Tuesday, October 7, 2025
30 YEARS OF SMILES
Fishers orthodontists celebrating three decades of service / P17
Hamilton County shelter overcrowded with dogs / P3
HSE Schools anticipates new referendum / P5
Student film featured at Heartland / P9
True benefit of SEA 1 questioned / P12-13
“WE
Current in Fishers & Geist currentinfishers.com
Hamilton County shelter overcrowded with dogs
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Humane Society for Hamilton County’s space for surrendered and stray dogs has been above capacity for the last couple of years and HSHC President and CEO Rebecca Stevens doesn’t see an end to the issue anytime soon.
ANIMALS
While there also are many cats and kittens brought to the shelter at 10501 Hague Rd. in Fishers, Stevens said the primary and continuing capacity challenge has been with dogs. The shelter, new in 2021, was designed based on projected needs to last through 2036. But its 124 kennels — including 18 small short-term kennels — started filling up in late 2022 and early 2023. As of late September, Stevens said, the shelter had 142 dogs.
“So, there are 18 dogs that are living in spaces that are really not great long-term housing spaces,” she said. “Most of those dogs are in offices. They’re in cat visiting rooms or dog visiting rooms — that are meant to be visiting rooms. I know every office that is in this building, with the exception of maybe a couple, has a dog in it. And that’s not the plan. That was never the plan.”
Stevens said while some of the uptick in surrenders is from Hamilton County, she said the shelter also has seen a number of Marion County residents who either found and rescued a stray or had a pet they needed to surrender. She learned that Marion County had implemented a new policy a few years ago requiring appointments — sometimes several weeks out — to drop off a rescued stray. Appointments for owners to surrender pets took even longer.
That policy has led to fewer dogs at the Indianapolis shelter, but it didn’t reduce the number of dogs that needed a place to go. Marion County residents desperate to surrender a dog immediately were directed
to neighboring county shelters, Stevens said, which explained why Hamilton County suddenly started to see more and more dogs from Marion County.
HSHC’s mission is to serve Hamilton County. Its employees try to turn away the Marion County residents who show up with pets, Stevens said, but sometimes there’s no choice.
“We reserve whatever spot we might have for the oldest, the most at-risk, the one that’s literally going to drop dead if it doesn’t get help and the ones — I had one that some guy threatened to shoot,” she said. “So, we take those and have to say no to the rest. This is our life and it’s horrible — and it’s not going to stop, because Indianapolis has no reason to stop doing it.”
Another factor contributing to the shelter’s overcrowding is fewer adoptions. She said adoptions have been trending down in Hamilton County since early 2023.
“People are making the choice to go elsewhere for their pets,” she said. “That perception that (shelter) animals must be broken — there’s something wrong with
DISPATCHES
Social media documentary screening – A free screening of “Can’t Look Away — The Case Against Social Media” will take place at 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at Hamilton East Public Library, 5 Municipal Dr. in Fishers. The 75-minute documentary explores the impact of social media on young people. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. The event is presented by Analog Kids and Smartphone Free Childhood. Registration is not required. Learn more at facebook.com/events/1261313892201734.
them. None of it’s true. Some of them are broken — who isn’t? And, you know, we have a lot of bully breeds. So, the pit bull thing.”
Stevens said there are many breeds other than pit bulls at the shelter — including the popular doodle dogs — although she noted that pit bulls tend to have the best temperaments. She said it’s up to community members to show kindness and compassion to the shelter animals who are waiting — sometimes many months — for a loving home.
She said people interested in a new pet should start at the shelter and get rid of preconceptions.
“Don’t limit yourself to it being … a doodle or this big or blue eyes or whatever,” she said. “And if you do that, I’m going to go find you the most amazing pet you’ve ever had. … What we do best is matchmaking. We complete families. It’s part of our mission and if (people) give us that chance, they’re not going to regret it. It’ll be the best pet they ever had.”
For more, visit hamiltonhumane.com.
500 Festival appoints new board members, officers — The 500 Festival announced its elected officers for its 2025-2026 500 Festival Board of Directors, which includes six new members. New officers also were named to the board. New officers are board chair Christina Moungey, vice chair Roger Harvey, secretary Bali Heir, treasurer Jeff Harrison and immediate past chair Jim Callaghan. New board members are Laurie Henry-Bradley of McDonald’s; Greg Goelzer of Goelzer Investment Management; Angela Smith Jones of Indiana University; Tadd Miller of Milhaus; Doug Talley of the National Bank of Indianapolis; and Karen Woods of First Financial Bank. For more, visit 500festival.com.
About us
Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XV, No. 38
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525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
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Humane Society for Hamilton County dog kennels are full. (Photo courtesy of HSHC)
THERE’S STILL TIME TO BECOME
A C H A R T E R M E M B E R !
Sign up for a membership before our Grand Opening on November 1, 2025 to become a Charter Member and unlock exclusive benefits:
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Early registration & a 30% member discount for preschool, youth, and teen swim lessons Up to 2 hours of FREE childcare daily, Mon-Sat (for Household Memberships)
Starting November 1, 2025, nonmembers can get free access to the indoor track and playground by signing up for a Community Pass at FishersCommunityCenter.com.
*Reservations are required for the indoor playground.
Fishers awarded grant for 116th & Allisonville project
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The City of Fishers has been awarded a grant of more than $2.5 million for a project to improve traffic at the 116th Street and Allisonville Road intersection.
TRAFFIC
The Federal Funds Exchange grant awarded through the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization was formally accepted by the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety Sept. 23. It will pay for construction, which Engineering Director Hatem Mekky said should go to bid by the end of this year with completion by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
“We are going to lengthen the left turn lanes on the northwest and the south approaches, kind of mimicking what we have currently on the east approach,” he told the board. “We are going to upgrade the crossings. We’re going to have new signals on all three intersections — 116th and Allisonville, the new intersection of Kroger and Fisher Station (and) just north of 116th and Allisonville.”
Mekky said the new crossings will include improved pedestrian signals, adding that the upgrades should suffice for at least the next decade. He said the intersection should remain open with lane restrictions during construction.
The city previously planned to install a roundabout at that intersection, which would have involved closing that section of road to traffic during construction. Following an updated traffic study this spring, officials backed off that plan in favor of upgrades to traffic signals and turn lanes. The roundabout was expected to cost about $3.1 million.
The total IMPO award for the project is $2.65 million.
The next Board of Works meeting is set for 9 a.m. Oct. 7 at Fishers Municipal Center, 1 Municipal Dr.
Hamilton County Community Foundation receives grant — The Hamilton County Community Foundation has received a $100,000 grant as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow community foundation initiative. The grant can be used for any charitable purposes the community foundation chooses.
HSE Schools anticipates referendum for ’26 ballot
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Citing millions less in projected funding for education due to new state tax law
EDUCATION
Senate Enrolled Act 1, Hamilton Southeastern Schools Corp. expects to put a referendum before voters in 2026 asking for additional support for education.
Superintendent Patrick Mapes made the announcement during a Sept. 24 school board work session focusing on the district’s 2026 budget. He said the district can’t continue to operate without additional funds, noting that it’s likely other districts throughout Indiana also will put referendums on the ballot in 2026.
“We just want to say that out loud tonight, because we’re starting to work on this process,” he said. “As you know, it is a long process.”
