February 17, 2026 — Current in Carmel by Current Publishing

COMMUNITY

Planter boxes, cycle track to be removed

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The planter boxes along Range Line Road that some consider eyesores will soon be going away.

The City of Carmel is planning to remove the green-painted cycle track that runs along the east side of Range Line Road between Executive and City Center drives — and the planter boxes that separates it from vehicular traffic — and transform the nearby sidewalk into a 10-foot-wide multiuse path.

The main goal of the $1.5 million project is to improve safety, according to Bradley Pease, the city’s director of engineering.

“There’s not been any significant (collisions), and near-miss data is hard to objectively collect, but anecdotally we’ve had plenty of reports of near-miss interactions, mostly with people turning off of Range Line onto those side streets or drives,” Pease said. “We’re hoping that part of this project will improve that.”

The cycle track, which includes north and southbound lanes exclusively for bicycles, has been underutilized, according to city officials. Pease said some cyclists don’t feel safe riding just feet away from a busy roadway, and many prefer to use the nearby Monon Greenway.

The work also will include the addition of bump outs to add 17 parallel parking spots, similar to those on the west side of the road. Rain gardens and stormwater upgrades are planned to improve drainage in the area.

In addition to improving safety, the refresh will eliminate costs tied to placing and watering flowers in the planter boxes. The city spends $70,000 annually on upkeep in the project area, and it would cost more than $300,000

to replace the planters, refresh the bike lanes and bring the sidewalk into ADA compliance, Pease said.

Most of the work is set to occur after July 4, so as not to interfere with the CarmelFest parade route. It is expected to be completed in November, before the start of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt at nearby Carter Green.

Intermittent closures of northbound Range Line Road are expected to occur over six to eight weeks, Pease said. Access to area businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. Brief closures of the southbound lane may also occur.

Pease said the redesign is expected to fit with adjacent redevelopment expected to occur in the area in the coming years.

“We’re not looking to put something out there that we’ll have to redo,” Pease said. “We don’t have a crystal ball, but

 Flower Sale to benefit school – Carmel Elementary will kick off its 55th annual Flower Sale fundraiser on March 6. The sale supports the school’s PTO and its mission to enrich the educational experience for students and staff. A variety of flowers and potted plants will be available. The sale runs through March 23. Learn more and place an order at CarmelFlowerSale.com.

 Northside College Fair — Local high school students have an opportunity to attend the Greater Indianapolis Northside College Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. March 11 at the Carmel High School Greyhound Activity Center, 2400 E. Smoky Row Rd.. The free event will provide access to

we’ve learned a lot, so we’re making the steps that we are pretty confident will interact with potential redevelopment.”

City officials consulted with cycling enthusiasts on the redesign plans.

“Feedback from residents and riders over the years has guided this design, balancing the needs of cyclists with overall safety and accessibility,” Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam stated in a press release. “We continue to consult our resident cyclists on the project and their input means this will ultimately be a more accessible and more enjoyable street for everyone.”

The city last reconfigured Range Line Road in 2018 as part of a $13.4 million “road diet,” which eliminated lanes and created a center median to slow traffic and improve safety. The bike lanes and planters were included as part of the project.

college information and feature more than 100 colleges/ universities. Students are encouraged to register for the fair in advance at StriveFair.com.

 Beekeepers Club to meet — North Central Beekeepers Club meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000 E. 151st St. in Westfield. Meetings are free to attend by all levels of beekeepers, including those interested in learning more about the hobby. At the Feb. 18 meeting, topics will cover where to get beekeeping equipment and supplies and preparing for the upcoming bee season.

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Rendering of upgrades planned for the east side of Range Line Road between Executive and City Center drives. (Image courtesy of the City of Carmel)

ICE office planned in Carmel

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

U.S. Immigrations & Customs Enforcement is looking to lease office space in Carmel, according to a Feb. 10 report published by WIRED.

The federal agency is eyeing Penn on Pkwy, an office park on the northeast corner of I-465 and U.S. 31 near Carmel’s border with Indianapolis, WIRED reported.

Current reached out to JLL, which manages leasing at Penn on Pkwy, but did not receive a response.

An ICE spokesperson declined to provide details about its offices.

“ICE will not confirm office locations as our officers are facing a coordinated campaign of violence against them, including an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against them and a 1,300 percent increase in assaults against them,” the spokesperson stated. “Is it really news that when a federal agency hires more personnel that they need more space? Thanks to the Big Beautiful Bill, we have an additional 12,000 ICE officers and agents on the ground across the country. That’s a 120 percent increase in our workforce.”

Carmel Police Department Chief Drake Sterling confirmed that ICE is working to establish a presence in Carmel.

“The Carmel Police Department has

Burger

been notified that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be establishing office space within the City of Carmel,” Sterling stated, directing further questions about the matter to ICE.

Carmel City Council President Matt Snyder said he learned of the potential ICE office through emails from concerned constituents and that he is not aware of anyone in local government having advance knowledge of the lease.

“I support the rule of law and recognize that ICE is a federal agency charged with enforcing immigration laws and protecting our nation’s borders and ports of entry,” Snyder said. “At the same time, the proximity of existing federal resources naturally raises reasonable questions about necessity, coordination and communication. ”

He said the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office is near Carmel and that its agents “work effectively alongside local agencies” to investigate federal crimes.

