June 30, 2026 — Current in Zionsville

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Current in Zionsville (ISSN: 3143-0686)

Founded: Mar. 20, 2012 • Vol. XV, No.16

Copyright © 2026 by Current Publishing, LLC.

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Injunction granted in land dispute

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A Boone County judge granted a preliminary injunction June 19 in a Zionsville property dispute making NBA player Josh McRoberts the personal representative of his grandmother’s estate.

McRoberts filed a complaint June 1 against Zionsville Town Councilor Sarah Sampson and her husband Jon, accusing them of pressuring his grandmother, Carolyn Pennington, to sell her property to them six days before her death.

Boone County Superior Court I judge Matthew Kincaid ruled that a June 2025 revocable trust signed by Pennington making McRoberts the trustee of her estate overrules a series of documents Pennington signed that deeded her property at 6810 S. Ford Rd. to the Sampsons April 30. Pennington, 85, died May 6.

Kincaid ruled the documents signed by Pennington before she died are not valid because she was not sound of mind, the Sampsons took advantage of her and it was done under duress.

“They abused the relationship to her detriment and caused damage, such that all documents purportedly signed by Carolyn in April and May of 2026 are presumed to be the product of undue influence and constructive fraud,” Kincaid wrote.

A preliminary injunction maintains the status quo, meant to prevent irreparable harm to a party while the legal case plays out. The property will revert back to the Pennington’s estate, with McRoberts being the trustee.

McRoberts is a former Carmel High School and Duke University basketball standout who played 11 years in the NBA, including three seasons with the Indiana Pacers.

Kincaid also ruled in favor of the Sampsons’ request for a special judge to be appointed.

An aerial view of the property at 6810 S. Ford Rd. in Zionsville, which is at the center of an ongoing civil lawsuit over a disputed property transfer involving Town Councilor Sarah Sampson and the estate of Carolyn Pennington. (Photo courtesy of Boone County GIS)

Documents filed a day prior by Taft, the law firm representing the Sampsons, allege a friendly relationship between Pennington and the Sampsons, that Pennington was sound of mind when she signed her property over and that Pennington wanted her daughter, Jennifer McRoberts, removed from positions of authority over her legal matters.

Court documents claim the transaction was the culmination of frequent communications between Pennington and Zionsville law firm Einterz & Einterz because she was concerned about her finances, wanted to revise her estate planning documents and wanted to sell her property. Discussions started in January and continued through April.

Pennington allegedly reached out to attorney Michael Einterz at the firm about selling her property in April. Josh McRoberts was contacted first about his interest in purchasing the Ford Road property “but nothing became of those conversations,” court documents claim.

Erin Napier, who works for Einterz & Einterz, then reached out to the Sampsons about buying the property. Pennington previously sold them a piece of land in 2024. Napier is named in the original complaint filed by Josh

McRoberts.

Court documents say Josh McRoberts, according to testimony, admitted “there might have been a conversation (about) if I was interested in the property.”

Documents also claim Jennifer McRoberts pressured Pennington to stop speaking with the law firm, threatening to get rid of her dogs, which she looked after while Pennington was in an assisted living facility.

“If you can afford the attorney you certainly can afford to get your own personal items,” reads an alleged text message Jennifer McRoberts sent her mother. “You can get your own depends and everything else you need. I am done!”

The text messages are from a separate filing by the Sampsons’ attorneys and come from Pennington’s phone. The Sampsons have asked the court for the phone to be forensically imaged to preserve evidence they claim is necessary to the case.

The Sampsons agreed to purchase the property for $750,000 after some negotiations, which came about after Josh McRoberts allegedly told Napier he had no interest in continuing to pay his grandmother’s bills and was resigning as her attorney-in-fact (power of attorney).

Pennington signed the deed after she was admitted to a hospital following a colon cancer diagnosis. Napier, the legal documents state, said Pennington was sound of mind when she did so.

“Carolyn Pennington was of sound mind when she executed her will and estate planning documents, and when she signed the trust deed,” she said. “If she had not been, I would have refused to be a witness or a notary for any documents she signed.”

The McRobertses accused Sampson of removing Pennington from an assisted living facility and prevented her from seeing her family before she died.

Attorney Einterz was accused by Josh McRoberts of legal malpractice. The law firm has denied those allegations, among others.

Prosecutors, judges disagree on pretrial release

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Crime in suburban Indianapolis in recent weeks has sparked public comments from prosecutors disagreeing with decisions to release defendants accused of breaking the law.

In Boone County, Prosecutor Kent Eastwood issued a statement June 15 disagreeing with a judge who released a man charged with attempted murder into the custody of a family member.

Boone County Circuit Court Judge John Baker released Roy Lee, 50, of Lebanon, June 15. He is facing six charges, including attempted murder, criminal confinement and domestic battery, all felonies. Lee was arrested in May and charged following an alleged knife fight between him and a woman.

