June 27, 2023 — Westfield

Contact the editor:

Have a news tip? Want to submit a calendar event? Have a photograph to share?

Contact Managing Editor Matthew Kent at matthew@youarecurrent. com or call 317.489.4444 ext. 804. You may also submit information on our website, currentinwestfield.com.

Remember our news deadline is typically eight days prior to publication.

News tips/story ideas: stories@youarecurrent.com

Letters to the editor/ guest columns: letters@youarecurrent.com

Advertise your business:

If you’re interested in reaching virtually 100 percent of the Westfield market (13,420 households), you may obtain more information by emailing ads@youarecurrent.com (subject: Westfield advertising) or by calling 317.847.5022.

Obituaries: obits@youarecurrent.com

Legal advertising: legals@youarecurrent.com

Delivery questions: circulation@youarecurrent.com

Join our community: www.facebook.com/currentinwestfield www.twitter.com/CI_Westfield instagram.com/youarecurrent

Mayor: Staff has helped drive city’s success

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

City employees have helped propel Westfield to what it is today, although there will be some challenges ahead as a new slate of city council members and mayor take office in January 2024.

GOVERNMENT

That was the message from Mayor Andy Cook, who delivered his final State of the City address June 15 at the IMMI Conference Center before a crowd of more than 100 people. Cook’s speech touched on the city’s population growth and how it has handled infrastructure and public safety needs over the years.

Cook lauded individuals who have helped make Westfield what it is today, noting that the quality of its employees and department leadership have played a large role in that effort. The city was recently recognized as the sixth-fastest growing city in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and Cook said the city has effectively managed its population growth over the years.

“We’ve been able to maintain the quality at the same time,” Cook said.

Cook also said three elements have been key factors in shaping Westfield: Its comprehensive land-use plan, a thoroughfare plan, and an annual five-year financial sustainability plan. The land-use plan focuses on residential and commercial elements, while the thoroughfare plan was developed to avoid congestion, Cook said.

“The City of Westfield is in the best financial condition it’s ever been in,” Cook said.

Cook, who has led Westfield as mayor since 2008, announced earlier this year he would not be running for a fifth term. Westfield City Councilman Scott Willis, who defeated challengers Jake Gilbert and Kristen Willis in the May 2 primary election to secure the Republican nomination, is set to take office in January barring any challengers, who have until noon July 3 to file.

Cook’s State of the City address also allowed attendees to hear from Noblesville Police Department Maj. Charles Hollowell, Noblesville Fire Department Chief Rob Gaylor, in addition to Director of Public Works Johnathon Nail and city Chief of Staff Jeremy Lollar, about how they have managed to dea growth in Westfield in recent years. All four individuals said in part that city staff have managed to work collaboratively

with one another while sharing resources.

Cook pointed to other projects under his tenure, which include development of the Grand Park Sports Campus, a 400-acre complex that serves as the training camp for the Indianapolis Colts that opened in 2014. It has 31 soccer fields, 26 baseball diamonds, two administration buildings, seven concession stands and a 378,000-square-foot multi-use event center.

William Knox, the founder and CEO of Legacy Sports Group, and Rachel Nelson, client services manager, focused on Grand Park’s success during a brief panel with Cook on stage. Knox, who previously served as director of Grand Park, said his firm has worked with other communities who are trying to develop a similar sports complex like Grand Park, but stressed that isn’t likely to happen.

“Grand Park won’t be replicated anytime soon,” Knox said.

Nelson said “it truly is a team effort” that has made Grand Park an overall success as the complex drew 3.5 million visitors last year. It hosts sporting events such as baseball, soccer, football and more, she added.

Other than Grand Park, Cook spearheaded the creation of Grand Junction Plaza, which opened in December 2021, and thanked citizens for supporting him during his leadership. He said although he is uncertain where the city will go as it moves forward, a new slate of city council members and a mayor will take office to lead the city.

Cook also continued that while there will be “new challenges” ahead, he expressed confidence that Westfield would be fine with the newly elected leaders. He added that he hopes Westfield will be “as desirable and a destination in 2043 as it is today.”

Westfield Mayor Andy Cook delivers the State of the City address June 15 at the IMMI Conference Center in Westfield. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Fire station to open in August

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield Fire Department plans to move into its new fire station headquarters at the southeast corner of 171st Street and Ditch Road starting in August.

PUBLIC SAFETY

The headquarters, which will be known as Station 81, will feature eight bays, a new training tower, physical fitness facilities, living quarters, fleet services and administrative offices. Currently, the department is housed in the city’s public safety building with the city’s police department at 17535 Dartown Road.

Ground was broken on the new 36,000-square-foot fire department headquarters last summer with an estimated price tag of $12.8 million. WFD Chief Rob Gaylor previously said the department looked into health and safety when designing the new station with amenities that include private sleeping areas and cancer prevention initiatives.

The department started the process of relocating its headquarters in 2019, according to Gaylor.

The station will also have a new firehouse alerting system in which firefighters will only hear an alarm when it is a call they are involved with. Gaylor previously said the building will feature a tower that will provide additional space to store hoses and opportunities for firefighters to practice elevator shaft maneuvers or rope rescue operations.

When the new station is operational, it will mark the latest location for the city. The other stations are located at 1920 E. 151st St., 17944 Grassy Branch Rd. and at 17535 Dartown Rd., which serves as the Westfield Public Safety building.

The police department will stay at the Westfield Public Safety building when the fire department vacates the space, according to the city. City officials are still looking for land for the police department, said police Maj. Charles Hollowell.

Hollowell spoke during a panel regarding public safety with Gaylor at the State of the City address June 15 at the IMMI Conference Center, where Mayor Andy Cook highlighted various departments and how they have managed to deal with the city’s growth over the years.

Deputies recognized for lifesaving efforts

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

living proof

july

of the incident. He expressed his gratitude for the six deputies and their efforts to save his life.

july

“I love them and appreciate them, and I try to convey it every single time I talk to them,” Niec said. “I’m not surprised, and I work with the best guys on my squad, they’re all-stars. They would do the same thing for anybody as they did for me. And the fact that it happened at the time when it happened is you can look at it one of two ways: Either a thousand things had to go right in order for me to be there or there’s one God who put us there in the right place at the right time.”

RECOGNITION

Six deputies from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office are being hailed as heroes for their efforts in providing lifesaving care to their supervisor who experienced a medical emergency last month.

Hamilton County Sheriff Chief Deputy Maj. John Lowes said the patrol division Nights B Squad was having a roll call meeting when Lt. Brian Niec, who collapsed and went into cardiac arrest just before 1 a.m. May 4, was provided lifesaving care by deputies Tyler Abbitt, Eddie Hansen, Daniel Wallace, Ryan McClain, Skyler Moe and Jared Wilcox. They used CPR and an AED device to save Niec’s life while colleagues radioed dispatch and continued to monitor Niec’s condition until the Noblesville Fire Department arrived, Lowes said.

“These deputies relied on their training and provided effective lifesaving care during an extremely stressful incident,” Lowes said.

Abbitt, Hansen, Wallace, McClain, Moe and Wilcox all received lifesaving awards from the department during a brief surprise ceremony, where Niec thanked his colleagues for their efforts.

“None of you guys knew why you were coming here,” Niec said.

Niec, 42, said “it means the world” to him that his fellow colleagues stepped up to save his life. Niec, however, said the action of the deputies was no different than what a police officer does on a normal basis.

“The fact that they’re getting some recognition is great, but let’s not go unnoticed that there’s police officers doing great things every single day, day in and day out,” Niec said.

McClain, a sergeant at the sheriff’s office,

said Niec was discussing shift information with his employees when he suddenly collapsed on the floor in front of them and went into cardiac arrest.

“Our training and experience told us that he needed some sort of airway as well as CPR and an AED,” McClain said. “We jumped into action.”

McClain said Niec was originally supposed to be somewhere else at the time of the incident, but said their original planned meeting kept getting pushed back because of the number of calls that were coming in.

“It allowed us all to be together and save him,” McClain said.

McClain, who has been with the department since 2016, said in many cases, deputies provide lifesaving care in the field as part of their job and often never see the person they saved afterward.

“We hope that our actions did some good and the efforts we put in that night is something I’ll never be able to put into words,” McClain said.

McClain said employees who work the same shift share a sense of camaraderie, noting that he and Niec both have young children at home.

“We’re very blessed to be here,” McClain said.