WIRED obtained federal records that show more than 150 leases for ICE or Department of Homeland Security offices planned across the U.S.” Carmel is the only municipality in Indiana identified in the WIRED report as a potential new or expanded ICE site. ICE only operates one field office in Indiana, an Office of the Principal Legal Advisor on Pennsylvania Street in Indianapolis, according to its website.

King robber convicted

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

A man who led police on a chase that ended in Carmel has been convicted on several counts by a federal jury.

Cameron Love, 28, of Rockford, Illinois, robbed a Burger King on North Shadeland Avenue in Indianapolis on Jan. 16, 2025, at gunpoint. He stole $459 and fled in a Chevrolet Cruze driven by accomplice, Michael Scott.

A Burger King employee called police, who attempted to stop the vehicle near 86th Street and Keystone Avenue. The driver led police on a high-speed pursuit into Carmel. Police dash-camera footage showed Love throwing a hand-

gun and stolen cash out of the vehicle during the chase.

IMPD found the loaded gun frozen in ice and protruding from the snow four days after the pursuit near a bike path along 106th Street.

Love was convicted of interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He will be sentenced at a future hearing.

Scott, who pleaded guilty to acting as an accessory after the fact, was sentenced in October 2025 to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Sterling Snyder

Sex trafficking ring suspect arrested in Carmel

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Police from Indianapolis and Carmel partnered in the Feb. 11 arrest of a man tied to an alleged sex trafficking ring.

Gurpreet Singh, 35, is facing a preliminary charge of promotion of human sexual trafficking. He is being held in the Marion County Jail.

prostitution. Both are set for a jury trial on March 2.

The investigation also led to the arrest of Indianapolis resident Kayla Willoughby, 29, for promoting human sexual trafficking, prostitution, human trafficking and promoting prostitution. Her trial also is set for March 2.

The investigation began in August 2025, when officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a welfare check on a teenager in a hotel, according to IMPD.

In speaking with the teen, officers recognized signs of potential sex trafficking and were directed to two hotel rooms where a possible suspect and another victim were staying.

Within a few days, police arrested two occupants of the hotel rooms: Lovie Grace, 31, and Tamya McKinney, 18, both of Indianapolis. Police said Grace had keys to both hotel rooms and a large amount of cash.

Grace’s charges include rape, promotion of human sexual trafficking, criminal confinement, battery and possession of cocaine and marijuana. McKinney is charged with promoting

In January, police arrested Tyree White, 31, of Indianapolis for his alleged role in the sex trafficking ring. He has been charged with rape, human trafficking and making an unlawful proposition. White’s trial is set for April 6.

Police said Singh was the final suspect sought in connection to the case. The CPD SWAT team assisted IMPD in serving a warrant that led to Singh’s early morning arrest in Carmel.

“From the first officers on scene to our vice and human trafficking detectives, this case shows what focused police work and victim trust can accomplish,” IMPD Deputy Chief Kendale Adams stated. “Because a victim felt safe enough to speak up, officers recognized the signs, acted quickly and ultimately helped rescue two young women from a trafficking situation.”

When reached for comment, CPD referred Current to IMPD for information on the case.

Gym co-owner accused of strangling wife

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

A co-owner of a Carmel fitness center has been accused of strangling his wife during an argument.

Police arrested Brian Matthews, 52, in December after he allegedly punched his wife with a closed fist, grabbed her by the neck and shoved her in the chest, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The alleged altercation occurred Dec. 7 after the couple had an argument in their vehicle.

Matthews has been charged with felony strangulation and two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery. His trial is set for June 16 in Hamilton County Superior Court 3.

Kathie Perry, an attorney representing Matthews, declined to comment on the case.

Matthews and his wife, along with another married couple, became co-owners of F45 Training at Carmel’ s Clay Terrace in 2024. They purchased the group workout facility after its previous owners announced plans to close it.

Singh

Matthews

Bill could negate cities’ rental caps

By Leila Kheiry and Ann Marie Shambaugh leila@youarecurrent.com annmarie@youarecurrent.com

A tax bill making its way through the Indiana Legislature includes a provision that, if passed, would do away with rental caps that recently went into effect in Carmel and Fishers.

House Bill 1210 “prohibits a (governing) unit from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, resolution, regulation, policy or rule that prohibits or restricts an owner of a privately owned residential property from using the property as a rental property,” according to the Statehouse summary of the legislation.

The bill, which otherwise deals with property tax issues, passed in the House and has been forwarded to the Indiana Senate’s Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy.

Carmel City Council President Matt Snyder described the proposed legislation as an example of “state overreach” into matters best handled by local government.

Carmel’s ordinance, which caps rental properties at 10 percent within a neighborhood, was approved last year after months of discussion and debate.

“This was not an issue we wanted to take on or we created out of thin air,” Snyder said. “This was over a year of research, collaboration and data study after receiving an enormous amount of requests to look into this. Most importantly it was the overwhelming will of the people we represent.”

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness issued a statement Feb. 9 objecting to the proposed legislation.

“For years, residents across Fishers raised serious concerns about the growing number of large, out-of-state investment firms purchasing single-family homes and converting them into long-term rentals,” he stated. “Homeowners shared their experiences of corporate entities owning homes in their neighborhood, which led to declining maintenance, reduced neighborhood stability and a negative impact on one of their families’ primary investments.”

The City of Carmel declined to comment on the bill.

