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Survivor reunites AT HENDRICKS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS with rescuers Page 3

International Festival set for Oct. 3 Page 4

Braun sentenced to 42 1/2 years in stabbing Page 5

Frye brings experience to Bulldogs

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Friday, September 18 ....... (Show Opens at 10:00am)

8:00am – 6:00pm...................Participant Registration 8:00am – 6:00pm...................Tech Inspection (TT/SxS/Bog) 10:00am – 7:00pm ................Cruise Route Open 10:00am – Close ....................Shop the Performance Marketplace 10:00am – Close ....................Sergeant Smash Monster Truck Rides ($15) 10:00am – 6:00pm ................Show-N-Shine Judging 10:00am – Close .................... Sign up for the Cornhole Competition at the Main Stage (Saturday at 2:30pm) 10:00am – 7:00pm ................Indy Powersports SxS Ride & Drive at the Horse Arena 11:00am – 9:30pm............... Jambo Roadhouse Bar powered by Moon Drops Distillery - Open 11:00am .................................Adult & Kid Games at the Main Stage 12:00pm – 6:00pm ................Show-N-Shine Judging 1:00pm – 3:00pm.................Class 1 & 2 Mud Bog 3:00pm ................................. Best Tattoo and Best Farmer’s Tan at Main Stage (Winner receives event t-shirt) 4:00pm – 5:00pm.................Stock TT and SxS practice 5:00pm – 6:00pm ...............Dennis Anderson Autograph Session at King Sling Booth 6:00pm ................................. Mod TT Practice / Monster Truck Racing & Freestyle (Driver Autographs following Freestyle at GMM Merchandise Tent) 7:00pm – 9:30pm ............... Live Music w/ Justin & Co. at The Jambo Roadhouse Bar powered by Moon Drops Distillery

Saturday, September 19 ... (Show Opens at 9:00am)

8:00am – 6:00pm .................Participant Registration 8:00am – 6:00pm .................Tech Inspection (TT/SxS/Bog) 9:00am – 7:00pm .................Cruise Route Open 9:00am – Close ....................Shop the Performance Marketplace 9:00am – Close ....................Sergeant Smash Monster Truck Rides ($15) 9:00am – 1:00pm ................. Sign up for the Cornhole Competition at the Main Stage (Saturday at 2:30pm)

Meet Dennis Anderson All Weekend Long & see his King Sling Mega Truck run the Bogs and Pulls! Meet the the creator, team owner, and former driver of “Grave Digger” Monster Truck all weekend long ! He’s also bringing out 2 King Sling trucks to do demos through our Mud Bog pit each day as well as doing a Truck Pull on Saturday.

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9:00am – 7:00pm .................Indy Powersports SxS Ride & Drive at the Horse Arena 9:00am – 9:30am .................Stock TT Racing / Mod TT and SxS Quals 9:30am ..................................Show-N-Shine Seminar at the Main Stage 10:00am – 6:00pm................Show-N-Shine Judging 10:30am .................................Adult and Kid Games at the Main Stage 10:00am – 12:00pm ..............Class 3 & 5 Mud Bog 11:00am – 12:00pm.............Dennis Anderson Autograph Session at King Sling Booth 11:00am – 9:30pm .............. Jambo Roadhouse Bar powered by Moon Drops Distillery - Open 12:00pm – 1:30pm ............... Stock TT Racing / SxS and Mod TT Quals / Monster Truck Racing / Freestyle (Driver Autographs following Freestyle at GMM Merchandise Tent) 2:00pm .................................. Best Beer Belly and Best Beard Contests at Main Stage (Winner receives t-shirt) 2:30pm ..................................Cornhole Competition at the Main Stage 2:30pm – 4:30pm..................IPL Registration Open / IPL Tech Inspection 5:30pm ...............................Indiana Pulling League

Sunday, September 20 ..... (Show Opens at 9:00am)

8:00am – 10:00am................Participant Registration 8:00am – 2:30pm..................Tech Inspection (TT/SxS/Bog) 9:00am - Close ......................Cruise Route Open 9:00am - Close ......................Shop the Performance Marketplace 9:00am – Close .....................Sergeant Smash Monster Truck Rides ($15) 9:00am - 3pm ........................Indy Powersports SxS Ride & Drive at the Horse Arena 11:00am – 12:00pm.............Dennis Anderson Autograph Session at King Sling Booth 11:00am .................................Adult and Kid Games at the Main Stage 10:30am – 12:00pm ..............Class 4 & 6 Mud Bog 12:00pm – 1:00pm ................Burnout Competition 1:30pm – 2:30pm..................Stock TT Racing / SxS Racing 2:30pm ..................................Best Kiddie Kart and Participant Awards at the Main Stage 3:00pm .................................. Mod TT Racing / Monster Truck Racing and Freestyle (Driver Autographs following Freestyle at GMM Merchandise Tent) *Schedule subject to change

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

When an illness or injury can’t wait, one question can add even more stress: Should I go to ER or to Urgent Care? At Hendricks Regional Health Brownsburg Hospital, you don’t have to make that decision alone. Our Emergency Department and Urgent Care are side by side, making it easy to start in the right place and seamlessly move to a higher level of care, if needed. It’s one destination for emergency and urgent care, designed to get you feeling better faster. Learn more at Hendricks.org/ER.

