July 18, 2023 — Noblesville

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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XIV, No. 45

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Court documents in gas station homicide case detail domestic abuse

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Nearly a month before Noblesville resident Kaylah Ann Farmer was shot to death June 28 at the Speedway on 116th and Allisonville Road in Fishers, police in Noblesville started investigating allegations of domestic abuse by Farmer’s ex-husband, Joshua Alexander Farmer, who has been charged with her murder.

CRIME

The alleged abuse included strangulation, battery and criminal confinement, and using a firearm to threaten Kaylah Ann Farmer and one of their children.

According to a probable cause statement filed in Hamilton County Court by Noblesville Police Department Officer Hayley Allen, Kaylah Ann Farmer’s supervisor at work notified the Indiana Department of Child Services in late May that Kaylah Ann Farmer had been attempting to hide a black eye and bruises, including bruising on her neck.

Allen wrote that on June 2, she interviewed Kaylah Ann and Joshua Farmer’s three children, identified as victims 1, 2 and 3 — ages 11, 6 and 4, respectively — about an incident that took place May 21. The oldest of the three children allegedly told police that his parents had been arguing, and during the argument he saw his father choking his mother to the point where he could hear her struggling to breathe.

“(Victim 1) states he could hear the accused punching her,” Allen wrote. “The accused had told (the boy) to go sit in the corner in their downstairs living room. He stated at this point his younger brothers were located upstairs. (The boy) stated his mother was instructed to sit in the other corner. He stated at this point his mother was naked because the accused had ripped her clothes off. He noticed the ripped red shirt and what looked like boxers by her.”

The boy also told Allen that he saw red

marks on his mother’s body, that her eye was starting to bruise, and her neck was red. Allen wrote that the boy said his father then pointed a gun at the 11-year-old’s head and pushed the child’s head down with the end of the barrel and told his mother to choose between herself and the boy.

Allen wrote that she also interviewed Kaylah Ann Farmer, who said she tried to call 911 during the argument, but Joshua Farmer took the phone away from her. She told police that during the argument, her ex-husband bit her, punched her multiple times in the head and face, used a baseball bat to hit her on the back, held a gun to her head, kicked her in the torso and choked her several times.

“Kaylah reported that choking her was his go-to way,” Allen wrote. “She stated he applied pressure with both of his hands to the point it was hard to breathe. She stated he knows when to stop so she doesn’t pass out.”

Charges stemming from that incident were filed in Hamilton County Court on June 5, and no-contact orders were issued, along with an arrest warrant for Joshua Farmer. Noblesville law enforcement officers searched for Farmer, but he evaded arrest, according to court documents.

The probable cause statement connected to murder charges against Joshua Farmer was filed July 5 by Fishers Police Department Det. Jonathan Dossey. He wrote that the shooting was reported at about 5:20 p.m. June 28. Responding officers found Kaylah Ann Farmer in the driver’s seat of her maroon van, dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

Dossey obtained security video footage from the business, which showed the maroon van pull up to one of the pumps, and shortly after a Kia Soul drove up and stopped at the passenger side door of the van for about 9 seconds. The Kia Soul drove away, but then returned.

“The Kia Soul drove back into camera

view and stopped at the front bumper of the maroon van,” Dossey wrote. “I observed the windshield of the maroon van appear to be taking rounds as it appeared the windshield glass was spraying from the windshield. The Kia Soul was stopped in front of the maroon van for approximately 6 seconds. The Kia Soul then drove around the driver side of the maroon van and parked for approximately 20 seconds.

The Kia Soul then drove out towards 116th Street and turned eastbound.”

Dossey wrote that it appears the suspect shot the victim from three locations — front passenger door, front bumper and driver’s door. Witnesses told police they heard up to 40 shots fired.

Farmer had allegedly borrowed the Kia Soul from a friend, and police later found the car and collected a spent 9mm shell casing from the interior. That shell allegedly matched other casings found at the scene of the Speedway shooting.

Farmer was arrested June 29 when law enforcement officers spotted him hiding behind some shrubs in the 1100 block of Roosevelt Avenue in Indianapolis. No weapons were found in the area or in his possession.

Dossey wrote that the autopsy of Kaylah Farmer revealed more than 15 gunshot wounds, and more than 25 bullet fragments were recovered from her body.

The next scheduled hearing in the case against Joshua Farmer is Aug. 18 in Hamilton County Superior Court. A trial has tentatively been set for Nov. 8. Farmer remains in custody at the Hamilton County Jail.

An obituary for Kaylah Ann Farmer states that she was born in Muncie and worked at IU Health. She previously served in the U.S. Air Force.

“Her three children were her whole life,” the obituary states. “She absolutely loved them and enjoyed watching them play soccer.”

Memorial contributions in her name can be given to domestic violence awareness groups, according to the obituary.

Joshua Farmer

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The Hamilton County 4-H Fair is set for July 20-24 in Noblesville. (Photo courtesy of the Hamilton County Purdue Extension Office)

County fair set for July 20-24

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County 4-H Fair will return to Noblesville with plenty of food, animals and other activities for the public to enjoy.

EVENT

This year’s fair is set for July 20-24 and will feature the 4-H Showcase that will highlight what 4-H members have learned over the past year, said Kathleen Bohde, Hamilton County 4-H youth development extension educator. Bohde said judging of various 4-H projects ranging from aerospace to veterinary science takes place in advance of opening day.

“4-H’ers are working on their projects and are excited to let the public see what they’ve been working on throughout the year,” Bohde said.

Bohde said although many people think of 4-H as an agriculture program, it has grown and adapted over the years by incorporating robotics, photography and other areas. 4-H members had the opportunity to choose from 60 project options, according to Bohde.

“It’s really neat to see how youths have dived deep and have something to show at the county fair that they’ve learned,” she said.

There are 1,400 4-H members in Hamilton County, a figure that is slightly lower prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 4-H is offered at all school corporations throughout Hamilton County, according to Bohde.

“It is a countywide program that brings youths together, and it is a great way to get that sense of community and the youths can be competitive, but cooperative together,” Bohde said.

Bohde said there were 1,600 4-H members

in 2020. She projects 2024 will be a year in which 4-H grows exponentially in Hamilton County.

While many 4-H activities take place in the summer, Bohde said it is a year-round program and noted that the organization will accept applications from interested youths starting Oct. 1. Individuals who join 4-H can not only take away lifelong friendships, but also develop important life skills such as decision-making, time management and more, Bohde said.

But among the highlights of the county fair on an annual basis are the livestock competitions, which Bohde said gives 4-H’ers an opportunity to showcase their animals. Some 4-H members who plan to participate in the county fair’s beef show have been working with their steer or heifer for more than a year, according to Bohde.

