October 13, 2026 — Current in Carmel

SAFETY

Meet the candidates running for Clay Township board Page 3

CCS tops ILEARN combined math, ELA ranking

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 youarecurrent.com

Beyond physical security, the referendum funds a comprehensive counseling department offering tailored mental health support, one-on-one solutions, and an on-site therapy program so every student thrives.

Carmel High School School Resource Officers

STUDENT SUPPORT CHS celebrates homecoming with rally, parade Page 11

‘A PLACE FOR EVERYONE’

CFD fire chief eager to lead new state office

Entrepreneur’s vision transforms former fan factory into sports, performing arts, wellness hub Page 12

Freshman Center Counselors

www.YesForCarmel.com

Page 12

Auto enthusiast creates improved detailing towel Page 16

YOUR NEWS, YOUR CURRENT!

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The Carmel Clay Schools referendum funds the 21 Carmel Police Officers in our School Resource Unit, ensuring rapid emergency response, physical safety, and daily mentorship across every campus.

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THIS EDITION OF

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PRESENTED BY

STRONG

SCHOOLS

STRONG CARMEL What’s at stake on November 3rd? 300 Teachers

Protecting top educators and keeping class sizes small

21 SROs

Ensuring a CPD School Resource Officer in every single school

Student Support

Safeguarding mental health resources across grade levels and needs

On November 3, vote YES on the Carmel Clay Schools Referendum to protect our community’s commitment to academic excellence, safety, and student success.

BY

PRO

Y EN D O R S L E D

D

This measure repeals both the current operating and safety referendums, and replaces them with a single, eight-year referendum.

U

For over 15 years, state funding cuts to public education have reduced school revenue, making local support vital to maintaining the standards Carmel expects.

www.YesForCarmel.com

y Top 2% of schools in the nation y 64 National Merit Semifinalists y SAT scores outpace national average by 13% and state average by 22% y #1 in ILEARN English & Math y 95.5% IREAD passing rate y 35+ Career Pathways y 49 dual-credit college courses

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

TEACHERS

Recognized as an academic leader statewide and nationally, Carmel Clay Schools delivers an incredible return on our community’s investment. Passing this referendum isn’t about asking for more. It is about continuing the support that built our reputation for excellence. Continued referendum funding allows us to retain top-tier teachers and staff while maintaining class sizes, ensuring every student receives the dedicated support and opportunities that make our schools thrive.

www.YesForCarmel.com

STRONG

SCHOOLS

STRONG CARMEL

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Meet the Clay Township board candidates Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Three Republicans and three Democrats are vying for three seats on the Clay Township Board in the Nov. 3 general election. The Republicans are Paul Bolin, the only board member seeking reelection; Dave Haboush, former Carmel Fire Department chief; and Morgan Rinehart, a network architect for the City of Carmel. The Democrats are Gregory Daniels, a retired human resources executive; Matthew Phelps, a mechanical engineer; and Michael Needham, a chief content officer at a technology company. WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? Rinehart: I am running to continue “Investing in Clay Township, Today and Tomorrow.” I want to ensure our community maintains its exceptional quality of life by prioritizing public safety, preserving community Rinehart assets like our parks, and ensuring strict fiscal responsibility with taxpayer dollars. Haboush: I want to ensure our community receives the very best public safety response, Haboush and our first responders have the resources to provide first class services to all of our community and citizens. Ensure the individual needs of Clay Township residents are met while Daniels meeting people where they are. Daniels: I am running to amplify the concerns of Carmel Clay Township residents, provide clarity where needed, and work closely with Phelps the growing number of residents who require timely assistance, while ensuring fiscal responsibility. As a longtime Carmel resident, I believe the community deserves a clear understanding of the township board’s responsibilities and how it serves them. Phelps: I am running so that I can

help my neighbors in a very real way. I would like to work with the people of my township and board members to perform the necessary work because I feel I have something to offer that will benefit the people of Clay Township. Needham: Many people don’t recognize the impact the township has on their daily lives, or what would happen if the township disappeared. Unfortunately, that is a very real possiNeedham bility. I am running to protect our township from dissolution. I will fight to keep the resources that the township can provide. Bolin: I want to continue enhancing Bolin our responsibilities with public safety, supporting our award-winning parks department and providing public assistance to our residents in need.

WHAT MAKES YOU THE BEST CHOICE? Rinehart: My 24 years in Carmel, combined with my professional background as a technology professional and member of Indiana Task Force 1, gives me a unique analytical perspective along with public safety experience. I am deeply invested in Carmel, and I understand the crucial balance between strong community investment and fiscal conservatism. Haboush: Serving 34 years as a firefighter in Carmel and 9.5 as fire chief, I am familiar with the needs of our first responders. Clay Township’s support goes beyond constructing buildings and purchasing fire apparatus. Township partnership allowed CFD to develop innovative cutting-edge educational programing through the Stay Alive Family Education. Daniels: My 42 years of executive leadership, public administration experience and public-sector volunteer service will bring a well-rounded perspective to the township board. My top priority is to ensure that Carmel residents are heard, receive timely appropriate responses and be a strong advocate for fiscally responsible support of neighbors in need. Phelps: Over the past 30 years I have worked in many industries from cutting grass to managing engineering teams. I

am responsible for designing and quoting solutions for large corporations. I know the balance of needs versus costs and understand the impact of these decisions on human needs as well. Needham: I am a dual threat. I do good work in financial technology (yes, that’s possible) and have a background in journalism. I can understand a budget and explain it clearly, which means I can ask hard questions about how your money is spent, and I’ll welcome those questions from you. Bolin: I believe that my 28 years of elected public service demonstrates my commitment to the city and township, and my commitment to continued improvement in the overall quality of life of our citizens. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE CAMPAIGN ISSUES? Rinehart: 1. Preserving and enhancing community assets like Carmel Clay parks. 2. Prioritizing public safety and supporting the Carmel Fire Department. 3. Practicing sound fiscal responsibility while maintaining essential financial assistance for citizens in need. Haboush: Strong public safety, strong Carmel Clay parks and smart fiscal responsibility within our community. Daniels: 1. Fostering open communication between the township board and residents to identify the community’s most urgent needs and develop solutions. 2. Providing timely, temporary assistance to Carmel residents in need. 3. Ensuring that board members remain accountable for the fiscally responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Phelps: Transparency: People need to know where the money is coming from and where it is going. Involvement: Meetings need to be known, accessible and issues publicly discussed. Ownership: The people who live in the township should feel like they are part of the decisions that affect them. Needham: We deserve a township board that provides access, accountability and stewardship. Your neighbors in need should know where to turn for help. You should know where your tax dollars go. That’s why I’ll push for monthly public board meetings, clear assistance rules and spending reports you can understand. Bolin: Insuring the success of our parks department. Continuing support Continued on Page 4

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(ISSN: 3143-0686 | USPS: 25933) Founded: Oct. 24, 2026 • Vol. XX, No. 50 Copyright © 2026 by Current Publishing, LLC. Published weekly by Current Publishing, LLC, 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032. Business, Editorial, Accounting and Circulation Offices: 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032. Call (317) 489-4444 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Carmel, IN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Current in Carmel, 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175, Carmel, IN 46032.

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10.13.26 • youarecurrent.com

Continued from Page 3 of public safety, especially our fire department. Providing financial support to our residents who need help. SOME HAVE ARGUED THAT SINCE THE TOWNSHIP AND CITY BOUNDARIES ARE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME, THE TOWNSHIP SHOULD DISSOLVE AND THE CITY TAKE OVER ITS RESPONSIBILITIES. DO YOU AGREE? Rinehart: Clay Township provides essential services the city cannot easily replicate, including critical financial assistance for citizens in crisis. The township’s dedicated focus has directly strengthened the Carmel Fire Department and our award-winning Carmel Clay parks without burdening the City of Carmel’s budget. Haboush: I disagree with the city taking over Clay Township responsibilities. Township government is designed to be a grassroots structure to quickly meet the needs of an individual. The attention to detail and priorities would not be exactly the same as township services, if delivered through the city. Daniels: Rather than eliminate township government, we should strengthen accountability and ensure Clay Town-

ship residents have a voice. Listening to those who live in the community is essential, and the Clay Township Board serves as that vital connection. Residents expect it and deserve it. Phelps: I don’t agree. The township board is responsible for maintaining the health of the community served and is beholden to those neighbors as elected officials. Township budgetary control should be in the hands of elected members, accountable to those who elect them and not city bureaucracy. Needham: Unequivocally, no. Anyone proposing consolidation should have to explain their alternative, and clearly describe how it will be better for us all. It’s easier to destroy than it is to build, and anyone who wants to detonate the township has to prove to residents that we will get equal or better assistance, clear accountability and uninterrupted services. No one has proposed a clear, vetted alternative which accomplishes that. I see resources disappearing in the name of efficiency, and I don’t want our township to become one more file on an already crowded desk. Bolin: This strategy would not result in improvement or financial savings. Our budget and project goals are spe-

cific to our stated responsibilities; no guarantees that the tax dollars we collect through the township would be directed to the same priorities if the city absorbed us. CLAY TOWNSHIP HAS TAKEN A MORE ACTIVE ROLE THAN OTHER TOWNSHIPS IN INVESTING IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS, SHOULD THE TOWNSHIP CONTINUE THESE TYPES OF EFFORTS, OR SCALE BACK? Rinehart: We must continue these efforts. The Clay Impact Program successfully updated community parks, enhanced fire stations and built the S.A.F.E. House facility inside the Carmel Clay Community Building. Collaborative investments between the township and city are the smartest way to fund long-term infrastructure and safety improvements. Haboush: Yes, if it makes good fiscal sense and improves the quality of life in the community. Our community is consistently ranked as a best place to live in the country. Clay Township projects have added value to our community. I support improving the quality of life for our community. Daniels: Although our community is structurally growing, some of our resi-

dents still face serious financial hardship and need assistance. The Carmel Clay Township Board has a significant role in supporting these residents. We should carefully look into budgeting to make sure adequate support is there in comparison to additional spending, so that we can truly put Carmel residents first and have a responsible fiscal balance. Phelps: Scale them back. There are people in Clay Township who need help. Emergency services, food, utility and housing are places where the township board should be focusing expenditures, not pet projects. Township funds yielded from township neighbors should help them first. Needham: Let’s continue doing what we’re doing right. I’m proud of our parks, and I want us to keep investing in them. We should be able to maintain what we’ve built, pay our debts, and leave room to help neighbors through hard times. I believe we can do more with what we have. Bolin: These types of efforts must continue. Partnerships between the city and township have allowed us the flexibilities to be creative with special projects and infrastructure enhancements, that otherwise would have been fiscally difficult to achieve.