Beds & Offices

Fadness

Christkindlmarkt selects new CEO

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. board has selected a new chief executive officer to lead the popular winter event.

Carmel resident Jason Adamowicz will start his new position Feb. 23. Currently, he is the chief operating officer at the YMCA in Muncie.

“It’s an honor to join the Carmel Christkindlmarkt and be part of this beloved community tradition,” Adamowicz stated in a press release. “The annual market has become the heart of our local holiday season. I look forward to working with staff, partners and the community to uphold the highest bar for guest experience while advancing our mission.”

Adamowicz has experience working with governments, managing cultural partnerships and securing grants, according to an announcement from CCI, the nonprofit that manages the Christkindlmarkt. He also has guided organizations through strategic realignments and coordinated mission-driven community programs.

The annual holiday market typically operates from late November to Christmas Eve at Carter Green. It features German-inspired gifts and food sold from wooden huts and has become an annual tradition for many area families.

Adamowicz’s appointment comes after a tumultuous couple of seasons for CCI, which began in October 2024 when Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam abruptly fired two of the nonprofit’s three board members. The remaining board member resigned and filed a lawsuit against Finkam and the city for defamation.

Former CCI CEO Maria Adele Rosenfeld, who helped launch the market in 2017, resigned in April 2025, stating that the new board disregarded her input and made decisions without her.

The following month, Rosenfeld launched Christkindlmarkt Consulting, a firm that is working with officials in Dublin, Ohio, to open a Christkindlmarkt there this holiday season.

The Carmel City Council launched an ongoing investigation last year into the city’s handling of the Christkindlmarket board shakeup.

Adamowicz

MAKE YOUR BEST MOVE YET

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

& LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE!

Hassle-free Home Ownership for Active Adults (62+)

Lucas Oil to sponsor parade — The 500 Festival announced Feb. 5 that Lucas Oil is the new title partner of the 500 Festival Parade. Scheduled for May 23, the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade attracts roughly 200,000 spectators and includes traditions such as larger-than-life balloons, floats and appearances by IndyCar drivers. Tickets go on sale in March. Through the years, Lucas Oil has supported the 500 Festival in a variety of ways, including as an associate partner of the 500 Festival Memorial Service.

Now is your time to make a change for the better. That’s because hassle-free home ownership is coming for active adults (62+)! Why worry about maintenance and costly repairs when you can be doing things you enjoy instead? Whether you are retired or still working, the Village Cooperative of Westfield i is Coming Soon to the area and offers everything you want including a better lifestyle in a community of peers with the freedom to do as you please.

•Reserve now and choose your home and interior ﬁnishes

•Homes are selling quickly Don’t wait!

•Home ownership with no maintenance

•Annual appreciation on your investment

•Get your best price now before construction starts!

David Weekley Homes marks 15 years — David Weekley Homes is marking 15 years of operations in the Indianapolis market this month, a milestone that coincides with the company’s 50th anniversary. Since expanding to the region in 2011, the Texas-based homebuilder has completed more than 1,700 homes across 40 Indianapolis-area communities. Division President Jess McKinney credited the growth to the company’s regional team and its “CARE” outreach program, which partners with local nonprofits, including Riley Hospital for Children and Wheeler Mission. The company currently maintains active building projects in four Indianapolis-area communities.

Preparing for perimenopause — Women in the Pause will present “How to Prepare for Perimenopause” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 5 at The Club Coworking | Crosspoint Center, 9800 Crosspoint Blvd. in Indianapolis. Appetizers and wine will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m. The program will offer real-talk tips on preparing for perimenopause. Learn more and register at bit.ly/4as1v37.

Fish fry dinners set — Knights of Columbus Council 11044 will host Fish Fry dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and March 6 in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Hall, 14598 Oak Ridge Rd. in Carmel. The menu includes a choice of all-you-can-eat entrées: fried fish, baked fish, macaroni and cheese or cheese pizza. Meals also include sides of coleslaw, garden salad, macaroni and cheese, dessert and a drink option. Proceeds will benefit the council’s charitable causes of feeding and clothing the poor and elderly, assisting people with special needs and supporting vocations and the needs of the parish.

Clerical error may decrease Democratic delegate count

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

A clerical error could decrease the number of Democratic delegates from Hamilton County at the state convention later this year.

The Indiana Democratic Party assigned 162 delegates to Hamilton County, but party chair Josh Lowry only reported 144 certified delegates before the Dec. 31, 2025, deadline. He later recognized the error and reached out to Hamilton County Election Administrator Beth Sheller about fixing it.

Lowry and county officials disagree about what happened next.

Sheller said although fixing the error would be “a huge headache” and take “days to rectify,” that’s not why it could not be fixed.

“I made a simple clerical error and copied and pasted the wrong breakdown for our delegates per township,” Lowry stated in a post on the party’s Facebook page. “The election administrator, Republican Beth Sheller, uploaded the incorrect delegate count into their voting system despite knowing it was the incorrect count.”

Lowry stated that after notifying her of the error, Sheller initially told him it would be an easy fix, because the deadline for candidates to withdraw had not passed. That deadline was Feb. 13.

“Unfortunately, what was originally an administrative error became a partisan issue,” Lowry stated. “Ms. Sheller has subsequently decided that she will not update the ballots and has given varying reasons for her decision.”

