“WE
COMMUNITY
HSE redistricting recommendation expected in December
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The redistricting process for Hamilton Southeastern Schools Corp. is moving forward, with a recommendation from consultants Woolpert expected in December. The process is a response, in part, to lower enrollment as well as changing demographics.
The HSE Board of Trustees heard an update from Andrew Bishop of Woolpert during its regular Oct. 22 meeting. He said that since he first spoke to the board in August, the consulting team released a survey that had about 4,500 responses.
“What we heard from the community was they wanted to have us try to assign kids to their closest schools, try to not split neighborhoods and try to align feeder patterns,” he said, noting that because of growth in certain areas, the first criteria will be challenging to meet because elementary schools, in particular, have limited space.
Bishop said he used the survey results to prepare some new school boundary options, considering balanced enrollment in addition to public input. Focus groups made up of educators, administrators and parents looked at the options, he said, and as a result one option was thrown out.
“Option 1 was an option where we looked at repurposing — essentially taking (an) elementary school offline and converting it into a districtwide preschool,” he said. “The feedback we got from it, from those focus groups, it didn’t seem like a very popular idea and so we decided to shelve that option at that time.”
Other options remained on the table and were presented during two open houses for parents and community members to look at, ask questions and provide feedback. He said there will be another survey to help the team make adjustments to the plans and come up with a proposal that works best for the district and for parents, with a presen-
for elementary and middle schools. (Image courtesy of HSE)
tation expected in early November.
“It’s not my plan to come with just a recommendation,” he said. “We’ll provide what we recommend, but also let you see the other options. And the decision will be ultimately up to the board, and then hopefully we’ll come back in December and arrive at a solution that works for everybody.”
Board Member Suzanne Thomas said she’s been through prior redistricting processes and it’s not fun for anyone.
“It’s hard for all families, all students. It’s a process,” she said. “But at the same time, we as a board have to look at the big picture of a whole district, of how it feeds, how it is operationally sound, how it works financially for the district and everything else.”
She asked what the district can do after a plan is chosen to make things easier on families.
Assistant Superintendent Matt Kegley said that, in the past, the district
provided options for students to be “grandfathered” into their existing schools, as long as parents provided transportation.
In response to questions from the board, Bishop noted that the various options keep all 13 elementary schools open at 70 to 80 percent of capacity, providing room for growth in all of them.
During his August presentation, Bishop said that between all 13 schools, there was capacity for about 1,900 more students. Southeastern Elementary was the only school over capacity. The schools with the lowest enrollment were Fishers, Hoosier Road, Lantern Road and Sand Creek.
Proposed boundary maps, links to the survey and copies of the various presentations are available online at hseschools.org/community/redistricting.
The board’s next regular meeting is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at HSE central office, 13485 Cumberland Rd.
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Hamilton Southeastern Schools is moving forward with a redistricting process that will change the boundaries
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
DISPATCHES
WRTV to be sold for $83M – Circle City Broadcasting, which owns WISHTV and MyINDY-TV 23, has reached an agreement to purchase WRTV-ABC from The E.W. Scripps Company for $83 million. The Federal Communications Commission must approve the deal before it can close. Circle City Broadcasting also operates Circulus Digital Media, a digital marketing and technology company.
New airport exhibit celebrates Children’s Museum — A new exhibit at the Indianapolis International Airport’s KIND Gallery, “Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years,” offers a tribute to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The exhibit, located after security in Concourse A, showcases a selection of objects and photographs from the museum’s collection. The exhibit will be on display through January 2026 and is accessible and free to all ticketed passengers. For more about the KIND Gallery and the airport’s arts program, visit IND.com/PublicArt.
Brooke’s Place fundraiser set — Brooke’s Place will host its 13th annual Legacy of Hope Breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Nov. 13 at Ritz Charles in Carmel, with a goal of raising $250,000 to support grief programs for children, teens, young adults and their caregivers. The breakfast is the central Indiana organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, sponsored by Valeo and The Willard and Anne Levin Foundation. For more and to register, visit brookesplace.org/events/ loh25.
FEATURING COL. AARON GILLISON (RET., U.S. ARMY) DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS, DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE (DFAS).
THE CEREMONY IS FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. WATCH THE LIVE STREAM ON THE CITY’S YOUTUBE ACCOUNT.
Fishers Rotary plans annual gala — The Rotary Club of Fishers will host its 15th annual Water Is Life Charity Ball holiday gala Dec. 6 in a new venue — a decorated, heated, clear-span tent outside the Fishers Municipal Center, 1 Municipal Dr. The fundraising event will include a catered dinner, live and silent auctions, a 14-piece orchestra and signature cocktails. Since 2008, WaterIsLife has funded more than 200 wells in the West African country of Sierra Leone, helping more than 500,000 people gain access to water. The Rotary Club of Fishers hopes to raise more than $200,000 to build 25 to 30 new wells. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit fisherswaterislife.com/charity-ball.
HSE teachers union rejects tentative agreement
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton Southeastern Schools teachers have overwhelmingly rejected a proposed new contract that was negotiated by representatives from the district and the teachers’ union, sending both teams back to the bargaining table to try again.
In an Oct. 26 vote, about 86 percent of Hamilton Southeastern Education Association members who voted were opposed to the draft contract, which provided no base salary increases and included health insurance rate hikes of up to 16.8 percent.
HSEA negotiation team members stated in a message sent to teachers Oct 27 that they anticipated ratification would be challenging. The message states that the team heard the clear message union members sent with their vote and has formally asked to resume bargaining.
During the Oct. 22 HSE school board meeting, Superintendent Patrick Mapes noted that if the contract was not accepted by teachers, both sides would have until Nov. 15 to negotiate a new agreement before the matter would go to mediation, which provides another 30 days with the help of a mediator. After that, he said, if no agreement has been reached, both sides would present a contract and a fact finder would choose one.
Details of the now-rejected tentative agreement were provided during that meeting by Chief Finance Officer Tim Brown, who noted that while base salaries remained fixed, costs for both sides increased in part because of health insurance rate hikes of between 10.5 and 16.8 percent, depending on which plan an employee uses.
Brown said the negotiations process involved six meetings to hash out a compromise. He said it was a difficult process, “but I certainly want to commend all that were involved in negotiating and collaborating and working through a very difficult challenge.”
Board Member Ben Orr asked Brown whether negotiators considered everything, specifically noting higher-than-typical retirement benefits HSE provides, which could be reduced in order to provide a salary increase. Brown
said he was not allowed to speak to what specifically was discussed during negotiations, but assured the board that all options were considered.
In an Oct. 28 social media post, HSEA stated that the negotiations process was not as collaborative as the administration indicated.
“When we raised issues like increasing salaries and Master’s (degree) recognition, we were ignored,” the post stated. “When we proposed cost-saving solutions — like an early retirement bridge to Medicare for staff approaching … retirement age — we were ignored. When we sought nonmonetary support, like giving time back, we were told it was ‘not bargainable.’ When we asked for monthly costcutting meetings, we were told we were ‘out of our lane.’”
In the post, the union states that it is asking the district to come back to the table with additional funds for teacher salaries, to restore prep time for teachers by reducing mandatory meetings and to set a goal for next year’s negotiations process that recognizes teachers who have earned advanced degrees and who have stayed with the district.
In a statement released Oct. 28, Mapes expressed disappointment with the union’s vote. He noted that Indiana school districts are required to spend at least 65 percent of education fund revenue on teacher salaries.
