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Location Matters.

Historian solves mystery of city’s name origin

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 youarecurrent.com

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Barrington resident shares WWII story for national project

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From walkable settings to nature-forward environments, each Old Town community highlights the importance of choosing the right place. MAGNOLIA

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Women’s Running Festival returning next month

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Historian solves city name origin mystery By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com For decades, two competing narratives have attempted to explain how Carmel got its name. Some credit Elizabeth Peelle, a weaver who suggested to her husband the town be named after Mt. Carmel, a biblical landmark in Israel known for its beauty. But other sources claimed Levi Andris Haines, the town’s first merchant, selected the name. After making a key discovery, local historian Andy Wright believes he knows which version is correct. Wright began researching the matter in depth in 2022 when he began gathering items for an exhibit at the Carmel Clay History Museum exploring the city’s name. He knew it had been founded as Bethlehem in 1837 and that leaders learned when attempting to open a post office nine years later that a town in southern Indiana already had that name. To avoid confusion, the new building opened in 1846 as the Carmel post office. Which meant Peelle couldn’t have

Levi Andris Haines was Bethlehem’s first merchant and is credited with renaming the town Carmel. (Image courtesy of the Carmel Clay Historical Society)

named it. Wright tracked down records that showed Peelle was a teenager living in North Carolina at that time. She didn’t get married until 1850, and the couple didn’t move to Carmel until 1862. So, Wright decided to see if he could verify that Haines had named the town. He felt there were several reasons it made sense.

“He was the town’s only merchant, and the post office would be located in his store,” Wright said. “He was also the clerk of the Quaker meeting, which was a position of considerable responsibility and respect.” As he attempted to fill in the blanks, Wright discovered Haines had previously lived in Columbiana County, Ohio. He knew Quakers often reused names, so he looked up the name of the local group and struck gold: It was the Carmel Monthly Meeting. “He did what a lot of Quakers did, which is if they move from one meeting, they often reuse that name,” Wright said. This month, Wright added a final piece to the puzzle. He received documentation of handwritten minutes from a Quaker women’s meeting in 1829 in Stark County, Ohio, showing that the Haines family had transferred from the Carmel meeting. Wright said he has enjoyed solving the mystery. “You don’t get to open up many treasure chests and feel that rush of joy,” he said. “But every once in a while you do, and that was one of them.”

THE EXHIBIT: WHY CARMEL? The Carmel Clay History Museum’s newest exhibit, “Why Carmel? The Story Behind the Name” opened last month. In addition to featuring information about how the city got its name, the exhibit features items from various other Carmels around the world, including a vinyl record from the British band Carmel, a wine bottle from the Carmel Wine Co. in Israel and professional baseball player Duke Carmel’s 1960 rookie card. It also includes a permit from the City of Carmel-bythe-Sea in California allowing Carmel, Indiana, Mayor Sue Finkam to wear “shoes with heels in excess of certain limitations.” City code prohibits heels more than 2 inches in height or that have a base of less than 1 square inch. “Some of the sidewalks (there) are more like paving stones and cobblestones, and they don’t want to change that aesthetic,” said Andy Wright, a historian with the Carmel Clay Historical Society. “So, in order to not be liable for people tripping and falling over their uneven roads and sidewalks, they came up with that ordinance where you can’t wear heels.” The ordinance doesn’t seem to be strictly enforced, as Wright said anyone can walk into City Hall and request a permit. The museum at 211 First St. SW is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Learn more at CarmelClayHistory.org.

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The “Why Carmel?” exhibit at the Carmel Clay History Museum features Carmel-related items from across the globe. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

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Meet the candidates seeking new judge seat Compiled by Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com Two candidates are running for judge of the newly established Hamilton Superior Court 8 in the Nov. 3 general election. Republican Danica L. Eyler, magistrate judge of Hamilton Circuit and Superior Courts, will face Democrat Emily Angel Shaw, a lawyer and director of family law services at Kids’ Voice of Indiana. Read the full Q&A at youarecurrent. com. WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? Shaw: I’m running for judge because I believe our courts should be fair, thoughtful and grounded in the real lives of the people and community they serve. After many years advocating for children, families and individuals Shaw in our courts, I’m ready to bring my experience, preparation and perspective to the bench. Eyler: First, I want to serve my community at a high level. Second, my educational experience in both business and law, private practice and now on the bench provide me with the skills and experience necessary to build a Eyler foundation in Court No. 8 that will serve residents well. WHAT SETS YOU ARART? Shaw: My legal background gives me a broad understanding of the issues and people who come before our courts. I’ve built my career around service and believe deeply in the responsibility that comes with public office. I’m prepared to bring sound judgment, integrity and a strong work ethic to the bench. Eyler: I have the right experience because my family lives here, goes to school here, owns a business here and I was in private law practice here. I share the values of our community. Shared values combined with my experience will provide a court that is fair, just and efficient. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE

CAMPAIGN ISSUES? Shaw: Equal access to justice — ensuring everyone who enters the courtroom is heard, respected and treated consistently; effective courts — being prepared, efficient and mindful that court decisions have real consequences for people’s lives; and community safety — promoting accountability while adopting approaches that reduce repeat offenses and keep our community safe. Eyler: The right experience matters. The law matters. The way a court starts so shall it go and a great foundation for this new court matters. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO BRIDGE THE PARTISAN DIVIDE TO SERVE ALL YOUR CONSTITUENTS? Shaw: Judges serve everyone, regardless of political affiliation. My responsibility will be to listen, apply the law consistently and make decisions based on facts and the law, not politics. I will work to earn the trust of our entire community by approaching every case with an open mind, preparation and respect. Eyler: Not one time since I have been on the bench have I thought about my Republican Party affiliation as it relates to a case before me. Judicial positions in Indiana are apolitical positions and I intend to uphold those values in my current position and if elected.

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HOW WILL YOU IMPROVE COURT ACCESSABILITY AND EFFICIENCY? Shaw: I’ll focus on practical improvements within the court’s control. This includes utilizing active case management, intentional pretrial conferences and remote appearances when appropriate to keep cases moving. I’ll also work collaboratively with court staff, attorneys and other justice stakeholders to identify bottlenecks and implement practical solutions that reduce unnecessary delay. Eyler: I have, with the help of the two courts where I primarily work, already implemented strategies in scheduling to assist non-represented individuals in divorces and family law matters. Those include providing information at the beginning of their case that explains what steps must be taken. It has been successful in resolving matters efficiently for the litigants.

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DISPATCHES  Class of 1976 reunion — Members of the Carmel High School Class of 1976 are invited to participate in a 50th class reunion Sept. 18 and 19. Those who have not yet connected with the planning committee through Facebook may email carmelin1976.50threunion@gmail. com for details about the event, which will include time to reconnect and tour the school.  New flooring showroom — Carmel-based Indiana Design Center will open a new America’s Floor Source showroom Sept. 28 on the first floor of the Indiana Design Center, 200 S. Range Line Rd., in Suite 118. Occupying 3,220 square feet, the new showroom will feature a collection of products from manufacturers and design brands, including Tile & Stone, Louisville Tile, Jeffrey Court, Ragno, Virginia Tile, WOW, Anatolia, Emser, Daltile, Marazzi, SoHo Studio and HighBank. For more, visit indianadesigncenter.com.  Treasure Our Kids Trivia — The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide will present Treasure Our Kids Trivia, a college football-themed trivia night, from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 at BASH, 1235 Keystone Way, in Carmel. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite college team apparel, gather friends or coworkers, and enjoy an evening of food, drinks, raffles and spirited competition — all while supporting ICPYAS’s mission. Proceeds from the event will support ICPYAS’s prevention education programs. Tickets are $75 per person. Learn more at indianaprevention.org.  Free KidsFit registration opens — Registration is open for the free 2026-’27 500 Festival KidsFit Program. The statewide plan helps Indiana K-6 students get active by having them run or walk 1 mile a week to reach 13.1 miles. Students can finish their final 3.1 miles May 8 at the 500 Festival 5K in downtown Indianapolis. Schools unable to travel can host a free on-site run. The lessons meet Indiana state standards for health and gym classes. Teachers and organizers can sign up at 500festival. com/kidsfit.

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09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

Carmel resident Jean Umemura shares about her family’s experience in an internment camp during World War II. (Screenshot from National World War II Museum video)

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Barrington resident shares WWII internment story By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com A Carmel resident is among six Hoosiers with direct ties to World War II who are sharing their stories through a national oral history project documenting the experiences of those who lived through the war. The National World War II Museum in New Orleans conducted extensive interviews earlier this year, including with Jean Umemura, a resident at The Barrington senior living community in Carmel. The interviews were recorded and are available on the museum’s website. Umemura and her family were among 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent sent to internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. She lived in the camp from May to September 1942. After relocating to Indiana, she taught at Allisonville Elementary School for 29 years. Local veterans interviewed include residents Ray McDonald, Max Kelley, Craig Kleinknight and Edward Crook Jr., all residents at Hoosier Village in Zionsville. McDonald served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1945-47. He was a classification specialist in the occupation forces in Japan in 1946 with the 49th Fighter Group, managing officer records. His interview recounts being 14 years old and hearing a news bulletin on the radio about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and how many of his older friends who joined the service died in combat. McDonald joined the Army after he was offered $100 to enlist for 18 months. He was sent to Johnson Army Air

Force base north of Tokyo. It was formerly Iruman Air Base for the Japanese Air Force during the war. The base was later returned to Japan. McDonald arrived during the evening but remembered seeing the impact the war had on the nation. “I could see the devastation of the cities,” he said. “There wasn’t much left as we rode by.” As a classification specialist, he typed reports and updated records for all officers at the base. Kelley served five years in the Army Air Forces at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, working in the mail room. Kleinknight was in the U.S. Navy and served on board a new aircraft carrier that passed through the Panama Canal. The war ended by the time the ship reached the west coast. Crook was in the Army Air Forces and trained as a bombardier and stayed as an instructor. The inclusion of Umemura and the Zionsville residents in the museum’s oral history project came through a connection between BHI Senior Living — Hoosier Village and The Barrington are among its communities — and the national museum. Ron May, chaplain at Hoosier Village, helped coordinate the interviews. The Carmel resident has written multiple books on Indiana veterans, including those at the retirement community. “This is the last opportunity to capture the voices (of the people) who witnessed (the war),” he said, noting the veterans featured experienced the tail end of the war and the years following. Watch the videos at tinyurl.com/ mv75hbba. Carmel Managing Editor Ann Marie Shambaugh contributed to this report.

