Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 19
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Noblesville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
The Nest Schools opens new campus
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Nest Schools, an early childhood education provider, opened its newest Indiana campus at 250 S. Harbour Dr. in Noblesville Feb. 16, marking its fifth school in the state.
The school is now enrolling children aged six weeks through pre-K.
“We are thrilled to open our doors and welcome Noblesville families to The Nest,” said Charity DeHority, regional director of The Nest Schools. “This school has been designed with love, purpose and the community in mind, and we’re so excited to watch our children grow, explore and thrive here.”
DeHority said Noblesville was identified as a city that could facilitate growth.
“We know Noblesville is growing rapidly and is a very sought-after area in Indiana,” DeHority said. “It’s just exciting to be part of something that’s growing so quickly.”
The Nest’s curriculum is designed to build school readiness and real-world skills through hands-on exploration, meaningful connections and purposeful play, DeHority said. Children also take part in three signature enrichment programs: Paints and Pianos, Fit Buddies and The Art of Living.
“With Paints and Pianos, we focus
on different styles of music and give the children opportunities to practice with instruments,” DeHority said.
“Then the next month, we focus on art. With Fit Buddies, we do yoga, music, movement and different sports. We’re using the gross motor skills they need at that age so they can develop jumping and reaching and balancing. The Art of
Living, which is more in the classroom, is about building independence and social emotional skills like learning how to share, take turns and clean up after themselves.”
The Noblesville campus was formerly a child care center. It has undergone renovations indoors and outdoors, and the playground, which DeHority said is often used as an extension of the classroom, also was refurbished.
“It’s very natural looking, and it’s inviting for children to climb and explore,” DeHority said. “We have areas where they can do painting and music outdoors — they have a little stage where they can perform for their friends. They also have mud kitchens and little stumps outside for lessons. We try to spend as much time as we can outside.”
The school features advanced health and safety measures, including keyless entry and observance cameras, schoolwide air purifiers and an automated handwashing station.
“We’re in an area where there’s not a lot of child care immediately around us,” DeHority said. “We are excited to be part of the South Harbour neighborhood. It’s really beautiful, inviting and peaceful.”
There are ongoing open house and tour opportunities. For more, visit TheNestSchool.com/Noblesville.
Commissioners OK bid recommendations, voice concerns regarding HB 1001
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton County Commissioners approved annual highway bid recommendations and voiced concerns regarding the proposed House Bill 1001 at the Feb. 23 commissioners meeting.
The next commissioners meeting is at 1:45 p.m. March 9.
WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved 2026 annual highway bid recommendations, covering aggregates, bituminous mixes, drainage pipe, treated timber structures, fuel, pavement marking, weed control and tree trimming, among other items.
WHAT IT MEANS: Approved recommendations include Irving Materials for aggregates; E&B Paving for bituminous mixes; Metal Culverts, Inc. for drainage pipe, American Timber Bridge for pre-engineered timber bridges; Keystone Cooperative for fuel gasoline; CE Hughes for pavement traffic markings; True Green for thermoplastic markings for weed and brush control; SavATree for tree and stump removal; and Signal Construction for traffic signal maintenance.
WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners ratified a letter they wrote opposing House Bill 1001 — proposed legislation that would limit local governments’ ability to regulate housing development standards.
WHAT IT MEANS: Commissioner Christine Altman said the commissioners strongly oppose the bill because it is a “significant erosion of home rule,” which is the power for a local government to manage its own affairs and govern itself rather than having to get state permission for every action. Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said he doesn’t like the bill because there is no opportunity to hear public input.
WHAT’S NEXT: The commissioners will oppose HB 1001 in a letter to the General Assembly.
A renovated classroom at the newest Indiana campus of The Nest Schools at 250 S. Harbour Dr. in Noblesville features intentional learning spaces designed for children aged six weeks through pre-K. (Photo courtesy of The Nest Schools)
School district taps Aspire
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Beginning July 1, Aspire Indiana Health will be Noblesville Schools’ partner for school-based mental health care for the district.
Community Health Network formerly provided the service to the district. According to Noblesville Schools Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Marnie Cooke, Community recently notified the district that its behavioral health partnership will conclude June 30.
tion and timely support for students and families,” Thacker said. “Ultimately, Aspire aligned closely with what we were seeking in a long-term mental health partner.”
“This change affected all of their behavioral health school partnerships across the region, not just Noblesville Schools,” Cooke said.
Noblesville Schools Executive Director of Student Services Julie Thacker said Aspire Indiana Health was selected through a comprehensive request for proposal process.
“Their local resources, including the Rely Center, mobile crisis response and walk-in crisis care create meaningful opportunities for seamless coordina-
Thacker said in this role, Aspire will provide therapeutic services and coordinated mental health support, helping to strengthen the district’s existing continuum of care and expanding access to high-quality mental health services for students within the school setting.
Approximately 250 students utilize the resource, and there is no cost to the district.
