EYES IN THE SKY
Central Indiana Skywarn volunteers provide real-time updates during severe weather / P14
Fishers police arrest man for digging up grave / P4
Judge delays hearing in fatal crash / P5
HSE Schools celebrate top teachers / P6
Kiddie Academy in Fishers moving forward / P7
MAKE THIS SUMMER SIPPER
About us
Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XV, No. 18
Copyright 2023
Current Publishing, LLC
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Dwellane: Revolutionizing Indianapolis real estate through hyperlocal focus
news@youarecurrent.com
Dwellane, a new real estate platform, aims to reimagine the traditional home buying and selling experience by prioritizing the consumer and emphasizing neighborhood exploration.
PROPERTY
Founded by Sam Hawkins, an Indianapolis real estate agent with decades of experience, Dwellane seeks to provide a more community-centered approach to real estate transactions.
“If I started a real estate platform that was completely focused on the best outcome for the consumer, what would it look like?” Hawkins said of the inspiration behind Dwellane.
Hawkins grew up around real estate, witnessing his father, Tucker Hawkins, who was the longest-serving manager for F.C. Tucker Co., practice real estate with what he describes as integrity and trustworthiness. The experience shaped his view that real estate success is “not transactional, but relational.”
Dwellane differentiates itself from national real estate platforms by focusing on a “hyper-local exploration of neighborhoods curated by our team,” according to Hawkins. Unlike platforms that Hawkins said are “built to sell leads -- they’re B2B companies where the customer is the agent, not the buyer,” Dwellane aims to “empower people to make better decisions” by integrating neighborhood knowledge, community details and lifestyle tags like “foodie favorites.”
Dwellane real estate platform emphasizes hyperlocal neighborhood information and community details for homebuyers and sellers. (Screenshot / Dwellane.com)
its map, featuring local restaurants and attractions. The platform sponsors local organizations and events, such as the Holliday Park Ice Rink, First Baptist Athletics’ opening day for youth baseball and softball, and Conner Prairie, where it serves as the Official Membership Sponsor.
“Most platforms start with a map and a price filter. We start with a place,” Hawkins said. “At Dwellane, you can explore from metro area to region to neighborhood.”
Hawkins said each neighborhood page is “handcrafted” with boundaries drawn, photos taken, copy written and tags added for things like parks, arts and culture, or local eateries.
“You’re not just buying a house. You’re learning how you might live there,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said community involvement is a cornerstone of Dwellane’s mission.
“We support the community in ways that go beyond real estate,” Hawkins said. Dwellane integrates “Things to Do” into
“Community is at the center of both the homebuying process and what we do as a company,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said Dwellane’s approach is unique.
“We start with neighborhoods,” he said. “And then how do we go through and provide that insight of the neighborhoods … to provide excellent service, or we won’t have them on our platform. These big companies just have (agents) go everywhere to take anything they can take. And what we said to the (agents) that we pick … they have to be, you know, successful for a period of time ...and they have to have a lot of local knowledge.”
Hawkins shared an example of its approach in assisting a family relocating from Germany to Carmel.
“They could see real photos, read about
local schools and understand the character of each neighborhood before they even booked a flight,” Hawkins said.
The family eventually settled in Cherry Creek Estates after differentiating between east and west Carmel on Dwellane.
Dwellane empowers consumers with a “Buyer Blueprint,” which simplifies the home buying process with clear steps. To achieve this, Dwellane partners with local lenders, inspectors, and title agents.
“We focus on quality information over quantity,” Hawkins said. “The goal is simple: No surprises and more confidence.”
Hawkins highlighted the use of SMS notifications as another key feature.
“In today’s world, important things should come as a text, not an email buried in your inbox,” he said.
Users can receive instant text alerts about new listings and share them with their agent or friends.
Looking ahead, Dwellane plans to expand within Indiana, including cities such as West Lafayette and Bloomington.
“We’ll stay rooted in what makes Dwellane special: local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and a customer-first mindset,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins
Indianapolis man arrested after digging up grave in Fishers
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
CRIME
Officers with the Fishers Police Department arrested 24-year-old Seth Davidson of Indianapolis May 12 after he was discovered digging up a grave site in Fishers. Davidson was arrested on several charges, including felony theft, cemetery mischief, criminal trespass and disturbing ground for artifacts from a grave.
According to an FPD Facebook post, an FPD officer was conducting routine patrols near Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens cemetery at 9700 Allisonville Rd. when he observed a suspicious vehicle in the area. The vehicle was unoccupied, but the officer spotted a shotgun and paraphernalia inside.
The Facebook post states that while the officer was investigating the vehicle, Davidson emerged from a nearby wooded area covered in dirt and confirmed he owned the vehicle.
While speaking to officers, Davidson said he was an Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens employee and had recently buried an urn containing a gold ring. He confessed to digging it up to pawn it, according to the post.
Upon noticing the officers approaching his vehicle, Davidson hid the ring behind a dumpster. He later guided officers to the ring and the grave.
