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136th & Meridian or 131st & Towne Rd
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Large pizza slice, award-winning salad & drink
Monday-Friday 11am-2pm
By fall, victims
may no longer need to leave county to see a forensic nurse
By Ann Marie Shambaugh annmarie@youarecurrent.com
Victims of sexual assault and other crimes in Hamilton County must travel to Indianapolis, Anderson or beyond if they want to be treated by a nurse with specialized training to conduct examinations in cases that could lead to legal action.
Hamilton County Councilor Tim Griffin is working to change that.
Griffin initiated discussions with local hospital systems about launching a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program locally, and it appears that will happen by this fall.
“It’s something that is an important thing that I think anybody in our community, whether it’s Carmel or throughout Hamilton County, would see the value in any of our hospitals moving forward with this,” said Griffin, a firefighter with the Carmel Fire Department.
Riverview Health, which operates hospitals in Noblesville and Westfield, wants to begin offering the service by September. The SANE nurses will be available at the Noblesville campus.
“Not only have (victims) had this horrible event, but now they’re having to leave and go away from home to get the care they need to help prosecute the case,” said Molly Beck, Riverview Health manager of emergency services. “It’s going to be huge to have this available in Hamilton County.”
SANE nurses don’t only conduct examinations tied to sexual assaults. They also treat patients who have been victims of violence, child abuse, workplace accidents and more.
Griffin said officials at every hospital he contacted about launching a SANE program were receptive to the idea and that it gained steam at Riverview after it signed a managed services agreement with Parkview Health last fall.
Fort Wayne-based Parkview employs SANE nurses and was eager to share its expertise with Riverview and local officials.
“They brought all of their key personnel here to explain what they’re doing, and we were just fascinated by what they’re doing and the level of care,” Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said. “We’re starting to see a lot of momentum grow with what Tim started as a vision, and we’re seeing all these pieces of the puzzle coming together.”
Beck hopes to eventually have 10 SANE nurses available to manage cases 24/7.
In the last year, Riverview referred less than 10 patients to SANE nurses in other counties, Beck said, but she expects the hospital will handle many more cases than that after the program launches.
“If they disclose (what happened) to law enforcement, they’re triaging and taking them to other facilities that have that capability,” Beck said. “We’re hoping that once it’s out that we have this available here, that will help more
community residents that are able to come here.”
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joshua Kocher said it is “critically important” to bring the SANE program to the county.
“When victims are forced to travel outside the county for these services, it can create additional stress during an already difficult time and may discourage some individuals from seeking medical attention or reporting the crime,” Kocher said. “Having local access to qualified SANE nurses helps ensure that survivors receive timely care, support and access to resources while strengthening our ability to hold offenders accountable.”
Heirbrandt, who said he was surprised to learn the program wasn’t available in Hamilton County, said the program will not lead to any additional costs for the county.
IU Health has SANE programs at Methodist Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Medical professionals at IU Health hospitals in Carmel and Fishers can connect with the SANE nurses through telemedicine consultations. Patients may transfer to the hospitals in Indianapolis when a forensic examination is needed.
Current contacted Ascension St. Vincent, which operates a hospital in Carmel, but did not receive comment before time of publication.
“Having local access to qualified SANE nurses helps ensure that survivors receive timely care, support and access to resources while strengthening our ability to hold offenders accountable.”
– HAMILTON COUNTY PROSECUTOR JOSHUA KOCHER
Griffin
Beck
Heirbrandt
Kocher
Councilors clash over stormwater fee proposal
By Ann Marie Shambaugh annmarie@youarecurrent.com
Last month, Carmel City Council President Matt Snyder told attendees at a town hall meeting that he supported raising residential stormwater fees from $6.85 to $10 per month to fund major improvements aimed at ending decades of flooding and other issues in some of Carmel’s older neighborhoods.
At the July 6 city council meeting, Snyder introduced an ordinance that would do just that and expressed disappointment in how Councilor Jeff Worrell framed the matter in his email newsletter.
The increased fee would help cover infrastructure upgrades in Concord Village and nearby neighborhoods that Snyder estimates would cost $20 million. It would also be used to fund other stormwater improvement projects throughout the city.
The ordinance, solely sponsored by Snyder, also proposes eliminating an automatic 3 percent annual increase in the fee.
“I’m not asking this council to do something reckless,” Snyder said. “I’m asking this council to stop pretending that waiting is free. Waiting has a cost, flooding has a cost, patchwork has a cost. All the infrastructure that’s not perfect has a cost.”
Snyder said Worrell’s July 2 newsletter addressing the proposed ordinance “did not serve the common good.” The newsletter described the fee increase as a “drastic acceleration” and took issue with it impacting every taxpayer in Carmel to fund a “major stormwater project primarily for a specific neighborhood.”
“He used language of caution to create suspicion,” Snyder said. “He used the language of fiscal responsibility to divide taxpayers against homeowners with problems, and he used the lan-
guage of data to suggest that those of us trying to start a serious conversation about stormwater are acting without facts, so tonight I want to make sure that we are going to begin this conversation on stormwater rates and user fees and cost of living adjustments on an honest platform.”
Worrell, who said he was “caught off guard” by Snyder’s comments, said he stood behind “every word” in the newsletter. He said he has always sought to remove emotion and study data when making decisions as a councilor.
Worrell said he doesn’t necessarily oppose raising the stormwater fee, but he doesn’t want to do so without first gathering more information about the infrastructure problems and what it will cost to fix them.
“There was no intent on there being anything misleading,” Worrell said. “I am being cautious. I didn’t say I’m against the fee, I said I want to be cautious. I don’t have enough information in order to say whether I’m for it or against it, because it is raising a fee on every citizen of Carmel who I represent.”