Sheller’s version of events differs. She said Lowry first notified her of the error on the morning of Feb. 5 and asked if there was anything the county could do to correct it.

“I told Josh when he called that (it) might be doable but this situation has never happened and I will check and see if it is,” Sheller said. “After I got off the phone and researched it, it didn’t take long to see that it wasn’t doable by reading a dispatch from the Indiana Election Division.”

“Our co-directors at the Indiana Election Division had sent us a memo that stated that by Dec. 31, 2025, according to code, the party chairs had to have their districts and how many were in each district to us,” Sheller said. “So, of course, it’s way past that time. He had given them to us Dec. 4.”

Sheller said her office is not to blame for the mistake.

“(Lowry) admitted it was solely his fault, and then all of a sudden, when he’s talking to (the Hamilton County Reporter), it’s my fault, it’s the election office’s fault and it’s his fault,” she said. “So, it’s funny that he changes his mind when he starts talking to the media. I won’t let my office take the blame for his mistake. We make mistakes, and we take the blame for it when that happens, but not this time.”

In Indiana, elected delegates gather at a convention every two years to vote on party nominees for a handful of statewide offices, including lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

In the Hamilton County Democratic Party’s case, the error means there would be 18 votes that they wouldn’t have at the state convention.

Lowry stated that the Hamilton County Democratic Party is working with the Indiana Democratic Party to resolve the issue.

Sheller said she hopes the 18 delegates can be appointed.

“I don’t know what the law allows for, because I’ve never faced this,” Sheller said. “I don’t want to see them lose any of their delegate positions, but I have to follow the advice I’m given from the Indiana Election Division.”

Current in Carmel managing editor Ann Marie Shambaugh contributed to this report.

Lowry Sheller

Willilams

Roundtable on Carmel’s Housing Challenges

Talk with your community and take action. Join your Carmel neighbors on March 5 to prove communities can solve problems together.

For ages 18 and up

Thursday, March 5 - 2PM EST and 7PM EST

Help Shape Carmel’s Future: Join the Housing Challenges Roundtable

Join a Roundtable discussion to explore the complex realities of housing in Carmel — specifically the tension between our high quality of life and the housing shortages that threaten it. We will look at the needs of seniors, young graduates, families and service workers alongside resident concerns regarding density, traffic, and community character.

During the Roundtable you’ll be placed in groups of 4-6 residents with different perspectives for a live, guided online conversation to connect and explore this critical topic. Your insights will be used to guide policy solutions, help officials better understand residents’ concerns and needs, and demonstrate that diverse, productive dialogue on this topic is possible in Carmel.

How It Works

• Register online and answer a few quick questions

• Join via a simple web link; no downloads needed

• Watch a brief welcome video and get matched with 4-6 neighbors from diverse perspectives

• Follow a structured conversation guide to share your thoughts and hear fresh perspectives

• After the event, receive a summary of insights from all conversations to see how your community is thinking about this issue

Roundtables to talk housing

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

AllSides, a national company that rates political bias in news stories, in partnership with Current Publishing and Carmel-based Project Civility, will host roundtable discussions March 5 to gauge community opinion on housing challenges in Carmel.

The project is meant to help participants practice having civil discussions with people who disagree with them, as well as inform elected leaders in regard to housing developments.

have different life experiences, such as someone who lives in an apartment and someone who has owned a home for 20 years.

“We’re hoping to get a real pulse from the community on how they feel about these things,” Worrell said. “We want you to have the opportunity to speak your mind, voice your opinion.”

Worrell said there are challenges in Carmel related to housing for seniors, graduates and service workers. He also hears community concerns about population density and traffic.

Participants will complete an online survey when they register to gather demographic information. They will also be asked to share their views on various housing issues.

Roundtable discussions will take place virtually between four and six people. Participants will be sorted so each group includes diverse opinions.

Jeff Worrell, a Carmel City Council member and founder of Project Civility — a nonprofit that advocates for civility in public and private interactions — said the goal is to group people who likely disagree with one another or

“I hear as an elected city councilor, ‘Too many apartments, stop building them,’” Worrell said.

AllSides will use software to moderate discussions and track data on opinions related to housing in Carmel. Roundtables will last no more than 90 minutes.

The hyperlocal discussion is the first of its kind presented by AllSides, which has previously used the model nationally.

Sessions are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 5.

To register, visit allsides.com/ carmel-roundtable-affordable-housing.

UHS STUDENTS WALK OUT

Worrell

Fishers High School boys swimmer’s dedication grows

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School coach Joe Keller has watched as junior swimmer Alex Koo keeps growing as a swimmer.

“Alex is maturing in many ways which has allowed him to make huge strides in his training and preparation, both in the pool and in dry land (weight room),” Keller said. “Thus, these improvements are creating preparation that will produce positive outcomes. Alex is training at a high level — both consistently and is very disciplined in it. Coupled with his skill level, then he is seeing huge improvements and making championship strides,”

Keller said Koo will swim the 50-yard freestyle and then either the 100 butterfly or 100 freestyle and in relays in the IHSAA sectional, set for Feb. 21 at FHS. The state meet is Feb. 28.

Koo captured the 50 and 100 freestyle races at the Hoosier Crossroads Confer-

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

MEET ALEX KOO

Favorite athlete: Orlando Magic’s

Paolo Banchero

Favorite musician: Tame Impala

Favorite TV show: “Prison Break”

Favorite food: Fried chicken

ence meet last month.