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Q&A: Council District 1

Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Democrat Christopher Daniel, 36, a nurse, is challenging incumbent Republican Tim Griffin, 46, a firefighter, for the Hamilton County Council District 1 seat in the Nov. 3 general election. Both candidates are Carmel residents. Learn more about Daniel at ChrisforHamiltonCounty.com, and learn more about Griffin at TGforHC.com. WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? Daniel: As the population of Hamilton County continues to grow, I believe building a community with an attainable cost of living for new and current residents should be part of the county’s strategic vision for the future. Daniel Griffin: I’m running for reelection because I love this community. As a firefighter and over 30year resident, Hamilton County is part of who I am. I want to continue serving our residents Griffin and ensuring this remains a safe, strong community where my five daughters and our neighbors’ children want to return and raise families of their own. WHAT MAKES YOU THE BEST CHOICE? Daniel: From the bedside I have heard the needs and concerns of my neighbors, and after nearly a decade in the emergency room I have honed the critical thinking, good judgment and even temperament necessary to make the right decisions to produce the best outcome for my constituents. Griffin: I bring a unique combination of experience as a firefighter, volunteer and longtime neighbor. Over the past four years, I’ve worked collaboratively with the council, commissioners and community leaders on important investments like the Public Safety Training Center and infrastructure improvements, while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars and maintaining our AAA bond rating. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE CAMPAIGN ISSUES? Daniel: Ensuring Hamilton County

is attainable for new and current residents alike, protecting resources for vulnerable populations, and making sure appointments made by the council are appropriate. Griffin: Protecting people and the quality of life we value, being responsible with taxpayer dollars while maintaining our AAA bond rating, and representing everyone in my district and across Hamilton County. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO FUNDING INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SAFETY WITHOUT OVERBURDENING TAXPAYERS?

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Daniel: Prevention will always be more cost effective than intervention. Investmenting now in social services will alleviate crises, keep first responders safe and lower long-term costs. Additionally, I hope to work with state legislators who understand the importance of fully funding county governments to meet the infrastructure needs of a growing population. Griffin: For four years, I’ve shown we can make critical investments. We’ve funded our New Public Safety Training Center, our new 911 dispatch center, expanded our courts and invested in all of our public safety entities while keeping a flat tax rate and maintaining our AAA bond rating. It takes discipline, prioritizing needs, spending responsibly and ensuring investments are sustainable for the future. WHAT GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES OR PROGRAMS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED IN HAMILTON COUNTY WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ADDED? WHICH ONES, IF ANY, SHOULD BE CUT? Daniel: Based on my bedside nursing experience, I believe strong investment in services and programs that address mental and behavioral healthcare as well as those that provide for seniors and those with disabilities will lead to an overall healthy more productive population. Griffin: I believe we should focus on areas where there are real needs in our community. That includes strengthening public safety, mental health and crisis response, while expanding our new SANE program and victim services. We should also continually evaluate existing programs to ensure they’re effective, responsible with taxpayer dollars and meeting residents’ needs.

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DISPATCHES  Correction — In the Oct. 6 edition of Current in Carmel, an article about the August flood's impact on local parks incorrectly named a trailhead and structure affected. They are the Hannah Wilkinson Moffitt trailhead and the historic Moffitt house.  Early voting underway — Early voting for the Nov. 3 General Election began Oct. 6. It is available at the Hamilton County Judicial Center, 1 Hamilton County Square, in Noblesville and the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville. Additional early voting locations in Carmel, Fishers and Westfield will open Oct. 21. For a list of early voting locations, dates and hours, visit bit.ly/4yIYIh2.  Women’s Running Festival — The Indiana Women’s Running Festival will be Oct. 17 in Carmel. It features a 5K, 10K and half marathon, with the course beginning at Carmel Civic Square. The event will include age-group awards, pancakes and beverages, a post-race party and more. Learn more and register at runsignup.com/Race/IN/Carmel/ WomensHalfMarathon.

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 Beekeepers Club meeting — North Central Beekeepers Club meets at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 in the St. Joseph Room at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Rd. — a temporary change from the usual meeting location. Topics will include fall and winter bees, managing honey and a note taking app. A free introduction to beekeeping is offered every meeting in a separate room. For more, visit NorthCentralBeekeepersClub.com.

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Sheriff candidates speak By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Candidates for Hamilton County sheriff Lt. Dustin Dixon and Lt. Charles Hollowell were the featured guests during a joint Westfield and Noblesville chamber of commerce forum Oct. 6. The candidates took turns answering questions from chamDixon ber officials and others attending the morning event at The Bridgewater Club. They both noted that they had been law enforcement academy classmates and had known each other many years. Dixon, a Republican, said his 25 years at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office have given him the right background to do the job well. “The most important thing is the culture of the agency,” he said. “The folks in the agency need to know the culture, what the sheriff is going to demand of them, what the public expects of me and how we’re going to continue to serve all of you and these families to keep this Hamilton County area as safe as we can.” Hollowell, a Democrat, has worked with the Westfield Police Department 24 years. He said he would bring a different perspective to the office, noting that he grew up in Detroit, where there are people of many different socioeconomic, religious and cultural backgrounds. Hollowell said one of the first things he would do as sheriff would be to terminate the office’s 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which authorizes state and local law enforcement officers to perform some immigration officer functions. That didn’t mean he would not collaborate with other agencies, he said, because collaboration is a key element to successful law enforcement. Dixon did not address the ICE agreement but agreed collaboration is important. He pointed to central Indiana multiagency task forces that have investigated drugs and internet crimes against children and said he wants to help create other task forces to specifically tackle fugitives and violent crime. Both candidates pointed to their experience as supervisors and leaders. Hollowell said he was third in charge at WPD until the new administration

reassigned command staff. He said he is now in charge of recruitment and has worked hard to bring good people into the department. Dixon said recruitment is challenging, even with the good wages and benefits offered by the sheriff’s office. He said he would do his best to provide service within the department’s budget. “It is not cheap to run Hollowell a law enforcement agency, but it’s not our job to make money,” he said. “It is our job to responsibly spend that money that we’re entrusted with.” Dixon pointed to the endorsements he has received from public officials and agencies. Hollowell countered that it’s hard to endorse someone you’ve never talked to, and that he reached out to those officials and groups with no response. For more, visit the candidates’ websites, dixonforsheriff.com and charleshollowell.com.

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Transfer makes impact in first season with Greyhounds By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Mychael Lewis has developed into a major addition at running back on the Carmel High School football team. “Mychael has been outstanding all year,” CHS coach Kevin Wright said. “From my standpoint, he is one of the most explosive kids in Indiana with the ball in his hands. He’s a tremendous worker, team guy who has become one of our leaders on and off the field.” Lewis, a junior, was the starting quarterback at Pike High School as a sophomore last season but has been moved to running back since transferring to CHS. “I have enjoyed the switch. It’s been very fun, especially because I feel like I’m contributing to the team more,” he said. Lewis started out competing for the CHS quarterback spot. “He adjusted fairly quickly, especially since he was competing at the quarterback position, which requires him not just to know the signals but to translate the calls to the offensive line, which takes even more processing,” Wright said. In the first seven games, Lewis rushed for 1,028 yards on 172 carries with 13 touchdowns. He also has 18 catches for 191 yards and a touchdown. “The biggest adjustment to the offense I would say is being in a hurry-up throughout the game,” he said.

ATHLETE

OF THE WEEK MEET MYCHAEL LEWIS Favorite athlete: Lamar Jackson Favorite TV show: “Friends” Favorite movie: “Friday” Favorite vacation spot: The Bahamas Favorite subject: Math

Wright said an uptempo, hurry-up offense does require players to process things a lot quicker than traditional offenses. “His biggest strength is probably how hard he practices and competes,” Wright said. “He’s very intentional about the details, which as a result, translates when a player makes a position change. The other two factors are his competitiveness and how tough a kid he is, whether the ball is in his hands or he is blocking.” Lewis said he feels like he has made the most improvement at being a better leader. He said the goal is for the Greyhounds to capture the IHSAA Class 6A state title. “I do see my team starting to jell but we still need to keep working as a collective and find a way to win,” he said. Lewis, who started playing football at age 6, played basketball when he was younger. “I gave up basketball around fifth grade,” he said. “I didn’t have the same type of passion for it around that time, so I decided to give it up.” Lewis, who has scholarship offers from the University of Saint Francis and Marian University, said Football Bowl Subdivision programs Duke University, University of Toledo and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, have shown interest. To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.