By the end of the meeting, Snyder said he was “tickled pink” that a decades-long problem is finally being addressed.
“Finally, we’ve got the conversation going, so we can’t go back,” he said, thanking Worrell and other councilors for their comments. “This is a win for the people.”
The council’s finance and land use committees will review the ordinance before sending it back to the full council for a vote.
Mayor Sue Finkam, City Engineer Bradley Pease and other department leaders will present information about infrastructure issues at a public meeting set for 5:30 p.m. July 14 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St.
Snyder Worrell
School board OKs agreement with CCPR
By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Clay Schools will share Oden Woods with the city for the creation of a new trail and park honoring veterans.
The school board approved an easement and management agreement with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation at its June 24 meeting. The agreement is regarding a new trail called Veterans Greenway and six new park, Veterans Park, planned near Oden Woods and Carmel Middle School.
The 1.6-acre park will be between the Herron Club, an $87 million luxury 55+ residential community set to be built at 12895 Old Meridian St., and Carmel Middle School. The park would be just west of campus.
The trail would start at Grand Boulevard and head north through the woods and lead to the park. There are also plans to build smaller soft trails within the woods and add statues or monuments telling the story of veterans and the military.
The parks department will manage and maintain the trails. CCS will still own the land and approve any future
Veterans Park will be constructed east of the Herron Club, a luxury 55+ residential community set to be built at 12895 Old Meridian St. (Image courtesy of CCPR)
improvements, while the parks department will cover maintenance costs.
“This is going to be a really nice project that is going to lead to the new Veterans Park,” school board member Kristin Kouka said. “It’s great for our veterans to recognize them but also for our students to continue that learning process. I think it’s a great addition.”
CaMS students are expected to use the woods and the park for classes and projects. Oden Woods is named after Marvin Oden, the first curriculum director for CCS. The parks department is expected to install signage recognizing Oden.
Former IU basketball player arrested for OWI in Carmel
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A former Indiana University basketball player was arrested June 28 in Carmel for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Carmel police arrested James Blackmon Jr., 31, shortly before 1 a.m. near 106th and Pennsylvania streets after he failed two field sobriety tests, smelled of alcohol and exhibited slurred speech, according to a probable cause affidavit.
window of the vehicle, according to the affidavit.
Police obtained a warrant for a blood draw to determine Blackmon’s blood alcohol concentration. The results were not provided to Current before time of publication.
Blackmon played high school basketball at Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne and Marion High School in Marion. He played at IU from 2014-2017, becoming the 50th player in school history to score more than 1,000 points.
Blackmon admitted to police that he had drunk three glasses of white wine, the affidavit states.
Police were dispatched to the scene after receiving a phone crash alert after a passenger threw a phone out of the
Since leaving IU, Blackmon has played in international basketball leagues.
Blackmon’s trial is set for Oct. 13 in Hamilton County.
Blackmon
Carmel man facing multiple child sex crime charges
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
A Carmel man faces multiple felony charges of child sex trafficking, child solicitation, child exploitation and possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material following an investigation by the Fishers Police Department and the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
According to a probable cause affidavit, an investigation into James Lee Bauerle Jr., 44 — who works for a Fishers software company — started in October 2025 following a report submitted to the national Cyber Tipline by Snapchat, which had flagged an incident as potential online enticement of children.
Victim 1 with the intent of causing a child to engage in a performance that includes sexual conduct,” the affidavit stated. “During his conversation with Minor Victim 1, Bauerle identified himself as a 17-year-old male.”
According to the affidavit, investigators identified nine more juveniles who engaged in Snapchat conversations with Bauerle. In those conversations, the juveniles stated that they were between 11 and 17 years old.
One juvenile Bauerle chatted with on Snapchat allegedly told investigators that he sent her gift cards after she sent him explicit images. She was 17 at the time.
Officers reviewed the content, which included a conversation between a user later identified as Bauerle and a then-13year-old girl, identified as Minor Victim 1.
Investigators interviewed Bauerle in March, and he admitted to some of the allegations, stating that he and his wife had been going through a ‘rough patch,” according to the affidavit. He told officers that he never met any of the juveniles in person.
“Bauerle advised he gets a thrill in voyeuristic behavior, due to sometimes the home life being rough,” the affidavit stated.
Investigators received a search warrant for Bauerle’s Snapchat account and retrieved other messages between him and the girl.
“The conversation (shows) that Bauerle knowingly or intentionally requested Minor Victim 1 to produce child sex abuse material and to send it to him, and Bauerle knowingly and or intentionally attempted to entice Minor
Investigators executed a search warrant at Bauerle’s home and searched his computers and electronic devices. According to the affidavit, officers found one image of child sexual abuse material, showing an image of a prepubescent girl.
Bauerle’s trial is set for Oct. 12.
Target employee charged with sexual battery
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A former employee at Target in Carmel is accused of inappropriately touching a woman he was training on her first day on the job.
The woman told police that Tyrone Gibson, 27, made multiple inappropriate comments May 6 about her breasts before he touched her buttocks with a box, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Approximately one hour later, Gibson grabbed the woman’s left breast
with his hand and said, “Now I’ve touched you inappropriately,” the affidavit states.
“(The) victim stated that she shoved the accused off of her and went straight to the manager,” according to the affidavit.
The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office charged Gibson, an Indianapolis resident, July 6 with felony sexual battery and misdemeanor battery. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
A Target spokesperson told Current July 9 Gibson is no longer employed by the company.
Bauerle
COMMUNITY
County fair returns July 16-20
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
As the opening of the Hamilton County 4-H Fair approaches, organizers are rolling out a new lineup of activities — from cornhole tournaments to neon dance parties — designed to connect the community.
The fair returns to 2003 Pleasant St. in Noblesville July 16-20. It will feature contests, special events, public activities, animals, displays and food. A livestock auction is set for July 21.