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A group of volunteers, including some from Carmel American Legion Post 155 Auxiliary, helped set up 44 rebuilt apartments in Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Judy Holmes)

Auxiliary helps stock veterans’ apartments By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com The Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation of Indiana supports homeless veterans who are trying to get their lives back together. Unfortunately, its Manchester Apartments at 960 N. Pennsylvania St. in

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downtown Indianapolis was heavily damaged by an accidental fire in October 2024. In August 2025, the Carmel American Legion Post 155 Auxiliary helped equip 23 newly renovated apartments that had smoke and water damage. Last month, the auxiliary returned to assist with 44 newly rebuilt apartments damaged by fire. The volunteers set up the apartments, supplying items like coffee pots, linens, toasters, silverware and dishes, said Judy Holmes, who headed the committee for the Carmel post. Twenty-eight volunteers set up the apartments. Last year, the items were collected in a three-week period, according to Holmes. “This year we had a whole year to collect similar items,” she said. Holmes said the auxiliary adopted the Manchester Apartments more than 15 years ago. “We collect things throughout the year like nonperishable food, personal hygiene and some clothing,” Holmes said. “So, when it burned down, we decided that we were going to try to help in whatever way we could.” For the 44 apartments, Holmes enlisted help from other auxiliaries and the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation mostly provided funding. The auxiliaries assisting were from Attica Post 52, Lebanon Post 113, Noblesville Post 45, Sheridan Post 67 and Whitestown Post 410. “We left thank you notes in each room saying ‘We love our veterans. Welcome home,” Holmes said.

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09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

The former Blue School on 106th Street operated as a barn for 12 years after farmer Paul Fisher purchased it in 1941. (Photo courtesy of Marcia Morine)

Blue School’s second act Commentary by Andrew Wright The old schoolhouse along 106th Street known as the Blue School has garnered a lot of attention as of late, but most of the focus has been on its years as a school. However, there is another chapter in the building’s history that has gone largely untold. After the school closed in 1922, the building sat vacant for nearly 20 years. In May 1941, Paul Fisher purchased it at auction. He knew the building well. It stood beside his family’s farm, and Fisher had attended the school from first through eighth grade. He later enrolled at Carmel High School but left after his father died. At only 16, Fisher took over the family farm, beginning what would become a remarkably successful career. Fisher built the farm into one of the county’s most productive operations, earning 13 gold medals and one silver for his corn yields in local agricultural competitions. His hogs earned another four gold medals and one silver. Beginning in 1940, he sponsored the Paul Fisher Trophy for the highest yield in the county’s 5-Acre Corn Club. In 1939, Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. named him a National Champion Farmer and

sent him to the New York World’s Fair during National Farm Week. Two years later, Fisher renovated the old schoolhouse to serve his growing operation. He removed the wall separating its two classrooms to create a 1,500-square-foot open space, replaced east-side windows with sliding barn doors, and built a ramp for livestock. For 12 years, a building once filled with schoolchildren served as a barn on Fisher’s award-winning farm. That chapter ended tragically in 1953. In October of that year, Fisher fell from a ladder while repairing one of his barns. His injuries were severe, and he died two months later. The Blue School had lost the former pupil, who decades after leaving its classroom, gave the building a new purpose. His story is an often-overlooked chapter in the history of one of Carmel’s most beloved landmarks. Stay tuned for the third chapter in the story of the Blue School.

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Bringing nature home this fall Commentary By Stephanie Carlson

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09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

Dance studio welcomes participants of all abilities

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By Arianna Hunt arianna@youarecurrent.com Long before Dance Abilities had a name, founder Claire Graham had an idea — to create a space where people like her sister could dance. Graham founded Dance Abilities with the Academy of Dance Arts in Fishers four years ago to serve kids and adults with special needs, inspired by her sister and best friend, Caroline Liechty, who has Down syndrome. The adaptive program uses dance to build gross motor skills, endurance and strength while providing a social outlet, community and enabling expression beyond words through movement. “ADA’s mission is instilling the joy of dance, and I took that one step further with instilling the joy of dance for all abilities, so that everyone has a place to come and learn that meets them where they are,” Graham said. When she’s not teaching at Dance Abilities, Graham works as a recreational therapist, primarily for people with autism and Down syndrome, and dances professionally at Pulse Dance Theater. Her background in therapy and dance gave her the confidence to start the program. “I truly am living my dream jobs,” Graham said. “My favorite time of the week is getting to dance with the Dance Abilities students, and I think my favorite part is the relationships that I get to build with them.” Graham wants to ensure the studio provides more than just movement. “I get a lot of feedback about parents saying that they’re just grateful to have a place for their kid to dance and where they’re accepted,” Graham said. “And I like to make sure that they’re still growing and that it’s not just a place to come in.” Sarah Hilbert of Fishers said her 12-year-old daughter Charlotte has experienced that growth at Dance Abilities. “This allows her that opportunity to be in a place that is accepting and welcoming for her and can present things on her skill level that she can achieve,” Hilbert said. “It gives her something to look forward to each week. It gives her physical activity. It gives her more friends.”

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Besides social benefits, Hilbert has seen physical ones. “It’s kind of like physical therapy for her that she doesn’t know she’s doing,” Hilbert said. “I noticed about a year into it, she could jump, and I was like, she’s developed all of these skills and muscles and she didn’t even know she was doing it because she was doing something she absolutely loved.” Every class has helpers in the studio to give additional direction to students. Recent Heritage Christian School graduate Emily Calvin, 18, and Mount Vernon High School junior Rhiannon Sickafoose, 16, have taken on that role since the start of the program. “I’d say (my favorite part is) seeing them grow and developing relationships with them, because it’s crazy to see the change from when we started to now,” Calvin said. In July, the dancers performed at the Indy Dance Festival, which was meaningful to Calvin and Sickafoose. “It’s really important to show the inclusion because all of the dancers that we have, they all can do dance. They can dance without us,” Sickafoose said. “They can be on stage with all these professionals because they are dancers.” For more, visit adadancers.com/ classes/dance-abilities.

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 Beekeepers club — The North Central Beekeepers Club meets the third Wednesday of the month at Cool Creek Nature Center in Westfield at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are free to attend by all levels of beekeepers, including those interested in becoming beekeepers. At the Sept. 16 meeting, topics will include native pollinators and lessons learned by a first-year beekeeper.  Master’s degrees added — South College in Carmel is adding three master’s level degrees through its Competency-Based Education modality, including accounting, human resources and instructional design and technology. The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology launched Aug. 1,the

Master of Science in Accounting will launch Oct. 1 and the Master of Science in Human Resources will launch Dec. 1. For more information and to apply, visit south.edu/cbe.  Flood relief texting tool — Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced a new texting tool to make it easier for Hoosiers impacted by the severe storms and flooding to find disaster recovery resources available in their communities. Through Indiana 211, residents can text IN211HELP to 898-211 to get started. The 24/7 service will prompt users to select the type of assistance they need and will provide a list of disaster-specific resources based on their entered ZIP code. Learn more at IN211.org.

 Food truck fundraiser — The Food Florist truck, which sells healthy ready-to-make meals, will be in the Carmel Christian Church parking lot, 463 E. Main St., from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30. Proceeds will benefit Altrusa Club of Hamilton County initiatives, which support literacy, veterans, abuse victims and more.  Side by Side art show – The Side by Side Makers Market for third graders to adults will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Carmel Lions Club, 141 E. Main St. The art show will feature artists of all ages selling handmade creations. Learn more at CarmelArtsCouncil.org.

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Women’s running event set By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com The Indiana Women’s Running Festival will return to Carmel next month. The women-only race has three distance options: a half marathon, 10K and 5K. All three races start at 8 a.m. Oct. 17 at the gazebo at Carmel City Hall on Civic Square. The course takes runners along the Monon Greenway and elsewhere around town. Women of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. The festival begins Oct. 16, when participants can pick up their race packets at the Renaissance Hotel in Carmel, visit an expo featuring vendors and connect with fellow runners. Runners can choose a custom-designed official event singlet or short-sleeve shirt to commemorate the event. The race is the largest women-only half marathon in Indiana. Carmel Road Racing Group owns and manages the event. “Last year, we had women from 30plus states and three countries attend,” CRRG President Todd Oliver said.

Participants race in the 2025 Indiana Women’s Running Festival. (Photo courtesy of Todd Oliver)

“While 84 percent of our attendees were from Indiana, only 13 percent were from Carmel. Carmel ladies have helped us roll out the red carpet and welcome others to their community.” A post-race area party will take place in Civic Square with pancakes, treats and beverages. The Indiana Women’s Running Festival is in October for a variety of reasons, including its connection to Breast Cancer Awareness month. The event supports three charities: IWIN Foundation, Twisted Pink and Dove. For more, visit womensrunningfestival.com.

