Council: Investigation of Christkindlmarkt nearly complete Page 2 City proposes ban on excessive vehicle noise Page 7
CHS boys lacrosse team celebrates state title win
Creekside student competes in Scripps National Spelling Bee Page 21
Pierce Aerospace providing sensors for NASA research
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The City of Carmel is one step closer to enhancing its parking enforcement efforts after the Carmel City Council on June 1 updated how certain fines may be collected.
The amendment, approved by a 5-3 vote (with one abstention), allows the city clerk, who normally processes fines, to work with a contracted agency to manage parking violation fines.
The change paves the way for the Carmel Board of Public Works to vote on a contract with Passport Labs, a North Carolina-based firm selected by the Carmel Police Department to provide equipment and technology to detect and address parking violations. The BPW approved a three-year contract at its June 3 meeting.
“What we’re looking to try to do with this is change behavior,” CPD Sgt. Zach Hasty said. “We want to encourage people to come and spend time downtown, but it’s hard to do when it’s hard to find a parking space in front of your favorite restaurant because someone is parked there all day.”
Hasty said enforcement efforts will be targeted in the city’s central core and near Carmel High School.
CPD plans to hire two part-time parking enforcement officers to use car-mounted and handheld devices that scan the license plates of vehicles parked in areas with time restrictions.
If a vehicle exceeds the time limit, officers will determine whether to issue a ticket.
The devices will take photos of vehicle license plates at various times to determine whether a violation has occurred. Unlike automatic license plate reading cameras, which Carmel uses to actively scan license plates as vehicles drive past and check for associated warrants, the Passport devices will not
be linked to any databases or be used to monitor other types of code violations, Hasty said, and only CPD will have access to the photographs.
Violators will receive a ticket with a QR code that allows them to pay fines online directly to Passport, which will subtract its payment and transfer remaining funds to CPD. The ticket will also have information about how to contest the fine in court.
Council President Matt Snyder said he was concerned that the system could be used to build a case against someone “before they’ve done something wrong.”
“Somebody could do something, and all of a sudden you’ve got a prebuilt case of every spot they’ve ever been,” he said. “That, to me, is guilty before proven innocent.”
Snyder asked CPD to get clarity before the BPW vote on how long Passport stores license plate data.
Councilor Adam Aasen also expressed concerns about data retention and asked whether the information collected would be subject to public records requests.
Sergey Grechukhin, an attorney and transactions chief for the City of Carmel, confirmed the data would be a public record but said any requests that could be approved would need to be “reasonably particular.” He also said the city would follow applicable laws regarding the release or withholding of personal information.
By Piper Bailey Piper@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel City Council is considering an ordinance that would ban excessive vehicle noise, such as revving and modified exhaust systems, that can be heard from at least 30 feet away.
Exceptions would be made for authorized emergency, utility, law enforcement, government agency, public safety or city-owned vehicles, according to the proposed ordinance. Other vehicles may warm up in the winter as long as related loud sounds do not exceed five minutes.
At the June 1 Carmel City Council meeting, Jeff Worrell, a sponsoring councilor, questioned what would happen to vehicles that already have modified exhaust systems, such as glasspacks.
Sergey Grechukhin, an attorney and City of Carmel transactions chief, said drivers would be discouraged from keeping the modifications and “will be ticketed every time” should they continue.
Police must witness a violation to issue a citation. They will not use decibel meters.
“If a person that was revving their
engine going down Monon (Boulevard and) sees a police officer, (they’re) probably going to behave immediately,” Grechukhin said. “The ordinance is designed to curb the behavior as much as we can. We understand that it’s probably not going to end it entirely.”
Violators will be issued a $100 fine for a first offense and a $250 fine for every offense thereafter.
The council’s Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee is set to discuss the proposed ordinance at its June 9 meeting before sending it back to the full council for a vote.
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Founded October 24, 2006 Carmel, IN Vol. XX, No. 34
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By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
More than a year after the Carmel City Council unanimously voted to launch an investigation into the city’s handling of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, it expects a final report to be completed soon.
Councilors have said little about the investigation since opening it in May 2025. The council hired law firm Dentons Bingham Greenebaume in July 2025 to conduct the probe and have attempted to stay out of the way while the work is done.
At the June 1 council meeting, Councilor Ryan Locke, who is chairs the investigation committee, said the law firm is reviewing a final batch of documents it requested and is expected to finish its report in the next
month or so.
The council opened the investigation in response to unanswered questions they and members of the public had about the circumstances that led to the October 2024 replacement of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. board, a nonprofit that manages the annual holiday festival, and subsequent events that led former CCI CEO
Maria Adele Rosenfeld to resign.
“Hopefully, we’ll bring it to a conclusion however it needs to come without politicizing it,” City Council President Matt Snyder said.
The council is expected to hear a financial update from Christkindlmarkt leadership at its June 15 council meeting. The city has been working with the Christkindlmarkt to make the event more self-sustainable and lessen the city’s indirect support.
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
With the City of Carmel expected to receive millions of dollars less than projected in the next several years because of the 2025 property tax law, CFO Zac Jackson is looking for savings anywhere he can.
On June 1, the Carmel City Council approved refinancing $157 million in debt to take advantage of lower interest rates, which is expected to lead to $12.3 million in savings.
“This is an attempt to lower our operating costs in response to declining revenues forced on us by the state,” Jackson said. “I’m looking at every nook and cranny I can to lower operating costs, this being a big opportunity.”
The restructuring is expected to save the city approximately $4 million in 2027 and 2028, when it expects the biggest
“I’m looking at every nook and cranny I can to lower operating costs, this being a big opportunity.”
budget hit from the property tax legislation. After that, it is anticipated to save the city $1.3 million annually.
Most of the debt was acquired in 2016. The restructuring will not impact its 2036 maturity date, but the city will not be able to refinance it again.
“As we look at the economic trends, we now have a window to refinance that hasn’t existed in the last 10 years,” Jackson said. “In the near future, we think that rates are going to go up, probably later this year. What we’re losing (by restructuring the debt now) would be the ability to refinance later if rates do go below what they are now in the next 10 years.”
The council also voted to refinance a 2020 stormwater bond.
Reported Scholarship Offers of More Than $65.6 million! WHERE IS THE CLASS OF 2026 GOING?
American University
Anderson University
Arizona State University
Ball State University
Bellarmine University
Belmont Abbey College
Benedictine College
Butler University
Columbus College of Art & Design
Colorado School of Mines
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Dartmouth College
DePauw University
Eastern Michigan University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Southern College
Fordham University
Gannon University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Grand Valley State University
Hanover College
Hope College
Huntington University
Illinois Wesleyan University
Indiana University
Indiana University - Indianapolis
Indiana University - Kokomo
Indiana University - Southeast
Jefferson Community & Technical College
John Carroll University
Louisiana State University and A&M
Loyola University - Chicago
Marian University
Marquette University
Miami University
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Norwich University
Ozark Christian College
Pratt Institute
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San Diego State University
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The College of Wooster
United States Air Force
United States Army
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University of Arizona
University of California - Berkeley
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University of Oklahoma
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Washington and Lee University
Wheaton College
Xavier University
Young Harris College
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Guerin Catholic High School boys lacrosse team benefited from an experienced senior class.
