September 1, 2026 — Current in Zionsville by Current Publishing

Late swim club volunteer honored Page 3

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 youarecurrent.com

PUMPED UP Neighborhood group continues opposition against gas station

Ground breaks on new fire station Page 4

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Church meeting space OK’d Page 6

Horse stable helps lay veteran to rest

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Late Swim Club volunteer honored By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com Stephanie Heiser was always most likely to be found at a Zionsville Swim Club meet. Whether it was cheering on her kids or others, serving as a referee, preparing meals for swimmers or welcoming a new parent with a friendly face, Heiser was always there. Heiser died March 29. She was 51 years old. Left behind is a legacy of volunteerism in both the local swim community and Girl Scout Troop 1880. That legacy was recognized by the Community Foundation of Boone County as it named Heiser the 2026 Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award recipient. The annual award recognizes people who made an impact on Zionsville youth sports. Heiser volunteered with Zionsville Swim Club for more than 15 years. “She was present at every meet,” Christine Raches said. “Everyone in the swim community kind of knew Steph.” Raches and Heiser ran meets together for more than a decade. Heiser was known for the chocolate chip shooters she’d give swimmers after their races, for being the team mom and knowing what to say after a rough match. “She was like a sister,” Raches said. “She was one of my best friends. The world is certainly darker without her here.” Friends recalled Hesier’s personality, dry sense of humor, snort laugh and the ability to make friends anywhere. “She was so extraverted and was so obnoxious to me,” Raches said. “And I absolutely loved it.” Heiser served as an official at many meets. It was her job to tell a kid if they committed an infraction.

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Contact the editor Stephanie Heiser, front, right, was the 2026 Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award recipient for her impact on the local swim community. She was also heavily involved with Girl Scout Troop 1880 for many years. (Photo courtesy of Valerie Swack)

“She had a way of letting kids know in a way that made them feel not bad about it, and maybe make them laugh,” Kris Barksdale said. Barksdale, another swim mom, nominated Heiser for the award. “It’s one of those things you wish you thought of when she was still here so she’d know how much she was appreciated,” she said. Heiser was a board member of the swim club for eight years. She was also a certified swim official and volunteered at Indiana Swimming national meets including the Olympic Trials when they were held in Indianapolis. She was treasurer for the Zionsville High School Swim and Dive Parent Group and worked at Carmel Clay Schools as a physical therapist at Towne Meadow Elementary School. Heiser even found time to help lead

a local Girl Scout troop. Valerie Swack and Heiser co-led Troop 1880 for a decade. Swack said Heiser was very patriotic and was something she instilled in the scouts. The troop raised money one year through cookie sales to send local World War II veterans to Washington D.C., through the Honor Flight program. For another project, scouts interviewed World War II veterans and published the interviews on a blog. Swack said many of the girls stayed in Scouts for years because of Heiser and her fun activities. “She was always fun,” Swack said. “She was always in the moment. Everywhere she went, she would make a friend.” The Lionel Dubay award, established in 1993, comes with a $500 grant. It will go to the Zionsville Swim Club.

DISPATCHES  Lebanon man pleads guilty to murder — Jacob Cram, a 37-year-old man from Lebanon, pleaded guilty to the murder of Donald Bowers, 64 of Lebanon, on Aug. 21. Cram faces up to 65 years in prison. He will be sentenced at 10 a.m. Sept. 17. A news release from the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office stated prosecutors intend to ask for the maximum sentence. Cram pleaded guilty and in exchange prosecutors dismissed a habitual offender enhancement. The murder occurred Sept. 10, 2025 in Lebanon.

 Zionsville Road lane to close — The northbound lane of Zionsville Road, just north of 86th Street, was expected to close starting Aug. 30. This is for a gas project by Citizens Energy Group. The company expects work to be completed in a week though the lane could be closed until Sept. 13, according to an update from the Town of Zionsville. Southbound traffic on Zionsville Road will remain open.

 Library gets grant for entertainment — Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library received a $4,000 grant from the Indiana Arts Commission. The grant will support a yearlong series of family-friendly performances at the Zionsville branch. Performances include the Indianapolis Opera Sept. 21, Roz Puppets Nov. 5 and more in 2027. For more on performances, including times, visit hmmpl.org/events.

Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share? Contact Managing Editor Spencer Durham at spencer @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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Officials with the Zionsville Fire Department and the Town of Zionsville toss dirt in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new fire station, Station 295. (Photo by Kaitlin Fallowfield)

Construction begins on new fire station By Kaitlin Fallowfield news@youarecurrent.com

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Zionsville firefighters put their shovels in the ground to officially commence the construction of the town’s new fire station, during an Aug. 25 groundbreaking ceremony. Standing on the farmland purchased from Everett Family Farms, Zionsville Fire Chief James VanGorder said the last time a new fire station was built in town was 14 years ago. Now, progress begins on the construction of Fire Station 295 at 3440 E. 550 S., west of Interstate 65 in rural Zionsville. The new $8.65 million station is the result of a move to join the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department with Zionsville. VanGorder said the new facilities will meet the needs of the entire area and the projected growth in the town’s population. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor John Stehr said the land for the new station wouldn’t be possible without the Everett family. “Today, I understand and I recognize the people that live in this area and how they feel about this area, so as we break ground on this new fire station in just a couple of moments, I think it’s import-

ant to take a moment to thank Doug and the entire Everett family, as well as honor the service and commitment of dozens of volunteers who served their neighbors here in the former Perry Township for the last 67 years,” Stehr said. The nearest fire station to the future home of Station 295 is Station 93, near Zionsville West Middle School. Officials said that the location near the intersection of 550 South and Indiana 267 is strategic, allowing the fire department to serve the large warehouses nearby as well as the residents. On the front two acres of the property will be the fire station, and behind that will be the future home of training facilities for law enforcement and firefighters. Gibbons said the plan is to construct buildings for fire safety and rescue training, as well as a driving track. He said those facilities will be available to both the fire department and the Zionsville Police Department. Companies working on the project include Hagerman Construction, GM Development and Bell Architecture. Deputy Chief of Operations Aaron Gibbons said the new station is expected to be completed in July 2027.