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Local student combines chess, giving back By Piper Bailey Piper@youarecurrent.com What started as a hobby for Nikhil Murugan in first grade has evolved into a passion that has led to coaching, tournament directing, nonprofit leadership and fundraising for cancer research. Those efforts helped raise more than $5,100 this summer for the American Cancer Society. But that wasn’t always Murugan’s plan. A competitive chess player, MuruMurugan gan, a senior at Carmel High School, won the 2024 U.S. Junior Open in the Under-15 division and was named a 2026 USCF Scholastic Chess Ambassador. His leadership journey began when an opponent at a tournament asked Murugan to coach him. He gradually began helping other players and, at 14, founded the Summit Chess Club. “I was teaching low-rated players and seeing them improve so much it made me want to scale it up,” Murugan said. Since its founding in 2023, Summit Chess Club has directed more than 75 tournaments and recorded more than 2,600 player entries, according to the organization’s website. The nonprofit has a mission to promote chess throughout Carmel and central Indiana.

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Nikhil Murugan speaks to participants before the Checkmate Cancer 2026 event July 16 at Carmel High School. (Photo courtesy of Nikhil Murugan)

The club hosts free weekly sessions open to players of all ages and skill levels on Thursdays and Sundays, along with tournaments and community events throughout the year. Through partnerships with organizations including the Carmel Clay Public Library, Indianapolis Public Library and Hindu Temple of Central Indiana, Murugan has introduced hundreds of players to chess. “Watching kids go from amateurs to really good players, it’s been a really great thing to see,” Murugan said.

Murugan also co-founded the American Cancer Society Club at CHS in January, inspired by his interest in cancer research and plans to pursue medicine. This summer, he combined his interests when Summit Chess Club hosted its first major fundraiser, Checkmate Cancer 2026, raising $5,132.78 for the American Cancer Society. “I feel like it’s really important to start at a place where you already know that you can do a lot of good in,” Murugan said. “As you keep growing, you’ll also learn more about how you can help people.” Murugan is considering how to sustain Summit Chess Club as he prepares to attend college next fall. For now, he hopes to plan events around when he returns home during breaks and host free online lessons. His goal is to make chess more accessible while supporting the community. “I would like to keep running these community events, (and) try to make them as large scale as (possible),” Murugan said. Learn more at summitchessclub.com.

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CCS tops ILEARN ranking By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com Carmel Clay Schools earned the top ranking in the state for combined ILEARN English Language Arts and math proficiency. CCS and Brownsburg Community School Corp. tied for the top spot with 61.7 percent of students achieving proficiency in both subjects. The statewide average was 31.5 percent. “These results are a direct reflection of the standard set every single day in every single one of our buildings,” CCS Superintendent Thomas Oestreich said. “All of our schools performed exceptionally well, demonstrating that our commitment to academic excellence is truly districtwide.” CCS finished in first place in ELA and social studies proficiency and in second place for math and science proficiency. “To see this level of performance on ILEARN come right alongside our record-setting 65 National Merit Semifinalists, surpassing 60 for the first time in district history, makes this an extraordinarily special time for Carmel Clay Schools,” Oestreich said. “It is clear that our students and staff are working remarkably hard, and our entire community should celebrate what we are accomplishing together.”

CCS ELA AND MATH PROFICIENCY • West Clay Elementary School – 85.4 percent • Clay Center Elementary School – 77.3 percent • Creekside Middle School – 71.2 percent • Towne Meadow Elementary School – 71 percent • Prairie Trace Elementary School – 69.6 percent • Smoky Row Elementary School – 67.9 percent • College Wood Elementary School – 67.7 percent • Cherry Tree Elementary School – 59.9 percent • Clay Middle School – 59.2 percent • Carmel Elementary School – 52.6 percent • Mohawk Trails Elementary School – 51 percent • Forest Dale Elementary School – 50.8 percent • Woodbrook Elementary School – 47 percent • Carmel Middle School – 45.1 percent View the results at in.gov/doe/it/ data-center-and-reports.

GOLF TEAM PLACES 2ND IN STATE FINALS

The Carmel High School girls golf team placed second in the final round of the two-day IHSAA state finals Oct. 3 at Battle Ground Golf Club near Lafayette. The Greyhounds had rounds of 308 and 307 for a 615 total. Zionsville captured its third consecutive state title with a 589, breaking Carmel’s record of 604 set in 2013. Carmel sophomore Maya Fujisawa Keuling finished third with rounds of 75 and 70 for 145 total. Her sophomore teammate Karis Reid took fourth place with 74 in each round for a 148 total. Greyhounds seniors Madlee Headlee had a 160 total and Allie Thompson 162. (Photo courtesy of Double Edge Media/IHSAA)

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CHS CELEBRATES HOMECOMING

Carmel High School celebrated homecoming with a pep rally Oct. 1 in Midtown Plaza, a parade and football game Oct. 2 and a dance Oct. 3. The pep rally was held in conjunction with the City of Carmel, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a city. Carmel High School Principal Tim Phares leads students along Main Street during the Oct. 2 homecoming parade. (Photos by Arthur Mansavage)

A skydiver carrying an American flag prepares to land on the 50-yard line at Carmel High School’s football stadium Oct. 2 ahead of the homecoming matchup against Ben Davis High School.

Hundreds of students wearing Carmel Greyhounds swag cheer during the homecoming game against Ben Davis High School.

The Carmel Greyhounds football team takes the field ahead of its matchup against Ben Davis High School on Oct. 2.

WISH-TV Sports Director Anthony Calhoun emcees the Oct. 1 pep rally at Midtown Plaza.

Members of the Carmel High School Charisma Dance Team performing during the pep rally.

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assess the potential dangers and challenges, and as those assessments are returned and you find gaps, how do we Carmel Fire Department Chief Joel fill these gaps?” Thacker wasn’t looking to change jobs. During his two years with CFD, ThackBut after learning about a new er said he is proud of working office within a state agency he with other city officials to inused to lead, he felt he couldn’t crease staffing to add an ambupass up the opportunity to help lance on the west side of Carmel. start it up. “That was really, really sigThe Carmel resident has been nificant,” he said. “We had EMS named the director of the Office response times that were not the of Cybersecurity, which is part standard for the city and needed Thacker of the Indiana Department of to be better on the west side. Homeland Security. His last day with Right from the very beginning, the CFD will be Oct. 23. mayor and I were talking about that and “You can’t pick up the newspaper trying to figure out how to implement today or turn on the news or the radio that, and we did.” without some discussion about cyberseThacker also pointed to the addition curity and AI and the impacts, both pos- of LUCAS devices to assist with CPR, itively and negatively,” he said. “To be Qwake helmets to help firefighters see able to lead an agency from the ground through smoke and a new shift schedup is a challenge, but one I’m very inter- ule as highlights of the last two years. ested in.” In his new role, Thacker looks forThacker served as the director of the ward to collaborating with organizaIndiana Department of Homeland Setions and leaders across the state. He curity for two years beginning in 2022. also plans to remain involved locally. He left that role to become CFD chief in “I look forward to being able to conSeptember 2024. tinue to support the community and The role of a fire chief and his new give back in some form or fashion,” he role have several similarities, Thacker said. said. CFD Deputy Chief Lucas Ray will be“This is as much a public safety issue come interim chief until a replacement as it is anything else,” he said. “You for Thacker is named. By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

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sulting Engineering Inc. and USI Consultants, Inc.

Bids are in for preliminary engineering and design services for the Hazel Dell Parkway bridge over Blue Woods Creek following historic flooding in August. The bids were reviewed at the Sept. 28 Hamilton County Commissioners meeting, where the commissioners also adopted a federal funding contract.

 WHAT’S NEXT: The county highway department was set to review and award the bid at the Oct. 8 highway department meeting.

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners had a bid opening for preliminary engineering and design services for the Hazel Dell Parkway bridge over Blue Woods Creek.  WHAT IT MEANS: The project involves a total replacement of the bridge following its Aug. 15 collapse from historic flooding. The project received bids from DLZ, United Con-

 WHAT HAPPENED: The commissioners adopted a contract with Tidal Basin Group.  WHAT IT MEANS: The contract is a federal funding contract between the county and Tidal Basin Group permitting Tidal Basin to assist Hamilton County, specifically the emergency operations department, in recouping federal funds following historic flooding.  WHAT’S NEXT: The contract is not to exceed $10,000.

