June 20, 2023 — Noblesville

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Southwest corner of 116th & I-69

City OKs $630K contracts with consultants

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Noblesville has approved contracts totaling $630,000 with two consulting firms to represent the city and to perform an economic impact and feasibility analysis tied to the construction and development of an arena on the city’s east side in partnership with Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

being developed in which the city will commit $36.5 million toward the project. The Mad Ants will relocate to Noblesville from Fort Wayne as part of the plan.

GOVERNMENT

The Noblesville Board of Works and Safety approved an agreement June 13 with Indianapolis-based CHA Consulting, Inc. for $486,000 to represent the city in the partnership with Pacers Sports & Entertainment to construct and operate a 3,400-seat arena at Finch Creek Park, where the Pacers’ G League team, the Mad Ants, will play in the 2024-25 season.

Under the 22-month contract with CHA Consulting, Inc., the firm will represent the city and has worked on similar projects like the one planned in Noblesville with cities across the county, said Andrew Murray, economic development director for the city. Murray said CHA Consulting, Inc., will guide the city through the pre-construction and construction phases while ensuring the project is completed on schedule.

“It’s always good to bring someone in who’s an expert in that field,” Murray said. “CHA had experience in sports facilities that we felt was important to us.”

In May, the city and Pacers Sports & Entertainment announced a partnership that will result in an 85,000-square-foot arena

The Noblesville Board of Works and Safety also approved a second consulting contract tied to the project with Chicago-based Hunden Partners for $144,000 to conduct an economic impact and feasibility analysis on behalf of the city. Noblesville will pay for the contract costs with CHA Consulting, Inc., and Hunden Partners totaling $630,000 through unrestricted funds within the city’s Corporate Campus East TIF District.

The city will then reimburse the TIF out of bond proceeds once the project bond is issued, officials said.

Matt Light, deputy mayor for the city, said Hunden Partners is engaged with Hamilton County Tourism to develop a 10-year comprehensive tourism master plan and action plan for the county, which includes the Business of Entertainment and Sports Tourism, or BEST, study. The study, he said, “analyzes existing assets and amenities within the county and identifies gaps and opportunities for future investment that could create additional economic activity and benefit for the community.”

Light said the city selected Hunden Partners based on their experience on other projects elsewhere, including Grand Park in Westfield and Bankers Life Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis. Under the contract approved by the city, Hunden Partners will perform its economic impact and feasibility analysis for Noblesville that is expected to take about two months to complete, Light

DISPATCHES

Send us your stories and photos – Please email story suggestions on new businesses, interesting residents, upcoming events, news tips and photos to Current in Noblesville Managing Editor Matthew Kent at matthew@youarecurrent.com. For photo submissions, please provide the full names of individuals, along with a short description of the event, location and the date of when it took place.

Veteran resource fair set for July 8 – Veterans, active military, their families and the general public are invited to a veteran re-

said.

“Anytime that a city makes an investment like this magnitude, we want to have a really good sense of what’s the return on the investment for the taxpayer and what direct economic impact it will have,” Light said.

As part of Hunden’s work, Light said the firm will not only look at how many jobs will be created as a result of construction, but also what type of economic activity can be anticipated. Hunden’s work is expected to take about two months to complete, which will help determine key decisions regarding the design of the facility, according to Light.

A report will eventually be delivered to Mayor Chris Jensen, who will then brief the Noblesville Common Council on the firm’s work, Light said.

“We believe this analysis will significantly enhance our decision-making on the project as it relates to arena/event center design, project budgets, flexible use of the facility for days when not in use by the G League, surrounding and complementary uses and funding strategies,” Light said.

Under a 10-year partnership agreement between the city and Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the city will be responsible for issuing bonds to finance the design and construction of the facility. The Pacers will rent the event center for 10 years with a one 10-year option with rent averaging $500,000 annually over the 10-year term, according to the agreement.

The new arena is anticipated to open during the 2024-25 season, and the Mad Ants would play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the interim, officials said.

source fair July 8. The event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Noblesville Schools Community Center, 1775 Field Dr., will allow visitors to learn about all the federal, state and local resources available to military veterans. Those who attend will also learn about what is being done to eliminate suicides in Hamilton County through the Stronger Veterans Stronger Communities Coalition, which will be launching the Governor’s Challenge and Ask The Question in Hamilton County next month. For more, visit hamiltoncountyveterans.com.

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

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Judge: Noblesville school shooter will remain detained

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

happened.”

CRIME

A Madison County judge has ruled that the former Noblesville West Middle School student who wounded a fellow student and a teacher in a 2018 shooting at the school will remain detained.

Madison County Circuit Judge Stephen Koester said June 7 that David Moore would remain in custody. Moore was charged in May by Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings with battery against a public safety official, a Level 6 felony, stemming from an incident that occurred March 20 while Moore was at the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility in Madison County.

A probable cause statement alleges that Moore punched a criminal justice case manager twice in the breast. The individual told police that Moore and another juvenile had entered her office but did not have time to meet with both of them and directed them out in an ushering kind of motion, according to the probable cause statement. She described the punch as “a kind of fist bump” and indicated it was not a hard punch, the statement said.

A report was taken and Moore was asked about the alleged incident, which he acknowledged and indicated it was horseplay and not a big deal, according to the statement. The statement also said that the individual pushed Moore as he was leaving her office “indicating and initiating horseplay.” “In response to her actions, he quickly turned around and gestured two play punches and accidently contacted her breast,” according to the probable cause statement. “(Moore) stated he didn’t think it was a big deal because Ms. (redacted) didn’t say anything to him and acted as if nothing

Moore, who was 13 at the time of the school shooting inside a classroom, faced a hearing in April to review his potential release last month, but a Hamilton County Circuit judge ruled that Moore would remain in the custody of the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center.

Moore, who appeared for a hearing June 6, will be transferred from the Hamilton County Juvenile Services Center to the Madison County Youth Center Secure Detention Unit, according to Koester’s ruling. Koester said in his ruling, “Based on the totality of the circumstances in this case, the Court cannot say it is in the best interest of safety and security of the community for the Youth to be released pending the final outcome of this new matter.”

The judge said he reviewed documents, including those in the Hamilton County case, as well as a psychological and risk assessment and consultation report filed May 30, according to court records.

“Despite numerous years of intensive rehabilitation at the Department of Correction, the Youth now faces a delinquency count of Battery Against a Public Safety Official, a level 6 Felony if committed by an adult, allegedly occurring just before his release,” Koester wrote. “The new allegations include reports of a flippant attitude concerning the allegations, much like the continued noted lack of remorse or empathy shown about the underlying , much more serious, offenses that led to his DOC wardship.”

Koester also wrote in his order that he determined that Moore “is a risk to the community” and that out of home placement is in his best interests and well-being. A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for 9 a.m. June 30, according to Koester.

DISPATCH

Students named to dean’s list – The following students from Noblesville have been named to the dean’s list at Indiana University-Kokomo for the spring semester: Samantha Marie Barentine, MaryClare Burch, Seth Valentine Calvert, Emma Cowan, Macy M. Davidson, Megan Dorsch, Nathan Lee Driesen, Benjamin David Earl, Kyle David Earl, Ricardo Augusto Esquivel, Joshua Edward Farmer, Kaitlin Noel Garner, Abigail Jae Harris, Abigail Helms, Xavier David Hines,

Sophia F. Huffman, Alexis Diane Ketring, Lucas Micheal Letsinger, Riley Renee Marcum, Elsoud Mohamad Oyoun, Mackenzie Elizabeth Pedigo, Grace Elizabeth Peters, Emily Milligan Pyle, Lia Grace Roudebush, Connor Martin Schweck, Gurinder Sembhi, Patrick A. Simpson, Audrey Michelle Soel, Adrian Antoniu Suster, Archie Joesph Tarzwell, Olivia Caryn Terry, Delaney Grace Wente, Lydia Hope Wente and Kinzie Leigh Whipple.

