a great grand marshal should be. Celebrating the Boys & Girls Club’s anniversary this year really made them a natural fit. As we honor our country’s 250th anniversary, celebrating the Boys & Girls Club in this way, it was a natural fit for us.”
BGCN Director of Development Nathan Helm said being chosen to help recognize the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding is an honor in and of itself.
“America needs club kids. Noblesville needs club kids,” Helm said. “The future of our community is already walking through our doors every day. These young Americans will continue to make it one of the best places to live in our country.”
Helm said the club’s parade participants will consist of BGCN staff, board of directors, volunteers, alumni and BGCN Auxiliary members. The float will spotlight
The 2026 Noblesville Fourth of July Parade will begin at the corner of 16th Street and Harrison Street and will travel south on 16th Street to Logan Street; west on Logan Street to 10th Street; north on 10th Street to Monument Street; and east on Monument Street to 16th Street, where it will end. A sensory-friendly zone will be located on Monument Street between 11th and 12th streets. (Map courtesy of the City of Noblesville)
the club’s history and Gamesroom and honor the nation’s independence. The Gamesroom has been a place for youth to form friendships and make memories, and is an area of the club that many alumni remember most.
“While it may look like a room full of games like pool, foosball, pingpong, bumper pool and carpet ball, it’s really a space where young people learn important life skills, build confidence and develop relationships with friends and caring adults,” Helm said. “It’s been one of the most recognizable and beloved spaces in our club for 75 years.”
As grand marshal, the club also wants to promote its new initiative, NEXT75 — the theme for its fundraising campaign that will celebrate the club’s incorporation date of July 26.
Helm said although the club’s programs have evolved alongside the changing needs of the community, its mission has remained unchanged — to enable young people to reach their full potential as produc-
tive, caring and responsible citizens.
“Since opening on the Noblesville square in 1951, the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville has helped young people build great futures,” Helm said. “The next 75 years of our community and country will be shaped by the young people growing up today.”
Jensen said the club’s work sets an example for the community to follow.
“The biggest task we have in front of us is to make sure our community keeps our community members safe, but also raises great kids,” Jensen said. “Becky Terry and her team are diving in every day to give kids a safe option before and after school to make sure they have a fulfilled life here in America’s hometown.”
The Fourth of July Parade, presented by Gaylor Electric, will begin at 4 p.m. in downtown Noblesville and is part of a full day of festivities.
ON THE COVER: The Noblesville Fourth of July Parade will begin at 4 p.m. July 4. (Photo by Matthew Doudt Photography)
PARADE ROUTE
The Gable now open
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Mustard Seed Gardens, an event venue at 77 Metsker Ln. in Noblesville, recently opened a new event space, The Gable, at its property.
The venue is typically reserved for weddings. The Gable was designed to provide a modern and weather-protected setting for ceremonies and cocktail hours. It accommodates 250 people, and is one of five spaces on the property, which also features a farmhouse and bridal suite, gardens, a patio and fireplace and a barn and groom’s room.
Bethany Magley, the creative director at Mustard Seed Gardens, said the business is constantly evaluating how to enhance the property.
“The main intention was to provide a rain plan option that wasn’t the barn, which is already our reception area on the property,” Magley said. “We wanted a second area where we could have a backup option for an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, while still giving couples (the) feeling of being outside.”
The Gable is a 5000-square-foot, black
framed structure, with walls made of glass and vinyl. The side walls have the ability to completely open or completely close. Magley said the design took about a year.
Mustard Seed Gardens was built in the 1800s. Mark Skipper and his daughter Megan Painter have owned the property since 2008.
“We have all of these other buildings that are from the 1800s, so it really (needed) to feel like it fits, and I think the solution we came up with was the landscaping,” Magley said.
For more, visit mustardseedgardens. com.
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The Gable at Mustard Seed Gardens in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of Mustard Seed Gardens)
BUSINESS LOCAL
Cookie subscriptions coming
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Rosie’s Place, a family-owned restaurant with locations in Noblesville, Zionsville and Carmel, is launching a Cookie Craving Club July 1. The club is a cookie subscription service, with deliveries to subscribers’ doorstep each month.
Owned and operated by Debbi Bourgerie and her husband Michael Bourgerie, Rosie’s Place is known for its fresh baked, gooey butter cookies. Maddi Whitehead, the Bourgerie’s daughter, said the cookies have been sold in-store and online for several years, and customers have been asking for a subscription service.
