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Parents frustrated with school changes
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Parents of students in Westfield Washington Schools approached the board of school trustees Oct. 14 frustrated with the district’s plans to convert Westfield Intermediate School to an elementary school beginning in 2026-27.
WWS has six elementary schools for kindergarten through fourth-grade students. In 2026, the district will shift to eight elementary schools for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
New schools are Midland Crossings, currently under construction, and the conversion of the existing intermediate school to an elementary school. The intermediate school currently houses fifth- and sixth-grade students. After the switch, Westfield Middle School will transition to sixth through eighth grade. A second middle school is under construction on the west side of the city.
The change is part of the district’s rebalancing plan to address population growth. But parents called the change disruptive.
Jonathan Storer has three students in the district.
“Teaching students in an active construction site carries real consequences,” he said. “Construction disrupts learning through noise, limited space and stress, all of which affect academic performance and school culture.”
Storer also questioned if the school — which currently houses fifth- and sixthgrade students — would have appropriate play areas for younger students.
“The plan to open Westfield Elementary in the fall of 2026 does not align with the Westfield Washington School’s mission to ensure high levels of learning and growth for youth students,” he said. “I urge the board to delay the opening of Westfield Elementary until construction is complete. Monon Trail is the only elementary school that is overcrowded. Let’s focus on transparency, safety and putting students first.
Our kids deserve to walk into a finished, safe and inspiring school.”
Corey Stark, the parent of a second-grade student, said the district has not been transparent about construction plans, specifically any necessary environmental remediation.
“There has been an extension for one week of the school year,” he said. “We are talking about a total cost of financing of $53 million to have our kids potentially breathing in asbestos-containing materials and having to try to learn in that environment. Is there a Phase 1 environmental (plan)? Are there recommended environmental conditions in Phase 1? Has a Phase 2 been required? All of this information really needs to be disclosed.”
WWS Director of Construction Brian Kelly said there will not be construction during the school year.
“There is no interior construction going on in that building currently. The work that we’re doing (is) a multiple-phased approach,” he said.
Kelly said relocation of the building’s media center began over the summer near the main entrance of the building. Installation of new bus drop-off points on the south side of the building were also constructed over the summer, but those areas are not being used this school year.
Additional renovations — including interior work on classrooms, re-
strooms, HVAC systems and plumbing and exterior work to add a second drop-off area for kindergarten students — will take place in summer 2026. Planned changes include a playground, a multi-purpose turf field and basketball courts.
“The playground is going to be zoned for different age levels,” Kelly said, adding that additional details are expected to come to the board in December.
Kelly said the changes are modeled after the existing elementary schools — including the same carpeting and furniture.
Additional construction will take place in 2027.
As for remediation, Kelly said the original portion of the school was built in 1961, with major renovations in 1988. Kelly said the oldest portion of the building was razed in 2002 and reconstructed, with additions in 2006 and 2007.
“Everything is up to date by federal requirements,” he said, adding that the results of air testing should be complete by December.
The board will hold a work session at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 to hear public comments on the proposed map at the WWS Administration Center, 19500 Tomlinson Rd. The rebalancing plan will be considered for approval before the WWS Board of School Trustees Nov. 11.
Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVIII, No. 38 Copyright 2025 Current Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved. 525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444
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Westfield Intermediate School will transition to Westfield Elementary School in 2026-27. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Washington Schools)
Township manages local abandoned cemeteries
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Halloween is a time for ghosts and goblins and spooky traditions. But Westfield Washington Township has its own special relationship with a stereotypical representation of this time of year — abandoned cemeteries.
“By Indiana statute, Indiana townships are responsible for abandoned cemeteries,” Westfield Washington Trustee Jamie Goetz Mills said. “That can happen for many reasons. Maybe it was maintained by a church and the church no longer exists. But whatever the reason might be, by statute, we manage abandoned cemeteries. And by managing we mean as respectfully as we can keep them groomed and maintained.”
Westfield Washington Township manages two abandoned cemeteries — Pleasant View on 161st Street and Sugar Grove on Joliet Road. Although not much is known about the origins of Pleasant View, Sugar Grove was once the cemetery for a Methodist church that no longer exists.
Mills said management can mean a variety of things, from mowing the grass and cleaning up trash to inspecting headstones to see if restoration is possible. Representatives of the township were at local cemeteries earlier this month for assessments.
“Moving into 2026, we are in the process of what I’m calling refresh,” she said. “We’ve been managing them and maintaining them, keeping weeds down, keeping the grass cut. Now, we’re moving into full cleanups. A lot of the brush has started to grow over the years. So, we are putting together our budget around what that looks like, how much it will cost.”
Besides additional cleanup, changes could include adding fencing or signage to the cemeteries.
Mills said although the township’s two cemeteries look like your average older cemetery at first glance, years of falling trees or branches that have been brushed to the side are starting to impact the cemeteries overall.
Although the cemeteries are not set up for visitors — neither has a dedicated driveway or parking area — Mills said
at the Sugar Grove Cemetery, there are still a few gravesites that are visited by family members.
“There are people that are buried there that have family that do come and pay their respects,” she said.
Although there is not a lot of historical information on the cemeteries, one thing that does exist is a list of those buried. Mills said the township would encourage people to visit or
learn about the cemeteries but added that respect for those buried in them is nonnegotiable.