The Golden Eagles repeated as Indiana High School Lacrosse Association Class 1A state champions May 30 with a 19-10 victory over Evansville Memorial at Brownsburg High School.
“This was the first group of seniors that started in third grade and worked their way all the way through eighth grade at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which is our feeder program,” said Charlie Barry, who is in his ninth season as Guerin’s coach. “It’s the dedication of (players) Barrett Hahn, Gabe Bergland and J.B. Ford who started in third grade, and then some of the seniors who joined along the way. In fifth and sixth grade, Ethan Lehtinen and Vinny Elliott started and pushed this group to find that success.”
Junior Gavin Soucie led the way with six goals and two assists for the Golden Eagles, who finished with a 13-7 record. Elliott had four goals and four assists. Ford and sophomore Mason Walosin each had three goals.
Soucie set a school record with 120 points, 86 goals and 34 assists. Elliott was second with 61 goals and 33 assists. Walosin had 34 goals, followed by Lehtinen 23 goals and Ford 20.
It was Guerin Catholic’s third state title as it also won in 2021.
Second-ranked Bishop Chatard got off to a big lead early and held on for 15-14 victory over No. 1 Guerin Catholic May 30 in the Indiana Girls Lacrosse Association Class 2A state final at Zionsville Community High School.
“I’m proud of the girls for coming back from down seven in the second quarter,” Golden Eagles coach Joseph Bellflower said.
Junior Claire Flannagan scored nine goals in the state final. Junior Caroline Ford and Corrine Karlander each had two goals.
It was the fifth consecutive year Guerin was in the state final. The Golden Eagles won in 2022 and 2023 and placed second in 2024 and 2025.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel High School boys lacrosse team was able to avenge its only in-state loss in a memorable fashion.
The Greyhounds topped Culver Academies 15-11 May 30 in the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association Class 2A state championship game at Brownsburg High School.
“The key was being very deliberate on offense,” Greyhounds coach Keith Allen said. “We were fairly efficient when we had the ball. They scored five or six goals when they were a man up, which is something we tried to limit. They’ve got a really good offense and so they made us pay for our time in the penalty box.”
Twelve of the 15 goals in the final were scored by seniors. Ike Stitle had a team-high five goals, followed by E.B. Warren and Evan Coulter with three goals and Henry Dvorak had a single goal.
Junior Lincoln O’Leary scored two goals, and sophomore Luke Shrift added a goal.
“Our offense has been strong all year,” Allen said. “We’ve been pretty balanced, so defense holds their end of the bargain.
Will Bates, our senior goalie, is probably one of the best Carmel has ever had.”
It was the fourth consecutive year Carmel has been in the state championship. The Greyhounds won it in 2023. This is Allen’s third year as head coach. He was previously an assistant under Jack Meachum, who died in a car accident in August 2023.
CHS (17-2) had lost to Culver 12-10 May 13. The team’s other loss was to Cincinnati St. Xavier.
The Greyhounds fell behind in the title game but rallied to score the last three goals of the first half to take a 7-6 halftime lead and led the rest of the way.
Allen said CHS had 10 seniors who contributed heavily to the team’s
Stitle, who was named the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association Player of the Year, will play for NCAA Division I Siena (N.Y.) University next season. He was the team’s leading scorer with 66 goals and 21 assists. Dvorak will play for Le Moyne College, another D1 program in Syracuse, N.Y.
Bates will play for Division II Maryville University Town and Country, Mo. Stitle, Bates and Warren earned All-American honors.
Four other seniors will play at Division II schools. Max McCord and Cohen Odle are headed to play for Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida while Coulter will play for Anderson (S.C) University and Warren for the University of Tampa. It was the sixth state lacrosse title for the CHS boys.
Enjoy an in-store discount of 20% off furniture & accessories, and 15% off all regularly priced decorative lighting all month long.
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton County Commissioners met May 27 to approve an artificial intellligence policy update, review bids and more.
WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved a resolution regarding the use of a generative artificial intelligence policy as part of the county’s governance risk and compliance manual.
WHAT IT MEANS: The policy was adopted into the GRC manual by the commissioners last year. The update incorporates minor revisions that outline the county’s preferred AI platform, Microsoft Copilot.
WHAT’S NEXT: The policy will be reviewed on an annual basis because of the evolving nature of technology.
WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners reviewed bids for 2026 mechanical special projects.
WHAT IT MEANS: The commissioners received a $2,197,200 bid from DEEM LLC and a $1,964,000 bid from Leach and Russell Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
WHAT’S NEXT: The bids will be reviewed by Hamilton County Building and Grounds Director Steve Woods and awarded later.
WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners approved an agreement with OCV LLC, which administers the Hamilton County Emergency Management’s smartphone app for Android and IOS systems.
WHAT IT MEANS: The app allows the department to send push notifications and weather alerts and share preparedness information with the public. It also allows the department to receive damage reports from residents after events like storms.
WHAT’S NEXT: The agreement is for four years and will cost $5,027.50 annually.
Time capsule dedication — The public is invited to a dedication ceremony at noon June 13 at the Carmel Clay History Museum, 211 1st St. SW, for a time capsule containing letters from community leaders commemorating Carmel’s 50th anniversary as a city and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Once the letters are sealed inside, the capsule will remain closed and on display in the museum until 2076, when it will be reopened in honor of the city’s 100th anniversary. Learn more at carmelclayhistory.org.
Taste of Carmel returns — The Carmel Education Foundation will present Taste of Carmel 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.
Carmel residents complete fellowship — Three Carmel residents recently completed the Orr Fellowship, an early career development program that connects students with businesses in Indianapolis and Evansville. They are:
• Ben Johnson, Purdue University
• Lauren Jacobson, Indiana University
• Xavier Ramirez, Indiana University They are among 46 people in the graduating class. They join a network of nearly 700 alumni across the U.S.
Carmel History Summer Camp — The Carmel History Summer Camp for students in first through fifth grade will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 15 to 19 and July 13 to 17. Campers will visit a variety of historical places in Carmel as well as meet local leaders. Activities will be held inside the Carmel Clay History Museum, 211 1st St. SW, and outside in the community every day, weather permitting. Register at carmelclayhistory. org.or by calling 317-979-4236.
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A few years ago, Kiaan Bhatt watched the Scripps National Spelling Bee in awe as participants correctly spelled word after word he’d never heard before.
The Carmel resident wanted to become one of them.
This year, Bhatt, 13, was one of 247 students from across the U.S. to participate in the bee May 26 to 28 in Washington, D.C. He finished tied for 96th place after falling one word shy of advancing past a written test.
Bhatt, whose favorite word is “wentletrap” (a type of marine snail), answered the following questions from Current about the experience.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO COMPETE?