“We strongly and respectfully disagree with the Court’s decision in this case,” Kentwood stated. The prosecution argued Lee poses a

serious danger to the community and advocated for a high bond amount and strict conditions if he bailed out. The judge ordered Lee remain under supervision and limited his movements, but Kentwood said it wasn’t enough.

“Placing a family member in the position of supervising a defendant charged with such serious and violent offenses creates significant concern,” Kentwood stated. “It is not appropriate to place that level of responsibility on a private individual who is not trained or equipped to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions or to effectively manage the risks presented.”

It’s the second recent instance of a prosecutor openly criticizing a judicial decision.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, during an interview with an Indianapolis TV station, criticized the decision to release Manuel Ettress before he allegedly carjacked a vehicle at a Carmel gas station and ran over the driver’s foot before crashing into

an electric pole and going through a residential yard. He had more than 30 criminal cases in Marion County.

Despite the two recent cases, prosecutors disagreeing with judges isn’t that uncommon, according to Zach Cormier, a law professor at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

Prosecutors and judges have different factors to weigh. Cormier said prosecutors are likely to push for more restraint on bail whereas judges must consider state statutes.

“(Prosecutors’) interest is public safety, but they are weighted toward more limitations,” Cormier said. Judges, on the other hand, follow Indiana’s criminal procedural rules for pretrial release. Those accused of a crime have a presumption of bail, Cormier said. It’s not a guarantee a defendent will be released before their trial, but it ensures a fair process determining if one gets bond. There also is a statewide risk assessment that is

conducted. Factors considered in pretrial release include a person’s criminal history and possible risk to the public weighted against other factors like if the person is employed and if they have family in the area.

Cormier said when prosecutors openly make statements, like Kentwood and Mears did, it also could be a matter of being proactive, their way of saying, “We did all we could do,” in case the person reoffends while released.

Mears comments came after Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam called out Indianapolis leadership after Ettress’ carjacking arrest. She pushed Indianapolis to do more to stop repeat criminals in a social media post.

Mears, who accused Finkam of playing politics, said he objected to Ettress’ release in Marion County, although a judge disagreed. The prosecutor said the issue is how the criminal justice system addresses low-level offenders, even if they are repeat offenders.

Lions Club touts bigger fireworks show

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

The Zionsville Lions Club is going big for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The volunteer organization is promising a bigger-than-usual show for its annual Fourth of July fireworks presentation.

“(It will be) the largest fireworks show for the Town of Zionsville,” Lions Club member Steve Gayheart said. “It’ll be the best one ever.”

The event will be from 5 to 10 p.m. July 4 at Lions Park. Parking will start at 4 p.m. Admission is $8.

There will be live music from 6 to 7 p.m., a DJ for the rest of the evening and bounce houses for the kids. Food will be available to purchase from Greek’s Pizzeria and The Scoop as well as typical concession-style food

“It’s a great place for people to meet after they do their family stuff,” Gayheart said.

Gayheart, who has organized the show for 15 years, said fireworks attract

DISPATCHES

 Martial arts studio OK’d — A martial arts studio to be built along U.S. 421 received approval from the Zionsville Plan Commission June 15. Plans call for a 3,200-square-foot pole barn-type structure to be built near the intersection of U.S. 421 and Taylor Road.

 Parks department’s school outreach to expand — Zionsville Parks & Recreation plans to expand its third grade school outreach program, Nature Connections, to all Zionsville elementary schools next school year, according to Parks Superintendent Jarod Logsdon. Naturalist staff go to third grade classrooms in the fall and winter to teach ecology lessons. Field trips in the spring bring students to local parks where they learn about water quality testing and complete service projects like removing invasive species. The program is entering its fourth year and included 425 third graders at Trailside, Eagle, Boone Meadow and Pleasant View elementary schools. Stonegate and Union elementary schools are expected to be included next year.

between 7,000 and 10,000 people to downtown Zionsville each July 4.

“We serve the park,” he said. “We serve the people. We want it to be special.”

Mad Bomber Fireworks has produced the show for years in Zionsville. Crews will start setting up at 9 a.m. the day of.

As for the best place to sit, Gayheart recommends near the gazebo.

“Get there early and get your seat,” he said.

-Kathy

news@youarecurrent.com

A collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of seven people accused of trying to sexually abuse children.

The Boone County Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation Task Force announced June 23 the arrests came after a three-day operation targeting people who used online platforms to solicit children for criminal activity, according to a news release.

Undercover officers communicated with people online. These people traveled to Boone County to engage in sexual activity with children, according to the new release.

Arrests include:

• Corwin Suits, 38, of Greenfield: three counts of child solicitation

• Michael Frazier, 41, of Louisville: two counts of child solicitation

• Fredy Leonardo Tomas, 21, of Indianapolis: Two counts of attempted sexual misconduct with a minor and two counts of child solicitation

• Izzettin Canclan, 30, of Dayton, Ohio: Two counts of attempted sexual misconduct with a minor and two counts of child solicitation

• Devon Powell, 18, of Indianapolis: Attempted sexual misconduct with a minor

• Buhereri Nsengiyumva, 28, of Indianapolis: Two counts of attempted sexual misconduct with a minor and two counts of child solicitation

• Harsh Kumar, 39, of Whitestown: Two counts of attempted sexual misconduct with a minor and two counts of child solicitation

Agencies participating in the investigation included the Boone County Sheriff’s Office; Zionsville Police Department; Carmel Police Department; Indiana State Police; Westfield Police Department; and Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department.