The fair features several new attractions, with highlighted events scheduled each day, according to 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Kathleen Bohde.
“We have created a new committee focused on community connections,” Bohde said. “We know we’ve been focused on fairground construction and construction around us with road work, so this year we’re focused on how we can bring the community at large to the county fair.”
A new event is an Open Flower Show. The contest is open to any Hamilton County resident, Hamilton County Extension Homemaker or Hamilton County Master Gardener over the age of 18. Entries are $2 per item and must be submitted for judging July 18 at the fairgrounds.
The flower show theme is “Celebrating America, 1776-2026,” with categories designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Several other events will offer a chance for public participation, including a kids market July 17; an open food and craft show, an open cake contest and a homemade ice cream contest July 18; a youth pedal tractor pull, pet parade and farmer olympics July 19; and a talent show July 20.
Bohde said the new Bicentennial Building also will be prominent throughout the fair.
“Half of that building will contain our 4-H projects, but the other half is going to act as a flex space for events,” Bohde said. “We also have a green area outside of that building where we are going to host a cornhole tournament, a glow crazy neon party with a DJ and we have an organization that is putting on some match games and a scavenger hunt. We’re really excited to have new
A youth pedal tractor pull is scheduled for July 19 at the fair. (Photo courtesy of Purdue Extension Hamilton County)
events that will bring in not only our 4-H members but also connect with the community.”
All food vendors at the fair are nonprofits.
“They give back to not only their community, but the 4-H community, and we’re excited to highlight our churches, service organizations, 4-H clubs and producer groups taking great pride in the commodities they produce,” Bohde said.
Bohde said 4-H numbers have remained steady for the last few years. There are more than 60 project options for youth, ranging from aerospace and food to photography.
“We’re excited to highlight their work,” Bohde said. “A lot of times people see our fair and think we are just livestock. Our 4-H members take great pride in what they have accomplished throughout the year, and the showcase of the county fair is a great avenue for that.”
There also is a new program called Unified 4-H, an inclusive program designed to bring together youth of all abilities through 4-H experiences.
Two events will showcase the program, including a gallery walk at 6 p.m. July 16 when community members can see participants’ exhibits, and a noncompetitive livestock show at 6 p.m. July 17 where Unified program champions can demonstrate the knowledge, confidence and teamwork they have developed with their mentor.
For more, visit tinyurl. com/4328vmbn.
4 Democrat candidates enter races
news@currentincarmel.com
The Hamilton County Democratic Party announced four new candidates for county offices in the 2026 general election in November.
They are Ti’Gre McNear for Hamilton County Commissioner, District 1; Charles Hollowell for Hamilton County Sheriff; Alexandra Wilson for Hamilton County Clerk; and Doug May for Hamilton County Council, District 3. Party officials say the candidates join a growing Democratic ticket.
“Across Hamilton County, Democratic candidates are stepping forward because they believe our communities deserve thoughtful, accountable leadership and real choices at the ballot box,” stated Josh Lowry, chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party. “The enthusiasm we’re seeing from candidates, volunteers and voters reflects the momentum building across our county. Every office matters, and we’re proud to offer strong candidates who are committed to serving their neighbors.”
The four candidates will challenge previously uncontested Republicans. McNear will face incumbent Christine Altman, Howell will face Dustin Dixon, Wilson will oppose Beth Sheller, and May will challenge incumbent Mark Hall.
For more, visit hamcodemsin.org.
From left, Democrats Charles Hollowell, Alexandra Wilson, Ti’Gre McNear and Doug May have filed to run for Hamilton County offices in November. (Photo courtesy of the Hamilton County Democratic Party)
What had been an uncontested race for Indiana House District 32 is now competitive after Fishers resident Paul Nix was selected June 26 by the Hamilton County GOP as the Republican candidate for the seat held by Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers).
The county Republican Party chose Nix during a closed-door caucus. Nix ran unsuccessfully for HD32 in 2022, losing the Republican primary for the then-new seat that includes portions of Carmel, Fishers and Indianapolis. Garcia Wilburn went on to win the seat in that year’s general election.
The two candidates will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
MEET VICTORIA GARCIA WILBURN
Garcia Wilburn is an associate professor of occupational therapy at IU Indianapolis. She was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2022. Garcia Wilburn, who is married to a retired police officer, is a member of the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee, Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Judiciary Committee.
During her tenure, she helped pass legislation providing mental health and resiliency training to public safety professionals statewide.
“Her dedication to the disability community was recognized as Disability Advocate of the Year (in 2024) and helped carry signature legislation for Mental Health America,” Garcia Wilburn’s website states. “She advocates for promoting state and federal policies that advance health equity and mental and behavioral health initiatives.”
On her website, Garcia Wilburn states that she is dedicated to strong public safety, supporting first responders and commonsense gun laws. She also stressed the need to ensure families thrive by improving access to education and health care.
Wilburn has served on the board of directors for the American Occupational Therapy Association and Hope Academy Recovery High School, Indiana’s only high school for teens in recovery from substance use disorder. She has received the Occupational Therapist of the Year award, was a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and was inducted into the Indiana Latino Leadership Circle.
Garcia Wilburn and her husband have three children.
For more, visit wilburnforindiana.com
MEET PAUL NIX
Nix, an insurance professional, owns NIXGROUP
INC Retirement Solutions, working with people on or aging into Medicare. He and his wife, Ann, have lived in Hamilton County since 1987, have been married 52 years and have seven children and 22 grandchildren.
In an email to Current, Nix stated that he asked the county GOP to nominate him for the ballot after he saw that Garcia Wilburn was running unopposed for the seat.