Last year was my first time vying for the national spelling bee. In the regional competition, I placed third. Only the one who placed first would qualify. I came close last year, it was painful, and I was bitter for months after that, with how close I got. I had a whole year to keep preparing to make sure that I wouldn’t miss out on that opportunity this year, because eighth grade is the last year that I’m eligible to do this.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE TO COMPETE?
There’s hundreds of thousands of words in the dictionary, and (the judges) can ask you any of them. You’ve just got to know the patterns by language and keep looking at words. Read as much as you can, because you never know where you’re going to find a word.
Bee held May 26 to 28 in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Neelay Bhatt)
WHICH WORD ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF SPELLING THIS YEAR?
It’s tough to say. I think of the words that I got in the national level, it would be tryptophan.
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK ABOUT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENT?
My whole community, my friends, my school, they’ve been so supportive of me this whole journey. On the last day of school, the Mayor of Indianapolis declared May 22 Kiaan Bhatt Day. The whole school had a celebration for me.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THIS EXPERIENCE?
Bee week has honestly been a lot more fun than I would expect. I’ve made a lot of friends here, a lot of connections. A lot of the people are competing with you, but the competition isn’t against each other, it’s against the dictionary and the judges.
Rose Anne McGillvary, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026.
Born on November 10, 1929, in Akron, Ohio to Giles Francis and Margaret Dolores Daugherty, Rose Anne was a proud graduate of South High School. She attended the University of Akron. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, where her faith and community were important parts of her life.
Rose Anne was preceded in death by her
beloved husband of 71 years, Daniel Ross McGillvary. She is survived by her loving son, Robert Patrick McGillvary; her cherished grandchildren, Daniel Henry and Hannah Louise McGillvary; her sisters, Joan Stockton (Bob) and Mary Lou Gault; and her sister-in-law, Kathy Daugherty. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Private services will be held for the family at a later date.
Doyle Akin
Benjamin Alcantara
Cari Andrade Perez
Caroline Appel
Aspen Arnold
Liam Arnold
Duygu Arseven
Sruti Atluri
Gabriella Avila
Odie Bargeron
Adriana Barlow
Kothe Birge
Karmen Bond
Alexis Bow
Daniel Boytsov
Joshua Brady
Sidney Brittingham
Laurel Buttrick
Aaron Cahn
Sophia Cahn
Cooper Cammack
Lexi Canter
Lukas Canter
Ryan Castetter
Sarah Coleman
Sam Commons
Noah Cortez
Lady Carrington Craig
Gabby Culp
Sydney Culp
Sterling Davis
Tyler Davis
Patrick Dennis
Kendall Ehnes
Madie Encinia
Mack Feeney
Megan Gleason
Laurel Gough-McKeown
Blake Gray
Isabella Gray
Scout Griffiths
Paige Gross
Hannah Grubbs
Cael Head
Juana Helou
George Hennessey
Anya Hicks
Cora Hill
Styler Hogg
Max Holbrook
Reilly Housman
Delaney Hutchison
Annie Ingersoll
Vidhatri Iyer
Philip Jacobs
Jack Koschnick
Nirupama Krishnamurthy
Ked Laborsky
Riley Lawyer
Quin Litke
Bruno Lukin
Naaima Mahmood
Becca Masoncup
Josh McGee
Elizabeth Merisotis
Bella Miller Krigger
Amelie Mock
Faisal Mohamud
Cam Molina
Harris Nachlis
Simon Ngo
Leah Norvell
Rishi Paranjape
Kennedy Payne
Lindsey Porter
Gabe Pryor
Samantha Purdie
Nick Quinto
Caleb Reed
Finlay Reid
Meg Rohloff
Quincy Russell
Jacob Shearer
Jaiden Shin
Nick Shockley
David Simpson
Sophia Slapnicka
Abbie Smith
Audrey Southern
Lia Stennis
Stephenson
Caleb Stocker
Jordan Storey
Miles Suarez-Davis
Beckett Suh
Gillian Sutera
Annabel Swearingen
Sam Tarvin
Ben Wei
Emmett White
Aiden Williams
Nia Williams DJ Willis
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department officials figured this is a perfect way to celebrate two anniversaries.
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. The event will celebrate America’s 250th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the Coxhall Mansion, completed in 1976.
“There will be reenactors depicting these historical figures, such as Betsy Ross, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, as well as other notable figures from American History,” said Erica Foreman, resource development specialist for Hamilton County Parks and Recreation. “We do have a formal presentation of the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln. Most reenactors will spend their time mingling and interacting with guests.”
Foreman said proceeds might support a variety of ongoing Hamilton County Parks projects, including trail develop-
ment at Seven Streams Park and Bur Oak Bend and the indoor archery range project at Strawtown Koteewi Park.
Foreman said this is the first time Hamilton County Parks has hosted an event of this kind.
“The concept developed as part of efforts to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States while also supporting the wide range of projects and programs offered to the community,” she said.
For more, visit myhamiltoncountyparks.com.
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 Carrie Holle
I still remember sitting on a bench along Main Street, sharing an ice cream with my 6-year-old, looking out at a few vacant storefronts. It sparked an idea and a sense of nostalgia from my teenage years working in a real estate office just outside of Chicago, where people wandered in, said hello and lingered over listing photos in the windows. It wasn’t just a business. It was part of the rhythm of the community. That day, I decided to create that same kind of place here.
Opening that little office on Main Street gave me a front-row seat to something special. Carmel wasn’t just growing, it was becoming. You could feel the shift as new energy moved in. Downtown transformed from a quiet corridor into a place people truly wanted to live, with new construction bringing life and vibrancy to the center of the city. It quickly became one of the most desirable places to be, driven by walkability and the growing mix of restaurants, shops and everyday amenities.
That original office eventually moved to a beautiful new space at Range Line Road and Main Street, but the heart of it never changed.
Being part of Carmel’s story over these past decades, watching it grow, evolve and thrive has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It is more than a place I built a business. It is a place that built a part of me.
Read the full column at youarecurrent.com.
A team of four students from Carmel High School won the 2026 Academic WorldQuest National Competition, presented by the World Affairs Councils of America. At the April event in Washington, D.C., 34 teams answered questions covering a variety of topics, from nuclear policy to current affairs to FIFA World Cup soccer. The Carmel City Council recognized CHS team, which won a trip to Turkey, at a June 1 meeting. Front, from left, are student team members Grayson Miller, Ryan Sharp, Rafan Tajwer and Leying Yiang; Mayor Sue Finkam; and Soham Narla, who just completed fifth grade at West Clay Elementary and served as the city’s deputy mayor for the day; and back, from left, are city councilors Shannon Minnaar, Anita Joshi, Adam Aasen, Ryan Locke, Matt Snyder, Rich Taylor, Jeff Worrell, Tony Green and Teresa Ayers. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Clay Terrace concerts — The annual free outdoor summer Concert Series at Clay Terrace will kick off June 18 and run every Thursday through July 9. Each concert begins with a pre-show performance at 6 p.m. followed by the headlining act on the main stage from 7 to 9 p.m. Upland Brewing returns as this year’s bar provider, and guests can also enjoy food vendors, face painting and a nearby play area for children. The lineup is Endless Summer Band (June 18), Big 80’s (June 25), Toy Factory (July 2) and My Yellow Rickshaw (July 9). A rain makeup date will be added July 16, if needed. Learn more at clayterrace.com/ events.