The task force was established in 2023 to support Boone County law enforcement in combating internet-based crimes against children. The group focuses on prevention, investigation and prosecution of child exploitation offenses.

The task force works closely with the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 7

New walking tour launches

news@youarecurrent.com

Downtown Zionsville’s historic commercial buildings are the focus of the latest self-guided walking tour from the SullivanMunce Cultural District.

The cultural center announced the Heart of the Village: Zionsville Business District Century Structures walking tour June 18. The tour features commercial buildings that are 100 years or older.

The walking tour is available on the BooneINCulture app. Each building has its own entry which includes historic photographs, architectural information and engaging narratives. Participants will learn about former town halls, theaters, drug stores, banks, hardware stores, restaurants and other businesses that helped shape the community’s development. The tour has 26 stops in total.

“These buildings are more than storefronts — they are living connections to the people,businesses, and events that helped create the Zionsville we know today,” stated SullivanMunce Executive Director Cynthia Young. “By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire greater appreciation for our community’s ar-

There are 26 stops in the Heart of the Village walking tour highlighting historic commercial buildings in the Village. (Screenshot by Spencer Durham)

chitectural heritage and the importance of preservation.”

The new tour expands the Century Structure Program which recognizes buildings and homes in Zionsville that are more than 100 years old.

The BooneINCulture app includes one comprehensive tour of all Century Structures to date as well as several curated tours highlighting specific themes and neighborhoods throughout Zionsville.

For more and to access the tour, download the BooneINCulture app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit the SullivanMunce Cultural Center.

Whitestown man charged with attempted murder

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A Whitestown man is accused of allegedly trying to kill his father.

Rutherford Keener, 28, was arrested June 14 and charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness stemming from an incident that left his father with a gunshot wound to his foot.

The alleged shooting happened in the 3700 block of Indigo Blue Boulevard. Keener allegedly met officers with his hands up while saying “I shot my dad” when Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department arrived, according to a probable cause affidavit.

tal and is in stable condition, according to a news release.

Keener claimed he thought his dad was a demon and admitted to trying to kill him by shooting him in the head but missed, according to the affidavit.

The Whitestown man also told police he had mental health issues.

The father confirmed with police that Keener had mental health issues and had been at Ascension St. Vincent a few days prior because of it. Keener allegedly was not taking his medications.

Keener was taken to the Boone County Jail without incident. Whitestown police said in a statement the incident appeared to be isolated and there was no threat to the community.

Officers then found a man inside the residence. He was taken to a local hospi-

Keener was being held at the jail on a $75,000 bond.

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DISPATCHES

 Commissioners to give rural gas station more consideration — The Boone County Commissioners continued a rezoning for a rural gas station along U.S. 421 at its June 15 meeting. The gas station and convenience store would be at the southwest corner of 300 North and U.S. 421, 1 mile north of Zionsville town limits. The request received an unfavorable recommendation from the Boone County Area Plan Commission earlier this month. The county drainage and highway departments did not support the project. A motion to approve the rezoning by Commissioner Don Lawson did not receive a second. Commissioner Scott Pell, who appeared virtually for the meeting, said he wanted more time before deciding. The project will be revisited at the Commissioners July 6 meeting.

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 Community Health opens new cancer clinic — Community Health Network recently opened a new Hereditary Hematologic Malignancy Clinic, becoming the first health system in Indiana to offer specialized evaluation and testing for inherited risk factors associated with blood cancers. The clinic, at Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center –North, will be led by Dr. Zachary Wolfe, a specialist in hematologic malignancies. It will focus on identifying patients and families who may have a hereditary predisposition to leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. For more, visit eCommunity.com/services/cancer-care/ specialties/blood-cancer.

 Mulberry Fields concession stand open — A concession stand at Mulberry Fields, near the splash pad and pickleball courts, is now open. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Mulberry Fields is at 9645 Whitestown Road.

 Tickets on sale for street dance — The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce’s Street Dance will be 6-10 p.m. Aug. 1 on the north end of Main Street in the Village. Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance and $25 at the gate. Kids 10 and younger are $10. VIP tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance. The annual event includes live music, beverages from local breweries, wineries and distilleries, food trucks and a kids play area. This year’s entertainment features Pigeons of Market Square and The Dundies. Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/yn6ppejx.

U.S. 52 to close July 20

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

U.S. 52 between 400 North and 250 North is scheduled to close July 20 and will remain closed for several months as the Indiana Department of Transportation completes work related to the new exit of Interstate 65 in Lebanon.

The official detour is Indiana 47 to I-65 back to U.S. 52. But there is another route.

