🍦 Road Changes & Back-to-School Buzz: Your Week Starts Here

TOGETHER WITH

It’s Monday, July 28th and it feels like we accidentally moved to Florida.

Temperatures are pushing into the 90s, random pop-up showers are playing peekaboo with our plans, and school starts later this week for a lot of local families. So whether you’re trying to squeeze in one last summer adventure or just hiding inside with the A/C, we’ve got the scoop to help you navigate this sauna of a week.

It’s In today’s South Side Scoop:

• 🚧 Road Updates: Fairview Road closure extended until July 30, while Bargersville’s new roundabout opens early to ease traffic flow.

• 👩‍🏫 Back to School Season: Several local districts head back to school this week—watch for buses and morning delays!

• 🎒 Fast Track Program: Community support needed to provide backpacks and school supplies for Johnson County students in need before Aug. 8th.

Let’s get to it!

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THE DIGEST

Road Updates: Fairview Closure Extended, Bargersville Roundabout Opens

Drivers, take note of two key changes this week. The Fairview Road closure, originally scheduled to end last Friday, has been extended and is now expected to reopen Wednesday, July 30th - keep using alternate routes a little longer! Meanwhile, there’s some good news: the new roundabout at Morgantown Road and County Road 144 in Bargersville is officially open, wrapping up construction four days ahead of schedule and ready to keep traffic moving smoothly - just in time for school to start!

Back to School Season is Here!

Summer break is winding down, and local schools are gearing up for the new year this week. Perry Township, Greenwood Community, and Whiteland Community Schools all head back on July 30th, while Franklin Township and Center Grove students return on July 31st. Franklin Community Schools will have a little extra time, starting classes on August 6th. Drivers are reminded to watch for school buses and allow extra time for the morning commute as the school year kicks off. We hope you have a great year!

Fast Track Gears Up to Help Johnson County Students

The Fast Track program is back for 2025, aiming to equip local students with the supplies they need for a successful school year. Last year, more than 2,200 students received backpacks and school supplies thanks to over 200 community volunteers. With over 12,000 Johnson County children eligible for free and reduced lunch this year, the need is even greater. There’s less than two weeks left to donate supplies or sponsor students before collection ends on August 8. Click here to see the full list of drop-off sites and donation options.

Have a heartwarming story, a positive community moment, or news about a local business? 💌 We’d love to hear it! Submit your stories for a chance to be featured in the news section of our next newsletter—let’s celebrate the good together!

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Quick Q for you (I promise it’s easier than folding laundry)

Two fast poll questions to help us know what you love (and what we should keep doing more of). Answer below then keep scrolling for this week’s events!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Now, here’s what’s happenin’ around the South Side early this week 👇

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Monday

Read & Bleed @ Your Library

Roll up your sleeve while you read and help save lives at this American Red Cross blood drive hosted by the Clark Pleasant Branch Library. Donors age 17 and older are welcome, and appointments can be scheduled in advance by calling 800-733-2767 or visiting RedCrossBlood.org.

• Date & Time: Monday, July 28th | 9am–1:30pm

• Location: Clark Pleasant Branch Library – 350 Clearwater Blvd, Whiteland

Tuesday

FINAL Summer Movie at the Artcraft: Paddington 2

Catch Paddington 2 on the big screen at the Historic Artcraft Theatre as part of their Summer Film Series. Tickets are just $6 and include a popcorn/soda combo!

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29th | 10am

• Location: The Historic Artcraft Theatre – 57 N Main St, Franklin

Regal Summer Movie Express – $1 Family Movies

Regal’s Summer Movie Express is back with $1 family-friendly films every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from now to August 6th! Enjoy classic favorites on the big screen and grab a $5 Snack Pack (drink, popcorn, fruit snacks). This week’s movies: TMNT Mutant Mayhem, The Garfield Movie. Get your tickets here!

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29th | 10:45am

• Location: Regal Greenwood - 461 Greenwood Park South Drive, Greenwood

FINAL Bargersville Tasty Tuesdays at Kephart Park

Check Bargersville Parks & Rec Facebook Page for the food truck update!

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29th | 11am–2pm

• Location: Kephart Park – 3936 W. County Road 144, Bargersville

Cruise-In at The Suds - Every Tuesday for great food, drinks, and cars!

