Sunday, June 30, 2019

Beech Grove Celebrates

Beech Grove, IN (June 30, 2019) — Spend the first week in July celebrating events from July 2nd to July 5th in Beech Grove, Indiana. From Craft Beer to Art & Craft Shows, Food Trucks and more, these events will have you singing like Lee Greenwood before the week is done.
NOTE: All links go to their respective Facebook Pages.

Eagle mural behind the old meat market. Photo: Hannah Lee

Let us not forget tons of Fireworks at Sarah T. Bolton Park put on every year by the Beech Grove Promoters Club. Folks might also like the first Friday in July with live music.

All American Day in the Park & Fireworks
The All American Day in the Park and Fireworks on July 3rd at the Sarah T. Bolton Park starts at 4:00 PM . This year's National Anthem will be sung by the talented Breanna Faith at 9:00 PM. Enjoy food, music, games and fun with friends and family. Come early and grab a great seat for the fireworks, which will begin at dusk. Please note that vehicular traffic will not be permitted in the park, except for vehicles with a disabled parking permit entering to park for the duration of the event. Also, Yum Noms will be selling their cotton candy and light up cones during this event.

Yum Noms making Cotton Candy

There will be limited first come, first served disabled parking and once parked in those spaces, vehicles will not be able to leave until after the event is over and most pedestrians have left the park, so please plan accordingly.

More Info: All American Day in the Park & Fireworks

First Friday July
Many Main Street businesses will be open later so you can stop by and see what they have to offer. Organized by the Beech Grove Artist Collective, they will have over 15 artists showing and selling their artwork throughout the evening. They also will be hosting a Chalk Art Contest on the corner of 5th and Main from 3:00-7:00 PM. Food and drinks will be available and judging will take place at 7:00 PM. Participating businesses are: Beech Bank BrewingScarlet Grove Public HouseBeech Grove Clay WorksThe Y-shop Vintage and MoreRelics Redesigned, and Treasure Trove in the Grove.

MORE Info: First Friday July 5th


Food and Eats
If you start to get hungry after walking the Main Street stretch, stop by Street Chef food truck outside of Beech Bank Brewing. They sell delicious Italian style sandwiches that are sure to satisfy. Also, Mr. & Mrs. Food Services will have their gourmet hot dog trailer in front of Accurate PC at the corner of 7th and Main. They also sell walking tacos and cold drinks. Ball Park Pizza & Eatery II at 6th and Main serves up great pizza and is open till around 10:00 PM.

Hot Dog Menu

Well there you have it, have a great week Beech Grove!

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Saturday, June 29, 2019

Beech Grove High School cleanup continues

Beech Grove, IN (June 29, 2019) — Progress is being made in repairs to Beech Grove High School after it was damaged by a June 15 tornado.

School Superintendent Dr. Paul Kaiser issued an update, Friday.

"The Science Academy and its three classrooms are a total loss," said Kaiser. "The Hornet Enrichment Academy (the former Media Center) is a total loss. Classroom and lab contents are currently being evaluated to determine what can be salvaged and what contents will be replaced."


A final damage estimate won't be available until school officials and insurance adjusters finish their work, but insurance is expected to cover most repairs costs, according the school district spokesperson Melody Stevens.

Related | CONFIRMED: Tornado strikes Beech Grove


The F1 tornado with wind speeds estimated by the National Weather Service at 100 miles-per-hour carved a damage path 200 yards wide over the school grounds, east of South Emerson Avenue and north of I 465.

Besides the classrooms and academy, there was damage to the football field, baseball field and tennis courts.

Kaiser says the high school girls basketball team is back at the school for summer practices. The football team has returned to the high school weight room for summer conditioning, and the girls volleyball team is practicing again at the high school. Band summer camp will begin as scheduled in July. The tennis team is practicing at Roncalli High School.

Inside athlertic facilities were not damaged, but teams were kept off campus in the days right after the tornado as a safety precaution.