An unofficial detour is 350 West to Indiana 47 back to U.S. 52. Boone County Engineer Mike Goralski advised motorists at the June 15 county commissioners meeting to take the unofficial route. The commissioners approved the route as an unofficial detour with INDOT. Doing so, means INDOT will reimburse the county for any fixes needed on the roads because of increased traffic.

The closure is to allow construction crews to tie U.S. 52 into the new Exit 143 that is under construction. The new interchange is a diverging diamond pattern, one of just a few in the state. An overpass is also being constructed along with new roads.

The official detour for U.S. 52 while it is closed is Indiana 47 to Interstate 65 back to U.S. 52. But there is another route: 350 West to Indiana 47 back to U.S. 52. (Image courtesy of INDOT)

A diverging diamond is considered safer as it reduces potential crash points and instances of having to cross traffic, according to INDOT. The pattern also reduces traffic congestion by eliminating the left-turn phase of a traffic light cycle. However, it does require motorists to drive on the left side of the road for a period of time before shifting back to the right side.

The section of U.S. 52 is expected to be closed until November.

New nature exhibit open

news@youarecurrent.com

SullivanMunce Cultural Center’s newest exhibit features local artists and their interpretations of plant and animal life through various mediums.

The “Flora Fauna: Juried Art Show” is on display through July 11 at the cultural center. The exhibition highlights both established and emerging artists whose work reflect the richness, movement and beauty found in nature, according to a news release. A juried art show is a competitive exhibit with pieces selected by a panel.

Award winners include:

First place: Michelle Pokorny, Indianapolis

Second place: Gary Jursick, Zionsville

Third place: Gabriela Falconi, Richmond

Honorable mention:

Scott Miller, Zionsville

Michael Ahlrichs, Westfield

Brad Fields, Fishers

The exhibit featured a strong body of work that the juror elected to recognize artists overall rather than selecting in-

“Remembrance” by Zionsville resident Gary Jursick is one of the pieces featured in SullivanMunce’s “Flora Fauna: Juried Art Show.” (Image courtesy of SullivanMunce Cultural Center)

dividual artworks for awards, according to SullivanMunce Executive Director Cynthia Young.

“Many artists had multiple pieces that were equally compelling, making it difficult to single out one artwork over another,” Young stated. “Recognizing the artists as a whole felt like the most meaningful way to honor their talent and contribution to the exhibition.”

The exhibition is free and open to the public. For gallery hours and additional information, visit sullivanmunce.org.

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Hamilton County GOP wants election fraud investigation

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County GOP officials are calling for a criminal investigation into 10 fake signatures found on a petition to place former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on the November ballot for Indiana secretary of state.

Hamilton County GOP Chair Mario Massillamany said in a June 18 statement that Indiana State Police and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office should investigate and prosecute the person who submitted the fraudulent signatures.

The petition is part of an effort to collect the required voter signatures to add Ballard to the November election ballot.

“The irony cannot be overstated,” Massillamany stated. “Greg Ballard is running for the very office charged with protecting Indiana’s elections and a volunteer on his campaign has been caught committing election fraud. If you cannot run an honest petition drive, you have no business running the office that safeguards our elections.”

Ballard’s campaign released a statement in response, noting that the “rogue individual” has been removed from the campaign.

“This is the system working exactly the way it’s supposed to,” the statement added. “It’s why all signatures are verified by the counties and why each signature gatherer has to sign each petition sheet attesting to the validity of the signatures on it.”

Ballard’s campaign stated that the 10 signatures represent about .02 percent of the more than 35,000 collected and turned in so far.

Ballard served two terms as mayor of Indianapolis from 2008 to 2016. He is

running as an independent candidate. For more, visit gregballard.com.

Hamilton County Elections Administrator Beth Sheller confirmed that a nominating petition had included some potentially fake names.

“We had someone who dropped off many pages of petitions,” she said in an email.

“During the certifying of these signatures, we found one page that appears to possibly be fraudulent.”

Sheller said Indiana State Police picked up the petition about two weeks before the county GOP’s statement was released.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joshua Kocher said in a June 18 email he was aware of Massillamany’s statements related to the collection of signatures for a political candidate’s ballot access.

“The integrity of the election process is fundamental to our maintaining public trust in our democratic institutions,” Kocher said. “As with any allegation of criminal conduct, our office will review any information provided and work with the appropriate investigative agencies to determine if criminal charges are appropriate in Hamilton County. It would be inappropriate to comment further on any specific investigation at this time.”

Massillamany urged election officers throughout the state to carefully scrutinize all Ballard petition documents and called on the Indiana Election Division to flag and audit petition pages from the person who collected the fake signatures.

In a June 23 announcement, the Ballard campaign stated it had submitted about 64,000 petition signatures to county clerks – more than the 37,000 required – and would continue collecting signatures through the end of the month.