Oak Lawn confirmed Davidson was an employee. After being made aware of the incident, staff checked the cemetery and said they believe only one gravesite was disturbed. According to the Facebook post, the family of the deceased has been notified.
Davidson has been released from the Hamilton County Jail on pretrial release. He was not required to post bail but may be subject to a nominal fee in the future, and his trial date is pending.
Davidson
Hearing delayed in fatal crash
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A May 8 court hearing to determine whether the driver in a March 1 fatal car crash will be charged as an adult has been rescheduled for May 29. The crash resulted in the death of 18-year-old Mason Alexander, a former Hamilton Southeastern High School student-athlete.
CRIME
the defense asked for a continuance in the matter. He said the prosecution initially objected to the delay.
“We actually removed our objection because the court pointed out there was a (previous) case that said four days is not enough time for the defense to prepare,” he said. “In a previous case on appeal, they had reversed it where a waiver hearing was held that fast.”
The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office filed a delinquency petition May 5 in connection with the accident, alleging that the driver of the vehicle in which Alexander was a passenger committed the following offenses: reckless homicide, a felony; reckless driving, a misdemeanor; and carrying false government identification, a misdemeanor.
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Kocher also announced at that time that he had requested the case be waived to adult court. The driver was 17 at the time of the crash. He turned 18 April 28 but will remain unnamed until he is charged as an adult.
Kocher said after the May 8 hearing that
Mudsock Youth Athletics plans KICK Challenge – Mudsock Youth Athletics has announced the return of the KICK Corporate Challenge, set for Sept. 19 at Billericay Park in Fishers. Registration is open for area businesses to compete in a day of kickball, camaraderie and community impact. Proceeds help fund youth program scholarships for Fishers families in need, coach training and background checks, and field maintenance, benefiting more than 11,000 young athletes in the community. To register, visit myathletics.com/kick.
In order to not jeopardize the case and to provide proper due process for the defendant, Kocher said, the prosecution agreed to the delay.
A new hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. May 29 in Hamilton County Court.
Kocher said he is in direct communication with members of Alexander’s family, including his mother, and talked with them about their frustration with the delay.
“We want to do this right,” he said. “That would be my message — we want to do this right. A cornerstone of the American system is due process, and due process involves both sides having enough time to adequately prepare for hearings.”
Kocher said the driver remains in juvenile detention.
House District 32 town halls —
State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) has scheduled two town hall discussions for residents of House District 32 regarding the 2025 legislative session. The first event is set for 6 p.m. May 22 at the Hamilton East Public Library Fishers branch, 5 Municipal Dr. A second town hall will be 6 p.m. May 29 at the John W. Hensel Government Center, 10701 N. College Ave., in Carmel.
Kocher
Hamilton Southeastern Schools celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week May 5-9 by recognizing the district’s top educators and honoring Michael Teal, a fifth-grade STEM teacher, as the district’s Teacher of the Year.
EDUCATION
Teal will represent Hamilton Southeastern Schools in this year’s Indiana Teacher of the Year competition. According to an announcement from the district, he also received a $500 award from the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation in recognition of his achievement.
Each year, all 22 schools and three district programs select a teacher of the year. From this group, a selection committee reviews the honorees — representing more than 1,200 educators districtwide — and names three finalists and one HSE District Teacher of the Year.
“These outstanding educators were nominated by their peers for their dedication to academic excellence and for creating classrooms where students feel safe, challenged and inspired,” HSE Superintendent Pat Mapes stated. “Great teaching isn’t just about delivering lessons — it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence and forming connections that help students grow in every way. This year’s honorees exemplify those qualities and more. On behalf of HSE, congratulations to each of you on this well-earned recognition.”
District and building administrators helped surprise the finalists at their schools, and a special assembly was May 5 at Fall Creek Intermediate to announce Teal as the 2025 HSE District Teacher of
the Year.
The finalists were:
• Elementary: Dorothy Wellman, fourthgrade teacher, Sand Creek Elementary
• Intermediate/junior high: Michael Teal, fifth-grade STEM teacher, Fall Creek Intermediate
• High school: Matt Dunham, math teacher, Hamilton Southeastern High School
For a list of each school building’s teacher of the year, visit bit.ly/3EWilvt.
Dorothy Wellman, a fourth-grade teacher at Sand Creek Elementary, was a Teacher of the Year finalist.
Matt Dunham, center, a math teacher at Hamilton Southeastern High School, was a Teacher of the Year finalist. Also pictured are HSE Principal Reggie Simmons, left, and Superintendent Patrick Mapes.
Michael Teal, a fifthgrade STEM teacher at Fall Creek Intermediate, is the Hamilton Southeastern Schools district Teacher of the Year. (Photos courtesy of HSE Schools)
Second Kiddie Academy in Fishers moving forward
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A planned new day care on Kincaid Drive just south of 106th Street is moving forward after the City of Fishers Planned Unit Development Committee voted May 7 to approve architectural and site plans for the approximately 12,500 square-foot facility.