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Current in Brownsburg

(ISSN: 3143-0686 | USPS: 25933) Founded: Oct. 14, 2025 • Vol. I, No. 49 Copyright © 2026 by Current Publishing, LLC. Published weekly by Current Publishing, LLC, 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032. Business, Editorial, Accounting and Circulation Offices: 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032. Call (317) 489-4444 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Carmel, IN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Current in Brownsburg, 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032.

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Hendricks County motorcycle crash survivor Shane Arnold, front right, reunites with first responders and medical professionals who helped save his life during an event last month at Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital. (Photo provided by Eskenazi Hospital)

Crash survivor reunites with lifesavers By Alicia Stivers alicia@youarecurrent.com When Shane Arnold was critically injured in a motorcycle crash in rural Hendricks County in July, several local emergency agencies became part of a chain of care that ultimately saved his life. Arnold suffered severe injuries, including multiple traumatic limb injuries, a traumatic brain injury and a leg amputation. He survived in part because Hendricks County-area first responders were able to quickly control his bleeding and provide advanced emergency care before he reached the hospital. Last month, Arnold had the opportunity to meet many of the people involved in his rescue during a patient reunion at Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis. The reunion brought Arnold together with more than a dozen emergency responders and health care professionals who played roles in his treatment following the crash. North Salem Fire Department crews initially applied tourniquets to control Arnold’s bleeding. Pittsboro Fire Territory provided advanced life support during his transport, and Plainfield Fire Territory administered a pre-hospital

blood transfusion in the field. Arnold was then transported to Eskenazi Health’s Smith Level I Shock Trauma Center, where he received emergency resuscitation and surgical care. Dr. James Nossett, medical director of EMS at Hendricks Regional Health, said the response illustrates the importance of coordination when someone suffers a life-threatening injury in a rural area. “When you are dealing with catastrophic extremity trauma and severe blood loss in a rural setting, minutes and seconds dictate survival,” Nossett said. Nossett said emergency crews rarely get to reconnect with patients after the initial response and see how they ultimately fared. For Arnold, the reunion was an opportunity to thank the people who helped him survive. “Seeing everyone here after they helped me out is kind of hard, but I still wanted to see them to show my gratitude and let them know that they are needed,” Arnold said. Arnold also said he believes the availability of blood in the field played an important role in his survival. He said he was unfamiliar with Eskenazi Health’s blood donation efforts and the use of blood transfusions by emergency

medical crews before his crash. “I think that definitely saved my life,” Arnold said. Dr. Erik Streib, director of trauma and surgical critical care at Eskenazi Health, said bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death following traumatic injury. “It’s not common that we get to see the outcome of our work, so seeing a reunion like this happening is really valuable,” Streib said. From the crash site to Eskenazi Health, Arnold’s trip took about 45 minutes, Streib said. He credited the agencies involved with quickly coordinating his care. The reunion also coincided with an Eskenazi Health employee blood drive and served as a reminder of the ongoing need for community blood donations. Penny Schroeder, area vice president and senior director of Versiti Blood Center of Indiana, said blood donations can directly affect the care available to trauma patients. “Every drop of blood counts,” Schroeder said. For the Hendricks County emergency crews who responded to Arnold’s crash, the reunion provided something they don’t often get: the chance to see the person behind an emergency call and learn that their work made a difference.

Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share? Contact Managing Editor Alicia Stivers at alicia@ youarecurrent.com or submit it at youarecurrent. com/newstips. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

Tennis facilities recognized news@youarecurrent.com Two Hendricks County high school tennis facilities and a Brownsburg coach have received national recognition from the United States Tennis Association. The Avon High School Tennis Center and Brownsburg High School Tennis Complex were among 41 recipients of the USTA’s annual Outstanding Facility Awards, which recognize excellence in the construction or renovation of tennis facilities, according to a Visit Hendricks County press release. The awards were presented last week during a reception at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York as part of the 2026 US Open. The two Hendricks County facilities were among three Indiana complexes recognized. A Muncie facility also received an award. In addition to the facility honors, Spencer Fields, head coach of the boys and girls varsity tennis programs at Brownsburg High School, was named one of the first recipients of the inaugural 35 x 35 President’s Impact Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed to the growth of tennis at the national,

The Avon High School Tennis Center and Brownsburg High School Tennis Complex have received 2026 USTA Outstanding Facility Awards. Brownsburg tennis coach Spencer Fields also received an inaugural 35 x 35 President’s Impact Award. (File photo)

sectional and community levels during the past two years. It supports the USTA’s goal of growing the U.S. tennis-playing population to 35 million by 2035. Fields organized the first Indiana Hardcourt Championships, held last month at the Brownsburg High School Tennis Complex. The tournament served as the final ATP Challenger Tour stop in the USTA’s 2026 US Open Wild Card Challenge. The event brought players, coaches, officials and tennis fans to Brownsburg from across the United States and other countries. Information about the awards and recipients is available at USTA.com.