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CHS setter benefits from high volleyball IQ By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Carmel High School senior setter London Evans was born to be a volleyball player. “I loved it from the beginning,” Evans said. “I grew up peppering with my sisters and tagging along to their practices that my mom coached.” Evans’ mother, Erin, played at Indiana University. Her oldest sister, Emerson, plays for Marian University, and her sister Lauren played two seasons at Butler University before transferring to Belmont University this season. Although her father, Brian Evans, was a Big Ten Most Valuable Player for the Indiana University basketball team and is a former NBA player, London Evans said it wasn’t hard to give up basketball after sixth grade. “There was never a doubt that I loved volleyball more,” said Evans, who was coached by her mother until age 12. As a junior, Evans had career-highs in assists (473), digs (476) and kills (221). First-year CHS coach Kati Weir said Evans has been a tremendous leader. “She sets an example both on and off the court and runs an exceptional offense,” Weir said. “As a setter, she has a high volleyball IQ, and her decisionmaking has played a huge role in building

ATHLETE

OF THE WEEK MEET LONDON EVANS Favorite athlete: Tyrese Haliburton Favorite movie: “The Grinch” (2018) Favorite TV show: “Gilmore Girls” Favorite subject in school: Math Favorite musician: Megan Moroney

confidence in our hitters. It’s been fun to see her willingness to take on whatever role is best for the team and gives us the best chance to be competitive. Whether she is swinging and setting, just setting or back on the serving line, she is competing. That standard is contagious, and I’ve enjoyed watching that continue to grow in our program.” The 6-foot Evans, who has been a setter since she started playing, said Weir has done an exceptional job helping her find her fit on the team. “We all have roles unique to us and they’re all equally important for our success as a team,” Evans said, “At my position, being a vocal leader is a big thing, so that’s what I aim to be each time I’m on the court with my teammates.” As of Sept. 7, the Greyhounds had a 9-2 record. “This year has been a lot of fun so far,” Evans said. “We all love playing for coach Weir and we are really excited about what we are building. My goal is to do my part in getting us to be the best we can be.” Evans has committed to play at Marquette University. “Marquette gives me the opportunity to play at a high level at a really great school,” she said. “I’m so excited to get there and be a part of a great program.” To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.

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Everwise Credit Union offers local families a local solution for major home improvements. There’s still plenty of time to make your home everything you want it to be. Fall is the perfect time to complete those renovation projects you’ve been putting off, from refreshing your outdoor living space to tackling long-awaited interior updates. Everwise Credit Union can help you finance your plans by putting your home’s equity to work for your family. Turn your home improvement dreams into reality with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Unlike a traditional loan, HELOCs work like a revolving line of credit based on your home’s value (typically up to 80% minus your mortgage balance).

Why HELOCs are a smart choice: • Pay for what you use: Homeowners only borrow what they need, when they need it, helping them stay in control of their budget. • Significant interest savings: Rather than putting large expenses on high-interest credit cards, a HELOC offers a lower interest rate, making it a powerful tool for paying down high-interest debt. • Flexibility and confidence: HELOCs provide flexibility and confidence by providing a simplified payment structure, making it easier to budget and reduce the chance of missed payments. This is especially beneficial when planning value-adding projects like kitchens, bathrooms, or energyefficiency upgrades that build long-term home value.

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USDA Organic explained Commentary by Tony Reck As you stroll through the grocery store, you’ve probably noticed foods bearing the familiar green and white USDA Organic seal. But what does organic really mean, and is it worth paying the higher price? The USDA Organic label certifies that a product has been produced according to strict federal standards. Organic fruits and vegetables cannot be grown with most synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and cannot be genetically modified. But an important misconception is that organic means pesticide-free. Organic farmers can use certain pesticides and a limited number of synthetic substances. The difference is that these products must meet USDA requirements. Organic livestock must be raised on certified organic feed, have access to the outdoors and cannot receive routine antibiotics or growth hormones. Finding organic products is easy. Look for the USDA Organic seal on packaged foods or signs and stickers in the produce department.

Is organic food healthier? Research suggests organic foods often have lower pesticide residues, but studies have found only modest differences in nutritional value compared with conventionally produced foods. Many shoppers choose organic for reasons beyond nutrition. Organic farming practices emphasize soil health, biodiversity and water conservation. These practices, along with potentially lower crop yields, more labor-intensive production and certification costs, help explain why organic foods often cost more. If buying all organic isn’t practical for your budget, don’t let that discourage you from eating fruits and vegetables. Eating a variety of produce, whether organic or conventionally grown, is one of the best investments you can make in your health.

Tony Reck is a member of Carmel Green Initiative. For more, visit carmelgreen.org.

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THE COST OF EDUCATION CCS officials make case for referendum rate increase

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Average Projected Loss of $15 Million Per Year Over 8 Year Referendum Collections $25.0

$18.0

$18.8

$19.0

$20.0

$21.0

$14.9

millions

This fall, Carmel Clay Schools will ask voters to approve a maximum referendum rate nearly 78 percent higher than what they are paying now. District leaders say the move is necessary to continue offering the same level of education in light of massive state funding cuts. But some who oppose the measure say the district should look at cost-cutting measures instead of increasing a tax burden. The proposal combines the operation and school safety referendums, a rate currently set at 24 cents per $100 of assessed property value, and bumps the total to a maximum of 42.74 cents. The referendum would last eight years. The increase is set to phase in over several years and aims to offset steep financial losses caused by the passage of 2025’s Senate Enrolled Act 1. The legislation cut property tax bills through credits and increased assessed value deductions, resulting in less funds flowing to taxing entities, such as school districts and municipalities. For CCS, that means the district will lose an average of $15 million per year over the next eight years. So, it is turning to an increased referendum rate to cover the difference. If it passes, Carmel homeowners are still expected to pay a smaller property tax bill overall than they would have without SEA1, according to CCS officials. CCS Associate Superintendent Roger McMichael said the referendum essentially asks voters to consider whether they want to continue providing the same level of service students currently receive. He pointed out that nearly 70 percent of voters approved the preMcMichael vious referendum. “(Those) same people did not have an opportunity to vote to lower their taxes,” McMichael said. “Somebody did that for them.” If the referendum is not approved, the impact would be “catastrophic,” according to CCS Superintendent Thomas Oestreich. The district would have to slash $10 million from its budget in 2027, with cuts jumping in subsequent years. CCS officials expect they’d Oestreich need to cut approximately 10 percent of district staff. Administrators would work with the school board to make specific cuts, but if each department were to cut back 10 percent of its personnel that would result in a loss of 197 jobs: 115 teachers, 32 instructional assistants, 16 custodians, 16 bus drivers, 11 administrators and seven administrative assistants, according to CCS. “We had a record-breaking historical year this past

$11.8

$12.5

$9.0 $6.0

$6.3

$2.8 $0.0

$0.0 2025

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(Images courtesy of Carmel Clay Schools)

year from academics, athletics, performing arts,” Oestreich said. “We want our kids for the next eight years at least to be able to count on the level of opportunity that they’ve had this past year. I don’t want in five years to have to reflect on how Carmel Clay Schools peaked in 2026.” ‘REFERENDUM FATIGUE’ CCS has had an operating referendum since 2010, with the rate set at 19 cents per $100 of assessed property value since 2017. The operating referendum, which is set to expire in 2031, funds teacher salaries, instructional assistants, utilities and other costs. In 2019, the district became the first in the state to implement a safety referendum, which covers the cost of school resource officers on every campus, mental health initiatives and more. The rate grew as the program expanded, topping out at 5 cents in 2023. It expires in 2027. The referendum on the November ballot would combine and replace both existing ones. “There is a bit of referendum fatigue in our community,” Oestreich said. “We can get everything that we’ve gotten out of the safety referendum into an operating referendum.” As with the safety referendum, CCS plans to phase in rate increases with the new referendum. The phasing would offset projected decreases in state funding until 2031, when state funding is expected to stabilize. Then, it would adjust to cover inflation. State law requires school districts to state the max-

A PHASED APPROACH Rate increases are set to phase in to address the escalating funding reductions resulting from SEA 1. Year 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034

Referendum Tax Rate ($) 0.3194 0.3400 0.3700 0.4000 0.4274 0.4272 0.4267 0.4260

Note: 2027 reflects the first-year referendum rate proposed by the board. Rates shown for 2028–2034 are projected maximum levy rates based on current assumptions and may vary based on future assessed values, state funding, and annual school board review. imum referendum amount on the ballot. In Carmel, the referendum could raise up to $62 million annually, but officials don’t expect it will reach that amount, at least initially. CCS is projecting a 31.94 cent rate in 2027, with the Continued on Page 19

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Continued from Page 18

Pre-SEA 1 vs Post-SEA 1 Referendum Net Assessed Value $24.00

$21.00

billions

rate topping out at 42.74 cents four years later. The rates could be adjusted lower if assessed values are higher than expected. They can’t go higher than the proposed maximum amount. If the referendum is passed, the owner of a $482,000 home would pay $15.79 more per month in 2027. The monthly cost would increase with the rate, but CCS officials said residents will still pay less overall at the maximum rate than they would have without SEA1. The annual referendum tax rate will be set by the school board during the budgeting process. McMichael said the board has incentive to keep the rate as low as possible. “If taxpayers don’t like (the rate), they can come and say something about that. By law, there’s a requirement for public hearings,” McMichael said. “In our system, that’s what controls it. If you don’t like what people are doing that represent you, vote for somebody else.”

