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Days are getting shorter. Temperatures are dropping.
Time for a Campfire!
Fishers Community Center set to open Nov. 1
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Following about 20 months of construction, the 105,000-square-foot Fishers Community Center will open Nov. 1 to the public, offering community members a dog park, large indoor playground, track, gym, child care center, meeting space, fitness center and aquatics facility.
The new $60 million facility also will house the Fishers Health Department and a cafe, operated by Sahm’s.
“It’s an exciting day for our community — for a community that is hyper fixated on families and a culture of health, this place will be the epicenter of those activities,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said during a Sept. 30 preview tour. “It’s going to be a vibrant place for so many families and people of all ages to come and recreate and build that … sense of community that we’re striving for here in the City of Fishers.”
Fadness spoke while construction crews continued work on some of the final pieces needed to complete the center, such as assembling the three-story slides in the indoor playground and touching up paint. Fadness noted that the center is the result of a community needs survey from several years ago, and credited Councilor Todd Zimmerman and Director of Recreation and Wellness Jake Reardon-McSoley. Zimmerman said seeing the center almost complete was an emotional moment for him. He noted that the community survey generated more than 3,000 responses.
“What it did was, it led to us having this community center and everything in here — the top things that were asked for in our community, down to the even the smaller details are in here,” he said, noting that the survey also led to the Fishers Art Center, housed at the Fishers Municipal Center, which opened downtown last year.
Reardon-McSoley said the community center has a unique “delivery model,”
is our travel clinic. We’ll be hoping to see a lot of people here getting ready to go on some fun vacations abroad,” she said. “We have lots of really great programming and education to help our community really focus on their health and wellness and prevention.”
The paid-membership areas include the gym, fitness room and aquatics center, which has two pools — one warm-water pool and a larger standard pool.
The aquatics center has a dry-heat sauna and universal changing rooms with private stalls that can be used by anyone. It offers a water slide, a climbing wall and aerial play equipment, as well as a lift chair to help people with disabilities enter the water.
which includes some amenities that are free and some that will require a paid membership.
“The playground is completely free to anyone,” he said. “The only thing that we will have a process for is, if you’d like to enjoy the playground, there’s a free membership process called a community pass.”
The pass will allow users to reserve a time slot, which Reardon-McSoley said is needed because the city anticipates the playground will be popular, especially when the weather is not good for outdoor activities.
Also free is the indoor walking track, which looks down on a large gymnasium that can be used for basketball, pickleball and more. The cafe also is open to anyone who walks in the door, as are community rooms of varying sizes that can be reserved for free, he said.
The Fishers Health Department is right inside the main front doors so anyone can easily find it and use the services. The new offices provide more space for services and education programming, Assistant Director Jen Engelmann said.
“We’ll have four clinic rooms that will run when we’re open … so, screenings, vaccinations — one of our newer services that we’re really excited about
A childcare center offers up to two hours of child care for parents while they use the facility. Youth and family manager Gaby Slayton said the child care center — named the Action Zone — will take children ages 2 months to 12 years, offering parents time for self-care.
“Whether they’re working out or sitting at Sahm’s and having a quiet time to themselves, whatever — taking a shower — they know that their child is safe in our care,” she said. “I’m a mom myself, and I have a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. So, for me, knowing that my child is safe with someone, just gives me so much peace of mind so I can actually go and enjoy my time and just sit down.”
The child care center has four rooms for different age groups, a small indoor playground and a fenced outdoor turf field. The outdoor space was empty during the tour, but Slayton said play equipment had just been ordered, along with sail shades for when the weather is hot and sunny.
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting event is planned for Nov. 1 at the center, 11400 Johnson Farm Way — off Hoosier Road near 121st Street.
For more, visit fisherscommunitycenter.com.
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Founded Jan. 25, 2011, at Fishers, IN Vol. XV, No. 39
Copyright 2023
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525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
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Fishers Director of Recreation and Wellness Jake Reardon-McSoley, left, Councilor Todd Zimmerman and Mayor Scott Fadness speak during a preview tour of the new Fishers Community Center, set to open Nov. 1. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
Sign up for a Household Membership before our Grand Opening on November 1, 2025 to unlock 2 hours of FREE childcare daily (Monday-Saturday) for every child listed on the membership (ages 2 months to 12 years). H O U S E H O L D C H A R T E R M E M B E R S R E C E I
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Starting November 1, 2025, nonmembers can get free access to the indoor track and playground by signing up for a Community Pass at FishersCommunityCenter.com.
Reservations are required for the indoor playground.
news@currentinfishers.com
An increase in “unsafe and disruptive” use of e-bikes, dirt bikes and motorized scooters on streets and trails in the City of Fishers has prompted a warning from the Fishers Police Department.
FPD announced Oct. 6 that it had received reports of juveniles blocking and riding in traffic, creating dangerous situations for drivers; riding on private property; and riding recklessly — too fast, in roadways and/or without helmets.
Reports also state that riders disrespected and cursed at pedestrians; damaged property and caused personal injuries; and have ridden in large groups without making room for other trail users. Some of those juveniles also have fled from officers when approached.
“Kids should have fun but safely,” FPD Chief Ed Gebhart stated. “Reckless riding puts everyone at risk.”
In response to the reports, FPD announced that patrols on and around trails will increase and officers will start notifying parents if their children are contacted for riding inappropriately. The bikes may be held until an adult retrieves them.
“We encourage kids to enjoy the outdoors, but unsafe and disorderly behavior will not be tolerated,” the announcement stated. “Please talk with your children about safe riding and know where they are and what they are doing.”
Cyclists use the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers. (Photo courtesy of City of Fishers)
Fishers City Council OKs 2026 city budget
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The Fishers City Council voted unanimously Oct. 6 to approve the city’s 2026 budget, a $203.7 million plan with $162 million for operating and capital expenses, $41.5 million for debt service and about $67 million in cash reserves.
The budget’s operating and capital expenses include three new firefighters and two new school safety officers, along with funds for fire and police equipment, road improvements, parks and trails, and popular community partnership programs such as neighborhood vibrancy grants, nonprofit grants and educator innovation grants.
The budget, which was introduced in first reading Sept. 15, also provides 3 percent raises for city employees and does not include a property tax increase or an increase to health insurance costs.
In other matters, the council suspended the rules and approved in first reading an ordinance establishing fees for nonemergency calls to residential care facilities that provide nursing home and assisted living services. According to the council action form, the Fishers Fire Department has seen an increase in the number of nonemergency calls for assistance at those facilities.
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“FFD has proactively reached out to the area residential care facilities to educate and partner with those facilities to provide training as well as educate them on alternative means of transport for nonemergency matters, but the
calls have continued to increase,” the form stated.