Lowes said the incident involving Niec was a difficult moment for him. Lowes was out of town when it happened, and said he was relieved that the deputies stepped up to help by relying on their experience and training.

“They do it every day, but when it’s one of your own, it does get personal and it does bring some emotions, but I’m really proud that they were able to do what they needed to do to save his life,” Lowes said.

Niec, who has been with the sheriff’s office for 20 years, said “everyone was in the right place at the right time” at the time

presented

Six deputies from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office were recently recognized for providing life-saving care to their supervisor, Lt. Brian Niec, who experienced a medical emergency last month. Pictured, from left, is Tyler Abbitt, Eddie Hansen, Daniel Wallace, Niec, Ryan McClain, Skyler Moe and Jared Wilcox. (Photo provided by Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)

WHS student wins crown

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Keegan Connor thought her dream of winning the Miss Indiana’s Teen title was over. She went to the hospital June 11 and had an emergency appendectomy June 12 at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, the first day of the Miss Indiana week.

MISS INDIANA’S TEEN

“I was devastated thinking I wouldn’t be able to compete, and I had trained all yearlong for the interview, talent and taking part in community service,” said Connor, who will be a Westfield High School senior in August. “My heart was breaking.”

She had surgery at 10 a.m. It went smoothly and she was released by 4:30 p.m. and arrived at Miss Indiana for rehearsal by 8 p.m.

“I was sore and couldn’t put on my shoes, but the girls helped me smile through the pain, although I couldn’t belly laugh with their jokes,” she said “ I truly felt the love of my 67 sisters who helped me maintain a positive attitude.”

Keegan Connor, who will be a Westfield High School senior, was crowned Miss Indiana’s Teen June 17 in Zionsville. (Photo courtesy of Roger Manning).

The week ended June 17 with Connor being crowned Miss Indiana’s Teen at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. Connor will be part of the Miss America’s Teen competition, which will held with Miss America competition, in either late this year or early in 2024.

“Becoming Miss Indiana’s Teen is life-changing for me,” she said. “The opportunities and doors that are opening are so exciting. I’ve been working towards this for several years, and it’s so surreal that this is my new reality. Just a few years ago, I had scoliosis surgery and thought this and other dreams like getting to be on Broadway one day were unattainable.”

Westfield boys place second

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For the Westfield High School boys golf team, it was another case of coming oh, so close.

Second-ranked Guerin Catholic edged No. 1 Westfield by two strokes in the IHSAA boys golf state finals June 14 at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. The Golden Eagles finished with a score of 589, two strokes fewer than Westfield’s total. In the 2022 state finals, Guerin edged Westfield by one stroke.

Shamrocks coach Josh Bryant said 591 is a good total for two days at Prairie View.

“It was high-level college golf all the way around, which we’ve been saying all year because of the low scores,” Bryant said.

Bryant said the credit goes to Guerin Catholic, with individual champion Leo Wessel shooting 67 on the final day and Jacob Modleski, who finished tied for second, shooting 67 in the opening round.

“When you have really good teams that are going so close, those are the differences,” Bryant said. “I’m happy with our boys. We always talk about the back nine you

have to be in position, and we were. It was a fun battle.”

Westfield trailed Guerin by three shots after 14 holes but took a one-shot lead going into the final three shots.

“Golf has a way — sometimes you lose it, sometimes you get beat,” Bryant said.

“Guerin won it.”

Westfield sophomore Jake Cesare finished in a three-way tie for seventh with rounds of 71 and 73 for a 144 total. Sophomore Will Harvey finish in a two-way tie for 10th with a 145 (73-72). Senior Ale Cesare, who will play for Ball State University next season, finished with a 149 (72-77). Senior Cam Kooi had rounds of 77 and 76 for a 153.

The Westfield High School boys golf team with its runner-up trophy. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

City OKs plans for building

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

City officials in Westfield have approved plans for a commercial building on West 161st Street. The Westfield Advisory Plan Commission signaled its support of a detailed development plan for the 15,470-square-foot building on 1.185 acres being developed by KennMar, which is in Speedway. The project at the southwest corner of 161st Street and Spring Mill Road is part of the second phase for the Spring Mill Station project, which calls for the development of six buildings that will be on five lots, according to KennMar’s website.

nMar’s website.

Swayzee Loinz, which is based in Swayzee, Ind., describes itself as a “federally inspected facility which mass produces hand breaded pork tenderloins” on its Facebook page. It is known for its pop-up events across central Indiana in which people can purchase 10-packs of frozen regular or spicy tenderloins.

A message was left with Swayzee Loinz owner James Cruea seeking comment about the planned storefront business in Westfield.

Swayzee Loinz, Face Foundrie, Fundae’s Ice Cream & Sweets, Buddy’s Pizza, My Gym and Wild Orchid Veterinary Care of Westfield are among the businesses that will be at Spring Mill Station under the first phase, which is under construction, according to KennMar’s website. The first phase includes a 15,000-square-foot building with 70 parking spaces, according to renderings on Ken-

Face Fondrie is a facial bar, while Farmington Hills, Mich.-based restaurant chain Buddy’s Pizza offers Detroit-style pizza, according to the company’s websites. My Gym, which has a location at 10290 E. 96th St. in Fishers, is a fitness center for children and has more than 600 sites across the United States, according to its website.

KennMar’s website also indicates an Ace Hardware will be at the site, but APC member Victor McCarty said the building has not yet been approved. KennMar is developing other projects within Hamilton County, including in Carmel.

Donut truck launches

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County residents can sweeten parties and events by booking a new food truck.

DEVELOPMENT NEW BIZ

On May 31, a Noblesville family launched DonutNV, a mobile shop that serves Carmel, Westfield and Noblesville. It serves mini doughnuts with a wide range of toppings and lemonade.

Business owner Jason Puetz said DonutNV is a franchise, but he bought the Noblesville and Carmel territories with his wife, Christine Puetz. They call their new food truck the “doughnut wagon.”

“(We serve) hot mini doughnuts,” Puetz said. “We have 20 or 30 topping choices like Oreo, Lucky Charms and Fruity Pebbles.”

Doughnuts are sold in $7 small bags and $10 large bags.

DonutNV offers six fruity flavors of freshly squeezed lemonade that can be served as a drink or frozen. The owners plan to add hot and iced coffee to the menu.

Since its launch, the food truck has been at several events for organizations that include Grand Junction Brewing and the Boys

and Girls Club.

“We will do birthday parties, weddings, farmers markets, neighborhood (events),” Puetz said.

The family plans to add another truck in the future so two events can be done at once.

Puetz said that he wants his business to be deeply connected to the community.

“People think ‘franchise’ and they think ‘big corporation,’ but It’s just our family-owned small business,” Puetz said. “We’re trying to be involved in our local communities and we give back to schools.”

Learn more and book the food truck for an event at donutnv.com.

Jason Puetz and his wife, Christine Puetz, own a local DonutNV franchise. (Photo courtesy of Jason Puetz)

CURRENT JULY WESTFIELD COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WESTFIELD ROCKS THE 4TH

Grand Park will play host to the annual Westfield Rocks the 4th event that will feature live music, an assortment of food vendors, kids activities and a fireworks display at 10 p.m. The event will be held from 3 to 10 p.m. at Grand Park and will also feature watermelon eating contests for children, while a hotdog eating contest will be held for adults. For more, visit westfieldwelcome. com/westfield-4th.

GOLF EVENT TO BENEFIT CHILDREN’S THERAPLAY

A July 11 golf event at Wood Wind Golf Course, 2302 W. 161st St., will benefit Children’s TherAplay. The event, which begins at 11 a.m., also includes food such as burgers and bratwurst. For more, visit childrenstheraplay.org/golf or call 317-872-4166.

FARMERS MARKET AT GRAND JUNCTION PLAZA

Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St., will host its farmers market featuring an assortment of vendors from 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday evening. Each week, the market also features live music as well. For questions, email Market Manager Nick Stepaniak at markets@westfieldchamberindy.com.

KIDS CONCERT SERIES AT GRAND JUNCTION PLAZA

Children will enjoy some fun music with Mr. Daniels during the kids concert series taking place at Grand Junction Plaza. The series, which runs July 11, 18 and 25, will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and is free to attend. For more, visit westfieldwelcome.com/ events or call 317-804-3150.

