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Tuesday, June 23, 2026

youarecurrent.com

4 Lawsuit accuses OLMC of failing to address bullying

9 CHS narrowly misses tennis doubles title

11 Carmel may add German-inspired marble track tour

STEM SISTERS

OneZone named Hoosier state’s Chamber of Year

Enjoy an in-store discount of 20% off furniture & accessories, and 15% off all regularly priced decorative lighting all month long.

DISPATCHES

 Clarification — In the June 16 edition of Current in Carmel, a story about the proposed school referendum tax rate included an anticipated total amount that was out of date. The referendum rate under consideration would generate up to $62 million annually.

 CHS music groups win state championships — For the first time in school history, three Carmel High School music groups won Indiana State School Music Association state championships this spring. The symphony orchestra won the title in concert orchestra. It’s the 20th state championship for the CHS symphony orchestra. Wind symphony won the concert band state finals with a unanimous first place finish from all three judges, according to Chris Kreke, associate band director. The CHS Ambassadors won the state mixed choir competition. “They were truly tremendously musical performances of some very, very difficult literature,” Kreke said.

 CCS hires new principal — Brian Behrman was named the next principal of Woodbrook Elementary School at the Carmel school board’s June 10 meeting. Behrman was previously principal at Fishers Elementary School for six years. CCS Superintendent Thomas Oestreich said Behrman stood out among many applicants for his instructional practice knowledge. “This was a very competitive interview process,” Oestreich said. “We had sitting principals all over the state of Indiana that wanted to come to Carmel Clay Schools.”

 CEF awards grants, scholarships — The Carmel Education Foundation recently celebrated student innovation, achievement and opportunity through three signature programs that invested more than $175,000 in Carmel Clay students during the 2025-2026 school year. Through the CEF Business Challenge, Student-Led Grants and the foundation’s scholarship program, students developed business concepts, launched projects to improve their schools and received support to pursue future educational and career goals. For more, visit ccs. k12.in.us/foundation/scholarships.

Attendance stabilizing at Carmel Christkindlmarkt

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt shared its annual report June 15 with the Carmel City Council.

The 2025 market had slightly fewer overall visitors than the previous year but more guests per day, as the annual holiday event lost two operating days because of inclement weather.

Generally, market attendance is stabilizing, according to Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO Jason Adamowicz.

“We’re not growing exponentially every year,” he said.

The market introduced a shuttle bus last season to alleviate parking issues, which transported 11,000 riders between the CNO campus and Carter Green, where the event is held. Adamowicz said organizers want to add a

Carmel OKs

second shuttle this year. The German-themed holiday market boosted its revenue from $1.9 million in 2024 to $2.1 million in 2025. Net operating revenue was $621,000 this year. Adamowicz said the Christkindlmarkt will use the revenue to begin preparing for this year’s event and create a “snowy day” contingency fund.

ordinance banning excessive vehicle noise

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel City Council met June 15 to approve an ordinance banning excessive vehicle noise, discuss funding for software to stream administrative work and update city code related to right-ofway disturbance permits.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The council approved an ordinance banning excessive vehicle noise.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The ordinance bans loud, unnecessary vehicle noise, such as revving, that can be heard from 30 feet away. Councilors removed language banning modified exhaust systems, as Carmel police plan to regulate their use through existing state law.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The council introduced an ordinance appropriating $2 million to support Enterprise Resource Planning implementation costs.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The city has been preparing to modernize its administrative and accounting systems by implementing an ERP, software that streamlines and connects information from various city departments. The city expects to begin using the ERP in the middle of 2027.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The council sent the ordinance to its finance committee for further review.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The council amended an ordinance outlining excavation and right-of-way disturbance permits and related maintenance and restoration requirements.

 WHAT IT MEANS: The amendments set fees for right-of-way disturbance applications and work and implement timelines to restore rights-of-way after project completion. It also includes penalties for noncompliance.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The ordinance will go into effect Oct. 1.

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The Carmel Christkindlmarkt. at Carter Green. (FIle photo)

Lawsuit claims OLMC school ignored bullying, abuse

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The parents of a former student at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Carmel have filed a lawsuit claiming school and church officials did not take adequate steps to address bullying and sexual abuse reported by their son.

The plaintiffs are not named in the suit, which was filed June 15 in Hamilton County, to protect the identity of their son.

Defendants are the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, which oversees OLMC; Trudy Schouten Young, diocese superintendent of schools; the Rev. Richard Doerr, OLMC pastor; OLMC Principal Timothy Fletcher; and OLMC Assistant Principal Deanna Cotter.

The suit alleges the bullying began during the 2024-25 school year, when the student was in seventh grade. It states he was harassed by other students, who used slurs and placed meat in his food so he couldn’t eat it, because he was a vegetarian.

The following school year, the “harassment intensified and became sexual in nature,” the suit states. The student was kicked during recess and had his shorts and underwear pulled down in front of male and female students in a gym class. The suit states no adult was supervising the class but that the incident was captured on security cameras.

Students also allegedly made graphic sexual threats regarding the student’s 10-year-old sister.

“During this period, (the student’s) demeanor and performance changed markedly,” the lawsuit states. “A previously kind, conscientious, and high-achieving student, (he) became dysregulated, irritable, and withdrawn; he abandoned activities he had previously enjoyed; and he experienced fre-

quent emotional outbursts.”

The suit states that school and church officials repeatedly minimized the alleged harassment when the student and his parents brought it to their attention, including in a December 2025 meeting between the student’s parents and Fletcher, Cotter and Doerr.

“The Parents’ concerns were dismissed, including with statements that ‘boys will be boys’ and that the conduct was merely ‘joking around’ and ‘horseplay,’” the suit states.

OLMC did not report the alleged harassment to law enforcement or the Indiana Department of Child Services, the suit states. However, two mental health therapists treating the student independently reported the incidents to DCS in December 2025 and January 2026.

Because of the trauma, a physician advised the student to take classes remotely during the spring 2026 semester, according to the suit. In January 2026 OLMC withdrew him from the school without notice, which the family discovered when his online learning account was deactivated.

Max Dryer, director of communications for the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, stated that the diocese is aware of the lawsuit.

“Diocesan leadership takes seriously the safety and well-being of all our students and their families,” Dryer stated. “Because the legal process is ongoing, and out of respect for all parties involved, no additional comments will be made at this time. We ask the community for continued prayers and appreciate their patience as this matter proceeds.”

The family is seeking damages for past and future emotional distress, medical and therapy expenses, and lost educational opportunities; compensatory damages for the parents’ medical expenses and lost income; punitive damages and legal and other costs.

 State of the County — Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger will present the State of the County address during a special Noblesville Chamber of Commerce luncheon, starting at 11 a.m. June 24 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Noblesville. He will provide updates on major county projects, including the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds renovation; the new 911 Communications Center and Public Safety Training Facility; Judicial Center expansion; county road infrastructure work; and

and

villechamber.com.

development efforts. For more and to register, visit nobles

Ex-Northview pastor accused of sex proposal

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

When Northview Church elders announced in a June 10 letter to congregants that they had fired senior pastor C.J. Johnson, they stated that a law firm had investigated a “significant allegation” within the last year.

The letter didn’t detail the allegation, and the church declined to provide additional information to Current.

the allegations to the law firm and said he mentioned sex and cheating as a test, which he described as a marriage counseling technique, according to the Roys Report.

But according to the Roys Report, a website that reports on the Christian church and community, the law firm investigated allegations by a woman in Scottsdale, Ariz., who said Johnson propositioned her to have sex during marriage counseling sessions.