Those individuals also spend a lot of time grooming, feeding and monitoring the nutrition of their animals as well, she added.

“We are learning about making sure that we have quality livestock that we know someday will come into the food supply,” Bohde said.

Bohde said many 4-H’ers are competitive and have enjoyed success at the Indiana State Fair and at national shows.

“(They are) highly competitive, but at the end of the day, when they come out of the show arena, they are good sportsmen and strive to be the best they can be,” Bohde said.

Other than livestock competitions, the Hamilton County 4-H Fair also will feature various activities for the public, including a county extension homemakers’ flower show, a 4-H agriculture tractor driving contest, live music, a pet parade and more. For more, visit https://bit.ly/3NMoHxL.

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Jensen to run unopposed

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Mitch Daniels, serving as special assistant to Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and director of intergovernmental affairs.

ELECTION

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen will face no opposition for his seat in the Nov. 7 general election, meaning he will serve the city for another four years starting in January.

Jensen, a Republican who has served as mayor since January 2020, announced in September that he would seek a second term in office. He faced no challengers in the May 2 primary election.

The deadline for a state chairman of a political party to nominate a candidate by petition or for an individual to declare an intent to be a write-in candidate was noon July 3, according to the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office.

Prior to serving as mayor, Jensen served on the Noblesville Common Council and worked in business development for a civil engineering firm, where he assisted cities and counties across Indiana with infrastructure development. He also worked in the administration of former Indiana Gov.

Jensen

Jensen’s is among several Noblesville candidates for elected offices that will also face no opposition this fall, according to the Hamilton County Election Office. They are Noblesville City Clerk Evelyn Lee; Noblesville City Court Judge Matt Cook; Noblesville Common Council District 1 candidate Mike Davis; Noblesville Common Council District 2 candidate Todd Thurston; Noblesville Common Council District 3 candidate Aaron Smith; Noblesville Common Council District 4 candidate Mark Boice; and Noblesville Common Council District 6 candidate Megan Wiles.

Voters will decide among three Republicans and one Democrat to fill three at-large seats on the council in the general election. The Republican candidates are Evan Elliott, Darren Peterson and Pete Schwartz, while Democrat Paula Jo Gilliam is also vying for one of the seats.

Peterson is an at-large representative, while Schwartz represents District 2.

City OKs cameras for development

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

city public safety director.

GOVERNMENT

Noblesville has approved the purchase of video cameras and access control hardware for more than $212,000 at Federal Hill Apartments, which is under construction.

The city approved contracts totaling $212,471.29, with several companies to perform installation work for the project, which is west of Federal Hill Commons. The $50 million mixed-use development will bring 220 apartments, 31,700 square feet of commercial retail space and a 210-space public parking garage, according to the city.

The project is a public-private partnership between the city and Carmel-based developer Old Town Companies.

A Noblesville company, Taylored Systems, will install 38 indoor and outdoor cameras at a cost of $72,330 and will also perform garage parking access control work for an additional $88,597. The city obtained a separate quote for $43,657 from Gaylor Electric to install the conduit that will be used when installing the cameras, said Chad Knecht,

The quote from Gaylor, which was also approved by the city, was added to the total cost of the video camera project. Old Town Construction added markup costs of $3,494 and $4,393 to the access control and video surveillance projects, respectively, according to Knecht.

The first phase at Federal Hill Apartments includes a five-story, mixed-use building connected to a parking garage in the center, said Knecht. He said the city is responsible for the camera and door access systems that will be installed in the parking garage portion of the project.

“The camera system will monitor the cars that navigate and park within the parking garage. They will also be installed in the stairwells to ensure the safety of all residents that use the garage,” Knecht said.

Knecht said cameras will be installed on exterior doors that lead into the parking garage and will ensure that residents are safe by allowing only authorized people access to the parking garage and into the apartment side of the building. Cameras will also be installed in the hall and office area that will be used by the city.

Westfield schools, ISU to offer MBA program

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Westfield Washington Schools and Indiana State University are partnering to offer an in-person Master of Business Administration program starting this fall.

coaching to help professionals advance in business. Strong community collaborations make this possible, and we are proud to serve the Indianapolis area,” said Terry Daugherty, dean of the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University.

EDUCATION

The Professional MBA program, which is open to all Hamilton County residents, will be held on Thursday evenings at Westfield Washington Schools’ central office. It will be led by a faculty member from Indiana State University’s Scott College of Business.

Applications are being accepted by Indiana State University for its first cohort of Professional MBA students through the 21-month program, which costs approximately $30,000. The program is open to individuals who have an undergraduate degree and have five or more years of professional work experience.

“The Scott College of Business is committed to providing a distinct student-centered education in our Professional MBA program that combines world-class faculty with individualized career development and

Under the program that begins Sept. 7, students will take two courses per term with classes being offered from 5:30 to 10 p.m. once a week. Classes would alternate from one week to the next.

Joshua Andrews, spokesman for Westfield Washington Schools, said each cohort will receive a customized educational experience centered around the professional experiences and goals of the students in the program. Ten-week terms will be offered in the fall, spring and late spring/summer.

Westfield Washington Schools will host an informal information session at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Westfield Washington Schools’ central office community board room, 19500 Tomlinson Rd., Suite B. To RSVP, visit indianastate.edu/westfield.

For more information or to register for the Professional MBA program, visit indstate.edu/business/mba/promba.

Farm Aid returns to Ruoff Music Center Sept. 23

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Farm Aid will return to Noblesville for the second time Sept. 23, with performances by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and other artists at Ruoff Music Center.

and for the generations of family farmers who have dedicated their lives to caring for the Earth and bringing us good food,” stated Mellencamp, a Seymour native and co-founder of Farm Aid.

EVENT

The music and food festival will feature a full day of concerts, agrarian experiences and family farmers with homegrown food.

The Farm Aid concert will be the third that has taken place in Indiana and the second in Noblesville. Farm Aid IV took place at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis in 1990, while Farm Aid 2001: A Concert for America, was presented in Noblesville just weeks after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

“We are honored and excited to bring the Farm Aid experience back to Indiana. My home state holds deep meaning for me

The festival will also feature performances by Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds); Margo Price; Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack; Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; Lukas Nelson; Allison Russell; The String Cheese Incident; and Particle Kid. The festival will highlight the work of family farmers to address climate change through regenerative, organic and sustainable farming practices, according to a news release.

Tickets, which will range from $75 to $315, will go on sale at 10 a.m. July 15 at livenation.com, with a limited number of presale tickets available starting at 10 a.m. July 12 available at farmaid.org/tickets. For more, visit farmaid.org/festival.