“HSE dedicated nearly 84 percent of the education fund tuition support revenue to teacher salaries and benefits, the highest percentage in Hamilton County, and invests 96 percent of the district’s referendum dollars directly in our teachers,” he stated. “We also lead the county in starting salaries for teachers with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, average teacher salary, 403(b) retirement contribution and HSA contribution.”
He noted the district’s ongoing budget deficit and stated that no employee group, including administrators, received salary increases this year.
“Our teachers are essential to our success and our respect for their work is unwavering,” Mapes stated. “We will continue to negotiate in good faith within the state’s prescribed process and remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached that supports our staff, students and community.”
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cash balance levels by the start of 2027. (Data source: HSE Schools)
HSE board OKs
2026 district budget
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees voted Oct. 22 to unanimously approve the district’s 2026 spending plan, which relies on reserves to make up for deficits caused by a combination of lower enrollment, increasing costs — particularly health insurance — and reduced revenue resulting from Senate Enrolled Act 1, the new state property tax law.
Brown told the board that the plans also have higher deductibles — an effort to reduce the increase to premium costs.
Dental and vision plans have not changed.
In a presentation prior to the board’s vote, HSE Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown said the budget was largely unchanged from information provided before the Oct. 8 public hearing on the plan, which noted a drop of more than 400 students from the previous year.
The advertised 2026 budget totals $342.9 million. That includes all funds and is about $2 million more than the predicted budget, providing some flexibility. The three funds in the budget — education, referendum and operations — rely on millions from their respective cash balances to fill revenue gaps, likely leaving the district short of recommended cash balance levels by the start of 2027.
To address those revenue concerns, the district expects to put a new referendum on the ballot in 2026, asking voters to approve more funds through property levies.
In addition to the budget, the board voted Oct. 22 to approve 2026 health insurance rates, which are between 10.5 and 16.8 percent higher for medical services than the current year, depending on which plan an employee uses.
Brown noted that the overall additional expense to the district of increased health insurance premiums is about $1.6 million, combining the costs of teachers, administrators and support staff.
Board Member Latrica Schooley abstained from voting on insurance rates for administrators because her husband was affected by the vote. She did read a prepared statement, however, expressing concern that board members weren’t allowed to observe the negotiations process leading to the new rates.
“When board members, the elected representatives of the community, are excluded from the process, we are unable to fully comprehend the implications of our vote,” she said. “We receive information typically after an agreement has been made as the final step of rubber stamping decisions, which undermines our roles as fiduciaries to ensure that our governance is in accordance with our legal and ethical responsibilities. This board must implement a formal procedure that guarantees board representation at all essential meetings, including negotiations concerning benefits and insurance. Our capacity to meet our legal obligations to the community relies on complete transparency.”
The motion passed with no dissenting votes.
The three funds in the 2026 HSE budget rely on millions of dollars from their respective cash balances to fill revenue gaps, likely leaving the district short of recommended
Schooley Brown
Pendleton man faces child sex abuse materials charges
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A 24-year-old Pendleton man was arrested Oct. 23 and charged with multiple felony counts for alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Jonathan Wesley Peternel’s arrest was the result of an investigation by the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The task force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which flagged Snapchat files of suspected child sexual abuse material, according to an announcement from Fishers Police Department. FPD belongs to the task force, which also includes detectives from Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Anderson and Greenfield police departments; Hamilton and Madison county sheriffs; and Homeland Security.
allegedly was found. The announcement states that investigators also found evidence that the suspect had distributed videos to other people.
“A search warrant was conducted on Peternel’s residence, where further evidence was located showing that he possessed over 2,300 files of child sex abuse material,” the announcement stated. “Some of this included sadomasochistic child abuse, children that appeared to be drugged or intoxicated while being abused, violent child molestation and photorealistic AI-generated photos of nude pregnant toddlers.”
According to online court records, Peternel had an initial hearing Oct. 23 in Madison County where he entered a not guilty plea. Bail was set at $25,000. At the time of publication of this report, he remained in custody at Madison County Jail.
According to the announcement, detectives served a search warrant on Peternel’s Snapchat account, where additional child sexual abuse material
Peternel’s father, Nathan Peternel of Pendleton, is lead pastor at Life Church, which has campuses in Noblesville and Fishers, as well as Pendleton and Eagle Creek.
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FHS graduate heads to national pageant
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Vani Sharma was once so shy she couldn’t talk to people.
“I was so scared to raise my hand in a classroom that my second-grade teacher said, ‘I will throw a party for you if you talk in class,’’’ Sharma said.
The 2024 Fishers High School graduate said being involved with pageantry helped her develop confidence.
“It’s one of the reasons I received my full-ride scholarship to Indiana University,” said Sharma, who is in the honors program at the Kelley School of Business, studying marketing and business analytics.
She said pageants gave her confidence in the interview session for the scholars program.
Sharma, 19, will represent Indiana in the National American Miss Teen competition Nov. 23-30 in Orlando, Fla.
“I started competing in the National American Miss in 2016,” Sharma said. “It’s crazy it’s been nine years. I got started as a Junior Preteen. It’s amazing to see the growth. NAM is all about growing confidence and helping young girls develop public speaking skills, being able to walk confidently, being able to serve the community and using your voice to make a difference.”
This is Sharma’s fifth time competing in the national competition, previously representing Fishers three times and the state once.
A sophomore at IU, Sharma said the community services project is scored as one of the categories in the national competition.
Smile and Empower.
“I’ve been a volunteer ever since I was a kindergartener,” Sharma said. “Having exposure to that so young changed my life. It made me feel gratitude for the things that I have, but also the things I can give others. I wanted to show others no matter what your age is that (we) all have the power to make a difference. We can all go out there and make an impact.”
Sharma said she conducts kindness workshops in school classrooms. EASE has worked with more than 20 organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, Changing Footprints, Foster Fairies and senior living communities
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Sharma qualified at the state pageant in Indianapolis, winning the Miss Indiana title. When she represents the city, the contenders qualify by finishing in the top five in the competition.
Sharma said she is practicing with her mother and sister for the interview and introduction components.
“Zooms and calls have been my best friend through that,” she said. “I love listening to music and podcasts and things that are inspiring. I love going out in my community and making a difference. That is something that is an important part of holding a title.”
Her service initiative is called EASE, which stands for Educate, Achieve,
“We’ve worked with serving meals in person, creating care packages, doing donation drives and a variety of projects I’ve been delighted to do and bring more people in,” she said.
Sharma’s older sister, Anitha, had brain surgery about 13 years ago. After she recovered, Sharma and her family wanted to give back to repay the kindness they were shown by volunteers.
“We wanted to share the hope we were given during those hard times,” she said. “That’s how I started volunteering at such a young age. A lot of people have the misconception that they are too young to make an impact.”
For more, visit namiss.com.
Vani Sharma will represent Indiana in the National American Miss Teen competition. (Photo courtesy of Anitha Sharma)
Fuel,
By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com
Now through the end of February 2026, young aspiring hockey players can participate in the Learn to Play hockey clinic at the Fuel Tank in Fishers and the Carmel Ice Skadium.
The launch of the program is the result of a six-year relationship between the Indianapolis Youth Hockey Association and the Indy Jr. Fuel.