“School-based mental health services are supported through a combination of insurance billing and Medicaid reimbursement, allowing the district to expand access to care while maintaining responsible use of school resources,” Thacker said. “This partnership continues the district’s commitment to sustainable, community-based mental health support.”
For more, visit noblesvilleschools. org.
Avit running in 5th District Democratic primary
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Carmel resident Steve Avit is among a crowded field of Democrats running in the May 5 primary to represent Indiana’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Hamilton County.
Avit, who has lived in Hamilton County for six years, said he owns Cobra Consulting and works as a sales, marketing and strategy consultant, primarily helping health care companies grow, streamline operations and build sustainable systems so they can better serve patients.
ing costs, housing and health care are squeezing people. Meanwhile, too many politicians are disconnected from real life here at home.”
On his campaign website, Avit stated that he will focus on lowering costs and strengthening paychecks, protecting Social Security and reducing political theater. He also noted the importance of access to affordable health care, maintaining strong schools and accountability for elected officials.
“I decided to run for Congress because I’m tired of watching working families fall further behind while Washington keeps taking care of insiders,” he said. “I’m a dad, a health care professional and a small business owner — and I see firsthand how ris-
Avit is one of seven District 5 candidates on the Democratic primary ballot. The others are J.D. Ford, Jackson Franklin, Phil Goss, Dylan McKenna, Tara Nelson and Deborah A Pickett. Incumbent Republican Victoria Spartz, who is running for reelection, faces Scott A. King in the Republican primary.
For more, visit steveavit.com.
Thacker
Avit
Meals on Wheels Hamilton County director to retire
news@currentnoblesville.com
After 15 years as executive director of Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County, Beth Gehlhausen has announced her retirement.
Chief Development and Marketing Officer Lisa Thornton will serve as interim director.
During Gehlhausen’s tenure, Meals on Wheels expanded access to medically tailored meals prepared in state-approved health care facilities and designed by registered dietitians under physician supervision, including frozen meals to provide weekend and holiday options for clients.
A graduate of Indiana University, Gehlhausen formerly worked as a probation officer for Hamilton County. In 1986, she founded Noblesville-based nonprofit Prevail, Inc., establishing critical services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Hamilton County.
Gehlhausen also has served in leadership roles with the Hamilton County Family Justice Center, the Indiana Department of Correction’s Community Corrections Division and Dress for Success Indianapolis.
A search for the next executive director is underway.
Correction — The Noblesville Main Street Street Dance will be July 18 at Federal Hill Commons.
Festival Princesses — The 500 Festival recently announced the 33 Indiana women selected to serve as 500 Festival Princesses throughout 2026. The Princesses represent 19 Indiana colleges and universities, 21 cities across the state and have a cumulative GPA of 3.75. This year’s class was selected based on their academic excellence, community engagement, exceptional leadership and pride in their Hoosier heritage. Four princesses, Megan Broviak, Jackie Lawrence, Emma Pearce and McKinley Underhill, are Noblesville High School graduates.
Gehlhausen
Expansion planned for Real Time Information Center
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Launched in 2024, the Hamilton County Real Time Information Center is projected to expand in the near future.
The RTIC — funded through local income tax, or LIT, funds and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office — is a unified effort among the Carmel Police Department, Noblesville Police Department and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Once the county’s dispatch center relocates from HCSO into a new building in the first quarter of 2027, RTIC Director and HCSO Lt. Brian Niec said he plans to expand the RTIC from eight employees to 16 and create more space for video walls, conference and office space.
“Right now, I’m in an office upstairs in the hallway away from the center,” Niec said. “It would give us the ability to expand our administrative space so I could be downstairs full time. I could hopefully have some leadership partnering agencies have office space down there as well.”
Niec said a key component of the expansion would be a workshop for the RTIC’s technician to work out of and storage for technology. The RTIC has 40 uninstalled cameras intended to bolster technology infrastructure throughout the county. Niec said it also would expand hours and staffing to prepare for population growth.
“I want to build something that will last 10, 15 or 20 years into the future,” Niec said. “We know Hamilton County’s population is going to reach 500,000 sooner rather than later and having the ability to expand our operations early and be prepared for that is a chief function of my mission.”
A key feature of the RTIC is the implementation of Drones as First Responders, where drones are deployed to various calls for service like traffic accidents and active crime scenes. There were previously plans to expand on the initiative this year by obtaining a fixedwing drone, but Niec said it is on pause because of sanctions on Chinese drones.
“We’re hoping within the next calendar year we’ll have those in place,” Niec said. “Some sanctions came down in December of last year and we were unable to buy Chinese drones, which is what (Da-Jiang Innovations) products are, and that’s primarily what we use. We can’t purchase those with government funding anymore. Our vendor had to pivot as well, (which) pushed our countywide drone project back.”
Niec said before expansion, several key elections will take place. Two candidates, Dustin Dixon and John Lowes, are seeking the Republican nomination for Hamilton County Sheriff.
“This is a heads-up of what we’re operating with and where we’d like to go,” Niec said. “There’s a whole lot of steps that need to happen.”
