June 9, 2026 — Current in Zionsville

COMMUNITY

Optum Primary Care to close June 26

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

For the third time in a year, Zionsville resident Rose Conrad is looking for a new doctor.

Conrad received a letter in the mail last month informing her that her medical provider, Optum Primary Care, will close its Zionsville location June 26. Optum is at 10649 Bennett Parkway Ext.

A spokesperson with Optum confirmed the closure.

“As part of our commitment to making care more affordable, we regularly review services and staffing to meet patient needs and changing market dynamics,” the spokesperson stated. “Our priority is ensuring patients continue receiving care with minimal disruption and teams are working with our patients to transition care to other nearby Optum clinics or another provider of their choice.”

It’s the second Optum/American Health Network location, the other being in Lebanon, that has closed in Boone County this year.

Conrad saw the same doctor for many years at Optum before they left. She was assigned a new doctor, only to never see them before that practitioner left. Conrad saw Dr. Rina Patel twice for a Medicare checkup before receiving the notification.

“In the last year, I’ve been through three doctors there,” she said. “I don’t know what’s going on over there. It’s kind of a mess.”

The letter Conrad received listed several doctors from the Zionsville office who are leaving Optum altogether, including Patel who will practice at Franciscan Primary Care in Carmel. Conrad said Patel came from the now-closed

Lebanon location and many of her patients followed.

“It’s affected a lot of people,” she said.

All appointments with those providers after June 26 are canceled.

“It’s affected me greatly as a patient,” Conrad said. “I again don’t have a doctor for the third time in a year.”

Optum has closed or has plans to close several of its facilities across the country. In Indiana, patients of Optum’s Franklin office received a similar letter to Conrad last month. It will also close June 26.

Nationally, Optum closed 90 locations in New Jersey in November 2025. Other locations were closed in New York, Kansas City, California and Colorado. Local media reports described many of the closures as “abrupt.”

Dr. Elizabeth August, an associate chief medical officer for Optum, wrote

DISPATCHES

 Public opinion sought for basketball mural — A public survey open through June 14 asks the community to weigh in on three proposed designs for a mural to be painted at the new Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center. The 40-foot-tall mural is meant to honor women’s professional basketball. A callout for local artists has been narrowed down to three: Alex Ann Allen of South Bend, Siena Baldi of Indianapolis and Koda Witsken of Fishers. To vote, visit surveymonkey.com/r/IFSPC. The mural

will be painted in fall 2026. The facility is expected to open in spring 2027.

 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

in an op-ed last year cuts to Medicaid and Medicare are partly to blame as well as the federal government funding bill.

A spokesperson for Optum said patients are welcome to utilize one of Optum’s other locations. The health care network has locations in Carmel and on Marsh Road in Indianapolis. Directions were included with patient notices on how to request one’s medical records in the event they choose a different provider.

While Conrad said she enjoyed Patel, she’s going to try Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent on Ford Road. So is a friend of hers.

“Personally, I don’t want to drive 30 minutes to see a doctor,” Conrad said. It is unclear what will happen to the Zionsville location. A spokesperson said they weren’t sure.

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.

 Church rezone OK’d — A rezoning of property for St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church was approved by the Zionsville Town Council June 1. The rezoning will allow for the church to expand its operations to a property just north of its main campus at 6355 S. 950 East.

us

Founded March 20 2012, Zionsville, IN Vol. XV, No. 13

Copyright 2026

Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

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Cash: Funds address rape kit backlog

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

An infusion of state funding is helping Indiana State Police address a backlog of unprocessed rape kits at its crime labs.

State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) spearheaded legislation in 2025 that led to ISP receiving funds to test more kits. Funding went toward more robots for DNA analysis. A rape kit stores physical evidence such as hairs and bodily fluids and contains supplies such as swabs and glass slides.

obviously process more (evidence) … in general and rape kits,” Cash said.

Cash said the backlog was down to 482 as of May 27.

Cash’s legislation did not pass. The Senate did not vote on it, but the funding made it into ISP’s budget. Despite $2.6 billion being cut from the state’s budget, the line item for ISP was spared. Cash said it’s rare to secure funding without the language getting approved.

Cash said the backlog, which prior to the additional funding, ranged between 600 and 800 kits, was predominantly because the state’s crime labs don’t just process DNA for sexual assault cases. The court schedule also plays a part.

A sexual assault case needs forensics to go to court, but if another type of case already has a court date a rape kit gets put aside, according to Cash.

“By buying more robots, they can

Cash had hoped some of the funding could be used to pay the scientists who process the kits, to offer competitive wages, but the funds can only be used for infrastructure. Her bill would have allowed funds to be used for salaries.

“We will continue to work on that,” Cash said.

Cash said efforts to address the backlog have garnered national attention.

“Indiana went from bad to good,” she said. “This legislation really put us on the map in getting the backlog down.”

Cash said addressing the backlog will benefit victims, possibly exonerate the innocent and hopefully encourage

other sexual assault victims to come forward.

“We need to build trust in the system,” she said.