Local artist wanted — The Indiana Fever are searching for a central Indiana artist to design and hand-paint a mural on the interior wall of the player parking garage at the new Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center, currently under construction. Applications are due by July 5, and an artist will be selected by July 31. The mural will be painted in early 2027, ahead of the facility’s opening. Interested applicants can attend a virtual workshop June 15 to learn more about the project. Eligible applicants are professional mural artists over the age of 18 living in central Indiana, including Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan or Shelby counties. Interested artists can apply online at indyarts. grantplatform.com.
Back the Blue Bingo – Upland Brewing, 14490 Clay Terrace Blvd., will present Back the Blue Bingo from 2 to 5 p.m. June 13, July 11 and Aug. 8. The event will include games, prizes and an opportunity to support Carmel police. Proceeds benefit the Carmel Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 185. Purchase tickets for the May 9 event at bit. ly/4enFIwH.
CHS Class of 2016 reunion – The Carmel High School Class of 2016 will hold a 10-year reunion at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St. in Indianapolis. Learn more at chs16reunion.com/tickets.
Congratulations, Dr. Christina Kim, Breast Surgical Oncologist, and the team behind this first for women in Indiana.
With one small incision, Christina Kim, MD, just brought the leading edge of breast surgery to Ascension St. Vincent Fishers.
The first ever performed in Indiana, this new approach combines a single-port robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, immediately followed by reconstruction by a plastic surgeon. This procedure is designed to support a more natural appearance with fewer procedures and a smoother recovery. Thank you, Dr. Kim and the entire team, for leading the way for women in our community.
Scan or call 317-644-0667 to book a first consultation or get a second opinion
Ascension Medical Group St. VincentFishers Breast Care
13914 Southeastern Parkway, Suite 302 Fishers, IN 46037
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Virginia Tate might be retired, but she’s not slowing down anytime soon.
The 79-year-old Fishers resident volunteers regularly with the Fishers Arts Council and for various events and programs run through City of Fishers departments. She leads third-graders on tours of City Hall, is a park steward at Cheeney Creek Park, helps out during the Geist Half Marathon and helped pick lettuce for Indianapolis Zoo animals at the Fishers AgriPark.
Tate, a former speech and language pathologist, moved to Fishers about seven years ago. Soon after she arrived, she decided to check out City Hall — the old building that has since been replaced by the Fishers Municipal Center.
“I went in and there’s all this art on the walls, and I thought, ‘This is interesting,’” she said. “And somehow I connected with one of the board members, and I said I would really like to be a part of this, if I can.”
That’s how Tate got involved with the Fishers Arts Council, where she contin-
presented by
tired that volunteering and travel and keeping myself fit and healthy would be my my three major things,” she said. “And so, that’s what I’ve been doing. And Fishers Arts Council was one of the initial ones, but it sort of bled into other things.”
vendors were. And then, they have a children’s activity, a craft activity for kids. They’d have one table for the free bags and another table for the children’s activity. And I would help with the children’s activities.”
As a park steward for Cheeney Creek Park, Tate uses a grabber and a pail to pick up trash and keeps an eye out for any maintenance that needs to be done. She’s also helped plant trees at Holland Park and the AgriPark, helped decorate for the city’s fall festival and much more.
ues to take on volunteer roles, helping out during exhibit receptions, special events and more. Through that work, the gregarious senior met other people and got involved in more volunteer opportunities throughout the community.
It was all part of her retirement plan.
“I had kind of planned when I re-
Tate helps out at the Fishers AgriPark, primarily greeting and directing visitors. She has volunteered with the Fishers Health Department, manning a booth at events like the weekly farmers market, where she’s also staffed the Parks Department booth.
“They were always looking for volunteers,” she said. “I said, ‘Sure, I’ll come. You tell me what you need me to do.’
And they’d give me a little apron, and I’d give out flyers. I’d give out the free bags. Tell them where certain other
She hopes to find a volunteer niche at the Fishers Library, too — maybe reading to children.
Tate likes variety in her volunteer work and likes to stay active while contributing to her community.
“It’s satisfying to me that I can be (active) at this point in my life and still be a vibrant part of things,” she said, adding that volunteering benefits her, as well. “I do lots of stuff. I’m in a good mood most of the time. It gives me a good feeling, and it connects me with parts of the community that, when I was working, I didn’t have time to do that.”
news@youarecurrent.com
The public can ride in a World War II-era plane at this year’s Indiana Wing Commemorative Air Force Barnstorming Days June 13.
The event at Indianapolis Executive Airport in Zionsville will allow attendees to purchase rides on World War II-training craft, including a 1942 Vultee BT-13, 1943 Boeing Stearman, 1944 Fairchild PT-26 and a North American AT-6D. The aircraft played a vital role in preparing American aviators for combat, serving as the trainers where thousands of WWII cadets learned the skills they would carry into war, according to a news release.
This year’s Barnstorming Days will celebrate the nation’s history and the Greatest Generation — those who grew up during the Great Depression and fought in WWII.
“As our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, this is a unique opportunity to reflect on the brave Americans — especially the World War II generation — who helped secure that freedom, while allowing today’s families to experience
a living piece of that history,” stated Mark Van Zant, development officer for the Indiana Wing CAF.
Twenty-five complimentary airplane rides will be provided to select Hoosier veterans, courtesy of a donation from Fedex. Veterans interested in participating can apply online at indianawingcaf. org/veterans.html.
The event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prices range from $225 to $325 per ride.
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam is calling out Indianapolis leaders for not doing enough to stop repeat criminals.
In a May 28 social media post, Finkam pointed to a recent arrest by Carmel police of a man who “committed a violent crime against Carmel residents, injured a victim and terrorized a family.” The man, later identified as Manuel Ettress, has faced more than 30 criminal cases in Marion County since 2020, the mayor posted.
“Carmel and other donut county residents pay the price when repeat offenders in Marion County cycle through the system without accountability,” Finkam stated in the post. “Our residents deserve to be safe. And police officers, who repeatedly do their jobs and put themselves in harms way, deserve a system that works alongside them.”
Ettress is more than a dozen charges filed May 26 in Hamilton County after allegedly carjacking a vehicle from the GetGo gas station on Illinois Street in Carmel and running over its owner’s foot, according to a probable cause affidavit. After speeding away, Ettress crashed the vehicle into an electrical pole and through a residential yard, where it came to a stop.
The man who owned the vehicle suffered four broken bones and required surgery, the affidavit stated. His daughter, who had been in the car when the carjacking began but exited the vehicle, suffered minor injuries.
Ettress remained in the Hamilton County Jail as of June 4 with bail set at $1 million. A jury trial is set for Oct. 5.
Online records of Ettress’ most recent arrest list him as a Carmel resident, but Finkam told a national news outlet it is an “emergency family address” and that he has lived in Indianapolis and Bloomington.
