July 23, 2024 — Noblesville by Current Publishing

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

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Southwest corner of 116th & I-69

Dive into Delicious

Input sought for Hamilton County’s CDBG long-term plan

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County is in the process of finalizing its 2024-2029 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan, the planning document that serves as the overall guide for how CDBG funds are used.

SERVICES

The Noblesville Housing Authority administers and provides housing and community development services for all of Hamilton County. Community Development Program Manager Michelle Westermeier updated the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners on the consolidated planning process July 8. The housing authority partnered with Prosperity Indiana and Usona Development to gather the data presented in the plan.

Westermeier said the Consolidated Plan identifies and updates community needs and priorities in areas of community development and affordable housing and proposes strategies on how to best use the resources available to meet those needs. The plan is a requirement to apply for CDBG funds, which are administered by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and designed to meet the needs of low- and moderate-income residents. CDBG funds support housing and social services for low-income residents, inducing home repair, public facility construction and rehabilitation, demolition of unsafe structures, summer youth programs, employment training and senior services.

“The intent is that it benefits households that are living with a low to moderate income, and that is up to 80 percent of what the area median income is,” Westermeier said, adding that more than 30,000 households in Hamilton County qualify for assistance.

“About one in every four of our households in Hamilton County qualify,” she said.

To create the draft plan, the housing authority held a series of meetings with

stakeholders including local government agencies, social service agencies and housing providers.

“We tried to get as much input and robust feedback as we could on the concerns (stakeholders) have with the clientele that they serve and any ideas on what we can possibly tweak or offer as we move forward,” Westermeier said. “Affordable housing was the number one priority. Even our public service organizations, while they may be serving low-income folks with their programs and providing that first-hand assistance, they all across the board did feel that the CDBG funds would be best utilized focusing on affordable housing projects.”

Addressing homelessness and creating avenues for people who may be in danger of losing their homes is also a priority in the plan.

“We did have a couple mentions of offering a home repair program, which we have offered in the past,” Westermeier said. “There does seem to be a continued need for that. We are looking for possibly in the

next couple of years to open that home repair program back up to meet some of those needs for seniors that are looking to age in place or if there are urgent issues due to referred maintenance.”

Additional proposed projects include:

• Community land trust — A capacity building fund of $100,000 was recommended, with funds earmarked to kick start housing land trust activity to assist with an affordable housing pilot project.

• Acquisition of land — $1.2 million would be allocated to acquire existing rental units throughout Hamilton County and placed in a land trust to remain affordable in perpetuity. Rent receipts would return to land trust for additional acquisitions, and funds may also be made available to nonprofit developers.

• Baker’s Corner — The recommendation utilizes $552,110 for infrastructure costs for acquisition and infrastructure for development in northern Hamilton County. The county began water and sewer infrastructure expansion at Bakers Corner last fall, the area west of U.S. 31 from 216th Street to 296th Street.

• City infrastructure projects — The project proposed $2.2 million earmarked for projects in Noblesville, Westfield, Fishers and Carmel, including streets and sidewalks, flood drainage and ADA modifications. The plan proposed would provide one large award to each city over the five-year period instead of five annual awards. Projects must serve CDBG eligible areas or CDBG eligible clientele.

The 2024-2029 Consolidated Plan draft is available for public review and comment through Aug. 9. The plan must be submitted to HUD by Aug. 15.

Learn more about Hamilton County’s Community Development Block Grant Program at gonha.org/cdbg.

Community Development Block Grants can be used for programs such as this sidewalk project in Westfield. (Photo by Marney Simon)

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Free shred days — Community First Bank of Indiana will host two free community

MAYOR HOSTS ANNUAL SUMMER SOIRÉE

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and his wife Julie Jensen hosted their annual Jensen Summer Soirée July 12 at Embassy Suites and Conference Center in Noblesville. The event, which had an ‘80s theme, raised funds for the Noblesville Youth Assistance Program and Teter Retreat and Organic Farm in Noblesville. It also raised funds for Noblesville Sister Cities and three legacy partners — the Noblesville Fire Department Christmas Food & Toy Drive, Noblesville Youth Sports Alliance and the Noblesville Police Department Shop With a Cop. The evening included a special appearance by the Butler University cheerleaders and Butler’s mascot, Hink, and a cake for Mayor Jensen’s birthday at the end of the month. The 2025 Jensen Summer Soirée will be held July

From left, Noblesville Youth Assistance President Jeff Armstrong with Julie Jensen and Mayor Chris Jensen. (Photos courtesy of Robert Herrington)

Finalists compete in the event’s Heads or Tails contest.

Event to benefit local youth

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The Noblesville Boys & Girls Club will hold its ninth annual Cornhole Tournament at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at Forest Park in Noblesville, 701 Cicero Rd. Check-in is at 11:30 a.m.

FUNDRAISER

The event is a double-elimination tournament, with all teams guaranteed three games. The cost is $80 per team, which includes two shirts and entry into the tournament. The fee is $100 on the day of the event.

A silent auction, raffles and the participation fee will help the BGCN provide safe, affordable after-school and out-of-school programs to more than 2,000 local youth. Raffle tickets will be available for five for $5 or an arm’s-length strand for $10.