JAMS

AT THE JUNCTION

Enjoy an evening on the Great Lawn at Grand Junction Plaza with live music starting at 7 p.m. Living Proof will play July 14, while band Jambox will entertain audiences July 21. Food trucks will be on-site. For more, visit westfieldwelcome.com/events or call 317-804-3150.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM AT LIBRARY

The Westfield Washington Public Library will continue its summer reading program through July 31. The program is open to all ages and comes with prizes awarded to participants who hit certain reading milestones. Anyone who reads at least 40 hours between June 1 and July 31 will be entered into a drawing for the grand prize. For more, visit wwpl.beanstack.org.

Jump start your savings.

Interchange project continues at 146th, Allisonville Road

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

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

CONSTRUCTION

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

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

“This was one we reviewed, and based on traffic volume and projected traffic volume and what was happening over there at that location, it was recommended that an interchange of some type was the best solution,” Davis said.

Davis said a traditional roundabout most motorists are used to seeing in most places would not be able to handle future traffic growth through the corridor. He said a decision was made to create an interchange “and by doing that, you can greatly improve the level of service at that location over the next several decades” in an effort to alleviate traffic.”

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

That view was shared by Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt.

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

Hamilton County applied for funding through the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization and received $9.5 million toward construction of the project. A portion of the funding was for congestion relief, according to Davis.

Davis said under the first phase, which

is underway, motorists should be aware of restrictions traveling through the area and said that contractors are working in the median on 146th Street and Allisonville Road to remove concrete medians. The first phase is anticipated to be completed around July 1, with contractors working on the outside portion where ramps will be, Davis said.

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

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

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

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

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

like when it is completed by summer of 2025. (Rendering courtesy of Hamilton County)

Carmel man honored by Indy 500 Oldtimers group

By Jeff Decker news@currentincarmel.com

A Carmel man’s dedication to the Indianapolis 500 started with a father-son visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway more than six decades ago. Now, John Blazier’s commitment to The Greatest Spectacle in Racing has been recognized, putting him among some of the biggest names in Indy 500 history.

ACHIEVEMENT

On May 23 at the Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers Association barbecue, Blazier, 72, a 1969 Westfield High School graduate, became the latest recipient of the Dick Miller Award. The annual honor goes to those who support the objectives and traditions of the Oldtimers Association and the IMS. First race winner Ray Harroun, Tom Carnegie, Tony Hulman and Donald Davidson are among previous recipients.

“It’s one of the greatest things to happen in my life,” said Blazier, an Indianapolis 500 memorabilia collector and evaluator and co-author of the 1994 book, “Forgotten Heroes of the Speedway: The Riding Mechanics.” “It’s a prestigious award. All the people that received that award before me are historical names in the annals of auto racing.”

Ron McQueeney, the president of the Oldtimers Association, said Blazier has volunteered his time to recruit Indy 500 drivers to join the group. Drivers are immediately eligible for the Oldtimers Association; others must have 20 years of service supporting the speedway and race.

“We wanted to make sure to honor him and thank him for doing that,” said McQueeney, retired director of photo operations for IMS. “We don’t give away awards like water. It’s people we think deserve to be recognized.”

Blazier attended his first Indy 500 in 1970. But his first visit to the track was in 1962. His parents had separated, and Blazier had started living with his father, John Walker, who had owned a grocery store in Westfield since 1941. John Walker died in a house fire in 1988.

“One of the first things we ever did together was go to the speedway in 1962,” Blazier said. “It kind of made it a special thing.”

In 1985, Blazier founded the National Indy 500 Collectors Club, serving as its first president. In 1991, when the price of Indy 500

GENERAL ADMISSION & PARKING: $ 40

collectibles skyrocketed, Blazier became a consultant for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, offering his expertise on the value of memorabilia. He also has worked at the track’s museum on race day, helping prepare antique Indy 500 racecars for their parade laps.

Now retired (he owned a massage therapist business in Carmel for 16 years), Blazier and his wife, Anna, have two sons and two grandchildren. He no longer visits the speedway every day during May but remains active in the Oldtimers Association and recruits former drivers to join the elite organization. His dedication to the speedway and the “500” remains strong.

“It’s always been the fascination,” Blazier said. “The history of it is just fascinating.”

Hickory Hall Polo

John Blazier of Carmel received the Dick Miller Award from the Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers Association. (Photo courtesy of John Blazier)

Hey there, folks! Take a good look at this zoomed-in image we’ve snagged from a spot in Westfield. 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 pirate-themed restaurant, Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse, known for its barbecue can be found at

Main St. in Westfield. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

Walmart opens 2.2 million square foot fulfillment center

By Kiersten Riedford kiersten@youarecurrent.com

Walmart celebrated the opening of its largest fulfillment center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 15 at the new facility in McCordsville.

INDUSTRY

The fulfillment center — a warehouse where goods are packed and dispatched to fulfill online orders — is a 2.2 million square foot warehouse at 5259 W. 500 N. It is the size of 40 football fields.

The center is filled with the latest technology to deliver orders within two days, according to the fulfillment center’s general manager, Geoffrey Appleby.

“With this building, in combination with our traditional fulfillment centers, we’ll be able to reach 95 percent of the U.S. population within the next day or two-day shipping move,” Appleby said. “So (we are) really excited, not only for the associates and their experience in here making it better for them, but also from a customer experience that wants their deliveries in a next day or a two-day time period.”

The building is stacked with technology, with more than two miles of conveyor belts inside the facility to make order processing more efficient.

“Using technology, automation and robotics, we’ve taken this manual 12-step process for associates and really transformed it into a five-step process,” Appleby said. “That breeds a more positive, more comfortable environment for our associates. And that’s really what’s got me most excited about these folks that you’re seeing behind you — their experience each and every day and providing for our customers.”

Van Thawnz, a recently promoted lead at the fulfillment center, has worked at the center for the past two months, but has been working for Walmart for six years.

He said prior to working at the McCordsville center, he was working at the former Walmart Distribution Center at 9590 Allpoints Pkwy. in Plainfield. The center burned down in March of 2022.

After the fire, associates were placed at a different location and over time have been pulled to work in the McCordsville fulfillment center.

During the event, Riley Hospital for Children and the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation were granted $5,000 each. Appleby said Walmart gave the grants so it could give back to the community that helped them thrive.

“We want to make sure that everybody knows that we at Walmart, Sam’s Club and (other) distribution centers (are) here to make sure that people can save money and live better,” Appleby said.

Walmart plans to open two more next-generation fulfillment centers in Indiana over the next three years.

Employees of the new Walmart fulfillment center in McCordsville cut the ribbon June 15 during a ceremony. (Photo by Kiersten Riedford)

DISPATCHES

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

Students named to dean’s list – The following students from Westfield have been named to the dean’s list at Indiana University-Kokomo for the spring semester: Mikayla Rose Crabtree, Kayden Cruz, Zoe B. Evans, Adam McCabe Garretson, Breanna Koester, Cayden Douglas Lewton, Freda E. Mensah, Marcus Amoah Mensah, Emma Elizabeth Novak, Alexander Parra Andrade, Brooke Aline Rundle and Bola Zaky.

Witzman, Martin earn dean’s list recognition – Westfield resident Adam Witzman was named to the dean’s list at Miami University for the spring semester, while Westfield resident Evelyn Martin was also named to the dean’s list at Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Three residents graduate from University of Alabama – Westfield resident Tiffany Adams, Jonathan Huntley and Matthew Klink were among 5,885 students who graduated from the University of Alabama with their bachelor’s degrees during commencement exercises that were held May 5-7.

Students graduate from Cedarville University – Westfield residents Megan Albright, Lindsey Ash, Grace Hess, Micah Stewart and Aubrey Strong were among the students who recently graduated from Cedarville University.

District seeks participants for Shamrock Academy – Westfield Washington Schools is seeking participants for its Shamrock Academy, an ambassador development program that is open to any Westfield resident or community member interested in learning more about the district. The application period is now open and will close on July 1. For more or to apply, visit www.wws. k12.in.us/about-us/shamrock-academy/ shamrock-academy.

Concrete Cleaning Concrete Sealing Roof Cleaning Pressure Washing Epoxy Floors

FESTIVE CELEBRATION

Westfield Rocks the 4th makes annual return to Grand Park

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Westfield is gearing up for another festive Fourth of July at Grand Park that will feature live music, hotdog and watermelon eating contests and a fireworks show that will light up the sky with dazzling colors and displays.