Finkam told Current June 1 that she can’t understand why someone like Ettress, who has faced dozens of felony charges, is not in jail.
“Our officers tell me that they’re frustrated, and I can’t imagine how (Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department) officers feel,” Finkam said. “They’ve arrested this gentleman and other repeat offenders numerous times, but then before they can get to the end of their shift, they’re back out on the streets.”
When reached for comment, IMPD referred Current to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecutor’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
However, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears told an Indianapolis TV station May 29 that Finkam is “looking to score political points.”
“It’s interesting that they single out Marion County when the most recent case was in Hancock County, and the mayor didn’t say a single word about that,” Mears said.
He also told the TV station that his office objected to Ettress being released from jail in four pending Marion County cases, but that a judge disagreed.
Source: Hamilton County Jail
Finkam told Current the matter is about outcomes, not politics.
“Families deserve to be safe, and residents deserve confidence that dangerous repeat offenders, which is my whole point this whole time, are being dealt with appropriately,” Finkam said.
The Carmel Police Department declined an interview but sent Current a statement about the mayor’s comments.
“We greatly appreciate the support for law enforcement that Mayor Finkam expressed and certainly want to be a part of any solution that can positively affect the City of Carmel and the greater Indianapolis area,” the statement reads.
Finkam said that more than 40 percent of the inmates in the Hamilton County Jail are Marion County residents and that more than 57 percent of people arrested in Carmel are from Marion County.
Finkam said she doesn’t want to place blame on any specific individual or system. However, she does want to see Marion County leaders acknowledge the issue and take steps to address it.
“I’m seeing a lack of leadership for someone to stand up and raise their hand and say, ‘We’ve got a problem here, and we’re going to throw all of our
resources at it to try to fix it,’” she said. She said she would like to create a regional roundtable of Central Indiana mayors to address the issue. She said she has reached out to Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to initiate a conversation.
Mayor Sue Finkam and Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness agree that area leaders should work together to address crime spilling from Marion County to surrounding areas.
Mayors of the two municipalities that border Carmel and Indianapolis agreed that criminal activity spilling from Marion County to surrounding areas is a problem. They also agreed that it will take a team effort to address it.
“Criminals could care less what a political boundary is, so our solutions have to do the same,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said. “Hopefully in the coming weeks and months, we’ll continue to double down in the areas that make sense.”
Fadness said addressing the “revolving door” will likely require law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, state legislators and other officials working together.
“I hope that conversation continues and evolves into something that is actionable for all of us,” he said.
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr said area mayors frequently discuss the issue. He also believes it will take a collaborative effort to address the problem.
“We all have to do our part to make sure the region is as safe as it can be,” he said.
Pierce Aerospace sensors will help NASA improve air traffic control systems as significantly more drones take to the skies in the coming years. (Photo courtesy of Pierce Aerospace)
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A Fishers-based company is producing technology for NASA designed to keep low-altitude air traffic safe as more drones fill the skies.
Pierce Aerospace, co-founded and run by 2007 Carmel High School graduate Aaron Pierce, is deploying its Remote ID technology throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, where NASA is conducting air traffic safety research and development. The FAA requires drones to use Remote ID to broadcast their telemetry so they can be tracked and identified in the air.
Pierce said drones have overtaken the number of commercial aircraft in the skies, and the gap is expected to widen substantially in the coming years. Eventually, some of those drones are expected to transport humans.
“We’re going to have a mixture of drones and other autonomous and electric-powered aircraft that are not
necessarily taking someone from Indianapolis to the west coast but could be taking someone from the Indy metro area to West Lafayette,” Pierce said. “A lot of those aircraft for their flight profile will share the same airspace where commercial drone delivery traffic is at. Part of our role in that is to do the drone detection and make sure that we can feed that information to the air traffic control systems.”
Pierce Aerospace began developing Remote ID technology in 2017. Its sensors set to be deployed in California are manufactured in Indiana, Pierce said, and he has no plans to relocate the company.
“There are some advantages of being birthed here,” said Pierce, an Indianapolis resident. “We don’t have capital in Indiana like there is on the West Coast or East Coast, but what we do have here in Indiana is an incredibly strong manufacturing base for us to build upon, and that’s what we always saw as our secret weapon.”
Learn more at pierceaerospace.net.
Heartland acquires Whole Earth Brands — Carmel-based Heartland Food Products Group, owner and manufacturer of the Splenda brand, SlimFast and Java House, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Americas business of Whole Earth Brands, Inc., including the Equal, Whole Earth, Swerve and Chuker sweetener brands across North America and Latin America.
Centra Credit Union announces local grants — Five local nonprofits will receive grants from Centra Credit Union after they were nominated by Centra employees. The following received a grant of $2,500: Family Promise of Hamilton County; Boone County Cancer Society; YMCA of Greater Indianapolis; Coburn Place Safe Haven; and Riverview Health – Women of Vision Giving Club. A complete list can be found at Centra.org.
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By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For Carmel residents Mariah and Michael Scheker, IV Nutrition seemed the perfect combination for their background.
Mariah Scheker has 10 years in the health care sector, including the last five as a nurse practitioner, and will serve as clinic director. Her husband’s family has owned Mexican restaurants in the Indianapolis area since 1997, so he will handle operations.
The Carmel couple opened IV Nutrition April 7 at 12505 Old Meridian St., Suite 100, Carmel, and will have a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 13. They have six employees.
“We came across the IV Nutrition model, where they do IV therapies, but what is unique about it is it’s also functional medicine,” Mariah Scheker said. “So when people come in, we can do blood work and try to figure out if they are coming in with fatigue. We can start looking at labs and go a lot deeper than primary care usually does. We can really treat things like the root cause of what’s going on. I was really impressed with
the model and the integrity. With the franchise opportunity, it’s that business plan to take a model that’s working well and get to make it our own.”
Mariah Scheker said she believes that many aspects of health are connected to the foundations of wellness: nutrition, hydration, sleep, stress management, movement and nutrient balance.
IV Nutrition hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more, visit ivnutrition.com/locations/ carmel-in.
Exercise is a cornerstone of blood pressure control, yet meeting current evidence-based guidelines can feel overwhelming. While these recommendations remain the gold standard, emerging research suggests an easier entry point: isometric exercise.
Isometric exercise involves contracting a muscle without visible movement. While it may seem simple, the benefits on blood pressure are significant. Studies show that isometric training can lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 5 to 10 mm Hg in people with diagnosed hypertension. It is an effect that rivals traditional aerobic or resistance exercise alone.
The most widely studied approach is refreshingly practical. The guideline-endorsed prescription includes four two-minute holds, with a one-minute rest between efforts, performed three times per week. You can start with a simple wall squat where you sit back against a wall as if in an invisible chair. Or hand-
grip squeezes where a low-cost handgrip device works well. For handgrip exercises, the squeeze should feel “moderately hard,” about 30 to 40 percent of maximal effort.
The total time commitment? Roughly 11 to 12 minutes per session! These exercises can be done while watching TV, during a work break or in the carpool lane, making exercise especially accessible.
