Publicly owned arena gets mixed support from suburban commissioners

Commissioners are moving forward with a publicly owned indoor arena that will be the largest of its kind inWarren County. But not all officials are convinced it's a good investment.

The Warren County Port Authority will issue roughly $125 million in revenue bonds purchased by private investors to finance the arena. The hockey and concert venue is a focal part ofRenaissance Pointe,a $200 million development on a 50-acre lot located alongside Interstate-75 in Middletown.

On April 28, commissioners,all of whom are Republican, voted 2-1 to approve funding for the arena, which will be owned by thePort Authority, the county's economic development agency. The one commissioner who voted against the deal told The Enquirer it wasn't worth the risk.

"I'm not mad at my colleagues," said Commissioner Dave Young, who voted against it. "There are jurisdictions that would really jump up and down at this opportunity because it does create other opportunities for revenue. But Warren County is already firing on all cylinders."

"Tourism is our No. 1 industry, so we don't need to take a big risk," he added. "I just don't think it's worth the risk."

Plans for Warren County's largest indoor arena come as Cincinnati and Hamilton County officials consider where and how to build amodern arena to replace Heritage Bank Centerat The Banks.

Commissioners Tom Grossmann and Shannon Jones voted to approve the funding. Both said the county needed to look into more opportunities for sales tax revenuein case property tax is eliminated.

"While I don't think the government should be running the hockey business or event center business, I do believe that we can make investments in our community to help grow business and sales revenue, and help all of our businesses in the county with projects like this," Grossmann said before voting to support the project.

What's in the arena plan?

According to Warren County Commissioners' April 28 board meeting, here's what's planned for the unnamed 161,000-square-foot arena:

• Three multipurpose ice skating rinks that can be converted into floors for concerts and other events.

• 3,200 seats for hockey events.

• 5,000 seats for other events, including floor seating.

• Merchandise shop, restaurant and two bars.

• Hotel with 130 rooms.

• Space for hockey games and practice, youth ice skating, concerts, conferences, trade shows and other events.

Warren County created an economic development fund using casino dollars collected from Miami Valley Gaming. If the arena falls short of its projected revenue, and there's a shortfall in bond repayment, the county will use $12.5 million from this fund to pay it.

Middletown also committed $12.5 million to back the development.

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Commissioners disagree over arena proposal

During the meeting, project stakeholders shared positive projections for the arena's expected revenue.

But a presentation by Tim Flaherty, CEO ofEntertainment Events, Inc., the concert promotions company that would manage bookings, got tense.

Young said he didn't want the county to get into the "concert promotions business." Hockey games will make up a smaller portion of revenue at the stadium than concerts and other events.

"I don't like the structure," Young told The Enquirer. "This started as sports tourism and hockey, and out of the $20 million of projected revenue, only 15% is actually coming in from ice hockey."

Young also disliked that if a performer doesn't sell as many tickets as projected, the arena owner ‒ the Port Authority ‒ loses money.

"Our name is at risk. Our brand is at risk. They're not gonna be challenging you when this goes south,"Grossmannsaid to Flaherty, referring to Warren County taxpayers. "They're gonna be challenging us."

Middletown City Council also needs to vote on the deal. Councilman Paul Lolli said council supports it. During the Warren County meeting, he said Middletown has invested nearly $18.9 million in Renaissance Pointe, which sits across the interstate from the city's defunct Towne Mall.

Young asked Lolli why Middletown wasn't issuing the bonds. Lolli said he wasn't part of those discussions.

"From my perspective, it seems like it's your project, but yet it's going to be owned by the Warren County Port," Young said. "Do we potentially want to backstop in investing in your project?"

New hockey team hinges on arena

TheUnited States Hockey League, a junior hockey league with 16 teams in the Midwest, plans to add four new teams. One of them will be based in Middletown, if Renaissance Pointe gets this arena. No team name has been announced.

The league is a training ground for aspiring pro hockey players ages 16-20. They play 32 home games per season and most of the games are on the weekend, according to IceWorks Ventures Inc., a league franchise owner. The team would be the arena's anchor tenant, and each game draws an average of 2,400 fans.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer:Warren County officials OK new arena after fight over funds

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May 06, 2026

Publicly owned arena gets mixed support from suburban commissioners

Commissioners are moving forward with a publicly owned indoor arena that will be the largest of its kind inWarren County. But not all o...