The city will present Westfield Rocks the 4th from 3 to 10 p.m. that will feature an assortment of food vendors, carnival games for kids and other activities for the public, said Kayla Arnold, director of Westfield Welcome. A DJ will perform, while bands Endless Summer and The Fun Factor Band will perform live music.

Kids music featuring Milk the Music Man, a watermelon eating contest and a magic show will also be part of the festivities, Arnold said. The watermelon eating contest, which begins at 6 p.m., is on a first-come, first-served walkup basis.

A Kids Zone will feature plenty of activities for children, including inflatables. Carnival games and prizes for all participants are among the new additions this year. Wristbands are required for attendees 4 and older and can be obtained online or at the event for $10 each.

“Westfield Rocks the 4th gets bigger and bigger each year. We love to welcome residents and visitors alike to this special community event to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday,” Arnold said. “We hope you can join us for what is sure to be another spectacular year.”

This year’s celebration will be a one-day event. In previous years, it has typically been spread out over two days, according to Arnold. A fireworks display is set to begin around 10 p.m.

“Citizens Energy Group is pleased to once again be the presenting sponsor of Westfield Rocks the 4th,” said Jeffrey Harrison, president and CEO of Citizens Energy Group.

On July 4, Westfield Rocks the 4th will feature a hotdog eating contest for adults. Registration is available by visiting westfieldwelcome.com/westfield-4th.

Arnold said planning for the annual event has been ongoing since last year and visitors can expect to see plenty of colors to light the sky with fireworks from Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics, which is putting on this year’s fireworks display.

“I think our fireworks show sets us apart from other fireworks in the area,” Arnold said. “It’s a spectacular display and they do a wonderful job.”

Arnold said Westfield Rocks the 4th is a family-friendly event with plenty to offer with retail vendors and area nonprofits that are planning to attend. Visitors can also expect to see plenty of food trucks ranging from Frank’s Frank Hot Dog, Kona Ice and Ribs Express and new food options that will include Ben’s Soft Pretzels, Fundae’s Ice Cream & Sweets and Queso’s Taco Truck, according to Arnold.

“This is a community event that has grown considerably since it started,” she said. “It’s a great day, (a great) activity, (a great) evening for families to come out and get together and just have a fun day in Westfield.”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Main Stage Entertainment

DJ Joe Filipow - 3 to 5 p.m.

Endless Summer - 5 to 7 p.m.

Hot Dog Eating Contest - 7:15 p.m.

The Fun Factor Band - 8 to 10 p.m.

Fireworks Display - Approximately 10 p.m.

Kids Stage Entertainment

Mik the Music Man - 3 to 6 p.m.

Kids Watermelon Eating Contest - 6 p.m.

Magic Show - 6:45 to :15 p.m.

Milk the Music Man - 7:15 to 8 p.m.

Magic Show - 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Milk the Music Man - 8:30 to 10 p.m.

More information: westfieldwelcome.com/westfield-4th

Children enjoy a previous Westfield Rocks the 4th event at Grand Park. (File photo)

A participant kicks a board during a previous Westfield Rocks the 4th event. (File photo)

ON THE COVER: Westfield will host Westfield Rocks the 4th from 3 to 10 p.m. at Grand Park that will feature plenty of music, food, activities for kids and adults, along with a fireworks display. (File photo)

‘BROUGHT TO LIGHT’

have been removed. He said the negative reviews began appearing soon after Southland fired an executive pastor, identified by several former Southland attendees as Ryan Fox, who CJ Johnson said, “left really poorly.” CJ Johnson did not explain how Fox “left really poorly” in the meeting and did not respond to questions from Current about it.

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

When Steve Poe, longtime Northview Church senior pastor, introduced his successor, CJ Johnson, at a meeting in August 2021 for church members to approve the hire, Poe told the congregation that rumors circulating online about financial fraud and other misconduct at CJ Johnson’s previous church in Minnesota had been fully vetted and found to be untrue.

“We are 110 percent convinced that there’s absolutely nothing to these false allegations,” Poe said at the meeting.

“That’s all they are.”

Several people, however, who served at CJ Johnson’s former church, Southland City Church in the Minneapolis suburb of Lakeville, tell a different story, one they said they suspect is repeating itself — at least in part — at Northview.

They accuse CJ Johnson, 38, of speaking dishonestly from the pulpit, lacking transparency about church finances and threatening or manipulating those who questioned his ideas or leadership. They watched as most of Southland’s staff quit — without new jobs lined up — within a couple of weeks in late 2020.

Michelle Creasman, who served as an elder at Southland from 2018 to late 2020, said she feels it’s important for those attending Northview to know what happened at CJ Johnson’s previous church, which ceased to exist soon after he left.

“My motivation is not to aid in a hit piece on CJ but rather hold him accountable at his new church and also educate the congregation so they can make an informed decision on where they call home,” Creasman said. “His actions impacted many people who are still recouping from what happened whether it be emotional, spiritual or financially, so I wanted to make sure this was brought to light.”

Northview, whose website listed 145 people on staff as of June 16, has also experienced a staff exodus, though not as extreme as at Southland, since CJ Johnson began working there in the summer of 2021. Several former Northview employees and attendees said they are aware of more than 40 church staffers who have left their jobs because of issues or concerns — which echo some of those raised at Southland — about the new senior pastor, and they believe that total to be an undercount.

One former Northview employee, who requested anonymity because of fear of retribution and continued work in local ministry, compared Northview’s situation to the fate of the Titanic.

“We are on this thing that feels (comfortable), yet those who are in the belly of the ship know that we’ve hit some-

thing and there’s water gushing in, but nobody’s acknowledging it,” the former employee said. “I care about Northview, and I don’t want it to sink. But I think it’s sinking, and if something doesn’t happen, if there’s not enough humility, grace and openness or willingness to have this conversation, it’s going to go down.”

TRUST ISSUES

Northview, a nondenominational megachurch based in Carmel with — according to its website — more than 8,800 weekly attendees among its dozen campuses, declined multiple times over several months to allow CJ Johnson, Poe, church elders or anyone else from its leadership team to be interviewed for this story. Northview leaders also declined to respond to specific questions sent by Current.

In a prepared statement sent to Current on behalf of Northview’s elders, executive team and Poe, Executive Pastor Jason Pongratz said the church’s elders conducted a full “due diligence process” when hiring CJ Johnson and that church leadership “did not take this task lightly.”

“Everyone involved has worked hard to ensure that the selection of the senior pastor was a person that they could confidently stand behind as the person God has for the church for the next chapter in Northview’s history. What has been a great turn in the story is that members of Pastor CJ’s former staff have recently reached out to own their parts of the distortion of truth and have begun the reconciliation process with Pastor CJ,” the statement read. “We believe that it is in the best interest of all involved for our church to respect the former staff members’ privacy and give them the space to heal with Pastor CJ. We do not wish to reopen old wounds or compromise the privacy of those involved. At this time, and for this reason, Northview will not be commenting further or providing any additional information.”

Northview elders, who finalized the decision to hire CJ Johnson, either didn’t respond to Current’s request for comment or directed Current to Pongratz for a response. Pongratz declined to comment beyond the statement he provided.

In the August 2021 Northview member meeting, however, CJ Johnson addressed the allegations posted in several reviews of Southland City Church on Google — which since

In that same meeting, Poe read a letter purportedly from Southland’s elders stating that the severance agreement with Fox contained standard nondisclosure clauses, meaning Southland could not share with its congregation specific reasons for the termination.

“This resulted in much frustration among the executive pastor’s family, friends and fellow staff,” the letter stated. “Within days of his termination, accusations against Pastor CJ began to circulate online.”

Fox did not respond to Current’s multiple requests for comment. Northview declined to provide a copy of the letter from Southland’s elders. No one contacted by Current who was on the Southland elder board at the time CJ Johnson left for Northview agreed to comment for this story. Creasman said her husband, who remained a Southland elder until the church dissolved, did not sign the letter or know it existed before it was read at Northview. No former Southland employees contacted by Current agreed to speak on the record for this story.

While the late-2020 firing of Fox may have been the final straw that spurred some of the events mentioned in the Google reviews — such as the mass exodus of Southland’s staff — problems at the church began well before that.

Josh Johnson said his young family attended Southland for several years in the 2010s, helping to launch the youth group and volunteering in various capacities. It was after Southland moved into its own building in 2017 that Josh Johnson said he began to develop serious concerns. He said there was constant pressure to donate money to the church, leading him to question how the funds were allocated and spent.