How does it work? Repeated muscle contractions improve blood vessel function and reduce resistance in the arteries, which allows blood to flow more easily over time. Isometric exercise has been shown to be safe, even in older adults with hypertension, when performed correctly and without breath-holding.
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Noblesville outdoor living project transformed an exposed deck into a comfortable covered porch, creating a destination for relaxing and entertaining.
• Replaced the existing open deck with a spacious covered porch addition.
• Installed low-maintenance Trex decking for lasting beauty and durability.
• Added a vaulted wood ceiling to bring warmth and architectural interest.
• Created a striking fireplace feature using materials from Classic Stone.
• Integrated lighting, ceiling fan, and mounted television for year-round enjoyment.
• Expanded outdoor living space with seamless access from the home.
Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy. com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Nichole Schmidt experienced every parent’s nightmare when her daughter went missing.
Travel vlogger Gabby Petito, 22, was killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundre, while traveling across the U.S. in a van. The trip began July 2, 2021, and Petito disappeared Aug. 27. Laundrie drove the van home to Florida and wouldn’t answer questions about her whereabouts. He later died by suicide a few days before Petito’s remains were found Sept. 19, 2021, in Wyoming.
Petito’s case drew nationwide attention on shows such as “Dateline,” “20/20,” “48 Hours” and a Netflix three-part documentary series. Schmidt will take part in a “Crime Unfiltered” event at 7:30 p.m. June 18 at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre in India napolis. Joining Schmidt will be Gabby’s stepmother, Tara Petito. Among the other pan elists is John Ramsey, whose daughter Jon-Benet Ram sey was killed in 1996. Her murder remains unsolved.
“It’s kind of an interesting dy namic for peo ple to be able to come and be so close to us and hear it from our mouths be cause a lot of what they see is media driven or it’s from the creators on podcasts
and sometimes all the information isn’t factual,” Schmidt said. “They might have perceptions of us that aren’t true. They look at us in a different light. We are real families. They are real tragedies that happened to us. We all advocate to prevent this from happening to others,”
Schmidt said there will be a Q & A session.
“It’s important to be able to communicate with people and let them understand that what happened to us is not an anomaly,” she said.
Moab City (Utah) police responded Aug. 12, 2021 to a domestic violence call and Petito was sobbing. Because Petito claimed she hit Laundre first, she was deemed the primary aggressor. A 911 caller had reported a man hitting a woman. Neither wanted to press charges and they were simply separated for a night.
“We feel Gabby’s life would have been saved if she was given a lethality assessment, which is a series of questions that police officers would ask when approaching a domestic violence situation, which is very dangerous for them as well,”
Schmidt said. “So, we push for states to mandate this lethality assessment. We don’t care if they use that one, there are different danger assessments.”
Schmidt said advocates want states to get the training to use it properly, so they can get victims into
the hands of advocates that help them create a safety plan or make them realize they are in a lethal situation.
Schmidt said Gabby’s dad, Joe Petito, worked with law enforcement officials to create a committee for Florida.
“We don’t care if it’s called the Gabby Petito Act, it doesn’t matter as long as they are using it,” she said.
Schmidt said they’ve also helped states pass missing persons acts across the nation to help law enforcement agencies share the information more broadly on missing people.
“It’s something that we hope helps locate missing people faster,” she said.
Schmidt said there should be domestic violence registries similar to sex offender registries. She said Gabby’s case drew attention because of the video footage available from the trip.
“Everybody that saw on screen connected with her and thought this girl seemed so sweet and so kind,” Schmidt said. “Gabby was also tough and she stuck up for people. She wasn’t afraid to speak up to what was right. She had a really great backbone and I think Brian broke that down because the Gabby I saw in the Moab video was not who Gabby is. She is not the kind that’s going to take responsibility for something she didn’t do and apologize for being mean because I know she wasn’t mean.”
Schmidt said the FBI told the family that it was the biggest missing person case they had ever worked on.
“I do feel like it’s Gabby in her spirit and she wasn’t going to let Brian not be held accountable for this,” she said. “I think that was her doing. She did want to be a famous vlogger. I said, ‘You did it, Gab, everybody knows your name now.’ We miss her so much, but we’re so grateful that we had the outcome we did because we work with families that their loved ones are never found and we get to bring her home and have her with us.”
For more, visit crimeunfiltered.com.
Nichole Schmidt, mother of murder victim Gabby Petito, is one of the speakers at a “Crime Unfiltered” event in Indianapolis at 7:30 p.m. June (Photo courtesy of Crime Unfiltered)
“Cinderella” runs through July 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
“Bubbles Up! Let’s Celebrate,” a celebration of Jimmy Buffett, is set for 7:30 p.m June 12 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Civic in Concert will feature music from “Chess” at 7 p.m. June 13 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
The Carmel Community Players Rising Star production of Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” is set for June 12-21 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
“The German Tropics” is set for June 10-14 and 17-21 at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
Discovering Broadway concert set — Discovering Broadway, a pre-Broadway incubator, has announced the stars and concert date for the untitled Zack Zadek musical, which is part of their inaugural musical commissioning initiative, newly named First Listen. Sophia Anne Caruso (“Beetlejuice” on Broadway, Netflix’s “One Piece”) and Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Justin Jesso (Stargazing) will lead the June 26 concert event, presented in collaboration with The Cabaret in Indianapolis. For more, visit discoveringbroadway.org.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Tanya Haas figures Disney’s “Descendants” would be a good fit for a Carmel Community Players’ youth production.
“My kids were older, so they weren’t big ‘Descendants’ fans growing up, but (I) had a niece that was in the show and some friends who were in different productions,” Haas said. “So, I went to see a couple of the stage productions and then watched the first of the movies.”
Haas saw how much fun the young actors were having and thought the show would be fun to direct. And she will direct the CCP Rising Star production of Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical,” set for June 12-21 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel.
“I don’t like to cut anyone who auditions and give everyone some role,” the Carmel resident said. “I know this was a show that had plenty of roles.”
Sydney Weitz, who will be a junior
at Carmel High School, plays Evie, the daughter of Grimhilde, the evil queen from “Snow White.”
“She was castaway on the Isle of the Lost, where all the villains go, but then she got chosen to go where all the good people are,” she said.
Weitz said Evie grew up evil, but she chooses good in the end.
“The challenge is her mother is really focused on vanity rather than education,” she said. “When she goes to Auradon, she realizes she is more than the stereotype her mother has fit into.”
Nixon Gough, who will be an eighth-grader at Carmel Middle School, plays Ben, the prince of Auradon, son of Belle and The Beast.
“It’s really fun and allows me to express myself that different roles haven’t let me do before,” he said. “I think this role really speaks to me. I definitely watched it when I was younger, so it’s exciting to be in it.”
For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Fox is on the run again. That would be Winston A. Fox, the stuffed fox mascot of St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis.
Journeyman Distillery and Rare Saint Whiskey, a part of Huse Culinary, have partnered to create a new whiskey named after the iconic fox.