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A church meeting space for 7660 W. Oak St. received approval from the Zionsville Plan Commission after months of delays and deliberations. (Image courtesy of the Town of Zionsville)

A church meeting house on Oak Street received conditional approval from the Zionsville Plan Commission Aug. 17. The approval gives a small congregation the go-ahead to build a 1,600-square-foot meeting space at 7660 W. Oak St. Louis Samuels, who represented the petitioner, the Callaway Group, said the group of no more than 30 people will meet twice a week: Sunday morning and Monday evening. A congregate who spoke at the Aug. 17 meeting said small groups will gather to pray. The development appeared to have an uphill battle as the petitioner struggled to get needed information to the commission in a timely manner. There were months of delays and continuances. The project faced some opposition because of perceived traffic concerns on Oak Street. The project also received pushback from Zionsville Town Council President Jason Plunkett who argued the project did not meet development plan standards or the comprehensive plan. The meeting featured Plunkett and plan commission President Brad Johnson openly disagreeing with each other. Commission member Nick Plopper criticized the group for making the petitioner “jump through hoops” and debating inconsequential details. “We are dysfunctional right now,” he said. “Frankly, I am embarrassed. This should be easy.” Plan commission members Nicole Finelli, Craig Melton and Josh Fedor voted against the project. It passed 4-3.

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Local academic pens books By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com A new book authored by a Zionsville resident argues there is a well-connected group of conservative organizations working to dismantle the public education system. Serena Salloum, along with three other academics, wrote “Manufactured Outrage: The Conservative Industrial Complex’s War on Education and How to Fight Back.” Salloum is a professor and chair of the Department of Education Leadership at Ball State University. The authors contend a large network of conservative for-profit, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, along with think tanks and corporate donors, pool resources to craft and propose education policies meant to weaken public education. That includes policies like microschools, vouchers and school choice. Salloum said school choice policies are a focus of the groups, meant to pull students out of public schools. “They are enticing families with other options,” she said. Salloum said school choice and voucher policies also are meant to divert funding from public schools. “Manufactured Outrage” examines major players in the right-wing movement to reshape education, such as the State Policy Network, which consists of dozens of think tanks and more than 100 organizations. The group is funded by the Koch Foundation and Walton Foundation, among other corporate donors. The American Legislative Council works with SPN. ALEC provides market-based model policies, including for education. Both groups are linked to the Foundation of Excellence in Education, which was founded by former Florida Gov. and Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush. The authors used social network analysis — a methodology that investigates social structures by tracking relationships between people and groups using sociograms — to track the ties between conservative groups and who funds them. Simply, it’s a way to track who is talking to who, Salloum said.

It’s what we do. Zionsville resident Serena Salloum, a department chair at Ball State University, was one of four authors of a new book examining an extensive network of conservative groups influencing public education policy. (Photo courtesy of Serena Salloum)

“We’re interested in all the mechanisms behind that,” she said. Salloum and three other authors — Elena Aydarova at the University of Wisconsin, T. Jameson Brewer at the University of North Georgia and Emily M. Hodge at Virginia Commonwealth University — came together via a grant and their experience in social network analysis. They contend controversial issues such as critical race theory, and diversity, equity and inclusion and other “anti-woke” ideas are pushed by the conservative industrial complex to drive up anti-public education sentiment. Salloum said the conservative groups are well connected and well funded. “That (funding) felt striking to me,” she said The authors contrast their assertions with progressive education groups that often consist of volunteers and are unincorporated. “We talk about it being a David versus Goliath (situation),” Salloum said. “Manufactured Outrage” is published by and available through Harvard Education Press as well as on Amazon.

 Zionsville Parks Board — The parks board meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The parks board oversees maintenance and development of parks and recreation in Zionsville.

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Local school leaders weigh state voucher costs By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com Zionsville Community Schools is one of a record number of school districts that have proposed referendums this year as additional funding is sought in the wake of the 2025 state property tax laws. ZCS will ask voters in November to approve a referendum worth up to $21.4 million a year. As schools propose additional revenue streams, while also trying to cut costs, school funding has become a topic of interest, including Indiana’s school voucher program, which cost about $500 million in the 2024-25 school year. Some area public school officials said that although they support school choice, they’re concerned education funding has not kept up with inflation, let alone the expanded voucher program, which adds to the overall cost of statewide education. However, a school choice advocate said Indiana’s voucher funding protocols are a model for other states. Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent Matt Kegley said each district in Indiana is affected differently by school choice scholarships, commonly called vouchers, and he respects the state’s decision to provide that funding. At the same time, he said, vouchers can affect what’s available to the public school system overall. HSE Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown likened state education funding to one big pie. “Every time you cut a slice into that pie, that is less overall funding for a traditional public school like our school district,” Brown said. “What has happened over the years is the income thresholds by which families can qualify for these choice scholarships has been expanded by a pretty significant amount, where maybe going back to the 2021 school year, that amount was in the $48,000 to $50,000 range for a family of four, to where it sits today at over $244,000.” Brown said as the income threshold for qualifying families increased, so did the number of students within HSE boundaries using scholarships. But that doesn’t mean those students left HSE or would have ever attended public school. He said the students may well have gone to private school no matter what and voucher funding was “the icing on the