Festival honors cultures news@youarecurrent.com A celebration of cultures from around the world is returning to Plainfield this fall with food, music, dance and educational activities representing 20 countries. The seventh annual Hendricks County International Festival is scheduled for Oct. 3 at Hobbs Station. The free, family-friendly event is being presented in partnership with the Shops at Perry Crossing and will feature local exhibitors, performances and cuisines from around the world, according to festival organizers. The festival traces its roots to December 2018, when a small group of Plainfield residents and community leaders gathered to discuss ways to bring the community together and enrich the lives of local families. The group collected ideas and identified a strong interest in creating a multicultural event in Hendricks County.

The Hendricks County International Festival was subsequently created to introduce residents to diverse cultures and increase awareness of the many cultures represented among people who live, work and reside in the county, organizers said. This year’s festival will include food trucks, live music and dance performances, interactive cultural booths, traditional attire and other activities designed to provide visitors with an international experience, according to organizers. The event is organized and supported by the Town of Plainfield, Hendricks County Community Foundation, Cruise Planners - Mike & Jenifer Laver, Kiwanis Club of Plainfield, Gill Insurance and community members. Organizers encourage families and residents of all ages to attend the festival and experience the cultures, traditions and contributions of the diverse communities that make up Hendricks County.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

Braun gets 42 1/2 years remorse and his conduct while the case was pending. Delp’s office said Braun also faces Kyle Braun of Brownsburg was senseparate pending charges related to altenced to 42 1/2 years in the Indiana legations that he repeatedly struck his Department of Correction Sept. court-appointed public defender 8 for attempting to murder during a meeting. Those allegahis mother in her Brownsburg tions have not been proven in home in 2023. court. Braun, 34, was convicted by a The court recognized Braun’s Hendricks County jury Aug. 10 diagnosed mental illness as of attempted murder and bata mitigating circumstance, tery by bodily waste following a according to the prosecutor’s Braun one-day trial. office. According to Hendricks County ProseBraun was not present when the cutor Loren Delp, evidence presented at sentence was announced. According trial showed Braun repeatedly stabbed to Delp’s office, Braun interrupted the his mother in the stomach April 24, prosecutor’s sentencing argument by 2023, before stabbing her in the head threatening him and using profanity. with enough force to lodge the knife in Deputies removed Braun from the her skull. She survived the attack. courtroom as he resisted. The court imposed the maximum 42 Delp also thanked neighbors who ran 1/2 -year sentence for attempted murder to the victim after the stabbing, helped and an additional 2 1/2 years for battery stop her bleeding, called for emergency by bodily waste. Braun was accused of assistance and cared for her 4-year-old intentionally spitting on an emergency child. medical technician during the response “Their extraordinary courage helped to the stabbing. save this victim’s life,” Delp said. The court cited several aggravating The prosecutor also recognized the circumstances in imposing the maxiBrownsburg Police Department, spemum sentence, including Braun’s crimcifically officers Jason McCoy and Josh inal history involving two prior victims O’Brien, along with first responders and over more than 13 years, his lack of medical personnel involved in the case. By Alicia Stivers alicia@youarecurrent.com

Court upholds sentence By Alicia Stivers alicia@youarecurrent.com The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld the convictions and 28-year sentence of Justin Marquardt in a Hendricks County child molesting case. In a Sept. 3 opinion issued, the appeals court rejected Marquardt’s challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence, a double jeopardy claim and his argument that his sentence was inappropriate. Marquardt was convicted in Hendricks Superior Court in November 2025 of Level 4 felony child molesting, Level 4 felony incest and Level 5 felony attempted obstruction of justice. He was originally charged in November 2024. According to the Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office, the appeals court recognized the separate nature of the offenses and determined the 28-year

sentence was not inappropriate. The court cited several factors in its decision, including the repeated nature of the abuse, Marquardt’s abuse of a position of trust, the significant impact on the victim and his subsequent attempt to have the victim recant her allegations. The appeals court concluded Marquardt had not demonstrated that his sentence was an outlier requiring revision. The prosecutor’s office said the ruling affirms the trial court’s judgment and its commitment to holding offenders accountable. “The Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office is proud to stand with victims and their families throughout the criminal justice process,” the office said in its statement, “and to continue pursuing accountability for those who commit serious offenses in our community.”