Koo said his goal is to win his individual events in the state meet.

“I like the 50 free because it’s short,” he said.

Koo finished sixth in the 50 freestyle in 20.88 seconds and the 100 free in 45.84 seconds at last year’s state meet. He was on the second-place 200 freestyle relay and the sixth-place 200 medley relay.

Fishers High School junior Alex Koo prepares for a race.

(Photo courtesy of Koo family)

Although Keller said Koo is a man of few words, he leads by example with his work ethic.

“He’s one of the swimmers who sets the tone in the pool with training and in the weight room,” Keller said.

Koo said the weight room has helped him develop his mobility and strength.

“I also think this season I’ve realized how specific movements we do in the weight room correlate with what we do with swimming,” he said.

Koo’s sister, Diane Koo, is a Fishers High School graduate and is a senior

swimmer for Amherst (Mass.) College, an NCAA Division III program.

“I started swimming when I was around 6 and I tried basketball and track but not very seriously,” he said. “I’ve been passionate (about swimming) because of the team and I feel accomplished when I do well.”

Koo wants to swim collegiately but doesn’t have any offers yet.

“Men’s swimming because of NIL (name, image, likeness compensation) has taken a different route and shape,” Keller said. “Division I schools are recruiting foreign athletes at a higher rate than ever because some of them are 21, 22 or 23 years (old). When you are recruiting a 16-year-old boy, it’s something different. We’ll see how things shape up at the end of his junior year. Hopefully, that’s going to open up a lot of opportunities. I tell college coaches to keep this guy on your radar because he’s going to become really good.”

Keller said Koo’s mental approach has improved.

“The focus and effort and his mental and emotional growth have developed,” he said.

•

• Management

•

• Accepting new appointments

• No referral necessary, unless your

Koo

HISTORY RESTORED

Cross with storied past finds new home inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The towering new installation inside the doors of the Parish Life Center at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Carmel might look a bit familiar.

For decades, the 12-foot copper cross stood near the edge of church property at the intersection of 146th Street and Oak Ridge Road, visible to the thousands of motorists traveling through the busy intersection each day.

However, much of it was buried underground, diminishing its visibility and obscuring some of its history.

Until 1974, the cross was a familiar sight to another set of area residents. It spent many years in Indianapolis atop St. Vincent Hospital’s Fall Creek campus, a building that now houses Ivy Tech Community College.

Last year, the Rev. Richard Doerr, OLMC pastor, decided to relocate the cross indoors after discovering it was wearing down from years of exposure to the elements. He knew of its tie to St. Vincent hospital and felt it would make a great addition to a collection of other historical religious artifacts in the church.

“I’m happy that we can keep a part of central Indiana history and Catholic health care and honor it,” Doerr said. “The Catholic Church has more hospitals than any other institution in the world, primarily because sisters — like the Sisters of Charity that founded St. Vincent’s — were amazing human beings that were so convinced of their mission. That’s a reminder to us as Catholics of the need to always preserve that tradition.”

St. Vincent Hospital moved into its Fall Creek location in 1913 — which matches a date inscribed on the cross discovered during restoration. In 1974, the hospital moved to 86th Street, where it continues to operate as Ascension St. Vincent.

When the hospital moved, the Rev. Michael Kettron purchased the cross and another like it. Kettron, who was a pastor at OLMC from 1972 to 1987, enjoyed preserving religious art, Doerr

to figure out, according to owner Matt Dittemore.

“It’s been a unique process,” Dittemore said. “It’s not something you just do all at once. We’ve done a little bit here and done a little bit there, and then we step back and see what we’ve done, what worked and what didn’t work.”

First, Dittemore had to separate the copper cross from its weighty base and transport it to his Indianapolis workshop. Then, he cleaned and restored the cross, maintaining its weathered appearance.

“They don’t want a shiny copper look at all,” Dittemore said. “They want it to still look like it’s been sitting outside, and it’s aged with the green tarnish.”

Dittemore crafted a new base for the cross and installed the finished product in the OLMC Parish Life Center on Feb. 6. He said he is happy with the result and thankful for the trust OLMC placed in him to achieve it.

“I don’t know if it’s money valuable, but it’s history valuable,” Dittemore said. “There’s craftsmanship in this cross that we don’t quite understand how they did it years ago.”

Doerr said he is happy with the result.

“I love that cross, and I’m thrilled with the restoration,” he said.

In addition to its religious and historic significance, the relocated cross has special meaning for Doerr. His grandmother graduated from the St. Vincent nursing school in the 1930s and would likely have seen the same cross on a near daily basis.

OTHER HISTORICAL ITEMS AT OLMC

In addition to the restored and relocated cross, other items from St. Vincent Hospital’s former campus on Fall Creek Road are housed inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

At the front of the main sanctuary stands a white marble altar dating back to the middle of the 19th century. During a restoration and renovation project, several relics with ties to Catholic saints were discovered inside, including a picture of a young boy and his glasses.

said. The other cross from the hospital ended up at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Cicero, another church where Kettron ministered.

Once Doerr decided to restore the deteriorating cross, his first challenge was finding someone with the expertise to do the work.

It took several tries for Doerr to find someone willing to attempt it. Specialty Stainless Steel Fabrication accepted the project, which took some trial and error

“As she was a woman of devout faith, I imagine her walking under that cross and into the building to serve God hidden in the eyes of the sick,” Doerr said. “I’d like to think that she would recognize the cross if she were still alive and be happy that it didn’t end up being disposed of.”