Zionsville Community Schools had 166 students use a school choice voucher to attend a different school for the 202425 academic year. (File photo)

cake.” Westfield Washington Schools Superintendent John Atha agreed many voucher students likely would not be public school students anyway. He said when the program first was introduced in 2011, he was principal at the private Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis. “My experience is, we did not have a lot of families who were (choosing public schools) start using vouchers,” he said. “We just had families who were already in with us, who maybe got some relief.” That means more students in the funding pool for education dollars. Atha cited a 2023 Indiana University study that showed about 70 percent of Indiana voucher students already attended private school. “And those dollars have to come from somewhere,” he said. “What’s hap-

pened is, they have not expanded total spending on education — which is the state’s responsibility — to match the spending on the vouchers, especially for the added students who were already in private education.” Atha clarified state education funding has increased, but has not kept pace with inflation, especially considering the estimated 75,000 voucher students that cost the state an estimated $500 million in the 2024-25 school year. “If my costs are growing and enrollment is growing at 5 percent, and my budget’s only growing at three and a half percent, then obviously I’m going to have to do more with less,” Atha said. “And so, for me specifically, when I think about funding — if you want to keep the voucher program, it can’t be at the expense of traditional public schools. It has to be in addition to.” Atha stressed that he supports school

BY THE NUMBERS The Indiana Department of Education website has details about the school choice scholarship program, including how many students within each public school district use school vouchers to attend a private school or another public school. Westfield Washington Schools reported that for the 2025-26 school year, 776 students used a voucher to attend a non-WWS school — an increase from the 2024-25 level of 302.

According to the state DOE’s annual report on school vouchers, at HSE Schools, 1,400 students within district boundaries used school choice scholarships to attend a different school in the 2024-25 school year. Brownsburg Community Schools Corp. had 765 students use vouchers; Carmel Clay Schools had 541 students; MSD of Lawrence Township had 1,655; Noblesville Schools had 582; and Zionsville Community Schools had 166.

choice and believes that option makes education stronger overall. He said the conversation is about designing a funding system that doesn’t weaken public schools, which educate the majority of Hoosier kids. Institute for Quality Education President and CEO Betsy Wiley countered that Indiana’s funding system for school choice scholarships is great just the way it is, and actually is a model for other states. “The job is to fund and educate all of Indiana’s kids, and so (lawmakers) have been strong supporters in all of their policies in terms of dollars following the child to the school that they go to,” she said. “That philosophy held true in the establishment of the voucher program and how that funding took place.” Wiley noted that the money follows the child no matter what school they choose, including another public school that isn’t their home district. She said the general belief that tax money should go to public institutions is an idea teacher unions have promoted. However, Wiley said, the funding belongs to the students and their education. She supports universal vouchers, with no income threshold. “I believe that every student in the state of Indiana should be given access to their education funding that the state has allocated,” she said, noting that if students from wealthy families attend public school, they’re funded and nobody complains. In response to concerns about reduced funding for public schools, Wiley — who was former Gov. Mitch Daniels’ deputy chief of staff and worked many years in the Statehouse — said she has never heard anyone in public education suggest that education is adequately funded. “Every time, it’s, ‘We need more money,’” she said. “I think that it’s an interesting question because there’s not really data out there that suggests more money equals greater academic outcomes.” She said the appropriate level of education funding is something for state lawmakers to determine, but the state should stick with its model of funding the education of all students, regardless of where they go to school. ZCS did not respond to a request for comment before press time.

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Horses Hazel, left, and Lollipop led the funeral procession for Dan Gilmore, a Whitestown resident, who rode at Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding Center in Zionsville. Also pictured are Kim McCrea, left, and Grace Seymour from the riding center. (Photo by Spencer Durham)

Horse stable helps lay veteran to rest By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com Military veterans stood at attention as the clip-clop of horse hooves grew closer to the gravesite at Lincoln Memory Gardens Cemetery in Whitestown. The funeral procession for Dan Gilmore, a Vietnam War U.S. Army veteran from Whitestown, was led by two horses from Morning Gilmore Dove Therapeutic Riding Center in Zionsville. Gilmore had found ease with one of the horses, Hazel, a white and gray speckled Percheon-Thoroughbred cross. Gilmore rode Hazel more weeks than not over the past year at Morning Dove. The two formed a special bond that staff said completely changed Gilmore. “He just fell in love with it,” said Kim McCrea, operations manager and equine director at Morning Dove. Gilmore died Aug. 18. He was 73. His Aug. 24 funeral included the horse-led procession and full military honors. Hazel whinnied as service members removed Gilmore’s casket from the hearse. The procession was the idea of Machelle LaMonaca, Gimore’s sister. LaMonaca, who lives in Tucson, Ariz., coordinated much of Gimore’s care. She found Morning Dove after not having much luck in other therapies. Gilmore, an amputee, suffered from PTSD and depression. And he always loved horses. His headstone will have a horse on it. McCrea said Hazel was patient with Gilmore as it would take him some time