Cash requested the state legislature’s Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services to study the development and implementation of a statewide sexual assault response plan for law enforcement agencies. The goal is to have a consistent model in place across all agencies for when a victim come forward with sexual assault allegations.

“There is not a consistency between police departments and law enforcement agencies,” Cash said.

While some victims have had good experiences discussing their abuse with police, Cash said others have found it traumatizing.

“They were treated like they had done something wrong,” she said.

Additionally, Cash said there is work to be done to address the shortage of nurses who are qualified to administer a rape kit.

“It’s really looking at all things surrounding that,” she said.

DISPATCHES

 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.

 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 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.

 Zionsville Parks Board — The parks board meets at 7 p.m. June 10 at Zionsville Town Hall, 1100 W. Oak St. The parks board oversees maintenance and development of parks and recreation in Zionsville.

Portion of Ford Road to close

news@youarecurrent.com

The Ford Road bridge over Interstate 865 will be closed through late fall for a bridge replacement project.

Work was expected to begin on or after June 8. Ford Road will be closed around the bridge for the duration of the project. The detour will be Hunt Club Road, 850 East and 96th Street.

Because of the work, there will be overnight lane closures on I-865 underneath the bridge between I-465 and 850 East. Closures, will be from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., unless otherwise stated, include: June 9 (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.)

• One lane closed and rolling slowdowns on I-865 eastbound and westbound

• I-465 northbound ramp to I-865 westbound closed

• 20-minute stoppages possible June 10-11

• One lane closed and rolling slowdowns on I-865 westbound

• I-465 northbound ramp to I-865 westbound closed

• 20-minute stoppages possible June 12 (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.)

• One lane closed and rolling slowdowns on I-865 eastbound and westbound

• I-465 northbound ramp to I-865 westbound closed possible

• 20-minute stoppages possible June 13 (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.)

• One lane closed and rolling slowdowns on I-865 eastbound

• 20-minute stoppages possible June 14

• One lane closed on I-865 westbound For a full list of closures, visit youarecurrent.com

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THE CATHEDRAL CLASS OF 2026

Reported Scholarship Offers of More Than $65.6 million! WHERE IS THE CLASS OF 2026 GOING?

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Veteran coach takes ZCHS post

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Andy Weaver planned to retire after he stepped down as Plainfield High School’s boys basketball coach in March.

“I don’t know if there are very many scenarios that I would have gotten back into (coaching), but Zionsville is the perfect opportunity,” he said.

“With the Hoosier Crossroads Conference, Sectional 8, with the competition that they play and the administration at Zionsville, I just thought it was a great opportunity for me.”

Weaver was recently hired to replace J.R. Howell as the Zionsville Community High School coach after six seasons. Howell left to take an assistant coaching job with Iowa United Prep in Des Moines.

Weaver has worked with Josh Larsh, Zionsville’s co-athletic director, in the past.

“During my 15 years at Western (High School), Josh was on our coaching staff for a number of years,” he said.

Weaver, 60, has a 423-313 record in 32 years as a head coach, most recently the past 14 at Plainfield. He finished with 10 consecutive winning seasons at Plainfield, including finishing 22-3 last season. He started his career with three years at Pioneer High School.

Weaver taught math for 37 years and was ready for a break from balancing teaching and aching duties. At Zionsville, he will work with the physical education department.

“I’m looking forward to working with athletes during the day,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of energy left in the tank and think there’s some great things that can happen at Zionsville. Plainfield treated me well, but this is just a different opportunity.”

The Eagles were 13-11 last season, losing to Class 4A No. 1 Fishers in the sectional opener.

“Zionsville has some really good returning players and a JV team that was successful last year,” he said.

The Eagles return their top two scorers in Camden Moore, 13.5 points per game and Rylon Gore, 12.3 ppg. Both will be seniors.

Good Omen has Italian cuisine

By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com

Boone Village’s Good Omen is a small restaurant known for its wine selection and Italian-based menu.

Nicholas Gattone, the executive chef and co-owner, opened the family-owned restaurant with his mother almost three years ago after they felt the Midwest needed more inviting restaurants with unique menus.

“Restaurants in this country have increasingly gone more corporate,” Gattone said. “We really want people to come in and feel like they’re going to someone’s home, so my mom more or less knows everyone’s name who comes in.”

Gattone began his career in the food industry as a wine director and curates Good Omen’s drink menu. The restaurant offers 16 wines by the glass, approximately 210 wines by the bottle, three beers on draft, 21 canned or bottled beers, six cocktails, five sodas and four coffee-based beverages.

The menu features modern takes on traditional Italian recipes and changes

seasonally to incorporate ingredients from local farms.

“Our signature soup, ‘jota,’ comes from Friuli along the Slovenian border,” Gattone said. “There is only one other restaurant in the U.S. that serves jota, so (Good Omen) is kind of a unique place to try something that maybe you aren’t going to try anywhere else.”

Good Omen is at 65 Boone Village Rd. and is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or through its website for larger parties at goodomenindy.com.

