August 8, 2023 – Westfield

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Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds to undergo major renovation, receive new name

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds will undergo a major renovation as part of a $65 million master plan that officials say could draw more visitors and more than double the amount of yearround event space when completed.

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DEVELOPMENT

The project, which will be done in three phases, will result in the fairgrounds being rebranded as The Silos at 37 Hamilton County: 4-H Fairgrounds. The initial phase that begins this fall has a price tag of $26.5 million and will include improvements to the existing exhibition center, drainage, llama barn and grounds, in addition to a Bicentennial Pavilion marking Hamilton County’s 200th anniversary.

The project will mark the first time in more than 25 years since any major upgrades have taken place on the 40-acre site.

“The fairgrounds are a gathering place,” Purdue Extension Hamilton County Director Susan Peterson said. “They have connected family and friends for generations. They bring people, too, and are a showpiece for our county. The time is right to invest in the future of this facility.”

The Hamilton County Council has committed $15 million toward the project, while the Hamilton County Extension Board plans to launch a capital campaign to assist with funding. A groundbreaking was held for the initial phase July 20 at the Centennial Pavilion during the first day of the Hamilton County 4-H Fair, where many youths involved in 4-H were showing animals throughout the five-day fair.

“We’re calling it the ‘Fairgrounds for the Future,’” Hamilton County Extension Board President Jane Sipe said. “This plan not only enhances our ability to provide more programs, but will also serve as an economic driver, enabling us to host a wider variety of programming throughout the year.”

Sipe said Phase 1A will include improve-

ments to the llama barn and an expansion of the maintenance garage, while another phase known as 1B will focus on building a new show arena and expanding the Hamilton County 4-H exhibition center. However, phase 1B will be contingent on funding, according to Sipe, who wants to raise $3 million to $4 million through the capital campaign but stressed that additional funding would be needed for future phases.

The Bicentennial Pavilion, which is scheduled to open late next year, will replace the O.V. Winks and Annex buildings that will be lost to the expansion of Pleasant Street. The second and third phases are contingent on funding and would include the construction of two silos at the main entrance, officials said.

In addition, the project would include the demolition of seven outdoor buildings to be replaced by eight air-conditioned buildings that could be used year-round, officials said.

“If completed, this plan could more than double the fairgrounds’ year-round rental space and drive additional visitors to our area,” Hamilton County Tourism CEO Brenda Myers said. “The new space will help attract small- and medium-sized events like weddings, consumer shows and conferences that may not fit at larger venues like the

Indiana State Fairgrounds.”

Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman also said the renovation and expansion at the fairgrounds is just one component of several that the public can expect to see in the future.

“This is a beginning,” Altman said. “We’re going to have community support. I know we can make this vision come true.”

Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt also described the fairgrounds as “a very special place in our community” for many people within Hamilton County. Heirbrandt said he has enjoyed hearing stories of people who have visited the fairgrounds and how it has enriched their lives.

Heirbrandt also reflected on the overall fairgrounds, which are used for various other functions throughout the year outside of the annual fair.

“It’s a community place for people to gather,” he said.

Hamilton County Councilor Sue Maki, who serves as a liaison to the county extension board, said officials plan to work with community and philanthropic partners on phases two and three moving forward.

“We’re going to work to make sure it continues to be a valuable part of our community,” Maki said.

A rendering of the planned

provements at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds.

(Photo provided by Hamilton County)

Westfield man receives 30-year sentence in federal prison

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

A Westfield man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting two minors and possession of child sexual abuse material.

ious sexual gratification, a Class C felony. Because of his previous felony conviction, Troutman was registered as a sexually violent predator in Indiana at the time of the arrest, authorities said.

CRIME

Westfield Police Department detectives and the Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force opened an investigation Jan. 24, 2022, into Westfield resident Kevin Troutman after receiving an online tip submitted to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, according to court documents. The tipster stated that they walked in on Troutman, 45, viewing an image of the sexual exploitation of a 4–6-year-old girl, authorities said.

Officers executed a search warrant Jan. 27, 2022, at Troutman’s home in Westfield after an investigation, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, which said that authorities seized numerous electronic devices and data storage media. Authorities said the electronic devices and data storage media were found to contain multiple sexually explicit images or videos of children.

An investigation of Troutman’s cellphone revealed that he had been anonymously searching the internet for child sexual abuse material using an encrypted browser, authorities said. A complete investigation of Troutman’s devices revealed evidence showing Troutman’s sexual exploitation of a child less than 14 years of age and the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of a child who was less than 6 years of age.

In 1997, Troutman was convicted of vicar-

“Across nearly three decades, the defendant sexually abused or exploited at least three different children and gratified himself through the exploitation of many more,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “There is no place in our communities for dangerous, repeat child predators. The sentence imposed today shows that our office, HSI, and local child exploitation task force partners will work tirelessly to ensure these heinous offenders are behind bars, where they cannot cause further harm to our children.”

“HSI works with its local, state and federal partners around the clock to protect children from victimization by predators involved with the production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago area of operations Sean Fitzgerald. “Because of exceptional efforts by our HSI agents, a previously convicted child sex offender has been sent to federal prison to serve a lengthy sentence, where he will be unable to victimize other vulnerable children.”

Troutman’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker, who ordered that Troutman be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from federal prison and pay $10,000 to each victim. Troutman must remain registered as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law, authorities said.

DISPATCHES

Church to host GriefShare sessions – Noblesville First United Methodist Church will host weekly GriefShare sessions beginning Aug. 10. GriefShare is a 14-week non-denominational group featuring Christ-centered programming that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The sessions will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the church, 2051 Monument St. The church requests a one-time fee of $20. For more, contact Coleen Albright by emailing coleen.albright58@gmail.com or call the church at 317-773-2500.

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

Troutman

Trustee to lead Willis transition team

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Scott Willis has named Washington Township Trustee Danielle Carey Tolan to lead his transition team as he prepares to step into the Westfield mayor’s office starting in January.

not just our township, but various community and state initiatives. She is an agent of change with outstanding organizational skills,” Willis said.