OLMC is at 14598 Oak Ridge Rd. in Carmel. Learn more at OLMC1.org.

ON THE COVER: A crew moves the recently restored cross into position inside the Parish Life Center at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. (Photo courtesy of Matt Dittemore)

“We presume that the sisters from St. Vincent placed the picture and glasses in the altar as he had not reached the age of reason and had no ability to turn from God,” said the Rev. Richard Doerr, OLMC pastor.

“Then, sadly he died. We do not know his name or his story, but in our tradition, he is a saint.”

The baptismal font in the church lobby also came from St. Vincent Hospital. Previously, it was used as an altar rail where people would kneel while receiving Communion.

In addition, the church saved and relocated stain-glass windows that used to line the sanctuary. Now, they serve as artwork along a hallway in the Parish Life Center.

A century-old cross that sat atop St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis for many years was recently restored and relocated inside the Parish Life Center at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. (Photo courtesy of Matt Dittemore)

The baptismal font in the lobby at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church was created out of what used to be an altar rail housed at St. Vincent Hospital’s former Fall Creek campus. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Commentary by Larry Greene

This Zionsville basement was transformed from unfinished storage into a warm, inviting entertaining space designed for gathering, hosting and everyday use.

THE BLUEPRINT

• A custom-built bar creates a hub for entertaining, balancing clean lines with rich, darker finishes for a polished yet approachable feel.

• MSI Quartz countertops and matte black fixtures add contrast and refinement while keeping the space practical for casual hosting.

• Textured tile at the bar introduces subtle movement and visual interest, elevating the design without overwhelming the room.

• Thoughtful lighting and layered materials help define zones for dining and conversation.

• Cortec flooring ties everything together, making the lower level feel like a true extension of the home rather than a finished basement.

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

Beef & Boards to feature unlikely love story

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Adam du Plessis understands audiences have long embraced the Cinderella-type love story.

“‘Pretty Woman’ is such an iconic movie for many people and it’s such a joy and privilege to bring it to stage for them while at the same time introducing it to anyone who is not familiar with the movie,” du Plessis said. “Add in some Bryan Adams music and you’re sure to have a wonderful time.”

“Pretty Woman” runs Feb. 19 through April 4 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. This is the first time the musical, which had its world premiere in 2018, has been presented at the Indianapolis venue.

The musical is based on the 1990 movie in which Edward Lewis, a corporate mogul, and Vivian Ward, an escort, become unlikely soulmates, set in Los Angeles in the late 1980s. National tour veterans Dani Kucera plays Vivian and Charlie Fusari as Edward.

A few actors in the cast have been in the show previously.

“Revisiting a show you are so familiar with is always fun and they have the opportunity to show how far they have come and how much they have grown as performers, whether it’s stepping into lead roles or understudying roles they didn’t before,” said du Plessis, who played the Happy Man on the “Pretty Woman” national tour.

planning and troubleshooting and going 100 miles a minute. You have to be able to shut that down and focus on the project you’re in at the moment. But saying that, it does become a welcome break and allows you to come back with fresh eyes.”

Prior to “The Mousetrap,” du Plessis appeared in “Waitress” in the summer of 2025.

moved to the U.S. 10 years ago and became a citizen four years ago.

“I have no true home base here. I go wherever the work takes me,” he said. “But as most theater folks do, I always circle back to NYC in between contracts.”

While preparing for the show, du Plessis performed in “The Mousetrap,” which was scheduled to conclude Feb. 15.

“Time management is, of course, crucial as well as the ability to switch off the part of your brain that is working on the new project,” he said. “Directing a show this large is a juggling act, and your mind is constantly

“Beef & Boards has very quickly become one of my favorite places to work,” he said. “They have created something very special here, introducing new shows and material alongside the stories and theater everyone has loved for years. The people who work here are welcoming, caring and passionate about providing high-quality theater, and the audiences are so very supportive. It’s been an absolute privilege to work here.”

A native of South Africa, du Plessis

Kucera made her Beef & Boards debut as Vivienne Kensington in “Legally Blonde” in 2024. She performed as a swing and understudy for Vivian Ward in the national tour of “Pretty Woman.”

Fusari is making his Beef & Boards debut after he understudied his role as Edward and performed in the ensemble on the tour.

The score is by Adams and his longtime collaborator Jim Vallance. The book is by the late screenwriter-director Garry Marshall, who died in 2016, and J.F. Lawton. Marshall directed the 1990 movie. Current Publishing is sponsoring “Pretty Woman.”

For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Feinstein’s cabaret presents “Dueling Pianos” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘THE PAGEANT’

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents “The Pageant” through Feb. 22 at The Florence at Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel. For more, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

‘THE GREAT GATSBY’ Civic Theatre presents “The Great Gatsby” through Feb. 21 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.

SECOND HAND SOUL

York Automotive Concert Series presents Second Hand Soul Band at 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. For more, visit hendrickslive.org.

‘LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN’ TOUR

Mariachi Herencia de México’s “La Nueva Generación” tour is set for 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Payne & Mencias at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘LOVE LETTERS FROM PARIS’ Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Love Letters from Paris” is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

‘EVENING WITH JJ GREY & MOFRO’

“An Intimate Evening with JJ Grey & Mofro” is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Adam du Plessis, left, performed with Scot Greenwell in “The Mousetrap” at Beef & Boards. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)

du Plessis

Kucera

Fusari

Group commissions musical

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Discovering Broadway has commissioned its first yet-to-be named musical.

