Weekly View

This Week’s Issue: Aug. 21-27

Weekly View — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:00:55 +0000

Recovery Begins After Historic Flooding in Indiana

Weekly View — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:11:34 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — The heavy rains began on August 12, when a powerful storm system dumped several inches of rain in the eastern and central parts of the state. The rain didn’t let up until August 15 in many areas, with a total of 11-17 inches falling in Henry County. Rain fell into tributaries to the White River, then into the river itself at a record rate. A day or two later, closer to Indianapolis, Muncie and Anderson saw river levels rise to 24 feet, surpassing the levels of the historic 1913 flood. Noblesville and Fishers saw flash flooding before the waters moved south. On Saturday, August 15, rain continued to fall, and Indianapolis Dept. of Public Works shut the flood gates at Broad Ripple, Rocky Ripple, and other locations along the White River. Residents of Ravenswood and Rocky Ripple neighborhoods were urged to evacuate the area. As the crest traveled south, parts of Morgan County flooded, and at least a dozen residents had to be rescued. Officials have stated that the flood that has, at this writing, killed seven people, is the worst on record
The storms and flooding have resulted in evacuations, damaged homes and infrastructure, and emergency rescue operations across central Indiana. Among the impact in Indianapolis neighborhoods:
• 56 rescue operations conducted by the Indianapolis Fire Department, involving approximately 100 people and 48 pets
• Hundreds of residents were evacuated from homes across central Indiana
Part of Hazel Dell Parkway bridge in Carmel was washed away, and the Martin Marietta quarry flooded. River Road Apartments had to be evacuated due to erosion from the floods destabilizing the foundations. Fall Creek Parkway, Millersville, and many other roads were closed due to flooding.
In addition, Governor Mike Braun announced that the federal government intends to approve the Governor’s request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration. The approval makes up to $5 million in federal assistance available to support emergency response efforts across Indiana.
The federal declaration will help cover eligible emergency response costs, including many of the operations already underway across Indiana.
Volunteer organizations will be on the scene for some time to help residents recover. For information about FEMA assistance, community resources, and more, visit indy.gov

2026 Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest Winners Announced

Weekly View — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:10:29 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture announced the winners of the 2026 Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest . This contest, in its 18th year, features photos which are a powerful testament of this hardworking community and the invaluable contributions of our Hoosier farmers.
The winning photos were chosen from hundreds of entries in the following four categories: Agritourism, Conservation, Faces of Agriculture and On the Farm. Two winners were selected from each category, along with two winners overall.
To be considered, the photo had to be taken in the state by an Indiana resident. The photos were evaluated by a panel of independent judges based on creativity, composition and category representation.

Library Sets New Summer Reading Record

Weekly View — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:10:26 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public Library is celebrating a record-breaking 2026 Summer Reading Program, with more than 27 million minutes read by kids, teens and adults.
This year 28,992 kids, teens and adults took part in the 107th Summer Reading Program, which ended on August 1. Readers devoted 27,606,252 minutes to reading while earning prizes generously donated by community sponsors, far surpassing the Library’s goal of 22 million minutes read.
A total of 22,574 kids participated in the 2026 Summer Reading Program. For the sixth consecutive year, kids kept track of the amount of time spent reading instead of the number of books read. This allowed participants of all reading levels to have an equal opportunity to earn prizes such as free passes to local attractions such as The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Haunted House, Royal Pin Bowling, The Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis Indians Baseball, The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, IU Indy Basketball, Indianapolis Indians Baseball, a coupon for a free Penn Station Kids Meal, books, toys and more. Prizes were earned at milestones of reading for 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours and 20 hours.
In addition, more than 6,844 kids attended free summer programs such as our Zoo Explorers with the Indianapolis Zoo, Robotics Club with Kids Explore Robotics and Field Day at the Library with Amazing Athletes.
A total of 6,418 adults took part in Adult Summer Reading, where they tracked time spent reading, completed activity challenges, and earned prizes. In addition, 502 adults attended free summer reading programs, including Magic: The Gathering, Mahjong, and Trivia at the Library.
Throughout the Summer Reading Program, kids and families dropped off new and gently used books in donation bins at Library locations. This allowed participants to give back to the community by donating more than 695 books to Listen to Our Future, an organization dedicated to equipping youth to make long-lasting changes in their communities through education, empowerment and social action.

