Five Quintessential Years of Blooming Beauty: Indiana Peony Festival Marks a Milestone

Indiana Peony Festival celebrates 5 impactful years this May

[the_ad id="5320"]

Attention peony enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for the 2025 Indiana Peony Festival, returning to historic Seminary Park in Noblesville on May 17th. This year marks a milestone for the festival, which has seen significant growth and impact in its five years.

The Indiana Peony Festival is thrilled to announce Smith’s Jewelers as its premier sponsor, joining forces to celebrate the beauty behind sentimental moments and festival traditions. This partnership is a perfect fit, given Smith’s reputation for helping customers create unforgettable experiences.

The 2025 festival promises an enhanced experience, featuring an array of attractions, including 150 vendors, a Hoosier Row food court, beer and wine, a kids’ zone, and expanded open spaces for attendees to enjoy the park and its stunning floral installations.

“We’re celebrating a milestone for the festival this year, and with Smith’s Jewelers, we want to create a special and memorable experience for our festival-goers,” said Indiana Peony Festival President Kelly McVey. “It’s a peony party celebrating our state flower and our community!”

In addition to the main event on Saturday, a VIPP (Very Important Peony Person) Night, sponsored by CCHA Law, will take place on Friday, May 16. This ticketed event is a fundraiser for the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, supporting work in beautification projects, peony gardens, and horticulture education, as well as promoting Hamilton County as a desirable destination for peony enthusiasts.

A second event, Brunch & Blooms, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy food and drinks at outdoor locations in and around the Noblesville downtown alleys throughout the day on Saturday.

For more information, visit IndianaPeonyFestival.com.

[the_ad id="4253"]

By The Reporter,

4 hours ago

A Fading Hope: Carmel Woman Ciera Breland Still Missing After 3 Years

‘Important not to forget’: Carmel woman Ciera Breland still missing after 3 years

[the_ad id="5320"]

‘Important not to forget’: Carmel woman Ciera Breland still missing after 3 years

After her niece, Ciera Breland, went missing, Jeannie Locklair Bush found it difficult to write. “Ciera was my biggest fan,” Bush said. “She used to beg me to publish (my writing)… After she disappeared, it was just too hard.”

Ciera Breland, a 31-year-old mother, was last seen in Johns Creek, Georgia, the week of February 20, 2022, while visiting her mother-in-law. She was driving a white 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan with her husband, Xavier Breland Jr., their infant son, and her white labradoodle.

Just four days after her last seen, Xavier Breland Jr. reported Ciera missing to the Carmel Police Department, but investigators found no evidence that she returned to Indiana. Ciera’s last known location was in the 10050 block of Highgate Manor Court in Johns Creek, Georgia, at 7:17 PM on February 24, 2022.

Law enforcement has not ruled out foul play in Ciera’s disappearance, and her family believes she is dead. They also think she would have never left behind her young son.

Xavier Breland Jr., 40, was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon in connection with a shot being fired at his Carmel home. He was also charged with aggravated stalking in connection to a woman in Georgia who had a temporary protective order against him in 2021. However, he has not been charged in connection with Ciera’s disappearance.

More than three years after her disappearance, the case remains unsolved. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Ciera’s whereabouts, and the Carmel Police Department can receive tips at 317-571-2500.

Ciera’s family is still seeking answers, saying, “We still have no answers, still not knowing what happened, truly saying goodbye and grieving is impossible. We are all trying our best to move forward and honor Ciera.”

[the_ad id="4253"]

By Jake Allen, Indianapolis Star,

1 days ago

Fatal Bike Accident in Madison County

Bicyclist struck, killed in Madison County

[the_ad id="5320"]

A Tragic Accident on Area Roads: Bicyclist Killed in Thursday Afternoon Crash

A devastating collision took the life of a 56-year-old Pendleton man yesterday afternoon. According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 4:45pm at the intersection of Old 132 and CR 700W. A 19-year-old driver, also from Pendleton, was behind the wheel of a 2024 Dodge Ram when it struck an oncoming cyclist, who was traveling eastbound on Old 132. The injured cyclist was rushed to Saxony Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

[the_ad id="4253"]

Madison County, Indiana

Man sentenced for shooting at police officer at Anderson gas station

Man convicted of attempted murder of police officer in Anderson gas station shooting

[the_ad id="5320"]

LOCAL MAN FOUND GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER

A 40-year-old Anderson man has been found guilty of attempting to murder a police officer during a violent shootout at a local gas station.