tA A 1 Ne Pre-SE

$18.00

$15.00

$12.00 2025

ssesse

Loss d e t c Proje

Post-SEA N et Assesse

d Value Pr ojection

FACILITY UPKEEP CCS is known for its top-notch facilities. In recent years, it built the $15 million Greyhound Activity Center, spent $55 million to expand and renovate the CHS natatorium and added a $15 million polytechnic wing to the high school, among other projects. District administrators said they are often asked why the district pursues referendums when it is spending millions of dollars on facility upgrades some find superfluous. McMichael said lowering the debt service rate, which funds facility projects, wouldn’t lead to lower tax bills for many Carmel residents. Unlike several neighboring districts, CCS funds its facility upkeep and projects without a referendum. So, essentially all facility spending is covered through the district’s regular tax rate. Because of state legislation passed in 2008, property tax bills are limited by caps, meaning a total tax bill (other than referendums) can’t be more than 1 percent of gross assessed value for homesteads, 2 percent for rental properties and farms and 3 percent for businesses. Like SEA1, the caps keep property tax bills lower but reduce revenues flowing to taxing entities. In Carmel, nearly 38 percent of properties have reached the tax cap. That means if CCS lowered its debt service tax rate, which funds facilities, those taxpayers still wouldn’t fall below the cap, and their tax bill wouldn’t change. But the lower rate would lessen the percentage of total tax revenue flowing to CCS. If CCS decided to lower its debt service rate and fund its building projects through a facilities referendum, tax bills would rise for many people. “Your taxes would go up, and your buildings would go down,” McMichael said. “That’s what would happen.” CCS already spends less per pupil (approximately $2,500) on maintaining its facilities than neighboring districts, including Westfield Washington Schools ($5,400), Zionsville Community Schools ($5,300), Hamilton Southeastern ($3,300) and Noblesville Schools ($3,000), according to state data. The district also receives the second-least amount

jection

e Pro d Valu

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(Images courtesy of Carmel Clay Schools)

of state funding per student, at approximately $7,000. The state average is $7,734. “That’s an additional $11 million that we would have if the state just considered us average,” Oestreich said. PUSHING BACK Carmel’s previous referendums have generally received broad support, with nearly 70 percent of voters approving the ones currently in place. But not everyone is on board. Americans for Prosperity, a conservative-leaning political advocacy group, is running a statewide ad campaign urging Hoosiers to vote against school referendums. Last year, the group provided support and resources to activists fighting the first operations referendum in Northwest Allen County Schools. The measure failed, with 54 percent of voters opposed. Cody White, deputy state director of Americans for Prosperity’s Indiana chapter, said that the legislature passed SEA1 to give Hoosiers a much-needed tax break, and he believes new or increased referendums defeat the point of the law. “Hoosiers have been asking for property tax relief for the last several years, and they just got it,” White said. “(With referendums), now we’re going to take that right away.” White said that the only consequence of the failed Northwest Allen County Schools referendum is that plans for a new natatorium have been put on hold. He believes other districts will find ways to adjust if referendums are not approved. “Our communities want those things, but probably now is not the time,” White said, adding that the cost of living is rising for Hoosiers across the board.

ON THE BALLOT The language of the referendum question on the ballot is set by the state. The question states that the owner of a $500,000 home would see a tax bill increase of $1,062 per year. That total does not take into account the existing referendums, so the actual difference would be smaller. The ballot question will read: “Shall Carmel Clay Schools increase property taxes paid to the School Corporation for no more than eight (8) years for the purpose of sustaining educational and operational funding stability in response to reductions in property tax revenue, including renewing and replacing existing referendums, including supporting student safety, health, and well-being, including the employment and retention of school resource officers, supporting and retaining teachers and staff, funding academic and support programs, and meeting the educational needs of all students, by imposing a property tax rate that does not exceed $0.4274 and results in a maximum annual amount that does not exceed $61,981,519? If this operating referendum public question is approved by the voters, for a median residence of $500,000 the property’s annual property tax bill would increase by $1,062 per year. The most recent operating referendum public question proposed by the school corporation was held in 2023 and passed.” Learn more about the CCS referendum at ccs.k12. in.us/services/business/schoolfinance/referendums. ON THE COVER: Carmel Clay Schools Superintendent Thomas Oestreich presents information about the proposed referendum Sept. 2 at Mohawk Trails Elementary School. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

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Orr Fellow bet on herself and won Burd began doing graphic design work before starting at Butler and continued taking on clients throughout college, eventually growing that work At 22, Jenna Burd has already learned into Yalla Solutions. something that can take others much Now, as Orr takes a chance on longer to figure out: Sometimes a new path with her, Burd said growth begins with betting on she feels a responsibility to help yourself. create one for others. For Burd, that meant trusting “I think it’s almost like a duty the marketing business she had to forge a path for the people to already built — even when a come after me and show young full-time job opportunity was people that working a corporate waiting. Burd job isn’t the only answer,” Burd “I just knew I’d be remiss if said. I didn’t take the opportunity to bet on Her advice to other young people conmyself,” Burd said. That bet didn’t close the door. It sidering their own path comes down to opened an unexpected one. a simple question. Burd, a 2026 Butler University grad“Why not you to take that leap and trust in yourself?” Burd said. uate and Carmel resident, said she Burd’s new role within Orr also gave became the first person to participate her an opportunity to create a place for in Orr Fellowship while also running other entrepreneurs in the Fellowship. her own Orr partner company, Yalla As she and Orr leadership worked out Solutions. the details of her arrangement, Burd Orr Fellowship is a two-year profesproposed an entrepreneurship group. sional development program for recent The idea became the Orr Fellowship college graduates. Fellows typically Foundry, a peer-led community that work full time for Indiana partner launched its first cohort in August. companies while participating in proThe group brings together fellows fessional development, mentorship and building businesses, pursuing side networking opportunities. The orgaventures and exploring other entrenization’s mission includes developing the next generation of business leaders preneurial projects. It also connects and entrepreneurs. fellows with established entrepreneurs Burd received an early placement and business leaders through mentorwith an Orr partner company in August ship and networking opportunities. 2025 while continuing to grow Yalla. By Burd said she entered the fellowship October, she decided to turn down the with three goals: Get to know other felfull-time position and put her faith in lows, build relationships with partner the business she had built. companies and help make Orr more She thought that meant her opportuentrepreneurial. The experience has reinforced the nity with Orr was over. idea that led Burd to bet on herself — About a week later, Orr Fellowship and that she hopes other young entreSenior Director of Talent & Partnerships Jesse Sherman called. Burd said preneurs will consider when pursuing Orr leadership had talked with its board ideas of their own. and came back with a different propos“If you want an environment where an executive team of adults and a board al: Yalla could become an Orr partner with combined hundreds of years of company while Burd participated as a business experience and entrepreneurfellow. “I kind of screamed into the phone ial experience will look at a 22-year-old’s and said, ‘Yes,’” Burd said. crazy idea and say, ‘Yes, go for it. You Burd said the arrangement represent- have my full support,’ if you want to be in that room, this is the program for ed something the organization had not you,” Burd said. tried before. Applications for Orr Fellowship’s “This was their first big leap into the 2027 cohort close Sept. 25. unknown waters of integrating a sole For more information visit orrfellowentrepreneur into their program,” Burd said. ship.org. By Sara Palmer news@currentincarmel.com

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Students honored for side hustles By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com More than half of the top student entrepreneurs in a summer side hustle competition are from central Indiana. Students from Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers and Brownsburg were among the top performers in High School Hustle, an entrepreneurial competition for high school students. The competition challenges students to start a side hustle and make as much money as they can over a summer. The top performing student was Zionsville Community High School’s Cruz Weidner, who made more than $100,000 by landscaping. Executive Director for High School Hustle Hunter Beale said it’s the first time in the competition’s three-year history that a student cleared $100,000. “He is one of a kind,” Beale said. “I’ve never seen anyone like him.” Weidner, who graduated this spring, said he got his start mowing a neighbor’s yard in seventh grade. “The business basically started on accident,” he said. Today, he operates Weidner Lawncape, which has employees and has expanded to include landscaping services. The top performing students were honored in August at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Winners in the top 25 from Carmel High School are Andrew Andrasik, who earned $43,941 by power washing and window cleaning; Will Christophersen, who earned $43,619 by providing various home services; Jackson Nunery, who earned $33,226 through powerwashing and reselling; and Parker Nunery, who earned $27,250 by landscaping. High School Hustle awards a combined $150,000 to the top performers. Beale said the organization stresses to students to be customer- and revenue-focused. “There are hundreds of hustles that students can start … and make money this weekend,” he said.

Zionsville Community High School’s Cruz Weidner, left, was the top performing student in High School Hustle, an entrepreneurial competition. He made more than $100,000 from landscaping this summer. (Photo courtesy of High School Hustle)

Beale estimated more than 90 percent of student businesses are home services like window cleaning and yard mowing. Detailing and sports card trading also are popular. One student did a junk removal business, but instead of targeting homes, they went after businesses such as hotels that were being cleaned out, securing a bigger payout. Students who sign up get $100 after they make their first $100. The cash infusion is meant to help with business expenses. High School Hustle, based in Indianapolis, is mostly funded by private donations from business owners. Beale said the emphasis is to encourage students to create a business, do it, fail and learn. “To learn by doing is the biggest component of what we do,” he said. High School Hustles recruits at area high schools, offering $100 for the best pitches students can think of on the spot. More than 1,500 students signed up for the 2026 competition from 36 states. They earned a combined $2.4 million. There also are mentorship and faith components to High School Hustle. It’s how Beale got his start and how he keeps in tune with the students. Weidner said the initial pitch of winning cash interested him in the competition, however meeting business leaders and expanding his social network was the most valuable part of High School Hustle.