Art Squared Returns to Fountain Square in September

Weekly View — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:10:09 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — Art Squared, Fountain Square’s longest-standing arts festival, is always on the third Saturday of September. This year the event will be on September 19th, 11am to 5pm, with the annual Masterpiece in a Day competition beginning at its traditional 9 a.m. start time. Logistically, organizers are undeterred by ongoing road construction in the neighborhood.
“Art Squared” is the all-encompassing name for one event made up of several main activities: The Art Squared art vending area, the Masterpiece In A Day (MIAD) competition, and new this year, a silent auction of previous years’ MIAD winners with all funds raised going toward future Art Squared events, and a Kids Zone inside the Murphy Arts Center.
Masterpiece In A Day predates Art Squared, going back over a quarter of a century, in various iterations, in and around Fountain Square. Artists gather between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to begin creating their masterpiece, with all art media welcome. All work must be turned in by 3 p.m. The work will be judged by representatives of the local art community, and cash prizes awarded to the top three winners. Masterpiece In A Day is free to enter, and all participants must bring their own supplies. Winners will be announced at 4pm. For more information on participation in MIAD, please see https://indyarts.org/opportunity/masterpiece-in-a-day-competition-2026/
This year, the Murphy Arts Center will be a hub of activity anchoring the Virginia Avenue section of the festival. It will act as the MIAD headquarters, and will host the silent auction, and a Kids Zone with a BRIDGE Collective-backed color-by-number community art project.

Mayor Proposes $1.89 Budget for 2027

Weekly View — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:09:51 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — Recently, Mayor Joe Hogsett proposed the budget for fiscal year 2027 that totals about $1.89 billion, about 11% more than the 2026 adopted budget. The Department of Public Works would get a $335.3 million bump, up nearly $78 million from the 2026 budget. Improvements for the coming year include a new roundabout at 46th Street and Mitthoeffer Road, improvements to the Pleasant Run Greenway from the White River to Ellenberger Park, and converting one-way streets to two-way streets downtown. DPW will also spend $15 million for renovations to its largest operations garage on West Street.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department will also be given enough to fund 1,743 positions. The current force is short roughly 350 officers. IMPD will also have money for new fleet vehicles and $12.5 million for a new north district headquarters. The current north district facility is located on East 30th St.
The budget also includes about $72 million for housing initiatives next year, including the city’s Streets to Home and Eviction Diversion programs. Streets to Home is a rapid rehousing program to get unsheltered people into housing quickly. The Eviction Diversion Program provides resources to tenants facing eviction. The city will continue funding the Assessment & Intervention Center, which assesses people for mental health and substance use disorders and refers them to treatment.
There will also be raises for staff. including a 3% cost of living raise for non-union city staff, and 3%-4% raises for union staff. Mayor’s Action Center and Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency employees will receive 10% or more after those departments unionized
This year, the city expanded the clinician-lead community response program to cover the entire county. The city will continue to fund the county-wide program next year. In addition, the budget includes an increase of 20% to the Indy Parks facility maintenance budget.
Public hearings will be held on each department’s budget in the months ahead. The council will hold a public hearing on the full budget on Monday, Oct. 5, and will hold a vote on Monday, Oct. 19.