Noblesville Rugby Club late coach remembered

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Abby Fosnot, who will be a senior, shared a tribute to Henson on how he was like a dad to her.

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The Noblesville High School girls rugby team was coming off a successful run to the semistate before losing to a team of Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers players in late May.

Less than six weeks later, the team received a devastating blow when coach Justin Henson, a 41-year-old Noblesville resident, died July 6 at Riverview Health from multiple contributing factors. Henson had been head coach since May 2019 after previously serving as an assistant coach.

“Our mountain of a man and leader of our team passed away very unexpectedly and very much too soon,” assistant coach Laura Piguet said. “Justin Henson was the heartbeat of this team. He wore his emotions on his sleeve and cared about each player and their family. He could be blunt, yet caring, then give an embrace that said, ‘You messed up, but it’s OK.’”

Piguet, who played club rugby at Ball State University, said she and Henson spent the last 11 years coaching together, frequently texting and calling to discuss the season.

“But above all that, we had a bond and friendship that I will always cherish and miss dearly,” she said. “He touched so many lives and we were so lucky to have known him. I always looked forward to his early morning texts whether it was a holiday, mother’s day or birthday. This will be the first time in 11 years I won’t get that birthday text.”

“You looked strong and tough but really you were just a big teddy bear,” she said. “You were there for me when it felt like my world was going downhill. I didn’t just play rugby for the sport, I played for you. You placed a special type of confidence in me that I’ll always cherish. I will forever be grateful for the sacrifices you made for the team.”

Ayla Howery, who will be a junior, said the girls came together as a family this season.

“We worked together as a family,” Howery said. “In rugby, if one person isn’t doing their job it doesn’t work.”

Howery said the team began to communicate better.

“We lifted each other up,” Howery said. “We started to try our hardest no matter what the score looked like, just keeping our heads high.”

The girls also reached the semistate in spring 2021. The teams play with seven players on the field in the fall and 15 in the spring.

The Noblesville boys team also reached the semistate, the best finish since 2018 and 2019.

Stacy Ambler, who recently finished her term as the club president, said the program is hoping to restart its junior high program.

“We are working on getting youth teams again,” Ambler said. “Once the COVID-19 pandemic (began), it became a problem for rugby teams. But we are actively working to get teams again for junior high.”

DISPATCHES

Assistance League — Learn more about membership in the Assistance League of Indianapolis at an informational coffee meeting set for 10 a.m. Aug. 17 at the ALI chapter office, 1475 W. 86th St., Suite E, in Indianapolis. Membership in ALI, an all-volunteer philanthropic nonprofit, is open to residents in Indianapolis and surrounding communities. RSVP to Janine Bercovitz, vice president of membership, at membership@alindy.org. Learn more at ALIndy.org.

Learn

Website connects residents to resources — The Hamilton County Community Foundation, Duke Energy, the Hamilton County Trustees Association and Good Samaritan Network have partnered to launch Help4HamiltonCounty.org to provide residents with a one-stop resource for support services. The new resource offers connection in the areas of aging and seniors, food assistance, medical and mental health, youth and families, housing and education and employment.

Henson

about

DISPATCHES

Man dies from shooting in Noblesville –An 18-year-old Cicero resident was killed after being shot July 2 in Noblesville, authorities said. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said July 10 that Christopher Stumpf was found with a single gunshot wound to his back at approximately 1:30 p.m. July 2 and was seated in the front passenger seat of a vehicle in a residential driveway in the 21000 block of Overdorf Road in Noblesville. Authorities said that Stumpf was transported to Riverview Health in Noblesville, where he died from his injuries. The sheriff’s office said in a news release that all persons of interest have been contacted and noted there was not an ongoing threat to the community. Authorities did not announce any arrests tied to the shooting.

Extension Homemakers to host pie contest – The Hamilton County Extension Homemakers will host a homemade pie contest during the Hamilton County 4-H Fair. Entries will be accepted from 1 to 2 p.m. July 22 in the Exhibition Center Hall B at the fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville. Individuals are asked to submit a homemade pie from a recipe handed down through generations and include the recipe with directions. No pies needing refrigeration will be accepted. Entries must also include 50 to 100 words telling how the pie became part of your family history. Judging will begin at 2 p.m. with prizes awarded to the winner. For more, call 317-776-0854.

Golf tournament fundraiser – The fifth annual Evan R. Hansen Legacy Foundation Golf Tournament is set for July 29 on both 18-hole courses at Pebble Brook Golf Club in Noblesville. The foundation plans to use the proceeds to begin sponsoring nationally known mental health speaker presentations at local high schools as well as other causes related to its mission. For more, visit erh32.org.

Study: Hamilton Co. has most purchasing power - SmartAsset released its annual study on the places with the most purchasing power. The study measures the places where average living expenses are most affordable for people living there by measuring the cost of living relative to local income in each county. According to the study, Hamilton County has a $54,165 cost of living and a median income of $98,173, ranking it first in Indiana with a purchasing power index of 91.70.

Groups receive arts grants

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Seventeen organizations in Hamilton County have been awarded grant funding through the Indiana Arts Commission.

COUNTY

The funding is from the commission’s Arts Organization Support and Arts Project Support grant programs, officials said. Arts Organization Support grants provide annual operating support for ongoing artistic and administrative functions of eligible arts organizations, while Arts Project Support grants provide funding to Indiana nonprofit organizations and public entities for a specific arts project or arts activity or activities, officials said.

The following Hamilton County organizations received funding:

• Front Porch Music Festival ($4,000)

• City of Westfield ($4,000)

Made Fun!

• Conner Prairie Museum Inc. ($3,600)

• Resounding Joy ($4,000)

• Gal’s Guide to the Galaxy ($4,000)

• Nickel Plate Arts, Inc. ($15,937)

• Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre ($17,621)

• Fishers Arts Council ($7,576)

• Carmel Repertory Theatre Inc. ($4,529)

• Christian Youth Theater, Indianapolis, Inc. ($13,274)

• International Talent Academy ($7,264)

• Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections, Inc. ($13,274)

• The Center for the Performing Arts ($17,467)

• The Great American Songbook Foundation ($16,294)

• Central Indiana Dance Ensemble ($14,900)

• Indiana Artisan Inc. ($13,437)

• Hamilton County Artist Association ($5,993)

For more, visit in.gov/arts/.