to get up on her. “She is so sweet and gentle,” McCrea said. “She just took care of him.” LaMonaca said she saw a noticeable change in Gilmore’s attitude when he started riding Hazel. She was presented with a small canvas painting by Hazel after the funeral. “It was really transformative for him,” said Barry Krieble, LaMonaca’s husband. “He finally had something to get up for.” Gilmore’s experience is featured in a short video Morning Dove produced about the impact it has on their riders. Riders at Morning Dove, a nonprofit, all have a medical diagnosis. “It’s changed my life,” he said. “My attitude’s changed for the better. It’s great for me.” Caroline Thau, a board member for the Morning Dove, said Gilmore often remarked that riding made him feel like he had his legs back. “He became a different person when he started riding,” she said. To family, Gilmore kept a lot of things close to his chest, but at the stable he was known as a jokester. “Honestly, I think he was a big flirt,” McCrea said. Gilmore always wanted to ride in a western saddle, wear a straw hat — riders must wear a helmet — and smoke a cigarette. When an injury prevented him from riding for a while, he still came weekly to see the horses and sneak them some crackers from his pocket. Gilmore also enjoyed music. He was a drummer and played in the VA-Butler Modern Band at Butler University. “Between those two programs, it totally changed his whole attitude,” LaMonaca said.

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Abstract exhibit opens Sept. 11 news@youarecurrent.com An abstract art exhibit will open later this month at SullivanMunce Cultural Center in Zionsville. The Indiana Artists Abstract Juried Exhibition starts with a public meetand-greet with the artists from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 11. The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 31 and features 40 works by 19 artists. There were 79 total entries. The exhibition celebrates the expressive language of abstract art by artists across Indiana, including from Indianapolis, Elwood, Noblesville, Lebanon and Carmel. The juried exhibition invited artists to explore abstraction through color, form, texture, movement, gesture, pattern and conceptual expression. Both nonobjective work and representational work demonstrating strong abstract qualities were considered. “Abstract art gives both the artist and the viewer room for discovery,” stated Cynthia Young, executive director of SullivanMunce. “We were excited by the response to this exhibition and

Kick off fall with an

The Indiana Artists Abstract Juried Exhibition features 40 works of art by 19 artists. (Photo courtesy of SullivanMunce Cultural Center)

by the variety of work submitted. The selected pieces demonstrate just how broad abstract art can be — from bold explorations of color and movement to subtle investigations of texture, shape, and composition.” For more, visit SullivanMunce.org or call 317-873-4900.

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Neighborhood group continues opposition against gas station

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com The fight against a gas station at Holliday Farms isn’t finished. The Zionsville Healthy Neighborhood Alliance, a group of residents in and around Holliday Farms, filed for judicial review Aug. 19 concerning the approval of a Friendly Market gas station and convenience store. Judicial review involves a court reviewing the actions of a government. Residents want a judge to remand the case back to the plan commission. The Mann Brothers Holdings project would be at 3805 Marketplace Dr., have eight pumps, be open from 5 a.m to 11 p.m. and sell fresh produce and breakfast and lunch items. The company has 24 stores. The neighborhood alliance, which formed in response to the project, contends the environmental and public health concerns they presented to the town are sufficient for the plan commission to deny the project. Concerns included the release of benzene fumes — a chemical compound found in gasoline — into the air. Benzene is a carcinogen. Potential water contamination from leaks or gas runoff from the parking lot was another concern. Water drains into a nearby retention pond that irrigates the Club at Holliday Farms golf course, and stormwater flows into Cox Creek and Eagle Creek. The Zionsville Plan Commission approved a development plan July 20 for the gas station, despite being receptive to the environmental worries the neighborhood alliance voiced. Commission President Brad Johnson agreed with some residents who argued Indiana’s environmental laws aren’t strong enough but questioned the ability to deny the project on those grounds. Kory Geyer, one of the leading members of the neighborhood alliance, argued the law allows for discretion. “All that is pretty clear,” he said. “They felt there was a public safety,

More than 100 residents in and around Holliday Farms oppose construction of a Friendly Market gas station at 3805 Marketplace Dr. The group has filed for judicial review. (Photos by Spencer Durham)

public hazard to all the communities in the area.” Representatives for Mann Brothers said at the July 20 meeting that safeguards, including a double-walled gas tank and modern technology, will prevent leaks. Jesse Mann, who founded the Friendly Market line of stores with his brother Soni, said the town approved their stormwater permit. Plan commission members said they felt their hands were tied because of how the approval process works. State law mandates that if a development plan meets zoning standards and is consistent with a municipality’s comprehensive plan, it must be approved. Geyer argues there is case law, referencing a proposed Kroger gas station in Plainfield in 2009, that gives a plan commission the ability to strike down an approved-use project for safety reasons. “It is our opinion that the guidance that was given to them was … very inac-

curate,” he said. The group went silent following the commission’s vote but continued working behind the scenes. They sought new legal representation, retaining Nabeela Virjee, of Virjee Law in Indianapolis, and raising money for legal fees. Geyer said more than 100 people donated to the cause. Mann Brothers purchased the lot from Henke Development, which developed Holliday Farms, a few years ago. Mann said he was under the impression people knew a gas station was coming to the area and did not expect the opposition. “It was actually a huge surprise to us,” he said. “We were caught off guard about it.” Geyer alleged Henke Development told Mann neighbors would support the project. Mann did not comment on the matter. Henke also did not respond to the claim, but stated a gas station had

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS Construction started Aug. 18 on the gas station. Earth-moving equipment began work Aug. 24. Jesse Mann of Mann Brothers Holdings said the gas station is a need because there are few fueling options along U.S. 421 north of town and intends to be involved in the community.