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29th | 4:30pm

• Location: The Suds - 350 Market Plaza, Greenwood

Aberdeen Farms Pop-Up Farmers Market – Rain or Shine

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29th | 5–8pm

• Location: Aberdeen Farms – 3808 Farmway Dr, Bargersville

Whiteland Farmers Market

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29th | 5:30–7:30pm

• Location: JCPL Clark Pleasant Branch - 350 Clearwater Blvd, Whiteland

Meet the Author: Dr. James Glass

Drawing from his book Architecture in Indianapolis, 1820–1920, Dr. Glass will illustrate how these European-inspired styles influenced commercial and residential buildings in the city. After the lecture, guests can purchase signed copies of his books and enjoy a Q&A with the author. Register here.

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29th | 6–7pm (Doors open at 5:30pm, Book Signing at 6:50pm)

• Location: White River Branch Library – 1664 Library Blvd, Greenwood

Pickleball 101

No matter your skill level, everyone is welcome every Tuesday and it is free to attend. Look for the Pickleball Bus!

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29th | 6:30–8pm

• Location: Honey Creek UMC - 2722 S. Honey Creek Road, Greenwood

Bingo at the Artcraft

Enjoy 10 games plus a bonus round, with chances to win cash, gift cards, and other prizes. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, and concessions and a bar will be open for the evening. Tickets are $20 for a 6-face card or $30 for limited table seating, including the cost of the game. All proceeds benefit Franklin Heritage, Inc. and The Historic Artcraft Theatre. Tickets can only be purchased in-person, with cash or debit card. Advance tickets are available at the Box Office/Will Call Office in advance, and at the Box Office the night of the event

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29th | Doors open 5:30pm, Games begin 7pm

• Location: Historic Artcraft Theatre – 57 N Main St, Franklin

Tango Tuesdays – Summer Dance Series

Step onto the dance floor and enjoy an evening of tango at Grafton Peek Social Hall! This monthly summer dance series is perfect for beginners, seasoned dancers, and everyone in between. Each session starts with a tango lesson, followed by open social dancing in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. No partner? No problem. Come solo or bring a friend and dance the night away!

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29th | Lesson: 7–8pm ($15) | Social Dancing: 8–9:30pm ($5)

• Location: Grafton Peek Social Hall – 171 S Madison Ave, Greenwood

Looking for karaoke, trivia, bingo, and more?

👉 Check out our list of recurring events here!

Upcoming Events You Can’t Miss

This Week

• Wednesday, July 30th: Author Holly Jackson at The Historic Artcraft Theatre

• Friday, August 1st: Freedom Springs Adult Swim Night

• Friday, August 1st: First Fridays Open Late in Downtown Franklin

• Friday, August 1st - Saturday, August 2nd: Dixie Belle Furniture Painting Class at The Shoppe’ in Bargersville

• Saturday, August 2nd: Mount Auburn Church Touch-a-Truck Event

Happening Soon

• Monday, August 4th: WorkOne Franklin Job Fair at WorkOne Franklin

• Monday, August 4th: Author Megan Miranda at The Sycamore at Mallow Run

• Tuesday, August 5th: Author Kristy Cambron at The Sycamore at Mallow Run

• Friday, August 8th: Authors Michael Koryta and Eli Cranor at The Artcraft Theatre

• Friday, August 8th: Sunset Dinner in the Vineyard at The Sycamore at Mallow Run

• Saturday, August 9th: Hops & Vine Festival at DriveHubler.com Amphitheater

• Saturday, August 9th: RWF Block Party and Cornhole Tournament at Gallagher’s Pub and Eatery

• Saturday, August 9th: Cars and Coffee in Downtown Bargersville

If you’d like more information about any of the upcoming events, don’t hesitate to send us an email—we’re happy to assist! Keep in mind that many of these events require a ticket, so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone!

⛅️ WEATHER

Monday

91 🌡️ 74 | 🌥️ | 24% | 🌬️ WSW 5-10 MPH

Tuesday

93 🌡️ 73 | ⛅️ | 21% | 🌬️ N 5 MPH

_{*Disclaimer: This forecast was pulled from the weather app the night before and is subject to Indiana’s ever-changing moods—accuracy not guaranteed!}

🎶 LIVE MUSIC

Monday

• Slippery Noodle | Marrissa Fullenkamp | 730pm

Tuesday

• Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza | Frank Dean’s Performance Stage | 5pm

• Slippery Noodle | Tom Kiefaber Duo | 730pm

• The Corner Bar | Paul Holdman and Cory Hill | 7pm

• Tin Roof | Brady Lee | 9pm

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