U.S. 31, I-465 interchange upgrades to start this year / P4
CPD community service officer follows in late father’s footsteps / P17 City to present inaugural EidFest / P15 Marine, bobsled competitor writes first book / P14
DOCS director: Proposed rental cap ‘unenforceable’ / P5
MAKE THIS SUMMER SIPPER
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Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 27
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County MMR vaccination rate below threshold
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
As measles cases continue to spread in the U.S., vaccination rates in Indiana and Hamilton County remain below the recommended threshold to prevent an outbreak.
MEASLES
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 95 percent of the population should be vaccinated to prevent the spread of measles, a highly contagious airborne virus. In Indiana, 84.6 percent of the population has received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, and in Hamilton County the total is 86.8 percent, according to the Indiana Department of Health.
Dr. John Christenson, a physician at Riley Hospital for Children who specializes in infectious diseases, said he believes it’s only a matter of time before a measles case is reported in central Indiana.
“You have a little bit of a powder keg waiting to go off around here,” Christenson said. “The sad part is the number of people getting vaccinated against measles is decreasing in many parts of the United States, including in Indiana.”
According to Christenson, the number of Hoosiers who decline vaccines has been trending up 3 percent annually in recent years. He said that’s why the disease declared to be eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 has made a comeback and continues to spread.
According to the CDC, 1,001 cases of measles have been reported in the U.S. so far this year as of May 8 in 31 states, including Indiana (eight cases in Allen County). Fourteen outbreaks, defined as three or more related cases, have been reported in the U.S. in 2025, with 93 percent of confirmed cases associated with outbreaks.
Only 285 measles cases were reported in the U.S. in all of 2024, and 69 percent of those cases were related to outbreaks, according to the CDC.
In Hamilton County, the MMR vaccination rate for school-aged children is approximately 94 percent, according to Julie Nagel, Hamilton County immunization coordinator. Although the overall total is just shy of the 95 percent rate needed to prevent the spread of measles, MMR vaccination rates are lower in some grades in some schools.
In Carmel Clay Schools, most grades
MMR VACCINATION RATES
Carmel Clay Schools Rate
Carmel
This chart displays MMR vaccination rates for kindergarten, first, sixth, seventh and 12th grades in Carmel Clay Schools. Highlighted figures indicate schools below the 95 percent threshold considered necessary for herd immunity. (Source: IDOH)
tracked by the Indiana Department of Health meet the 95 percent benchmark as of February. Exceptions include kindergarten classes at Forest Dale Elementary (80 percent), Clay Center Elementary (88.2 percent) and Smoky Row Elementary (88.4). IDOH only reports vaccination rates for students in kindergarten and first, sixth, seventh and 12th grades, so the overall vaccination rate at a specific campus could
be higher or lower. The IDOH data only reflects students who have given permission to share their vaccine history with the state registry, which includes most — but not all — students.
Kandyce Hardie, CCS district nurse coordinator, said she is not aware of MMR vaccination rates trending down among Carmel students. She said CCS maintains immunization data on its students and is prepared to identify those who are most at-risk should an outbreak occur.
“We have been advised from the state that there is minimal risk and low concern for an outbreak at this time,” Hardie said.
Most children who get measles recover, but serious cases can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation and death, Christenson said. Three measles deaths have been reported in the U.S. so far this year.
Christenson said early symptoms of measles often include a runny nose, red eyes and a rash. Many patients experience diarrhea and dehydration. The disease is highly contagious, especially during the four days before the rash appears.
Most measles cases reported this year have occurred among unvaccinated individuals. Christenson said the MMR vaccine has been used for decades and has long proven to be safe and effective. He said misinformation about the vaccine — including a debunked report that it could lead to autism — have contributed to the decline in vaccination rates.
“The reality is that the concerns that people have should not be about getting the vaccine. The concern they should have is coming down with measles,” Christenson said. “They may get a little bit of soreness at the site of the injection or a little bit of fever with the vaccine, (but that) does not surpass the risk of coming down with pneumonia and encephalitis, or, for example, the type of condition that develops years after having measles, SSPE (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis), which is fatal.”
The first dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose given between 4 and 6 years old. The two-dose vaccine provides lifelong protection.
Christenson said he is also concerned that another disease eliminated in the U.S. through the MMR vaccine — rubella — could make a comeback.
View the IDOH vaccination dashboard at in.gov/health/immunization. Learn more at cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.
Christenson
U.S. 31, I-465 interchange upgrades set to begin later this year
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
There was no controversy and little comment May 13 as the Indiana Department of Transportation held a public meeting on the Level Up 31 project at the Drury Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Carmel.
ROADWORK
Officials played a video presentation that detailed the significant population and vehicular growth along the spine of U.S. 31 through Hamilton County that they believe necessitates the $63 million dollar project. The funding is from a mix of state and federal sources.
Final design and environmental approval are anticipated in the next few weeks. Construction is expected to start this summer or fall and conclude in late 2027. Most traffic restrictions are planned to be complete by the end of 2026.
The primary goals are to alleviate congestion within the I-465/U.S. 31 interchange and to improve safety by reducing the frequency of severe crashes, notably rear-end crashes.
Specifically, a lane will be added on the
ramps in both directions for drivers exiting from I-465 and merging to northbound U.S. 31 to help alleviate congestion. Additionally, access to 106th Street will be modified. Presently, travelers don’t have much space or room for error when leaving I-465 and wanting to exit 106th Street from U.S. 31. These problems will be alleviated by requiring motorists to exit at the Meridian Street ramp and then turn north at a traffic signal to access 106th Street.
In addition, work will be done to improve traffic flow on U.S. 31 between 106th and
Eastbound travelers on I-465 will be required to turn left at a traffic signal at Meridian Street to access 106th Street after the Level Up 31 project is complete.
(Image courtesy of INDOT)
116th streets.
Individual questions were answered through conversations in an open house format before and after the formal presentation. Only one person made a public comment for the record, in which he reiterated his frustration with the current setup, especially the difficulties of merging onto U.S. 31 and then quickly transitioning to exit at 106th Street.
According to INDOT, since the configuration of the I-465 and U.S. 31 interchange was completed in December 2015, 20,300
residents have moved to Westfield (an increase of nearly 60 percent) and 11,550 people have moved to Carmel (an increase of nearly 13 percent).
The rapid growth has triggered more vehicular traffic, and earlier estimates have become obsolete. INDOT said 83,379 vehicles per day traveled U.S. 31 in both directions in 2023. That count is expected to rise to 112,910 this year and balloon to 155,520 by 2045.
Carmel resident Brian Wade attended the meeting and acknowledged the need for the revamp.
“What would things look like 10 years from now if nothing was done?” he asked. “Something has to be done. I don’t know the answers, but I was curious. That’s why I’m here tonight.”
Mary Allen lives on the far northside of Indianapolis and isn’t looking forward to the construction.
“It just seems like they’re always working on some phase of it,” Allen said. “I’m sure it’s necessary, but don’t we hate the interruptions it causes.”
Submit comments on the proposed project through May 27 at levelup31.com.
DOCS Director: Proposed rental cap ‘unenforceable’
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Carmel City Council members are split on the merits of a proposal to cap the number of rental homes in the city and create a registry to track them.
CITY COUNCIL
The council’s Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee discussed the matter May 12 but did not take a vote on the ordinance, which was introduced last month. The full council will have a final vote after the committee finishes its review.
Carmel based much of its ordinance on a similar measure recently approved by the Fishers City Council. Carmel’s proposal caps rentals at 10 percent in neighborhoods and throughout the city and requires landlords to register and receive a permit from Carmel’s Department of Community Services. Certain properties are excluded from the permit process, including homeowners renting to a family member, deployed by the military or facing certain hardships.
Supporters of the rental cap in both cities want to limit the number of homes owned by institutional landlords, which they say are making homeownership less attainable for individuals and families.
“I want to make sure those homes will always be protected and you can actually buy it and live in it and not be outbid by somebody who has more financial means than someone like a first-time homeowner,” said City Councilor Shannon Minnaar, who is not on the committee but attended the meeting. “I know we can’t be everything for everybody, but we can certainly try and maintain that dream.”
Several residents spoke in support of the ordinance during the public comment portion of the meeting, saying enough homes have become rentals in their neighborhoods to make it essentially impossible to amend their HOA bylaws to address rentals. HOA bylaw amendments typically
require approval by a supermajority of homeowners.
Chris Pryor, MIBOR Realtor Association government affairs director, spoke against the ordinance during public comment. He said home purchases by institutional buyers have generally slowed as a result of rising interest rates and sale prices and that they didn’t often target Carmel in the first place because of the high housing costs. He said only 72 out of nearly 30,000 homes in Carmel are owned by “Wall Street investors” and that zero have been purchased in the last two years.
“This is presenting a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist,” said Pryor, who served on the Carmel Housing Task Force and said the topic of institutional buyers wasn’t even mentioned during its sixmonth review in 2024.
During the meeting, DOCS Director Mike Hollibaugh told the committee he supports the rental registry, which he sees as a possible deterrent to irresponsible landlords. However, he is against the cap, which his department would be responsible for monitoring.
“The cap is almost unenforceable to me, as homes are sold and bought every day,” Hollibaugh said. “The idea that we’re going to get involved in people’s lives to determine whether or not they’re eligible for exemption, I don’t know who has that kind of time inside City Hall.”
Hollibaugh also expressed frustration that no city leaders had previously discussed with him the proposal and its impact on his department.
Several councilors said they would like to continue gathering information before making a decision about the ordinance.
“We should try to (address this) surgically, not using the same blunt instrument someone else used, to try and really craft a true solution,” said Councilor Anita Joshi, who is not a member of the committee.
The committee is expected to continue the discussion at a future meeting.