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What to do in Montgomery for May 7-13

There's fun and music ahead, and some special times to celebrate with mom. Find some fun and show her how much you love her.

Pick-up Futsal Games

Join the city of Montgomery Parks and Recreation every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m for indoor Teen & Adult Pick-Up Futsal at the Chisholm Community Center, located at 545 E. Vandiver Blvd. Next date is May 7. Participation continues to grow each week, and the energy on the court has been outstanding — and there’s always room for more players to join in. This program is free to attend, and all skill levels are welcome. Bring a friend, lace up, and enjoy an evening of fast‑paced, active play. For more information, please call 334‑659‑7681.

Mother's Day Weekend at BB King's

Celebrate Mother's Day weekend on May 8-9, 7-11 p.m. nightly at BB King's Blues Club, 1801 Eddie L. Tullis Road, (inside Wind Creek Montgomery).

• Mother's Day Mayhem on May 8: Rodney "The Candyman" Wilkerson, featuring Pierre Stefan and crowd control by DJ TK — $20 cover

• Mother's Day Serenade May 9: D Smooth, Mr. Bowleggz, and crowd control by DJ TJ — $20 cover

• Reservation: opentable.com

Mother's Day at the Zoo

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. All Moms receive free admission to the Montgomery Zoo and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum.

Millbrook Mayfest

Millbrook Mayfet is May 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Village Green Park, 3199 Main St., Millbrook. It's a free fun family event with entertainment, children's activities, arts and craft vendors, and lots of food.

Nightlife:Live music in Montgomery area for May 7-13

Zoo Brews & Food Festival

Zoo Brews & Food Festival is May 21, 6-10 p.m. at the Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery. A spring evening full of tailgating fun and follies, food trucks, beer and wine vendors, live bands and entertainment, large lawn games to play, and much more.  Great time to bring lawn chairs and blankets, enjoy the food, beverages, music, and play a few games, all under the stars at the Montgomery Zoo.  Games and entertainment free with admission, food and beverages are available for purchase. ZooBrews and Food Festival activities are open to all guests. Guests must be 21 and up for alcohol purchases, with ID. Admission TBD. Learn more atmontgomeryzoo.com

Be Well Festival

The Be Well Festival is May 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Drive in Blount Cultural Park. It'll have a full day of inspiration, connection, and complete well-being. Brings together a vibrant community of wellness businesses, nonprofits, local artists, and community leaders. Explore the Wellness Marketplace for wellness brands, holistic practitioners, and organizations dedicated to supporting the mind, body, and spirit. Music, interactive art spaces, and creative expressions on site. Take part in workshops offering guided meditation, nutrition insights, self-care practices, and movement sessions that provide meaningful tools for lifelong wellness. Enjoy nourishing meals and delicious bites from local chefs and food vendors.

• Admission: General admission is free, but registration is required at eventbrite.com. Wellness swag bags are also available for $20 each. Sales end May 31.

MONTGOMERY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

For tickets call the box office at 334-481-5100 or visit their newly designed website atmpaconline.org.

• May 8 — Black Jacket Symphony presents Bon Jovi "Slippery When Wet" — 7:30 p.m. $40-$45

• May 13 — Chicago — 7:30 p.m. $60-$110

• May 16 — Emo Orchestra, with The Spill Canvas — 8 p.m. $27.50 - $47.50

• June 5 — Legends of Country Rock: Atlanta Rhythm Section, Orleans, Firefall, and Pure Praire League — 7:30 p.m. $37.50 - $77.50

• June 6 — MC Lightfoot: 10th anniversary one night stand — 8 p.m. $25 - $60

• June 22 — Vince Gill — 7 p.m. $66 - $136

• July 24, 25 and 26 — Leanne Morgan , The Time of Our Lives Tour — 7 p.m. each night, $45.75 - $285 each night

• June 27 — When a Woman's Fed Up — 8 p.m. $49 - $64

• Sept. 11 — The Rick Burgess Show: Are You Ready Live Tour featuring Mr. Lucky — 7 p.m. $69 - $99

• Oct. 10 — Daniel Tosh: My First Farewell Tour — 7 p.m. $45.50 - $75.50

ALABAMA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

For tickets call the box office at 334-271-5353 or visitasf.net.