Shakespeare, Thunder, and Girl Scout Cookies – IndyFringe Favorites

Mary Beth Kuhns — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:09:45 +0000

The IndyFringe Festival has been in full force this week, celebrating its 21st year with 63 different shows, each with multiple performances at several theaters in the Mass Ave Cultural Arts District. Many shows will continue into this weekend, through Sunday, August 23. With everything from musical comedies, dance performances, classical music, and Shakespeare to comic monologues, interactive improv, and experimental dramedies, the IndyFringe festival is an eclectic celebration of the performing arts, with a little something for everyone.
The “must-see” show at this year’s festival is the musical comedy “Scout’s Honor” written by Matt Kramer, directed by Rob Johansen, and choreographed by Emily Bohannon. This Defiance Comedy production is full of catchy tunes, hilarious dialogue, fun costumes, and impressive choreography. The cast is absolutely fantastic, full of enthusiasm and talent. Johansen also plays the old timey small town judge in this courtroom drama spoof that takes a comic look at the cutthroat capitalism of Girl Scout cookie sales. Whether you’ve been a Scout or troop leader, known a Scout, owed money to a Scout, or even just heard of Girl Scout cookies, this show will have you laughing out loud. But leave your young Scouts at home unless you want them learning colorful new words; this show is rated 16+. There are two more chances to see “Scouts Honor” at the District Theatre Main Stage, on Sat, Aug 22 (9:30 pm) and Sun, Aug 23 (3:30 pm).
Several other notably good shows have already come and gone. “Female Troubles” was a fun musical comedy cabaret full of laughs and a few relatable tears. The ensemble cast, which included writer Elle Tyler, were all very talented performers, singing their stories beautifully.
Another highlight of the festival was the dramedy “A Distant Sound of Thunder” written and produced by Eric Bryant. Set in New York City during a black out and heat wave, this story explored friendship, tension, trust, politics, and LGBTQ themes. It was funny, edgy, timely, and intense. Plus it made wonderful comedic use of the F word. It had an important moral, summed up in a line delivered by the good neighbor Bill character, played by local actor Steve Kruze. “We’re neighbors, ok? We gotta look out for each other; especially now.”
And last but not least, Fringe favorite Tim Mooney has returned with a ‘Breakneck” version of Shakespeare’s most popular comedy. “Breakneck Midsummer Night’s Dream” is nothing short of hilarious, full of sexual innuendo and the bawdiest jokes from the late sixteenth century. Departing from his usual one-man- show format, Mooney has assembled a cast of talented comedic actors from across the midwest, including Indianapolis’s own Matt Anderson. Practicing over Zoom for months, the cast only figured out staging when they met up in person, days before opening night. But the action came together perfectly, with the exception of a couple of fallen crowns. Obviously quite gifted in physical comedy, the entire cast pulled off an amazing performance. As always, “Breakneck” is the best way to watch Shakespeare. Don’t miss it. “Breakneck Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs for three more performances at the District Theatre Main Stage, including Thurs, Aug 20 (9:30 pm), Fri, Aug 21 (9:30 pm) and Sat, Aug 22 (5:00 pm).
IndyFringe tickets are $22 ($16 for Child/Student/Senior) per show with discounts for “flex passes” and day-of-show “rush tickets” and are available on-line and at the door. Each show is 45-60 minutes in length and it is easy to see multiple shows in one day. Check out IndyFringe.org to buy tickets, view the schedule, browse shows by genre or find family-friendly suggestions. There are still a lot of great shows coming up this weekend, and the IF Theater has productions year-round.

“Ring of Fire” at Beef & Boards

Weekly View — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:09:42 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — Celebrating the legend that is Johnny Cash, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre welcomes six new talented performers who will join a few veterans of its stage for Ring of Fire, opening Aug. 27.
Indiana University and Lawrence Central High School graduate Devin McDuffy will make his Beef & Boards debut in this unique musical that features a multi-talented cast that celebrates — but never impersonates — the Man in Black.
Joining him are New Jersey native Luke Darnell, Iowa native Tyler Breeding, Northern California native Alex Crossland, Mississippi native Mary Catherine Fehernbacher, and Sarah Colt, who was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but grew up in Los Angeles.
Sarah Hund, who is appearing in her 33rd production at Beef & Boards, is not only in the cast, but serves as assistant director. Rounding out the cast are Matt Smolko (Waitress, Heartbreak Hotel), a native of Pennsylvania, and Danville, Indiana, native J Vance (Cinderella, Heartbreak Hotel).
Ring of Fire is directed by Jeff Stockberger and choreographed by Sally Mitchell. Kristy Templet is the musical director.
An icon of American music history, Johnny Cash’s remarkable story is told through his music, featuring more than two dozen of his hits, from “I Walk the Line,” to “A Boy Named Sue,” to “Folsom Prison Blues,” and the famous title tune.
Tickets are currently on sale exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre at beefandboards.com or by calling the box office at 317-872-9664. Patrons are advised that tickets purchased from third-party sellers may not be valid for performances and may include additional fees.
Ring of Fire burns for 48 performances through Oct. 4. Beef & Boards’ freshly-prepared dinner buffet, featuring the theatre’s signature slow-roasted roast beef — is included, along with coffee, tea, or lemonade. Gourmet desserts and bar beverages are available for purchase.