“You don’t want to be disrespectful and everybody’s definition of what that would look like is probably different,” she said. “Mine is the fact that we’re acknowledging it and educating people is respectful in of itself. Really, it’s about the preservation part of it.”
Mills said another goal for the township is to digitize records of the cemeteries. She also said people interested in learning about the history of the cemeteries are welcome to come to the township offices, where several binders dedicated to local cemeteries in Westfield Washington Township are available to the public.
“If they want to learn more, we’ve got all this information here,” she said. “The notebooks are accessible. They can flip through them. Because there is not technically a pull-off on either cemetery, it’s not like they can go and park and walk.”
The Westfield Washington Township office is at 17400 Westfield Blvd. Contact the office at 317- 574-9490.
Sugar Grove Cemetery on Joliet Road is managed by Westfield Washington Township. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Citizens Energy predicts stable heating costs
news@youarecurrent.com
Citizens Energy Group announced Oct. 16 that monthly natural gas heating bills for Westfield customers are anticipated to remain stable for the upcoming five-month winter heating season.
According to a news release, the announcement assumes normal winter temperatures, and estimates the total average natural gas bill in Westfield for the November through March heating
Menards food drive — Menards home improvement stores in the area are serving as drop sites for local food pantries through the month of October. Menards offers a variety of nonperishable items that can be donated to the food pantries. Large collection boxes are available near store exit doors.
season will be approximately $580, compared to $573 last winter.
“Citizens Energy Group makes every effort to reduce natural gas bills through buying gas in advance of the winter at fixed prices and utilizing a contracted storage service,” stated Citizens President & CEO Jeffrey Harrison.
Customers in need of financial assistance can check their eligibility for assistance from the Indiana Energy Assistance Program.
DISPATCHES
Westfield presents ‘name a snowplow’ contest — Westfield residents are invited to submit their most creative ideas for a contest to name the city’s snowplows. Submissions must be made by city or Westfield Washington township residents and must be 40 characters or less. Profane or politically inspired entries will not be considered. Read the full rules list and submit entries at tinyurl.com/ yx3atrja.
Construction nears completion
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Shamrock Station — an event and special programming building project of Westfield Washington Schools — is nearly completed.
WWS Director of Construction Brian Kelly gave an update to the Board of School Trustees Oct. 14.
“We are into the final punch list of items being completed,” he said. “The primary work left to do on that building is landscaping.”
The facility on Hoover Street, across from Westfield High School, was previously the Westfield Washington Public Library. The district began renovations in October 2024 to add an events center for up to 250 people; culinary arts space; classrooms; conference rooms; and educational space for Shamrock Connections — a life-skills program for students with disabilities ages 18 to 22.
Shamrock Station also will house the Westfield Apparel Shop and the district’s in-house content creation team, Rocks Media House.
“(There is) an infinity wall and I’m sure our media team and media students will be taking advantage of that and creating some really exciting videos and some production for the school system,” Kelly said.
Kelly also said the district’s new transportation facility is about 90 percent complete and in the final construction phase. The facility on Ind. 32 west of Little Eagle Creek will include parking for 250 buses, driver training stations, six mechanics bays, meeting space and expanded break areas.
“That facility is going to be ready for occupancy once the water line is completed,” he said. “The water line is being installed from Ditch Road on the north side of Ind. 32 to Centennial Road. The building needs water before we can open it or we can operate the systems within the building.”
The water main installation is expected to begin in the next few weeks, with completion of the water line by February 2026.
Meyer Najem Construction of Fishers is the lead contractor for both contracts.
WESTFIELD NOVEMBER CALENDAR
HOLIDAY ORGANIZATION CLASS
Professional Home Organizer Cindy Garloch of Simplify with Cindy will present ‘Organizing for the Holidays Sanity Saver Workshop’ at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at Westfield-Washington Township, 17400 Westfield Blvd. The interactive and hands-on session will teach participants to create an achievable plan to enjoy your holiday planning instead of feeling overwhelmed by it. Registration is $27. Register by Nov. 1 at westfieldwashingtontwp.us or call 317-574-9490.
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
The City of Westfield’s Veterans Day Ceremony, presented by Citizens Energy Group, will take place at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at IMMI Conference Center, 18880 East St. The event will include breakfast and a ceremony honoring veterans including live performances, keynote speeches and a special gift for veterans.
WILLIS TO DELIVER STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
The Westfield Chamber will present the State of the City address from Mayor
Scott Willis at 4 p.m. Nov. 13 at IMMI Conference Center, 18880 East St. Willis will share highlights of the past year’s accomplishments and offer a preview of 2026. Registration is $20 per person. Register at westfieldchamberindy.com.
SIP N’ SHOP IN WESTFIELD
The 10th annual Holiday Sip n’ Shop vendor market takes place at Roundtripper Sports Academy, 16708 Southpark Dr., Westfield, from 6 to 8:30 p.m Nov. 14. The event will feature more than 70 local business owners, live music, wine, beer, nonalcoholic beverages and food trucks. Goods for sale include holiday-themed gifts, services and products. The event is sponsored by Vino Mobile Bar in Carmel. Learn more at facebook. com/vinomobilebar.
ICE RIBBON OPENS
Westfield’s ice ribbon opens for its third season Nov. 22 at Grand Junction Plaza. Skating sessions for the synthetic loop rink are ticketed and sold in advance. Details can be found at facebook.com/ CityofWestfield.