 World Food Championships tickets on sale — The world’s largest live cooking competition will take place Oct. 15-18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. Three hundred chefs, home cooks, pitmasters and culinary teams from around the globe will compete live across 10 championship categories. The Indianapolis Pizza Festival will take place Oct. 17 in concurrence with the event. A special combo ticket will grant visitors access to both events. For more and to purchase tickets, visit worldfoodchampionships.com.

COMMUNITY

ZIONSVILLE JULY EVENTS

LIVE MUSIC

Tege Holt and the Lonesome Pines will perform at 6:30 p.m. July 1 at the Tipsy Mermaid’s Summer Parking Lot Party. Holt is a Carmel High School graduate and country music artist who was named the 2025 Josie Music Awards Artist of the Year.

BLOOD DRIVE

The Bloodmobile of the Blood Center of Indiana will have a blood drive from 2:306:30 p.m. July 1 at the Zionsville American Legion, 9950 E. 600 S. Appointments can be made at donateblood.versiti. org/.../drive_schedule/11635988. Walkins are also welcome. Donors will receive a $25 electronic gift card.

LIVE MUSIC

Justin Monts, an Indiana singer and songwriter, will perform at 7 p.m. July 3 at The Scoop in downtown Zionsville. Music includes both original and cover songs and genres spanning decades.

BIG BOOM 5K

The Zionsville Run Club will have its Big Boom 5K at 8 a.m. July 4 at 30 N. Main St. There will be refreshments and pizza after the race. Participants can run or walk and there will be age group awards. Register at zionsvillerunclub.com or register the day of starting at 6:45 a.m. at Greek’s Pizzeria.

FARMERS MARKET

The Zionsville Farmers Market will be from 8-11:30 a.m. July 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 340 S. Main St.

YOGA AT THE PARK

Blossom Yoga + Pilates will have free yoga class at 9 a.m. July 4 at the Elm Street Green Lower Shelter. The class is for all levels. Participants should bring their own mat. There will be another session at the same time July 18.

LIONS CLUB FIREWORKS

The Zionsville Lions Club will have its annual fireworks show July 4 at Lions Park. Festivities start at 5 p.m. There will be food, live music and a DJ.

‘DRAG STORY HOUR’

Robert Goodman Jewelers will host “Drag Story Hour” from 1-2 p.m. July 11 at the store. All ages are welcome. The event is billed as family friendly.

LIVE MUSIC

The Indianapolis Symphonic Band with John Hilmer will have a free concert at 7 p.m. July 12 at Lions Park. The concert will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

LIVE MUSIC

Indianapolis-based smooth rock band Chirs Baird Trio will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 16 at the Zionsville Public House, 10615 Zionsville Road.

HOPE WALK

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America will host a fundraising walk at 11 a.m. July 18 at Mulberry Fields. The walk is part of the organization’s national fundraising event. Other walks will happen across the state. To register, visit give.hdsa.org/event/2026-indiana-statewide-team-hope-walk/e774419. The event is free to attend.

PAWS TO READ

Curious Squirrel Bookshop will host its monthly Paws to Read from 11 a.m. to noon July 25. Children can read to therapy dogs and practice their reading skills in a supportive, nonjudgemental setting. Registration is not required but can be done at tinyurl.com/4akcdv9r. The bookstore is at 120 S. Main St.

TOUCH A TRUCK

The Zionsville branch of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library will host a touch-a-truck event from 9-11 a.m. July 31, part of the library’s summer reading program. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a variety of emergency, construction and public service vehicles while meeting the professionals who operate them. The event is free and open. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information about touch-a-truck and other summer programs, visit the library’s events calendar at HMMPL.org.

DISPATCHES

 Portrait of Wishes Gala — The Indiana Wish Portrait of Wishes Gala is set for Sept. 19 at The Indianapolis Marriott North, 3645 River Crossing Pkwy. in Indianapolis. The event will celebrate the nonprofit’s 42nd anniversary and more than 3,600 wishes granted for Indiana children. The event will have a Roaring Twenties theme and will feature a Bourbon Trail featuring tastings from local and

national distilleries. Live and silent auctions, an outdoor cigar lounge and dancing will also be available. Tickets are $300. Learn more and purchase tickets at IndianaWish.org/events.

 Menards hosting food drive — Local Menards stores will serve as a drop site for non-perishable food donations for local pantries through July. Collection boxes will be at store exits.

COMMUNITY

Indiana nonprofit to explore Matters of Religion

news@youarecurrent.com

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Indiana Humanities has launched a multiyear project to explore the role of religion in Hoosiers’ lives and how religious liberty influences education, democracy and culture.

To lead the project, Indiana Humanities announced in a news release that it hired Terre Haute native Emma Crossen as its new director of religious initiatives. She has a master of divinity from Harvard Divinity School and a bachelor of arts, history and political science from Bethany College.

America’s founders valued freedom of conscience, how the meaning of religious liberty is negotiated and experienced by individuals and communities, and how curiosity about the reli gious lives of others can animate our commitment to freedom and strengthen the civic fabric of our state, the news release stated.