County address set for June 28

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger will deliver the State of the County address June 28.

JESSE ROMERO

Evangelist, Catholic author, radio host

EDUCATION

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hamilton County 4-H Exhibition Center at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., in Noblesville. The theme to this year’s address will be “The Way We Were,” a homage to Hamilton County’s bicentennial celebration.

Among the topics expected to be addressed include renovations to the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, construction on a domestic violence shelter and growth in the county’s parks and recreation department, according to a news release. Infrastructure projects such as an interchange project at 146th and Allisonville Road, updates on State Road 37 and a new bridge over Pleasant Street in Noblesville will also be discussed.

As part of the renovations at the fairgrounds, the county plans to construct a bicentennial pavilion building and a new

maintenance building, while officials are also planning an addition at the llama barn building as part of a $15 million project under Phase 1A. Work is expected to begin sometime this fall, according to Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt.

Future phases are also planned, although no determination has been made yet on what other improvements will be made, Heirbrandt said. The county is also leading a $44 million interchange project at 146th Street and Allisonville Road as part of an effort to improve traffic through the corridor.

The project on the border of Noblesville and Fishers will convert the intersection into a grade-separated interchange with 146th Street going over a roundabout on Allisonville Road. Work is set to be finished in the summer of 2025, according to the county.

The State of the County is hosted by the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce. Member pricing begins at $35 for a single ticket and $350 for a corporate table of eight. Registration is required and can be done by visiting noblesvillecamber.com

St. Elmo wins spirits awards

By Mark LaFay editorial@youarecurrent.com

JULY 28 | 6 PM

JULY 29 | 8:30 AM

FRIDAY: COCKTAILS, DINNER AND TALK

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RECOGNITION

St. Elmo Steak House, arguably the most well-known steakhouse in Indiana, was recently recognized for another of its signature menu items – cocktails.

The downtown Indianapolis restaurant won a pair of Double Gold medals for its Espresso Martini and Cosmopolitan cocktails in the Ready-To-Drink category at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The SFWSP is the oldest and, likely, most prestigious spirits competition in the nation.

St. Elmo recently began bottling its Espresso Martini and Cosmopolitan cocktails, two of its top sellers.

“Our ready-to-pour cocktails are great for enjoying a piece of the St. Elmo’s experience at home,” said Stephanie Ebarb, director of marketing for Huse Culinary Group. “Now, you can have a St Elmo’s cocktail at home without needing all of the ingredients and without any of the mess.”

Opened in 1902, St Elmo is the oldest Indi-

St. Elmo’s award-winning cocktails are available in bottles.

(Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary Group)

anapolis steakhouse in its original location and is well known for its steak, seafood and wine cellar. As its recent awards reflect, it is now building a sterling reputation for cocktails.

“Winning two Double Gold medals is a rare achievement. We are quite proud,” said Bryn Jones, vice president of marketing for Huse Culinary Group.

St. Elmo’s ready-to-drink cocktails can be found at grocery and liquor stores in central Indiana. The products can be purchased online at Shopstelmococktails.com for shipping nationwide.

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Dillinger

New leader takes over at Prevail, Inc.

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The leader of a nonprofit organization in Noblesville that advocates for victims of crime and abuse is settling into her new job.

Tami Wanninger, who lives in Westfield, was hired as the executive director of Prevail, Inc., and started in her new role May 22. Before coming to Prevail, Inc., Wanninger worked at Noble, Inc., a nonprofit based in Indianapolis that works with individuals who have disabilities, for more than 28 years.

The organization’s mission is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families through individualized services, according to Noble, Inc.’s website.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of executive director and lead this incredible organization to new heights. Prevail is such an

impactful organization helping so many in our community. I’m honored to lead Prevail forward,” Wanninger said in a statement earlier this year.

Debbie Johnson, who serves as board president of Prevail, Inc., said that Wanninger’s dedication to serving others is evident in her entire career history that has been focused on nonprofit leadership.

“Tami’s dedication to giving back extends beyond her professional work, as she has generously given her time and expertise to numerous boards, committees, and volunteering efforts in the community. With her deep roots and strong relationships in Hamilton County, we are confident that Tami is the right leader to guide Prevail into the future,” Johnson said.

Wanninger took over the role from Caroline Dutkanych, who served as Prevail’s interim executive director since Jan. 23. For more on Prevail, Inc., visit prevailinc.org/.

City OKs annexations for homes

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

City leaders in Noblesville have approved annexing nearly 200 acres of land that will result in the construction of 391 new homes.

CITY NEWS

The Noblesville Common Council voted 8-0 June 13 to approve the annexation of 153 acres of land, which is bounded by East 171st Street, Seminole/ Millcreek roads, and East 161st Street and Cherry Tree Road. The area, which was granted a preliminary development plan in March 2022, is a residential planned development proposed by Mark Gradison and will bring 315 homes, said Joyceann Yelton, development services manager with the city’s Planning and Development Dept.

Yelton said two homebuilders, Lennar and Pulte, plan to build within the subdivision. The council also approved a second annexation for 40 acres of land south of East 191st Street and west of the Pebble Brook Golf Course. That property, Yelton said, will result in the addition of 76 homes in Noblesville.

City officials also discussed a proposed

plan at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in which Hamilton County plans to remove three buildings. Yelton said the county plans to construct a bicentennial pavilion building and a new maintenance building, while officials are also planning an addition at the llama barn building at the fairgrounds at 2001 Pleasant St.

The matter went before the council, which will be asked to approve an ordinance amending a Unified Development Ordinance during its 7 p.m. meeting June 27. The city’s plan commission unanimously approved an amendment of waivers during its May 15 meeting for building and parking lot setbacks tied to a Pleasant Street rightof-way, along with the acceptance of wall and sign elevations, including the relocation of a digital sign outside the fairgrounds.

Construction on the planned improvements under Phase 1A at the fairgrounds will cost around $15 million, according to Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt, who said work won’t begin until sometime this fall. Future phases are also planned at the fairgrounds, although what that might involve hasn’t been determined yet, Heirbrandt said.

Wanninger

Noblesville nonprofit receives $5K donation

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Noblesville nonprofit that works to eliminate hunger among Hamilton County students has received a $5,000 donation from WalkerHughes Insurance that could be doubled with the public’s help.

INITIATIVE

WalkerHughes Insurance received a 2023 Make More Happen Award for its volunteerism with Fueled for School from Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance that came with a $5,000 donation for Fueled for School. The organization provides food insecure youth with nutritious meal packs, promotes the educational value of nutrition and increases access to local food, according to the organization.

A WalkerHughes Insurance and Fueled for School community story will run through the end of June at agentgiving.com/WalkerHughes-Insurance, in which supporters can help reach the donation goal. If the featured story receives a mix of at least 500 votes and comments, the $5,000 donation will be raised to $10,000, officials said.

“Fueled for School is a wonderful organization and doing big work in our community supporting our little kiddos,” said Stephanie Marsh, director of client engagement for WalkerHughes Insurance. “We are grateful to Liberty Mutual and Safeco for providing much-needed funds to continue their impactful work and thrilled at the opportunity to double the donation just by calling on the community to show their support.”

Funds generated for Fueled for School go toward the organization’s summer meal program and purchasing food for students. If donations are doubled, it would allow

Fueled for School to sponsor all the chil dren in the summer meal program for eight weeks or provide 2,000 weekend meal kits for students in the program, officials said.