Pulte project continued

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A proposed project for 209 homes along 300 South will not be considered by the Zionsville Town Council until at least July.

The town council voted to continue the matter — a rezoning request from Rural Single-Family (R1) to Rural Single and Two-Family (R2) — at its June 1 meeting.

Town Council President Jason Plunkett stated in a text message that more time was needed to ensure the board had enough information to make an informed decision.

Pulte Homes seeks to rezone 140 acres along 300 South between 800 and 875 East from Rural Single-Family (R1) to Rural Single and Two-Family (R2). (Image courtesy of HWC Engineering)

The Pulte Homes project would feature 209 single-family homes for the proposed Bradberry subdivision along 300 South between 800 and 875 East. The project went through several revisions at the Zionsville Plan Commission level, which narrowly gave a favorable recommendation in April.

The number of homes was reduced from the original 269 proposed. The subdivision would feature a new, side-loaded home series not offered by

Pulte in the Indianapolis market.

Some commission members voted against a favorable recommendation citing density and not enough landscaping buffers.

When the town council does consider the issue, it’ll likely be in front of a full crowd. The project has been opposed by some residents including for the use of production-style houses in an area that features custom homes on larger parcels of land.

ZCS weighs phone policy

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A new state law will prohibit students from using their cellphones during the school day, but how that’s going to look is unclear. In an update to the Zionsville Community Schools Board of Trustees May 18, Superintendent Rebecca Coffman said there are several questions about Senate Enrolled Act 78.

SEA78 prevents students from using cellphones and other similar electronic devices like tablets and some smart watches that allow for communication. It is a stricter law that attempts to keep students off their phones during the school day. A previous law prohibited students from having their phones in class.

SEA78, and the policies schools will implement, applies to the entire school day, or “bell to bell,” including lunch and passing periods. There are exceptions, such as for students with Individualized Education Plans, multilingual students who need language translation and those who need a device to manage a medical condition.

The law specifically requires cellphones to be inaccessible, although what that means is up to school districts to decide, according to Coffman. The superintendent said lawmakers intentionally left it vague so schools could decide whether that be in a secure storage container, bookbag, locker, car, etc.

The Indiana Department of Education is expected to release a model policy.

“I think we will get some clarification when we get the model policy, model procedures from the department of education,” Coffman said. “I hope that will be soon.”

Other questions remain about how the policy will apply to students who travel, whether on a field trip, to a work site for work-based learning or to the J. Everett Light Career Center.

“There likely are going to need to be well defined exceptions and procedures and protocols to meet those expectations,” Coffman said.

Event to offer plane rides

news@youarecurrent.com

The public can ride in a World War II-era plane at this year’s Indiana Wing Commemorative Air Force Barnstorming Days June 13.

The event at Indianapolis Executive Airport will allow attendees to purchase rides on World War II-training craft, including 1942 Vultee BT-13, 1943 Boeing Stearman, 1944 Fairchild PT26 and a North American AT-6D. The aircraft played a vital role in preparing American aviators for combat, serving as the trainers where thousands of WWII cadets learned the skills they would carry into war, according to a news release.

This year’s Barnstorming Days will celebrate the nation’s history and the Greatest Generation — those who grew up in the Great Depression and fought in WWII.

“As our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, this is a unique opportunity to reflect on the brave Americans — especially the World War II generation — who helped secure that freedom, while allowing today’s families to experience a living piece of that history,” stated

A Pediatrician’s Guide to a Safe and Healthy Summer

Mark Van Zant, development officer for the Indiana Wing CAF.

Twenty-five complimentary airplane rides will be provided to select Hoosier veterans, courtesy of a donation from Fedex. Veterans interested in participating can apply online at indianawingcaf. org/veterans.html.

The event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prices range from $225 to $325 per ride.

The Commemorative Air Force preserves and shares America’s military aviation heritage through aircraft restoration, public events and education outreach.

ZCHS STUDENT WINS SPEECH CONTEST

Nirdvaita Chandrana, second from left, a freshman at Zionsville Community High School, won the Indiana North District Optimist Oratorical Contest May 2 in Monticello. This year’s speech theme was “The Moment I Realized I Belonged — My Definition of Community.” Chandrana won a $2,500 scholarship and advances to the Optimist Oratorical World Championship July 16-17 at Saint Louis University in St. Louis. The speech competitions are through Optimist International, one of the largest service club organizations in the world. Also pictured are, from left, Indiana North District Oratorical Chair Kathy Nelson, Zionsville Optimist Club President Cara Fausett and Laura Harmon, a speech teacher at ZCHS. (Photo courtesy of Zionsville Optimist Club)

Dr. Lindsay Moore

Summer is here. For children, this often means long days spent swimming, riding bikes, playing outside, and enjoying family gatherings. As a pediatrician, I spend a lot of time discussing safety with families this time of year. A few simple precautions can help prevent injuries and allow everyone to focus on making great summer memories.