“Religious movements were early providers of humanities engagement in our state, spread ing literacy and bringing texts, arts and stories into communities as sources of connection, truth and mean ing,” stated Megan Telligman, director of programs at Indiana Humanities.

“The stuff of religion is the stuff of being human — how we seek truth, make meaning, understand right and wrong, and embrace or reject stories, traditions and institutions to find guidance and belonging in these endeavors,” Crossen stated. “Every person, family and community in Indiana has a story to tell about the matters of religion in their own lives. I’m excited to engage Hoosiers in programs that help us approach these stories with curiosity and respect.”

The goal of Matters of Religion is to bring Hoosiers together to explore why

“We lean on this tradition every day at Indiana Humanities, so it’s particularly fitting that we are embarking on this project to celebrate the ways that Hoosiers engage with religion, and to understand religious liberty as a vital condition for our collective thriving.”

Matters of Religion programs will in clude statewide grants to local libraries, museums, congregations, schools and other organizations; a traveling exhibition; speakers bureau; public conversations; and research fellowships.

A grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. supports Indiana Humanities’ religious liberty project.

For more, visit indianahumanities.org.

COMMUNITY

DOUBLE PLAY

Twin sisters close out softball careers with NCAA Tournament appearance

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Twin sisters Alicia and Victoria Flores have been inseparable nearly their entire lives.

Whether playing Little League softball at Lions Park, travel ball or high school ball, wherever one went, the other was never far behind.

“I would be like, ‘Oh, we’re a package deal,’” Alicia said.

So, it’s only fitting that they celebrated the final chapter of their college softball careers together.

Alicia and Victoria capped their college careers by playing in the regionals of the NCAA Division I college softball tournament. The Norse made the tournament following three-consecutive one-run wins to win the Horizon League Softball Championship for only the second time in school history.

NKU drew seventh-ranked Tennessee in its opening game of the NCAA Tournament at the Knoxville, Tenn., regional — the same opponent the Norse drew when they advanced to the tournament in 2023.

Alicia, one of the top pitchers for the Norse, held the Lady Volunteers to only three runs in a 3-1 loss. Victoria played left field. NKU was eliminated by Indiana the following game.

“It was great to go from our stadium and show what we worked for on a stage like Tennessee,” Alicia said. “I feel like it was a great end to my career.”

The sisters said they enjoyed the playoff atmosphere, the larger crowds and finishing their careers together. But it almost didn’t happen that way.

Alicia and Victoria’s paths diverged briefly following their standout careers at Guerin Catholic High School, where they led the Golden Eagles to a runner-up finish in the Class 3A state championship game in 2021.

Victoria committed to Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., the fall of her senior year. Alicia received an offer from NKU in Highland Heights, Ky., the summer before she went to college. She

originally committed to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

The occasion marked the first time the two were separated.

“I never played without her,” Victoria said. “I had never lived without her. It was really hard.”

Despite being more than 300 miles apart, they tried to keep things the same. They talked everyday and studied together.

“We were always together,” Victoria said. “We tried to make it like it was at home.”

Victoria transferred to NKU after her

freshman season when the Norse offered her a roster spot. She worked her way up from pinch runner to starting left fielder.

“I had to work really, really hard,” Victoria said. “And I don’t think I could have done it without (Alicia), because we did it together.”

The sisters were sophomores when the Norse won their first-ever conference tournament.

Alicia sat out most of the 2024 season because of injury. She took a redshirt, which guaranteed a fifth year of eligibility. Alicia realized she would finish

MORE ON THE FLORES SISTERS

teams in 2026.

At Northern Kentucky University, Alicia Flores was named to the Horizon League’s All-Academic Team twice. She also was selected to the Horizon’s League All-League and All-Tournament

Both Alicia and Victoria Flores were College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selections at NKU. They said their coaches supported their decision to pursue a biology major with a pre-med track.

“I feel like people sleep on the mid-major experience,” Alicia said.

her softball career without her sister — that was until a hand injury cut Victoria’s season short a few games later. She received a redshirt and fifth year as well.

“The cards had to fall just right for us,” Alicia said.

Today, the Flores sisters are back in Zionsville, where they spend a lot of time watching professional softball while finishing their graduate programs. Both were biology majors and plan to attend medical school.

Victoria said she’s leaning toward a family practice, like her dad. Alicia is interested in sports medicine after her injury experience.

Ideally, they’d like to enroll in medical school together.

“That would definitely be the goal,” Alicia said.

ON THE COVER:

Indy Opera set for final Lobster Palooza

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

This will be Indianapolis Opera’s 16th annual Lobster Palooza and will be special because it’s the last one. Indianapolis Opera General Director David Starkey said the rising cost of lobsters the last several years will force the organization to find a new signature fundraiser. Lobster Palooza is set for 6 p.m. July 11 at Basile Opera Center, 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis

“Lobster is a traded commodity around the world, so it is very volatile to global economic influences, which is a very interesting novelty of lobster,” Starkey said. “So, in our 16 years there have been periods where lobster is very available, it’s very affordable and there are times where it’s very expensive. It’s very expensive now and that doesn’t align very well when you are trying to raise money.”