DEVELOPMENT
The 1.3-acre site for the proposed Kiddie Academy at 10193 Kincaid Dr. is near Lantern Road Elementary School. Besides the building, plans include a 6,250-square-foot outdoor playground and a parking lot, with landscaping and sidewalks.
Eric Gleissner of Civil Site Group, civil engineer for the project, said the site owner also is developing or has developed adjacent property, including nearby Paige’s Music.
“They love their new location in Fishers — it really suits them well,” he said of the music business. “They’ve grown so much, and they’re continuing to grow. This piece fits really (well) right on the corner here, the Kiddie Academy, and then we’ll still have one … lot left, just to the south.”
The PUD Committee unanimously approved the day care plans, with the condition that the developer continue working with the city’s Technical Advisory Committee as the process moves forward.
Kiddie Academy operates another location in Fishers at 11703 Olio Rd., as well as locations in Noblesville, Westfield, Carmel and Zionsville. For more, visit kiddieacademy.com.
In other business May 7, the PUD Committee unanimously approved:
• Architecture and site plans for a new 14,200 square-foot medical office building, Priority Physicians, at 14000 E. 136th St. off Southeastern Parkway and close to Ascension St. Vincent hospital. The concierge health care provider already has a location in Fishers at 13914 Southeastern Pkwy. and operates locations in Carmel and Indianapolis. For more, visit priorityphysicianspc.com.
• Architecture and site plans for a new Legacy Living senior community on a 4-acre site on the corner of 136th Street and Cyntheanne Road. The plans call for a 78,000-square-foot assisted living building and eight sixplex buildings for independent senior living. Legacy Living has developed other senior communities in Jasper and Florence, Ky. Its corporate offices are in Indianapolis. For more, visit legacyliving.biz.
The next Fishers PUD Committee meeting is set for 5 p.m. June 4 at the Fishers Municipal Center theater, 1 Municipal Dr.
WED JUNE 4 | 7 - 8:30pm Carmel Showroom 99 E Carmel Drive, Carmel 317 846 2600
A new Kiddie Academy is planned at 10193 Kincaid Dr. in Fishers. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)
Holy Cross begins expansion
GROUNDBREAKING
Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School celebrated a milestone April 27 with a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of an expansion to its Geist-area campus, 8115 Oaklandon Rd. Designed by arcDESIGN and managed by Pepper Construction, the project will add more than 34,000 square feet of new space along with renovations to existing areas, according to an announcement from the church.
Meridian Audiology and its founding Audiologists, Ali Wyss and Kira VonBlon are all having birthday’s this spring/ summer and we’re planning a party to celebrate! You are invited to come tour the office and enjoy cake and cookies with us on July 27, 2025 1-3pm as we celebrate our 40th, 50th and 4th birthdays! Those who attend can be entered into a drawing for a free set of hearing aids.
Meridian Audiology performs comprehensive audiograms, tinnitus consults, auditory processing disorder evaluations and sells and services a variety of hearing aids and accessories. Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email or online
and we are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are variable Monday-Friday and patients are seen by appointment only. We are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing and hearing Meridian Audiology: It’s our birthday and
“In late 2023, Holy Cross identified a critical need for additional capacity to accommodate its growing congregation and the demand for its educational offerings,” the announcement stated. “Not wanting to turn away students and families, leaders made the decision to open a third kindergarten section for the fall of 2024. Simultaneously, the five-year Above & Beyond Capital Campaign was launched to raise the necessary funds for this ambitious expansion.”
The expansion will add a children’s min-
istry space, dining area, additional classrooms and gathering areas, a new kitchen and an additional nursery, and expands the current gym and music room.
The school has 602 students enrolled in preschool through eighth grade. The project will allow Holy Cross to expand class space to three sections of each grade and serve its growing church community, according to the announcement.
For more about the church and school, visit hclcindy.org.
From left, Camden Pinder, Meg Sattler, Eden Grelle, Doloris Bell, Anne Hammond, Kate Hammond, Declan McMullen, Ellie McMullen and Olivia Cage at a groundbreaking ceremony for Holy Cross Lutheran Church’s expansion project. (Photo courtesy of Holy Cross)
Consistency key to Tigers’ shortstop’s successful senior season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Fishers High School senior baseball player Huston Dunn credits consistency as his biggest improvement this season.
“I feel I’m more consistent at the plate, producing more for my team,” said Dunn, a shortstop. “I’m being productive in the field as well, letting my teammates depend on me. When the ball is coming to me, they know what is going to happen.”
As of May 13, Dunn was hitting .375 with 11 runs batted in for the Tigers. A four-year starter, he hit .279 as a junior, .316 as a sophomore and .235 as a freshman.
“Huston is a tremendous leader in our program who never lets the highs take him too high or the lows take him down too low,” Fishers coach Matthew Cherry said. “He loves the game, and it shows in everything he does on the field.”