The ordinance establishes a $1,000 fee for nonemergency calls to the fire department. The fee will kick in after two nonemergency call have been made in a calendar year. The ordinance includes an appeal process for the care facilities.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, two residents expressed concern about the planned new AgriPark West off Allisonville Road near the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport. They questioned the validity of soil testing results that show lead levels are below EPA-established levels acceptable for gardening.
One speaker said the company the city used to conduct that testing doesn’t test for lead, calling the city’s claims “shady.”
Deputy Mayor Elliott Hultgren clarified that the Fort Wayne-based company had subcontracted the soil testing to another company that does conduct lead testing.
For more, including the city’s soil testing results, visit fishersagripark. com/agriparkwest.
The Fishers City Council has approved the city’s 2026 spending plan. (Image courtesy of the City of Fishers)
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More than 3,000 race in Indy Half at Fort Ben
news@currentinfishers.com
More than 3,000 participants celebrated the 30th annual Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben Oct. 4, marking three decades of running tradition. Runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes took part in the half marathon, 10K, 5K and kids 1-mile events before finishing at Fort Ben’s Lawton Loop for a festival-style celebration.
According to a news release from race organizer Beyond Monumental, the 2025 Half Marathon men’s title was taken by Cameron Villarreal, with a time of 1:09:48. Ethan Meyer finished second and Damon Pruett was third. Last year’s champion, Hannah Bast, returned to win the women’s title in a time of 1:19:18, followed by Tera Moody in second and Zoe Crabtree in third.
The 10K was headlined by the men’s winner, Brent Lee, who led the field by 20 seconds, finishing in 35:35. The women’s 10K race was won by Elaine Johnson in a time of 41:30.
The 5K crowned two new winners — Benson Davis won the men’s in 16:17 and Hannah Zak took the women’s in 19:54.
Full results can be found at indyhalfmarathon.com.
About 600 MSD of Lawrence Township students crossed the finish line in the Apex Benefits Monumental Kids Movement presented by Indiana University Indianapolis. The students received free entries as part of their school-based running clubs, continuing a program that has reached more than 60 Marion County schools and 32,000
More than 3,000 racers participated in the Oct. 4 Indy Half. (Photo courtesy of Beyond Monumental)
graduates since 2012.
Post-race festivities featured live music, a pancake breakfast from IHOP, pizza from Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza and a beer garden featuring beverages from Sun King, Athletic Brewing and more. Participants also could receive free injury assessments and post-race stretching provided by Athletico.
Beyond Monumental’s next event, the 18th annual CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, is set for Nov. 8. The full and half marathon races are sold out, but some spots were available for the 5K as of Oct. 8.
For more and to register, visit monumentalmarathon.com.
DISPATCHES
FORUM plans community day — FORUM Credit Union will celebrate 50 years in Fishers, as well as 84 years since it was founded, with a community day set for 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at its headquarters, 11313 USA Pkwy. The celebration will feature activities for all ages, including games, music, food trucks and building tours. Visitors to the fraud booth will receive a voucher for free onsite paper shredding, available through 5 p.m. Additional highlights include a Fishers Fire Department truck tour from 3 to 4 p.m., and an appearance by Indy Ignite mascot Pepper, who will be available for
photos between 4 and 5 p.m. For more, visit forumcu.com/communityday.
Humane Society adoptions special announced — During October, adoption fees are $31 at the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Fishers, 10510 Hague Rd. Adoptions include spay/neuter and microchip, one round of age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming, a wellness exam at a participating veterinarian and a starter bag of food. Anyone interested in adopting a dog or cat is encouraged to complete an application in advance at hshcadoptions.com.
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Fishers Event Center unveils new concessions items
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Poised to celebrate its first anniversary this winter, the Fishers Event Center hosted a special tasting Oct. 3 of its new concessions, including hot honey chicken and waffle sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, portabella mushroom burgers, a build-you-own ramen bowl and a BBQ platter.
For dessert, Flying Cupcakes will offer a selection of sweet treats and new signature mocktails will be available along with coffee drinks, hot chocolate and dirty sodas. The menu also includes returning favorites like the double smashburger and Hoosier pork tenderloin.
General Manager Mitch List noted that it will be a busy fall season at the center with various performances scheduled — including John Legend in November — and the Indy Fuel hockey season kicking off Oct. 17 with the home opener against the Fort Wayne Komets. List noted that center officials also have plans — to be announced — for celebrating the one-year anniversary in December.
“But really, today it’s about the food and beverage,” he said. “When we opened the venue, we knew that the food and beverage was going to be a cornerstone of our success here. I couldn’t be more proud of what the team accomplished in year one, and really where they’re heading in year two. They’ve really been innovators and allowed us
to stand out in the marketplace.”
Josh Vaught, director of food and beverage, said the goal is to elevate traditional concession items and to work with local providers to support the community.
“As we enter season two, as we’re calling it, we really worked hard this summer to work with some new local favorites,” he said. “(And) to continue to grow our support of them, adding vegetarian and vegan items. Our mission statement is to make sure we have something for everyone when they come into our building.”
Among the vegetarian and vegan options are buffalo cauliflower bites and a portabella mushroom burger.
Local partners contributing to the center’s concessions this fall are Fischer Farms, Old Major Market, The Flying Cupcake, Scoop Shack, It’s Those Eggrolls, Ohanalulu and Do Goodies.
For more about the Fishers Event Center, visit fisherseventcenter.com.
Bernadine Sell mixes a mocktail, one of the new items at the Fishers Event Center this fall.
A BBQ platter with corn muffins and pickles is one of the new concession choices at the Fishers Event Center this fall. (Photos by Leila Kheiry)
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Career and Technical Education program launches
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
A partnership aimed at equipping all Hamilton County students with knowledge for computer-based careers is underway in Westfield.
Rick Barretto of Carmel is the chief visionary officer and co-founder of Hope Training Academy. The academy partnered with The Pursuit Institute, the career and technical education provider for Hamilton County Schools, to create new career and technical training courses in Westfield that are available to all Hamilton County students.
Barretto and his wife, Cara, an educator, founded Video Game Palooza in 2013 to use video games to promote interest in STEM research and learning.
Barretto attended the IU Kelley School of Business and was an entrepreneur in computer science. He began coding on an Atari 800 computer as a youth and naturally worked in software development as a career. Around 2000, he began working with police departments and municipalities in Illinois to provide software after the state mandated certain interrogations be recorded.