Applications open for Indiana House interns
news@youarecurrent.com
Applications are open through Oct. 31 for student interns to serve with Indiana House Republican lawmakers during the 2026 legislative session.
The paid, full-time internships are open to college students, recent graduates and students in graduate and law school. Elected leaders said it is an opportunity to gain practical knowledge of state government through active participation in the legislative process.
internship and gain invaluable, real-world skills.”
Interns will work in the Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis full time Monday through Friday during the legislative session from January to March.
“Each day there is something new at the Statehouse as interns work hand-inhand with legislators and staff during session,” stated District. 24 Rep. Hunter Smith of Zionsville, who represents Westfield. “Hoosier students can set themselves up for success with a House
Lawmakers said internships provide crucial professional experiences for students and recent graduates seeking employment. Interns are paired with staff members to work directly with an assigned group of state representatives. Students will have opportunities to interact with state legislators, state agencies and private sector organizations, as well as participate in a weekly speaker series featuring Indiana civic leaders.
Apply at indianahouserepublicans. com/internship.
WESTFIELD LIONS INDUCT NEW MEMBER
TOWNS AT UNION
New townhomes from low $400Ks lo cated on S Union Street with b elow-market rates and Monon Trail access to Downtown West field
From left, Westfield Lions Club members Carrie Larrison, Linda Chase and Bob Benson welcomed Chase as the newest member to the club at the Oct. 16 regular meeting. Chase was sponsored by Lion Judy Waldroup. She is the 73rd active member of the club. The Westfield Lions Club is accepting volunteers and seeking new members. The club’s meetings are open to the public and anyone considering joining is invited to attend. The Westfield Lions meet on the first and third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Westfield Lions Club Community Center, 1101 E. 169th St. Learn more at westfieldlions.org. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Lions Club)
Smith
tives from the coroner’s office and forensic experts from the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Center conduct an ex-
Excavation conducted at Fox Hollow Farm
news@youarecurrent.com
Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison announced Oct. 20 that an excavation took place Oct. 18 at the former Westfield estate of suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister.
According to a news release, representatives from the coroner’s office and forensic experts from the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Center conducted a targeted excavation at Fox Hollow Farm at an isolated area on the property on 156th Street. The excavation came after two certified cadaver dogs independently alerted to the same location during a recent assessment.
The excavation did not recover additional human remains. However, Jellison said the case remains active.
“Although no additional remains were recovered during this excavation, the return to the property represents an important step forward in this nearly 30-year-old cold case,” he stated. “We
are committed to exploring all credible leads and using every available scientific tool to bring resolution to this case.”
Baumeister died by suicide in 1996 after human remains were discovered at Fox Hollow Farm. He is believed to be responsible for the murders of at least a dozen men in the mid-1990s. More than 10,000 charred remains and bone fragments were discovered at Fox Hollow. Those remains were housed at the University of Indianapolis in 1996, where they went untested until the investigation into identifying the victims was restarted by Jellison’s office in 2022.
The investigation includes the use of advanced DNA analysis, forensic anthropology and canine detection.
To date, 10 victims have been positively identified.
Anyone with information regarding missing persons potentially connected to the Fox Hollow case can contact the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office at 317-770-4415.
DISPATCHES
Veterans Day essay and poster contest — The City of Westfield is accepting entries for its second Veterans Day Ceremony poster and essay contest. The poster contest is open to students who live in Westfield or Westfield Washington Township in kindergarten through sixth grade. Posters must include a strong visual element such as a soldier or an American flag. The essay contest is open to students in seventh through 12th grade. Submissions can be a short essay, poem or other written format. Posters and essays must follow the theme “History and Significance of Veterans Day.” Submissions can be uploaded to tinyurl.com/yazrxthv or dropped off at Westfield City Services, 2728 E. 171st St., before Oct. 31. Winning posters will be displayed at the City of Westfield’s Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11 at the IMMI Conference Center. Essay winners will be invited to read their essays at the event.
Representa-
cavation at Fox Hollow Farm in Westfield.
(Photo courtesy of Jeff Jellison)
COMMUNITY
WWS approves budget
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Westfield Washington Schools Board of School Trustees approved the 2026 budget Oct. 14. The $189 million budget includes:
• Education fund — $86.7 million
• Operating referendum — $14.7 million
• Debt service — $55.5 million
• Capital referendum — $6.9 million
• Operations — $25.6 million
• Rainy day — $0
Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Greg Hunt told the board during a work session last month that he anticipates the actual budget to come in lower at $184 million, due to adjustments expected in the operating referendum, debt service and operations.
In Indiana, the state provides funding for items directly related to classroom education. Operations, debt service, referendum and rainy-day funds are supported by local tax dollars. Money allocated to each fund must be spent for that fund only. Hunt said Senate Enrolled Act 1 — the state’s new property tax law — will hit the local tax-supported funds hardest, specifically operations. The operations fund supports nonclassroom salaries and benefits, nonstudent-focused technology, maintenance, grounds, utilities, transportation and bus replacement.