“I have always been a political nerd, but never had time to get more involved than working the polls on Election Day,” he wrote. “Now that our kids are grown and I have an established business clientele, I could spend the time needed to be a state representative and would love the involvement of steering policy in the direction I think is needed.”
Nix said he would like to focus on reforming state property tax laws.
“Many people have property taxes and insurance costs that are greater than the principal and interest of their mortgage,” he wrote. “I spoke with someone the other day and his mortgage was $782 per month principal and interest, yet his total mortgage payment was over $1,600 a month. Indiana is leading the nation in mortgage foreclosures (and) property taxes are a big part of the problem.”
He noted a proposal to replace property taxes with a 7 percent tax on services, which he said could solve the issue.
For more, visit nix4indiana.com.
Garcia Wilburn Nix
‘Biggest
accomplishments
are yet ahead,’ mayor says
Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
As the U.S. celebrates 250 years of independence, Carmel is celebrating its 50th year as a city. Current reached out to members of the first city council and all living mayors with questions about their time in office and how the city has changed.
Sue Finkam, who served on the city council for 12 years before becoming mayor in 2024, answered the following questions from Current.
WHAT ARE YOUR MOST PROUD ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS MAYOR?
Our biggest accomplishments are yet ahead, and, in the meantime, I’m proud of the cost saving measures we’ve initiated on behalf of our taxpayers. We have eliminated drains on the city’s resources and pursued efficiencies that will have enduring impact — such as making the Christkindlmarkt self-sustaining and using data to better make decisions as part of our collaboration with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.
stand outs: enhancements to our infrastructure, key developments including Ardalan Plaza, Monon Square North, the Carmel Gateway amenities and the community engagement for our U.S. 31 subarea plan. Most recently, our distinction nationally as the #1 Best Place to Live by U.S. News & World Report.
Because it’s such a support to our residents, I’m also proud of the launch of Carmel 311, the centralized reporting system and mobile app that helps to easily report non-emergency city issues.
Other accomplishments that come to mind: advances in public safety that include the drones-as-first-responders program, expansion of our police force and innovations for the Carmel Fire Department like the Qwake Technologies augmented reality platform that helps our firefighters see through smoke and save lives.
I was tremendously proud of how our city teams, the council and the community came together in the immediate hours and the days following the April 2025 tornado that hit Carmel.
And finally, we have been intentional in involving more residents via all of our commissions and we are seeing the positive results of their engagement.
WHAT ARE THE MOST MEMORABLE THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED DURING YOUR TERM?
So many come to mind and a few
HOW HAS CARMEL CHANGED DURING YOUR TIME IN OFFICE?
Carmel’s appeal as a great place to build big dreams remains a constant, yet we have found ourselves responding to new challenges. Property tax reform has diminished our revenue and inflationary matters require us to steward taxpayer dollars even more effectively. These issues and others are being actively addressed, assuring Carmel’s position as a world-class city.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN CARMEL?
I often say that the deep sense of community and connection among our residents and businesses are what I treasure most about Carmel. I appreciate how we consistently unite to make the city great and help provide a better future for those who call this home. The heart of Carmel is driven by its people and their generosity of spirit — sharing their time and talents to make our community even better.
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam speaks during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Carmel Police Department headquarters. (File photo)
CARMELFEST CELEBRATES
250 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
CarmelFest celebrated Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary July 3 and 4 at Civic Square and Carmel Green. The event, presented by the Rotary Club of Carmel, included live music, a parade, food and retail vendors, a KidZone and more. Attendees endured blistering heat both days, and a thunderstorm canceled several festivities the evening of July 4. The rain ended in time for a fireworks display to proceed as planned.
Sonia Soyfer of Carmel rides the swings in the CarmelFest KidZone. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Randy Reed of the Carmel Parents Jazz Ensemble performs July 3 at the CarmelFest Gazebo Stage.
Josh Kaufman, winner of Season 6 of “The Voice” on NBC, sings July 3 at CarmelFest with the Nauti Yachtys.
Riders of the Rotary Club of Carmel’s 10-person bike high five a young parade attendee along the route.
Mr. 1776, portrayed by Carmel resident Rob Brown, serves as the CarmelFest parade grand marshal July 4. (Photo by Steve Shambaugh)
COMMUNITY
� Say Goodbye to maintenance
DISPATCHES
Public infrastructure meeting set — The City of Carmel will hold a town hall meeting to discuss stormwater and infrastructure issues at 5:30 p.m. July 14 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. The event is open to the public and will continue a discussion of issues presented at previous meetings.
Treasure Our Kids Trivia — The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide will present Treasure Our Kids Trivia, a college football-themed trivia night, from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 at BASH, 1235 Keystone Way, in Carmel. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite college team apparel, gather friends or co-workers and enjoy an evening of food, drinks, raffles and spirited competition. Tickets are $75 per person. Learn more at indianaprevention.org.
Hansen Legacy Foundation Golf Outing set — The eighth annual Evan R. Hansen Legacy Foundation Golf Outing is set for July 25 at Pebble Brook Golf Course in Noblesville. Following a mass and lunch, there is shotgun start to the scramble format at 1:30 p.m. The outing supports an annual scholarship at Guerin Catholic High School, a Marian University nursing scholarship, an endowed scholarship at Wabash College, Merciful HELP summer internship program and Concussion and CTE Foundation. Hansen, a Guerin Catholic and Wabash College football player from Carmel, took his own life in September 2018. His parents donated his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center and researchers diagnosed the brain with Stage 1 CTE, a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated blows to the head. For more, visit erh32. org.
Taste of Carmel returns — The Carmel Education Foundation will present Taste of Carmel Aug. 27 at 502 East Event Centre. Taste of Carmel will bring together more than 40 local restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, caterers and beverage partners for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment and community impact. This year’s “Touch of Class” theme celebrates CEF’s diamond 60th anniversary. Guests are encouraged to embrace the occasion with elevated attire and a touch of sparkle, shimmer or diamond-inspired bling. General admission is $150. Learn more and purchase tickets at tasteofcarmelindiana.com.