“That soon became the industry standard,” he said. “We had 5,000 installations across all police law enforcement. When we sold that company to investors a few years ago, I didn’t want to retire or anything. At the same time, over the years, I created all these other different businesses in gaming. So, I’ve been 20 years in the gaming industry, been inducted in the International Video Game Hall of Fame for some of the stuff that we’ve done for gaming and our nonprofit, which is Video Game
Palooza. This is the part where it really starts coming in — where we try to tie between the kids’ passion for gaming and education.”
The couple launched Hope Training Academy in 2018 to provide formal STEM education to prepare students for jobs in IT. The nonprofit quickly invested in opportunities in Westfield, opening a competitive gaming league at Grand Park. Barretto said professional gamers can make millions of dollars over the course of their careers in e-sports and wanted to bring that to kids in Hamilton County.
“It was a great place in the Pacers athletic facility, where we had all these kids coming in to play basketball, and then we were off to the side,” he said. “It looked like a space station in there. We were doing coding camps — like for Minecraft and Roblox — and (we explained to parents), ‘Your kid can get a college scholarship. They can get a job in tech from learning this stuff.’ So, every summer, we would have these kids come in, create and play. In the morning, they were being taught new skills for coding, and they would make computers. They would design, and it was the kids that came in that were not the star football player or the basketball player, but these were the kids in robotics.”
Hope Training Academy can provide students with certifications in the computer and software development field. The academy expanded to Lafayette Square Mall and Circle Centre Mall in Indianapolis and eventually connected to The Pursuit Institute.
“We have 15 programs that we man-
Career
training
a partnership of The Pursuit Institute and Hope Training Academy, take place at the Ascension St. Vincent YMCA in Westfield. (File photo)
COMMUNITY
Continued from Page 10
age directly that are, in most cases, unique to us from what’s already being offered in the high schools,” said Kurt Cantlon, executive director of The Pursuit Institute. “All of our schools are large enough to be what we would consider comprehensive high schools, which means they’re large enough and they’re offering enough to essentially be their own CTE district. They all have 20-plus programs. We come in and we help oversee some of those pieces, but then we also work to expand on those.”
Cantlon said when he heard about Hope Training Academy, he saw an opportunity for Hamilton County students. The organizations have partnered on CTE education — available for all Hamilton County students — at the Westfield Washington Schools education center at Ascension St. Vincent YMCA in Westfield.
“We were looking for an opportunity for students to get into cybersecurity, as well as expand into some game design and some artificial intelligence, which are all kind of unique,” Cantlon said. “That’s one of the areas that our schools are currently offering where they have computer science classes. They have some AP computer science classes that are college credit, but none of them really dive really deep into cybersecurity, game design or artificial intelligence.”
Cantlon described the partnership of Hope Training Academy and The Pursuit Institute as “a perfect storm.”
“We build programs in partnership with the workforce and with third-party training providers,” he said. “So, Westfield (Washington Schools) donated four classrooms in this space for us to utilize, but most of our programs, other than the four programs here, take place out in industry.”
The program in Westfield includes work-based learning, in line with Indiana’s new diploma standards. Although the classes at the Westfield YMCA are already underway for the 2025-26 school year, the organizers already are looking ahead.
“We will start scheduling for next school year in November, so we won’t even get through the first semester before we start scheduling for next year,” Cantlon said. “The thing that I’m really excited about is the level of expertise that the students are going to be exposed to. (Barretto) has all kinds of experience, not just in computers and coding, but in business, in entrepre-
neurship. The team that he’s bringing in all have similar experiences and just broaden that connection that students are going to have. In our schools, we often aren’t able to expose students to that and give them that type of experience.”
Cantlon and Barretto said the classes will help build connections and networking opportunities for students to connect and build their personal networks.
“Nine times out of ten, your jobs are going to be determined based on your network, not just necessarily applying for some random position,” Cantlon said. “That networking piece is super important, and developing relationships for students to be able to have mentors in the industry. That’s what I’m really excited about with this. Rick’s going to bring a wealth of knowledge, but then is also going to be able to expand those hands-on opportunities for students to be able to get in.”
The pair also encouraged parents to learn more about the offerings through The Pursuit Institute and have discussions with their students about their interest in CTE in Hamilton County.
“We are a little bit unique in that all of our programs are built in partnership with industry,” Cantlon said. “We don’t build programs the traditional way of taking a classroom and hiring a teacher and trying to equip that classroom to meet industry standards. We want to take the students to industry and allow industry to begin feeding into that educational system with us. We want to be a bridge between our high school future employees and industry and their need for future employees.”
Learn more at pursuitinstitute.org.
ABOUT HOPE TRAINING ACADEMY
Hope Training Academy and The Pursuit Institute have teamed up to provide career and technical education in Westfield.
Hope Training Academy founder Rick Barretto said although the company has its roots in gaming, the training programs offered provide a foundation for nearly all industries.
“When you’re involved in gaming, it’s all computers,” he said. “It’s coding. It’s software. It’s law. It’s all the things.”
Learn more at hopetrainingacademy.org.
Former border patrol agent discusses security issues
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
Former Chief Border Patrol Agent Chris Clem spoke at the Hamilton County Republican Party’s Great Outdoor Party at Forest Park Sept. 26 to discuss how border security issues impact the nation, including Indiana.
Clem is the former chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol in Yuma, Ariz. He retired in 2022 after serving more than 27 years. He said strong border security is necessary for national security, public safety and agricultural safety.
“When you have thousands upon thousands of people that get caught, that have no records in the United States, and we don’t know if they are criminals getting processed and released into communities like Indiana, you’re basically putting people here that could cause harm,” Clem said. Clem said weak border security allows drug cartel members to enter the U.S. Hamilton County Republican Party Chair Mario Massillamany said unsecure borders have had lasting im-
pacts on communities since 2004, with one being the nation’s rising fentanyl problem.
“That’s why (border security) is so important, because when you can control what comes in, you can control what goes out, and you can keep bad things from getting to your community,” Clem said.
Massillamany said border decisions from Democratic administrations also have exposed the nation to sex trafficking. Clem said he spent the first 100 Days of President Donald Trump’s second term in Washington, D.C., working as a senior advisor to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., helping care for unaccompanied alien children, which is anybody 17 or younger that enters the United States without an adult or legal guardian.
“There’s 479,000 unaccompanied alien children that entered the United States illegally under the President Biden-Kamala Harris administration,” Clem said. “Our No. 1 job was to protect these kids and put them in a safe environment to make sure they don’t fall right back into that same trafficking
vortex that they were in. Because when you are 12 years old, you don’t make independent decisions, you’re being controlled by a trafficker.”
The Department of Homeland Security reported in 2024 that 300,000 undocumented children were unaccounted for. Clem said it is because the Biden administration wouldn’t authorize charging documents 100 to 120 days after they were placed with a sponsor, which is a parent or legal guardian, an
adult relative, an unrelated adult or the foster care system.