In response, the district will increase its threshold for fund transfers. State law allows districts to transfer up to 15 percent from the education fund into operations. Hunt said although the district previously limited that transfer to 7 percent, the district will increase that to 8 percent in 2026 to offset losses from SEA1. Losses in operations and debt service in 2026 are anticipated at $11.4 million. Hunt said those losses are a combination of losses due to tax caps, and $2 million directly related to SEA1. He said the increase for transfers also is in response to growth — since 2021-22, the district has grown by 1,601 students.
“With rapid growth comes the need for the new buildings and, in turn, increased debt,” he said. “As we grow as a district, obviously, facility-wise, we need to continue to provide an environment for our students as far as those enrollments are concerned, making
sure that we’re housing those students properly.”
Hunt said the board needs to be prepared for how SEA1 will affect the district moving forward.
“I’m going to say this in all transparency — (operations) is the fund that is continuing to be decimated. All aspects of this, especially when it comes to SEA1. There really are some significant challenges that we face as far as the operations fund and planning,” he said. “We continue to look at different ways either to generate additional revenues for (the operations fund) but also look at efficiency. What are the things that we can do as a district as a whole to become more efficient, whether it be through transportation, whether it be through utility costs, but looking at a number of different ways to lower the needs of the budget for our operations fund to make sure that we’re keeping in line with the revenue that we will be receiving.”
Hunt said general obligation bonds are a potential source for securing revenue, but would not be his first choice.
The advertised tax rate for 2026 is 1.3922, but Hunt estimated the actual rate will be closer to 1.29. He said that is because of a corrected net assessed valuation by Hamilton County that was 2 percent lower than the original valuation.
Besides the budget approval, the board also approved issuance of a general obligation bond Oct. 14. Hunt said the bond will be used for technology updates and school buses. The budget also includes a five-year bus replacement plan and a capital assets plan.
The approved budget will be uploaded to the Department of Local Government Finance. The district will receive recommendations from DLGF in late December for adjustments, if necessary.
The Westfield Washington Schools budget for 2026 is $189 million. (File photo)
LN receiver attracting major college attention
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
There are good reasons why Lawrence North High School junior wide receiver Monshun Sales is a consensus five-star college football recruit.
Sales was second in the 200 meters in 21.56 seconds at the IHSAA boys state track and field finals in June and was on the winning 400 relay team. He had set a state record of 21.09 in the 200 prelims.
“When you add in his big 6-foot-5 frame, he’s not only fast, he’s tall and he becomes hard to bring down once he gets going,” Wildcats coach Patrick Mallory said.
Sales has 35 receptions for 782 yards this season heading into the Oct. 31 Class 6A sectional game against Lawrence Central. He had 34 catches for 568 yards last season.
“I feel like I most improved in my catching and getting open,” Sales said. “Track helps me get more explosive.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
MONSHUN SALES
Favorite athlete: Jeremiah Smith
Favorite musician: NBA YoungBoy
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: “Friday”
Favorite vacation spot: Miami
It really teaches me how to run and stride.”
He has seen his yards per-catch average rise from 16.7 yards to 22.3.
“He’s bigger, faster and stronger,” Mallory said.
Besides physical qualities, Mallory said Sales keeps maturing.
“We get them as young kids and some might not even be teenagers yet,” Mallory said. “Once they get into a system
and they see what the system can do for them, it really helps that process of thinking and what they can probably do.”
Sales is optimistic about the team’s chances in the postseason.
“We are more motivated than ever,”
EXPERT SPINE CARE NOW IN WESTFIELD
he said. “We have something to prove to everyone doubting us. We don’t care about that. We want to prove to ourselves that we are who we say we are.”
Sales has a slew of scholarship offers, including from the University of Alabama, Ohio State University, Indiana University, University of Oklahoma, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame and Purdue University
“Everybody is going to be drawn to what they can see — the tangibles versus the intangibles,” Mallory said. “They see the big body that can move and then you see him catch the ball. If you can take the top off the defense here, you are probably going to be able to do it at each level as you keep moving up.”
Sales began playing football when he was 5.
“What makes me passionate about the sport is it makes me want to play harder seeing my mom happy watching me play,” he said.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
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• Experienced, Compassionate, Fellowship-trained Spine Surgeon
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Lawrence North’s junior wide receiver is a five-star recruit. (Photo courtesy of Lawrence North athletics)
WPD makes drug arrest
news@youarecurrent.com
A trespassing call made to the Westfield Police Department Oct. 9 resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old on multiple drug charges.
The WPD announced the investigation and arrest Oct. 19. According to the probable cause affidavit, WPD responded to a residence in the 15300 block of Fenchurch Dr. for a trespassing complaint. The resident, Michele Greene, told officers that her son, Brayden Greene, and two of his friends were staying at the home and would not leave.
would call the police. Brayden Greene’s friends left the premises at that time, according to the document.
Further investigation showed a firearm was allegedly discharged inside the residence the previous day. According to the affidavit, Michele Greene heard a gunshot coming from Brayden Greene’s room on Oct. 8. Brayden Greene told his mother a round was accidentally fired through the wall, but police were not contacted.
A physical altercation allegedly ensued Oct. 9 when Michele Greene told her son and his friends to leave or she
Detectives secured a search warrant and located a firearm, ammunition and multiple types of illegal drugs and paraphernalia in the home. A bullet hole also was located in a wall. According to the affidavit, when WPD attempted to take possession of Brayden Green’s phone, he “began to violently smash his phone in an attempt to break it” and was wrestled to the ground by officers.