The Roys Report story, posted June 11, claims that Kerri Mosher, 55, told Northview elders earlier this year that Johnson traveled to her home to provide marriage counseling and made several sexually suggestive comments as she showed him around.

Mosher reported that Johnson said, “You could have some fun in this shower,” after he saw the master bathroom, and he told her to explore her sexual side, the story states. She felt he repeatedly insinuated that they should have sex.

When the law firm investigated Mosher’s claims, it found that her family members confirmed her account and that her husband reported she “shook and started to cry,” when telling him what happened, the story states. Johnson, however, refuted most of

“The attorney said in his final report in September 2025 that Johnson’s account of events was ‘self serving’ and lacked any corroborating evidence,” the story states. “He also advised the elders to remember that where there’s smoke, there is usually fire.”

Northview’s letter states that the investigation’s findings were “inconclusive.”

Current reached out to Northview, Johnson and Mosher for comment on the allegations in the Roys Report story but did not receive a response.

Northview addressed “information from outside sources” on a FAQ about Johnson’s firing on its website.

“We understand that outside sources will share information and that not all of it will be accurate or complete,” the post states. “We encourage our congregation and staff to come directly to Northview leadership with questions rather than drawing conclusions from outside reporting. We are committed to communicating honestly with our church family and will share what we are able to as we are able to share it.”

The Roys Report story also states that multiple campus pastors have quit during Johnson’s tenure and that elders Greg James, Travis Theobold, Steve Hilger and Scott Meyer “were pushed out for insufficient support of the senior pastor.”

DISPATCHES

 Taste of Carmel returns — The Carmel Education Foundation will present Taste of Carmel on Aug. 27 at 502 East Event Centre. Taste of Carmel will bring together more than 40 local restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, caterers and beverage partners for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment and community impact. This year’s “Touch of Class” theme celebrates CEF’s diamond 60th anniversary. Guests are encouraged to embrace the occasion with elevated attire and a touch of sparkle, shimmer or

diamond-inspired bling. General admission early bird tickets are $125 through July 4, with standard pricing beginning July 5 at $150. Learn more and purchase tickets at tasteofcarmelindiana.com.

 Time Travelers History Ball set — Hamilton County Parks and Recreation will host its Time Travelers History Ball from 7 to 10 p.m. June 26 at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel. For more, visit myhamiltoncountyparks.com.

Johnson

Referendum decision pending CCS reviews project

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Clay Schools Board of Trustees will decide on a referendum amount and ballot question at its June 24 meeting.

The board went through one final workshop on the issue June 10 with administration. Discussions centered on the amount a new referendum would generate annually.

CCS administration had originally suggested a referendum that would raise up to $72 million a year. That amount has since changed to $62 million annually for eight years. Superintendent Thomas Oestreich said it was lowered after consideration from administration and policy experts.

“We wanted to go back to what we had been consistently communicating,” he said.

The referendum would replace the current operating and safety referendums that fund teacher salaries and school resource officers.

“It’s not about adding,” Oestreich said. “It’s about sustaining what we have.”

Three referendum structures have been considered by the board this spring. The $62 million option is on the higher end. It would include a $143 increase in the first year for the median homeowner, however because of Senate Enrolled Act 1’s property tax credits and exemptions, the average overall tax bill is expected to decrease $650 by 2028, according to Oestreich.

“Even with a referendum, taxes still fall long term because of those legislative changes,” Oestreich said.

Another referendum, for up to $59.3 million annually, was discussed.

Board Secretary Greg Brown said he was leaning toward this referendum.

“I’m convinced we have to do something … I get that,” he said. “It’s a matter of how high.”

Associate Superintendent Roger McMichael said that option would make up for lost property tax revenue but would make raises difficult, if not impossible, especially considering expected insurance increases. Raises would only be possible if there were staff reductions, he said.

The school board will meet at 6 p.m. June 24 at the Educational Services Center.

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Clay Schools appears receptive to sharing Oden Woods with the city to connect to a new park and trail.

The school board heard a presentation June 10 from Michael Klitzing, director of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, about Veterans Park, which is planned adjacent to the woods and Carmel Middle School.

The 1.6-acre park will be between the Herron Club, an $87 million luxury 55+ residential community set to be built at 12895 Old Meridian St., and CMS. The park would be just west of the middle school.

A trail, Veterans Greenway, would start at Grand Boulevard and head north through the woods and lead to the park. Veterans Greenway would also connect with Autumn Greenway, another proposed trail that would run east and west between Old Meridian Street

and the Monon Greenway. Klitzing said the parks department wants an easement through the woods to build the path.

There are also plans to build smaller soft trails within the woods and have some sort of statues or monuments that tell the story of veterans and the military, according to Klitzing.

The parks department has proposed a management agreement with CCS where the woods would still be owned by the school but the park would maintain the trails. Klitzing said Carmel Middle School classes could use Veterans Park.

Oden Woods is named after Marvin Oden, the first curriculum director for CCS.

Maintenance expenses would be covered by the parks department. The school board would vote on any improvements made to the woods.

The school board is expected to vote on the matter later this summer.

Oestreich

“Life

- Federico Fellini

Tenderloin Tuesdays return

By Hannah VanLandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com

Tenderloin Tuesdays have officially arrived in Hamilton County.

Throughout July, more than 60 local restaurants on the Tenderloin Trail across Hamilton County will compete for the title “Best Tenderloin in Hamilton County.”

The contest is a partnership between Hamilton County Tourism and Current Publishing.

“We are excited to partner with Hamilton County Tourism on this initiative,” said Steve Greenberg, executive vice president of Current Publishing.

“Hoosiers love their breaded tenderloins, so we are eager to see which restaurant will receive the most votes and take home the trophy.”

The Tenderloin Trail celebrates a Hoosier specialty in many forms, featuring traditional pork tenderloins as well as creative takes on the classic sandwich.

“Tenderloin Tuesday has always been about celebrating local restaurants through Indiana’s iconic breaded tenderloin, and this year we are turning up the heat in exciting new ways,” said Todd Bolster, Hamilton County Tourism’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and sport. “The Hamilton County Tourism team is thrilled to welcome more restaurants than ever

to the 2026 Tenderloin Tuesday passport and looks forward to crowning our first ever winner in the ‘Best Tenderloin’ competition in partnership with Current.”

Customers can take advantage of discounts and earn prizes every Tuesday during the month of July at participating restaurants. Participants can vote daily for their favorite pork tenderloin in Hamilton County. The winner will be crowned at the end of the month. Redeem Tuesday-only deals at four participating restaurants to earn a commemorative T-shirt while supplies last. Event and promotions will take effect every Tuesday from June 30 to July 28. For more and to claim a Tenderloin Tuesday pass, visit tenderlointuesday. com.

OBITUARY

Marilynn Lillian Krumholtz Blondell Bejin

On Monday, May 25, 2026, Marilynn Lillian Krumholtz Blondell Bejin— loving wife, devoted mother of four, and cherished grandmother and greatgrandmother—passed away at the age of 89.

Marilynn was born on September 23, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert and Mary Krumholtz Blondell. She lived a full and vibrant life centered around her deep faith, her family, and her love of connecting with others. A devoted member of St. Isabel Catholic Church in Sanibel, Florida, she found great strength and joy in her faith.

enjoyed her Avon business, tennis, bowling, playing cards, reading, shopping, dancing, and, of course, her bling ( jewelry).

Above all, Marilynn loved her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories that will live on in those who knew her. She is survived by her four children: Joseph (Julie), Tim (Diane), Lisa (Greg), and Dan (Christine); her grandchildren: Alyssa (Benton), Joseph IV “Joey,” Chelsea (Brian), Grant, Emily (Andy), and Austin (Amanda); and her great-grandchildren: Raylin, Alina, Grayson, and one on the way and her much loved nieces and nephews.