“We got together (in 2019) and merged the IYHA with the Jr. Fuel and created one of the largest programs in the country, let alone the Midwest,” said Derek Edwardson, executive director of the IYHA. “The partnership has been fantastic. This is also a unique format where we have privately owned ranks working together for the same youth hockey program, which doesn’t happen very often. We’re just trying to grow the game as much as we can.”
With the best local youth travel teams ranked as high as the top 30 nationally, participation numbers have steadily
Coach Rich Hansen’s team in February won the Guenin Cup in the 8-and-Under Gold division of the 317 Hockey League, the greater Indianapolis area’s only recreational hockey league. (Photo courtesy of IYHA)
grown in the area since the partnership was established.
With Learn to Play clinics, Edwardson sees an opportunity to grow the sport in the area.
“There aren’t many second-generation hockey players around here,” he said. “There are some fans of the old (Indianapolis) Racers that have encouraged their kids to play, but most of the families that we get (are) new to the game.”
Making the game more accessible is the mission of the Learn to Play program.
“We’re just trying to lower the barriers to entry as much as possible,” Edwardson said. “We have a really high retention rate once kids get on the ice and try it, so we just want to get kids in the door that hadn’t tried it because most (end up) falling in love with it.”
There are two weekly options for the Learn to Play hockey clinics: Wednesdays at the Carmel Ice Skadium from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.; and Sundays at the Fuel Tank in Fishers from 1 to 2 p.m. For more, visit iyha.com/ltp.
CHS senior safety proves to be quick study for CHS
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel High School senior safety Isaac Nelson has all the skills to match his attitude.
“He’s got the metrics,” Greyhounds football coach Kevin Wright said. “He’s fast, he can jump, he’s big, he’s strong. He’s projected as a hybrid player at the next level, so maybe he’ll play linebacker, maybe (safety). What stands out to me is his work ethic and who he is.”
Nelson, who has committed to continue his football career at Wake Forest University, played his first two years at Heritage Christian before transferring to Carmel as a junior.
“He committed himself to the weight room and getting faster,” Wright said. “He’s a team captain, so the peers have recognized the work he has put in.”
Nelson saw action both ways at Class 2A Heritage Christian, also playing tight end.
“Ultimately, I liked defense the most,” he said. “Heritage is a great school, but obviously Carmel has more resources and great opportunities for
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MEET ISAAC NELSON
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite musician: Rod Wave
Favorite TV series: “Untold: Swamp Kings,” documentary on University of Florida football
Favorite vacation spot: Bahamas
more coaching and development.”
Nelson said he had to get used to the speed of the game at the Class 6A level.
“I feel my knowledge of the game has gotten better,” he said. “I didn’t play football until high school. When I came here, the coaches were super understanding, and I learned a lot about the game really fast.”
His main sport when he was younger
Senior safety Isaac Nelson has been a key contributor to the Carmel High School football team’s success.
(Photo courtesy of CHS athletics)
was soccer, but he also played basketball and competed in track and field.
“I gave up basketball to focus more on football and track,” he said. “When I started playing football, I just fell in love with it.”
He competed in track last year for CHS, finishing fourth in the 100 meters in 10.51 seconds at the IHSAA state meet in June.
“Those short sprints translate to football the most, so I like to work on those,” he said.
Carmel took an 8-1 record into the Oct. 31 Class 6A sectional against Harrison. The Greyhounds were 3-7 in 2024.
“I feel like there is a new energy in this locker room and a new set of beliefs we have,” Nelson said. “The big goal is finishing strong. I feel like we don’t have success unless we do well in the postseason.”
Except for suffering a high left ankle sprain against Fishers in the season opener, the season has been fun for Nelson. Wright said Nelson tried to fight through the injury but finally had to sit out two games. Wright said he has been 100 percent in recent weeks.
Nelson, who has 36 tackles this season, said he will likely play linebacker at Wake Forest, so he’s watched a lot of film of his favorite athlete, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.
“The way he approached the game and his work ethic really inspires me,” Nelson said. “He was just a dog on the field.”
Nelson said he fell in love with the Wake Forest coaching staff and campus. The Demon Deacons play in the ACC.
“I also love the ACC in general,” he said. “It’s a great competitive conference and you get to play in front of a great fan base.”
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Nonprofit honors partners
Cherish Child Advocacy Center recently honored community members for their efforts fighting child abuse in Hamilton County during its 11th annual awards breakfast, held Oct. 6 at the Fishers Municipal Center theater. This year’s honorees were:
• Tracy Jones of the Fishers Police Department, who worked 65 percent of child sex crimes cases at FPD
• Bennett Nelson of the Department of Child Services, who worked 42 cases with the Cherish Center
• Rachel Jefferson from the Hamilton County Prosecutors Office, who was involved in 115 cases
• Rachel Metzler from Cherish Center, who conducted 228 forensic interviews
• Alyssa Pearson from Cherish Center, a family advocate for 237 families
• Krissy Cofield from Embracing Hope, who conducted 434 therapy sessions for Cherish clients
• Noblesville Police Department,
Cherish Center held its annual awards breakfast Oct. 6 at Fishers Municipal Center. (Photo courtesy of Cherish Center)
which investigated 137 cases — the highest number of child abuse cases in Hamilton County
“It doesn’t take just one person at one time to empower hope,” stated Wendy Gamble, executive director of Cherish Center. “It takes an army of angels. Each of these team members have poured an amazing amount of love and care into families’ lives to bring a little bit of light to a dark time.” Impact Awards were presented to Shepherd Insurance, Noblesville United Methodist Church’s Lydia Circle and Kevin and Richelle Rider.
The Cherish Center is a child advocacy center founded in 2009, serving Hamilton and Tipton Counties. For more, visit cherishcac.org.
Foundation awards grants
news@currentinfishers.com
FORUM Credit Union, with headquarters in Fishers, has announced the FORUM Foundation 2025-26 educator grants. The foundation awarded $29,990 to 14 educators throughout central Indiana, including teachers in Hamilton and Marion counties.
The foundation was created in 2014 to enhance educational opportunities through collegiate scholarships and educator grants.
This year, the foundation received applications from 145 educators requesting more than $318,000 for educational tools for STEM, literacy, art, music and physical education.
This year’s FORUM Foundation educator grant recipients are:
• Kevin Self, Lawrence Central High School
• Elisha Pepperman, Oaklandon Elementary School
• Nicole Heflin, Westfield High School
• Amanda Hoffman, Stony Creek Elementary School
• Matthew Wernke, Carmel High School.
• Sierra Reed, Prairie Trace Elementary School
• Leah Averitt, Northwest Middle School
• Chelsea English, Shortridge High School
• Peter Felice, Our Lady of Lourdes
• Nancy Ferguson, Arlington Elementary School
• Sarah Dobbins, New Palestine Intermediate School
• Allan Figy, Greenwood Community High School
• Thomas Rohlfs, Whiteland Community High School
• Jaleen Royer, Plainfield Community Middle School
For more about the projects funded, visit forumcu.com/foundation/grants/ recipients.
Applications for next year’s educator grants open in June 2026. Collegiate scholarship applications for the 20262027 academic year are open through Jan. 31, 2026.
For more about the foundation, visit forumcu.com/foundation.
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A place for healing
New county facility offers immediate treatment for people in mental health crisis
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
After two and a half years of planning, a new health care facility — the Rely Center — is now open in Noblesville.