 INDOT seasonal hiring – INDOT will host winter seasonal hiring events in September and October at several locations across the state. Winter seasonal positions run from November through late March. Pay starts at $21 per hour for full-time operations and $25 per hour for on-call snowplow-only operations. The hiring event for the district that includes Hamilton County is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Indianapolis Subdistrict Office, 7105 Brookville Rd. in Indianapolis. For a full list of hiring event locations and more information, visit: bit.ly/WinterHiring2026.

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Remarkable care. Extraordinary talent. To learn more about careers at Eskenazi Health, please call 317.880.3344 or visit eskenazihealth.edu/careers.

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4/17/26 8:47 AM

Sunday, September 27, 1 to 5 pm

Nurse practitioner launches pediatric telehealth service Jones said he has set hours online every day that patients can book. “I also make it clear that if none of Jesse Jones saw a need for a new apthese time slots works for them, I will proach to pediatric health care. make a time slot work for them, even A board-certified pediatric nurse if it’s 11 o’clock at night,” he said. “Too practitioner and a father of many times parents are stuck four, Jones spent a combined making that choice of do I wait five years in pediatric intensive this out or go to the doctor’s office care units at Peyton Manning in a week or do I bring this kid to Children’s Hospital in Indithe ER and expose them to other anapolis, Lurie Children’s viruses while sitting there for in Chicago, and Nationwide hours.” Children’s in Columbus, Ohio. Jones said the goal is to have a Jones He’s also worked in emergency service that sits between primary rooms and urgent care facilities. care and urgent care or ER. Jones, who recently moved from No“We don’t function as a patient’s priblesville to Plainfield, launched Heromary care provider,” he said. “They still House Pediatrics in August because he need to do annual well child visits and kept seeing the same frustration from stuff like that in person, because that’s families struggling to get timely care. best practice. You need hands on for HeroHouse offers easy-to-schedule that, but we cover a lot of things that online visits for general and behavioral can be covered via telehealth.” health issues. Jones said from his research he “The whole goal for this is access and couldn’t find any practice that offers the ability for families to be seen when behavioral health appointments online. either offices are full or scheduled far “There are some companies that once out or crazy hours, because anybody you’re established with them, they with kids knows that your kid always can do online for behavioral health gets sick at an inconvenient time,” he followups and stuff,” he said. “But nosaid. “Actually trying to get in to see the body I can find that is online for med provider is next to impossible on samemanagement when it comes to ADHD, day notice or even next-day notices. A anxiety and depression, which a lot of lot of offices are booked weeks out.” kids struggle with nowadays. A lot of Jones, who works at Ascension St. parents are stuck waiting for that initial Vincent Anderson, said his ultimate evaluation, sometimes for months, to goal is to have HeroHouse become a actually get the diagnosis and start posfull-time pursuit. sible medication.” “It is always the same story where Jones said his service is available for people end up going to the hospital for the entire state of Indiana. things that they didn’t really need to Cost is $30 a month per child for go to the hospital for if they could have general care and $55 per month for bebeen seen at home, telehealth or in the havioral health. Jones said if telehealth doctor’s office,” he said. “So, the idea isn’t the right tool, the family pays was I wanted to build something where nothing. parents had access to a pediatric providFor more, visit herohousepediatrics. er any time of the day.” com. By Mark Ambrogi Mark@youarecurrent.com

DISPATCH

Sponsored by Messianic Jewish Congregation Shaarey Yeshua

 Portrait of Wishes Gala — The Indiana Wish Portrait of Wishes Gala is set for Sept. 19 at The Indianapolis Marriott North, 3645 River Crossing Pkwy. in Indianapolis. The event will celebrate the nonprofit’s 42nd anniversary and more than 3,600 wishes granted for Indiana children. The event will have a Roaring Twenties theme and will feature a Bourbon Trail featuring tastings from local and national distilleries. Live and silent auctions, an outdoor cigar lounge and dancing will also be available. Tickets cost $300. Learn more and purchase tickets at IndianaWish.org/events.

INSIDE & OUT

CURRENT IN CARMEL

09.15.26 • youarecurrent.com

Coastal kitchen refresh in north Indy

BLUEPRINT FOR IMPROVEMENT: Commentary by Larry Greene As part of a larger whole-home remodel, this north Indy kitchen was reimagined with a brighter layout and relaxed coastal-inspired finishes.

AFTER

THE BLUEPRINT •

•

• • •

White perimeter cabinetry creates a clean, airy backdrop, while the soft blue island adds subtle color and character. Cambria MacBeth countertops and a glossy white backsplash keep the palette light and timeless. Brass fixtures and oversized pendants bring warmth and contrast to the space. A custom hood and farmhouse sink elevate the kitchen’s traditional details. The redesigned island improves prep space, seating and everyday functionality.

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.

BEFORE

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Your source for local arts & entertainment and upcoming events • youarecurrent.com

Palladium to host Gramm farewell tour By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com At 76, Lou Gramm is tired of spending time in airports and not enough time with his cars. “I’ve been touring for 54 years, and I just think that takes up most of my summers and I miss my family during those times,” he said. “I also miss my biggest hobby, which is muscle cars. I live in Rochester (N.Y.), so the summertime is the only time I could drive those cars. We’re touring in the summer and when we get back in December, I just have to keep them in storage until the next time I can drive them.” Gramm, the original lead vocalist for Foreigner, is bringing his farewell tour to the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel for a 8 p.m. concert Sept. 26. “I’m a little tired of traveling because traveling is not as good as it used to be,” he said. “I’m concerned about airlines who cancel flights at a whim and let the dice roll where it may, and people are forced to stay overnight at an airport hotel and you miss an important meeting.” Gramm said it has made traveling more stressful. “We’ve had some really close calls,” he said. “We’ve had delays in flights we should have caught and we’ve ended up getting to the venue about 20 minutes before we’re supposed to go on.” Although it happened more than 20 years after the band’s eligibility, Gramm said it was gratifying for Foreigner to finally be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. However, he said he wished it had been before original members Ian McDonald and Ed Gagliardi had died. In addition, guitarist and founder Mick Jones was not in good enough health to be at the induction ceremony as he has been battling Parkinson’s disease for several years. “I enjoy looking back,” he said. “There were some good times, and even the times that aren’t so good are

‘RING OF FIRE’ Lou Gramm, original lead singer for Foreigner, will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center)

worth looking back at because you learned something.” For Gramm, fate has intervened. Before joining Foreigner, Gramm was a member of Black Sheep, which had two albums and was invited to tour as the opening act with Kiss. A truck accident in late 1975 destroyed their equipment and the band was unable to make the tour because it didn’t have the money to quickly replace the equipment. During that time, Jones asked Gramm about joining his new band. Gramm first checked with Black Sheep members and they gave him their blessing to move on. Although he said he feels his talent played a big part in his success, he also feels he was in the right place at the right time. “I think fate intervened just as much and set my career where it is,” he said. Fate also intervened in 1997 when Gramm discovered he had a benign brain tumor, which required a 19-hour surgery. “It was very scary,” he said. “I did think for a little while that I was going to lose my life, but I also stayed deep in prayer and asked God if he wanted to take me, take me, or if he wanted me to continue to live and do the things I do. I would be OK either way as long as I knew that is what he wanted.” Gramm said the experience strengthened his Christian faith.

Family is important to Gramm as well. He is joined in his band by his brother Ben. “It’s been awesome,” Gramm said. “He’s not only a great dummer, but he’s a great guy to hang out with. We’re closer now than ever.” Besides his own farewell tour, Gramm has made some guest appearances with Foreigner. “I’m having a lot of fun playing shows with Foreigner,” he said. “It’s not the original Foreigner. It’s the new Foreigner and they’re great guys and great musicians.” Gramm said he has no problem with Foreigner continuing to play without any original members. “The audience really likes the band and I just think it’s a great situation for everyone,” he said Gramm said he’d be remiss if he didn’t say one of the reasons is it helps the music he helped create live on. Gramm’s concert consists of a couple of his solo songs and Foreigner hits, such as “Cold as Ice,” “Hot-Blooded” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” He enjoys performing all the songs, but one is extra special. “I co-wrote most of them, so they’re like my kids,” he said. “But I’ve got to say ‘Juke Box Hero’ is the one. When people start cheering for that, it makes me sure (it’s special).” For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

“Ring of Fire” runs through Oct. 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com. ‘THE ’70S BEEHIVE MUSICAL’ Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Never Can Say Goodbye: The ’70s Beehive Musical” through Sept. 20 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. FEINSTEIN’S CABARET The Magic of David Ranalli is set for Sept. 18, followed by Dueling Pianos Sept. 19, An Evening with Michael Feinstein Sept. 20-21 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com. ‘RADIUM GIRLS’ The Point Theater presents “Radium Girls” Sept. 18-20 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz. CENTER CELEBRATION The Bacon Brothers will perform as part of The Center Celebration, which starts at 5 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCH  Dugan set for Peace Water Winery show — Carmel comedian Dave Dugan, who has appeared on Comedy Central and Dry Bar, will appear at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Peace Water Winery in Carmel. Tickets, which are $40 in advance, include two glasses of wine. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Comic Dwight Simmons will serve as the opening act. For tickets, visit peacewaterwinery.com/calendar.

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TO OUR TALENTED ARTISTS!

2 Dimensional David Abrahamson Oriana Gerez Lou Hii Katie Hofacker Christopher Kuhne Linette Pedigo Jillian Siefert Marie Rust

3 Dimensional Skeeter Aschinger Robert Burnard Sunday Mahaja Paul Rytlewski Ryan Slattery G. Todd Vaughn

Ceramics

Brenda Anderson Jessica Banks Brian Moore Jason Parsley Stephanie Pierson-Hutson Maryam Rouhi Kaname Takada

Fiber

Jennifer Akese-Burney Ruby Ballard-Harris Nina Harris Rosalyn Manurung Barbara Scraggs Yuliya & Ari Wolf

This list is just a portion of the artist featured at the festival this year! See our ad next week for the remainder of our artists. Visit carmelartsfesival.org for more information and the full list.