United Way of Central Indiana awards grants — United Way of Central Indiana is awarding $199,000 in grants to five Hamilton County nonprofits to help meet residents’ basic needs and improve the education, financial stability and well-being of families. The grants come from United Way’s Basic Needs and Family Opportunity Funds. The Hamilton County nonprofits receiving grants are Ascent 121, Grace Care Center, Heart and Soul Clinic, Prevail, Inc. and Trinity Free Clinic.
County awarded funding for road improvements — Hamilton County has
been awarded $6,755,200 in federal transportation funding from the Indiana Department of Transportation to improve 281st Street from Rulon Road to Ind. 213. The 281st Street project will upgrade the roadway, with planned improvements including widening travel lanes, strengthening and improving roadway shoulders and enhancing drainage systems. Communities receiving federal funds must provide a local match and meet federal project requirements. Because of the availability of funds, construction is not expected to begin until 2030.
Niec
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S., after working together as Audiologists in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
In stark contrast to the medical/ ENT audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
Kira and Ali are available to evaluate your hearing and walk through your many options if you are a hearing aid candidate. Kira and Ali will spend the time to explain the differences in hearing aids, the best options for the hearing concerns you have, and will even have their benefit company call to verify if you have a benefit or discount plan for hearing aids through your insurance. We believe this makes the difference in you feeling comfortable with your individual hearing loss action plan.
S Sign up to come to our Auditory Rehabilitation class: Hearing Aids are Just One Piece of the Hearing Loss Puzzle
March 24, 2026 1:30-3pm at 911 E 86th Street, Ste 40
Bring your communication partner and together we will have
an interactive presentation to help you and your communication partners communicate more effectively in your everyday situations
Cost: $45 for you and a guest
Snacks provided Kira and Ali are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing, hearing loss and the link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. Dr Wyss states “We’ve done many presentations to community clubs in the area and the participants always appreciate our time in giving them information about hearing loss, cognitive decline and tinnitus as well as answering their questions ”
Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only.
T They are located at 911 E 86th Street, Suite 035 Phone 317-731-5386 Email info@ meridianaudiology com Website: www meridianaudiology com
Millers wrestler runner-up at IHSAA State Finals
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School junior Aidan Kincaide was devastated by his loss in the 165-pound state championship match of the IHSAA state finals.
New Prairie sophomore Matthew Stables completed an unbeaten season with a 19-3 technical fall over Kincaide in the Feb. 21 final at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Kincaide finished with a 37-1 record.
and couldn’t wrestle the entire year.
“He came all the way back, went unbeaten and made it to the finals,” Weimer said. “It just wasn’t in the cards. He’s got another year. We’ve got work to do and I’m excited for it.”
“Aidan Kincaide has been a trendsetter for this program since Day 1 when he came here,” Noblesville coach Michael Weimer said. “He said he was going to be my first-ever state placer and our first-ever state champion. You have to get there first to make things happen and he made it to the final.”
Kincaide, who finished fourth as a freshman at 157 pounds, had a couple of fractures in his back as a sophomore
Weimer said Kincaide overcame a lot of adversity with missing last season.
“I told him that all these kids from Noblesville will watch you and see that we can get to the finals,” Weimer said. “Next year, we have another opportunity to get there and win it. I’m really proud of him.”
In the final, Weimer said Kincaide got in a hole early.
“Points got picked up quickly and it kind of got out of hand a little bit,” Weimer said. “He had a tough semifinal match and took some bangs on his eyes and head.”
Kincaide topped Rochester’s Brant Beck 4-2 in the semifinals.
From left, Kira VonBlon, M.S. and Dr. Alison Wyss Au.D. of Meridian Audiology.
Kincaide
Eagles junior develops into two-sport standout
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School junior Camden Moore is better known for his production on the diamond, but this season, he is making an impact on the basketball court, too.
Moore, who has committed to the University of Notre Dame to play baseball, averaged 13 points per game on 49 percent shooting for the Eagles (13-10) heading into the March 3 Class 4A sectional opener against host Noblesville. The 6-foot-5 forward also averaged 4.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
“Cam has made a big jump over the last year,” Eagles coach J.R. Howell said. “He has become a more consistent scorer, ball handler and leader. His ability to drive the ball and finish around the basket as well as the ability to step back and knock down a deep three make him hard to guard. Also, with his size, he can be a difficult matchup for other teams because of his ability to play around the perimeter.”
Moore said he’s made the most im-
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MEET CAMDEN MOORE
Favorite athlete: Jayden Daniels
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite TV show: “Outer Banks”
Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen
provement this season as a scorer.
“The biggest thing for me is my scoring ability,” he said. “I didn’t really expect to be as much of a scorer as I have been so far. My shooting, my finishing (drives) and just kind of hoping to kind of control the offense are my biggest strides since last season.”
Moore started the 2024-25 season on junior varsity but moved into the starting lineup on varsity by the end of the season.
“I would shoot it a little bit, play good defense and help to rebound,” said Moore, who averaged 2.4 ppg last sea-
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son. “I didn’t really score too much or have a huge impact on the offense. This year has been completely different.”