"The high school campus remains closed to the public as debris removal and construction continue," said Kaiser. "The campus is only accessible to authorized workers and staff and to students who are part of an authorized practice camp."

School reopens for the fall semester July 31 and not all repairs will be done by then, according to Stevens. But she says students who would normally be in areas that were damaged will be moved elsewhere on campus.

SOURCE: RTV6

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Friday, June 28, 2019

Beech Grove senior chooses UIndy

Beech Grove, IN (June 28, 2019) — Spencer Chapman, a recent Beech Grove High School graduate and standout percussion player, has been accepted to three local colleges with academic and music scholarships.

After receiving acceptance letters from the University of Indianapolis, Butler University and DePauw University, Spencer weighed his options. He ultimately decided UIndy was the best choice for his future and accepted a scholarship from the Richard R. Lugar Academic Recognition Award.

Spencer has had a love of percussion since he was a little boy. “It all started when I was 6 and I got a rock band for Christmas with the electronic drums,” Spencer said. “He was always drumming on everything everywhere we went,” Tonya Chapman, Spencer’s mom, added. He found his talent.

Spencer started playing percussion with the Marching Hornets his sixth grade year. “I really wanted to get into percussion so I tried really hard and I think I was the last kid to get in, actually,” he said.

Spencer not only learned about music, but he learned strong leadership and everyday life skills. Learning how to build communication skills was a very important part of his lessons through band. He has met and made lifetime friends and memories.

“It’s a ton of fun with people who become your family,” Spencer said. He has also participated in pep band, concert band, jazz band, winter percussion and solo and ensemble. In 2019, Spencer won three gold medals and one silver during his solo and ensemble performance. Spencer was also awarded outstanding percussion in 2017.

During his senior year, Spencer ventured into a new passion for the stage with his girlfriend Mackenzie Martin by his side. The pair played Kenickie Murdoch and Betty Rizzo, respectively, in the musical Grease, and Colonel Mustard and Miss Scarlett in the production of Clue. Spencer also helped build sets for plays.

“Spencer is the most kind, humble (person) and he is extremely talented and he’s handsome too,” Mackenzie said. Spencer was also asked to play percussion for the Beech Grove show choirs. He is a National Honor Society member and teaches percussion in an advanced music instruction class to the younger students at Beech Grove Middle School.

Photo Source: Beech Grove Drama 🎭 @BGPlayers

Cory Wynn is the band director for BGHS; he taught Spencer for six years. Spencer decided he wanted to be a band director his freshman year.

“It was just unusual from an early on age that he decided he wanted to be a band director.” Wynn said. “He decided he had a goal and made it happen.”

Spencer had a strong drive and grew to become a student leader and idol to the other students in the band program.

“It really has nothing to do with music,” Wynn said. “Watching young adults grow up and evolve into confident people with morals and life skills, I think that is the most important thing I can give my students.” Wynn has high hopes Spencer will be a great band director one day in front of his own students. “I will be watching with pride,” Wynn said.

Tonya, who also attended BGHS, joined Beech Grove Band Boosters the first year Spencer was in marching band. She started by feeding the students and eventually became treasurer. Tonya would spend 20 hours or more a week doing “band mom” duties.

“The first year it was very eye opening. I didn’t realize everything that went into making this happen.” Tonya said. “I wanted to be a band mom because it does take so much time and that was time I could still spend with him to support him. I am his biggest cheerleader and I always want him to know I’m there for him.”

One of her favorite memories is seeing Spencer come out onto the field as a seventh grader with the high school kids and feeling so proud that he was feeling confident.

BGHS Marching Hornets wish Spencer the best for his future. The Marching Hornets end each practice, saying loud and in unison, “with pride.” Spencer Chapman has delivered that.

SOURCE: The Southside Times

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Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Main Street: A Hotbed of Magical Mischief

Beech Grove, IN (June 26, 2019) — Main Street Beech Grove will soon see a surge of witches and wizards alike flock the area with the release of Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. The corridor’s unique makeup of landmarks, nonprofits and churches in such a small area makes it a popular destination for Augmented Reality activity- especially when it comes to banishing magical creatures causing virtual mayhem.