Weber appointed chief of staff — Nick Weber has been appointed chief of staff for the City of Carmel. He will maintain his responsibilities as executive director of economic development for Carmel during the transition period. With extensive executive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, Weber will work closely with the mayor, city council and department heads to execute strategic initiatives and drive meaningful progress for Carmel residents. Weber replaced Rebecca Carl, who announced her resignation in April.
Weber
IMPO awards county $7.8M for road construction projects
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
During their May 12 meeting, Hamilton County Commissioners accepted a $7.8 million replica check representing funds the county received for road work, heard
updates about a domestic violence center and discussed a proposal to host a veterans memorial in 2026.
The next meeting is set for 1 p.m. May 26 at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center.
What happened: Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Anna Gremling presented the commissioners with a $7.8 million replica check for infrastructure projects.
What it means: The IMPO receives a portion of federal taxes on gasoline purchases to fund infrastructure projects in the Indianapolis area. Last fall, the IMPO had a call for projects and received applications for more than $200,000 million of infrastructure projects around the region.
What’s next: The funds awarded to Hamilton County will go toward a roundabout at 113th Street and Olio Road; a traffic signal and lane upgrades at 146th Street and Maryland Road; and Phase 2 of the Steven Nation Community Pathway. All projects will start in 2028.
What happened: At the work meeting, the commissioners discussed updates regarding a domestic violence center planned for Ind. 38 near Hague Road.
What it means: Prevail, a Noblesville nonprofit that specializes in working with victims of crime and abuse including adults, teens and children, has been partnering with the county on the project, which would be in a building with four transitional housing units where families can reside for up to two years. Executive Director Tami Wanninger said Prevail intends to apply for a federal transitional housing grant once the project is underway. Wanninger said Prevail’s core services cannot be restricted to Hamilton County residents, but the nonprofit wants to solely serve Hamilton County residents with the transitional housing project.
What’s next: In the coming weeks, The county wants to draft an operating agreement that outlines the internal rules and procedures for how the center will operate.
What happened: At the work meeting, Hamilton County Historical Society Museum Director Sandy Lynch pitched an idea for the county to host The Wall That Heals Project, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which travels to communities throughout the United States.
What it means: Lynch said the goal would be to host the wall in 2026. The commissioners and Lynch discussed locations to host the wall, such as the 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville or Coxhall Gardens in Carmel.
What’s next: Lynch plans to meet with Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Director Chris Stice to determine a location before finishing the application to host The Wall That Heals Project.
DISPATCHES
Brookshire women’s golf league — The Brookshire Women’s 18-hole Golf League meets Tuesday mornings starting in May. Participants receive a reduced rate for the round of golf and are eligible for games and prizes each week. Those who are interested in learning more are invited to play a round with the group. For more, contact Jan McNulty at janlmcnulty@gmail.com.
Meditation for Peace — Meditation for Peace will take place from 7:45 to 8:15 p.m. Tuesdays through September at the gazebo at Carmel City Hall, 1 Civic Square. The event, which is open to the public, is presented by Prana Bar and will take place rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. The event aims to help individuals create more inner peace, expand the civility conversation in Carmel and promote global peace.
WED JUNE 4 | 7 - 8:30pm
Consistency key to Tigers’ shortstop’s successful senior season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Fishers High School senior baseball player Huston Dunn credits consistency as his biggest improvement this season.
“I feel I’m more consistent at the plate, producing more for my team,” said Dunn, a shortstop.
“I’m being productive in the field as well, letting my teammates depend on me. When the ball is coming to me, they know what is going to happen.”
As of May 13, Dunn was hitting .375 with 11 runs batted in for the Tigers. A four-year starter, he hit .279 as a junior, .316 as a sophomore and .235 as a freshman.
“Huston is a tremendous leader in our program who never lets the highs take him too high or the lows take him down too low,” Fishers coach Matthew Cherry said. “He loves the game, and it shows in everything he does on the field.”
HUSTON DUNN
Favorite athlete: Bo Jackson
Favorite musician: Chris Stapleton
Favorite subjects: Math and weightlifting
Favorite movies: “Good Will Hunting” and “Interstellar”
Favorite vacation spot: Dominican Republic
Cherry said.
Cherry said Dunn plays with a lot of positivity.
in 2022 and 2024 — and in the first round in 2023.
“I have a good feeling about this year,” he said. “Our teamwork and how we bond is different from years past. We’re a senior-heavy group and that helps us because there is something on the line for all of us. When it comes to the playoffs, it’s win or go home. We play for each other.”
Dunn played football through his sophomore year and saw some varsity action as a backup quarterback as a sophomore.
“I gave up football to concentrate on baseball,” Dunn said. “It helped me get my Ball State offer because it helped me play in the fall and get more exposure.”
Dunn, who wants to major in business, committed to Ball State University early in his junior year.
Cherry said Dunn has made huge strides as a hitter, being in position to hit all pitches on both sides of the plate and spreading the ball all over the field.
“Huston has a high baseball IQ and a great understanding of where to be on defense, reading balls off the bat to put him self in great position to field and throw,”
JOIN US AT CAMP CATHEDRAL!
“Even when things do not go his way, his smile and joy for the game is keeping him focused and engaged on the next pitch, next play and next at-bat,” Cherry said. “In addition, Huston’s approach at the plate where he is putting himself in a great position to hit all pitches on both sides of the plate has helped him tremendously. He is not trying to be so perfect on his swing but is willing to pull a ball down the line or stay on a pitch and drive it the other way.”
In Dunn’s first three seasons, the Tigers
“I wanted to stay close to home because I wanted my family to watch me play,” Dunn said. “All the coaches were super friendly and welcoming. They made me feel wanted. It felt like home from the first time I stepped on campus.”
Dunn’s brother, Carson, is a 2023 FHS graduate who plays football for Indiana
Dunn
Fishers High School senior shortstop Huston Dunn is a four-year starter. (Photo courtesy of Dunn family)
FDE principal set to become CCS HR director
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Forest Dale Elementary Principal Sara Inskeep is set to become the next director of human resources at Carmel Clay Schools.
EDUCATION
Pending approval by the CCS school board, Inskeep will step into the role July 1.
“Sara’s leadership has had a lasting impact on Forest Dale and the broader school community,” stated Tom Oestreich, CCS assistant superintendent. “We are excited for her to take on this new role where her skills and passion for people will continue to make a difference across the district.”
Inskeep has more than two decades of experience in public education, according to CCS, including 13 years of administrative leadership within the district. Before becoming Forest Dale’s principal in 2017, she served six years as an assistant principal at Carmel Elementary. She joined CCS in 2008 as a teacher at Orchard Park Elementary.
“I am incredibly honored to step into this role,” Inskeep stated. “Supporting and developing great educators and staff has always been at the heart of my work. I look forward to helping Carmel Clay Schools continue to grow the exceptional team that makes our district such a special place for students to learn and thrive.”
Inskeep has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Purdue University.
The search for a new principal at Forest Dale is underway.
Inskeep replaces Holly Herrera, who will become CCS assistant superintendent of staff and student services July 1.
The Waterpark to open May 24 — The Waterpark at 1195 Central Park Dr. W will open for the season at 11 a.m. May 24. The park will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 24 to Aug. 3 and weekends from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 9 to Sept. 1. Learn more at carmelclayparks.com/the-waterpark.
Inskeep
Pet thefts inspire Carmel woman to petition for stricter penalties
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
That large, old turtle looked familiar to Sharon Robinson.
LAW
The longtime Carmel Realtor was watching the news a few years back when a report aired about a turtle being stolen from Westfield’s Cool Creek Nature Center, where Robinson had been a volunteer.
“I used to feed that turtle,” she said. “It was a huge turtle. I thought, ‘Who would steal that turtle?’ It wasn’t something you could put in your pocket. It was the size of a turkey platter.”
Then, in late April, Robinson was on the neighborhood-centric Nextdoor app when a post appeared about
Jean Y.W. Chang, 90, passed away peacefully the morning of April 28, 2025, with her daughter at her bedside. She was born April 22, 1935, in Touqiao, Jiangsu Province, China. At a young age she faced the consequences of the Chinese Civil War. She was separated from her brother and father and took care of her sick mother while living with relatives in the countryside. In middle school, she earned admission to Zhenjiang Chongshi Girls’ School. There she met her best friend, Nancy Ho, who she would be her lifelong friend for over 75 years. In 1948 she and her brother relocated to Taiwan to be with her father and stepmother who would raise and love her as her own. In Taiwan she was a dedicated and high-achieving student. Upon completing high school she was admitted to National Taiwan University, the most prestigious institution in the country where she majored in chemistry. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she was fortunate to earn a scholarship to come to the US in 1959 to pursue graduate school. She received a master’s in chemistry from Texas Woman’s University in 1961. After graduate school she moved to Pittsburgh and worked at Carnegie Mellon Institute. She was there from 1962-1969.
the possibility of a theft ring responsible for snatching French bulldogs from yards.
“People were responding on social media,” Robinson said. “I made the comment, ‘I think this should be a felony.’ Someone else said, ‘I think we should start a petition.’ Within five minutes, I had the petition created.”
Indiana does not have any laws that specifically address stealing a pet, according to Ryan Scherer, animal control supervisor at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. A stolen pet could lead to a theft charge, which ranges from an A misdemeanor to a Level 5 felony, based on the monetary value of the animal, Scherer said.
Robinson, who owns two rescue dogs, believes the
OBITUARIES
and foundational chemists at Daily Laboratories. She built that company with her heart and soul. She also got involved in real estate, owning several apartments. In the last 10 years of her career, she transitioned to working for Caterpillar. You could find her climbing large tanks to get testing materials. She loved being a scientist. She retired in 2010 and Shu-pei and her moved to Carmel, IN to be closer to their daughter.