• Chicken and Biscuits: When: June 4-21, on the Octagon Stage. By Douglas Lyons. Baneatta and Beverly are sisters who reunite with each other and their wacky relatives at their father's funeral.

• Beautiful: the Carole King Musical: When: July 16-Aug. 16, on the Festival Stage. A smash Broadway musical packed with pop hits that defined a generation. Book by Douglas McGrath. Words and music by Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Before she was world-renowned singer-songwriter Carole King, she was Carole Klein — a Brooklyn girl with a piano, a dream, and a sound all her own. She created timeless hits, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Natural Woman,” “Locomotion” and more.

MONTGOMERY WHITEWATER

Montgomery Whitewater is at 1100 Maxwell Blvd, Montgomery.

Look for updates and additions to the schedule atmontgomerywhitewater.com.

W.A. GAYLE PLANETARIUM

TheW.A. Gayle Planetarium, 1010 Forest Ave., Montgomery in Oak Park is open to the general public for screenings on Saturdays. Gayle Planetarium is now showing two engaging full‑dome experiences designed for both children and general audiences. The planetarium has completed a technology refresh with the installation of a new digital laser phosphor JVC projector, ensuring brighter, sharper, and more vibrant visuals for all upcoming shows.

• 10 a.m. (Kids Show): “Solar System Odyssey”

• 11:30 a.m. (general audience): “Out There – The Quest for Extra Solar Worlds”

• 1 p.m. (Kids Show): “Solar System Odyssey”

• 2:30 p.m. (General Audience): “Out There – The Quest for Extra Solar Worlds”

The planetarium opens 20 minutes before each show to give guests time to view the exhibits — including a model of the Hubble Space Telescope — and visit the gift shop.

“Solar System Odyssey” is a character-driven adventure set in the future, in a time when humans have depleted the resources of their home planet. A business tycoon recruits our hero, Jack Larson, on a mission to discover a new home for humans to colonize. Join Jack and a stowaway, Ashley Trout, on a wild ride through our Solar System as he looks for answers to these questions: How are the worlds of our Solar System alike? How are they different? What must those worlds have in order for humans to live there?

“Out There – The Quest for Extra Solar Worlds” explores the thousands of years that mankind thought that the Earth was the center of the Universe. Thanks to our curiosity, imagination and urge to explore, we now know that planets like our Earth are nothing special in the cosmos. The Sun is just one ordinary star among hundreds of billions in our galaxy, the Milky Way. With the world’s most powerful telescopes, we are able to explore more and more of the Universe. What we have found so far has surpassed even the wildest expectations of scientists as well as authors of science fiction. Most stars have planets — it turns out they are more common than we thought. A huge diversity of different worlds is out there, just waiting to be discovered.

The W.A. Gayle Planetarium is an educational facility dedicated to exploring the wonders of Earth and space through captivating presentations, light shows, and immersive experiences.

The facility has a seating capacity of 159. Admission is $7.50 for each person age 3 and up. Ages 2 and under get in free.

For additional information concerning the Planetarium, contact us at (334) 625-4799 orgayleplanetarium@montgomeryal.gov.

CAPRI THEATRE

Get tickets atcapritheatre.orgor call 334-262-4858. The Capri is at 1045 E. Fairview Ave, Montgomery. It’s the longest continually operated movie theatre in Alabama. Become a member of the Capri Community Film Society and receive ticket discounts, plus admission benefits at art house theaters across the country. Member tickets are $10, and non-member tickets are $12. Ticket books will be $90 for a pack of 10.

• May 7 — "Kiki's Delivery Service" (Japanese with English subtitles) — 7 p.m.

• May 8-11 — "Fantasy Life" — 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• May 13 — "Good Will Hunting" — 7 p.m. (free with RSVP)

• May 14 — "Porco Rosso" (Japanese with English subtitles) — 7 p.m.

• May 15-18 — "The Christophers" — 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• May 21 — "Spirited Away" (Japanese with English subtitles) — 7 p.m.

• May 22-25 — "Amrum" — 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• May 28: "The Boy and The Heron" (Japanese with English subtitles) — 7 p.m.