Following the investigation, Brayden Greene was arrested and charged with 10 felony drug charges including dealing in a narcotic drug, dealing in cocaine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of cocaine. He also was charged with five misdemeanor charges including domestic battery, resisting law enforcement, interference with reporting a crime, dealing in marijuana and possession of marijuana.
The case was investigated by the WPD Patrol Unit and Special Investigations Unit.
No Gimmicks, Just Growth
Greene
SANTI STRONG
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
Neighbors unite to assist Westfield child in need of heart transplant
Dozens of Westfield residents gathered in the Springmill Villages neighborhood Oct. 18 to rally behind the family of a child in need of a heart transplant.
Seventeen-month-old Santiago “Santi” Banda has been at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital since August. Santi relies on a life-sustaining Berlin heart — a mechanical heart pump — as he awaits a lifesaving heart transplant.
“In July, Santi came down with RSV,” said Santi’s father, Hiram Banda. “The RSV ended up attacking his heart instead of his lungs, which caused him to have cardiomyopathy. He had about 10 to 15 percent of his heart function. When we got transferred to Cincinnati a couple weeks later, that 10 to 15 percent went out. So, the medication that was used to protect the rest of the function that he needed wasn’t going to work.”
Santi endured three open heart surgeries and ultimately suffered a stroke.
On Oct. 18, dozens of people lined up to participate in the 5K Santi Strong Warrior Run/Walk for Life to benefit the Banda family — a charity event to raise funds needed pay for Santi’s care and to help the family move to Cincinnati.
Banda said the family intends to remain in Cincinnati until Santi can get a heart transplant. For now, Banda spends most of his time in Cincinnati, while his wife Rosa remains in Westfield with their two other sons, Jace, 7, and Romeo, 3.
“My wife is still here with the kids, taking care of them, working, getting them to and from school while we continue to try to figure out what’s going on,” he said.
Despite his medical challenges, Banda said Santi is doing well. The family is keeping family and friends updated through social media.
“He’s extremely comfortable, having a lot of fun,” he said. “People can always go check out his videos and how he’s currently doing on Facebook by hashtagging SantiStrong. And we’re
more than happy to interact with people on social media so they can see how he’s doing.”
The 5K was organized by neighbor Lisa Banning. Besides the event, Banning said homeowners in the neighborhood have tied red ribbons to their mailboxes or lamp posts to show support for Santi and his family.
“Hiram owns a couple of small busi-
nesses here in Westfield, and the family’s very involved in the community,” Banning said. “They always show everyone so much love and kindness, and I just wanted to show them that love and kindness goes both ways. Every penny we raise from this 5K is going to help this family be together when they need it most.”
Banda said the 5K shows the power of
SUPPORTING SANTI
Seventeen-month-old Santiago
“Santi” Banda of Westfield has been a patient at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital since August.
Santi is awaiting a heart transplant after contracting RSV in July, which attacked his heart and led to the need for a Berlin Heart — a mechanical heart pump — while he awaits a heart transplant.
The family has started a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of medical bills, ongoing treatments, travel, lodging, everyday expenses and ultimately to move the family — including father Hiram, mother Rosa and brothers Jace and Romeo to Cincinnati until Santi can receive a heart transplant. Learn more at gofundme.com/f/ scxh6-santistrong.
community.
“Our neighbors and friends put it together for us,” he said. “They went out of their way to do so and we’re so grateful. We would like to move our family to Cincinnati temporarily while waiting for a heart transplant. In order to do so, for a family of our size and trying to get the most affordable options, it is still going to cost a lot of money.”
And, he said, the family is grateful for the help and support.
“We really are so appreciative of the support and the amount of community engagement that we’ve had with this event and just our (social media and Go Fund Me page) in general,” he said.
“Make sure everybody hears how grateful we are.”
ON THE COVER: Brothers Romeo, left, and Jace Banda kick off a 5K benefit run for their brother, Santi, Oct. 18 in Westfield. (Photo by Marney Simon)
Friends and neighbors take part in a benefit
5K walk/ run for Santi
Banda Oct. 18. (Photos by Marney Simon)
Hiram Banda works the merch stand during a 5K charity run Oct. 18 to benefit his son, Santi, who is in need of a heart transplant.
Besides raising funds from run registrations, donations were also given to the Banda family to help Santi’s care.
Hiram and Rosa Banda, with their sons Romeo and Jace, speak to the crowd before a benefit run for Santi Banda Oct. 18.
BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT:
Commentary by Larry Greene
This Windemere home in Carmel underwent a remarkable transformation featuring a sunroom addition, new deck and sunken porch designed for year-round outdoor living.
THE BLUEPRINT
• Replaced the dated deck and concrete patio with a multilevel outdoor retreat that flows seamlessly from the home.
• Added a bright and airy three-seasons room with panoramic windows for natural light and weather-protected comfort.
• Built a spacious new deck ideal for dining, grilling and entertaining.
• Created a cozy sunken porch with integrated seating for relaxing around the fire.
• Unified the design with cohesive finishes and architectural detailing that complement the home’s exterior.
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.