“I went directly to CJ, questioning how the monetary donations (were) being distributed within and outside of Southland,” Josh Johnson said. “CJ directed me to Ryan Fox, who was in control of the church’s finances. He would not return my calls, texts or emails. I would get crickets. When I would corner them in person, they would deflect or refuse to answer questions regarding money.”

Greg Reis, who attended Southland from 2016 to 2018, had a similar experience. He said his concern about the leadership at the church sparked after CJ Johnson — from the pulpit — embellished a story in 2016 about Reis making a donation.

“He (effectively) said, ‘It was so big, I reached out to Greg, and I had a conversation with him to make sure he wanted to donate this much money,’” Reis said. “For a moment, I thought, ‘What? He never called me,’ and I just let it go. But he used that (claim)

Northview Pastor CJ Johnson preaches on June 18. Northview services are available to follow live online or watch later at northviewchurch.online.church. (Photo by Zach Ross) Poe

Northview Church stands behind senior pastor in wake of allegations of dishonesty, manipulative behavior

Reis

COMMUNITY

Continued from Page 16

to raise a whole bunch of money, and it worked. After we bought a building, he told us that the weekend when he made that announcement, the money just started rolling in. So that was the first lie.”

Eventually, after several incidents he said he found concerning, in 2018 Reis decided to confront pastors CJ Johnson and Fox about Southland’s finances.

“We wanted to have a conversation about money. We were in there for a good hour, and we didn’t get anywhere. We could not get an answer out of them,” Reis said. “At the end of our conversation, it was basically, ‘If you can’t trust me with your money, you can’t trust me.’ And we were done that day. We quit going (to Southland).”

‘I’VE ASKED PEOPLE TO LEAVE FOR LESS’

Creasman, the former Southland elder, said she also was shocked by a story she heard CJ Johnson tell from the pulpit during a Southland service. Creasman said that in mid-2018, CJ Johnson described how, a year earlier, a family in the church had given $1 million just in time to secure financing for Southland to move into a new building.

She knew the story was about her family, but she also knew it involved a $1 million loan — not a gift. Her brother had taken out a line of credit backed by the equity in a storage business their family owned, and they fully expected it to be paid back.

“Several times CJ got up on that platform and he told the congregation that someone gave them a million dollars. So that’s when we were first like, ‘Oh, that’s not correct. Why is he saying that?’” she said.

Creasman wasn’t the only one to question CJ Johnson’s story about the $1 million gift. Bob Clatterbuck, Southland’s former volunteer head of security, said the story about the funding kept changing, so, on behalf of others who also had questions about the situation, he decided to ask CJ Johnson and Fox for clarity.

“The next thing I know, I get called in by CJ, and he wants me to come into the church,” Clatterbuck said. “He basically threatened to kick me out of the church. His words were something to the effect of, ‘I’ve asked people to leave for less.’”

Current could not vet Clatterbuck’s comment, because Northview would not make CJ Johnson available to do so.

Clatterbuck said CJ Johnson didn’t give a reason for the threat other than stating that his questions were causing problems or divisions in the church. Clatterbuck said he was caught off guard and apologized, but the incident left him unsettled. After several other concerning events, his family left the church later that year.

‘ALL THEY CARED ABOUT WAS THEIR NAME’

After loaning the church $1 million, Creasman said she and her husband were asked to join Southland’s elder board. Their position gave them an inside look on happenings at the church, including in late 2020 when Fox was fired and most of the other employees quit.

With the church in crisis after losing most of its staff, the Creasmans reached out to the Minnesota District Council of the Assemblies of God, which governed Southland’s denomination in the area. Its leaders conducted interviews with remaining and former staff members and soon presented

the findings to the church.

It was during that process Creasman stepped down from the elder board, as she could not agree with the Assemblies of God’s decision to not put CJ Johnson on a leave of absence.

“I resigned because I saw the Assemblies of God, all they cared about was their name,” Creasman said. “They’re supporting CJ. They’re not even doing any discipline.”

After she stepped down as an elder, Creasman said her husband remained on the board because he said he believed the situation had not been fully investigated. He wanted to ensure an audit was done and was prepared to pay for it himself.

Another organization took care of that, however. Emmanuel Christian Center, an Assemblies of God church in the area, agreed to fund an audit after it helped transition what remained of Southland — which had shrunk in attendance as well as staff — into a new campus of its own in the summer of 2021.

The audit was not complete before CJ Johnson was hired by Northview, according to Creasman and other sources. Current asked ECC and Northview officials for a copy of the audit but neither responded to the request. Officials from ECC and the Minnesota District Assemblies of God did not respond to Current’s multiple requests for comment.

‘LOOKING AT THE NEXT PASTOR’

CJ Johnson started working at Northview on Sept. 1, 2021, after beating out six other finalists selected by VanderBloemen, a Christian executive search firm, Poe told Current in October 2022. VanderBloemen did not respond to Current’s request for comment.

Poe said he told the elders and search firm that he wanted his replacement to be young, have leadership skills and be a “very strong communicator.” He said the choice became clear as soon as he and his wife watched a sermon from each of the finalists.

“I got to CJ’s, and I got emotional. I actually left the room, collected myself and came back,” Poe said. “My wife said, ‘What’s the matter?’ I said, ‘We’re looking at the next pastor.’”

Poe, who retired in October 2022 and is now Northview’s legacy pastor, said he asked the elders to watch the same seven sermons and that all of them ranked CJ Johnson as their top choice.

A former Northview employee, who asked not to be named because he still works in local ministry, said initially he was encouraged by the “spirit of unity” in the unanimous choice. He had seen the negative Google reviews of Southland, but he said he trusted church leaders when they said the allegations had been fully vetted and proven false.

Over time, however, he began to have concerns about his

new pastor. For example, he said he witnessed CJ Johnson largely inflate the number of people in a service who raised their hand to indicate they gave their life to Christ at a Northview service.

Clatterbuck, who had a view of the entire worship center at Southland as part of the security team, said CJ Johnson frequently embellished numbers there, too.

“I would be behind him, watching out while he did this. I saw the number of hands, then I heard the inflated numbers,” Clatterbuck said. “That is definitely something he has done time and time again.”

Current spoke with eight former Northview employees or attendees, all of whom left the church — or were asked to leave — because of concerns about CJ Johnson or church leadership. Most said they took their concerns to church elders or other leaders, many of whom were not willing to seriously discuss the matter with them or act on it, the former employees said.

“Part of why (CJ Johnson) was able to create so much confusion and gaslighting of our staff was by making us feel like we were wrong for being interested in his past,” a former employee said. “At one point during an all-staff meeting, he referenced the fact that people had been looking into his past, and he made a joke onstage about how disgruntled people from his previous church are trying to bring him down. So, he would publicly diminish these things that we were trying to shed light on almost as a way of discrediting some of the accusations being made.”

Another former employee said his efforts to discuss his concerns with church leaders went nowhere, leading him to conclude they don’t have a “willingness or (the) humility” to address the matter.

“It’s not about me being right or wrong. I just want to have the conversation and handle this biblically,” the former employee said. “If, at the end of the day, everything comes out and CJ was right, great. That is a win for everybody, the best-case scenario. But (Northview’s) handling of it this way makes it worse, because then everybody’s going, ‘Well, they’re playing the deck of cards we all thought they would play.’ And that doesn’t end well for anybody. It hurts the church and the staff and friends and family more than anything.”

HOME ADDRESS DISCREPANCIES

CJ Johnson, Northview Church senior pastor, has been accused of speaking falsehoods from the pulpit, and it appears he has been inaccurate on public documents, as well, according to discrepancies in public records.

In Northview’s business entity report filed March 28 with the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office, CJ Johnson’s address is listed as a home in Fishers assessed at $259,000 and owned by Jacqueline Lucas and Jonathan Swift. Lucas is an executive assistant at Northview whose parents were elders at Southland City Church, where Johnson previously pastored.

Documents filed with the Hamilton County Recorder’s Office state that on March 30 CJ Johnson and his wife signed paperwork for a $1.5 million mortgage on a 6,454-square-foot, six-bedroom home on 10 acres in Noblesville. The property includes a pole barn and an in-ground pool.

Neither CJ Johnson nor Lucas responded to Current’s requests for comment.

