Melissa Gibson, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

The House of Style: A&B Farmhouse offers curated décor and a Personal Touch

1 month ago | townepost.com | Melissa Gibson

When Andy Stone would have friends over for dinner or game night, it wasn’t uncommon for guests to ask him where he bought a specific lamp or where he found that beautiful rug. They loved the décor in Stone’s home, and his lifelong passion for finding the perfect thing for his home gave him an idea. “I wanted to create a store that felt like a home. I really had a vision of what it could be and wanted to create an experience for customers,” Stone said.
Switch-Rite Simplifies Lighting

1 month ago | townepost.com | Melissa Gibson

Header image by Robert JonesIf you’ve ever stayed in an Airbnb or VRBO rental, you’ve likely spent several minutes figuring out the lights — which switch goes to which room or lighting source. In homes with open floor plans, it’s not uncommon to see four or five switches to control three connecting rooms. In the past, we’d break out the masking tape and mark which switch worked for what, right? Tom Cox and his son, Chris, have an alternative for this.
School Spotlight: Westfield Washington Schools Appoint New Superintendent

1 month ago | townepost.com | Melissa Gibson

Sponsored by Blades Audio VideoEarlier this year, with the announcement of Westfield Washington Schools Superintendent Paul Kaiser’s retirement, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. John Atha was appointed to the position, officially starting July 1, 2025.
Westfield Plant Shop Blends Nature and Community in New Six-Acre Space

1 month ago | townepost.com | Melissa Gibson

Photos by Robert JonesAngela Gapinski is a fourth-generation gardener. She grew up in the greenhouse industry, and her family owns Heartland Growers in Westfield. It’s safe to say tending to plants is in her blood but has always been her passion, too. As an adult, Gapinski opened two stores: Root 31, a plant shop, and Remedy, a gift shop. Though both have been open for business for six years, last summer Gapinski snagged her dream location and recently moved.
Summer Concert Time

1 month ago | townepost.com | Melissa Gibson

We’ve seen the success of Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park and other outdoor concert series. Many communities have made a tradition of packing up the lawn chairs or blankets and enjoying an evening with live music at a park throughout the year. This summer, Broad Ripple Park will bring something similar to residents and visitors. Forty5, in partnership with Indy Parks, will launch a pilot live music series, making Broad Ripple a destination for arts, community and entertainment.
Rib-Fest Turns 20

1 month ago | townepost.com | Melissa Gibson

Believe it or not, the Hendricks County Rib-Fest and BBQ will celebrate 20 years on June 28 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.What began as a unique event to get the community of Avon together has grown into an Indiana event bringing thousands to Hendricks County each year. “For an event that started in a small park, hoping we’d get 500 people there to now welcoming 8,000 to 10,000 people every year has come a long way.
Inside the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Academy

1 month ago | townepost.com | Melissa Gibson

Several towns in Hendricks County offer citizen academy programs in police and fire departments, teaching everyday citizens the ins and outs of the operations that protect residents. However, the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, moving into its second year, is a different ballgame. “This is different from what you’ve seen at the local police academy.
The Hendricks County Historical Museum Celebrates a Half-Century

1 month ago | townepost.com | Melissa Gibson

The Hendricks County Historical Museum is celebrating 50 years in 2025. Chances are, if you haven’t visited personally, you’ve likely heard about the original sheriff’s residence within walking distance of the courthouse in Danville. Maybe you’ve heard of the jail cells in the basement — a favorite among visitors — or perhaps you’re familiar with their popular fundraiser, Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars.
Custom Canvas Experts

1 month ago | townepost.com | Melissa Gibson

Willis Miller purchased the canvas shop in Milford in 2007. Though he didn’t have a background in the industry, his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to pursue a new opportunity. Nearly two decades later, Miller, owner of Miller’s Custom Canvas Shop, is an expert in what boat owners need to protect and maintain their investments. “We use name-brand materials made in the U.S., and they are custom-fitted to your specific boat,” Miller said. “There are probably 30 different color options.
Meet the Heroes Behind Louisville's Flood Protection System

1 month ago | townepost.com | Melissa Gibson

On March 31, 2025, the city of Louisville experienced rainfall that raised the Ohio River to its eighth-highest recorded level. The upper gauge typically reads about 12 feet, but by the first week of April, it had reached nearly 37 feet. There’s only a 4% annual chance of a flood event this size. Fortunately, the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) had it under control, thanks to the levee system built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s.