Cookie Craving Club members can get a $22 subscription box of half a dozen or a $43 box of a dozen cookies. There also is an option to gift it to someone as a three-, six-, or 12-month gift. The gifting option price will increase depending on how many months are selected.
Boxes will include at least two staple cookies, such as original vanilla or pea-
nut butter chocolate chip, and a selection of seasonal cookies, like blueberry lemon and key lime.
Subscriptions are available to anyone living in the U.S. Throughout July, participants can sign up for a founding member subscription to receive special pricing and perks, with the first deliveries scheduled to go out in August.
“We will be using them as our VIP group to test new product flavors, and they’ll get some gifts throughout the year,” Whitehead said.
For more, visit gooeybuttercookies. com/pages/the-cookie-craving-club.
| July 11, 2026 |
The Cookie Craving Club launches in July. (Photo courtesy of Rosie’s Place)
Indy Opera set for final Lobster Palooza
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
This will be Indianapolis Opera’s 16th annual Lobster Palooza and will be special because it’s the last one. Indianapolis Opera General Director David Starkey said the rising cost of lobsters the last several years will force the organization to find a new signature fundraiser. Lobster Palooza is set for 6 p.m. July 11 at Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis
“Lobster is a traded commodity around the world, so it is very volatile to global economic influences, which is a very interesting novelty of lobster,” Starkey said. “So, in our 16 years there have been periods where lobster is very available, it’s very affordable and there are times where it’s very expensive. It’s very expensive now and that doesn’t align very well when you are trying to raise money.”
Starkey said Indy Opera is welcome to new ideas people have presented to the organization.
“We need to put this theme aside and welcome the next theme, which is going to be around a festival idea, but build upon this great excitement that we have been able to influence for these last 16 years,” he said. “There’s still a lot of people that remember it fondly, but we need to grow into sort of the next evolution of how we partner with people.”
Starkey said there will be pictures and stories from the past about how Lobster Palooza started.
The idea came from Jimmy and Muffi James, who designed the event. Jimmy James, who died in 2021, owned 21st Amendment liquor stores. The opera supporters convinced NBA legend Larry Bird, then the Indiana Pacers president of basketball operation, and his wife, Dinah, to be honorary chairs.
“There were other celebrity people involved from the Pacers and the neighborhood,” Starkey said. “I was told that in the early years that people would come from other parts of the
country just to meet Larry Bird.”
The first Lobster Palooza was held in the back parking lot of the Basile Opera Center under a circus tent, the former site of GreekFest.
“Seventy percent of the people that visit our building will remember they attended GreekFest sometime in their lifetime,” Starkey said. “One of the things about (Indy Opera) doing Lobster Palooza outside and putting up the massive circus tent was to reflect on that festival environment that used to be on the property.”
Jimmy James’ mother was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which was formerly in the neighborhood. The church and GreekFest moved to Carmel in 2009.
Muffi James was on the Indy opera company board for more than 20 years.
The event was held at Daniel’s Vineyard in 2021 and 2022.
Indianapolis Opera purchased the building at the end of 2020 and started a renovation. But the previous owner sold the parking lot separately.
“In 2023, we redesigned the event to be part of the restored building, the historical renovation of it, and to incorporate the 1-acre footprint that we are on today,” Starkey said.
Starkey said the new theme will be announced later.
“I know we’ll have a festival environment in the summer and we’ll have singers,” he said.
For more, indyopera.org.
‘CINDERELLA’
“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Esque, Burlesque” is set for July 3, followed by 2000’s Night BBMak, a British pop trio, July 7 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘WAIT UNTIL DARK’
“Wait Until Dark” concludes July 1-5 (except July 4) at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
DISPATCH
Carmel to become Songbook City — The City of Carmel is transforming into Songbook City next month to recognize the Carmel-based Great American Songbook Foundation and its work to preserve and celebrate the history of popular music. Founded in 2007 and headquartered at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, the Songbook Foundation is known for its preservation efforts through the Songbook Library & Archives and its annual Songbook Academy summer intensive. Running from July 6 to 31, the Songbook City activation will include the temporary substitution of select street signs with the names of music legends, such as songwriter Cole Porter and vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. This year’s Songbook Academy, which starts July 11 includes three public events at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, all of which will also be livestreamed: There will be a free public masterclass at 2 p.m. July 13 followed by Songbook Showcase at 7 p.m. July 16 and Songbook Academy in Concert at 7 p.m. July 18. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
(Above) Lobster Palooza is set to return July 11 at Basile Opera Center. (Photos courtesy of Indy Opera)
(Below) Dinah and Larry Bird were honorary chairs at the start of Lobster Palooza.