Hamilton County officials cut the ribbon to the Rely Center at 17840 Cumberland Rd. Oct. 22. The facility, on the Aspire Indiana Health campus, will provide rapid triage, assessment, stabilization and up to 23 hours of observation for patients 5 and older who are in urgent mental health, substance use or psychiatric crisis.
The facility, which the county invested $3.5 million to renovate, is a partnership between Hamilton County; Riverview Health; the Hamilton County Health Department; the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol & Other Drugs; MindWell Solutions; and Aspire Indiana Health.
Hamilton County Councilmember Steve Nation, a former Hamilton County judge and prosecutor, said he spent several years seeing behavioral health cases come through the courts and felt they were not handled properly.
“There is a section within the (Indiana) health code that is called an emergency detention,” Nation said. “In other words, when a person has behavioral health needs, an officer will take that person to a behavioral health hospital. The problem with that is that it is the officer making that determination. It is not a treatment model.”
Nation said the Rely Center will work to combat that issue, as it will be staffed by a skilled multidisciplinary team of crisis responders, registered nurses, therapists and a psychiatric provider. Upon entering the Rely Center, patients will receive immediate triage to assess their medical, behavioral health and social support needs and receive a comprehensive treatment plan.
Nation said in the past, people with behavioral health needs were transported to the Hamilton County Jail or to a behavioral health hospital in Marion County.
“The sad thing is, when people with behavioral health issues don’t receive treatment, sometimes that could end up
in them getting into a criminal offense, or it may even end up in suicide,” Nation said. “That’s the thing the county is trying to avoid.”
Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said he joined the local conversation on mental health following the 2018 classroom shooting at Noblesville West Middle School.
“It brought a new light to mental health, and it kind of shocked and sent ripples across not only our county, but the state and the country,” Heirbrandt said.
Heirbrandt said getting the facility built required a lot of work at local and legislative levels.
“We were able to change a couple things legislatively to help us get these people treated the way they need to be treated,” Heirbrandt said. “But this whole conversation really started when we finally got someone to listen.”
Heirbrandt said that person was Aspire President and CEO Antony Sheehan, who assumed his role in 2023.
“We worked hard to try to convince the former director for Aspire, but she didn’t seem to see the vision that Steve and I had for this,” Heirbrandt said.
“When Antony came (in), he knew we did not have a good relationship with Aspire, because I testified at the (Indiana) Statehouse about how we were frustrated that we couldn’t get collaboration from our mental health firm in the county. After several conversations with him, he saw what this could be.”
Sheehan said he was moved by the commitment of county officials.
“To come across such a powerful and heartfelt commitment about not just improving quality but improving ac-
From left, Hamilton County Commissioners Christine Altman and Mark Heirbrandt, Hamilton County Councilmember Steve Nation and Aspire Indiana Health Vice President of Service Access Vanessa Pataky cut the ribbon to the Rely Center Oct. 22. (Photo by Jessica Todd)
Continued from Page 12
cess to services for people with mental health and addiction problems was welcoming,” Sheehan said. “I started my career as a psychiatric nurse, so I’ve experienced these issues around care and treatment for people with mental illness and addiction for a very long time. So, to me, seeing community leadership that had passion and commitment was a real boost when I was starting my new
job as CEO.”
Heirbrandt said the Rely Center will make a positive impact in the community.
“The county voted unanimously on this,” Heirbrandt said. “It was something that everybody came together and said, ‘We need to lead with this, and we are going to make an impact with a program like this.’”
For more, visit aspireindiana.org/ crisis-services/relycenter.
MORE TO COME
Starting in 2026, Hamilton County Councilor Steve Nation said public safety officials will be able to contact the Rely Center regarding behavioral health cases.
“We will have behavioral health professionals at the Rely Center that police and fire can contact and say, ‘Here’s the situation I have. What do you think is the best treatment option for this individual?’ It may be that the individual will go to the Rely Center the next day, or it may be that they will be transported to the Rely Center immediately,” Nation said. “It gives options to public safety
officials to treat circumstances as a behavioral health issue instead of a criminal issue.”
Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said the county also wants to implement long-term treatment plans.
“Right now, the Rely Center doesn’t have an overnight treatment program,” Heirbrandt said. “We’re working with Riverview Health to look at building a wing specifically to address people that need a little bit more time for healing and treatment. That’s going to be one of our next steps, and we’re already on our way there right now.”
for Homebuyers who purchase a David Weekley Quick Move-in Home in the Indianapolis-area community of The Lakes at Grantham during the Program Period and finance the home purchase with a mortgage loan from a Preferred Lender (Mike DeWitt at Highlands Residential Mortgage or Jon Knight at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation). Contact loan officer for details on rate buydown or other financing programs. Borrower must meet lender’s qualification criteria. Incentive is in addition to the Financing Incentive in the Purchase Agreement. Total Financing Incentive may not exceed regulatory limits on Seller contributions.
Indy opens Nickel Plate Trail
The Indianapolis portion of the Nickel Plate Trail has officially opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 10-year, $14.9 million investment in the city’s trail network.
“The Nickel Plate Trail is set to become a huge public asset in Indianapolis — one that I have no doubt will soon be just as revered as the Monon Trail or the urban Indianapolis Cultural Trail,” Mayor Joe Hogsett stated in a news release. “The level of investment and partnership we have seen for this project across Marion and Hamilton County is the sort that comes only once in a generation.”
The City of Indianapolis was awarded $5 million through the Indiana DNR Next Level Trails program and $1.2 million in READi funds to help complete the project.
The Central Indiana Community Foundation provided a $1.75 million donation as a part of the Connected Communities Initiative, through a grant by Lilly Endowment Inc.
Construction of the trail began in
2023, according to the news release. The completed project connects the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Fall Creek Trail, Monon Trail, Castleton and Hamilton County, creating a continuous northsouth corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. The project includes spur trails at 62nd Street east to Eastwood Middle School and 86th Street west to Sahm Park.
A small segment of the trail near I-465 will open in 2026 in coordination with INDOT’s Clear Path 465 project.
City of Indianapolis officials cut the ribbon to open the Indy portion of the Nickel Plate Trail, which connects to Hamilton County. (Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works)
Hamilton County Tax Sale marked smallest in recent history
news@currentnoblesville.com
The 2025 Hamilton County Tax Sale, a public auction where the county sells liens to properties with delinquent property taxes to recover unpaid taxes, was held last month at 33 N. 9th St. in Noblesville.
Byer
Hamilton County Director of Communications Tammy Sander said it brought in a little more than $131,000 in delinquent taxes and was the smallest sale in recent history. Forty-four parcels of property were listed this year, which Sander said is down from the typical 80 or more. Twenty-three liens were sold at auction.
Adjustments, Real Property and Settlement Manager for Hamilton County Sadie Eldridge credited the drop to the efforts of Hamilton County Treasurer Susan Byer, who helps taxpayers before their properties reach the sale list.
“I’ve been with the county for 17 years, and this year’s tax sale was unlike any I’ve ever seen,” Eldridge stated. “Susan goes above and beyond to reach people — she calls, emails, even knocks on doors if she has to. Her compassion and persistence have made a tremendous difference for Hamilton County residents.”
Byer, who was elected treasurer in 2020, said she takes the work personally.
“I never want to take someone’s home,” Byer stated. “When I can’t reach someone through the usual channels, I’ll go out and visit them. It’s especially important for our older residents who might not understand what’s happening with their property. We offer tax sale agreements to help people make monthly payments and get their taxes back on track.”