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Memoir explores family, faith er that was the life he wanted. “There’s more to life than living out of a suitcase,” Sandadi said. After 22 years of traveling every week In 2017, he left the corporate world and living out of a suitcase, J.R. Sandadi and began dedicating more of his time realized there was more to life to community service, running than the corporate world. The and writing. He said the change Carmel resident pivoted from gave him a greater sense of pursuing career success to being meaning and purpose. present with those around him. “The Eleventh Kilometer” Sandadi explores those also focuses on Sandadi’s late themes in his memoir “The father, Sri Sandadi Ranga RedEleventh Kilometer.” The book dy, and parallels between their Sandadi uses episodic storytelling to lives. Sandadi idolized his father highlight his life after immigrating to for walking 11 kilometers, about 6.8 the U.S. while comparing his experimiles, to school as a boy before becomences with his father’s life in India. ing an engineer and later leaving his In 1991, Sandadi attended Louisiana “well-paying job” at 45 to pursue comTech University while earning his masmunity welfare. ter’s degree in industrial engineering. The stories explores immigration, As a young immigrant, he focused on grief, community service, faith and building a career and establishing himfamily. self in the U.S. Sandadi will discuss the memoir at a Then, in the early 2010s, his children book launch event from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. were in middle and high school and he 17 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, realized he was missing parts of their 425 E. Main St. Admission is free, and lives. After years of striving for more in copies of the book will be available for his career, he began questioning wheth- purchase. By Piper Bailey Piper@youarecurrent.com

Carmel mom shares grief story in book battle buddies that he met in the Army,” Hackworth said. “He had a lot of longterm friends who miss him dearly. He For Carmel resident Jolie Hackworth, had a huge heart, lots of feelings.” writing about the loss of her son was Some of those friendships stretched another step in learning to live from Carmel Elementary School with grief. through high school. Seeing Her experience is now part of those friends today, Hackworth “Let’s Talk Grief: Breaking the said, gives her a glimpse of the Silence and Healing With Grace, life her son might have had. Peace and Harmony,” a new “I can kind of see what Jon’s book by author and grief advolife would have been through cate Hogan Hilling. Hackworth theirs,” she said. Hackworth is one of 28 contributors, with Hackworth’s was one of the an essay titled “Overcoming the Guilt first essays Hilling received for the and Moving Forward With Life.” book. He said he gave contributors little “I’m just living my life,” Hackworth direction beyond asking them to write said. “I honor Jon in little ways, and I about grief and was struck by Hacklook forward to the little bursts of joy worth’s willingness to openly share her that I get.” experience. Jonathon Michael Hackworth died “She’s giving people permission,” HillApril 12, 2020, at age 21. He grew up in ing said. “It’s tough enough to talk about Carmel, graduated from Carmel High it. It’s even tougher to write about it.” School and served as a sergeant in the The book is available on Amazon. U.S. Army. Read the full story at youarecurrent. “He loved his friends. He valued his com. By Sara Palmer news@currentincarmel.com

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Carmel still a great place for business, family Commentary by Zackary Jerome Darring When I think about Carmel, Indiana, I don’t just think about a city — I think about home. As a 33-year resident and one of the first minority-owned business operators in Carmel, my story is woven into the very fabric of this remarkable community. From 2010 to 2016, my business, Zacky’s Hot Dogs and Smokehouse BBQ, became more than a restaurant — it became a gathering place. Customers from across Carmel, Hamilton County and the greater Indianapolis area would walk through our doors and almost

immediately say the same thing: “This place reminds me of ‘Cheers’.” Before we opened our doors, Chicago-style hot dog lovers in the area had lost their go-to spot and they needed a new home. Zacky’s answered that call. We brought authentic Chicago-style hot dogs, loaded with all the right toppings, and our legendary Italian beef sandwiches, piled high with sweet peppers and hot giardiniera. To our loyal customers, we say: sorry for making you hungry all over again. Zacky’s quickly became a household name because the community made it one. We were honored to regularly feed the heroes who serve Carmel and beyond

OBITUARY John Wanchow Jr. of Carmel, Indiana, left this earth on September 29th to join Trudie, his bride of 61 years, in the arms of our Lord. John was one of seven children, raised in Hubbard, Ohio, as first-generation Americans born to Slovak parents. John was a proud graduate of Ursuline Catholic High School in Youngstown, Ohio; and the University of Notre Dame in Indiana (Class of 1955). John and Trudie were married in 1964, in Belleville, New Jersey, and honeymooned in Quebec, Canada. Later in life, John and Trudie would literally travel the world, visiting all seven continents, even Antarctica. The couple was blessed with five children (Susan, Shari, Sandee, JohnAndrew and Salli). John spent the majority of his career with RCA, moving his growing family to Carmel, Indiana, in 1968, and remaining there until his death. He excelled at a variety of roles at

RCA, primarily Field Engineer, traveling to the East Coast to work at various RCA sites. John loved his sports, cheering for Notre Dame and the Colts. He loved the great outdoors and especially treasured time spent with his family. John was a parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel for 58 years, and also enjoyed attending St Elizabeth Seton. John is survived by his five children, his nine grandchildren, and his five great-grandchildren; and will be missed by many. A funeral Mass was held on October 8 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, and John is interred at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Indianapolis. Donations to Catholic Charities of Indianapolis, or the Alzheimer’s Association, may be made in memorial of John. Details may be found at the Flanner Buchanan website.

OBITUARY Patricia Ann Gatewood Karsell lived the life she wanted and passed on her terms August 30, 2026 at the age of 97. A woman who was truly respected and admired by her friends and family. A monarch in bearing, commanding respect without ruling. With her brilliance and hard work ethic she was able to live the life she chose. She loved her home and was able to live there until her last breath. Her gardens were always a trademark of her sense of style and creativity.

And her impact as council to friends and family came easily and from the heart. Many lives were made and saved through the chats on the porch. Her porch, her favorite spot in the world. She will be missed, yet her spirit lives on in all who shared her presence. Patricia loved all of nature. Any memories through charitable donations would be well directed in these endeavors.

Zackary Jerome Darring, third from left, with his children, left, and former Indiana Pacers Coach Bob “Slick” Leonard and his wife, Nancy Leonard. (Photo courtesy of Zackary Jerome Darring)

— the Carmel Fire Department, the Carmel Police Department and INDOT crews who kept our roads safe. These were not just customers — they were neighbors, and feeding them was a privilege. Besides the business, what I love most about Carmel is that it is where I raised my family. Watching my children grow up in a city that values excellence, safety and community has been one of the

greatest gifts of my life. Carmel didn’t just support my business — it shaped my children and gave our family a foundation of pride, belonging and purpose. To live and work in Carmel is to be part of something truly exceptional. As we celebrate this golden milestone, I am confident that under the leadership of our new mayor, Sue Finkam, this great city will continue to be one of the finest places in America to raise your family, grow your dreams and build businesses that bless the entire community. The best days of Carmel are not behind us — they are still ahead. Happy 50th, Carmel. You will always have a place in my heart — and at my table. Zackary Jerome Darring is a Carmel resident, member of the Rotary Club of Carmel, restaurateur and a pastor.

OBITUARY Lorita M. Bobeck (nee Bosch), 102, of Carmel, IN, baptized into the hope of Christ’s resurrection on September 28, 2026. Lorita was born August 16, 1924, in St. Louis, MO, the third of six children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Anna (Schneider) Bosch and her five brothers, Adrian, Andrew, Eugene, Robert and James. Lorita graduated from Immaculate Conception grade school, Maplewood High School and attended night school at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. After high school she worked several different secretarial jobs before working as a private secretary at the Finance Center in St. Louis, where she met her husband, John. They married in 1949 and when they had their son, Stephen, in 1950, Lorita determined her next role to be a home maker. The family relocated to Indianapolis in 1952 for her husband’s job and then made another move to Carmel in 1953. Their daughter, Lori, was born in 1959. Lorita had been a resident of Carmel for 73 years. Lorita and John were founding parishioners of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and later became parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Lorita had a deep passion for volunteering; she volunteered for many years with the medical mission group at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. She enjoyed sewing

and quilting; and for more than 20 years Lorita volunteered at Chapel Hill Methodist Church making sleeping bags for the homeless. Additionally, she volunteered at St. Augustine Home for the Aged and St. Vincent Hospice. Lorita was a 30-year member of St. Lukes Methodist Church book club. She loved to travel and in her 60’s began traveling the world, visiting many different countries. Lorita stayed active throughout her life playing basketball in high school and later did aerobics several times a week into her 90’s. Until last month she and her aerobic friends met monthly for lunch. Lorita is survived by her son, Stephen Bobeck (Dora); daughter, Lori Patterson (caregiver for the last 8 years); grandchildren, Maren Simmons (Pete), Joel Bobeck (Joseph), Reece Bobeck, and Karah Fulton (Winston); and great grandchildren, Luke, Finn, Keir and Marlow. Visitation will be Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Narthex of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 10655 Haverstick Rd., Carmel, IN 46033. Funeral Mass will be Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held immediately following at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 9001 Haverstick Road, Indianapolis.

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‘A PLACE FOR EVERYONE’ Entrepreneur’s vision transforms former fan factory into sports, performing arts, wellness hub

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com When Margi Beaver learned the building that housed her business was being sold, she knew she would need to find another space to operate Hollywood Cheer & Tumble. It was no easy task. She wanted to remain in central Carmel, but there were few options that fit what she needed. But after walking into the 88,000-square-foot former Horton Fan Beaver Factory at 201 W. Carmel Dr., Beaver decided to dream bigger. The Noblesville resident was a longtime supporter of the performing arts, wellness and sports, and she envisioned bringing them together under one massive roof. “I knew it was going to take a lot of blood, sweat and tears, which it did,” said Beaver, who named the project the Carmel Performing Arts & Sports Center. Developer Turner Woodard had purchased the 5.5acre property in 2021 but didn’t have set plans for its future. His team considered several options and decided to move forward with Beaver’s proposal. “We have taken always a community-first approach and feel like that’s usually a good way to not only program a building but bring forth a lot of goodwill and joy in the community,” said T.J. Woodard, special project director for Turner John Management and son of Turner Woodard. Many of the Woodards’ projects have followed the adaptive reuse model, refreshing aging buildings rather than tearing them down and building anew. They had famously converted the Stutz automobile factory in downT.J. Woodard town Indianapolis into a hub for the arts and felt the Carmel building that housed the former fan factory — which ceased operations on the site in 2020 — could find new life, too. They named the building The Weldon. Once they decided to partner with Beaver, she took the lead on finding tenants to fill the space. She moved her business into part of the building in July 2023 and began searching for other tenants that might be a good fit. In 2024, The Dink House opened eight pickleball courts in 20,000 square feet on the southwest side of the building. The Dink House co-owner Sue Estep said it took a lot of effort to rework the space, but she is pleased with how it turned out. “We began with cleaning it out, ripping out all of the excess electrical and piping and things that had to do with it as a factory,” Estep said. “So, we had a clean plate to work with, and then we transformed the

THE TENANTS

Carmel Gymnastics Center is a tenant in the Carmel Performing Arts & Sports Center. (Photos courtesy of Margi Beaver)

Agents of Change offers space for personalized strength training.

