Issuu

Mayor introduces 2027 city budget Page 3

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 youarecurrent.com

Council OKs 30mph for Tomlinson Road Page 5

THE SEARCH CONTINUES Hamilton County coroner pushes to identify victims in Fox Hollow murders Page 17

District eyes exception to one-stop bus rule Page 6, 7

City redistricting maps introduced

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Construction is ongoing at the new Westfield Police Department headquarters. Police and fire make up about 50 percent of the proposed 2027 city budget. (File image)

Mayor proposes $89M city budget for 2027 frastructure investments and improvements, and the completion of various plans — such as a capital improvement plan, a comprehensive plan, a Grand Westfield Mayor Scott Willis introPark plan and a downtown plan. duced the proposed 2027 city budget The 2027 budget dedicates a litto the council and the public Sept. 14, calling for a spending plan that tle more than 50 percent of totals $89.4 million and includes spending to police and fire a slight tax rate decrease. departments. Willis noted that the 2027 “That’s pretty standard for us budget is balanced, with all pro— pretty standard for most comjected spending aligning with munities like Westfield,” Willis projected revenue. He added said. “Public safety gobbles a that the city is adding some new bunch of it up, but it’s our No. 1 Willis positions to prepare for the tranpriority, quite frankly, (to) keep our residents safe, and so it’s a good insition to becoming a second-class city in 2028. vestment for the community.” The proposed 2027 operating budPublic safety spending includes five additional police officers and two ciget is about $9 million more than this year’s, which totaled $80.1 million. vilian police positions, expansion of The estimated 2027 tax rate is 71.62 the police emergency response drone cents per $100 assessed value, compared program, occupational cancer screenwith 71.63 cents this year. Willis noted ings for firefighters and new EMS that due to the state property tax law, equipment. Senate Enrolled Act 1, the city will reSome key projects in the 2027 budceive about $3.5 million less revenue in get include a pedestrian bridge at the 2027, about $6.5 million less in 2028 and Monon Trail over 191st Street, road about $11 million less in 2029. widening and new roundabouts on He recapped some of the city’s accom- 191st, Jersey Street improvements, a plishments so far in 2026, including new new playground at Freedom Trail Park, connecting gaps in the pedestrian trail fire stations, expanded fire department system and restoring the Old Friends staff, additional police officers, ongoing Cemetery. construction of a new police headquar“The Town of Westfield did a real disters, expanded community engagement through events and publications, inservice to the folks that were buried in By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

that cemetery,” Willis said. “They, for whatever reason, thought at the time back in the 1970s that it made sense to move all the headstones into this nice little corner of the park in a bundle and put park benches and trails. And shame on us. Shame on us for ever thinking that was the smart thing to do. We are going to be returning this cemetery to its original form.” Willis said the city has brought in a consultant and conducted some scans of the ground to determine where the original graves are located. He said city records should help make sure headstones are correctly replaced. Willis noted that the city has about $61 million in reserves, which is well above the amount required by city ordinance. “But again, we have some major infrastructure projects that are coming,” he said. “If you go to our comprehensive infrastructure plan, you’ll see that we’re trying to find a balance between how much debt we take on and the cash that we have to spend on it. So, that will continue to come down.” Nobody spoke during a public hearing on the budget. A second public hearing is set for the Sept. 28 Westfield City Council meeting, with a final reading and adoption planned for Oct. 12. For more, visit westfieldin.gov/ budget.

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Westfield council OKs 30 mph for Tomlinson Road By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com The Westfield City Council voted 6-1 Sept. 14 to lower the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph on Tomlinson Road, the site of a June accident that took the life of a 7-year-old boy. The vote came after months of advocacy by Graham Stidham’s parents, Rachel and Chris, who have been joined by friends and neighbors to argue for a 30 mph speed limit on the road, which is near a school and residential neighborhoods. They strongly disagreed with a recommendation by city officials to lower the speed limit to 35. During public comment Sept. 14, eight people spoke in favor of a 30 mph limit. Marla Ailor, the city’s elected clerk-treasurer, spoke from her seat on the dais. She said she drove on Tomlinson Road the morning of the June accident and saw the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. “I’m not asking for 30 mph because I cried,” she told the council. “I’m asking for it because I know that road.” Ailor said the area has grown and

become more residential, and the city needs to adjust the speed limit accordingly. She said public safety should not be political. Chris Stidham recapped previous discussions about how the city came up with the 35 mph recommendation, noting that the tools used to establish that weren’t appropriate for Tomlinson Road. He said 47 mph — which a speed study showed most people were driving on that road — means a 66 percent chance someone who is hit will die. At 30 mph, the chance drops to 25 percent. Stidham asked audience members there in support of 30 mph to stand, and numerous people in the packed room stood up and clapped. Rachel Stidham reminded council members that they had the ability to protect the next child. She took issue with a “let’s not make a decision based on emotions” argument that some councilors voiced previously, noting that wanting children to survive a vehicle accident is not an emotional response. “When you vote today, think about the child on the edge of the road,” she

Rachel and Chris Stidham at the Sept. 14 Westfield City Council meeting with a photo of their son, Graham, who died in a June accident on Tomlinson Road. (Photo by Leila Kheiry)

said. “Think beyond the traffic flow, the convenience, the precedent. I hope that Westfield always chooses the child.” Following public comment, Executive Chief of Operations John Nail told the council that the city’s engineering department used data from a new speed study and other factors in different

speed-setting tools, which led to recommended speed limits of 40 mph. The city also hired outside engineering firms, who both recommended a 35 mph limit along with physical changes to reduce overall speed. Nail said he still recommends a 35 mph speed, but noted that there are arguments in favor of 30 mph, such as the vision for that area moving forward. Council President Patrick Tamm made a motion to amend the proposed ordinance to 30 mph rather than 35, and members of the audience responded with cheers and applause. Mayor Scott Willis, noting that Nail, a licensed engineer, was required by his license to present recommendations based on the data, but councilors have the latitude to take that data, apply other factors and make a different decision. He said he also supported dropping the speed limit to 30 mph. Councilor Joe Duepner cast the sole dissenting vote. “I can vote emotionally, I can vote politically or I can vote based on the facts and data,” he said. “I’m going with the latter.”

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The Westfield Washington School District has started a one bus stop per-student rule, prompting concerns from parents who say the change is sudden and inconsistent with previous policies. Three parents detailed their concerns during the Westfield Washington Board of Trustees’ Sept. 8 meeting, stating that families who previously used multiple bus stops were recently notified that the district is implementing a one stop-only policy, effectively forcing at least one divorced parent in a family to drive their children to and from school. Tony Waters told the board that he and his co-parent both live in Westfield, and the one-address-only rule means the administration refuses to route his children to both taxpaying households. He called the move a “critical policy failure.” Two other parents who spoke during public comments said the district needs to provide clarity on the rules it’s setting. Anthony Smithson said he and Carrie Stevenson are the parents of a seventh grader in the district. He said on Aug. 4, WWS told families that a student with two bus stops means a reserved seat on two buses, and that 50 such students equals one additional bus, which was unworkable for the district amid a driver shortage. Carrie Stevenson said Westfield has a history of collaboration and she was disappointed when the decision lacked consideration for parents. “We want to be a part of a collaborative approach,” she said. “If it costs more, we get that. Maybe can we talk about a cost-sharing option?” Waters added that the district told parents the policy aligned with neighboring schools. He said that Westfield “claims to be a top-tier leader, not a district that copies the bare minimum from our neighbors.” Responding to a request for comment, WWS provided a statement via email. “It is the responsibility of WWS to provide safe, reliable transportation for thousands of students every day. The one-stop procedure means each student

School buses line up at the Westfield Washington Schools Transportation Center. (Photo courtesy of WWS)

has one consistent pick-up location and one consistent drop-off location,” the district stated. “Families may choose a home, daycare, grandparent’s home, or another eligible location, but the location needs to remain consistent. In previous years, multiple transportation assignments and changing schedules created situations where students were on the wrong bus or with the wrong driver and schools did not have clear information about where a child was supposed to go on a particular day. It also meant we reserved seats and built routes around multiple stops for the same student.” The statement acknowledged that family circumstances are different, particularly families navigating shared custody and other situations. “Those concerns are important to us. At the same time, we also have a responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” the district stated. “At a time when WWS is asking our community to consider an operating referendum, we need to substantiate how we are looking carefully at every part of our operation and using our resources as efficiently as possible. With nearly 5,000 bus stops and approximately 150 routes, we need procedures that our schools, drivers, students and families can follow consistently and safely.” Providing multiple transportation assignments for individual students adds routes, stops, seats and costs, the email stated. “We believe it is reasonable to ask families to designate one consistent transportation location while we work to provide the safest and most efficient service possible,” WWS stated.