Willis also said Tolan “brings a wealth of institutional knowledge of Westfield.”

GOVERNMENT

Tolan, a lifelong Westfield resident, is serving her third term as trustee and will be tasked with leading the transition team, which will focus on economic development, public safety, infrastructure, the environment and community engagement. Willis serves on the Westfield City Council and defeated two challengers, Jake Gilbert and Kristen Burkman, in the May 2 primary election for the Republican nomination.

No challengers filed by the July 3 deadline to run against Willis in the Nov. 7 general election, paving the way for Willis to become Westfield’s next mayor. Republican incumbent Andy Cook declined to run for a fifth term.

Willis lauded Tolan for her professional background and experience working in the government and nonprofit sector, noting that she has served on several boards and committees in Westfield, Hamilton County and the state of Indiana.

“Danielle has proven her stewardship of

“Her relationships in our city span five generations, and she is a well-respected member of our community,” Willis said. “It was important to me that my go-to person be someone who will first and foremost always have Westfield’s best interests in mind.”

Tolan looks forward to working with Willis and his transition team moving forward.

“I see this role as both a privilege and a profound responsibility to serve the citizens of the city of Westfield in a transparent and meaningful way and I am looking forward to starting out work as soon as possible,” she said. “I’m excited to work with mayor-elect Willis and the transition team on the path forward.”

Willis said earlier this year that if he was elected as mayor of Westfield, transparency and communication would be among his focuses. Westfield is Indiana’s fastest growing city and grew nearly 8 percent last year, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau released in May.

“It is my hope that every resident of our city will be a collaborative voice in Westfield’s future,” Willis said.

DISPATCHES

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

Colts training camp dates set – The Indianapolis Colts will conduct training camp at Grand Park during select dates in August. Those dates are Aug. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 16 and 17. The Colts will have joint practices with the Chicago Bears on Aug. 16-17, which

is sold out. Free tickets, which are required for each day, can be obtained by visiting colts.com/news/2023-training-camp-schedule-dates-practice-times-chicago-bears.

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

Willis

Carey Tolan

Spotlight on Art set for Nov. 9

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

An event designed to benefit three local nonprofits serving youths will return for its second year in November.

EVENT

The Spotlight on Art Benefiting Children event will be presented from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at Hotel Carmichael, 1 Carmichael Square, in Carmel. Tickets are $50 per person.

Last year’s event raised $50,000 to benefit Prevail, Inc., the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and the TherAplay Foundation, Inc., all of which will benefit again from the event later this year.

Prevail is a nonprofit that has its office in Noblesville but serves all of Hamilton County and provides support to victims outside the county as well. The TherAplay Foundation, Inc., based in Carmel, is a pediatric outpatient clinic serving individuals with disabilities.

The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville was established 1951 and serves children in kindergarten through 12th grade, according to its website.

“A sincere thank you to all who helped

make our first Spotlight on Art Benefiting Children a success: our sponsors, the award-winning artists, the teachers and students who donated children’s art, and especially those who attended and purchased art,” said Esther Lakes, chairwoman and founder of the Spotlight on Art Benefiting Children. “Because of the community’s generosity, the Spotlight on Art committee was able to donate $50,000 to three youth-serving organizations that are making a positive impact in our community.”

Lakes stated in a news release that individuals who attend the upcoming event will have the opportunity “to support children who face life’s challenges by shopping with local awarding-winning artists as well as artwork from local student artists.”

“Each will be selling pieces that may enrich the lives of the purchaser, while enriching the lives of the local children that need this support the most,” the release said.

“I have always believed in the greatness and ingenuity of the people of Hamilton County,” said Steve Nation, honorary event chair who is also a retired judge.

To purchase event tickets, visit spotlightonart.home.qtego.us.

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT

Updated

West

Office

Updated Office Locations

East District Office

5540 Pebble Village Ln. Suite 400

5540 Pebble Village Ln. Suite 400

Noblesville, IN 46062

East District Office

420 S. High St. Mailbox 14 Suite 207

Noblesville, IN 46062

Phone: (317) 848-0201

Phone: (317) 848-0201

Muncie, IN 47305

District Office 5540 Pebble Village Ln. Suite 400 Noblesville, IN 46062 Phone: (317) 848-0201 East District Office 420 S. High St. Mailbox 14 Suite 207 Muncie, IN 47305 Phone: (765) 639-0671 Updated Office

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Locations www.spartz.house.gov Services Provided: Help with a Federal Agency • Social Security issues Medicare claims • Veterans issues • Passport assistance • IRS questions • Tours and Tickets • Assistance with Federal Grants West District Office 5540 Pebble Village Ln. Suite 400 Noblesville, IN 46062 Phone: (317) 848-0201 East District Office 420 S. High St. Mailbox 14 Suite 207 Muncie, IN 47305 Phone: (765) 639-0671 Updated Office Locations www.spartz.house.gov Services Provided: • Help with a Federal Agency Social Security issues • Medicare claims • Veterans issues • Passport assistance • IRS questions • Tours and Tickets Assistance with Federal Grants West District Office 5540 Pebble Village Ln. Suite 400 Noblesville, IN 46062 Phone: (317) 848-0201 East District Office 420 S. High St. Mailbox 14 Suite 207 Muncie, IN 47305 Phone: (765) 639-0671 Updated Office Locations

Sports authority hires new director, development manager

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarcurrent.com

Business of Entertainment, Sport and Tourism — investment strategies. Those sports arenas will be in Fishers and Noblesville.

ATHLETICS

The Hamilton County Sports Authority has hired two men who will be tasked with growing the county’s sports presence in their respective roles.

Carl Daniels was named as director and comes to the sports authority after working at the Indiana Sports Corp, Butler University, the NCAA, Adidas and the Indiana Pacers. He will oversee all activities and staff for the office and lead efforts to build brand equity, value, innovation and growth, according to a news release.

Gabe Amick was also hired as the senior sports development manager for the Hamilton County Sports Authority and started his career with the Indiana Sports Corp. He previously worked with Indy Fuel and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and comes to the sports authority from the city of Fishers, where he managed its two largest events, Spark!Fishers and BooBash.