COMMUNITY
CHS grad captures national rowing title
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Indianapolis Rowing Center had its share of memorable finishes in June at the USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Fla.
Mary Bain, a 2026 Brownsburg High School graduate, and Colleen “Callie” Carpenter, a 2026 Carmel High School graduate, won the beach sprints women’s youth double sculls title .
“Getting the gold with Callie was so amazing,” Bain said. “Callie and I have been on the team together for six years now, but somehow had never been in a double together. Last year, she tried beach sprints in Boston and we thought it would be fun to race at nationals together for our last youth event together.”
Bain said the conditions were the worst she’s experienced during nationals with many races getting postponed.
“The waves were large and were pulling people all around the course,” she said. “Since I had more experience with coastal, I was able to steer Callie and I on a mostly direct path down the course, enabling us to finish almost nine seconds ahead of all the other crews, which was amazing.”
The finish was Bain’s best in a national event.
“Unfortunately, in the single I was beat out and ended up finishing in fourth place,” she said. “I was seeded second place out of time trials, but that just goes to show how the intensity of the weather and back-to-back racing affects placement.”
Bain will attend The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and compete for its NCAA Division III program.
Carpenter will compete for Duquesne University’s Division I rowing program.
“I’ve loved getting to do beach sprints,” Carpenter said. “It’s a completely different beast from normal rowing and requires a completely different approach and set of skills. Mary had a great plan and approach to the race, so I just let her lead.”
The team of Lauren Raines, Saylor Hurd, Devyn Hansen and Ingrid Thompson took the bronze medal in the girls 1V4x boat. Raines is a 2026 Brebeuf Jesuit graduate and Hansen will
be a senior at CHS in August. Hurd and Thompson are from Arcadia. Thompson will be a senior at Guerin Catholic High School.
“The key to getting the bronze was mutual accountability rooted in a shared vision of standing together on the USRowing National podium,” said Raines, who will join the University of Wisconsin’s rowing team.
Raines said the final race together was special. The teammates earned a bronze at the RowFest National Championship event in July 2025.
“Winning the bronze solidified this team as a winning combination,” Raines said. “However, what makes this boat special is the trust and respect we have for one another as athletes and friends.”
Hansen said the bronze was the payoff for dedication.
“Getting bronze was incredibly meaningful, not only because it was a historic achievement for our club, but because it validated all the work we’ve put into our quad over the past two seasons,” Hansen said. “We were undefeated throughout both the fall and spring seasons, but we still didn’t know what to expect heading into Youth Nationals because the East and West Coast teams are consistently very competitive. To me, that bronze medal represents much more than a podium finish — it’s a reflection of the dedication, discipline and countless hours my boat and I invested throughout the year to become the fastest crew we could be.”
Colleen “Callie” Carpenter, left, and Mary Bain celebrate winning the beach sprints women’s youth double sculls title. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Rowing Center)
July 23-25 6pm-11pm
THURSDAY – The Toons • FRIDAY – Naptown Hepcats
SATURDAY – My Yellow Rickshaw • RIDE NIGHT THURSDAY ($25, 6-10PM)
Fireworks Friday and Saturday (weather permitting)
Rides - Inflatables - Dunk Tank - Family Fun Zone - Live Music
Great Food - Beer Tent - Bingo - Casino - Fireworks - & more IN Gaming License 002432
Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church
Novelist to speak at library
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The summer of 1969 was ushered in by an explosion of music festivals across the nation.
USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight uses that as the backdrop for her latest novel, “Lost in the Summer of ’69.” She will share details of her new book at 2 p.m. July 22 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. The event is free, but registration is required.
like to go on a road trip together to go in search of Grandma,” Knight said. “She agrees and they go on sort of this epic summer road trip adventure, chasing after Grandma, always kind of two steps behind, and following her musical reinvention. Basically it’s a heartwarming novel about self-discovery and also learning about each other.”
Knight
The story centers on Eleanor, 69, who has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and sets off for an epic adventure to visit music festivals. However, she doesn’t tell anyone she’s leaving. Her daughter, Leanne, enlists her daughter, Nora, a recent high school graduate, to help her find clues.
“She tells her mom that it looks like Grandma is headed out to the Newport Pop Festival in California, and so Leanne, worried about her mother taking this road trip when she’s got dementia, asked her daughter if she’d
This was Knight’s 98th published novel. She has written historical romance books and thrillers, some under different pseudonyms.
“I’ve been writing full time since 2010,” she said. “This book and my book that came out last year, ‘Confessions of a Grammar Queen’ are more fictional based than biographical, so that’s been a lot of fun.”
Knight has a weekly podcast called “History, Books & Wine.”
Knight grew up in Maryland, near Washington, D.C.
Book sales and signings will follow the talk.
For more, visit carmelclaylibrary.org/ event/16446787.
Westfield resident puts meteorologist skills to use
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Central Indiana residents have a new option for up-to-date weather information after Justin Abbott of Westfield debuted his new 24-hour YouTube weather channel, just in time for a series of June storms that included one confirmed tornado.
AbbottWX wasn’t scheduled to go live until June 25, but with severe weather in the forecast the week prior, Abbott said he decided it was time.
“I felt like it warranted coverage,” he said. “And sure enough, the first night was the night that there was a strong EF2 tornado in Morgan County that I ended up covering live for an hour.”
Abbott, an insurance data analyst, has a meteorology degree and said he’s been interested in weather since he was 5 years old. He worked as a meteorologist right after college, but eventually took a different career path. However, that didn’t dampen his interest in weather.