Moore has needed to score more as the Eagles graduated many of their top scorers from the 2024-25 season.
“We play well as a team and have definitely surprised some people,” he said.
Moore’s father, Quinn Moore, played baseball and basketball at the University of South Alabama. He then transferred to Indiana University, where he played baseball in 2000-01. Moore is coached in baseball by his father in the Indiana Bulls system. He gave up AAU basketball in 2025.
Although his future is in baseball, Moore said he loves both sports.
“If I had the opportunity to play both sports in college, I would definitely do it, but I don’t think it’s going to happen,” he said.
The right-handed Moore, who pitches and plays third base, didn’t pitch much last season because of arm trouble.
“I plan to pitch a pretty good amount this season,” said Moore, who batted .291 for the Eagles. “My arm feels good right now.”
Zionsville Community High School junior Camden Moore is the team’s leading scorer. (Photo courtesy of Gus Martin Photography)
ZIONSVILLE YOUTH SOCCER
SIGN UP FOR SPRING REC SOCCER
Season begins April 6
For Players Born from 2021-2008
**Register before March 1 and get an early registration discount** unionfcindy.org/zysarecsoccer
For more details and registration info, scan the QR Code or go to:
COME TO OUR ZYSA OPEN HOUSE AND LEARN MORE SATURDAY, MARCH 14 at 1-3PM
ZYSA Indoor Building 5616 S. 700 E. Whitestown, 46075
Harvest Church to offer free clothing swap
By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com
A decade ago, Harvest Church on the border of Carmel and Noblesville held its first clothing swap, an informal gathering of a handful of women from the church exchanging items from their wardrobes.
Today, “The Swap” has grown into an annual event serving approximately 1,000 participants from the church and surrounding community. Roughly 10,000 articles of clothing are expected to be available in the lobby for this year’s event, set for 9 a.m. to noon March 14.
The Swap evolved into a more community-oriented event six years ago when Laura White became director of women’s discipleship.
“It’s our heart’s desire for it to be a tangible way to care for the community and to show God’s love to women in our community,” White said. “It takes over a majority of our church space. We collect clothing for just over one week. We start collecting gently used women’s clothing and accessories, starting just
the Sunday before.”
From there, hundreds of women work to separate, hang, fold and organize the clothing by size and type. Items range from petite to plus size and casual to formal wear. Shoes, purses, scarves and jewelry also will be available.
“Basically, everybody can find something they want,” White said. “From something very casual to businesswear
to maternity. When people come in on Saturday, everything is free. There is no requirement. There’s no ‘you have to donate in order to receive.’ We just decided we want this to be a reflection of making sure our community knows that we love them and God loves them. They can get a full wardrobe if they want, for free. We have a lot of fun doing it. It’s a great opportunity to serve our community.”
The event has grown each year.
“We will serve whoever walks in the door, and what is there will be a blessing to whomever until it’s gone,” White said. “That’s the beauty of The Swap. We don’t get to control. We plan, and we organize, and we pray, but God provides, and we just watch and see what He provides for who He brings in the door. It’s our joy to serve them.”
At the end of the event, items that aren’t taken are donated to Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis.
“Everything that’s donated to us to use is used in some way to bless people,” White said.
Harvest Church is at 14550 River Rd. Learn more at HarvestIndy.org/swap.
Dr. Susan Leedy Helsel
Laurel S. Patient
Volunteers set up The Swap before women start shopping. (Photo courtesy of LiaAnn Ellis)
Ivy Tech names Atkinson as interim provost
news@currentnoblesville.com
Ivy Tech Community College has selected former Ivy Tech Hamilton County Chancellor Stacy Atkinson as interim provost.
Atkinson will start her new role March 9, replacing interim provost Steven Combs, who is returning to his former role as chancellor of the Columbus campus.
As interim provost, Atkinson, chancellor of the Indianapolis campus, will direct curriculum development and maintain educational programs.
“Atkinson brings a strong understanding of Ivy Tech, a collaborative leadership style and a clear commitment to supporting our faculty, staff and students,” Ivy Tech President Marty Pollio stated. “In this interim role, Atkinson will help sustain momentum on our key academic priorities.”
In November 2025, Ivy Tech conducted a search for the next provost, which did not yield a finalist. The search team and feedback from the college community concluded that to better support both academic excellence and the student experience, the current provost role should be split.
Ivy Tech is creating a new position — senior vice president of student affairs — that rebalances the provost’s portfolio to focus exclusively on academic quality and workforce-aligned pathways, while dedicating senior leadership capacity to student-facing functions.
The senior vice president of student affairs will oversee enrollment, recruitment, advising, student organizations, student support and student success. Ivy Tech will be posting for both roles in the coming weeks.
UNIFIED RESPONSE
New facilities to enhance countywide public safety operations
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton County municipalities are expected to benefit from improved public safety collaboration with the addition of two new facilities.
Construction has begun on the Hamilton County Public Safety Training Campus and Public Safety Center. Funded by county bonds, Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman said the facilities fulfill a 15-year vision to provide first responders with shared training and collaboration spaces.