Voters approved a new operating referendum for HSE Schools in 2023, with 70 percent supporting a rate of up to .1995 cents per $100 assessed value. A new referendum would ask voters to increase that by a yet-to-be-determined amount.
Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown said the advertised 2026 budget totals $342.9 million. That includes all funds and is about $2 million more than the predicted budget. He noted that the advertised amount is the maximum the district can legally spend and needs to be on the higher end in case adjustments are required.
Brown said the proposed 2026 budget is subject to change based on collective bargaining and the official student count, which takes place Oct. 1.
The budget calls for using up to $17 million of the district’s cash balance funds to make up for shortfalls. HSE was facing a multiyear deficit even before SEA1’s impact and used about $10 million from cash balances this year. Lower enrollment and increasing expenses have been cited as primary reasons for the deficit.
Mapes noted that district officials are looking at ways to reduce spending, which is what prompted HSE to start a redistricting process.
‘We have some facilities that are just kind of underutilized, and at the same time that would help with transportation, because we might be able to eliminate some routes,” he said. However, “we don’t want to cut our programs, because academically, our programs are top-notch in the state and that’s why people come here.”
The district this year started accepting students from outside HSE’s boundaries and has attracted more than 70 new students. Mapes said he wants to extend the enrollment deadline because more parents reached out to ask about switching to HSE after the deadline had passed. Additional students means more revenue.
A public hearing on the 2026 budget is planned for the HSE school board’s Oct. 8 meeting, set for 6 p.m. at the district’s central offices, 13485 Cumberland Rd.
Purchase a select David Weekley Quick Move-in Home in the Indianapolis-area community of Grantham from September 1 to November 16, 2025, and enjoy $40,000 in Weekley Flex Dollars to use toward your choice of a home discount, appliances/blinds or financing incentives*!
See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Not valid with any other offer or on previously written contracts. Weekley Flex Dollars (home discount, appliances/blinds or financing incentive) offer only valid for Homebuyers who purchase a David Weekley Quick Move-in Home in the Indianapolis-area community of Grantham between September 1, 2025, and November 16, 2025 (the Program Period). Homes must close by December 29, 2025. Weekley Flex Dollars incentive amount not to exceed $40,000. Appliances and blinds selections must be made through the David Weekley Homes Design Center in Indianapolis, IN. Homebuyer must pay full price for any Design Selections in excess of the incentive amount. Any excess of the incentive amount cannot be applied to the financing incentive or any other credit. *Financing incentive offer only valid for Homebuyers who purchase a David Weekley Quick Move-in Home in the Indianapolis-area community of Grantham during the Program Period and finance the home purchase with a mortgage loan from a Preferred Lender (Mike DeWitt at Highlands Residential Mortgage or Jon Knight at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation). Contact loan officer for details on rate buydown or other financing programs. Borrower must meet lender’s qualification criteria. Incentive is in addition to the Financing Incentive in the Purchase Agreement. Total Financing Incentive may not exceed regulatory limits on Seller contributions. If the incentive amount exceeds the allowable Seller contribution limits, the remainder cannot be applied as a discount to the Purchase Price of the home or any other credit. No cash will be given outside of
Hamilton Southeastern Schools plans to ask voters to approve a new referendum in 2026. (File photo)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025
FOOD
Gleaners responds to USDA canceling Hunger Report
news@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis-based Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana has pushed back on a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it has canceled the Hunger Report, formerly known as the Household Food Security Report, which has been produced annually for the past 30 years.
Gleaners President and CEO Fred Glass stated in a Sept. 24 news release that canceling the report “will deny the American public information it needs and deserves to help meet the call to feed the hungry for the benefit of not only our neighbors who are hungry, but society as a whole.”
“Taken together with the law’s dramatic cuts to health care, particularly to rural hospitals and the people they serve, along with the impact of the recent rise in inflation and unemployment, these actions by the federal government will dramatically increase the depth and breadth of hunger in the United States,” the news release stated.
Glass stated that canceling the report won’t change the fact that current policies are creating more hunger.
The new release noted that the 2024 report showed one in seven Americans — 47 million people, including 15 million children — faced hunger. That included 1 million Hoosiers, 300,000 of whom were children.
The annual report measures food insecurity in the United States and is used to help identify ways to improve access to food. According to the news release, the decision to cancel this year’s report follows federal cuts to nutrition programs.
“Canceling the Hunger Report will not make the devastating and increasing impact of hunger on all Americans go away,” Glass stated. “Unfortunately, the loss of this trusted source of information will make it all the harder to answer the call to feed the hungry.”
DISPATCHES
Current employee chosen for Kokomo Art Association — Jennifer Nichols, advertising traffic manager for Current Publishing, has been selected as a Kokomo Art Association gallery artist. Her artwork will be displayed and sold at Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St., Kokomo. For more on Nichols’ affiliation, visit kaaonline.org, and to view a collection of her works, visit illustr82dv8.etsy. com. She draws her inspiration from the beauty of nature, music and architecture and spends a lot of her free time painting unless she is working on a commissioned pencil piece. She also does custom paintings. For more, email seejennirun@comcast.net.
Literary festival planned — Indiana Humanities will celebrate the power of writing with its second “Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest,” set for Oct. 10 and 11, offering workshops, panel discussions, a book fair and activities for writers, readers and lovers of all things literary. Hosted in partnership with local poets Mitchell L.H. Douglas and Chantel Massey, the festival will take place at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St., in Indianapolis. Registration for the free event is encouraged at events.humanitix.com/proof2025
Beekeepers club — North Central Beekeepers Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Cool Creek Nature Center in Westfield, 2000 E. 151st St. Meetings are free to attend for all levels of beekeepers located north of Indianapolis. Those interested in becoming beekeepers are welcome. Topics of the Oct. 15 meeting are developing accessible apiaries and winter candy boards for beehives. Learn more at facebook.com/groups/ncbclub.
Assistance for veterans — The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs has free resources for service members, veterans and their support networks as part of their commitment to the Indiana Community Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families. The statewide initiative identifies families and caregivers in need, and helps foster connection through education, services and resources, including the Veterans Crisis Line; Veterans Affairs’ S.A.V.E. training (Spot, Ask, Validate, Encourage); HereNOW Help, a free mental wellness app for veterans; QPR training (Question, Persuade, Refer); and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Learn more at in.gov/dva/home/ Indiana-Community-Challenge.
Fishers man formally charged with child sex abuse
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A 70-year-old Fishers man arrested Sept. 19 faces seven counts of child sex abuse for allegedly having sexual contact multiple times with a now 10-yearold girl over the past three years, as well as with two younger girls. According to the probable cause statement filed in court Sept. 24 by investigating officer James Smith of the Fishers Police Department, the initial report to police was made by the child’s father, who told officers that Andrew Lamke, a close relative, confessed to “inappropriate” actions with the 10-year-old and two younger girls, ages 7 and 5.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
He told police that the victim had been abused by another relative since she was 3 years old and blamed the other relative for grooming her.
Lamke allegedly told police that the two younger girls also initiated the abuse after learning about it from the 10-year-old. He referred to the 10-year-old and the 5-year-old as “dominant” and “alpha females.” He told police that the 5-year-old would expose herself to him.