Amick’s LinkedIn profile indicates that he worked as director of ticket and promotions while at the Indiana Sports Corp and was vice president of fan experience with Indy Fuel. He also worked as director of ticket operations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and most recently served as events experience coordinator with the city of Fishers, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Officials said that Amick’s new role will focus on attracting, supporting and developing events and activities that drive positive impact through sports.

“We can’t be more excited in the level of talent we found for the Sports Authority with these two individuals,” said Karen Radcliff, vice president and chief strategy officer with Hamilton County Tourism who also serves as interim director of the Hamilton County Sports Authority. “Filling these roles was critical as our communities rise in their influence as sports destinations.”

Officials said that in the next three years, two new sports arenas will be built within Hamilton County and noted that other sports- focused projects are currently being assessed by Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. as part of its BEST master plan — the

In March, the city of Fishers kicked off the construction phase of the planned Fishers Event Center. The $170 million, 8,500seat event center will become the home base for the Indy Fuel, the professional hockey minor league affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The facility is expected to be completed and open for business in late 2024.

The Indy Fuel, which currently plays in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, utilizes the Fuel Tank in Fishers for practice. In September, the master developer of the Fishers District, Thompson Thrift, announced a $550 million expansion of the district, where the event center will be located.

The event center will host sporting, theatrical and other entertainment events, officials said.

The expansion will be located east of Interstate 69 between 106th and 116th streets southeast of IKEA. It will also include new retail, restaurant, entertainment and residential businesses, including The Union – a multi-family and entertainment option at the new district that will includes about 250 luxury apartments, 60,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 150 hotel rooms and up to 80,000 square feet of office space.

The second sports arena within Hamilton County will be located in Noblesville after the city and Pacers Sports & Entertainment struck a 10-year agreement earlier this year that will bring the Pacers’ G League franchise, the Mad Ants, to Noblesville. The team will relocate to Noblesville from Fort Wayne and would play in the new arena beginning in the 2024-25 season.

The City of Noblesville on July 25 approved the selection of a developer, Patch Development, for a planned events center and parking garage near I-69. Originally, the city announced plans in May to build an 85,000-square-foot arena at Finch Creek Park.

Noblesville has committed $36.5 million toward the project, which calls for a 3,400seat arena that would be rented by the Pacers for up to 40 days a year.

Daniels

Amick

NEW NOTES

Pride of Westfield marching band to perform ‘Uncharted’

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

The Pride of Westfield marching band is getting ready for its upcoming season with a performance that will bring audience members to new territories and beyond the parameters of what they already know.

The 115-member band will perform “Uncharted” during its shows that will feature nautical and map elements incorporated into the show, said Andrew Muth, band director. Among the songs incorporated into the show will be “Come Sail Away” by Styx and “Lost Without You” by Freya Ridings, he added.

“We’re tying it a lot to how we use maps and how we use the stars to navigate and there’s a lot of music that explores the idea of sailing and being on the water, and it’s a lot about exploring and pushing beyond what you know,” Muth said.

Students have put plenty of work into refining and preparing for their performance during band camp over the summer. Ava Alessandrini, a sophomore, and Caleb McConkey, a senior, are leading the band this year as drum majors.

Alessandrini said her role is keeping the band in time while directing them, adding that she also serves as “basically the backbone and the foundation of how the show’s going to be.” But preparation is key as students have put many hours practicing their performance while ensuring that everyone works together on the field, she added.

She said she looks forward to the season as the Pride of Westfield marching band has moved up to division Open Class A, meaning it will compete against larger schools. Alessandrini will work closely to direct the band this season with McConkey, who said learning an entirely new show is more than just the music.

McConkey said students must learn to be in time with the rhythm, noting that this season, they have focused a lot of their time on dancing as part of their performance.

“It’s basically knowing all of that stuff – you have warmups, you have dancing, you have marching and it’s a lot of things to look forward to,” he said.

The Pride of Westfield marching band was named the ISSMA Scholastic A state champion in 2021 and in 2022. Last season, the band made it to the Bands of America regional finals last season and narrowly missed making the Indianapolis super-regional finals, which is the largest in the country, according to Muth.

But Muth said those overall placements put the marching band in a good position coming into this year’s season while challenging students with a new production that is more difficult than last year’s performance, “The Dark Horse.”

“What we’re asking them to do has really increased in demand and our expectations of the level of excellence

that we’re going to get out of students is also going to be a lot higher,” Muth said. “It’s time to take that next step for us.”

Muth added that being competitive is important for the band, especially as it has bumped up to a new marching band division for the upcoming season.

“We want to make sure we’re being competitive with groups around us, but we also want students to have a really good experience and we want them to walk away with valuable life lessons that they’ll be able to take with them well beyond high school,” he said. “Obviously, we want them to have an appreciation and love for music, but honestly, our whole goal is that growth. Can this be the best growth that we’ve had?

“And that’s always the goal and this year’s especially challenging, and that’s the challenge for all these kids is how do we up the ante from last year?”

Muth applauded the leadership of Alessandrini and McConkey.

“We depend on our student leaders to make our program happen … and those kids understand their roles and responsibilities,” he said. “We’re just really excited to represent Westfield and with all the success we had last year, we’re really proud we can bring recognition and honor to our community and school system, and they take great pride in us, and we take great pride in representing Westfield.”

But Muth said at the end of the day, winning awards isn’t necessarily a key focus for him as band director, not-

ing that “winning is a byproduct of excellence for us.” “We focus on being excellent and the rest works itself out, so we always tell the kids choose excellence at every single thing that they do and if they can do that, we’ll have a great chance of the outcome they want to see,” Muth said.