The donation would also support an effort to expand the facility to store more food. Fueled for School was nominated as Charity of the Quarter by Dennis Trusty, the director of technology at WalkerHughes Insurance. Trusty’s wife, Kristina, founded Fueled for School, where she serves as ex ecutive director.

“WalkerHughes Insurance is a shining example of our independent agents’ end less dedication to their nonprofit partners through their volunteering, fundraising and overall awareness efforts,” said Brandi Sheets, Liberty Mutual Insurance Midwest region senior territory manager. “The Make More Happen Awards allow our agents to spread the word about their good deeds and we hope it inspires others in Indianap olis to get involved.”

For more on Fueled for School, visit fu eledforschool.org.

DISPATCHES

Student inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa – Noblesville resident Lacey Stecker was recently initiated into the Union College (Nebraska) Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society.

Trine University students graduate –Noblesville residents Austin Hensley and Brandice Pruitt recently graduated from Trine University. Hensley earned a degree in design engineering technology, while Pruitt earned a degree in applied management.

Jury duty scam calls – The Hamilton County Courts are warning residents about a jury duty scam that has bilked dozens of people out of thousands of dollars. Scammers are calling residents and telling them they missed jury duty and have to pay a fine. Victims have reportedly lost upwards of $2,000 to $3,000 through gift cards and mobile payments like Zelle and Venmo. When in doubt, Court Administrator Jill Acklin recommends residents hang up and call 317-776-8589.

WalkerHughes Insurance donated $5,000 to Fueled for School, a Noblesville-based nonprofit organization, that could be doubled with the public’s help.

Algae at county park draws ire

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Carmel man is raising concerns over green algae at a Hamilton County park, but county officials dispute his allegations and say they have taken steps to fix the problem.

PARKS

Jeff Conrad, who teaches students fly fishing at Coxhall Gardens, said he has noticed algae almost all year round. Conrad placed direct blame on Hamilton County, saying the company that it uses “overtreats with fertilizer” and goes into the water.

“It’s gotten to the point where you can’t even fish there,” Conrad said.

Conrad said there are better ways to maintain a pond to prevent algae, adding that he understands the fertilizer keeps the grass looking green, in addition to the application of weed killer to eliminate weeds. However, it is the appearance of the lake that he is concerned about, he said.

Hamilton County parks spokesman Don Nicholls said the county has already taken steps to tackle the issue, including contacting its aquatics maintenance company to ensure that the problem is taken care of.

Nicholls said one of the pumps in the water tied to the overall aquatics maintenance of the pond was down but noted the county has reached out to the manufacturer.

That step, he said, would hopefully reduce the algae in the pond. Nicholls also said that a sudden increase in temperatures could also be a factor.

“That also leads to colonization of the algae more so than typical,” Nicholls said.

Nicholls also said that Conrad’s claims of runoff from fertilizer entering the pond that creates algae is incorrect. Nicholls said the county uses “very little fertilizer in our parks” and pointed out that the county has no control over what is used in nearby neighborhoods.

Green algae is seen at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel. (Photo by Jeff Conrad)

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Ivy Tech sets tuition, fees

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Ivy Tech Community College has established its tuition and fees for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years.

EDUCATION

The tuition and fees, which were passed by the college’s State Board of Trustees June 8, means Ivy Tech will offer the lowest tuition in Indiana, officials said in a statement. The end result will be lower tuition and fees for about twothirds of students who attend Ivy Tech.

Ivy Tech has a Hamilton County campus in Noblesville, 300 N. 17th St.

“The College takes its commitment to student affordability seriously, and we look for ways to reduce overall college costs for students in a transparent and equitable way,” President Sue Ellspermann said in a statement. “Our Ivy+ Tuition and Textbooks model saves students money by providing summer flex scholarships and leveraging our purchasing power to reduce textbook costs.”

Officials said that Ivy Tech uses a banded tuition structure, which means students enrolling in 12 or more credit hours pay the same tuition regardless of the number of credits in which they enroll. The structure encourages students to graduate faster, improve their academic performance and reduce the overall cost of their education, officials said.

Banded tuition and mandatory fees for 2023-24 will go from $2,318.25 per semester to $2,455.76 for 2023-2024 and $2,577.11 for 2024-25, according to a news release.

Ivy Tech is changing the structure of two fees to be incorporated into the tuition rate for 2023-24; those include a $75 per semester mandatory technology fee and a $20

per credit hour distance education fee for select modalities including classes taught through IvyOnline. Students will no longer be charged separate fees for these, the statement said.

Ivy Tech officials said the fee structure will improve transparency in costs and provide equity in how tuition and fees are applied across student populations.

“This will create savings for many students as this fee had historically been charged to all students rather than being proportional to the number of credits in which a student was enrolled. The $20 per credit hour distance education fee for select modalities including classes taught through IvyOnline is also eliminated,” officials said. “This fee was charged to 75 percent of students in the past academic year.”

Ivy Tech also said it has frozen tuition and offered free textbooks for the past two years, but said for the 2023-24 academic year, students will pay $17 per credit hour for all textbooks, a cost that will be reduced to $16.50 the following year. Ivy Tech also said that the federal Pell Grant provides students with up to $3,598 per semester, an amount more than the proposed Ivy Tech tuition and fees.

In addition, officials said that the state of Indiana has financial aid programs for students, including the Frank O’Bannon award, which provides students at Ivy Tech with up to $2,350 per semester, the 21st Century Scholars Award, which covers full tuition and fees, the Adult Student Grant, and the Workforce Ready Grant.

“These programs combined with Ivy Tech’s commitment to affordability help four out of every five Ivy Tech students complete with no debt,” officials said.

For more, visit ivytech.edu.

DISPATCHES

Chamber seeking award nominations –The Noblesville Chamber of Commerce and Women in Noblesville (WIN Network) are seeking nominations for the Women of Impact award for 2023. The award recognizes a woman who lives or works in Noblesville and is making a positive impact in the community through stewardship, service, leadership, and compassion. Applications will be received until July 16 with the award winner being announced at the annual WIN Leadership luncheon Aug. 23 at Mustard Seeds in Noblesville. To make a nomination, visit the chamber’s website at www.noblesvillechamber.com.

Students graduates from University of Alabama – Noblesville resident Carlee Brandon was among 5,885 students who recently graduated from the University of Alabama.

Student wins writing contest at Trine University – Noblesville resident Ava McCall placed third during the “Hear My Voice” writing contest at Trine University. Her submission, “Speculative Biology in Popular Culture and Educating a New Generation” was among 44 entries this year. She is a biology/pre-physician assistant major.

Noblesville residents named to president’s list – Noblesville resident Conner Barfield, who is a business administration major, was among 650 students at Bob Jones University named to the president’s list for the spring semester. Gustavo Vaca and Kevin Hoover were also named to the president’s list at Southern New Hampshire University for winter 2023.

Volunteers needed for water availability study – The Hamilton County Surveyor’s Office is seeking volunteers for the county’s three year Water Avail-

ability Study. The study is being done by INTERA, the engineering firm employed by the county, and will monitor aquifer levels throughout the county in order to better understand the groundwater availability within the county. The data will contribute valuable information to the study. If interested, reach out to the Hamilton County Surveyor’s Office at 317776-8495 or email at surveyor@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.

Bicentennial commission releases book – The Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission has released the official

commemorative book of Hamilton County’s bicentennial, “Celebrating Hamilton County, Indiana: 200 Years of Change.” The glossy, 9-by-12-inch, full-color book features events and figures many people know and love, as well as never-before-published photographs, stories and oral histories. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and through MT Publishing Co. by visiting www.mtpublishing.com.