Helmets

Playing outdoors often means bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and roller skates. One of the easiest ways to protect your child is by making sure they wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride. Keep in mind that last year’s helmet may no longer fit. Children’s heads grow quickly, and a helmet that is too small or too loose may not provide adequate protection. The helmet should sit level on the forehead, about two finger widths above the eyebrows. The straps should form a “V” shape directly under the ears, and there should be about one finger width of space between the chin and the strap. Taking a few moments to check helmet fit can go a long way toward protecting a growing brain.

Water Safety

Water activities are a favorite part of summer,

but they also require constant attention. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in children and can occur quickly and quietly. Consider swim lessons to help your child develop confidence and strong swimming skills. Most importantly, never leave children unsupervised around water. I encourage families to assign a designated “water watcher”—a responsible, sober adult whose sole job is to actively supervise children in or near the water. If you want to socialize or relax, make sure another adult takes over that responsibility before you step away.

Sun and Heat Safety Summer sunshine is wonderful, but too much exposure can lead to sunburn, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses.

For babies younger than six months, keep them covered and out of direct sunlight whenever possible. For older children, use lightweight clothing that covers exposed skin, UV-protective sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every two hours, or more often after swimming or sweating. If your child has sensitive skin, consider sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Try to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors and encourage children to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Holiday Fun

For many families, summer celebrations include fire-

works around the Fourth of July. While fireworks can be exciting to watch, they are also a common source of serious injuries.

I recommend keeping children away from home fireworks whenever possible. Burns and injuries to the hands, arms, face, and eyes occur every year. Even sparklers, which many parents consider harmless, can reach temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The safest option is to enjoy fireworks at a professional community display.

I hope you and your family have a fun, healthy, and safe summer.

As a direct primary care pediatrician, I love that longer appointment times allow me to discuss these important safety topics in detail with families. Whether we’re reviewing safety or talking through age-appropriate activities, every child and family deserves personalized guidance. Having a physician who takes the time to answer questions and build a relationship with your family can help you approach summer—and every season—with confidence. Contact Information: FreedomDoc Westfield 15229 Westfield Blvd Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 763-2131

Congratulations To The UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026

Doyle Akin

Benjamin Alcantara

Cari Andrade Perez

Caroline Appel

Aspen Arnold

Liam Arnold

Duygu Arseven

Sruti Atluri

Gabriella Avila

Odie Bargeron

Adriana Barlow

Kothe Birge

Karmen Bond

Alexis Bow

Daniel Boytsov

Joshua Brady

Sidney Brittingham

Laurel Buttrick

Aaron Cahn

Sophia Cahn

Cooper Cammack

Lexi Canter

Lukas Canter

Ryan Castetter

Sarah Coleman

Sam Commons

Noah Cortez

Lady Carrington Craig

Gabby Culp

Sydney Culp

Sterling Davis

Tyler Davis

Patrick Dennis

Kendall Ehnes

Madie Encinia

Mack Feeney

Megan Gleason

Laurel Gough-McKeown

Blake Gray

Isabella Gray

Scout Griffiths

Paige Gross

Hannah Grubbs

Cael Head

Juana Helou

George Hennessey

Anya Hicks

Cora Hill

Styler Hogg

Max Holbrook

Reilly Housman

Delaney Hutchison

Annie Ingersoll

Vidhatri Iyer

Philip Jacobs

Jack Koschnick

Nirupama Krishnamurthy

Ked Laborsky

Riley Lawyer

Quin Litke

Bruno Lukin

Naaima Mahmood

Becca Masoncup

Josh McGee

Elizabeth Merisotis

Bella Miller Krigger

Amelie Mock

Faisal Mohamud

Cam Molina

Harris Nachlis

Simon Ngo

Leah Norvell

Rishi Paranjape

Kennedy Payne

Lindsey Porter

Gabe Pryor

Samantha Purdie

Nick Quinto

Caleb Reed

Finlay Reid

Meg Rohloff

Quincy Russell

Jacob Shearer

Jaiden Shin

Nick Shockley

David Simpson

Sophia Slapnicka

Abbie Smith

Audrey Southern

Lia Stennis

Stephenson

Caleb Stocker

Jordan Storey

Miles Suarez-Davis

Beckett Suh

Gillian Sutera

Annabel Swearingen

Sam Tarvin

Ben Wei

Emmett White

Aiden Williams

Nia Williams DJ Willis

COMMUNITY

Fill up that pitcher

Commentary by Donna Monday

A lady named Alma made my day at SullivanMunce Cultural Center. She was one of those blessed creatures we call volunteers, and when I introduced myself, she said something I hadn’t heard in years, if ever.

“Oh, I’ve always wanted to meet you,” she said. “You helped me raise my kids.”

Wow! What a gift. She said she loved my writing (another gift) and that she especially remembered a column I wrote years ago entitled, “You Can’t Pour Milk from an Empty Pitcher.” She said she’d read it one day when she was having a tough time and reading the column let her relax a little and take some time for herself. To go to her own well as it were, to fill up her pitcher so she’d have more to give.