Massillamany said charging documents allow immigration courts to have jurisdiction over children.
“The charging document is what allows for the child to then be placed in immigration court for any sort of legal proceeding,” Massillamany said. “Otherwise, the child just literally disappears. There’s nothing in the system that tracks them or monitors to make sure that they’re taken care of.”
Clem said under the Biden administration, those in-depth checks for sponsors who claim to be the relatives of the kids were not authorized.
“(There were) 65,000 notices of concern left unchecked in the last 18 months of the Biden administration,” Clem said.
Clem said 25,000 children have already been recovered, more than 400 sponsors have been charged with criminal offenses, and 27 children were found to have died. Now, he said for every child that comes across the border that’s encountered, an ICE agent shows up and begins a criminal investigation.
Hamilton County Republic Party Chair Mario Massillamany, left, and former Chief Border Patrol Agent Chris Clem speak at the Hamilton County Republican Party’s Great Outdoor Party at Forest Park Sept. 26.
(Photo by Jessica Todd)
Westfield senior develops into top two-way player
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Westfield High School senior running back-safety Deacon King has become a major contributor offensively and defensively.
“Deacon has shouldered more responsibility each year in our program,” Shamrocks coach Josh Miracle said. “As a junior, he played a pivotal role starting as both running back and safety en route to a state runner-up finish.”
Last season, King rushed for 1,440 yards and 18 touchdowns on 236 carries.
“As a senior, Deacon has continued to take on the challenge of establishing himself as one of the premier two-way players in the state,” Miracle said. “Deacon played a great deal of defense early on in his career, so given the fact that he has really only played running back in our system for the past two seasons, it is remarkable to see the progress he has made in such a short time. Coach (Jeff) Bennett, our running backs coach, has done a phenomenal job of helping Deacon develop a wide range of skills, which has led Deacon to become an ex-
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
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plosive threat any time he touches the ball.”
King rushed for 644 yards and seven touchdowns in the first seven games this season.
“I think I’ve made a lot of improvements off the field with how I recover as well as how I prepare for teams with watching film,” King said.
King said being a two-way player for a Class 6A school is a source of pride.
“I know it’s not something a lot of players can do and do well,” he said. King said he doesn’t have a favorite between the two positions.
“I like doing whatever helps the team the most, whether that’s focusing on defense or offense, depending on the week,” he said.
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King said his role as a leader has changed considerably since last year.
“I feel I’ve improved a lot in trying to help the underclassmen,” he said. “I definitely see our senior class being able to lead us to another state appearance and finish the right way this time.”
The Shamrocks finished 12-2 last season, losing to Brownsburg 22-17 in the 6A state title game. Prior to the Oct. 10 game against Fishers, Westfield had a 5-2 record.
King said he committed to continue his career at Northern Illinois University mainly because of the coaches.
“I feel a strong connection to assistant coach (Kai) Ross and head coach Tommy Hammock, and for position — I’m going to play whatever position will help them the most and get me on the field as early as possible,” he said.
King, who started playing football at age 5, also played baseball and wrestled when he was younger. He competed in track and field as a freshman and sophomore.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
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City eyes 2 spots for new 116th Street stoplight
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Neighborhood representatives at Spyglass Falls and Spyglass Hill agree that Klotz Farm Boulevard leading into Spyglass Falls is a better choice for a new stoplight on 116th Street, However, city officials are still considering whether to place a new stoplight there or at nearby Spyglass Ridge.
The Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety voted in February to move forward with a new stoplight, but put off choosing a specific location until city engineers could commission a traffic study to help determine the best spot.
That traffic study was presented to the board in late August by Director of Engineering Hatem Mekky. He noted that the study was prompted by an earlier report showing drivers leaving the only road into and out of Spyglass Falls — Klotz Farm Boulevard — had more accidents than at other 116th Street intersections. A stoplight at that intersection was one of five options studied to improve safety.
The other four intersecting roads the study looked at were Sand Creek Boulevard, The Legends Boulevard, Belle Plaine Boulevard and Spyglass Ridge Drive — which leads into the Spyglass Hill neighborhood. The study recom-
mended a light at either Klotz Farm Boulevard or Spyglass Ridge. The report also recommended the city reconsider the idea of a connection between the two neighborhoods to provide Spyglass Falls residents an alter-
native exit. That connection — which would be built on an existing footpath between the two neighborhoods — had been an earlier recommended solution to traffic safety concerns, but residents from both of the affected neighborhoods objected during the February meeting.
Mekky said when presenting the August report that, even without the connector road, a new signal at either location would improve safety. But, he added, that connection might need to be revisited in the future. He estimated a new traffic signal would cost the city between $500,000 and $600,000, depending on where it’s located.
Nathan Kellner is the HOA president for Spyglass Falls. He said that because Spyglass Falls is the neighborhood with the strongest safety concerns, it makes sense for the stoplight to be built at Klotz Farm Boulevard, especially if the city doesn’t plan to move forward with the connector road.
Kellner joined the HOA board 13 years ago and at that time asked resi-
Continued on Page 15
The intersection of 116th Street and Klotz Farm Boulevard has been an ongoing safety concern for neighborhood residents. (File photo)
COMMUNITY
Continued from Page 14
dents about their biggest concerns.
“It’s always been the same answer over all this time — that getting out of our neighborhood can be really scary, especially for the parents who have kids that are 16 and they’re trying to make a left out of this neighborhood,” he said.
A January traffic study that looked specifically at accidents at 116th and Klotz Farm Boulevard shows that there have been significantly more accidents there compared to nearby intersections.
Kellner said a stoplight at Spyglass Ridge Drive leading into the Spyglass Hill neighborhood “would honestly do absolutely nothing to alleviate the safety concerns of Spyglass Falls. If that’s the option they go with, they are kind of breathing life back into … connecting the two neighborhoods via the walkway in the back of the neighborhood.”
He said except for a few who live adjacent to the footpath, most of the residents in his neighborhood are not opposed to the connector road — which was part of the original design when Spyglass Falls was under development.
Jana Hancock, HOA president for Spyglass Hill, said her neighborhood is open to a stoplight at either location but remains opposed to the connector road between the two, because of the extra traffic it would create.
Hancock said a light at Klotz Farm Boulevard appears to solve the main problem — a safe way for drivers to get out of Spyglass Falls.
“If they put the light at their location at Klotz Farm Boulevard, it would offer them that opportunity,” she said.
“That really feels like the best choice. If it needed to go, for whatever logistical purposes, at Spyglass Ridge Drive, we’re open to that. But the whole intent behind all of this had nothing to do with anything in our neighborhood and we’ve really been pulled into it.”