ON THE COVER: Westfield High School sophomore Ava Alessandrini is one of two drum majors leading the Pride of Westfield marching band. (Photo by Matthew Kent)

2023 SHOW SCHEDULE

• Sept. 9: Festival of Champions at Westfield High School

• Sept. 16: Northwestern High School Invitational

• Sept. 23: Bands of America Ohio Regional

• Sept. 30: Fishers High School Invitational

• Oct. 7: ISSMA State Regional

• Oct. 14: Cavalcade of Champions

• Oct. 20: Bands of America Super Regional

• Oct. 21: ISSMA Semi-State & BOA Indy Finals

• Oct. 28: ISSMA State Finals

*Band will also performance at half-during Westfield High School football games on Aug. 18, Sept. 8, Sept. 22 and Oct. 6

Students practice during band camp July 26 at Westfield High School. (Photos by Matthew Kent)

NBA gamer shifts gears to cleaning business

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A former professional NBA 2K gamer is looking to clean up in a different way in Indiana.

The Pursuit Institute – Back to School

Carrie Lively, Executive Director, The Pursuit Institute

NEW BIZ

Carmel resident Stanley Lebron started Glorious Cleaning, a home cleaning business, in September 2022. The company serves Hamilton and Boone counties.

Lebron, 28, was born In the Dominican Republic and moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., when he was 1 year old. He started working at his father’s grocery store when he was 7.

Lebron became a part of the NBA 2K League season in 2018 after being drafted by the Miami Heat.

After two seasons, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and moved from Miami to Portland for one season.

Lebron spent one year with the Sacramento Kings’ gaming team. Then he moved to Indianapolis in 2022 when he became a member of the NBA 2K franchise from Spain

Teammate Waseem Talbert watches Stanley Lebron, seated, during an NBA 2K session. (Photo courtesy of Stanley Lebron)

called DUX Infinitos. The team worked out of downtown Indianapolis at the Pan Am Tower. He met his girlfriend in the area and decided to stay.

“I made a decision before the draft in January that I was just going to put (the gaming) on pause, try to pursue this business,” Lebron said.

He has been doing 90 percent of the cleaning himself but wants to add employees.

A shot in the arm can take a load off your mind.

Anyone from 6-month-olds to seniors can get COVID protection with safe vaccines and boosters that are free whether you have insurance or not. Find an Eskenazi Health Center near you at EskenaziHealth.edu/FreeVaccines Please scan to learn more.

Over the past two years, career and technical education (CTE) has undergone a transformation in Hamilton County. The Pursuit Institute is a prime example of how collaboration, innovation, and publicprivate partnerships are instrumental in cultivating a talented workforce while empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive in diverse industries that drive our local economy.

Innovation in CTE is pivotal in preparing students for the 21st-century workforce. The Pursuit Institute has expanded beyond vocational training, to include career pathways such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, education, agriculture, and other high-demand fields. Emphasizing work-based learning, Pursuit programs foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, equipping students with the versatility required in the modern workplace.

Strategic public-private partnerships have been essential. Educational institutions, businesses, and local governments have created an ecosystem that bridges the gap between education and industry. These partnerships not only facilitate the development of industryaligned curricula, but also provide students with real-world experience.

The Pursuit Institute’s Impact on Talent Pipeline:

1. Industry-Relevant Skills: Public-private partnerships align CTE programs with the needs of the job market, ensuring students acquire the skills most sought after by local employers. This fosters a pipeline of job-ready graduates.

2. Career Exploration and Guidance: Students gain access to mentorship and guidance from industry professionals. This exposure demystifies career paths, enabling students to make informed decisions about their future.

3. Employment Opportunities: By collaborating with local businesses, CTE programs facilitate direct employment opportunities for students. Employers often prefer to hire from within the community, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship.

4. Addressing Workforce Demands: Public-private partnerships enable

stakeholders to anticipate workforce demands accurately. This proactive approach allows tailored programs that address skill shortages and emerging industry needs, ensuring Hamilton County remains at the forefront of workforce development.

5. Economic Growth: A well-developed talent attracts businesses and industries to the region. Hamilton County’s reputation for producing a skilled and diverse workforce enhances its appeal to potential investors and employers.

Innovation in CTE in Hamilton County has reshaped the landscape of workforce development. CTE programs empower students with relevant skills, preparing them for success. Publicprivate partnerships play a crucial role in cultivating a talented workforce pipeline by aligning educational offerings with industry needs.

The collaborative efforts in Hamilton County demonstrate the power of partnerships in shaping a brighter future for the community and its workforce.

Want to learn more about The Pursuit Institute?

Join us to hear about the 2023-2024 Pursuit Institute programs and more. FREE to attend; advance registration required (limited capacity)

Scan the QR code

Discern when to learn

Commentary by Terry Anker

Dread the popcorn moment

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

ESSAY

Touring the campus of a beloved alma mater with their soon-to-be-college-bound offspring, the doting parents did everything possible to convey their love for the place to their youngster. She, in-hand, took it all in. “There is where Mom and me first met,” Dad proudly proclaimed, pointing to the gazebo visible through the trees. “Oh,” responded the daughter, now more attentive to the chirping phone in her hand than in the parental-sponsored tour down Memory Lane. Disappointed that the sales pitch was not going entirely as planned, Mom and Dad resigned themselves to the disinterested child. The next day would be the formal student-led campus tour for a group of potential enrollees.

As the time came, the daughter was sent along with the pack of teenagers guided by one of their own, not much older. The parents skipped it and went to lunch, certain there was no reason for more effort dedicated to the lost cause. Three hours later, the daughter reappeared filled with energy

and entirely committed to attendance! What happened on this tour? She regaled her astonished parents with tales of trails, edifices and opportunities of great interest. These were things that she’d visited many times before — in fact, their phones were filled with pictures of them standing in the spot yesterday that she’d described as seeing for the first time just now. How could this be?

We process information as we need it. Knowing about her parents courting was not yet appealing, but keeping up with her peers was. Eventually, the family history will matter, and the gaggle of teens won’t. Alas, often we don’t learn our lesson until too late. It must matter to us to get our attention. Until that moment, we think it can wait. Maybe, but too long and it’s lost forever.

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

Feeling the back-to-school blues

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

My wife Mary Ellen and I went to see a movie last week with our friends Bob and Cathy.