One of her greatest joys in life was her daughter, Tina, and her three grandchildren, Gavin, Mia, and Cole. She loved to watch them play when they were younger, be at their games as they got older and especially the joy that her homemade potstickers brought them.
Jean loved to sew, do puzzles, cook (although she rarely used the recipe), and listen to music. Shu-pei and her traveled all over the world. She loved to read and at age 89 she read over 50 books in a year. Jean was kind. She always made sure she took care of her family in China, her brother and mother in the US, and then her husband as he battled dementia. She was not one to have a ton of friends but those she had, she cared deeply about them.
theft of a pet should be treated differently than the theft of a nonliving object.
“We are calling on lawmakers to formulate and pass a national law, classifying the stealing of a family pet as a felony,” the petition states. “Such an amendment will enforce greater penalties and act as a stronger deterrent against such heinous acts.”
Robinson, the owner of two rescue dogs, has never organized a campaign like this before. One of the factors that drew her to the cause is its nonpartisan nature.
“There’s a meanness in the world and it has to be confronted, or it expands,” Robinson said. “People that steal animals probably have the capability to commit other crimes.”
Read and sign the petition at chng.it/bCVthZ7YZZ.
Frank J. Lutz III April 5, 1945 – May 1, 2025
Frank J. Lutz III, 80, of Carmel, IN, passed away peacefully on May 1st, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he spent his life dedicated to helping others, both personally and professionally. A longtime Human Resources professional, he was known for his integrity, warmth, and commitment to supporting those around him.
In his retirement years Frank enjoyed serving his community as a volunteer with the Carmel School district, Rotary, and Meals on Wheels.
Teri E. Piechocki of Carmel, IN, passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 66. She was born at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Gary, IN, on September 29, 1958, to parents, David and Rosemary (Horan) Wilson.
He is lovingly remembered by surviving family, Perrin Slowey (Brian), Greg Lutz, and Patricia McLellan. His two cherished grandchildren, Ava and Olivia Slowey remember his quiet strength, wisdom, and sense of humor – as well as his ability to make one mean homemade pizza.
A private memorial will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
morning newspaper. Above all, Teri will be remembered for her generous spirit and deep compassion, always seeking opportunities to spread kindness and uplift those around her (usually with a box of donuts).
In 1968 she started a long-distance relationship with a person who had known her for many years, worked for her father at the sugar factory, and who was even on the same airplane as her coming to the United States. She married Shu-pei Chang in Pittsburgh on August 16, 1969. They then moved to Peoria, Illinois to start their lives. They lived in Peoria for almost 50 years. In Peoria, Jean was one of the original
She was determined, hardworking, generous and a loving woman. Jean leaves behind a daughter, Tina Fleming (Jason) and three grandchildren, Gavin, Mia, and Cole and a great-niece, Zhen An Wang. She also has many cousins from her stepmother’s family whom loved her like a sister. She always said she was lucky and blessed.
There will be a visitation, May 16th, from 9-10am at Flanner-Buchanan in Carmel followed by a private family service.
Teri graduated from the Purdue School of Pharmacy in 1981 and worked as a pharmacist for nearly 20 years before pursuing another dream. She went back to school and earned her law degree from Valparaiso University in 2001, then passed the Florida Bar shortly after. She spent the next chapter of her career as a Senior Staff Attorney at the Fifth District Court of Appeals. In 2010, Teri moved to Carmel, Indiana, and returned to pharmacy, working at Riley Children’s Hospital, Express Scripts, and IU North Hospital.
Teri loved swimming, yoga, traveling, and getting lost in a good book—but nothing made her happier than time with her 4 grandchildren. She had a soft spot for blueberry pancakes (always with a side of extra bacon) and rarely missed reading her
Teri married Walter Piechocki on August 16, 1980, and he preceded her in passing. She is survived by her children, Katherine (Jessica) Piechocki (grandson Connor and granddaughter Sloane), David (Marina) Piechocki (2 grandchildren) and her siblings Lori (John) Brett, and Scott (Lisa) Wilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Rosemary Wilson and her sister Lisa Wilson.
In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Teri’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
A Visitation was held from 12pm until 2pm, on May 17, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan - Carmel (325 E. Carmel Dr. Carmel, IN). A funeral service was held following the visitation at 2pm.
DISPATCHES
House District 32 town halls — State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) has scheduled two town hall discussions for residents of House District 32 regarding the 2025 legislative session. The first event is set for 6 p.m. May 22 at the Hamilton East Public Library Fishers branch, 5 Municipal Dr. A second town hall will be 6 p.m. May 29 at the John W. Hensel Government Center, 10701 N College Ave., in Carmel. State Sen. J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis) will join Garcia Wilburn for the Carmel town hall.
Military Library and Museum events
— Veterans, families, students and researchers, are invited to the Clay Township Military Library and Museum on Memorial Day (May 26) and Flag Day/US Army birthday (June 14). The museum, 10801 N. College Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of observance. Volunteers and veterans will be on-hand to guide tours, answer questions and provide insights about efforts to revitalize and grow the museum. To learn more, contact Jon Baldwin at 317-435-7194 or jonebaldwin@gmail.com.
Youth service award nominee — Josh Cale of Carmel High School was among seven students nominated for the 32nd annual Hamilton County Youth Service Awards, which were presented at a May 12 ceremony at the Hamilton County Government & Judicial Center in Noblesville. The ceremony is sponsored by the Hamilton County Commissioners and the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs as part of efforts to recognize outstanding service by youth in the community. Asha Adhikari of Westfield High School won the top honor.
Troop to present badge camp — Girl Scout Troop 1887 from Carmel High School will host a Summer Badge Camp for girls ages 5 to 10. The camp is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to noon July 14 to 18 at the Carmel Lion’s Club. The camp is a fundraiser for the troop’s Gold Award projects, the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. Campers will earn five badges during the week: Mechanical Engineering, Outdoor Arts, Performance, Democracy and Citizenship. The camp is open to all girls, regardless of whether they’re enrolled in Girl Scouts. Early bird registration is open through May 21, with a discounted rate of $150 per participant. Learn more at bit.ly/43iGvbA.
Cale
Ignite catch fire in debut season
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
From Indy Ignite co-founder Jim Schumacher’s view, it was quite a successful year on several fronts for the expansion team.
VOLLEYBALL
The Indy Ignite earned the final spot in the Pro Volleyball Federation’s four-team playoffs and upset top-seeded defending champion Omaha in five sets in the May 9 semifinals in Las Vegas. The Ignite lost to No. 3 seed Orlando in four sets in the May 11 championship.
“While I wish we could have won the whole thing, I am incredibly proud of what our young team achieved this year,” said Schumacher, a Carmel resident who co-founded the team with Don Hutchinson. “We started from zero and we came within one game of winning it all.” Schumacher said the average ticket distribution per home match was 4,244.
“That’s not bad for an inaugural year,” he said. “In fact, it puts us second in the league. I didn’t know what to expect, from
a numbers perspective, going in. But I was sure Indiana’s volleyball fans would show up, and they did. Seeing all of the young women who come to our matches and consider our players role models is tremendously exciting to me. It’s also really encouraging to see and hear the enthusiasm from our fan base. Their support helped propel the team all the way to the PVF Championship.”
Ignite coach George Padjen said the team, which finished the regular season with a 13-15 record, came a long way.
“To get in this space, to the championship final, it’s great,” he said. “Yeah, not the outcome you want, but my biggest takeaway is some of the people I met this year are some quality human beings.”
Ignite opposite hitter Azhani Tealer said it was a big step for the organization.
“We’re really young. No one expected us to be here in the first place,” she said. “We have a lot of young people hopefully coming back, so I think teams like Orlando should be really scared for next season.”
Schumacher
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Marine, bobsledder aims to inspire next generation
AUTHOR By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Riley Tejcek’s initial motivation to write a book came from her own words.
The 2015 Carmel High School graduate was being interviewed about her career as a U.S. Marine captain and a competitor with the U.S. national bobsled team. The interviewer asked what she wanted to accomplish next.
“I said I wanted to write a book before I’m 30,” Tejcek said. “The next day I woke up and I thought I just told the universe I was going to do it, so now I have to make it happen. A lot of inspiration came from wanting to impact the youth to create the most impact.”
Her target is ages 4 to 8 for “If You Can Dream It, Be It.”
“That’s when they are learning and still have this invincible feeling to them and they are trying to gather their thoughts and opinions,” said Tejcek, who played NCAA Division I softball for George Washington University. “A big part of my story is I never thought I could be a female Marine, because I never saw one and that wasn’t normal to me. I thought if I can have 4 to 8 year olds see at a very young age that women are in the Marine Corps, women are professional athletes, women can do that and be an author, a pageant winner and be on games shows, that can be a core belief in their mind.”
Tejcek said she is often asked to be involved in efforts to show women can be Marine officers.
“If we can change that mindset from the get-go, it is way more powerful,” she said. “I want (children) to be inspired and feel there is no limitation on what they can do after reading this book.”
Tejcek, who is vying to make the U.S. Olympic women’s bobsled team and is a Marine stationed in San Diego, said she was able to link up with a publisher, End Game Press, which is a female-owned company. The book was released in late March, since she was deployed for six months to Iraq from May to November 2024.
“My No. 1 priority is being a Marine, then training with Team USA and trying to find a spot on the Olympic team,” said Tejcek, a logistics officer. “That requires a full amount of training. I love being a Marine.
It’s the best job in the entire world.”
Tejcek and her mother, Ann-Marie, won $100,000 on the game show “Lingo,” and Tejcek used her winnings to help with bobsled training. The family, including her parents John and Ann-Marie, sister Delaney, and uncle, Jim Tejcek, competed on “Family Feud.” The episode was filmed in May 2024 but aired April 24-25.