“He stated it was obvious what she was thinking,” the report states. “He stated that girls, even at a very young age, can be very inviting. He stated you have to be on your guard and he was totally off his guard and had allowed himself to take advantage of the victims.”
The alleged abuse of the 10-year-old took place in Fishers. The incidents with the younger girls took place in Fishers and in another jurisdiction.
Smith wrote that when he interviewed Lamke, he allegedly admitted to the abuse but said that the victim had initiated the sexual contact, which he referred to as “tickle time,” when she was 7 years old.
The seven charges filed against Lamke are three counts of first-degree felony child molesting, two counts of fourth-degree felony child molesting, one count of fifth-degree felony child solicitation and one count of sixth-degree felony performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor.
The court set bail at $250,000. According to Hamilton County Jail records, Lamke remained in custody as of Oct 1.
Indiana earns 16th AAA rating — The State of Indiana recently announced it has maintained its AAA credit rating for the 16th consecutive year. AAA is the highest rating available and spotlights the state’s strong economic management and fiscal responsibility. According to Indiana District 39 State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel), the rating means lower borrowing costs for projects like roads and schools, and it makes our state an attractive environment for new business investments. All three major credit agencies — S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings — affirmed Indiana’s AAA status. Indiana is one of 14 states to hold the top rating from all three agencies.
Lamke
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HSE student production featured at Heartland
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton Southeastern High School teacher Jeremiah Follis founded Olio Road Productions to make a student film every year.
FILM
“I’ve created an organization where every year I kind of assemble a team of kids and then those kids write a movie, and they film it, edit it and they do everything themselves,” said Follis, who has been running the group for 10 years. “I just guide them through the process.”
The film “11:17” was selected for the Heartland International Film Festival and is featured in the Indiana Spotlight section. The film premiered at HSE in May.
The film’s Heartland premiere is set for 6:15 p.m. Oct. 10 at The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Four screenings are sold out with tickets available at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Living Room Theaters in Indianapolis.
“I had a bunch of leaders who were seniors (in 2024-25), and it felt like we had the right pieces in place to do something a little more ambitious,” Follis said. “They worked really hard, and it’s all done completely outside of school. This is not for a grade. This is not a class. This is just a thing they do because they love movies. Getting in was kind of a long shot, so when we got in, it was like amazing news for us.”
AJ Koleszar, now a freshman at Purdue University, co-wrote the film with Matthew Krohn. Koleszar also directed the film, whose title is explained later in the film.
“There is a tragic car accident, and a girl is going through the grief of losing her friend and working through it,” Follis said, Follis’ daughter, Katie Follis, was head producer for the production as well as a social media coordinator.
Most of the cast of “11:17” are Hamilton Southeastern High School students. (Photo courtesy of Olio Road Productions)
“It was extremely gratifying to have our film selected by Heartland,” said Katie, a Purdue freshman majoring in communication with a concentration in public relations and strategic communication. “I was so proud of the work we all did on this film, and to see it be recognized on an international scale is mind-blowing. It was so fun to be a part of Olio Road Productions with my dad. My favorite memories with him and Olio Road Productions are the premieres as he is always so proud of all of our work and the showings are extremely enjoyable and gratifying events, and it makes it even more special to celebrate with him.”
Koleszar said “11:17” was inspired by a story his co-writer told him about his friend whose grandfather died and was battling insomnia ever since.
“This idea of grief’s differing effects on people stuck with us and shaped the core themes of the film,” Koleszar stated. “Throughout the film, we see how Kai and Riley, two best friends, battle with their grief over an unexpected tragedy in their lives. However, they don’t grieve in the same way and their different coping methods clash. People experience grief in their own way. For some, it means a desperate attempt to keep every aspect of their life the same as it was. For others, it means resorting to new dangerous and unhealthy behaviors to distract themselves from the past.”
Joely Jensen, a freshman at Butler University, plays Kai. Kayla Wease, an Indiana University freshman, plays Riley. The only nonstudent in the movie is HSE school resource officer Brandon Noel.
There also will be screenings at 3 and 7 p.m. Nov. 4-5 at Hamilton Southeastern High School. For tickets, visit purplepass. com/login#mm=allevents/hse.
Follis
ZCHS girls soccer player embraces goalkeeping pressure
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville Community High School senior soccer player Izzy Gibson embraces the pressure of being a goalkeeper.
“I enjoy being the person my team relies on,” she said. “I like to have the weight of the game on my shoulders because I like the excitement and rush I get when I make every save.”
Rob Klatte has watched her development in his two years as Eagles coach.
“Izzy has grown in her self-confidence,” Klatte said. “She trusts herself and her decision-making, having been through so many of the situations during her high school and club experiences. She has grown in her resilience (and is) able to overcome mistakes and (is) able to refocus and play in the moment. Her range, ability to distribute, shot stopping and voice provide a great defensive foundation for our team.”
MEET IZZY GIBSON
Favorite athlete: Hope Solo
Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy”
Favorite musician: Rihanna
Favorite sports teams: U.S. Women’s National Team, specifically the 2015 World Cup champions
In the first 15 games, Gibson has allowed less than half a goal a game.
“I think I’ve made the most improvement in my confidence, which has flowed into my ability to consistently make big saves and smart choices,” Gibson said.
The 5-foot-9 Gibson said she has worked on decision-making for the past few years.
“Honestly, it’s something that you devel-
Zionsville Community High School goalkeeper Izzy Gibson has committed to Belmont University. (Photo courtesy of Leslie Pollie)
op as you play more and as you get more confident,” she said. “It’s probably the most important part of the game because when you make good decisions, your team trusts you behind them and they trust what you tell them to do.”
As of Sept. 30, the Eagles were 9-0-6.
“This is definitely the strongest and best-coached Zionsville team I’ve been on, and I think we will go very far in the postseason.” she said.
Gibson began playing soccer when she
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was 7 years old. She did track and field in middle school, but that was the only other sport she played. She began playing goalie when she was approximately 9 years old.
Gibson has made a verbal commitment to play for Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.
“I chose Belmont mainly because their core belief system is very similar to that of mine in the fact that they are very much faith-based,” she said. “I also love the coaching staff and players so much and it’s honestly just an overall great environment and my goal was always (NCAA Division I) and to have found a tremendous school and team that wanted me at that level was amazing.”
Gibson plans to study pre-med with a goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
“I’ve broken several bones, and I’ve just found it so fascinating how they regrow,” she said. “I also want to work with athletes in orthopedics because I know how they’re feeling because it’s happened to me plenty of times.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
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Level Up 31 construction set
ROADWORK news@youarecurrent.com
The Indiana Department of Transportation announced Sept. 25 that construction for Level Up 31 — a plan to address regional growth and traffic congestion that affects efficiency at the Meridian Street-U.S. 31 interchange — will begin Oct. 6.
Phase 1 includes multiple ramp closures, local access restrictions and detours in the two-mile improvement area. Closures include the southbound U.S. 31 ramp to 106th Street through late-December; eastbound 106th Street at U.S. 31 through late-December; and the eastbound I-465 ramp to southbound Meridian Street through mid-December.
Through traffic on U.S. 31 northbound and southbound, and traffic from I-465 eastbound and westbound to U.S. 31 north will be unrestricted.