Hancock said there is some concern about a stoplight causing traffic backups that would block the ability to turn onto 116th but added that there’s no perfect solution to the problem.
At deadline for publication, city officials had not responded to a message seeking a timeline for a decision.
The next scheduled Board of Public Works and Safety meeting is 9 a.m. Oct. 28 at the Fishers Municipal Center, 1 Municipal Dr.
DISPATCHES
Call for veterans’ artwork — The Fishers Arts Council has put out a call for art by veterans, reserves and active service members for its November exhibit, “Duty, Honor, Creativity.” Submitted artwork does not have to be military in nature. The deadline to submit work is Oct. 17. For more, email info@ fishersartscouncil.org, or call or text 317-537-1670.
Indy Fuel opening night — The Indy Fuel return for a second season at the Fishers Event Center with their first home game set for 7 p.m. Oct. 17. For more, visit IndyFuelHockey.com.
Social media documentary screening – A free screening of “Can’t Look Away – The Case Against Social Media” will take place at 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Hamilton East Public Library, 5 Municipal Dr. in Fishers. The 75-minute documentary explores the impact of social media on young people. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. The event is presented by Analog Kids and Smartphone
Free Childhood. Registration is not required. Learn more at facebook.com/ events/1261313892201734.
Trick or Eat — The Delaware Township Trustees Office and food pantries throughout Fishers are organizing a special Trick or Eat food drive during the City of Fishers’ Boo Bash celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 6 Municipal Dr. For more, visit hchfoodbank.org/event/trick-or-eat.
Fishers Trick or Treat hours set — City of Fishers’ official trick-or-treat hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Police cars will patrol neighborhoods to ensure safety. Residents are asked to walk in groups and stay on the sidewalk whenever possible.
Marine Corps birthday celebration — The Fishers American Legion Post 470 will host a celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th birthday, set for 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the post, 9091 126th St. The celebration is open to the public.
You’re Invited
Thursday, November 20 | 6–9pm
Join us for a night of celebrating the year’s most remarkable stories of rescue and redemption. You’ll enjoy a plated dinner, a silent auction featuring exclusive items and experiences, and so much more!
Museum shares evolution of mental health care
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
In the mid-1890s, a forward-thinking physician named George Edenharter — who at that time was the state mental health hospital’s superintendent — wanted to know more about the causes of mental illnesses and, hopefully, find cures. To that end, he spent $18,000 to build and furnish a pathology building on the hospital grounds — the same building that now houses the Indiana Medical History Museum.
“This building opened in 1896 (and) it was cutting edge at the time,” said Sarah Halter, executive director of the Indiana Medical History Museum. “His plans began as four rooms on one level and he quickly got carried away. It became what it is today, but it got national attention for how modern it was — all the different laboratory spaces, the research that was being done here, the education function, because medical students were coming out here to learn about these things.”
While cutting-edge for 1896, lack of funding meant the facility couldn’t keep up with changing times. Halter said the equipment became largely obsolete by the 1930s, but it limped along until it closed in 1968.
showing tumors and other signs of what likely caused the mental illness. The labels were all very clinical and told nothing about the people those specimens came from.
“We kind of wanted to give them back their humanity and so I started a project to find out more about each of the specimens, the folks that they came from,” Halter said. “We did a revamp of the labels in there. We kept the old labels because it’s part of their history, but it’s also important information. But we added new labels that tell those human stories about what the patient’s lives were like before they came here, what their symptoms were, how their symptoms affected their ability to form friendships and have families and hold a job and all of those things. And also, what their experience was like as a patient here.”
That project took about five years to complete, but now each specimen includes a full description that honors the person it came from.
“The hospital remained open for decades more, but this building closed and it still had all the original furnishings, equipment, specimens, records — all that stuff was still here,” she said. “There were some doctors here who recognized the historic significance of what’s here. The building had actually been slated for demolition, and so they moved some EEG equipment and there was a muscular dystrophy lab in the back, and they were like, ‘You can’t tear it down. We’re still using it.’”
That bought some time and the building eventually was turned into a museum. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The hospital is gone now, along with most of its associated buildings, but the museum still safeguards the history of the property and the patients served there.
Halter noted that about 10 years ago, the museum kicked off a special research project to honor some of those patients. The facility has a room filled with specimens — sections of brains
The room housing specimens is one of many open to visitors at the Indiana Medical History Museum, 3270 Kirkbride Way. The museum also has a large amphitheater where lectures and demonstrations were provided for medical students; an old autopsy room with grim reminders of the hands-on tools from back in the day; a library full of historic medical texts; a laboratory that was updated with then-modern electric equipment in the 1920s and ’30s; and a photography studio with a massive camera used to enlarge slide samples.
Tours are available by appointment only. The museum also hosts events and free tours of its medicinal-plants garden. For more, visit imhm.org.
Kassie Braun
The Indiana Medical History Museum’s laboratory was updated in the 1920s and ‘30s. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)
COVER STORY
SCOUT’S HONOR
Eagle projects create outdoor classroom at HSE’s Thorpe Creek Elementary
By Sara Palmer news@currentinfishers.com
In 2024, just more than 7 percent of Scouts earned Eagle rank. Two Fishers Scouts just left their mark, transforming a vision into reality at Thorpe Creek Elementary by building an outdoor learning space that is already buzzing with activity.
The school dedicated the new “Prairie Platform” with a ribbon cutting Sept. 25, a celebration that brought together Scouts, students and teachers. Students from kindergarten through fourth grade now can gather on the 16-by-16 platform surrounded by benches, mulch and a welcoming sign — the product of Eagle Scout projects led by Hamilton Southeastern senior Nathan Witte, 18, and Mission Christian Academy sophomore Cash Miltenberger, 15.
The pair, both members of Troop 199, took on the effort for their Eagle Scout project, the highest rank in Scouting. To earn the rank, candidates must conceive, plan, fundraise and lead projects from start to finish, working with community partners and managing teams of volunteers.
Witte and Miltenberger worked separately but in tandem to expand what Thorpe Creek students and teachers had long called the Nature Space — an overgrown field that, with help from earlier classes, slowly transformed into an outdoor learning area. Fourth-grade teacher Jackie Renick said she hoped for years to see it developed into a true classroom.
“Both Nathan and Cash took our ideas and exceeded every expectation I had,” she said. “My students ask every single day to go outside into our Nature Space.”
For Witte, who plans to study elementary education in college, the project was a natural fit.
“Out of all the projects I saw, I thought the outdoor classroom was the coolest,” he said.