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District working on bus stop exception

wasn’t fixed or someone’s schedule changed. So, first of all, it was a safety issue. Second of all, it was kind of a reWestfield Washington Schools offisource and an efficiency issue.” Atha said he didn’t have the statistics cials are drafting a procedure to allow parents with shared custody agreements of how many students utilized multiple bus stops previously, but transto use more than one bus stop for children enrolled in the school portation officials were working district. on compiling that data. In an interview a few days afWestfield parent Mike Demo, who has shared custody, said ter a Sept. 8 WWS School Board understanding how many fammeeting, during which several parents expressed concern about ilies the change would affect the district’s new one-stop rule, should have been the first step Atha Superintendent John Atha said before implementing the new the district’s legal counsel was working rule. Demo hopes to gather the data on language to allow an exception for independently through his website, parents with court-ordered custody westfieldbusstops.com, where WWS agreements. parents can anonymously provide that “As we have had parents talk to us and information. share information with us, I was able to Demo said the bus stop change affects sit down with our legal counsel and say, more than just divorced parents with ‘What would an exception look like?’” shared custody. Some parents previoushe said. “They are currently working on ly used a second stop for after-school a process and a formal application that care — a daycare provider or grandparwould be a limited exception for shared ent, for example. He estimated that huncustody.” dreds of students used a second bus stop Atha didn’t yet have details but said before the new rule was implemented, the bus schedule for students who qualand argued that a change that affects that many kids should have been voted ify for the exception would be set and on by the WWS School Board. predictable, rather than something that He added that all other Hamilton can change day-to-day, and all bus stops for that student would have to be within County school districts offer multiple the attendance boundary for that partic- bus stops, along with Zionsville schools. Atha said Sept. 14 that new language ular school. allowing exceptions for families with Prior to this school year, WWS allowed multiple bus stops for any student shared custody should be completed within a couple of days, but cautioned without restrictions, including day-of that the district would still have to draft changes, which Atha said led to logistian application and get it added to the cal problems. district website. “We misplaced kids — not intention“All those things — they’re not comally. Sometimes kids got on the wrong bus because they forgot what day it was, plicated, but they take time,” he said. and so we actually several times had to “We want to make sure we have all those contact the police,” Atha said. “It was in place and we do it well before we anjust kind of a waste of first responder nounce too much about it.” and public resource time because we He said the district will communicate didn’t know what happened because to families about the exception after it is someone didn’t follow a schedule that available online. By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

 Riley earns top rankings — Riley Children’s Health has been named among the nation’s leading children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, earning a spot on the 2026-27 Best Children’s Hospitals list for the 19th consecutive year. Riley Children’s Health was the No. 1-ranked children’s hospital in Indiana and fourth in the Midwest. It is one of 18 children’s hospitals in the nation ranked across all 11 pediatric specialties, including top 10 rankings in pediatric urology, and pulmonology and lung surgery, as well as top-25 recognition in six specialties. Full rankings can be found at USNews.com.

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HSE junior forward always on the offensive By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com Hamilton Southeastern High School girls soccer player Sydney May has always been offensive minded. “I’ve always loved to score as long as I can remember,” she said. “When I was younger, if anyone asked me to play defense, it was, ‘No, I just want to score.’ I like making opportunities to score for my teammates, too.” In the first 10 games, the junior forward had 18 goals and seven assists for the unbeaten defending state champion Royals. “Sydney has a passion to score goals,” HSE coach Greg Davidson said. “That she has worked incredibly hard on her technical skills and her 1 vs. 1 attacking techniques is an understatement. She is also such a joy to coach and her teammates absolutely adore her. Her love for the game but her zest for life is infectious.” May scored 11 goals last season and had 16 as a freshman. May and her sister, Sloane May, helped HSE win its first IHSAA girls state soccer title, topping Carmel 1-0 in last year’s Class 3A state final. Sloane May was named the Gatorade Indiana Girls Soccer Player of the Year and United Soccer Coaches 2025 National Player of the Year. “My sister pushed me to be the best version of myself on the field and off the field,” Sydney May said.

ATHLETE

OF THE WEEK MEET SYDNEY MAY Favorite athlete: Trinity Rodman Favorite movie: “Ten Things I Hate About You” Favorite subject: Criminal forensics Favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica Hamilton Southeastern girls soccer player Sydney May scored 18 goals in the first 10 games this season. (Photo courtesy of Brooke May)

“Us winning a state championship together (was) so much fun. It’s definitely one of the best moments I’ve ever experienced.” The Royals are ranked No. 1 nationally in the girls high school division by United Soccer Coaches and MaxPreps. “We’re obviously missing a few pieces with the seniors graduating, but I don’t think that takes away from us any bit,” May said. “I think we’ve gotten to be just as good and I think we are capable of winning another state championship with the team we have. There’s a lot of chemistry between us.” May said the team’s senior captains, Hannah Dodge and Sophia Reising, are good leaders. “But other players have stepped up,” she said. “We take a lot of accountability for things.” May, who plays for Indy Premier United during club season, has committed to play soccer for Indiana University, where her sister is a freshman on the women’s team. But that’s the future. For now, she is focused on preparing for another run at a state title. “We’ve had these goals since the start of the season but we’re really putting all the pieces together and figuring it out,” she said. “We’re playing really well together and it’s really good soccer. I’m really excited to see how the tournament plays out.” To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.

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DISPATCHES  500 Festival Princess Program opens applications for 2027 — The 500 Festival is accepting applications for the 2027 Princess Program through Jan. 10 at 500Festival.com/Princess. Presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis, the program recognizes college-age women statewide for leadership, service and academic excellence, offering mentorship and a $1,500 scholarship. Top applicants will interview Jan. 23 in Indianapolis, with 66 advancing to a second round before 33 are selected as 2027 Princesses. Selected Princesses will serve as ambassadors from February through May, taking part in community outreach and 500 Festival events statewide.  Veterans Day honorees sought — The City of Westfield is seeking local veterans to feature as Hometown Heroes during the City of Westfield Veterans Day Ceremony. Submissions are due by Oct. 30. To submit a local veteran, visit / bit.ly/4xTbwkm.  INDOT hiring seasonal workers — The Indiana Department of Transportation will host winter seasonal hiring events at several locations across the state. Winter seasonal positions run November through late March. Job duties for full-time seasonal positions include general highway and traffic maintenance, snow and ice removal and other duties related to winter operations. A valid CDL is required. 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 Brookeville Rd., Indianapolis. For a full list of hiring event locations and more information, visit bit.ly/WinterHiring2026.  Veterans Day contest opens — The City of Westfield’s annual Veterans Day Student Poster, Poem & Essay Contest, sponsored by T-Mobile Fiber is open through Oct. 30 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade to showcase their creativity while reflecting on the theme, “What Does Freedom Mean to Me and How Have Veterans Helped Protect It?” Winning students will be recognized during the city’s Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11 at the IMMI Conference Center. Poem winners will have the opportunity to share their work and the winning essay will be read. For more, visit westfieldin.gov/veteransdayceremony.

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CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

A Joint Honor Guard presents the colors during the 9/11 ceremony. (Photo by Jessica Todd)

County marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com Hamilton County, the City of Noblesville and members of the public gathered at the Silos at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds Sept. 11 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony included remarks from Hamilton County Commissioner President Christine Altman and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, as well as Hamilton County Council Member and Carmel firefighter Tim Griffin and Noblesville Police Department Chief Brad Arnold. A Joint Honor Guard representing the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Noblesville Police Department and Noblesville Fire Department presented the colors during the ceremony. Local, state and federal elected officials, members of the judiciary, township trustees and public safety leaders from throughout Hamilton County also attended. “Remembering does not fully honor

those lost and sickened,” Altman said. “We must be vigilant and active citizens, maintaining and guarding our democracy that has endured for 250 years. We must remember and practice what was learned on that terrible day. We need to put aside our differences, cooperate (and) share our resources that keep us safe. We need to invest and reinvest in public safety to train our first responders to be prepared, to equip them with the tools they need to do their jobs, and more importantly, to protect them from the toxicity they incur when they intercede. We need to be ready for both domestic and war and foreign occurrences. We need to make sure we’re providing clear and concise information to our citizens in the aftermath of an event, so they know the dangers they are facing in the best way to protect themselves. And more importantly, we need to assure those who are too young to (remember) the taste, the feel (and) the gut reactions of 9/11 know, learn and remember that our democracy and freedom are very fragile.”

DISPATCH  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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CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

Woman arrested in Westfield assault case

her back in by her hair. The victim told police that Dean locked her in the room for protection and that Bonds was A Westfield woman faces multiple fel- blocking the front door. “When the bedroom door was ony counts related to an Aug. 28 assault opened, the juvenile victim saw Bonds at Casey Acres Apartments in Westfield. holding a glass bottle in her The Westfield Police Departhand while she was arguing ment announced that Tyanna with Dean,” the PCA stated. Bonds, 26, was arrested Sept. “The juvenile victim stated that 9 in Indianapolis after invesBonds struck her in the head tigators learned she had been with the glass bottle and the justaying at a home on Prospect Avenue. venile female attempted to run “WPD Detectives obtained a away a second time. Bonds again Bonds search warrant for the residence pulled the juvenile female back and with the assistance of (Indianapto her again by her hair and struck her two to three times in the head with a olis Metropolitan Police Department) SWAT, Bonds was taken into custody on kitchen pot.” The victim was able to get away and her felony warrants,” WPD stated. Bonds is charged with felony criminal go to her mother’s nearby apartment. Her mother reported the assault to confinement resulting in serious bodipolice after confronting Bonds, telling ly injury, battery resulting in serious police that Bonds had pulled out a gun. bodily injury, unlawful carrying of a In an earlier news release, WPD stathandgun, battery by means of a deadly weapon and intimidation with a deadly ed that there was no answer at the susweapon. pect’s apartment when police attemptAccording to the probable cause ed to make contact that night and, after affidavit filed in court, the victim was obtaining a warrant, police learned that asleep in the suspect’s neighboring both Dean and Bonds had left through apartment and woke up when she a window. heard Bonds arguing with her brother, Dean also was apprehended in IndiaMarkeyzus Dean, 20, who also lived napolis and taken into custody by IMPD there. She told officers that Bonds then on a felony gun warrant out of Marion attacked her and Dean attempted to County. intervene. According to the Hamilton County The juvenile said she tried to leave the Jail’s online records, Bonds remains in apartment, but Bonds allegedly pulled custody on $100,000 bail. By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

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card protector stamped with “09/26,” while supplies last. Library cards are free for eligible residents. For more, visit wwpl.lib.in.us.  Chili cook off announced — Wild, Wild Westfield’s Premier Chili Cook-Off and Fall Fest is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at CrossRoads Church in Westfield, 19201 Grassy Branch Rd. The free event is open to the public and will include face-painting, inflatables, pony rides, kid’s games, adult fun, a petting zoo, silent auction, bounce houses, live music and Manny the mechanical bull. For more, visit bit.ly/3Tja2O4. To register for the chili cook off, visit bit.ly/3Rc7TQY or crchurch.org.