Sunroom and deck addition reveal
You’re Invited
Thursday, November 20 | 6–9pm 502 EAST EVENT CENTRE | CARMEL, IN
Westfield native launches AI startup
By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com
When Westfield native Stan Mattingly was a senior at Westfield High School in 2015, he launched his first business, College Deedz LLC. Although it is now closed, the business assisted college students looking for summer jobs by featuring them on its website for employers seeking workers for seasonal jobs.
In June 2025, Mattingly founded and became CEO of his second business, Hup AI. The business is a productivity tool that helps detect clutter, identify safety hazards and track habits and routines inside the user’s home, sending real-time reminders and environment-based alerts as well as other information to users.
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!
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“It is a tiny camera that you place in your home, particularly in areas that most people struggle with,” he said. “The initial use-case for me was to put it into my kitchen and have it watch the sink, have it watch all the areas there, and it basically surfaces consumable tasks that you can complete and then it watches those as you complete them and rewards you for doing so.”
Mattingly created the device for those who struggle with mental health issues, but said it has been useful for families with children.
families, single people, “ he said. “It’s been very well received. I have some text messages with a few users. The individual that I’m talking about right now, who uses it at college, it’s been a game-changer for them.”
The camera for Hup AI can be purchased online, and the app can be downloaded in the App Store.
“The nice thing is you can get the whole experience without buying the device yet,” Mattingly said. “You can take photos with your phone, just to see how it works or just on demand in places where the device might not be seeing things inside the home. The app is completely functional without the device. The device turns it into that completely automated experience. You can download the app on the App Store, and then you can buy the device from us at our website or through the app.”
Mattingly wants to integrate Hup AI with other smarthome devices.
“The really hair-on-fire market that has been super interested in this product is, particularly, people who struggle with executive dysfunction, ADHD, kind of any of those mental health issues that prevent people from keeping up with their home and managing tasks in the home,” he said. “However, since launching, we’ve found it useful for families, parents, kids, couples, all those different things.”
Mattingly started coding at 14 years old and credits that to being “a huge help throughout all of these different startup journeys.” He graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2018 with a degree in informatics.
Although he moved to San Francisco about a year and a half ago, his family remains in Westfield.
So far, the device has been “very well received,” especially by individuals with ADHD.
“We’ve had college students use them in their dorms who love it, we’ve had
“For Hup, the ultimate goal is an in-home (Marvel Universe-type JARVIS) powered specifically by vision,” Mattingly said. “The plan is to just have it doing tasks to actually integrate it with the full home ecosystem via your smart fridge, your smart oven, whatever those things may be and then also leveraging vision completely so it can understand what’s important to you, what are your behaviors, what do you want to improve on, all those different things.”
To date, Hup AI devices have been shipped to more than 200 households in almost all 50 states.
Learn more at withhup.com.
Kassie Braun
Stan Mattingly with the Hup AI device. (Photo courtesy of Stan Mattingly)
BUSINESS LOCAL
VIKAN NORTH AMERICA BREAKS GROUND
Representatives from Vikan North America, the City of Westfield and the Westfield Chamber of Commerce participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Vikan North America headquarters in Westfield. Vikan is a global leader in hygienic cleaning solutions for the food and beverage industry. The company plans to invest $11.2 million to build a new, 80,000-square-foot warehouse and office facility at 196th and East streets. The new facility is expected to create 56 high-wage jobs by the end of 2026. (Photo courtesy of City of Westfield)
Tenor gets rare villain role in Indy Opera
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
This will be a rare experience for Ganson Salmon.
“For once in my life as a tenor, I get to play the bad guy,” Salmon said. “Most of the time I’m singing the lover role.”
Salmon plays the Duke of Mantua in Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Rigoletto” Nov. 14-16 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. “Rigoletto” features the music of composer Giuseppe Verdi.
“The Duke is a lecherous manipulator and powerful and a cruel guy,” Salmon said. “He uses his power and charm to get what he wants. It’s an interesting character study to step into because it’s much different than just singing sweet love duets. There’s a lot of layers. It’s something that I’m so excited to do.”
The Whitestown resident said it’s a stimulating exercise to play the villain.
“You have to be willing to be disliked by the audience,” he said. “I had the experience in the past when I sang in ‘Madame Butterfly’ and they disliked the naval officer Pinkerton, who leaves the Japanese wife with the child in Japan and marries an American woman. The audience learns to hate Pinkerton so much that they will boo Pinkerton at the end. Though they may not realize, they are booing the nice and kind-hearted opera singer that played this role. From that experience, it helped me learn something from the role of the Duke, that you have to be willing to be disliked.”
Salmon said he loves the music from “Rigoletto”
“Not just the songs that I get to sing but the great duets and arias sung by Rigoletto and his daughter Gilda,” he said.
Mark Rucker plays Rigoletto Nov. 14 and 16. Jose Luis Maldonado plays the role Nov. 15. Brandie Inez Sutton portrays Gilda.
Salmon, an Indianapolis native who
graduated from Heritage Christian School in 2011, began his career as a resident artist with Indianapolis Opera in 2016. The Ball State University graduate, who earned a master’s degree at Mannes School of Music in New York City, had a small supporting role in the Indy Opera production of “Mansfield Park.”
Since then, Salmon said he has been part of numerous Indy Opera concerts, Opera in the Park twice and was in the COVID-19 livestream production of “Madame Butterfly” in November 2020.