The building that previously housed Southland City Church in Lakeville, Minn. It is now a campus of Emmanuel Christian Center. (Photo courtesy of Bob Clatterbuck)

Clatterbuck

Nature of good and evil

Commentary by Terry Anker

Better not safe than sorry

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

For those of us involved in agriculture, or who spent our youth so engaged, these warm, sunny summer days are a bit of a paradox. Although we may enjoy them recharging after a long, cold winter, we might be rightly worried about the lack of rain. We’re a couple of inches down for the year, give or take, in most places. And for those of us who eat, we are legitimately concerned about the plight of Hoosier farmers. Their success keeps us fed. Still, we have not yet arrived at a crisis point, and with good luck, rain will fall as needed and averages will return to average.

In the meantime, we can take some solace in the benefits of the hot, dry weeks. Aside from improving our bodily vitamin D supply, we may notice a reduction in nuisance insects. Relying on standing water in ditches and nearly anything that holds a thimbleful of liquid, mosquitos and other pests have declined some with the dry weather. Still, we carry gallons of “repel-

lant” to our family picnics, outdoor concerts and sports activities for the hardy few that emerged despite the dry conditions. But why? For the hardy few that have made it this far, what would be strong enough to repel them from dinner?

If we are sufficiently hungry, what can drive us from what we need, or believe that we do? Fear of death? Fear of discomfort? Alternatively, we attract moths to the flame, glowing blue bug light. They gleefully surrender, so compelled by attraction to their own demise that they appear unaware of the clear and present danger. Sure, these tiny creatures likely exist on instinct and are devoid of intellect, but do we fare much better? What good repels and what evil attracts in our own lives?

Could use a rest after vacation

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Friends, I’m pleased to announce that I have survived the annual family vacay to South Carolina, where 27 of us piled into a beach house for one week. The youngest is 2 and the oldest is 78, but we managed to make memories and keep the shanking to a minimum (there was a major blow-up between my four sisters and me, but everything was eventually resolved, or at least suppressed enough that we departed with authentic “I love you-s,” which is saying something considering the amount of wine consumed).

HUMOR

net and turnaround without tipping over. My twin and I didn’t even make it to the semifinals thanks to a poor showing in cornhole, though we felt OK about it since we had to be North Korea (obviously, the kids chose the nations).

Anyhoo, highlights included ideal temperatures, delicious dinners and the first-ever Morris Olympics, which pitted two-person teams representing various countries against each other in multiple events.

Anyhoo, highlights included ideal temperatures, delicious dinners and the first-ever Morris Olympics, which pitted two-person teams representing various countries against each other in multiple events. My nephew Nick, 19, and my niece Georgia, 10, pulled off a stunning victory for Ukraine, in part because of their outstanding performance on the pool kayak course, where they expertly navigated the volleyball

We also enjoyed another competitive Great Beach BakeOff, where first-time participant Keegan, 8, stole the show with his perfectly baked vanilla cupcake; multiple games of charades and truffles; and a movie night of “80 for Brady,” which my mom outwardly, and everyone else secretly, loved.

– DANIELLE WILSON

I never slept well. There was nonstop action and noise, and I had to literally hide on a second-floor back balcony to get my daily dose of “Grey’s Anatomy,” but I survived!

Peace out.

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

ABC’S “Prisoners of the Snow” is a true story of a rugby team stranded in the Andes in sub-zero weather after their plane crashed into the side of a mountain in 1972. Also recently in the news, the miraculous 40-day survival of four young children stranded in the Amazon jungle. Imagine finding yourself with no food or water in the hot jungle, or caught in an avalanche, freezing to death beneath a mountain of snow. Many of these brave people survived, but it might have been easier if they were all wearing something called the Paracord Survival Bracelet (also helpful: a cellphone, your GPS, warm blankets, three-month’s supply of food, a Coleman stove and Netflix).

and help finally arrives, isn’t that the first thing you’d think about — who do I need to tie up?

HUMOR

The manufacturer is concerned that people will not want to use the rope in an emergency because making it back into a bracelet is harder than solving the Rubik’s Cube with your feet. That’s why auto safety systems do not allow you to disengage the airbag apparatus. “Push the airbag off button, Agnes. We’re going to hit that truck head-on, but I have no idea how to stuff that thing back into the steering wheel.”

Many of these brave people survived, but it might have been easier if they were all wearing something called the Paracord Survival Bracelet (also helpful: a cellphone, your GPS, warm blankets, three-month’s supply of food, a Coleman stove and Netflix).

The device is called a 550 Cord. This is confusing because that’s also the name of the Levi’s I wear. The bracelet is 90 feet of intricately woven thread crafted into a nifty piece of rope jewelry. First used in World War II by paratroopers, the manufacturer describes it as having a “32-strand woven nylon outer sheath with an inner core of seven 2-ply yarns.” I know, I know, that sounds a lot like Charmin.

Here are two uses suggested by the manufacturer:

• Replace a broken zipper pull: Nothing would be more embarrassing than being rescued after 12 days on a deserted island and being caught with your fly open.

• Detain a person: When you are shipwrecked in the middle of nowhere

– DICK WOLFSIE

Paracord Survival Bracelet used to give a free one if you use its product in a legitimate emergency. Simply send it the story of how you used the rope, along with a photograph demonstrating the life-threatening predicament you were in, such as:

Dear Survival Bracelet Maker:

My wife and I were recently cleaning the gutters on our roof when the ladder tipped over. As I helped her rappel down the side of our house using your nifty piece of jewelry, I tried to get my cellphone out of my pocket to send a picture, thus qualifying for a free replacement. I was too slow, but I am attaching a photo of her on the ground with two broken legs.

Personally, I think this bracelet is a waste of money at $39.95. Better not safe than sorry.

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 special-interest 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.

Powers to share songs, stories at Feinstein’s

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Wayne Powers has a lifetime of stories to share.

‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’

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

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

CONCERT

The singer/actor/comedian had a few appearances on “Laverne & Shirley” and starred in his own NBC hospital sitcom, “13 East,” for two seasons. He appeared in episodes of “ALF,” “Full House,” “Doogie Howser, M.D.” “Murder She Wrote” and “Simon & Simon,” among others. He also once worked for composer Henry Mancini as an administrator of his music publishing and worked in improv comedy clubs with Robin Williams in the 1970s.

Powers will perform with his All-Star Trio of Kevin Anker (piano), Fred Withrow (acoustic bass) and Mike Kessler (drums) at 7:30 p.m. July 22 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.

“I’m mostly singing. I’ll tell a few stories and there’s a little comedy,” Powers said. “I’m excited because that venue could have been built for me. It’s the old supper clubs that I first started singing in at age 16 in New York. Those supper clubs are gone now, but Michael (Feinstein) had the vision and knowledge to bring them back because he understood what makes them work.”

Powers will perform standards from the Great American Songbook. He recently released an album, “If Love Were All,” which also is the name of one of the songs on the album.

Last year, Powers performed a show at The Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis and did some guest spots there this year. He lives in Muncie but plans to move.

“It was kind of a bucket-list thing,” he said. “I was looking for a historic mansion to live in and restore. I looked all over the country and found this incredible mansion in Muncie. I bought and restored it. It’s 10,000 to 12,000 square feet, built in 1902. I’ll never get out what I put into it, but life changes happen. I’m going to put it on the market.”

Powers did network television shows for approximately 15 years but decided to move to Charlotte, N.C., with his then-wife

and two younger sons.

“I wanted a place where my kids could have a childhood,” he said.

He had already been contemplating a move when the car his sons were being transported from a private school in was hit by stray bullets by rival gangs in Los Angeles.

Then, an earthquake happened in the early 1990s. The family got out of the home in time, but it was destroyed.

“I looked up at God and said, ‘I hear you, we’re going now, don’t send me any more signs,’” he said.

Powers started on WBT, a radio station in Charlotte, as a guest host and in special programming. After 20-plus years, he hosted his own radio talk show at WKZO in Kalamazoo, Mich., for a few years before moving to Chicago.

He performed in one of the lead roles of ‘The Sunshine Boys” in Kankakee, Ill., in 2019.

“It’s one of my favorite shows. I want to do that show again,” he said. “That response was incredible. It’s so fresh. It’s Neil Simon and it’s hilariously funny.”

Five years before that, he had a different theater role at the request of his close friend, the late Paul Sorvino.

“He was like my brother,” Powers said. “He was the godfather to both of my sons.”

Powers wanted to learn the song “Mama” in Italian so he could sing to his mother, who was turning 90. So, Sorvino agreed to teach him but wanted a favor in return.