“To be blunt, we have a county council willing to take on the countywide bond to fund the facilities,” Altman said. “We had plans to start the training campus about 12 years ago, and the council turned it down for $3 million. We’ve finally got a county council that understands the importance.”
HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CAMPUS
County officials broke ground Nov. 3, 2025, on the $32 million campus near 160th and River Road in Noblesville. Construction is estimated to be completed in the fourth quarter of next year.
A two-story building will have training classrooms, apparatus, training bays, locker rooms, a washing station for gear and break areas. There also will be a burn tower for firefighters and a 1,000-square-foot recovery building with a classroom and observation area. Emergency Management Services will have a storage and training building, and the county coroner will relocate to a building on-site.
Altman said a signature amenity is outdoor shooting ranges.
“There will be six 50-yard shooting ranges and one 200-yard shooting range,” Altman said. “Central Indiana just doesn’t have enough for training. We’ve been using a range in Tipton.”
Noblesville Police Department Chief Brad Arnold said the training campus will fill a void in Hamilton County for public safety training by providing a centralized space to enhance the skills, knowledge and preparedness of pub-
lic safety personnel throughout the county.
“The importance of ongoing and frequent training and professional development for our first responders cannot be overstated,” Arnold said. “It is essential to the overall safety of our communities that police and fire personnel have the appropriate facilities and resources to hone their skills and stay current on the latest developments in effective public safety practices.”
HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER
County officials broke ground on the $81 million public safety center off Presley Drive in Noblesville in summer 2025. Altman estimates it will be operational by mid-2027. It will be a three-story, 108,000-square-foot emergency operations center for 911 dispatch and emergency operations, with plans for additional storage for emergency equipment.
“The whole facility should be able
to accommodate years in the future for our needs for dispatchers,” Altman said. “We also will have a fully functional (and) probably the biggest emergency operation center in the state. The concept of an emergency operations center is if you have a major or significant issue in the county, you bring in representatives from all areas that can communicate and plan in response to that disaster or emergency. EMS also will operate their offices out of there.”
There also will be space for a future child care center.
“We looked at other locations for child care for county employees and other public safety employees and came to the conclusion that we’ll build a new facility,” Altman said. “We’re going to design it and then move incrementally and make sure that’s a business we want to get in.”
COUNTY COLLABORATION
With the addition of new public safety facilities, police officers and fire-
fighters countywide look forward to enhanced training opportunities and capabilities.
“Having access to a dedicated, stateof-the-art facility will allow us greater control over scheduling and training operations, eliminating the need to coordinate around other agencies’ availability or travel outside the county for specialized instruction,” Fishers Police Department Marketing Manager Kelsey Anderson said. “The new facility will support more advanced and complex training scenarios, expanding our capacity to prepare officers for the wide range of situations they may encounter.”
Tim Griffin, a Hamilton County Council member and Carmel firefighter, said he remembers when initial plans were shut down 12 years ago. He said he helped push plans forward.
“Whether it’s agencies like Carmel and Westfield fire, or a police department and fire department, we’ll all be able to work together,” Griffin said. “If there’s something large that happens, whether it is a tornado or mass casualty, we’re all going to be there working together. To get to help facilitate and drive this forward, to me, was a huge win.”
Jim Butts, president of the Hamilton County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 4416, said the facilities represent a generational opportunity to enhance community safety.
“Upon completion, we’re looking forward to having a centralized, state-ofthe-art facility where firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers can train together in the same environment they’ll operate in on emergency scenes,” Butts said. “This collaborative space will strengthen relationships across agencies, ensuring we respond as one coordinated team when seconds matter most. When we train together, we build trust and rapport (and) that directly translates into better outcomes for the citizens we serve.”
Construction on the Hamilton County Public Safety Center is estimated to be completed in 2027. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County)
ON THE COVER: (Top) Rendering of the Hamilton County Public Safety Center. (Bottom) Rendering of the Hamilton County Public Safety Training Campus. (Renderings courtesy of Hamilton County)
Commentary by Larry Greene
A custom basement wine room addition
This basement transformation in Carmel turned previously open and underutilized space into a stunning custom wine room designed for both storage and experience. The new addition blends architectural detail with functional design, creating a refined destination within the home.
THE BLUEPRINT
• The enclosed wine room converts underutilized square footage into a dedicated space for collecting and entertaining.
• Custom wood racking provides organized bottle storage while creating a balanced design.
• A barrel-vault wood ceiling adds warmth and craftsmanship, enhancing the classic cellar look.
• An arched glass door offers a striking focal point while keeping the room visually connected to the basement.
• Updated lighting and finishes elevate the surrounding area, turning a once plain basement into a sophisticated retreat.
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.
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Puppet comes to life in ‘Scarlet Letter’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Civic Theatre is taking a unique approach to its production of “The Scarlet Letter.”
