February 18, 2025
LEISURE VISION
Noblesville Parks & Rec. Department developing 5-year master plan / P9
Evolve Transporters to relocate headquarters to Noblesville / P2
Students celebrate World Read Aloud Day / P6
Community Clinic to open in Noblesville Walgreens / P10
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Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVI, No. 20
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Evolve Transporters is a leader in the design and manufacturing of custom transport solutions for the motorsports industry, according to the company.
(Photo courtesy of Lexie
Evolve Transporters to relocate headquarters to Noblesville
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
At its Feb. 11 meeting, the Noblesville Common Council approved an economic agreement for Evolve Transporters, a leader in the design and manufacturing of custom transport solutions for the motorsports industry, to relocate its headquarters and manufacturing facilities from Painesville, Ohio, to Noblesville’s Washington Business Park at 15193 Cumberland Rd.
DEVELOPMENT
Lexie Rock, communications director for the City of Noblesville, said Evolve Transporters, which was founded in 2019 and specializes in designing, building and servicing motorsports transporters, will invest $39 million to move its headquarters to Noblesville.
Brad Kossow, chief executive officer of Evolve Transporters, said as the business grew, it began looking at expansion opportunities.
“The team here in Noblesville truly made the difference,” Kassow said. “It was very clear that Noblesville is investing in business, and that was very important to myself and our executive team.”
Patch Development will build the 250,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility on Lot 6 at Washington Business Park. It will break ground in April 2025 and complete construction during the second half of 2026.
“This project has been on our radar for several months,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said. “The City of Noblesville and Evolve Transporters share a common set of values that promote innovation and for-
ward thinking, and I know they will be an asset to our community.”
Noblesville Assistant Director of Economic Development Chuck Haberman said not only will the company sustain 70 employees, but the move also is expected to create 210 new jobs by 2028 for the local economy with an average wage of $32 an hour, or $66,500 annually.
“The investment of $25 million for the real property tax abatement for the 250,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility will be a 10-year tax abatement in line with a 10-year lease,” Haberman said. “The second tax abatement will be a $14 million investment in personal property (for) the inside of the building for manufacturing needs.”
City of Noblesville Economic Development Manager Kayla Robinson said the move will attract advanced manufacturing companies and encourage growth for companies in the city. Noblesville Economic Development Director Andrew Murray agreed, saying the decision by Evolve Transporters to relocate its headquarters to Noblesville aligns with the city’s targeted industry sectors for attraction.
“It is a testament to our economic development strategy that their competitive site selection process led them to conclude that Noblesville is the best place in the U.S. for them to implement an innovative, high-tech approach to meet their client’s distinctive demand,” Murray said. “The benefits this project will bring to our economy align with our city’s long-term vision for growth and innovation.”
Learn more about Evolve Transporters at evolvetransporters.com.
COMMUNITY
DISPATCHES
Noblesville High School orchestra — Noblesville High School orchestra students have been invited to perform at an upcoming event. NHS had the only orchestra in the state chosen to participate in the 2025 Music for All National Festival. They will perform March 15 at the Palladium. For more, visit festival. musicforall.org.
Council affirms funding commitment for domestic violence center — The Hamilton County Council unanimously voted to move forward with a funding commitment for a domestic violence center on Ind. 38 near Hague Road for county residents during its Feb. 5 meeting. Prevail, a Noblesville nonprofit that specializes in working with adults, teens and children, has been partnering with the county on the project and is seeking an office building with four units that families can live in for up to two years. The council will formally vote whether to appropriate an additional $5.5 million to the proposed $12,315,000 project at its meeting at 7 p.m. March 5 at 1 N. 8th St. in Noblesville.
Indiana Farm Bureau announces director of talent management — Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance will welcome Noblesville resident Roz Jester as the company’s director of talent management. Jester was most recently the manager of global employee data at Salesforce and the manager of human resources at GEICO. Jester is a Senior Certified Professional accredited by the Society for Human Resource Management.
Home repair program returns to Hamilton County — CrossRoads Church at Westfield is accepting applications for free home repairs in Hamilton County. The program will be offered to more than 25 homeowners in need in June to include home repairs such as interior and exterior painting, deck and wheel chair construction/repairs, mobile home skirting and roofing needs. More than 200 adults and high schoolers from around the county will assist with the repairs, which will be paid for by CrossRoads Church at Westfield, the Central Indiana Community Foundation and private donors. Applications must be submitted by March 1. Apply at ForOurNeighbor.Life.
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DISPATCHES
HEPL selected to boost literacy — Hamilton East Public Library is among more than 100 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association to increase digital literacy using Digitallearn. org resources, powered by a $2.7 million contribution from AT&T. Over the next few months, HEPL will increase its computer and technology learning opportunities through the grant. For the first time, HEPL is offering some sessions in languages other than English. For more, visit hamiltoneastpl.org/digitallearn-workshops.
Chamber Day Reception — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce Chamber Day Reception takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. March 11 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Gov. Mike Braun is the featured guest and will discuss his vision for the state and the related proposals he believes will help employers and the workforce prosper. The reception follows Chamber Day at the Statehouse, a program from the Indiana Chamber and the Indiana Chamber Executives Association presented by Thompson Thrift. Chamber Day at the Statehouse features discussions on key public policy, advocacy, the power of partnerships, updates from legislative leaders and a panel of new lawmakers. Registration for the reception is $99. Learn more at indianachamber.com/specialevents.
Greater Indianapolis Northside College Fair — High school students are invited to a free college fair featuring more than 100 colleges and universities from 6 to 8 p.m. March 11 at Grand Park Events Center, 1900 Grand Park Blvd., Westfield. High school students can meet with admissions representatives, learn about majors and explore campus opportunities. Register at StriveFair.com.
Sailing Camps — Registration is now open for youth sailing camps at Eagle Creek Sailing Club. At camp, kids will learn a variety of essential sailing skills like rigging and derigging boats, sailing terminology, basic knot tying, boat maintenance and more. There are four weeks available, with June 9 through June 13 and June 16 through June 20 open for 8- to 11-year-olds and June 23 through June 27 and June 30 through July 3 open for 12- to 18-year-olds. The price for the week is $400 for members and $475 for nonmembers. Camps are held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn more at ecsail.org/ juniors/lessons.
Commissioners approve lease agreements
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton County Commissioners approved two lease agreements during their Feb. 10 meeting.
COUNTY NEWS
The first agreement was a threeyear lease for the Hamilton County Prosecutor/Child Support Division at 350 Westfield Rd. in Noblesville.
Hamilton County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Josh Kocher said the prosecutor’s office recently hired three additional deputy prosecuting attorneys and needs more office space.
Kocher said the original plan was for the additional attorneys to work out of an old work release building in the Hamilton County Jail complex while the Hamilton County Judicial Center was expanded. However, the price of improving that area was higher than renting new space.
The money to rent the space comes from the prosecutor’s office forfeiture fund, which is collected from assets seized because of criminal activity or illegal means.
“We are looking at putting 12 people there, and nine of them will be child support (employees), two will be juvenile attorneys and one juvenile support staff (employee),” Kocher said. “The space that is used by our child support division can be reimbursed, so the majority of this money would get reimbursed.”