BGCN Director of Development Nathan Helm said the club started the event in 2016 to kick off the beginning of the school year and benefit the club’s after-school programs.

“The event takes place right as the backto-school season is starting, ensuring that

we’re able to fund all the programs we’re about to start up,” Helm said. “It is an affordable way to get alumni, supporters and anybody in the public exposed to our mission and to learn about our programs and what we do.”

Cash prizes will be awarded for first and second place, with amounts determined based on participation.

Players are allowed to bring their own cornhole bags and alcohol. Food will be available for purchase, but participants can pack a cooler with snacks and drinks.

To register, visit bgcni.org/index. php/2-youth/27-cornhole-tournament.

County grants announced

news@currentnoblesville.com

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners recently announced the first round of funding awards from the newly established Opioid Settlement Fund, now known as HOPE for Hamilton County.

FUNDING

According to Hamilton County Communications Director Tammy Sander, the initiative, in collaboration with the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, aims to address the opioid crisis through strategic investments in local organizations dedicated to prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction services.

The Recovery Café of Hamilton County in Fishers was awarded $25,000. The café offers a drug and alcohol-free space for people in recovery. The funds will offset rent, provide meals and offer peer recovery specialist certifications.

Delta Mental Health Services in Noblesville will receive $25,000 for certification training and the hiring of a program navigator.

Hamilton County Parks & Recreation was approved for $11,240. The funds will facilitate a 12-step recovery yoga class and

programming at Ben’s Ranch, a nonprofit that helps central Indiana teens struggling with mental health challenges.

Suburban North Club in Noblesville was awarded $10,000 for recovery materials, recovery tokens and social gatherings for those recovering from substance use disorders.

JRNY Counseling in Noblesville and the Hamilton County Public School Systems will receive $40,800 to implement substance use disorder prevention and intervention services in all public schools.

Life House Recovery for Women was approved for $21,100 to help with transportation costs, scholarships for services and cleaning supplies.

Sander stated the HCCOAOD and its nine-member board of directors oversaw the community grant award process, awarding $133,140 for critical services and initiatives.

The next round of funding is now available, and applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Aug. 23.

For more, visit hamiltoncounty. in.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22757/ County-Opioid-Settlement-RFF-2023.

Participants compete in the 2023 Cornhole Tournament. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Helm)

NHS hires swim coach

The Noblesville Swim Club and Noblesville High School jointly announced the hiring of Jess Preston as its new head swim coach July 16. Preston comes to Noblesville from Penn High School and Irish Aquatics in Mishawaka. He had been head coach of Penn’s boys and girls teams since 2008, leading them to multiple trips to the IHSAA State Swimming and Diving finals.

NHS spokesperson Marnie Cooke said Preston has led his teams to a combined 29 Northern Indiana conference championships, 26 sectional championships and 15 IHSAA event state championships. He has been named Conference Coach of the Year 13 times and IHSAA State Coach of the Year twice.

“The hiring of Coach Preston is a bigtime commitment to Noblesville Swimming and the future vision of this program,” stated Lisa Conner, president of the board of directors for Noblesville Swim Club. “We are so excited about what he will do for our program at all levels. We feel so fortunate that Coach Preston has chosen to continue his career leading our program.”

Cooke said Preston served as head senior and assistant age group coach from 1999 to 2020 at PRO Swimming in Mishawaka, guiding multiple athletes to Indiana Age Group State Championships and record-setting performances.

“Swimming is an important part of our community, and I am excited that Coach Jess Preston and his family have chosen Noblesville as their next home,” Noblesville High School Athletic Director Leah Wooldridge stated.

Preston said he is “beyond excited” to be the next head coach of the Noblesville Swim Club and Noblesville High School girls and boys swim teams.

“This program and the Noblesville community are so welcoming,” Preston stated. “I absolutely love that their leaders are committed to accomplishing the highest level of success. With the continued growth and great sense of community Noblesville has to offer, the possibilities are endless. I can’t wait to get started.”

Preston

County coroner: ‘There is no typical day’

By Conrad Otto conrad@youarecurrent.com

Jeff Jellison is the Hamilton County coroner. His first day on the job was Jan. 1, 2023. He is a former deputy coroner, police officer and business owner.

PROFILE

Jellison recently answered the following questions for Current about the challenges of his day-to-day work.

WHAT LED YOU TO HAMILTON COUNTY?

I was born and raised in Noblesville. I graduated from Noblesville High School and went to Ball State University. While I was at Ball State, I was hired by the Noblesville Police Department and did a very short period there before I went to the Carmel Police Department. Hamilton County has always been my home. I love it. It’s a great place to live. At this point in my life, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF YOUR POSITION?

When speaking about the elected coroner position, it is a department head position. You must be able to manage tax dollars and responsibly use them. You have to deal with a budget. I draw up to the private business side of that. We are always very conservative when spending tax dollars, and we want to ensure we spend them wisely.

WHAT

DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

There is no typical day. You may go on just a natural death, you may go on a fatality car accident, you may go on a baby death. Right now, we are seeing a lot of suicides and overdose cases. You never know what that day will bring when you come to work.

