March 31, 2026 — Current in Carmel

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Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XX, No. 24

Copyright 2025 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

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Have a news tip, calendar item or photo to share? Contact Managing Editor Ann Marie Shambaugh at AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at currentincarmel.com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

New state law voids short-term rental restrictions by redefining bed and breakfasts

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Carmel’s rental cap isn’t the only local ordinance voided by the state legislature during its recent session.

House Enrolled Act 1210, the same bill that sunsets the 10 percent rental cap, also essentially eliminates Carmel’s restrictions on short-term rentals properties. Currently, property owners must receive approval from the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals to rent residential space for less than 30 days at a time.

One positive for Carmel included in HEA1210 is reallocation of the 8 percent innkeeper’s tax collected by the county. Five percent will continue to go to Hamilton County, but the remaining

funds will automatically be split between Carmel, Fishers, Westfield and Noblesville. Previously, the four cities had to submit proposals to vie for the funds.

OTHER NOTABLE LEGISLATION

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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Carmel are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said the new law has “effectively neutered” the city’s shortterm rental restrictions.

“I believe what this opens up the door to is much more Airbnb activity in every neighborhood,” Finkam said. “The only thing we’ll be able to regulate is occupancy and safety and hygiene.”

The state banned municipalities from prohibiting short-term rentals in 2018 but grandfathered in communities that had regulations to restrict shortterm rentals prior to that year. Carmel had been regulating them as a form of bed and breakfast before that date through its Unified Development Ordinance, which was adopted in 2017.

Last-minute language added to House Bill 1210 changed Carmel’s ability to do that by retroactively redefining bed and breakfasts in the 2018 state law.

“The Indiana legislature retroactively amended (the 2018 law) so ‘Bed and Breakfasts,’ as defined under Carmel’s Unified Development Ordinance, are explicitly excluded from the statutory definition of short term rentals, effectively rendering moot the enforcement action under this cause number,” City of Carmel Corporation Counsel Samantha Karn said.

HEA1210 led to the city dropping a lawsuit it filed last fall against Zionsville-based XF Property Group, which it claimed had been illegally operating a short-term rental on Concord Lane.

Finkam said she expects the Carmel City Council to discuss revising its short-term rental ordinance to align with the new law in May.

Although bills impacting local rental policies and development regulations drew much attention in Carmel during this winter, legislators representing the city also worked on several other bills set to make an impact in Hamilton County.

Republican Rep. Danny Lopez and Democrat Sen. J.D. Ford shared highlights — and some concerns — with Current after the session concluded.

IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

Both legislators were in the minority in voting against Senate Enrolled Act 76, which requires local agencies to comply with federal immigration enforcement efforts, among other changes to immigration law.

“(SEA76) deputizes folks like our teachers and hospital staff to aid in federal immigration enforcement — a job they never signed up for, and a job we should not ask of them,” Ford said.

Lopez, who grew up in a refugee household, said immigration enforcement is a “complex issue” that requires a “more nuanced approach” than the new law provides.

“It expanded the authority of the attorney general to go after Hoosier companies who are doing their best, who are trying to stay competitive, and I just wasn’t comfortable with that on a probable cause,” Lopez said. “It is too much discretion to give the attorney general to go after Hoosier companies.”

FOSTER CHILD BILL OF RIGHTS

Ford and Lopez listed a new law supporting children in foster care as a highlight of the session. Ford was a co-author on two pieces of legislation addressing the issue.

“Both of these bills help vulnerable children throughout our state by creating a Foster Child Bill of Rights, as well as

bolstering the Ombudsman’s Office within the Department of Children’s Services, ensuring accountability,” he said.

Lopez said the legislature didn’t create the bill of rights but codified an existing document and created a process for the DCS to work with foster youth to update it.

“Now it has to be distributed to every foster youth that comes into the system,” Lopez said. “It basically spells out what their roles and responsibilities are, what their parents’ roles and responsibilities are. They were clamoring for this.”

UTILITY AFFORDABILITY

Ford said he was proud to be a co-author of the bill that became House Enrolled Act 1002, which he described as “a landmark utility affordability bill that was truly years in the making.” The law provides for levelized or budget billing and creates a moratorium for electricity shutoffs during hot weather.

“In 2023, I authored SB 40, which would have prevented gas or electric shutoffs during the summer, and I am glad that we were able to get the language across the finish line,” Ford said. “I am hoping that this legislation is but a first step to offer needed relief to Hoosier families.”

JUDICIARY REFORM

Lopez authored House Bill 1033, which reforms the governance and structure of the Marion County judiciary. He said the changes are expected to make a positive impact on surrounding counties, which have Marion County residents making up 40 percent or more of their jail populations.

“People in (Hamilton County) want to know that criminals in Indianapolis are truly being held accountable,” Lopez said. “So, having a court that functions properly, both at the governance level and judicial accountability level is important.”

Lopez Ford

Finkam

Blue House Bridal eyeing relocation, expansion

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Blue House Bridal is looking to relocate its shop in the Arts & Design District.

The boutique, which opened in 2011, plans to renovate and expand a residen tial-style building at 231 N. Range Line Rd., a short walk south of its current location.

“The vision for this project is to create a warm, welcoming and highly personalized environment where brides feel celebrated, confident and at ease throughout their appointment,” according to a planning document filed with the City of Carmel. “Unlike traditional retail spaces, the design prioritizes private viewing rooms, intentional layouts and a hospitality-driven experience.”

The project includes interior renovations and a “modest addition to improve functionality, accessibility and flow,” the document states.

“This space is designed to feel more like a home than a store — creating a meaningful and memorable experience for clients while contributing positively to the local streetscape,” it states.

Proposed features include dedicated fitting suites, private viewing rooms, lounge-style waiting areas and a champagne bar.

Current contacted Blue House Bridal for more information but did not receive a response.

The relocation and expansion is proposed in a building constructed in 1880 that is identified in the City of Carmel/ Clay Township Historic Architecture Survey as a contributing structure.

The Carmel Plan Commission’s Committee of the Whole will review the renovation proposal at its March 31 meeting, set to begin at 6 p.m. at Carmel City Hall.

City of Carmel)

Several types of crimes decreased last year

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Several types of crimes significantly dropped in Carmel last year.

According to data submitted by the City of Carmel to the FBI for the federal agency’s 2025 National Incident-Based Reporting System, property crime rates were 7.15 per 1,000 residents and violent crime rates were .553 per 1,000 residents. Both categories are below national averages and 2024 totals in Carmel.

contributed to the declines.

The city saw significant decreases in 2025 in several categories:

• Burglary — down 55 percent

• Theft from motor vehicles — down 25 percent

• Theft (excluding shoplifting) — down 23 percent

• Motor vehicle theft — down 21 percent

• Aggravated assault — down 18 percent

Carmel Police Department Chief Drake Sterling said focused enforcement, proactive policing and solid investigative work

“The strong commitment shown by our officers has been the single most important factor in the declines we’ve seen,” Sterling stated in a press release. “Thanks to Mayor Sue Finkam and our city council, we have been able to hire and train more officers, bringing both our functional and authorized strength to the highest levels in the city’s history. We have more officers on shift, and our officers are active, stopping cars, conducting vacation checks and directed patrols, and just being visible, which is a great deterrent.”

Sterling said Carmel residents played a role, as well.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have a community that holds the department to high expectations and practices good vigilance,” he stated. “I encourage (residents) to continue to call when something doesn’t seem right.”

Certain types of fraud were among areas that did not see a decrease in 2025.

“Techniques used by fraudsters continue to evolve. Without a keen eye toward fraudulent activity, it is easy

– CARMEL

DEPARTMENT CHIEF DRAKE STERLING

to become a victim,” Sterling stated. “Criminals posing as local officials often attempt to extort money by way of threats, creating a sense of urgency in resolving a financial debt like warrants, tax payments, etc. It is best to simply not engage with these bad-actors. and verify directly with proper authorities immediately.”

CPD has assigned two detectives to the FBI Financial Crimes Task Force to help address these types of crimes.

The NIBRS system tracks 46 crime categories from departments across the U.S. View crime statistics from Carmel and beyond at cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/ crime-trend.

Carmel man was set to appear on ‘Bachelorette’

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The canceled season of ABC’s “The Bachelorette” was set to feature a Carmel man.

SAFETY MEETS STYLE

Matt Carroll, 43, who played basketball at Purdue University from 2001 to 2006, was set to appear in the 22nd season of the show, which featured Taylor Frankie Paul as the bachelorette. The series was set to begin airing March 22.  ABC canceled the season March 19 after a 2023 video surfaced in which Paul appears to physically assault her former partner as her young child watches and cries. Authorities are investigating a domestic assault involving Paul, according to national news outlets.

Paul rose to fame through TikTok videos and as a star on the Hulu show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”  Current reached out to Carroll, who works as a real estate broker, but did not receive a response. A spokesperson from ABC said Carroll “is not available for interviews at this time.”

DISPATCHES

 Golf pro to speak — Local golf legend Doc O’Neal will share about leading the Carmel High School Greyhounds to a state championship and his professional career in the sport at 4:30 p.m. April 16 at the Carmel Clay History Museum, 211 1st St. SW. The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Register at tinyurl.com/ytsjb82m.

 Folds of Honor scholarships – Folds of Honor Indiana, which provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled military personnel and first responders, is accepting applications through March 31. The scholarships support private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12, tuition for college, technical or trade school, and post-graduate work, including a master’s degree, doctorate, or professional program. Learn more and apply for a scholarship at foldsofhonor. org/scholarships.

Carroll

Meet Court 4 candidates

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

Trampas Whalin, Chadwick Hill and Angela Swenson are running for judge of Hamilton County Superior Court 4 in the May 5 Republican primary. There are no Democratic challengers.

Whalin is an attorney and owns Whalin Legal. He also is president of the Hamilton County Bar Association. Hill is a Hamilton County senior magistrate, and Swenson is an attorney and small business owner.

The candidates answered the following questions from Current. Read the full Q&A at youarecurrent.com.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE?

Whalin: I’m running because this is where I believe my experience, temperament, common sense and sense of duty can best serve others. Serving as a judge is not about status to me; it is about taking on a serious responsibility and serving people fairly when the stakes are often very personal.

Hill: This election carries significant consequences. A judge ready on day one; it is not a place for onthe-job training. The community deserves the most qualified candidate with proven judicial temperament. I bring the knowledge and experience necessary to the judicial bench.

Swenson: I am running to serve my community as a fair and impartial judge. I have a longstanding commitment to public service, and I believe in applying the law faithfully, treating all individuals with respect and ensuring equal justice for all.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENTS?

Whalin: I bring broad, real-world legal experience, from interning in a prosecutor’s office to serving as a pub-

lic defender to owning my own practice and frequently serving as judge pro tempore. I am in Superior Court 4 daily, giving me unmatched familiarity with its docket and staff from day one.

Hill: My reputation for fairness and impartiality is battle-tested through more than five years on the bench. Attorneys and clients know I listen with compassion, apply the law and provide predictable analysis. Unlike my opponents, I have judicial experience and 27 years in law, ensuring a knowledgeable transition and effective leadership.

Swenson: I offer a broad range of legal experience and a background of military service that has shaped my discipline, work ethic and decision-making. These experiences, combined with my perspective, allow me to approach each case thoughtfully, apply the law fairly and treat all parties with respect and impartiality.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE CAMPAIGN ISSUES?

Whalin: Respect for every person in the courtroom, reason grounded in experience, common sense and the duty to uphold the Constitution and reliability in ensuring the court is prepared, efficient and dependable.

Hill: Protection of all residents and businesses in the Hamilton County community, applying a balanced, logic-based application of the law to everyone that appears before me and providing a court that is transparent and accessible to the community.

Swenson: My top priorities are expanding mediation programs to resolve cases efficiently, improving court accessibility for all litigants and ensuring timely case management.

HOW CAN VOTERS CONTACT YOU?

Whalin: Voters can learn more at whalinforjudge.com, by phone at 317967-3145, or follow Trampas Whalin for Judge on Facebook.

Hill: Voters can email me at chadwick@chadwickhillforjudge.com, visit chadwickhillforjudge.com or follow my Facebook page, Magistrate Chadwick Hill for Judge.

Swenson: Voters can reach out via email at swensonforjudge@gmail.com, on Facebook at Angela Swenson for Judge or by mail at PO Box 4222, Carmel, IN 46082.

Whalin

Hill

Swenson

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Informational Seminar

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

 Kickoff to May contest — The 500 Festival and STAR Financial Bank have launched the 2026 Kickoff to May Contest. Themed “Racing Through History,” the challenge offers Hoosiers 18 and older a chance to win a prize pack valued at more than $1,000. It includes Indianapolis 500 Carb Day passes, 500 Festival Parade VIP tickets and a $250 Huse Culinary gift card. To enter, participants must answer three trivia questions at resources.starfinancial.com/ star-500-festival by 11 a.m. April 29. The winner will be announced during the free Kickoff to May event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 on Monument Circle. For more, visit 500Festival.com/ Kickoff.

White

 HOF induction — Carmel resident Eddie White, a communications professional with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, will be inducted into the Luzerne County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame on June 7. White grew up in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., and has worked for Notre Dame University, the Miami Dolphins, Reebok and other notable brands.

 CCA Gallery featured artist — Encaustic paintings by Noblesville artist Carrie Baxter will be featured April 1 to 26 at CCA Gallery, 111 W. Main St. in Carmel. Visitors can meet the artist from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 11 and 25. Learn more at ccaartgallery.com.

 Barn Bash fundraiser — Ben’s Ranch Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering teens struggling with mental health challenges, will present its Barn Bash fundraiser April 25 in Carmel. The event will include square dancing, live music, a mechanical bucking bull, dinner and a silent auction. Purchase tickets at bensranch.org/events.

 New public transit service offered — One-Call Connect, a new public transit service that takes riders between Hamilton and Hancock counties, has launched through a Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority, Hamilton County Express and RIDE Hancock partnership. To book a trip weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., call 317327-7433 at least 48 hours in advance.

City initiative makes composting easier

Do you recycle but don’t know what to do with food waste? Have you tried composting in your backyard with limited success? Do you want to take a small step in reducing waste in landfills and greenhouse gases in the air?

Then composting with Earth Mama is for you. The City of Carmel is partnering with Earth Mama to provide a composting service, at a discounted price, for Carmel residents. It is easy. You can collect your food waste in a small countertop container, transfer it to a 5-gallon bucket, and place it at the edge of your driveway every two weeks for pickup by Earth Mama. For just $7.50 per pickup, you get all the essentials: A 5-gallon bucket with an easy-off lid, compostable liners and a list of compostable materials. Plus, you can opt to pick up some of the nutrient-rich soil in April for your garden beds.

Carmel resident Madelyn Zalon, who has composted in her backyard for years, signed on with Earth Mama late last year. She likes using Earth Mama because of convenience and affordability. Additionally, Earth Mama takes more items than Madelyn was able to compost on her own.

Director of Carmel Utilities Lane

Young notes that food waste represents a sizable portion of Carmel’s solid-waste stream and contributes to rising landfill costs and greenhouse-gas emissions.

“Increasing access to curbside composting aligns with Carmel’s sustainability initiatives,” Young said. Check out earthmamacompost.com for more information.

DISPATCHES

 Indy Design Week set — Indy Design Week has announced the schedule for its eighth annual festival celebrating the Greater Indianapolis area’s design community. Indy Design Week 2026 is set for April 20-25, with a kickoff party, coffee meetups, lunch & learn speakers, a walking tour, an art and design market and more. For additional information and tickets, visit indydesignweek.com.

OBITUARY

Ila Mae Badger of Carmel, IN, passed away on March 18, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born in Des Moines, IA on September 23, 1938, to parents of Frank and Ruth Reeve. Ila married her high school sweetheart, Jack Badger, in 1959. Together they spent 59 loving years together. He preceded her in death in 2018. Together they had four children, David Reeve Badger (deceased), Cheryl Ruth Kazmierzak (husband Roy), Lisa Marie Badger, and Mark Thomas Badger (deceased). She was the proud grandmother of Ashley Christine Laca (husband Michael), and Kyle Hans Bush (wife Korica). Ila was also great grandmother to Brynn Noel Laca, Jax Conrad Laca and Walker Reeve Laca. She was affectionately called GiGi. She had two sisters, Janet Ruth Schma of Kalamazoo, MI and Phyllis Marie Wolff (deceased).

Ila will forever be remembered as a patient, loving and nurturing woman of God. Her energy was unsurpassed and was often used to entertain family and friends with beautifully homemade meals and meaningful conversation around the table. Together, Jack and Ila blessed their local Carmel community with a genuine heart of service, that so many will remember for generations to come. Those who live after her will forever cherish her unconditional love, passion for motherhood and adoration for Christ Our Savior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ila’s honor may be made to: Carmel Dad’s Club or American Cancer Society. With heartfelt gratitude our family wants to thank our friends, Carmel United Methodist Church family and the Carmel community for your outpouring love, support and prayers.

Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S., after working together as Audiologists in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.

In stark contrast to the medical/ENT audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.

Kira and Ali are available to evaluate your hearing and walk through your many options if you are a hearing aid candidate. Kira and Ali will spend the time to explain the differences in hearing aids, the best options for the hearing concerns you have, and will even have their benefit company call to verify if you have a benefit or discount plan for hearing aids through your insurance. We believe this makes the difference in you feeling comfortable with your individual hearing loss action plan. WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE ABOUT TO IMPLEMENT OUR NEW DIGITAL HEARING ASSISTANT, MICHAEL, WHO

WILL BE ANSWERING OUR PHONES AND HELPING ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND GET YOU SCHEDULED FOR APPOINTMENTS! PLEASE TALK TO HIM AS YOU WOULD ALI OR KIRA! Kira and Ali are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing, hearing loss and the link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. Dr. Wyss states “We’ve done many presentations to community clubs in the area and the participants always appreciate our time in giving them information about hearing loss, cognitive decline and tinnitus as well as answering their questions.”

Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only. They are located at 911 E 86th Street, Suite 035 Phone 317-731-5386 Email info@meridianaudiology com Website: www meridianaudiology com

VonBlon

Wyss

Cindy Muse is a member of Carmel Green Initiative, Inc. For more, visit carmelgreen.org.

Commentary by Cindy Muse

Senior forward proves to be key addition for Tigers

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.comi

Senior forward Kai McGrew fit in nicely with the Fishers High School boys basketball team.

McGrew transferred from Lawrence North High School in April 2025 for his final season. He was originally granted limited eligibility under the old IHSAA transfer rules to play on the junior varsity team. Upon appeal, he was granted full eligibility.

“I couldn’t be more impressed with how Kai integrated into the team,” said former Tigers coach Garrett Winegar, who recently announced he will take a new coaching job next season with the Iowa United prep school team. “He was extremely coachable and he was a great teammate. He was the best big man in the state this year and he made our team better. Kai’s growth from June 1 to the end of the season was as big as anyone in the state. He improved his ball handling, post footwork, passing, game IQ and ability to make plays in a variety of actions — zooms, ball screens as a handler and screener. The sky is the limit

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

MEET KAI MCGREW

Favorite musician: Lil Baby

Favorite movie: “Homefront”

Favorite athlete: Kevin Durant

Favorite vacation spot: Las Vegas

Favorite subject: English

for him at the next level, and we are excited to continue to watch him grow.”

The 6-foot-8 McGrew averaged 15.4 points per game on 58 percent shooting and 6.8 rebounds. As a junior at Lawrence North, he averaged 14.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. His sophomore year he averaged 10.8 ppg.

“My post footwork and finishing have improved (along with) my ability to play in different actions like zooms and ball

Fishers High School

senior forward Kai McGrew averaged 15.4 points per game this past season. (Photo courtesy of Fishers High School athletics)

screens and make decisions with the ball,” McGrew said.

McGrew said he adjusted quickly to his new team

“Just being open to learning and accepting any role the coaches gave me to help the team win,” McGrew said.

“Fishers has a great culture and the coaches and players accepted me.”

The Tigers were 24-0 before being upset by Carmel 50-49 March 7 in the IHSAA Class 4A sectional final at Noblesville High School.

“We had a goal of winning a state title and we are all disappointed we didn’t achieve it, but I am proud of what this group accomplished,” McGrew said. “Although the desire was to go farther, you can look back and see how special it was to go 24-1, given some of the team’s injuries.”

McGrew played his freshman year at a high school in Colorado before the familey moved.

“The competition and intensity were higher in Indiana,” he said.

McGrew played football growing up but switched to basketball in seventh grade. He is still weighing his college options and has plans to visit Central Michigan University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State, Sacramento State and a few others. Other schools that have offered scholarships are Mississippi State University and Louisiana Tech University.

ALI derby fundraiser set

news@youarecurrent.com

The Assistance League of Indianapolis will host a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser April 18 at The Club at Holliday Farms in Zionsville.

The event is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Derby attire is encouraged.

There will be a dinner, music by Tom Clark Trio, a silent auction, hat contest and more.

The Annual Mission Possible Fundraiser will benefit the programs of the Assistance League, which has members in Carmel, Zionsville, Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

This school year, 3,400 elementary students received new clothes and coats from ALI. More than 2,000 children

received new athletic shoes through the organization’s largest program, Opera tion School Bell.

An additional division of Operation School Bell, Reading Buddies, fosters the love of reading among early elemen tary school children.

Other programs include Assault Sur vivor Kits, which provides garments for victims of assault; ALI Bears, which gives teddy bears to hospitals, trau ma centers and hospice facilities; ALI Friends, whose mission is offering ac tivities and companionship to older and disabled adults.

Tickets are $130-$150 and must be purchased by April 3.

For tickets and sponsorships, go to alindy.org/mission-possible.html.

Characters of Carmel: Meet beekeeper Peg Murphy

Commentary by Shelly Gattlieb

For the last eight years, Peg Murphy and her husband, Peter, have shared a love of beekeeping. With her husband’s help, Murphy manages the two hives in their backyard and more than 25 hives in varying locations.

Murphy is an active leader in the North Central Beekeepers Club, where she keeps track of members, guides discussions and maintains notes. Participation in the club is free and open to people of all levels of skill, from seasoned experts to curious beginners.

commander; deployed for two years immediately after 9/11; retired at rank of colonel

Additional interests: ing, woodworking, cooking, playing oboe, collecting stamps, SCUBA diving Place of worship: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Denise Abshire has been in the banking industry since 1985. Denise has a passion for her clients and has been privileged to provide loans totaling over 100 million dollars in her career.

She has turned her hobby into a small business, owning and operating Haldale Honey. The company sells raw liquid honey and flavored creamed honey in addition to managing bee hives for clients.

MEET PEG MURPHY

Employer: Laser Flash in Carmel, founded and owned by Peter 30-year Army veteran: served as platoon leader, company commander, battalion commander and brigade

Birthplace: India, while her father was stationed at the U.S. embassy

Past roles: Newspaper delivery during youth, neighborhood pool lifeguard, drum major in high school, resident assistant on dorm floor, Cub Scout den leader and pack committee chair (earned the Silver Beaver award, the highest award at the council level)

Education: Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland, Iowa State University, MBA from IUPUI, Army War College — earning her pilot’s license while on active duty

Family: Married to Peter for 46 years, three sons and their wives, six grandchildren

Expert marksman: Competed with exhibition drill team in ROTC, became captain of rifle team

you know an interesting character who lives, works or worships in Carmel? Send suggestions to sgattlieb.currentincarmel@gmail.com.

Murphy

COMMUNITY

Comedy class launches

senior’s

stand-up career

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Fishers resident Rita Beck used to hide behind her mother’s skirts when meeting strangers, but said she quickly grew out of that phase and has been a “ham” for most of her life.

“I enjoy making people laugh, for sure,” she said. “Making people laugh — it’s kind of a stress reliever.”

Beck — retired since 2014 from Rita’s Backyard Tea Room and Garden Center — recently put her sense of humor to work and started performing as a standup comedian at various venues in the Greater Indianapolis area.

It all began with an introductory comedy class, hosted by The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“It was fun, but, you know, I really didn’t do anything with it,” she said. “In October of this last year, they had another one — introductory — and I thought, ‘Well, I’ve been introduced already, but I’ll do it again.’”

Beck officially caught the comedy bug during her second class. After she graduated, a friend who lives in a retirement community suggested a comedy show at the community, and Beck organized a group comprised of fellow comedy class graduates. That led to another show, and then more shows.

The Witty Committee Comedy Troupe now has performed in various private venues as well as at Jamaican Breeze restaurant on Keystone Avenue, Trax BBQ in McCordsville and Pickle on Penn in Carmel.

“It’s just something that I’m really, really enjoying,” Beck said. “I get to be creative. I meet new people — it’s a lot of good stuff.”

Beck — who didn’t want her age revealed but is willing to admit she’s a longtime member of AARP — said her goal is to organize at least two shows per month for Witty Committee members. And, she said it’s not difficult to come up with new jokes for all those shows.

“Nothing’s funnier than life, right? Nothing’s funnier than people watching people do silly things,” she said. “One of my favorite comedians is Jeanne Robertson. She doesn’t say she’s a comedian — she’s a humorist. She watches people.” And people provide all kinds of come-

dy material.

For example, while enjoying a cinnamon roll at Just Judy’s off north Binford Boulevard, the server told Beck about her husband buying her a $90 manicure, which included a hot stone hand massage.

“For $90, you’re going to have to rub me everywhere,” Beck joked when the server left — and yes, that bit might make it into a future comedy set. “And my friends will say things when we get together, just say funny things that they maybe don’t think is funny, but strikes me as funny. And if I think it’s funny, I’m pretty sure somebody else is going to think it’s funny, too.”

Beck and the rest of the Witty Committee perform “clean” comedy, she added, but that doesn’t mean it’s for all ages — there is plenty of innuendo, just no cursing or R-rated humor.

“I’ve been to a lot of open mics where it was just vulgar,” she said. “It’s not my style and all of my comedians in my Witty Committee group feel the same way, and that’s why I chose them. So, that’s what we strive for, so that you can come out and not be embarrassed, or just cringe.”

For more about the Witty Committee, call 317-572-8218 or email comedybywitty@gmail.com.

ALASKA IN-DEPTH

TRIP DATES: JULY 26 - AUG 10, 2026

Dive deep into Alaska’s wild heart by land, rail & sea:

Spot iconic wildlife in Denali National Park

Take in panoramic views from McKinley Explorer dome railcars Sail through the Inside Passage alongside towering glaciers

For more information call: (317) 581-1122 or visit https://ambassadair.com/product/9135/

Rita Beck during a recent stand-up comedy performance. (Photo courtesy of Rita Beck)

Foot Detox

Is

• Red Light Therapy

• PEMF Wellness Mats

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

New Christkindlmarkt

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Jason Adamowicz has visited the Carmel Christkindlmarkt with his family every year since it debuted in 2017. He plans to be there again when it opens in November, but this time in a different role.

The Carmel resident on Feb. 23 became CEO of Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc., the nonprofit that manages the popular holiday market. He said he is eager to work toward continuing and improving a beloved tradition that benefits the community at large.

“That gives me energy coming to work every day, because there are amazing people and so many things that go into the behind the scenes to create this absolutely world class experience,” Adamowicz said. “Getting to be a part of that is what I’m looking forward to the most.”

The German-inspired Christkindlmarkt features dozens of food and gift vendors stationed in festive wooden huts throughout Carter Green from late November until Christmas Eve. It includes a children’s area, ice rink, performances and visits from special guests throughout the season.

The CEO position opened in April 2025 after Maria Adele Rosenfeld, who had led the market since its inception, resigned after months of tension with city leadership.

That same day, former CCI board chair Sue McDermott filed a lawsuit against the City of Carmel and Mayor Sue Finkam, claiming Finkam defamed her while publicly explaining why she suddenly replaced two other board members in October 2024.

McDermott’s lawsuit — and a related investigation initiated by the Carmel City Council in May 2025 — are ongoing. So, as CCI board members searched for a new CEO, they looked for someone who could help stabilize the organization, according to CCI board member and City Council President Matt Snyder.

“(Adamowicz) is an extremely level-headed individual, the type that is very patient to take in a bunch of knowledge,” Snyder said. “He met with a tremendous amount of people during the interview process in the community to try to learn.”

CEO eager to collaborate, guide event to ‘future success’

Adamowicz knew he would be stepping into an organization that recently went through a chaotic transition. But as he met with community leaders and stakeholders, he became excited about the market’s potential.

“It’s become clear that everyone cares deeply about the market, and they all want to focus on future success,” Adamowicz said. “That invigorated me going through the process that all the arrows are pointing in the right direction. We all want to focus on future success. So, leaning into that energy is step one.”

Before joining CCI, Adamowicz worked as chief operating officer at the YMCA in Muncie. He started his career at Ball State University, his alma mater, in sports facilities management and recreation services. He believes his experience in those roles will serve him well as leader of CCI, as all the organizations work to bring people together.

Adamowicz acknowledges he’s not an

expert in German culture, at least not yet. He plans to visit the European nation to meet with vendors and work to ensure Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt is as authentic as possible.

“For me, it’s certainly diving in and learning more,” Adamowicz said. “I’m a lifelong learner, so that part of growth is actually quite exciting.”

Snyder said only a few of the dozens of applicants for the position “had any real German background.”

“It wasn’t available in the pool of applicants,” he said. “I don’t think that piece is critical. I think good faith transcends any language.”

Adamowicz, a native of Fort Wayne, and his wife, Karynn, a Carmel High School graduate, have three children: Jackson, 25, a Mayo Clinic doctoral student; Emily, 22, a Butler University student; and Nora, a fourth-grader at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The family has lived in Carmel for five years.

LOOKING AHEAD

Jason Adamowicz doesn’t plan to make any major changes during his first year as CEO of Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Inc. Mostly, he plans to listen and learn.

“It’s a little premature to say, ‘Hey, here’s what we’re going to change,’ because I’m coming into something that has been built up in such an amazing way,” Adamowicz said.

Carmel City Council President Matt Snyder, who also is a CCI board member, said leaders are considering improvements to Carter Green to enhance the experience for Christkindlmarkt guests, who often list overcrowding as a top concern. The city and CCI have partnered to run the market since the event began.

“Regardless of if there is an expansion (of the market), the city is looking at ways to enhance the safety and experience in that area as a whole,” Snyder said. “The (city) department heads are currently (compiling) what in that region is falling short, from ADA compliance to utilities to the ability to really use the space more multi-purpose.”

From left, Jackson, Jason, Emily and Nora Adamowicz at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Jason Adamowicz became CEO of Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. in February. (Photo courtesy of Jason Adamowicz)

Nora Adamowicz, center, performs with the Indiana Ballet Conservatory at the 2025 Carmel Christkindlmarkt.

Learn more about the Carmel Christkindlmarkt at carmelchristkindlmarkt. com.

ON THE COVER: Clockwise, from left, Jason Adamowicz and his wife, Karynn, and daughters, Emily and Nora at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt in 2025. Adamowicz became CEO of Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. in February. (Photo courtesy of Jason Adamowicz)

BUSINESS LOCAL

Artsy Fartsy opens community art studio

By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com

Artsy Fartsy Creative Laboratory recently became the newest tenant in the Turner Jeffrey building on Range Line Road.

Owned by Cristi Brewer, the art studio for children and adults opened in mid-December. It hosts weekly classes, adult workshops and various special events throughout the year. In addition, studio space is available for artists.

Brewer, a master color specialist for Sherwin-Williams by day, didn’t set out to open an art studio. Initially, she was looking for studio space for herself.

When the space in the Turner Jeffrey Building opened up, it was far too big for just her, but she loved it nonetheless. That’s when she decided to open an art studio for the community.

“I just wanted a quiet space where I could make my own art and just think,” Brewer said. “I ran into this fellow who is the maintenance person here at the Turner Jeffrey Building, and he was like, ‘You know, we’ve got some space. Why don’t you come look?’ I came over here, and the moment I walked into this space, I knew this was home.”

Artsy Fartsy Creative Laboratory

big trees now!

classes include an After School Creators Pop-In Session from 2 to 4 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Artsy Fartsy Creative Laboratory is at 1030 S. Range Line Rd., Suite 220. Learn more at artsyfartsycreativelab.com.

Kem Krest to shutter Carmel facility this summer

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

A supply chain management company in Carmel will close by Aug. 31, leaving 77 employees out of work.

Kem Krest filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification on March 10 with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development outlining its plans to shutter its facility at 1000 E. 116th St.

“Based on the projected outlook and our business priorities, the operation was not viable long term,” Sarah Barnhart, Kem Krest chief people and transformation officer, told Current. “After exploring every responsible option, we made the difficult decision to wind

down operations at this site.”

Layoffs are expected to occur in phases beginning no earlier than May 9.

Packaging, kitting and light-sub assembly are among services provided at the Carmel site.

“This decision was not made quickly and follows significant efforts to drive a long-term viable business model,” Barnhart said. “It is not reflective of the dedication or performance of our employees. Our priority now is supporting our team and customers through a responsible and respectful transition.”

Kem Krest, a minority-owned business headquartered in Elkhart, does not plan to close or terminate employees at any of its other facilities.

Learn more at KemKrest.com.

Cristi Brewer recently opened Artsy Fartsy Creative Laboratory in the Turner Jeffrey building in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Cristi Brewer)

Former politician wants COVID-19 after-action report

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Six years after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the world, former State Sen. Jim Merritt is calling for state and federal officials to report what they got right and wrong in their response to better prepare the public for the next crisis.

Merritt, a Republican who represented portions of Hamilton and Marion counties from 1990 to November 2020, on Jan. 26 released his second book, “Lessons Learned: Are We Ready for the Next Pandemic? History Says No.” In its 146 pages, Merritt explores the impact of past pandemics and how society remained ill-prepared in their aftermath.

“I want the takeaway to be a clarion call for everyone to demand answers as to what happened,” Merritt said. “Government ought to stand up and say, ‘Mistakes were made.’ I think if that would happen, it would restore a lot of trust in government.”

Merritt, who moved to Carmel in 2020, said the pandemic continues to impact society in a variety of negative ways, from disrupted education to emptier workplaces. But he believes there is a much bigger unresolved problem.

Bolt for the Heart donates 100 AEDs at ceremony

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Bolt for the Heart donated 100 AEDs to several Indiana public safety agencies and other organizations during a March 19 presentation at the Carmel Clay Public Library.

The Carmel-based nonprofit purchased the AEDs with proceeds from its 2025 Bolt for the Heart 5K held Thanksgiving morning. More than 3,200 runners and walkers braved frigid temperatures to complete the course through the heart of Carmel.

Lack of preparation could be avoided the next time around, Merritt said, with an official COVID-19 after-action report.

“There is no trust. There is fear,” he said. “If the president or the governor would come forward tomorrow and say, ‘Sorry, you’re going to have to shelter in place for the next 30 days or six months,’ I don’t believe anybody would follow them.”

Merritt’s book is available at amazon.com.

Gov. Mike Braun attended the event and thanked Bolt for the Heart for its efforts to protect Hoosier health since launching in 2010.

“We want to see this keep growing,” Braun said. “When you start with (donating two AEDs), and you get to 100 and you do it over 15 or 16 years, that’s resonating. It means a lot.”

“A Rescue Ready Race is the gold standard of sudden cardiac arrest preparedness,” Amos said. “By achieving this designation, the 500 Festival is taking a proactive stand to protect our participants, volunteers, spectators and the community partners that are out on the course.”

Bolt for the Heart donated 50 of the AEDs to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, bringing the nonprofit almost halfway to its goal of providing 800 of the lifesaving devices to the agency.

The other AEDs went to the Westfield Fire Department, Carmel police and fire departments, Indiana State Excise Police, Indiana Capitol Police, Conner Prairie and the American Heart Association.

During the event, 500 Festival Vice President of Operations Glenn Amos announced that this year’s Mini Marathon May 2 will be a Bolt for the Heart Rescue Ready Race, with more than 150 AEDs stationed along the 13.1-mile route.

Carmel resident Danny Rhoad shared about how an AED at Grand Park was used by a Westfield Police Department officer to save his life in 2016 after a baseball strike to his chest stopped his heart. Rhoad was 13 years old at the time of the accident and has since graduated from high school and college, studied abroad and returned to Indiana to begin his career.

“My story is exactly why Bolt’s mission, donating these AEDs to first responders and organizations is so vital,” Rhoad said. “You will never know whose husband or wife, son or daughter will be saved because one of these devices was nearby.”

Learn more at BoltfortheHeart.com.

Gov. Mike Braun thanks Bolt for the Heart for its efforts to protect Hoosier health. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Merritt

EverWell Health focuses on preventive treatment

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

EverWell Health offers personalized preventive treatment to focus on building long-term health strategies.

It opened its Carmel office, 12337 Hancock St., Suite 18, in early February. The founder is Dr. Alfredo Lopez, a neurologist.

A Geist-area resident, Lopez has spent his career treating people with brain nerve diseases. He worked 22 years with a private clinic with four locations in central Indiana.

tified internal medicine physician. There are two nurse practitioners.

“You get a full physical, a body composition to see how much fat and how much muscle you have and set right away goals,” Lopez said. “We measure how much visceral fat you have, which is the most dangerous one, and also how much muscle we should aim to build. Then we do general labs, functional labs and stress markers.”

“We treat with classic medicine, medication, surgery and injections,” he said. “However, over the years, it was not enough for some patients. Patients would complain of a lack of vitality, no stamina, anxiety, brain fog, particularly after COVID, there was a big spike on all these symptoms and our classic approach is not enough.”

Lopez decided to open EverWell in Carmel to go beyond the classic treatments.

“(EverWell is) really going to the root cause of issues, measuring and optimizing,” he said. “We focus on brain function. It’s a very important and neglected part. We see aesthetics and how you look, we see muscle and genes and exercise medicine, exercise physiology, but we don’t see (much) comprehensive hormonal treatment. But putting it together and then also remembering that the brain is probably the most important organ.”

Patients receive an evaluation from EverWell’s two main physicians, Lopez and Dr. Gustavo Benaderet, a board-cer-

Lopez said they are then able to evaluate that information along with the biological age of the patient to determine how fast they are aging.

“We can’t change our genes, but can change the function of our genes,” he said. “If we see you are aging too fast, we can intervene at multiple levels, and then it’s going to be personalized. With the data we have measured, we can start a very precise intervention to improve and optimize health. Then we’ll do medical coaching. Sometimes, it’s about hormonal replacement or weight loss, and as we lose weight, build the muscle and reduce the fat around the abdomen or we’re going to work on sharpening mental abilities, taking care of the brain fog.”

Lopez said EverWell uses high-frequency electromagnetic stimulation to work on biceps, triceps, arms and legs, which are important for stamina.

“A lot of people are playing pickleball and getting Achilles tendon or shoulder or arm injuries,” Lopez said. “We can work on building and recovering muscle around the injury.”

For more, visit everwellhealthcenter. com.

DISPATCHES

 Community Health Foundation CEO to retire — After 14 years as president and CEO of Community Health Network Foundation, Joyce Irwin has announced her plans to retire on July 3. Irwin’s career spans 30 years. In that time, she has received the 2018 National Association of Women Business Owners’ Trailblazer Award, the 2018 Hoosier Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award, a 2014 Torchbearer Lifetime Achievement award, and two Sagamore of the Wabash Awards. A search has begun for Irwin’s successor.

 Heartland acquires SLIMFAST — Carmel-based Heartland Food Products Group, which owns the SPLENDA brand, has acquired the SLIMFAST US brand from Glanbia PLC. “The addition of SLIMFAST to the Heartland family, alongside our SPLENDA brand, reinforces our commitment to helping consumers live healthier, more balanced lives,” stated Ted Gelov, Heartland Chairman and CEO. Learn more about Heartland Food Products Group at HeartlandFPG.com.

Lopez

Commentary by Larry Greene

This Zionsville kitchen was reimagined into a light, refined space, blending classic detailing with improved functionality and a seamless connection to surrounding living areas.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Thoughtfully reconfigured layout to enhance flow and everyday livability.

• Expanded island with seating, integrated sink, and generous prep surface.

• Custom cabinetry in soft green and white for a timeless, layered aesthetic.

• Quartz countertops paired with a subtle backsplash for understated elegance.

• Statement range framed by a custom hood for architectural interest

• Updated lighting with tailored pendants to elevate warmth and ambiance.

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.

Anderson to play Fishers Event Center

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Country singer Clayton Anderson figures sharing a stage with a good friend for a good cause is a great idea.

“I’ve been friends with Chase (Rice) for a while and that sounds like fun,” Anderson said. “It’s for such a great cause that it’s really hard not to want to be a part of. Everyone is passionate about wanting to do good, so that was a huge motivation.”

The Bev Hartig Huntington’s Disease Foundation presents the 17th annual “Evening of Inspiration: Chasing A Cure” at 8 p.m. April 18 at the Fishers Event Center. Huntington’s disease causes nerve cells in the brain to decay and affects a person’s movements, thinking and mental health.

Anderson and his band will open for Rice. The friends have written music together. Anderson said the Fishers Event Center is an outstanding music venue.

“I’ve seen a concert there myself and the sound is incredible,” he said. “I’ve been to a lot of volleyball games and seen an Indy Fuel game.”

A 1999 Bedford North-Lawrence High School graduate, Anderson spent several years in Nashville, Tenn., before moving to Indianapolis more than a year ago.

Anderson opened Clayton’s Country Bar in September 2025 in downtown Indianapolis, 49 S. Meridian St.

“We’ve been so blessed people have been coming from all over — Illinois, Ohio, Michigan,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun. The most awesome part of the whole thing is there are so many great bands and it’s great to give people that want to play country music a place to play. Nashville is expensive anymore. I don’t know if I was starting out there again (if) I could go down there and do it. It’s nice to keep our musicians here in Indiana.”

Anderson said he has made guest appearances with the bands at his bar.

A huge sports fan who played basketball in high school, Anderson’s song “Indiana” was played at the College

Football Playoff national championship game and Peach Bowl. He played the huge Indiana University pregame party in Miami before the Hoosiers beat the University of Miami in the title game.

“That was about 7,000 IU fans gathered together. That was pretty cool,” said Anderson, who attended IU. “I went to every single bowl game. I’m going to have to get a second or third job if we are going to keep this football stuff up. It was worth every penny. I stayed long enough at IU to be a doctor, but I don’t have a piece of paper (for a degree), just a doctor of good times.”

Two of Anderson’s songs have been used for College World Series baseball telecasts.

“I had a Ford truck national commercial, which was cool, although I’m a Chevy guy, so that’s kind of weird,” he said. “They paid the bill, so that’s all right.”

“Nothin’ But Net” was played on ESPN college basketball broadcasts.

“That’s probably the worst song I’ve ever written,” he said. “It just happened to work out for TV.”

Anderson, who has been working on new music, said he will play a selection of songs from his career during the

April 18 concert.

“I got caught in a record deal scenario and finally got out of it and can put new songs out finally,” he said. “It’s the worst feeling in the world being trapped. I might play a couple new ones but mostly play the hits, the good songs I got from all the records we’ve put out.”

“Right Where I Belong,” which was featured in the movie “Miracles from Heaven,” is always on the setlist. Anderson said that is probably his most popular song.

One special memory for Anderson was playing at Farm Aid in 2023 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville.

“As a farm kid from southern Indiana and with so many family farmers in the state, that was a huge honor to be part of it,” he said.

Anderson is set to become a father for the first time in June.

“I’m a homer for Indiana, so I want to have my roots here,” he said. “If I have to go to Nashville for business, I’ll go, but I want to go all in on Indiana. I’m using my guys from Indiana to record music.”

For more, visit fisherseventcenter. com.

‘PRETTY WOMAN’

“Pretty Woman” runs through April 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards. com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Feinstein’s cabaret presents “The Magic of David Ranalli” April 3, followed by “Sweet Caroline, The Life and Music of Neil Diamond” April 4 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘MANSION OF DREAMS’

Illusionist Rick Thomas will bring his “Mansion of Dreams” at 8 p.m. April 4 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘AND THEN THERE WERE NONE’

The Carmel Apprentice Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” through April 4 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.

 The Police drummer set for spoken-word appearance — The Police drummer Stewart Copeland’s U.S. spoken-word tour is set for a 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 appearance at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s presentation is called “Have I Said Too Much – The Police, Hollywood and Other Adventures.” The presentation includes rarely seen photos and videos and a Q&A. Tickets starting at $35 are on sale at thecenterpresents.org, by phone at 317-843-3800 or in person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office at 1 Carter Green.

Country singer Clayton Anderson will open for Chase Rice April 18 at Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Clayton Anderson)

ATI presents goaloriented ‘26-’27 season

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Actors Theatre of Indiana has clear goals for its 2026-27 season.

“We started with over 40 titles and whittled it down to these final four,” ATI Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell said. “We wanted to find some regional and world premieres. We were so pleased with the success of our Lab Series developing new works, we wanted to make sure that was part of our main stage season as well. We wanted to build on the shows that people have loved in the past, especially the last couple of seasons, and we wanted to showcase some Broadway legends.”

Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald, Murrell and the ATI board decided on the four productions set for the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The season opens with “Never Can Say Goodbye: The ‘70s Beehive Musical” Sept. 4-20. The show is the sequel to “Beehive,” which opened ATI’s 2025-26 season.

“Many people said as they left the show that they would love to see that with ‘70s music,” Murrell said.

As ATI was presenting “Beehive” last season, the writing team had a world premiere of the sequel in Upstate New York. Murrell said ATI asked if it could stage the Indiana regional premiere of the sequel.

“We’re bringing back the entire cast with the exception of one from last year’s ‘Beehive,’” Murrell said.

That music featured an all-female cast singing songs from the 1960s. The sequel features music by Linda Ronstadt, Donna Summer, Debbie Harry, Gloria Gaynor and Pat Benatar, among others.

That show will be followed by “Little Shop of Horrors” Oct. 23-Nov. 8.

“It’s obviously a Broadway classic and a parody of sci-fi horror films of the ‘50s,” Murrell said. “We had the success of ‘Young Frankenstein’ last year as a tie-in to Halloween. There is nothing more classic horror Broadway than ‘Little Shop.’”

The guest director will be DJ Salis-

bury, and Murrell will play the shop owner. Joey Boos will play the lovesick Seymour.

“He’s phenomenal, he is Seymour,” Fitzgerald said. “We are so thrilled to have him on the stage for our season because we’ve been trying to get him, but he’s a busy man.”

The 2027 portion begins with the world premiere of “The Maltese Falcon: A Musical Nightmare” Jan. 29-Feb. 14.

“We actually put this through our Lab Series (in 2024), our series of new works, and it’s now ready for licensing,” Murrell said. “We’ll be doing the first fully staged production of it. After we’re done, other theaters will be licensing the show.”

Murrell, who is directing the musical, said it’s a farcical take on the Dashiell Hammett novel and the 1941 movie with Humphrey Bogart playing Detective Sam Spade.

“He’s wrestling with his conscience and the truth, and the whole play takes place the night before the deposition of the killing of his partner,” Murrell said. Fishers resident Devan Mathias will play Spade’s long-suffering assistant, Effie. Indianapolis resident Eddie Curry, a Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre regular, also is in the production.

The season will conclude with Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” April 23-May 9, 2027. The production will feature co-founder Fitzgerald along with the two other ATI co-founders, Cynthia Collins and Don Farrell. Fitzgerald will play actress Desiree Armfeldt.

“It’s a beloved score and it’s set in 1900 Sweden,” Murrell said. “It’s a Broadway classic and features the classic ‘Send in the Clowns.’ The story explores the entangled love affairs of Desiree and the men who love her.”

Richard J. Roberts, who has directed many ATI shows, will be the director.

“What an incredible cast we have. We got everyone we wanted,” Fitzgerald said.

The ATI Lab Series’ free reading will be a musical adaptation of “The Man Who Would Be King” Oct. 4 at Carmel Clay Public Library. The second Lab Series reading is not set yet.

For more, visit atistage.org.

Fitzgerald Murrell

ENTERTAINMENT

Soul Asylum lead singer and founder Dave Pirner will perform April 8 at Hendricks Live! (Photo courtesy of Hendricks Live!)

Soul Asylum’s show set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Dave Pirner has always wanted Soul Asylum to display its versatility.

The Soul Asylum lead singer and founder will be joined by band members Ryan Smith, lead guitarist, and bass guitarist Jeremy Tappero for its acoustic set at 7:30 p.m. April 8 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Corey Glover, lead singer for Living Colour, will be the opening act.

“Ryan and I have always done it as a duo, and my bass player Jeremy said he wants to come, so he has come to some of the gigs,” Pirner said. “This will be the three of us, so there are more chances for three-part harmonies and things like that. The interesting thing to me is which songs work either acoustic or electric. I think ‘Something to Shove’ was the song that revealed that something that’s loud and electric can actually translate to acoustic and work.

“It’s always a pleasant surprise when a loud rock song translates to acoustic guitars. That’s something I look at as a challenge and also kind of scary.”

Pirner said some of the band’s albums are more acoustic than others.

“We are playing three songs from the new record, whereas if we were playing an electric set, it would be more like six or seven songs,” he said. “You have to cherry pick through the entire catalog, and we’ll be playing the stuff that works the best acoustically.”

Pirner said “Runaway Train,” the band’s best-known hit and Grammy winner for Best Rock Song, will be on the setlist. The 1993 song’s music video shows photos of missing children. The video helped find many of them.

“I don’t ever have to play it, but when I don’t, it just turns into a thing where people would say, ‘We drove eight hours to come and see the show and we really

wanted to hear that song and you didn’t play it,’” Pinner said. “Six minutes into the conversation, I really could have just played the song.”

Soul Asylum started in Minnesota in 1981. Pirner is the only original member remaining. Dan Murphy, the original lead guitarist, retired in 2012. Founding member Karl Mueller, the bass guitarist, died from esophageal cancer in 2005.

“When we started out, I wanted to have an eclectic sort of thing where everything is music, and anything is worth trying, and you never know what is going to work,” he said. “Musically, my taste is really, really broad. I spent 24 years in New Orleans, and that just came full circle. I started out as a trumpet player in third grade.”

Pirner, who is based in Minneapolis, said collecting that information helped him write music.

“I didn’t really care if it sounded like country or jazz, punk rock or folk music,” he said. “I think that was a conscious decision, even when discovering music, (that) there was a versatility in bands that were using acoustic guitars. The obvious example to me was the difference between the Ramones and The Clash. I think being around during the hardcore punk days and having records where every song sounded the same pushed me more in that direction, where each song should be as different as you can make it given the tools that you have in your instrumentation.”

Pirner had a small role in the 1994 movie “Reality Bites,” which starred his ex-girlfriend Winona Ryder. He contributed an instrumental song to Kevin Smith’s “Chasing Amy.” Soul Asylum had two songs in “Lucky One” and “We 3.” The band’s “Can’t Even Tell” was featured in Smith’s “Clerks,” and Smith used “Misery” in “Clerks II.” For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

Symphonic Odyssey

Saturday, April 18 - 7 p.m.

At the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts

Join CSO and Guest Conductor Kelly Corcoran for a journey through exciting and meaningful works.

Antonin Dvořák Carnival Overture, op. 92

Cristina Spinei …throes of increasing wonder

Gustav Mahler Adagietto from Symphony No. 5

Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5, op. 107 “Reformation”

KELLY COROCORAN

Public Notice

Patch Development, 6950 E. 96th Street, Fishers, Indiana is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements of the Construction Stormwater General Permit to discharge stormwater from construction activities associated with the HQ3 project at 9786 Masters Road, Fishers, Indiana. Runoff from the site will discharge to Heath Ditch – White River. Please direct questions to Patch Development at (317) 213-3006 or ALEX@PATCH-DEVELOPMENT.com.

For more information regarding the CSGP, please contact the IDEM Stormwater Program staff.

Board of Public Works and Safety

One Civic Square

City of Carmel, Indiana 46032

Project: 106th and Westfield Water Main Extension

IFB-2026-006

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive sealed bids for the above-described “106th and Westfield Water Main Extension” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.

All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana.

A bid bond ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to him.

The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

The project consist of, but is not limited to, the installation of approximately 800' of water main. Utilizing either open cut or directional drilling methods.

Contract Documents and drawings for the Project can be found in this solicitation and the attachments section.

Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.

This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel. A Mandatory pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 9:00 am in the 2nd Floor conference room at 3450 W 131st Street, Carmel, IN. All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is Mandatory. For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Utilities, Distribution Office, at (317) 733-2855 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.

No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.

A juicy solution for cramps

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

The piece I wrote about my nighttime leg, thigh and hand cramps generated more emails than any other piece I’ve written. In the column, I complained about this persistent problem and mentioned that I had received a lot of advice from others who also suffered from it.

My college friend Marvin emailed me from Washington, D.C., and recommended magnesium. This is the same guy who, in 1970, advised me to take one more shot of gin while we were sitting on a second-story roof of a house in Georgetown, getting drunk watching girls walk by.

My sister told me that her friend said pickle juice would do the trick. But what kind of pickles? I’m a pickle connoisseur. I can’t name all nine U.S. Supreme Court justices, but I can rattle off 14 kinds of pickles.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Department: Board of Public Works and Safety One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032

Project: City of Carmel Police – 2026 Vehicle Accessories/Equipment IFB

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive sealed bids for the above-described “City of Carmel Police 2026Vehicle Accessories” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal,

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 and at 10:00 a.m. (or commencing as soon as practicable thereafter) on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.

The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following: City of Carmel - Accessories/Equipment for Police Vehicles 2026 – IFB

The specifications are attached and set forth in detailed documents on file via the City of Carmel's e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin. Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted to the portal prior Wednesday, April 8, 2026 by 2:00 pm. All responses will be publicly posted to the portal. Please call Carmel Police Department (317) 571-2549 to confirm whether any such written questions and/or responses exist. No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The City of Carmel reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.

Any contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

Jacob Quinn, City Clerk

And then the really bizarre emails started coming in:

“Dick, ever think of using soap?”

“Mr. Wolfsie, do you realize the importance of a bar of soap?”

“Hey, DW, a cake of soap can make a big difference.”

At first, I was mortified. I’m not a hygiene fanatic, but I don’t think I missed a shower all last year. Many of the emails contained a similar suggestion: To cure leg cramps, sleep with a cake of soap under your sheets. Maybe this was a grand conspiracy to entice me to do something really bizarre -- then these folks could all laugh themselves silly about me: “Hey, Dick, did you know that despite the old saying, you ‘can’ have your cake and sleep with it, too?”

My doctor, during my annual checkup, said he often recommends pickle juice but hadn’t mentioned it because he figured I had tried it on my own: “Ev-

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA

Notice is hereby given that on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana, 46032, the Carmel Common Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider a proposed Petition which would vacate Public Way located west of 1132 S Rangeline Rd., which is entirely within the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana. A copy of the proposed Petition is on file and open to inspection in the Office of the Clerk, City of Carmel, 1000 S Rangeline Rd., Carmel, IN 46032. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the proposed Petition will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. The hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.

Jacob Quinn, Clerk March 20, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION

Docket No. PZ-2026-00050

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Plan Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana, 46032 will hold a Public Hearing upon a Design Standards waiver application for: The applicant seeks a design standards waiver to avoid the connection of the streets on parcel number 16-09-36-04-01-011.00. The address of the site is located at 1414 E. 116th Street and is zoned R-1/Residential. This is for a minor plat of 5 lots conditionally approved at the last plan commission meeting. Filed by Andrew Baxter with Forefront Surveying and Engineering, Inc on behalf of the owner. The property address is: 1414 E. 116th Street Carmel, IN 46032. The application is identified as Docket No.PZ-2026-00050. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 16-09-36-04-011.00. The property address is: 1414 E. 116th Street Carmel, IN 46032. 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: Andrew Baxter, Forefront Surveying and Engineering, Inc.

eryone knows that,” he said.

Now, how would I know to drink pickle juice to cure cramps? Did I go to Harvard medical school like he did?

That night as we went to bed, my wife said, “Dick, what’s that strong soapy odor? And I also smell garlic. I will never fall asleep. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“Look, Mary Ellen, please don’t think I’ll believe every crazy suggestion people email me. That smell is just a bar of Ivory soap I put between the sheets of the bed. And I also drank a glass of pickle juice an hour ago.”

“Well, I don’t know why you’d do such incredibly weird things. But at least it might cure those leg cramps.”

That night, my leg, thigh and hand cramps had virtually disappeared.

But I did have stomach cramps … from the quart of pickle juice I drank.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA

Notice is hereby given that on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana, 46032, the Carmel Common Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider a proposed Petition which would vacate the Public Way between 805 and 751 Oswego Rd., located entirely within the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana.

A copy of the proposed Petition is on file and open to inspection in the Office of the Clerk, City of Carmel, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the proposed Petition will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. The hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.

Jacob Quinn, Clerk March 20, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA Notice is hereby given that on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana, 46032, the Carmel Common Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider a proposed Petition which would vacate the Public Way located between 1118 S Rangeline Rd and 1132 S Rangeline Rd, which is entirely within the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana.

A copy of the proposed Petition is on file and open to inspection in the Office of the Clerk, City of Carmel, 1000 S Rangeline Rd., Carmel, IN 46032. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the proposed Petition will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. The hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.

Jacob Quinn, Clerk March 20, 2026

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

12. Kooky

13.

14.

15.

18. Sleep, informally

19.

22. Devoted 23. Deep distress

27. New ___, Ind.

31. Ratio involving ht. and wt.

32. “Phooey”

34. Brawl

35. Upper limit

36. Chaos

38. Monument Circle music grp.

39. Get the better of

42. White River wader

44. FYI kin

45. New ___, Ind.

47. Archenemy

49. Indiana House Rep. Harris Jr.

51. Crooked Stick Golf

Club instructor

52. Repetitive chant

54. Come again?

58. Blue Ribbon brewer

59. New ___, Ind.

61. Skateboarding leap

62. Sculptor’s subject

63. Son of Seth

64. Brandish

65. Observe

66. Family room DOWN

1. Rider of the lost ark

2. Civil rights org.

3. Morgue ID

4. Mayberry boy

5. Did the Mini-Marathon

6. Butler frat letter

7. Indie, often

8. Aspiring

9. Taj Mahal local

10. Litter’s littlest

11. Paris preposition

12. CD forerunners

13. Chic

16. Preparation

20. Lab eggs

23. Appliance brand

24. Vetoes

25. Persian for “king”

26. New ___, Ind.

28. Hamilton County Court cover of a kind

29. Twig digs

30. “Yikes!”

31. BSU VIP, briefly

33. Had on

37. Vie

40. Knife or fork

41. Like surveyors’ charts

43. Courage

46. Blunder

48. Dirty

50. Grassy areas

52. Timbuktu’s land

53. Competent

54. Take an IndyGo bus

55. Of sound mind

56. Privy

57. Colts scoring stats

58. Impact sound

60. Color quality ANSWERS ON PAGE 27

Junk email

Tom Wood Nissan SUV

New ___, Ind.

17. Hangs a left

Lose air or fizz

21. Hawks, on a Pacers scoreboard

WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES

Clinical Architecture, Carmel, IN is seeking a Client Service & Informatics Specialist perform the following duties: Communicate client milestones/timelines to support team; Support implementation of company software solutions and demonstrate case-specific functionality; Guide client through data loading and modeling, and assist with data management goals; Coordinate with Development, Product Management and QA teams; Test new software releases; Creating client playbook and outlines of workflow for training and troubleshooting. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics or closely related field and a background in Pharmacy. Send resume to careers@clinicalarchitecture.com #LI-DNI

Roadway Project Engineer at SJCA, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN, Job #RDEPRMSV021826

Civil engineering projects – design of roadway and small structures; design roadway & traffic signal plans, roadway lighting, signing, curb ramp, pedestrian pathway; maintenance of traffic & traffic management; analysis and prepare reports of roadway, bridge & small structure projects; prepare engineering assessment reports for projects.

Req. Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field; 12 months of experience in traffic or civil engineering; experience in MicroStation or AutoCAD. TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF INDIANA AND THE MIDWEST REQUIRED.

For full description and requirements of position, see https://sjcainc.com/careers

Qualified Candidates: Mail resume and cover letter including job code #RDEPRMSV021826 to HR Manager, SJCA, Inc. 9102 N. Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46260 NO RECRUITERS

Bridge Project Engineer at SJCA, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN, Job #BREPRMSW022026

Civil Eng projects – design & quantity estimation of structures which includes bridges, buildings, retaining walls, etc.; bridge repair and rehab design; structural analysis; and load rating and inspections.

Requires MS in Civil Engineering or a related field; experience in bridge design, bridge inspection, bridge load rating (AASHTOWare BrR software) and AASHTO Code. TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF INDIANA AND THE MIDWEST REQUIRED.