“That was with a small orchestra and in front of a very small studio audience in 2021,” Salmon said. “This actually will be my main stage leading role debut with Indianapolis Opera. It’s extraordinarily meaningful to be here at home in Indianapolis with my family and friends and to be singing with this wonderful opera company that I’ve had a fruitful relationship with over the years. It’s time to take stock on how far I’ve come personally and to put on a great show for everybody.”
Salmon said he is thankful his
97-year-old grandmother, Sarah Jane Gradison, will attend “Rigoletto.”
“She supported Indianapolis Opera on its board long before I knew what opera was,” Salmon said. “She still loves hearing about my career and follows it very closely, so I’m so excited to sing in front of her.”
Since moving back to the Indianapolis area during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Salmon can travel to perform in a variety of locations.
“It’s a nice balance, less cost of living and I get to be around my family rather than be in New York City or somewhere else,” said Salmon, who grew up in the Lawrence area.
For more, visit indyopera.org.
IF YOU GO
What: Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Rigoletto”
When: November 14–16
Where: The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel Tickets: indyopera.org
‘TOOTSIE’
“Tootsie” runs through Nov. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘SPOOKY NIGHT OF COMEDY’
Dave Dugan and Steve Iott will perform “A Spooky Night of Comedy” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
‘FOUR SEASONS’
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will present Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Don Farrell will host “Monster Mash: A Night to Dismember!” Oct. 29, followed by “The Magic of David Ranalli” Oct. 30, “Murder Mystery Night” Oct. 31 and “Celebrating Celine” with Jenene Caramielo Nov. 1-2 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. The performances are at 7:30 p.m. except for a 1 p.m. Nov. 2 show. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN’
Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Young Frankenstein” through Nov. 9 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
‘BUGS BUNNY’
“Bugs Bunny at the Symphony” is set for 8 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Ganson Salmon plays the role of the Duke of Mantua in Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Rigoletto.” (Photo courtesy of Ganson Salmon)
Pub features weekly Irish music sessions
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Madeleine Luther was looking for a musical outlet.
The 2013 Carmel High School graduate grew up playing the violin in school orchestras.
The Noblesville resident plays fiddle in the Indianapolis Ceili Band. When she can, she performs with other musicians in a traditional Irish session every Tuesday night at the Brockway Pub in Carmel. The tradition started in 2009.
“I grew up watching Riverdance, which was really popular when I was a kid,” Luther said. “As I was getting older and didn’t want to continue playing classical, I found a fiddle teacher in Carmel, Emily Thompson, and started playing with her. From there, I got into the sessions and Indianapolis Ceili Band. I have two young boys, so I used to come a lot more, but now I come when we’re all able. It’s kind of my escape. I’m a mom and a preschool teacher. This is my hobby that I do for fun.”
shanties and folk tunes.
Noblesville resident Ed Delaney has been a member of the Indianapolis Ceili Band since it started several years. He plays the accordion and concertina, which is a small accordion.
The Ceili Band plays a variety of Irish festivals throughout central Indiana, along with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, weddings and other shows.
“There are two other sessions in the Indianapolis area that Ceili Band members go to, depending which is closer to their home,” Delaney said. “I’ve played this music since I was a teenager. I play old-time American music and play banjo on the side. But Irish music has always been my thing. The thing that sets the Brockway apart for us is that it’s been a stable home for music for years now. We’ve had lots of people like Jim (Fallis) that showed up and wanted to learn an instrument and how to play with others.”
JOSEPH ROBINETTE
Indianapolis resident Jim Fallis said anyone that has an instrument can play in the session.
“We come and play for the joy of playing,” he said. “I’ve been here nights when we have 35 people come in. We usually have seven to 14. We have several people that do vocals.”
Fallis said the sessions are where he learned to play.
Many of the people who join in the sessions are with the Indianapolis Ceili Band, which Fallis joined a year ago. He plays the mandolin and the tenor banjo. He previously played in a band called Rusty Musket, which performed sea
Alberta Lathan, a north Indianapolis resident, has been with the Ceili Band since the beginning. The rehearsals are held at her house. The Ceili Band traveled to Ireland in August. She also frequently attends the Brockway sessions.
Lathan said it is special “to have a business willing to make space for traditional Irish music at a consistent time, sometimes when they might be very busy. It’s wonderful for people just beginning to play Irish music and they can come and listen.”
Lathan, who plays the flute, has won awards in Irish regional competition for her vocals.
For more, visit Indianapolis Ceili Band on Facebook.
Madeleine Luther plays the fiddle at the Irish session at Brockway Pub in Carmel. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
Festival honors top films
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Heartland International Film Festival showcased more than 100 films, including 19 world/U.S. premieres, 27 regional premieres and seven Special Presentations from major distributors during its Oct. 9-19 run in Indianapolis.
As is often the case, Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig said he expects many will draw Academy Award attention.
“Top contenders from our festival include Audience Award winners ‘Nuremberg’ and ‘Rental Family,’” Sorvig said. “Both are starting to make some awards’ season noise. Other major contenders featured at the festival were ‘Blue Moon,’ ‘Sentimental Value,’ ‘The Tale of Silyan” and ‘The Secret Agent,’ and others. ‘Happy Birthday,’ our $20,000 Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature Award winner, is also the Egyptian entry for this season’s Academy Awards.”
Sorvig said It was a happy surprise that Sarah Goher’s “Happy Birthday” won the Grand Prize.