“We did not win the $20,000 fast money round because Delaney and I didn’t get 200 points with our answers — sadly,” Riley Tejcek said.
Tejcek won a gold medal in the North American Cup Race 8 and she was second overall in Women’s Bobsleigh with her teammate, Jestena Mattson, in January.
While proud of her athletic and Marine honors, the book accomplishment is something she really treasures.
“Being able to write a book and step out of my comfort zone and seeing the face of young children when they read the book and interact with it, is absolutely priceless,” she said.
The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and EndGamePress.com.
“If You Can Dream It, Be It” by Riley Tejcek was released in March. (Image courtesy of Riley Tejcek)
Riley Tejcek displays some of her bobsled awards.
(Photo courtesy of Riley Tejcek)
Inaugural EidFest set
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Ashhar Madni is eager to share Muslim heritage and traditions with his fellow Carmel residents.
EVENT
The City of Carmel will present the inaugural EidFest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 31 at Civic Square. The event is free and open to the public.
Eid-al-Fitr, one of two major Muslim holidays, commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which began Feb. 28 and concluded March 29. The faith’s other major holiday is Eid-al-Adha, which honors the spirit of sacrifice, and is projected to be celebrated June 6.
traditions, fostering greater cultural understanding and appreciation, while building social bonds and mutual respect across different cultural groups.
Community members organizing EidFest represent more than 15 nations, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Guinea, Iraq, Libya and more and are excited to share their food, traditions and joy. Madni said EidFest participants are either from Carmel or nearby cities, such as Fishers and Indianapolis.
MANAGING EDITOR
Are you a passionate, experienced storyteller with a profound editorial eye, as well as a bottomless appreciation for community-driven journalism? Do you thrive in a united environment where ideas flow, voices are heard and stories make an impact? The managing editor candidate Current Publishing selects will be charged with ensuring its content is fair, accurate and genuinely connected to the community we serve. This is an immediate opening at a media company that has largest print-media footprint in Indiana and a burgeoning online and social media presence.
“Joining a roster of events in Carmel that celebrate a rich array of cultures, EidFest acknowledges and supports Muslim residents, recognizing and valuing their cultural traditions as part of the broader Carmel community,” said Madni, EidFest committee lead and a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Human Relations. “In addition, the inaugural event offers an opportunity for non-Muslims to learn about Islamic
DISPATCHES
Essay contest winner — Isiah Buonanno, a student at Creekside Middle School, won third place in the Sertoma Club of Broad Ripple’s 2025 National Heritage Essay contest. Essays addressed the topic, “What Freedom Means to Me.” The National Heritage Essay Contest is open to sixth grade students attending public, private and parochial schools in Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville and Indianapolis. Learn more at broadripplesertoma.org.
“The performances will highlight the vibrant traditions of South Asian and Middle Eastern Muslim cultures,” Madni said. “Expect a mix of traditional music, classical dance, calligraphy that reflects the rich heritage of these regions. The event aims to offer a culturally immersive and engaging experience.”
There will be a variety of food vendors offering options to purchase.
“Whether from food trucks or booths, attendees can enjoy a few selections of traditional and popular cuisine, adding to the festive and flavorful atmosphere of the event,” Madni said.
If you are:
• A leader with proven veteran experience in journalism
• Have strong writing and editing skills with a sharp eye for detail
• Carry a passion for hyper-local news and can cultivate a deep understanding of community issues
• and possess excellent organizational and project-management abilities … … then we want to hear from you.
If that’s not you, but you still would like to align with Current as a freelance reporter/writer, let us know!
NEXT STEP: Send a resume and PDFs of three of your best news-story clips, along with three professional references to jobs@youarecurrent.com. (You will receive immediate consideration, as we are moving quickly to fill the opening.) Compensation is commensurate with experience. Benefits package and some amount of schedule flexibility are available for full-time employees. EOE. No phone calls, please.
Alumni Award for Excellence — Carmel native Megan Fortier received Western Colorado University’s highest honor for graduates, the Alumni Award for Excellence, at an awards ceremony May 9. Fortier graduated summa cum laude with honors in December with a Bachelor of Arts in Environment and Sustainability with an emphasis in climate action planning. Fortier participated in LEAD Sustainability, which operates FreeCycle, a free, on-campus thrift store, as well as other environmental initiatives. Fortier
Madni
‘THIS ISN’T JUST A JOB’
CPD community service officer follows in late father’s footsteps
By Sara Palmer news@currentincarmel.com
When Brittney Sanford, 25, first put on her green uniform shirt and khaki pants earlier this year, she wasn’t just stepping into a new role — she was continuing a legacy.
The Carmel Police Department’s newest community service officer is following in the footsteps of her late father, Douglas “Doug” Warren Sanford, a well-known figure in local animal control and law enforcement circles. He worked as a community service officer for CPD before joining the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office as the animal control supervisor.
“Doug wasn’t just good at what he did — he raised the standard,” Hamilton County Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush said during a 2022 tribute. “He took humane law enforcement to the next level.”
Brittney Sanford brings more than a familiar name to the badge. She brings hands-on experience, a deep passion for animal welfare and a steady demeanor that can help diffuse stressful situations.
ROLE OF A CSO
When Sanford steps out of her CPD vehicle, it’s not to confront crime, but to calm a different kind of chaos. In many cases, CSOs are the first on-scene for animal-related emergencies, and their presence can make a critical difference.
According to CPD, there have been several incidents where a CSO’s quick response and handling skills helped secure aggressive and fearful animals, allowing medics to safely reach and treat victims in need.
Sanders ranked first out of a pool of more than 70 candidates during CPD’s recent hiring process. Her previous work as an animal control officer with Louisville Metro Animal Services gave her a foundation for the role, one that requires compassion and quick thinking.
“In the time I’ve worked with Brittney so far, I’ve seen qualities that make her a strong addition to our team,” CSO Animal Control Specialist Austin Webb said. “She brings a calm, collected demeanor to challenging situations, which is especially important in our line of work.”
While not sworn officers, CSOs have certain police powers and are authorized to enforce local ordinances and select state laws. Their main responsibility is responding to animal-related calls, but their work also includes assisting with VIN checks, parking complaints, car lockouts and child seat installations. By handling these calls, CSOs allow sworn officers to focus on higher-priority incidents.
CPD has three full-time CSOs, including Sanford. All have undergone extensive training in animal handling and care, including certification from the National Animal Cruelty Investigations School and training in humane sedation techniques for animals.
CONTINUING HER FATHER’S LEGACY
Sanford’s father, Doug, began his public service career in Michigan before moving to Indiana, where he worked with Indianapolis Animal Care Services and later CPD and HCSO.
He died in March 2022 at age 48 after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
“My dad loved his work in law enforcement,” Sanford
said. “His passion was so clear to both my brother and me growing up. Between his love for the job and seeing him work so closely with people and animals, there was never really a question about what I wanted to do.”
Some of her earliest memories are of ride-alongs with her dad. Sometimes, she’d just sit in the passenger seat and observe. Other times, she’d help him wrangle strays or talk with residents.
Sanford described her father as calm, patient and always looking to help. She is honored to continue his legacy.
“There’s something powerful about putting on the same patch he wore,” she said. “To do the work he loved, in the community he cared about — it just feels right.”
‘ITS’S REALLY REWARDING’
Sanford’s passion for animals goes beyond the badge. She shares her home with four rescue dogs: two German shepherds named Koontz and Stella, a pit bull mix named Brad, and a Belgian Malinois named TK. She spends her free time hiking local parks, training her dogs and staying involved with animal outreach efforts.
“Animal calls are where my heart is,” she said. “But I also just love helping people. Being out in the community, making those connections — it’s really rewarding.”
Her long-term goal is to stay rooted in Carmel and grow with the department.
“This isn’t just a job,” she said. “It’s part of who I am.”
In the summer of 2019, Brittney Sanford, then an 18-year-old veterinary assistant at the Hamilton County Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic, set out on a mission halfway across the globe. She traveled more than 5,000 miles to Ukraine with the Clean Futures Fund to support the Dogs of Chernobyl project, a program focused on caring for stray animals and studying how trap-neuter-return efforts were being used in the region.
“It was such a cool opportunity,” she said. “I was part of the ‘catch team.’ We would explore the grounds of the town to find stray dogs and cats, bring them back to base, and our wonderful veterinary team would
spay, neuter and vaccinate them. Each animal also was scanned for radiation levels.”
Everyone on the team always wore radiation monitors. She also had the chance to visit the rebuilt power plant and connect with the people of Ukraine — a memory that has stayed with her.
“I would have never gone if it weren’t for my dad,” Sanford said. “He knew Dr. Jennifer Betz, the lead veterinarian on the project, and she encouraged me to apply. It was an amazing opportunity that I will never forget.”
Sanford keeps in touch with Betz and follows the ongoing work of Dogs of Chernobyl, which continues despite the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
ON THE COVER: Brittney Sanford is a community service officer for the Carmel Police Department. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Brittney Sanford works with a stray dog in Chernobyl, Ukraine, in 2019. (Photo courtesy of Brittney Sanford)
Brittney Sanford, left, on a ride-along with her father, then-Carmel Police Department Community Service Officer Doug Sanford, during her time in the CPD Explorer program. (Photo courtesy of Brittney Sanford)
Former Pacer on a mission as 500 Festival Grand Marshal
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Former Indiana Pacers player Scot Pollard is delighted that being grand marshal of the 500 Festival Parade will give him an opportunity to spread awareness about organ donation.
RESTAURANT
Pollard, who had a heart transplant in February 2024, will lead the May 24 parade in Indianapolis.
Bob Bryant and the board at 500 Festival recognized those efforts and gave me the title of grand marshal for the 500 Festival. It’s just a huge honor.”