Carmel Gymnastics Center — Tthe center’s certified coaches teach fundamental gymnastics and tumbling techniques to athletes of all ages. ​Hollywood Cheer & Tumble — Hollywood Cheer & Tumble offers competitive cheer lessons and coaching, gymnastics instruction, Pilates classes and more. The Dink House — The Dink House offers eight indoor cushioned pickleball courts, a players lounge, tournament play and various membership levels. Agents of Change — Agents of Change provides personalized strength, training and nutrition coaching, with a focus on adults in midlife and beyond. Performer’s Edge Dance Studio — The studio pro-

vides instruction in a variety of dance styles for people of all ages. Elite Training Sports Performance — The center offers personalized training for high-performance athletes and provides rental space for personal trainers. ETS Hamilton County — ETS Hamilton County offers small group training and individualized plans to help athletes reach their full potential. The E Spot Spa — The spa offers a variety of services, with a focus on helping athletes heal and recover. The E Spot Spa Aesthetics — Services offered include facials, chemical peels, permanent hair removal, microneedling, waxing, injectables and more.

space into The Dink House and what you see now.” Other tenants in the center are Carmel Gymnastics Center, Agents of Change, Performer’s Edge Dance Studio, Elite Training Sports Performance, ETS Hamilton County, The E Spot Spa and The E Spot Spa Aesthetics. Beaver said a medical business will likely lease the remaining space. The Woodards kept a portion of the building for storage, vehicle maintenance and art studio space. Beaver said the tenants work well together, and their mix of offerings allows family members with different interests to pursue them without traveling to various locations. “They don’t have to go from A, B (to) C to get to everywhere they need to be,” she said. “They have a place for everyone here.”

The center’s location along the Monon Greenway also has been beneficial, Beaver said. “A lot of parents love that,” she said. “They drop the kids off, they go walk on the Monon, or they take their bikes. There’s a lot of fun little restaurants they can walk to here now in Carmel. So, it works out for everyone.” Beaver said it took a team effort to complete the project, and she is grateful for the support of her family, colleagues and clients along the way. Learn more at carmelperformingartsandsports.com. ON THE COVER: Margi Beaver, who developed the concept for the Carmel Performing Arts & Sports Center, in the space that houses Carmel Gymnastics Center and Hollywood Cheer & Tumble. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

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BUSINESS LOCAL

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SCAN HERE FOR 50/50 RAFFLE

By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com

Fundraiser Save the Date — October 23rd! For 47 years, the Carmel FOP has been proud to provide food baskets to families in our community during the holiday season. This tradition is only possible because of the generosity and support of our community, friends, and local businesses.

We need your help more than ever. Please join us on Friday, October 23rd, at the Carmel Clay Community Building in downtown Carmel for our annual FOP Fundraiser. WE’LL HAVE A GREAT NIGHT OF FUN, INCLUDING: COSTUME CONTEST 50/50 DRAWING

PULL TABS

FOOD OPTIONS AVAILABLE

RAFFLES BAR AVAILABLE

Our online 50/50 fundraiser will begin in early October, and the winning ticket will be drawn on the evening of the October 23rd event. You can support the food basket program even if you can’t attend. You can also donate online at CARMELFOP.COM under the “Make a Donation” tab. LICENSE: 014256 REFERENCE: 166016

Auto detailing towel ‘designed for the obsessed’ After nearly 10 years working with cars, Nick Gahimer applied his knowledge to create the Northridge Original Drying Towel, a premium detailing towel that he said is “designed for the obsessed.” “Our goal was to create a towel that delivers consistent softness, performance and quality, wash after wash,” said Gahimer, 25, a Carmel resident who is a full-time vehicle technician and engine builder. Gahimer started the design process with a style he liked — a soft, rolled edge microfiber towel. One design flaw he noticed was that when saturated, the towels became difficult to work with and took a long time to dry. “I saw an opportunity to take a design that customers already trusted and improve upon it by addressing those frustrations while adding another level of softness,” Gahimer said. “We developed strict specifications for our manufacturer, including requirements for the towels pile, density per inch and manufacturing process. We specifically avoid chemical additives that temporarily make a towel feel softer but wash out over time.” To make the best premium detailing towel that he envisioned, Gahimer started by researching products that were already on the market. “I identified a particular towel style that had received great reviews and began looking more closely at the issues customers were still experiencing with it,” he said. “I wanted to understand

The Northridge Original Drying Towel. (Photo courtesy of Kaylah Bolender)

what people already loved about the design, and, more importantly, where there was room for improvement. That research gave me a starting point for developing a product that maintained the qualities customers valued while addressing some of their biggest frustrations.” He selected a manufacturer to produce the towels, which retail for $29.99 each. As Gahimer expands his brand presence, he hopes to get his product into major detailing studios and into more car enthusiasts’ hands. “I believe building trust starts with creating products that genuinely deliver on their promises,” he said. “When someone can physically see and feel the difference in a product, it speaks for itself. Expanding into detailing studios and retail locations would give more people the opportunity to experience that difference firsthand.” To purchase the Northridge Original Drying Towel, visit NorthridgeCollective.com.

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Concierge helps couples navigate infertility fertility can go down, and many people are not prepared or understanding of it,” she said. Personal experience motivated Tess Some couples might already have a Kossow to found Nurture IVF family with children or are tryConcierge. ing to balance life outside of the The Carmel resident started house. Kossow said people are the infertility personal assistant given advice on what they need service in September to support to do, but there are many differpatients with the many nonmedent outlets for that. ical details that come with fertil“But what happens when you ity planning and treatment. have to go home and organize Kossow “I am someone who comes it all?” she said. “How are you from an infertility diagnosis, and this going to find that support when you’re is something very near and dear to my trying to make appointments, do folheart and the reason behind wanting to low-ups with your treatment, schedule take the next step and create a company different things with the pharmacy and from past practices,” Kossow said. “Namanage your calendar as well? Having a ture IVF helps people as their support concierge support system helps people when they’re handed (an) infertility with all the nonmedical (information).” diagnosis.” Kossow said the service is something Kossow said it can often seem like a she wishes had been available when she second full-time job to people managnavigated her journey. ing the diagnosis. For more, visit nurtureivfconcierge. “There are many different roads incom. By Mark Ambrogi Mark@youarecurrent.com

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INSIDE & OUT

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BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT: Commentary by Larry Greene This Zionsville kitchen was reworked into a brighter, more timeless space with improved flow, layered finishes and a refined neutral palette.

Zionsville kitchen gets timeless transformation AFTER

THE BLUEPRINT • Reconfigured cabinetry and a larger island create better storage, prep space and circulation throughout the kitchen. • Soft perimeter cabinetry paired with a rich wood island adds warmth, contrast and timeless character. • Light countertops and a subtle tiled backsplash keep the space bright and cohesive. • Updated appliances, lighting and hardware add a polished finishing touch. • The redesigned layout creates a more open connection between the kitchen and adjoining dining space.

BEFORE

Larry Greene is the owner of Worthington Design & Remodeling (formerly Case). You may email him at lgreene@worthingtonindy. com or visit worthingtonindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.

Fall reset: Three spaces to organize before winter editorial@youarecurrent.com As the seasons change, you do not need to overhaul your entire house to feel prepared for winter. Focusing on three strategic areas sets your home up for a seamless transition into fall and the upcoming holidays. Lori McKeever, owner of Bee Organized Carmel, said taking on key spaces now dramatically improves a home’s functionality and provides peace of mind. Here is how to tackle a practical fall reset in three high-impact areas. GET YOUR GARAGE WINTER-READY The garage is often the primary entrance for busy households, yet it easily becomes a dumping ground for seasonal clutter. If you only have 30 to 60 minutes to spare this weekend, McKeever points to the garage as the single-best place for a quick win. “Creating systems for the things you use and love can make a big difference in how you feel every time you open that door,” McKeever said. To clear out summer gear and fit your

Wall-mounted baskets and racks keep sports gear off the garage floor. (Photos courtesy of Bee Organized Carmel)

car inside before the snow hits, pull all summer items into one spot to sort at once. Toss or donate what you no longer need, then store and label the rest in clear bins. This keeps your space clutter-free and makes spring setup effortless. STREAMLINE BASEMENT AND HOLIDAY STORAGE Before the rush of holiday decorating begins, build an accessible system in your basement or storage area. Painless setup and teardown come down to using the right containers and keeping labeling simple.

McKeever’s go-to choice for holiday decor is a manageable, 66-quart clear bin with a locking lid. “They won’t get too heavy, and they’re easy to move up and down stairs,” McKeever said. Clear containers allow you to identify contents at a glance, while simple labels eliminate guesswork later. “It does not have to be fancy or complicated — just create systems that simplify the process when you are ready to grab those bins,” McKeever said. MAKE YOUR GUEST ROOM HOLIDAY-READY If you are hosting friends or family this holiday season, preparing your guest room early saves you from a last-minute scramble. Thoughtful details can quickly transform a spare bedroom into a welcoming sanctuary. “We want our guests to feel special, like they are staying at a nice hotel,” McKeever said. Focus on functional hospitality touches: • Upgrade the basics: Focus on quality bedding and fresh linens.