Cherry said Dunn has made huge strides as a hitter, being in position to hit all pitch-
HUSTON DUNN
Favorite athlete: Bo Jackson
Favorite musician: Chris Stapleton
Favorite subjects: Math and weightlifting
Favorite movies: “Good Will Hunting” and “Interstellar”
Favorite vacation spot: Dominican Republic
es on both sides of the plate and spreading the ball all over the field.
“Huston has a high baseball IQ and a great understanding of where to be on defense, reading balls off the bat to put himself in great position to field and throw,”
Cherry said.
Cherry said Dunn plays with a lot of positivity.
“Even when things do not go his way, his smile and joy for the game is keeping him focused and engaged on the next pitch, next play and next at-bat,” Cherry said. “In addition, Huston’s approach at the plate where he is putting himself in a great position to hit all pitches on both sides of the plate has helped him tremendously. He is not trying to be so perfect on his swing but is willing to pull a ball down the line or stay on a pitch and drive it the other way.”
In Dunn’s first three seasons, the Tigers lost in the sectional championship twice —
in 2022 and 2024 — and in the first round in 2023.
“I have a good feeling about this year,” he said. “Our teamwork and how we bond is different from years past. We’re a senior-heavy group and that helps us because there is something on the line for all of us. When it comes to the playoffs, it’s win or go home. We play for each other.”
Dunn played football through his sophomore year and saw some varsity action as a backup quarterback as a sophomore.
“I gave up football to concentrate on baseball,” Dunn said. “It helped me get my Ball State offer because it helped me play in the fall and get more exposure.”
Dunn, who wants to major in business, committed to Ball State University early in his junior year.
“I wanted to stay close to home because I wanted my family to watch me play,” Dunn said. “All the coaches were super friendly and welcoming. They made me feel wanted. It felt like home from the first time I stepped on campus.”
Dunn’s brother, Carson, is a 2023 FHS graduate who plays football for Indiana State University.
Dunn
Fishers High School senior shortstop Huston Dunn is a four-year starter. (Photo courtesy of Dunn family)
Ignite catch fire in inaugural season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
From Indy Ignite co-founder Jim Schumacher’s view, it was quite a successful year on several fronts for the expansion team.
VOLLEYBALL
The Indy Ignite earned the final spot in the Pro Volleyball Federation’s four-team playoffs and upset top-seeded defending champion Omaha in five sets in the May 9 semifinals in Las Vegas. The Ignite lost to No. 3 seed Orlando in four sets in the May 11 championship.
“While I wish we could have won the whole thing, I am incredibly proud of what our young team achieved this year,” said Schumacher, a Carmel resident who co-founded the team with Don Hutchinson. “We started from zero and we came within one game of winning it all.”
Schumacher said the average ticket distribution per home match was 4,244.
“That’s not bad for an inaugural year,” he said. “In fact, it puts us second in the league. I didn’t know what to expect, from a numbers perspective, going in. But I was sure Indiana’s volleyball fans would show up and they did. Seeing all of the young women who come to our matches and consider our players role models is tremendously exciting to me. It’s also really encouraging to see and hear the enthusiasm from our fan base. Their support helped propel the team all the way to the PVF Championship.”
Ignite coach George Padjen said the team, which finished the regular season with a 13-15 record, came a long way. He said the Ignite won matches early while still figuring things out.
“To get in this space, to the championship final, it’s great,” he said. “Yeah, not the outcome you want, but my biggest takeaway is some of the people I met this year are some quality human beings.”
Ignite opposite hitter Azhani Tealer said it was a big step for the organization.
“We’re really young. No one expected us to be here in the first place,” she said. “We have a lot of young people hopefully coming back, so I think teams like Orlando should be really scared for next season. It was a great season for us, and we don’t take it for granted.”
City of Lawrence residents who wish to report street and pothole concerns can contact the city’s Street Department directly or complete an online form reporting repair needs.
According to the city’s website, the City of Lawrence Street Department’s primary responsibilities include snow removal, maintenance of streets and sidewalks, pothole repair, streetlight repair and mowing public rights-of-way throughout the city.
Some road repairs within city limits fall under other jurisdictions. The Indiana Department of Transportation is responsible for state highways, such as Pendleton Pike. The City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works handles major construction and reconstruction of primary and secondary arterial streets, according to the City of Lawrence, along with some smaller streets in Indy’s thoroughfare plan.
The right of way on train tracks is controlled by CSX Railroad, and any needed repairs in that right-of-way should be reported to CSX.
If a resident sees a pothole or needs road maintenance, they can reach out to the City of Lawrence Street Department at 317-545-8787, or report issues online at cityoflawrence.org/report-street-issue.
Fishers awards innovation grants
news@currentinfishers.com
City of Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness surprised five Hamilton Southeastern Schools teachers May 6 with more than $95,000 in grants, part of the city’s Educator Innovation Grant program.
EDUCATION
The new grant recipients are:
• Jamie Follis, a Hamilton Southeastern High School and Olio Road Productions teacher, who was awarded $16,200 to support an extension of the Olio Road Productions film program for students to include short film production in classes throughout the school year.