Indianapolis resident Richard D. Propes was the subject of the world premiere documentary “The Tenderness Tour.” (Photo courtesy of Heartland Film)
“She and her husband, Mohamed Diab (“Cairo 678”, 2012), are the first couple to have won the same major top honor with films they separately directed,” Sorvig said. “We are proud of our international slate of winners in this year’s festival.”
Heartland Film has the honor of being the only festival in the world sanctioned by the Stewart Family to present an award in honor of acclaimed actor Jimmy Stewart. “The Eyes of Ghana,” directed by Ben Proudfoot, received the $5,000 Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award.
My ‘selfie’ awareness
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife has run off with my sister. They were only supposed to vacation together for a little over a week, but when Linda asked my wife Mary Ellen if I could manage all right being alone for so long, Mary Ellen said, “He’ll be fine. I’ll only be gone 10 years.” I assume she meant 10 days. I’d like Dr. Freud to examine that verbal slip. The truth is that we both have habits that annoy each other after 45 years. But after about a week, I started to miss all the things Mary Ellen does that irk me. Here are some examples. It bugs me when we go somewhere where we’ve been hundreds of times, like our Unitarian Church, and right before the exit, Mary Ellen says, “This is your exit coming up. “
“The
truth is that we both have habits that annoy each other after 45 years. But after about a week, I started to miss all the things Mary Ellen does that irk me.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
Well, I know this. I’ve driven here every week for 12 years. Well, at least I wasn’t going to have to hear that directive for two weeks. While she was gone, I missed the exit twice.
I hate it when Mary Ellen lectures me about putting things back on the right shelves in the fridge. She says that if I don’t do that, I won’t be able to find anything next time. I knew once she left that I had full control of storage in our Samsung appliance. That first night, I just threw things back in randomly. I mean, what’s the difference? Yesterday, I ate a hot dog with mayonnaise on it. I know the mustard is in the fridge. But I have no clue where.
Something that really drives me crazy is when she walks into my home office, she always ends up fiddling with something. She straightens the photos on the wall and adjusts the lamp shades. But what really drives me nuts is how she always fixes the slats on my blinds, which are always askew because I often open one just to check the weather. While she was away, I sent her a selfie from my office with the blinds behind me. Yes, she texted back and told me two slats were open. I looked carefully at the photo. I never knew we had a Peeping Tom in our neighborhood. When Mary Ellen was gone, I watched about 12 baseball playoff games. I was finally free of her persistent question during every sporting event, “Is it over, yet? Dinner is on the table.” Now, I could finally watch the playoff games in peace. But I truly missed her when one playoff game went 15 innings, lasting until 1 a.m. I knew if Mary Ellen were home, she would have waited up until the final inning, kept the food hot for me and waited to eat so we could sit together for dinner. Did you actually believe that for one second?
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent. com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
PUZZLES
1. Group of Girl Scouts
6. Duke Energy electrical unit
9. Part of a barn
13. A2Z Cafe seating option
14. Life story, briefly
15. Mayberry boy
16. It began as Standard Oil of Indiana, then merged with BP in 1998
17. Breakfast drinks, initially
18. Drool catchers
19. ___ Speedwagon
20. Laundry room supply
23. White River angler’s aid
24. Napleton car
25. Parents of Gen-Xers
27. Body part between elbow and wrist
31. It ended 11/11/1918
32. “Terrible” czar
33. Monon Community Center place to play hoops
35. Grayish brown
39. Lower limb
40. Halloween blunder 42. “Ready, ___, go!”
43. Curacao neighbor
45. Scrooge’s cry
46. Author/filmmaker
Vladic
47. Apt. units
49. Quantity held in a large bag
51. Imaginary source of fear
55. Artist Lichtenstein
56. Clean air org.
57. “You got that right!”
59. Navigation letters
62. Exited
64. Poetic tribute
65. Bazbeaux Pizza topping
67. Facts, briefly
68. Zilch
69. No-no
70. Steinbeck novel: “East of ___”
71. Blown Away hair product
72. “Your Movie Sucks” writer DOWN
1. Building beam
2. City on the Tiber
3. Colts shutout, on a scoreboard
4. Non-Rx
5. Fear
6. ISO instrument
7. Muslim veil
8. City on the Moskva
9. Tennis shot
10. Express one’s view
11. Dietary need
12. Fishers HS exams
21. Key ___, Fla.
22. Half Price Books section
24. Barbie’s beau
26. “Mamma ___!”
27. Nike rival
28. Finished
29. Prego alternative
30. “Butt out!,” briefly 34. Butler’s Lacy School advanced degs.
36. B-52 org.
37. Miami County town about 50 miles north of Westfield
38. List-ending abbr.
40. Disney deer
41. Scarlett of Tara
44. Bikini top
46. Fever foe
48. “See ya!”
50. Wolf’s kin
51. Contradict
52. Topple
53. Social faux pas
54. WJJK classic hit
58. Peddle
59. Tease
60. Destitute
61. Bratty kid
63. Freight weight
66. Capture Answers on Page 23
ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
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Please direct all questions regarding this Request for Proposals to Ben Meier, Parks and Recreation Landscape Manager, City of Westfield, 2706 E 171st Street, Westfield, IN 46074, (317) 619-5813, bmeier@westfield.in.gov.
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