“This means a lot more to us than a location to us … we’re moving to that area,” he said. Mann said he and his brother purchased lots in the Promontory of Zionsville community. He stressed the gas station will be family friendly.

been a long-established use for the area. “The Town of Zionsville approved the PUD back in 2018 after a public process that involved public meetings, including community input and was of public record before any lots were sold in Holliday Farms,” Clint Cushman of Henke Development stated. “In addition, it is our understanding the current property owner is developing a project that is expected to meet the highest architectural and landscaping standards.” Geyer also claimed Henke offered to offset the cost of moving the gas station to another parcel in the Holliday Farms PUD. Mann did say a conversation took place but did not specifically respond to if moving the store was an option. Henke did not respond to the allegation, either. Mann said the project needed to move forward because of the investment the company had already made. “There was not a best option for everybody,” Mann said. “We had to take it to the finish line.” Geyer said the neighborhood alliance would support a convenience store-only project and intends to boycott the gas station if it is built. ON THE COVER: A Friendly Market gas

station in Holliday Farms continues to face opposition from residents who are challenging the project in court. (Photo by Spencer Durham)

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CURRENT IN ZIONSVILLE 09.01.26 • youarecurrent.com

BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT: Commentary by Larry Greene This east Carmel kitchen was reworked with a warmer, more refined layout that balances everyday function with elevated architectural details.

Carmel kitchen gets a modern makeover AFTER

THE BLUEPRINT • A generous new island creates seating for five while giving the kitchen a stronger central gathering point. • Warm wood cabinetry and brass hardware bring richness to the bright, neutral palette. • Quartz countertops continue into the arched cooking niche for a seamless, custom look. • Updated appliance placement and added storage improve everyday function throughout the room. • Statement brass pendants and layered lighting complete the polished, welcoming transformation. 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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Your source for local arts & entertainment and upcoming events • youarecurrent.com

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09.01.26 • youarecurrent.com

ATI takes on 1970s version of ‘Beehive’ By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurret.com For Rachel Dudt, it’s fitting that she returns to perform in Actors Theatre of Indiana’s season opener. Dudt appeared in “Beehive: The ’60s Musical,” which opened the 2025-26 season. She will return in the sequel, “Never Can Say Goodbye: The ’70s Beehive Musical,” Sept. 4 to 20 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. ATI is the third organization to present the show. “We had such a good response from ‘Beehive,’ the ’60s version,” Dudt said. “This is kind of an extension of that moving into the ’70s. I think this will be even more engaging with everybody because there’s such a variety. You have folk rock, hard rock and you’ve got disco. There’s a little something for everybody in there.” Dudt will perform songs by Blondie, Ann Wilson of Heart and Helen Reddy. In the ’60s version, she sang songs by Janis Joplin and Carole King. “We’re not necessarily doing impersonations like we did last year,” Dudt said. “It’s just a little more of a flavor of the artists instead of being completely costumed as them as a tribute.” Dudt said she has always loved Heart and gets to sing “Barracuda.” “Heart has one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time, especially in the ‘70s when women weren’t really headlining groups,” Dudt said. “So, it’s cool we end Act 1 with a whole Heart medley.” Performing Reddy’s “I Am Woman” is another special moment for Dudt. “The arrangement is really cool and gets everybody involved, and it’s kind of like the female anthem of the ’70s,” she said. Dudt said the ’60s version was more of a chronological depiction of that decade, and this version is more about the diversity of the musical genres. “You get the folk rock with Linda Ronstadt and the glam rock with Blondie and some hard rock with

‘RING OF FIRE’ “Ring of Fire” runs through Oct. 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com. ‘THE ‘70S BEEHIVE MUSICAL’ Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Never Can Say Goodbye: The ‘70s Beehive Musical” from Sept. 4 to 20 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. Rachel Dudt returns to perform in the 1970s version of “Beehive” at ATI. (Photo courtesy of Joey Mervis)

Heart,” she said. “Then you get a whole country section and then it gets into disco.” Kira Rangel performed in ATI’s “Beehive” last year, too. Rangel performed Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin songs in last year’s production. “This time we’re all in basically every song, and there’s a lot of mashups, too,” said Rangel, who is based in the Quad Cities area in Iowa. “There’s sections by genre, so there’s rock, bohemian, country and, my favorite, funk. It just takes you down memory lane, and with the costumes, it’s like you’re about to be transplanted to another time again.” Rangel said she sings “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack, “Up the Ladder to the Roof” by the Supremes and “Le Freak” by Chic. “I’m excited because we’ve never done it before. We get to try new

things and make it our own,” she said. “This is the music I would hear Sunday morning when my mom was cleaning the house. That’s how I knew it was time because she would be blasting all these artists.” Debbie Hill wasn’t in ATI’s “Beehive” last year, but this is her third ATI show. The Fortville resident was in “Sunset Boulevard” earlier this year and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” in 2019. Hill said her parents listened to the show’s style of music. “I’m enjoying a deep dive in and getting to sing a lot of female harmonies,” Hill said. “I’ve always been a big fan of Linda Ronstadt, so I’m excited there are two of her songs in there.” Hill sings Ronstadt’s “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” and takes the lead on one of the Supremes’ song. A Lafayette native, Hill teaches musical theater at Ball State. For more, visit atistage.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET Marilyn Maye will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3-4 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

DISPATCHES  Concerts set in Fishers — The White River Chamber Orchestra and Wind Symphony in Fishers will each perform two concerts between October and June 2027. On Oct. 3, the Wind Symphony will perform with the theme of “Through Time and Space.” The Chamber Orchestra will play its “Christmas Extravaganza” Dec. 6 and will present “An Evening with Haydn and Mozart” on April 17, 2027. The season will end with the 11th annual “Sounds of America” concert June 27. All concerts will be at Legacy Bible Church in Fishers. Tickets are available at FishersMusicWorks.org.  “American Pickers” looking for Indiana collections — The History Channel series “American Pickers,” which takes viewers through private collections of historical items, is returning to Indiana in October. Anyone with a private collection who would like to be considered for the show can send full name, city and state, contact information and a brief description of your collection to AmericanPickers@cineflix.com or call 646-493-2184.