Once the Hamilton County Judicial Center expansion is
complete, the employees will move back into it.
The second lease agreement was for the proposed Hamilton County Public Safety Training Center to be built at River Road and 160th Street in Noblesville.
Zachary Klutz with Taft Law, who is the bond counsel for the proposed project, said the facility would be financed using lease rental bonds — municipal bonds that fund the construction of a facility that will be rented out — issued by the Hamilton County Public Building Corp.
“We’re asking for three things to occur today,” Klutz said. “The first is for the board to accept the taxpayer petition that is statutorily required to be signed by at least 50 taxpayers requesting this body enter into negotiations for a lease agreement with the building corporation. Sixty-nine taxpayers have signed the petition. We also need to conduct a public hearing on the proposed lease agreement. Then there is a resolution that approves the lease agreement and authorizes the county to proceed with the underlying project.”
No members of the public spoke, and the commissioners approved the agreement. Klutz said the exact financial terms of the lease wouldn’t be set until the bonds are sold in late March, and closing is anticipated to occur in early April, when exact lease rental payments will be established.
The next commissioners meeting is set for 1 p.m. Feb. 24 at 1 Hamilton County Square in Noblesville.
FIREFIGHTER RETIRES AFTER 20 YEARS
Fire Department firefighter James “Corky” Lonaker recently retired after 20 years of service. Lonaker began his career at NFD in November 2004. During his 20 years, he was awarded the Lifesaver Award and multiple unit citations. He also coached numerous NFD members in the 911 Slugfest, a fire versus police boxing competition that directly supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. In retirement, Lonaker plans to spend more time with his family and continue working at Major Tool & Machine in Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Hash)
The new Community Clinic at Walgreens in Noblesville will offer convenient care with evening and weekend hours. Whether you need cold and flu care, treatment for minor injuries or help managing chronic conditions, our exceptional care team will be there for you.
Opening soon at 2380 Pleasant Street. Scan the QR code to learn more about this new location.
Convenient and easily accessible care is coming soon to Noblesville! Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 7 pm
– Sunday, 8:30 am – 5 pm
Noblesville
Noblesville junior guard goes on offensive this season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School junior guard Justin Curry II understood he had to be more aggressive offensively.
“I say my mindset has been my biggest improvement,” he said. “I began trying to dominate and attack rather than shy away.”
As of Feb. 10, the 6-foot-3 Curry averaged team-highs of 15.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Last season, opposing defenders focused on top scorer Aaron Fine, who is now a walk-on freshman at Purdue University.
“Now, this year they are all on me and they put two guys on me sometimes, which makes it tough,” said Curry, who averaged 10 ppg last season.
Yet, Curry loves the challenge.
“Especially after I score on both of them, it’s even better,” he said.
Millers coach Scott McClelland said teams focus more on Curry and junior Baron Walker, who averages 15.2 ppg.
“As the season has progressed, he
JUSTIN CURRY II
Favorite athlete: Zach LaVine Favorite sports team: Chicago Bulls
Favorite musician: BossMan Dlow Favorite movie: “He Got Game.”
recognized he and Baron are the marked guys, whereas last year he was (the) third, fourth or fifth option,” McClelland said. “I think Justin has done a really good job of rebounding. One of our last games, he had 13 rebounds, and we’re going to need that coming into the (state tournament). The big thing for him is trying to progress in getting physical and getting to the basket.”
Justin Curry II has become more of a scoring threat for Noblesville High School this season. (Photo courtesy of Miller Sports Media)
Curry credits his rebounding success to his mindset to attack.
“Every ball that goes up, I want to grab it, no matter what happens,” he said. “I also put up a lot of shots in the gym. When I miss a shot, I see where the ball is going to go off the rim. After so many shots, I know if the ball hits a place on the rim, I know where it’s coming off. I think that helps knowing where the ball is going to be.”
Curry said he is working on improving his shooting percentage. He shoots 43 per-
cent overall from the field and 33 percent from 3-point range.
Curry said the Millers have the talent to win the sectional, which includes defending Class 4A state champion Fishers.
“We just have to have really good games, and I think we’re capable of it,” he said.
Basketball has been part of his life for as long as he can remembers. He played football and soccer but gave those sports up early.
“I loved basketball and wanted to focus on that,” he said. “I love seeing the results from the work I put in.”
His parents, Justin and Nicole Curry, played junior college basketball.
Curry has scholarship offers from Northwestern University, the University of Illinois-Chicago, DePaul University, Indiana State University, the University of Toledo and Kent State University.
Curry, who plays for the Indy Heat Gym Rats travel team, said he hopes to receive more college offers before making his decision in the fall.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
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herniated discs and work-related injuries
• Management of simple and complex spine problems, including revision surgery
Kids enjoy World Read Aloud Day
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville elementary schools celebrated World Read Aloud Day Feb. 5. At Promise Road Elementary School, students received visits from guests who read to them, such as Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, local authors Jillinda Stella and Pam Brettnacher, Noblesville Superintendent Dan Hile and IndyCar driver Christian Rasmussen.
EDUCATION
Promise Road Elementary Principal Tonya Moody said students celebrated the day with reading and dress-up activities.
“Our mission every day at Promise Road is academic excellence, but schools should be a place of joy and learning because these are our youngest learners,” Moody said. “While we know this is a place for learning, we also want it to be an experience they’ll remember forever.”
Fifth-grader Madison McGhan said she enjoyed the guest readings.
“Reading isn’t just something that teachers tell you to do,” McGhan said. “It’s something you can choose to do to calm yourself down.”
Fifth-grader Claire Lomellin agreed and said she enjoys reading because it takes her mind to a different world, which encourages her to write, draw and read more.
Rasmussen, 24, said he was honored to read to the students.
“Hopefully, I (was able to give) all the kids a good experience and also teach them a little bit about racing and what I do,” Rasmussen said. “Most of all, I just (wanted) to give them a good start to their morning.”
Stella and Brettnacher, co-authors of a children’s book series called “The Adventure of Puddle Pond,” said the day was
memorable.
Moody said she hopes the children discovered a new love for reading after the visits and activities.
“The point of a week like this is to cultivate a love of literacy and to help the students understand that reading is part of their daily life and not just a subject in school,” Moody said. “We hope to help them find books that grow them as a person, not just as a student.”
IndyCar driver Christian Rasmussen reads to students Feb. 5. (Photos by Jessica Todd)
Promise Road Elementary Principal Tonya Moody portrays a character from the book “Pinkalicious.”
Local bakery offering cooking classes
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
As new businesses continue to open in Noblesville, Debbie’s Daughters Bakery & Cafe at 1236 Conner St. is focused on expanding its offerings.
FOOD
Debbie’s Daughters Bakery & Cafe is a family-owned and operated coffee shop and bakery co-owned by married couple Rocky and Jessica Walls. Prior to opening the bakery in 2022, the Walls spent approximately a year baking in their home and selling baked goods at the Noblesville Main Street Farmers Market.
One of the bakery’s primary goals is to promote locally sourced ingredients, according to Rocky, a filmmaker who also owns 12 Stars Media in Noblesville. The bakery now offers cooking classes, such as a buttermilk biscuit class and a fromscratch pizza class.