According to a news release from the Madison County Prosecutor’s Office, a jury delivered the guilty verdict against Ross Morelock in connection with the May 7, 2024, shooting that left Pendleton Police Officer Jerry Branson injured and hospitalized for a month.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. at a Get Go gas station at the intersection of Broadway Street and West School Street, on the north side of Anderson.

Branson was searching for a vehicle involved in a May 1, 2024, crash on I-69 when he stopped a black Mercedes sedan matching the license plate number. The driver, 23-year-old Amelia Peters, was arrested and taken into custody, while Morelock remained in the passenger seat.

Morelock ignored commands to keep his hands visible, and Branson was forced to point his department-issued handgun at him. However, Morelock produced a handgun and pointed it at the officer, prompting a 10-second shootout in which Branson received a 1-inch graze wound to his shoulder. Morelock also shot himself in the head.

The jury found Morelock guilty of attempted murder, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by a serious violent offender. He has also pleaded guilty to the Habitual Offender Enhancement and Felony Firearm Enhancement, which could add significant time to his prison sentence.

Sentencing has been set for April 15, with a maximum possible sentence of 80 years. During the investigation, an internal review cleared Branson of any wrongdoing in the shooting.

[the_ad id="4253"]

By Gregg Montgomery,

10 hours ago

Caught on Camera: Brazen Attempted Break-In at Sheriff-Owner’s Gun Store

[the_ad id="5320"]

“Three Hours Ago, Daring Heist Rocks Local Jewelry Store

A daring daylight robbery shook Main Street yesterday afternoon, leaving a trail of shattered glass and stunned onlookers in its wake. At approximately 2:45 PM, a group of four individuals, described as having bleached-blonde hair and sporting eclectic clothing, entered the popular jewelry store ‘Treasures of the Trade’ and made off with an estimated $50,000 in merchandise. Eyewitnesses described the group as acting with a sense of purpose, with one witness claiming they were ‘like ninjas, in and out in a flash.’ Police are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the area for any potential leads, as the investigation remains ongoing.”

[the_ad id="4253"]

Anderson man arrested for alleged attempted robbery of gun store

Anderson man arrested for alleged attempted robbery of gun store

[the_ad id="5320"]

ANDERSON — An Anderson man was arrested Sunday for crashing into a gun shop in an alleged attempt at a robbery. According to the Anderson Police Department, officers responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into Gunslingers at 1107 E 24th Street. The suspect, identified as a 36-year-old man of Anderson, allegedly intended to steal firearms from the establishment. Upon arrival, officers established a perimeter and found the man inside the building, where he was arrested without incident. The vehicle he used was reported stolen by the Lawrence Police Department. Thanks to the quick response from law enforcement, no firearms or ammunition were taken from the store. The investigation is ongoing, with all arrest affidavits submitted to the Madison County Prosecutor’s Office for review. as though you were a journalist for a local website. only print the text of the new article. Do not add options or extra text

Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow to headline Outlaw Music Festival at Ruoff

Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow to headline Outlaw Music Festival at Ruoff

[the_ad id="5320"]

NOBLESVILLE — Willie Nelson, Mark Rothbaum, Keith Wortman, Blackbird Presents, and Live Nation are announcing the Outlaw Music Festival 10th Anniversary Tour for 2025. This year’s tour will feature a top lineup of musical legends, with a stop at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville on September 18. The lineup includes Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Waxahatchee, and Madeline Edwards. This marks the festival’s return to Noblesville, last held in 2019. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 14, at 10 a.m. and can be purchased HERE . VIP packages will also be available, offering prime seating and exclusive merchandise. Citi card members will have access to presale tickets from Tuesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. until Thursday, March 13, at 10 p.m. through the Citi Entertainment program. More presale details can be found at www.citientertainment.com . Since its start in 2016 in Scranton, PA, the Outlaw Music Festival has become a major event in Americana music and one of North America’s largest annual music tours. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, don’t miss the chance to join in the festivities! as though you were a journalist for a local website. only print the text of the new article. Do not add options or extra text

[the_ad id="4253"]

Tigers charge back in fourth, beat Millers for repeat title

[the_ad id="5320"]
CARMEL – Fishers head coach Garrett Winegar didn’t overcomplicate the situation when his Tigers huddled before the start of the fourth quarter Saturday night. With his top-ranked Class 4A Tigers tied with rival Noblesville, 38-38, during the Sectional 8 title game inside the Eric Clark Athletic Center, Winegar simply reminded his players who they were.