He managed the design, fundraising and logistics, raising more than $2,600 and contributing $1,000 of his own summer job earnings.
The build came with challenges. Early
plans for a 20-foot platform had to be scaled back for cost, and uneven ground made leveling the deck difficult.
“It was a mess at first, but we (ground) the concrete to make it all level and got through it,” Witte said.
Miltenberger joined the project in the summer, taking on complementary tasks of building benches, spreading mulch and adding a sign.
“It was just a bare platform, you know, so I thought we could add something to it,” he said.
He raised about $1,300 for materials and partnered with a local graphics company to produce the sign, which required redesigning when initial costs ran high.
“That was the hardest part, because we had to redesign the whole thing,” he said.
His father, Doug, said the challenge taught Cash an important lesson in thrift.
“Instead of spending $500 on posts, he figured out a simpler way that cost under $70,” Doug said. “That’s part of being thrifty and making smart choices with your budget.”
Scouts working toward Eagle rank are not permitted to do the bulk of the labor themselves but instead must direct and manage volunteers. Witte said he leaned on leadership training to guide younger Scouts through the construction process.
“We used the EDGE method, explain,
demonstrate, guide and enable, to teach them,” he said.
The technique, widely taught in Scouting, emphasizes walking others step by step until they can do the task themselves.
Miltenberger said he quickly realized how much tone mattered when leading peers.
“What I learned is you gotta lead by example,” he said. “If you’re messing around and being funny, they’re not gonna listen to you. But if you’re serious and also kind, they will.”
His father said projects like this one highlight many of the qualities Scouts
THE PATH TO EAGLE SCOUT
Eagle Scout is Scouting’s top honor. To qualify and earn that rank, Scouts must:
• Stay active in the troop for at least six months after earning the Life rank
• Earn 21 merit badges total
• Serve at least six months in an approved troop leadership position
• Plan, fundraise and lead a major service project that helps the community and proves the Scout can guide others
• Complete the Eagle application and the project report, including photos, logs, signatures, etc.
• Sit down with the unit leader for a conference to reflect on the Scout’s journey.
• Meet with district or council reviewers in an official Eagle Board of Review.
• Once approved, the Scout’s rank is confirmed nationally, and they become part of an Eagle family of more than 2.5 million since 1912.
are expected to live out.
“They’ve got to be trustworthy, helpful, friendly and courteous, even when things don’t go as planned,” Doug said.
Renick said more than 30 Scouts turned out to build the platform, benches and sign, working through heat and mud to finish.
“It was humbling to see so many Scouts come to help bring a small vision to life,” she said.
Teachers and students now refer to the new deck as the Prairie Platform, a name that ties it to the school’s existing Nature Space. Renick said the title reflects the outdoor setting and helps students see it as a distinct learning destination.
Students already claimed the Prairie Platform for science lessons, butterfly releases and reading outdoors. Renick recalled a child finding a bug inside the school and insisting it be released in the Nature Space — an example of how the project shapes stewardship as well as science.
Witte has passed his Board of Review and is now an Eagle Scout. Cash is finishing his last merit badge and paperwork and preparing for his own review, which will include recommendations from mentors such as his former Scoutmaster, a coach and his school principal.
For both families, the impact of the project is measured less in badges than in the experiences of students who use the new space.
“It’s something that will hopefully be around for the next 10 or 15 years,” Doug said. “And when you think about all the kids who will use it, it’s a gift that keeps growing.”
He added that the Prairie Platform also reflects the heart of Scouting itself.
“It ties in so well — being outdoors, taking care of the environment, showing responsibility and leadership,” he said. “Nathan and Cash really did uphold the ideals of Scouting in how they carried this out.”
ON THE COVER: Scouts Nathan Witte, left, and Cash Miltenberger at the ribbon cutting for their Eagle Scout project. (Photo courtesy of Devonna Miltenberger)
Scouts Nathan Witte, left, and Cash Miltenberger with the sign for the new Prairie Platform, an outdoor classroom project they directed to earn their Eagle rank. (Photo courtesy of Devonna Miltenberger)
Justified criticism
Editor,
In the Sep 23 edition of Current, Tom Curry wrote a response to Diane Crawford, accusing her of not being a Republican due to her concerns that were “Democrat talking points.”
Everyone should be criticizing cutting funding to the most vulnerable. The Indiana Hospital Association stated what a strain the Medicaid cuts are putting on already struggling rural hospitals. The Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform states that 1/3 of Indiana’s hospitals operate at a loss. Hoosiers are losing health care coverage, which will be more expensive long term but also guarantees poor health outcomes in a state that already has horrific maternal mortality — third in the nation.
Crawford is accurate to describe ICE raids as racist when Immigration Czar Tom Homan explicitly stated that “ICE officers and border patrol, they don’t need probable cause to walk up to somebody, briefly detain ‘em and question ‘em” and could make judgments “based on the location, the occupation, their physical appearance, their actions.”
Data from ICE’s own book-ins as of June showed that 65 percent had no prior convictions, 93 percent with no violent convictions. Citizens and noncitizens are being arrested, with force at times, by unidentified masked forces with no due process for many (Cato Institute). Why not talk about billionaires when the top 1 percent holds almost as much wealth as the bottom 90 percent and wealth inequality continues to rise, according to Princeton Economics? Shouldn’t we all be questioning why the White House was wining and dining 13 tech billionaires and other Silicon Valley millionaires, using their wealth for political lobbying and campaigning? All this while 2.4 million people are going to lose SNAP and millions more will see their monthly amount shrink (United Institute) as grocery costs continue to increase. Is that compassionate and Christian?
Melinda Dubbs, Fishers
BUSINESS LOCAL
Local company connects homeowners with contractors
By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com
Zionsville-based tech company My Project Story connects homeowners with contractors for home renovations and repairs. The company, led by founder Jeff Wraley, is the sister company of Groundwork, a software company also founded by Wraley.
My Project Story works by allowing clients to submit a video tour of their renovation or project vision on the website, with no app download needed. Clients talk through their project and what they want to complete, as if the contractors were there with them.
For the second step, clients set their desired results, whether it be a certain number of quotes they are seeking or budget parameters. During this step, users will answer a few questions to ensure their expectations align with the contractor’s expectations.
The final step is getting matched with vetted and highly rated contractors in the area based on the project and budget.
The website is free for homeowners. Wraley said the unique aspect is that contractors already know the project parameters when matched with clients.
“Those new leads are highly qualified because the homeowners that we’re working with are sending in videos of their project, and they can see them right away, whereas before, the pros were chasing down a phone number and even voicemail and all that stuff,” he said. “We’ve kind of tweaked the software that we’ve had for a couple years, and we’ve made it so homeown-
ers and contractors can collaborate in one seamless communication stream.”