The 6-foot-11 Pollard, who played for the Indiana Pacers from 2003-06 during his 11-year NBA career, has been in the Indianapolis area for 22 years.
“I love this place, and we love Carmel where we live,” he said. “Wherever I’ve gone in my life, I’ve always tried to make the community better and support local businesses and charities. The 500 Festival helps us do more for people and extend that reach.”
Pollard’s family will be joined by his transplant donor’s family on the float.
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“When it comes to charity, the bigger the audience you can get, the better,” the 50-year-old Carmel resident said. “I’m using my former notoriety as a basketball player to help out my wife’s (Dawn) charity, Pearls of Life. We’ve always used my former profession as a lantern to whatever charity we go to, whether it’s some of the bigger things like Rev or Zoobilation or when we do some of the smaller things like Second Helpings or going to visit the Julian Center.”
An E60 documentary on Pollard’s heart transplant is set to be released June 15 on Father’s Day. Pollard’s father, Pearl, died of a heart attack in 1991 at age 54. Pearl was a University of Utah basketball standout. Pearls of Life is named after Pollard’s father.
Pollard said he volunteers as the spokesman for the nonprofit.
“The ESPN documentary is going to help a ton, because that is going worldwide because of Uncle Mickey — Disney,” Pollard said of ESPN’s Disney connection. “The goal is to spread the word as much as we can, and I think that’s why (500 Festival CEO)
Pollard said he was able to coach his youngest son, Icean, 9, in basketball this year and watch his son, Ozzy, a defensive lineman, play football at Carmel High School. Ozzy will play for Marian University in the fall.
Life has changed for Pollard in the year since the transplant.
“Day to day, I’m not very dependable, so I’m not going to go back to work,” he said. “But if I know I have one thing going like a basketball practice I’m coaching or a basketball game, I can rest up. Most days are better than not. If I do too much, I feel it and I’m definitely back on the couch for a couple of days. I’m well aware I have to walk that line for the rest of my life.”
Pollard said he also is affected by heat and cold.
“My body just works differently now,” he said. “It doesn’t adjust, but compared to heart failure, this is a lot better.”
Pollard
Retiring dentist sells practice
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
There is a changing of the guard in the Carmel dental community.
OWNERSHIP
Dr. Kurt Rupenthal and his wife, Kathy, the practice’s longtime office manager, are retiring at the end of June after a 40-year run. Rupenthal Dentistry will officially rebrand to Mouchaham Dentistry, owned by married dentists Drs. Laura and Nick Mouchaham.
The Mouchahams had been looking to purchase a dental practice for three years, tired of going in opposite directions for work before reuniting at the Carmel residence where they have lived since 2018. Kathy headed to Southeast Family Dental, and Nick practiced in Muncie.
Both Nick and Laura worked for practices at which they were patients growing up. The couple met while attending dental school at the University of Louisville.
Laura said purchasing Rupenthal’s practice made immediate sense.
“Once we met each other and got to see the practice, we knew this was the right
fit for us,” she said.
Nick said the couple’s philosophy for operating the new Mouchaham Dentistry is to embrace the legacy that Kurt Rupenthal and his team have created and move it forward.
The Mouchaham’s passion for community service is something that appealed to Kurt Rupenthal.
“They want to be the kind of dentists that are not only dentists but part of the community. I think they feel strongly about that,” Rupenthal said.
Rupenthal Dentistry is at 5790 E. Main St, Suite 110. Learn more at rupenthaldentistry.com.
Meridian Audiology: It’s our birthday and we’re inviting you to celebrate with us!
Meridian Audiology and its founding Audiologists, Ali Wyss and Kira VonBlon are all having birthday’s this spring/ summer and we’re planning a party to celebrate! You are invited to come tour the office and enjoy cake and cookies with us on July 27, 2025 1-3pm as we celebrate our 40th, 50th and 4th birthdays! Those who attend can be entered into a drawing for a free set of hearing aids.
Meridian Audiology performs comprehensive audiograms, tinnitus consults, auditory processing disorder evaluations and sells and services a variety of hearing aids and accessories. Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email or online
and we are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are variable Monday-Friday and patients are seen by appointment only. We are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing and hearing loss. Give us a call at 317-731-5386 to schedule a speaking date.
We look forward to meeting you and seeing how we can help you with your hearing healthcare needs – see you July 27, 2025 1-3pm!
VonBlon
Wyss
From left, Dr. Kurt Rupenthal, Kathy Rupenthal, Dr. Laura Mouchaham and Dr. Nick Mouchaham. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Nick Mouchaham)
Dwellane aims to revolutionize Indianapolis-area real estate
PROPERTY news@currentincarmel.com
Dwellane, a new real estate platform, aims to reimagine the traditional home buying and selling experience by prioritizing the consumer and emphasizing neighborhood exploration.
Founded by Sam Hawkins, an Indianapolis real estate agent with decades of experience, Dwellane seeks to provide a more community-centered approach to real estate transactions.
Hawkins grew up around real estate, witnessing his father, Tucker Hawkins, who was the longest-serving manager for F.C. Tucker Co., practice real estate with what he describes as integrity and trustworthiness. The experience shaped his view that real estate success is “not transactional, but relational.”
Dwellane differentiates itself from national real estate platforms by focusing on a “hyper-local exploration of neighborhoods curated by our team,” according to
Hawkins. Unlike platforms that Hawkins said are “built to sell leads — they’re B2B companies where the customer is the agent, not the buyer,” Dwellane aims to “empower people to make better decisions” by integrating neighborhood knowledge, community details and lifestyle tags like “foodie favorites.”
“Most platforms start with a map and a price filter. We start with a place,”
Hawkins said. “At Dwellane, you can explore from metro area to region to neighborhood.”
Hawkins said each neighborhood page is “handcrafted” with boundaries drawn, photos taken, copy written and tags added for things like parks, arts and culture, or local eateries.
“You’re not just buying a house. You’re learning how you might live there,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said community involvement is a cornerstone of Dwellane’s mission.
“We support the community in ways that go beyond real estate,” he said.
Dwellane integrates “Things to Do” into its map, featuring local restaurants and attractions. The platform sponsors local
Dwellane real estate platform emphasizes hyperlocal neighborhood information and community details for home buyers and sellers. (Screenshot / Dwellane.com)
organizations and events, such as the Holliday Park Ice Rink, First Baptist Athletics’ opening day for youth baseball and softball, and Conner Prairie, where it serves as the Official Membership Sponsor.
“Community is at the center of both the homebuying process and what we do as a company,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said Dwellane’s approach is unique. He shared an example of its approach in assisting a family relocating from Germany to Carmel.
“They could see real photos, read about local schools and understand the character of each neighborhood before they even booked a flight,” Hawkins said.
The family eventually settled in Cherry Creek Estates after differentiating between east and west Carmel on Dwellane.
Dwellane empowers consumers with a “Buyer Blueprint,” which simplifies the home buying process with clear steps. To achieve this, Dwellane partners with local lenders, inspectors and title agents.
“We focus on quality information over quantity,” Hawkins said. “The goal is simple: No surprises and more confidence.”
Hawkins highlighted the use of SMS notifications as another key feature.
Users can receive instant text alerts about new listings and share them with their agent or friends.
Looking ahead, Dwellane plans to expand within Indiana, including cities such as West Lafayette and Bloomington.
“We’ll stay rooted in what makes Dwellane special: local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and a customer-first mindset,” Hawkins said.
Learn more at Dwellane.com
Hawkins
Breakfast, Mexican fare meet at new restaurant
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Bocado Brunch & Te’Kila, a restaurant that blends traditional Mexican flavors with an American twist, recently opened at 188 Westfield Rd. in Noblesville under the Federal Hill Apartments.
RESTAURANT
Proprietor Hugo Zavala owns two other restaurants, Mornings Breakfast & Brunch and Los Agaves, and combined the concepts of both to create Bocado Brunch & Te’Kila.
“I have a breakfast and Mexican restaurant, so I thought why not combine the concepts,” Zavala said. “I noticed in Noblesville there’s not many breakfast or Mexican (restaurants) in the Federal Hill area, so I chose to bring the concept there.”
The menu features options ranging from brunch to dinner, such as eggs benedict, tacos and ceviche. It also offers alcoholic beverages like margaritas, cocktails and mimosas.
Bocado Brunch & Te’Kila is at 188 Westfield Rd. in Noblesville under Federal Hill Apartments. (Photo courtesy of Bocado Brunch & Te’Kila)
“Our full menu is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., so people can have eggs benedict for dinner or tacos and tequila for breakfast,” Zavala, a Carmel resident, said.
Zavala wants to expand the restaurant to other locations and plans to have live music in the future.
“This is a concept that I really like because it combines my two favorite things — breakfast and tacos,” Zavala said. “I love the layout, and I got all my inspiration from Tulum, Mexico. I definitely want to keep growing this brand.”
For more, visit bocadobt.com.
Leno, Newton among newcomers to Center Presents schedule
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The 2025-26 Center Presents schedule includes popular returnees and legendary newcomers.
PERFORMANCES
There are 59 Center Presents performances at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Most are at the Payne & Mencias Palladium.
“We’ve left room to add 10 to 12 more through the season, which we always do because there are always some artists who haven’t announced they are touring,” said Jeff McDermott, the Allied Solutions Center president and CEO. “We don’t want to close the opportunity to book additional artists. It’s always interesting who becomes available. In years past, we’ve had people like Sting and John Legend who get announced midseason because they weren’t available when we were booking. Each year we have great headliners, some who have been here before and some that are new. Some are traditions for us.”
Two performers set to appear in the special events portion at the Palladium for the first time are Jay Leno (Sept. 27) and Wayne Newton (Feb. 14).