I wish I’d known where that column was last week. I would have read it. It’s been a long winter, and my pitcher has been getting pretty low. Truth is, if my pitcher were a car, the gas gauge would have been on “E” with a red light flashing.

Thankfully, I remembered Alma and what she said I said, and I decided to go to my well. Funny thing about wells: They’re different for everybody. Some find their well at the ball park, others

at the mall or maybe on a hiking trail or a golf course. My wells almost always include water, and not in the metaphorical sense. I need actual water. If I can just find water to sit by, to dream by, to write by, I’ll be better. Life will be better.

Interestingly, I’ve discovered that, just like in the kitchen, the emptier the pitcher the more water is needed for a fill up. When my pitcher is half empty, a trip to Eagle Creek Park will do nicely. With the gauge on “E” and the red light flashing, big water was needed. Nothing less than a river would do. I knew just the place.

My little red car and I hit the backroads to the Ohio River, where we found a motel midway between my alma mater, Hanover College, and the river. Up the hill to the campus. Down the hill to the river. Sparkles on the water by day, one bright star by night and a pretty little moon.

My pitcher is full again, and my cup runneth over.

Donna Monday is a longtime Zionsville resident. She can be reached at dmonday8698@ gmail.com

Gym roof to be repaired

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

The varsity gym at Zionsville Community High School is set for an overhaul.

The Zionsville Community Schools Board of Trustees approved the project and expenditure at its May 18 meeting. The cost to replace the ballasted roof will be $235,200. A ballasted roof has a waterproof membrane held in place by layers of insulation and topped with gravel. The weight of the stones keeps everything in place and eliminates the need for glue or nails.

The project was awarded to Henry C.

Smither Roofing Company which has done work for the school district in the past. The project will also cost less than what was originally expected.

Superintendent Rebecca Coffman said the roof is 29 years old.

“It has certainly exceeded its expected life,” she said.

Included in the price is bird deterrent and possible updates to roof access, according to school board documents. The project’s timing is partly based on the locker room addition that is being built in the same area.

Funds come from a 2025 bond which did not impact the tax rate.

Enjoy an in-store discount of 20% off furniture & accessories, and 15% off all regularly priced decorative lighting all month long.

COMMUNITY

EAGLE PAGEANTRY

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Sam Robbins figured her days of competing in Miss Indiana were over, but she got a reprieve.

The 2016 Zionsville Community High School graduate will compete in the Miss Indiana competition set for June 17-20 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville.

Three other ZCHS graduates — Shaylee Barnes, 2021, Marin Davis, 2022; and Grace Branam, 2024, will join her.

“Last year, I thought it was my last year because the age limit was up to 27, and then a couple of weeks after Miss Indiana last year, Miss America made an announcement they were updating the contract, and when they did, that changed (the age limit) to 28,” Robbins said. “I feel like a special, unexpected gift I’ve been given to compete one last time because when I thought it was my last year (in 2025), I was putting too much pressure on myself. I was thinking, ‘What does life look like after pageantry?’ I had no idea. I didn’t become Miss Indiana last year and I realized life goes on. Life is beautiful, and I will still get to mentor the girls long after my involvement is done.”

Robbins has won 13 different titles and earned the Miss Metropolitan title in September 2025. She had three teen titles and now is in Miss Indiana for the 10th time.

“Becoming Miss Indiana is like a dream that so many of us share,” she said. “It would be a sweet cheery on top of this experience, but ultimately the experience is the win in itself.”

As she had for nearly all her competitions, the graphic designer and a dance teacher at Village Dance Studio will tap dance as her talent, and her community service initiative is “Party Smarty,” which encourages substance-free parties.

SHAYLEE BARNES

Like Robbins, Barnes already has a long connection with the Miss Indiana competition. She won three teen titles and is in the Miss Indiana portion for

the fifth time.

Barnes competed for her first title, Miss Fall Festival’s Teen in Zionsville, when she was 12 years old because she would be 13 by the state competition, She didn’t win, but in 2025, she finally won the Miss Fall Festival title

“It took me 10 years but I finally won,” she said. “It’s been a dream to have that title since I was that age because it’s my hometown title.”

Barnes is applying for a master’s program at Marian University to study biomedicine.

“I feel like every year there’s just something that pulls me back, the girls or the directors,” she said. “I just love the community and the organization. I see the girls outside the pageants, but I get the most interactions with them

through the organization.”

Barnes will sing “The Impossible Dream” in the talent portion. Her community service initiative is “MEDLIFE Movement,” which provides medicine, education and development for low-income families everywhere.

GRACE BRANAM

Branam graduated from University of Cincinnati in two years with a bachelor’s degree in child development and education. She started a job in medical software for a company called Butter coding.

“What helped me with that job is the Miss America organization and my community service initiative,” she said. “I coded my algorithm for my CSI, and that helped me strengthen my ability

with coding. My interview, networking and public speaking skills that I gained from Miss America helped me be a good spokesperson for our software.”

Her initiative is “1IN4,” which focuses on sexual assault education and resources. She created the algorithm with five questions when she was 16 and before she started in the Miss America organization.