HUMOR

“Are you going to get popcorn again, Mary Ellen?” I asked.

“I have to. It’s been a movie tradition for me since high school.”

“So was necking in the balcony, but you cut that out completely after we got married.”

Once we reached the theater, the tension rose.

“Dick, I’ll find seats for the four of us,” Mary Ellen said. “You wait in line for the popcorn.”

“Why do I have to wait in line? I don’t even like popcorn. And when I come into the movie theater, you’ll forget to look around for me. Then I walk aimlessly up and down the aisles while people stare at me. Everyone assumes I’m all alone and have no one to sit with. Or I’ll wave my cellphone flashlight to get your attention and all three of you slump down in your seats while you laugh hysterically. At the Tom Cruise movie I never found where you guys were sitting, but I did get my 10,000 steps in searching for you.”

mouth. Up and down. Up and down. Up and down. For two hours. Ahhhhh!

She pretty much follows a similar routine at home. After we have searched for a good flick or series on Netflix, Mary Ellen is at the stove to make popcorn the old-fashioned way. Just oil and popcorn in a pot, which she meticulously jiggles at the right speed, so every kernel is popped. The movie starts and the routine begins — one piece at a time, every 10 seconds, for the entire show. About 500 times. If she preferred M&Ms, she’d weigh 400 pounds.

Here’s the right way to eat popcorn in a movie. Dig way down into the container, which spews the popcorn all over the person in the seat next to you. Take an entire handful, shake the kernels in your fist like a pair of dice and throw several into your mouth at one time. Then while still chewing, reload and prepare to fire again. This is how Orville Redenbacher wanted you to do it. You could look it up. Heaven knows why there aren’t instructions on the popcorn box.

HUMOR

Friends, summer is coming to an end and I’m starting to feel the anxiety of heading back to school. With less than a week left to luxuriate in lazy mornings and Netflix shenanigans, I’m already panicking over lesson plans and class rosters and strategically designed bathroom breaks. What I wouldn’t give for another month! Or four.

But it seems like yesterday when I absolutely longed for this time of year, when I couldn’t wait for that beautiful yellow bus to show up on our street! As a stay-athome mom, I reveled in the August return to routine and schedules and hours without my precious little angels. Our family operated far better when everyone had a place to be each day and limited access to Minecraft and “SpongeBob.” And by family, I mean me. My creativity is noteworthy, but even I struggled to fill June and July with enough exciting activities to keep my rugrats engaged. Story hour and zoo visits can only get you so far, and then you’re left eyeballing each other over a third round of Capri Suns and Goldfish wondering who’s going to crack first. Hint: It’s not them.

But now that once much-anticipated ice cream social represents the end of my vacation, too, my break from endless grading and teenage angst. When I see the new kindergartens practicing pickup, my gut reaction is no longer a fist pump but rather a middle finger. And when I hit Meijer, I must purposefully avoid the northwest quadrant, lest the mechanical pencil and three-ring binder sales trigger my educator PTSD.

Alas, another school year approacheth, and so, too, does my anxiety.

Peace out.

Of course, I do wait in line and buy the popcorn as directed. It drives me crazy that you pay about six bucks for a bucket of air. What a rip-off. And I don’t let my wife forget it.

“Did you know, Mary Ellen, that when I was a kid, popcorn in the theater was only a quarter?”

“Yes, and here’s another update — the actors in films are talking now.”

And then there’s eating the popcorn. Mary Ellen takes one piece from the top of the box with two fingers, then bites off half at a time. Yes, two bites per kernel. She claims this helps her rhythm and draws her into the movie. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch my wife’s arm go down to the box, up to her

The next day her fitness trainer, Justin, asked her if she had been doing her upper body exercises.

“Yes, I did them for three hours last night,” she said. “When we went to see ‘Oppenheimer”’ at the movies.”

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

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Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

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

“It drives me crazy that you pay about six bucks for a bucket of air. What a rip-off. And I don’t let my wife forget it.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

“When I see the new kindergartens practicing pickup, my gut reaction is no longer a fist pump but rather a middle finger.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

Ex-Michigan State player chose saxophone over shot at pro football

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A former Michigan State University football player, Tim Cunningham had an opportunity to sign a $40,000 free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

He wasn’t really interested because football was a means to an education and music was his passion.

“I had 20 credits to finish and if you sign a pro deal, your scholarship is gone,” he said.

Cunningham, a saxophonist who lives in St. Louis, will have two performances with his quartet in the two-day Carmel Jazz Fest. Cunningham will perform from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. He then returns to play from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at The Tarkington. Cunningham needed an early spot because he has a performance scheduled that night in St. Louis.

Cunningham, whose last season playing for Michigan State was 1983, got a record deal with Atlantic Records and his first album, “Right Turn Only,” came out in 1996. Now 61 years old, he continued working as a full-time musician from 1991 to 1998, when the record label dropped all its jazz artists.

“A lot of the smooth jazz radio stations were dropped,” said Cunningham, an insurance adjuster. “I just went back to work and worked on my own CD projects at home. It was bad that you didn’t have a major label out there to promote you with the big money. But it was good that you own your own (master recordings). I was performing two or three times a month.”

Cunningham had some regular weekly gigs in the early 2000s. Then he started performing his own shows in St. Louis and out of state.

“Most jazz musicians work on the weekends,” he said. “The demand for us to be playing on a Wednesday or Thursday is not the same as a big R&B or pop act. It’s

early to hold down a regular job and get out on weekends.”

Cunningham has nine albums, with “Freedom” being released in October 2022. A single, “Enough Said,” with live drum and some piano parts, was recently released.

Cunningham performs a lot of remixes of his favorite song. His best-known song is “This is the Life,” which he wrote with Culbertson.

“But I have to play songs people will recognize and I sprinkle in a few of my originals here and there,” he said.

Cunningham and Carmel Jazz Fest Executive Director Blair Clark are from Lansing, Mich., and have known each other for years.

Cunningham was going to give up football after ninth grade, but he got talked into playing because the team needed players. He had been playing backup quarterback but got moved to running back because of injuries. He started to get letters from colleges.