WHAT GOES ON BEHIND THE SCENES THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT AWARE OF?

There’s a lot. There’s the investigation, where we review medical records of deceased individuals or conduct autopsies. One of the things we are most proud of in this office is the support we give the families. If someone passes away, they typically have a wife, husband, son or

daughter that needs support. Some people need to be guided through what to do next because they have no idea what to do. We walk people through the grief process. My deputies are constantly following up with the loved ones of the deceased. Our job is the identification of the deceased, cause and manner of death.

WHAT ARE THE BEST PARTS OF YOUR JOB?

It’s providing families with closure and answers about how their loved ones died — to take that grieving spouse or loved one and guide them through that process and see some healing, that’s very rewarding when you can provide some closure.

CONVERSELY, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOUGH PARTS?

The tough part is knocking on someone’s door at 2 a.m., telling them their kid just got killed in a car accident. Or it’s going to a home where a child has died. I have to take that death and investigate. It’s not something fun to do. It’s especially difficult with children and babies. I’ve probably conducted, in my nine years, a thousand autopsies.

HOW DO YOU CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS WHEN WORKING?

I have a slight advantage as a former law enforcement officer. You’re trained to control those emotions and remove yourself personally. But you can’t. We see what 99 percent of the public never sees. Twice a year, my deputies go in for a mental health assessment. We work with a group of mental health providers that are specifically trained to work with first responders.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING MOMENTS WHILE WORKING?

You learn from every case, as every case is different. There’s a lot of on-the-job learning. There’s a lot on the death investigation side of it and a lot of learning in dealing with the family. Everybody grieves differently. No deaths are the same.

DO YOU HAVE FUN WORKING AT YOUR JOB?

It goes back to the mental health piece. We spend a lot of time in this office sitting and talking with each other. We are one big family, and if someone has an issue at home or with their kids, we talk about it. We have fun with that. It’s an interesting job, and if something is interesting, you find some piece of it enjoyable.

ESKENAZI HEALTH FOUNDATION IS GRATEFUL TO

Honorable Bart Peterson and Amy Minick Peterson FOR THEIR LEAD GIFT

Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, Indiana’s first community mental health center, provides comprehensive care for all types of emotional and behavioral problems. Patients of all ages are welcomed, from children to seniors, with a philosophy of care that stresses strength-based and family- and community-centered treatment utilizing the Recovery Model of treatment.

EskenaziHealthFoundation.org

Sisters open boutique downtown

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Peony & Poppy, a home decor boutique at 863 Conner St. in downtown Noblesville owned by sisters Klaudia Kirk and Kylee Leiendecker, opened in March.

NEW BIZ

“We’ve always known that we’d want to do something of this caliber together,” Kirk said. “My dad’s side of the family has owned a furniture store for nearly 60 years, and my mom’s had her boutique for almost 20 years. We have always shared the same love for interior design.”

In December 2023, the sisters learned a spot was opening next to their mother’s boutique, Karisma, on the Noblesville square.

“The timing happened a lot sooner than we anticipated, but I was eager to take it on even if it didn’t necessarily fit the timeline we had wanted,” Kirk said. “The chances of us having this space next door to our mom is pretty fun. So, we jumped on it.”

With construction happening outside their storefront, Kirk said the business has had a slower start than initially planned.

“We were open for one month before construction started,” Kirk said. “The last phase has definitely impacted us the most, given that it’s right in front of our store. Unfortunately, our numbers are down quite a bit, and there is an exact correlation with the closed street.”

The boutique has also gotten involved with the community.

“There are some First Friday events that we love our store to be part of,” Kirk said. “We also thoroughly enjoyed the Peony Festival. But we always want to be involved in the community and keep our eyes out.” For more, call 317-517-2187.

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A display at Peony & Poppy boutique. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Graduates — Earlier this summer, the Hamilton County Leadership Academy added 35 community leaders to its alumni ranks. With this graduating class, HCLA’s 30-plus year legacy grew to nearly 900 alumni who have and continue to make their mark in Hamilton County.

Noblesville Mayor — Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen was elected to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board during the USCM’s 92nd annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo., where nearly 200 city officials gathered. Jensen has been a member of the USCM since January 2020, when he was a newly elected mayor. At the USCM’s annual meeting, in addition to electing new leadership, the mayors adopted a comprehensive policy agenda for the year ahead.

Workforce development grants — The Duke Energy Foundation recently announced it is awarding grants to four organizations in central Indiana supporting workforce development efforts. Among those awarded with a $10,000 grant is the Hamilton County Community Foundation and Invest Hamilton County. Grant funds will support Invest Hamilton County’s new InvestEd program, which facilitates career exploration and work-based learning activities for students in all six local school corporations.

Support for seniors and caregivers — Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, a nonprofit organization that provides support to Hamilton County residents 55 and older, hosts a caregiver support group and an aging-well discussion group at the Westfield Washington Township office, 17400 Westfield Blvd. The free programming offers support for seniors and their caregivers within the community. The caregiver support group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 5 and Sept. 19. The aging well discussion group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 25, Aug. 15, Aug. 29, Sept. 12 and Sept. 26. Register for programs by contacting Angie Anderson, program manager at Shepherd’s Center, at 463-238-1703.