“I’m excited to teach a buttermilk biscuit class soon,” Rocky said. “Our biscuits and gravy pop-ups are always a hit, and I’d love to show some of our neighbors how easy it is to make amazing biscuits from scratch.
1236 Conner St. uses produce from its gardens to make items like herb butters, salad dressings and syrups for its specialty coffee drinks. (Photo
Frequent customers know we have big, bountiful garden boxes along the east side of our building. I’m (also) planning a garden tour and easy herb recipe class for the summer.”
Rocky said one goal for the bakery, which is named after Jessica’s mother Debbie Downs, is to raise community awareness for locally sourced ingredients.
“We want to teach more classes that
inspire our neighbors to grow their own herbs and use them in their own cooking,” Rocky said. “We want to help spotlight our local farms so our community knows just how good a salad can taste when you’re eating greens that were harvested hours ago from a garden bed up the road.”
Jessica said that with projects like Embrace Downtown, a City of Noblesville initiative involving infrastructure and aesthetic upgrades to Noblesville’s downtown area within the next few years, community support will grow.
“We’ve seen our community rise up to support local businesses even more than usual during construction projects and other situations that might be viewed as disruptive to business,” Jessica said. “When Ind. 32, which runs directly in front of our building, was completely torn apart for months last year, we saw very little disruption in our business. Customers found their way, and we were reminded once again of how supportive this community is.”
Learn more about upcoming classes at Debbie’s Daughters Bakery & Cafe at debbiesdaughters.com.
Debbie’s Daughters Bakery & Cafe at
courtesy of Rocky Walls)
Indiana nonprofit helps injured animals return to nature
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A new nonprofit dedicated to helping Indiana’s wildlife kicked off operations in January 2025, with its own veterinarian who specializes in wild animal medicine and a team of licensed rehabilitators trained to care for the animals until they can be released back into the wild.
REHABILITATION
Although ReWilding Indiana is a new organization, Dr. Angela Lennox has provided free wildlife veterinary care for decades at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, working closely with rehabilitators licensed through the state and/or federal governments.
“What my clinic has done for 30 years now, has provided the medical care,” Lennox said. “Veterinarians don’t need a license to patch them up, but then they send them on to the rehabilitators.”
The need for wildlife medical care has increased significantly since she started volunteering her expertise to the cause three decades ago. That, on top of an in-
crease in clients at her veterinary clinic, became too much for her and her staff.
“Our solution was to create a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation that was a combination of a hospital, which is what we do, with designated wildlife rehabilitators,” she said.
Dr. Crystal Matt, who recently completed her residency with Lennox, is the staff veterinarian for the nonprofit.
For Jephrey, a backache could have ended in heartache.
“I’m going to be doing surgeries. If something has, like, a broken wing that we need to put pins in and do a complex orthopedic repair, or even a laceration repair — we get a lot of dog bite wounds or hit by cars — my job is coming up with a plan,” she said. “From there, the vet team transfers to the rehab team, and their job is the nursing care.”
The nonprofit will help any wild animal, from hawks and owls to bats, raccoons and reptiles. Lennox said she had recently helped an opossum with head trauma — probably from a car — and one of their rehabilitators was caring for a bald eagle.
Before becoming a full-time veterinarian, Lennox volunteered as a wildlife rehabilitator. She said it started when she came across a mother opossum that had been hit by a car, and her babies were scattered across the road. She stopped and gathered them up, she said, and called a wildlife rehabilitator she knew.
“She said, ‘No, I’m overwhelmed. You’re going to be my assistant. I’m going to teach you,’” Lennox said. “She started to teach me some very basic things and then I ended up with my own license.”
She said although many of the wild animals she cares for are not endangered, the work is still important.
“It’s just heartbreaking for members of the public to leave an animal like that, because we know they suffer like anything else does and they feel pain and they’re cold, and sometimes it’s kind of a brutal, long end,” she said. “Members of the public feel so much better to have someone take care of these (animals), even if they’re so injured they can’t be fixed, then we can humanely euthanize them.”
Matt added that most of the wild animals she sees are injured because of direct human interaction — when they are hit by a car, for example.
”It’s really nice for me to feel like I can mitigate that just a little bit,” she said. “We can’t save them all, obviously, but to be able to make a little bit of a difference — I have hit a bird with my car in the past. It happens — but if I can do a little bit to help out these other animals, it’s really, really fulfilling for me and that’s why most of us do it.”
For more about the new ReWilding Indiana nonprofit, visit rewildingindiana.org.
The sudden, shooting pain he experienced was caused by a life-threatening ruptured aneurysm. The expert team at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital responded with skill and compassion. Exactly the kind of care that makes a difference.
Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Crystal Matt with a friendly rat snake. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
LEISURE VISION
Noblesville Parks & Rec. Department developing 5-year master plan
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville Parks & Recreation is mapping out what the next five years of its services and facilities will look like.
As the parks department develops its five-year master plan, which will go into effect in 2026, it is entering the community input process to discover what residents want the department to improve or change in the next several years.
Parks and Recreation Director Savannah Wines said the purpose of the master plan is to guide the department for the next five years and provide strategic direction and vision to meet current and emerging public needs.
“The parks department is required to have an updated five-year master plan,” Wines said. “The master plan typically does a 10-year look-ahead period, but it is only valid for five years to be eligible for grants through the state. This plan focuses on getting community input and looks at our system as a whole.”
Wines said the parks department, in collaboration with business management consultant PROS Consulting, began putting the plan together in the fall of 2024. When completed, it will be sent to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for approval. It will then go to the Noblesville Common Council and parks board to be adopted.
“We started with focus groups, which is where we reached out to prominent stakeholders in the community from all different organizations to get data points from them,” Wines said. “Then our consultants met with elected officials to see where they feel the parks are and their highest priorities. Then we had our public session. We will take data from all of those meetings and transform it into our next input session.”
Goals for the master plan include:
• Creating a plan that is grounded in inclusive and accessible community engagement.
• Developing a future strategy for parks, recreation and greenspaces that is equitable to the entire community regardless of socioeconomic, cultural, racial or geographic differences.
• Utilizing a wide variety of data sources and best analytical practices to predict trends and patterns of use, community impact and how to address unmet needs in the City of Noblesville.
• Shaping financial sustainability and organizational excellence to achieve strategic objectives, identify revenue opportunities and address future operational and maintenance needs.
“The master plan is like the roadmap for the parks department, and it also is 100 percent community-driven,” Wines said. “It looks at how our revenue sources are going to meet needs, but it is community-focused.”
At the department’s first public meeting for the plan
Feb. 5, residents discussed what new services and facilities they would like to see. Suggestions included a community garden, a dog park, special needs camps, accessible trails and more indoor activities.
Michelle Personette, who has lived in Noblesville for 14 years, said she would like to see adaptive equipment for children with special needs, among other amenities.
“We have two teens with special needs, and it would have been nice if there had been adaptive play equipment in the parks when they were younger,” Personette said. “It also would be helpful to have recreational classes for children and adults with special needs. There aren’t enough opportunities for them to get out and be social once they are out of high school.”