36 to participate in HCLA program

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

• Derrick Ferguson (Meyer Najem)

• Anthony Gary (Village Capital Corporation, A Pedcor Company)

• Samuel Gibson (Custom Concrete)

• Heather Haas (ADVISA)

• Emily Hitchcock (Conner Prairie Museum)

LEADERSHIP

Thirty-six people have been selected to participate in the Hamilton County Leadership Academy program. HCLA is a 10-month program for professional and community leaders who live or work in Hamilton County, with class sessions focusing on topics that affect the operations of the county. Participants learn about the areas of government, education, criminal justice, arts, culture, business, industry and more. The next class will be:

• Katie Abernathy (Alpha Gamma Delta)

• Billy Adams (Westfield Police Dept.)

• Sandy Allen (Hamilton County Tourism)

• Joshua Andrews (Westfield Washington Schools)

• Chris Beaver (Beaver Gravel Corporation)

• Aaron Collins (OfficeWorks)

• Christina Collins (Ivy Tech Community College - Hamilton County)

• Brittany Delph (Student Impact of Westfield)

• Murry Dixon (Noblesville Fire Dept.)

• Brien Donahue (Performance Contracting, Inc.)

• Pete Dunbar (American Bank of Freedom)

• Katie Ellis (Purdue University)

• Patricia Ellis (Tegria)

• Jenell Fairman (City of Carmel)

• Danielle Humphrey (Hamilton County Community Foundation)

• Tonya Hyatt (Northern Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce)

• Steve Latour (Westfield Chamber of Commerce & Downtown Westfield Association)

• Stephanie Lay (Everwise Credit Union)

• Julie Plake (United Way of Central Indiana)

• Brian Price (Wessler Engineering)

• Bailey Rayford (Kendal Logan Logistics, LLC)

• Jennifer Roam (City of Fishers)

• Elizabeth Roberson (Krieg DeVault LLP)

• Jennifer Rozelle (Indiana Estate & Elder Law)

• Hyacinth Rucker (The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis)

• Emily J. Schmale (Church Church Hittle + Antrim)

• Alexis Sowder (KSM Location Advisors)

• Peg Strass (Westfield Fire Dept.)

• Jordan Willy (City of Fishers)

• Ashley Woodward Fischer (Beck’s)

• Lindsay Zehren (Resounding Joy Indiana) For more, visit hcla.net.

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 image can be found at Rowland Printing, 199 N. Ninth St., in downtown Noblesville. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

NEW VISION

New Prevail leader focuses on education, communication

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The leader of a nonprofit in Noblesville that advocates for local victims of crime and abuse is nearly two months into her new role and says education and listening to others are key focuses as she moves forward.

Tami Wanninger, who lives in Westfield, was hired as the executive director of Prevail, Inc., and started in her position May 22. Before joining Prevail, she worked at Noble, Inc., — a nonprofit based in Indianapolis that works with people who have disabilities — for more than 28 years, with the last five years primarily focused on corporate compliance and national accreditation for the organization.

Wanninger succeeds Caroline Dutkanych, who had served as Prevail’s interim executive director since Jan. 23. Wanninger said she enjoys being involved in the nonprofit sector. She said at Prevail, she gets to work for an organization that is mission-driven while getting to work in Hamilton County as well.

“I guess you could say I have a passion for serving, and I just love the nonprofit community,” Wanninger said. “It seems like the perfect fit for me.”

Prevail, which has a mission of empowering victims of crime and abuse on their path to healing while engaging the community to support safe, healthy relationships, provides victim advocacy services to all individuals seeking support and resources, according to Wanninger. The organization, which offers meeting groups and has a 24/7 crisis line, also has advocates available on staff who can provide support to victims through any legal proceedings by going with them if needed.

Those advocates also can provide advocacy services to secondary victims, such as a family member, Wanninger said. Prevail also provides orders of protection as necessary and offers group sessions for children and adults, she added.

“A lot of times when you have a group session with other youths the same age and similar experiences, they can really learn from each other, to be almost a peer and a reference,” Wanninger said. “They

can relate and say, ‘Hey, I’ve lived through that, too.’”

Although Prevail is based in Noblesville, it serves all of Hamilton County and provides support to victims outside the county as well, Wanninger said. The organization also works closely with the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office and guides victims through the judicial process.

Wanninger said she has been focused on meeting people ranging from her own staff, board members, donors, coalition partners and others in her new role. Education is also an important area for Wanninger, who said she wants to understand crime and abuse better.

Much of the funding Prevail receives comes through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Wanninger said the organization has already faced some significant funding cuts, leaving it to figure out how to fill those gaps. Prevail served 3,195 victims in 2022 while it also worked with 5,000 students through prevention programming at school corporations throughout Hamilton County, Wanninger said.

Hamilton County announced plans earlier this month to build a women’s shelter for domestic violence victims and their children off Ind. 38 next year.

The county purchased 9 acres of land off Ind. 38 for $550,000 for the shelter,

although details — such as cost and how large the facility will be — have yet to be determined. County officials plan to work with Prevail regarding the building, but Wanninger said her organization still needs to work through various details, including funding.

“What I would say is I think we’re all very appreciative of the commissioners and the (county) councilors for making an investment in our community, and we appreciate that opportunity for collaboration,” Wanninger said.

But for Wanninger, helping individuals who need services is a top priority, as Prevail gets approximately three to five walkins per day, while it averages seven to 10 crisis calls per day.

“There’s definitely a need for the services we provide and linking people to the appropriate resources, and we don’t turn anyone away,” she said. “We’ve got to do more awareness and more education in the community of who we are, what we’re here for and how we can help individuals.”

ON THE COVER: Tami Wanninger, executive director of Prevail, Inc., started May 22 as the new leader of the nonprofit organization that advocates for local victims of crime and abuse. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

CELEBRATION OF HOPE

Prevail, Inc., will host its Celebration of Hope gala Aug. 19 as part of a fundraising effort for the organization. The signature event will be held at the Embassy Suites Noblesville, 13700 Conference Center Dr., Noblesville.

A VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m. with doors opening an hour later. It will include dinner, dancing and a silent and live auction.

In 2022, the event raised $150,000. This year’s goal is $239,000.

Tickets are $175 each, while VIP tickets are $275. For more, visit prevailinc.org.

Tami Wanninger is the new executive dirctor of Prevail, Inc. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

HEALTH

Physique 57 launches Teen Sculpt

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Physique 57, a barre fitness studio at 350 Monon Blvd. in Carmel, has launched a girls-only summer program called Teen Sculpt.

FITNESS

The program is a high-energy, low-impact workout class for girls aged 13-17. Physique 57 offers a new-client special of $20 for the first two classes. Teen Sculpt is $15 per class after the first two classes.

“Our class considers not only the movement their body should be doing but also on giving the girls energy and confidence,” Physique 57 owner Leslie Lupton said.