The 2026 jazz series portion features returnees Chris Botti (March 6) and the Branford Marsalis Quartet (March 20)
The pop/rock series includes Burton Cummings of the Guess Who Aug. 10 and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, Sept. 13. McGuinn will perform in The Tarkington.
Others in 2026 include Chris Thile (April 10), The Electric Orchestra Experience (May 2) and Jake Shimabukuro (May 8)
“Jay is one we’ve wanted for a long time and never had the opportunity to have,” McDermott said. “Wayne Newton has a unique following. He’s had a very long career as a singer, as a Las Vegas performer, as an actor. He’s iconic and synonymous with Las Vegas.”
McDermott said two popular returnees are Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass Aug. 7, and David Foster and Katharine McPhee Dec. 2. Both shows sold out on previous visits.
Samara Joy will make first Palladium appearance Nov. 14.
“She’s probably one of the hottest young jazz singers around,” McDermott said. “She could be winning Grammys for pretty much everything she does.”
‘I’m a big fan of Jake Shimabukuro, who can do things with the ukulele that no one else in the world can do,” McDermott said. “He’s just an amazing talent.”
David Foster and Katharine McPhee will perform Dec. 2 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
could go out and play harmonica on the stage and we’d sell tickets. People just love going to shows during the holidays. We’re bringing in far better talent than I could provide.”
In addition to Foster and McPhee, the series includes Jon McLaughlin & Friends, Dec. 5, Dave Koz & Friends, Dec. 12 and Chris Isaak, Dec. 13.
The Songbook series includes Michael Morrison (Oct. 17); Joshua Henry (March 13); Mandy Patinkin (April 9); and Michael Feinstein (April 17). As the artistic director for the Allied Solutions Center and Songbook Foundation founder, Feinstein performs his annual concert April 17.
“We’re bringing back the Philharmonic Orchestra with Ray Chen (Jan. 30), which is remarkable,” McDermott said. “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is probably as well-known, popular and respected an orchestra as there is anywhere in the world.
There are several returnees in the holiday series. The holiday series is always a special one for us. I always joke that I
“Jon McLaughlin and Dave Koz are becoming traditions for us. We have them back every year,” McDermott said.
McDermott said “Choir! Choir! Choir!” will be a unique show Oct. 2
“It’s literally a sing-along with the audience,” McDermott said. “We’ve never done anything quite like that and I think it will be really interesting. `Bugs Bunny at the Symphony’ (Nov. 1-2) will be a fun, unique show. The Peking Acrobats (Feb. 26) have been with us before and (are) always a crowd pleaser.”
The Live at the Center series will be renamed Local Mix Music Series and will be available live and livestreamed.
“We’re really excited top to bottom on this one,” McDermott said. “It’s our 15th anniversary season. We’ll have some other surprises during the season to mark our crystal anniversary.”
For a full schedule, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’
“The Little Mermaid” runs May 22 to July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
LIVE AT THE CENTER
Sadie Johnson performs in the Live at the Center series at 7:30 p.m. May 21 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Freeform Concerts features Marina City with Starlite Lounge and Chris Carney at 7 p.m. May 21 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’
The Indianapolis Ballet Conservatory presents “The Phantom of the Opera” at 7 p.m. May 23, and at 4 and 7 p.m. May 24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit cidedance.org.
‘CINDERELLA’
Metropolitan Youth Ballet’s production of “Cinderella” is at 7:30 p.m. May 23 and 2 p.m. May 24 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. For more, visit my.at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit my-ballet.org.
DISPATCH
Free presentation to feature disability advocate - A consultant who conducted an accessibility audit at Carmel’s Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts will share ideas for accommodating people with disabilities in a free public presentation at 11 a.m. May 28 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Born without hands and unable to walk, Ryan Hudson-Peralta hasn’t let his disability stop him from becoming a father, husband, designer, inventor, actor, business owner, international speaker and disability advocate for more than 30 years. His consulting agency, Equal Accessibility, offers ideas and tools for businesses to provide inclusive experiences for their disabled guests and team members.
Leno
Newton
‘Phantom’ returns to IBC
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s presentation of “The Phantom of the Opera” was a resounding success in 2024.
PERFORMANCES
“Last year, it was nearly sold out, but not like two months in advance like this year,” IBC founding Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva said. “It’s great even though our parents couldn’t buy enough tickets soon enough.”
The three sold-out performances are set for May 23-24 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The Tarkington has 500 seats.
Morgan Rust, who grew up in Nobles ville, returns in the role of Christine. She will join the Finnish National Ballet for the 2025-26 season.
Carmel resident Luke Derksen, who at tends Indiana University, returns as Raoul, and Justin Hamilton, a former Carmel res ident now at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, portrays the Phantom. All three are former IBC students.
IBC will take the show on the road at 7
From left, Justin Hamilton, Morgan Rust and Luke Derksen appear in the Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s production of “The Phantom of the
‘Mermaid’ role suits HSE grad
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Craig Underwood figures he was made for this part.
MUSICAL
The 2000 Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate plays Chef Louis in “The Little Mermaid” May 22 to July 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.
“Chef Louis is an over-the-top, larger-than-life foodie,” Underwood said. “I’m basically playing myself with a French accent. The role is incredibly fun to play. Chef Louis has a great little song in Act 2 and creates a bit of chaos due to his extreme passion for seafood. I’ll be getting quite the workout during the run of the show.”
Underwood had the opportunity to direct and choreograph a production of “The Little Mermaid” in 2023.
“I was also in a different hourlong adaptation with the Pyramid Players at Beef & Boards back in 2016,” he said.
Underwood has portrayed many different characters at Beef & Boards. He said some of his favorites are Gangster No. 1 in “The Drowsy Chaperone;” Ghost of Christmas Present in “A Christmas Carol;” Murray in “The Odd Couple;” and Tito Merelli in “Lend Me A Tenor.”
“I now live in New York City, which has opened up a lot of opportunities in performing,” he said.
“My parents and sister are still living on the north side of Indianapolis, so they love when I get to perform at Beef & Boards. Acting is my full-time gig, and I have been lucky to have some consistent work regionally. I spent most of last year performing in Wisconsin. I also teach theater classes, work as a model and serve at a restaurant between productions.”
Underwood has appeared in ads for HIMS and DXL Menswear.
At HSE, Underwood performed in musicals and show choir. A cello player, he also participated in the wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band and winter guard. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Underwood
Employee ownership gave me and my husband the world
Commentary by Shelly Hirschinger
My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a decade ago. We had always planned to travel once we retired, but because we weren’t sure how quickly the disease would progress, we decided we weren’t going to wait.
So, we traveled. A lot. We did a trip to Norway, Sweden and Denmark. And one to Germany, Switzerland and Austria. We spent two weeks traversing Italy. And saw Costa Rica and St. John of the U.S. Virgin Islands, which is just about our favorite place, four times. We took a Rhine River cruise and two to Alaska. We have been fortunate to travel to Hawaii three times and many other places that have built memories that will last our entire lives.
Our travels became legendary at TVF, Inc., the Carmel textile distributor where I worked in sales, and my colleagues always wanted to know where I was going next.
We were able to travel not because my husband or I are independently wealthy, but because a few years after I started at TVF in 2006, the owner decided to sell the company to me and my colleagues.
That’s right, for 15 years, I owned TVF, along with my colleagues, via an employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP, a qualified retirement plan that allows companies to share ownership with workers.
When we were first told we were becoming owners, nobody had any idea what it meant. None of us had ever heard of an ESOP. All we knew is we didn’t have to put any money into it, so we figured, “what did we have to lose?”
It was underwhelming at first. When the first share price came out, it was 76 cents and the balance in my ESOP account was $1.95. But the next year, there was a little more. And then it didn’t take long before you thought, “hmm, this is pretty good money here and I really don’t have to put anything into it except for doing my job and doing it well.”
As the power of the ESOP sunk in, we started to act like owners. You learn that what you do counts, what everybody does counts. Departments started working better together, communicating more. You count on everybody doing their job because it makes a difference in where your ESOP statement is going to end up at the
end of the year.
Year after year, as the company grew and we eventually became part of an ESOP holding company with five businesses, my balance just kept getting bigger and bigger—to the point where it was four times higher than my 401(k), which I had been contributing to forever.
Because of the ESOP, I was able to retire two years early, at 61, so I can maximize the time my husband and I spend together. It enabled us to build a house in a retirement community, where we look forward to the next phase of our lives together. We feel so blessed, but at the same time know that not everyone is as fortunate as us. I have two retirement accounts, when some Americans have none. There are only 194 ESOPs in Indiana. Wouldn’t it be great if more workers in the Hoosier state, and across the country, could share ownership in the companies where they work? A new national coalition is working to dramatically expand employee ownership, and I hope my story helps to propel their work.
recently retired after 19 years as a senior sales consultant at TVF, a Carmel-based textile distributor.
Shelly Hirschinger
Shelly and Chuck Hirschinger during a trip to Switzerland. (Photo courtesy of Shelly Hirchinger)
Remembering a powerful moment
Commentary by Jeff Worrell
The image of Elizabeth Eckford, alone yet resolute, walking through a sea of hostility in 1957 remains one of the most powerful moments in American history. As one of the Little Rock Nine, she embodied courage to walk into a southern school facing hate, navigating insults and threats with unwavering dignity. What’s striking is not just her strength, but the contrast between her experience and our modern state of discourse. Today, we have access to platforms that connect us instantly, yet those same spaces often amplify division instead of fostering understanding. The intimidation that Eckford faced on the steps of Central High was unmistakable — raw and unfiltered. In
CIVILITY
our digital age, incivility takes on a different form: anonymous attacks, dismissive replies and an unwillingness to listen. Civil discourse isn’t about agreement; it’s about engagement with respect. It’s about standing firm in our beliefs while extending grace to those who challenge them. Eckford’s walk was not just about integration — it was about conviction. We need that same spirit now more than ever. The challenge is to find common ground — and then choose to stand on it together.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
City of Carmel, Indiana
Department Board of Public Works and Safety One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
Jeff Worrell is a Carmel City Council member and a civility proponent. To contact him, you may email jeff4civility@gmail.com.