[the_ad id="4253"]

Mt. Vernon’s Unlikely Heroics: A Sectional Title Story

Mt. Vernon wins sectional the hard way: back-to-back wins over top-5 teams, state’s best player

[the_ad id="5320"]

Mt. Vernon Wins Sectional in Thrilling Fashion: Marauders Outlast Greenfield-Central in Double OT

In a game for the ages, Mt. Vernon edged past top-ranked Greenfield-Central 83-76 in the Class 4A Sectional 9 championship, marking their first sectional title since 2018. The Marauders received a clutch performance from junior guard and Purdue recruit Luke Ertel, who scored 36 points, including the game-tying three-pointer with 8 seconds remaining in regulation.

The game saw a back-and-forth affair, with Mt. Vernon trailing by as many as 14 points in the first half. However, the Marauders rallied and tied the score twice in regulation, including with 4:32 left in the fourth quarter. Greenfield-Central always had an answer, but Ertel’s heroics ultimately proved to be the difference.

Ertel’s 36 points led the Marauders, who received additional contributions from Ryker Baer (13 points), Elijah Parra (11 points), and Tyler Davis (10 points). The team’s rallying cry, “We want to stay steady,” proved true, as they withstood a 38-point performance from Greenfield-Central’s UConn commit Braylon Mullins.

The victory marks Mt. Vernon’s first win over Greenfield-Central and comes on the heels of a 76-60 triumph over No. 5 Anderson in Friday’s semifinal. The Marauders now advance to face Brownsburg in the regional.

[the_ad id="4253"]

By Kyle Neddenriep, Indianapolis Star,

15 hours ago

Central Indiana Boys Basketball Sectional Champs Crowned: Live Updates and Highlights

IHSAA boys basketball scores: Central Indiana sectional finals live updates, highlights

[the_ad id="5320"]

IHSAA Boys Basketball Sectional Trophies Lifted Across Indiana Tonight

The action-packed world of high school hoops is upon us! Tonight, the IHSAA boys basketball sectional trophies will be lifted, and we’re here to bring you the excitement live. Stay tuned as we provide real-time scores and highlights from the Central Indiana sectional championship games.

For a comprehensive look at statewide scores and the complete schedule, simply click the link provided. And don’t forget to bookmark our page for a preview of the IHSAA basketball regional pairings and schedule to come.

Personally, I say that sectional week is my favorite portion of the season – if only it could be a bit more efficient. Nevertheless, we’re here to cover it all for you.

Hit refresh for the latest updates:

Here are the sectional finalist scores from around the state:

Class 4A

  • Sectional 8 (at Carmel): Fishers 55, Noblesville 46
  • Sectional 9 (at Muncie Central): Mt. Vernon 83, Greenfield-Central 76 (2OT)
  • Sectional 10 (at Lawrence Central): Lawrence North 74, North Central 59
  • Sectional 11 (at Avon): Brownsburg 52, Ben Davis 49 (2OT)
  • Sectional 12 (at Decatur Central): Mooresville 57, Franklin Central 51
  • Sectional 14 (at Columbus East): Whiteland 63, Columbus East 59

Class 3A

  • Sectional 25 (at Frankfort): Guerin Catholic 63, Tri-West 39
  • Sectional 26 (at Shortridge): Crispus Attucks 71, Shortridge 55
  • Sectional 27 (at Cascade): Northview 70, Speedway 40
  • Sectional 28 (at Shelbyville): New Palestine 65, Roncalli 55

Class 2A

  • Sectional 37 (at North Montgomery): Western Boone 55, Seeger 37
  • Sectional 42 (at Park Tudor): University 58, Cardinal Ritter 43
  • Sectional 43 (at Christel House): Triton Central 37, Scecina 30

Class A

  • Sectional 58 (at Luthern): Lutheran 59, Metropolitan 49
  • Sectional 59 (at Edinburgh): North Decatur 49, Edinburgh 36

[the_ad id="4253"]

Indianapolis, Indiana