Dog parks also were requested. Resident Mary Ann Singer favored the idea, saying that with so many new apartments, dogs have no yards to run free. But other residents, like Jessica Sherman, are wary of the idea.
“It’s aggression waiting to happen,” Sherman said. “Dogs that are aggressive team up in packs and go after the more submissive dogs in the park.”
Residents also strongly advocated allocating parks funds for developing new trails and improving/maintaining current park facilities. Wines said improving and maintain-
ing existing parks is part of the plan.
“We take a deep dive into life cycle replacement,” Wines said. “That way, we can plan infrastructure updates and budget for repairs and make sure we are keeping up with trends and standards along with our budgets. So, it is focused on our current parks and making sure that they’re staying up to standards and providing what they need to provide. But it’s also very focused on what future growth looks like.”
Residents can provide input for the master plan at engagepros.mysocialpinpoint.com/noblesville.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Noblesville Parks & Recreation Director Savannah Wines said the next step in the master plan process is for the department to finish its benchmark analysis, which identifies key outcomes of what the department wants to develop in the master plan.
“We made a spreadsheet of questions and data points that we are filling out for ourselves based on where we think we are at with parks,” Wines said. “We also chose some parks that we feel we are comparable to and collected data points from all of them.”
Wines said the department also is working on inventory.
“Alyssa Prazeau, a consultant with PROs Consulting who we are collaborating with for the master plan, went out and took pictures of every asset we have,” Wines said. “Internally, we’re reviewing it to make sure it’s accurate. Once we have that assessment, we’ll take that data and start implementing it with the feedback we’re getting from the community.”
The parks department also will continue looking at key questions, such as:
• What does Noblesville Parks not offer that the community wants?
• Are prices fair, or is the parks department charging too much or too little?
• Is the parks department ensuring our programs are attainable for the community it is serving? Is it offering the right things?
• Are the things the parks department offers new, exciting and well-attended?
• Are there things that aren’t doing as well because the wants and interests of the community have flipped?
ON THE COVER: The Noblesville Parks & Recreation Department’s five-year master plan will go into effect in 2026. (Photo by Matthew Doudt Photography)
The parks department is looking at current and future needs for all of Noblesville’s parks. (Photos by Matthew Doudt Photography)
Amenities the community would like to see include a community garden, a dog park, special needs camps, accessible trails and more indoor activities.
Community Clinic to open in Noblesville Walgreens
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
A Community Clinic at Walgreens is set to open Feb. 24 at 2380 Pleasant St. in Noblesville.
COMING SOON
Community Health Network, a health care provider, has several clinics in Walgreens stores throughout the central Indiana area. Nekia Stanley, a nurse practitioner at Community Health Network, said the new clinic will be similar to an immediate care center.
Services the Community Clinic at Walgreens will offer include:
• COVID-19 testing
• Flu testing
• Sinus infection treatment
• UTI treatment
• Ear infection treatment
• Treatment for bronchitis, strep throat, cough, colds, nausea and vomiting
• STI testing and STI treatment
• Physicals for children and adults
“We found the area needed a clinic so patients have a gateway to get into our network,” Stanley said. “Many patients will come in and won’t have a primary care provider, so their first stop is with us at Walgreens. We did a survey, and this was
a location that we felt would give the community better access to health care options.”
Stanley said patients do not need to be affiliated with Community Health Network to visit the Walgreens clinic, and there will be many ways to schedule an appointment.
“It’s for anybody from any network,” Stanley said. “You can sign up for an appointment right from the Walgreens website, or patients can call the registration team and schedule an appointment. Patients also can schedule an appointment through MyChart if they are a Community Health Network patient.”
Pricing will vary depending on the services provided.
“Our registration team runs patient insurance to see what coverage looks like, and we give an estimate,” Stanley said. “Basic pricing for someone who is uninsured starts at $99 and it goes up depending on what testing is done.”
Starting Feb. 24, the Community Clinic at Walgreens will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
For more, visit ecommunity.com/locations/community-clinic-walgreens-noblesville-content.
Members of the Riverview Health Foundation accept a $5,000 replica check from the Duke Energy Foundation to enhance the care of newborns in Riverview Health’s maternity center. Funds will be used to purchase pasteurized donor human milk from the milk bank to ensure more infants have access to life-saving nutrition and support. Michelle Allen, associate chief nursing officer at Riverview Health, said the grant is a testament to the importance of community partnerships. For more, visit riverview.org/services/maternity. (Photo courtesy of Jason Kaufmann)
JUST FOR LAUGHS
indie folk band
‘Jersey Boys’ veteran to guide Beef & Boards show
JUST FOR LAUGHS
Four decades later, stand-up routine still fun for Foxworthy
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jeff Foxworthy has written several books, hosted TV game shows and radio shows, starred in his own sitcom and recorded comedy albums, but stand-up comedy is still the thing he enjoys most.
“It’s funny. When I quit my job at IBM to try this, I secretly hoped I’d be able to get away with it for two or three years,” he said. “It never dawned on me that I could make a lifelong career out of it. Now, I’ve been doing it for 41 years. I love the time on the stage. I am over the airports and hotel rooms. Now when I do a show, I jokingly say the show is free. You are paying me to get on another plane and sleep in another hotel
room.”
Foxworthy will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at Fishers Event Center. His longtime friend Reno Collier is the opening act. The performance is presented by the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation.
“I’m big on education because I’m two decisions from drywalling,” Foxworthy said. “It’s amazing to me how you can change people’s lives with education.”
Laughter can change lives. Foxworthy said it often seems like Americans have been yelling at each other for a long time and have forgotten how to laugh at themselves.
“I don’t think laughter makes people’s problems go away, but it is a relief valve that keeps the boiler from exploding,” he said. “It’s a coping mechanism. I think the more we can laugh,
especially laugh at ourselves, the more mentally healthy we are to deal with the rest of life.”
The 66-year-old comedian said he often gets asked why he doesn’t retire.
“Why would I quit doing something I really enjoy doing?” he said. “It's changed so much over the decades of doing it. I think I was fortunate as a comedian that I discovered early on what worked for me. I just figured out if my wife or family member was doing or saying something, other people were thinking, saying and doing the same thing. That’s always the template I’ve come up with ideas for. It’s very rewarding when people come backstage and say, ‘You’ve been in my house.’ It’s been a wonderful way to make a living. I kind of feel like I cheated life.”
Foxworthy said he marvels at the different aspects of his career.
“When you are in the middle of it, you are just trying to be creative,” he said. “You look back and say, ‘I had some pretty productive years.’”
Foxworthy said he has slowed down on some of his activities so he can enjoy more time as a grandparent.
“I paint and draw and do a lot of different things,” he said. “My wife says if I’m not doing something creative, I’ll explode. I found just different creative things. I just wrote a movie with a friend and I’m tinkering around with a novel -- doing some things I thought might be fun but never had the time to do.”
Foxworthy is no stranger to performing in larger arenas. He spent six years on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with his friends Bill Engvall, Ron White and Larry the Cable Guy.
“We were doing arenas. Financially for me, it was a boon, but it’s a weird show for me as a comic because I’ve always thought comedy is kind of an intimate thing,” he said. “Even to this day, if I’m working on new material, I go back to itty bitty clubs. Some might hold 75 people.”