The class is an opportunity for teens to grow stronger, physically and mentally, in a safe and comfortable space. Because of that goal, no adults are in the studio during the sessions.

“The main reason we do not have adults in the studio during Teen Sculpt is so the girls are comfortable and amongst their peers,” Lupton said. “We want the girls to have an inclusive experience targeted directly toward them, including the choreography and the music.”

Teen Sculpt takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. (Photo courtesy of Leslie Lupton)

The class takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays,

The class is for teen girls of all fitness levels, including athletes like 12-year-old Kyla Patel.

“I dance and play tennis, and I love doing this class because it allows me to exercise with friends in a comfortable environment,” Patel said.

The class was originally scheduled only for the summer, but Lupton wants to extend Teen Sculpt into the school year. It will shift to Fridays and Sundays to avoid conflict with school sports and activities.

For more about Physique 57 and Teen Sculpt, visit physique57.com/indianapolis.

5 summer foot hazards

Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan

Summer is a time to let loose and relax. But you don’t want to get too carefree and forget all about your foot health. Why? Taking precautions can help you bypass an infection or foot pain. To stay safe, keep reading to learn about the summer foot hazards to avoid this season!

after a long day in the sun, give your feet a soak with Epsom salts to reduce next-day pain and swelling.

GIVING IN TO SWEAT

PODIATRY

DITCHING SHOES

Going barefoot could expose your feet to cuts and cause foot pain. Or you might pick up a fungal infection. Cover your feet outdoors, at the pool or the gym.

WEARING UNSUPPORTIVE SHOES

Flip-flops can protect your feet from infection. But that’s about all they’ll do. Reserve these shoes for the pool and choose more supportive footwear the rest of the time. Otherwise, heel pain may keep you from summer fun.

NEVER SLOWING DOWN

Hot weather can leave you with painful, swollen feet. Take sitting breaks when possible and prop your feet up if you can. And,

Sweating increases your risk of fungal infections, blisters, corns and foot odor. Fight sweat with moisture-wicking socks. And, if your feet do feel damp, change your socks as soon as possible.

FEELING THE BURN

Avoid sunburns (and the risk of skin cancer on your feet) by coating your feet with sunscreen, even the soles. And reapply at regular intervals if you’re outside for long periods.

Sore feet can put a damper on summer days. At the first sign of discomfort, make an appointment with our office. Our team will get you back on your feet before summer foot hazards ruin your days in the sun.

A board-certified foot surgeon and wound specialist, Dr. David Sullivan is the owner of Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact him at drs@ westfieldfoot.com.

•

Upland coming to Clay Terrace

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Upland Brewing Co. plans to open its second taphouse in Carmel in late August.

•

TAPHOUSE

Padraig Cullen, Upland Brewing Co. vice president of hospitality, said he had been eyeing the site at 14490 Clay Terrace Blvd., which previously housed Prodigy Burger Bar, for several years.

“I’ve always thought it’s a unique location. You’re in the heart of everything, and it’s got a real nice look to it with the garage doors,” Cullen said. “A lot of people are walking around in front of it.”

The Clay Terrace site will be the 10th location for the Bloomington-based craft brewery, which also operates a taphouse at 820 E. 116th St. in Carmel. Cullen said the Clay Terrace site will be twice as large as its 116th Street restaurant and employ approximately 50 people.

Since 1998, Upland Brewing Co. has been serving craft beer and a menu of scratchmade, locally produced food. Cullen said the company aims to create an approachable, calm environment where guests feel com-

fortable stopping by whether they are in work attire or looking to relax after traveling nearby trails.

“It’s nice and clean,” Cullen said. “It’s not divey, but (it’s a place) where everybody feels comfortable. That’s what we shoot for.”

Operating hours for Upland Brewing Clay Terrace will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Learn more at UplandBeer.com.

CSA opens new facility

By Kiersten Riedford kiersten@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Swim Academy opened its new facility July 5 at 830 City Center Dr. The facility contains a six-lane pool — 5-feet deep and 25 yards long for each lane — and a small pool that is 3-feet deep for people to be safely introduced to water.

“Our goal in constructing this facility, which was a huge undertaking for us, was to create a safer, healthier and stronger community through swimming,” said Maggie Mestrich, director of business development for Carmel Swim Club and CSA.

CSA will offer swim lessons for ages 3 and older, lifeguard certification classes and community swimming hours.

Swimming lessons are divided into groups: 3- to 4-year-olds, 5- to 7-year-olds, 8- to 10-year-olds and 11 and older.

Community swim hours will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 8 to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 8 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 2 to

9 p.m.

Community swim memberships are offered through monthly memberships, 20-visit punch cards and day passes. Monthly memberships range from $45 to $50, 20-visit punch cards range from $85 to $100 and day passes range from $5 to $30.

Any child who is on free or reduced lunch or whose family is on an accounting utility assistance program is eligible to participate in CSA’s free swim lesson program.

For more information, contact Senior Director Nicole Bills at carmelswimacademydirector@gmail.com.

Upland Brewing Clay Terrace is set to open in late August in the site that previously housed Prodigy Burger Bar. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

The Carmel Swim Academy facility contains a 6-lane pool — 5-feet deep and 25 yards long for each lane — and a small pool that is 3-feet deep. (Photo by Kiersten Riedford)

Challenges of sticking together

Commentary by Terry Anker

Funny you should ask…

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

There are more than a handful of handy, intuitive inventions that, once discovered, seem to have been with us from the beginning. We wonder how humans might have survived before the simple, elegant and eminently useful ideas, gadgets and solutions came along, but each one had an origin point in some dreamer imagining a resolution to a vexing problem, with prototypes, refinements and collaborations until a stable and replicable process took hold. Someone rubbed sticks or sparked a particular kind of stone to carry fire in their pockets. Someone imagined and built a box to hold and store — then someone else fabricated a pair of wheels to make the whole thing mobile.

In 1941 a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral was walking his dog and, annoyed by the burrs sticking to his woolen socks and the animal’s thick fur coat, was inspired to eventually create hook and loop fabric strips that became Velcro. The relatively modest leap in engineering became a global blockbuster. Now, the product is every-

where, connecting everything. For Mestral, inspiration came from burdock seeds. Others have been initiated by Mestral’s Velcro to push the limits of its uses. Still more have applied the ubiquitous awareness of the straightforward function and utility of Velcro as a metaphor for countless other interactions.

Why is it that some people are like Velcro? We seem to stick to them quickly and effortlessly. Even if life pulls us apart over time and geography, when together again we reconnect as if we’d never been separated. And in parting once more, we don’t harm one another. Yet for others, no matter how great the effort, we cannot attach. Is it because there needs to be a hook-andloop to have the effect? Is it our differences that make this work? Or consistency? Or providence?