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DISPATCHES  Library Sign-Up Month — The Westfield Washington Public Library is celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month in September with the theme, “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes.” In addition to books, cardholders can borrow eBooks and audiobooks, access online learning and research tools, check out items from the Library of Things and participate in programs for children, teens and adults. WWPL’s Makerspace gives patrons access to creative tools and technology, with opportunities for 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving, access to a fully equipped recording studio, and more. WWPL is offering a special perk during September. New cardholders can receive a 3D-printed travel library

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©️ 2026 IP86, LLC. Although all floor plans, features, illustrations, and specifications of the homes and communities are believed correct at the time of publication, the right is reserved to make changes, without notice or obligation. Windows, doors, ceilings, layout, colors, finishes and room sizes may vary depending on the options and elevations selected. This information is for illustrative purposes only and not part of a legal contract. Some communities may be age-restricted, in which no less than eighty percent of homes in the community must have at least one permanent occupant fifty-five years of age or older. *No step entryways are not available for all homes or in all communities.

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CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

Public weighs in on ‘agrihood’ By Kaitlin Fallowfield news@currentinwestfield.com

Sunday, September 27, 1 to 5 pm

Sponsored by Messianic Jewish Congregation Shaarey Yeshua

Westfield resident Kevin Welsh told the city’s plan commission Sept. 9 that sewage odor from the nearby wastewater treatment plant is only one reason commissioners should consider denying or amending a proposed “agrihood.” The Hidden Oaks planned unit development is a 500-acre agriculture-forward neighborhood between Ind. 32 and 166th Street, west of Little Eagle Creek. During a series of public hearings in front of the Advisory Plan Commission, Welsh and other residents spoke out about the PUD and other recently introduced developments in Westfield. The 496 acres of farmland owned by the Lang Family Farm Trust was recently introduced as a new site for retail stores and 1,000 homes, blending single-family attached and detached homes and multifamily housing. Welsh spoke on behalf of his neighbors and said the plans seem to be moving at a reckless pace. “We fear this development is moving too fast, risking permanent mistakes,” Welsh said. “Our first major concern is the placement of a dense residential area immediately adjacent to an expanding wastewater treatment facility. The developer has obstructed this facility in their packet map, but it presents real daily disruptions. It generates constant fan and pump noise, projects bright commercial-grade lighting and produces severe odors.” Welsh added that odor remediation has been proposed in the past but remains undelivered to nearby residents. In addition, he said neighbors are concerned about the density of the proposed homes and what he called a lack of commonsense transitions from rural housing to a high-density neighborhood. He proposed that some lots be earmarked for custom homes to help facilitate that transition. The commission also had a public hearing for the Towne West PUD, a 94-acre development by Old Town Companies. The plan calls for a mixed-use development that would include multifamily units as well as retail space. Senior Planner of Community De-

STATE ROAD 32 GARDEN COMMERCIAL

FUTURE TRAILHEAD

GREENWAY

TREE PRESERVATION

DOG PARK

AMENITY AREA

THE VILLAGE

THE FARMSTEAD

W. 166TH ST

Hidden Oaks is a proposed 500-acre agriculture-forward neighborhood at the intersection of Ind. 32 and 166th Street, west of Little Eagle Creek. (Image courtesy of the City of Westfield) TREE PRESERVATION

HIDDEN OAKS

EXHIBIT B - CONCEPT PLAN

velopment Lauren Gillingham-Teague told the commission that Old Town Companies was able to acquire additional property for the PUD, adding 5 acres that connect to 151st Street. The company also amended its original proposal to limit the number of drivethrus to three, dedicate at least 4 acres for senior-oriented use and create a 30foot buffer zone between the proposed multifamily housing and single-family units outside of the PUD. During the public hearing, Mark Robiak, president of the Liberty Ridge Homeowners Association, said he’s concerned that the PUD’s location next to single-family homes will invite crime. Another public hearing was held for an amendment to the Northpoint PUD, another mixed-use development. The amendment would add a gas station in the public development district and away from view from Ind. 38. The text amendment also includes a plan for a “food forward” convenience store to serve nearby retail workers and neighboring residents. One resident spoke during the public comment period regarding the project, noting he’s concerned about the impact on traffic safety. The three items are expected to come back to the Plan Commission for recommendations in November, followed by final consideration by the Westfield City Council.

WESTFIELD, IN

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July 31, 2026

COMMUNITY

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

Meet the candidates 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. The candidates answered the following questions from Current: WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE? 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 in our courts, I’m ready Shaw 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 foundation in Court 8 that will Eyler serve Hamilton County residents well. 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. WHAT SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGIES OR SCHEDULING REFORMS WILL YOU IMPLEMENT TO MAKE COURT PROCEEDINGS MORE ACCESSIBLE AND EFFICIENTLY CLEAR CASE BACKLOGS? Shaw: I’ll focus on practical improvements within the court’s control, including 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 nonrepresented 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. VOTERS FACE TWO CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON THIS BALLOT: ALLOWING JUDGES TO DENY BAIL BASED ON “SUBSTANTIAL RISK” AND (BROADENING) JUDICIAL RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS. WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THESE AMENDMENTS AND WHY? Shaw: I’m not campaigning for or against either amendment. I take the bail question particularly seriously — public safety is critically important, but so is the constitutional right to bail and the presumption of innocence. Any time we’re asking whether to remove a constitutional right, folks should be paying attention. The judicial residency question involves a similar trade-off — weighing whether to expand who can serve as judge against the preference for someone well-connected to their community serving in that important role. Eyler: Judicial positions are to be apolitical. I currently decide cases regarding bail amounts, bond reviews and other related criminal matters and therefore cannot comment on my opinions regarding those matters. I am proud to live in a country where the people get to vote on changing laws and have input in the legal system that serves them.

COMMUNITY

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500 Festival Miler Series registration opens news@youarecurrent.com Registration is open for the 500 Festival Miler Series, a three-race series open to runners, walkers and wheelers of all experience levels who want to build mileage and confidence ahead of spring races — including the annual 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The Miler Series kicks off with a 3-mile race Feb. 13, 2027, followed by a 6-mile route March 6 and the final 10-miler event April 10, according to a 500 Festival announcement. Each race takes place at Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis. All events are timed and official results will be posted after each race. “The Miler Series is more than just a training program,” stated Dave Neff, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “It’s an opportunity to build confidence, create healthy habits and connect with your community.” Participants can sign up for individual races or the full series. The early bird price for the full Miler Series is $75 and includes entry into all three events, along with a long-sleeved participant shirt and series finisher medal, awarded upon completion of the series. Prices

Registration is open for the 500 Festival Miler Series. (Photo courtesy of 500 Festival)

increase Oct. 14. Participants who can’t attend a race in person can switch to a virtual option and still earn their gear. The 2027 race schedule and prices are: • 3-Miler, 9 a.m. Feb. 13, $30 • 6-Miler, 9 a.m. March 6, $35 • 10-Miler, 8 a.m. April 10, $40 Participants who want to “go the extra mile” can sign up for the Mini Maniac Challenge, which includes the Miler Series plus the Mini-Marathon; or the Greatest Spectacle Challenge, which includes the Miler Series, 5K and Mini-Marathon for a total of 35.2 miles. Registration for all events is available at IndyMini.com/Register. For more, visit IndyMini.com/Milers.

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Janet Scherer Weber, 76, of Westfield, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026. She was born on February 6, 1950, to Charles and Gladys (Hiller) Scherer in Noblesville, Indiana. Janet was a 1968 graduate of Hamilton Heights High School and a 1972 graduate of Indiana University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. She later received her master’s degree from IUPUI in 1976. Janet dedicated 36 years to teaching at Hamilton Heights Schools, where she touched the lives of many students throughout her career. She also served as Science Fair Coordinator for 10 years and National Honor Society Advisor for 10 years. Janet was a member of the Hamilton Heights Classroom Teachers Association and ISTA and was a charter member of Ruffles, the middle school social association. After retiring, she continued her love of education by substitute teaching for Westfield Schools for 10 years. Janet was a lifetime member of Bethel Lutheran Church. She was an avid fan of IU

football, IU basketball, and the Indianapolis Colts and loved cheering on her favorite teams. She and Denis also enjoyed traveling together, with memorable trips and cruises to Antarctica, Pompeii, Australia, New Zealand, and many other destinations. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gladys Scherer. Most important to Janet was her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and proud grandmother who treasured the time spent with those she loved. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Denis E. Weber; daughters, Megan (James) Gruesser and Lauren (Ankur) Pandya; grandchildren, Aiden Gruesser, Addison Gruesser, Marlow Pandya, and Laine Pandya; sister, Vicki (Arnett) Cooper; and brother, Jeff (Mary) Scherer. Janet will be remembered for her dedication to education, her love of family, and the many lives she touched throughout her life. Full obituary & Condolences: www. randallroberts.com

COMMUNITY

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

FreedomDoc Wellness

15 Advertorial

A Hidden Heart Risk: Why You Should Ask About Lipoprotein(a)

Derek Oldham, MD

The council’s redistricting map is one of five submitted for consideration. (Image courtesy of the City of Westfield)