Marilynn was known for her warm, outgoing personality and her ability to make everyone she met feel special. She had a true gift for bringing people together and found great joy in social gatherings and time spent with loved ones. Her many interests reflected her lively spirit - she

Marilynn will be deeply missed by her family and friends, and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life service and family gathering will be held at a later date on Sanibel Island.

More than 60 Hamilton County restaurants will compete for the title of “Best Tenderloin” during the annual July promotion. (Graphic courtesy of Hamilton County Tourism)

Carmel Pride to feature ‘Jane Don’t’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

There will be a special guest during Carmel Pride’s Sunset Drag Showcase this year.

Carmel Pride runs from 1 to 8 p.m. June 28 at Carter Green. The Sunset Drag Showcase, set for 6 to 7:30 p.m., is an 18-and-older event held at the main stage at Carter Green in a ropedoff area. Admission is free, but guests need an 18-plus wristband from Carmel Pride’s info booth to enter the area.

Jane Don’t from the recently completed 18th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will perform at the showcase.

“She was voted Miss Congeniality,” said Jackie Mabry, one of Carmel

Glowacki and Sam Falkenstein are all 2026 CHS graduates.

and trinkets, with an emphasis on supporting the neurodivergent community,” Mabry said. “The Indianapolis Men’s Chorus is an Indiana staple that helps celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and brings people together through music.”

Mabry said another new feature at the event will be a commemorative booth for the Stonewall Riots.

“This uprising is often marked as the beginning of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. It originated as a police raid into the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York during the 1960s, which later turned into an uprising as patrons and the entire Greenwich Village fought back,” she said. “This marked a turning point for the LGBTQ+ commu

game was going to deuce,” Littell said. “Everybody was playing their best.”

Carmel led 4-3 before Jasper won four consecutive games to take the set.

“There were a lot of different momentum shifts in the entire match,” Greyhounds coach Kiersten Carlson said.

Littell and Hall won the first three games of the second set. Then Jasper took the lead by winning the next four and eventually landed in a tiebreaker.

“Everything was switching back and fourth. You can’t be too confident on

anything,” Littell said. “We just tried to stay in the present and see what we can do with that.”

Littell and Hall had defeated Fort Wayne Snider’s Tatum Miguel and Hannah Henry 6-2, 6-1 in the morning semifinals.

Littell and Hall, who were emotional after the loss, said they appreciate what they accomplished.

“We’ve been playing together since seventh grade, so being out here together is awesome,” Littell said.

Hall agreed.

“We’re been undefeated this whole season, so it’s really amazing looking back,” Hall said.

Carlson said the No. 1 doubles duo were a major part of the team’s success.

“They’re fantastic leaders,” Carlson said. “These girls are best friends on and off the court.They were the true heart and grit of this team. They deserve everything. They’re fantastic girls, and they are going to accomplish a lot in life. I want them just to remember what an amazing season they had and to be so proud of themselves.”

Littell’s older sister, Lauren, won the state doubles title in 2019 as a CHS freshman with Leila Antony.

Jane Don’t from the 18th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will perform at the Carmel Pride’s Sunset Drag Showcase. (Photo courtesy of Jane Don’t)

Gabby Hall, left, and Maddie Littell finished second in the IHSAA State doubles finals. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)

A history of beautiful music

EDITOR’S NOTE: Throughout the year, Current, in partnership with the Carmel Rotary Club, will publish columns from community members reflecting on Carmel’s 50 years as a city.

Commentary by Sharon Kibbe

In December, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra will recognize the 50th anniversary of its official incorporation, but very few people know its first iteration was 101 years ago.

porated in 1976 — the same year Carmel became a city.

An article in the May 8, 1925, edition of the Carmel Standard newspaper reports that the newly formed 30-member Carmel Symphony Orchestra was holding regular practices at the Friends Church under the direction of V.E. Dilliard of Indianapolis. Another archived Carmel Standard newspaper reports the orchestra’s debut performance took place on July 8, 1925, inside the school auditorium.

There are no records indicating the CSO performed or operated past the mid-1920’s until it was formally incor-

The Carmel Symphony Orchestra frequently performs at special events apart from the subscription concerts. Unique engagements have included “The Nutcracker on Ice” at the Carmel Ice Skadium with U.S. Freestyle Champion Paul Wylie in 1990 and Olympic pair skaters Natalie and Wayne Seybold in 1991, accompanying The Moody Blues at Deer Creek Music Center in 1994, Concert in the Quarry in 1998, 2000 and 2002 at the bottom of the Martin Marietta rock quarry, and the Classical Mystery Tour, a Beatles Tribute Concert, at Coxhall Gardens in 2021, to name just a few.

The CSO became a resident company of the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts when it was established. The CSO proudly performs in the Payne & Mencias Palladium, a 1,500 seat concert hall that was built with the CSO in mind and opened in 2011.

CAMPERS CONCLUDE DAY WITH WATERBALL

Sharon Kibbe is the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s grants and development associate.

A Carmel Symphony Orchestra concert under the direction of David Pickett, who served as conductor from 1984 to 1998. (Photo courtesy of Sharon Kibbe)

Participants at Firefighter for a Day Camp play waterball June 20 at the Carmel Dads’ Club’s Aletto Family Sports Center. During the competition, teams use a fire hose to spray and attempt to move a ball suspended overhead. The Carmel Fire Department presented the camp the week of June 18. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Sister City’s marble track tour may expand to Carmel

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Daniel Burkert traveled from Germany last month to compete in the Carmel Marathon, but that wasn’t the only reason for his visit.

The woodworker lives in the village of Seiffen, one of Carmel’s Sister Cities, and he’s hoping to bring a beloved tradition from his hometown to the Hoosier state.

In Seiffen, several handmade wooden marble tracks are stationed at key landmarks, and residents and visitors can purchase a golf ball-sized marble to use at each one. Along the way, they get a tour of the town, and they take home the marble, which has a QR code linking to information about Seiffen, as a souvenir.

Burkert is working with the Carmel Seiffen Sister Cities nonprofit to bring the experience — known as a Kugeltour — to Carmel. During his visit, which was rescheduled from mid April to late May after weather postponed the marathon, Burkert toured the city to help determine potential marble track locations.

Sandi Richardson, president of Carmel Seiffen Sister Cities, said there are more than 20 tracks along the KugelTour in Seiffen.

“They all look different,” Richardson said. “Some go up on a wall where you have a crank and (the marbles) go up and then clonk down. Some are musical. They make a certain melody as they go through the path. Some are on

a table that looks like a forest. They’re a lot of fun.”

The Carmel Seiffen Sister Cities nonprofit is seeking grant funds to help cover Kugeltour costs, and the Carmel Redevelopment Commission recently provided a letter of support for continued exploration of the concept, according to City of Carmel spokesperson Holly Vonderheit.

“As the Seiffen Sister Cities completes its plan and renderings for the stations, the city will stay engaged in next steps,” Vonderheit stated. “That’s anticipated to include consideration of installations on city property, as well as discussions with other entities should the group be interested in placing stations on private property.”

If the plan moves forward in Carmel, Richardson said she’d like to see at least three stops initially, with more added in the future.

Learn more at carmelseiffensistercities.org/kugeltour.

MULTISPORT ATHLETE

Before becoming a runner, Daniel Burkert trained as a competitive luge and skeleton athlete as a teenager. He slowly became interested in running as a way to stay fit, and now marathons are among his shorter events. He competes in ultra distance running and was preparing to compete in a 75K — nearly 47 miles — after his visit to Carmel. His longest event was 150K.