My Project Story launched in May 2025. The idea developed when Wraley and his wife completed several home renovations and experienced firsthand how tough it can be to find trusted professionals.
“We’ve always kind of bought the ugly house on the block and worked to make it pretty,” he said. “Having that experience, I realized it’s very difficult, time consuming and kind of frustrating for homeowners to get in with pros and for pros to get in touch with homeowners.”
My Project Story aims to eliminate the time it takes to research, find and get in contact with pros in the area, and to help keep the budget in check.
“There’s a lot of expectation misalignment,” he said. “Pros don’t know if the homeowners understand the budget that it might take to get their project done.
Learn more or receive a quote at myprojectstory.com.
2025 Dates
SPORTS CARDS • POKÉMON
From left, Jane Swanson, Jeff Wraley, Zachary Inman and Eli Zorniger at the launch of Zionsville-based My Project Story in May 2025. (Photo courtesy of My Project Story)
Blueprint for Improvement: basement remodel
Commentary by Larry Greene
This basement remodel turned an unfinished space into a stylish, multifunctional retreat, blending comfort and design for everyday living and entertaining.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Converted bare concrete and exposed framing into a fully finished living area with warmth and character.
• Added a cozy lounge with plush seating and a modern fireplace for year-round comfort.
• Designed a sleek bar with seating and open shelving, perfect for entertaining.
• Installed a striking wine wall as both a functional storage solution and a bold design statement.
• Chose layered lighting, wood accents and rich textures to create an inviting, polished atmosphere throughout.
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
Fishers resident draws on inspiration, memories to create concept album
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Mark Taylor drew on memories to create his first full album.
“TALES FROM THE YELLOW ROSE” by the Mark Taylor Project is a concept inspired by Taylor seeing a photo of an abandoned motel on old Route 66 in Arizona.
“Overall, the album is about the loss of sanctuary and spirituality in the modern world,” Taylor said. “I’m a storyteller, and these songs are based on people and places that I encountered while growing up and living in Colorado and southern Arizona.”
A 70-year-old Fishers resident, Taylor retired as a software engineer-IT project manager in 2017.
The 13-song album was released by Triumph Productions, a startup label owned by Nina and Ron Johnson of Carmel. The album was produced and arranged by Will Turner, who also played bass, guitar, keyboards and backing vocals on the album.
“Everybody on the album is a professional musician, and I got some of the best jazz musicians in Indy on this album,” Taylor said. “It’s not a jazz album — it’s jazzy rock. If you took Steely Dan, Dave Matthews and Santana and locked them in a room, something like this album might come out of it. The music is eclectic.”
The Mark Taylor Project band plans to perform live soon.
One musician that inspired Taylor is bassist Mark Andes. Taylor met Andes when his band Spirit played in a small club in Denver. Prior to Spirit, Andes was in an early formation of Canned Heat. Andes later became a founding member of Firefall and played with Heart for approximately 10 years, beginning in 1983. Andes has played with Jackson Browne, Dan Fogelberg and Stevie Nicks.
“We lost track of each other but reconnected when Facebook came
(Below)
The album cover of
“TALES FROM THE YELLOW ROSE.”
along,” Taylor said. “Mark is a legendary rock musician. He was an original member of Spirit, which was a very innovative band for its time. They were the first to combine jazz and rock and make it sound like something new. They’re a very interesting group, highly influential on me as a 14-year-old learning to play guitar. For me, it’s just a big smile on my face and shaking in disbelief every time I think I’ve made an album with Mark Andes on it.”
Known primarily as a bass player, Andes plays guitar on Taylor’s album.
“Mark has been a huge influence on me musically with his band Spirit,” he said. “Miles Davis is another huge influence on me. Just about everything I know on musical theory comes from listening to Miles Davis.”
Percussionist Frank Loyd, who has played with Taylor since 2017, joined him on the album. Taylor was in a band called TimeSlip from 2014 to 2020 that played in the Indianapolis area. TimeSlip developed from a
blended worship service band at Fishers United Methodist Church.
“We were all part-time musicians, and I was doing all the writing,” Taylor said. “We put together a little five-song EP. It was recorded in a makeshift studio, and we self-released that.”’
Taylor credited Roger Jenkins-Bass and his Indianapolis nightclub The Point for giving TimeSlip a chance to play many times before it disbanded.
Taylor said he has a strong background in jazz.
“I’m not a jazz musician, but I understand the complexities of jazz, especially the harmonies and types of chords,” he said. “That band kept evolving.”
Taylor, who wrote all the songs, plays guitar and lead vocals on the album. Others playing on the album include Tim Ragliff, keyboards; Justin Brewer, drums; Rob Dixon, tenor and soprano saxophone; Stephanie Turner, background vocals; and Paul Yinger, trumpet and flugelhorn.
Happenings
‘TOOTSIE’
“Tootsie” runs Oct. 16 to Nov. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘SOMETHING ROTTEN’
Civic Theatre’s production of “Something Rotten” runs through Oct. 18 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
MATTHEW MORRISON
The “Matthew Morrison: Rhythms & Revelations” concert is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Country singer Maggie Baugh will perform Oct. 17, followed Dueling Pianos Oct. 18 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘VOCE’
Voce, a vocal group from Carmel, will perform at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. The performance music from movies. For tickets, visit voceindy.org.
DISPATCH
Feinstein’s starts Afterglow Dinner Series — Feinstein’s Afterglow Dinner Series is a unique, all-inclusive experience where guests enjoy handcrafted cocktails, a specially curated chef’s menu and live entertainment at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The first performance starts at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21 and will feature Casey Abrams & Friends, Dylan Chambers and Hunter. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
(Above) Fishers resident Mark Taylor wrote all the songs on his new album. (Photos courtesy of Frank Loyd)
ENTERTAINMENT
Farrell performs key role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Don Farrell got plenty of laughs just reading the script of “Tootsie.”
The musical is based on the 1982 movie starring Dustin Hoffman as an actor, Michael Dorsey, posing as a woman named Dorothy Michaels to get a role in the show.
“Those who love the movie are going to love the musical,” Farrell said. “There are a couple of new twists for those who know the movie. They’ll get as much of a kick out of the Broadway musical version of it.”
actor playing Michael Dorsey or Dorothy,” he said.
An Actors Theatre of Indiana co-founder, Farrell left his role at ATI in 2023 to pursue other opportunities with his own production and performing company, Crossroads Entertainment.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre will present “Tootsie” Oct. 16 to Nov. 23 at the Indianapolis venue.
Farrell, a Westfield resident, plays Ron Carlisle, the director and choreographer of the fictitious show. Jonathan Cobrda plays the Dorsey/Michaels role in the Beef & Boards production.
