• Congratulations to the Beech Grove Hornets, who are State Champions in Class 3A! They beat Mishawaka Marian 53-43 on March 26 for their first State Championship, ending the season 22-6.
• Kudos are also in order for Indianapolis Cathedral, who celebrated their first State Championship in class 4A on the same day, beating Chesteron 65-31. Cathedral finished the year 26-6.
• Market Street, 10th Street, Vermont Street and Central Avenue will remain closed through mid-April to allow for bridge construction. Work being performed includes bridge demolition, MSE wall construction and beam erection. Lewis Street and Ohio Street are closed through mid-May as well. For a full list of current closures and the detour routes, visit the Local Streets page, https://northsplit.com/maps/local-streets/
• Congratulations to Arts for Lawrence Executive Director Judy Byron, who recently announced her retirement. She has lead the organization since 2012, and has done a remarkable job bringing arts and culture to Lawrence. She was instrumental in getting funding and recognition for the Theater at the Fort, and the Fort Ben Cultural Campus on Otis Ave. Her official retirement will be September of this year. Arts for Lawrence is seeking a new Executive Director.
• Purdue Polytechic High School Englewood had a big win recently with two wins and two championships in robotics competition. Their suPURDUEper Robotics squad is undefeated and heading to the State Meet at Rose Hulman, then maybe to Houston to compete in World Finals. Congratulations to these amazing students!
• First Friday is upon us, and Irvington will be in full swing from 5 p.m. on at Hampton Designs, the Irving Theater, Frontdoor Home Design, Beth Clary Art Gallery, and Irvington Vinyl and Books. The Hope Art Auction will be happening in the Lodge (corner of E. Washington and Johnson) from 6-9 p.m., and proceeds will benefit NAMI Indiana, which helps people living with serious mental illness. Register early for the auction at 32auctions.com and search for the H.O.P.E. Art Project. The Circle City Industrial Complex, 1125 Brookside Ave. will be open, as will the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware. A spot you might want to check out is the Jungclaus Mill at 825 Mass Ave. with the Herron School’s presentation In the Round, a ceramics, sculpture, and furniture exhibition.
• On Saturday, April 16 at 10 a.m. at Lawrence Community Park, there will be a Spring Fling, with Easter Egg Hunt, crafts for kids, and fun for the family. The park is located at 5301 N. Franklin Rd.
• The Benton House is having an Egg-Stravaganza on Saturday, April 16 from 10-11 a.m. Kids can hunt for treat-filled eggs hidden in the historic gardens, pose with the Easter Bunny, and enjoy some fun. The event is free, but a donation would be appreciated. The Benton House is located at 312 S. Downey Ave.