ENTERTAINMENT

CURRENT IN ZIONSVILLE 09.01.26 • youarecurrent.com

Atlanta band returns to Indy By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com

With a quartet of multi-instrumentalist songwriters, Atlanta rock band Improvement Movement writes songs in a variety of ways. Sometimes members split into groups and write in pairs. Sometimes they simply jam for a while and see what comes of it. Their newest album, “Your Perfect Real Life,” involved another key writing partner — the audience. The band’s recent experiences on the road heavily inspired the album, which was released Aug. 21 on ATO Records. Bassist Marshall Ruffin said many people come up after shows to tell them how their music impacted their lives. “That’s a gift that people are giving us, just the explanation as to how our art affected their lives,” Ruffin said. “And then there’s no way for it not to inform the next batch of music that we make, whether indirectly or very directly in some ways.” They’re returning to one of the venues that inspired them, with a Sept. 18 show at Turntable in Broad Ripple.

Improvement Movement performs Sept. 18 at Turntable in Broad Ripple. (Photo by Trent Tomlinson)

“It’s very cool, and the canal is beautiful,” drummer Tony Aparo said. “(Indianapolis) feels like a good place for creative folks to be hanging out.” That pattern of bonding with audiences and communities is vital to their goals as musicians. They’re looking forward to feeding off the energy at their Indianapolis show, and the members of the band encourage attendees to get there early enough to hear the opening act The Point. Tickets are available at turntableindy.com.

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Visit carmelartsfestival.org for more information.

“Les Misérables” makes its return Oct. 7, 2027 to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

B&B’s ‘27 season set By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.co Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s 2027 season features some old favorites along with three shows making their debut at the Indianapolis venue. “This is one of the most exciting seasons we have had since the (COVID-19) pandemic with all-time crowd favorites like ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘Grease’ mixed with the Disney powerhouse ‘Frozen,’” Beef & Boards owner Doug Stark said of the Sept. 1 season announcement. “This season is going to keep our production staff working overtime.” Shows making their Beef & Boards debuts are “The Bunco Squad,” “Frozen” and “On Your Feet.” The season begins Jan. 7 with a comedy based in Indiana. “The Bunco Squad” follows a group of friends who roll dice together in Seymour for a night of Bunco, but it’s not always sure they will get the opportunity to actually play the game. “‘The Bunco Squad’ is very funny, and don’t we all need a good laugh to start the year?” Stark said. “Grease,” which was last performed at Beef & Boards in 2019, starts Feb. 11. The show, set in 1959, relives days of hot rods, diners and drive-ins. Memorable songs include “Greased Lightnin’,” “You’re The One That I Want” and “Summer Nights.” Next starting April 8 is the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic “South Pacific,” set during World War II. “South Pacific” won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score. The score features “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Nothing Like a Dame” and “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.” “Frozen” follows with a May 21 start. The musical is based on Disney’s Academy Award-winning animated film

“Frozen,” which tells of the perpetual winter brought on by Princess Elsa in her mountain kingdom Arendelle, and the efforts of her sister Anna and her friends to break the icy spell. The story of “Always…Patsy Cline” and the country singer’s friendship with a fan named Louise Seger begins July 22. There are more than two dozen songs, including hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walking After Midnight.” “On Your Feet,” the musical celebrating the true story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, opens Aug. 26. Stark said “On Your Feet” is the show he looks forward to the most. “The Latin rhythms grab each of us and make you join the conga line, whatever your age,” he said. “Les Misérables” makes its return Oct. 7, 2027 to the Beef & Boards stage. The classic musical was last performed there in 2013. Beef & Boards’ 54th year wraps up during the holidays with “A Beef & Boards Christmas.” The original production starts Nov. 26, 2027 and concludes New Year’s Eve. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

BEEF & BOARDS 2027 SCHEDULE • • • • •

“The Bunco Squad,” Jan.7-Feb. 7 “Grease,” Feb. 11-April 4 “South Pacific,” April 8-May 16 “Disney’s Frozen,” May 21-July 18 “Always… Patsy Cline,” July 22Aug. 22 • “On Your Feet,” Aug. 26-Oct. 3 • “Les Misérables,” Oct. 7-Nov. 21 • “A Beef & Boards Christmas,” Nov. 26-Dec. 31

ENTERTAINMENT

CURRENT IN ZIONSVILLE

09.01.26 • youarecurrent.com

Abigail Lessaris models a costume for last year’s Fashion at The Florence in 2024. (Photo courtesy of GHDT)

Fashion at The Florence set By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s Fashion at The Florence serves as a sneak preview of sorts. “It’s a great way to kick the season off because it premieres what our audience will see onstage in the coming season,” said Christine Colquitt Thacker, executive assistant and coordinator for GHDT. “We chose costumes from the upcoming season, so attendees will experience beautiful pieces up close from ‘The Black Dahlia,’ ‘Salem,’ ‘A Night in India’ and more. You get inside information on their creation, why certain design elements are present and get to see them up close. The fundraiser is set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at The Florence at The Academy of GHDT in Carmel. The season opens with “Salem” Oct. 23-24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. GHDT Executive Director Gregory Hancock and Colquitt Thacker will provide insight on the fashion creations and the pieces that inspired them. “Inspiration for these dynamic garments comes from all over the world,” Colquitt Thacker said.“We will also have a cabaret singer that has chosen to sing works that complement each costume theme and will help add even more entertainment to the evening.” Another unique collaboration, Mélange Series, returns with performances at 5 p.m. Sept. 12 and 3 p.m. Sept. 13 with musician Noelle Tretick Gosling, dancer Nathalie Boyle and visual artist Xavier Gray. The artists collaborate to create art in front of the audience. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