Instead of using a child performer, Noblesville resident Emily Bohannon uses a puppet to play Pearl, a 4-yearold child. The play runs March 13 through March 28 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“The Scarlet Letter” is based on the historical novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 17th-century Boston. Hester Prynne is publicly shamed for adultery by being forced to wear a Scarlet “A.” Pearl is Prynne’s child from the affair.
“Pearl and I are kind of one and the same,” Bohannon said. “I’m moving her around, but I will not be hidden for the production. I will be saying her lines and she is an extension of me. The goal is to have all the other actors not look at me and just focus their energy and their attention on the puppet.”
Bohannon said she has performed some puppet improv but nothing with a whole-body puppet.
“I’m on my knees most of the time,” said Bohannon, who has already gone through several knee pads during rehearsals. “It’s very physical. I’m coming up with creative ways to move her around in the most realistic way I can.”
Bohannon said she has settled on a light and airy voice for Pearl.
“It’s kind of childlike and innocent, but with a direct tone of voice,” Bohannon said. “I think it feels very real.” Pearl is on stage nearly 75 percent of the time.
“Emily has made my life very (easy),” said Emily Tzucker, the play’s director. “She is so creative with coming up with great solutions and acting choices for the puppet.”
Tzucker, who is directing “The Scarlet Letter” for the first time, said the puppet is a Japanese-style Bunraku puppet.
“I’ve directed quite a few produc-
tions of books that have been adapted into plays or what we call classic theater when you think of Shakespeare or that sort of thing,” she said. “So, I feel like I’m still at home directing this kind of piece.”
Tzucker said the cast of six is a perfect fit for the Studio Theater. Civic Theatre typically presents one show a year in the smaller Studio Theater, and the rest are in The Tarkington.
“Since it’s a brand-new adaptation that’s very modern, it’s only 90 minutes,” she said. “It’s very fast-paced and a lot more conversational. It almost feels like a thriller and romance in a way.”
The cast wears period costumes in Kate Hamill’s adaptation. Prynne is played by Indianapolis resident Brittany Magee.
Indianapolis resident Evangeline
Puppeteer Emily Bohannon, left, and Brittany Magee examine Pearl, a puppet. Magee plays the role of her Pearl’s mother, Hester Prynne in “The Scarlet Letter.”
(Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)
Bouw performed in Civic Theatre’s “The Great Gatsby” in February while making the puppet. The puppet is made from vinyl, plywood, upholstery and insulation foam made from elastic and wooden balls. Bouw said it took approximately 60 to 70 hours to create.
“I’ve done a lot of different kinds of puppets, but this is the first style of this type of puppet I’ve done,” she said. “My background is in theater and sculpture. I love 3D art, so anytime I can get to do this sort of work, I love it. It’s such a blessing and wonderful.”
Bouw said the puppet has a handle on the head, torso and arms.
“That creates a juggling act for (Bohannon) to create when and where those handles are grabbed,” Bouw said. “She is making the inanimate object come alive.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Feinstein’s cabaret presents “All the Way Frank: A Sinatra Tribute” March 5, followed by Dueling Pianos March 6 and singer/songwriter Andie Case March 7 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE SPITFIRE GRILL’
Carmel Community Players’ production of “The Spitfire Grill” runs through March 8 at Switch Theatre at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy in Fishers. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
‘VANITIES’
The Belfry Theatre presents “Vanities” March 6 through March 15 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
CHRIS BOTTI
Trumpeter Chris Botti will perform at 8 p.m. March 6 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
JEROME COLLINS
Jerome Collins will perform his “Journey to Motown and Beyond” show at 8 p.m. March 7 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘CHANSON FRANCAISE’
Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Chanson Francaise” concert is set for 7 p.m. March 7 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
MIXED REP
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble presents “Mixed Rep” at 4 p.m. March 8 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.
Mixed Rep showcases range of local dancers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
University High School senior Sophia Cahn is ready for her final Mixed Rep with Central Indiana Dance Ensemble.
CIDE will present Mixed Rep at 4 p.m. March 8 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“I am most looking forward to spending my last Mixed Rep with the people I love so much and embracing our time on stage,” the Carmel resident said. “I love that the repertoire this year is so diverse while still maintaining classical elements. It spans from neoclassical ballet to ‘Swan Lake.’”
Cahn said her favorite piece is “No. 4 Saint James Place.”
“I love this piece for the beautiful piano music, and most importantly, the connection I feel with my friends while dancing it,” she said. “This piece can be challenging because of its length and the stamina needed for the end section.”
Cahn is the choreographer for “Flite.”
“I have always wanted to choreograph, and when the opportunity arose to do an emerging piece, I was very excited,” she said. “One challenge that I faced was my fear of failure. This was my first time choreographing and so there was a lot of room for mistakes. But with that (came) growth. I am overall very happy with my piece.”
Park Tudor School junior Katie Fuhrmann, a Carmel resident, said her favorite role is as Odette in the excerpt from
“Swan Lake.”