Visit carmelartsfestival.org for more information.

Jewelry

Claudia Carreon Dave Davis Mark Grosser Julie Matos Melissa O’Brien Mark Slaven

Glass

Heidi Barron Nicholas Bowers Anne Brahaum Kathy Woodruff

ENTERTAINMENT

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The co-chairs of the Center Celebration 2026 are, from left, David and Annette Greene, Carl Butler and Jeff Goens. (Photo courtesy of Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts)

Center gala spotlights transformative power of art By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com The annual Center Celebration supports the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts’ efforts to educate and uplift people of all ages. For new Gala co-chair Carl Butler, that mission is personal. Butler, a longtime Carmel resident, grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago in a family with modest means. His family recognized his talent as a flautist, though, and used what they had to support him. That led to a scholarship to Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, which then led to him earning a degree from IU’s Maurer School of Law. None of it would have been possible without music, and he wants to ensure that the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts’ educational programs continue to help young people like himself. Every time a young person gets a new opportunity as a result of the Center’s programming, Butler knows that it can be life-changing. “These are not small moments; they are the moments that shape who people become,” Butler said. The Center Celebration takes place at 5 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium in Carmel. The Bacon Brothers — featuring actor Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael, a composer — will headline the evening. Artistic Director Michael Feinstein will host the event, which will include cocktails, dinner, a live auction and two after-parties.

Tickets are still available at thecenterpresents.org/Gala. Butler and Jeff Goens are the newest co-chairs for the gala, joining David and Annette Greene. Butler and Goens are attorneys who have been concert season subscribers at the Center since its opening. Butler and Goens are more than just patrons, as they also play in the Indiana Wind Symphony, one of the Center’s six resident arts companies. Butler, who also serves on the Center’s board of directors, plays flute and Goens plays alto saxophone. They’ve performed on the Palladium stage several times, and Butler recalled the awe he felt when he played there for the first time. “I remember sitting on that stage thinking how absolutely gorgeous the hall was, and what an incredible blessing it was to have such a world-class venue right here in central Indiana,” Butler said. The Greenes are in their second and final year as co-chairs, and David recently joined the Center’s board of directors. One of his main motivations was to help young people get opportunities in the arts like Butler got when he was young. “Over the years, I’ve come to truly believe in the value (the Center) brings to our community,” Greene said, “not only through its incredible programs and performances, but through its commitment to making the arts accessible and meaningful to so many people.”

ENTERTAINMENT

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Students direct one-act plays Melton said. “By the end of the play, after Satan makes a surprise appearance, everyone Carmel High School senior Monroe realizes that they could have worked Melton can’t pinpoint how her onetheir problems out on their own. They act play, “Dear Lord,” came just needed a little push,” she together. said. “I start from idea A and then Melton has directed several go to idea Z without any idea of short films, but this is her first what idea A even was,” she said. play. “I just knew I wanted to do a “But my cast made it so easy comedy. Then I had the thought and such a fun process,” she said. that if every time a character “My Amie” was written and said, ‘Dear Lord,’ God would Melton directed by senior Maaike Aleappear, and then my play formed jandra Mora. Senior Lexie Palmer will from there. I wrote it for the Indiana direct “One Stoplight Town,” and senior State thespian conference back in the Aarthi Eswaran is the director for “Will winter and then I edited it over summer You Be My Nemesis.” break.” “Directing a Studio One Act is some“Dear Lord” is one of four one-act thing I’ve wanted to do ever since I was plays that will be presented at 7 p.m a freshman,” Eswaran said. “I’ve had Sept. 17-19 at Carmel High School’s Stuso much fun building the superhero/ dio Theatre. The other Studio One Acts supervillain world of this show through are “Will You Be My Nemesis,” “One my directorial style, and I feel so lucky Stoplight Town” and “My Amie.” to collaborate with such a kind, talented “(‘Dear Lord’) follows a husband and and goofy cast and crew. Being able to wife named John and Sarah who run a provide that same eye-opening expelaw firm that their son Andrew and this rience for others that Studio One Acts girl Amy work at,” said Melton, who will gave me as an underclassman is deeply direct her play as well. “One day, Anfulfilling. It has truly confirmed that didrew says, ‘Dear Lord,’ and God appears recting and performing are crafts I want before him.” to pursue for the rest of my life.” Andrew and everyone else at the firm For tickets, visit carmelperformingthen spends that day working through arts.ludus.com. their problems with God by their side, By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Symphony to open season By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Hendricks Symphony will feature two special guests in the 2026-27 season-opening concerts. Cellist Alexander Castellanos-Medina, last season’s Hendricks Symphony concerto competition winner, and violinist Rachel Weiss, the competition’s runner-up, will perform in “From Russia With Love” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 and 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Castellanos-Medina and Weiss are Plainfield High School graduates. Castellanos-Medina will perform the first movement of Dmitry Kabalevsky’s “Cello Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 49,” and Weiss will perform the first movement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Violin Concerto No. 3 in G ma-

jor, K. 216.” “In addition to celebrating these two wonderful young hometown musicians, the chorus and orchestra will share the romantic sweeping melodies, exotic rhythms and infectious energy of (Alexander) Borodin’s ‘Polovtsian Dances,’” said Amy Eggleston, Hendricks Symphony’s music director and conductor. “You’ll find yourself humming the tunes of this suite, because this is the music that was borrowed for the musical ‘Kismet.’” The theme for Hendricks Symphony’s 20th Anniversary season is “Masterworks and Memories.” This is the Carmel resident’s fifth season as the music director and conductor of Hendricks Symphony. For more, visit hendrickssymphony. org

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Westfield-based band The Failers are performing in their 14th straight Carmel PorchFest. (Photos courtesy of Carmel PorchFest)

PorchFest continues growth By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com Fourteen years ago, Aaron Adelsperger had to turn to Google to figure out what he was signing up for. He and his Westfield-based band, The Failers, were invited to something called a PorchFest in Carmel. He liked the idea, where bands get together and perform on porches around town for free. He and his bandmates have enjoyed it so much that they have played in the annual festival every year. This year’s Carmel PorchFest, which takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 20 throughout the Carmel Arts & Design District, is the largest yet, Executive Director Sondra Schwieterman said. Seventy bands will perform on 23 porches, and there will be about a dozen food vendors as well. More details are available at carmelporchfest.org, and attendees can download the Carmel PorchFest app to get an interactive map of performers and vendors. “It’s grown into such a big event for the city,” said Adelsperger, a Carmel resident. “I really like that, people coming together and just having a good time. The musical lineup has expanded so much that you can see a lot of different variety of acts, and you can kind of walk around and do your thing. I think it’s such a positive for the community to come together and hang out. That’s really what attracts us every year to keep coming back and doing it.” That variety is both musical and geographical. Several artists are coming from out of state, including 19-yearold Oklahoma country rocker Boston James. James, who described his sound as a meeting of country and grunge

Oklahoma country rocker Boston James is one of the outof-state attendees at Carmel PorchFest.

rock, has been playing regular local gigs but wanted to take his show on the road. He reached out to festivals around the country and said Carmel PorchFest representatives got back to him with an invite. This will be James’ first time in Indiana since he attended the Future Farmers of America National Convention in Indianapolis a few years ago. Like Adelsperger 14 years ago, James was intrigued when he saw the format for the festival. He said he’s never played in a setting like this, at least not for an audience. “Usually with the band, the closest thing I can get to playing like that is setting up for practice on our back porch,” James said. That kind of elation seems to be universal for those involved with the festival. Schwieterman said this event is the culmination of a year of effort. “We always say that PorchFest feels like Christmas morning to us when we get there because it’s such an exciting day,” Schwieterman said. “The community comes to support us. We have such a large crowd at this event. Once it gets going, it has such a unique vibe.”

ENTERTAINMENT

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Indianapolis-born rapper Grayson Pitts, aka Robin Raps, is releasing a new EP. (Photo courtesy of Grayson Pitts)

Rapper releases new EP By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com Indianapolis-born musician Grayson Pitts has been releasing hip-hop music under the name Robin Raps for seven years. None of the music has quite matched the expectations he set for himself, though. “When you’re starting out in a craft, it’s easy to see that your own creations aren’t necessarily living up to your taste in music,” Pitts said. “And the only way to fill that gap is just to produce art regularly over a long period until you can catch up and the craft is better.” Now, Pitts believes his music has finally met his high standards. The North Central High School and DePauw University graduate is releasing his newest EP, “KEEP THE CAR RUNNING” Sept. 18 and believes it’s his best work yet. The five-song collection will be available on Spotify. Pitts, 33, has always been artistic and wanted to be a writer when he attended DePauw. His roommate was a rapper from Brooklyn and encouraged Pitts to look into writing hip-hop. That started Pitts down a path that led him to create Robin Raps and build his sound. His

music was what he describes as “happy rap” but has become more complex and mature as he’s put more effort into it. He moved to Los Angeles earlier this year to see if there are more opportunities in a bigger market, he said. But the new EP was recorded entirely at Round Table Recording Co. in Broad Ripple, and contains numerous references to Indianapolis and his life in the Midwest. “KEEP THE CAR RUNNING” is heavily inspired by Michael Mann’s 1995 crime film “Heat,” which pits a detective and criminal against each other in an epic battle of wits. Pitts said the themes of the film match up with his current artistic journey. “When your calling is something that’s the road less traveled by, and there’s not necessarily a framework in place for you to get where you’re trying to go, you have to uncover it as you’re going or figure it out as you go,” Pitts said. Although he lives in Los Angeles now, Pitts remains connected to his Indianapolis community. He has a show planned in Indianapolis in January, and people who want to follow his journey and future tour dates can follow him on Instagram at robinraps.