• Jeffrey Brunnemer of Fall Creek Junior High, who received $3,600 to help purchase Time Kettle translator earbuds for students in the English as a New Language program. The earbuds provide real-time translation, allowing students to become more self-sufficient and productive in subjects where there are gaps in support.
• John McCallister, a Hamilton Southeastern High School teacher, who received $39,100 to provide a welding
Will Hurst, a Cumberland Road Elementary teacher, holds a replica check for a $22,980 grant from the City of Fishers to support the school’s “Village of Cumberland” project. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fishers)
simulator at the high school, allowing students to earn up to two welding certificates while preparing for a career in the trades.
• Jenifer Young of Hamilton Southeastern High School, who received $15,100 to provide additional resources to help English as a New Language students with their classes.
• Will Hurst of Cumberland Road Elementary, who received $22,980 to support development of the school’s “Village of Cumberland,” which will include a “Biz Town” work experience for students.
EYES IN THE SKY
Central Indiana Skywarn volunteers provide real-time updates during severe weather
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
When big storms approach, central Indiana residents rely on the National Weather Service in Indianapolis — which covers 39 counties — for regular updates and warnings. And the NWS relies, in part, on trained volunteers who watch the sky and give real-time reports to supplement data gathered by radar and other means.
Indianapolis resident Matthew Bechdol has been a NWS Skywarn program volunteer for about a decade and is a licensed amateur radio operator — also called ham radio. He coordinates the Marion County Amateur Radio Emergency Service team.
Bechdol said amateur radio came first, but was closely followed by weather watching
“(Radio operators) like to figure out what can we do with our radios and some of that is emergency communications,” he said, and that led him to Skywarn — severe weather spotter training. “How I got involved was … I got my (radio) license. I liked technology … and I’m the kind of guy — like a lot of us are — that wants to give back a little bit, and being a weather spotter is one of them.”
He added that he was a little bit of a weather geek, which made the Skywarn program that much more appealing.
Skywarn volunteers don’t have to be amateur radio operators, especially now that cellphones are widely used, but Bechdol said there was a time when amateur radio was the fastest and easiest way to provide “ground truth” weather information — data provided directly from a witness.
Sam Lashley is the warning coordination meteorologist with NWS Indianapolis. He said the Skywarn program started after a deadly super outbreak of tornadoes in spring of 1974.
“Basically, they identified the need to have trained weather spotters out there to get information back to the National Weather Service more quickly,” he said. “Of course, back then — no cellphones, everything was landlines. So, when storms went through and the landlines went down, then it was left up to amateur radio operators to communicate back. So, the idea really initiated with training just amateur radio
operators.”
The program evolved as more communication options became available, he said, and now anyone can be a weather spotter.
“We have kids as young as 10 or 12 years old who have a fascination or interest with weather all the way up to … senior citizens who love weather and want to help out the community,” Lashley said. “It’s a very large, expansive group.”
Lashley said Skywarn volunteers aren’t storm chasers and the NWS doesn’t encourage anyone to go out in severe weather. Training generally is a two-hour
event during which volunteers learn about weather and how to report.
“We’re really training people for wherever they’re at,” he said. “If they’re at home, if they’re in the car, if they’re at work — and we train them to be our eyes and ears out there in the field and to report back to us. So, there’s not a lot of expectations, other than just teaching them what are precursors to severe weather, what to look for and then how to report back to us.”
He said about 1,500 people participate in the training annually for a region that covers 39 Indiana counties, including Ham-
THE SUPER OUTBREAK
In 1974, the central and eastern United States and parts of Canada experienced a “super outbreak” of tornadoes April 3 and 4, a period that continues to hold tornado records, including the largest number of F5 tornadoes in a single outbreak and the second-highest number of tornadoes in a single day. The highest was in 2011.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, those two
days in 1974 resulted in 335 direct fatalities and more than 6,000 injuries over 13 states from 148 confirmed tornadoes. Thirty of those were F4 or F5 tornadoes, and the total tornado path was about 2,600 miles.
In Indiana, the super outbreak included 21 tornadoes that hit 46 counties, including an F5 near DePauw. Throughout Indiana, 47 people died during the storm system and 900 were injured.
ilton, Marion and Boone. Those volunteers recently were helpful during severe weather that included confirmed tornado sightings in Hamilton and Hendricks counties.
Bechdol noted that even when radar has indicated a tornado, it isn’t confirmed until someone has seen it touch down.
“Four years ago, there was a tornado that went between Avon and Plainfield, near the rail yard. And we had one of our operators get a couple good pictures of a funnel cloud over that direction,” Bechdol recalled. “He was able to relay the information. We got that to the National Weather Service and it confirmed what they saw on radar. Sometimes when you listen to the news, they’ll say ‘radar indicated.’ It’s what it looks like on radar — but is it actually on the ground? What’s actually going on? That’s where a spotter really helps.”