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DISPATCHES  Misty Eyes to host Bow Wow Bash — Misty Eyes Animal Center will host its annual Bow Wow Bash from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 20 at Washington Township Park in Avon. The family-friendly event will feature more than 100 vendors, food trucks, pet adoptions, contests, a pet blessing, dog yoga, a silent auction and the Doggy Skydiving Spectacular. The event will conclude with the Hendricks Power Ball Drop at 4:45 p.m. The online silent auction opens Sept. 17 and closes at 9 p.m. Sept. 20. For more, visit bowwowbash.net.  Authors Showcase returns to Danville — The Hendricks County Authors Showcase will return to downtown Danville from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 26 at The Authors’ Patch, 117 S. Washington St. The free event will feature more than 50 local and regional authors, offering opportunities to browse and purchase books, meet writers and get books signed. The showcase also will include literary-themed gifts, interactive activities, a scavenger hunt and food trucks. The event will be held alongside the downtown Farmers Market, giving visitors an opportunity to shop local vendors and businesses.  Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall coming to Plainfield — The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will be on display Sept. 18-21 at the Charleston Pavilion at Hummel Park, 5373 S. County Road 700 East, Plainfield. Presented by Duke Energy Indiana, the free memorial is a 3/5-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It stands 6 feet tall at its center and stretches nearly 300 feet. The traveling wall gives visitors an opportunity to honor and remember those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War, particularly those who may not be able to travel to Washington, D.C. For more, visit travelingwall.us.  Art exhibition hosts free opening — Hendricks Live! will host the Indiana Artists Club Members Exhibition opening reception and awards ceremony from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at 200 W. Main St., Plainfield. The free event features works by more than 50 Indiana artists. The exhibition runs through Oct. 25.

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Bulldogs quarterback big part of team’s success By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com For Brownsburg High School quarterback Oscar Frye, there is no substitute for experience. “You get the experience and grow as an individual and grow as a leader,” he said. “Games really start to slow down. I feel like I’m able to understand things, really take everything in and process everything. Just being able to get more reps in practice and games makes it that much easier.” Bulldogs coach John Hart said the three-year starter has a strong grasp of the game. “Oscar is like a coach on the field. He knows what the defense is doing, why they are doing it and where the ball goes,” Hart said. Hart said Frye’s interception-to-touchdown ratio is similar to Fernando Mendoza’s, who led Indiana University to the national championship. Frye has 62 career TD passes with only 10 interceptions. “It’s why they are both winners,” Hart said. Prior to Sept. 11, the two-time defending IHSAA Class 6A state champions had won 22 consecutive games. Frye said the coaches set a high standard. “We go in every day just trying to find where we can get 1 percent better each day,” he said. “Staying hungry and not getting complacent, just giving it our all every day.” Frye said he benefits from having a solid group of

ATHLETE

OF THE WEEK MEET OSCAR FRYE Favorite athlete: Joe Montana Favorite genre of music: Country Favorite subject: Math Favorite movie: “Rocky” Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere near a lake

Brownsburg High School quarterback Oscar Frye has helped lead the Bulldogs to two Class 6A state titles. (Photo courtesy of Brownsburg athletics)

wide receivers, headed by Branden Sharpe, who has committed to Indiana University. “They make my job super easy, so I’m super grateful for them and all the work they put in,” he said. In the first three games, Frye completed 33 of 55 passes for 572 yards with nine touchdowns and one interception. “Being able to take care of the ball is definitely something that we value as a program a lot, whether it’s throwing at the ball or running the ball,” he said. Frye completed 60.4 percent of his passes for 2,505 yards last season and 64.5 percent for 2,445 yards as a sophomore Frye said he is not thinking ahead about the possibility of winning a third consecutive title. “I’m taking it a week at a time and really just (trying to) hone in on what is ahead of us,” he said. Frye plans to graduate in December and will report to Illinois State University, a Football Championship Subdivision team, in January 2027. “I took some visits out on the East Coast (and) other parts of the country. It just felt it wasn’t for me,” he said. “I wanted to be in the Midwest. (Illinois State) is playing for championships year in and year out, and playing at Brownsburg, that’s something we’ve (gotten) used to.” To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.

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State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), center, speaks with Gov. Mike Braun, right, and Indiana State Police Col. Chris Hill during a tour of storm recovery sites around Indiana Aug. 31. Local, state and federal officials also participated in the tour. (Photo courtesy of State Rep. Jeff Thompson)