Related | Main Street: A hot hub for Pokemon Go

If this sounds familiar then it should because Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is a game made by the same creators as Ingress and Pokemon Go. However, unlike the two previous games, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is fairly different. It takes the best of Pokemon Go and expands on it, sans catching critters.


At its core, the game still uses similar foundations as the other games, such as the live map and key locations.

But be prepared for a jump in difference between Wizards Unite and Pokemon Go.

Unlike Ingress or Pokemon Go, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is a far more immersive experience. You can interact with certain landmarks and ‘jump into’ these points and be whisked into an AR living room for example and interact with certain objects.

The game also plays more like a traditional RPG with character interactions, fixing situations, chasing clues for Foundables, a storyline to tie elements in and even features like professions and potions making.

So the next time you see someone park at the side of a street for a few minutes on their phone or sitting on a bench on Main Street in Beech Grove, chances are that the person may just be playing Niantic’s newest release - Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.

Written by: Hannah Lee

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Sunday, June 16, 2019

CONFIRMED: Tornado strikes Beech Grove

Beech Grove, Indiana (June 16, 2019) IBG — The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF-1 tornado struck Beech Grove Saturday evening. They are still working on determining its exact path. No injuries were reported. It is estimated the tornado had a width of 200 yards and estimated wind speeds of 100 mph.

Storm damage in Beech Grove, Indiana, where a strong storm and possible tornado came through on Saturday, June 15, 2019. Photo: Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Arlo Steel in Beech Grove Photo: Whalen Abbott 

Arlo Steel in Beech Grove Photo: Whalen Abbott

Jeremiah Konubuah and his family were displaced and he says they went into the bathroom and could hear the strong winds pulling off the roof. They live in the Beach Meadows apartments where 24 units were displaced.

 “The Red Cross took care of my family up until now we are safe we don’t know what will happen from now because I have not entered my building,” Konubuah said.

According to a Sunday morning message from the NWS Twitter account, an EF-1 tornado struck Beech Grove with wind speeds of 100 MPH Saturday.

Several buildings sustained major damage, including the high school.

Indianapolis Fire Department is assessing structural damage to Beech Grove High School and a nearby apartment building. Photo: Indianapolis Fire Department

The city’s community center is available as a shelter for residents. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, along with various county and city departments, are all on hand to help residents.

Various Videos of Damage












SOURCE:  Fox59, WTHR, IndyStar, RTV6

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Friday, June 14, 2019

Beech Grove City Schools forms strategic partnership

Beech Grove, Indiana (June 14, 2019) IBG — South Bend headquartered-Teachers Credit Union and Beech Grove City Schools have announced a partnership, that involves stadium naming rights and a cash management agreement.

Per the agreement, TCU will provide cash management services for more than 10 years to support Beech Grove City Schools programs.


Over the next ten years, the partnership is estimated to result in $1.2 million in support for the school district through sponsorship.

“The strategic partnership with Beech Grove City Schools advances TCU’s mission to support educational and extracurricular initiatives in the communities that we serve,” TCU President and chief Executive officer Paul Marsh said in a news release. “We’re excited to strengthen our relationship with Beech Grove educators as they develop innovative programs to prepare students for the future.”

As part of the partnership, the stadium at Beech Grove High School will be renamed TCU Veterans Stadium. TCU also will serve as the official financial services provider for Beech Grove City Schools.

Full Text From Teachers Credit Union


Teachers Credit Union and Beech Grove City Schools have established a new academic, athletic and extracurricular partnership, including stadium naming rights and a cash management agreement. TCU will provide cash management services over 10 years to support Beech Grove City Schools programs.

The cash management dividends and sponsorship elements are expected to provide the school district a total of $1.2 million in support over the next decade.

“The strategic partnership with Beech Grove City Schools advances TCU’s mission to support educational and extracurricular initiatives in the communities that we serve,” TCU President and CEO Paul Marsh said. “We’re excited to strengthen our relationship with Beech Grove educators as they develop innovative programs to prepare students for the future.”