Foxworthy prefers to perform at a small club on a Monday or Tuesday instead of a weekend because he said he feels he gets a more honest audience reaction.
“I love that intimate environment,” Foxworthy said. “One of the things that has always kept standup interesting to me is you never get to the point that you have it figured out. After four decades, you think I would know what people will laugh at, but I can still be dead wrong. But that makes it fun and interesting.”
Foxworthy’s fame started with his “You Might Be a Redneck ...” routine. He turned it into a joke-a-day calendar.
“We did the first one in 1990, and I remember two or three years after saying to my brother, ‘I don’t know if there are 365 more (redneck jokes) out there,’” he said. “I just finished the calendar for 2026. Thirty-six years later, it’s still one of the bestselling page-a-day calendars. I don’t do it much on stage anymore because I figure people want to hear something on stage they haven’t heard before. I need to go back and see how many I’ve written because it’s got to be close to 10,000 (one-liners).”
For tickets, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
Jeff Foxworthy will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Event Center)
EVENTS CALENDER
‘PRIDE & PREJUDICE’
Through Feb. 22
Presented by Civic Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. The show is a spirited and refreshing take on the Jane Austen classic.
For tickets and showtimes, visit civictheatre. org.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
Feb. 14 - April 13
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the fascinating secret of a 40-year friendship that led Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom.
For tickets and showtimes, visit beefandboards.com.
STEVE WARINER
Feb. 21
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
KALANI PE'A
Feb. 22
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
INDIANAPOLIS OPERA: 50TH ANNIVERSARY LEGACY GALA CONCERT
March 22
In celebration of 50 years of championing the vocal arts, Indianapolis Opera presents a legacy gala concert at the historic Hilbert Circle Theater in collaboration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for the first time in 20 seasons. The event will showcase returning opera stars and worldrenowned alumni from IO’s many decades of artistry in the heart of Indiana, alongside members of the Indianapolis Opera Chorus, in a special evening presentation of opera favorites and classic lyric theater hits. For tickets and showtimes, visit indyopera.com
DON WAS & THE PAN-DETROIT ENSEMBLE
Feb. 28
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
‘AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE’
March 1
Presented by Indiana Wind Symphony at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. This special concert will feature a captivating arrangement of Bologne's "Overture to L'Amant Anonyme," alongside other chamber works. For tickets and showtimes, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
CRIME JUNKIE PODCAST LIVE: LIFE RULE #10 TOUR
March 6
‘CAT IN THE HAT’
Feb. 25 - March 6
Presented by Civic Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets and showtimes, visit civictheatre. org.
TOM SEGURA: COME TOGETHER TOUR
Feb. 28
For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
Award-winning podcasters Ashley Flowers & Brit Prawat will present the Crime Junkie Life Rule #10 Tour which is billed as an unforgettable true crime experience. For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
'LIFT EVERY VOICE'
A Celebration of Black History Through Music at the Palladium
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Opera star Angela Brown will lend her powerful voice to Indiana Wind Symphony’s tribute to Black History Month.
Brown, a soprano who lives in Indianapolis. will perform on three pieces during the Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Lift Every Voice” concert, set for 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“She will perform a suite of traditional gospel songs that are in a nontraditional setting,” IWS Music Director Jay S. Gephart said.
The suite is by composer Luigi Zaninelli. In the second half of the concert, Brown will perform two arias by composer Giacomo Puccini.
Gephart said several of the composers featured in the concert are Black. One of those composers is Omar Thomas, who is on the faculty of the University of Texas. The concert will include his piece “Our New Day Begun.”
The concert includes “Kaleidoscope Eyes” by Katahji Copley, a doctoral student at Michigan State University.
Gephart said trumpet player Jim Butz will perform a “beautiful” arrangement to compos-
er Dave Wolpe’s “Summertime.”
The concert includes a tribute piece, “Salvation is Created,” to Janis Stockhouse, who died in December 2024. She was the Bloomington North High School band director for 38 years before retiring in 2019.
“She was one of the most respected band directors in the country,” Gephart said. “Her Bloomington North jazz band played at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago on three occasions. She won the Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor, which is the highest recognition the Midwest Clinic will give.”
In 2005, Stockhouse received the James B. Calvert Award, given annually to outstanding music educators at an IWS concert.
IWS assistant conductor Evan Cooper will be the guest conductor on “Castles in Europe.”
“We’re also doing a traditional march called ’Steadfast Leadership,’ which was done in honor of the 50th graduating class at West Point,” Gephart said. “The composer is Dwayne Milburn, who was the chief arranger for the United States Army Band for a number of years.”’
For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Soprano Angela Brown will be guest vocalist at Indiana Wind Symphony's Concert. (File photo)
A FRESH SPIN
‘Jersey Boys’ veteran to guide Beef & Boards production
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Candi Boyd will never grow weary of her ties to “Jersey Boys.”
“I love ‘Jersey Boys,’” Boyd said. “I joined the cast of the first national tour in 2009, then the Broadway cast in 2011. I have had the opportunity to perform the show for over 11 years, in New York City, and all over the U.S. -- Las Vegas, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey.”
Boyd is the director/choreographer for Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Jersey Boys,” which runs Feb. 14 to April 13 at the Indianapolis venue. The story is based on the life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
“I feel so lucky that I have had the privilege to work on one of the best musicals in history for so long,” Boyd said. “I truly don’t tire of it, and now my kids even sing the songs around the house. I’ll happily work on ‘Jersey Boys’ forever.”
Boyd said the best aspect of the show is the brisk pace and momentum.
“Our story never stops, and the audience never gets to come up for air,’ Boyd said. “This translates into the ‘furniture-ography’ of the show, which is as precise as any dance move, and watching the tables and chairs all move perfectly in harmony is thrilling. As far as actual choreography, I adore the joy and sim-
plicity of the choreo of the era. It’s more about shapes and angles than kicking the highest, and the movement all originates from a place of style, bravado and individualism.”
Boyd said the Beef & Boards cast is made up of two categories.
“First are colleagues I have previously worked with on ‘Jersey Boys’ that are the best at what they do, and I begged them to come make me look good,” she said. “Second are the local folks that the theater knows and loves, who make the shows at Beef & Boards successful, no matter what the style. It’s a perfect mix.”
Boyd said because every stage size and cast is different, she said the choreography is different.
“There are definitely scenes, pictures, moments and choreography that are classic to the show and always remind in some form, like the ‘Walk Like a Man’ marches, but I always want to keep my vision fresh and ever changing and improving.”
Two of Boyd’s favorite numbers are “Short Shorts” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”
“The reason I like these so much is I’ve given them new and modern spins that they’ve never had in other productions,” Boyd said. “I also love the second act, where the scene work is lots of people leaving Frankie’s life, and between the scenes is a concert of Frankie singing ‘Bye, Bye, Baby.’ It’s such a beautifully written show.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Joseph Leo Bwarie. Candi Boyd and Richard Blake perform a “Jersey Boys” scene at Tony Awards. (Photo courtesy of Candi Boyd)
MALINGO'S RISE
How a solo project became a ‘darling’ indie folk band
By Jennifer A. Haire editorial@youarecurrent.com
Struggling to cope with his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Jonny Gerber turned memories of his mom into music.