Prevent catalytic converter theft – Jiffy Lube of Indiana and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept. have partnered to

launch the Catalytic Converter Identification Initiative to combat a trend of catalytic converter thefts and support vehicle safety. Through this initiative, Hoosiers that visit a Jiffy Lube store in central Indiana can opt to have their technician engrave the last 8 digits of the vehicle’s VIN on the catalytic converter and add a stripe of high-temp paint, which adds an extra layer of protection to any vehicle at no additional cost (and no purchase necessary). Services will remain in effect indefinitely.

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COMMUNITY

WESTFIELD

Project: Library/township office construction

Location: Corner of Park and Poplar streets

Expected completion: Work is expected to continue through the end of the year with the library expected to open in early 2024.

Project: New roundabout

Location: A new roundabout at the intersection of 171st Street and Eagletown Road is now open. However, there will be periodic lane restrictions in the coming weeks due to utility relocation and pavement striping. Please use caution in the area.

Project: Academy Sports & Outdoors

Location: Drive in front of the building will close for renovations, while the left turn lane from eastbound Greyhound Pass will be closed to avoid traffic turning into the worksite. Motorists should use Thatcher Lane or Cool Creek Park Road as a detour.

Expected completion: Fall 2023

NOBLESVILLE & NORTH

Project: Pleasant Street

Location: 1.1 miles west of River Road to 10th Street and includes work by Hamilton County for a bridge to be built over the White River.

Expected completion: End of 2024

Project: Pleasant Street

Location: Various locations; Eighth Street and Pleasant Street will be closed after Memorial Day (motorists are advised to use detour routes or visit www.reimaginepleasantst.com for more information)

Drive and Bellingham Blvd. is closed for median and crosswalk construction. The detour shall use Olio Road to Southeastern Pkwy.

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Expected completion: Work will be ongoing

Project: Stony Creek pedestrian trail

Location: Under Ind. 37

Expected completion: Construction will continue this year with the trail expected to open by early summer.

Project: Roundabout construction

Location: Ind. 32 and River Road

Expected completion: End of summer

Project: Nickel Plate Trail

Location: The city of Noblesville will construct its portion of the Nickel Plate Trail from 146th Street to Pleasant Street. Trail will be 12 feet wide and include the rehabilitation of two existing railroad bridges and conversion to pedestrian facilities

Expected completion: By Thanksgiving

FISHERS

Project: 126th Street

Location: 126th Street between Royalty

Hunter-Reay replaces Daly on Ed Carpenter Racing team

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Expected completion:

June 30

Project: Bridge joint replacement on 116th Street

Location: 116th Street between Eller Road and River Road will be under lane restrictions for bridge joint replacement by Hamilton County. Lane restrictions will be in place daily between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Flaggers will be in place.

Expected Completion: June 16

Project: 146th and Allisonville Interchange

Location: Phase 1 of construction for the grade separation intersection improvement has begun at 146th Street and Allisonville Road. One thru lane and one left turn lane in all directions will be closed through the intersection. Closures of Sowers Drive and Saville Road at 146th Street will be necessary in June. Please exercise caution while driving through this construction zone. In addition to these closures, the worksite speed limit will be 35 mph.

Expected completion: The entire project is set for completion in summer 2025

Project: Fall Creek Road

Location: Citizens Energy Group is mobilizing the lift station on Fall Creek Road near Geist Woods Way, resulting in the closure of Fall Creek Trail.

Expected completion: August

Project: 106th Street & Kincaid Drive

Location: Phase 1 started June 5 for construction of a new concrete median on 106th Street and to modify Kincaid Drive to a right-in-right-out entrance. During this phase, access to Kincaid Drive from 106th Street will be restricted. The detour shall use Lantern Road to Sunlight Drive. Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by July 7. Phase 2 is expected to start July 10. During that phase, lane restrictions will be in place on 106th Street, and both roundabouts at 106th and I-69, and 106th and Lantern Road will be converted into a single lane. This phase is anticipated to be completed by July 28.

Expected completion: The full project is expected to be completed by August 2023

Project: Roundabout at 106th and Hoosier Road

Location: Prep work prior to the roundabout construction has started. Work will include tree clearing, utility relocation and storm sewer installation.

Expected completion: To be determined.

INDYCAR

Veteran IndyCar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay will join Ed Carpenter Racing after Noblesville native Conor Daly and the team announced June 7 they were splitting ways.

The team, which announced it was ending its relationship with Daly as part of a mutual decision, said June 8 that Hunter-Reay will drive the No. 20 Chevrolet in the NTT IndyCar Series. Hunter-Reay made his debut for the team June 16 at the Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

The 31-year-old Daly finished eighth in the Indianapolis 500 May 28 and most recently placed 15th at the Grand Prix of Detroit June 4. Daly finished sixth in the Indy 500 a year ago, while his previous best finish was 10th in 2019.

In a statement released June 7 on social

media, Daly said, “Although we’ve mutually decided that it’s in our best interests to take different paths, I’d like to thank ECR for the past three and a half seasons. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me – past, present and into the future. I look forward to taking on the next opportunities that await, and I want to thank the fans for being with me on this ride.”

Daly declined further comment when reached by Current by phone. Ed Carpenter Racing said in a statement that Hunter-Reay has an IndyCar career that spans two decades.

“I was surprised when I got the call from Ed. He described how frustrated he was that his team has not been able to realize its potential despite their efforts, investments, as well as technical and personnel changes over the past few years and asked for my help. Ed and I are very close friends and have been for a long time,” Hunter-Reay stated.

Wraparound services from Eskenazi Health do more than treat illness. They chart a course for preventive care, ensure families have access to nutritious food, and provide a sense of partnership and advocacy. For Ileanna and her husband Eddie – that matters.

Eskenazi Health was recently named Indiana’s #1 hospital for community benefit and health equity by the Lown Institute. Thanks in part to community partners and philanthropy, we are helping families get beyond barriers.

eskenazihealthfoundation.org

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT CHALLENGE

Hey there, folks! Take a good look at this zoomed-in image we’ve snagged from a spot in Noblesville. We want you to channel your inner Sherlock and head over to youarecurrent.com/mysterysnapshot to submit your best guess about where this photo was taken. Ready for the challenge? Check back next week for the answer.

This colorful totem pole is located adjacent to a gazebo on the campus of Hazel Dell Elementary School in Noblesville. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

CONGESTION RELIEF

Work underway on interchange project at 146th Street and Allisonville Road

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Work is underway on an interchange project at 146th Street and Allisonville Road that is expected to improve traffic flow through the corridor when it is finished in the summer of 2025.

The $44 million project on the border of Noblesville and Fishers will convert the intersection into a grade-separated interchange with 146th Street going over a roundabout on Allisonville Road. The project is intended to not only improve safety but to relieve congestion in the area, Hamilton County Highway Director Brad Davis said.

Davis said the county conducted traffic studies at various locations, including 146th Street and Allisonville Road, in 2017.

“This was one we reviewed, and based on traffic volume and projected traffic volume and what was happening over there at that location, it was recommended that an interchange of some type was the best solution,” Davis said. Davis said a traditional roundabout most motorists are used to seeing in most places would not be able to handle future traffic growth through the corridor. He said a decision was made to create an interchange “and by doing that, you can greatly improve the level of service at that location over the next several decades” in an effort to alleviate traffic.”

“What we needed to do was, looking at congestion, particularly, it was going to get considerably worse,” Davis said. “And it was time to do something.”

That view was shared by Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt.

“146th Street is the main east-west artery in our county, running 17 miles from the Boone County line to I-69,” Heirbrandt said. “The Allisonville Road intersection in particular is one of the most traveled. Approximately 44,000 vehicles travel through it every day, so it’s critical we make these upgrades to keep up with the growing needs of our community.”