Love the hate mail

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I’ve got mail! Hate mail, to be precise. Two avid readers have finally had enough of my nonsensical shenanigans and chosen to share their loathing with me. One was an honest-to-god handwritten postcard! Talk about your old school. I love the commitment, Carol! (This is not her real name, of course. Or is it?)

HUMOR

There was a time when notes like these would have sent me into either a defensive spiral or rage haze, both entailing creative combinations of swear words and harsh adjectives. But I’ve been doing this for more than 16 years. Sixteen! And I’ve seen some stuff, readers. This is nothing. I’m honestly rather flattered that two women took the time from their clearly busy lives to have a go at me. I matter, I really do!

I was disappointed, however, in the level of critique. There were no righteous accusations of spousal, child or alcohol abuse; no cruel indictments of my un-American stupid liberal politics; no brutal declarations that my hopefully-soon-to-be afterlife be spent in, ‘Hell-o operator, give me No. 9.” Come on! If you’re going to dish it out,

“If you’re going to dish it out, make sure it’s got meat on it. Mean-girl correspondence should be juicy, people.”

make sure it’s got meat on it. Mean-girl correspondence should be juicy, people. No, my new special friends simply think I’m boring, irrelevant and a waste of paper space. They’ve been reading me forever but can’t stand another minute of my dumb column and they’re vowing to, from now on, throw me out with the trash where I belong.

Beverly, I hear you, I do (again, this is not her real name. Probably). But I also thank you because mail is mail, hate or otherwise. I’ll take it! Peace out.

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

Through the years, I have written about 1,200 columns. I find that people are curious about the humor-writing process. So, this week and next will not be humor columns; they will be columns about humor. Here are some of the most common questions I get.

HUMOR

Do you write about things that really happened, or do you make all this stuff up?

You know how sometimes a movie begins with this phrase, inspired by a true story? That’s pretty much like my column. The idea is always based on something real. A week or so ago, I fell out of a small bed at a downtown inn where we were staying for our anniversary. That was 100 percent true. As soon as my head hit the floor, I knew I had a column. And a headache. Did I exaggerate the story just a bit? Of course.

Have people ever been angry at you for a column you wrote?

Yes. Here’s an example:

Several years ago, I wrote about why my wife never mows the lawn. In the piece, I suggested that I didn’t want her to mow because it would jeopardize her femininity as evidenced by other women in the neighborhood who were outside grunting and sweating as they pushed their mowers. I got a lot of nasty notes from the ladies on our street. My wife said I had to go apologize to each of them. I had a better idea. We moved.

You make fun of your wife, Mary Ellen. Is she OK with that?

The truth is that in most of my columns, I make fun of myself, not her. Self-deprecating humor is the best form of comedy. About 75 percent of President Barack Obama’s jokes at the 2012 annual White House Broadcasters Dinner were mocking himself. Trump only managed self-deprecation 30 percent of the time when he had his turn. Even Biden has now started to parody his advancing age. I recently wrote a column about all the dumb questions Mary Ellen asked me about baseball. Truth is, I couldn’t answer any of them myself. I was poking fun at myself for pretending I was an expert.

The last line of your story is my favorite part. What’s the key to a good ending?

I once had a newspaper (no name) whose copy editor chopped off my last several sentences when he needed the space. That’s when I started believing in capital punishment. People were telling me they liked my columns but didn’t understand the endings. The last line or two of a humor column are crucial. It ties it all up and goes back to something I may have mentioned maybe 400 words ago. I work really hard on that. I hope you like the ending to this one.

Do you ever run out of funny ideas?

I did this week. That’s why you are reading this column.

POLICIES

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 specialinterest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

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

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

“As soon as my head hit the floor, I knew I had a column. And a headache. Did I exaggerate the story just a bit? Of course.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

– DANIELLE WILSON

Pavel & Direct Contact to bring Latin flavor to Carmel Jazz Fest

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Pavel & Direct Contact will present its unique Latin jazz sound in a prime spot in the Carmel Jazz Fest.

‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’

“Sophisticated Ladies” runs through Aug. 20 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

CONCERT

“We’re always excited to bring exposure to the culture to different parts of the city and state,” said Pavel Polanco-Safadit, a pianist who grew up in the Dominican Republic. “As far as I know, we are the only Latin-flavored band this year in the Carmel Jazz Fest. I give it up to (the organizers) to do something different, to do some Latin jazz.”

The Indianapolis-based Pavel & Direct Contact will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 12 on the Carter Green stage. The twoday festival is set for Aug. 11-12 at six sites.

Vocalist Leah Crane said the band is known for its high-energy performances.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to follow that much energy, so I think it’s good we’re going to close out the night,” Crane said.

Evelyn “Champagne” King will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 12 on the Gazebo stage. King had a hit disco single, “Shame,” during the height of disco’s popularity in 1977.

Polanco-Safadit said the band’s music features Afro-Cuban rhythms during the set.

“What people love is we take cover songs that people know and put a Latin rhythm to it,” Crane said. “I’ll sing songs in Spanish, and some of the songs have both English and Spanish in it.”

One cover they usually put a spin on is “I Will Survive.”

Polanco-Safadit said the band also will feature its Latin jazz originals.

Direct Contact’s music contains an experience of Latin jazz, salsa and Latin-infused American pop songs.

“For us, it’s very important to connect cultures,” Polanco-Safadit said. “Sometimes, they hear the rhythms. Some might say I don’t know that song, in particular, but I like it. They recognize the rhythms.

We have amazing musicians for this.”

Besides Polanco-Safadit and Crane, the band consists of Steve Dokken, bass; David Allee, trumpet; Rob Dixon, saxophone; Freddie Mendoza, trombone; and Matt McGraw, percussion. Allee is the owner of The Jazz Kitchen and has been the band’s trumpet player for more than 15 years.

“We had the opportunity to come to Carmel when we played for the Carmel Symphony Orchestra,” Crane said. “That was the first time they ever had a local Latin band.”

Polanco-Safadit said that to say the

band has been very busy of late is in an understatement.

“In this past year, we’ve traveled to different countries -- the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Canada,” Polanco-Safadit said. “We’ll be doing the Indy Jazz Fest (in September). We’re doing a lot of private gigs as well.”

Polanco-Safadit will join Blair Clark at 11 a.m. Aug. 13 at Feinstein’s at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

For tickets and the complete lineup, visit carmeljazzfest.org.