“Many people say a marathon is hard,” Burkert said. “In my mind, before 10 years (ago) I never thought that I can do this. I know today the pain I

have is (for) three and a half hours, and then it is finished. When I walk an ultra trail for five or six hours, the pain is longer. What is better?”

Burkert also is choir director, organizer for Seiffen’s Stock Car and Crash Car derby and a former youth soccer coach.

He said he’d never visited the U.S. before his trip to Carmel.

“Carmel had so many nice houses with green (space) and the trees between the houses,” he said. “It’s very clean and very friendly.”

Woodworkers Daniel Burkert, left, and Wolfgang Werner at a marble track in Seiffen, Germany. (Photo courtesy of Sandi Richardson)

STEM SISTERS

By Sara Palmer news@youarecurrent.com

Carmel sisters reach same national stage through different paths

Carmel sisters Sophia and Valerie Fu didn’t set out to follow the same path, but they’ve arrived at the same place: Finalists in a national STEM program built as much around collaboration and opportunity as achievement.

The sisters were named Indiana’s National STEM Festival Champions in back-to-back years, earning the opportunity to present their work in Washington, D.C., connect with industry leaders and fellow young innovators and explore solutions to real-world challenges.

Sophia, a 2025 Carmel High School graduate, participated last year, and this month Valerie, who will be a senior, is following in her footsteps. The festival draws thousands of applicants from across the nation and selects just one student from each state and territory to participate in the multi-day event in late June. Less than 5 percent of applicants are invited to participate.

“I think doing hard things builds confidence,” Sophia said. “And then you want to keep doing more.”

The sisters’ work looks nothing alike. One focuses on improving how financial fraud is detected. The other examines how clinical trial outcomes are interpreted.

DIFFERENT PROBLEMS, SAME APPROACH

Sophia’s research centers on a problem in machine learning known as imbalanced classification — situations in which critical outcomes are rare but essential to identify.

“Most financial transactions are not fraudulent, but then there’s a small proportion that are, and those are the ones you really want to catch,” she said. Her work explores how algorithms can better detect those rare events, a challenge that appears in areas such as fraud detection, cancer screening and other medical diagnostics. In these areas, missing even a small number of cases can have significant consequences.

Valerie approached a different challenge, using mathematics to better interpret clinical trial results. Her model draws on cooperative game theory to break down how each outcome contributes to a treatment’s effectiveness.

“If we have a drug that is evaluated with respect to multiple different outcomes such as death, hospitalization or stroke, we can see how much each of these contributes to the overall value,” Valerie said.

“They’re both using extremely advanced mathematics and data science to solve real problems,” said Jenny Buccos, co-director of the National STEM Festival.

MORE THAN A COMPETITION

The National STEM Festival is not a competition, Sophia said.

“Once you get to the national level, everyone there is kind of like your champion,” she said.

The festival brings together students from across the nation to share ideas, connect with peers and industry leaders, and present projects addressing challenges in fields such as health care,

artificial intelligence, agriculture and environmental science.

“Science fairs are great, but what happens when you leave?” Buccos said.

Buccos said the program is designed to continue supporting students after the event through mentorship, networking and ongoing educational opportunities.

“We want to identify emerging talent and then connect them with the resources, the industries, the universities that might be able to take their ideas, innovations and extraordinary problem-solving skills forward,” she said.

“I’m still in contact with a lot of them,” Sophia said. “Some of us even ended up at the same colleges.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Sophia is studying at Stanford University, where she is continuing her work in mathematics and data science, while Valerie is preparing to present her research in Washington this summer.

Valerie said she wants to study mathematics or statistics in college and pursue a future in research or academia.

Sophia founded the Indianapolis

chapter of INTEGIRLS while attending CHS, and both sisters remain active in supporting young women pursuing mathematics and STEM opportunities.

“There’s always more stuff to explore and more things to be learned,” Valerie said. “Just take that first step and see where that can get you.”

For more information about the National STEM Festival, visit nationalstemfestival.com. Learn more about INTEGIRLS at indyintegirls.org.

ON THE COVER: Sisters Sophia and Valerie Fu inside the Great Dome at Massachusetts Institute of Technology during a college visit. (Photo courtesy of the Fu family)

FROM CARMEL TO A NATIONAL STAGE

Valerie Fu said she is proud to represent Carmel High School and Indiana on a national stage, like her sister, Sophia Fu, did last year.

Jenny Buccos, co-director of the National STEM Festival, said stories like the Fu sisters reflect not only individual achievement, but the broader support systems behind it.

“In a competition this selective, to have two from the same family, what that says about Carmel, Indiana, that family, that school — they’re just fostering such incredible young talent,” Buccos said.

Both sisters credit their environment — at home and at school — for shaping their interests. Teachers have also played an important role, Valerie said, particularly in encouraging students to pursue opportunities in STEM.

Valerie said watching her sister’s experience helped shape her own approach.

“Watching her project really helped me figure out how to explain mine,” she said.

“I’d like to believe that I had some influence,” Sophia said. “But honestly, it was kind of a coincidence.”

Sisters Valerie and Sophia Fu in 2022 at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, a favorite spot to walk their dog. (Photo courtesy of the Fu family)

Keystone Hospitality acquires Renaissance hotel

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel in Carmel has a new owner.

Keystone Hospitality, a division of Keystone Group, announced June 17 that it had acquired the 266-room hotel at 11925 N. Meridian St. It is the largest full-service hotel in Hamilton County.

Planned upgrades include guest room renovations, the addition of six suites, a reimagined entrance and lobby, new upscale food and beverage destinations and expanded meeting and event space.

Keystone Group founder and owner Ersal Ozdemir said the purchase supports the company vision to extend beyond individual properties.

“This acquisition is about more than adding another hotel to Keystone Hospitality’s portfolio. It is about continuing to build the hospitality ecosystem necessary to support Indiana’s future,” Ozdemir stated in a press release. “Indiana continues to emerge as a premier destination for domestic and international tourism, major sporting events, citywide conventions and corporate travel. World-class hospitality assets play a critical role in supporting that growth.”

In addition to the hotel, Keystone acquired adjacent land that could be used for “additional hospitality assets” and a “walkable and destination-oriented environment,” according to the press release. The combined site could include up to 400 hotel rooms and be-

come the largest hospitality campus in the county.

“Keystone Group’s exciting vision for the Renaissance Indianapolis North campus perfectly aligns with our goals to transform the U.S. 31 corridor into a more dense, more walkable and connected destination,” Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam stated. “Keystone has a track record of delivering impactful projects in Carmel, like Sophia Square and The Olivia on Main and we appreciate the continued private investment and long-standing partnership as we work together to elevate our city’s hospitality infrastructure.”

The hotel is within Carmel’s Meridian Corridor, an area the city is targeting for redevelopment.

Last month, Keystone Hospitality announced plans to transform the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre in downtown Indianapolis into a Renaissance hotel.

DISPATCH

 Old Town CEO earns ROSA – The Rotary Club of Carmel has selected Justin Moffett, chief executive officer of Old Town Companies, to receive the 2026 Rotary Outstanding Service Award. The award is presented annually to a non-Rotarian who exemplifies the Rotary ideals of Service Above Self, high ethical standards and a demonstrated commitment to strengthening the Carmel community through service and leadership. Moffett has played a significant role in shaping Carmel’s growth through community-centered initiatives. He will be recognized during the 2026 CarmelFest Fourth of July Parade.

Keystone Hospitality has acquired the Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel in Carmel at 11925 N. Meridian St. (Photo courtesy of Keystone Hospitality)

Old Town Companies CEO Justin Moffett, left, with Doug Willard, president of the Rotary Club of Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Doug Willard)

big trees now!