“Recently, I started thinking to myself about doing, like a bunch of people
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can tune into whenever there is severe weather? And when there isn’t, they get just whatever is going on.”
Abbott said his YouTube channel is aimed at people who miss the oldschool Weather Channel, which had regular, low-drama weather forecasts. Most of the time, AbbottWX streams weather data from a computer, with smooth jazz accompanying the stream.
He said weather is fascinating because it always changes and it affects everyone.
“It’s something that we all have to deal with. It’s something that is omnipresent in your life, no matter what,” he said. “I had a healthy fear of storms as a kid, as most meteorologist origin stories start out, but as I’ve gotten older and wiser, I’ve gotten to the point where I wanted to deliver people a forecast, but without all the hype and the exaggeration.”
Abbott said he’s not out to get rich or famous from his channel — his goal is to inform people.
have online, just a streaming channel that comes online during severe weather episodes,” he said. “Eventually, I decided, why not just make it a whole 24/7, 365, round-the-clock thing that people
“It’s running off a dedicated mini PC … that’s been loaded up with a whole bunch of code that goes and pulls data from the weather service,” he said. “I have the ability to go in and alter any forecasts that I don’t necessarily agree with, or I feel like needs tweaked for one reason or another.”
And when the weather gets spicy, Abbott can break in with live updates.
“I just want to tell people what’s going on and let the weather be the star of the story, and not me,” he said.”I have my name on the channel, but that’s just so people know that there is a person behind the operation and it’s not just a computer sending data out into the void.”
Abbott’s weather channel can be found at youtube.com/@abbottwx_tv. He also has a website, abbottwx.com, and is on Facebook, facebook.com/ abbottwx.
Justin Abbott’s YouTube weather channel includes a 24-hour livestream of current central Indiana weather, with real-time updates during significant weather events. (Screenshot from AbbottWX)
SATURDAY, JULY 18
6 p .m. – 11 p.m.
8 p .m. BLAIR CLARK AND THE FUN FACTOR BAND
The Fun Factor Band is a fun, upbeat, musically versatile, energetic band with quality musicians, strong vocals and experienced entertainers. Electrifying singer, Blair Clark, is the leader of the The Fun Factor Band.
The street party begins at 6 p.m. with plenty of food and beverage vendors!
Don't forget your lawn chairs!
Former nonprofit director assists homeless in Indy
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Theresa Patterson’s decision to take a phone call under difficult circumstances proved to be life-changing.
“My husband suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of the night (in the summer of 2023),” the Carmel resident said. “I woke up to the noises he was making. I was able to perform CPR on him for five minutes while we waited for a police officer and used an AED for the first time.”
The EMTs then came in to take over. When they arrived at IU Health North, they learned her husband, Larry Patterson, had suffered a massive heart attack at age 54.
“We had no idea that my husband had heart problems whatsoever,” said Patterson, who had been a registered nurse. “No high blood pressure, no high cholesterol, he was a normal body weight. He had walked and played 18 holes a couple days before and literally had no symptoms. That whole thing shocked us to our core. I was working at Gennesaret Free Clinic and paid attention to very little (in the aftermath). I had a great team and knew they could handle things.”
But the then-Gennesaret executive director did take a call from Sanctuary Indy Executive Director and founder Michelle Shelburne to answer questions about how Gennesaret had acquired a mobile medical vehicle.
“Michelle had a similar scenario with her first husband, but she had a different outcome and he had passed away from cancer,” said Patterson, who has lived in Carmel nearly 30 years. “She became a support for me while I struggled through my husband’s recovery. It changed the trajectory of how we see things and my work.”
find permanent supportive housing for those facing homelessness in Indianapolis.
“The organizations are serving adjacent populations in Indianapolis,” Patterson said. “So (Gennesaret) was doing respite housing for people that were coming out of the hospital with no place to recover. Gennesaret operates two homes, one for men and one for women, fully staffed 24/7. It’s really trying hard to get people back up on their feet, so when they are recovered they could go back into some sort of housing, maybe back with family.”
Patterson said Sanctuary Indy plans to build tiny standalone homes (384 square feet) on the near west side of Indianapolis. The first phase is six homes, and the second phase will be 10 duplexes to house formerly homeless families.
“They are tiny home communities that are set in clusters,” Patterson said. “There are people who will live on site who provide 24/7 services and support.”
Patterson said the model has been successful in Austin, Texas and Illinois.
Patterson said she wants more people in Carmel to know about Sanctuary Indy.
“We live in a beautiful community with so many services,” she said. “I’m fully aware my husband is alive because of the services that were available to us.”
After making the connection with Shelburne, Patterson left her paid position at Gennesaret in February 2024 and joined the Sanctuary Indy chair board in a volunteer position.
“I realized the organization had a strong mission and vision but felt the work I had done at Gennesaret could be helpful to Michelle in terms of laying down policy and procedures and formalizing the underpinning of the organization to support growth,” she said.
Sanctuary Indy’s mission is to help
Shelburne said the nonprofit is seeking to raise $300,000 to complete the two phases on the west side of Indianapolis.
“I saw too many people die outside because there weren’t any options for them, and I felt our city could do better than that,” Shelburne said.
For more, visit sanctuaryindy.com.
Michelle Shelburne, left, and Theresa Patterson address chronic homelessness in Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Jen Schmits Thomas)
First lady honors teen COMMUNITY
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
A 13-year-old Carmel student had a memorable start to his summer vacation.
Cooper Lawhorn, who will be a seventh-grader at Clay Middle School in August, was a national finalist in the June 7-10 Presidential AI Challenge in Washington, D.C.
tries and food recipients.”
Cooper proposed a mockup of how the app would work. His project was selected from 2,500 submissions and was the only one from Indiana.