The whiskey will debut June 16 at a dinner at St. Elmo, followed by a dinner June 19 at Journeyman in Valparaiso.
“It’s been a great partnership with Huse over the years and certainly we view (St. Elmo) as Indiana’s most iconic restaurant, so it’s a real treat to be able to partner with it,” Journeyman owner Bill Welter said.
This is the second whiskey featuring Winston A. Fox. Welter said several years ago there was a blend of Journeyman’s five rye whiskeys.
The one is called Winston A. Fox: The Story of Six Fine Ryes.
“The first one we had like 300 bottles, and this one will be a little more widely distributed, and I think we’re going to have around 1,000 bottles,” Welter said.
Welter said they are popular collector items. The people attending the dinner will have a chance to buy bottles.
The whiskey will have six blends, adding Rare Saint’s rye whiskey. The six uniquely different rye whiskies are composed of whiskey aged 10, 8, 8, 7, 5 and 5 years, respectively, and were finished together for an additional nine months in Madeira casks. It is being released at 100 proof.
The bottles are $89,99 and available for purchase at all Huse Culinary restaurants, including 1933 Lounge in Carmel and Fishers.
The Journeyman dinner will include St. Elmo’s famous shrimp cocktails and Linz steaks, which St. Elmo uses. Chris Clifford, vice president of business development for Huse Culinary and Rare Saint partner, said Winston A. Fox is in the 1933 Lounge at St. Elmo. He was stolen once but returned the same night after a news report.
“Winston A. Fox is exactly the kind of project Rare Saint was built for – an exceptional whiskey, a great meal and a story worth pouring,” Clifford said.
Clifford expects the Winston A. Fox whiskey to sell quickly.
“We’ll have it until we run out,” Clifford said. “We don’t have anything left of the first batch.It’s been gone for years.”
For more on the Indianapolis dinner, visit winston-bourbon-dinner-zzbu8. tripleseattickets.com/registration/select. For more, visit journeyman.com.
Commentary by Anna Lloyd
Public debate about immigration has become so clouded by misinformation that many Americans no longer recognize how the system actually works. As the founder of an organization that serves immigrant families every day, and as someone with a national security background, I believe we owe the public a clearer, more honest conversation.
One of the most damaging myths is that Immigration and Customs Enforcement “kidnaps people in broad daylight.” This is false. ICE conducts targeted enforcement, not random sweeps. When Enforcement and Removal Operations officers make an arrest, it is almost always because the individual has a final order of removal, a criminal history or a pending warrant or detainer. That is the immigration system functioning as Congress designed it.
When someone is arrested for unlawful entry, they are taken to a detention center, read their rights, given phone privileges and asked whether they fear returning to their home country. If they express fear, they are referred to an immigration judge for a credible-fear interview or asylum hearing. This is due process, not abuse.
Many Americans also do not realize that ICE has two distinct directorates. ERO handles immigration enforcement, while Homeland Security Investiga-
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2026-00119
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 22 day of June, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Seeking variance approval for an attached 20’x20’ rear building addition on through lot. Minimum 35-ft front yard setback required; 19’2” requested. (There also is a 35-ft platted B.L. for Smokey Ridge Sub-division).
With the property being known as: 3243 Smokey Ridge Court, Carmel IN, 46033. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00119.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:
The 0.48-acre site is located at 3243 Smokey Ridge Court (Smokey Ridge, Lot 22). It is zoned R-1/Residential.
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. 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.
Michael Still______________________________
“A functional immigration system that allows people to work legally and maintain status would reduce burdens on taxpayers and strengthen communities.”
– ANNA LLOYD
tions serves as the investigative arm for more than 400 federal statutes, including child exploitation, human trafficking, drug smuggling, document fraud, money laundering and cybercrime. State and local police cannot enforce federal immigration law. Some states encourage cooperation with ICE; others restrict it. When someone is arrested for violent crime or drug offenses, the Criminal Apprehension Program ensures that ICE is notified if the individual is unlawfully present after serving their sentence. Indiana participates
in CAP, strengthening public safety by ensuring that individuals with serious criminal histories are identified and transferred to federal authorities. Not everyone who is undocumented crossed the border unlawfully. Many entered legally and later fell out of status due to job loss, paperwork lapses or other disruptions. These individuals deserve a fair pathway to correct their status, especially those who have lived here for years and raised American children.
Without legal status, many undocumented individuals rely on emergency rooms and crisis-based services, placing strain on local systems. These costs are preventable. A functional immigration system that allows people to work legally and maintain status would reduce burdens on taxpayers and strengthen communities.
A balanced path forward includes: Registering undocumented individuals, issuing work permits, requiring higher payroll tax contributions, prohibiting voting in federal elections until naturalization, continuing to remove violent offenders and requiring ICE to publish
standardized CAP data annually. We can hold multiple truths: immigrants enrich our nation; laws must be followed; enforcement must be targeted and humane; and due process is essential. A public conversation grounded in facts, dignity, and truth is the only way to proceed. Welcome to Carmel, ICE.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2026-00127 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 22nd day of June, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application for the pool decking:
UDO Section 5.02(C)(7): Minimum swimming pool, its decking or equipment setback must be 3-ft from easement; 7’10” encroachment requested. With the property being known as 13580 Brentwood Lane, Carmel, IN 46033
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00127 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage .80, Section 30, Township 18, Range 4, BRENTWOOD, Section 1, Lot 2. Parcel No. 16-10-30-02-11-010.000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.
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. Caroline & Michael Pyle - Owners PETITIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2026-00124 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 22nd day of June, 2026 at 5:15p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Floor of a Private Garage and/or Accessory Building shall not exceed 75% of the ground floor of the Principal Building and a variance is being requested to make this amount 80.2%
With the property being known as: 11107 Echo Crest Dr. West Carmel IN 46280
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00124 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 1713010204005000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. 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.
Randy Pete PETITIONER
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 1, 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 17, 2026 at 3:00 pm local time at the Administrative Offices located at 1411 East 116th Street, Carmel Indiana 46032; 2700 W 116th Street. 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
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
Sealed proposals for Freedom Trail Park
Improvements will be received by the City of Westfield, Indiana, at the Westfield Public Works Building, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, Indiana, 46074 until 2:00 p.m., local time, on Friday, July 10, 2026. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bids received later than the above time and date will be returned unopened. No conditional bids will be considered.
Project generally includes construction of a park restroom building, pickleball courts, court fencing, sidewalks, asphalt and aggregate trails, signage, electric service, planting, and other site improvements, amenities, and furnishings. Bids shall be properly and completely executed on the Proposal Form obtainable at the office of the Owner. Each bid shall be accompanied by Form 96 Contractor's Bid for Public Works, including Non-Collusion Affidavit as prescribed by the State Board of Accounts, completely filled out, signed, and notarized as required by the statutes of the
and date will be returned unopened. No conditional bids will be considered.
Project generally includes construction of a park restroom building, pickleball courts, court fencing, sidewalks, asphalt and aggregate trails, signage, electric service, planting, and other site improvements, amenities, and furnishings.