Homeowners have exactly one year from the sale date, until September 25, 2026, to redeem their property by paying the full debt, plus interest and fees, or risk permanently losing the title to the tax lien buyer.
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Solace unleashed
Local church’s comfort dogs provide calming relief after trauma
By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com
On Sept. 28, a tragedy occurred in Grand Blanc, Mich.
Four people were killed and eight were wounded when a gunman drove a pickup truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pulled out a gun and opened fire. He then set fire to the church before being killed in a shootout with police.
In the immediate wake of the tragedy, Comfort Dog Ministry — a program sponsored by Lutheran Church Charities — arrived to assist. Comfort dogs and handlers based out of Carmel traveled to Michigan to help survivors cope.
Cornerstone Lutheran Church, a multisite campus church with locations in Carmel, Fishers and Indianapolis, has two comfort dogs. Magdalene, 4, has been in service with CLC since 2023. Eternity joined last month and turns 2 in December. They are golden retrievers, noted for their rapport with people and docile nature.
“It’s amazing that they know who to go to in a situation,” said Nicole Lewis, a Carmel resident, and primary caregiver for Magdalene and Eternity. “They can pick out the person who is hurting, I don’t know how they do it, but they cuddle up to that person that needs them the most.”
Comfort dogs are trained from the time they’re 8 weeks old at a Lutheran Charities facility in Northbrook, Ill. When the near-two-year training process is completed, the dogs are released to the individual churches, which are responsible for providing handlers. Handlers include primary and secondary caregivers and ministry partners.
Director of Development of CLC Comfort Dog Ministry Jane Callahan said CLC has a team of 45 people on its comfort dog team. Fourteen are handlers. Caregivers provide a place for the dogs to live. It’s a lifetime commitment to the dog. Ministry partners take care of the dogs when they’re on a mission. Magdalene and Eternity are typically deployed locally. They work six days a week and visit police and fire stations; nursing homes; afterschool programs; hospitals; rehabilitation facilities; and
shelters across the Indianapolis area.
The dogs wear vests and can interact with those who need comfort. They are trained to be comfortable with petting, and if given permission, the dogs will cuddle, too.
“When we see some of the patients in, say, memory care, they just light up and start talking,” Callahan said. “We’ve had a couple of instances where patients are nonverbal, and they start talking when we bring the dog in.”
In the event of out-of-state tragedies as in Grand Blanc, deploying comfort dogs is handled at a national level by Lutheran Church Charities. The dogs have to be requested, usually by the local Lutheran church. Magdalene and Eternity were one of five comfort dog teams sent to Grand Blanc from Midwestern states.
Duke Koelsch, a Carmel resident and former U.S. Marine Corps captain, was one of the handlers who volunteered in Grand Blanc.
“Our real purpose of why we were up there was to deal with first responders,” Koelsch said. “We spent time with police and the 911 call center. You could tell they were distraught. They would hug these animals, and I would say virtually half said, ‘I needed this.’”
The comfort dogs were in Michigan throughout the week. It was Koelsch’s first out-of-town mission, and it had a profound effect on him.
“This is something that is directly from your heart. I’m probably being rewarded more than the people we’re interfacing with will be,” Koelsch said.
For more on comfort dogs, visit lutheranchurchcharities.org/k-9-comfortdogs-about.html.
Magdalene, left, and Eternity are the comfort dogs that serve Cornerstone Lutheran Church. (Photo courtesy of CLC Media Team)
BIG ‘MEWS’
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Fishers cat cafe to celebrate 1,000 adoptions in less than three years
At the Smitten Kitten cat cafe, cats are the star attraction, lounging on cushions, basking in the sun and soaking up attention when visitors come to adore — and hopefully adopt them.
Owner Holly Moss opened the business in January 2023, in part to help her son — who has autism and loves cats — manage his social anxiety. Since then, the combination coffee shop/cat adoption hub at 7852 E. 96th St. has found homes for about 950 cats and Moss expects to celebrate the 1,000th adoption in the next month or two.
“I’m going to be texting everybody that adopted from us and invite them back when we hit the 1,000th adoption,” she said. “And then kind of do a celebration — some giveaways — and then whoever’s my 1,000th adoption, we’ll give them a free year of cat visits to come into the cat lounge.”
The idea for the cat cafe stemmed from the 2021 Olympic Games in Japan, where some of the news coverage featured popular cat cafes in Tokyo. Moss thought such a business would benefit her son and she worked with a friend and fellow investor to get the cafe started. She initially partnered solely with the Humane Society for Hamilton County, taking cats from the local shelter, “but we ran them out of cats after about six weeks when we first opened.”
To ensure a steady stream of adoptable felines, Moss now works with shelters throughout the region, taking up to 24 cats from each for three months before rotating in new cats from a different shelter.
Visitors to the cat cafe can get coffee and snacks from the coffee-shop side of the business and watch the cats through the glass. If they pay a small fee, they can bring their beverage — but no food — into the cat lounge and spend quality time with the kitties. On a recent Thursday, several families showed up with young children full of energy and ready to play with cats.
Some of the more reticent felines
quickly headed to the back where visitors aren’t allowed, but many of the cats stayed in the lounge, happy to get some playtime with the laughing, squealing tots.
Moss said the cafe is family oriented with people of all ages coming by to visit the lounge.
“We do get older couples coming in looking for a new cat, because they’ve lost theirs,” she said. “Some teenagers will come through in the summertime. We get dates. We get baseball groups coming in. But for the most part, we get women and older children, and some younger children as well.”
Even if someone is not ready to adopt, Moss said, they still can come into the lounge and keep the cats company. There are comfortable seating areas for people and plenty of climbing and lounging items for the cats, including a large “tree” with ceiling-height branches that Moss said she occasionally has to climb to check on cats that
have been reluctant to come down. Madison Schoditsch works in the cat lounge, taking care of the cats and making sure visitors play safely with the feline residents. She has five cats at home and fosters cats for one of the rescues that partners with Smitten Kitten, which is how she learned about the cafe.
“We would come here, see our cats off to their new family and when I heard Holly needed someone, I immediately dropped corporate America and said, ‘Absolutely. Let’s be with cats all day,’” she said.
Schoditsch also helps match cats with new families — making sure personalities and energy levels are well suited for everyone. She noted that the cafe’s adoption rate is higher than normal.
“It’s a really fun experience to feel like you’re making a difference for the rescues and for the humane societies that we have in here,” she said. “Get-
ting this many adoptions is absolutely fantastic for whatever facility we have in here. It’s a really cool experience to be able to feel like you’re helping in some small way.”
In addition to the daily visiting hours, Smitten Kitten hosts events, like painting with cats, yoga with cats and pumpkin carving with cats, Moss said. For kids, they host princess and superhero events, and people can reserve the lounge for birthday or graduation parties.
For more, visit smittenkittencatcafe. com.
IF YOU GO
Walk-ins at the Smitten Kitten
cafe are welcome but there is a limit to the number of people allowed in the cat lounge. Reservations are encouraged and available through the website, smittenkittencatcafe.com.
Visitors can sign up for 30 or 60 minutes in the lounge. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fees to visit the cat lounge help cover costs. Smitten Kitten does not receive any portion of adoption fees.