PUZZLE ANSWERS T H A W O H M Y B A B A G A G A L U R K S I L T P R E T Z E L S I R C Z B A H O S P R E L I T U T U R N M A M A L A L A G L A S S E Y E O N E S I E L S S P U R L N O R T H I L P A S S A V E R T A T A P A P A A H O Y S L O W

S E W S H A H A E R I N G E N R E A R Y N A H E R A R Y N A N A T A C I T E P E T A G L N E S S A T O P W A W A S S S S

Answers to HOOSIER 1 7 4 3 8 5 9 2 6 HODGEPODGE: 9 2 8 7 6 1 4 5 3 Salads: CAESAR, 3 5 6 2 4 9 8 1 7 CHEF, COBB, GREEK, HOUSE, 2 8 1 6 7 4 5 3 9 WALDORF; Cities: 4 3 5 1 9 2 7 6 8 PERU, PLYMOUTH, 6 9 7 5 3 8 1 4 2 PORTAGE, 8 1 3 4 2 7 6 9 5 PORTLAND, PRINCETON; 5 6 9 8 1 3 2 7 4 Families: BRADY, 7 4 2 9 5 6 3 8 1 BUNKER, CLEAVER, PARTRIDGE; Warnings: FRAGILE, HEAVY, THIS SIDE UP; Mikes: BRAUN, PENCE; Steakhouse: EDDIE MERLOT’S

VIEWS

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The art of ‘porching’ Commentary by Jeff Worrell

Registration closes Sept. 21 Greg Durm, MD IU Cancer Researcher

Years ago, with the early encouragement of Mayor Jim Brainard, I had the privilege of serving on the citizen committee that helped launch the very first Carmel PorchFest along with current Mayor Sue Finkam. At the time, our goal was simple: celebrate local musicians and showcase our vibrant Arts & Design District. But the deeper magic of PorchFest was never just the live tunes. It was the porch itself. Over recent decades, modern living has quietly nudged us away from our neighbors. Suburban design increasingly emphasizes rear privacy, from attached garages with automatic openers to tall fences and backyard patios. We pull in, lower the door and retreat from the world. When we retreat, anonymity quickly moves in. In an era where isolation has become a growing public concern, not knowing our neighbors leaves us vulnerable to division. It becomes far too easy to reduce the family across the street to a political yard sign or an online debate when we have never shared

a simple wave or a casual hello. That is why we need to bring back the art of “porching,” sitting out front, whether on a porch, a stoop or a folding chair on the driveway. That lowers the barrier to human connection. We have a wonderful opportunity to experience that spirit firsthand. Carmel PorchFest returns from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 20 in the neighborhood just north of Main Street and west of Range Line Road. It is a fantastic afternoon to stroll our streets, listen to talented artists and enjoy the vibrancy of Carmel together. Before the weather cools, take 30 minutes this week to step out front. Grab a drink, leave your phone inside and sit where your neighbors can see you. You might just start the conversation that makes our community feel a little closer, one porch at a time.

Jeff Worrell is a Carmel City Council member and a civility proponent. To contact him, you may email JeffWorrell@ projectcivility.com.

Auumn Elegance STYLE SHOW & LUNCHEON

Riverview Health Auxiliary presents the Autumn Elegance Style Show & Luncheon featuring latest fashions from The Secret Ingredient and Carolyn’s Corner Gift Shop at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville.

October 3-4, 2026

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A cash bar will be available. The Gift Basket Raffle may be paid for with cash, credit or debit card only.

Sponsored by: Riverview Health Medical Staff

VIEWS

CURRENT IN CARMEL

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COMMU N IT Y VOICE S

Astonished by the generational disconnect Editor, Allison Brown’s Sept. 8 letter about witnessing voting at her school 55 years ago, and the civic pride it sparked, was a lovely read. But I confess a different reaction every time I read letters like hers from older generations: astonishment at a disconnect from the realities that will play out at those very ballot boxes inside the schools. As many know, a Carmel Clay Schools’-led referendum will be on the ballot this November. I’ve seen many seniors publicly oppose it. That referendum would help close school safety and funding gaps created when the state legislature passed SEA1 last year. In Ms. Brown’s scenario, an already strained school budget would also have to absorb election security costs — already a nonstarter for a community of seniors facing their own squeeze, including rising Medicare premiums tied to the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Asking this generation to invest in the next, as previous generations once did, is a hard but necessary ask as is. Asking for more to accomplish Ms. Brown’s vision is untenable. Opening schools during elections would carry additional safety and operating costs that should not burden our community further than CCS already

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00196 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of September, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Allow a private residential outdoor pavilion/accessory structure to be located 3 feet from the side property line where a minimum 5-foot side-yard accessory building setback is required. With the property being known as: 931 Auman Drive West, Carmel, IN 46032. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00196 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Aumans Addition, Lot 47; Parcel No. 16-10-31-01-04-038.000. The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Benjamin Dennett / Vibrant Outdoors LLC, Petitioner/Authorized Agent

asks. As a parent of two school-aged kids, having strangers move through underprotected school buildings in an open-carry state during these politically charged times is a legitimate safety concern. I am not attacking Ms. Brown or our senior community, but to point out that the safe, open school environment she remembers has eroded through decades of policy choices older generations

made via the ballot box. It is sad that students today can’t witness civic duty in their hallways because of educational budget cuts. It would also be valuable for those opposing the referendum to see firsthand what it’s costing the generation who will inherit the burden of far fewer resources and safety resource officers should the referendum fail to pass.

PUBLIC NOTICE FILED August 20, 2026 CLERK OF THE HAMILTON CIRCUIT COURT STATE OF INDIANA IN HAMILTON CIRCUIT COURT COUNTY OF HAMILTON IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF THE MINOR CHILD: BRYNLEE LYNN BECK-STEWART, BRUCE WAYNE STEWART, Petitioner. NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME Notice is hereby given that Petitioner, Bruce Wayne Stewart, has filed a Verified Petition For Change of Name on the 18th day of August, 2026. The Verified Petition requests that name of the minor child Brynlee Lynn Beck-Stewart be changed to Brynlee Lynn Stewart.This Petition is scheduled for hearing on the 18th day of December, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., which is more than thirty (30) days after the third notice of publication. Any person has the right to appear at the hearing and to file objections on or before the hearing date. Date: August 20, 2026 Kathy Kreag WilliamsClerk, Hamilton Circuit Court (Court Seal: HAMILTON CIRCUIT COURT INDIANA - JW)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Docket No. PZ-2026-00188 Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 28th day of September, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers (1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032) will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Request a variance to UDO section 5.04, where a minimum 23 feet dwelling width is required for a dwelling unit to a proposed width of 18.96 feet per dwelling unit. With the property being known as: 10464 McPherson Street, Carmel, IN 46280 The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00188 The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel Number: 17-13-12-01-03-005.000 Legal Description: Acreage .00 Section 12, Township 17, Range 3 HOMEPLACE Lot 26 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Mason R Klain Sedgemoor Construction PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00193 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of September 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall, 2 nd Floor Council Chambers Room, 1 Civic Sq, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to extend the existing two-car garage to a three-car garage. The extension will exceed the existing build line by approximately one foot. UDO Section 2.08: Minimum 35-ft front yard setback required; 32-ft requested. The planned expansion requires a variance of 3 feet. With the property being known as 873 High Drive, Carmel, IN 46033. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00193 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage .67, Section 32, Township 18, Range 4, EDEN ESTATES section 9 Lot 234. The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. PETITIONER: James A. Johnson, Owner

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Docket No. PZ-2026-00186 Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 28th day of September, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers (1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032) will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Request a variance to UDO section 5.04, where a minimum 23 feet dwelling width is required for a dwelling unit to a proposed width of 18.96 feet per dwelling unit. With the property being known as: 10480 McPherson Street, Carmel, IN 46280 The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00186 The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel Number: 17-13-12-01-03-004.000 Legal Description: Acreage .00 Section 12, Township 17, Range 3 HOMEPLACE Lot 25 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Mason R Klain Sedgemoor Construction PETITIONERS

When you go to vote this November, I ask that we take Ms. Brown’s vision to heart, and ask why we are willing to slash school budgets and yet lament what is lost by doing so. Justin Spicer, Carmel NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Docket No. PZ-2026-00203 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 28th day of September, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Allow a 10-foot front yard setback where UDO Section 3.62 requires new buildings to match the dominant or average front yard setback of existing buildings on the same block and same side of the street, with no more than a 3-foot variation (approximately 19 feet required). With the property being known as: 510 N. Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00203 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Lot 2 in the Secondary Plat of 520 North Rangeline, recorded June 11, 2024 as Instrument 1520, in the Office of the Recorder of Hamilton County, Indiana. The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Abner Properties Rangeline LLC, Owner Cole Walters, Studio View Architecture, Petitioners

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00202 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of September, 2026 at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2 nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: We are seeking approval for a new build lot coverage of 38.3% when only 35% is allowed. UDO Section 2.10: Maximum 35% lot cover allowed; 38.3% requested With the property being known as: 936 Auman Drive West, Carmel, IN 46032. The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00202 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage .32 Section 31, Township 18, Range 4 AUMANS ADDITION Replat Information: Lot 19 Lot 19R The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Indy Houses LLC by member Allen R. Phelps PETITIONERS