Comfortable bedding and simple touches prepare a spare bedroom for holiday visitors.

• Provide essential details: Display a small framed card with your home’s Wi-Fi network and password on the nightstand. • Stock simple amenities: Place bottled water and a basket of extra toiletries, such as travel-sized toothpaste, lotion or towels, in the room. Taking time to organize these three spaces now ensures your garage is functional, your holiday storage is stressfree and your home is welcoming all season long. For more, visit beeorganized.com/ pages/carmel.

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The art of creating a corn maze By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com Stacy Bonner has been an artist nearly all her life. “I’ve yet to meet a craft that I didn’t like,” said Bonner, the manager of Hogan Farms in Brownsburg. For the most part, those crafts have been small enough to hang on the wall in her home. But for the past four years, Bonner has taken her artistic talents to a much larger scale — the Hogan Farms corn maze. In the Midwest and elsewhere, corn mazes are popular attractions. Venues such as Hogan Farms and Russell Farms in Noblesville pair corn mazes with pumpkin patches, hayrides, markets and more. But the corn maze is the biggest production, as the owners of the farms have to be artistic and organized in order to create them. There are some commonalities between how farmers create corn mazes, but the artistic process differs. Bonner loves Halloween. When she spoke to Current in August, she had already switched to her seasonal phone case with little ghosts on it. When she first approached Hogan Farms owner Zach Frazee a few years ago about working with him, she proposed changing his designs — mostly farm-related or sports-related — to more Halloween themed. For the past four years, Bonner has brought her spooky approach to the maze designs. She starts by drawing out the shape of the cornfield and seeing what she can fit into it. One year, she took clip art and arranged it on a sheet until all the figures fit just right. The 2025 maze featured a huge skeleton with a bat at his feet. She sketched out the figures and then sent it off to the company that came and mowed the pattern. This year, they worked with one of the premier corn maze designers in the Midwest, Precision Mazes. The company, helmed by Rob Stouffer, is near Kansas City, Mo., and has designed thousands of mazes over the past 26

‘CATS’ “Cats” runs through Nov. 22 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com. ‘JAGGED LITTLE PILL’ Civic Theatre’s production of Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” runs through Oct. 17 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

Hogan Farms manager Stacy Bonner’s original art (left) compared to the final product for the farm’s 2025 corn maze. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Bonner)

years. He said his team can design something for clients, but they prefer local designs that mean more to the members of that community. “We want the concept to come from the client,” Stouffer said, “because it really is their product and it needs to be something they’re excited about as they market and merchandise it to their guests throughout the fall.” The Precision Mazes designers take the visions and designs that farm managers send them and they turn them into mazes. They ensure that there’s one way in and one way out, with plenty of dead ends along the way. They also make sure that the corridors through the corn are far enough away from each other that you can’t see or hear people passing nearby, Stouffer said. Then Stouffer programs a GPS device with the exact coordinates of where to mow in the field. When Stouffer arrives, his mower knows exactly where to go and he rides along with it to ensure everything goes smoothly. His mowing season runs from July to September, he said. Other Indianapolis-area corn mazes are a little more low-tech. Russell Farms in Noblesville has kept largely the same approach over the course of its 25 years of operation, employee Amy Morris and owner Laura Russell

‘THE CRUCIBLE’

Precision Mazes’ mower cuts a path through a cornfield with the assistance of GPS technology. (Photo courtesy of Precision Mazes)

said Russell comes up with an idea and maps it out on a piece of paper. When the corn is about hip high, Russell and her family go out into the fields and chop down the corn with the paper map as their guide. While they’ve incorporated drones into their process recently, the general analog approach of following a design on paper has been the main strategy for 25 years running. “And it works,” Morris said. Hogan Farms is open from Tuesday-Sunday every week this month. Russell Farms is open Wednesday-Sunday the next two weekends and Saturday, Oct. 31, as well. More information is available on brownsburgcornmaze. com and russell-farms.com. Both Hogan Farms (15 years) and Russell Farms (25 years) are celebrating landmark anniversaries, so they both themed their mazes this year around those anniversaries. But Bonner is already looking forward to bringing a spooky design back to the field in 2027. “Next year, I’m envisioning a witch out here on a broom,” she said.

Main Street Productions presents “The Crucible” through Oct. 18 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org. THE WAR AND TREATY The War and Treaty will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. ‘THE SIXTIES SHOW’ “The Sixties Show” is set for a 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 concert at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. ‘INVINCIBLE’ “Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson” is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. ‘THE SPACE BETWEEN THE NOTES’ Niladri Kumaar’s “The Space Between the Notes” is set for a 7 p.m. Oct. 16 concert at Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

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Carmel native returns to IBC Gregory Glade Hancock, Executive Artistic Director SEASON PRESENTING PARTNER DR. ANITA JOSHI DR. ARUN JAIN

SEASON PRESENTING PARTNER

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DR. SAJAL BOSE & MRS. KALYANI BOSE

SWIZZLE GROUP, LLC

CONCERT PARTNER DR. ANITA JOSHI DR. ARUN JAIN

THE TARKINGTON AT ALLIED SOLUTIONS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Pecar has gone from dancer to manager for Indiana Ballet Conservatory

4 years old. Pecar’s mother asked him and his brother if they would like to take painting or ballet classes. Pecar’s brother immediately said he wanted to paint, leaving Pecar with ballet. While By Alex McCarthy his brother moved on from painting alex@youarecurrent.com relatively quickly, Pecar immediately fell in love with ballet. He was involved Sometimes as he walks through the with the Russian Ballet Academy of Inhallways of the Indiana Ballet Conservatory, Business Operations Manager diana before the faculty at the academy Mark Pecar sees himself in the founded IBC. He remained with dance studios. IBC before he went off to college. It’s not just that he sees young From there, he developed an dancers who remind him of array of interests, from ceramics himself when he used to train to photography to sustainable and perform with IBC. He sees agriculture. He decided not to videotape of himself on the pursue dancing professionally. TV screens in the studios. The For a year, he worked on a hyPecar young dancers are studying his droponic lettuce farm before choreography as they prepare for their moving to Los Angeles to be near his performances. brother, who was living there. While “I’ll just chuckle,” Pecar, 30, said. “It’s in LA, Pecar parlayed his photography so full circle and super rewarding to interest into a job and branched into art see dancers who are so committed and departments in the film industry. impassioned. I know what that feels He recently felt a pull to return like, so it’s rewarding to play a part in closer to home and connected with enabling that.” the business operations manager role Pecar grew up in Carmel performing at IBC, where he started working in with IBC. He refers to the faculty there May. Among other duties, he’s focused as his “extended family.” Now, as an on fundraising and marketing. The adult, he has found his way back to the efforts help the IBC continue to stage conservatory, where he is giving back to productions, such as “The Nutcracker,” the organization that gave him so much presented Nov. 28-29 at the Palladium at when he was younger. the Allied Solutions Center for the PerHis journey began when he was just forming Arts.

IBC’S ‘NUTCRACKER’ TAKES STAGE

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The Indiana Ballet Conservatory is bringing “The Nutcracker” to the stage at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts on Thanksgiving weekend. Performances are at 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 28 and at 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 29. Tickets are available at indianaballetconservatory.org. The show is complete with live musical accompaniment from the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Children’s Choir. For the first time in IBC’s history, IBC dancers Gus Leinauer and Thomas Wilcutts will share the role of the Nutcracker Prince with the guest artist, Cincinnati Ballet First Soloist Philip Fedulov. IBC dancers Emily Geon and Clara Crane also will take the stage as Sugar Plum Fairies. The IBC has staged sold-out per-

“The Nutcracker” will be presented Nov. 28 and 29. (Photo by Amanda Renzulli)

formances of the ballet across Indiana theaters for years. IBC founder and Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva has built the show to balance the original 1892 Russian staging with new twists for modern audiences. The performance aligns with the annual Christkindlmarkt near the Palladium, allowing families to get into the holiday spirit before attending the performance.

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CHS grad eager for ‘Rocky’ By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Julia Ammons embraces her role in “The Rocky Horror Show.” The 2020 Carmel High School graduate plays Columbia Oct. 16-31 at the Athenaeum in Indianapolis. The show is a Zach and Zack production from Zach Rosing and Zack Neiditch. “I was always fond of Ammons Columbia because she is cheeky, alluring and entirely herself,” Ammons said. “She’s destined to be observed. She’s goofy and performative, a party in a box. On the other hand, she’s tragic and damaged. She’s lured from the outside world, mistreated and loses people she loves. Luckily, Columbia’s story is a pocket tragedy, and our show is a hilarious and sexy experience despite my wailing and sobbing.” Ammons understands how much fun audiences have with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the 1975 film. Ammons was in the shadow cast of the movie when she attended Ball State University in 2021.

“We performed Halloween night in Emens Auditorium to a great crowd of BSU students as well as the general public,” Ammons said. “A shadow cast is different from the production we’re doing because a shadow cast ‘shadows’ the movie as it plays. The movie plays on a screen behind the cast, while the actors perform the movie with as much physical accuracy as possible. We lip sync the lines and try to repKrauter licate the movements of the actors in campy ways.” Indianapolis resident Michael Krauter, who grew up in Carmel, plays Riff Raff. The experience is new for Krauter. “I hadn’t gone to a staged production of the show or even seen the Richard O’Brien movie before auditioning,” he said. “I remember watching it for the first time after I landed the role and was enamored by the story and campiness of it all. This year’s production puts its own spin on the story, with a 1990s punk grunge theme.” For more, visit rockyhorrorindy.com.