Hamilton County applied for funding through the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization and received $9.5 million toward construction of the project. A portion of the funding was for congestion relief, according to Davis. Davis said under the first phase, which is underway, motorists should be aware of restrictions traveling through the area and said that contractors are working in the median on 146th Street and Allisonville Road to remove concrete medians. The first phase is anticipated to be completed around July 1, with contractors working on the outside portion where ramps will be, Davis said.

After the first phase, Davis said there will still be restrictions in place in which there will be no left turns permitted off 146th Street. After July, there will be two lanes east and west, in addition to right turn lanes on 146th Street.

On Allisonville Road, there will still be right and left turn lanes, in addition to thru-lanes, in both directions, Davis said. The only restriction is that there will be no left turn off 146th Street, he added.

However, Davis said the county is actively monitoring the area as the project continues.

“We know there’s backups and some delays that are occurring, but what we try to do and what we’re doing is frequently going out and trying to monitor the traffic, and our technician is constantly tweaking the traffic signal to kind of optimize the best we can the compromise that you get between allowing traffic on 146th and Allisonville Road,” Davis said. “Predominantly, because of the volume during peak volumes of the day, 146th Street, you get more green time on that signal, and again, it’s a constant monitoring and tweaking of signals to make the best use out of it until we get through this phase.”

Davis said the signals will be adjusted based on traffic reconfigurations moving forward. However, he said motorists can anticipate the closure of Allisonville Road in early 2024 for about 90 days in the spring that will reopen in June.

“That will be the most impactful for people that will be occurring at that point in time,” Davis said.

Still, Davis asked drivers to be patient as they travel

Construction is underway on a project that will bring a gradeseparated interchange with 146th Street going over a roundabout on Allisonville Road. Work isn’t expected to be completed until the summer of 2025. (Photo by Adam Seif)

through the area and to seek alternative routes whenever they can. Motorists are restricted to 35 mph in the area, which is monitored by law enforcement.

“It’s inevitable and unavoidable that people have to use the corridor, but you know, it’s a question of being patient and understanding the short-term situation and that it’ll get better eventually,” Davis said. “We’re doing our best to keep traffic flowing the best we can through the project and trying to communicate to everybody on what’s going on.”

For more on the project, visit streamline146.com.

ON THE COVER: A rendering of what the interchange will look like when it is completed by summer of 2025. (Rendering courtesy of Hamilton County)

BY THE NUMBERS

44,000: Approximate number of vehicles traveling through 146th Street daily

44: Total price tag in millions of dollars

35: Miles per hour restriction through the construction site

Source: Hamilton County

Son follows his father’s footsteps into Carmel’s ENT practice

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Dr. Stephen Freeman spent more than 30 years developing his ear, nose and throat practice, with a concentration on treating patients that have cancer in the head and neck region.

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

His son, Dr. Zane Freeman, took over the practice in Carmel when the elder Freeman partially retired in January. Zane was finishing his residency at Tulane University in New Orleans. As Father’s Day nears, it’s been a special gift to Freeman to see his son take over the practice. Freeman and his son both live in Carmel.

“I can still work one week of the month and I can still work cases with my son when it’s an appropriate case or when he’d like me there,” Freeman said. “It’s been a tremendous feeling to watch him take over. The neat thing about it is a lot of these long-term cancer patients and their families, when I told them that I was retiring they were kind of distraught. Then when I told them my son was taking over the practice, they were excited they would continue to see Dr. Freeman. I was excited because I could look at his schedule and keep track of those patients and see how they are doing. It was a good handoff.”

His son Zane, 33, agreed it has been a great transition. The Freemans’ clinic is at 12288A N. Meridian St., Suite 375, in Carmel. It is part of Ascension St. Vincent Medical Group.

Freeman, 68, and his wife took two months during the winter to go to Florida while his son became acclimated to the practice.

“He could find his path and not be in my shadow and get himself established,” said Freeman, who would like to take another two months off in January 2024 to spend more time in Florida.

Zane had an internship in neurosurgery at Tulane University in New Orleans and originally planned to go into that field.

“An ENT spot opened up in the program, so I jumped on that,” he said.

Zane said the first time he went in the operating room with his father was when he was 16 or 17.

“It was cool to see your dad take apart someone’s neck and jaw and then put it all

back together in a two-hour surgery,” Zane said. “Throughout college, I was shadowing him again and ended up at Marian University’s medical school. I ended up doing my rotations in the same hospital as him.”

The elder Freeman attended Purdue University and medical school at Indiana University. He then spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy, where he completed his residency in otolaryngology in Oakland.

Freeman did a fellowship with Dr. Ronald Hamaker in 1985 for one year.

“He was one of the leaders worldwide in innovation in a lot of surgical procedures, so it was an incredible experience,” Freeman said.

After leaving the Navy in 1990, Freeman took an academic position at the University of Tennessee in Memphis but left after a year because of the department’s financial troubles. He returned to Indianapolis in 1991 and joined Dr. Hammer’s practice.

“Since the practice has evolved, we have seven doctors and three PAs (physician’s assistants),” Freeman said. “The major focus is head and neck cancer, but we do most aspects of ENT. It’s been a long journey. I’ve been fortunate to have the teaching I got in the early years and the privilege I got of taking care of a lot of cancer patients over the last 35 to 40 years. Cancer patients are kind of unique because it’s a very devastating disease of the head and neck. It requires a lot of aggressive treatment that changes a lot of their appearance and ability to function, so they need a lot of support. You get to know them very well and you get involved with them long term.”

Zane said his father has been treating some patients for 20 years.

“They insist on seeing me just because of who he is,” Zane said.

From left, Dr. Zane Freeman has followed his father, Dr. Stephen Freeman, into an ear, nose and throat practice. (Photo courtesy of Freeman family)

AI isn’t so smart — or is it?

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

go to the next page of the newspaper.

HUMOR

Recently, I experimented with an artificial intelligence app on my phone. I began with a few pressing questions in my life, like how do I get rid of the racoon that is destroying our deck? And will the trash people take my old lawnmower? I had been told that AI could create a story if you simply prompt the app with an idea or question. Just for fun, here is what I requested: Write a funny essay on why Dick Wolfsie is not funny. What you are about to read is exactly what I received back in less than 30 seconds:

• Here are some reasons Dick Wolfsie is not funny: First, he has a weird name. Sounds like a cross between a detective and a werewolf. He has always had boring jobs. For 30 years he has been telling stories about quirky people he met, but all the stories were boring. His jokes fell flat and he never tackled anything serious. He never challenges himself, his viewers or his readers. He plays it safe and boring. Everything is a cliché and totally predictable. He did bring his dog Barney on TV for many years. That’s what saved his career. Viewers watched Dick on TV because of the dog. His writing depends on horrible puns and weak punchlines. Where is the sarcasm and irony that good writing demands? In conclusion, Dick Wolfsie never makes people think. He just makes them yawn, turn off the TV or

Yes, that’s what artificial intelligence wrote about me. For this column, I edited out the parts that made me look bad. My first reaction was they must have confused me with a different Dick Wolfsie. You know, another guy who was on TV with his dog and writes a humor column.

I asked my wife, Mary Ellen, to read the essay.

“Dick, this is outrageous. It’s full of inaccuracies. You didn’t bore people for 30 years on TV.”

“Thank you, Mary Ellen.”

“Wasn’t it closer to 40? And they said you end every column with a dreadful pun.”

are some reasons

“But I don’t, do I?”

“Of course not. You sprinkle dozens of them throughout the column. Along with the cliches.”

“But I do tackle serious topics.”

“Without question. Who could forget your important story about the guy who collects manhole covers? Your column about Miracle Whip versus mayonnaise?

And my favorite: Why men who drink beer attract more mosquitoes?”