“This role is extremely challenging as it requires a lot of control, strength, stamina and gracefulness,” Fuhrmann said. “But being able to perform it on stage is truly a dream come true. So many preprofessional dancers never get the variety and range of performance opportunities that CIDE gives us, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Fuhrmann said she is eager for the countless hours of rehearsals to pay off on stage.
Carmel Latin School senior Natalie Keyser, a Noblesville resident, said her favorite piece is “Big Swans Variation” from the “Swan Lake” excerpt.
“I love the waltz music and the classical, elegant quality of the choreography,” she said. “The biggest challenges for me in this piece are matching my partner, Sophia Cahn, with the correct timing and positions, as well as building enough stamina to perform well.”
Keyser choreographed “Life and Death” for Mixed Rep.
“I have always wanted to choreograph my own piece and I was really inspired by the music that I chose,” she said.
“The biggest challenge for me was being able to actually create choreography based on the steps that I envisioned with the music.”
Keyser looks forward to performing in her last Mixed Rep as a “Big Swan.”
“Especially since (the seniors) performed this same excerpt in my first year of Mixed Rep (in 2019),” she said.
For more, visit cidedance.org.
This spring, we are offering themed 6-week sessions for students grades 1-8. Each session will focus on developing creative skills while using songs and other materials related to the theme.
Cahn Keyser
Actress heads backstage
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Shelley Young will experience an entirely different side of theater.
The Brownsburg resident, who is accustomed to being on stage, will be a crew member for the first time on the production of “Funny Girl” March 6-22 at Footlite Musicals at Hedback Theatre in Indianapolis.
“I believe I have been in approximately 24 musical productions within California, Utah and Indiana — seven of them at Footlite,” Young said. “I know how integral the crew is to the success and flow of a great production and Footlite is a wonderful community. My role on the crew for ‘Funny Girl’ will initially be learning about the behind-the-scenes running of the curtain, scene changes, stage setup and assisting cast members with quick changes.”
“I’m very excited to assist and support in this way,”
Katie van den Heuvel, who lives on the north side of Indianapolis, is the choreographer and an ensemble performer for the production, which is loosely based on the life of comedian-singer Fanny Brice.
“It has definitely been a learning experience for me to choreograph this amount of ensemble,” said van den Heuvel, who grew up in Noblesville and was homeschooled. “It has especially been fun and satisfying to see the tap number come together since several of the ensemble had little to no tap history before.”
Beth Swayze, a north Indianapolis resident, is the producer. She typically produces one or two shows per year for Footlite Musicals. This is her first time being involved with “Funny Girl.”
Young will assist the stage manager.
“I have experienced the magic of putting together a musical only from the cast side of things up to now,” she said.
“I do love the show, especially the music, but I really enjoy the opportunity to engage with the many facets that bring a show to life,” Swayze said. For more, visit footlite.org.
Young
DISPATCHES
Cross to perform at Palladium — Known for timeless hits like “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind,” singer-songwriter-guitarist Christopher Cross will make his debut at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in June. The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. June 21 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317-843-3800 or in person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office. The concert is part of the “Printing Partners Encore Series” and the 2025-26 Center Presents Season sponsored by Allied Solutions. In 1980, Cross released his self-titled debut album, which featured the No. 2 single “Ride Like the Wind,” and won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist as well as Record of the Year and Song of the Year for the No. 1 single “Sailing.” He co-wrote “Arthur’s Theme” for the movie “Arthur,” another No. 1 hit that won the Academy Award for Best Song.
IWS concert set for March 7 — The Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Chanson Française” concert is set for 7 p.m. March 7 at Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The first movement begins with a slow introduction followed by an allegretto in sonata form. The second movement highlights the addition of a solo flute. The scherzo that follows is based on a hunting theme and leads into a lively finale in the fourth movement to close the symphony. Charles Gounod composed “Little Symphony for Winds” in 1885. Commissioned by his friend Paul Taffanel — flute professor at the Paris Conservatoire — Gounod wrote the piece for a wind octet plus an added flute part in honor of Taffanel. The work draws inspiration from Mozart’s wind serenades and stands as a hallmark of French Romantic wind repertoire. The concert also will feature chamber ensembles performing additional works by French composers and music from the same period. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org
THURSDAY, MARCH 5 AT 2PM
Shift in communication
Commentary by Terry Anker
A central figure of 19th-century American literature, Nathaniel Hawthorne is a known descendent of a judge in the Salem Witch Trials of the late 1600s, when 200 were accused, many imprisoned and more than 25 executed for “witchcraft.” Formed by that legacy, Hawthrone carried a shame that led him to alter the spelling of his name and, more important, to write often with themes of sin, guilt and moral ambiguity. His mastery of language afforded him the skill to enlighten the dark corners of our own righteous failure. In his 1857 notebook, he commented, “Words — so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary — how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.”
As we mature, the potency of language becomes clearer. In fact, language development is one of the few areas of intellect in humans that seems to build throughout our lifetimes, peaking later than almost all
others. It is up to us to show restraint and command over those words, but certainly, we know what they mean and how they can affect others. Alas, like so many levers of power, there are some who hope to possess them to their own ends. If words are bereft of meaning, or that meaning is intentionally blurred, how do we hope to communicate? Are we held captive from making our point?