Zack Zadek will write the musical, and Discovering Broadway founder Joel Kirk, a 2012 Carmel High School graduate, will co-develop and direct it.

Besides offering writers’ retreats, concerts and master class programs, Discovering Broadway will commission one new musical each year.

coveringbroadway.org.

In 2022, Zadek’s musical “The Turning’ was the fourth musical selected for Discovering Broadway’s incubator program. Zadek taught master classes for Discovering Broadway in 2023.

“For now, Zack and I are keeping the title and plot under wraps — by design — so audiences discover this completely original story live, together and in the room,” Kirk said. “It reflects Discovering Broadway’s commitment to a bold range of work, from celebrated adaptations like ‘A Beautiful Mind’ to top-secret new musicals that can only be experienced in-person”

The writers’ retreat and concert premiere will take place this summer in Indianapolis. Dates will be announced and tickets will go on sale soon at dis-

“In 2022, a single YouTube song of his, ‘Sick,’ moved our entire board to tears and led us to program a monthlong retreat, during which he grew from one song to 12 by the concert premiere,” Kirk said. “Since then, I’ve seen firsthand his rare ability to craft emotionally raw, original musical storytelling, most recently with ‘The Turning,’ which just workshopped in Manhattan starring Lola Tung and Jordan Fisher, alongside his collaborations with Tate McRae.”

Submissions can be made from Feb. 22 to March 1 for the 2027 Sabello Musical Commission, the nonprofit’s second commission. Composers, lyricists and book writers are invited to submit a one-page application to administration@discoveringbroadway.org, including artist bios, a one-paragraph plot synopsis, and three demos.

Kirk

CSO to present ‘Love Letters’

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Although its upcoming concert will be performed a week after Valentine’s Day, Carmel Symphony Orchestra knows it’s a month for lovers.

orchestra.”

Harpist Melanie Mashner and flutist Tamara Thweatt are featured on the piece.

CSO will present “Love Letters from Paris: Music from the Heart” at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

“This is a bucket list item for me,” Thweatt said. “This is my first performance of the piece. I’ve played a lot of Mozart before, and I’ve played with the harp a lot before. I love playing with the harp and strings in general.”

Thweatt said she discovered the piece in college.

“It’s a lovely program of music that’s pleasing and beautiful,” said Kelly Corcoran, who will serve as guest conductor for the second time in the 2025-26 season. “It’s really expressive, emotive music. The (Edward) Elgar piece is a brief, beautiful kind of love letter that he wrote as a love song to his future bride.”

Jean Sibelius’ “The Lover” has a poetic inspiration, she said.

Corcoran said the concert program was a collaborative effort.

“I put forward the Sibelius piece to bring in the concept of love a little more,” Corcoran said. “It’s a beautiful piece that’s not performed very often.”

It’s the first time she has conducted the piece.

“The two (Wolfgang Amadeus) Mozart pieces are the meat of the program,” Corcoran said. “He was young and wrote both pieces when he was living in Paris. They were written for Parisian audiences. The ‘Paris’ symphony is a wonderful piece of music, and the ‘Concerto for Flute and Harp’ also is just gorgeous. It’s great to highlight (soloists) from the

“So, for decades I’ve known about this piece and listened to it, especially the romantic second movement, which I think is a favorite of audiences,” she said. “It’s a melody that gets stuck in your head. It’s just soaring and beautiful.”

Thweatt said there are times when the harp and flute play together when the orchestra isn’t playing.

“There are times when the flute will play a solo for eight bars, accompanied by the orchestra, and then the harp will be featured, then we all play together,” said Thweatt, who is in her sixth year with CSO.

Mashner said it’s unusual to have two soloists on the same piece.

“It’s unique for multiple reasons, because of the combination, because there’s two of us and because it’s the harp,” she said. “I’m excited to get the chance to do this and perform the piece in the Palladium.”

Mashner said it’s the only piece written by Mozart for the harp. She has performed it twice previously with different orchestras.

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

ENERGY INDIANA, LLC (“Duke Energy Indiana”) hereby provides notice that on or around February 25, 2026, Duke Energy Indiana, in accordance with 170 IAC 4-4.1-10, will submit its Tariff No. 50, Parallel Operation-For Qualifying Facility (“Tariff No. 50”) to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing of Tariff No. 50 provides the updated calculation of the standard offer rates for the purchase of energy and capacity for 2026.

Tariff No. 50 is available to any customer contracting for parallel operation of a qualifying facility and is expected to be approved approximatelythirty-days from the date of filing, unless an objection is made. Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Corcoran Mashner

Thweatt

ENTERTAINMENT

DISPATCHES

 Patinkin’s performance postponed — Because of a schedule conflict, Mandy Patinkin’s April 9 performance at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Carmel’s Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts has been postponed. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for a new date in the 2026-27 Center Presents Season, to be announced this spring. Refunds may be requested through Feb. 13 at the venue’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, by phone at 317-843-3800 or by email at Tickets@thecenteroresents.org. Patinkin’s representatives said he has been cast as the Norse god Odin in Prime Video’s upcoming series “God of War,” based on the PlayStation video game “God of War: Ragnarok.” The project is scheduled to begin filming in early spring, causing unexpected conflicts with his concert schedule.