Project: 24-ENG-07 Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements on Towne Rd
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 “Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements on Towne Rd” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 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 or certified check in an amount not less than 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:
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project is for the construction of raised crosswalks at the intersections of 106th St & Towne Rd, 116th St & Towne Rd, 126th St & Towne Rd, Glebe St & Towne Rd, 131 St & Towne Rd, 136 St & Towne Rd and 141 St & Towne Rd in Carmel, IN. The project consists of installing storm sewers, new full depth asphalt pavement, milling and overlay asphalt pavement, curbs, raised crosswalks, concrete sidewalks, RRFB installation and lighting.
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 pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 2:30 pm at Engineering Conference Room, One Civic Sq, Carmel, IN 46032 and offered virtually. Virtual meeting instructions available on the City’s e-Procurement Portal.
All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is Non-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 Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 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.
Jacob Quinn Clerk
NOTICE OF SALE
City of Carmel, Indiana
Department: Board of Public Works and Safety, One Civic Square, City of Carmel, IN 46032
Sale: Eight (8) Groups of Used “AS-IS” Amkus Tools
Notice is hereby given that the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, is selling the following eight (8) groups of used “AS-IS” Amkus Tools:
GROUP 1
Red Hose/Yellow Hose
GROUP 2 Tool
Red hose/Blue Hose
GROUP 3
Red Hose/Blue Hose
Ram Extensions (2) Chain Sets (2)
GROUP 4 Tool Type/ Name
Black Hose/Yellow Hose
Ram Extensions (2) Chain Sets (2)
GROUP 5 Tool Type/ Name
GROUP
The sale of each group will be via online public auction held on www.GovDeals.com. The deadline to submit a bid is Monday, June 30, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Each group is sold “AS-IS” and subject to the terms of GovDeals.com.
Jacob Quinn, City Clerk
May 20, 2025
A public hearing for Sewer Rate Ordinance NO. 05.12.2025 will be held on Monday June 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the TriCo Regional Sewer Utility office at 7236
Park Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077 . ORDINANCE NO. 05-12-2025
An ordinance establishing a Utility-wide schedule of monthly user rates, late fees, connection fees, interceptor fees, application fees, plan review and inspection fees and other charges to be collected from the owners of property served by the sewage works of TriCo Regional Sewer Utility and matters connected therewith, replacing Ordinance 04-09-2024 and Ordinance 05-09-2005.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Indiana Code 13-26 TriCo Regional Sewer Utility (Utility) is a regional sewer district that owns, operates, manages and controls a sewage works and related facilities to collect, convey, treat and dispose of wastewater from residences, businesses, industries and institutions located within the boundaries of the Utility’s service area; and
WHEREAS, Indiana Code 13-26-11 authorizes the Utility’s Board of Trustees to adopt by ordinance a just and equitable schedule of rates, fees, and charges for sewer services rendered by the Utility, and may adjust its schedule of rates, fees, and charges by ordinance after notice and public hearing; and
WHEREAS, based upon a financial analysis conducted by Utility staff and recommended by LWG CPAs and Advisors, the Board of Trustees desires to update the rates, fees, and charges previously established pursuant to Ordinance 04-09-2024.
Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Board of Trustees of TriCo Regional Sewer Utility, Indiana:
Section 1. Every person or entity whose premises are served by the sewage works shall be charged for the services provided. These charges are established in order that the Utility shall recover, from each user, revenue which is proportional to its use of the treatment works in terms of volume and load. User charges are levied to defray the cost of operation and maintenance (including replacement) of the sewage works.
Section 2. For the use of and the service rendered by said sewage works, rates and charges shall be collected from the owners of each and every lot, parcel of real estate or building that is connected to and discharges, either directly or indirectly, sanitary sewage, industrial wastes, water or other liquids into said sewage works. Any customer may, at his or her sole expense, install and maintain metering devices approved by the Utility (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) for determining the industrial wastes, water or other liquids discharged by said customer into said sewage works. The rates and charges to be collected by the Utility and paid by the customer shall include user charges, debt service costs, excessive strength surcharges and other service charges, which rates and charges shall be payable as hereinafter provided and shall be in an amount determinable as follows:
(a)Metered Users:
For users of the sewage works who are served by a metered water supply whosesewage discharge flows into the sewage works is measured by a metering deviceapproved by the Utility, the sewage rates and charges shall consist of a Treatment Rate based upon the quantity of sewage flow discharged into the sewage works as measured by said sewage flow measuring device then in use, and a Base Rate based on the size of the water meter(s) through which such user receives water utility service. For users of the sewage works whose sewage discharge flow into the sewage works is not measured, but whose water supply is metered, the sewage rates and charges shall consist of a Treatment Rate based upon the water used on or in the property or premises subject to such sewage rates and charges, as the same is measured by the water meter(s) through which such user receives water utility service, and a Base Rate based upon the size of the water meter(s) through which such user receives water utility service. For the purpose of billing and collecting the charges for sewage service, the water meter(s) or sewage flow measuring device shall be read monthly (or period equaling a month). The sewage rates and charges for said users shall be the sum of the Treatment Rate and the applicable Base Rate as set forth in the attached exhibits for each service area.
(b) Unmetered Users:
For users of the sewage works that are unmetered water users or accurate meter readings are not available, the monthly charge shall be determined as an average of single-family dwelling units, except as herein provided. Sewage service bills shall be rendered once each month (or a period equaling a month). The rate shall include a base rate according to the estimated meter size as listed below plus an estimated treatment charge as outlined on the schedule of rates and charges set forth in the attached exhibits for each service area.
For users of the sewage works that are unmetered water users or accurate meter readings are not available, and the users are not single-family dwelling units, the monthly charge shall be determined by estimating a meter size and treatment charge based upon anticipated consumption for the specific user Estimating of charges shall be at the Utility’s sole discretion, based upon available information about the connected building(s) and/or tenant(s), and consistent with Connection Fee determination. Sewage service bills shall be rendered once each month (or a period equaling a month).
Schedule of Monthly User Charges
Metered Users: User Charge
(1) Treatment Rate per 1,000 gallons of sewage flow, if measured or per 1,000 gallons of water usage if sewage flow is not measured ............................................................ $3.25
(2) Base Rate - per month, as follows:
5/8-inch water meter ……..………………$14.28
3/4-inch water meter* ……………………..$14.28
3/4-inch water meter
1-inch water meter*………………………$14.28
1-inch water meter ………………………..$31.28
1 ¼-inch water meter …………………….$48.48
1 ½-inch water meter …………………….$68.99
2-inch water meter ………………………$116.87
3-inch water meter ………………………$265.06
4-inch water meter ………………………$458.84
6-inch water meter ……………………$1,040.19
8-inch water meter ……………………$1,850.67
*Residential customers with a 3/4-inch meter or 1-inch meter shall be charged a base charge for a 5/8 inch meter. A residential customer shall mean a user of the sewage works whose premises or connected building is used primarily as a single-family residence.
Unmetered Users: User Charge
Residential: --
Single family residence/unit…………….$37.03 Duplexes………………………………….$74.06
(c) In the event a lot, parcel of real estate or building discharging sanitary sewage, industrial wastes, water or other liquids in the sewage works, either directly or indirectly, has a metered water supply and in addition, is a user of water from another source which is not measured by a water meter or is measured by a meter not acceptable to the Utility, then the amount of water used shall be otherwise measured or determined by the Utility. In order to ascertain the rates or charges, the owner or other interested party shall, at its expense, install and maintain measuring devices approved by the Utility for the determination of sewage discharge.
(d) In the event two or more residential lots, parcels of real estate, or buildings discharging sanitary sewage, water or other liquids into the sewage works, either directly or indirectly, are users of water and the quantity of water is measured by a single water meter, then in each such case, for billing purposes, the quantity of water used shall be averaged for each user and the base charge, the flow rates and charges and minimum charge shall apply to each of the number of residential lots, parcels of real estate or buildings served through the single water meter.
(e) In the event a lot, parcel of real estate or building discharging sanitary sewage, industrial waste, water or other liquids into the sewage works either directly or indirectly, and uses water in excess of 10,000 gallons per month, and it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Utility that a portion of the water as measured by the water meter or meters does not and cannot enter the sewage works, then the owner or other interested party shall, at its expense, install and maintain a metering device approved by the Utility for the determination of actual quantity discharged to the sewage works.
(f) In the event two or more dwelling units such as mobile homes, apartments, or housekeeping rooms discharging sanitary sewage, water, or other liquids into the sewage works, either directly or indirectly, are users of water and the quantity of water is measured by one or more water meters, then in such case billing shall be for a single service in the manner set elsewhere herein, except than in addition to the computed monthly bill: the number of dwelling units with two or more bedrooms multiplied by the monthly base rate for a 5/8-inch water meter shall be included, plus the number of one-bedroom dwelling units multiplied by 0.75 and the monthly base rate for a 5/8-inch water meter shall be included. In the case of mobile home courts, the number of dwelling units shall be computed and added to any other dwelling units served through the meter(s). A dwelling unit shall be interpreted as a room or rooms or any other space or spaces in which cooking facilities are provided.
(g) In order to recover the cost of monitoring industrial wastes, the Utility shall charge the user the actual cost of the monitoring. This charge will be reviewed and revised on the same basis as all other rates and charges in the ordinance.