To the Roman Army, “decimate” was to kill 1 in 10. Today, it is to destroy all. In early dictionaries, “awful” was inspiring, even majestic. Now, it is terrible. Trauma, gay, justice, amoral, great, literally and phobia are a few more that have shifted, to some degree, in definition. Is there hope that we can communicate when we are speaking the same language in entirely different ways?
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.
This story’s for the birds
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
When we returned from our vacation in Costa Rica, the travel company asked us to rate our guide who accompanied us during the weeklong tour. My wife Mary Ellen and I agreed he was “for the birds.” Guillermo knew everything about birds. He knew each bird’s phylum, order, genus and species, and he could explain these details in four languages. As we walked through rainforests or cloud forests, he would point out a bird in a tree and give us full details about its lifestyle, diet and mating habits. He was truly a birdbrain, although he’d probably prefer to be called an avian biologist. I never had that choice.
Another notable quality of Guillermo was that, given the United States’ partisan climate, he was careful to avoid any references to controversial issues. When he discussed certain birds making their yearly trip to a new climate, he always used the phrase “making their annual sojourn.” The word migration was avoided. But with birds, anyway, he was definitely an advocate.
Our bus driver’s name was Manuel. He was excellent at the wheel, handling every turn and maneuvering through tight spots. I asked Guillermo if he thought there would ever be a driverless coach. “No,” he said. “We prefer manual driving.” Manuel didn’t get the joke because he didn’t speak much English. Just as well. I didn’t want Guillermo to have the best one-liner on the trip.
But now, let’s return to our travels. We also took a catamaran into crocodile-infested waters. There was one sighting where we were within 6 feet
of a 1,600-pound croc the locals called Captain Hook, a clear reference to J.M. Barrie’s story Peter Pan, where the crocodile bites off Captain Hook’s hand and develops a taste for him. The creature is named The Tick-Tock Croc because it also swallowed a ticking clock that warns Hook of its presence. Could the monster we faced swallow a clock? Yes, even a grandfather clock. Although this giant did not actually swallow a clock, we knew exactly what time it was when he moved closer to us and opened his jaws. Time to get out of there.
On our last day, Guillermo accompanied us to the airport. I asked him how far we were from the U.S. coast. He said about 1,500 miles, “as the crow flies.” Then he added, “Also 1,500 miles for the keel-billed toucan, the collared aracari, the scarlet macaw, the red-lored parrot, the crimson-fronted parakeet, the violet sabrewing, the golden-hooded tanager, the three-wattled bellbird, the emerald toucanet, the slaty-throated redstart, the ruddy triune …
Guillermo never ran out of birds, but we ran out of time because we had a plane to catch.
We headed for the airport. I’m sure Guillermo watched us take off. He seldom misses anything in flight.
Thanks, Guillermo and Manuel, you were the best guides we’ve ever had. I can’t wait to tweet about it.
at wolfsie@aol.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent. com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him
Rose-Hulman Institute
16. Blown away
17. Pal
18. Clarifying words
19. Chris Wright winter weather prediction
20. Indiana town and county separated by 145 miles ($10)
22. Legendary sharpshooter Annie
24. Amend a Current
25. IU Health workers
26. Corporate shake-up, for short
29. Peanut butter choice
33. Rock back and forth
36. Yours and mine
38. “Enough already!”
39. Bucks, on a Pacers scoreboard
40. Lacking a time stamp
42. Colts QB mistake
43. Unwritten tests
45. Oklahoma city
46. Fastener
47. Mensa material
49. “In God we ___”
51. Snooze
52. Hen pen
54. New Year’s eave decoration?
57. Johnson County city ($100)
61. Doofus
62. White River wader
64. “Piece of cake!”
65. Stellantis car brand
66. Old witch
67. Religious ceremony
68. Connery, who played Indiana Jones’ father
69. ___ in on (neared)
70. Spoiled kid DOWN
1. Ind. neighbor
2. Workplace safety org.
3. Decorative feather
4. Like some Easley wines
5. Tobacco chewer’s target
6. Carmel HS prom rental
7. Yemen’s capital
8. Indiana State Fair barn sound
9. Church councils
10. Seymour’s county ($20)
11. Delinquent GI
12. PC key
13. Whirlpool
21. Falsehood
23. Combat-ready
27. Ill-mannered
28. Marion’s county ($50)
30. Norse god
31. Actress Fey
32. URL starter
33. Urban haze
34. Telegram
35. Country singer
Jackson
37. Cookbook direction
40. Customary
41. Like Purdue graduates
44. State park in Spencer County ($5)
46. Fire tenders, in a way
48. Indiana House floor address
50. Stephen, to Herb Simon
53. Unadorned
54. Wedding exchange
55. Manage
56. Mental flash
57. Gift tag word
58. Artist Magritte
59. Ratio words
60. Putin’s refusal
63. Miracle-___ ANSWERS ON PAGE 19
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