ON THE COVER: Holly Moss, owner of the Smitten Kitten cat cafe in Fishers, holds one of the cats available for adoption. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Young visitors play with cats available for adoption at the Smitten Kitten cat cafe in Fishers. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)
Barista Ash Naylor prepares coffee for a customer at the Smitten Kitten cat cafe in Fishers.
cat
offers
Banking on small business
news@youarecurrent.com
Worthington Design & Remodeling is hosting two free seminars in November for homeowners who are considering a kitchen or bath remodel and want help with planning.
The first session is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Worthington’s Meridian-Kessler showroom, 5912 N. College Ave., Indianapolis. The second is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the business’ Carmel showroom, 99 E. Carmel Dr., Suite 100.
Each 90-minute session walks homeowners through the stages of remodeling, from setting a realistic budget and timeline to designing a space that fits their lifestyle. Worthington’s team members will share practical advice on layout, materials and design trends, followed by a Q&A.
“Whether you’re updating your first home or your forever home, understanding the process makes all the difference,” stated Larry Greene,
president of Worthington Design & Remodeling. “Behind every remodel is a reason to live better. Our goal is to help homeowners shape that vision into something real and lasting.”
Each event includes light snacks, refreshments and giveaways. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Interested homeowners can call 317-846-2600 to reserve a seat.
Commentary by Matthew Darrah
Small businesses anchor the U.S. economy: They make up 99.9 percent of all firms and employ about 46 percent of private-sector workers. Since the mid-1990s, they’ve generated roughly 60-plus percent of net new jobs — a reminder that when small firms thrive, communities do, too.
Yet behind every “open” sign is an owner juggling tight labor markets, rising costs, new technology and shifting customer expectations. That’s why local partnerships — from chambers and mentors to community lenders — matter more than ever.
One example with local impact is 1st Source Bank. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Indiana District recognized 1st Source as the state’s Community Lender of the Year in 2024 among community banks under $10 billion in assets — an indicator of steady small-business support statewide. On the ground, responsive, relationship-driven banking helps owners stay focused on hiring, inventory, and service — keeping dollars circulating locally and strengthening main streets.
Sip n’ Shop market planned — The 10th annual Holiday Sip n’ Shop vendor market takes place at Roundtripper Sports Academy, 16708 Southpark Dr., Westfield, from 6 to 8:30 p.m Nov. 14. Learn more at facebook. com/vinomobilebar.
Consider Uptown Cheapskate owners Brad and Lesli. As they built out their new location, their banking relationship funded and financed the project and stayed close through uncertainty — helping them navigate shifts in costs, timelines and approvals. The result wasn’t just a completed build — it was local construction work, permanent jobs, new foot traffic and more dollars moving through the neighborhood economy.
What do owners say they need right now? Clarity and speed on financing options that fit their stage of growth; digital convenience without losing a real person who understands the market; and community connection -- partners who show up at grand openings, site visits, and local events to spot issues early and share practical, timely advice.
Bottom line: Lead with community impact. When local partners work alongside small businesses, the payoff shows up in jobs, vibrant storefronts, and dollars that stay close to home.
Fishers resident promoted — F.C. Tucker Co. recently created two new regional vice president roles and selected Fishers resident Angel Dean to fill one of the positions. Dean has served as co-manager of the F.C. Tucker Carmel office. In addition to the new positions, CEO and owner, Jim Litten will transition to the newly created position of chairman of the board, effective January 2026.
Matthew Darrah is the Hamilton County Market president at 1st Source Bank with 20 years of banking experience.
Project Developers Dawn Ashburn and Sydney Spurgeon lead a recent remodeling seminar at Worthington Design & Remodeling in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Worthington Design & Remodeling)
Gear up for the ultimate celebration of local commerce with our Small Business Saturday Guide! This dedicated section, which will publish on November 25, is our audience’s go-to resource for finding unique, thoughtful gifts and supporting independent entrepreneurs during the biggest holiday shopping weekend of the year. Readers will explore a curated selection of unique, must-have items, unbeatable local offers, and insider tips for making the most of their Small Business Saturday shopping experience on November 29. Reach a vast, community-minded audience by securing your spot in this special edition, distributed to 126,981 households eager to seize the savings in Brownsburg, Carmel, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, North Indy, Westfield and Zionsville via U.S. Mail.
Don’t miss the chance to capture shoppers and boost your Small Business Saturday presence with one affordable package!
Space reservations due: Ad content due: Advertorial content due: Nov. 14, 2025 Nov. 17, 2025 Nov. 17, 2025
For more, contact your Ad Representative by email ads@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444
Legend’s concert to celebrate 20th anniversary of 1st album
By Dave Gil de Rubio editorial@youarecurrent.com
For John Legend, 2025 represents the junction where his creative past, present and future meet.
Although last year was the official 20th anniversary of his 2004 debut “Get Lifted,” this year’s tour finds him hitting the road full force with a 10-piece band to commemorate a collection of songs that reflects that seminal part of his life when he was in hardcore hustling mode.
“This is the true celebration of the 20th anniversary of my first album and first tour,” said Legend, who will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Fishers Event Center. “It’s really celebrating 20 years of my relationship with my audience and the connection we’ve built over all these years. And it all started with this album. I decided I would do a tour in celebration of that album and really in celebration of all of it thinking about the journey we’ve been through that started with this album. We’re doing songs from throughout my career as well, but we’re focusing on the entirety of “Get Lifted.” I also do some storytelling about the making of the album, what I was inspired by and some of the other artists that were kind of in my orbit and inspired me.”
Legend recalled the journey to getting the album off the ground.
“Most of that album was recorded when I was still trying to get a record deal,” he said. “I was working by day as a management consultant and then going to the studio at night, playing gigs and open mics around Philadelphia and New York at night and on the weekends. I was kind of burning the candle at both ends, being rejected by every major record label. I was really working hard and fighting to be heard and seen, believing that I had something special to offer, but not having it come to fruition at the moment when I thought I was ready — having to
keep working for years to finally get to the place where the gatekeepers were ready to let me through the gate.”
As results reflect, Legend has arrived in the subsequent two decades. Besides seeing “Get Lifted” go double-platinum and earn him three Grammys out of eight nominations that year, the Ohio native has gone on to become an EGOT (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). He also spent a decade as a vocal coach for the NBC reality competition “The Voice” and expanded into publishing (Get Lifted Books) and cosmetics (founder of Loved01, a skincare brand for melanin-rich skin). But it’s his role as family man in which Legend
takes the greatest pride, having been married to Chrissy Teigen since 2013. Legend took inspiration from his role as a father to the point where he released 2024’s “My Favorite Dream,” his 10th studio album and first collection of children’s songs.
The album was, outside of a handful of covers, all original material solely penned by him. “My Favorite Dream” notched a pair of 2025 Grammy nominations. Written on the piano next to Legend’s kitchen, Legend said the songs were “directly inspired by the things we say to our kids and inspired by the energy and love we feel in our home every day. I just sat at the piano and wrote some songs rooted in that.”
Legend asked indie folk multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens to produce “My Favorite Dream.”
“I reached out to Sufjan Stevens, who is one of the artists I’ve loved for 20 years or so, and I thought he would be perfect for producing and arranging the album,” Legend said. “The only hitch was that I’d never met him before or spoken to him before. And so, I had to find him and his information and reach out to him and hope he didn’t think this was a ridiculous idea. He was interested, but wanted to hear the music first, so I sent him all the simple demos I did on piano and vocal of the songs. He loved the songs, felt inspired by them and felt we could do something special together, so we did it.”
Legend is delighted with the final product.