• May 29-June 1 — "Blue Heron"— 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• May 31 & June 2 — 'Frida Kahlo" — Exhibition on Screen — Sunday 1 p.m., Tuesday 7 p.m.

CLOVERDALE PLAYHOUSE

cloverdaleplayhouse.org, 334-262-1530

960 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery

"Perfect Arrangement" — April 30-May 10 — It’s 1950, and new colors are being added to the Red Scare. Two U.S. State Department employees, Bob and Norma, have been tasked with identifying sexual deviants within their ranks. There’s just one problem: Both Bob and Norma are gay, and have married each other’s partners as a carefully constructed cover. Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the American gay rights movement, madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two “All-American” couples are forced to stare down the closet door. Thursday through Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Doors open one hour early. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $10 for students. Visit the Playhouse website (cloverdaleplayhouse.org) to purchase tickets. Or, they can call the PlayhouseBox Office at 334-262-1530 for additional information or to purchase tickets by phone.

"The Emperor's New Clothes" — July 16-26

"Uruinetown" — Oct. 8-18

"The Importance of Being Earnest" — Dec. 10-20

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MILLBROOK COMMUNITY PLAYERS

millbrooktheater.com,334-782-7317

5720 Main St., Millbrook

"Alice In Wonderland" — July 16-26

"The Adams Family Musical" — Sept. 24-Oct. 4

"Disney's Frozen, the Broadway Musical' — Nov. 12-22

PIKE ROAD THEATRE COMPANY

pikeroadtheatrecompany.org,334-414-0193

Productions at Pike Road Intermediate School, 4710 Pike Road

"Tuck Everlasting: The Musical" — April 23-May 10

"Disney's The Little Mermaid" — July 9-26

"Little Shop of Horrors" — Oct.8-25

"A Christmas Carol" Dec. 3-20

PRATTVILLE’S WAY OFF BROADWAY THEATRE

cc.prattvilleal.gov, 334-595-0850

203 W. 4th St., Prattville

General admission tickets are $12 online, or $14 at the door.

WETUMPKA DEPOT

wetumpkadepot.com/home.html,  334-868-1440

300 S. Main St., Wetumpka

"Men on Boats" — April 30-May 10

"Singing in the Rain" - Penguin Project — May 29, 30, 31

"Gentoo Showcase" - Exceptional Young Adult Project — June 5, 6, 7

"The Roommate" — July 9-18

"Traveling with Truman and Nelle" — Aug. 6-15

"Don’t Dress for Dinner" — Sept. 17-Oct. 3

RED DOOR THEATRE

reddoortheatre.org, 334-738-8687, 101 N. Prairie St., Union Springs

"Two Witches, No Waiting" — July 23-26

"Winter Wonderettes" — Dec. 3-6

The Red Door Theatre is located 35 miles SE of Montgomery. Play reservations ($20) and optional dinners ($20) — both evening and matinee performances are offered.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser:Montgomery area things to do for May 7-13

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May 06, 2026

What to do in Montgomery for May 7-13

There's fun and music ahead, and some special times to celebrate with mom. Find some fun and show her how much you love her. P...

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Jon Cryer Looks Back on Duckie’s Iconic “Pretty in Pink” Dance: ‘I Wanted to Make a Point’

Jon Cryer is remembering his iconic dance as Duckie in Pretty in Pink

NEED TO KNOW

• In a new interview, the actor said he "always felt like it was Duckie's moment to sort of prove how great he could be"

• He acknowledged, however, that some of his costars thought it was "cringe" at the time

AsPretty in Pinkcelebrates its 40th anniversary, Jon Cryer is looking back on one of the film's most unforgettable scenes — Duckie's now-legendary dance.

During an appearance onThe Viewon Friday, May 1, while he was promoting his role in the Off-Broadway revival ofThe 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Cryer was reminded just how much time has passed since the beloved John Hughes film first hit theaters on Feb. 28, 1986.

When Cryer, 60, was reminded that the film turned 40 in February, he playfully pushed back, joking, “I don't know what you're talking about! We shot that about a month ago!”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Cryer then touched on the moment that has stood the test of time — his character Duckie's energetic dance at the record store set to Otis Redding's “Try a Little Tenderness.” The scene has become one of the most iconic sequences in teen movie history, and one that fans, and the cast, still talk about decades later.