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Thompson tours Indiana storm sites By Alicia Stivers alicia@youarecurrent.com State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) joined Gov. Mike Braun and state and federal officials last month on a tour of Indiana communities recovering from severe storms and historic flooding last month. Thompson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, visited recovery sites in Fayette, Hamilton and Lake counties Aug. 31. He met with local officials, emergency responders, volunteers and Hoosiers whose properties were damaged by the storms. FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Jonathan Whitham, Indiana State Police Superintendent and Secretary of Public Safety Anthony Scott and members of Indiana’s congressional delegation also participated in the tour. “It’s difficult to convey just how much these communities have suffered from the storms,” Thompson said. “At

the same time, it was heartening to see how so many Hoosiers and officials have come together to support them in their recovery.” Thompson said he appreciated the quick response from FEMA and state officials and pledged to continue supporting affected communities as recovery efforts continue. According to state officials, FEMA has approved more than $2 million in disaster relief for Hoosiers affected by the storms. Residents seeking assistance can visit the state’s August 2026 disaster resource hub, call 2-1-1 or text IN211HELP to 898-211. Residents also can apply for individual assistance through FEMA. The deadline to apply is Oct. 25. The U.S. Small Business Administration also is offering low-interest disaster loans to eligible Indiana businesses, private nonprofit organizations and residents with storm damage, according to state officials. Applications are available through the SBA’s disaster assistance program.

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09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

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Bringing nature home this fall Commentary By Stephanie Carlson

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A FOWL CRAZE 09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

Weekend Chicken Shak draws long lines, customers from miles away

the business sold out in about an hour and 17 minutes. The specialty is different from the smoked meats found at many barbecue trucks. Chicken Shak’s quarters are charcoal-grilled, with the leg and thigh cooked together on the bone. “It’s kind of nice because it really puts us in our own category,” she said. She encourages customers who typically avoid dark meat to give it a try. “The way it’s cooked on the bone and the way it puts all those juices back into the meat is just an incredible flavor,” she said. For the Hessions, Chicken Shak remains a side venture. Both work full time and are raising four young children. “We’re really just doing this on the weekend on a Saturday for fun,” she said. For now, they are enjoying the unexpected momentum. “We’re also really thankful for the little community we’re building,” she said.

By Alicia Stivers alicia@youarecurrent.com By 11 a.m. on a recent Saturday, a line had already formed. Customers gathered around a small food trailer parked at the corner of U.S. 136 and Thorne Drive in Brownsburg, waiting for their turn to take home a meal that has quickly become a weekend tradition for some. Chicken Shak, owned by Brownsburg residents Allison and Ben Hession, serves charcoal-grilled chicken quarters each Saturday until they sell out. Only a few months after opening the trailer, the couple has watched the line grow — as has the number of customers returning for more. “It’s been a huge blessing,” Allison Hession said. “A total surprise to us.” The idea for Chicken Shak began with Hession’s childhood in Lancaster County, Penns., where Amish and Mennonite communities have long embraced charcoal-grilled chicken as a staple at fire department and church fundraisers, as well as at businesses selling the food for profit. “When we go out there and visit, we often will get it because there’s not anything really close to that style of chicken and barbecue,” she said. Her husband eventually suggested they bring the tradition home to Brownsburg. “My husband was kind of like, ‘We should try this out back here in Indianapolis. We don’t have anything like it,’” she said. For Hession, the business also provides a connection to her Pennsylvania roots. “It’s kind of a little nod to my upbringing and where I’m from,” she said. “It’s nice that we have a piece of me out here.” The Hessions started small last year, operating for only about six or seven Saturdays around Labor Day. There was no trailer then — just a tent, tables and crockpots. “We were really just kind of ramping up,” Hession said. “Just operating out of a tent with some tables and crockpots

(Above) Allison and Ben Hession’s Chicken Shak has grown from a tent operation into a Saturday destination at the corner of U.S. 136 and Thorne Drive in Brownsburg, where the couple serves charcoal-grilled chicken quarters until they sell out. (Right) Chicken Shak specializes in charcoal-grilled chicken quarters, a cut consisting of the leg and thigh cooked on the bone. (Photo provided by Chicken Shak)

and kind of just trying our best.” The couple wanted to see whether customers would respond before making a bigger investment. “So, if the demand was there, we thought, ‘Could we do this or not?’” she said. “And then we were like, ‘Hey, we kind of have a pretty good following. People seem to enjoy it.’” That following eventually led to the trailer. The Hessions already owned the small lot where Chicken Shak operates. They had purchased the property several years ago and had not done much with it until the business took shape. Now, the lot is a familiar Saturday destination. Hession said the couple has been surprised by both the number of repeat customers and the steady stream of new faces. Using their Square point-of-sale system, they can track some customer trends. “Last weekend, out of the 46 credit card transactions we did, we had 32 new customers,” she said. “So, that’s pretty

remarkable.” Cash transactions make the numbers harder to track, but the Hessions know they are building a loyal customer base. “We have just been shocked at not only how many repeat customers we have, but new customers as well,” Hession said. Some customers travel considerably farther than Brownsburg. The growing attention has helped introduce the business to even more potential customers, including a recent social media review from an Indiana food enthusiast. Hession said the exposure has helped put Chicken Shak “on the map a little bit more.” The Hessions also have increased the amount of chicken they prepare each Saturday. Even so, demand has outpaced supply. “We have been this year,” She said when asked whether they always sell out. “We’ve been increasing the amount of chicken that we cook too.” During the final Saturday in August,