“I’m truly so proud of it. It’s one of my favorite albums I’ve made, and I am so happy with how it came out. It’s exactly what I hoped and beyond when I was hoping that Sufjan would want to do this with me,” he said. “When he got his hands on it and added his unique musicianship to it, he made it the dreamy album that I wanted it to be.”
For more, visit fisherseventcenter. com.
‘TOOTSIE’
“Tootsie” runs through Nov. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Carmel Arts Council presents dinner and “Dueling Pianos” Nov. 5, followed by “Esque: Burlesque” Nov. 6, “Divas of the Songbook” Nov. 7 and “Sweet Caroline: The Music of Neil Diamond” Nov. 8 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. except for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN’
Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Young Frankenstein” through Nov. 9 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
LISA LOEB & JOAN OSBORNE
Lisa Loeb and Joan Osborne will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 p.m. at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘VOICE OF WHITNEY HOUSTON’
“The Voice of Whitney Houston: A Symphonic Celebration” is set for 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘WITH
HEARTS OF GRATITUDE’
Indiana Wind Symphony presents “With Hearts of Gratitude” concert at 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center. For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
HENDRICKS LIVE!
Feverup Presents “We Call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance and Light Show” at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.
John Legend will perform Nov. 16 at Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Gaelle Beri)
ENTERTAINMENT
IWS concert honors veterans
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indiana Wind Symphony’s concert has a fitting theme for a performance two days before Veterans Day.
“With Hearts of Gratitude” will include patriotic songs and marches. The concert is set for 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
The concert opens with Robert Jager’s “Esprit de Corps,” which was written for the United States Marine Band.
“That piece is probably Jager’s most famous piece next to his original composition for the band, which was called the ‘Third Suite,’” IWS Music Director Jay Gephart said.
Gail Robertson, who will make an IWS debut, is the euphonium soloist for “Up All Night” by Eric Knechtges. Robertson is the visiting professor of euphonium at Indiana University and associate professor of euphonium and tuba at the University of Central Florida.
Another piece in the first act is “Hymn To The Fallen” by film composer
Gail Robertson will be a guest soloist for the Indiana Wind Symphony’s Nov. 9 concert. (Photo courtesy of IWS)
John Williams. The piece is from “Saving Private Ryan.”
Robert Russell Bennett’s “Suite of Old American Dances” concludes the first act. Bennett is an American composer known for his orchestrations of many well-known Broadway shows.
The second act opens with Morton Gould’s “Fourth of July.”
“It sounds like a musical version of fireworks,” he said.
The second act includes “Proud to Serve,” which is a medley of all the service songs.
The concert closes with John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org.
AI powers Houston’s voice
editorial@youarecurrent.com
Whitney Houston’s voice moved generations of fans, and through a collaboration between The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, Primary Wave Music and Park Avenue Artists, it has now returned to the stage.
“The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration,” which debuted in August 2024, brings Houston’s legendary vocals to concert halls across U.S. cities. The tour will stop in Carmel for an 8 p.m. Nov. 8 concert at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.
The concert transports fans into Houston’s musical world, as live orchestras perform alongside Houston’s vocals and rare footage. Audiences experience the power of Houston’s voice in a live setting, with a fusion of technology and artistry that celebrates her enduring legacy.
To bring the unique performance to life, The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and its creative partner, Park Avenue Artists, needed isolated vocals from Houston’s songs. However, many of her
“The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration” is set for Nov. 8 at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)
key original multitrack recordings are no longer available, presenting a significant technical obstacle for the project, according to a news release.
To overcome the challenge, the partners turned to Moises, an AI-powered music platform with stem separation technology that isolates individual instruments and vocals from recordings. Using Moises’ advanced algorithms, Park Avenue Artists successfully extracted Houston’s vocals from her songs, producing near-studio quality audio that enabled the creative team to fulfill their vision while honoring her legacy.
For more, visit thecenterpresents. org.
FULL SERVICE CLEANERS
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Balloon connections
Editor,
The “Balloon Cousins” article was such a sweet and exciting read! When I saw the pink elephant hot air balloon pictured, I gasped.
On Sept. 6, I was driving to work early in the morning and saw hot air balloons speckling the sky. Whenever I’m able to catch them, it feels so whimsical and magical — much needed for the mundane day-to-day.
Then I saw the pink elephant one and had to stop and take a picture! I knew no one would believe me if I simply explained it. It gave me the biggest smile to see such a unique one!
Well, to see the origin of not only the balloon, but why it was floating in Fishers and who assembled and rode in it just shows us that we never know what’s going on with anyone we witness or pass. Life is constantly happening and many times, it can be more beautiful than we truly understand or know.
I’ve attached the quick picture I was able to take; I’ve shown as many people as I could since!
“I saw the pink elephant one and had to stop and take a picture! I knew no one would believe me if I simply explained it.”
Cierra Mercier, Fishers
(Photo by Cierra Mercier)
COMMUNITY VOICES
ICE doing its job No redistricting
Editor,
Recent letters have expressed outrage over ICE (agents) doing its job.
Just a reminder, in the previous four years the Biden administration allowed tens of thousands of illegal aliens to enter our country. Some of these people were drug traffickers, child traffickers and criminals in other countries. They have brought diseases into this country. They have taken jobs from Americans because employers can pay them less. Criminal aliens have committed murder, rape and other crimes. They have overwhelmed medical care in many small towns in Texas. These aliens have even been allowed to vote in some states. These illegals were allowed in by the lawless Biden administration. So now, President Trump is trying to clean up the mess they left.
Ron Crawford’s letter is an example of the left’s push to keep these illegals here. Of course we don’t have to deal with the ramifications of these illegals in our nice, safe homes in Fishers. So how many illegals live in your neighborhood? NIMBY is in full force by liberals who want the illegals here but don’t want to interact with them. Would you call that hypocrisy?
Laws are not a supermarket where you pick and choose the ones you want to enforce. Laws must be applied equally or they are meaningless.
David M. Trueblood, Fishers
Editor,
I just wanted to thank you for publishing the letter from James Humphries in your recent issue.
Our family recently moved to Fishers, partly because of the good reputation of the schools, only to find out that the school our kids attend, Hoosier Road Elementary, may be repurposed into a preschool and my kids may have to start over at a different school next year.
What a shame, as we are just getting settled at HRE and starting to participate and volunteer in school activities.
I have been paying attention to the redistricting process and have participated in the focus groups.
I agree with his opinion that redistricting is “costly and destabilizing” way to approach the problem of underutilization.
I wonder how much the district paid Woolpert for their services?
Thank you for your coverage of this topic!
Christina Devenney,
Fishers
“I
agree with his opinion that redistricting is ‘costly and destabilizing’ way to approach the problem of underutilization.”
– CHRISTINA DEVENNEY
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
City of Fishers Fishers, Indiana Intersection Improvement Project at 96th Street and Cyntheanne Road
General Notice
City of Fishers (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project:
Roundabout construction work in Fishers, Indiana
Online Bids for the construction of the Project will be received for the project until December 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time. At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read at a special Bid Opening meeting at 10:00 am (local time) on December 3, 2025, in the Fishers Hamilton Conference Room, located at 1 Municipal Drive, Fishers, Indiana 46038. The bid opening can also be joined virtually. No late bids will be accepted Project Manuals will be available for purchase starting November 5, 2025.