Redistricting maps introduced By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com The Westfield City Council had its first look Sept. 14 at five proposed redistricting maps that would create new council districts, part of the city’s transition to a second-class city in 2028. The council will expand from seven to nine members — all elected in November 2027. The city now has five district seats and two at-large members. The new council in 2028 will have one additional district seat and a third at-large councilor. Consultant and municipal attorney Brian Bosma of Kroger Gardis Regas told the council in a previous presentation that new maps must have contiguous, reasonably compact districts with as close as possible to equal populations. Council President Patrick Tamm served as the redistricting coordinator for the council and submitted a map created with help from consultants. Four additional maps were submitted by Westfield residents. During the Sept. 14 meeting, Bosma said one of the resident-submitted plans had a district that was not contiguous — it was split by another district — and therefore could not be considered. Another plan, although contiguous, split precincts between some districts. Bos-

ma said split precincts are allowed, but would require paper ballots. The coordinator’s plan shows contiguous districts, no split precincts and has a 7.28 percent deviation — below the 10 percent that Bosma said can be challenged. Bosma said the ideal population for each district was 10,734. “That’s your total population divided by six, rounded,” he said. “So (the coordinator’s proposed) District 1 has a population of 10,671. District 2, 10,758. District 3, 10,279. District 4, 11,060. District 5, 10,843. District 6, 10,796. That makes District 4 3.03 percent over the ideal, and District 3 4.25 percent under the ideal for a total of 7.28 percent (deviation).” Two other plans submitted by a Westfield resident also were contiguous and did not split precincts. One had a deviation of 10.25 percent and the other was 13.22 percent. All the proposed maps and additional information are available at westfieldin.gov/654/ Council-Redistricting. Councilor Victor McCarty asked Bosma whether the city could name districts something other than “District 1,” etc. Bosma said that is allowed and noted Carmel has named its districts. The ordinance will return to the council for a potential vote Sept. 28.

ost of us know the usual suspects behind heart attacks and strokes: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes. But there is another powerful risk factor that most people have never heard of and that almost no one gets tested for. It is called lipoprotein(a) — often written as “Lp(a)” and spoken as “L-P-little-a.” What it is Lipoprotein(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle in your blood, similar to the “bad” LDL cholesterol but with an extra sticky protein attached. That difference matters. Lp(a) can speed up the buildup of plaque in your arteries, promote inflammation, and encourage blood clots. It is also linked to a stiffening of the heart’s aortic valve. In short, it attacks the heart and blood vessels in several ways at once. Why it may affect you Roughly one in five people worldwide have levels high enough

to raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. Here is the crucial part: your Lp(a) level is set almost entirely by your genes. Unlike ordinary cholesterol, it is not meaningfully changed by diet, exercise, or weight loss, and it stays fairly steady throughout your life. Because it is inherited, high Lp(a) often runs in families and can explain heart attacks that strike people who seem otherwise healthy, sometimes at a surprisingly young age. The higher the level, the higher the risk. A level considered “high” is tied to roughly a 40% greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Why testing matters Despite how common and how dangerous elevated Lp(a) can be, it is rarely measured. That is starting to change. In 2026, a broad coalition of American heart organizations, including the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, recommended that every adult have their Lp(a) measured at least once. European guidelines make the same recommendation. The test is simple: a single blood draw, no fasting required. Because levels are stable, one test in your lifetime is usually enough. Knowing your number helps you and your doctor understand your true heart risk — information a standard cholesterol panel

misses. If your level is high, it is also worth encouraging close relatives to be checked, since they may share the trait. What you can do about it There is currently no medication approved specifically to lower Lp(a), though promising new drugs are being tested in large trials. In the meantime, knowing you have high Lp(a) is still valuable: it is a signal to control every other risk factor aggressively — blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, tobacco, and physical activity. Healthy habits have been linked to markedly lower heart risk even among people with high Lp(a). So, start with your doctor. Ask if you should have your lipoprotein(a) checked. It may be one of the most important questions you ever ask about your heart. Contact Information: FreedomDoc Westfield 15229 Westfield Blvd Carmel, IN 46032

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The views expressed in this column are that of Derek Oldham, MD and FreedomDoc.

COMMUNITY

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

Area students cash in By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

OCTOBER 6, 2026 Make a meaningful impact while reaching 119,332 local households. Publishing on October 6, Current’s Breast Cancer Awareness Focus initiative is more than just a special section; it’s a critical resource for our community. This report will provide valuable insights into prevention, early detection and the life-saving importance of screenings. Current also will spotlight local healthcare providers, support organizations and the powerful stories of survivors. Your business can play a vital role in this important conversation. By advertising, you not only will reach a wide audience via U.S. Mail, but you also will demonstrate your company’s commitment to a cause that impacts families throughout Carmel, Fishers/Geist, Noblesville, Westfield, Brownsburg and Zionsville. This is a powerful opportunity to align your brand with a message of hope, health and community support.

Let’s work together to make a difference this October! Space reservations due:

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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 Gainsbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Other ZCHS students included Michael Stanfield, who earned $51,027 selling coins; Tyson McCann, who made $39,432 with his resale business; and Evan Walker, who made $36,184 from plumbing curb painting. High School Hustle awards a combined $150,000 to the top performers. Beale said the organization stresses to students to be customer- and

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)

revenue-focused. “There are hundreds of hustles that students can start … and make money this weekend,” he said. 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. For more, visit highschoolhustle.org.

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CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

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THE SEARCH CONTINUES Hamilton County coroner pushes to identify victims in Fox Hollow murders

By Kaitlin Fallowfield news@currentinwestfield.com Fox Hollow Farms in Westfield is the second-largest forensic search in the nation, second only to the effort to identify remains recovered from the World Trade Center after 9/11 — and it sat in the dark for decades. Thirty years ago, human remains were recovered from Fox Hollow Farm, where Herbert Richard Baumeister is believed to have taken the lives of at least 10 people. When a warrant was issued for his arrest, Baumeister fled to Canada and died by suicide. Some victims were identified, but local authorities halted the investigation and any effort to identify more. Then, in 2022, Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison got a phone call. Eric Pranger contacted the coroner’s office on behalf of his aunt. She was terminally ill with cancer and wanted to know what happened to her son, Allen Livingston, who was reported missing in Indianapolis in the mid-1990s. “When we sat and we talked with Allen’s mom, I noticed that she had a landline telephone on an end table next to her couch, and I commented to her, ‘You don’t often see landline telephones anymore,’ and she said to me that that’s the only number Allen knew to call her at,” Jellison said. “For 30 years, this woman had been sitting next to that phone, waiting for her son to call.” Livingston, 27, was last seen Aug. 6, 1993, according to archival reports from an Indianapolis newspaper. Thanks to Pranger’s DNA sample, investigators were able to identify Livingston’s remains. “The very first identification we made when we reached into those bones and bone fragments, having no idea who they were, the very first identification was Allen Livingston,” Jellison said. “That’s a God thing, and I’ll argue that with you all day long. That’s a God thing.” The team was able to offer Livingston’s mother closure before she died. Since then, Jellison and forensic investigators across the country have been working to identify other people linked

A memorial to the victims of the Fox Hollow Farms killings. (File photo)

Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison in his office. Jellison has been working on the Fox Hollow Farms case for the last five years. (Photo by Kaitlin Fallowfield)

to the 10,000 bones and bone fragments recovered at Fox Hollow Farm. Baumeister lived in Westfield during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Married, father of three and founder of a thrift store chain, Baumeister bought the 18-acre Fox Hollow Farm property at 156th Street near the Monon Trail in May 1988. Law enforcement believes Baumeister would wait for his family to go out of town to find his next target to lure back to his home, where he would strangle them. Authorities found and identified the remains of eight victims on the property, all young men who had been reported missing. Jellison said after Baumeister died, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Council and Hamilton County attorney decided to stop investigating the case and told the families to pursue answers on their own. “So, what they told families was that if you want to know if your loved one was a victim in these serial murders, then we’re leaving it up to you to pay for the DNA testing to identify the remains,” he said. The coroner said thousands of recovered bone fragments were burned and crushed. The largest pieces are “hardly bigger than your fingernail.” That small surface area, paired with

exposure to intense heat, makes standard DNA recovery difficult, which is why some remains have been sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification. Jellison said that one recent profile required investigators to build a family tree tracing back to the 1700s and work forward in time to find a living common ancestor. A recent identification used family DNA matches to identify Manuel Resendez as one of the victims. Resendez, 34, was last seen at a gay bar in downtown Indianapolis in August 1993 — the same day Livingston disappeared. It wasn’t until 2024 that his family finally learned what happened to him. Daniel Thomas Halloran, who went missing in 1994, was identified through forensic genealogy in 2025. The process for identifying the men took about a year. Given the pace at which more bones and fragments are released, processing all of the remains will take nearly a decade. Jellison said that the coroner’s office keeps the case open because it’s its duty by statute to identify remains found in Hamilton County, and he believes further advancement in DNA recovery will allow all victims to be identified. He said the investigation also is personal.