For more about the NWS Skywarn program, including how to volunteer, visit weather.gov/ind/spotter. For more about amateur radio, visit the National Association for Amateur Radio website at arrl.org.
ON THE COVER: Skywarn program volunteers report damage after a storm passes and provide real-time reports during severe weather. (Photo courtesy of NWS Indianapolis)
Matthew Bechdol, a Skywarn volunteer, uses his amateur radio to communicate with other volunteers and National Weather Service officials during storm events. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Bechdol)
Skywarn program volunteers with the National Weather Service in central Indiana help document real-time severe weather in the region, such as strong storms and tornadoes. (Photo courtesy of NWS Indianapolis)
Align Pilates Indy now open
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Lori Livingston opened a new fitness studio, Align Pilates Indy at 470 Lafayette Rd. in Noblesville, May 10. Livingston, a Fishers resident, said she opened the studio in Noblesville because there were no other studios offering Reformer Pilates, a form performed using a specialized piece of equipment, near the city’s downtown.
WELLNESS
“I picked Noblesville because it’s up and coming,” Livingston said. “I worked for two different studios in Fishers, which were fantastic, but the waitlists were extremely long, and they weren’t able to accommodate all their members who were driving from places like Noblesville, Carmel and Westfield. I tried to pick somewhere that didn’t have anything.”
Livingston began taking Pilates classes seven years ago after giving birth.
“Getting back to running and lifting weights was too much, so I took a class at a local studio and it was a game-changer for me,” Livingston said.” It helped me lose
the baby weight and regain my strength and flexibility. Once I started learning, I wanted to teach. I love helping people get stronger and move their bodies. Sometimes going to a big gym is intimidating, so doing things 1-on-1 is key.”
She said she opened her own studio so people could challenge themselves.
“In franchise studios, there’s a lot of rules, and it is hard to help people continue to grow when you can’t make things harder and challenge them,” Livingston said.
Align Pilates Indy offers several class and membership packages for Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, mixed equipment, general strength and barre.
Align Pilates Indy is at 470 Lafayette Rd. (Photo courtesy of Lori Livingston)
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Feel good inside.
Digestive issues can cause pain and disrupt daily life. Our board-certified gastroenterologists provide expert care, from screenings to advanced treatment. Beyond treating diseases, we focus on prevention—helping you avoid serious conditions like colorectal cancer and liver disease through screenings, lifestyle guidance, and early intervention.
To schedule an appointment scan the QR code, call 317.214.5468 or visit riverview.org/digestivehealth
Sir Grout expands locally
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentinfishers.com
In April 2025, Alec and Annalise Burtner opened the first Indianapolis franchise of Sir Grout, a company based in Cumming, Ga., that specializes in restoring worn stone, tile and grout.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
The married couple said they wanted to open the Indianapolis franchise because of Alec Burtner’s interest in hands-on work.
Before they founded Sir Grout Indianapolis, he served in the U.S. Army and worked in the private sector.
“He’s been out of the Army for nine years now,” said Annalise Burtner, who previ ously worked as an actor and is now train ing to become a licensed mental health therapist. “We moved to Indiana originally because he started working for Eli Lilly and then shifted to being a business consultant for Deloitte. He’s been very pas sionate for years upon years upon years about getting into a business that’s more hands-on and more applicable to helping everyday people, and that’s how we came
Sir Grout Indianapolis owners Annalise Burtner, left, and Alec Burtner and hard surface restoration technician Trevor Billings. (Photo courtesy of Annalise Burtner)
Leno, Newton among newcomers to Center Presents schedule
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The 2025-26 Center Presents schedule includes popular returnees and legendary newcomers.
PERFORMANCES
There are 59 Center Presents performances at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Most are at the Payne & Mencias Palladium.
“We’ve left room to add 10 to 12 more through the season, which we always do because there are always some artists who haven’t announced they are touring,” said Jeff McDermott, the Allied Solutions Center president and CEO. “We don’t want to close the opportunity to book additional artists. It’s always interesting who becomes available. In years past, we’ve had people like Sting and John Legend who get announced midseason because they weren’t available when we were booking. Each year we have great headliners, some who have been here before and some that are new. Some are traditions for us.”
Two performers set to appear in the special events portion at the Palladium for the first time are Jay Leno (Sept. 27) and Wayne Newton (Feb. 14).
The 2026 jazz series portion features returnees Chris Botti (March 6) and the Branford Marsalis Quartet (March 20)
The pop/rock series includes Burton Cummings of the Guess Who Aug. 10 and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, Sept. 13. McGuinn will perform in The Tarkington.
Others in 2026 include Chris Thile (April 10), The Electric Orchestra Experience (May 2) and Jake Shimabukuro (May 8)
“Jay is one we’ve wanted for a long time and never had the opportunity to have,” McDermott said. “Wayne Newton has a unique following. He’s had a very long career as a singer, as a Las Vegas performer, as an actor. He’s iconic and synonymous with Las Vegas.”