“When I got involved with Miss America, it opened so many doors for me,” she said. “Having a crown on my head and sash, a lot more people would listen to me, and now my algorithm is implemented in three different major Indiana hospital systems and then four different major Indiana universities.” She will sing as her talent. In the past, she delivered a monologue.

“I’ve always loved singing, but I guess I had a fear or nervousness to do it on stage,” she said. “This year, I’m facing my fears and I’m going to be singing ‘Pool’ by Samia. It’s a song dedicated to one of my hospice patients that I work with.”

Davis is competing in Miss Indiana for the first time.

“I grew up attending the pageant and its events in Zionsville, and I can’t wait to come full circle by being on the other side of it,” she said. “I have been involved in the world of pageantry for many years, as I am a past Indianapolis 500 Festival Princess and previously served as Miss Boone County 2024.”

Her community service initiative is “Awareness in Action: Fighting to End Blood Cancer,” and her talent is “HerStory,” self-written monologue.

A 2026 Purdue University graduate in political science, Davis plans to take a gap year before attending law school.

GO FRAMELESS

Bank opens at The Farm

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A bank is the newest addition to the fast-growing development The Farm in Zionsville.

Stock Yards Bank & Trust opened its first Zionsville branch May 28 at 11521 Sylo Crossing with a ribbon-cutting celebration, marking the bank’s seventh branch in central Indiana and the first for the northwest side of Indianapolis.

“It’s just a good location,” said Paula Moan, market president for Stock Yards Bank. “It’s right on the border of West Carmel.”

Moan said the branch will likely draw customers from the west side of Carmel while also serving Zionsville. Stock Yards’ Carmel branch is off of U.S. 31 and 116th Street.

“We always were getting a lot of people coming in asking for a Zionsville location,” Moan said.

Stock Yards had a soft opening about a week before its official opening celebration.

Lobby hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customers also will have access to an interactive teller machine from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The bank offers investing services and medical and dental lending. Its Carmel branch offers a private banking group that is trained on more-sophisticated banking practices. Moan said it’s a service Zionsville could offer in the future.

Stock Yards Bank was founded in Louisville in 1904 and operates more than 70 branches across Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.

Moan said Stock Yards is looking to expand in Westfield and Fishers.

Meineke car repair shop approved for Oak Street

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

A Meineke car repair shop is coming to Oak Street after it received approval from the Zionsville Plan Commission May 18.

The 5,000-square-foot auto shop will be at 1584 W. Oak St., next to a planned expansion of Zionsville Self Storage. The project was made possible by owner of the Self Storage business, Sam Scheidler, who had the lot rezoned ear-

lier this year. The property will be split into three sections with the self storage expansion occupying one of the other lots.

Stipulations were put in place previously during the rezoning process to make Meineke a good fit for the area as the property is just south of a neighborhood. Those include: All work must be done with bay doors closed, tools that limit how much noise is emitted and shifting the building south to give more space between it and homes to

the north. It will be the only Meineke shop in Zionsville. The next closest is at the intersection of 86th Street and U.S. 421 in Indianapolis.

The plan commission also approved a development plan for the Zionsville Self Storage expansion at its May 18 meeting and the splitting of the parcel into three lots.

Scheidler intends to build a 10,000-square-foot addition for his business.

Congratulations, Dr. Christina Kim, Breast Surgical Oncologist, and the team behind this first for women in Indiana.

Celebrating a breakthrough in breast surgery

With one small incision, Christina Kim, MD, just brought the leading edge of breast surgery to Ascension St. Vincent Fishers.

The first ever performed in Indiana, this new approach combines a single-port robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, immediately followed by reconstruction by a plastic surgeon. This procedure is designed to support a more natural appearance with fewer procedures and a smoother recovery. Thank you, Dr. Kim and the entire team, for leading the way for women in our community.

Scan or call 317-406-5433 to book a first consultation or get a second opinion

Ascension Medical Group St. VincentFishers Breast Care

13914 Southeastern Parkway, Suite 302 Fishers, IN 46037

Not everyone has same experience

Editor,

Before moving to Zionsville and building a home at U.S. 421 and 300 South, we read the U.S. 421 Overlay District guidelines, which were intended to give input on what establishments were permitted along U.S. 421. The guidelines did not allow such things as drive-thrus, liquor stores, underground petroleum storage (gas stations) and car washes. Satisfied with the exclusions, we proceeded with building a home at that location.

Within the last six years, as Appaloosa Crossing has been developed, Zionsville has literally put in every type of business the overlay district prohibited. It turns out, the U.S. 421 Overlay District guidelines are a joke, and the town council and zoning committee have no intention to follow them. Instead, they amend them or provide exceptions each time a prohibited business asks. I now live across the street from a drive-thru, liquor store and gas station, and just read in Current that the Crew Car Wash was approved even though neighbors opposed it.

While I often read how others love this community and have pride in Zionsville, please know that not everyone has had that same experience here.

Juli Erhart-Graves, Zionsville

 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.

BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Commentary by Larry Greene

This Noblesville outdoor living project transformed an exposed deck into a comfortable covered porch, creating a destination for relaxing and entertaining.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Replaced the existing open deck with a spacious covered porch addition.

• Installed low-maintenance Trex decking for lasting beauty and durability.

• Added a vaulted wood ceiling to bring warmth and architectural interest.

• Created a striking fireplace feature using materials from Classic Stone.

• Integrated lighting, ceiling fan, and mounted television for year-round enjoyment.

• Expanded outdoor living space with seamless access from the home.

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.

Noblesville home gets new porch retreat

Crime Unfiltered event features Petito case

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Nichole Schmidt experienced every parent’s nightmare when her daughter went missing.

Travel vlogger Gabby Petito, 22, was killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundre, while traveling across the U.S. in a van. The trip began July 2, 2021, and Petito disappeared Aug. 27. Laundrie drove the van home to Florida and wouldn’t answer questions about her whereabouts. He later died by suicide a few days before Petito’s remains were found Sept. 19, 2021, in Wyoming.

Petito’s case drew nationwide attention on shows such as “Dateline,” “20/20,” “48 Hours” and a Netflix three-part documentary series. Schmidt will take part in a “Crime Unfiltered” event at 7:30 p.m. June 18 at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre in India napolis. Joining Schmidt will be Gabby’s stepmother, Tara Petito. Among the other pan elists is John Ramsey, whose daughter Jon-Benet Ram sey was killed in 1996. Her murder remains unsolved.

“It’s kind of an interesting dy namic for peo ple to be able to come and be so close to us and hear it from our mouths be cause a lot of what they see is media driven or it’s from the creators on podcasts

and sometimes all the information isn’t factual,” Schmidt said. “They might have perceptions of us that aren’t true. They look at us in a different light. We are real families. They are real tragedies that happened to us. We all advocate to prevent this from happening to others,”

Schmidt said there will be a Q & A session.

“It’s important to be able to communicate with people and let them understand that what happened to us is not an anomaly,” she said.

Moab City (Utah) police responded Aug. 12, 2021 to a domestic violence call and Petito was sobbing. Because Petito claimed she hit Laundre first, she was deemed the primary aggressor. A 911 caller had reported a man hitting a woman. Neither wanted to press charges and they were simply separated for a night.

“We feel Gabby’s life would have been saved if she was given a lethality assessment, which is a series of questions that police officers would ask when approaching a domestic violence situation, which is very dangerous for them as well,”

Schmidt said. “So, we push for states to mandate this lethality assessment. We don’t care if they use that one, there are different danger assessments.”

Schmidt said advocates want states to get the training to use it properly, so they can get victims into

the hands of advocates that help them create a safety plan or make them realize they are in a lethal situation.

Schmidt said Gabby’s dad, Joe Petito, worked with law enforcement officials to create a committee for Florida.

“We don’t care if it’s called the Gabby Petito Act, it doesn’t matter as long as they are using it,” she said.

Schmidt said they’ve also helped states pass missing persons acts across the nation to help law enforcement agencies share the information more broadly on missing people.

“It’s something that we hope helps locate missing people faster,” she said.

Schmidt said there should be domestic violence registries similar to sex offender registries. She said Gabby’s case drew attention because of the video footage available from the trip.

“Everybody that saw on screen connected with her and thought this girl seemed so sweet and so kind,” Schmidt said. “Gabby was also tough and she stuck up for people. She wasn’t afraid to speak up to what was right. She had a really great backbone and I think Brian broke that down because the Gabby I saw in the Moab video was not who Gabby is. She is not the kind that’s going to take responsibility for something she didn’t do and apologize for being mean because I know she wasn’t mean.”

Schmidt said the FBI told the family that it was the biggest missing person case they had ever worked on.

“I do feel like it’s Gabby in her spirit and she wasn’t going to let Brian not be held accountable for this,” she said. “I think that was her doing. She did want to be a famous vlogger. I said, ‘You did it, Gab, everybody knows your name now.’ We miss her so much, but we’re so grateful that we had the outcome we did because we work with families that their loved ones are never found and we get to bring her home and have her with us.”

For more, visit crimeunfiltered.com.

Nichole Schmidt, mother of murder victim Gabby Petito, is one of the speakers at a “Crime Unfiltered” event in Indianapolis at 7:30 p.m. June (Photo courtesy of Crime Unfiltered)

‘CINDERELLA’

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

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Bubbles Up! Let’s Celebrate,” a celebration of Jimmy Buffett, is set for 7:30 p.m June 12 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘CHESS’

Civic in Concert will feature music from “Chess” at 7 p.m. June 13 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘DESCENDANTS’

The Carmel Community Players Rising Star production of Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” is set for June 12-21 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

‘THE GERMAN TROPICS’

“The German Tropics” is set for June 10-14 and 17-21 at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

 Discovering Broadway concert set — Discovering Broadway, a pre-Broadway incubator, has announced the stars and concert date for the untitled Zack Zadek musical, which is part of their inaugural musical commissioning initiative, newly named First Listen. Sophia Anne Caruso (“Beetlejuice” on Broadway, Netflix’s “One Piece”) and Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Justin Jesso (Stargazing) will lead the June 26 concert event, presented in collaboration with The Cabaret in Indianapolis. For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org.