The speed limit on I-465 and U.S. 31 will be reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone while activity is occurring, and delays are expected. During two community meetings in
INDOT is planning an overhaul of the interchange at I-465 and U.S. 31/Meridian. (Photo courtesy of INDOT)
fall 2024 and spring 2025, INDOT noted adjustments to the interchange are a direct result of growth in Hamilton County. That growth has rendered previous future traffic estimations moot. In 2015, INDOT estimated that by 2035, traffic counts though the interchange would total 92,930 vehicles per day. However, as of 2023, that daily count had already exceeded 83,000. The project will be completed in four phases, anticipated for completion in late 2027.
Detour routes will be posted. Learn more at LevelUp31.com.
FISHERS COMMUNITY CENTER SNEAK PREVIEW
The City of Fishers hosted a sneak preview of the Fishers Community Center Sept. 30 before the planned soft opening for charter members in mid-October and a full opening Nov. 1. The 105,000-square-foot center was created using input from the community, compiled by a steering committee led by Fishers City Councilor Todd Zimmerman. Amenities include a dog park, large indoor playground, track, gym, child care center, meeting space, fitness center and aquatics facility. The center also will house the Fishers Health Department and a cafe, operated by Sahm’s. For additional details and membership information, visit FishersCommunityCenter.com. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Purchase a select David Weekley Quick Move-in Home in the Indianapolis-area community of The Lakes at Grantham from September 1 to November 16, 2025, and enjoy $45,000 in Weekley Flex Dollars to use toward your choice of a home discount, appliances/blinds or financing incentives*!
See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Not valid with any other offer or on previously written contracts. Weekley Flex Dollars (home discount, appliances/blinds or financing incentive) offer only valid for Homebuyers who purchase a David Weekley Quick Move-in Home in the Indianapolis-area community of The Lakes at Grantham between September 1, 2025, and November 16, 2025 (the Program Period). Homes must close by December 29, 2025. Weekley Flex Dollars incentive amount not to exceed $45,000. Appliances and blinds selections must be made through the David Weekley Homes Design Center in Indianapolis, IN. Homebuyer must pay full price for any Design Selections in excess of the incentive amount. Any excess of the incentive amount cannot be applied to the financing incentive or any other credit. *Financing incentive offer only valid for Homebuyers who purchase a David Weekley Quick Move-in Home in the Indianapolis-area community of The Lakes at Grantham during the Program Period and finance the home purchase with a mortgage loan from a Preferred Lender (Mike DeWitt at Highlands Residential Mortgage or Jon Knight at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation). Contact loan officer for details on rate buydown or other financing programs. Borrower must meet lender’s qualification criteria. Incentive is in addition to the Financing Incentive in the Purchase Agreement. Total Financing Incentive may not exceed regulatory limits on Seller contributions. If the incentive amount exceeds the allowable Seller contribution limits, the remainder cannot be applied as a discount to the Purchase Price of the home or any other
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may be essentially offset by other new taxes.
True benefits of new state tax law questioned
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Tax hikes, layoffs and delays to major projects are on the table as counties and municipalities across Indiana work through the financial impacts of the state’s new property tax law.
STATE
Senate Enrolled Act 1 is expected to save Hoosiers up to $300 on their 2026 property tax bills and more in the future, but some are wondering if the savings are worth the pending upheaval elsewhere.
In Hamilton County, financial constraints tied to SEA1 have led to an indefinite delay in constructing a domestic violence center and are throwing into question plans for a child care facility for children of county employees, according to Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. The law also could lead to layoffs and impact future road construction projects.
As a result of SEA1, the county is set to receive $6.4 million less than previously projected in 2026, $8.6 million less in 2027 and $11.5 million less in 2028, Heirbrandt said.
He described the impact of SEA1 as a “shell game,” as savings for property owners might be lessened by other new taxes, including a wheel tax state legislators are requiring local governments to implement to receive Community Crossings road improvement matching grants. Other new or increased taxes are under consideration in
many Indiana communities.
For example, Hamilton Southeastern Schools recently announced plans to put a new referendum on the 2026 ballot to make up for revenue loss due to SEA1.
“So, where are the savings?” Heirbrandt said. “It’s things like that, I sit there and look at it and scratch my head. Is that really worth it?”
In Elkhart County, several county commissioners, councilors and mayors signed a joint statement urging state legislators to “fix” the unintended consequences of SEA1.
“This legislation was meant to create fairness,” the statement reads. “Instead, it has created uncertainty, shifting burdens in ways that threaten critical services in our communities. Unless corrected, the result will not be lower costs for families, but fewer services, higher fees and a heavier tax load on individual homeowners and renters.”
The officials stated that SEA1 “does not address the rising burden from increasing assessments,” meaning that even with the new property tax deductions the total due is likely to continue rising for many homeowners. They also state that residents are likely to “see new or higher fees that erase any temporary gains.”
State Rep. Danny Lopez, a Republican whose district includes parts of Carmel and Westfield, acknowledged that the new
COMMUNITY
law is requiring local governments to make difficult funding decisions, but he said savings for property owners go beyond a deduction in 2026, saving Hoosiers $1.3 billion over three years.
Beyond that, the law phases out the standard homestead deduction by 2030 but boosts the supplemental homestead deduction to 40 percent in 2026. The supplemental deduction increases each year until it levels out at 66.7 percent by 2030.
“Delaying that (full) implementation gives us a longer timeline to really understand the impacts that this will have at the local level and then be able to adjust where we need to adjust,” Lopez said.
According to data presented by the City of Carmel during a workshop to review the proposed 2026 budget, a family living in a $568,000 home with an annual household income of $176,000 will see their property tax bills drop by $558 in 2026 and nearly $799 in 2027.
However, in 2028, the $1,444 in property tax savings would be offset by $2,537 in new local income taxes, meaning the family would pay $1,093 more than they would have if SEA1 did not become law. By 2030, the full implementation of the sup-
plemental homestead deduction essentially offsets the new income tax, leading to modest savings for homeowners.
Lopez said possible topics to revisit in future legislative reviews of the property tax law could include residential properties in tax increment financing districts and caps on levy growth.
Heirbrandt said he believes the legislature needs to prioritize making adjustments to the law to address unintended consequences.
“I kept telling several legislators (before the bill became law) that one size doesn’t fit all. It’s going to affect every county, every city, every town completely different,” he said. “I think you are going to see a lot of changes that have to happen down at the statehouse, because there are gaps that were unexpected.”
Lopez said he hasn’t been surprised by the impact of SEA1 so far, other than finding that most Hoosiers don’t understand the full scope of the legislation.
“People see it as $300 or 10 percent annually and say, ‘Well, that’s not a huge number,’ but the truth is that when twothirds of your net assessed value starting in 2031 is deducted on your property tax bill, that’s a significant reform and a significant change for taxpayers,” Lopez said. Continued from Page 12
For the eighth time since 2010, Indianapolis International Airport has been named the best midsized airport for customer satisfaction in the annual J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
“This award serves as a shining reflection of the exceptional staff at the airport,” Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director, stated in a news release. “It stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to not only our community but also to every traveler who passes through.”
As part of the study, the Indy airport also was recognized as No. 1 in food, beverage and retail and No. 1 in terminal facilities, according to the news release.