OneZone chamber recognized

news@currentinfishers.com

OneZone Chamber of Commerce was presented the Chamber of the Year Award June 11 by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association.

The award recognizes excellence in chamber leadership, innovation, member engagement, advocacy, programming, organizational growth and overall impact on the business community, according to OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell. Applications are evaluated by a panel of chamber professionals from outside Indiana.

“We are incredibly honored to be named Indiana Chamber of the Year,” he said in an email to Current. “This recognition belongs to our investors, volunteers, board of directors and dedicated staff who work every day to strengthen the business community throughout Hamilton County. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue advancing business and strengthening community.”

Russell said that receiving the award was a reflection of the momentum the

chamber has built over the past several years.

“OneZone has focused on delivering value, fostering collaboration and creating meaningful opportunities for businesses of all sizes,” he said. “We’re grateful for the trust our members place in us and proud to represent Hamilton County on a statewide stage.”

OneZone represents Carmel, Fishers and the Hamilton County communities of Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero and Sheridan.

For more, visit onezonechamber.com.

Synchronized Strategies.

OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell, center, with the OneZone team at the Indiana Chamber Executives Association meeting in Michigan City. The chamber has been named the 2026 Chamber of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Jack Russell)

Commentary by Larry Greene

This East Carmel backyard transformation replaced an aging deck and patio to create a stunning outdoor retreat designed for entertaining and everyday enjoyment.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Replaced the existing deck with a larger, more functional outdoor living space.

• Added a covered porch with integrated grilling station and fireplace feature.

• Installed low-maintenance Trex decking with black aluminum railings.

• Created a spacious patio below, complete with a custom fire pit gathering area.

• Incorporated Weather Ledge stone and Black Pearl Suede granite accents.

• Enhanced circulation, views and yearround enjoyment throughout the backyard.

Folk trio I’m With Her set for Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Singer-songwriters Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan have collaborated to form a powerful folk trio.

The musicians, who all have had success with other projects, formed I’m With Her in 2014 and released the album “See You Around” in 2018. A single from that release,“Call My Name,” won the 2020 Grammy for Best American Roots Song.

The group’s second album, “Wild and Clear and Blue,” was released in 2025. It won two Grammy Awards, one for Best Folk Album, and the song “Ancient Light” won Best American Roots Song. The group released a live album, “Sing Me Alive,” in April.

I’m With Her will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 25 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Watkins plays the fiddle, guitar and ukulele. O’Donovan plays guitar and piano and Jarosz plays banjo, mandolin and guitar.

“We are drawing from both of the I’m With Her records and a couple of covers here or there thrown in,” Watkins said. “It’s been really neat developing the songs from the stage over the last year. They continue to kind of shift and adapt to the stage from the album and we’re really enjoying playing the music.”

Watkins said the setlist might vary each concert.

“We get into a groove of a certain group of songs that feel good for a few days and then we might shift it,” Watkins said. “With just the three of us on stage, all the songs are pretty exposed. They are arranged quite vigorously, so that we can support each other at all the moments that need to be supported. We’ll find some magical combinations and that really helps us execute all the songs and have them be featured in the right way based on a sequence. The nice thing about not being hugely popular with ‘hits’ is that

we get to do whatever we want to do.”

Watkins said it’s not a situation where every popular song has to be played each concert.

“One of the lovely things about being a folk band is there’s some flexibility and the audiences are very happy to go on the journey with us,” she said.

Watkins said they enjoy playing together.

“We are big fans of each other individually, our individual projects and other collaborations,” she said. “We love to support each other and there is a huge amount of things that we have in common, but the thing that makes it most interesting is where our musical histories and personal histories vary. We’re all bringing different things to the table while having enough of a common language that we collaborate really well together. We travel really well together, and for those reasons, and for all the mysterious ones that I’m sure not all of us realize, it’s just a really gratifying project.”

Watkins said they wrote the “Wild and Clear and Blue” album together.

“We came together with very small starts of songs, little seeds of ideas, and every song was built up from there,” Watkins said. “We were staying in the same house, living together, writing together. All of these songs were constructed, arranged and written by all

three of us, basically all in the room at the same time.”

Watkins said the debut album also was a collaborative effort.

“We hadn’t written together before and we had eight days to write together for that first record,” she said. “We came in with a verse and a chorus and then the other two bandmates would help finish the song or tweak the lyrics. There would be a pretty good chunk of lyrics already for most of these songs.”

Watkins debuted as the fiddler in Nickel Creek in 1989, joining her brother Sean Watkins and mandolinist Chris Thile. Nickel Creek released a new album and toured in 2023. Watkins and her brother also tour together.

“It’s nice to be able to step away and then come back together and not feel that every bit of our individual creativity has to come into this one project,” she said. “We get to step away and dig into these other parts of ourselves. It’s neat to have all these outlets, and then when we come together with I’m With Her, it’s different. I think that’s why the collaboration is so fun because it’s a unique thing that happens only when we do an album. We get to write by ourselves other times and co-write with other people.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents. org and imwithhertheband.com.

‘CINDERELLA’

“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Jennifer Magley, Stooge Quest-Live is set for June 24, followed by Now That’s Funny June 25, “Esque, Burlesque” June 26 and “I Want My 80s: A Totally Tubular Party!” at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

JERRY GARCIA

The York Automotive Concert Series presents Andy Falco and Travis Book playing Jerry Garcia music at 8 p.m. June 27 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

‘SHREK JR.’

Civic Theatre presents “Shrek Jr.” through June 24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘WAIT UNTIL DARK’

“Wait Until Dark” runs June 24-28 and July 1-5 (except July 4) at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.

 Wilco’s Tweedy concert set — Singer-songwriter Jeff Tweedy, best known as frontman and founder of rock band Wilco, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tweedy will bring his solo acoustic tour with opening act Case Oats. Tickets starting at $55 are on sale at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317843-3800, or in person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, 1 Carter Green.

From left, Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins and Sarah Jarosz form the folk trio, I’m With Her. (Photo courtesy of Shervin Lainez)

ENTERTAINMENT

Lobster Palooza set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Rachelle Woolston is ready to take a spin at opera jukebox.

The soprano from Carmel will be one of the Indianapolis Opera singers at the annual Lobster Palooza fundraiser, set for 6 p.m. July 11 at the Basile Opera Center in Indianapolis.

“It’s a fun, fast-paced fundraising opportunity, and our guests are treated to opera snippets as a reward for raising money for the education and outreach efforts,” Woolston said. “They make a donation through an online link, and when they unlock a certain tier, the opera singers treat them with solos or duets from little snippets from operas that are super famous.”

these capacities,” she said.

Joining her will be Ganson Salmon, who grew up in the Lawrence area of Indianapolis. He is participating in Lobster Palooza for the first time.

“I’ve gone to the event with my family and my (grandmother),” the 2011 Heritage Christian graduate said. “I’m very familiar with the tradition of the event, but this is my first time being part of the entertainment.”

Salmon said he likes the opera jukebox concept.

THE FOUR PHANTOMS IN CONCERT

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BONEY JAMES

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

A CONVERSATION WITH AMY SEDARIS 8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

Woolston couldn’t attend last year but said it sounded like fun.

“It’s a really creative way to get donations,” she said.

Woolston said the funds help Indianapolis Opera target underfunded and underserved schools, libraries and after-school programs and community organizations.

“It really helps us bridge the gap to reach these communities that wouldn’t be able to afford a program like ours with the education and outreach programs that we offer,” she said.