“(He said) ‘In a couple of months I’m doing ‘King Lear’ in New York and I’m directing and playing Lear and I want you to play the Fool opposite me,’” he said. “I hadn’t done Shakespeare since I was in college. I said, ‘I don’t know if I could do it,’ and he said, ‘Of course, you can.’”

Sorvino convinced Powers to join the cast with Shrunken Shakespeare Company because they already had a strong chemistry that was necessary for the role.

Sorvino died in 2022 at age 83.

“He was my mentor,” Powers said. “It’s still hard for me to get over losing him. I miss him a lot.”

For more, visit waynepowers.com.

Adam Pascal will perform Broadway hits at 7:30 p.m. June 30 and July 1 at Feinstein’s cabaret in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinhc.com.

‘BOEING BOEING’

Red Barn Summer Theatre’s presentation of “Boeing Boeing” runs through July 1 at the Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

‘NEWSIES JR.’

Jr. Civic Theatre presents the final two performances of “Disney’s Newsies Jr.” from June 27-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘STAR-SPANGLED SYMPHONY’

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will present “Star-Spangled Symphony’’ at 8 p.m. June 30 to July 3 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

DISPATCHES

Musical theater camp returns to Noblesville — The Point Theater, formerly Christian Youth Theater, returns to Noblesville with musical theater day camps for youth between the ages of 4 and 11. The camps are offered at Emmanuel Methodist Church, 1600 Cumberland Road, during the week of July 17. With a “Beauty and the Beast” theme, the camp places students in groups by age, then rotates them through interactive stations in vocals, dance, acting and props each day. The week culminates in a Friday performance for family and friends. Seasoned actors and dancers lead the camp, with Point students rounding out the staff as counselors. To register, visit thepointtheater.org.

Actor/singer Wayne Powers, right, with his close friend Paul Sorvino. (Photo courtesy of Wayne Powers)

BAILEY TRUCKING, INC PRESENTS

July 6-9 & 12-16

2120 E. County Rd. 150 S. Frankfort, IN 46041

Buy tickets online!

redbarntheatre.net

LEGAL NOTICE OF STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 6 ANNUAL BUDGET BILLING PLAN, QUARTERLY BUDGET BILLING PLAN DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

Dizgo to perform at Palladium

By Mike Beas mark@youarecurrent.com

Two letters separate the band’s name from a word mostly synonymous with the late-1970s.

MUSIC

Carmel High School graduate Patrick Milescu is too young to have experienced the short-lived — and, yet, somehow enduring — musical phenomenon that was disco, but he’s doing the next best thing.

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

(“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around July 7, 2023 Duke Energy Indiana in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10 will file a request to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines to revise its Standard Contract Rider No. 6, Rate RS Residential Electric Service. This revision is to clarify the terms of the Annual and Quarterly Budget Billing Plan options offered to residential customers. This submission is expected to be approved approximately thirty days after filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission

101 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 East Indianapolis, IN 46204-3407 317-232-2703

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor - PNC Center 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-2494

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC

By: Stan Pinegar, President

Milescu, 29, manages the Bloomington-based band Dizgo, a quartet known for blending jamtronica with funk, soul and psychedelic rock to create a sound that is danceable and introspective.

And now, Dizgo is coming home.

Back to Milescu’s home, that is.

Dizgo, comprised of guitarist Andrew Pickel, bass player Kevin Hinnefeld, drummer Jacob Powell and keyboardist Jake Evatt, will perform June 28 in the Live at the Center series at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9. Dizgo is expected to play between 10 to 12 songs.

Milescu looks forward to bringing the band, with its unique sound, showmanship and playlist, to the Palladium.

“Oh, it’s awesome. We’re very excited to play at a theater like that,” said Milescu, who was born in Montreal, moved with his family to Carmel when he was 7, and now resides in Bloomington. “My parents loved going there to see shows and then would tell me about it afterward.”

To purchase tickets, visit dizgoband. com or thecenterpresents.org. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a $5 minimum. Patrons also can register for a free livestream option.

Indy Shorts lineup set

editorial@youarecurrent.com

world have this designation.

FILM

Heartland Film has announced the lineup for the sixth annual Academy Award-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival, running July 18-23. Less than 4 percent of the films submitted to the festival are selected. This year, a record 3,900-plus shorts were submitted, and from those, 165 shorts from 21 countries were programmed. The lineup includes 18 world premieres, 19 U.S. premieres, 54 Midwest premieres and 47 Indiana premieres. Screenings will be at Living Room Theaters (indoor), Newfields (indoor and amphitheater), Fort Ben Cultural Campus (indoor and outdoor) and virtually.

The 2023 festival is embracing a summer camp vibe that promises more than 165 short films that are curated into 29 themed programs, with 100 filmmakers expected to attend for Q&As following the screenings. Fest Pass and tickets are on sale at IndyShorts.org.

Indy Shorts is also an Academy AwardQualifying Film Festival in all three short film categories: Live Action, Documentary and Animated. Only 34 film festivals in the

With a track record of 33 nominations and 10 Oscar-winning shorts, there’s a good chance attendees will see the next Academy Award-contending films first in Indianapolis. Last year, an Indiana Spotlight film, “Stranger at the Gate,” won the Grand Prize for Best Short Documentary receiving its Oscar qualification. The film was then nominated for an Academy Award.

“With last year’s Oscar track and this year’s record number of submissions, the enthusiasm behind the Indy Shorts International Film Festival is unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” stated Hearland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig, a Carmel resident. “I can’t wait for Indianapolis to meet the filmmakers and explore the wide variety of stories showcased in the 29 themed programs.”

More than $30,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to filmmakers July 22. Selected award-winning films will be showcased at Newfields’ Amphitheater for the Summer Nights: Award Winners Program. Before the films, attendees can enjoy free HotBox Pizza and camp-themed activities.

From left, Andrew Pickel, Jake Evatt, Patrick Milescu, Kevin Hinnefeld and Jacob Powell form Dizgo, which will perform June 28 at the Palladium in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Dizgo)

Barbershop chorus in harmony

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

When she was younger, Carmel resident Barbara Birnbaum had performed in her school choirs. But as an adult, Birnbaum didn’t have time to keep singing with a group.

MUSIC

In 2006, friends convinced her to attend guest night with Harmony Magic, a central Indiana-based women’s barbershop chorus.

“I really was enamored with the idea,” she said of performing again.

When Birnbaum arrived at guest night, a group member greeted her with a hug.

“And it was, ‘OK, I’m hooked,” she said. Birnbaum and other members of the chorus, between 25 and 30 strong and under the direction of Janet Foster of Greenfield, competed in the Harmony Inc. area convention and contest beginning June 8 in Bloomington-Normal, Ill. At stake was a berth in an international competition Nov. 8-11 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Harmony Magic was one of six choruses to qualify for the competition, called Pure Harmony.

“We really couldn’t have asked for better,” Birnbaum said.

Harmony Magic prepared for the contest on Thursday evenings at Woodland Terrace in Carmel. For the competition, they performed “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from the musical “Annie,” and “When I Fall in Love,” a standard from 1952.

Harmony Magic performs four-part harmony a cappella versions of songs from many styles and eras and sings while executing choreographed movements.

“We really like to sing,” she said. “We want to entertain people.”

The group is a nonprofit, paying its way through performances (about 20 a year), sponsors and fundraisers.

Artist earns one-word identity

Commentary by Randy Sorrell

If you live in Carmel, you know Ranj! Identifiable by a one-word name, like Sting and Bono, his presence is felt in our community through his leadership, philanthropic and entrepreneurial efforts at Allstate Insurance. And now, we are appreciating Ranj’s artistic gifts, too.

PAINTINGS

Ranj Puthran’s art journey started when he was a little kid in Ann Arbor, Mich., as he filled notebooks with shapes and patterns, which he gradually developed through college. He frequented area museums, galleries and other stimulating and culture-fueled entities. Although he majored in political science at the University of Michigan, he also took classes in art history, and his relationship with art intensified.

India and Paris inspirations

Because of an “art-won’t-pay-the- bills” perspective, he focused on business after college and set art aside for a spell. A trip to India with his son in 2018 provided a sense of solitude, and his subconscious thoughts about art came to light! Classes at the Monon Center and the Indianapolis Art Cen-

Ranj Puthran enjoys creating acrylic and oil paintings. (Photo courtesy of

ter sculpted his fundamentals of art. Ranj enjoys many mediums, including pencil drawings, acrylic and oil painting, and he is especially drawn to landscapes and portraits.