J.D. Power ranks recognitions based on customer ratings. This year’s study included 30,439 completed surveys from U.S. or Canadian residents who traveled through at least one U.S. or Canadian airport. Travelers evaluated either a departing or arriving airport from their round-trip experience between July 2024 and July 2025.
The Indy airport received an overall customer satisfaction score of 713 out of 1,000, which is the highest in the medium-sized airport category.
Indy’s airport also has been awarded Best Airport in North America from Airports Council International — North America for 13 years running and 14 years overall.
Travelers have cited the airport’s cleanliness, access to gates, efficient security check, variety of food, beverage and retail options, overall facility amenities and customer service.
Indianapolis International Airport has been recognized for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis International Airport)
Lawrence council to limit mayor’s spending
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
After learning that City of Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield had hired former controller Humphrey Nagila as a consultant, the Lawrence Common Council met in special session Sept. 23 to give preliminary approval to an ordinance that will prohibit Whitfield from hiring outside advisors or contractors costing more than $5,000 without council approval.
GOVERNMENT
week that he also failed to properly account for over $5 million in city spending,” Robinson stated.
She noted that the Indiana State Board of Accounts recently released two 2024 audit reports that had concerning findings about the city’s finances.
The measure passed 8-1, with Councilor Sherron Freeman voting no. It was set to come back for final adoption at the council’s Oct. 6 meeting, according to a news release from Council President Betty Robinson.
Robinson stated that the council had recently learned Whitfield hired Nagila as a contracted financial advisor for the city.
“This is the same controller who missed bond payments, failed to pay city vendors and employees on time, failed to conduct bank reconciliations, and we learned last
Robinson stated that the reports, dated Sept. 3, state that the city has “material weaknesses” in internal controls, the city failed to explain how millions in city funds were spent and the city failed to upload required monthly bank statements and reconciliations to the Indiana Gateway for Government Units financial reporting system.
According to the audit reports, the city’s accounts receivable total at the end of 2024 was understated by about $1.9 million. The city also did not report lease and bond payments totaling more than $2.8 million, the reports state.
Nagila resigned in June and the city hired a new controller, Terri Leah Falker, in August.
Nagila, who served as assistant controller during the previous administration,
was promoted to lead the city’s finance department by Whitfield shortly after she took office in early 2024. He faced strong criticism throughout his approximately 1 1/2 years in the position, particularly during the city’s 2025 budget process.
Whitfield consistently supported Nagila, but department heads complained they were not informed of decisions about their own budgets and expressed concern about what appeared to be plans to illegally divert funds. Members of the Lawrence Common Council were dissatisfied with his performance — at one point calling for his dismissal — and the mayor’s chief of staff resigned in protest.
The 2026 budget process also has not gone smoothly. The council in mid-September criticized Whitfield for delays and a lack of communication between the mayor and council.
In her Sept. 29 news release, Robinson added that the council has not yet received a proposed 2026 budget from the administration.
Whitfield presented the budget to the council during a special meeting Sept. 30.
Whitfield
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Hamilton County judges visit local schools
news@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton County judges spent time in classrooms throughout the county last month teaching kids about the United States Constitution.
EDUCATION
Sept. 17 was Constitution Day, which commemorates the signing of the nation’s founding document in 1787. The Indiana Supreme Court encouraged judges and attorneys to use the day as an opportunity for civic education.
Newly appointed magistrate Judge Sarah Shields visited a kindergarten class at Geist Elementary School Sept. 15, where she introduced students to the role of judges and magistrates. She also visited LeafSpring School in Fishers Sept. 16, when she read to preschoolers.
“The Constitution can feel big and complicated, but even young kids understand the idea of rules and fairness,” Shields stated. “It was fun to show them that judges are here to help with that.”
Hamilton County Title IV-D Court Commissioner Christopher Barrows presented to more than 800 eighth-grade students Sept. 16 at Westfield Middle School.
“Eighth grade is the perfect age to start connecting the dots between history and real life,” Barrows stated.
Hamilton County Superior Court Judge David Najjar visited Geist Montessori Academy Sept. 22 where he helped third-and fourth-grade students stage a mock trial of Goldilocks vs. The Three Bears.
“When students get to be the jurors or attorneys, it clicks for them that the Constitution is about real people making real decisions,” Najjar stated. “That hands-on experience sticks with them in a way a textbook never could.”
Hamilton County Title IV-D Court Commissioner Christopher Barrows speaks to students Sept. 16 at Westfield Middle School.
(Photo courtesy of Tammy Sander)
30 YEARS OF SMILES
Fishers orthodontists celebrating three decades of service
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Way back in the ’90s, Dr. Marisa Walker was fresh out of school and ready to start her career in orthodontics. She joined a Shadeland Avenue practice owned by Dr. George Vail and together they opened a Fishers branch in a small space where Top Golf now sits.
That office had only three chairs, and the film-developing room was in a coat closet.
“It was tiny, really tiny,” she said. “But, as you can imagine, 30 years ago, Fishers was quite different.”
That was 1995, long before Fishers grew to become the fourth-largest city in Indiana. In 2000, Dr. Bryan Dixon joined the team and soon after, Walker and Dixon bought the business and Walker-Dixon Orthodontics was born.
Walker said the Shadeland Avenue office is still going strong in its original location, but the Fishers office needed room to grow along with the community. In 2003, she and Dixon bought some property and built the office they’re in now, 11573 Cumberland Rd., right off 116th Street. At the time, it was a quiet spot with a wooded area in the back. Now, it’s just east of the busy Fishers District development and is surrounded by other medical service offices, residential developments and businesses.
Walker and Dixon agreed the biggest change for their industry over the past 30 years — like so many others — has been technology.
“We, as practitioners, we have to advance and go along with the technology,” Dixon said. “We don’t want to be left behind. And so, we’re at the cutting edge of the majority of the treatments that we’re doing — with clear aligners (for example) — and we’re doing more and more with kids and adults. Our clear aligner population has skyrocketed.”
Even those who get the traditional braces receive more advanced versions that don’t require as many return visits. The office also offers digital X-ray scanning and 3-D printers in place of the X-ray photo processing and messy mold impressions previously required.
“I take pride in that, after 25 and 30 years, we still really want to offer the best to our patients,” Walker said. “We’re not willing to, at this stage of our career, just flatten. We want to keep learning, getting better.”
To help maintain that technological advantage, Walker-Dixon Orthodontics belongs to an invitation-only group of about 100 orthodontist offices nationwide called the Insiders Group, which works with development company Ormco on new technology.
“We meet twice a year. We get to collaborate with orthodontists all across the country and the company that’s developing things, and we get to bring those back to our patients,” Walker said. “I love that. I love that I can say we’re still getting better and we are not afraid of new technology.”
The biggest innovation in orthodontics over the years
CANDY, COOKIES AND CORE VALUES
Warm fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies greet patients who walk into Walker-Dixon Orthodontics — another way the business helps make people smile.
While cookies are important, Dr. Marisa Walker said the two offices’ teams of professionals focus on a list of core values that emphasize the importance of a good, positive relationship with patients.
“Empathy is one of our core values, and it’s really important to me to tell everybody, you know you don’t know what’s going on in their life,” she said. “You want to be understanding and not judgmental …That’s an important part of our success, too, that’s noticeable to people, that we offer them grace.”
