Betsy Reason

When I asked longtime theater director Nancy Lafferty why she chose “Willy Wonka Jr.” for this summer’s Belfry Theatre Apprentice Players youth production, she was quick to share her thoughts. It’s a “magical show that contains many fun characters,” Lafferty said. “Willy Wonka Jr.” is the “perfect” Apprentice Players show for young actors ages 5-18,…

Three times is a charm for Kassidy Schakel, named the 2023 Hamilton County Supreme Showmanship Grand Champion. The 51st annual contest took place Monday night at the Hamilton County 4-H Fair in Noblesville. It was Schakel’s third time to compete in the contest. The 17-year-old, a nine-year Hamilton County 4-H’er who will begin her senior…

By: Betsy Reason If you’re visiting the Hamilton County 4-H Fair this week, you’ll likely see a presence of Hamilton County Extension Homemakers. You’ll find them educating, volunteering, leading and making life more joyful. Every year at the 4-H Fair, the Extension Homemakers get up early and make breakfast, then lunch, then dinner in the…

By: Betsy Reason Photos provided by Stone Soup Children’s Theatre Youth grades K-8 are featured in Stone Soup Children’s Musical Theater’s “Guys & Dolls” at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at Noblesville High School Auditorium, directed by Joey Murello with tickets at $15. The Noblesville Street Dance is Saturday afternoon…

It’s opening day of the Hamilton County 4-H Fair. And there’s a special celebration — a Bicentennial Groundbreaking — at 9 a.m. And what a wonderful opportunity to talk about our 4-H Fair. 4-H’ers checked in their farm animals all day Wednesday — swine arrived at 7 a.m., llamas at 9 a.m., cattle, goats, chickens,…

Lynda Arbuckle has been a Hamilton County 4-H Dog leader for 50 years. And she soon will have her own parking space and a sign with her name on it at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. The 83-year-old Noblesville woman — who was presented a parking sign last Friday during the 4-H Fair…

By: Betsy Reason It seems like everywhere we go, there is road construction in Noblesville, Fishers and Westfield. Whenever I get ready to go anywhere lately, I make sure to map out our route ahead of time to avoid construction and save time. For instance, when we go to Conner Prairie, we try to avoid…

By: Betsy Reason Along South Eighth Street in Old Town Noblesville, flags representing all branches of the military service are now flying high next to an historic cannon that was recently moved to its new home. The Noblesville American Legion Frank Huntzinger Post. No. 45 opened July 1 at 273 S. Eighth St., on the…

By: Betsy Reason I remember when I was in high school, and I wanted a summer job. I thought it would be fun to work. One of my friends did corn de-tasseling. But she quickly told me how much hard work it was, as did my dad, who talked me out of it. So I…