Now depressed, I had an idea. My original request set me up for witty insults. This time, I’d phrase it more positively: Write an essay on why Dick Wolfsie is comedy genius.

POLICIES

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

“Here

Dick Wolfsie is not funny: First, he has a weird name. Sounds like a cross between a detective and a werewolf. He has always had boring jobs.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Missing pieces of having it all

Commentary by Terry Anker

We live in a culture where great beauty is often wrongly associated with limited intelligence. It is probably the envy of those less gifted with the privilege that accompanies matching the current ideal type of physical appearance that started the unwarranted perception. “You may be handsome, but I’m smart.” It only seems fair. Why should one person have it all? Like all misconceptions based on stereotypes, they are soon proven inaccurate.

ESSAY

Norma Jeane Mortenson appeared on the planet in 1926, long before many women would consider a life beyond the confining protection of some male human, in a place where good looks were recruited globally to enhance the fantasy factories of her native Los Angeles. From an orphanage to 12 individual foster homes, the young Norma Jeane found respite via marriage upon her 16th birthday. She came to understand that it was her appearance — and not her head for business — that would clear the path for another kind of life, thereby Marilyn Monroe was manifested.

It is generations now since the iconic beauty left us. Photographs, paintings and sculptures still bring scores to museums. Her hair, style of dress and demeaner remain a standard of femininity for many. Still, too, she was among the highest-grossing and most successful actresses in the history of the film industry, totaling more than $2 billion in today’s money. With great intention, she curated and propagated the billion-dollar persona. Later in her career, Monroe mused, “I restore myself when I’m alone. A career is born in public — talent in privacy.” She managed the distinction between the personal and the projected. Some might rightly argue that she ultimately succumbed to an inability to fully reconcile the two. Beautiful? Certainly. Intelligent? Absolutely. Where are the gaps in our lives? If we have it all, can we still be missing something?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

Child’s play sure was fun

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Longtime readers will recall a perilous journey I made with one of my daughters, then a 20-year-old microbiology major and hardcore K-pop fan who talked stream of conscience for literally the entire 16-hour car ride. Good times. Gooood times.

“I had no idea what to expect, particularly because he is now a recent college graduate with no clue about his future.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

HUMOR

Recently, I had the chance to make a similar road trip with her twin brother, known not for his word vomit but instead for marathon video game sessions up in his room. I had no idea what to expect, particularly because he is now a recent college graduate with no clue about his future. In anticipation of perhaps whole states traversed in awkward silence, I had several Yacht Rock playlists and four episodes of “Armchair Expert” ready to go.

To my surprise, we spent 13-plus hours in delightful conversation, covering everything from anime series I need to watch (“Attack on Titan”) to his favorite cousins (“Alex and Nick”) to whether red dye 40 was actually bad for you (no). We savored biscuits at Cracker Barrel, missed being part of a seven-car pile-up thanks to a McDonald’s snafu,

failed to answer correctly more than five Trivial Pursuit questions on a card (because baseball is dumb) and contemplated the wisdom of C-Span in ranking James Buchanan as the worst U.S. president over Andrew Johnson. It was wonderful.

I never got to sing along to Steely Dan or Kenny Loggins, nor did I get to enjoy Dax Shepard hanging with a neuroscientist. But I was able to engage with a child in a way I haven’t been able to in many years, without his sibling for distraction or the new Zelda game as competition. Truly good times. Peace out.

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

Civic Theatre’s YAP set to stage ‘Revue!’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

As a director, Kenny Shepard always wants more time.

Shepard will direct Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s “Revue!” in two performances at 6 and 8 p.m. June 26 at the Studio Theatre at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“We have just 10 rehearsals to put the show together, so the performers have a lot to carry on their shoulders — learning songs and monologues, blocking, lyrics and then moving the show into the actual performance space,” Shepard said. “Another challenge, which I love, is making sure each artist’s voice is heard and each story is told authentically. All 13 of them answered a long list of questions for me, and I took their experiences about social media, dating, family, friendships, bullying and other topics and wrote a script, often using their words verbatim as monologues.”

Johnna Tavianini is the music director.

“Johnna and I both teach at Ball State (University), but we’ve only worked together once before, and that was on the last production of ‘Revue!,’” Shepard said. “We are all so lucky to have Johnna onboard. She really is a genius at making these young artists sound like stars while propelling their unique stories through music.”

The song, “Children Will Listen” from “Into the Woods,” is powerful for Shepard.

“The lyrics and Johnna’s arrangement work so well to further the stories many of them are telling,” Shepard said. “These performers are very brave, sharing personal experiences about racism, dating as a member of the transgender community and being bullied. I respect their honesty and openness more than I can say. The social media section is also an eye-opener

to me. These teenagers communicate and validate each other in ways that are so foreign to other generations.”

The cast has 13 singers and actors, all high school age.

“Some are entering high school and some are already driving, working and thinking about college and future plans as adults,” Shepard said. “Even though they may only be four or so years apart in age, individually, they’re at very different places, which is also fascinating. I love seeing the leaders emerge and some younger performers rising to the level of their more experienced peers.”

Wyatt Painter, a 2023 Park Tudor School graduate, looks forward to the number, “It Hurts Me.”

“I chose this song for a previous audition at school, but I ended up not getting the role I auditioned for with that song,” Painter said. “I’m excited to take a song I worked on previously and turn it into something amazing with the help of the cast.”

Painter also is eager to perform “I’m Not Afraid of Anything.”

“The song is from a song cycle called ‘Songs for a New World,’ which I love,” Painter said. “I get to open the number with one of my friends and castmates, Caroline (Brundage). We went to school together this past year, it being my senior year and her freshman year. However, we originally met last summer because we were both a part of last year’s ‘Revue!’ We have become good friends, so it means a lot that we can have this moment on stage together before I go to college.”

Painter has struggled the most with memorizing lyrics.

“The only time I have before rehearsal is my 30-minute break at work, but I always try and use my free time to study lyrics whenever I can. I work at my school as a camp counselor and co-leader for various camps,” Painter said. “Working an 8 (a.m.) to 4 (p.m.) job where I’m constantly around screaming children alongside a four-hour rehearsal can be tiring, but I love both, even though I struggle with memorization sometimes.”

This is the second year Painter has appeared in ‘Revue!”

‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’

“Beauty & the Beast” runs through July 9 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘GODSPELL’

Carmel Community Players’ Rising Star production of “Godspell” runs through June 25 at the Ivy Tech Noblesville Auditorium. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Feinstein’s Presents: Dueling Pianos” at 6:30 p.m. June 21 at Feinstein’s cabaret in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. “Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for 7:30 p.m. June. 22. For more, visit feinsteinhc.com.

‘BOEING BOEING’

Red Barn Summer Theatre’s production of “Boeing Boeing” will be presented from June 21 to July 1 at the Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

‘NEWSIES

JR.’

Jr. Civic Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies Jr.” from June 23-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘MUSIC OF THREE CENTURIES’

The Indiana Wind Symphony will play alongside high school performers in a free outdoor concert at 6:30 p.m. June 24 at the Carmel Gazebo. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.

‘THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER’

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will present “The Music of Harry Potter” at 8 p.m. June 23-24 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

‘REVUE!’

The Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s “Revue!” is set for 6 and 8 p.m. June 26 at the Studio Theatre at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

COMEDY AT THE CAT

Comedy at the Cat, featuring comedian Dave Dugan, Troy Davis and CoLee Reyes, is set for 7:30 p.m. June 24 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

Many members of the 2022 cast of “Revue!” return this year. (Photo courtesy of Anne Beck)

Painter

Shepard

‘Boeing Boeing’ set for Red Barn

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

“Everyone else is from different countries, so there are a lot of accents going on the stage at the same time,” Taylor said.