“That was a super therapeutic thing for me,” said Gerber, 38, founder, guitarist, singer and songwriter for the band Malingo. The name was inspired by Eric Clapton’s childhood alter ego, Johnny Malingo, who helped him cope with early life struggles.
Described as the Midwest’s “darling indie folk band,” Malingo’s semi-acoustic sound is a blend of folk, bluegrass and psychedelic blues.
Malingo will perform in the Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“Malingo started just as a me thing,” said Gerber, adding that as the fan base grew on streaming platforms, so did requests for live performances.
“People started to reach out about booking us, and there was no us, it was just me,” he said.
Forming a band was a longtime dream for Gerber, a Danville resident who grew up in Avon. Malingo’s drummer, Josh Faudree, is from Fishers.
“I’d been in bands in high school and stuff,
and that was always in the back of my mind, something that I wanted to pursue,” Gerber said. “So, I reached out to some old friends and a couple people that I met online and formed up the band.”
Malingo’s first show was performed in front of a sold-out crowd at McGowan Hall in Indianapolis in January 2023. The five-piece band creates original songs using a unique mix of mandolin, hand percussion, banjo and sometimes a didgeridoo. The Palladium show will feature a 1940s vibraphone.
“If we’re writing something, we don’t necessarily put many limits on it. It just has to feel like a Malingo song,” Gerber said.
Malingo is trying to grow its global fan base and engage with fans on social media.
“We record every performance that we do so that we can release live albums and just put out lots of content,” Gerber said.
The band is developing a behind-the-music podcast where it explores its songwriting process.
Malingo has released new music monthly and about one to two albums per year since 2016. The band’s goal for 2025 is to present at least one show or livestream each month.
Tickets are $10, with free livestream access available during and after the show. To register for the livestream, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Malingo members, from left, Sam Mcguire, John Boyle, Jonny Gerber Josh Faudree and LJ, Aucker. (Photo courtesy of 40FI Creations)
THE STEPCREW
March 7
The Canadian Celtic ensemble StepCrew brings together three dance forms – Ottawa Valley stepdance, Irish stepdance and tap. For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
BROOKLYN CHARMERS: A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE
March 7
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
COUPLES THERAPY: THE THEATRICAL SHOW
March 8
An evening of laughter and entertainment that is a unique and clever combination of theatre, stand-up comedy, and improv. For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
MIXED REP
March 9
Presented by Central Indiana Dance Ensamble at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring an blend of classical, contemporary, and modern repertoire. For tickets and showtimes, visit cidedance. org/current-season.
HANK RUFF AND THE HELLBENDERS
March 11
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
March 14 - 29
Presented by Civic Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets and showtimes, visit civictheatre. org.
GUTFELD LIVE '25
March 15
Join Greg Gutfeld and comedian Tom Shillue for an evening filled with laughter, insight and surprises. For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
APPALACHIAN SPRING
March 16
Presented by the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT
SWEATS: SOUTH OF HERE TOUR
March 18
For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
TEGE HOLT: ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
March 20
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER
March 21
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
MICHAEL JR.'S FUNNY HOW MARRIAGE WORKS
March 22
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS
March 23
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
FORREST FRANK: CHILD OF GOD TOUR
PART 2
March 27
For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
LANG LANG
March 28
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
BLAKE SHELTON
March 29
For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
EMMYLOU HARRIS
April 3
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
SPRING EQUINOX
April 4 & 5
Presented by Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
A.J. CROCE: HEART OF THE ETERNAL TOUR
April 4
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE
April 5
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
DANCING IN THE STREETS
April 6
Presented by Indiana Wind Symphony at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. This spring concert showcases a diverse range of music, from ballet to Broadway. For tickets and showtimes, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
PETER FRAMPTON: ‘LET'S DO IT AGAIN!’
April 11
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN
April 12
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
‘CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES’
April 17 - May 18
Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre presents the show that started it all. Times are changing
quickly in 1965, and they'll do all they can to keep things from boiling over below the house of God.
For tickets and showtimes, visit beefandboards.com.
EASTER PARADE IN CARMEL
April 19
Presented by The Carmel Symphony Orchestra at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
MEGAN MORONEY: ‘AM I OK TOUR?’
April 24
For tickets and showtimes, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
‘JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT’
April 25 - May 10
Presented by Civic Theatre at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets and showtimes, visit civictheatre. org.
‘9 TO 5’
April 25 - May 11
Presented by Actors Theatre of Indianapolis at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. 9 to 5 is based on the 1980 movie of
the same name, and features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. For tickets and showtimes, visit civictheatre.org.
MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES
April 25
For tickets and showtimes, visit thecenterpresents.com
‘WEST SIDE STORY’
May 9 - 11
Indianapolis Opera presents a musical classic, West Side Story! A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is set in 1950s New York, where growing racial tensions between the Sharks, a gang of first-generation Puerto Rican immigrants, and the Jets, made up of ‘American’ boys, lead to an all-out street fight over territory. For tickets and showtimes, visit indyopera.org.
‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’
May 17 & 18
Presented by Central Indiana Dance Ensamble at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. Dancers bring to life the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast: a story of love and transformation, where Belle's compassion and bravery break the spell cast upon the Beast.
For tickets and showtimes, visit cidedance. org/current-season
‘NOCHES CALIENTES!’
May 18
Presented by Indiana Wind Symphony at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. This performance will feature classical and contemporary pieces crafted by acclaimed Latin composers and offers diverse musical genres and styles.
For tickets and showtimes, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
Current Publishing’s audience is known for its affinity for all things entertainment. The average distance one will drive for experiential opportunities is 42.5 miles, according to independent research. Current’s special section, APPLAUSE, will reach 131,191 households in the communities we serve by U.S. Mail. This section provides you with the opportunity to connect with even more arts enthusiasts than you might otherwise be reaching. Take your marketing messaging to center stage with the offerings below, and then take a bow.
LongHorn Steakhouse staff and Noblesville officials celebrate the grand opening of Longhorn’s Noblesville restaurant at 13455 Tegler Dr. Feb. 10 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Noblesville Common Councilmember David Johnson, bottom right, cut the restaurant’s first outlaw ribeye steak at the event. The restaurant chain, established in Atlanta in 1981, serves various cuts of steak, along with a selection of chicken, seafood, appetizers and desserts. (Photos by Jessica Todd)
Brees, partners target north Indy
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Following his 20 years as a standout NFL quarterback, Drew Brees decided to put his Purdue University degree to work.
BUSINESS
“I was hoping my management degree would give me the opportunity to give back and invest in the communities that have meant so much to me,” Brees said.
Michigan and Ohio. The goal is to develop more in the Indianapolis area.
“We’ll support all those when they open up a Picklr franchise,” said Brees, who visited The Picklr Noblesville Jan. 28. “The Picklr model is something I think is going to take the country by storm. Here, you are inside where weather is never a factor. People can congregate and create a social atmosphere.”
Brees and former Purdue teammates Ben Smith and Jason Loerzel formed Boilermaker Ventures. Brees and Loerzel live in New Orleans and Smith lives in Fishers.