HEADLINE PERFORMANCE BY THE BACON BROTHERS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

Elegant dinner, live performance, after-parties and more! Proceeds benefit Allied Solutions Center’s arts and educational programming Join us! Tables and sponsorship opportunities still available. Learn more at TheCenterpresents.org/Gala SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS, INCLUDING:

ENTERTAINMENT

CURRENT IN ZIONSVILLE 09.01.26 • youarecurrent.com

14th annul Fishers Blues Fest features young talent By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com When Georgia bluesman Jontavious Willis plays festivals that charge high ticket prices, he looks out at the audience and feels a disconnect. “You’ve got a football field worth of chairs and coolers, which is cool, but it ain’t the same if people aren’t out there shaking their booty, man,” Willis said. At free concerts, he tends to see more passionate blues fans who are there to move with the music and engage with the performance. “Those folks were so hungry for that music, man, and it makes you play harder,” Willis said. STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION *(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)* 1. Publication Title: Current 2. Publication Number: PE25-933 3. Filing Date: 11-18-25 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 52 6. Annual Subscription Price: $0 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 525 North End Dr #175, Carmel, IN 46032 (Contact Person: Benjamin Weir, 317-748-2662) 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office:** 525 North End Dr #175, Carmel, IN 46032 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Benjamin Weir, 525 North End Dr #175, Carmel, IN 46032 Editor: Leila Kheiry, 525 North End Dr #175, Carmel, IN 46032 Managing Editor: Richard Morwick, 525 North End Dr #175, Carmel, IN 46032 10. Owner: Benjamin J. Weir, 525 North End Dr #175, Carmel, IN 46032 Steve Greenberg, 525 North End Dr #175, Carmel, IN 46032 Terry Anker, 525 North End Dr #175, Carmel, IN 46032 Scott Wharton, 525 North End Dr #175, Carmel, IN 46032 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders: None 12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation | Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months a. Total Number of Copies: 119,198 b. Total Paid Distribution: 0 c. Total Paid Distribution: 0 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Free Outside-County Copies Stated on PS Form 3541: 22,756 (2) Free In-County Copies Stated on PS Form 3541: 96,182 (4) Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers) | 250 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 119,188 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 119,188 g. Copies not Distributed: 0 h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15g) 119,198 i. Percent Paid: 0% (Requester) 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership: Printed in the Sept. 1, 2026 issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title: Benjamin Weir, Publisher (Date: 8-18-26).

When Willis headlines the free Fishers Blues Fest, he hopes to get the kind of crowd that gives him that energy. The festival, presented Sept. 5 and 6 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers, prides itself on being one of the most accessible blues festivals in the nation, offering free admission, free parking and accommodations for people of all abilities. The 14th annual Blues Fest has a lineup bursting with young talent. Willis, 30, has long been hailed as one of the nation’s great young blues performers, but he laughed as he talked about feeling old compared to some of the other names in the lineup. Two of the biggest up-and-coming names in the genre, Mathias Lattin and Dylan Triplett, will perform, as will singer Judith Hill. Lattin, 24, and Triplett, 26, have drawn attention because of their youth, but their versatility and range might unite them more. Lattin describes his sound as “blues PUBLIC NOTICE A public hearing for FOG Fee Ordinance No. 08-10-2026 will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the TriCo Regional Sewer Utility office at 7236 Mayflower Park Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077 ORDINANCE NO. 08-10-2026 An ordinance establishing a Utility-wide monthly FOG Facility Fee to be collected from the owners of registered FOG facilities served by the sewage works of TriCo Regional Sewer Utility. WHEREAS, pursuant to Indiana Code 13-26 TriCo Regional Sewer Utility (Utility) is a regional sewer district that owns, operates, manages and controls a sewage works and related facilities to collect, convey, treat and dispose of wastewater from residences, businesses, industries and institutions located within the boundaries of the Utility’s service area; and WHEREAS, Indiana Code 13-26-11 authorizes the Utility’s Board of Trustees to adopt by ordinance a just and equitable fees for sewer services rendered by the Utility, and may adjust its fees by ordinance after notice and public hearing; and WHEREAS, based upon a financial analysis conducted by Utility staff as a result of House Enrolled Act 1348, the Board of Trustees desires to implement a fee for FOG Facilities. Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Board of Trustees of TriCo Regional Sewer Utility, Indiana: Section 1. Every FOG Facility whose premises are served by the sewage works shall be charged the monthly FOG fee of $45 per pretreatment device. The fee is established to enable the Utility to recover from FOG Facility users the increased costs of operating and maintaining the sewage works. Section 2. Prior Schedule of Monthly User Charges This ordinance shall be supplementary to Ordinance 05-12-2025. Nothing in the Ordinance shall be construed as limiting the applicability of the Utility's various use ordinances or other definitions or terms contained in other Ordinances. Section 11. The invalidity of any section, clause, sentence, or provision of this Ordinance shall not affect the validity of any part of this Ordinance which can be given effect without such invalid part or parts. Section 12. The revised rates shall become effective November 1, 2026, and thereafter.