Carmel comedians featured business owners. The participants include Hughes, who performs as Lady Wisecrack, and Aisha Brown and John Molehill, who particiCarmel Comedy Club owner Debbie Hughes wants Carmel to be known as pated in the World Series of Comedy. the No. 1 laughing city in the Hughes was a judge at the state. World Series of Comedy in Las The club will spotlight four coVegas late last month. Hughes said the top three finishers from medians from Carmel, including last month’s WSOC will perheadliner Allie Missler, who are appearing beginning at 7 p.m. form at The Cat before the 2027 Oct. 16 at The Cat, 254 Veterans WSOC. Hughes plans to return Way. to WSOC in 2027 as a judge. Hughes “(The show) was purposely “The Cat will be one of 12 comproduced to highlight Carmel talent,” edy clubs in North America for aspiring Hughes said. “Allie was the No. 1 stucomedians to perform for a position at The World Series of Comedy in 2027,” dent at Second City in Chicago, and Hughes said. “That puts us on the nathey sent her to Paris to perform about five years ago.” tional map (for comedy).” The other comedians are Alok Igour, Hughes said she invited small busiAdam Carter and Lindsay Boccardo. ness owners because she said the comeFollowing the 7 p.m. show, there will dy show should boost foot traffic on the be a 9 p.m. open mic show. Monon. Earlier in the day Oct. 16, Hughes said “We’ll provide a destination for enCarmel Mayor Sue Finkam will appear tertainment and date nights,” she said. at an invitation-only show for small For more, visit thecat.biz. By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

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Magician Carbonaro to perform at Palladium

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A love of special effects put Michael Carbonaro on a magical path. Carbonaro will bring his “Wonderboy” tour to Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel for an 8 p.m. Oct. 23 performance. This is Carbonaro’s third national tour, but it is the first time he has been to the Allied Solutions Center. “I’d say ‘Wonderboy’ is basically 90 minutes of fun, surprises, audience participation and people looking at each other going, ‘How the heck did he do that?’” he said. “I think somewhere underneath all that is this idea of getting back to the childhood feeling of when your imagination felt like a superpower.” Carbonaro starred in five seasons of “The Carbonaro Effect,” which started in 2014 on TruTV and ended in 2020. “We’re always talking about a reboot,” he said. “We’ve got some stuff in the works.” Carbonaro said clips from the

shows are on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. “It’s really found an audience just in the social clips that people share,” he said. “I love so much of the stuff we did on the show, but, boy, I really come alive when I’m on stage. I like to say on ‘The Carbonaro Effect” I was putting one person down the rabbit hole, and live, I get to put the entire theater down the rabbit hole at once … My entry into magic was really a love of monsters and special effects. I thought I was going to be a makeup and special effects artist for the movies. “There is actually a bit in the show right now where I transform into all these different creatures. It was the kind of act I used to do when I was a kid, just for myself in the mirror.” Carbonaro views special effects as a form of magic. “I found a love of what I do when I would go to a magic shop where I grew up in Long Island (N.Y.) to buy makeup supplies,” he said. “I would find myself on the other side of the store where the magic tricks were. I loved performing them and making people laugh. Magic

Magician Michael Carbonaro’s “Wonderboy” tour will stop at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Stuart Pettican)

became a way to perform special effects live.” Carbonaro said he attended New York University to become the next David Copperfield. He took acting, drama, voice and dance classes. “I really got into the acting and comedy (aspect),” he said. “I started booking some TV shows as guest stars. I did a couple of films. I moved to Los Angeles with the idea of pursuing acting over magic, but oddly enough, as life is, magic came right back to me.”

Carbonaro, 50, performed segments of hidden camera magic on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” He grew up a fan of “Candid Camera.” “When I did (the segments), I got to be the actor, the magician all at once,” he said. “‘The Carbonaro Effect’ created the exposure to do a tour like this one. I would say it’s the sole engine.” Carbonaro said his makeup skills come in handy. “I still slay Halloween,” he said. “On the television show, even though it’s a comedy show for all ages, there were some bits that were really scary. We went into voodoo and there were monsters in some of the bits and ghosts. There was one bit where somebody believed that a human head was blooming out of a plant and all these crazy things you would see in horror and sci-fi films.” Besides film work, Carbonaro has appeared in TV shows such as “CSI: Miami,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “30 Rock” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” For tickets, visit thecenterpresents. org. For more, visit michaelcarbonaro. com.

Concert raises over $20K By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com

Concerts for a Cause raised more than $20,000 for victims of the recent flooding in central Indiana with its first virtual concert, co-founder and president Bruce Kidd said. Although the approach was novel, the concept of a concert fundraiser is not new for Concerts for a Cause. The Carmel-based organization has presented more than 40 concerts through the years. Following the historic flooding in August, video marketing company Spokenote reached out to Concerts for a Cause to propose a virtual concert that anybody could watch at any time. Kidd was already thinking about a benefit for flood victims when Spokenote’s founder and CEO John Wechsler made contact, so Kidd jumped at the opportunity. “It was just serendipity or divine intervention, I don’t know what it was,” Kidd said. “(Wechsler) called me and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got an idea.’ And when he explained the idea, I just laughed and said, ‘Well, that’s a better idea than

Musical artists involved in Concerts for a Cause include, clockwise from upper left, Tay Bronson, Marc Imboden, Liz Longley, Michael McDermott, Pat McGee, Jon McLaughlin and Chris Trapper. (Photo courtesy of Concerts for a Cause)

mine.’ It’s much broader and bigger.” The 50-minute concert featured performances by artists across the country, including Tay Bronson, Marc Imboden, Liz Longley, Jon McLaughlin, Michael McDermott, Pat McGee and Chris Trapper. The concert went live Sept. 22 and was available until Oct. 5. People still can donate to the cause at indyconcertsforacause.org/ buy-tickets/2026-flood-donation.

VIEWS

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10.13.26 • youarecurrent.com

CO M M UN I T Y VOICE S

Learn about ballot question Editor, I have the privilege of serving as CEO of the Carmel Education Foundation, but before that title — and long after it — I am a mom of Carmel Clay Schools graduates. Those are two different perspectives, but both shape how deeply I care about the future of our schools. The Carmel Education Foundation board of directors recently made the decision to formally endorse the CCS referendum, Question 3. I am proud to represent a board willing to thoughtfully consider an issue of such importance to our schools and community. As the nonprofit partner of CCS, CEF’s role is rooted in education and opportunity. We also believe we have a responsibility to help our community understand issues that directly affect students and educators. Referendum language can be confusing — even for those who work closely with our schools. We encourage residents to learn what Question 3 means and how

referendum funding supports CCS. CEF works alongside educators, students and families across all 15 schools. We see both the extraordinary opportunities our schools provide and the needs they face. Philanthropy can create opportunities and help fill gaps, but private dollars serve a different purpose from the public funding that supports our schools. For me, this is also personal. My children benefited tremendously from their CCS education. I saw the educators who invested in them and the experiences that helped prepare them for what came next. While my role at CEF is incredibly important to me, the heart of who I am is still their mom. I am proud of the CEF board’s decision and hope our community will take the time to become informed about Question 3 and what it means for Carmel Clay Schools. Jennifer Penix, CEF CEO and parent of CCS graduates

Strong schools an investment in community’s future Editor, In response to Tom Goeke’s letter regarding the Carmel Clay Schools referendum, I must point out that his claims are simply wrong on all fronts. First, Mr. Goeke misrepresents why the school budget has grown. Budgets across both public government and private sectors have risen due to skyrocketing costs driven by nationwide inflation — not poor management. Claiming that operating cost adjustments reflect recklessness misses basic economic reality. Second, Mr. Goeke is fundamentally wrong about facility spending. Under Indiana law, public school funding is strictly compartmentalized. Revenue for capital facilities and athletic upgrades comes from separate, restricted funds (such as the Construction/Debt Service fund) and cannot legally be used for teacher salaries, classroom materials or day-to-day operating expenses. Facilities and operations do not share a single bucket of money.

While I agree with Mr. Goeke that families are making tough financial cuts and sacrifices right now, that is precisely why we must prioritize funding our schools. What Mr. Goeke completely misses is that strong schools are an essential investment in our community’s future. Investing in our youth pays dividends down the road — including funding the broader economy and supporting public services. Carmel Clay Schools are the single-biggest reason families move here and stay here. They are the driving engine behind our strong property values and the reason high-income earners and top talent continually choose Carmel. Tom, you should think about planting a tree, even if you may not personally sit in the shade it creates one day. I encourage you to view our children and education system as a high-return investment that pays daily dividends to every single homeowner in Carmel. Philip Van Schaack, Carmel

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Commentary by Terry Anker The interaction at the valet stand was not going perfectly. The car was in sight, but the keys required to start it were not as handy. The young man at the stand was visibly under duress. He frantically looked in all the usual places, struggling to discern why they were not on the expected hook. Clearly, a mistake had been made. In the most charitable of readings, they had been misplaced. In a more nefarious state of mind, one might imagine duplicate keys and stories of home break-ins wrought from our reliance on technology, keyless entry/starting, programmable garage openers and the like. A line formed as others hoped to retrieve their transportation and be on their way. Eventually, the assistant manager was summoned. Not much older than the teenager manning the stand, the new point of contact was dressed slightly

better and appeared to be imbued with the authority to act. He reassured these problems are usually positively resolved. After additional searching, the key surfaced. It had been somehow separated from its silver keychain and therefore its primary identifying characteristic. Apologies for inconvenience were made and accepted. A complimentary bottle of water was offered and accepted. As a final handshake was extended, the assistant manager added, “Thank you for not yelling at me.” Is this a thing? Do raised voices get better service or locate missing keys? Are we teaching better outcomes or incivility?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

L E TTE R 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 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS writer’s full name, hometown and daytime teleHEARING OFFICER phone number for verification purposes only.