COMEDY

Red Barn Summer Theatre Artistic Director Michael Taylor loves a good farce. So, why not follow the season-opening farce with a second one? Red Barn Summer Theatre’s production of “Boeing Boeing” will be presented from June 21 to July 1 at the Frankfort venue.

Taylor, the play’s director, said Red Barn performed “Boeing Boeing” more than a decade ago.

“Since then, it’s been redone,” Taylor said. “There was a new revival on Broadway and the script has been reworked, so it’s a slightly different show since the first time we did it.”

Taylor said the plot centers around the American living in Paris, who has three fiancées who are all flight attendants from different airlines.

“He explains to his friend that it is all on a timetable and none of them know about each other,” Taylor said. “Next thing you know, the timetable breaks and they are all there at the same time at the apartment.”

Taylor

The fun ensues as the friends try to hide the fiancées from each other.

“It’s your classic bedroom farce,” said Taylor, adding there is some adult subject matter in the show.

Taylor acted in the play in Red Barn’s previous production of the comedy, which takes place in Paris.

Two friends are now old college friends and both Americans. One lives in Paris and the other is coming to visit.

Taylor said in the original script, one friend was British and the other was French.

There are four women and two men in the cast.

Taylor said there is not a lot of detailed stage direction in the revised script.

“It leaves a lot for creativity from the director’s side but it’s also very challenging that you have to plan everything out,” Taylor said.

For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

Lobster Palooza is getting back to its roots.

it’s really exciting to come back home and put this event in the full functionality of the entire property,” Starkey said. “The Meridian-Kessler neighbors are really excited.”

FUNDRAISER

The Indianapolis Opera fundraiser is returning to the renovated Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.

“The ‘Back Home’ theme is the pervading testament,” Indy Opera General Director David Starkey said. “This is where the event started 12 years ago in the back parking lot, which is a historical location. It’s where the former Greek Festival was held back in the day. We’re not going back to that back parking lot, but it’s been reimagined to the entire campus with the courtyard and patio.”

The 13th Annual Lobster Palooza, featuring a New England-style lobster boil, is set for 6 to 10 p.m. July 15.

Last year, the event was planned for an outside tent but was moved indoors because of weather issues at Daniel’s Vineyard in McCordsville.

“It was great, but it limited the scope of the event,” Starkey said. “This year, it is all planned to be inside but there are outside activities on the patio, courtyard and on the front lawn.

Starkey

Valet parking and cocktails are included in the ticket price. There are fundraising activities during the event.

There will be a live band with dancing after dinner. Before dinner, the opera singers will perform in the performance hall.

“The acoustics are just extraordinary, so we’re going to do a special opera cabaret, highlighting a couple selections from the upcoming season,” Starkey said.

“Now that the building has been remodeled and historically protected because of all the stuff we’ve done with protecting the architecture of this building, circa 1961,

There will be selections from Opera in the Park, “Carmen” and “A Little Night Music.”

For more, visit indyopera.org.

MUSIC BY Alan Menken

BOOK BY Harvey Fierstein LYRICS BY Jack Feldman

WRITTEN BY Bob Tzudiker and Noni White

PRODUCED

Based

the Disney Film

Where’s Amy?

Where’s Amy attends ‘Director’s Choice’

Where’s Amy attended the opening night of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre’s “Director’s Choice” June 9 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts. The show was a compilation of GHDT’s favorite dances chosen by Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock. If you missed this show, do not miss the one-night-only production of “The Music of La Casa Azul” with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at The Center for the Performing Arts Aug 5. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

Amy Pauszek is a photographer, award winning film producer and scouting and casting associate for Talent Fusion Agency in Indianapolis. She can be reached at Amy@ youarecurrent.com. To see more of her photos, visit currentnightandday.com.

David and Lydia Moody (Noblesville) with GHDT company dancer and daughter Josie Moody (Carmel).

(Photo by Amy Pauszek)

June 20, 2023

Current in Noblesville currentnoblesville.com

Cheesemaker offers nice variety

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Summertime around our house means time outside. If you like to get out and about while there are 15 hours of available sunlight, then you may also like cooking and or eating outside, as well!

We love heading to the park to cook out and fish, hanging at Symphony on the Prairie or doing other sorts of daytime outdoor excursions. Cheese, crackers and fresh fruit are no-brainers in the cooler. If my daughter Maggie, age 3, is in tow, then you better believe we have at least one whole watermelon just for her!

pursue:

Original Blue — This blue cheese is super creamy, white in color with bits of blue all throughout it. The blue mold provides fruity and nutty flavor notes that are mind numbing.

Quinta — This is a soft cheese, comparable to brie. It has a soft rind with a smooth soft interior texture. You can eat this when it’s new, but the more it ages, the better. This cheese is money when it is past 80 days. At this point, the cheese starts to take on the consistency of cheese dip. It is amazing!

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT*

Sat Jul 22 at 7pm

DAUGHTRY: BARE BONES TOUR*

Wed Aug 9 at 7:30pm

SPYRO GYRA*

Sat Aug 12 at 8pm

BEN HARPER*

Tue Aug 15 at 7:30pm

LIFE WITH THE AFTERLIFE: TRUE TALES OF THE PARANORMAL WITH GHOST HUNTER AMY BRUNI

Sat Sep 16 at 8pm

UPTOWN: MOTOWN REMIXED

Thu Sep 28 at 7:30pm

ANIMANIACS: IN CONCERT

Thu Oct 5 at 7:30pm

THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS: BILL MEDLEY & BUCKY HEARD

Fri Oct 6 at 8pm

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH*

Sun Oct 8 at 7pm

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND

Wed Oct 11 at 7:30pm

WISH YOU WERE HERE: THE SIGHT & SOUND OF PINK FLOYD

Sat Oct 14 at 8pm

STEWART COPELAND: POLICE DERANGED FOR ORCHESTRA

Thu Oct 19 at 7:30pm

HARRY CHAPIN AT 80: A RETROSPECTIVE, FEATURING THE CHAPIN FAMILY

Fri Oct 20 at 8pm

BILL FRISELL FIVE AND AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE’S OWL SONG

Sat Oct 21 at 8pm

ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Sat Oct 28 at 8pm

AN EVENING WITH BRUCE COCKBURN

Wed Nov 1 at 7:30pm

BÉLA FLECK, ZAKIR HUSSAIN, EDGAR MEYER WITH RAKESH CHAURASIA

Thu Nov 2 at 7:30pm

GRACE POTTER

Fri Nov 3 at 8pm

ETTA MAY

Fri Nov 3 at 7:30pm

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE

Sat Nov 4 at 8pm

TRES SOULS

Sat Nov 4 at 8pm

THE LITTLE MERMEN: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY TRIBUTE BAND

Sun Nov 5 at 3pm & 7pm

EASTON CORBIN

Thu Nov 9 at 7:30pm

GREGORIAN: PURE CHANTS

Fri Nov 10 at 8pm

CANDACE BUSHNELL: TRUE TALES OF SEX, SUCCESS AND SEX AND THE CITY

Sun Nov 12 at 7pm

ANNE SOFIE VON OTTER & BROOKLYN RIDER SONGS OF LOVE AND DEATH

Fri Nov 17 at 8pm

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

Sat Nov 18 at 8pm

THE BLACK MARKET TRUST

Sun Nov 19 at 7pm

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR: CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA

Fri Nov 24 at 2pm

JIM BRICKMAN: A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS

Thu Nov 30 at 7:30pm

THE MIDTOWN MEN: HOLIDAY HITS

Fri Dec 1 at 8pm

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS  CHRISTMAS TOUR 2023

Tue Dec 5 at 7:30pm

JON MCLAUGHLIN: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Fri Dec 8 at 8pm

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND HOLIDAY SHOW

Sat Dec 9 at 8pm

BIG BAD VOODOO

DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY

Wed Dec 13 at 7:30pm

AN EVENING WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS

Fri Jan 26 at 8pm

ALAN CUMMING & ARI SHAPIRO: OCH & OY!