Jontavious Willis will headline Fishers Blues Fest. (Photo courtesy of the Jontavious Willis Team)

with a twist,” which he honed playing jazz, rock, blues, Latin and even classical music in his hometown of Houston. His multi-faceted guitar playing earned him worldwide fame in 2023 when he became one of the only musicians to ever win both the Best Guitarist and Best Band awards at the International Blues Challenge. Both Lattin and Triplett are signed to blues artist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram’s Red Zero label, and Lattin works with the label as a writer and producer as well. He has worked with artists ranging from country to hiphop, and has seen how blues music has

influenced those genres. Experiencing the blues through their eyes has been invigorating, he said. While some purists prefer straightforward blues, Lattin said many young blues artists understand the importance of incorporating other genres and influences. “The blues is going to be in good hands, not only with myself, but with Dylan Triplett, with Kingfish, with Jontavious,” Lattin said. “It’s not gone, it’s just newer, it’s fresh.” Triplett said he plays “a little bit of blues, a little bit of soul, and a little bit of everything else in between.” The East St. Louis native has turned heads with his vocal range, which spans four and a half octaves. He’s also proven that he can use that range effectively, sliding between gritty blues performances and smooth soul numbers. Triplett plays at 7:15 p.m. Sept. 5 before Hill’s set at 8:30 p.m. Hill, 42, has recorded backing vocals for Michael Jackson, Prince and others, and has released five solo albums. Lattin plays at 7:15 p.m. Sept. 6 before Willis’ headlining set at 8:30 p.m. Attendees can find more information at npdamp.com.

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A S T H M A A T L V A L S T R E A K T O E L E S S Y O U R O C K M Y W O R L D E W E A S S I G N T E R S E S T S O E A S Y O R W E L L T K O O L L I E O O O D O I N P E A C E F U L W O R L D L E E R T D S N A I L S A R C R E B U F F S A H A R A U P S T A R T D E P O T S F E E A R O U N D T H E W O R L D T O R P E D O D E V O I D T E N A S P Y E A S T Y

24-HOUR EMERGENC Y SERVICE

Bucket Truck Service • Spraying • Stump Removal • Topping • Root Feeding

Classifieds

VISA, MasterCard accepted. Reach 126,986 homes weekly

SERVICES

CURRENT IN ZIONSVILLE

09.01.26 • youarecurrent.com

10% OFF

317-397-9389

Same & next day available.

910-6990

If you are a CPA or seasoned EA, recently retired, near-retirement and/or are seeking part-time work, please read on. We are a friendly, growing professional company with a five-star reputation that provides accounting, tax and business advisory services, searching for a qualified professional that wishes to work part-time preparing business and individual tax returns. This is a new position to help meet increased demand. For more information & qualifications or to submit a resume email position4newperson@gmail.com.

HUNT CLUB

BOARDING KENNEL NOW HIRING Adults Hrs. 7- Noon And/ or 3-8 PM. Starting @ $15.00/HR. Send resumes to huntclubkennel@gmail.com

NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE

FOR SALE FOR SALE

Yellow Labrador Retriever puppies. Male and female. Born June 15. Farm raised.1st shots, wormed, chipped and registered. Ready to go August 10. 765.438.7718 Deer Creek IN

SEEKING SPACE TO LEASE Carmel Community Players seeking 4K–6K SF space in the Carmel area for performance venue. Flexible use; experienced with tenant improvements. Long-term lease. Contact: info@carmelplayers.org

BOOTH RENT BOOTH RENT

(By the day) HAIR STYLISTS OR BARBERS Experienced - Own Clients VERY BUSY AREA – CARMEL 317-844-8579 (leave message)

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE! Call Dennis O’Malia 317-370-0749

Call Dennis O’Malia at 317-370-0749 to order your classified ad or business card today!

CURRENT IN ZIONSVILLE 09.01.26 • youarecurrent.com

1 Day Installation 4x Stronger than Epoxy Lifetime No-Hassle Warranty

COMMERCIAL

GARAGE FLOORS

2025

NATIONAL DEALER

OF THE YEAR

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PORCHES/ PATIOS

PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED CONCRETE COATING SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS!

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10% OFF

Your Concrete Coating Project Initial visit only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. New orders only. Expires 10/4/26

GARAGES |

EPOXY

751-1726

317

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GalaxyConcreteCoatings.com FINANCING AVAILABLE

PATIOS | POOL DECKS | BASEMENTS | COMMERCIAL

THE HIXON 5 Piece Set: sofa, 2 swivel chairs, coffee table, nesting side table

GET STARTED: 1 SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION Book a complimentary in-showroom meeting with our design team.

BAINBRIDGE 3 Piece Set: sofa, 2 swivel gliders

2 DISCUSS YOUR DESIGN Meet your designer and review the outdoor space, budget, and style vision.

THE DEL MAR 5 Piece Set: 3 armless sofas, 2 storage arm rests, ottoman

DOOR FURNITURE

3 CONFIRM DESIGN & INSTALL Give your final approval and our team will schedule your install day!

MONTAUK SOFA 3 Piece Set: 1 Sofa, 2 Swivels

50% OFF ALL IN STOCK OUTDOOR FURNITURE Does not apply to previous purchase. Special order not included. Delivery costs are additional. Photos are a representation. All frames pictured may not be available.

HOURS Tues-Fri 10-5 Sat 9-4 Mon & Sun. Closed

4343 W 96TH ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46268 RGDECOR.COM (317) 733-1200

TALK TO A DESIGNER: