Contract awarded for 191st Street widening
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The City of Westfield is moving ahead with plans to ease congestion and improve traffic flow north of Grand Park.
ROAD WORK
The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety recently approved a contract with A&F Engineering Co., LLC of Indianapolis as consultant for corridor improvements on 191st Street. The $1.1 million project is Phase 2 of an overall road widening plan for 191st Street.
“We are currently in design for 191st Street widening from Tomlinson Road to Grand Park Boulevard, inclusive of a new roundabout at Grand Park Boulevard. That is Phase 1,” Westfield Director of Public Works Johnathon Nail said. “Phase 2 picks up from the end of that project and widens 191st Street to the west and includes a roundabout connecting Horton Road and 193rd Street together. This contract will also include a Spring Mill (Road) realignment with another roundabout at 193rd Street and Spring Mill Road near the Osbourne Trails entrance.”
The plan would realign Horton Road to curve north to intersect with 193rd Street. Nail said 191st and 193rd streets have begun to experience larger traffic volumes. The realignment would create a smooth transition between those roads with a tie-in to Horton Road, which he said is critical for traffic flow.
Nail said there might still be changes during the design process.
“This project is going to help streamline some of that 193rd and 191st street congestion,” he said.
Nail said A&F Engineering will subcontract a portion of the consulting work to HWC Engineering. The contract includes project management; topographic survey; road and drainage design and development; permitting; environmental services; utility coordination; bidding; and post-bid services.
Nail said the negotiated contract is about $100,000 less than the original estimate.
UNLOCK YOUR HOME’S EQUITY
Westfield to conduct facilities assessment
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
An assessment of Westfield’s facilities and a plan for the future are the focus of an agreement between the city and Waypoint Strategies, a firm that specializes in helping organizations build, operate and maintain their facilities. Westfield will utilize Waypoint Strategies as a consultant for the next two years to create a long-term plan for how to best utilize the city’s facility assets.
CITY NEWS
The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety recently approved documentation to move ahead with the agreement. Westfield Director of Facilities and Events Matthew Deck said Waypoint Strategies would act as a facilities partner for the City of Westfield.
“The facilities department — surprisingly enough — is only a little more than a year old,” Deck said. “Considering the size of the city and the number of buildings that we have, we definitely need to get this department up to speed and up and running, and there is a lot that needs to be done.”
Audra Blasdel, division lead with Waypoint Strategies, said the main goal of the agreement would be to empower the City of Westfield to effectively and efficiently manage its facilities as the city continues to grow.
Key components of the proposed plan include a facility assessment; a five- to 10-year capital improvement plan; fire, ADA and code compliance assessments;
development of standard operating procedures; growth forecast; needs-based planning; and assistance with sourcing and implementing of a computerized maintenance-management system.
“We like to look at the fact that facilities maintenance, capital program management and comprehensive planning all fold into one and they need to work together,” Blasdel said. “Often where everybody wants to start is on the really big picture or in the nitty gritty, but we find that starting in the middle and understanding what you have and how to get a five- to 10-year plan in place is important. (We) need to get that midline assessment in place.”
Deck said the agreement would assist the city when it comes to operational and energy efficiency at its facilities — specifically developing an understanding of facility strengths and weaknesses with a focus on the future.
“We’ve got some old buildings and we’ve got some new buildings coming online, and having an experienced company like Waypoint come in alongside us is exactly what we need to make sure that we’re making all of the correct choices with how that facility needs to proceed,” he said.
The assessment will likely begin with the City Service Center on 171st Street.
Deck said Waypoint Strategies was one of three firms considered for the partnership. The agreement will not exceed $105,000 with $60,000 payable in 2025 and the balance due in 2026.
The City of Westfield will perform an assessment of its facilities, including the City Service Center, in 2025 and 2026. (File photo)
Remains of Fox Hollow Farm victim identified
news@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office recently announced that additional human remains found at Fox Hollow Farm in Westfield in 1996 have been identified — bringing the number of known victims of alleged serial killer Herb Baumeister to 10.
INVESTIGATION
A human remain found at Baumeister’s sprawling Westfield estate 30 years ago was identified through forensic testing and genetic genealogy as Daniel Thomas Halloran of Indianapolis. Testing was conducted by Othram Inc., a forensic laboratory in Woodlands, Texas, that specializes in DNA analysis.
“This identification is a significant development in our ongoing efforts to provide answers to the families of those who went missing,” Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison stated. “We are grateful for the expertise of Othram and the advances in
forensic science that made this Baumeister — who died by suicide in 1996 after human remains were discovered at his estate on 156th Street — is believed to be responsible for the murders of at least a dozen men in the mid1990s. More than 10,000 charred remains and bone fragments were discovered at Fox Hollow. Those remains were housed at the University of Indianapolis in 1996, where they went untested until the investigation into identifying the victims was restarted by Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison’s office in 2022.
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office continues to work alongside law enforcement agencies and forensic experts to analyze unidentified remains recovered from the property.
Anyone with information regarding missing persons potentially connected to the Fox Hollow case can contact the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office at 317-770-4415.
David Weekley Homeowners Graham, Kylee & Greyson Hutt
Halloran
Westfield Youth Sports names scholarship winners
Westfield Youth Sports Inc. recently announced three Westfield High School seniors as the 2025 Tucker
Swain Memorial Scholarship recipients.
The scholarship honors the memory of Tucker Swain, a third-grade student at Oak Trace Elementary School who died in 2023 at age 9 after he was struck by a car. The scholarship represents the lasting mark he left on the community with his kindness, intelligence, humor and creativity.
of Kentucky; Francisco will attend Wabash College; and Gibbs will attend Indiana University Bloomington.
“The committee was so impressed by the outstanding group of applicants this year that three recipients were chosen,” WYSI Vice President of Operations Carolyn West stated.
The 2025 recipients are Eliana Hill, Kaleb Francisco and Parker Gibbs. They will each receive a $1,000 scholarship for post-secondary education. Hill will attend the University
“Their passion and commitment perfectly reflect the values at the heart of Tucker’s legacy. We are honored to work alongside the Swain family to celebrate Tucker’s spirit. Each year, this scholarship reminds us of the incredible impact one young person can have — and helps us support students who reflect the same heart and passion Tucker shared with our community.”
For more about WYSI, visit westfieldyouthsports.org/wysi.
DISPATCHES
Farmers market in Westfield — The Westfield farmers market will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 4, excluding July 3, at Grand Junction Plaza. Vendors at the market sell produce, locally sourced food and beverages, artisanal goods and more. Learn more at westfieldin.gov/433/Westfield-Farmers-Market.
Resource and health fair in Hamilton County — The 2025 Hamilton County Resource and Health Fair takes place from noon to 4 p.m. June 6 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant
St., Noblesville. The free community event, sponsored by The Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County, includes more than 100 vendors offering food, clothing, baby supplies and social services. Several nonprofit, business and local organizations will be on hand to share programs and services that support families in Hamilton County and improve their quality of life. Educational information, health resources and information on volunteer opportunities also will be available. Exhibitors and vendors can register at gsnlive. org/resourcefair.
Francisco Gibbs
Hill
Tickets on sale for LIV Golf’s Westfield tournament
EVENT news@youarecurrent.com
Tickets are on sale for the LIV Golf 2025 season-finale tournament this summer in Westfield.
The tournament debuts in the Hoosier state Aug. 15-17 at Chatham Hills. Grounds passes and hospitality packages are on sale at LIVGolf.com, with special discounts available for students, teachers and first responders.
The three-day tournament will serve as the regular season finale as players vie for the 2025 LIV Golf League Individual Champion title. LIV Golf Indianapolis will feature many of the best players in the sport competing across three days of intense individual and team competition.
The tournament is expected to draw as many as 25,000 visitors to the city, with an economic impact to Westfield of $21 million to $29 million.
Besides the competition, the tournament also will feature fan engagement activities, interactive experiences, live music
and opportunities for local businesses to participate and benefit from the event’s economic impact. The City of Westfield is in the process of finalizing details for visitors with regard to parking and community engagement events.
The City of Westfield, Henke Development, Chatham Hills, Hamilton County Tourism and the Indiana Sports Corp. contributed to LIV Golf’s selection of Chatham Hills.
LIV Golf will host its season-finale tournament Aug. 15-17 at Chatham Hills in Westfield. (Photo courtesy of The Club at Chatham Hills)
A WALK IN THE PARK
Environmental education spotlights Westfield’s outdoor ecosystem
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A small group of nature lovers braved a chilly and rainy morning May 4 to learn how to become better stewards of the environment.
The group participated in an hourlong nature walk on the natural surface trail loop at Raymond Worth Park. The nature walk was the second of a two-part spring series hosted by the Westfield Department of Parks and Recreation and led by Westfield naturalist Randy Tatum.
Tatum said events like the nature walks — where participants spotted and identified invasive and natural species and engaged in birdwatching — help teach the importance of nature in everyone’s daily lives.
“It’s all interconnected. It’s one big circle,” Tatum said. “You need to be concerned about the depletion of species because that’s a barometer of our environment. It’s not separate from us — it’s integrated into our lives. All these creatures play a part in spreading nectar, spreading seeds and the food chain. All of it is interconnected.”
Sarah Gillim is president of Westfield Green Together, a nonprofit that serves as steward of the park. She said one of the group’s ongoing projects is removal of invasive species at the park, like honeysuckle, autumn olive and Callery pear.
“We’re trying to replant native species in its place, which is better for wildlife,” she said.
Gillim said invasive species are those that are not native to the area, like honeysuckle, as opposed to those that may seem invasive but are actually aggressive, like poison ivy. Invasive species tend to hold little to no value for natural areas.
“They’re bad because the wildlife don’t use those species,” Gillim said. “The insects don’t use them, and then the birds depend on those insects. For example, honeysuckle. Maybe some bees take nectar from it, but there are no caterpillars or anything that use the leaves. Birds depend on caterpillars to feed their young, so they’re just not supporting the wildlife the way that the native species are. It’s not as nutritious. The birds will eat the berries, but it’s like junk food for birds. It’s like candy. It’s
not healthy for them.”
The organization planted about 120 trees and shrubs, including persimmon, hazelnut and plum, this spring.
Tatum said one species being planted in natural areas in Indiana is red cedar. He said although red cedar can serve as a host for cedar apple rust — a pathogen that can attach to cedar and apple trees and cause damage to apple tree fruit — the trees are vital habitats for the Loggerhead Shrike, a raptor-like songbird on the endangered species list in Indiana.
Tatum said learning about the vegetation and wildlife of natural areas — and how to care for them — is a way to protect
the future. He said the first step in that process is for people to open their eyes to what is around them, every day.
“People aren’t aware that you can walk out here in Indiana, and you can see hundreds of species of birds,” he said. “People rarely notice them. They look up and say, ‘Oh, there’s a bird.’ But with the explosion of birding in the last couple of years with the pandemic, people are becoming more aware of what really what’s there and how important they all are. I want people to understand how that’s all connected. The beauty of it is the main attraction for me. You look, but then you look again when you look closer, and then you understand
WESTFIELD GREEN TOGETHER
Founded in 2017, the nonprofit Westfield Green Together promotes and teaches sustainable practices through collaborative efforts with the City of Westfield Parks and Recreation department, Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District and Westfield Washington Schools.
The organization focuses on habitat restoration, planting trees and native species and helping people learn to garden and grow their own food.
“We call ourselves a sustainability organization, but what we really focus on is habitat restoration and also
teaching people about native plants and gardening — vegetable gardening and growing your own food,” Westfield Green Together President Sarah Gillim said.
Westfield Green Together is the park steward for Raymond Worth Park. Volunteers work in the park to remove invasive species and replace them with native species to restore natural habitat in the park.
The organization also sponsors a community garden in downtown Westfield.
Learn more at wgtogether.org.
that they are really beautiful creatures.”
Gillim said nature is crucial for people’s physical and mental health.
“There have been so many studies to show that nature plays a critical role in people’s mental health,” she said. “Children, adults, all of us. It’s called biophilia — a natural tendency to want to be exposed to nature even if you don’t know it. You might be saying, ‘No, I don’t like nature,’ but you will. People need a more immersive experience in nature at least once a week. You need to get outside every day, but you need a more immersive experience in nature at least once a week for your mental and physical health.”
Participants in the walk said they see educational and environmental stewardship events as ways to stay connected with the world around them.
“For me, it’s important that people come here or come to any parks anywhere so that they can advocate for Mother Nature,” Suzanne Tatum said.
Raymond Worth Park comprises 29 acres on Little Eagle Creek Road, south of Ind. 32. The park — donated to the city in 2003 and named after the property owner whose farm was at the site — includes parking, a nature trail and a playground. Learn more at westfieldin.gov/226/Parks-Recreation.
ON THE COVER: Participants in the May 4 nature
look
walk at Raymond Worth Park
at a dogwood tree in bloom. (Photo by Marney Simon)
From left, Westfield Green Together President Sarah Gillim, naturalist Randy Tatum and Westfield Parks and Recreation program coordinator John Capes discuss species at Raymond Worth Park. (Photos by Marney Simon)
Westfield resident and naturalist Randy Tatum points out a cedar apple rust gall on a red cedar tree in Raymond Worth Park.
Commentary by Larry Greene
This north Carmel basement bar underwent a striking transformation, evolving from a cluttered, traditional setup into a sleek and moody entertainment hub. The goal was to create a more refined and functional space for hosting with a bold yet timeless aesthetic.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Rich navy cabinetry replaced the dated cherry wood, introducing depth and modern elegance.
• Brushed nickel hardware and globe pendant lights bring in contemporary contrast.
• White quartz countertops and a subtle tile backsplash offer a clean, sophisticated foundation.
• Integrated wine storage, open shelving, double drawer fridge and upgraded finishes make this bar both handsome and highly functional.
• A deep navy accent wall and layered lighting design create an inviting, lounge-like atmosphere perfect for evening gatherings.
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.
NIGHT & DAY
CCP sets 2025-26 schedule
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel Community Players’ 202526 season schedule offers a mix of plays, including comedies and dramas, from different points in history.
PERFORMANCES
“Despite exploring different time periods, each show feels current and relevant in their own way,” CCP Artistic Director Hannah Janowicz said. “We are thrilled for the privilege to open the season with ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ as the book will soon celebrate its 65th anniversary.”
Star production for younger performers of “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” is schedule for June 12-21. The season then closes with “Native Gardens” Aug. 7-16.
Janowicz
“I’m especially eager for ‘Native Gardens,’” Janowicz said. “The script is delightfully funny, honest and a breath of fresh air — pun intended,” she said. “‘Men on Boats’ will be one to look out for as well --history with a twist, and ironic as the cast is meant to be composed of anyone but actual men.”
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is set for Sept. 12-21 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. That will be followed by “Four Weddings and an Elvis” Nov. 14-23 at The Cat.
The 2026 portion of the schedule opens with “The Spitfire Grill” Feb. 27 to March 8 at The Switch Theatre in Fishers. The last three productions are at The Cat. “Men on Boats” is set for April 27-26. The Rising
One thing new this season is that Carmel Community Players is replacing one of the Saturday evening performances with a Saturday matinee. The second weekend will have a 2:30 p.m. performance instead of a 7:30 p.m.
“We’ve had fantastic ticket sales with our Sunday matinee performances in the past couple of seasons,” Janowicz said. “We’re hoping the addition of a Saturday matinee expands viewing options and can accommodate those unable to attend evening performances.”
For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
New dinner theater opens
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel resident Paul Parnell figures there is nothing better than a dinner and a show in the same venue.
MUSICAL
The Downtown Dinner Theatre opened May 2 with “Imagination,” which runs through May 18 at the Murat Shrine Center in Indianapolis. The Dinner Theatre is a partnership between the Murat Shrine of Indiana and On-Stage LIVE! Entertainment.
beautiful theater with a lot of seating and a lot of space. Dinner is included in the price of the ticket with soft drinks and meal. Then you take the elevator upstairs to the Arabian Room.”
Parnell
The two nonprofits will host a season of six shows at the 250-seat theater.
“It’s pretty exciting because we had been in a place in Greenwood for a while, which was not a good fit for what we’re doing,” said Parnell, who serves as a music director with On-Stage Live!. “A good portion of the people attending our shows were from Indianapolis and the Carmel/ Westfield area. This is much more convenient and it’s in a historical building that is just beautiful. (Murat Shrine Center) spent over $100,000 in renovating. It’s a
Parnell said the only other dinner theater in the area is Beef & Boards on the north side of Indianapolis.
Parnell has composed two songs for “Imagination” and is performing in the show.
“I was not in the original cast, but one of our original members had a commitment and had to drop out,” he said. “So, I scrambled to learn lines and songs. (The musical’s story) is to remind people we started with a full imagination as a child, but as we get older and situations don’t always go the way we imagined they would, we kind of lose our imagination. If I can think about it and work out a plan, I can make this happen.”
Parnell has produced On-Stage Live! shows in the past.
“The Christmas show we do every year is all original Christmas music,” he said. For more, visit downtowndt.com.
LIFESTYLE
1. Small fluid holders
5. UIndy instructor
9. Detest
13. IU sports org.
14. *Principal/base metal?
15. Gray Eagle Golf Club club
16. Mud Creek Players play parts
17. Not for
18. Bugle call
19. *Show/a gift?
21. *Unite/a farm machine?
24. “Days of ___ Lives”
146460
25. Service charge
26. Scoundrel
27. White River angler’s aid
28. “___ be an honor”
29. Element with the shortest name
30. Former Notre Dame coach Parseghian
31. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard
33. Tic-tac-toe winner
34. Small valley
35. One of two words spelled the same, but pro-
nounced differently...and a hint to the starred clues
39. Designer Chanel
42. Luau instrument, briefly
43. ___-friendly
45. Indy Film Fest mo.
46. Eiteljorg Museum tribe
47. Ryder Cup side
49. Lingerie item
52. “You ___ worry...”
54. WFYI network
55. ___ for tat
56. *Null and void/shut-in
58. *Guide/a behavior
STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE HAMILTON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT ) SS: COUNTY OF HAMILTON ) CAUSE NO: 29C01-2410-PL-011863
American Family Mutual Insurance Company, Plaintiff, Vs.
Tabitha L. Palma, Defendant.
SUMMONS – SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE OF SUIT
The State of Indiana to the defendant(s) above named, and any other person who may be concerned.
You are notified that you have been sued in the Court above named. The nature of the suit against you is:
NEGLIGENCE FOR AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED ON JANUARY 30, 2023 0N 151ST STREET IN WESTFIELD, HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
This summons by publication is specifically directed to the following named defendant(s) whose addresses are defendant(s) whose whereabouts are unknown:
TABITHA L. PALMA
In addition to the above-named defendant(s) being served by this summons there may be other defendant(s) who have an interest in this law suit.
If you have a claim for relief against the plaintiff arising from the same transaction or occurrence, you must assert it in your written answer. You must answer the Complaint in writing, by you or your attorney within thirty (30) days after the Third Notice of Suit, and if you fail to do so a judgment will be entered against you for what the plaintiff has demanded.
By:
Herbert L. Nussle (38682-49) KEIS GEORGE LLP
55 Public Square, #1900 Cleveland, Ohio 44113 hnussle@keisgeorge.com (216) 241-4100 FAX (216)771-3111 Attorney for Plaintiff
ATTEST:
Clerk of the HAMILTON __________________________________Court
60. Take the bait
61. Norway’s capital
63. Tennis great Arthur
64. University of Evansville athletes
65. *Rip/an eye drop?
66. Wranglers alternatives
67. Great American Ball Park team
68. Some Colts linemen
69. Prefix for “while” Down
1. Fasten with a click
2. Build up, as interest
3. Provide special treatment for
4. Back talk
5. Mars or Mercury
6. Leased
7. Hoosier Park feedbag morsel
8. Banking initials 9. Hired assassin
10. Spirited horses
11. Newsworthy
12. Trap
20. Pay taxes online
22. Hunter constellation
23. Panache
29. In addition
32. Butler frat letter
33. Wash. neighbor
34. Letters on some Ed
Martin trucks
36. ___-frutti
37. Barely make
38. Crave
39. “Pretty please?”
40. Wedding reception amenity
41. Fissure
44. Less acute
46. Hedger’s word 47. Naked 48. Clues for a bloodhound 50. Investor’s dream 51. Verify 53. So last year 57. Overdo the TLC
Brickyard 400 winner Earnhardt
62.
DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES
WILL MOW LARGE residential and commercial lawns WILL DO SPRING CLEAN UP WILL DO BOBCAT WORK
Trim/Remove trees & shrubs Building Demolitions Clean Gutters
Trash Removal & Odd Jobs
Painting inside or Outdoors
Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED
Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
C&H TREE SERVICE FIREWOOD SALE Topping – Removal
Deadwooding – Landscaping
Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning
INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Community Garage Sale! Cherry Creek Estates May 16th-17th. 8am-2pm 14055 Wildcat Dr Carme IN 46033
DAN’S AUTOMOTIVE DETAIL IS NOW HIRING:
Outbound Sales Coordinators familiar with Hamilton County. 1. Daily Commission Pay after Customer Service* 2. Weekly Salary 3. Mileage Pay 4. Monthly Bonus Text: 317-650-8888 for meeting. EOE
tools, craft and office supplies, toys, household, vintage and collectibles.
Payment: cash, check and credit card payment (minimum $25)
VILLAGE OF WESTCLAY (CARMEL) ANNUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 17 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Something for everyone! Look for the balloons! (Main St. and Towne Rd.)
Quest Diagnostics Inc. seeks Medical Laboratory Scientist (multiple) in Carmel, IN to perform test procedures of moderate/high complexity. Night Shift 8pm – 6:30am. REQ: Associate of Science degree or for. equiv. in Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory Technology, or closely related, plus 3 yrs of high complexity testing exp. in a clinical laboratory setting. In lieu of Associate of Science degree plus 3 yrs of exp., employer will accept Bachelor of Science or for. equiv. in Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory Technology, or closely related, plus 1 yr of high complexity testing experience in a clinical laboratory setting. CV to Latisha.M.Vargas@ questdiagnostics.com Ref. code: FE
Flexware Innovation, Inc. is seeking a full-time Software Engineer in Fishers, Indiana to Develop critical features for internal applications and user guides to enhance the overall user experience; and Use custom software solution, LIFT, to build new solutions that revolve around intralogistics initiatives. May work remotely from home within commuting distance of 12 Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN 46038. Contact Lindsay Imhoff, Technical Recruiter - Team Lead, lindsay.imhoff@flexware.com.