Bids shall be properly and completely executed on the Proposal Form obtainable at the office of the Owner. Each bid shall be accompanied by Form 96 Contractor's Bid for Public Works, including Non-Collusion Affidavit as prescribed by the State Board of Accounts, completely filled out, signed, and notarized as required by the statutes of the State of Indiana, Section III of Part II of Form 96 titled "Contractor's Financial Statement," and acceptable bid security. The bid security shall be a certified check made payable to the Owner or satisfactory bond by an incorporated surety company in good standing and qualified to do business in the State of Indiana in an amount equal to 5% of the bid, said deposit being for the purpose of ensuring the execution of the contract for which bid is made. Any bid not accompanied by the above required items shall be deemed to be a non-responsive bid by the Owner.
No consideration for escalation on prices can be considered; therefore, contractors are advised to not include any such escalation clauses in their proposal for this project.
The Contractors to whom work is awarded shall be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, and they shall be acceptable to the City of Westfield, Indiana.
No bidder may withdraw their proposal within a period of 60 days following the date set for receiving bids. The City of Westfield, Indiana reserves the right to retain the three lowest bid proposals for a period of not more than 90 days, and said proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said time.
The City of Westfield, Indiana further reserves the right to waive informalities and to award the contract to the lowest and most responsible bidder or bidders, all to the advantage of the City of Westfield, Indiana, or to reject all Proposals.
The Contract Documents and drawings will be available to all interested parties from: Repro Graphix, 437 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or at eplanroom.reprographix.com.
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at the Westfield Department of Public Works, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074 on Monday, June 15th at 2:00 p.m
Please direct all questions regarding this project to Chris McConnell, City of Westfield, Department of Public Works, 2706 E. 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074, (317) 473-2917, cmcconnell@westfield.in.gov
By: Chris McConnell, City of Westfield
Notice of Public Hearing Before the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer Docket No. PZ-2026-00110V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 22nd day of June, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval for an 8’x14’ accessory building. Accessory Building Minimum Front Yard Setback on Corner Lots (and Through Lots), no residential Accessory Building shall be erected forward of any Principal Building; forward of Principal Building requested.
With the property being known as: 9605 Greentree Drive, Carmel, IN, 46032
The 0.49-acre site is located at 9605 Greentree Drive (Green Tree Country Club Estates, Lot 4). It is zoned S-1/Cluster Platted Subdivision. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00110 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel # 1713080302015000
The petition may be examined on the City's website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. 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.
Rodd A. Hale & Brenda S. Hale PETITIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2026-00114 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 22nd day of June, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall 2nd floor council chambers room, 1 Civic Sq, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:
The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval for an attached 8’x14’ enclosed patio. Minimum 10-ft sideyard. A setback required; 4’4” requested. UDO Section 2.04
With the property being known as: 12510 Brooknell Court Carmel, IN 46033
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00114 V
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:
Acreage .27 Section 34, Township 18, Range 4 LAKES AT HAZEL DELL Section 1 Lot 133 Irregular Shape
Parcel Number: 16-10-34-00-06-001.000
Zoning District: S-1/ROSO I
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. 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.
Derek Fiedler PETITIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2026-00126 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 22nd day of June, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: GradeX is seeking approval to have the permittable north facing sign installed on the southwest façade of the building rather than the northern frontage of Zotec Drive. They are not asking for additional signage or a sign that is larger than what the standard permitting process will allow. They are just asking for an alternative location vs the frontage location to the north.
With the property being known as _11460 North Meridian Street Carmel, IN, 46032 States Owned by 10220 N. Illinois St. Intermediary
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00126 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows
ACREAGE 3.00, SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 17, RANGE 3
Parcel Number 16-13-02-000-003.005
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.
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.
Eye 4 group, LLC – J.R. Knight PETITIONERS
benefactor
14. Fool
15. Where the book “The History of Zionsville, Indiana” recently sold for $17.01
16. Pulitzer-winning film critic
17. Angela Buchman weather spring forecast, often
18. Viral phenomenon
19. Aesop specialty
20. Remove from the ground
22. Pop fan?
23. Dish in a lab
24. Yachting event
28. NHS 12th graders
29. One-pointer in horseshoes
33. Victory Field statistic
34. Clergyman
35. Wear away
37. Hamilton East Public Library summer reading program...and an additional clue for the answers in the colored squares
40. Black-and-white cookies
41. Very dirty
42. In the past
43. Gloomy
44. Beast of burden
47. It was “born” in 1961 as a mate for Barbie
50. Greek column style
52. Lennon’s love
53. Short narrative
56. Exhume
59. ___ exam
60. Norse god of war
61. “Stars and Stripes Forever” composer
62. Chest muscles, for short
63. Actress Russo
64. Piano specialist
65. Bit of fiction
66. Sound from a leaky tire DOWN
1. Current space sellers
2. Persuasive sort
3. Decrees
4. Sub detector
5. Disaster relief org.
6. “Yeah, right!”
7. America: “A Horse With No ___”
8. Salon01 color
9. Clear a windshield, perhaps
10. 21st-century US president with a Noble Peace Prize
11. Kan. neighbor
12. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard
13. GPS suggestion
21. Ritzy retreats
22. Large body of eau
24. Remember
25. Son of 60-Across
26. Neat
27. Had the crab cakes at 101 Craft Kitchen
30. Always, in verse
31. Like Dickens’ Dodger
32. Zero, to Nero
34. Lilly’s David Ricks’ pos.
35. Kind of cuisine
36. Mr. Rogers on Trigger
37. Craving
38. Glowing gas
39. Sault ___ Marie
40. Hoosier National Forest tree
43. ___-mo
44. Battery terminals
45. Some peaceful protests
46. Westfield Playhouse play parts
48. Dump water on
49. Comparable (with)
51. Unpleasant smells
53. Region
54. Table salt, to a chemist
55. “If all ___ fails...”
56. Summer hrs.
57. Debtor’s letters
58. Rev
59. Choose ANSWERS ON PAGE 31
Full-time receptionist needed for busy law firm located in Carmel. $20+/hour depending on experience. Previous experience working in the legal field required. Health, dental, vision, and 401k available. Send resume to cyount@hovdelaw.com. No phone calls or walk-ins accepted.
Seasonal Landscaping and maintenance position. Two available. Location: 146th St & Towne Rd. in Carmel
• Perform general landscaping duties including mowing, edging, trimming, and blowing
• Maintain lawns and garden beds by mowing grass to specified heights and ensuring a neat, professional appearance
• Operate and maintain landscaping equipment such as lawn mowers, string trimmers, edgers, and leaf blowers
• Assist with seasonal tasks including mulching, weeding, pruning shrubs, and debris removal
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team in various weather conditions
• Ensure job sites are left clean and customer-ready after each visit with an emphasis on quality over quantity. $15/hr, flexible hours with adequate notice. Email resumes to: kreg.fisher@gmail.com
NOW HIRING
Automotive Window Tinter Pay Negotiable. Work available 7 days a week Apply via email: dan@dansdetail.com