Through this process, he has become close with the families, often going to cookouts, graduation parties and speaking with them on a weekly basis. He said he can’t speak for law enforcement at the time, but he feels the investigation was mishandled. “If this had been eight blonde-haired, blue-eyed girls that were identified from Carmel, Indiana, we probably would still be working the case. Instead, it was eight men assumed to be gay from Indianapolis,” Jellison said. “You make whatever conclusion you want to make from that.” The criminal component of the case also remains active. Jellison said that it’s possible Baumeister worked with an accomplice, who could be alive today. That investigation is in the hands of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police Cold Case Investigations unit. Neither authority responded to Current’s request for comment. In the meantime, Jellison will continue his work to identify victims. Fox Hollow Farm has been covered in numerous docuseries, true crime shows and podcasts. Jellison said that it’s all part of the effort to gather more samples, and provide closure to anyone still waiting by the phone. ON THE COVER: The forensic investigation

into the Fox Hollow Farms serial killings will continue for at least the next 10 years. (Photo illustration by Max Brown)

FOX HOLLOW FARM VICTIMS NAMED AND LAID TO REST • John Lee Bayer, 20 • Jeffrey Allen Jones, 31 • Rochard Douglas Hamilton Jr., 20 • Allen Lee Livingston, 27 • Daniel Thomas Halloran, 21 • Steven Spurlin Hale, 28 • Allen Wayne Broussard, 28 • Roger Allen Goodlet, 33 • Michael Frederick Keirn, 45 • Manuel Resendez, 34

HEALTH

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Health Department is seeking seven new positions in the upcoming budget. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Health)

County health department reports staff shortages news@currentinfishers.com

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The Hamilton County Health Department announced Sept. 8 that population growth throughout the county has led to staffing and space shortages and a request for seven new positions. “When the City of Fishers established its own health department in 2020, many expected the Hamilton County Health Department’s workload to decline permanently,” a news release stated. “Instead, it did the opposite. Just five years later, explosive population growth throughout Hamilton County has brought the department’s service demand back to — and in many cases beyond — pre-2020 levels.” Administrator Jason LeMaster stated that Hamilton County continues to be one of the fastest-growing counties in Indiana, which means increased demand for services. “Many people assumed we would become a smaller organization,” he stated. “What we’ve experienced instead is tre-

mendous growth that has stretched our staff, our building and our resources.” Hamilton County’s population has grown about 9 percent since 2020, increasing from approximately 349,000 residents to nearly 380,000. Population projections estimate the county will exceed half a million residents by 2050. That growth is reflected in increased environmental inspections, water quality programs, mosquito surveillance, vital records and community health services, the news release stated. The department’s Food Safety Program is operating at its highest workload on record, driven by growth in restaurants, temporary food vendors and community events. “To keep pace with demand, the Health Department recently requested seven additional positions during the upcoming budget cycle,” the news release stated. “The department is also pursuing additional state and federal grant opportunities to offset rising costs for supplies, equipment, and services.”

DISPATCHES  Community Health launches AI tool for patients — Community Health Network has launched Emmie, a new artificial intelligence assistant available in MyChart, providing patients with a secure, conversational way to understand their health information and take next steps in their care. Integrated directly into MyChart, Emmie allows patients to ask questions about their health records and receive immediate, personalized responses based on information available in their

chart. The tool is designed to simplify how patients interpret medical information, manage appointments and navigate their care journey. Emmie was developed by Epic, the creator of MyChart.  Cancer support groups available — Support groups are available through the nonprofit Cancer Support Community Indiana for people diagnosed with various forms of cancer, including prostate cancer. For more, visit cancersupportindy.org.

BUSINESS LOCAL

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

Ivy Tech joins pilot program news@youarecurrent.com Ivy Tech Community College Hamilton County is joining a national entrepreneurship pilot program to expand access to business financing education. The college will present a free business financing workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at Baker Hill Headquarters in Carmel, 1320 City Center Dr., as part of CEED to Success, a national pilot program designed to expand entrepreneurship and business financing education for underserved founders, with a focus on veteran, women and minority owned businesses. Ivy Tech Hamilton County is partnering with Baker Hill, the program’s founder, and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship to bring these resources to the local community. Ivy Tech Hamilton County spokesperson Joe Perry said entrepreneurs need access to knowledge, relationships and resources that can help turn an idea into a sustainable company. “Through this workshop, we’re helping make the financing process more approachable while connecting Hamilton County entrepreneurs with experts who can help them take their next step,” Perry stated. “This is exactly the kind of hands-on, community-focused learning that can strengthen our local entrepreneurial ecosystem and create opportunities for more businesses to thrive.” The workshop will bring together entrepreneurs, lenders and economic development experts to help attend-

ees navigate the funding landscape. Programming includes an overview of resources for Hamilton County entrepreneurs, and a financing fundamentals presentation led by Indiana Members Credit Union. “Being bankable is about more than securing a loan,” stated Trevor Haley, vice president of commercial underwriting at Indiana Members Credit Union. “It is about building a business that is positioned for long-term success. Through this program, we want to help entrepreneurs understand the financial foundations that inspire confidence from lenders, investors and partners. By serving as educators and trusted advisors, financial institutions can play an important role in helping small businesses grow and thrive.” Ivy Tech officials say the importance of this effort is reflected in the broader small business landscape, with recent U.S. Census data showing that women-owned and minority-owned firms represent more than 1 in 5 employer businesses nationwide, while veteran-owned businesses remain a significant force in communities across the U.S. Dirk Soma, director of entrepreneurial ecosystems at Baker Hill, said CEED to Success is a catalyst for systemic change. “By working alongside NACCE and aligning education, entrepreneurship and local partnerships, we’re building resilient ecosystems where underserved entrepreneurs don’t just start businesses; they drive lasting, community-centered impact,” Soma stated.

DISPATCH  Structurepoint announces new executives —Troy Eutsler and Kathy Wolf have been appointed vice president at Fishers-based American Structurepoint. Eutsler joined American Structurepoint in 2023. He will continue overseeing leadership and employee development efforts and the company’s human resources function. His expanded responsibilities include aligning people-focused strategies with business objectives, strengthening company culture and supporting talent attraction, development and retention. Wolf joined American Strudcturepoint more than four years ago and has led the marketing and communications group as it expanded its capabilities, including the group’s client-focused marketing and communications services. As vice president, she will continue leading the group while expanding her responsibilities in corporate communications, brand strategy, internal and external messaging, and business development initiatives. For more, visit structurepoint.com.

NOW IS THE TIME TO MOVE! CALL FOR FREE MARKET ANALYSIS Keith Albrecht REMAX ELITE PROPERTIES OFFICE: 317-590-7878 keithshomes.com keith@keithshomes.com

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

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

What was Indy’s song of the summer? By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com When DJ Jim Cerone looks out over a crowded dance floor, he sees dozens of people with distinct musical tastes. Each person has a separate list of favorite songs on Spotify, or different tunes they know from their catered TikTok feed. “Then you put 200 of those people in a room together at a wedding reception and they don’t want to listen to someone else’s favorite,” Cerone said. “They just want to listen to theirs.” Gone are the days when everyone listened to the same radio station and knew the same handful of songs. We’re having fewer shared cultural experiences thanks to streaming services and social media algorithms, whether it’s television, movies, news sources or the oft-romanticized song of the summer. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, more people are outside listening to music blare from bars, restaurants and open windows on passing cars. Whether it was “Every Breath You Take” by the Police in 1983, TLC’s “Waterfalls” in 1995 or Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” in 2012, there is usually one song that stands above the rest in terms of popularity. Today, it’s much more difficult to identify one song that most people grew to love this summer. Based on which chart and which medium you consult, whether it’s Spotify or YouTube or Top 40 radio, you might get a different song atop the list. By and large, though, Indianapolis listeners — like much of the country — had Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” on repeat. Langley’s catchy country tune was this summer’s top song in Indianapolis based on Spotify and YouTube, according to Spotify Charts and YouTube Charts. Top 40 Indianapolis station WZPL played Olivia Dean’s “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” more than any song from the beginning of June to the end of last month – with “Choosin’ Texas” coming in third.

‘RING OF FIRE’ “Ring of Fire” runs through Oct. 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com. LOU GRAMM Lou Gramm, the original voice of Foreigner, will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org. ‘HOME, I’M DARLING’

Ella Langley’s “Chasin’ Texas” was the most streamed song on Spotify this summer in Indianapolis. (Graphic by Alex McCarthy)

Spotify’s Local Pulse weekly list tracks songs that are uniquely popular in a city compared with other regions. This summer, “12 Steps” by Dexter and the Moonrocks, featuring Treaty Oak Revival, appeared on the list 12 out of 16 weeks. Westfield-based DJ Ty Mendenhall said he thinks “Choosin’ Texas” is popular in part because it has a classic, straightforward sound. “It’s got a really simple arrangement,” Mendenhall said. “It kind of reminds me of something from the late ‘80s, early ‘90s with the way it sounds. But for whatever reason, it really took off with everybody.” Not only is that classic sound popular, but older songs tend to still make up the majority of both Mendenhall and Cerone’s setlists. The music that everyone can agree on, both DJs said, is music that came before the age of fractured listening. “I could pull up a playlist from 2007, 2010 and there’ll be some of the same songs I played last night,” Mendenhall said. Songs such as The Killers’ 2004 rock song “Mr. Brightside” remain popular,

both on dance floors and on streaming services. Of the 16 weeks from Memorial Day to Labor Day, “Mr. Brightside” was in the Spotify top 10 in Indianapolis 15 times. Cerone acknowledged that most of his jobs are working weddings, so sadder songs like “Choosin’ Texas” aren’t generally on the playlist. He said people often request Dean’s songs and pop singer Zara Larsson’s “Midnight Sun.” Larsson’s music in particular seems to have risen to prominence thanks to its usage on TikTok and Instagram, he said. Listeners who request popular TikTok songs don’t want to listen to the whole tune, Cerone said. They want to listen to the part of the song they like from TikTok and then move on, which is leading to DJs shortening the songs they play, Cerone said. While “Choosin’ Texas” ruled many of the charts, it’s getting harder to definitively identify a beloved song that will transport everyone back to summer 2026 whenever they hear it. And if you’re trying to please a large group with a playlist, good luck. “It’s harder than ever to DJ,” Cerone said.

Carmel Community Players’ production of “Home, I’m Darling” runs Sept. 25 to Oct. 4 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz. CARMEL INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL The Carmel International Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 and 10. a.m. to 5 p.m Sept. 27 in the Carmel Arts & Design District. For more, visit carmelartsfestival.org.