Fresh Air Camps

Steven R. Barnett — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:09:26 +0000

The burning heat of summer arrived early in 1890 Indianapolis. By the end of June, the heat wave had taken the lives of 37 people, including 22 children under the age of two years. To ease the suffocating heat impacting the health of children, especially those from poor neighborhoods, Rev. Oscar C. McCulloch, pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church, 623 N. Pennsylvania St., circulated a letter among medical professionals inviting them to meet on July 2, 1890, with the Charity Organizations Society to develop a plan to meet the crisis. It was resolved to institute the “Summer Mission to Sick Children,” but where?
The Citizens’ Street Railroad Co. owned Fairview Park (present site of Butler University) and donated six acres at the south end of the grounds for the summer mission program. The street railroad also provided free transportation from all parts of the city to the women and children going to the summer camp. Three large and three small tents were set up for a hospital, a kitchen, and “for the comfort and convenience of those attending the Mission.” From mid-July through August, 187 children and 99 mothers enjoyed the refreshing clean air and sunshine at Fairview. Those attending were referred by their family physician and in addition to two nurses and a cook, 125 lady visitors “ministered with gentle hands” to the needs of those attending the Summer Mission. The daily contact with trained professionals enabled the mothers to acquire “better methods for caring for their babies and themselves.” The Indianapolis News, Indianapolis Journal, and Indianapolis Sentinel solicited funds to support the Mission and donations of provisions, clothing, ice, medicine, furniture, toys, swings, and hammocks made this first Summer Mission to Sick Children a success.
Each subsequent year, from June through August, more mothers and their children were provided with an opportunity to escape the summer heat, dust, and unhealthy air of the city, if only for a day of rest under the cooling trees. In the fifth season, McCulloch Cottage, a permanent hospital building, was erected and additional rustic structures were built over time, enabling the camp to accommodate more people per day. Newspapers frequently published a list of individuals, businesses, and organizations donating money or items for carrying the work of the summer mission.
The Indianapolis News and The Indianapolis Star were at the forefront in encouraging and reporting on fundraising projects. The North Side Merry Workers and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Railway Postal Clerks were among the groups hosting lawn “fetes” with ice cream and cake, lemonade and cigars, and concerts given by The News’ Newsboys Band that provided venues for raising donations the Fresh Air Funds. Other events, from street fairs to children selling lemonade not only in Indianapolis, but in surrounding cities and towns helped to fill the Fund.
In addition to supporting the Summer Mission to Sick Children at Fairview Park, The Indianapolis News Fresh Air Fund contributed to a ten-day retreat at The Vacation Camp for Mothers and Children at “The Bellefontaine” cottage at Bethany Park, a Disciples of Christ meeting ground in Morgan County. The News also supported a week-long Fresh Air Camp for boys at Winona Lake in northern Indiana. In 1906, Cory’s Woods, a little west of Oaklandon, in northeastern Marion County, became the site of The News Fresh Air Farm. Easily accessible to Indianapolis by road along Pendleton Pike; by rail along the “Big Four” (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway – C.C.C. & St. L Ry); or by interurban along the Indiana Union Traction Co Indianapolis to Muncie line, the Fresh Air Farm sprawled across a woodland, the western edge beneath the shade of maples and beeches, along the winding banks of Indian Creek whose clear shallow waters provided children with delightful times of wading and splashing about. A meadow of wildflowers let the boys and girls gather bouquets to bring back to their mothers and elderly campers. Cottages and tents were put up and made ready to receive children and their mothers who would benefit from a few days in the country away from the city heat and smoke.
Cheeryvale was the name selected for the farm. Children had been asked to submit names and nine-year old Marie Conner submitted Cheeryvale because the name suggested a cheery place with children having cheery times. The success of the farm was dependent on the generosity of a charitable public and each year creative activities joined with the more traditional lawn fetes and lemonade stands in raising much needed funds. One of events that many happily looked forward to seeing annually was the Pioneer and Veteran baseball game in Irvington. Played on a Saturday afternoon in August on Irwin Field at Butler College, the “antiquarian teams” were composed of prominent Irvington men over the age of forty-five. Having seen a real ball game within the past year was deemed “professionalism” and a bar to a player’s eligibility. Humorist Kin Hubbard illustrated the scorecard, its whimsical ads providing revenue along with game ticket sales and the sale of peanuts and crackerjacks. Over the years, the Pioneer and Veteran baseball game raised hundreds of dollars for the fresh air fund. In 1910, the game donated $450 (2025: $15,817) and a new cottage at Cheeryvale was named “The Irvington.”
In 1917 with America’s entry into World War I, Cheeryvale merged with the Summer Mission for Sick Children. Six years later Fairview Park was being prepared for the future site of Butler University and Fairview Settlement, a summer camp for sick children under the auspices of the Family Welfare Society, opened south of the park.