 Heartland fundraiser to have Westerns theme — Heartland International Film Festival’s signature fundraiser, Cinemania presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., returns for a third

year April 17 at The Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis. The 2026 theme, “A Tribute to Westerns.” For more, visit cinemania.eventive.org/EventTickets/ buy. In addition, Heartland Film has announced that Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at the Square in Indianapolis will be the presenting sponsor for the next three years. Alamo Drafthouse will be the primary venue for Heartland Festival set for Oct. 8-18.

 CSO presents Women in Leadership panel — The Carmel Symphony Orchestra and Carmel Clay Public Library will again collaborate to present Women in Leadership on from 1 to 3 p.m. March 7 at the library. The theme of this year’s panel will be Leadership through Courage, Collaboration and Collective Action. The CSO hosts this annual Women in Leadership event to provide an opportunity to discuss inspirational and honest advice for women working in leadership positions. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. To register, visit carmelclaylibrary.org/event/15812385

Love Letters from Paris

Continue your Valentine’s Day celebrations with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra! Join us for an evening of romantic, heartfelt works that are sure to leave you swooning.

Guest Conductor Kelly Corcoran

Jean Sibelius Rakastava, op. 14, “The Lover”

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 31, K. 297, “Paris”

Edward Elgar Salut d’amour, op. 12, “Love’s Greeting”

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Concerto for Flute and Harp, K. 299 featuring soloists Tamara Thweatt, flute and Melanie Mashner, harp

21 - 7 p.m.

Pedcor Companies

Melanie Mashner, Harpist

Tamara Thweatt, Flutist

Hold your drunken horses

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Did you enjoy the Super Bowl? I’m not a big football fan, so when I watched the game, I tried to distract myself with other things. I don’t knit, collect stamps or play games on my phone. So, what did I do?

A senior publication in South Dakota sends me a copy monthly. I was leafing through it during the game. As I prepared myself with chips, salsa and mini egg rolls, an article in the newspaper caught my eye. South Dakota has outdone Indiana in legislative innovation. A new law in the Mount Rushmore state resolves that while authorities will lock you up for driving your Chevy pickup after downing six pints of hard lemonades, it is now perfectly legal to ride your tricycle down Main Street even after having several Bloody Marys. Or is it Bloody Maries? Maybe Bloodies Mary? (Cathy, my proofreader, please help me out here).

criticism. Many Dakotans argued that some locals actually imbibe with their horses, and although most of the horses can handle their liquor, many of the less refined breeds — like pintos — get pretty wrecked (so to speak) after just one glass of merlot. If you’re driving behind a pinto, be very cautious. I hope I am not too late with this warning.

There have been some setbacks. A rider who was apparently intoxicated caused a four-car pile-up by galloping his horse through a red light. After a breathalyzer test, it was found that the rider was sober.

“You can be drunk on your horse or on your bike, but not in your car.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

In an attachment to the bill, it also is legal in South Dakota to get completely looped as long as you ride home on your mustang and not in your Mustang. Let me translate all this: You can be drunk on your horse or on your bike, but not in your car.

Why are Indiana lawmakers wasting time arguing about I-69, ISTEP, taxes and zoning rules? Let’s pass a few laws that benefit the average guy or gal.

I hope they pass a law like that here in Indiana, because when I’ve had a few too many over at my favorite trough, I’ll drive home in my Dodge Colt instead of getting my Clydesdale out of the garage

In South Dakota, this law faced some

However, the horse was tipsy. The horse refused the breathalyzer test and had to appear in court.

The horse’s lawyer claimed that the bartender who gave his client the fifth glass of ChardonNAY should also be held responsible. The bartender said it was hard for him to refuse a customer with such a long face, which shows that while wine might get better with age, some old jokes remain just as bad.

Well, the Super Bowl is over. After reading this, you might wonder if one should write a humor column while watching a sporting event at the same time. Look on the bright side: If the Colts had been in the Super Bowl, I would have watched more carefully, and this column would have been even more lame.

STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE HAMILTON SUPERIOR COURT )SS: PROBATE DIVISION COUNTY OF HAMILTON ) CAUSE NO.: 29D03-2410-EU-000442 IN THE MATTER OF THE UNSUPERVISED ) ADMINISTRATION OF THE ESTATE OF ) )

Harvey L. Kincaid, Jr., Deceased )

In the Hamilton County Probate Court

In The Matter of the Estate of Harvey L. Kincaid, Jr., deceased.

Cause No. 29D03-2410-EU-000442

Notice is hereby given that Nancy W. Kincaid was on October 28, 2024, appointed as personal representative of the Estate of Harvey L. Kincaid, Jr., deceased.

All persons who have claims against this estate, whether or not now due, must file the claim in the office of the clerk of this court within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or within nine (9) months after the decedent’s death, whichever is earlier, or the claim will be forever barred.

Dated at Noblesville, Indiana, this January 28, 2026.

/s/ Kathy Kraeg Williams Clerk of the Hamilton Co Probate Court

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

Poses a

15. Buildings and land

16. ___ de cologne

17. Greeting in prison?

19. Siesta

20. Pair

21. Silently acknowledges

22. Indiana Senate young aide

23. I-69 tractor-trailer