Boilermaker Ventures recently partnered with Indianapolis businessmen to open The Picklr Noblesville. They also own Stretch Zones in Fishers, Carmel and Zionsville, and EverBowl in Noblesville and West Lafayette.
Smith said they have the rights to more than 100 EverBowls in 12 states and Boilermaker Ventures also owns businesses in New Orleans.
Boilermaker Ventures has the area development rights to The Picklr in Indiana,
Brees, a Super Bowl MVP who retired after the 2020 season and is a lock for the Hall of Fame, said it was important to have businesses in Hamilton County and Zionsville.
It helps that Smith, who works in operations for Eli Lilly, is nearby to oversee the businesses.
“We have learned the hard way that it is important to live close to where your businesses are located,” said Smith, who has lived in Fishers for approximately 12 years. “When we tried to expand into the Chicago area, we were not successful for those two reasons. Living in Fishers and often visiting all of the northern suburbs due to youth sports makes me realize how lucky we are to live in a great area of the country. “
Brees
Country music star Wariner ready for Hamilton County homecoming
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Steve Wariner has always wanted to play at the Palladium, which is not far from where he grew up in Noblesville.
“I’ve heard about the great acoustics and it’s a beautiful building,” Wariner said. “I know my pal Glen Campbell played there (in 2011 on his Goodbye Tour). Mac McAnally, one of my best friends, just played there. Mac and I have written many songs together.”
Wariner, a 1973 Noblesville High School graduate, will get the opportunity when he performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
“This will definitely be a homecoming for me,” Wariner said. “I have a sister and a brother who still live in Noblesville. I’ve heard from a bunch of classmates that said they will be there. I have so many great memories of Noblesville and Hamilton County, but most of my life I’ve been here in Tennessee.”
Wariner, 70, has written many songs for himself and others during his hit country music career. He has won four Grammy Awards and is a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He said his most cherished honor is when he won the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year, “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” in 1998.
“I’ll play a bunch of hits that my fans will be looking for, and then I’ll do a couple of songs that are songwriters’ songs that I wrote but didn’t record that were hits for other people,” Wariner said.
Some of those include “Long Neck Bottle” by Garth Brooks, “Nothin’ But the Tailights’ by Clint Black and “Where the Blacktop Ends” by Keith Urban.
“I wrote a new little song that’s very relevant to Hamilton County,” Wariner said. “It’s tongue-in-cheek and kind of funny. But I’m holding it secret, so I’m not going to talk about it much.”
Wariner said he will open the second half of the show with the Gretsch guitar that he designed.
“I play some electric and then play a homage to my two mentors Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed,” he said.
Wariner will play some of his hits, including “The Weekend,” “Heart Trouble” and “Some Fools Never Learn.”
“I do some medleys, but I don’t shortchange the songs. I do long versions,” he said.
Wariner also wrote the theme song for “Who’s the Boss?” that debuted in 1984.
“I’ll do that and talk about that being my biggest hit,” said Wariner, laughing. “People will always say, “Oh my God, I didn’t know you did it.’ I don’t always do it, but sometimes I pull it out just for fun.”
Wariner left school during his senior year to play with country star Dottie West. She offered him a job when she saw him
play in Indianapolis.
At first, he didn’t think he could leave.
“I left midway through my senior year,” Wariner said. “I was talking with the counselors, and we worked on it. I was able to take my tests early and there was a mandatory half credit I had to do on the road.”
Wariner began playing drums in a band with his father, Roy Wariner, when he was young. His father mostly played country but also played some Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins songs.
“I was infatuated and loved music,” Wariner said. “My dad knew more songs than anyone I’ve seen other than Chet Atkins. My dad was a very gifted musician. He could play fiddle, harmonica and steel guitar.”
Wariner’s oldest son, Ryan, is a guitarist in the rock band Heart. His younger son, Ross, is a music composer.
For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘PRIDE & PREJUDICE’
Civic Theatre’s production of “Pride & Prejudice” runs through Feb. 22 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Summer Nights: The Music of Grease” is set for Feb. 20, followed by “An Evening With Matt Soverns” Feb. 21; and “Because of You: A Tribute to Tony Bennett” Feb. 22 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Each performance is at 7:30 p.m. For more, feinsteinshc.com.
SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND
Songwriters in the Round is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at Carmel. For more, the centerpresents.org.
‘LITTLE WOMEN’
The Belfry Theatre and Hamilton County Theatre Guild’s production of “Little Women” is set for Feb. 21 to March 2 at Noblesville First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument St., Noblesville. For tickets, visit thebelfrytheatre.com or call or text 317-773-1085.
KALANI PE’A
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kalani Pe’a performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at Carmel. For more, the centerpresents.org.
DISPATCH
Neighborhood Choir Academy set — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir presents its Neighborhood Choir Academy program, 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 22 at the ICC Performing Arts Center, 9111 Allisonville Rd., featuring ICC choral directors, choir members and guest clinician Dr. Anthony Trecek-King. Cost is $10 per child but is free for Access Pass holders. To register, visit icchoir.org/ neighborhood-choirs.
MUSIC
Steve Wariner will perform Feb. 21 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. (Photo courtesy of Steve Wariner)
Actor set to play ‘The Cat’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kendrell Stiff is ready to test his comedic acting skills.
PLAY
The Indianapolis resident plays the title role of “The Cat in the Hat” in Civic Theatre’s production of the show at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Two public performances are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 1. Eight weekday student matinees run from Feb. 25 to March 6.
roles at Civic Theatre, where he portrayed Angel in “Rent” and Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet.”
“I don’t get to do a lot of character acting, so I’m used to making smaller, less exaggerated movements,” he said. “But with this role, I have to do the complete opposite and it’s an absolute pleasure getting to (do it).”
Stiff portrays the role previously played by Jonathan Studdard, who played the role of The Cat five times at Civic.
“I think what I like most about the role is that it’s a complete departure from any role I’ve ever done before,” Stiff said. “It’s so over-the-top ridiculous that it forces me to break out of my comfort zone, which I am always grateful for. It gives me a way to learn and utilize new skills. And also, who doesn’t want to be a little crazy sometimes?”
The role is different from Stiff’s previous
‘Showstoppers!’
editorial@youarecurrent.com
The Great American Songbook Foundation is celebrating Women’s History Month in March with a screening of a new PBS documentary that draws from its extensive Songbook Library & Archives.
DOCUMENTARY
“Showstoppers! Great Women of TV Variety” honors artists such as Carol Burnett, Cher, Ann-Margret, Diahann Carroll, Della Reese, Doris Day, Mitzi Gaynor, Lily Tomlin and other trailblazing women who changed American popular culture through the network television musical variety series and specials of the 1960s and ’70s. Hosted by threetime Grammy Award winner Debby Boone, the one-hour special features full-length song, dance and comedy performances as well as interviews with the stars and others involved.
Noblesville resident Emily Bohannon returns in the role of The Girl for the third time. The other cast members are from Indianapolis. They are Nolan Daugherty, The Boy; Danny Kingston, The Fish; Karen Hurt, Thing 1; and Alex Smith, Thing 2.