DISPATCHES  Farrell’s cabaret series continues — Actor-vocalist Don Farrell, a co-founder of Actors Theatre of Indiana will continue with the “Blé After Dark” monthly cabaret series at Blé French Bistro in Noblesville. He will make his third appearance Sept. 25 in “Autumn Leaves,” followed by “Midnight in Paris” Oct. 30 and “Home for the Holiday” Nov. 21. For more, visit https:// bit.ly/4xwckLd  Carmel on Canvas issue awards — The City of Carmel announced Indianapolis resident Melanie Wissel was the grand prize/best of show in the professional division of last month’s annual Carmel on Canvas Plein Air Paint Out. Wissel earned $3,000. In the Non-professional Paint Out division, Sepideh Motevasel of Carmel won $500 for first place.

ENTERTAINMENT

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

‘Jagged Little Pill’ aims to challenge, entertain

Heavy topics on stage remind viewers that they’re not alone By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com

Nothing about “Jagged Little Pill,” the musical based on the 1995 Alanis Morrisette album of the same name, is a typical musical theater production. The show, which runs from Oct. 2-17 through Civic Theatre in Carmel, examines heavy topics including drug addiction and sexual assault. The show will be presented at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, and tickets are available at civictheatre.org. Abigail Okerson plays the lead role of Mary Jane Healy, a mother who seems to have it all together on the outside but is battling many issues internally. Okerson said she hopes some of the women in the audience come to the show and see a little of themselves in her character. “They are going to look down the barrel of probably something they’re actively dealing with,” Okerson said. “And (my goal is) just to let them know that it is OK, maybe not to act out in some of the ways that she does throughout the story, but you can lean on your family and loved ones, and there are others going through it.” Besides getting that cathartic and healing experience, attendees also will hear music from Morissette’s biggest album, including “Ironic,” “You Oughta Know,” “Hand in My Pocket,” “Head Over Feet” and others. Michael Lasley, Civic Theatre’s executive artistic director, said there’s been a concerted effort in recent years to bring edgier productions to the Civic Theatre. He said the annual fall show is a little more bold and unusual than what they’ve historically offered. Recent fall productions have included “The Color Purple, “Rent” and “Kinky Boots.” Brent Marty, Civic’s director of music and education, pointed out the educational value of these kinds of shows. “We do feel a responsibility to educate in a way, or just to bring stories that they may not otherwise encounter on their own,” Marty said. “You know,

From left, Deisrae Brown, Rex Wolfley, Abigail Okerson and Cole Hurt star in “Jagged Little Pill.” (Photo by Joshua Hasty)

they come to Civic and they see ‘Annie’ and they go, ‘I’m gonna go back to Civic.’ And then they come to see this and they go, ‘Whoa, I’m challenged a little bit.’ Or that’s what we hope. We want to challenge.” While the music and the story provide the backbone for that experience, the performers have taken their roles very seriously. While Okerson plays the lead, 22-year-old Bridget Dean also is taking on a heavy role. Her character, Bella, is a sexual assault survivor and grapples with that during the show. Dean hopes people can learn from her character’s journey. “I feel very fortunate to be able to bring light to that situation and to let them know that it’s OK and it’s not their fault, but also it is just as important to bring awareness to the situation,” said Dean, a Noblesville High School graduate “Your journey doesn’t have to be ‘right,’ or what you think society needs it to be.” Noblesville nonprofit Prevail, Inc., which supports survivors of domestic violence or sexual abuse and assault, has partnered with Civic to provide support to the actors in the show but to also host a talk after one of the performances for people who are interested in learning more about handling the trauma of a violent experience. Okerson, 32, said the cast has bonded through the difficult scenarios their characters face and they’re closer than a cast usually is. She’s looking forward to the shows so they can share that bond with audiences as well. “Not every show is like that,” Okerson said. “Not all shows are created equally. The pride in the show is probably my biggest takeaway thus far, and I can’t wait for others to feel it.”

ENTERTAINMENT

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

CCP to stage dark comedy By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

ENJOY ARTISTS, PERFORMERS, FOOD AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD!

CARMEL INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 26-27 CARMEL ARTS & DESIGN DISTRICT

Visit carmelartsfestival.org for more information.

Nicole Amsler had never seen a production of “Home, I’m Darling” in person. But she had friends who have performed in it in other cities and said she believed it would be a good fit for Carmel Community Players, which will present the show Sept. 25 to Oct. 4 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. “It’s a dark comedy satire,” said Amsler, the show’s director. “We feel like we’re in the ‘50s and then we find out it is actually the current day, and Johnny and Judy are just pretending to live in the 1950s. So, that’s the way they choose to live. They don’t have children. Judy is a housewife and adheres to everything 1950s, how you cook, all the values. Johnny works in real estate, but he wears 1950s clothes and only eats 1950s food. But cracks start to form.” A Noblesville resident, Amsler added two 1950s-style commercials to the show to allow for scene changes. Zionsville resident Lori Ann Gerdisch plays Judy. “I feel I have a lot in common with Judy because I am university educated like Judy and I was lucky enough to stay home with my kids,” Gerdisch said. “Even beyond my kids, I choose to stay home and be a housewife, if that’s even a term right now. I’m (a)Type A (personality). I think (the time) when my mom lived or my grandmother lived was kind of fun and fantastical.” Gerdisch acted when she was younger but shied away in high school because her school presented musicals and she can’t sing. “I did all my training in Chicago and did some small roles in film and TV and now I’m back in community theater,” she said. Gerdisch said the biggest challenge is learning about the mannerisms and the cadence of the speech of the 1950s. Judy’s decision to act like a 1950s housewife creates issues with her mother, Sylvia. “We still have the same problems as the 1950s, but people tended to turn a blind eye (then),” she said. “It’s the perfect blend of fun and seriousness.” Fishers resident Kevin Smith has the role of Johnny. “I had never heard of the show before but read the premise of it and got

Kevin Smith, right, and Lori Ann Gerdisch, appear in “Home, I’m Darling” at The Cat in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Amsler)

pretty excited,” Smith said. “There is something quaint about that time, and it’s kind of romanticized. It’s been fun to explore that and just kind of put it in the juxtaposition of modern day.” Smith, 48, took a 30-year hiatus from performing to raise his family and build a business before returning to the stage nearly two years ago. He has been in three productions for Mud Creek Players. Barbara Babbitt, who lives in Broad Ripple in Indianapolis, plays Judy’s mother. “I did not know the play but saw the character description for Sylvia and was intrigued,” she said. She asked Amsler to email the script. “I just thought it was terrific,” Babbitt said. “It’s a very well-written play and I just kind of fell in love with the role of Sylvia. She is at odds with her daughter. In her own ways, she is trying to convince her to snap out of this. It doesn’t seem healthy to her. It seems like a waste of all her potential to just be hanging around the house.” Babbitt trained and performed in shows in Chicago. But after earning her master’s degree from Northwestern University, she lived in New Jersey for 25 years and only appeared in one play. She has lived in Indianapolis for 1 1/2 years. “This is my first full production in Indy,” she said. “This is a fun way to wet my whistle for Indy theater and get back in the game a little bit.” For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

ENTERTAINMENT

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

Youngsters participate in the Young at Arts section at Carmel International Arts Festival. (Photo courtesy of CIAF)

CIAF’s Young at Arts grows By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com The Carmel International Arts Festival’s Young at Arts section keeps growing. “We heavily expanded the Young at Arts section last year and are thrilled to return this year with an even larger and more engaging area for the 2026 festival,” said Andrew Murray, a Carmel High School arts teacher and Westfield resident. “Overall, we are incredibly excited to provide a wide range of activities and experiences for kids and families at the Carmel International Art Festival. I tried to blend together a mix of experiences where kids will get their hands on a wide range of different art materials and processes.” The arts festival is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 and 10. a.m. to 5 p.m Sept. 27 in the Carmel Arts & Design District. Murray, who also served as the coordinator of the area last season, said the stamp-making and ceramic wheel-throwing demos are the only booths returning this year. “Carmel artist Scott Osborne and Carmel High School ceramic teachers will be on-site throwing ceramic vessels throughout both days of the festival,” Murray said. “If you want to see the incredible world of ceramics, swing by and check out the pros at work.” The other booths are a collaborative butterfly mural, stamp-making station, Shrinky Dink station, tiny artworks station and polymer clay creation station. “At our tiny artworks station, kids will be able to create their very own 1-by-1-inch artwork using markers, paint, pen, and more,” Murray said. “All finished artworks will be given a mat frame and kids will be able to take their work home with them.”

At the polymer clay creation station, Murray said CHS students will help kids sculpt creations from a variety of templates. He said the artists can take their design home when they finish, or leave it on display for the festival. “At our print-making station, kids will be able to make and take their very own stamp,” Murray said. “Design your own, or use one of the many templates we will have available.” Murray said children can join CHS Art Club in being creative with Shrinky Dinks, flexible sheets that when heated in the oven shrink to small hard plates. “Kids will be able to use their imagination — and the power of the Shrinky Dink — to create earrings, pins, keychains and more,”Murray said. ENTERTAINMENT ACTS SET The Sept. 26 Main Stage entertainment acts are 10-11:30 a.m.: Tim Brickley & The Bleeding Hearts; 12-1 p.m.: Kanaka Jams; 1:30 - 2:30 pm - HP; 3-4:30 p.m.: Touch of Grass and 5-6 p.m.: Ten Branches. Sept. 27 Main Stage: 10-11 a.m. Hippie Dream; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Island Mixtape; 12:45-1:15 p.m.: Tim Wright; 1:45-3:15 p.m.: On the Record and 3:45-5 p.m.: Phone Club The West Stage acts Sept. 26 are 10-11 a.m.: John Alvarado; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Indiana Ballet Conservatory; 1-2:30 p.m.: Laughing Jack – Irish Sea Shanties; 3-4 p.m.: Jeremiah Cosner; 4:30-6 p.m.: The Gene Markiewicz Band. Sept. 27 West Stage: 10-11 a.m.: Eliott Ferguson 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Central Indiana Dance Ensemble; 1-2:15 p.m.: Kenny Phelps Jazz Trio: 2:35 - 3:35 p.m.: Cole Woodruff and 4- 5 p.m.: Sarah Hund. For more, visit carmelartsfestival.org.