Woolston, formerly the education director for Indy Opera, teaches at Ball State University. She works in productions for the opera and runs its summer vocal camp for teenagers

“I’m so grateful that Indy Opera hires local singers and involves us in all

“It’s a creative way to make the evening really fun and spice up the evening and the fundraising,” he said. “It won’t be as tightly wound as a formal concert. It will be a hair-down evening. Lobster Palooza has seemed to me like not only a fundraiser but (also) so tied to the history of Indianapolis Opera. It’s been going on so long, so it always feels like a celebration of Indianapolis Opera, kind of a coming together of the family of Indianapolis Opera, the supporters, the donors, the singers of the company.”

Salmon, a tenor, made his Indy Opera main stage leading role debut in a production of “Rigoletto” in November 2025.

“That was a very important moment for me,” said Salmon, who moved back to the Indianapolis area during the COVID-19 pandemic .

Salmon’s grandmother, Sarah Jane Gradison, died in January at age 97.

“She got to see my performance in ‘Rigoletto,’” he said. “She was my main draw for staying here.”

For more, visit indyopera.org.

PUZZLE ANSWERS

BRIAN SIMPSON, JACKIEM JOYNER AND

J 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

STEWART COPELAND: HAVE I SAID TOO MUCH 7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON

GLADYS KNIGHT

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

LOU GRAMM: THE ORIGINAL VOICE OF FOREIGNER

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DEMOLA LIVE!

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE & PABLO CRUISE

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE BILLY JOEL LEGACY: CELEBRATINGTHE PIANO MAN

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS: INDIGO PARK TOUR

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE WAR AND TREATY

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE SIXTIES SHOW

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

INVINCIBLE: A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DANIEL EMMET: THIS THING CALLED LOVE

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

NILADRI KUMAAR: THE SPACE BETWEEN THE NOTES –HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN

7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

HASTA LA MUERTE

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BLKBOK

7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON

SIMPLY THREE 7PM | THE TARKINGTON

MAVIS STAPLES

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH BERNADETTE PETERS

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PUNCH BROTHERS

| PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BAD VOODOO DADDY’S

& SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY

| PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS TOUR 2026

| PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

Woolston Salmon

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

First Listen launches HSO to present ‘Star Spangled Spectacular’

Discovering Broadway is taking its next step with an inaugural program called First Listen.

“First Listen equips Broadway authors with commission funds to create groundbreaking work from scratch,” said Joel Kirk, founder of Discovering Broad way, a pre-Broadway incubator.

Q&A with the cast,” Kirk said. “Many will be attending their first theatrical experience.”

Kirk said the commission was made possible by the support of Marianne Glick and Mike Woods.

Kirk, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate, will direct and help create the yet-untitled musical by composer-lyricist and writer Zack Zadek. Grammy nominee Justin Jesso and Sophia Anne Caruso are making their Discovering Broadway debut in a concert of songs from the musical at 7 p.m. June 26 at The Cabaret in Indianapolis.

Kirk said the event will feature the new songs, along with an on-stage panel discussion about the project.

“Following the concert, sponsored students will participate in a private

“This commission represents the future of Discovering Broadway,”

Kirk said. “For years, we have supported the development of musicals through retreats, concerts and workshops. First Listen is the next evolution of that mission by creating wholly original work from the ground up.”

Kirk said he and Zadek will create the first draft of the musical the week leading up to the concert.

Caruso, who appeared in the Broadway musical version of “Beetlejuice,” will hold masterclasses for ages 14-22 June 27 at the Cabaret. There is still availability in the 12:30 p.m. session. For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org or Instragram at @ discoveringbroadwayinc.

By Hannah VanLandingham hannah@youarecurrent.com

Hendricks Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a musical celebration, “Star Spangled Spectacular.”

Concerts will be performed at the Hendricks Live! venue at 7:30 p.m. June 26 and 3 p.m. June 28. The concerts will be conducted by Hendricks Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Music Director and Conductor Amy Eggleston. The show will feature a variety of patriotic music songs, such as “The Star Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful,” among others.

“Music is vital for every celebration,” Eggleston said. “Since we’re coming up on such an auspicious celebration of our national anniversary, I think it’s most appropriate to have all the familiar patriotic songs together in one program as much as possible.”

The musical celebration will feature an Indiana medley with pieces that include “On the Banks of the Wabash” and “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

“I tried to incorporate some pieces … that were around during the beginning of our nation, like ‘Yankee Doodle’, ‘American Salute’ (and the concert) also has ‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home,’” Eggleston said. “I also included some general familiar American pieces, like collections from ‘West Side Story’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ (from the musical ‘Carousel’ by) Rodgers and Hammerstein. There are some newer pieces as well, so it’s a little bit of everything, all celebrating America.”

Eggleston said they also will perform “I Hear America Singing” arranged by André J. Thomas, which she said sums up the theme of the concert. The song quotes the traditional African American spiritual “Walk Together, Children,” with themes of unity and resilience. For more and to purchase tickets, visit hendrickslive.org/events.

JULY 4, 9:45 PM

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

As we celebrate America's 250th Birthday, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors who answered the call and invested in our community. Their generosity has helped transform CarmelFest 2026 into our largest and most ambitious festival yet, creating new experiences, expanded attractions, and lasting memories for tens of thousands of families.

CARMELFEST PARADE

VIEWS

COMMUNITY VOICES

Understanding our neighbors

Editor,

Recent comments by Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith regarding Islam and Sharia law have left many Hoosiers with an incomplete and misleading picture of their Muslim neighbors.

For more than 35 years, I have worked in interfaith relationships throughout Indiana. I have shared meals, conversations and friendships with Muslim leaders and families across our state. What I have encountered are people who love their children, care about their communities, practice their faith and cherish the same freedoms that all Americans enjoy.

Much confusion surrounds the word “Sharia.” For most Muslims, Sharia refers to moral and spiritual guidance for living an ethical life, much as Jewish people look to Halakha or Christians seek to follow the teachings of Jesus. American

Muslims are not seeking to replace the Constitution with religious law. They are exercising the same freedom of religion guaranteed to every American.

The Quran teaches, “There shall be no compulsion in religion” (2:256). It also teaches that God created humanity into different peoples and tribes so that we might know one another, not fear one another (49:13).

We do not have to agree on every religious belief to treat one another with dignity and respect. In a time when fear and misunderstanding can easily divide us, Indiana can choose a better path: learning before judging, listening before condemning, and building relationships across our differences.

That is not weakness. It is the foundation of a healthy democracy and a strong community.

The Rev. Jerry Zehr, Carmel

Choose courage over capitulation

Editor,

I’m writing to express my disappointment with our Republican state legislators who represent Carmel (Danny Lopez, Hunter Smith and Scott Baldwin) for their refusal to condemn Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s hateful rhetoric towards my neighbors in the Islamic community and Gov. Mike Braun’s declaration of Nuclear Family Month.

Carmel is a diverse community, which is part of what makes it an attractive place to live. As such, we have many members of the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities who call Carmel home. With our legislators’ silence on these attacks against our neighbors, they have failed their most important duty as elected officials: standing up for their constituents. This behavior is dangerous. Beck-

with’s comments encourage Hoosiers to hate and dehumanize members of our community, only adding to anti-Muslim sentiment across the country. Gov. Braun’s proclamation of June as Nuclear Family Month encourages unnecessary division while arguing that LGBTQ+ families and single-parent households, like the one I grew up in, are somehow unworthy of recognition or respect.

Indiana is not a hateful state. Our elected leaders should explicitly reject their peers’ inflammatory language, stand up for their constituents, and choose courage over capitulation. Our local Republican legislators, by remaining quiet, empower their party to further divide and marginalize instead of addressing the real issues.