ON THE COVER: Customers line up Satur-

day morning at Chicken Shak at the corner of U.S. 136 and Thorne Drive in Brownsburg. The weekend chicken stand has developed a growing following since opening in a tent last year. (Photo by Alicia Stivers)

CHICKEN SHAK AT A GLANCE WHERE: Corner of U.S. 136 and Thorne Drive, Brownsburg WHEN: Saturdays, starting at 11 a.m. HOW LONG: Until the chicken sells out SPECIALTY: Charcoal-grilled chicken quarters STARTED: 2025, initially inside a tent OWNERS: Allison and Ben Hession FUN FACT: A Google reviewer reported driving 87 miles to try the chicken. GOOD TO KNOW: Chicken Shak accepts cash and cards.

CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

Everwise Credit Union offers local families a local solution for major home improvements. There’s still plenty of time to make your home everything you want it to be. Fall is the perfect time to complete those renovation projects you’ve been putting off, from refreshing your outdoor living space to tackling long-awaited interior updates. Everwise Credit Union can help you finance your plans by putting your home’s equity to work for your family. Turn your home improvement dreams into reality with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Unlike a traditional loan, HELOCs work like a revolving line of credit based on your home’s value (typically up to 80% minus your mortgage balance).

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INSIDE & OUT

CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG

09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

Kitchen gets a coastal refresh

BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT: Commentary by Larry Greene As part of a larger whole-home remodel, this north Indy kitchen was reimagined with a brighter layout and relaxed coastal-inspired finishes.

AFTER

THE BLUEPRINT •

•

• • •

White perimeter cabinetry creates a clean, airy backdrop, while the soft blue island adds subtle color and character. Cambria MacBeth countertops and a glossy white backsplash keep the palette light and timeless. Brass fixtures and oversized pendants bring warmth and contrast to the space. A custom hood and farmhouse sink elevate the kitchen’s traditional details. The redesigned island improves prep space, seating and everyday functionality.

BEFORE

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy. com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

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CURRENT IN BROWNSBURG 09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

Your source for local arts & entertainment and upcoming events • youarecurrent.com

Hendricks Symphony opens with ‘From Russia with Love’ By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

‘RING OF FIRE’ “Ring of Fire” runs through Oct. 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Hendricks Symphony will feature two special guests in the 2026-27 season-opening concerts. Cellist Alexander Castellanos-Medina, last season’s Hendricks Symphony concerto competition winner, and violinist Rachel Weiss, the competition’s runner-up, will perform in “From Russia With Love” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 and 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Castellanos-Medina and Weiss are Plainfield High School graduates. Castellanos-Medina will perform the first movement of Dmitry Kabalevsky’s “Cello Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 49,” and Weiss will perform the first movement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216.” “In addition to celebrating these two wonderful young hometown musicians, the chorus and orchestra will share the romantic sweeping melodies, exotic rhythms and infectious energy of (Alexander) Borodin’s ‘Polovtsian Dances,’” said Amy Eggleston, Hendricks Symphony’s music director and conductor. “You’ll find yourself hum-

THE 2026-27 SCHEDULE “MASTERWORKS AND MEMORIES” Sept. 18 and 20: “From Russia With Love” Oct. 30 and Nov. 1: “Hail Britannia” Dec. 11-13: “Home for the Holidays” Feb. 12 and 14, 2027: “Reverie and Romance” April 23 and 25, 2027: “The Eric Memorial” June 25 and 27, 2027: “4th Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular“

‘THE ’70S BEEHIVE MUSICAL’ Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Never Can Say Goodbye: The ’70s Beehive Musical” through Sept. 20 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. FEINSTEIN’S CABARET The Magic of David Ranalli is set for Sept.18, followed by Dueling Pianos Sep.19, An Evening with Michael Feinstein Sept. 20-21 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com. ‘RADIUM GIRLS’ The Point Theater presents “Radium Girls” Sept. 18-20 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz. PAPAS AND MAMAS

Alexander Castellanos-Medina, right, who won the Hendricks Symphony concerto competition, and Rachel Weiss, the first runner-up, are performing Sept. 18 and 20 in Hendricks Symphony concerts. (Photo courtesy of Hendricks Symphony)

ming the tunes of this suite, because this is the music that was borrowed for the musical ‘Kismet.’” The theme for Hendricks Symphony’s 20th Anniversary season is “Masterworks and Memories.” “Our whole season is filled with magnificent masterpieces,” Eggleston said. “The concert will feature (Dmitri) Shostakovich’s‘Fifth Symphony,’ a piece the orchestra members are very excited to play. It is famous around the world as one of the most frequently played, analyzed and debated masterpieces of the 20th century. Shostakov-

ich combines classical, romantic and modern musical elements into a stunningly emotional work. Written after Shostakovich had been publicly attacked by Soviet authorities, this piece is filled with emotional extremes:anxiety, heartbreak, tenderness, grief and one of the most electrifying finales in all of symphonic literature. This is the Carmel resident’s fifth season as the music director and conductor of Hendricks Symphony. For more, visit hendrickssymphony. org.