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD 09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that SEALED BIDS will be received: BY AND AT: Hagerman, Inc. C/O Westfield Washington School Corporation Administration Building 19500 Tomlinson Road Westfield, IN 46074 Attn: Dr. Greg Hunt FOR A NEW: Westfield Middle School West SR32 & Centennial Road Roundabout Construction 17707 Centennial Road Westfield, IN 46074 (New Project Address) Until: 11:00 A.M., local time, Thursday, October 1, 2026 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: Construction of a New Roundabout at SR32 & Centennial Road as a part of the new Westfield Washington Schools Westfield Middle School West project. RECEIPT OF BIDS: Bids received by mail or other carrier must be addressed to: Hagerman, Inc. c/o Greg Hunt, Westfield Washington School Corp. Administration Building, 19500 Tomlinson Rd., Westfield, IN 46074 and received on or before 11:00 A.M., Thursday, October 1, 2026, to be valid. Bids received after the designated day and time listed above will be returned unopened. Any postal/courier service is the agent of the Bidder. BID OPENING: Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., local time, at Westfield Washington School Corp. Administration Building, 19500 Tomlinson Rd., Westfield, IN 46074. PRE-BID MEETING: A pre-bid meeting for interested parties will be held on Thursday, September 24th, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., local time. The Meeting will be held at the Westfield Washington School Corp. Administration Building located at 19500 Tomlinson Road, Westfield, IN 46074. (Note: Site visit to follow Pre-bid meeting). CONTRACT TYPE: The project(s) will be constructed utilizing the Construction Manager as Constructor (CMC) delivery method for public work. The Construction Manager will contract with multiple First Tier Subcontractors for the Bid item listed below, with bids received on a lump sum basis, not unit prices, for the bid item. Each proposal shall include all labor, equipment, and materials necessary to complete the project in strict accordance with the Construction Drawings, Project Schedule, Project Contract Manual and Technical Specifications. The Construction Manager will receive sealed Bids for the following Bid Items of work: Bid Package #06 - Bid Item #33: SR32 & Centennial Road Roundabout Construction Work (Note: Bid Package 01 through Bid Package 05, Bid Item #01 through Bid Item #32 previously bid.) SUBCONTRACTOR PREQUALIFICATION: All prospective bidders for the new SR32 & Centennial Road Roundabout project are required to complete the Hagerman Inc. Corporate Prequalification process as condition before the subcontract award or the issuance of the subcontract agreement. This includes safety, experience, and financials. Directions and the link for prequalification can be found online at https://www.thehagermangroup.com/contact. Prequalification information is required to be updated annually to maintain an active prequalification status. If you have prequalification-specific questions, please email them to Chris Combs (Prequalification Manager) at CCombs@HagermanGC.com or call 317.577.6836. All prequalification documents must be submitted by subcontractors for this project by 11:00 A.M. September 21st, 2026. Documents Prepared by: CSO Architects Inc.: 8831 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 46240 A&F Engineering: 8365 Keystone Crossing, Suite 201, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Construction Manager as Constructor (CMC): Hagerman, Inc. 10315 Allisonville Road Fishers, IN 46038-2017 BID DOCUMENTS: Interested Prime Bidders may purchase Bidding Documents at Eastern Engineering. Documents will be available on or after September 4th, 2026. Documents are available electronically by contacting: Mike Holtkamp, Hagerman: MHoltkamp@Hagermangc.com or Cell: 317.627.2138 Hagerman, Inc. Main Office (Fishers, IN): 317.577.6836

A&F Engineering: 8365 Keystone Crossing, Suite 201, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Construction Manager as Constructor (CMC): Hagerman, Inc. 10315 Allisonville Road Fishers, IN 46038-2017 BID DOCUMENTS: Interested Prime Bidders may purchase Bidding Documents at Eastern Engineering. Documents will be available on or after September 4th, 2026. Documents are available electronically by contacting: Mike Holtkamp, Hagerman: MHoltkamp@Hagermangc.com or Cell: 317.627.2138 Hagerman, Inc. Main Office (Fishers, IN): 317.577.6836 Michael Uhrig, Hagerman: MUhrig@Hagermangc.com or Cell: 317.317.4937 Hagerman, Inc. Main Office (Fishers, IN): 317.577.6836 Documents will also be available from Eastern Engineering at http://distribution.easternengineering.com/View/Def ault.aspx. Contact at Eastern Engineering is Courtney Purdue (Email: Fishers Plan Room Services@easternengineering.com or Office: (317) 598-0661). Any questions concerning bidding this project, project completion, scheduling, project administration, etc. shall be directed to: Mike Holtkamp, Hagerman, Inc.: MHoltkamp@Hagermangc.com or Cell: 317.627.2138 Hagerman, Inc. Main Office (Fishers, IN): Cell Phone 317.627.2138 Michael Uhrig, Hagerman: MUhrig@Hagermangc.com or Cell: 317.617.4937 Hagerman, Inc. Main Office (Fishers, IN): 317.577.6836 BID DOCUMENTS - REVIEW: Construction will be in accordance with the bid documents, which may be viewed at the following locations, as well as local plan rooms: 1. Hagerman, Inc., 10315 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038 (317-577-6836) 2. A&F Engineering, 8365 Keystone Crossing #201, Indianapolis, IN 46240 3. Eastern Engineering, 9901 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038 BID SECURITY: Bidders are required to submit a Bid Security in the form of a Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Base Bid or certified check in the amount of 10% of the Base Bid made payable to Hagerman, Inc. BID DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED: Bidders are to submit one (1) hard copy of the following bid form, and other documents enclosed in a sealed envelope addressed to Hagerman, Inc. C/O Westfield Washington School Corporation: 1. One (1) copy of Hagerman Bid Form. 2. One (1) copy of Bid Security in the form of an AIA A310 Bid Bond in the amount of 10% of the Base Bid or a certified check in the amount of 10% of the Base Bid (Note: The Bid Bond and/or Certified check made payable to Hagerman, Inc.). 3. One (1) copy of the Indiana State Board of Accounts Form 96 (revised 2013) including a signed Non-Collusion Affidavit. 4. Bid Submittal Checklist. PERFORMANCE BOND AND PAYMENT BOND: A Performance Bond and Payment Bond in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Amount may be required of the successful bidder. Bidders will provide a cost for this bond on the bid form. NOTE: The Subcontractor Material and Supplier List will be due within 24 hours after the receipt of Bid. E-VERIFY AND BACKGROUND CHECKS: The Contractor and subcontractors shall fully comply with all the E-Verify requirements set forth in Ind. Code 22-5-1.7 (https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify) and background checks. SAFETY: All Contractors shall comply with OSHA and IOSHA rules and regulations regarding Safety for this project and All contractors shall abide by the 2020 Hagerman Safety manual. The safety manual can be found accessible at www.thehagermangroup.com using password "safety." TAXES, PERMITS, INSPECTIONS: All Bids shall be submitted without inclusion in the bid price for the amounts, if any, of Indiana State Gross Retail and Use Tax (generally called the "Sales Tax") for materials and properties that are to be purchased by the Bidder that will become a permanent part of the Project. The Owner will provide a tax-exempt form.

ENTERTAINMENT

Stars align at Heartland

daughter and executive producer Kelly Stewart-Harcourt; and “It’s a Wonderful Life” actress Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu The Heartland International Film Fes- Bailey). The Oct. 14 Centerpiece Screening tival’s premieres have a special thread features “Wild Horse Nine” from this year. Martin McDonagh and Search“The neat thing is that a lot of the premieres have famous light Pictures. John Malkovich, faces in (them), so it might be Sam Rockwell and Steve Busour most star-studded slate (of cemi star in the black comedy premieres),” Heartland Film Arabout CIA agents Chris and Lee. “John Malkovich travels the tistic Director Greg Sorvig said. world with symphonies and he “Some of the talent includes Sorvig introduces songs,” said Sorvig, a Heather Graham, Joel McHale, Carmel resident. “He’s actually coming Rel Howery, KJ Apa, Cole Sprouse, to (Carmel’s) Allied Solutions Center for Haley Joel Osment, Patrick Warburthe Performing Arts on March 18 with ton, Dennis Haysbert, Josh Holloway, the Vienna Academy Orchestra. I would Penelope Ann Miller and a lot of other put money on that he will be nominated people.” for an Oscar and he has a really good The festival, which runs Oct. 8 to 18, shot at winning.” will showcase 24 World/U.S. premieres The Academy Awards are set for among the 100 feature films, with 260 March 14, 2027. screenings at Indianapolis theaters. Closing Night (Oct. 18) features “The Apa stars in the Opening Night Debut” from Jesse Eisenberg and A24. show and world premiere of “JIMMY,” The musical comedy starring Julianne the true untold story of actor Jimmy Moore and Paul Giamatti. Stewart. Many of the film’s team are For the film schedule and tickets, visit expected to attend, including director HeartlandFilmFestival.org. Aaron Burns; lead actor Apa; Stewart’s By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Interactive show planned By Alex McCarthy alex@youarecurrent.com

For 41 years, the Indianapolis Children’s Choir has performed for audiences and received applause in return. At the choir’s Sept. 27 show, that dynamic is going to change. “So many times when you do go to a performance, when you do go to a concert, you just sit there and you absorb,” Executive Artistic Director Josh Pedde said. “And we don’t want them to just sit and absorb. We actually want them to participate in some sort of way.” In a new twist, attendees are going to learn from and participate with the performers on stage. Pedde will lead the audience members through some simple exercises. The show, entitled “GROWTH,” will take place at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center in Zionsville. Performers will range from elementary to high school, and will let the audience in on what they’re learning. As audience members see the performers improve from the September show until the final show of the season

The Indianapolis Children’s Choir will include audience participation at its upcoming show, “Growth.” (Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir)

May 16, they will have a better understanding of how the performers have developed. The exercises for the audience will be simple, Pedde said. Attendees don’t need to start singing in the shower or doing vocal exercises to prepare. “They don’t need to do anything special to be ready,” Pedde said. “We will provide all the magic for it.” To learn more about the ICC and purchase tickets, go to icchoir.org.