As part of the partnership, the stadium at Beech Grove High School will be renamed TCU Veterans Stadium. TCU will work with Beech Grove City Schools to update the stadium’s signage prior to the 2019-2020 academic year. TCU also will serve as the official financial services provider for Beech Grove City Schools.

“We are proud to partner with TCU and are grateful for the credit union’s generous support for our educators, students and families,” Beech Grove City Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Kaiser said. “This relationship will benefit our community for generations.”



SOURCE: Teachers Credit Union

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Thursday, June 13, 2019

Grand Prix of Beech Grove set to go

Beech Grove, Indiana (June 13, 2019) IBG —The inaugural Grand Prix of Beech Grove is set for this Sunday, June 16. Check out racers of all ages as they compete on a course set up in front of Hornet Park Community Center and will also include a portion of the south parking lot and the circle in front of Beech Grove High School. The event is sanctioned by the Southern Indiana Racing Association (SIRA) for karting.


Former IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher is supporting the race through her companies, Speedway Indoor Karting and the Whiteland Raceway Park."We've seen already the karting community, which is the basics, that's where a lot of the kids that get their chance at IMS start. So to get those families inside the loop and showcase the city of Beech Grove and what they've done to support this basis of racing is really awesome," Fisher said.

 It is the third event of the year for SIRA. Organizers expect races will begin in early afternoon and end at 5 p.m. Admission is free for spectators. Parking is available at the north and rear parking lots at the high school and in front of the Hornet Park Community Center.


A temporary course with protective barriers will be set up in front of the Hornet Park Community Center and include a portion of the south parking lot and the circle in front of Beech Grove High School.

Spectators are urged to bring their lawn chairs for comfort. Viewing sites include an area at the far west side of the football field. Vendors, including the Beech Grove Lions Club, will be on site as well as a variety of food trucks and show cars.

Organizers are hoping for about 150 teams, with several thousand more watching all the action.

SOURCE: SIRA Karting


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Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Hoosier State Train will cease operations

Beech Grove, Indiana (June 11, 2019) IBG — At 6 a.m. on June 30, Amtrak's Indy-to-Chicago Hoosier State train pulls out of Indianapolis for the last time.

A 2008 federal law requires states to share the cost of Amtrak routes running less than 750 miles. An INDOT study under then-Governor Mike Pence in 2013 calculated the state was losing three-million dollars a year on the Hoosier State. The Rail Passengers Association calculates ridership has dropped by one-fourth since that study.


With the train averaging about 130 passengers a day, the new state budget cuts off funding. The final train will leave Chicago at 5:45 p.m. June 30 and make scheduled stops in Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette and Crawfordsville before arriving in Indy 20 minutes before the new budget takes effect at midnight.

Related | Amtrak: Dead train rolling 
Related | Legislators fighting for Hoosier State Line 
Related | Amtrak suspends Hoosier State line 
Related | Hoosier State train could derail without state cash

Amtrak's Cardinal route, which runs from Indy to Chicago on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, originates in New York and thus receives federal funding, not state. Amtrak says it's working to increase its Thruway bus partnership with Greyhound the other days, and add additional bus runs on the days the Cardinal does operate.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari says the railroad's Beech Grove maintenance hub will remain in business. But he says the railyard bids on work for other railroads, and with fewer trains available to carry equipment in, he predicts it'll be harder for Beech Grove to win contracts.

The first missed Hoosier State run on July 2 will be the first time Indy and Chicago haven't had daily rail service since 1998, when the Hoosier State resumed operation after a three-year interruption.

Indiana Passenger Rail Association board member Bill Malcolm says he's disappointed, but hopes the Hoosier State will be resurrected a second time. He blames its demise on finger-pointing between Indiana and Amtrak, with the state faulting Amtrak for not doing more with marketing, while Amtrak has pointed to other states which shoulder more of that responsibility themselves.

And Malcolm says Congress could simply make the Cardinal a daily route. He says it's one of just two federally-supported Amtrak routes which doesn't run every day.