“I guess God wants me to play football,” he said.

Cunningham played strong safety for

Michigan State, earning a starting spot during his freshman season and remained a starter throughout his career. University of Alabama coach Nick Saban was Cunningham’s defensive backs coach as a senior.

AUG.

11

Gazebo Stage: 5-6:30 p.m.: Brenda Williams & Friends; 7-8:30 p.m.: Tad Robinson Band; 9-10:30 p.m.: The Danny Lerman Band. The Tarkington: 5-6:30 p.m.: The Dave Bennett Quartet; 7-8:30 p.m.: Sarah Scharbrough & Bethany Robinson; 9-10:30 p.m.: Tim Cunningham. Studio Theater: 5-6:30 p.m: Sue Wickliff; 7- 8:30 p.m: Tommy Baldwin; 9-10:30 p.m.: Joe Filipow. Carter Green: 5-6:30 p.m.: Premium Blend;

7-8:30 p.m.: Jennie DeVoe; 9-10:30 p.m.: The Dave Bennett Quartet. Kids Zone/The Athenaeum at Carter Green: 6:30-7 p.m.: Mr. Daniel, 8:30-9 p.m.: Mr. Daniel. Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael*: 7:30 p.m.: Harry Allen & Rossano Sportiello.

AUG. 12

Gazebo Stage: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dysfunktion Brass; 1:30-3 p.m. Tad Robinson Band; 4-5:30 p..m: The Bottom 40 Band; 6:30-8 p.m.: Blair Clark; 9-10:30 p.m.: Evelyn Champagne King. The Tarkington: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Tim Cunningham; 1-2:30 p.m.: Josh Kaufman; 3:30-5 p.m.: Both Sides of Joni Project ft. Alexis Cole; 6-7:30 p.m.: Steve Allee Big Band; 8:30-10 p.m.: College Professors. Studio Theater: 11 a.m -12:30 p.m.: University of Indianapolis; 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.: Butler University Jazz Collective; 4-5:30 p.m.: Ball State University Jazz; 6:30-8 p.m.: Indiana University. Carter Green Stage: 5- 6:30 p.m.: Freddie Fox; 7-8:30 p.m.: Hurricane & The Gang; 9-10:30 p.m.: Pavel & Direct Contact. Kids Zone/The Athenaeum at Carter Green: 2-5 p.m.: Mr. Daniel. Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael*: 7:30 p.m.: Denise Times. The Palladium*: Carmel Jazz Fest headliner 8 p.m.: Spyro Gyra. * Tickets sold separately and not included in festival pass pricing. To purchase tickets and add-on experiences, please visit the carmeljazzfest.org.

‘SOPHISTICATED LADIES’

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

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

The Freeform Concert Series presents Fox Royale with Anna Rose at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Admission is free. There is a $25 food and beverage minimum per person. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute is set for 8 p.m. Aug. 11 and Here Come the Mummies with Rock E. Bassoon will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 12 in the Symphony on the Prairie series at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

The Carmel Community Players’ production of Ken Ludwig’s “Murder on the Orient Express’’ runs through Aug. 13 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

DISPATCHES

Russell Dickerson concert set for Fishers — MOKB Presents and The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers announced Russell Dickerson live in concert Sept. 10, along with special guest David J. Tickets for the Russell Dickerson show can be purchased at npdamp.com. Russell Dickerson’s show is part of the venue’s annual summer series. Snarky Puppy was previously announced for a Sep. 8 concert. For more, visit npdamp.com.

Carmel International Arts Festival music lineup set — The Carmel International Arts Festival, set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 23-24, will include The Hippie Dream, Tim Brickley and the Bleeding Hearts and Tim Wright during the first day of festival hours. Entertainment will continue into the evening with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra. ART ROCKS is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. with Bluewater Kings Band from Chicago. The music continues Sept. 24 with the Kenny Phelps Trio, Touch of Grass and Phone Club.

CARMEL JAZZ FEST

Tim Cunningham will have two performances at the Carmel Jazz Fest. (Photo courtesy of Tim Cunningham)

SINGLE TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

CHS grad to share expertise

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jennifer Haire has served in all kinds of behind-the-scenes roles in the film industry.

FILM FORUM

The 1998 Carmel High School graduate, who works as a line producer and production manager, is credited on TV shows such as Season 2 and 3 of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” all seven seasons of TNT’s

“The Closer” starring Kyra Sedgewick, pilot presentations for “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Schitt’s Creek,” and Season 4 of “Yellowstone.” Haire’s film work includes Martin Scorsese’s upcoming “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Haire

Haire will teach a two-day workshop Aug. 26-27 called How Hollywood Works: The Behind the Scenes of Bringing a Motion Picture to the Screen. It will be presented at the Carmel Film Forum at the Community Room in the Carmel Public Library. The times for the workshop, designed for ages 16 and older, are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 and 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 27.

“The workshop is perfect for local professionals interested in taking their work to the next level, passionate hobbyists that want to learn how to run a more professional production or anyone just plain curious about general film and tv production,” Haire said.

The workshop is divided into six sessions, each with different topics but each focusing on beginner and intermediate Hollywood industry standard film and TV production operations, Haire said.

A 1998 Carmel High School graduate, Haire recently co-wrote a book with Giana Lobel called “Keys to the Production Office: Unlocking Success as an Office Production Assistant in Film & Television.” She will have a book signing from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 12 during Meet Me on Main at All Things Carmel.

After living in Los Angeles for 19 years, Haire now lives in Carmel when not on a production site.

The workshop marks the first time Haire has participated as a presenter in the Carmel Film Forum.

For more, visit moriartymedia.com.

NIGHT

Spyro Gyra takes Jazz Fest spotlight

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Spyro Gyra saxophonist and founding bandleader Jay Beckenstein figures the group’s jazz fusion style is pretty well known in jazz circles by now.

CONCERT

“We’re going on our 50th year. It’s surprising if someone who likes jazz hasn’t seen us before,” Beckenstein said. “We are conscious of playing music that reaches people. Our form of jazz is lyrical and combines a lot of styles, and people like it.”