“The Piano Man: A Billy Joel Tribute” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 20 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. ATI Live presents Un5Gettable at 7:30 p.m. July 21, and Wayne Powers will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 22. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS’

“Broadway Under the Stars” will be presented at 8 p.m. July 21-22 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT

The Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy, a summer intensive program, will conclude with a concert at 7 p.m. July 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH

Indy Shorts presents ‘The Hoosier Way’ —

The Indy Shorts International Film Festival, set for July 18-23, will hold a free, all-ages screening of “The Hoosier Way” at The Toby Theatre in Newfields, 4000 N Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, at 5:30 p.m. July 23. Using a tapestry of clips from more than 40 16mm educational, promotional and home movies, the program features people, places and events that make Indiana unique. Footage includes the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911; Oscar Robertson leading Indianapolis Crispus Attucks to become the first all-Black high school sports team in the U.S. to win a state championship; Kurt Vonnegut at home; behind the scenes inside Gary’s steel mills; and more. The program will be introduced by curators/directors Jennifer and Jon Vickers and will be followed by a brief Q&A with filmmakers and Indiana University archivists. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for interactive 16mm film handling demonstrations. For more on Indy Shorts schedule of films, visit heartlandfilm.org/indyshorts.

Pavel & Direct Contact members, from left, David Allee, Freddie Mendoza, Matt McGraw, Leah Crane, Pavel Polanco-Safadit, Rob Dixon, Gerardo Becerra and Steve Dokken at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Mark Sheldon)

Pavel Polanco-Safadit and Leah Crane performing with Pavel & Direct Contact. (Photo courtesy of Larry Goshen)

NIGHT & DAY Beat the heat with lighter fare

Commentary by Mark LaFay

WHS grad’s original song wins

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Spenser Johns was stunned when she won the CarmelFest Has Talent 17-and-older division

FOOD

It appears the summer heat and humidity have finally found us. I normally like to avoid the heat and humidity, unless there is a frosty beverage in my hand and some water nearby. But even in the absence of such vacation-esque accommodations, I still love to be outside as much as possible.

The higher heat and humidity do cause some behavior modification in me, if only in what, and how much, I eat. Maybe you’re like me and you gravitate toward the lighter fare in the hot weather. We tend to consume more fresh fruit and vegetables in this weather, and meals can often look more like party grazing than a proper meal. You don’t have to eat like a rabbit to eat lighter and fresher in the warm weather. There are several different fruit, vegetable, meat and cheese combos that we like to assemble for a filling but lighter approach to dinner inside and outside, such as:

Prosciutto and cantaloupe: Pork and melons are two things you can find plenty of in Indiana. This combo is, however, very Italian in origin. Once in Italy, we enjoyed fresh, ripe cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto, with a little high-quality olive oil drizzled over the top. Sweet and savory, but overall, somewhat mild in flavor and not heavy in the belly. Try LaQuercia Acorn Prosciutto.

Sharp Vermont cheddar and apple slices: I’m sure you’ve heard of apple pie with cheddar cheese slices, right? If not, try crisp Granny Smith apples and thin slices of Vermont cheddar cheese. The sharp and savory nature of the cheddar pairs nicely with the tart and sweet apple. The difference in texture is nice as well — crunchy and creamy. Try Cabot Sharp Cheddar.

Grapes and brie cheese: Another classic light snack is grapes and brie. The sweet nature of the grapes goes wonderfully with the brie, which can be, at times, a little sharp with a bitter edge. Try this with Point Reyes Quinta, Tulip Tree Creamery Trillium or an imported triple-cream cheese from France.

style and interests are always changing,” she said. “I’d say I mainly sing pop, classic rock and alternative music, but I try to throw some other genres into the mix and I am always experimenting and evolving my sound.”

TALENT SHOW

“I did not believe I’d have any shot at winning,” she said. “I went after three amazing acts, with another one going right after me, and I truly believed I couldn’t even compete with any of them.”

The 2023 Westfield High School graduate was victorious in the July 3 competition after performing an original song called “The Real World’s Game.”

She said she wrote the song during her sophomore year. It’s about being confused on what she wanted to do with her life while getting questions about college and her future.

Johns, who will attend IUPUI to major in business and minor in music production, likes all genres of music.

“I don’t like tying myself to one box, especially since I am so young and my

Johns also won a Noblesville’s Got Talent in April and will get the opportunity to perform July 22 at the Noblesville Street Dance.

Vivian Vreeman, who will be a junior at Carmel High School in August, won the ages 13 through 16 competition. She performed “Someone Like You” by Adele.

“The best part of the competition was meeting the other performers and making connections with other talented artists,” Vreeman said.

Noblesville resident Azalia Davidson won the 12-and-under category. She sang “Yodeling at the Grand Ole Opry.”

Davidson said she enjoyed watching everyone showcase their talent.

This was the first appearance for Johns, Vreeman and Davidson in the CarmelFest talent show The winners each received $300.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4021 Millersville Rd., Suite 107A, Indianapolis.

Davidson

Foreigner set for farewells

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

YAP takes on ‘Mean Girls’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

CONCERT

With Foreigner’s heavy touring schedule for the past 18 years, keyboardist Michael Bluestein knows it’s appropriate that this tour “feels like the last time” for the band.

“There certainly is a collective exhaustion that has crept up in the band,” Bluestein said. “I mean, we’re proud of the fact that we still put on a killer show, but there’s a sense that the ability to do that won’t go on forever, and we’d like to ‘go out on top,’ as they say.”

Foreigner will perform at 7 p.m. July 21 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. Loverboy is joining Foreigner as a special guest on the tour, which began July 6 and extends into 2024.

“It’s definitely bittersweet,” Bluestein said. “We’re all proud of what we’ve done and very excited to give it all on this farewell tour, but we’ll certainly miss performing for our awesome fans and miss playing these fantastic songs with each other.”

Keyboardist Michael Bluestein has been with Foreigner since 2008.

(Photo courtesy of Live Nation)

Bluestein said he always looks forward to performing “Juke Box Hero” and “Long, Long Way from Home” because they are hard-driving rockers that always pump up the band and the fans.

Guitarist Mick Jones is the last original member still with the band, which started in New York in 1976. Kelly Hansen replaced Lou Gramm as the lead singer in 2005. Bluestein has toured with the band since 2008.

“It has been touching to see how special this band has been to so many people,” Bluestein said. “We have people practically begging us not to stop touring, and that definitely is moving.”

Keegan Connor is taking a break in her duties as Miss Indiana’s Teen to explore her love of theater.

“I’ve never played a super-mean character like her,” Kauffman said. “She’s horrible. It’s definitely fun because in real life, I don’t act like her, so it’s kind of challenging for me.”

MUSICAL

Connor, who will be a Westfield High School senior, captured the title June 17 and since then has done some TV shows and personal appearances.