Janus earns grant funds — Janus Developmental Services, Inc. is the recipient of a $15,000 grant from the Hamilton County Community Foundation. The funding will assist Janus in its mission to support adults with differing abilities in Hamilton County. For more, visit janus-inc.org.

Martial arts school relocating

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Master Yoo Tae Kwon Do, a martial arts school with locations in Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville, will relocate to a new Noblesville location later this year.

MOVING

Jujin Yoo, a taekwondo director at Master Yoo, said the purpose of relocating is to move into a newer facility. The Noblesville location at 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing has been open since 2007.

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The new location at 6199 Promenade Shop Blvd., is a larger, brand-new building that is expected to open by September.

“We’ve been at the Noblesville location for 17 years now, and the building is getting old,” Yoo said. “We just want to provide a better facility in a newer, bigger space for our students. We have a lot of kids coming from the northside (of Indianapolis), so the new location will be good for our current and future students.”

Yoo said the business teaches martial arts and life skills to children and adults. She said the same programs will be taught at the new location.

“We teach the Olympic sport of taekwondo, but we also teach life skills such as focus, respect and confidence,” Yoo said. “Our mission, which will continue at the new location we’re building, will be to teach people, especially kids, taekwondo in a happy and healthy environment and encrypt those life skills to apply them daily.”

Master Yoo’s Noblesville location partners with local schools, which Yoo said she wants to continue as the business moves into its new space.

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting date will be announced in the next few months. For more, visit masteryootkd.com.

Back to School BASH returns

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

The 10th annual Noblesville Schools Back to School BASH will kick off the school year from 5 to 8 p.m. July 26 at Beaver Stadium on the west end of the Noblesville High School campus, 1779 Field Dr.

EDUCATION

According to Marnie Cooke, director of marketing and communications for Noblesville Schools, the event has grown exponentially.

“The first one was back in 2014, and the idea of it was first and foremost to celebrate back-to-school time and have it be something kind of fun instead of just school supplies and meetings, but also to celebrate all of the really fun things that we have going on at Noblesville Schools,” Cooke said.

The event is for all grades, students and community members. It will feature more than 80 activity areas, including food, games, sports, art, free giveaways, live music and community and school exhibitors.

“One of the pieces of the bash that’s

always been popular is that we have a lot of high school teams and organizations that exhibit interactively with kids,” Cooke said. “There’s a neat connection between our older and younger students.”

Several community partners, such as the Noblesville Fire Department, Noblesville Parks and Recreation and the Boys & Girls Club, will have booths at the event.

The NHS marching band, cheerleaders and dance team will perform.

For more, visit noblesvilleschools.org/departments/marketing-pr-communications/ back-to-school-bash.

The community engages with a Noblesville Police officer at a past Back to School Bash.

(Photo courtesy of Marnie Cooke)

Rendering of the new Master Yoo Tae Kwon Do location opening in Noblesville this fall. (Rendering courtesy of Jin Yoo)

Academy announces cohort

news@currentnoblesville.com

The Hamilton County Leadership Academy has selected 35 county residents for its 10-month community leadership program.

LEADERSHIP

The selected cohort is:

• Gabe Amick, Hamilton County Sports Authority

• McKenzie Barbknecht, Duke Energy

• Kari Berger, Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation

• Renee Butts, Carmel Fire Department

• Jeremy Coons, Edward Jones

• Heather Fisher, ThriveVista

• Marc Griffith, The Veridus Group Inc.

• Scott Hazel, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Dedicated Shield

• James Hellmann, City of Noblesville

• Matt Husband, State Farm Insurance

• Joshua Icenogle, Gaylor Electric

• Rachel Kartz, Ivy Tech Community College

• Alicia Klingerman, Family Promise of Hamilton County

• Ashley Knott, Westfield Washington Schools

• Steve Latour, The Farmers Bank

• Melissa Lawson, Citizens Energy Group

• Chandler Lawson Flynn, Church Church Hittle + Antrim

• Michele Leach, Moisture Management

• Thomas McClelland, CarDon and Associates

• Dustin Mikesell, Riverview Health

• Jessica Minor, accessABILITY

• Molly Mrozowski, Hamilton East Public Library

• Amanda Mumphrey, Bondry Consulting

• Beth Myers, Delaware Township

• Ashanti Ordone, Gifted and Talented Academy, Inc.

• Catherine Pallotta, American Structurepoint

• Bob Rice, Hamilton Southeastern Schools

• Todd Roberts, Beck’s Hybrids

• Michelle Schmidt, Noblesville Youth Assistance

• Justin Schuhmacher, Indiana Estate and Elder Law

• Hadleigh Smith, Invest Hamilton County Read the full list at youarecurrent.com

Noblesville Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations

news@currentnoblesville.com

The Noblesville Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the third annual Women In Noblesville Woman of Impact Award.

According to Noblesville Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Dubois, the award “recognizes outstanding women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision and commitment to making a posi-

tive impact in the Noblesville community.”

In its 10th year, Dubois said the WIN Network is celebrating a decade of empowering and honoring women who contribute significantly to the community’s growth and success.