McDermott said two popular returnees are Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass Aug. 7, and David Foster and Katharine McPhee Dec. 2. Both shows sold out on previous visits.
Samara Joy will make first Palladium appearance Nov. 14.
“She’s probably one of the hottest young jazz singers around,” McDermott said. “She could be winning Grammys for pretty much everything she does.”
‘I’m a big fan of Jake Shimabukuro, who can do things with the ukulele that no one else in the world can do,” McDermott said. “He’s just an amazing talent.”
David Foster and Katharine McPhee will perform Dec. 2 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
could go out and play harmonica on the stage and we’d sell tickets. People just love going to shows during the holidays. We’re bringing in far better talent than I could provide.”
In addition to Foster and McPhee, the series includes Jon McLaughlin & Friends, Dec. 5, Dave Koz & Friends, Dec. 12 and Chris Isaak, Dec. 13.
The Songbook series includes Michael Morrison (Oct. 17); Joshua Henry (March 13); Mandy Patinkin (April 9); and Michael Feinstein (April 17). As the artistic director for the Allied Solutions Center and Songbook Foundation founder, Feinstein performs his annual concert April 17.
“We’re bringing back the Philharmonic Orchestra with Ray Chen (Jan. 30), which is remarkable,” McDermott said. “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is probably as well-known, popular and respected an orchestra as there is anywhere in the world.
There are several returnees in the holiday series. The holiday series is always a special one for us. I always joke that I
“Jon McLaughlin and Dave Koz are becoming traditions for us. We have them back every year,” McDermott said.
McDermott said “Choir! Choir! Choir!” will be a unique show Oct. 2
“It’s literally a sing-along with the audience,” McDermott said. “We’ve never done anything quite like that and I think it will be really interesting. `Bugs Bunny at the Symphony’ (Nov. 1-2) will be a fun, unique show. The Peking Acrobats (Feb. 26) have been with us before and (are) always a crowd pleaser.”
The Live at the Center series will be renamed Local Mix Music Series and will be available live and livestreamed.
“We’re really excited top to bottom on this one,” McDermott said. “It’s our 15th anniversary season. We’ll have some other surprises during the season to mark our crystal anniversary.”
For a full schedule, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’
“The Little Mermaid” runs May 22 to July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
LIVE AT THE CENTER
Sadie Johnson performs in the Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. May 21 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Freeform Concerts features Marina City with Starlite Lounge and Chris Carney at 7 p.m. May 21 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’
The Indianapolis Ballet Conservatory presents “The Phantom of the Opera” at 7 p.m. May 23, and at 4 and 7 p.m. May 24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.
‘CINDERELLA’
Metropolitan Youth Ballet’s production of “Cinderella” is at 7:30 p.m. May 23 and 2 p.m. May 24 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. For more, visit my.at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit my-ballet.org.
DISPATCH
Fishers Community Chorus concert set — The Fishers Community Chorus will conclude its ninth season with a free pops concert at 7:30 p.m. May 20, featuring the Mudsock Jazz Combo. The concert will be in the new Fishers City Hall & Art Center Theater and will focus on songs from Broadway musicals. Lobby doors open at 7 p.m. for the concert, “Curtain Up!! A Tribute to Modern Musical Theater.” The concert blends familiar favorites with fresh surprises. “Curtain Up!!” celebrates the stories, sounds and characters that have shaped a new generation of theater. For more, visit fisherschorus.org.
Leno
Newton
NIGHT & DAY
‘Mermaid’ role suits HSE grad
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Craig Underwood figures he was made for this part.
MUSICAL
The 2000 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate plays Chef Louis in “The Little Mermaid” May 22 to July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.
“Chef Louis is an over-the-top, larger-than-life foodie,” Underwood said. “I’m basically playing myself with a French accent. The role is incredibly fun to play. Chef Louis has a great little song in Act 2 and creates a bit of chaos due to his extreme passion for seafood. I’ll be getting quite the workout during the run of the show.”
Underwood has portrayed many different characters at Beef & Boards. He said some of his favorites are Gangster No. 1 in “The Drowsy Chaperone;” Ghost of Christmas Present in “A Christmas Carol;” Murray in “The Odd Couple;” and Tito Merelli in “Lend Me A Tenor.”
“I now live in New York City, which has opened up a lot of opportunities in performing,” he said.
“My parents and sister are still living on the north side of Indianapolis, so they love when I get to perform at Beef & Boards. Acting is my full-time gig, and I have been lucky to have some consistent work regionally. I spent most of last year performing in Wisconsin. I also teach theater classes, work as a model and serve at a restaurant between productions.”
Underwood had the opportunity to direct and choreograph a production of “The Little Mermaid” in 2023.
“I was also in a different hourlong adaptation with the Pyramid Players at Beef & Boards back in 2016,” he said.
At HSE, Underwood performed in musicals and show choir. A cello player, he also participated in the wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band and winter guard.