Fox whiskey debuts

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Fox is on the run again.

That would be Winston A. Fox, the stuffed fox mascot of St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis.

Journeyman Distillery and Rare Saint Whiskey, a part of Huse Culinary, have partnered to create a new whiskey named after the iconic fox.

The whiskey will debut June 16 at a dinner at St. Elmo, followed by a dinner June 19 at Journeyman in Valparaiso.

“It’s been a great partnership with Huse over the years and certainly we view (St. Elmo) as Indiana’s most iconic restaurant, so it’s a real treat to be able to partner with it,” Journeyman owner Bill Welter said.

This is the second whiskey featuring Winston A. Fox. Welter said several years ago there was a blend of Journeyman’s five rye whiskeys.

The one is called Winston A. Fox: The Story of Six Fine Ryes.

“The first one we had like 300 bottles, and this one will be a little more widely distributed, and I think we’re going to have around 1,000 bottles,” Welter said.

Welter said they are popular collector items. The people attending the dinner will have a chance to buy bottles.

The whiskey will have six blends, adding Rare Saint’s rye whiskey. The six uniquely different rye whiskies are composed of whiskey aged 10, 8, 8, 7, 5 and 5 years, respectively, and were finished together for an additional nine months in Madeira casks. It is being released at 100 proof.

The bottles are $89,99 and available for purchase at all Huse Culinary restaurants, including 1933 Lounge in Carmel and Fishers.

Hot Summmer Nights

The Journeyman dinner will include St. Elmo’s famous shrimp cocktails and Linz steaks, which St. Elmo uses.

Chris Clifford, vice president of business development for Huse Culinary and Rare Saint partner, said Winston A. Fox is in the 1933 Lounge at St. Elmo. He was stolen once but returned the same night after a news report.

“Winston A. Fox is exactly the kind of project Rare Saint was built for – an exceptional whiskey, a great meal and a story worth pouring,” Clifford said.

Clifford expects the Winston A. Fox whiskey to sell quickly.

“We’ll have it until we run out,” Clifford said. “We don’t have anything left of the first batch.It’s been gone for years.”

For more on the Indianapolis dinner, visit winston-bourbon-dinner-zzbu8. tripleseattickets.com/registration/select. For more, visit journeyman.com.

Hi, I’m Brian. I do the marketing. If you’re reading this, we’re basically besties. I’ll take $50 off* your tree! Use online code: BESTIES

PUZZLES

benefactor

14. Fool

15. Where the book “The History of Zionsville, Indiana” recently sold for $17.01

16. Pulitzer-winning film critic

17. Angela Buchman weather spring forecast, often

18. Viral phenomenon

19. Aesop specialty

20. Remove from the ground

22. Pop fan?

23. Dish in a lab

24. Yachting event

28. NHS 12th graders

29. One-pointer in horseshoes

33. Victory Field statistic

34. Clergyman

35. Wear away

37. Hamilton East Public Library summer reading program...and an additional clue for the answers in the colored squares

40. Black-and-white cookies

41. Very dirty

42. In the past 43. Gloomy

44. Beast of burden

47. It was “born” in 1961 as a mate for Barbie

50. Greek column style

52. Lennon’s love

53. Short narrative

56. Exhume

59. ___ exam

60. Norse god of war

61. “Stars and Stripes Forever” composer

62. Chest muscles, for short

63. Actress Russo

64. Piano specialist

65. Bit of fiction

66. Sound from a leaky tire DOWN

1. Current space sellers

2. Persuasive sort

3. Decrees

4. Sub detector

5. Disaster relief org.

6. “Yeah, right!”

7. America: “A Horse With No ___”

8. Salon01 color

9. Clear a windshield, perhaps

10. 21st-century US president with a Noble Peace Prize

11. Kan. neighbor

12. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard

13. GPS suggestion

21. Ritzy retreats

22. Large body of eau

24. Remember

25. Son of 60-Across

26. Neat

27. Had the crab cakes at 101 Craft Kitchen

30. Always, in verse

31. Like Dickens’ Dodger

32. Zero, to Nero

34. Lilly’s David Ricks’ pos.

35. Kind of cuisine

36. Mr. Rogers on Trigger

37. Craving

38. Glowing gas

39. Sault ___ Marie

40. Hoosier National Forest tree

43. ___-mo

44. Battery terminals

45. Some peaceful protests

46. Westfield Playhouse play parts

48. Dump water on

49. Comparable (with)

51. Unpleasant smells

53. Region

54. Table salt, to a chemist

55. “If all ___ fails...”

56. Summer hrs.

57. Debtor’s letters

58. Rev

59. Choose ANSWERS ON PAGE 27

WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES

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Seasonal Landscaping and maintenance position. Two available. Location: 146th St & Towne Rd. in Carmel

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