William Clontz, Carmel

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent. com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

CARMEL/CLAY BOARD OF PARKS & RECREATION NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Owner: Carmel/Clay Board of Parks & Recreation 1411 East 116th Street Carmel, Indiana 46032

Project: White River Greenway North Trail Extension Landscape

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation (the “Owner”), will receive sealed bids for the above referenced Project at the Board’s Administrative Offices located at 1411 East 116th Street, Carmel Indiana 46032 on July 14 2026 at 3:00 pm local time, and as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date, the Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Conference Room of the Administrative Offices. The outside of the sealed envelope in which the Bid is enclosed, shall be clearly marked “BID – WHITE RIVER GREENWAY NORTH TRAIL EXTENSION LANDSCAPE”, and as otherwise set forth in the Bid Documents. Any Bid received after the designated time will be returned to the Bidder unopened. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference for discussion of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on June 25, 2026 at 3:00 pm local time at the Administrative Offices located at 1411 East 116th Street, Carmel Indiana 46032; and, weather permitting, shall conclude with a visit to the location where the Work is to be performed. Prospective bidders are encouraged, but not required, to attend the pre-bid conference. For special accommodations needed by individuals with disabilities planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please notify Michael Krosschell at krosschellm@weihe.net or at (317) 414-7398 least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto. In general, the Work for the Project consists of Site improvements including site clearing, landscape plantings, seeding, landscape maintenance, and fence installation, all as set forth in the Contract Documents for the Project which, except for those items not included due to timing, size or other factors, have been assembled into a Project Manual and includes the Bid Documents. The Project Manual and any and all full size drawings may be examined at and obtained from the office of Eastern Engineering Supply Company, 9901 Allisonville Road, Fishers, Indiana 46038; Phone: (317) 598-0661. The plan charge will be listed on the online plan room. Payment may be made by check, credit card, or cash. NO DEPOSITS ACCEPTED. Make checks payable to Eastern Engineering. All payments and costs of Contract Documents and related supplemental materials are non-refundable. Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets, whether hard copy or electronic, of the Project Manual and drawings and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in Bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets. Bids must be submitted on the forms in the Project Manual, must contain the names of every person or company interested therein, and shall be accompanied by:

(1) Properly and completely executed Form 96 (revised 2013) prescribed by the Indiana State Board of Accounts which includes a financial statement, a statement of experience, a proposed plan or plans for performing the Work and the equipment the Bidder has available for the performance of the Work;

(2) Bid Bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total Bid amount, including any alternates, with a satisfactory corporate surety or by a certified check on a solvent bank in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the Bid. The Bid Bond or certified check shall be evidence of good faith that the successful Bidder will execute within ten (10) calendar days from the acceptance of the Bid, the Agreement as included in the Project Manual. The Bid Bond or certified check shall be made payable to Carmel/Clay Board of Parks & Recreation;

(3) A Non-Collusion Affidavit complying with the requirements of Ind. Code §36-1-2-4. Owner reserves the right to hold any or all Bids for a period of not more than sixty (60) days after the date on which the Bids are opened and, for such sixty (60) day period, all such Bids shall be in full force and effect. Any Bid may be withdrawn prior to the scheduled closing time for the receipt of Bids but no Bidder shall withdraw a Bid within the sixty (60) day period after opening of the Bids. All bid security of unsuccessful bidders will be returned by the Owner upon selection of the successful Bidder and execution of the Agreement, and provision of the required Performance Bond and Payment Bond. In the event that the total amount of the contract awarded to the successful Contractor is $300,000 or more, the successful Contractor must be qualified under either Ind. Code §4-13.6-4 or Ind. Code §8-23-10 before doing any work on the Project. Pursuant to Ind. Code §5-22-17-6, Owner reserves the right to specify in the contract with the successful bidder one or both of the following: 1. Early performance of the contract will result in increased compensation; 2. Completion of the contract after the termination or designated completion date(s) will result in a deduction from the compensation. A Performance Bond and Payment Bond with good and sufficient surety, acceptable to the Owner and Architect/Engineer, shall be required in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the Agreement. The surety of the Bonds may not be released until one (1) year after the Owner’s final settlement with the Contractor. Retainage will be as required by Ind. Code §36-1-12 et seq. A three (3) year Maintenance Bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the Contract Price shall be required upon completion of the Project. All out-of-state entities must have a certificate of authority to do business in the State of Indiana. Application forms may be obtained by contacting the Secretary of State, State of Indiana, Statehouse, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Owner reserves the right to (1) cancel this solicitation pursuant to Ind. Code §5-22-18-2 and/or (2) reject any offers, in whole or in part as specified in the solicitation when Owner determines in accordance with applicable Indiana laws including but not limited to Ind. Code §36-1-12-4, that such action is in the best interests of the Owner. Owner reserves the right to delay the opening of the Bids pursuant to Ind. Code §36-1-12-4. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Owner reserves the right to waive any of the terms, conditions or provisions contained in this Notice to Bidders or the Bid Documents or any informality, irregularity or omission in the bid process or in any Bid which waiver is deemed in the Owner’s discretion to be to the advantage of the Owner and which does not afford any Bidder a material competitive advantage over other Bidders. Except as specifically otherwise provided herein and as allowed by applicable Indiana law, a contract for the Project shall be awarded in accordance with this Notice to Bidders, Ind. Code §5-16-13 et seq. and Ind. Code §36-1-12 et seq., to the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder whose bid does not exceed the funds available for the Project. The Owner shall have the right to accept any Alternates in any order or combination or accept on the basis of the Base Bid alone, unless otherwise specifically provided in the Bidding Documents and to determine the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder on the basis of the sum of the Base Bid and Alternates accepted. Questions regarding this Project should be directed to Michael Krosschell by email only at krosschellm@weihe.net.

Carmel/Clay Board of Parks & Recreation Michael Klitzing, director

Publication: Carmel Current on June 09 and June 23, 2026

Hamilton County Reporter on June 15 and June 22, 2026

ORDINANCE NO. D-2820-26 (AS AMENDED)

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 3, ARTICLE 2, SECTION 3-58 AND CHAPTER 8, ARTICLE 5, SECTION 8-45 OF THE CARMEL CITY CODE

Synopsis: Ordinance amending the collection of civil penalties under the jurisdiction of the City’s Violations Bureau

WHEREAS, the City of Carmel (“City”), has authority to establish parking regulations within its corporate boundaries, and

WHEREAS, the City, pursuant to Indiana Code Chpt. 33-36-2, has established a Violations Bureau and appointed the City Clerk as the Violations Clerk under City Code § 3-58;

WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana (“Common Council”) is authorized to assess the civil penalties for violations and to appoint agents to assist the Violations Clerk with the collection of civil penalties under Indiana Code § 33-36-3-1; and

WHEREAS, the Common Council now finds that it is in the interest of public safety and welfare to amend the collection of civil penalties under the jurisdiction of the City’s Violations Bureau.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, as follows:

Section 1. The foregoing Recitals are fully incorporated herein by this reference.

Section 2. The following subsections of Carmel City Code Section 3-58 are hereby amended and shall read as follows:

“§ 3-58 Establishment of Violations Bureau and Appointment of Violations Clerk.

(b) The City Clerk will serve as the Clerk of the Violations Bureau.

(3) Civil penalties shall be paid to, receipted by, and accounted for by the Clerk or the Clerk’s appointed agent(s) and/or designee(s). For parking violation, the Clerk’s agent(s) and/or designee(s) under this subsection may include the entity under contract with the City to provide assistance with parking enforcement.