Cooper learned about the competition when his mother, Sarah Lawhorn, received an email from 4-H. That led him to develop a proposal about PantryPal.
“I started PantryPal when my family was donating food to one of the self-serve food pantry boxes, which are served by The Feeding Team,” he said. “I noticed the shelves were lowly stocked, so I realized there was an opportunity to start brainstorming a solution to improve coordination of food donations and distribution. That’s where PantryPal came in using all AI technologies to reduce food waste and better connect food donors, food pan-
“Cooper won the Indiana state championship and then competed against 11 other state champions in the regionals,” Sarah Lawhorn said.
Cooper and his mother visited the National Air and Space Museum, Amazon Skills Center, Capitol Building, Rayburn Building and a final celebration at the White House, hosted by first lady Melania Trump.
“My favorite part was seeing the first lady in person and the party in the White House’s Rose Garden, where they had a band, desserts and a lot of red, white and blue cookies,” Cooper said. “We went into the East Wing, where Melania Trump congratulated and awarded the winners.”
Cooper said he plans to submit grants for funding to create his app. He credited Carmel’s Venture Christian Church Bread of Life Food Pantry for assistance during his research stages.
• Fears and phobias • Focus and concentration Experience a greater sense of confidence and an improved quality of life through proven, professional techniques.
Lawhorn
COMMUNITY
SOUNDS OF SUMMER
celebrates opening of music-themed playground, Monon Boulevard expansion
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The City of Carmel and Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation celebrated the July 3 opening of a towering new play structure and expansion of Monon Boulevard with a ribbon cutting and ceremonial first slide.
The $2 million music-themed play structure is east of the Monon Greenway just north of City Center Drive, a short walk from the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts and adjacent to the site of the future Great American Songbook Museum.
At the ceremony, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said the playground “couldn’t be (in) a more perfect location.”
“Researchers have spent years proving play is serious business, and play helps children build confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills and resilience,” Finkam said. “Outdoor play helps them grow stronger, healthier and more connected. That’s really what this space is all about.”
The playground features a red tower designed to look like a metronome, several musical play features, paving inspired by piano keys and words from a song about the Monon Railroad on signage.
At 40 feet, the structure is the tallest ever built by Minnesota-based Landscape Structures, which also constructed the playgrounds in Carmel’s Central, Meadowlark, Carey Grove and Founders parks. Its height was determined by logistics.
“The unique site conditions also played a critical role in the design of the playground,” CCPR Director Michael Klitzing said. “Under the bridge connecting the two towers is a utility easement, which includes critical Duke transmission and distribution lines powering Carmel’s central core. To ensure access to this easement, we had to go high enough with the playground to allow for service vehicles to go under it. This presented the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind custom play feature.”
City Engineer Bradley Pease said the structure also sits atop underground IT
infrastructure.
“It’s the things that you don’t see that are engineering successes for us,” Pease said. “I think those elements lead to long-term success. So, we want it to look beautiful but want it to last.”
The play structure includes two enclosed metal curlicue slides.
“Based on research by Landscape Structures conducted in the beating hot sun of Arizona, these slides are cooler to the touch on a sunny day than any slide on the market,” Klitzing said. “The top of the enclosure captures the heat, keeping the sliding surface cooler. The concrete landings have been found to stay less hot than other surfaces used for landings. These slides are significantly cooler than the metal slides that some of us remember from our childhood.”
The ceremony also celebrated the third phase of the Monon Boulevard expansion, which stretches from Walnut Street to City Center Drive. The $14 million project (including the playground) expanded the Monon Greenway to a 12-foot-wide paved trail, added open green space and gathering areas and includes landscaping similar to that
included in the first two phases, which run from Main Street to Walnut Street.
The ceremony wrapped up minutes before the two-day CarmelFest celebration began just steps away. Finkam thanked Carmel residents for their support of the project and encouraged them to enjoy a weekend celebrating 250 years of U.S. independence.
“(Residents) holding the bar really high for what you want in Carmel, Indiana, and not accepting that mediocre is
Plans for a food hall adjacent to the newly expanded Monon Boulevard have been scrapped.
The city council approved a resolution in April 2024 supporting the $47 million project known as The Union, which would have also included apartments, office space and a parking garage. At a city council meeting in April 2025, Nick Weber, then-executive director of economic development, said the proposal was being reworked but still moving forward.
That is no longer the case.
OK is greatly appreciated by those who are your leaders and serve you every day,” she said. “Every investment we make is about creating a city where people of every age can connect, explore, and most importantly, thrive.”
“The initial vision for the site was an ambitious concept dependent on securing substantial external funding to protect local taxpayer dollars,” Carmel Redevelopment Commission Director Henry Mestetsky said. “While the city successfully secured $4 million in state READI 2.0 funds, other anticipated regional and tourism grants did not materialize as expected.”
The city will continue to support developers as ideas for the site are explored, Mestetsky added.
ON THE COVER: Lennon Goins takes the ceremonial first slide down the new play structure along the Monon Boulevard expansion to conclude a July 3 ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
City
FOOD HALL PLANS SCRAPPED
Sidewalks leading to the new play structure are arranged like piano keys. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Gross Lighting and Home expands into Indianapolis
A new name is helping shape the future of home design in Indianapolis.
Formerly Indiana Lighting, the showroom at 8060 Shadeland Ave. is now Gross Lighting and Home, bringing expanded offerings, a refreshed brand and a renewed commitment to helping customers create beautiful and functional spaces.
The transition marks the Indianapolis expansion of Gross Lighting and Home, a family-owned company led by Laurie Gross. With roots dating back more than 115 years and four generations of family leadership, the company has built its reputation on personalized service, industry expertise and a customer-first approach to lighting and home design. Today, Gross Lighting and Home operates locations throughout Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
While the Gross Lighting and Home name may be new to many Indianapolis customers, the company’s approach is centered on preserving the local relationships, expertise and community connections that made Indiana Lighting a trusted resource for homeowners, builders and designers.