SOURCE: WIBC

Local brewery joins in event

Beech Grove, Indiana (June 11, 2019) IBG — Beech Bank Brewing, a local craft beer brewery will participate in the 2nd Annual Libations by the Levee in Rushville, Indiana from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, at the Riverside Park Amphitheater.

More than 20 breweries, wineries and distilleries will set up booths for event goers to sample their products. Those who attend will have access to unlimited samples of craft beer, wine and spirits.

The City of Rushville partnered with Indiana On Tap to make the event possible. Indiana On Tap is a craft beer media, marketing and events company.

Beech Bank Brewing is located on Main Street in Beech Grove

“Last year’s event was considered largely successful,” Indiana On Tap Founder and Managing Partner Justin Knepp said. “The Riverside Park is a perfect venue for an event like this. We are really looking forward to it.”

Discounted tickets are available online before July 13 at: On Tap Tickets. Tickets will be available the day of the event if they’re not sold out.

Advanced sale VIP tickets are available for $35, general admission for $30 and designated driver for $15.

The day of the event VIP tickets (if not sold out) will sell for $50, general admission for $40 and designated driver for $15.


Gates will open for VIP ticket entry at 4 p.m. with general admission entry starting at 5 p.m.

The event is only for those ages 21 and up (including designated drivers). All attendees must show a valid photo I.D. at the gate upon entry.

There will be live music, food trucks, games, raffles and more. Three musicians, including a full band, will provide musical entertainment.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local cause chosen by the City of Rushville.

The event will be held rain or shine.

Participating breweries, wineries and distilleries include Wooden Bear Brewing (Greenfield), Norris English Pub (Liberty), Bier Brewery (Indianapolis), Hoosier Brewing Co. (Greenwood), Beech Bank Brewing (Beech Grove), Quaff ON! Brewing (Nashville), Black Hawk Winery (Sheridan), Cedar Creek Distillery (Martinsville), Jeptha Creed Distillery (Shelbyville, KY), Creatures of Habit Brewing (Anderson), Vodka Squeeze (Indianapolis), Schnitz Brewery (Jasper), Cardinal Spirits (Bloomington), Monon Beverage Brokers (Indianapolis), Tin Man Brewing (Kokomo), Craftroad Beverage (Indianapolis) and Elm Street Brewing (Muncie).

There is an option for online ticket buyers to purchase a new Indiana On Tap Tasting Society Marketplace membership for $5 more when purchasing a VIP or General Admission ticket. This membership is originally $59.95 a year by itself and is good for over $1,200 toward the purchase of craft beer and more at 145 plus Indiana breweries.

To learn more about this option visit Tasting Society Marketplace.

SOURCE: Rushville Republican

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Monday, June 10, 2019

All American Day in the Park

Beech Grove, Indiana (June 10, 2019) IBG — Independence Day is almost here, and with it, the rush for the best spot to watch the fireworks. The Beech Grove Promoters Club will host All American Day in the Park at Sarah T. Bolton Park on July 3, 2019. Many local vendors and a world class fireworks display will highlight the event.


There is no parking will be allowed in the park grounds this year. They also recommend attendees will need to arrive early to secure parking on the streets outside the park. Properly marked handicapped vehicles will be allowed inside the park and will have to wait to exit until all pedestrian traffic is gone.


The fireworks will start at dusk and of course, admission is free. More information will be announced on their Facebook page below:


So throw on your best red, white, and blue outfit and head out for an entire day celebrating the birth of our nation.

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Friday, June 7, 2019

Lick Creek Cemetery Recognized

Beech Grove, Indiana (June 7, 2019) IBG — The significance of the Lick Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery can be seen near the Churchman Avenue entrance to Sarah T. Bolton Park in Beech Grove.

A sign commemorating the early pioneers who were buried there was dedicated Saturday at a special ceremony hosted by the Beech Grove Historical Society and the Samuel Bryan Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Related | Haunted Beech Grove


“There is a lot more history in this little spot than people realize,” stated chapter vice-regent Patti Moy. “This assures us that their memories will live long after we are gone.”