“WIN and the Woman of Impact Award underscores the chamber’s dedication to highlighting the achievements of women leaders who inspire others and drive positive change,” Dubois stated. “We are

pleased to announce the nomination process is open for this milestone year’s Woman of Impact Award.”

STAR Bank has been a longstanding sponsor of Women In Noblesville.

“Honoring women in our community means celebrating their diverse achievements, amplifying their voices and recognizing the profound impact they have in shaping a better future for all,” STAR Bank’s Vice President Senior Retail Sales Officer

Amanda Rubeck stated. “This is why the WIN Impact Award holds such significance each year.”

Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted online through July 26 at tinyurl.com/WINAward2024. The recipient will be announced at the WIN Network’s Anniversary Gala Aug. 21 at Mustard Seed Gardens in Noblesville. For ticket information, visit noblesvillechamber.com.

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NEW AND IMPROVED

Noblesville High School to feature enhancements this school year

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

With Noblesville High School at capacity with nearly 3,300 students, additional athletic and academic space was needed to improve the rate of growth and success for students, according to school officials.

Two new NHS expansions were revealed June 15. Improvements include additional athletic and academic space. NHS officials said both projects were funded through a bond without a referendum or classroom dollars.

Several Noblesville Schools staff members, community partners and Miller Ambassador alumni attended the June 15 tour, which was led by Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dan Hile, NHS Chief Financial Officer David Hortemiller and Noblesville Schools Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Marnie Cooke.

“We are very blessed in many ways to have a community that sees the value in investing in our kids,” Hile said during the tour. “As your superintendent, I (never) take that funding for granted. I know that it matters, and we want to be good stewards of our community’s tax dollars and make sure that we do amazing things for our children because these are the Noblesville residents of tomorrow.”

ATHLETIC EXPANSION

The athletic expansion, which was completed this summer after 18 months of construction, will provide an additional 36,000 square feet for athletics at NHS. The upgrades and expansion include a cardio room, new basketball courts, a new wrestling room and more.

The project, which cost $17.4 million, was completed under budget, according to Hortemiller.

“The new cardio room was formerly the wrestling room,” Hortemiller said. “It’s unbelievable how much that program has grown. (The cardio room) will primarily be used for wellness classes, and when it’s not used for those classes, it will be used as much as possible for teams or even teachers before and after school.”

Two new basketball courts have been added to the auxiliary gym.

“We have a curtain now to separate the courts, space for our pole vaulters to practice indoors and all of the (nets, curtains and batting cages) can come down by way of electronics,” Hortemiller said.

Other athletic enhancements include the new wrestling room, which has double the mat space the program previously had, and a golf simulator room to allow golfers to practice indoors.

The athletic office space also was expanded. NHS Administrative Assistant Bobbi Davis said she loves the new office space and that it is “a ton” bigger than it was before. The new space includes a central desk, several offices for staff, a conference room, a bathroom and a back room for storage and kitchen space.

“It was fine, but we didn’t have the conference room, which has come in handy,” Davis said. “The last one didn’t have any windows, and it was dark. It’s nice having the light.”

The girls basketball team now has its own locker room. Cooke said it wasn’t necessarily a luxury item but more of a necessity.

“One of the things that is interesting about (the locker room) is that it is leveling up facilities for girls to be equal to what we already had for boys,” Cooke said. “It was a necessity that these girls needed in terms of having equal facilities to the boys.”

Finishing touches are being applied, and the school will utilize the new athletic facilities in the 2024-25 school year.

ACADEMIC EXPANSION

Construction has begun on a $42 million academic expansion that will provide NHS with 70,000 new square feet and 37,000 square feet of existing space that will

be renovated, the largest addition to the school since 2014. Hagerman Construction, the school’s construction manager, is constructing the project.

The two-story expansion, which is expected to be completed in August 2025, will provide space for up to 22 new classrooms, construction and welding labs, a hands-on STEM Makerspace, a second student cafe and more.

According to officials, overall student enrollment has grown by 25 percent since 2012. STEM class enrollment has increased by 193 percent while performing arts enrollment has increased by 76 percent.

“The new classrooms will focus on the career and technical type of classes,” Hortemiller said. “There will be a grab-and-go cafeteria for upperclassmen, and the second floor will have a lot of classrooms.”

Hortemiller said NHS is excited about the new welding lab with 12 welding bays.

“There is a high demand for those classes,” Hortemiller said. “A lot of students are going off-site because Ivy Tech provides a lot of welding classes. It is a program we are really excited to bring back in-house.”

There will also be an enclosed courtyard, which Cooke said will be a gathering space for students and the community.

“I think we are planning to open that as a rental area,” Cooke said. “It will be a great community area that will be a nice gathering place for events. It will definitely be highly utilized by both our students and the community.”

Hortemiller said the reason NHS chose specific programs/classes for the new building was student demand.

“When it comes to classes provided by a community partner, we aren’t necessarily guaranteed spots for our students,” Hortemiller said. We want to control the

destiny of our students and make sure we have opportunities in high demand, such as welding.”

Hile said he is excited about what is in store for students in the years ahead.