For full description and requirements of position, see https://sjcainc.com/careers

Qualified Candidates: Mail resume and cover letter including job code #BREPRMSW022026 to HR Manager, SJCA, Inc. 9102 N. Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46260 NO RECRUITERS

INSIDE:

GALAXY COATINGS

ADDS FLAIR TO CONCRETE

Local concrete sealant company grows footprint across five markets

STANDBY SYSTEMS ENSURE RELIABLE ENERGY

Why a standby generator matters for your home or business

STANDBY SYSTEMS ENSURE RELIABLE ENERGY

Why a standby generator matters for your home or business

editorial@youarecurrent.com

Power outages are a reality in Indiana. Between severe storms, winter ice, aging infrastructure, and unexpected utility disruptions, losing power is no longer a rare inconvenience — it’s something homeowners and business owners increasingly plan for. That’s where a standby generator becomes more than an upgrade. It becomes a layer of protection.

A standby generator is a permanently installed power system that automatically restores electricity to your home or business within seconds of an outage. There’s no manual setup, no scrambling in the dark, and no waiting to see how long the outage might last. The system senses the interruption, turns on automatically, and keeps essential systems running until utility power is restored.

For many people, the value of a standby generator goes far beyond convenience. It’s about safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

In homes, power outages can disrupt daily life quickly. Heating and cooling systems shut down. Refrigerators and freezers stop running. Sump pumps can fail, increasing the risk of basement flooding. For families with young children, older adults, or anyone who relies on medical equipment, losing power can become stressful — and even dangerous — in a short amount of time.

A standby generator helps keep those critical systems running. Lights stay on. Heating and cooling continue to operate. Essential appliances remain powered. Instead of reacting to an outage, your home stays functional and protected.

Businesses face even higher stakes. Power interruptions can mean lost revenue, interrupted operations, damaged equipment, and safety concerns for employees and customers. Restaurants risk food spoilage. Offices lose productivity. Medical facilities and public services depend on continuous power to operate safely. For business owners, a standby generator provides continuity. Operations can continue, systems stay online, and customers aren’t left in the dark. That reliability can make a significant difference during extended outages when restoration times are uncertain.

Another important factor is predictability. Power outages don’t follow a convenient schedule. They often happen overnight, during severe weather, or when

temperatures are at their most extreme. A standby generator removes the guesswork. Because it activates automatically, there’s no need to be present or take action when an outage occurs.

There’s also a common misconception that generators are difficult to maintain or overly complex. In reality, standby generators are designed for long-term

use with manageable maintenance requirements. Regular inspections and service keep the system ready year-round, much like routine care for a vehicle. When properly maintained, a standby generator becomes a dependable, set-it-and-forget-it solution.

Ultimately, installing a standby generator is about planning ahead. It’s an investment in resilience — protecting your home, your business, and the people who rely on them. Rather than waiting for the next storm or outage to highlight vulnerabilities, many Indiana homeowners and business owners choose to prepare in advance.

Midwest Generator Solutions has proudly served Indiana communities since 2017. As a family-owned company founded by Master Electrician and U.S. Air Force veteran Shawn White, we specialize in professional standby generator installation, service, and long-term maintenance. Our certified team is here not just for installation — but for ongoing support.

Reliable power isn’t just about keeping the lights on. It’s about confidence. And when outages happen, that confidence makes all the difference.

If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a site assessment and see what dependable standby power can look like for your home or business at midwestgeneratorsolutions.com/request-an-appointment.

Midwest Generator Solutions is a veteran-owned business that specializes in standby generator installation and maintenance. (Photos courtesy of Midwest Generator Solutions)

A standby generator provides an automatic layer of protection for an Indiana home. These systems are designed to restore power within seconds of a utility disruption. (Photos courtesy of Midwest Generator Solutions)

GALAXY COATINGS ADDS FLAIR TO CONCRETE GALAXY COATINGS ADDS FLAIR TO CONCRETE

Local concrete sealant company grows footprint across five markets

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

A family-owned flooring company has expanded significantly since it opened its central Indiana store five years ago, now providing businesses and residents in four states with a colorful, waterproof coating for

concrete garage floors, patios, pool decks, kitchens and more.

Galaxy Concrete Coatings owner Jim Williams said the business’ concrete coating process starts with a three-layer product that fills in any cracks, seals and cures the porous concrete surface that’s already there.

“Then the second layer is a color — a flake color,” he said. “You can choose 16 colors I think we have, or we can do custom colors as well. And then we top coat it in a clear, polyaspartic. This whole process takes only a day.”

Williams said the closest competition — epoxy floor coatings — takes several days to apply and is less

durable.

Galaxy has seen a lot of success since it started in late 2019 and now is in five markets. The Indianapolis store is its flagship location, with additional stores in Cincinnati, Denver, Phoenix and Tucson.

Williams said he previously owned an exterior house coating business and liked working in the home remodeling industry. His daughter wanted to start a business with him, and they looked for something similar that they could do together.

“She did the research and found the manufacturer (Penntek Coatings), and we visited with them, and that’s when we started Galaxy,” he said.

Williams said there are other concrete sealant companies in the Indianapolis market, but they vary in quality and durability.

“Our base coat is 99.1 percent solids — obviously can’t be 100 percent, because you wouldn’t be able to move it then,” he said. “You can go as low as 70 percent solids in a base coat. So, what that basically does is, you’re setting a thinner coat on the concrete, so it makes it less durable and you have a higher percentage chance of it delaminating.”

In addition to indoor surfaces, Galaxy Concrete Coatings can seal outdoor areas such as pool decks and patios. (Photo courtesy of Galaxy Concrete Coatings)

Williams said the biggest benefit of a concrete coating is that it transforms what might be just a storage space into a part of the home.

“People start using their garage more,” he said, giving one example. “It’s got some functional use, like for family gatherings, large dining or a man cave where you’ve got a TV and a couple chairs.”

It also provides a durable surface that’s easy to clean if someone spills oil

Galaxy Concrete Coatings provides a colorful, polyaspartic sealant for residential concrete floors, including garages. (Photo courtesy of Galaxy Concrete Coatings)

MOWER REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

or a pet has an accident.

Williams stressed that Galaxy is a locally owned family business that strives to be part of the community through donations to local nonprofits and reliable customer service.

“It’s a company they can trust to not only do the job right initially, but if there’s a need or an issue with the product, we’re going to be there to service it,” he said. “They can have absolute faith in us.”

For more, visit galaxyconcretecoatings.com.

For many homeowners, the perfect home starts with the perfect piece of land. Whether it’s a wooded lot, open acreage, or property you’ve owned for years, building on your own homesite offers the opportunity to create something truly personal.

THAT’S WHERE EXECUTIVE HOMES COMES IN.

Executive Homes specializes in “On Your Lot” custom home building, giving homeowners the flexibility to build where they want without sacrificing quality, design, or experience. From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, the process is guided by what the team calls the Executive Waysm, a proven approach focused on clarity, collaboration, and craftsmanship.

It begins with a design consultation, where ideas take shape, and the vision for the home is established. From there, the team works through site evaluation, conceptual design, and detailed planning to ensure the home fits both the property and the homeowner’s lifestyle. Every step is intentional, helping clients feel confident in both the process and the final result.

Building on your own lot comes with unique considerations, from grading and utilities to positioning the home for the best views and functionality. With more than three decades of experience in Central Indiana, Executive Homes brings the expertise needed to navigate these details seamlessly.

Throughout construction, homeowners stay closely connected with the team, ensuring transparency and communication every step of the way. The result is a custom home that not only reflects personal style but is built with the quality and attention to detail that stands the test of time.

For those ready to build on their own land, Executive Homes offers more than just a builder. They offer a trusted partner dedicated to bringing your vision to life, built the Executive Waysm.

Humbled by community support, HVAC provider emphasizes quality and giving back

Commentary for Current Publishing

Airtron Indianapolis is deeply honored to be recognized as a Gold Winner by Current Publishing, an award made even more meaningful because it was voted on by the customers and communities, we are proud to serve.

This recognition is not something we take lightly. It reflects the trust our customers place in us every day when they invite us into their homes and rely on us for comfort, safety, and peace of mind. We are incredibly grateful for that trust, and for every vote, recommendation, and kind word that contributed to this honor.

At Airtron, we live by a golden rule, and that is to do the right thing, deliver quality work, and stand behind it. This award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team, our technicians, installers, customer service representatives, and leadership, who show up each day committed to doing their best for our customers. We are also proud of our longstanding relationships with many

of the Indianapolis area’s largest homebuilders. Their continued confidence in our work speaks volumes and reflects a shared commitment to quality, consistency, and delivering the best possible experience to new homeowners.

We also recognize that being part of a community means more than providing a service. It means giving back. We are proud to support Pink Ribbon Good (PRG) and their mission to serve individuals and families battling breast and gynecological cancers. Our pink truck, which many in the community have seen on the road, is more than just a vehicle, it’s a symbol of awareness, support and our commitment to making a difference beyond HVAC.

To our customers, partners, and community members: thank you. Your support inspires us to continue improving, growing, and serving with integrity. We are truly grateful and look forward to continuing to earn your trust for years to come.

Precise diagnostics and attention to detail are part of the “golden rule” at Airtron Indianapolis, which was recently named a Gold Winner by Current Publications. (Photo courtesy of Airtron)