Starkey said Indy Opera is welcome to new ideas people have presented to the organization.

“We need to put this theme aside and welcome the next theme, which is going to be around a festival idea, but build upon this great excitement that we have been able to influence for these last 16 years,” he said. “There’s still a lot of people that remember it fondly, but we need to grow into sort of the next evolution of how we partner with people.”

Starkey said there will be pictures and stories from the past about how Lobster Palooza started.

The idea came from Jimmy and Muffi James, who designed the event. Jimmy James, who died in 2021, owned 21st Amendment liquor stores. The opera supporters convinced NBA legend Larry Bird, then the Indiana Pacers president of basketball operation, and his wife, Dinah, to be honorary chairs.

“There were other celebrity people involved from the Pacers and the neighborhood,” Starkey said. “I was told that in the early years that people would come from other parts of the

country just to meet Larry Bird.”

The first Lobster Palooza was held in the back parking lot of the Basile Opera Center under a circus tent, the former site of GreekFest.

“Seventy percent of the people that visit our building will remember they attended GreekFest sometime in their lifetime,” Starkey said. “One of the things about (Indy Opera) doing Lobster Palooza outside and putting up the massive circus tent was to reflect on that festival environment that used to be on the property.”

Jimmy James’ mother was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which was formerly in the neighborhood. The church and GreekFest moved to Carmel in 2009.

Muffi James was on the Indy opera company board for more than 20 years.

The event was held at Daniel’s Vineyard in 2021 and 2022.

Indianapolis Opera purchased the building at the end of 2020 and started a renovation. But the previous owner sold the parking lot separately.

“In 2023, we redesigned the event to be part of the restored building, the historical renovation of it, and to incorporate the 1-acre footprint that we are on today,” Starkey said.

Starkey said the new theme will be announced later.

“I know we’ll have a festival environment in the summer and we’ll have singers,” he said.

For more, indyopera.org.

‘CINDERELLA’

“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Esque, Burlesque” is set for July 3, followed by 2000’s Night BBMak, a British pop trio, July 7 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘WAIT UNTIL DARK’

“Wait Until Dark” concludes July 1-5 (except July 4) at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

DISPATCH

 Carmel to become Songbook City — The City of Carmel is transforming into Songbook City next month to recognize the Carmel-based Great American Songbook Foundation and its work to preserve and celebrate the history of popular music. Founded in 2007 and headquartered at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, the Songbook Foundation is known for its preservation efforts through the Songbook Library & Archives and its annual Songbook Academy summer intensive. Running from July 6 to 31, the Songbook City activation will include the temporary substitution of select street signs with the names of music legends, such as songwriter Cole Porter and vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. This year’s Songbook Academy, which starts July 11 includes three public events at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, all of which will also be livestreamed: There will be a free public masterclass at 2 p.m. July 13 followed by Songbook Showcase at 7 p.m. July 16 and Songbook Academy in Concert at 7 p.m. July 18. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

ENTERTAINMENT

Indy Shorts features variety

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Indy Shorts Film Festival will have something for the tastes of all filmgoers.

“We have a wide range of world-class short films,” Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig said. “You are going to get a grab bag of different types of things, whether it’s a comedic short film made right here in Indiana or animated films that are meant for kids and some not meant for kids.”

Heartland Film announced June 25 Indy Shorts will feature 266 films across 40 theme programs, such as horror, comedy, love and dating, music and sports. The screenings, set for July 21-26, will be at the Indy Art Center, Living Room Theaters and Newfields. The films are 40 minutes or less, Sorvig said.

“We’re coming off a historic run with the most Oscar-nominated shortlisted films that we organically had at our festivals,” Sorvig said. “Every year we think, ‘How do we get bigger, how do we continue to grow?’”

“The Sinners” was Oscar-nominated as a live action short through Indy Shorts last year and went on to win the Academy Award.

Sam Davis, “The Sinners” director, will be honored with the Pioneering Spirit Award during Indy Shorts.

“It’s an honor we give somebody in the prime of their career,” said Sorvig, a Carmel resident. “(The award goes to) someone who meets our mission and is doing big things. We were extremely proud to have that film last year. We’re going to bring it back and have an encore of Oscar Shorts outdoors at the Amphitheater at Newfields. It’s a great homecoming for Sam and everybody else.”

Sorvig said there is a fun, Willy Wonka-type theme.

“With everything else going on in the world, you can kind of escape into this shorts candy factory,” he said. “You can see some great movies and do all that right here in Indiana. We just want films that can do more than entertain, something that can ignite

imagination or conversation, films that are very thoughtful and maybe expand on the expected genre. There are some big names in there, maybe people you’ve seen in movies or TV shows. Then there are ones that are true independent films with shoestring budgets.”

Sorvig said the magic of short films is that the filmmaker doesn’t need a huge budget to produce.