(1) All parking violations described in §§ 8-34, 8-35, 8-37, 8-46, 8-47, 8-48, 8-49, 8-51, and 8-52 are subject to the schedule of fines contained in § 8-45(c)(1) and (2).”

Section 3. The following subsection of Carmel City Code Section 8-45 is hereby amended and shall read as follows:

“(c)(1)Any police officer, community service officer, or other City enforcement officer who observes the violation of any provision of Chapter 8, Article 5 of the City Code shall attach to the offending vehicle a notice for the owner/operator thereof or shall mail to such person, first class postage paid, notice that such vehicle has been parked in violation of same and advising that such person may, on or before the date and time set forth on the notice/ticket to appear before the City of Carmel Ordinance Violation Bureau Clerk, excluding tickets under § 8-50 that shall be under the jurisdiction of the Carmel City Court, pay to the City of Carmel Ordinance Violation Bureau Clerk or the Clerk’s agent, as a fine for and in full satisfaction of such violation, the sum of $50 for the first violation and a sum of $100 for each subsequent violation, except that, in the case of a vehicle that has been backed into a parking space in violation of § 8-51 of the City Code, such fine shall be in the sum of $70 for the first violation and a sum of $125 for each subsequent violation.

(3) A vehicle that is unlawfully parked in a properly marked handicapped parking space in violation of § 8-50 of the City Code shall be issued a ticket subject to a $150 fine for the first violation and a fine subject to the general penalties provided for violations of the provisions of Article 5 of this Chapter for each subsequent violation in a calendar year.”

(3)

violation of § 8-50 of the City Code shall be issued a ticket subject to a $150 fine for the first violation and a fine subject to the general penalties provided for violations of the provisions of Article 5 of this Chapter for each subsequent violation in a calendar year.”

PUZZLES

Section 4. All prior ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, to the extent of such inconsistency only, as of the effective date of this Ordinance, such repeal to have prospective effect only. However, the repeal or amendment by this Ordinance of any other ordinance does not affect any rights or liabilities accrued, penalties incurred or proceedings begun prior to the effective date of this Ordinance. Those rights, liabilities and proceedings are continued and penalties shall be imposed and enforced under such repealed or amended ordinance as if this Ordinance had not been adopted.

Section 5 If any portion of this Ordinance is for any reason declared to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance so long as enforcement of same can be given the same effect.

Section 6. The remaining portions of Carmel City Code Sections 3-58 and 8-45 are not affected by this Ordinance upon its passage.

Section 7. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and signing by the Mayor and such publication as required by law.

PASSED by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this 1st day of June, 2026, by a vote of 5 ayes and 1 nays.

COMMON COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CARMEL Abstained Matthew Snyder, President Opposed Ryan Locke, Vice-President Rich Taylor Anthony Green Jeff Worrell Teresa Ayers Abstained Anita Joshi Abstained Adam Aasen Shannon Minnaar

ATTEST:

Jacob Quinn, Clerk

Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana this 2nd day of June 2026, at 9:15 AM. Jacob Quinn, Clerk

Approved by me, Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this 2nd day of June 2026, at 9:30 AM. Sue Finkam, Mayor

ATTEST:

Jacob Quinn, Clerk

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION

Docket Numbers: PZ-2026-00116 & PZ-2026-00117

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Plan Commission meeting on the 21st day of July, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon ADLS Amendment & Development Plan Amendment applications in order to obtain approvals for an eastward expansion of the existing Leppert Mortuary building and related improvements.

The common address of the property is: 900 N. Range Line Road, Carmel, IN 46032

The application is identified as Docket Nos. PZ-2026-00116 DP Amend & PZ-2026-00117 ADLS Amend

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel No. 16-09-24-00-00-026.001

All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.

Petitioner Name: Leppert Mortuary & Crematory Services, LLC

By Brian Tuohy, Attorney 9294 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46260

PUZZLES

1. From around here

6. Piece of cake?

11. Jr. and Sr. at NHS

14. Sheep-related

15. Vietnam’s capital

16. Have a steak at Bowdie’s

17. Insurance giant

18. Taylor’s Bakery cake topping

19. Caustic solution

20. *Post-infraction restart

22. Lowest deck on a ship

24. “Raiders of the Lost ___”

25. Countries

27. Lock horns

31. Bone filler

32. V-formation flier

33. Singing Sledge

34. Babe in the woods

37. October birthstone

38. *Game

39. Hawaiian tuber

40. ___ Aviv

41. 19th US President

42. North Dakota’s largest city

43. Danish coins

45. Cow chow

46. Nail polish remover

48. TTYL part

49. Aerodynamic

50. Quadrennial soccer event being played in the US now...and a hint to the answers to the starred clues

55. Chatter

56. Big name in multilevel marketing

59. Sculpted figure

60. Poet’s “before”

61. Bookstore section

62. Mosque leaders

63. I-69 road goo

64. Rotisserie rods

65. One of six US vice presidents from Indiana DOWN

1. Shapiro’s bread unit

2. Finished

3. Quote as a source

4. “Green Gables” girl

5. Fluid loss

6. Young fowl

7. Poolroom accessory

8. Numerical prefix

9. Sun. follower

10. Prejudice

11. *Penalty signal

12. Synthetic fabric

13. There are 780 in the Bop to the Top race

21. Fury

23. ___ de Janeiro

25. DEA agents

26. St. Louis landmark

27. Showbiz award “grand slam”

28. Slangy refusal

29. *Last line of defense

30. Lip-reading alternative, briefly

31. Taxi ticker

33. Name on a check

35. Desire

36. Party pooper

38. Road with an exit on I-465

39. Tiny bit

41. Pipes at some bars

42. Ball that may hit an umpire

44. GPS suggestion

45. Gift tag word

46. Thus far

47. Santa ___, Calif.

48. They have their ups and downs

50. Light bulb measure

51. Indiana Statehouse roof

52. Start of some juice names

53. Gomer Pyle’s org.

54. Model

57. Floor cleaner

58. It ended on 11/11/1918

ANSWERS ON PAGE 17

as Docket No. PZ-2026-00115 PP/SP. The real estate affected by said application is located at common address 2525 W. 141st Street, Carmel, IN 46074 with Tax ID Parcel Number 17-09-20-00-00-012.001. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. The petition may be examined prior to the hearing at the City of Carmel Department of Community Services office. Petitioner: CrossRoad Engineers on behalf of Ken and Lori Skwarcan

WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES

HIRING PARISH FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The assists the Accounting Manager and Business Manager by maintaining census information, doing data entry, and assisting with financial record keeping. The Office Professional is accountable to perform these duties according to the Mission and Values of the Roman Catholic Church.

Responsibilities

• Provides a hospitable welcome to callers or persons having business in the parish.

• Assures the existence of a current record for each parishioner in the Parish Data System (PDS). This includes Census, Contribution, Sacramental, Talent, and other information as determined by the Pastoral Coordinator. Maintains files of original parish registrations

• Assures all envelope and check contributions to the parish are accounted for in an accurate and timely manner and reconciles amounts with the bookkeeper. This is accomplished by posting all weekend collections in the PDS immediately after counting is accomplished by the counters. Reviews offering envelopes for notes from parishioners and/or visitors regarding census information or requesting to register.

• Schedule Counting Teams; work with Counting Teams when necessary to maintain consistency.

• Update parishioner records. Log donations and contributions. Maintain ministry rosters and attendance.

• Organize digital files, generate reports, other data entry requests.

• Assist Accounting Manager and Business Manager as needed. Other duties as assigned by supervisor or Pastor.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail

• Data entry experience

• Some spreadsheets familiarity

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and Interest in nonprofit/church work preferred