Indy Shorts features variety
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Indy Shorts Film Festival will have something for the tastes of all filmgoers.
“We have a wide range of world-class short films,” Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig said. “You are going to get a grab bag of different types of things, whether it’s a comedic short film made right here in Indiana or animated films that are meant for kids and some not meant for kids.”
we continue to grow?’”
“The Sinners” was Oscar-nominated as a live action short through Indy Shorts last year and went on to win the Academy Award.
Sorvig said the magic of short films is they don’t need a huge budget to produce.
Heartland Film announced June 25
Indy Shorts will feature 266 films across 40 theme programs, such as horror, comedy, love and dating, music and sports. The screenings, set for July 2126, will be at the Indy Art Center, Living Room Theaters and Newfields. The films are 40 minutes or less, Sorvig said.
“We’re coming off a historic run with the most Oscar-nominated shortlisted films that we organically had at our festivals,” Sorvig said. “Every year we think, ‘How do we get bigger, how do
Comedian-actress Janeane Garofolo appears in “My Bird is Sick.” Comedian and actor Tony Cavalero stars in two U.S. premiere films, “American Rampage” and “Please and Thank You.”
Carmel filmmaker Ashton Gleckman’s world premiere of “Sylvia” focuses on the death of Sylvia Likens in 1965 in Indianapolis. Likens, 16, was tortured to death by her caregiver Gertrude Baniszewski and her children and some neighbors.
Filmmakers are competing for more than $35,000 in cash prizes, including three $5,000 Grand Prize Awards. The three Grand Prize winners also will receive their Oscar qualifications in their designated categories at the July 25 awards program.
Sorvig
briefly
16. Butler sports org. 17. I wanted to buy a pair of camouflage pants, but
20. Filming location
21. Still contending
22. Buenos ___
23. Lake County city
25. Actress de Armas
26. I used to hate facial hair, but ___
33. Repeat
34. UN workers’ agcy.
35. Objectives
37. “Evil Woman” band, for short
38. Puffy dessert
42. Meadow
43. IU basketball all-American Benson
45. Blackhawks and Blue Jackets grp.
46. Metallic sound
48. I used to play the piano by ear, but ___
52. Pacers’ tiebreakers, briefly
53. Trip odometer’s initial reading
54. Soft leather
57. Neutral shade
59. GI’s address
62. I never thought orthopedic shoes would work for me, but ___
66. Refuse
67. Santa’s laugh
68. Destroy documents, in a way
69. Historical periods
70. Brian Wilkes winter forecast
71. Rips
DOWN
1. WTTV military drama
2. In the past
3. Kind of point
4. Alphabet run
5. Salon01 offering
6. Big name in smooth jazz
7. Start of a play at The Cat
8. Disagreement
9. ___ Friday’s
10. “Popcorn Capital of the US”
11. Wound mark
12. Downfall
13. Hamilton County Council votes against
18. Scandal sheet fodder
19. Prefix meaning “billionth”
23. Safari sight
24. Puts on WIBC
25. MP’s quarry
26. Arduous journey
27. Singer Reddy
28. Budget, in brand names
29. Biathlon need
30. North Pole worker
31. 1954 basketball state
champ that inspired the movie “Hoosiers”
32. Revise
36. ___ Fifth Avenue
39. Burden
40. Sounds of hesitation
41. Off-the-wall feedback
44. 48 hours
47. Thai neighbor
49. Fla.-to-Calif. highway
50. Rob of “NUMB3RS”
51. Part of BYOB
54. “West ___ Story”
55. Addict
56. Sicilian volcano
57. PU business course
58. Salmon type
59. Gillette razor
60. Social equal
61. Hoosier Park postings
63. Some batters, briefly
64. Fishers winter hrs.
65. Revolutionary Guevara ANSWERS ON PAGE 23
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Northside
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