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Docket No. PZ-2026-00224 Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 26th day of October, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Seek approval for a proposed swimming pool and decking to be located 20 feet from the rear yard property line, where a 40-foot rear setback is required for a through lot. Variance requested from UDO Section 5.02(B)(1)(a)(iii): Rear Setback on Through Lots, minimum 40-foot setback required; 20-foot setback requested. With the property being known as: 4944 Limberlost Trace Carmel IN 46033 The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00224. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel Number: 16-10-28-03-04-001.000 Legal Description: Acreage .60 Section 28, Township 18, Range 4, MOHAWK CROSSING Section 5 Lot 118 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. Jonathan and Emily Buck PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Docket Nos. PZ-2026-00189 V and PZ-2026-00209 V UDO Section 2.04 Minimum 10-ft side yard setback and 30-ft aggregate side yards required 9-ft and 20-ft requested and UDO Section 2.04 maximum 35% lot cover allowed – 46% requested Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 26th day of October, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032 will hold a Public Hearing for a building enclosure with a minimum 10-foot side yard setback and 30-ft aggregate side yards required, 9-ft and 20-ft requested. On the property being known as: 10521 Bishop Circle, Carmel, IN 46032. The application is identified as Docket Nos. PZ-2026-00189 V and PZ-2026-00209 V The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel ID Number 17-23-09-00-04-019.000 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. Attorney for Petitioners, E. Davis Coots

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32. Tic-tac-___ 33. Swarming pest 34. Drains of energy 36. Do the laundry 38. Eucalyptus eater of the Outback 42. Stud farm operator’s merriment? 45. “The Kiss” sculptor 46. Start of a Civic Theatre play 47. Bier Brewery ingredient 48. Arial, e.g. 50. Attentive treatment, for short 52. Regret 53. Healthy mental state 56. Type of bear or cap 58. Col. Lilly 59. 180 degrees from NNW 61. First Lady before Michelle 65. Colts’ defensive lineman who has been selected to three Pro Bowls... and an anagram of 17and 42-Across 70. Over and above 71. Astound 72. List-ending abbr. 73. Manmade fiber 74. In ___ (harmonized) 75. Caramel-filled candy DOWN 1. Indiana Supreme Court garb 4 Corn ___

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35. Asimov’s domain 37. “Hold on a ___!” 39. A long way off 40. Humdinger 41. Pot money 43. Entwine 44. Pickle flavoring 49. Where Elevance Health is ELV 51. Fishers HS advanced math class, briefly 53. Jewish commemorative meal 54. Amazon’s speaker voice 55. Cool, once 56. “Free Fallin’” rocker 57. Gardener, at times 60. Leaky tire sound 62. “Do ___ others...” 63. Genuine 64. A Guthrie 66. Spanish gold 67. Did the Mini-Marathon 68. Hot dog holder 69. Chapel Hill sch. ANSWERS ON PAGE 27

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LICENSED BONDED INSURED

LICENSED BONDED INSURED

317-848-7634

www.centennialremodelers.com

“JEFF” OF ALL TRADES TURN YOUR ‘TO DO’ LIST INTO A ‘TO DONE’ LIST

HANDYMAN SERVICES, LLC.

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www.jeffofalltrades.net - Insured & Bonded

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3C Plumbing Inc. Cy Clayton Cadwalader

REASONABLY PRICED. RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING

- water heaters - sump pumps - garbage disposals - bath & kitchen faucets - water softeners -

REPAIRS.

• PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL • TILING, CARPENTRY & MORE!

BEFORE

Member Central Indiana

Cadwaladercy@gmail.com

317.850.5114

30 years experience Free home inspection Guaranteed work/referrals Lic. # PC1Q701074

AFTER

NADCA Certified Air Whip System with truck suction power. “The most thorough cleaning guaranteed or it is free!”

Air Ducts • Dryer Vents • Mold • Carpet Upholstery • Tile & Grout • & Much More!

(317) 483-1166 • COIT.COM

• Concrete Work • Stamped Concrete Licensed, insured & bonded • Kitchen/Bath Remodeling • Custom Decks • Finished Basements • Ceramic Tile

• Chimney Work • Serving Hamilton County • Building Restoration • Brick Matching

• Wood Floors

• Tuckpointing

• Doors & Windows

• Insured/References

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Free Estimates & Satisfaction Guaranteed

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• Free Estimates • Insured • Family Owned • Referrals Available

CALL 317-397-9389

• Roofing and Siding

Gary D. Simpson • Room Additions Office: 317-660-5494 Cell: 317-703-9575

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

topnotchmasonry@att.net

$40.00 OFF First Cleaning

WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES Jorge Escalante

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Same & next day available.

Making your one home

GREYHOUND J U N K

R E M O V A L

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www.greyhoundjunkremoval.com | 317-350-4450

Pressure Washing Making your neighborhood spar Making your neighborhood sparkle, one or one home home or business at a t

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SUCCESS!

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business at a time!

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317-397-9389

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SERVICES

TIRED OF CLEANING YOUR GUTTERS? CALL JIM WEGHORST AT 317-450-1333 FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ON THE #1 RATED GUTTER PROTECTION SYSTEM

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With Baker Scott

CALL TODAY

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IRRIGATION SERVICES FALL CLEAN-UPS *Irrigation Winterization *Irrigation Repairs *Backflow Testing *Landscape Lighting Installation and Repairs *Residential & Commercial

Call/Text 463-328-2473

Beginners thru Advanced All styles Electric-Acoustic-Bass Private Lessons Parent-Child Lessons Soundclick.com/Guitarboy Gift Certificates Available Read my LinkedIn bio/About near Carey Road & 146th • Carmel 317-

910-6990

Junk Removal

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THE SHARP EDGE GUY

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800-772-7553

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FREE QUOTE

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YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE!

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE!

Call Dennis O’Malia 317-370-0749

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317-500-6619

Locally Owned & Operated

S A S K M E A K O R E A F E C T O R S E L N I T A S S E T S G N A T H K O A L A E D E R F U N T I M A L T T L C R U E O L A R L A U R A B U C K N E R U N E T A L N C R O L O

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VISA, MasterCard accepted. Reach 126,986 homes weekly

SERVICES

27

CURRENT IN CARMEL

10.13.26 • youarecurrent.com

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Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Terms: FOLD, IRON, PRESS, SORT, STARCH, WASH; Brands: DIESEL, LEE, LEVI’S, LUCKY, WRANGLER; Corn: BELT, BREAD, DOG, MAZE; Apples: FUJI, GALA, GRANNY SMITH; Bobs: KNIGHT, LEONARD; Nickname: TIGERS

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NOW OPEN NOW OPEN! PetSmart Veterinary Services – Castleton Your new neighborhood veterinarian is now open!

First Exam Free! Providing compassionate, highquality veterinary care for dogs and cats, including wellness exams, vaccinations, diagnostics, sick visits, dermatology, dentistry, and more. Inside PetSmart Castleton: 5151 E 82nd St 317-641-0248 Open Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. PetSmart Veterinary Services Top-notch veterinary care for the pets you love.

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE! Call Dennis O’Malia 317-370-0749

28

CURRENT IN CARMEL

10.13.26 • youarecurrent.com

Tom Roush Mazda Indy’s #1 Mazda New Car Volume Dealer for 2025 Your Local Dealer Since 1972

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or 0% Financing Av 90 Day Payment

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Covid-19 Store Update

Mazda3 lease 36 months 10,000 miles per year plus tax title and $251 doc fee. APR’s not combinable with rebates subject to credit approval. See dealer for complete details. Offers end 11-02-2026.

We are closely practices in

SAFETY The Carmel Clay Schools referendum funds the 21 Carmel Police Officers in our School Resource Unit, ensuring rapid emergency response, physical safety, and daily mentorship across every campus.

Beyond physical security, the referendum funds a comprehensive counseling department offering tailored mental health support, one-on-one solutions, and an on-site therapy program so every student thrives.

Freshman Center Counselors

Carmel High School School Resource Officers

STUDENT SUPPORT

www.YesForCarmel.com

STRONG

SCHOOLS

STRONG CARMEL

STRONG SCHOOLS STENGTHEN CARMEL

High-performing schools help protect home values, attract new businesses, and boost the local economy. A strong school district improves the quality of life for everyone in Carmel.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT CARMEL CLAY SCHOOLS?

VOTE KNOW YOUR

BALLOT

Carmel early voting begins: October 21 Request mail ballot by: October 22 Election day: November 3 Carmel voters will have three questions on the ballot: two state constitutional questions, followed by the Operating Referendum question. Be aware! Indiana law requires the ballot to describe the referendum as an increase and includes the maximum rate and levy for the life of the referendum. This is not a new referendum; it repeals and replaces the existing two.

Use our property-specific tax impact calculator! Order a free yard sign and find volunteer opportunities Review the FAQs and follow us on social media Tell your Carmel friends, family, and neighbors to VOTE YES!

www.YesForCarmel.com Paid for by the Friends of Carmel Schools. NO TAX DOLLARS USED.