“[I] feel great about it now, obviously, and I felt good about it at the time,” Cryer said. “I wanted to make a point. I always felt like it was Duckie's moment to sort of prove how great he could be.”

At the time, however, not everyone saw it the same way.

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“Whereas Andrew [McCarthy] at the time thought it was kind of cringe,” Cryer added, referencing his costar, who played Blane. “But that's who we were at the time.”

McCarthy, 63, spoke to PEOPLE ina recent interview, saying, "I remember watching John Cryer do that dance scene. And I remember watching him do the beginning of it. I was like, 'Wow, this is really embarrassing for him.' "

McCarthy continued: "And then I kept watching and I went, 'Wow, this is really great of him,' you know? So it was an interesting evolution — and I don't know if it was me, that I gave it up or whether he relaxed in the infinitesimal degree — but Jon always jumped right in."

Looking back, Cryer said age and a bit of hindsight have changed how they view those moments.

“And it's funny because as adults — we've talked and I went on his podcast and he made a documentary calledBrats, he did a great job on it,” Cryer shared of McCarthy. “And he's a wonderful travel writer by the way, if you've ever read any of his travel writing. But as adults, you just go, ‘Oh my God, we were such teenage idiots.' "

McCarthy's relationship with Cryer was the subject of headlines in the 1980s, withPretty in Pinkthe source of some reported clashes between the two, who played rivals in the film.The two ultimately mended their rift in 2012 while backstage at — of all places —The View.

Read the original article onPeople

byAdministrator

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May 05, 2026

Jon Cryer Looks Back on Duckie’s Iconic “Pretty in Pink” Dance: ‘I Wanted to Make a Point’

Jon Cryer is remembering his iconic dance as Duckie in Pretty in Pink NEED TO KNOW In a new interview, the actor s...

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Branch County car show and swap meet returns with new cruise route

COLDWATER, MI — Favorable weather is expected for the Branch County Swap Meet and Car Show, returning to the Branch County Fairgrounds on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

The Branch County Fair Board revived the annual Mother’s Day weekend tradition after the original organizers stepped down last year.

Last year’s event attracted over 800 vehicles and 2,000 spectators.

Organizers anticipate even higher attendance this year, with many vendors already registered for the swap meet—one of the region’s first opportunities to showcase classic cars and motorcycles, both restored and in progress.

Spectator admission is $5 per person; children under 12 enter free.

Last year’s event did not include the traditional car cruise because it was organized in just 60 days and permitting was not possible.

Fair Manager Alyssa Blonde announced that the cruise will feature a new, shorter route, approved by the Coldwater City Council, to improve traffic management.

Participants will travel north on Jefferson, west on U.S. 12, south on S. Clay Street, east on Park Street, and return to the fairgrounds.

Vehicles will assemble at the fairgrounds at 3 p.m. and depart at 3:30 p.m.

Schedule:

Friday, May 8:

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• Swap & Craft Meet: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday, May 9:

• Swap, Craft, Car & Bike Show: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

• Blessing of the Bikes: noon

• Muffler Rap: 12:30 p.m.

Swap meet vendors will sell and trade automotive parts and related items on the west side of the fairgrounds.

Arts and crafts booths will be located in buildings and throughout the grounds.

Food booths and trucks will line the road.

Vehicle registration is available online only and is non-refundable.

The event will take place rain or shine, with sunny skies and temperatures around 65 degrees expected on Saturday.

The Branch County Fairgrounds are located at 262 S. Sprague St., Coldwater.

For more information, contact organizers at 517-278-5367, email branchcountyfair@gmail.com, or visitwww.branchfair.com.

Organizers encourage early online registration for participants and highlight that vendor spaces for the swap meet and crafts are still available.

The event is a major community attraction that celebrates automotive history while supporting local vendors and the fairgrounds.

Subscribe:Support local news. Subscribe to the Coldwater Reporter

Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter:Branch County, Mi car show and swap meet returns

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May 05, 2026

Branch County car show and swap meet returns with new cruise route

COLDWATER, MI — Favorable weather is expected for the Branch County Swap Meet and Car Show, returning to the Branch County Fairgrounds ...

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