“It’s been crazy since I was crowned,” said Connor, who recently was in a parade and sang the national anthem at a South Bend Cubs baseball game. “But I found time to prioritize the show because I wouldn’t have signed up for it if I didn’t think I could handle both.”

Connor is now preparing for her lead role of Cady Heron in Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s production of “Mean Girls,” set for July 27-30 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“I think Cady is relatable from the get-go, even if you didn’t move from school to school to school,” Connor said. “She resembles a lot of people who are going through high school life, because no matter what you are going to get picked on, going to get judged. She does have a big character arc. By the start of Act 2, she steps into (queen mean girl) Regina’s role, and I think that shows how you can be influenced by people around you. Peer pressure is really real.”

Connor said this is the largest role of her career. The musical is based on the 2004 movie.

“I’m very honored and humbled to step into this role,” said Connor, who saw “Mean Girls” on Broadway and twice on tour. “A lot of the things from the movie are pulled into the musical as well, with iconic lines. I think the musical is a lot better than the movie, in my opinion. It brings more sense of community by the end of it all.”

Connor started with Jr. Civic when she was in seventh grade. She performed in “The Sound of Music” on the main stage this spring.

Claire Kauffman, who will be a Zionsville Community High School junior, plays Regina George.

Kauffman said her favorite song is “Someone Gets Hurt.”

Kauffman has been in several shows for YAP and Jr. Civic, including YAP’s “42nd Street” in 2022 and “Matilda the Musical” on the main stage last year.

Kauffman played the title role of “Annie” at Beef & Boards in 2018. She also performed in “Annie” at Civic Theatre.

Maddux Morrison, a 2023 Noblesville High School graduate who will attend Ball State University to major in musical theater, plays Cady’s gay friend, Damian.

“I was a fan of the movie, and then when it became a musical and went to Broadway, I was a fan of that as well,” Morrison said. “Damian is a fun role to play. He’s very confident and sassy. He really knows who he is. Playing the character has helped me as a person. He’s helped my confidence as a performer and also in real life. Something I love about the show and also this character is the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. When I was in high school, I took everything seriously. I didn’t stop and have fun that much. Doing this show and role has helped me to explore that side of myself.”

Morrison has been performing at Jr. Civic and YAP for eight years.

Amelia Schoeff, who will be a senior at Lebanon High School, plays Cady’s friend, Janis.

“She’s a goth and a victim of Regina,” Schoeff said. “I’ve never played a goth before, and it’s so different from me in real life. She’s so fun. She has a hysterical, dry sense of humor. She’s also relatable to a common high school experience for girls where she has been picked on by the main character.”

This is her first performance with Civic Theatre.

“Everyone that works on the show and the cast members are all incredible,” Schoeff said.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Kauffman

Morrison

Connor

Schoeff

From Seward to Juneau

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we travel by ship from Seward to Juneau, Alaska’s capital, where we make the first of two stops.

TRAVEL

Disenchantment Bay, a narrow inlet at the head of Yakutat Bay, is a popular stop for cruise ships sailing to or from Seward’s well-equipped port on the Gulf of Alaska. It was named for Spanish explorer Alejandro Malaspina’s disappointment that it did not lead to the legendary Northwest Passage.

Ship captains now willingly sail to the end of Disenchantment Bay to take passengers to see Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier. The 76-mile-long glacier is 7 miles wide and 600 feet high where it meets the water, with 250 feet below the water line. The ice in Hubbard Glacier moves forward at about 1,000 feet per year, which means that the ice at the face is 400 years old. Some of the so-called “calves” that constantly break off and fall into the water are more than 100 feet tall, creating hazards for

ships in the area.

Juneau, about 200 miles southeast of Hubbard Glacier, includes both an area lying between the base of Mount Juneau and Gastineau Channel, and Douglas Island, across the channel. Surrounded completely by mountains and water, no roads connect Juneau with the rest of Alaska. Visitors and goods come and go only by ships or planes. Despite its location, Juneau has been the capital of Alaska since 1906, and efforts to move the capital have failed.

Today, Juneau has a permanent population of about 32,000, making it the third-largest city in Alaska after Anchorage and Fairbanks. In the summer, about 6,000 people a day enter the city from cruise ships. Many of them take the Goldbelt Tram from the cruise ship dock up 1,800 feet to get a spectacular view of the city.

Juneau, Alaska, from Goldbelt Tram. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Douglas Island near Juneau.

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

Across

1. Prime Palladium seating spot

5. IU grad

9. A/C measure

13. Black, to 15-Across

14. Anthony’s Chophouse steak order

15. Masters of rhyme

16. Indiana’s “Summit City”

18. Fairy tale meanies

19. 12th grader at Fishers HS

20. Rhino relative 22. Hawaiian island 25. Shirt part 28. Butler anatomy class display 32. Miss Indiana pageant accessories 33. Kind of band or story 34. Windshield device 36. Colts punt path 37. “I smell ___!”

38. Fancy tie

39. I-69 sight

40. Big ___ Conference

41. What dogs and babies do

42. Speak

43. Mattel rival

45. Document file format

47. Covets

48. Genesis patri-ark?

49. “Ghosts” playwright

51. Bird in some clocks

56. Crooked Stick pro shop purchase

58. Indiana’s “Wagon City”

61. ___ Hospital for Children

62. German wife

63. Author Bagnold

64. Mine finds

65. Amazes

66. Goes bad Down

1.

4. Opposed

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

partner

28. Criticize harshly

29. Seoul man

30. Indiana’s “Pocket City”

31. Permit

35. Salk’s vaccine target

38. Stood up

39. Colts QB stat

41. Formally attired

42. Slangy affirmative

44. Holy books

46. Desert plant

50. Website warning letters

52. Radio-active trucker

53. Numbers game

54. “Step ___!”

55. Hoosier Park race figures

56. Sis’ sib

57. Number one cause of inflation?

59. Spanish gold

60. GM labor group

Answers on Page 23

Hinkle Fieldhouse whistle blowers

2. ISO woodwind

3. Weather-beaten

Landfall for 48-Across

“Now I ___ me down...”

IMA vase

Noblesville HS swimming competition

Isn’t up to par? (Var.)

10. Indiana’s “Queen City of the Wabash”

11. Eiteljorg Museum Western tribe

12. Leak sound

15. Indiana state tree, by another name

17. Suitor 21. Liability’s opposite 23. “In what way?”

24. Mythical horse with a horn

26. Polygon’s corner

27. Zionsville HS prom

WRTV Storm Team Words

German Cities 3 Indiana State Fair Barns 2 Adhesives

5 Royal Titles

1 “Libations by the Levee” Festival Site

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