Other core values include excellence, loyalty, compassion, respect and community.
“We do things outside of work for our community,” Walker said. “As a team, we’ve done (Habitat for Humanity) builds, which are a lot of fun. Both of us (Walker and Dr. Bryan Dixon) are involved in different organizations, but the one, probably most important in our office, is donated orthodontic services — we donate orthodontic treatment to families that are in need in Indiana.”
And every young patient, at the end of treatment, gets to “shop” in the office’s candy store, which has a selection of sweet treats the kids had to avoid throughout their treatment.
“They get to fill a bag with all of those treats,” Walker said. “They love it. They can’t wait for that day.”
has been the introduction of clear aligners that can be used in place of traditional braces. Walker said they are especially popular with their teenage patients.
“I think they’re just willing to do what it takes to stay out of braces and they see their friends with them and it does a beautiful job,” she said. “It’s a really, really nice alternative to braces.”
She said the primary reason to use braces instead of aligners is if a patient is unlikely to follow the guidelines. They need to wear aligners 20 to 22 hours each day — something even adult patients can have trouble with. In the end, Walker said, the goal is to give patients a
reason to smile.
“We’re not just putting brackets on (and) straightening teeth — we’re looking at the whole beauty of the face and everybody’s different,” she said. “So, what we might create in one patient might be different in another, but it should be in a perfect harmony and balance. And so, it’s really artistic — that’s what I love about it. It’s a lot of technology, but it’s also creativity and artistry.”
For more, visit walkerdixonortho.com.
ON THE COVER: Dr. Bryan Dixon, left, and Dr. Marisa Walker at their Fishers orthodontist offices. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Walker-Dixon Orthodontics in Fishers was founded by Drs. Marisa Walker, seated, and Bryan Dixon. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Editor,
READERS’ VIEWS
It needs to be said
In the Sept. 9 edition of Current (in) Fishers & Geist, Dick Wolfsie wrote an article titled “Sheer truth about yoga pants.” After reading it, I was disappointed while also embarrassed for him.
How narrow minded is he to write an article like that in 2025? Then I asked myself, how could Current publish an article like that? It’s distasteful, rude and ignorant. I almost expect it from someone like Wolfsie, who writes ridiculous articles, but for Current to allow this article to be published really made me mad and disappointed.
Please be the one to remind Wolfsie to maintain some integrity. Current is a paper that provides an array of local articles,
which I greatly value. It appears you all try to stay true to journalism when the field itself is in disarray. I value what Current is providing to its residents and readers — but Wolfsie crossed a line and you allowed it.
To give further context, I have several issues with Wolfsie’s article, but I concede (to a point) that he is allowed to share his view via Current. So, I will share two thoughts. One, he’s mansplaining and a woman should have written this article — or anyone who actually wears yoga pants. Second, his ending quote and sentence is just not OK: “Men parked in front of the fitness center are adopting a similar approach,” referring to a wait-and-see attitude.
Laura Ford, Fishers
Irrefutable facts
Editor,
I was appalled by a letter to the editor from Tom Curry and felt it illustrated the complete disregard of Trump Republicans for the current and future state of our country, as well as perpetuating many erroneous facts and division.
Curry stated that the opposite is true that the Trump administration has lost its compassionate heart. I am curious what he thinks defines compassion? Trump recently declared at the Charlie Kirk memorial that he hates his opponents and that he doesn’t want what’s best for them. To me and most of America, this shows the divisiveness of this administration and the hate and bigotry spewed on a daily basis by Trump.
Curry claims several allegations in another recent letter had no merit, such as government cuts, billionaires who want power and ICE racist apprehensions. In August, the “Big Ugly Law” was passed, which triggered a $536 billion cut to Medicare
over the next decade. The Social Security agency cut more than 7,000 people from its workforce. Multiple accounts have arisen in regards to ICE illegally detaining nonwhite people who are here legally and had all of their documents in order.
These are irrefutable facts, not “lies, misrepresentation of facts, innuendoes and unsubstantiated assertions to slander Trump,” as Curry stated. I would also argue that stating that Democrat policies and actions have weakened America is a huge unsubstantiated assertion and one that is used to vilify a large population of this country.
I suspect many Americans feel duped by Trump and this MAGA administration. I hope this is a lesson for many that just because someone is running for a government office on your party’s ticket, it does not mean you should automatically vote for them.
Jacqueline Cuthbert, Fishers
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.
Heartland film focuses on Ignite’s 1st season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Brian Hansen got his first exposure to professional volleyball while running the video replay system for the Indy Ignite.
“I hadn’t had a lot of exposure to volleyball before and as I’m sitting there on the sideline, I’m just floored with how physical and athletic the game is,” he said. “As a documentarian, I’m always looking at angles. I’m looking at the coaches and how excited they are (and how) engaged everybody is on the sidelines. I’m thinking, ‘We need to get some cameras and audio in there and we need to capture this because this is too good to pass up.’”
That’s when Hansen approached Indy Ignite officials about producing a documentary on the expansion team’s first year at Fishers Event Center. Hansen has directed nearly 30 documentaries — a mix of full features and shorts.
“Ignite the Fire,” a 79-minute documentary, was selected as part of the 34th Heartland International Film Festival, which runs Oct. 9-19 in Indianapolis. The world premiere of “Ignite the Fire” will be at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Living Room Theaters in Indianapolis. Tickets for those screenings are sold out. An additional screening of the film will be at 5:30 p.m. Oct.16 at the Indianapolis Art Center. Tickets for that screening and athome streaming are available at HeartlandFilmFestival.org.
In their first season, the fourth-seeded Ignite lost to Orlando 3 games to 1 in the Pro Volleyball Federation championship in May. The league’s name was changed to Major League Volleyball following the season. Hansen said the team was thrilling to watch on and off the court.
Hansen, a longtime Fishers resident, and Juan Guillen, were the film’s co-directors
“In terms of a documentary standpoint, they were creating storylines just by playing every game, players getting injured, players having awesome games,” Hansen said. “Stories were everywhere.”
The coaches wore microphones during the matches. Players wore microphones during practice.
“Then we went into the locker room after some of the matches and captured all the fun that was in there,” he said. “We also interviewed players and captured the press conference feeds.”
Hansen said his two daughters, now in their 20s, were involved in music and marching band,
“So, I had never had a front row seat to this kind of female athleticism, this type of action and grit that these women are putting out there every night,” he said.
Hansen said he ended up with around 40 hours of footage which took about 300 hours to edit.
Ignite middle blocker Blake Mohler, who wore a microphone during practice, said she is eager to see the film in its entirety.
“I’m so used to cameras being around, and if I’m being honest, I love cameras being around,” Mohler said. “I think it’s so cool to capture the inside of what we’re doing, and you wouldn’t guess it, but I love being the center of attention sometimes. After about five seconds, you forget they’re even there. Obviously, our main focus is volleyball. I’m just focusing on what we’re doing and knowing that they are capturing every moment of it.”
Mohler said she is glad the season was captured in a film.
“This documentary is going to show every up and down that we faced throughout the season because a lot of the times we would forget they were even in there and just carry on with our normalcy,” she said. “From an outside eye, people wouldn’t have expected such a successful season, but I can tell you from being in the gym for the first week in December, we knew what we had was special. We had a special group that was very passionate, very mature, very driven.