“This isn’t my school. These facilities belong to the taxpayers of Noblesville Township, and they should feel welcome to see anything they want to see or know about any time they want,” Hile said. “There’s absolutely nothing I wouldn’t want to gladly show off and brag about the awesome things our kids (do) every day.”

For more, visit nhs.noblesvilleschools.org.

WHAT’S NEW AND WHAT’S TO COME

Construction of the new academic and athletic center will provide students with several new spaces. New amenities, some of which will be ready this school year and some that will come in 2025, include:

• New basketball courts

• Additional girls locker rooms

• A golf simulator room for indoor practice

• New athletic office space

• A new wrestling room

• A cardio room for wellness classes and sports teams

• Enhancements for cheerleading and volleyball

• Up to 22 new classrooms, including space for STEM and traditional academic courses

• Construction and welding labs

• A hands-on STEM makerspace

• A second student café

• A renovated large group instruction room to provide flexible meeting space

• An expanded jazz space

• New percussion and piano lab areas

• Expanded choir facilities, storage and sound proofing

ON THE COVER: The new wooden basketball court in the auxiliary gym. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

Construction is underway on a new academic expansion at Noblesville High School.

(Photo by Jessica Todd)

Average White Band’s farewell tour lands during Carmel Jazz Fest

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Average White Band co-founder Alan Gorrie said it is time to get off the road. The band launched a final tour this spring but will continue to make music.

“It’s the touring that is the hard part,” Gorrie said. “Being on stage is wonderful and still exciting. Since COVID, touring has become really difficult. It’s extremely expensive and hard to manage. We all felt it was time to give it our best show. I use an analogy of a boxer — you don’t want to go out when you are on the slippery slope down. You want to hang up your gloves when you are still at the top of your game. You don’t wait until you get knocked down on the canvas. With our age and experience, you know that’s what coming if you don’t call it quits.”

The Scottish funk and rhythm-andblues band will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Average White Band is the Aug. 10 headliner in the Aug. 9-10 Carmel Jazz Festival.

“It’s wise to let people see you one more time at the top of your game,” the 78-year-old Gorrie said. “Expectations are high for this band. We’ve been hugely respected by musicians, the musical community and audiences alike over the years, so you don’t want to diminish that respect by dwindling out.”

Average White Band was founded in 1972. Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre are the original members still performing. Gorrie shares lead vocals with Brent Carter. Gorrie also plays guitar and bass. McIntyre plays guitar along with vocals.

“Onnie and I have been on the road for more than 58 years,” Gorrie said. “We were in a couple bands before the Average White Band. We’ve been constant travelers since the mid-60s. We’ve put in our time.”

Average White Band has had to replace members through the years but remained intact. The group disbanded in 1983 and restarted in 1989 with Gorrie and McIntyre.

“Another analogy is that a great sports team can only stay great by bringing in new blood,” Gorrie said. “As people retire, or in our case a couple of people have passed away, you have to keep regenerating and rejuvenating. We’re very fortunate because of the respect (we have) in the musical industry. It’s never been hard for us to get the best talent who are a little younger than Onnie and I but have grown up playing AWB music and have fitted right in there as if they’ve been there all the time. In fact, one of our horn players has been with us for 28 years.”

Gorrie said there are six to 10 staples the band always plays, such as “Cut the Cake” and “Pick Up the Pieces.”

“We vary the rest depending on where we are playing,” Gorrie said. “We’re not pure jazz, but we’re on the jazzy tip of rhythm and blues. We do play a lot of jazz festivals.”

Average White Band had its farewell

tour of the United Kingdom in April and May, then began playing in the U.S. this summer. Gorrie said playing in the U.K. for the last time on tour was emotional.

“There were a lot of tears in the audience the very last night just outside of Manchester, England,” Gorrie said. “It was an emotional time for us and them. After 52 years of AWB, people have come to expect we might just go on forever. When people are all in the same venue and they realize this is the last time we’ll be playing in the United Kingdom, it’s a pretty heavy burden. We got through it with aplomb. It’s bittersweet when you know it’s the final run.”

Average White Band performed in May 2023 at the Madame Walker Theatre in Indianapolis.

“We haven’t played Indianapolis enough over the years,” Gorrie said. “We used to do a festival at the Indiana Convention Center in the 1990s and early 2000s. This is our first time outside (of Marion County).”

For tickets, visit thecenterpresents. org. For more information, visit carmeljazzfest.org.

‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” runs through Aug. 25 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE’

Main Street Productions presents “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” through July 28 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

‘CATS’

Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s production of “Cats” is set for July 25-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Deception: An Evening of Magic & Lies” is set for July 25; Ryan and Lauren Ahlwardt’s Human Jukebox is July 26; and Eric Baker & Friends presents Southern Calfornia in the ‘70s is July 27 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

She’s Got Soul with Capathia Jenkins will perform July 26 and singer-songwriter Cody Fry is set for July 27 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Both performances start at 8 p.m. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

RENEGADES AND JUKE BOX HEROES

Styx and Foreigner, along with opening act John Waite, will perform at 6:45 p.m. July 26 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.