(h) Where the Utility determines that a customer’s sewage, water, or other liquids discharged into the sewage works exceeds any limits established in the Utility’s current Sewer Use Ordinance, the Utility shall, at its sole discretion, determine and apply additional charges for treating the stronger-than-normal waste, and charge the customer for any costs to determining user-specific waste strength.
(i) Such rates and charges shall be prepared, billed and collected by the Utility in the manner provided by law and any other applicable ordinance. The rates and charges for all users shall be prepared and billed monthly. The rates and charges may be billed to the tenant or tenants occupying properties served, unless otherwise requested in writing by the owner, but such billing shall in no way relieve the owner from liability in the event payment is not made as herein required. The owner of the property or properties served, which are occupied by a tenant or tenants, shall have the right to examine the collection records of the Utility for the purpose of determining whether bills have been paid by such tenant or tenants.
(j) Rates and charges established herein shall apply to each and every lot, parcel of real estate or building connected to the sewage works and located within the Utility’s service area. Rates and charges applicable to all lots, parcels of real estate, buildings, or utilities connected to the sewage works and located outside the Utility’s service area shall be incorporated in and established by separate agreement with interested parties.
(k) For the service rendered to TriCo Regional Sewer Utility, said Utility shall be subject to the same rates and charges herein above provided, or to rates and charges established in harmony therewith.
Section 3. The Return Check Charge for NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) shall be charged in the amount of $30.00 per check.
Section 4. Any current charges on the monthly user invoice that remain unpaid after the listed due date shall be assessed a late fee. The late fee assessed will be 10% of the unpaid current charges. This fee will be added to the following month’s user invoice.
Section 5. A Reinspection fee of $100.00 shall be charged to the property owner for each reinspection if a property fails an inspection or requires more than two inspections.
Section 6. An application fee of One Hundred Fifty Dollar ($150.00) per EDU, up to a maximum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) per permit, is due and payable at the time of submittal or issuance of the connection permit. Requested revisions to previously issued permits shall be considered a new permit and shall be subject to the application fee of $150.00.
Section 7. Utility Wide Connection Fee
Prior to receiving a permit to connect to Utility sewer, the owner, lessee or developer of any real estate within the Utility’s service area shall pay to the Utility a connection fee of Two Thousand EightyThree Dollars ($2,083.00) per EDU. Wherever practical the Utility shall utilize Indiana Administrative Code 327 IAC 3-6-11 to determine estimated average daily flow, based upon 310 gallons per day per EDU, and the proposed use of the real estate to be served. Wastewater loading may also be considered. The minimum connection fee per parcel is one EDU. The Utility, in its sole discretion, shall determine the basis for and calculation of EDUs for the real estate to be served. Utility staff shall use professional judgment and consider available data in making this determination.
The owner, lessee or developer of the real estate may submit data to the Utility which purports to provide a more accurate estimation of the average daily flow (for example from water bills or other actual data setting forth flow from similar facilities). BOD, suspended solids, and other wastewater loadings may similarly be considered. Upon receipt and review of the data provided, the Utility may, in its absolute discretion, agree to an EDU amount that is other than the amount determined as specified above. The Utility may review real estate’s usage from time to time; if real estate is found to exceed the previously agreed amount, then upon
26. Camera type, briefly 27. Mini-Marathon runner’s concern 31. Lend a hand
32. Thus far
34. First numero
35. “A Farewell to ___”
36. Carmel Main Street eatery whose name comes from a French court jester (who might have written the pun at 19- and 55-Across)
39. Apparel
42. “Alley ___”
43. Desperate battlefield
cry
47. Issa of “Barbie”
48. Tom Wood Nissan model
50. Doc bloc
51. Model on many romance novel covers
53. Wowed
55. See 36-Across
59. Programming command
61. Bra size
62. Arm bone
64. Pre-owned
65. Formally surrender
66. AARP part (Abbr.)
67. Dishevel, as hair
68. Oracle
69. Greek love god Down
1. Cleaning cloth
2. Fishers Event Center
men’s room fixtures
3. Prejudice
4. Mrs. Woodrow Wilson or Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt
5. Just say no
notice by the Utility, the owner, lessee, or developer of said real estate shall promptly pay Utility the difference in EDUs at the current rate. Real estate’s usage may include water consumption and/or wastewater loading characteristics. Any change in use or additions, renovations or alterations of said real estate may trigger review of usage by the Utility.
For single-family residential property or development, the Connection Fee is due prior to receiving a permit to connect to the Utility’s sewer. For all other uses the Connection Fee is due prior to beginning construction of any sanitary sewer infrastructure.
For commercial property or development, each tenant space shall be assigned at least one EDU. Utility staff shall consider available data in determining Connection Fees. Plans for any tenant improvement or buildout must be reviewed and approved by the Utility prior to beginning construction. If the Utility determines that estimated usage of a tenant improvement or buildout exceeds the previously agreed amount, then the owner, lessee, or developer of said real estate shall promptly pay Utility the difference in EDUs at the current rate. Any capacity allocation or purported commitment for capacity is not binding upon the Utility until Connection fees are paid in full. Additional permitting, improvements, and inspections may be required for tenants needing pretreatment and/or FOG facilities.
Residential lots previously containing a dwelling that was connected to the Utility’s sanitary sewers and having paid a monthly sewer service billing are exempt from the connection charge in the event the dwelling is demolished, and new residential dwelling built on the same real estate.
Section 8. Utility Wide Interceptor Fee
In addition to the connection charge set forth above based upon EDU’s there is also an Interceptor Fee of Four Thousand Seventy-five Dollars ($4,075.00) per acre. Residential lots previously containing a dwelling that was connected to the Utility’s sanitary sewers and having paid a monthly sewer service billing are exempt from the Interceptor Fee in the event the dwelling is demolished, and new residential dwelling built on the same real estate. Lots and parcels that are part of a Utility neighborhood sewer extension project in which local sewer charges are assessed by ordinance are also exempt.
For a development or redevelopment that will extend a sanitary sewer main, the Interceptor fee is due prior to beginning construction of any sanitary sewer infrastructure. For a single parcel or structure that will
8. Injured
9. Butler frat letter
10. Top-tier Pacer
11. Earl Gray, e.g.
12. Westfield winter hrs.
20. Plant of the lily family
21. Dollar bill
22. Free spot on WTHR
24. Hamilton County Councilor Griffin
25. Colts stats
28. Apply, as sunscreen
29. All thumbs
30. Toe tag letters
33. ___ and flow
35. Logger’s tool
37. Orange Muppet
38. Savory flavor
39. RMN’s successor
40. Hoosier Motor Club org.
6.
CITY OF CARMEL PLAN COMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
McKenzie Townhomes, represented by John McKenzie of McKenzie Collection, is petitioning seeking Plan Commission approval of Development Plan & ADLS (Docket No. PZ-2025-00078
DP/ADLS) for a proposed project located at 1260 Fairfax Manor Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 (Tax Parcel ID: 17-09-26-04-05-079.001). The scope of the proposed project includes the construction of 3 residential townhomes with 12 units in total and associated infrastructure. A public hearing will be held for this petition as an agenda item in the City of Carmel’s Plan Commission meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 6:00pm at Carmel City Hall. This petition may be examined at the DOCS office. Any person may offer verbal comments at the hearing or may file written comments prior to or at the hearing.
41. Cash-back deals
44. Showstopper
45. “That is my intention”
46. Rude dude
48. A note to follow fa
49. Playbwoi Tha Great, e.g.
52. Apple products
54. Sky blue
56. Basic stuff
57. Slushy drink brand
58. Naked
59. Wrigley product
60. IU conference foe
63. Current revenue source
Answers on Page 31
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 27th of May, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 1 Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Special Exception application to: Seeking Short Term Residential Rental Approval. On the property being known as: 14180 Cherry Tree Road, Carmel, IN 46033. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-0007-1.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Tax parcel ID #17-10-22-0000-010.000.
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Michelle (Klingensmith) Shaffer
PETITIONERS
connect to an existing sanitary sewer main, the Interceptor fee is due prior to receiving a permit to connect to Utility sewer.
Section 9. Plan Review and Inspection Fee
Plans and specifications for facilities to be connected to the Utility’s collection system shall be reviewed by Utility staff or its designated consultant for conformance with industry and Utility standards. Construction of new facilities shall not commence without prior written authorization by Utility staff. All new facilities shall be inspected by Utility staff or its designated consultant during and after construction to ensure conformance to plans, specifications, and Utility standards. All testing must be conducted in the presence of Utility staff or its designated consultant.
Prior to commencement of plan review activities, the owner, lessee or developer of facilities to be connected shall pay the following minimum charges. Additional charges shall be assessed when the Utility incurs plan review and inspection expenses in excess of minimum charges, and shall be paid within 30 days of notification. Utility’s plan review and inspection expenses shall be assessed on a time and material basis. Staff time will be billed at current hourly rates inclusive of all benefits, taxes, and general supervision. Use of vehicles and major equipment will be billed at current rates provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Vendor invoices, utilities, and consumables, if any, will be billed at cost.
$5.00 per linear foot of gravity sewer, low pressure sewer, or force main
$0.04 per gallon of lift station pumping capacity
Section 10. Prior Schedule of Monthly User Charges
This ordinance shall preempt, supersede, and wholly replace Ordinance 04-09-2024 and any other prior Ordinances of the Utility as the same may be amended from time to time by the Utility. Nothing in the Ordinance shall be construed as limiting the applicability of the Utility’s various use ordinances or other definitions or terms contained in other Ordinances, with exception only to the specific Schedule of Monthly User Charges set forth therein.
Section 11. The invalidity of any section, clause, sentence, or provision of this Ordinance shall not affect the validity of any part of this Ordinance which can be given effect without such invalid part or parts.
Section 12. The revised rates shall become effective for service received July 1, 2025, and thereafter.
Boatloads 7. Doe’s mate
Classifieds
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