The Papas and Mamas Authentic Tribute to the Mamas and The Pappas is set for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Plainfield’s Hendricks Live! For more, visit hendrickslive. org. ‘FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE’ Hendricks Symphony opens the season with “From Russia With Love” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 and 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at Plainfield’s Hendricks Live! For more, visit hendrickslive.org. CENTER CELEBRATION The Bacon Brothers will perform as part of The Center Celebration, which starts at 5 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

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A mural by Danville native and Merge Mural Fest organizer Julie Vornholt adorns the The Republican Newspaper building in Danville. (Photo by Julie Vornholt)

First-ever Mural Fest comes to Danville By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com The walls of downtown Danville are about to be much brighter. The first-ever Merge Mural Fest begins Sept. 12, culminating in a block party from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 19. The event, organized by Danville native and muralist Julie Vornholt, brings nine muralists to Danville to paint vivid scenes on downtown buildings. Five of the muralists are local, and four are from other states as far away as Colorado. From Sept. 12-18, the artists will work on their creations. People are welcome to come and watch them at work, Vornholt said, and the artists are open to questions about how they bring their artwork to life. On Sept. 19, the block party will serve as an unveiling for the murals and a community celebration. There will also be a community mural where attendees can each contribute, Vornholt said. Vornholt, 33, got the idea about a year ago when she was participating in another mural festival in Wisconsin, where she now lives. She brought the idea to her parents, Jerry and Ginny Vornholt, who still live in Danville and own multiple downtown buildings, including The Republican Newspaper. They were immediately encouraging and offered up the exterior walls of their buildings for the festival. The Vornholts were able to

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These walls in Danville will soon have murals after Merge Mural Fest. (Photo by Julie Vornholt)

convince a couple more building owners to turn their walls into artwork as well. Julie Vornholt, who has already painted a mural on The Republican Newspaper building in Danville, said it’s been rewarding to get to know her hometown better. “It’s a little surreal,” she said. “I know this town so well, but I moved away and so now I feel like I’m getting to know the art world and the partnership and the town, and getting to know so many more people. I feel very connected even more. It makes me feel a little homesick, but it’s cool that I get to have such a connection.” The murals will all be in the same general area, near the Kickstand Bar & Grill at the corner of N. Washington and E. Clinton Streets in Danville. If you’re looking for a specific address, set your GPS for 57 N. Washington Street. For more, visit mergemuralfest.com.

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Footlite presents ‘Pippin’ a storyteller for the tale of Pippin,” Andrews said. “The Leading Player is such an alluring and mysterious character, Oliver Barszcz enjoys musicals beand it’s far cry from how I would decause they give him the opportunity to scribe myself. There is a lot of freedom meet more people within the theater and fun I get from playing this role.” community. Andrews said the en“I have made some tire show is challenging. great friends through “Putting the singing theater,” said Barszcz, a and the dancing togethfifth grader at Brownser is not easy,” said Anburg’s Crossroads drews, who grew up in Elementary School. “I Indianapolis and gradreally enjoy singing and uated from Cardinal Barszcz Andrews dancing, and any chance Ritter High School. “But I get to do that is fun for me.” this staff and cast has made that Barszcz plays Theo in Footchallenge really fun and amazlite Musicals’ production of ing. I have had a blast.” “Pippin,” which runs Sept. 18 Pendleton resident Skye Fullthrough Oct. 4 at the Indianapoer performs in the ensemble. lis theater. Fuller, who was on the dance “I enjoy playing Theo because team for the Fishers Freight in Fuller I get to end the show with an a 2025, is appearing in her first cappella song,” he said. “Both my direcproduction with Footlite Musicals. The tor and music director have been kind 2019 Pendleton Heights High School and given me the confidence to sing this graduate participated in show choir and song as our last number while being musicals in high school. alone on the stage. That can seem terri“I took a seven-year hiatus and then fying when you are only 10 years old.” did a show at Buck Creek Players earAnother challenge is being the only lier this year,” said Fuller, who moved youngster in the show. from Fishers to Pendleton in fourth “That can be hard sometimes when grade. “This is a very ensemble-heavy you have no one else that is your age to show, so it was the role I wanted when I interact with,” he said. auditioned.” Barszcz has been acting for 3 1/2 Fuller said the music is one of the best years. His first role was portraying an parts of the show. Oompa Loompa in “Willy Wonka” with “We learned the music very quickly Hendricks Civic Theatre. He also acted and we’ve had some choreography in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s prochanges late in the show,” she said. ductions of “The Wizard of Oz” and “A “But it’s really challenging everyone Christmas Story.” to lock in and learn quickly. I’ve not Westfield resident Anya Andrews seen ‘Pippin’ before but my show choir plays the role of The Leading Player, performed a lot of the songs from the who serves as the narrator. setlist.” “I really enjoy being able to become For more, visit footlite.org. By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