Moy launched her DAR New Horizon Project and will continue to find more information about the deceased there, including a War of 1812 soldier and five Civil War soldiers. She said that it may take one to two years to compile much of her research and to share it completely with Beech Grove residents.

The cemetery


The cemetery was founded in 1827 and covered over when the land was made into a park. When the church broke up, its members formed Zion Church 150 years ago. Pastor Dr. Phillip James and member Pamela Baird represented the church and its nearly 200-year heritage.

“Hopefully, people will now know there was a cemetery here,” said Dick Templin of the Beech Grove Historical Society.

The Samuel Bryan Chapter formally stated: “This marker is placed in grateful recognition of the significance of this site to our community. May it help to keep alive an appreciation of our own heritage. We pay tribute to all the men and women who lie here that served our country, raised our children, and provided a foundation for our current generations.”

The formal sign dedication also featured the presentation of the colors and a 21-gun salute by the Beech Grove American Legion and police and fire departments. Several representatives of the state DAR were special guests of the local DAR chapter.



The family names of those known to be buried at Lick Creek Baptist Cemetery are: Adair, Barnes, Bentley, Bodkin, Bryan, Carle, Coffman, Coverdill (Civil War), Evans, Ferree, Fisher, Gilbert, Graham (War of 1812), Hobart, Jennings, Jordan, Judd, Lewis, Ligenfelter, Lynn, Mann, Martin (2 Civil War), McCollum, McCoy, McFall McFarland, McLaughlin, McMullen, Minteeth, Monroe, Montugue, Oglesby, Reynolds, Schwert, Sears, Thomas (2 Civil War), Thompson, Tucker, Tull, White, Woodruff, and Yarbrough.

SOURCE: The Southsider Voice

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Thursday, June 6, 2019

Home intruder loose in Beech Grove

Beech Grove, Indiana (June 6, 2019) IBG — A Beech Grove neighborhood is on edge after a family woke up to find a man in their house who was lurking near their children's bedroom.

A recent string of break-ins in the Byland Drive neighborhood has residents on alert. Wednesday, residents held a meeting to discuss what can be done.


A dozen people turned out to a Citizens Patrol meeting. They had a chance to talk face-to-face with police to ask questions, and see what they can do to help police catch the person responsible.

"We don't usually have this kind of thing in Beech Grove. This is a very safe little town," resident Janice Black said. Black attended Wednesday's meeting. "When something like this happens, everybody is upset and frightened."

Beech Grove Police are investigating two separate incidents near 6th Street and Byland Drive.

The first was over Memorial Day weekend.

Police say someone ripped out a screen of a home trying to get inside. However, police say the homeowners did not file a police report. Then Sunday morning just before 4 a.m. Beech Grove Police say a woman woke up to see a man standing in her hallway walking toward her children's bedroom.

That's when investigators said her husband grabbed his gun. But by the time he got to the hallway, the man was gone. Police released surveillance video of the June 2 incident that appears to show a young man running out of the home.

"I can't think of anything more shocking, to wake up in the middle of the night and see someone in your house," said Capt. Robert Mercuri with the Beech Grove Police Department.

"It's terrifying. We are looking out our doors, looking out our windows in the middle of the night, looking out for each other," said Phillip Reagan who lives in the neighborhood.


While police aren't sure if the two incidents are connected, they are beefing up patrols in the area until the man is caught. Police have a message for the man behind this.

"You better be careful because people are armed, and you go into somebody else's house, you could absolutely end up in a very bad situation," said Capt. Mercuri.

Police say it's important to lock your doors and windows as well as to get to know your neighbors. Capt. Mercuri also urges anyone who may come in contact with this intruder not to approach him, but to call 911 first instead.

If you live in Beech Grove, the Beech Grove Citizens Patrol are looking for volunteers.


If you know who the man is, call Beech Grove Police at (317) 782-4949.

SOURCE: WISH TV

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