DISPATCH

Bandleader Meeks set for Live at the Center show — Bassist and bandleader Brandon Meeks will kick off the 2024-25 Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. July 30 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

From left, Average White Band Cliff Lyons, Rob Aries, Onnie McIntyre, Brent Carter, Alan Gorrie, Rocky Bryant and Fred “Freddy V” Vigdor. (Photo courtesy of AWB)

NIGHT & DAY

Film focuses on endometriosis

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Hannah Lindgren is convinced it’s important to share her medical story.

DOCUMENTARY

Lindgren, 33, was diagnosed with endometriosis — a disease that can cause extreme pain in the pelvis — in 2017. She suffered several years before her diagnosis.

“Once I got diagnosed, I had a big learning curve on understanding how to deal with the disease. There is not a ton of research,” Lindgren said. “There are not a lot of specialists. There are people that claim to understand but don’t. It’s really taken those seven years since then to learn about the disease and find the right care. It’s always been important for me to be open about my journey and connect with other people about the disease.”

“The Invisible Crown” is a 20-minute documentary that focuses on Lindgren’s journey. It premieres at 12:30 p.m. July 28 at Newfields in Indianapolis as part of the Indy Shorts International Film Festival.

“We do hear from my mom (Brenda Myers) because she has been a huge support system to me,” said Lindgren, a Lawrence North High School graduate.

enced in my life (is rewarding).”

During the surgery, she got a second diagnosis of adenomyosis, a condition that causes endometrial tissue in the lining of the uterus to grow into the muscular wall of the uterus. The only treatment is a full hysterectomy.

For more, visit tickets.indyshorts.org.

’THE ICE CREAM MAN’

Following the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands during World War II, popular Jewish ice cream parlor owner Ernst Cahn was targeted by Klaus Barbie, the infamous “Butcher of Lyon.” The story is based on Cahn’s choice between resistance and death.

Myers is a Fishers resident. Lindgren lives in Indianapolis. Amelia Kramer, a Westfield High School graduate who lives in Indianapolis, is the director and editor. They are co-workers at Chop Shop Post, a post-production house in Indianapolis.

“I was honored she trusted me to tell her story,” Kramer said. “From there, we worked together with our team and created our story.”

This is Kramer’s first time directing a documentary.

“I’ve edited a lot of them and I’ve been working in the film industry for six years,” she said. “This film is about empowering yourself and giving validation to your feelings.”

Lindgren said although she has been open about her condition, it was a different feeling to have co-workers attend her major surgery in August 2023.

“It was therapeutic in the way Amelia approached it,” Lindgren said. “The film is about mental health, too. To be able to share that aspect of it as well and the work I’ve been able to do to overcome some of the medical trauma I’ve experi-

“The Ice Cream Man,” a 35-minute film, will debut July 25 at Indy Shorts. The historical story was filmed in Columbus, Michigan City and Amsterdam.

“(The film’s goal is) to highlight the incredibly outsized effect that one person can have on their community if they are brave enough to stand up and do the right thing,” said Geist-area resident Amy Pauszek, who serves as co-producer.

“Ernst Cahn’s actions ultimately led to over 300,000 Dutch citizens going on strike and shutting down Amsterdam, and the German war machine, for three days. It was the single-largest anti-Nazi protest in history, all because of one man.”

The cast includes actresses Jill Burnett, Patricia Kuhn and Mary Kate Temple from Carmel. Jennifer Haire, Carmel, is the line producer. Westfield residents Arlene and Tom Grande are the executive producers.

A July 25 screening in the 530-seat Tobias Theater at Newfields sold out. An encore screening set for July 27 sold out in one day.

“As a producer, I was determined to sell out every show and we probably could sell out more,” Pauszek said. “This is a powerful and important film.

For more, visit theicecreamman.movie.

Brenda Myers comforts her daughter, Hannah Lindgren, before her August 2023 surgery. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Lindgren)

Lindgren

Film recounts boxer’s story

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Sugar Ray Seales was the toast of the U.S. boxing world after winning the Olympic gold medal in the light-welterweight division in the 1972 Summer Games.

DOCUMENTARY

Seales was seriously injured when he got a thumb to his eye during a 1980 fight with Jamie Thomas and suffered a detached retina. He eventually had to retire because of his loss of vision.

Zionsville resident Michael Husain directs “The Sugarman,” a 14-minute black-andwhite film about Seales regaining his eyesight, thanks to Dr. John Abrams, a Westfield resident whose main Abrams EyeCare Center is in Carmel.

The film will be featured in the Indiana Spotlight 2 at 7 p.m. July 23 at Theatre 3 at Living Room Theatres in Indianapolis.

An ophthalmologist, Abrams performed the surgery on Seals.

“The greatest save I’ve ever had on a surgery is Sugar Ray Seals, hands down,” Abrams said in the film. “It was a very com-

plex surgery. He was basically legally blind.”

Husain said Seals coached Golden Gloves teams in Indianapolis for several years.

“He was a pretty respected coach, but he was losing the ability to do that as well,” Husain said. “He had eight failed surgeries to get the eyesight back.”

Husain said Seales had developed a massive cataract.

“Abrams said a normal cataract surgery is seven to eight minutes and Sugar Ray, to get his cataract off, took 3 1/2 hours,” Husain said.

Husain learned about it when talking with Abrams.

For more, visit indyshorts.org.