“I think showing our authentic self is what fans really love.” Carly Klanac, vice president of marketing and game day experience for Indy Ignite, was the film’s producer
“The story of the inaugural season of the Indy Ignite is one that needs to be told,” Klanac stated. “It shows the grit of a team, full of rookies and undersized ballers, that came together and came up with an unexpected second-place finish in their first-ever season in Major League Volleyball.’
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR
Heartland Festival will present the world premiere of “Sweet Lorraine in Auschwitz” at 1 p.m. Oct. 12 at Tobias Theater at Newfields. The feature-length documentary tells the story of Holocaust survivor Frank Grunwald, who lived in Fishers for more than 25 years and was deeply active in the Indianapolis arts and civic community until he died in 2023 at the age of 90. The film’s writer and director is Fishers resident Philip Paluso. Westfield resident Amber Maze is the writer-producer.
For more showings, visit heartlandflim.org.
‘HEARTBREAK HOTEL’
“Heartbreak Hotel” runs through Oct. 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘WORSHIP NOW’
Air1’s “Worship Now’ tour will stop at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Fishers Event Center. For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
II DIVO BY CANDLELIGHT
II Divo, a quartet, is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Fire & Rain: A James Taylor Experience” is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘SOMETHING ROTTEN’
Civic Theatre’s production of “Something Rotten” runs through Oct. 18 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
’50 YEARS SINGING TO MEXICO’
“Aida Cuevas: 50 Years Singing to Mexico” is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘MOONLIGHT BALLET’
A fundraiser for Indiana Ballet Conservatory featuring live dancing and musical entertainment is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at 6663 Silver Creek Dr., Indianapolis. For more, vist indianaballetconservatory.org.
‘DRAMA! BEETHOVEN & BRAHMS’
Carmel Symphony Orchestra presents“Drama! Beethoven & Brahms” at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
’SERENADE’
Indiana Wind Symphony will perform “Serenade” at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
DOCUMENTARY
Juan Guillen, left, and Brian Hansen co-directed the documentary “Ignite the Fire.” (Photo courtesy of Indy Ignite)
Mohler
Play centers on life of Riley
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Keith Miller got the idea for his play while visiting Paris.
READING
A friend recited a line from a James Whitcomb Riley poem, and he finished the line. The friend, from Boston, wondered how Miller knew that, and he explained that Riley was from Greenfield
teur. He started out on a traveling medical circuit, so he was quite the character.”
Miller’s play features a fictional backstage conversation with Riley and assistant stage manager Caleb Johnson. The play, directed by Richard J. Roberts, features Paul Hansen as Riley and Nolan Daugherty as Johnson.
“We all used to learn Riley, but I don’t think he’s taught as much in schools,” said Miller, a Carmel resident who grew up in Indianapolis “So, I’m reintroducing him to this generation.”
Miller’s two-person play will be part of Actors Theatre of Indiana’s Lab Series reading of “An Evening with James Whitcomb Riley.” The 75-minute free reading is set for 2 p.m. Oct. 11 at Carmel Clay Public Library.
The play is based on Riley and Mark Twain’s joint appearance in 1894 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
“Mark Twain hated performing with Riley because he upstaged Twain,” Miller said. “(Riley) was a bon vivant. He was a racon-
Miller said Roberts has been a huge help
“I’ve done eight revisions of the play and it’s a much better work now because of his involvement,” Miller said.
Miller, 68, has always wanted to be a writer. He has had more time to write since retiring three years ago from his job in cardiac surveillance sales.
Following the Lab Series reading, the play will be presented by ATI in a fully staged production as a benefit for the Riley Children’s Hospital Foundation and the James Whitcomb Riley House. The benefit performance will be presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 19, 2026, at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Anyone interested in attending the reading should register at bit.ly/42QiJnU.
CSO features classic composers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kelly Corcoran is excited about the repertoire of her Carmel Symphony Orchestra guest conducting stint.
CONCERT
Corcoran will conduct “Drama! Beethoven & Brahms” at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The 2025-26 season-opening concert features Ludwig von Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture,” Edvard Grieg’s “Holbert Suite, op. 40” and Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 1, op 68.”
kind of fun to be presenting programs that are really, truly rooted in what makes classical music great.”
This is the first of Corcoran’s three guest-conducting appearances for CSO this season. She also will conduct concerts in February and April in 2026.
“Each of them on their own are wonderful pieces,” she said, “All are representative of these composers and their musical language.
In Brahms’ ‘Symphony No. 1,’ you hear the lyricism, you hear drama, you hear maturity. I just love Brahms, in general. It’s one of my favorite pieces.”
Corcoran was a CSO guest conductor in 2017.
“These are like the greatest hits in terms of classic composers, right?” Corcoran said. “So, I think just leaning into the beauty of great orchestral music and presenting that with commitment and passion and artistry and great music-making like that is what people will hopefully experience if they come in October just to hear great orchestral music that you don’t get to hear live every day. I just think it’s
“I’m looking forward to working with everybody again and being in that beautiful venue,” she said.
Corcoran, director of a contemporary music ensemble in Nashville, Tenn., typically guest conducts on the road once a month. She occasionally conducts with the Nashville Symphony, including a Nov. 15 concert with country artist Randy Travis. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
Miller
Corcoran
‘A Beautiful Mind’ concert set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Discovering Broadway founder Joel Kirk has been eager for Discovering Broadway’s next incubation project for some time.
MUSICAL
The musical is being created by composer-lyricist Zoe Sarnak and book writer Sarah Treem.
“When she (Sarnak) told me she was adapting ‘A Beautiful Mind’ into a musical several years ago, I immediately was excited and told her Discovering Broadway would love to be the first stop on the show’s journey,” said Kirk, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate.
math professor at Princeton University, was in the book about Nash by Sylvia Nasar. Sarnak is writing the musical to honor Nash and her father.
Discovering Broadway will present a concert featuring songs from “A Beautiful Mind’ at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Tobias Theater at Newfields in Indianapolis.
The film is based on the story of John Forbes Nash, a gifted mathematician who battled mental illness. Sarnak met Nash as a child and her father, Peter Sarnak, a
Kirk said this is the seventh Broadway-bound musical incubation process for Discovering Broadway. The musical’s creative team will meet at a retreat to workshop the music and script before the concert. Bryan Perri, who will join the Indianapolis-area retreat, is the musical supervisor.
“We want Zoe and Sarah to use this retreat to motivate and give them a good circumstance in which they can really give birth to the first draft of the show,” Kirk said.
Kirk said the creative team wants to cast four Indiana actors for the concert.
“The role of Nash and his wife will be cast from actors based in New York,” Kirk said. “We’ll have four local musicians from Indiana playing music.”
For tickets and information on VIP packages, visit discoveringbroadway.com.
Sarnak
Treem
Country show set at Feinstein’s
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Maggie Baugh made her Carnegie Hall debut at age 12 playing violin with an orchestra. However, she saw her future as a country performer.
CONCERT
“That (classical training) was so helpful,” she said.
Playing violin helped her learn other musical instruments.
“Once you know one, you know them all,” she said.
The 25-year-old rising country star and her band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
“There’s everything from 1990s country music, rock ‘n’ roll and everything in between,” she said.