Applause!: Aug. 21-27

Weekly View — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:09:25 +0000

• The Indiana State Fair will offer free admission to all First responders, current and former Military, and their families through the remainder of the Fair (Sunday, August 23rd) to thank them for their efforts to help flood victims.
• The Oaklandon Road and 75th Street roundabout project has been delayed again due to uncooperative weather. The full closure of the intersection is now scheduled to begin Tuesday, Aug. 25.
• The City of Lawrence Fire Department has been awarded a $70,000 Indiana Department of Homeland Security grant to strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve public safety. The funding will provide a new EMS MedCart and thermal imaging cameras to help Lawrence firefighters respond more effectively to emergencies throughout the community.
• Justin Alan Payne will be the featured artist at the acoustic open mike on Monday, Aug. 24 from 7-10 p.m. at the Irving Theatre. Local musicians play original music on this Monday night tradition. The theater is located at 5505 E. Washington.
• There will be a Community Safety Day in Lawrence on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Lee Road Park, 6200 Lee Rd. Highlights include K9 demonstrations, SWAT demos, and at 1 p.m., a Fire Dept. vs. Police Dept. kickball game. There will be bike safety info, plus much more for the whole family. The pickleball courts will be closed.
• Beech Grove will host Fourth Friday Art Walks on Friday, Aug. 28 from 5:30-9 p.m. on Main St. Local artists, musicians, businesses and makers will be featured.
• The BoomBlaze Music Festival will be held at Garfield Park South between Shelby St. and Madison Ave. and East Troy Ave. on Saturday, Aug. 29 from noon-9 p.m. Expect Caribbean rhythms and global music from artists from around the country. There will be food trucks and vendors as well. Tickets are $12.51-$33.85 and available on Eventbrite.com (search for BoomBlaze).
• Roberts Park UMC, 401 N. Delaware, offers a free, hot take-out dinner every Wednesday from 6-7 p.m., thanks to their food ministry.
• On Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., there is a Statehouse Market at Robert D. Orr Plaza on S. West St. near the Indiana Historical Society building. Fresh produce, local vendors, and food trucks will be there.
• Films at the Fort will present a free showing of Hitch on Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. on the lawn of Fort Ben Cultural Campus. Pack your lawn chairs and snacks, or order from food trucks before the movie. Doors open at 6 p.m. The campus is located at 8950 Otis Ave.

A big thank you needs to go out to our first responders and volunteers who have been helping the flood victims over the past several days. Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by these terrible, historic floods.