His donations of art for fundraisers brings Ranj great joy as does his time painting.

Ranj Puthran)

Randy Sorrell, a Carmel artist, can be reached at 317-6792565, rsorrellart@gmail.com or rsorrellart.com.

Harmony Magic has qualified for an international barbershop competition. (Photo courtesy Susan Spencer)

Blueprint for Improvement: A modern makeover in Zionsville

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in 1977 in Zionsville’s Colony Woods neighborhood, this home’s owners wanted to update the living room with modern finishes.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The fireplace became the room’s focal point, accented by dynamic porcelain tile that gives the appearance of metal but without the maintenance.

• Custom built-ins with sleek acrylic laminate cabinets, quartz countertops and floating poplar shelves provide the perfect place for displaying family pictures, keepsakes and décor.

• The carpet was replaced with luxury vinyl plank flooring for an elevated aesthetic with exceptional durability.

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.

After

ESKENAZI HEALTH FOUNDATION IS GRATEFUL TO Sharon Barner & Haywood McDuffie FOR THEIR LEAD GIFT

Beyond Barriers is a campaign that through philanthropy and partnerships, addresses health equity in Central Indiana.

eskenazihealthfoundation.org

A trip on the Alaska Railroad

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing visit to Alaska, we travel the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks toward Denali National Park and Preserve.

TRAVEL

The Alaska Railroad runs 470 miles between Fairbanks, in the middle of the state, to Seward, on the southern coast. The railroad, built by the United States government to facilitate settlement and commerce in the Alaska Territory (not a state until 1959), opened upon completion of the Mears Memorial Bridge over the Tanana River near Nenana. On July 15, 1923, Warren G. Harding, the first president to visit Alaska, drove a golden spike at the north end of the bridge. Harding briefly visited Mount McKinley National Park (now Denali National Park and Preserve) and then traveled by train 100 miles north to Fairbanks, where residents in their Sunday best turned out to greet him.

Today, the Alaska Railroad, now owned by the state of Alaska, makes daily trips between Anchorage and Fairbanks, stopping at Denali National Park and Preserve, where

17 percent of the visitors come by train. The trip from Anchorage to the park takes about 7 1/2 hours, and from Fairbanks, about four hours. Each year between mid-May and mid-September, Wilderness Express engages the Alaska Railroad to pull its extra-large glass-domed cars, featuring dining rooms and bars, through the picturesque countryside, often with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Guides explain to passengers what they are seeing. Among many interesting sites along the route is a marker near the tiny village of Nenana, identifying the site of the famous Nenana Ice Classic. Thousands of people each year try to guess the minute the ice in the river will begin to break up, with the winner (or winners) pocketing about $300,000. A tripod set on the ice stops a clock at the instant the ice begins to move.

Mears Memorial Bridge over the Tanana River near Nenana, Alaska. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Wilderness Express cars on the Alaska Railroad.

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

1. Medical insurance grps.

5. Indy Women in Tech Championship links org.

9. Palladium seater

14. Strong wind

15. Paperless test at Purdue

16. Entrap

17. Money drawer 18. “My treat!”

47. Beneath

49. Footnote abbr.

50. Blood line

51. Omaha-to-Zionsville dir.

52. Modern warfare threats, briefly

54. In a timid way

56. Sagamore Club instructor

57. Nile reptile

58. Competent

61. Door sign

64. Indiana Senate helpers

69. Lavish meal

71. Door sign

73. Henhouse

74. Takes a break

75. Pacers foe

76. “___ Karenina”

77. In first place in the Hoosiers Crossroads Conference

78. Org. whose local museum can be found

34. Gillette brand

35. Spark!Fishers charity race distance, briefly

36. Online commerce

37. Butler’s ___ Golson Jazz Festival

40. Sent a dupe email

42. Like WTHR’s evening newscasts

45. Hoosier National Forest trees

48. Prez before GHWB

53. Boone County Fair barn sound

55. Clean air org.

56. Matteo’s basil-garlic sauce

57. “West Side Story” role

58. Bushy ‘do

59. “___ there, done that”

60. In the cellar in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference

62. Ivy League school

63. Lilly corporate VIP

65. Optimist’s credo

on the Downtown Canal and in the puzzle’s circles

79. Loch ___ monster

1. Town name abbr.

2. Disfigure

3. Earthen pot

4. Exchange for cash

5. London lav

6. Gearshift letters

7. Victory Field event

8. Sheltered, at sea

9. New Big Ten sch.

10. Pig’s nose

11. ISO stringed instrument

12. Word before a conclusion

13. Hoosier Park bridle strap

21. Cyber chuckle

23. Wedding reception entertainers, initially

26. Words before a conclusion

28. Guitar’s little cousin

29. Current edition 30. Middays

31. Unruly crowd

32. Poker stake 33. Thai currency

County’s (Colorful) County Seat

Many

“Me Day” destinations, often

amt.

IND ID checker

NOW

HIRING-CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

Royal Dental Labs, Inc

Position involves two main responsibilities: data entry and providing exceptional customer service through phone and email interaction. Other responsibilities may include general office tasks and possible help in other departments. Full time position, Monday through Friday. Great work environment w/ excellent pay including quarterly bonus potential. Three years data entry and/or customer service experience required.

Starting pay $17 to $20/hr. Send resume to alan@royaldentallabs.com

SUPPLY CHAIN CONSULTANT W/ ENVISTA LLC IN CARMEL, IN

(position remote, req. up to 50% travel)

Design & dev. Strategic network solutions for SC & operations problems; build SC models for optimization using stats analysis, regression modeling & optimiz.; network analysis.

Requires minimum of MS in Indust. Eng, Stats, Math, Logistics/Supply Chain or closely related or foreign equiv.; 3 yrs. Industry exp in supply chain, Fin. & Adv Analytics; SCCP Certification; Lean Six Sigma Gr. Belt Cert.

For full description and requirements of positions, https://recruiting.ultipro.com/ ENV1003ENVIS/JobBoard/adc7da17182d-0b77-a5c5-46cf3cb50218/ Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?oppor tunityId=a9042b1e-3336-4d42-9f84578db1289c13

Submit CV and cover letter to David Jensen, Sr. Mgr, 11555 N. Meridian Street, Ste 300, Carmel IN

ENVOY, INC. SEEKS PRECONSTRUCTION MANAGER

to guide design team members through the preparation of programmatic, schematic, design development and construction documentation, as well as maintaining, updating and validating strict estimate adherence. Position based in Fishers, Indiana. Requirements: Bachelors Degree in Construction Management, Building Construction, Engineering, or similar field, as well as at least 3 years experience in construction, commercial development, and/or estimating. Also requires knowledge of MS Project, Gmail, Google Drive, Project Management software applications

Procore, Prolog, Constructware and PDF annotation. Send resume to Amanda Good, 8890 E. 116th St., Suite 250, Fishers, IN, 46038

HIRING-DELIVERY DRIVER/ PACKING & PROCESSING ASSOCIATE

Royal Dental Labs Inc

Looking for a team-oriented individual to fill a part-time and a full-time position as Delivery Driver/Packing and Processing Associate. Candidate will be responsible for ensuring timely delivery and pick up of cases to dental offices throughout the Indianapolis, IN metro area, reviewing orders prior to delivery, packing and processing cases for UPS/FedEx shipping, printing shipping labels, and various office support roles. Must have excellent driving record. If you’re interested in taking on a new challenge at a growing company, we encourage you to apply today. Starting rate of pay $14 to $15 an hour with quarterly bonus potential. Retirees welcome to apply. Send resume to alan@royaldentallabs.com

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, good-natured work environment. The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive. net. We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays. To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net

40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Clothing: BLOUSE, COAT, JACKET, PANTS, SHIRT, SLACKS; Capitals: ATHENS, BERLIN, OSLO, PARIS, ROME; Peppers: BELL, CAYENNE, JALAPENO, SERRANO; Reservoirs: EAGLE CREEK, GEIST, MORSE; Area Codes: FOUR SIX THREE, THREE ONE SEVEN; County Seat: AUBURN

EVERY TUESDAY IS JUNE 27 – JULY 25

TENDERLOIN TUESDAY

The best way to travel the Tenderloin Trail TM is with a passport. Claim yours today for Tenderloin TuesdayTM deals and discounts from more than 35 participating restaurants.

Claim your passport at TenderloinTuesday.com .