Spyro Gyra is the headliner for the Carmel Jazz Fest, capping the two-day festival with an 8 p.m. concert Aug. 12 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. It is a separate ticketed event, available through thecenterpresents.org.

“Something about jazz festivals is they attract an audience that is really nice,” Beckenstein said.

Spyro Gyra has received 13 Grammy nominations.

Beckenstein said the band will likely perform one song from recent albums of cover songs.

“We’ve done 33 albums and only one had the covers,” Beckenstein said. “At this stage of our career, we find that at least a percentage of the audience wants the music to be from our heyday. An average set for us will be 10 songs, and five of them will be classics.”

Beckenstein said there are three songs that are musts: “Shaker Song,” “Catching the Sun” and “Morning Dance.” He said all three were played heavily on the radio in the 1970s and 1980s.

The band started in clubs in Buffalo, N.Y.,

in 1974 before it emerged as a national act.

“We got our first record out in 1976,” Beckenstein said. “We did our best to distribute that, but we had very low expectations being from Buffalo. In many ways, players in the band, who were very good, were starting to get offers to do other things. It felt like it was a farewell record to Buffalo and a farewell record to the band. The first record did so well that it not only kept the band together but got us a national deal for a second record.”

Keyboardist Tom Schuman, who joined the band when he was 16 before the release of the first album, retired in March to move to Barcelona, Spain.

Beckenstein, 72, said he understands the 65-year-old Schuman’s decision because traveling is hard, and he wants to spend more time with his wife.

“We have found a fantastic player, Chris Fischer, and in the end a little change is stimulating,” Beckenstein said.

In the early days, Beckenstein said there were years when the group played 150 concerts. In recent years, the band has cut back to 60 to 70 shows.

DISPATCHES

Center Presents single-event tickets on sale — Tickets for individual performances for the Center Presents season went on sale to the general public Aug. 4. Subscription packages still are available for the 2023-2024 Center Presents Season at the Center for the Performing Arts. Presented in partnership with Allied Solutions, the season features more than 50 events in a broad range of genres, with more to be added. Tickets are available online at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317-843-3800 or through the Fifth Third Box Office at the

Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel.

Civic Theatre individual show tickets on sale — Tickets for Civic Theatre’s 2023-24 season are now available. The season opens with the regional premiere of “The Prom” Oct. 6-21. This holiday season features the return of “Elf The Musical” Dec. 1-24. In the winter of 2024, Civic Theatre will feature two classics: “Romeo & Juliet” Feb. 9-24 and “Driving Miss Daisy” March 14-30. The main stage season closes with “Anastasia” April 26-May 11. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Presenting Sponsor: SOLD! Bar Sponsor: $3,000

Partner Sponsor: SOLD! Table Sponsor: $2,500

Companion Sponsor: $5,000 Auction Sponsor: $1,500

Band Sponsor: $3,000 Dessert Sponsor: $1,500

VIP Ticket: $250

Individual Ticket: $175 Sponsored

From left, the members of Spyro Gyra are Lionel Cordew, Julio Fernandez, Jay Beckenstein, Chris Fischer and Scott Ambush. (Photo courtesy of Spyro Gyra)

SPYRO

Sat

PUZZLE ANSWERS SPONSORED BY SHEPHERD INSURANCE

Grant to perform at Center gala

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jeffrey McDermott understands that the Center for the Performing Arts’ annual gala has a challenging mission each year.

FUNDRAISER

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE:

Composers: BACH, BEETHOVEN, BRAHMS, CHOPIN, HANDEL, MOZART; Purples: LAVENDER, LILAC, ORCHID, PLUM, VIOLET; Tribes: APACHE, CHEROKEE, NAVAJO, SIOUX;

UNO, DOS, TRES; Trails: CULTURAL, MONON;

“Our goal every year is to create an unforgettable experience for our most vital supporters, and that’s a challenge, because this audience knows what we can do,” said McDermott, president and chief executive officer of the Center for the Performing Arts. “In choosing a headliner, we look for artists who not only have broad appeal but also have made distinctive contributions to the music world. That’s true of our previous headliners, like Chris Isaak and Straight No Chaser, and it’s certainly true of Amy Grant, who has enjoyed great success while also breaking boundaries in the industry. She’s a proven hit with our patrons, and we look forward to seeing her in this intimate setting.”

Singer-songwriter Grant, a six-time Grammy Award winner, will perform at The Cen-

ter Celebration, which is set to begin at 5 p.m. Sept. 23. Grant previously performed at the Palladium in October 2012 and again to a sold-out house in May 2019.

The event includes a cocktail hour, dinner, performance by Grant and after-parties throughout the Palladium. There is also a live auction. It is the Center’s key fundraising event of the year.

McDermott said the event is an opportunity to gather supporters together and rededicate the Center’s mission of engaging and inspiring the community.

Proceeds from the gala support the Center’s arts and educational programming, including Center Presents performances as well as children’s concerts and camps, book clubs, lectures and music classes. The Center also offers free student matinees for school groups and a Transportation Grant Program that reimburses their travel costs.

Jeff and Shari Worrell of Carmel, serving their second year as steering committee cochairs, are joined by Carmel resident Adam Arceneaux in the first of his two years as a co-chair.

Where’s Amy?

Where’s

Where’s Amy attended Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program’s sold-out July 27 production of “Mean Girls High School Version” opening night. The young actors earned a standing ovation, and the audience was mesmerized by Civic’s choreographer Anne Beck’s (Fishers) dance numbers. This was an amazing musical. Next up is “The Prom” coming Oct.

more, visit civictheatre.org.

From left, YAP Actor Andrew Horras (Fishers), choreographer Anne Beck (Fishers) with daughter and YAP actress Nya. (Photo by Amy Pauszek)

Blueprint for Improvement: Outdoor enhancements in Zionsville

Commentary by Larry Greene

Built in Zionsville’s Austin Oaks section in 1999, this home’s owners were looking to make their outdoor space more dynamic. Our design included space for entertaining and protection from the elements while featuring low-maintenance materials that make upkeep a breeze.