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Gramm bids farewell By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com At 76, Lou Gramm is tired of spending time in airports and not enough time with his cars. “I’ve been touring for 54 years, and I just think that takes up most of my summers and I miss my family during those times,” he said. “I also miss my biggest hobby, which is muscle cars. I live in Rochester (N.Y.), so the summertime is the only time I could drive those cars. We’re touring in the summer and when we get back in December, I just have to keep them in storage until the next time I can drive them.” Gramm, the original lead vocalist for Foreigner, is bringing his farewell tour to the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel for a 8 p.m. concert Sept. 26. “I’m a little tired of traveling because traveling is not as good as it used to be,” he said. “I’m concerned about airlines who cancel flights at a whim and let the dice roll where it may, and people are forced to stay overnight at an airport hotel and you miss an important meeting.” Gramm said it has made traveling more stressful. “We’ve had some really close calls,” he said. “We’ve had delays in flights we should have caught and we’ve ended up getting to the venue about 20 minutes before we’re supposed to go on.” Although it happened more than 20 years after the band’s eligibility, Gramm said it was gratifying for Foreigner to finally be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. However, he said he wished it had been before original members Ian McDonald and Ed Gagliardi had died. In addition, guitarist and founder Mick Jones was not in good enough health to be at the induction ceremony as he has been battling Parkinson’s disease for several years. “I enjoy looking back,” he said. “There were some good times, and even the times that aren’t so good are worth looking back at because you learned something.” For Gramm, fate has intervened. Before joining Foreigner, Gramm was a member of Black Sheep, which had two albums and was invited to tour as the opening act with Kiss. A truck accident in late 1975 destroyed their

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price includes installation & warranty Lou Gramm, original lead singer for Foreigner, will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)

equipment and the band was unable to make the tour because it didn’t have the money to quickly replace the equipment. During that time, Jones asked Gramm about joining his new band. Gramm first checked with Black Sheep members and they gave him their blessing to move on. Although he said he feels his talent played a big part in his success, he also feels he was in the right place at the right time. “I think fate intervened just as much and set my career where it is,” he said. Fate also intervened in 1997 when Gramm discovered he had a benign brain tumor, which required a 19-hour surgery. “It was very scary,” he said. “I did think for a little while that I was going to lose my life, but I also stayed deep in prayer and asked God if he wanted to take me, take me, or if he wanted me to continue to live and do the things I do. I would be OK either way as long as I knew that is what he wanted.” Gramm said the experience strengthened his Christian faith. Family is important to Gramm as well. He is joined in his band by his brother Ben. “It’s been awesome,” Gramm said. “He’s not only a great dummer, but he’s a great guy to hang out with. We’re closer now than ever.” For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.

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Indy rapper releases new EP By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com

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Indianapolis-born musician Grayson Pitts has been releasing hip-hop music under the name Robin Raps for seven years. None of the music has quite matched the expectations he set for himself, though. “When you’re starting out in a craft, it’s easy to see that your own creations aren’t necessarily living up to your taste in music,” Pitts said. “And the only way to fill that gap is just to produce art regularly over a long period until you can catch up and the craft is better.” Now, Pitts believes his music has finally met his high standards. The North Central High School and DePauw University graduate is releasing his newest EP, “KEEP THE CAR RUNNING” Sept. 18 and believes it’s his best work yet. The five-song collection will be available on Spotify. Pitts, 33, has always been artistic and wanted to be a writer when he attended DePauw. His roommate was a rapper from Brooklyn and encouraged Pitts to look into writing hip-hop. That started Pitts down a path that led him to create Robin Raps and build his sound. His music was what he describes as “happy rap” but has become more complex and mature as he’s put more effort into it. He moved to Los Angeles earlier this year to see if there are more opportunities in a bigger market, he said. But the new EP was recorded entirely at Round Table Recording Co. in Broad Ripple, and contains numerous references to Indianapolis and his life in the Midwest. “KEEP THE CAR RUNNING” is heavily inspired by Michael Mann’s 1995 crime film “Heat,” which pits a detective and criminal against each other in an epic battle of wits. Pitts said the themes of the film match up with his current artistic journey. “When your calling is something that’s the road less

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traveled by, and there’s not necessarily a framework in place for you to get where you’re trying to go, you have to uncover it as you’re going or figure it out as you go,” Pitts said. Although he lives in Los Angeles now, Pitts remains connected to his Indianapolis community. He has a show planned in Indianapolis in January, and people who want to keep up with his journey and future tour dates can follow him on Instagram at robinraps.

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