A CONSIDERED CABARET

Sat Feb 3 at 8pm

MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO: HEREDEROS

Fri

Recently, I was introduced to a cheesemaker based in Point Reyes, Calif., called Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. It is a family-owned operation that started out as a dairy farm in the 1960s but transitioned to making cheese in 2000. Its first cheese to market was its Original Blue, the first of its kind in the state. Its cheeses are rich, creamy and just all-around awesome. My favorite is the Quinta. Take a look at three fantastic Point Reyes cheeses that would be great for any outdoor activity you might

Toma — The best comparison to this is provolone but not as mild. There is a delightful nutty characteristic to this cheese. It is great to slice and eat with stone fruit or apples, or place-shred for pizza. It’s super versatile and great for munching on with some crispy white wine.

Pauly set for Feinstein’s shows

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Samantha Pauly has crafted a concert with more than a few of her favorite things.

COOK

Sun Apr 7 at 7pm

RAY CHEN

Fri Apr 12 at 8pm

SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION

Fri Apr 19 at 8pm

RUMOURS: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

Sat Apr 20 at 8pm

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN & SPECIAL GUEST

CONCERTS

Pauly

“It will be a mix of Broadway tunes, some career highlights and some of my favorite pop songs,” Pauly said. “My music director, Adam Cole Klepper, is an absolutely brilliant pianist and uses sheet music as a guide. He makes great arrangements of a lot of the songs on the set list, so some of them don’t sound the way they typically would.”

“An Evening with Samantha Pauly” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 7-8 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.

Pauly, best known for her role as Katherine Howard in the Broadway show “Six,” a musical about Henry VIII’s six wives, said she is partial to Ariana Grande songs.

“I also like to include some Broadway songs that help facilitate my interactions with the audience and tell some personal

stories,” Pauly said. “I guess you could say I’m doing a mini tour. It started with Feinstein’s in San Francisco and Carmel reaching out to my managers asking if I would come perform my solo show. That was followed by Blue Strawberry in St Louis.”

More shows were added, so in addition to her residency at Chelsea Table & Stage in New York City, Pauly had a busy first half of the year.

Pauly appeared in Discovery Broadway’s concert of “Hamlet,” a musical, in 2022.

“Not only was it thrilling to be a part of creating a new show and role, it was amazing to get to work with so many incredible artists, (such as) Adam Pascal and Jordan Donica,” Pauly said. “I mean, it was so powerful to share a stage with them and witness their brilliance. Discovering Broadway is such a welcoming and professional company. They make it so easy to come in and perform and get things done.”

Through Discovering Broadway, Pauly will teach two master classes July 8 for choreography at Grace Church in Noblesville. For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org and feinsteinhc.com.

BEN HARPER GRACE POTTER ROBERT CRAY DAVE KOZ KATHERINE MCPHEE

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 107A, Indianapolis

Lean in on italics for

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Visiting the Chena River near Fairbanks, Alaska

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we travel along the Chena River near Fairbanks, learning about the Alaska Native culture and what developed from it.

TRAVEL

Fairbanks is in central Alaska, about 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Most scholars believe the surrounding area was first populated approximately 12,000 years ago by Athabaskans, descendants of people who had crossed what was then a land bridge between Siberia and what is now Alaska. Athabaskans were the original people of the Alaskan Interior. They were semi-nomadic, hunting caribou and moose, trapping small animals and catching salmon in fish wheels. They established semi-permanent settlements, typically along a river, and domesticated dogs, which they used for transportation and hunting. Today, about 16.000 Athabaskans live in Alaska.

In the early 1950s, Jim Binkley, whose father had established an Alaskan freight-hauling business, built a paddlewheel boat named Discovery in his backyard and started giving tours on the Chena River from a spot near Fairbanks. Today,

descendants of Binkley operate three boats on the Chena River. The newest, Discovery III, has a capacity of 900 people. Three-hour tours provide information about the area, including its original people and wildlife. The boats stop at the Trail Breaker Kennel along the river, where the widower and daughter of the late Susan Butcher, who won the Iditarod race four times, demonstrate how their sled dogs are trained. The boat also stops for an extended visit at the Chena Village, a re-created Athabaskan village, complete with reindeer (domesticated caribou). Athabaskan guides talk about the lifestyle of their ancestors and demonstrate such things as how to prepare salmon caught in a fish wheel for the winter and how to survive when the temperature gets as low as 60 degrees below zero. Visitors can speak with the guides and observe dogs from Susan Butcher’s Trail Breaker Kennel.

GRAMMAR GUY

Italicized words are the “leaning in” of language. When it comes to fonts (or typefaces, if we’re being fancy), “Roman” letters refer to the default, upright letters we type into our emails and word processing software, while “Italic” letters are slanted to the right. When you put certain phrases in italics, it draws attention to them as key words you want to apart for emphasis. These words are literally leaning in.

What happens when you lean in too much? You fall on your pants pocket. I’m suggesting that if you constantly give 110 percent, you’ll likely experience burnout. In the same way, if you put your entire email in italics, your reader will have trouble discerning what’s important from what’s ordinary. I highly recommend healthy margins -- on paper and in your work/life balance.

Aside from emphasis, when should you use italics in your writing? Surprisingly, AP style suggests that you don’t use

italics in titles of magazines or newspapers; instead, simply capitalize them (e.g., Sports Illustrated). The AP dictates that books, films, TV shows, songs, albums, speeches, works of art, etc. don’t get italicized, either; instead, surround them with a warm pair of quotation mark hugs (e.g., “To Kill a Mockingbird”). Sacred books, including the Bible or the Koran, do not get italics or quotation marks. So, what gets italicized in AP style? Nothing. I have a hard time with the AP’s italics rules. Because my column appears in newspapers, I abide by the quotations-around-titles rule. However, I prefer to italicize words for emphasis, as well as non-English words (like derrière), words reproduced as sounds (e.g., Bees go bzzzzz.), or words as words (e.g., I challenge you to use the word indefatigable in a sentence.).

Curtis Honeycutt is a national award-winning, syndicated humor writer. Connect with him on Twitter (@curtishoneycutt) or at curtishoneycutt.com.

Trail Blazer Kennel in Fairbanks. (Photo by Don Knebel)

Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska. (Photo by Don Knebel)

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

36. Auto pioneer 37. Miracle-___ (garden product)

40. Spice queen guest in the CUMMINS boardroom?

43. Leak sound

44. Lease

46. Charged particle

47. ‘60s war zone

49. All over again

50. Makes blue, perhaps

52. Musical instrument often made of plastic

56. Lack of dainty trim in the ELANCO boardroom?

58. Ham it up in the CORTEVA boardroom?

60. Roman 506

61. Like slingshots and forks in the road

64. Got together

65. Heavenly food

67. Swiss peaks

68. Competent

69. Dined

Indy’s Baseball Stadium

at home

70. Proofing override

71. Christian of couture

72. Certain Slavs

73. Pea holders

74. Hoosier Park feedbag fill Down

1. Go to

2. Grant an appeal in Hamilton County Court, perhaps

3. Brain covers

4. Break a commandment

5. Recoils, with “away”

6. Possible response to “Gonna win?”

7. Fishers breakfast chain letters

8. MCL offering: pie a la ___

9. Westfield Middle School grade

10. St. Louis-to-Noblesville dir.

11. Chewy candies

12. Grandfather clock time

66.

68.

Answers

on Page