The 2 p.m. March 1 performance is designated as a relaxed performance, designed to create a welcoming experience for patrons with sensory sensitivities. ASL interpreters will be at the performance and large-print programs will be available for the visually impaired.
Any student or preschool group interested in purchasing tickets for any of the weekday matinee dates can email groups@ civictheatre.org. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
honors women
Performing Arts in Carmel.
Following the screening, attendees can attend an in-person panel discussion with the film’s host, Debby Boone; its Emmy-winning filmmakers, René Reyes and Shane Rosamonda; and Holly Foster Wells, granddaughter of the late Peggy Lee and president of Peggy Lee Associates, who is featured in the film. Attendees also will receive pre-recorded greetings from special guests. In conjunction with the screening, a temporary display in the adjacent Studio Theater from 1 to 5 p.m. March 2 will feature costumes worn by stars featured in the documentary, many of them Songbook Hall of Fame members. Tickets aren’t required to view the items worn by artists including Mitzi Gaynor, Ella Fitzgerald, The Lennon Sisters, Peggy Lee and Eydie Gormé.
The Songbook Foundation will screen the film at 2 p.m. March 2 at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the
Throughout March, the costumes will be displayed in the Songbook Exhibit Gallery at the Palladium.
Tickets aren’t required to view the items worn by artists.
Stiff
Boone
Blueprint for Improvement: Modern Zionsville bathroom
Commentary by Larry Greene
This home in Zionsville’s Thornhill neighborhood was ready for an upgrade, starting with its hall galley bathroom. With the original layout preserved, our team reimagined the space as a monochromatic modern retreat tailored to fit the homeowner’s routine. By integrating thoughtful design elements, we transformed the bathroom into a fresh, contemporary space with improved functionality.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Replacing the combined tub and shower with a spacious walk-in shower adds functionality and a sleek, modern aesthetic.
• Tonal gray penny tile accents the shower, providing contrast to the room’s clean lines and adding movement and texture.
• The new vanity maximizes storage space and style, with a glass-front cabinet that keeps the room feeling open and airy.
• Matte black hardware and fixtures add a contemporary touch, creating bold contrast against the room’s lighter tones.
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.
2025
LIFESTYLE
Basic cable, basically
Nuclear weapon
11. Dutch airline
14. Peak performance for the Colts
15. Doing battle
16. “Norma ___”
17. Fun fundraising event at Wolfies Grill at Geist on Feb. 22
19. List-ending abbr.
20. Meeting list
21. Natural to a region
23. Occupy by force
26. Warrior princess
27. Letters of urgency
31. Many, many years
32. IND bag-checking org.
34. Old Italian money 35. Disencumbers
37. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
41. Sports organization that
benefits from 17-Across
44. Japanese city
45. Indianapolis Opera highlight
46. “Star Wars” princess
47. Apt. units
49. IndyCar dashboard letters
50. High-strung
51. Gillette brand
54. Blood component
57. French manor
59. Dine at Peterson’s 64. Big ___ Conference
65. Sound from participants of 17-Across
68. Wagering option, briefly 69. Sign on a help desk
70. Beginning
71. Sunbeam
72. Type of simple question
73. Cheated, slangily Down 1. One of the Three Bears
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
2. Excited
3. Ivy League school
4. IRS agent
5. “Rigoletto” composer
6. Long-time Channel 6 host Harlow Hickenlooper’s real name: ___ Fryar
7. A/C measure
8. Possessed
9. Fridge message holder
10. Mated, as horses
11. Krispy ___ doughnuts
12. Language of IU’s motto: Lux et Veritas (Light and Truth)
13. Muslim holy city
18. Big name in freshly baked bread
22. Case in point
24. “Ta-da!”
25. Country between France and Spain
27. In addition 28. Drinks slowly
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, will receive bids from contractors for the Hamilton County Building Automation Upgrades located at 300 N 17th Street in Noblesville, IN. The Owner intends to enter into one contract with the Contractor that submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid and who will be fully responsible for coordination of all required work between all trades. Bidding Documents may be obtained via Ivy Tech Community College Workday website https://ivy-tech-community-college-of-indiana. us.workdayspend.com/rfps/848369 All bids must be received via upload to Workday prior to 3:00 PM, ET, on April 3rd, 2025. The virtual bid opening will directly follow at 3:30 PM ET via zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3835610327?pwd=T3c5c2F0Q2krc0VIZ256azJxQlpJZz09 Evaluation of the proposals and award will be at a later date. A highly recommended, but optional pre-bid walkthrough meeting will be held at 10:00 AM., ET, on March 11, 2025. Meet in Lobby. Bidder questions are due by 3:00 PM ET on March 31, 2025. All inquiries shall be directed to GMB via email to Liz Barrett lizb@gmb.com. All bidders are required to furnish Bid Security in the amount of ten (10%) of the base bid. All prices shall be free of all Federal Excise Taxes and State Sales Tax. The bid forms, Form 96, and other required documents related to the bid must be completed, signed and notarized where indicated. The successful bidder shall be required to comply with the requirement of State Board of Trustees Resolution No. 2017-4 as it relates to use of apprentices. The owner reserves the right to reject all bids and to waive any irregularities or informalities in the bid. Bids shall remain firm for sixty (60) days from date of Bid Opening.
29. Region
30. Hoarder
33. Kind of card in a phone
36. Loses traction
38. ___ Piper
39. Vapor Trails buy
40. “By Jove!”
42. Descartes conclusion
43. Talk on and on
48. Few and far between 51. Carmel Community Players performer
52. Butler frat letter
53. Sprinted past
55. Waits in the shadows
56. Stereotypical pirate’s cry
58. Where a 1978 press photo of Indianapolis City Councilman Rozelle Boyd is for sale for $19.99
60. Old Palm smartphone
61. Table scraps
62. Hankering
___ Speedwagon Answers on Page 19
LEGAL NOTICE OF DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC’S STANDARD CONTRACT RIDER NO. 50 PARALLEL OPERATION – FOR QUALIFYING FACILITY
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around February 27, 2025, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit its Standard Contract Rider No. 50, Parallel Operation-For Qualifying Facility (“Standard Contract Rider 50”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing of Standard Contract Rider 50 provides the updated calculation of the standard offer rates for the purchase of energy and capacity for 2025. Standard Contract Rider 50 is available to all qualifying Duke Energy Indiana customers and is expected to be approved approximatelythirty-days from the date of filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or Randall C. Helmen with the Indiana Office of the 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.
Energy Indiana, LLC By:
DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES
Painting inside or Outdoors
Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED
Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
Deadwooding – Landscaping Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115 LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING
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Locally Owned/operated over 43 Years
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Join The Cleaning Crew, a trusted name in residential and Airbnb cleaning services. Flexible schedules, top pay, supportive team, growth opportunities. We require exceptional attention to detail and reliable transportation. Experience is a plus but not required. Send resume to info@thecleaningcrewindy.com. Questions? Call 317.748.0059.
Immediate opening for full time dental laboratory technician. Experience preferred, but not required. Candidates must have artistic ability, moderate computer skills, excellent work ethic and eager to learn. Position offers full benefit package Please forward inquiries and resume: khunterlab@gmail.com