For more, visit beefandboards.com
‘Phantom’ returns to IBC
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s presentation of “The Phantom of the Opera” was an resounding success in 2024
PERFORMANCES
“Last year, it was nearly sold out, but not like two months in advance like this year,” IBC founding Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva said. “It’s great even though our parents couldn’t buy enough tickets soon enough.”
The three sold-out performances are set for May 23-24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The Tarkington has 500 seats.
Morgan Rust, who grew up in Noblesville, returns in the role of Christine. She will join the Finish National Ballet for the 2025-26 season.
Carmel resident Luke Derksen, who attends Indiana University, returns as Raoul, and Justin Hamilton, a former Carmel resident now at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, portrays the Phantom. All three are former IBC students.
IBC will take the show on the road at 7 p.m. June 7 at Eagles Theatre at the Honeywell Arts and Entertainment Center in
From left, Justin Hamilton, Morgan Rust and Luke Derksen appear in the Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s production of “The Phantom of the Opera.” (Photo courtesy of IBC)
Wabash. Derksen and Hamilton will reprise their roles, and Indianapolis resident Ashlie Rohan will be featured as Christine.
IBC’s Summer Intensive for ages 9 and older is set for June 23 to July 25, and participants have options of two, three or five weeks. The Young Dancer Summer Intensive for ages 6 and older is set for 9 a.m. to noon June 2-20. The Fairytale Days Summer Camp for ages 3-5 is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon June 2-20.
The IBC school year starts Aug. 11.
For more, visit indianaballetconservatory.org.
Underwood
Actress embraces ‘Wit’ role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Beverly Roche enjoys memorizing lines. She even does it for fun when she’s not preparing for a part.
PLAY
That’s a good thing because she has plenty of lines as Vivian in the play, “Wit.”
“It’s a very challenging piece because the person who plays Vivian never leaves the stage and pretty much controls the timing of the piece,” the Indianapolis resident said.
Main Street Productions presents “Wit” May 29 to June 8 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.
Schlomann said people don’t really talk about death in their daily lives.
“This is a chance not just to talk about it but to explore it and dive into it in a way that’s relatable and powerful,” she said.
Bryant submitted the play as an option to Main Street Productions even though he had never seen the play or the movie.
“But I’ve read the play a few times and it’s always really spoken to me about the need for connection and the need for humanity,” he said.
Roche said it’s a beautiful human story.
Indianapolis resident Becky Schlomann and Geist-area resident Eric Bryant are co-directors.
“The main character, Vivian, an English professor, gets diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer,” Schlomann said. “So, it’s the story of her death. I think it does a really great job of taking us on the journey of highs and lows and kind of everything in between.”
“The things she says are so intimate that for me, it hasn’t been a big struggle to tap into those emotional feelings,” Roche said.
Roche saw the play at the Phoenix Theatre several years ago. She appreciates how it deals with death.
“You feel uplifted even though the information is heavy,” Roche said. “It’s very sweet without being sappy.”
For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org. Roche
LIFESTYLE
51. Model on many romance novel covers
53. Wowed
55. See 36-Across
59. Programming command
61. Bra size
62. Arm bone
64. Pre-owned
65. Formally surrender
66. AARP part (Abbr.)
67. Dishevel, as hair
68. Oracle
69. Greek love god Down
1. Cleaning cloth
2. Fishers Event Center
men’s room fixtures
3. Prejudice
4. Mrs. Woodrow Wilson or
Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt
5. Just say no
6. Boatloads
24. Hamilton County Councilor Griffin
25. Colts stats
28. Apply, as sunscreen
29. All thumbs
30. Toe tag letters
33. ___ and flow
35. Logger’s tool
37. Orange Muppet
38. Savory flavor
39. RMN’s successor
40. Hoosier Motor Club org.
41. Cash-back deals
44. Showstopper
45. “That is my intention”
46. Rude dude
48. A note to follow fa
49. Playbwoi Tha Great, e.g.
52. Apple products
54. Sky blue
56. Basic stuff
1. Hoosier hayseed 5. Allergic reaction 9. Fashion Mall store: ___ Spade 13. Parched
14. “___, Brute?”
15. Bier Brewery brews
16. Oscar-winning musical
18. Surveyor’s map 19. See 36-Across 22. Quality that arouses sympathy
23. Smartly dressed
31. Lend a hand
32. Thus far 34. First numero
35. “A Farewell to ___”
55-Across)
39. Apparel
42. “Alley ___”
26. Camera type, briefly 27. Mini-Marathon runner’s concern
50. Doc bloc 17. Fly
36. Carmel Main Street eatery whose name comes from a French court jester (who might have written the pun at 19- and
43. Desperate battlefield cry
47. Issa of “Barbie”
48. Tom Wood Nissan model
7. Doe’s mate
8. Injured
9. Butler frat letter
10. Top-tier Pacer
11. Earl Gray, e.g.
12. Westfield winter hrs.
20. Plant of the lily family
21. Dollar bill
22. Free spot on WTHR
57. Slushy drink brand
58. Naked
59. Wrigley product
60. IU conference foe
63. Current revenue source Answers on Page 23
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