Microsoft Teams Meeting Bid Opening: Meeting ID: 217 175 859 537 5 Passcode: av9hx2Nh
For special accommodations required for handicapped individuals planning to attend the public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the City of Fishers at (317) 595-3160 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.
In general, the Work shall be completed by State of Indiana certified/qualified Contractor and Subcontractors for the Project and consists of:
Roundabout Construction at the intersection of 96th Street and Cyntheanne Road in Hamilton County, Fishers, Indiana. Obtaining the Bidding Document Project Manuals will be available for purchase starting November 5, 2025.
Bid Documents and Plans can be obtained digitally from the City of Fishers via link: https://qcpi.questcdn.com/cdn/ posting/?group=8012654&provider=8012654&projType=all and/ or www.questcdn.com Reference Quest Number 9321302. To be considered a plan holder for bids, register with QuestCDN.com for a free Regular membership and download the bidding documents in digital form at a cost of $42.00. Downloading the documents and becoming a plan holder is recommended as plan holder’s receive automatic notice of addenda, other bid updates and access to vBid, online bidding via QuestCDN. Contact QuestCDN Customer Support
at 952-233-1632 or Support@QuestCDN.com for assistance in membership registration, downloading digital bidding documents and vBid questions. Interested parties may view the contract documents at no cost prior to deciding to become a plan holder.
To access the electronic bid form, download the digital bidding documents and click the ‘Online Bid’ button or Online Bidding ‘Available’ button on the bid posting page.
Bids will ONLY be received and accepted through vBid via QuestCDN. com. Prospective bidders must be on the plan holder list through QuestCDN for bids to be accepted.
All payments for Bidding Documents are non-refundable. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website.
Instructions to Bidders.
For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.
Work shall be constructed under a Unit Price Contract.
A Bid Bond or certified check in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each Bid. Performance and Payment Bonds each worth 100% of the Bid will be required of the successful Bidder.
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.
Bids shall be properly and completely executed on a State Board of Accounts Form 96 (revised 2013). Each Bid shall be accompanied by the Contractor’s Bid Attachments (included in the project manual and proposal packet). A financial Statement (completely filled out and signed) shall also be submitted as required by Form 96.
Any bid may be withdrawn prior to the above scheduled time for the opening of bids or authorized postponement thereof. No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of ninety (90) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The City of
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Fishers reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than ninety (90) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period.
Submission of a signed Bid by the Bidder constitutes acknowledgment of and acceptance of all the documents and terms and conditions of the Contractual-Legal Requirements and Technical Sections of the specifications in the Project Manual.
The City reserves the right to waive any informalities or minor defects in bids or bidding procedure, or reject any and all bids, or to accept any bid as may be lowest responsive or most responsible as exclusively determined by the City of Fishers. The City of Fishers reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.
A conditional or qualified bid will not be accepted. Award will be made to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder.
In accordance with Indiana Code 22-5-1.7-11, Contractors entering into a contract with the Owner will be required to enroll in and verify the work eligibility status of all newly hired employees through the E-Verify program.
In accordance with Indiana Code 5-22-16.5, Contractors entering into a contract with the Owner will be required to certify they are not engaged in business with the Government of Iran, as defined in IC 5-22-16.5.
The Contractor to whom the work is awarded will be required to furnish an acceptable Performance and Payment Bond each in the amount of 100% of the contract price and must be in full force and effect throughout the term of the Construction Contract plus a period of twelve (12) months from the date of substantial completion.
This Notice to Bidders is issued by:
Owner: City of Fishers
By: Hatem Mekky
Title: City Engineer
Date: November 5, 2025
14. Mineral used as chalk by tailors
16. US government bond
17. Oman or Brunei, e.g.
18. None of the above
19. IND timetable abbr.
20. Numerical prefix
21. Lead-in to “chef” or “vide”
22. More timid
25. Slapfish shrimp dish
27. Copenhagen citizen
29. Nose part
33. Lay blame
36. Drunkard
37. Alexa alternative
38. “___-ching!”
39. Literally, “fish tooth”
42. Pierce Jewelers stone
43. Fishers HS math class, for short
45. Pinnacle
46. Texas border city
48. Actor Olyphant or Hutton
50. Implore
51. Peaks
53. US president 2 or 6
57. Bitter
58. Wide shoe designation
60. “___ Abner”
61. Brian Wilkes weather map line
63. Childish
66. “For sure!”
67. Indiana city hinted at three times in this puzzle’s circled letters
68. Alex Haley classic
69. Magic, on a Pacers scoreboard
70. I-65 divisions DOWN
1. Beasts of burden
2. “Yap” or “trap”
3. Kuala Lumpur native
4. Suitable
5. CIA kin
6. Like sandpaper
7. Shenanigan
8. Colts kicking aid
9. Crouches
10. Senses somehow
11. ___ and aahs
12. Eiteljorg Museum tribe
13. Gen-___
15. Explosive letters
21. Cover completely
23. PU URL ending
24. Woodworking tool
26. Soon, to a poet
28. Not this or that
30. Latvia’s capital
31. Vexes
32. Zionsville HS prom rental
33. PNC Bank statement no.
34. Twigs & Tea drink
35. Tranquil
36. Gullible guy
40. Singers Rogers and Clark
41. Pond growth
44. Sunscreen scent
47. ___XING (road sign)
49. Indisputable facts
50. Handy to have
52. Indianapolis Opera voice
54. ET, e.g.
55. Winnie-the-Pooh’s creator
56. Winter gliders
57. London district
59. Have sushi at Salt at Geist
61. Greyhound’s coat
62. Butler frat letter
63. Monument Circle music org.
64. Goal-oriented grp.
65. WRTV schedule letters
ANSWERS ON PAGE 27
*Beds are super comfy and all of the rooms have large Roku TV’s!
This is a 2nd floor unit with wide exterior stairs.
We have Fall and Winter Snowbird discounts for longer stays that you can’t pass up. To rent, you must be 25.
Please email for pricing and we will send you a link to the photos of the condo and its location. mcnallygroupllc@gmail.com
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Length: FOOT, FURLONG, INCH, METER, MILE, YARD; Volume: BARREL, CUP, GALLON, PINT, QUART; Weight: CARAT, GRAM, POUND, TON; Civil War: ARTILLERY, CAVALRY, INFANTRY; Electrical: VOLT, WATT; Temperature: FAHRENHEIT
Current Publishing is seeking talented
reporters to join our team. We’re looking for
storytellers who
write compelling articles that bring our local news to life.
Requirements: Experience in journalism, a portfolio of published work, excellent writing and communication skills and a strong grasp of journalistic ethics.
MARTIN
Starting at: $1659
Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman
THE MONACO
Starting at: $1759
Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman, chaise
Starting at: $1699
Available as: sofa, loveseat, chair 1/2, chair, ottoman, chaise
GET STARTED: SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION
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Book a complimentary in-showroom meeting with our design team.
DISCUSS YOUR DESIGN
Meet your designer and review the space, budget, and style vision.
3
CONFIRM DESIGN & INSTALL
Give your final approval and our team will schedule your install day!
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman.
Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.
back height, silhouette, back pillow and
Custom order yours today!
The Envision collection is available as a sectional, sofa, chair, or ottoman. Choose fabric, arm style, seat depth, back height, silhouette, back pillow and seam detail, base and wood finishes.
Custom order yours today!
,
RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139
RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139
RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139
RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139
RG DECOR.COM (317) 873-6139
KAREN KING, OWNER
KAREN KING, OWNER