• Fabulous, modern layout with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms AND a fully finished basement!

• Patio area is perfect for entertaining-equipped with fireplace, Phantom Screen, and TV!

• Upgraded audio and video throughout the home!

• Corner lot with a 3-car garage fitted with premium cabinets and storage.

• Amenities such as basketball, pickleball, tennis, multiple pools, a gym, walking trails and more!

• Location, location, location! Just minutes from unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options!

Sugar Ray Seales with his gold medal in “The Sugarman.” (Photo courtesy of Michael Husain)

CURRENT CRAVINGS SAVOR

Savor, 211 W. Main St. in Carmel, features Mediterranean- and Italian-inspired fare prepared over a wood fire in an open kitchen. Menu items range from handmade pasta, fresh seafood and luscious desserts (Savor owner and chef Henri Najem tried nearly 50 different combinations of ingredients to perfect the Gooey Butter Cake). Hours are 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Learn more and make a reservation at SavorCarmel.com.

MOST PHOTOGRAPHED:

22 OZ BONE-IN RIBEYE

MOST UNIQUE MENU ITEM: CIOPPINO

courtesy of Henri Najem)

FREE EVENT CONCERTS AT THE CARMEL GAZEBO

Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:

Concerts at the Carmel Gazebo at 1 Civic Square is a series to provide a venue for families to enjoy arts and culture in the community. Concerts are free and accessible to everyone. Stella Luna & the Satellites will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. July 24.

OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS

SUMMER CELEBRATION —

Options Westfield will host its fourth annual Summer Celebration 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 25 at 17721 Gunther Blvd. The Summer Celebration is open to the public and free of charge and will include a mechanical bull, inflatables, a video game trailer, corn hole and more.

Cioppino. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Time ripe for summer salads

Commentary by Mark LaFay

Summer in central Indiana is the perfect time to enjoy fresh local produce, and there’s no better way to do that than by whipping up some delicious summer salads.

FOOD

With July here, the farmers markets are bursting with seasonal produce waiting to land on your plate. Also here is the summer heat and humidity and if you don’t like sweating when you eat, lighter options should be on the menu.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 AT 5PM THE

First Merchants Bank Red Carpet Arrival and Cocktail Reception Elegant dinner in partnership with Aaron Wealth Advisors Show-stopping dessert sponsored by Payne & Mencias Group Live auction supporting arts programming for the community Celebrate, dance and revel at the Gala After-Parties

HEADLINE PERFORMANCE BY Grammy-winning master trumpeter and composer

Now, I will say, I’m usually not one to default to salad for dinner, but the time of year makes a compelling argument. Let’s get building!

Start with a base of crisp greens from the local farmers market. Look for tender lettuce, peppery arugula or a mix of hearty kale and spinach. These greens provide the perfect foundation for layering flavors and textures.

Nothing says Indiana summer like sweet corn, and My Dad’s Sweet Corn is as good as it gets. Grill it until slightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob to add a burst of sweetness and crunch to your salad.

CHRIS BOTTI

Tomatoes are at their peak right now and you’ll find a rainbow of heirloom varieties at the market. Slice them thick and juicy. They have a rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh greens. Add some crisp cucumbers for a refreshing bite.

For a touch of creaminess, crumble in feta cheese from Sirocco Ridge Creamery. Its feta is tangy and rich, adding a delightful contrast to the sweet and savory elements of your salad.

Find more information and our table reservation guide at

No salad is complete without a bit of protein and bacon from Old Major is a game-changer. Cook it until crispy, then crumble it over your salad for a smoky, savory kick that ties everything together. For the dressing, keep it simple. Consider using some local ingredients like Artisano’s Oils and Spices for balsamic and olive oil, and Eagle Creek Apiary for honey.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old

BASTIAN SOLUTIONS BREAKS GROUND IN NOBLESVILLE

Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Automated Logistics company, was joined by its team members and Noblesville officials, including Mayor Chris Jensen, July 15 as it broke ground on its new 164-acre campus in Noblesville at 11499 E. 146th St. The new location will consolidate Bastian Solutions’ manufacturing operations and corporate functions into a centralized location. According to Megan Shore, manager of corporate communications at Bastian, the facility will enhance collaboration, operational efficiency and support future growth. Shore stated the project “is part of a broader investment” by Toyota Industries Corp., which is also expanding Toyota Material Handling in Columbus. The combined investment in Indiana exceeds $265 million, which Shore said highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and community development. (Photo by Conrad Otto)

Blueprint for Improvement: Sleek and stylish Indianapolis kitchen

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1977, this Mystic Bay condo was prime for a modern upgrade, starting with the kitchen. Our team transformed the space into a sleek, contemporary haven that radiates a fresh vibe and perfectly reflects the homeowner’s style.

THE BLUEPRINT

• New flat-panel cabinets, gleaming chrome hardware and a tonal palette establish a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.

• Removing the bulkhead allowed us to extend the cabinetry to the ceiling, creating a bold, streamlined look with enhanced functionality and storage.

• Reworking the layout enhanced the flow between the kitchen and dining room, allowing for the addition of a larger island and wine fridge.

• Double doors leading to the new deck flood the space with natural light and showcase stunning lake views.

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