Comedian-actress Janeane Garofolo appears in “My Bird is Sick.” Comedian and actor Tony Cavalero stars in two U.S. premiere films, “American Rampage” and “Please and Thank You.”

Carmel filmmaker Ashton Gleckman’s world premiere of “Sylvia” focuses on the death of Sylvia Likens in 1965 in Indianapolis. Likens, 16, was tortured to death by her caregiver Gertrude Baniszewski and her children and some neighbors.

“Ashton does a really great job of bringing her legacy to this film and making sure people remember her,” Sorvig said.

Filmmakers are competing for more than $35,000 in cash prizes, including three $5,000 Grand Prize Awards. The three Grand Prize winners also will receive their Oscar qualifications in their designated categories at the July 25 awards program.

COMMUNITY VOICES

ZCS should explain funding issues

Editor,

It would be helpful if Current encouraged the Zionsville Community Schools administration team to rationally explain the exact projected revenue shortfall over the next five years and what steps the team has taken to reduce headcount, fringe benefit costs and other discretionary spending, which leaves a deficit that needs addressing. This would be much better than (ZCS Superintendent Rebecca) Coffman’s

approach of “I need $8 to $9 from the average homeowner/taxpayer for some number of future years or else I will have to lay off 1 of every 3 teachers, increase class sizes, etc.”

Most families and businesses have economic discussions whenever revenues don’t support expenses. It is time for the ZCS team to step up to the plate with some real explanations. (I) Would be happy to help.

Rich Klimek, Zionsville

Editor,

America is exceptional

Many have seen the viral videos of World Cup fans who have come to America for the first time and are amazed by our way of life. Some are amazed by the food, air conditioning and clean streets, while others are amazed by the friendliness, safety and the fact that we are a “high-trust society.” These videos serve as a great reminder that America truly is exceptional, and towns like Zionsville are a wonderful example of that. What has made America so exceptional? Three things: God, the Bible and Christianity. Unlike every other nation in history, America was founded and populated by those who were guided by biblical principles. God’s word influenced their work ethic, their family life, their desire for law and order, and their care for their neighbors. The “high-trust society” we still enjoy today is the direct result of the biblical, Christian culture that permeated America. It arrived with the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1620, spread across the continent and is still evident today in towns like Zionsville.

As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, I encourage everyone to take time to consider what has made America the greatest nation on earth. Please pick up a Bible, and don’t just read it — embrace it, believe it and put it into practice. Our nation has lasted these 250 years because of it, and it will last another 250 years only if we fear God and make His word the foundation of our lives. As the fourth U.S. president and “Father of the Constitution” James Madison said, “The future and success of America is not this Constitution, but the Laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.”

Happy Independence Day!

David Story, Zionsville

COLUMNISTS ON THE WEB

This week’s commentaries by Current Publishing essayist Terry Anker and humorist Dick Wolfsie may be read at youarecurrent.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

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.

briefly

16. Butler sports org. 17. I wanted to buy a pair of camouflage pants, but

20. Filming location

21. Still contending

22. Buenos ___

23. Lake County city

25. Actress de Armas

26. I used to hate facial hair, but ___

33. Repeat

34. UN workers’ agcy.

35. Objectives

37. “Evil Woman” band, for short

38. Puffy dessert

42. Meadow

43. IU basketball all-American Benson

45. Blackhawks and Blue Jackets grp.

46. Metallic sound

48. I used to play the piano by ear, but ___

52. Pacers’ tiebreakers, briefly

53. Trip odometer’s initial reading

54. Soft leather

57. Neutral shade

59. GI’s address

62. I never thought orthopedic shoes would work for me, but ___

66. Refuse

67. Santa’s laugh

68. Destroy documents, in a way

69. Historical periods

70. Brian Wilkes winter forecast

71. Rips

DOWN

1. WTTV military drama

2. In the past

3. Kind of point

4. Alphabet run

5. Salon01 offering

6. Big name in smooth jazz

7. Start of a play at The Cat

8. Disagreement

9. ___ Friday’s

10. “Popcorn Capital of the US”

11. Wound mark

12. Downfall

13. Hamilton County Council votes against

18. Scandal sheet fodder

19. Prefix meaning “billionth”

23. Safari sight

24. Puts on WIBC

25. MP’s quarry

26. Arduous journey

27. Singer Reddy

28. Budget, in brand names

29. Biathlon need

30. North Pole worker

31. 1954 basketball state

champ that inspired the movie “Hoosiers”

32. Revise

36. ___ Fifth Avenue

39. Burden

40. Sounds of hesitation

41. Off-the-wall feedback

44. 48 hours

47. Thai neighbor

49. Fla.-to-Calif. highway

50. Rob of “NUMB3RS”

51. Part of BYOB

54. “West ___ Story”

55. Addict

56. Sicilian volcano

57. PU business course

58. Salmon type

59. Gillette razor

60. Social equal

61. Hoosier Park postings

63. Some batters, briefly

64. Fishers winter hrs.

65. Revolutionary Guevara ANSWERS ON PAGE 23

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Northside

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