PUZZLES 1

09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

24. Pal of Pooh 25. Not new 26. “___ a Small World” 29. Apple computer 32. “Laughing” African beast

36. Alternative to 4-Across 38. Pacific island group 41. Give up 43. Proton’s place 44. Lodging option 45. Chris Wright weather forecast, perhaps 46. TV’s Warrior Princess 47. ___ Lama 48. Alternative to 4-Across 49. “Good heavens!” 51. Eyelid woe 53. Rainbow gradation 54. Clarinet insert 57. Objective 59. Alternative to 44-Across 67. Cease-fire 68. White River rower’s need 69. Online message 71. Below 72. Chooses 73. Biathlon gear 74. Far from fancy 75. Finely honed 76. Take care of DOWN 1. ___ Max (streaming service) 2. Blunders 3. Guy whose motto was “Take two”? 4. Crimson or cream 5. Draw into a conflict 6. Act like a hot dog?

6 Keyboard Keys

4 Bra Parts

37 44

32 39

48 51 55

57 63

ACROSS 1. Therefore 6. Pub order 10. Boast 15. Witch’s transport 16. Taiwanese PC maker

50 54

25 29

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CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

17. Awaken 18. Toothbrush brand 19. Classic pop 20. Flip-chart stand 21. Alternative to 44-Across

66 70

3 “Small” Prefixes 5 Indiana Lakes

3 4

2 9 3 7 1 5 3 2

9 1 7 9 5 6 5 4 9 3 7 8 7. Slush Puppie maker 8. ‘60s jacket style 9. Boone Village Barber Shop offerings 10. Possessive 11. Indiana Members Credit Union transaction 12. Remove from the Indiana Senate 13. On the briny 14. Snitch 22. Local car dealer O’Brien 23. Recovery program 26. Castleton Square Mall big screen name 27. Eiteljorg Museum pole 28. Noblesville’s ___ Creek Elementary School 30. Pakistan’s place 31. “Father of the Indy 500”: ___ Fisher 33. Yodel recall? 34. O’er opposite 35. French farewell

6 5 6

37. Cyberzine 39. Butler’s Andre B. Lacy School advanced degs. 40. “Will do!” 42. Vogue rival 44. Put two and two together 48. Fair Oaks Farms herd youngsters 50. Cantankerous 52. Shaggy ox 55. Kindle download 56. Hang loosely 58. ‘50s First Lady 59. A/C measures 60. Sea eagle 61. “Bro!” 62. Scored 100 on 63. Art Deco artist 64. Part of NBA (Abbr.) 65. Victory Field ump’s call 66. Pinball foul 70. White Sox fan at the Vatican ANSWERS ON PAGE 27

2 ___ & ___ Dinner Theatre

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REASONABLY PRICED. RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING

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

REPAIRS.

• PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL • TILING, CARPENTRY & MORE!

BEFORE

Member Central Indiana

Cadwaladercy@gmail.com

317.850.5114

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

AFTER

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

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

(317) 483-1166 • COIT.COM

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

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

• Wood Floors

• Tuckpointing

• Doors & Windows

• Insured/References

• Interior & Exterior Painting • Drywall • Plumbing & Electrical

Free Estimates & Satisfaction Guaranteed

• Power Washing • Decorative & Regular Concrete • Handyman Services

simpsonconstructionservices.com

• Free Estimates • Insured • Family Owned • Referrals Available

CALL 317-397-9389

• Roofing and Siding

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

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

topnotchmasonry@att.net

$40.00 OFF First Cleaning

WE DO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING ESTIMATES Jorge Escalante

10% OFF

317-397-9389

IF YOU MENTION THIS AD

LICENSED & INSURED

Same & next day available.

09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

GREYHOUND J U N K

R E M O V A L

www.greyhoundjunkremoval.com | 317-350-4450

GLIDDEN FENCE MAKES SENSE! Our estimates are FREE.

Jorge Escalante

317-397-9389

Making Making your your neighborhood neighborhood sparkle, sparkle, Making your neighborhood sparkle, one one home home or or business business at at a a time! time! one home or business at a time!

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SUCCESS! With over 50 years in the fencing industry, we are certain to fully address all of your concerns and needs.

Jorge Escalante • Interior/Exterior

Window Cleaning Window Cleaning Window Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Pressure Washing Pressure Washing Pressure Washing

317-397-9389 pain hetownred2007@gmail.com Our customer service is PRICELESS.

FREE QUOTE FREE QUOTE

10% OFFAD hetownred2007@gmail.com Kitchen Cabinets Interior/Exterior • pain ••Residencial/Commercial • Kitchen Cabinets IF YOU MENTION THISCall now at 317-844-5657 10% OFF • Kitchen Cabinets

WILL DO FALL & STORM CLEAN-UPS WILL DO BOBCAT, BACKHOE AND TRENCHING WORK GUTTER CLEAN OUTS Trim/Remove trees & shrubs Building Demolitions Trash Removal & Odd Jobs Painting Inside or Outdoors Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED TEXT OR CALL JAY 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com

Junk Removal

• Furniture, appliances • yard waste, small trees • construction debris, shed & deck removal • demolition, gutter cleaning, pallets • miscellaneous junk, and small moves. Firefighter Owned - 317-460-4586

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

C&H TREE SERVICE

FIREWOOD SALE Topping – Removal Deadwooding – Landscaping Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115

Built on work. Grown on Results.

• Mowing • Bush & Hedge Trimming • Tree Trimming & Removal • Fertilization Programs

• Mulch Installation • Full Landscaping Design • Hardscaping (Patios, Stone, Edging)

• Spring Clean-Ups • Pressure Washing

Spring Specials Available – Call or Text Today for a Free Estimate!

317-500-6619

Locally Owned & Operated

CALL AND BOOK NOW! CALL AND BOOK NOW! CALL AND BOOK NOW!

800-772-7553 800-772-7553 800-772-7553

CALL TODAY

317-450-1333

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

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

910-6990

THE SHARP EDGE GUY

Professional Knife Sharpening. Kitchen Knife – Paring Knife Serrated Knife – Scissors Convenient Drop-Off & Pick-Up Westfield Jim Bowlby 901-619-4616

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

Safer Safer Safer

Better Better Better

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sparklesquad.com

For pricing e-mail your ad to classifieds@youarecurrent.com

NOW HIRING

NOW HIRING HELP WANTED

Part-Time Tax Preparation Position

Call/Text 463-328-2473 With Baker Scott

Professional Outdoor Services:

SERVICES

Guitar Lessons

INDYWORK LANDSCAPING

Cleaner Cleaner Cleaner

FREE QUOTE

Classifieds

VISA, MasterCard accepted. Reach 126,986 homes weekly

SERVICES

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

Premier Landscape Specialists is hiring dependable landscape associates Part-Time or Full Time No Experience needed. We will train Call or Text 317-446-6992

If you are a CPA or seasoned EA, recently retired, near-retirement and/or are seeking part-time work, please read on. We are a friendly, growing professional company with a five-star reputation that provides accounting, tax and business advisory services, searching for a qualified professional that wishes to work part-time preparing business and individual tax returns. This is a new position to help meet increased demand. For more information & qualifications or to submit a resume email position4newperson@gmail.com.

SEEKING SPACE TO LEASE

Carmel Community Players seeking 4K–6K SF space in the Carmel area for performance venue. Flexible use; experienced with tenant improvements. Long-term lease. Contact: info@carmelplayers.org

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

PUZZLE ANSWERS H E N C E P I N T G L O A T B R O O M A C E R R O U S E N E H I E A S E L O R A L B S H O R T T E R M R E N T A L R O O U S E D I T S I M A C H Y E N A M O T E L S A M O A C E D E A I R B N B H A I L A T O M D A L A I H O T E L X E N A M Y G O D S T Y E H U E R E E D A I M B E D A N D B R E A K F A S T T R U C E O A R S E M A I L O P T S R I F L E U N D E R K E E N S E E T O S E E D Y

3 4 8 6 2 7 5 9 1

6 7 5 1 3 9 4 8 2

1 9 2 8 4 5 3 6 7

5 1 3 7 6 2 9 4 8

7 8 9 4 1 3 6 2 5

2 6 4 9 5 8 1 7 3

9 2 6 5 7 1 8 3 4

4 5 7 3 8 6 2 1 9

8 3 1 2 9 4 7 5 6

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Keys: CONTROL, DELETE, ENTER, ESCAPE, INSERT, SHIFT; Lakes: LEMON, MICHIGAN, MONROE, PATOKA, WAWASEE; Parts: CUP, HOOK, STRAP, UNDERWIRE; Prefixes: NANO, MICRO, MINI; Theatre: BEEF, BOARDS; Mascot: BLUE

CURRENT IN WESTFIELD

LAST WEEKEND!

09.22.26 • youarecurrent.com

Experience Life at Wild Air

Walking Trails • Clubhouse • Pools • Fitness Facility • Golf Simulators • Dog Park

EXPLORE WITH CONFIDENCE.

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