THE BLUEPRINT

• The existing raised deck was removed and a screened porch, new deck and ground-level patio were built in its place.

• The new porch provides protection from the sun, rain and insects, while the stone fireplace can provide a relaxing ambiance and warmth to extend outdoor enjoyment through the fall.

• An outdoor kitchen and integrated storage were added to make entertaining, meal prep and cleanup a breeze. Trex composite decking provides the look of natural wood with minimal maintenance and added durability.

• Roofing, siding and soffits were carefully crafted to match the home’s façade, ensuring the new porch blends seamlessly into the existing aesthetic.

Tag along on this grammar trip

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

I appreciate clothing companies that have stopped adding tags to their shirts. Instead of adding the tag, they print the size and washing instructions directly on the inside of the shirt. Just like that -- no more back-of-theneck irritation! I’m glad someone finally figured that out. If there’s a sartorial equivalent of the Nobel prize, we should track down the inventor of the tagless shirt and give them one.

put my stapler in Jell-O again, didn’t you? See how that works? Let me rephrase that: you see how that works, don’t you?

GRAMMAR GUY

When it comes to grammar and tags, I like “question tags.” A question tag is a question added to the end of a sentence. This could either be to keep a conversation going, get someone to agree with us, or ask a question. Here’s an example: You don’t think I can slam dunk a basketball, do you? He’s trying to bring back the sleeveless turtleneck, isn’t he?

Interestingly, if the initial statement is positive, the question tag is negative; conversely, when the initial statement is negative, the question gag is positive. You never learned the Macarena, did you? You

The question tag uses the same verb if the initial statement uses an auxiliary verb (like do, be or have) or a modal verb (like could, may or shall). I couldn’t win the presidential election next year, could I? He sure does like his long ties, doesn’t he?

However, if the initial statement doesn’t use an auxiliary or modal verb, simply use the verb “do.” The Colts won the game on a last-second field goal, didn’t they? Byron didn’t buy another apocalypse shelter, did he?

Question tags are fun, aren’t they? This is kind of like when you buy a new car — once you’re aware of question tags, you’ll notice them everywhere. It’s kind of like a shirt with an itchy tag — it’s annoying, isn’t it?

A visit to Skagway

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing tour of Alaska, we visit Skagway, 100 miles northwest of Juneau.

began to wither. Skagway was saved from extinction after residents began promoting it as a tourist destination. Six blocks of downtown Skagway have been designated a National Historic District.

TRAVEL

After gold was discovered in the Klondike region of Canada in 1896, American prospectors began sailing to the northern end of the Inside Passage, a waterway along the west coast of North America protected by barrier islands. Prospectors, many led by indigenous guides, walked the mountainous White Pass Trail and sailed on the Yukon River to the gold fields. To supply the prospectors for their 500-mile trek, a town soon formed, named “Skagway” after the Tlingit name for the area.

By June 1898, Skagway, with a population of about 10,000, was the largest city in Alaska. Because of its rapid growth, away from civilization, Skagway was lawless. About 300 prostitutes serviced arriving prospectors, some having come to Skagway to be prospectors only to learn that women could not stake claims. By 1890, when the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon railroad was completed through the mountains, the Klondike Gold Rush was over, and the town

Skagway, with a population of just more than 1,000, attracts 1 million people each year. Replica streetcars with costumed drivers take visitors around town. Popular stops include the Gold Rush Cemetery, containing the grave of Frank Reid, who died in an 1898 shootout with Soapy Smith, a notorious swindler also killed in the shootout. Broadway Street includes many restored historic structures, including the Arctic Brotherhood Building, covered with 8,800 pieces of driftwood. The Red Onion Saloon features a reconstructed brothel on the second floor, where costumed “madams” explain early uses for Lysol. The White Pass & Yukon Route takes passengers through scenic mountains to the White Pass Summit.

LEGAL NOTICE OF STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 56 GOGREEN DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC

DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around August 10, 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. 56, GoGreen. This revision will update the GoGreen tariff to make it consistent with the reduced rate participating customers are now paying for Green Power kwh purchases. 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

Along Broadway Street in Skagway, Alaska. (Photos by Don Knebel)

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

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

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5. Indy Fuel rubber disks

10. Crisscross pattern

14. Black-and-white cookie

15. How pastrami is often served at Shapiro’s

16. Nevada city

Jewelers

41. Part of a Santa costume

44. Tiny bit

45. Mideast nation

46. Sunrise Cafe patron

47. Piercing tools

49. ___ culpa

50. Type of Fishers HS rally

52. Monotonous cadence

55. FedEx rival

60.

skiing champ)

28. Pricey Japanese beef

29. Mental picture

30. Clutter-free

31. Bites like a beaver

33. Envision

36. Ignore the script

38. BBs, e.g.

39. Sharp-witted

40. Unforeseen difficulty

42. Victoria Spartz’ pos.

43. Fear

48. Unexpected winter break, for kids

51. Fiscal gain

53. Sound from a peeved poodle

54. Pacify

55. Milkmaid’s main squeeze?

56. Segment

57. Gobble (down)

59. Ye olde jerk

62. African grazers

5

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58. Old flood insurance?

Alternative to -ville or -town for five Indiana municipalities

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75. Mackey Arena whistle blowers

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77. Barely manages, with “out”

1. ___ d’oeuvres

2. A Great Lake

3. Hunters Point Apartments payment

4. GI ID

5. Nintendo game with Pikachu

6. Family card game

7. “Oh, no!”

8. One of the Jenners

9. Ghostly gathering 10. Tennis racket part

11. Transplant 12. Pointless 13. City to get out of?

21. Antlered animal 23. Pious

25. Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer ___ Folk George (who became a national water

6 Classical Music Composers

4 Eiteljorg Museum Tribes

Spanish Numbers

2 Indy Trails

Shades of Purple

1 Most Popular Baby Name in Indiana in 2022

63. Noblesville HS alum 65. Cozy spot

66. “American Gigolo” star

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