Baugh’s debut album, “Dear Me,” was released in 2024. She also will play some songs from her upcoming album “Entertainers Heart,” which she said will be released soon. The single “Entertainers Heart” and some other singles already have been released.
Maggie Baugh will perform Oct. 17 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Baugh)
“Everyone has loved the title track of the record,” Baugh said. “It’s been so fun being able to go on tour because there are so many people singing my song back to me.”
Baugh has performed with Keith Urban in some of his shows, including this year and last year.
“Last year, I was on tour with him a lot more,” she said. “I’m his utility player, meaning I play guitar, acoustic guitar, electric, mandolin fiddle, banjo and I sing all the duets in the band.”
Baugh has become a viral sensation on TikTok and has appeared on several TV shows.
For more, visit feinsteinshc.com and maggiebaugh.com.
1. Org. that merged with 49-Across in 1966
4. Concludes 8. Las ___
13. Broad Ripple Vintage neckwear
14. Unwilling 16. Foe
17. Sunny Day Cafe sandwich inits.
18. YouTube offering
19. “Death of a Salesman” salesman
20. River Road nature preserve
23. Musical sounds
24. Victory Field statistic
25. Not neg.
28. Canal Walk pedal boat shape
29. Majestic
32. Our Lady of Grace Monastery ladies
33. Big name in farm
35. Buffalo hockey team
37. Carmel nature center
40. Stephen King classic
41. Sales pitch
42. “Woe is me!”
43. Clarifying words
45. Hamilton County N-S road
49. Colts’ org.
50. MassageLuXe, e.g.
51. Misery
52. Fishers nature preserve
56. Silently understood
59. Bible book
60. Young fox 61. Debacle
62. Equal (with)
63. Old info?
64. Current space seller
65. Bronte’s Jane
1. Top monks
2. Trail
3. Spanish lady
4. Santa’s helpers
5. Grim film genre
6. Kids recreation organizer: Carmel ___ Club
7. Hearty dish
8. African grassland 9. Son of Seth
Moyer Fine Jewelers
Doc bloc
Thesaurus entry (Abbr.)
Hubbub
21. Zionsville Farmers’ Market merchants
22. Waterproof fabric
25. Result of some heavy petting?
26. About 3,300 ft. 27. Leak sound
29. Payment proof
Flub
32. Patch on a Pacers jersey
34. Col. Lilly
36. Indy Zoo beast
37. Leg part
38. Kind of hygiene
39. AQI monitor
40. Crown Liquors beer container
44. Village People song: “___ Man”
46. Observe
47. Rainbow color
48. Caplinger’s Fresh Catch mollusk
50. Abs exercise
51. Informed
52. Abundant
53. Sharpen
66. Raptors, on a Pacers scoreboard Down
56. IND search party? equipment
31. Hoosier honkers
APC Towers, LLC is proposing to construct a 155-foot overall height monopole telecommunications structure located near 10910 Eller Road, Fishers, Hamilton County, Indiana (39° 56’ 43.4”N, 86° 3’ 53.4”W). The proposed tower is anticipated to utilize FAA Style E (medium intensity, dual red/white strobes) lighting.
APC Towers, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Comments may be sent to Environmental Corporation of America, ATTN: Annamarie Howell, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or via email to publicnotice @eca-usa.com. Ms. Howell can be reached at (770) 667-2040 x 108 during normal business hours. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice.
In addition, any interested party may also request further environmental review of the proposed action under the FCC’s National Environmental Policy Act rules, 47 CFR §1.1307, by notifying the FCC of the specific reasons that the action may have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. This request must only raise environmental concerns and can be filed online using the FCC pleadings system at www.fcc.gov or mailed to FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554 within 30 days of the date that notice of this proposed action is published on the FCC’s website. Refer to File No. A1339574 when submitting the request and to view the specific information about the proposed action. 25-003966/PEW
54. “Best Record-Breaking Performance” is one of nine won by Peyton Manning
55. Calendar span
Trilogy Travel Trilogy Travel
Meyer Najem Construction, LLC seeks Senior Estimator in Fishers, IN, to be responsible for development of conceptual budgets and management of those budgets throughout all design phases through finalization of contract value. Interested candidates should visit. https://meyer-najem.applicantstack. com/x/openings
Options Schools, Inc. seeks English Specialist/Teacher in Noblesville, IN to deliver effective, high-quality instruction that includes rigor and relevance at the high school and college level in an effort to produce measurable results of student achievement. MS in Edu or rltd field & 3 yrs of rlvnt secondary or postsecondary Eng teaching exp req’d. Add’l specific skills req’d. For position details & to apply, visit: https:// optionsschools.org/jobs/.
www.jayspersonalservices.com
*** Attention Personal Trainers ***
Join our exciting and supportive team serving older adults in a non-franchise, local fitness facility. We are looking for an experienced, part-time trainer with the possibility of moving to full-time. Clients are provided, so there is NO SELLING. BA/BS 4-year or greater degree in exercise related field required. If you have a passion for changing the lives of older adults, you will want to be part of our welcoming environment. Send resume and cover letter to info@motion4lifefitness.com
THE PERFECT WINTER RETREAT
4 bedroom, 4 bath condo overlooking breathtaking views of the gulf in Navarre Beach, Florida. Our condo is fully stocked and has multiple balconies to relax upon. Each bedroom is equipped with an ensuite bathroom and internet TV. Special snowbird pricing available. Please contact beachlifenowfl@gmail.com or 850-293-4588 for more details!
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Sweet: CAROLINE, DREAMS, POTATO, SIXTEEN, TALK, TOOTH; Offerings: FEATURE, FILM, FLICK, MOVIE, PICTURE; Luggage: CARRY-ON, DUFFEL, ROLLER, SUITCASE; Fruits: APPLE, CHERRY, PUMPKIN; Currencies: EURO, POUND; Lt. Governor: MICAH BECKWITH
& PHOTOGRAPHERS
Current Publishing is seeking talented freelance reporters and photographers to join our team. We’re looking for passionate storytellers who can write compelling articles and capture highquality images that bring our local news to life.
FREELANCE REPORTERS
Research, interview and write engaging articles on a variety of local topics.
Requirements: Experience in journalism, a portfolio of published work, excellent writing and communication skills and a strong grasp of journalistic ethics.
FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Capture impactful photos for news, features, portraits and events.
Requirements: Proven experience, a strong portfolio, proficiency with camera equipment and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
HOW TO APPLY: Send your resume, a brief cover letter, and a link to your portfolio or writing samples to zach@youarecurrent.com. No phone calls, please. EOE.
MARTIN
Starting at: $1659
Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman
THE MONACO
Starting at: $1759
Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman, chaise
Starting at: $1699
Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair 1/2, chair, ottoman, chaise
GET STARTED: SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION
1 2
Book a complimentary in-showroom meeting with our design team.
DISCUSS YOUR DESIGN
Meet your designer and review the space, budget, and style vision.
3
CONFIRM DESIGN & INSTALL
Give your final approval and our team will schedule your install day!
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.
back height, silhouette, back pillow and
Custom order yours today!
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman. Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.
Custom order yours today!
,
RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139
RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139
RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139
RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139
RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139
KAREN KING, OWNER
KAREN KING, OWNER