“It’s a great show to be able to lose yourselves for two hours, just laughing at crazy situations and madcap scenarios,” Farrell said.
Farrell said his character is in a couple of different scenes and musical numbers.
“But the heavy lifting is done by the
Farrell will be reunited with ATI co-founder Cynthia Collins in “Tootsie.”
In one scene, he sits next to Collins, who plays producer Rita Marshall, at an audition table.
“When I talked to Cindy, we said this is going to be hysterical,” Farrell said. “It’s an art imitates life because of the many times we’ve been doing the same thing for auditions for ATI. Now, we’ll be doing the same thing as different characters for the musical. Her character is very funny and I’m really looking forward to playing off her.”
Farrell made his Beef & Boards debut in “Fiddler on the Roof” in the early 1990s.
His most recent performance at Beef & Boards was playing the old man in “A Christmas Story” in 2024.
“It’s a wonderful group of people, production staff as well as cast, at Beef & Boards,” he said.
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Center presents free concert
editorial@youarecurrent.com
The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts announced a free appearance by the U.S. Navy Band Country Current.
The United States Navy Band Country Current will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, Tickets for that performance are available by phone at 317-843-3800 or in-person at the Payne & Mencias Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, which is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Because of anticipated high demand, tickets will be limited to four per household and will not be available online.
Tickets went on sale Oct. 10 for another new show. The Grammy-winning ensemble Snarky Puppy will make its debut appearance at 8 p.m. April 25, 2026 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Snarky Puppy is a Brooklyn-based instrumental ensemble founded in
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Carmel International Arts Festival! SEPTEMBER 26-27, 2026 TO OUR SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL FESTIVAL!
2004 by bassist and composer Michael League. Considered one of contemporary music’s most innovative collectives, the group defies genre boundaries by blending funk, R&B, hard rock, classic soul, modern gospel, new tech, fusion and jazz. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
The U.S. Navy Band Country Current will perform Nov. 13 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Carmel. (Photo courtesy by Allied Solutions Center)
Farrell
1. Flag maker Ross
6. Colts passing stats
10. Categorize
15. Ahead by a point
16. Local comedienne Huntington
17. Hamilton County Court pledges
18. King with a golden touch
19. Biblical garden
20. Elite invitees
21. Conner Prairie Makeand-Take toy
24. Laundry unit
25. Teensy
26. “___ voyage!”
29. Frequent website ending
32. Web address letters
35. Regions
38. Greece/Turkey separator
41. Conner Prairie October festival
44. First-class
45. Marshy hollow
46. Leak sound
47. Some WTHR fare
50. Afternoon hrs.
51. “Hamilton” highlight
53. Banish
56. Conner Prairie Makeand-Take activity
61. Video game pioneer
63. Eye part
64. Not long after midnight, for short
66. Terse
67. Egypt’s river
68. Entirely
69. “Brady Bunch” girl
70. Salon 01 goops
71. Old stringed instruments Down
1. Mooch
PUBLIC NOTICE
2. Carmel coffee shop
3. Type of list
4. I-69 traffic problem
5. Kind of question
6. Prefix meaning “false”
7. Scoundrels
8. “Star ___”
9. California city known for its zoo
10. Indy Fuel scores
11. Pacers comeback
12. Singer Redding
13. Verbal stumbles
14. LA winter hrs.
22. Consumed
23. White River mammal
26. Thai currency
27. Black-and-white cookies
28. Some tides
30. IMPD stun gun
31. India’s first prime minister
32. Where to find MA and
APC Towers, LLC is proposing to construct a 155-foot overall height monopole telecommunications structure located near 10910 Eller Road, Fishers, Hamilton County, Indiana (39° 56’ 43.4”N, 86° 3’ 53.4”W). The proposed tower is anticipated to utilize FAA Style E (medium intensity, dual red/white strobes) lighting.
APC Towers, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Comments may be sent to Environmental Corporation of America, ATTN: Annamarie Howell, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or via email to publicnotice @eca-usa.com. Ms. Howell can be reached at (770) 667-2040 x 108 during normal business hours. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice.
In addition, any interested party may also request further environmental review of the proposed action under the FCC’s National Environmental Policy Act rules, 47 CFR §1.1307, by notifying the FCC of the specific reasons that the action may have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. This request must only raise environmental concerns and can be filed online using the FCC pleadings system at www.fcc.gov or mailed to FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554 within 30 days of the date that notice of this proposed action is published on the FCC’s website. Refer to File No. A1339574 when submitting the request and to view the specific information about the proposed action. 25-003966/PEW
PA?
33. Kingdom
34. Pleasant Street divisions
36. Sum
37. Camera model letters
39. Mule’s kin
40. Just out
42. Dog-___ (like some used books)
43. Sign of an ankle injury
48. Snap, crackle and pop, e.g.
49. Have a late bite
51. Challenged
52. Bring together
54. Rot
55. Thin sounding
56. Son of Adam
57. A Great Lake
58. Shapiro’s pickle herb
59. Close
60. Angela Buchman strong wind descriptor
61. WRTV network
62. Numerical prefix
65. FC Cincinnati org.
Answers on Page 27
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4 bedroom, 4 bath condo overlooking breathtaking views of the gulf in Navarre Beach, Florida. Our condo is fully stocked and has multiple balconies to relax upon. Each bedroom is equipped with an ensuite bathroom and internet TV. Special snowbird pricing available. Please contact beachlifenowfl@gmail.com or 850-293-4588 for more details!
PUZZLE ANSWERS
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Synonyms: BLURRY, DIM, FAINT, LIGHT, PALE, UNCLEAR; Methods: KETTLE, MICROWAVE, POPPER, SKILLET, STOVETOP; Poker: DRAW, OMAHA, STRIP, STUD; Stations: EXXON, MOBIL, SPEEDWAY; Senators: JIM BANKS, TODD YOUNG; Logo: HORSESHOE
FREELANCE REPORTERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Current Publishing is seeking talented freelance reporters and photographers to join our team. We’re looking for passionate storytellers who can write compelling articles and capture highquality images that bring our local news to life.
FREELANCE REPORTERS
Research, interview and write engaging articles on a variety of local topics.
Requirements: Experience in journalism, a portfolio of published work, excellent writing and communication skills and a strong grasp of journalistic ethics.
FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Capture impactful photos for news, features, portraits and events.
Requirements: Proven experience, a strong portfolio, proficiency with camera equipment and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
HOW TO APPLY: Send your resume, a brief cover letter, and a link to your portfolio or writing samples to zach@youarecurrent.com. No phone calls, please. EOE.