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Disaster Recovery and FEMA Public Assistance Consulting Services RFP-2026-013 Notice is hereby given that the City of Carmel Administration Department is requesting proposals for Disaster Recovery and FEMA Public Assistance Consulting Services, during regular business hours, up to, but not later than 10:00 am local time on Monday, September 28, 2026, via the City's e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin. No late proposals will be accepted. This request is for securing the services of a qualified consultant (individual or firm) to provide FEMA Public Assistance consulting and emergency recovery support services. The consultant will assist the City of Carmel with preparing, submitting, tracking, and managing FEMA disaster submittals and related documentation to maximize federal reimbursement and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Proposals will be opened by the Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety at the meeting starting at 10:00 am on Monday, September 28, 2026, on the 2nd floor of Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN. The specifications are attached and set forth in detailed documents on file via the City's eProcurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin. Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted to the portal prior to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. All questions and responses will be publicly posted to the portal. No proposer may withdraw any proposal within a period of sixty (60) days following the date set for receiving proposals. The City of Carmel reserves the right to hold any or all proposals for a period of not more than sixty (60) days and said proposals shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject all proposals or cancel this solicitation in whole or in part as specified in the solicitation when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2. The City reserves the right to award the contract based on whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the City, considering the criteria set forth in the solicitation. The award may be based on factors such as price, quality, qualifications, experience, and the ability to meet project requirements.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No PZ-2026-00180 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of September 2026 at 5p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: UDO Section 5.02(B) Minimum 25-ft front setback behind front line of principal building allowed; Seeking approval for approximately 25-ft in front of principle building requested due to our hardship with land lock of creek dividing property. With the property being known as: 12006 Eden Glen Drive Carmel IN 46033 The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00180 V The real estate affected by said application is described as follows Acreage 1.20 Section 32, Township 18, Range 4 EDEN GLEN Lot 35 zoned R-1/ Residential The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. PETITIONERS Jonathan and Jessica Craft

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00191V & PZ-2026-00201V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of September 2026 at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: UDO Section 5.02(C)(7): minimum swimming pool, its decking, or equipment setback must be 3-ft from easement (25-ft easement exists); 10-ft encroachment into the easement requested (13-ft variance requested) UDP Section 2.04: Maximum lot coverage of 35% allowed, 42% requested. With the property being known as (insert address): 5039 Huntington Drive (Kingswood, Lot 129). The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00191V & PZ-2026-00201V The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: (insert Legal Description OR Tax ID parcel number(s)) .32 acre site is located at 5039 Huntington Drive (Kingswood, Lot 129). It is zoned S-2/Residential The petition may be examined on the City's website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Alisa Cox w/C-Ray Pools on behalf of Benjamin & Katherine Titus, owners. PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00182 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of September 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval for an existing backyard paver patio area: Docket No. PZ-2026-00182 V Grannan Grove PUD Section 4.2(F) Maximum 35% lot cover allowed; 40% requested. The .39-acre site is located at 14009 Grannan Lane (Grannan Grove, Lot 4). It is zoned Grannan Grove PUD/Planned Unit Development, Ordinance Z-595-14. Filed by John & Robyn O’Donnell, owners. With the property being known as 14009 Grannan Lane, Carmel IN 46074 The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00182 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel #: 17-09-19-00-11-004.000 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. John and Robyn O’Donnell PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00199 Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of September, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Seeking approval for a 24-ft variance for accessory building height when max. 18-ft accessory building height allowed. The 25-acre site is located at 1506 W. 106th Street (not located in any subdivision). It is zoned S-1/Residence. Filed by Scott Bates of Scott Bates Custom Homes on behalf of Beam Reach LLC., owner. With the property being known as: 1506 W. 106th Street, Carmel, IN 46032 The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00199 The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage 25.20 Section 4, Township 17, Range 3 - Parcel 17-13-04-00-00-085.000_ The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Scott Bates of Scott Bates Custom Homes on behalf of Beam Reach LLC.,owner. PETITIONERS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket Nos. PZ-2026-00168 V, PZ-2026-00194 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of September 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Caucus Rooms (1 Civic Square, 2nd Flr, Carmel, IN 46032) will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application for Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center signage: UDO Section 5.39(I)(2)(b): Seven (7) additional wall signs requested from previous approvals. UDO Section 5.39(C)(4): Traffic Directional Signs shall not exceed 3 sq. ft. in size and not higher than 3-ft in height; 5 sq. ft. in size and 4-ft in height requested for all Traffic Directional Signage on site. With the property being known as: 10580 N. Meridian St., Carmel, IN 46290. The application is identified as PZ-2026-00168 V, PZ-2026-00194 V The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage 12.57 Section 11, Township 17, Range 3 Includes leased improvements: Parcels 036.815, 036.915. Parcel No. 16-13-11-00-00-036.015�The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Erin Maher – BSA Design, on behalf of CIHS Newco LLC, Owner PETITIONER

PUBLIC NOTICE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, Case No. 26-05-1756X. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and, if applicable, the FIS report have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bf e_main.asp, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2026-00192 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 28th day of September, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Per UDO Section 2.04: Minimum 10-ft. side yard building setback required; 5-ft requested. With the property being known as: 12562 Gladecrest Drive, Carmel, IN 46033 The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00192 V. The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel Number: 16-10-33-00-33-007.000 Deeded Owner: Lippe, Kimberly K Address: 12562 Gladecrest Dr. Legal Description: Acreage .25 Section 33, Township 18, Range 4 LAKES AT HAZEL DELL Section 11 Lot 29 Irregular Shape Property Use: One Family Dwelling Platted Zoning District: S-1/ROSO 1 The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Kimberly Lippe PETITIONERS

PUZZLES 1

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23 28

42 45 48

46 49

53 59

ACROSS 1. Melt 5. “Yikes!” 9. Pulls some strings? 13. “Ali ___ and the Forty Thieves”

47 50

20 22

14. Awestruck 15. ComedySportz laugh 16. White River sediment 17. Hang around in the shadows 18. Corridor owner/chef

Kem 19. Victory Field snack 21. Turn the Page Books category 22. Knight’s title 23. Biz bigwig 6 Kinds of Salads

25. Scrooge’s cry 28. Fish-eating bird 30. “Nope” 33. Driver’s 180 35. Bookish 37. In ___ land (spacey) 38. Doll’s word 39. Grandma 40. Faux peeper 42. Implied 43. Chicago trains 44. Baby’s bodysuit 46. Humane Society for Boone County adoptee 47. Pacer foe 48. Fall behind 50. Up on an Indiana map 53. Flu, e.g. 57. Declare 58. Colts play 60. Looking down on 61. Family guy 62. “Cheerio!” 63. Gas station chain with locations in Westfield and Noblesville 64. Not fast 65. Sailor’s greeting 66. Deflating sound DOWN 1. 0.5 fl. oz. 2. Boone Village Barber Shop floor sweepings 3. Competent 4. Lightbulb units 5. I-69 rubberneckers 6. Do a trucker’s job 7. Store boss (Abbr.) 4 TV Sitcom Families

3 Shipping Box Warnings 5 Indiana “P” Cities

1 7 2 5

5 1

3 4 7 6 4 5 3 9

6 9 7 5 8 8 2 5 8 9 8. Tibetan beast 9. See-through 10. Merit 11. Fan noise 12. Of sound mind 20. Utah national park 21. “Let’s Get It On” singer Marvin 23. Rap sheet entries 24. Butler frat letter 25. Protuberance 26. Beatles: “Any Time ___” 27. Hawaiian dances 29. Indy Ignite team member 30. Civil rights org. 31. Basketball Hall of Famer Risen, who played for the Indianapolis Kautskys 32. Downtown Indy hotel

9 7 8 1

34. IU dorm supervisors 36. Genetic letters 38. Grindstone on the Monon handout 41. ZCHS second-year student 42. Blue-green shade 45. “You got that right!” 47. Scarecrow stuffing 49. Chews like a beaver 50. Siestas 51. IMS track shape 52. Seized auto 53. Ratio words 54. IND flight postings 55. Females with pig tails? 56. Luxurious resorts 58. School support org. 59. Ooh and ___ ANSWERS ON PAGE 29

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or 0% Financing Available Completely with orredesigned 0% Financing Av with 90 Day Payment Deferral. advanced technology and Mazda’s 90 Day Payment Legendary Performance!

Starting at $31,485

We have over 240 New Mazda’s Available with inventory arriving daily.

525 David Brown Dr. Westfield IN 46074

tomroushmazda.com 317-896-5561 Our Sales Departme

Covid-19 Store Update

Starting price is for the Mazda 2.5 S model. Available inventory is based on all in stock Mazda models. *Based on Mazda new cars sales volume for 2025. See dealer for details.

We are closely practices in

Location Matters. O ld T Own d esign g rOup builds cusTOm hOmes On yOur lOT Or wiThin selecT cOmmuniTies acrOss c enTral i ndiana .

From walkable settings to nature-forward environments, each Old Town community highlights the importance of choosing the right place. MAGNOLIA

ASHERWOOD

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• Private two-car garages with secure building access • Covered outdoor living spaces • Walkable location next to The

ON YOUR LOT c armel

• An exclusive gated community

• Free homesite lot analysis

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your lot features • Award Winning design-build experience

Palladium, dining, and shops

Explore our communities at OldTownDesignGroup.com

This Is What Coming Home Should Feel Like. designed around daily life , lasting comfort , and the moments that matter most .

OUTSTANDING LOCATIONS. TIMELESS DESIGNS. Schedule Your Private Tour | 317.805.1105 OLDTOWNDESIGNGROUP.COM