The newly renovated Castleton showroom reflects that philosophy. Customers will find more than lighting fixtures. The space features decorative hardware, furnishings, home accessories and immersive displays that make it easier to explore design possibilities and visualize products within a completed space.
The expansion represents a new chapter built on a trusted local foundation. Rather than replacing what made Indiana Lighting successful, Gross Lighting and Home has focused on building upon it while maintaining
Rise’n Roll Bakery opens
By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com
Rise’n Roll Bakery held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony June 9 for its fifth central Indiana shop at The Farm off U.S. 421 and Sycamore Street near the Carmel and Zionsville border.
The bakery primarily sells preservative-free Amish-made goods, including pies, popcorn, cheeses, jams, ice cream and candy. Members of Amish communities in northern Indiana handmake the products and deliver them before stores open each morning.
More than 25 varieties of doughnuts are available, including the company’s most popular item, the “Amish Crack.”
tion (from a) real-estate perspective. It’s definitely the highest-quality location that we have.”
the personalized ser vice and knowledgeable guidance customers expect.
“From the beginning, our priority was preserving the local relationships and expertise that customers value while creating an even more inspiring experience for homeowners, builders and designers,” said Laurie Gross, owner of Gross Lighting and Home. “We believe there is tremendous value in remaining locally connected and helping customers make confident decisions through personalized service and trusted expertise.”
Gross has spent decades helping grow one of the Midwest’s most respected independent lighting businesses while advocating for the importance of local ownership and industry expertise. At a time when many lighting showrooms have been acquired by national chains,
private equity firms or large distributors, she remains committed to the value of independent businesses and local decision-making.
Today, Gross Lighting and Home operates locations in Toledo, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Howell and Elk Rapids, Michigan and Indianapolis. As the company continues to grow throughout the Midwest, its approach remains rooted in relationships, ser vice and community impact.
For Indianapolis customers, the result is a showroom experience designed to inspire confidence and creativity. Whether building a new home, renovating an existing space or selecting the finishing touches for a project, customers can find expert guidance, thoughtfully curated products and a team focused on helping them bring their vision to life.
Visit grosslighting.com to learn more.
“It’s a cinnamon doughnut (with) caramel that kind of melts in your mouth,” franchise owner Ben Graves said. “It’s really good. It’s definitely our top seller.”
Besides the Zionsville store, Graves also owns Rise’n Roll franchises in Fishers, Westfield, Nora in Indianapolis and Greenwood.
“I expect (this location) to be pretty busy and be around for decades,” he said. “This is probably (our) best loca-
An Amish couple started the business in 2001 from their home in Shipshewana. In 2004, they opened a bakery that did not use modern technology and continued to make its products by hand. The company was sold in 2009 and has since expanded through franchising.
Rise’n Roll is at 11581 Sylo Crossing, between Shake Shack and Piada, and is open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
For more, visit risenroll.com.
Rise’n Roll bakery opened at The Farm in June. (Photo by Piper Bailey)
Remodel delays Charred debut
By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com
Ristorante Roma owner Raffaele D’Eusebio is expanding beyond Italian cuisine with the opening of Charred, a steakhouse and bourbon bar, at 61 W. City Center Dr.
The Rome native began the process of opening another restaurant in 2023 with an original launch date set for early 2025. Just before opening, however, the hood and duct systems failed, and the entire interior had to undergo a second full remodel.
“The biggest challenge was overcoming the construction issues,” D’Eusebio said. “Imagine having a restaurant that you paid for, you’re about to open, you have all the employees ready and trained, and then the hoods break. Before cashing in one check, you have to close it and remodel it completely.”
Despite the yearlong setback, Charred was set to open July 10 following a three-day soft opening.
The restaurant features a steak-focused menu. According to D’Eusebio, dishes will rotate every few months to highlight fresh produce and meat from local farms and butchers. His favorite dishes — tuna crudo, steak tartare, Moroccan lamb and Manhattan steak — will be on the first menu.
Charred’s menu features dishes from local farms and butchers. (Photo
The venue features low lighting reminiscent of a lounge and an open kitchen. It seats up to 70 guests, all of whom must be 21 or older. D’Eusebio, a Carmel resident, encourages making reservations at least two weeks in advance so staff can provide a more personalized dining experience and build relationships with customers.
Charred will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m.
Learn more at charred-indy.com
Fitness studio celebrates 20 years
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
For owner Scott Visser, consistency has been the key to success for Carmel Total Fitness.
The business at 820 City Center Dr. celebrated its 20th anniversary June 21.
“I’ve had some trainers and group fitness trainers 15 to 18 years for most of them,” Visser said. “Our membership is growing each year, and each year is busier than the last one. We’ve been continuing to grow the business but not do anything too fast.”
Visser said Carmel Total Fitness owns the building, which includes space for Carmel Swim Academy.
“We built Carmel Swim Academy in 2023, and it’s attached to our building,” he said. “That helped with our exposure.”
Visser said CTF’s mission is to have members of all fitness levels feel comfortable and welcome.
A Carmel resident, Visser’s son, Kelton, 16, works in customer service at CTF. Kelton will be a Carmel High School junior soccer player in August. His daughter, Joslyn, worked at CTF before going to Ball State University. A 2025 CHS graduate, Joslyn is a cheerleader at BSU.
Visser said CTF, which is open daily, has seven front desk employees, 10 personal trainers who are independent contractors and five or six group fitness instructors.
“I also have businesses that rent space with a physical therapist and a massage therapist,” he said.
For more, visit carmeltotalfitness. com.
Visser
by Michelle Baxter)
READY TO ADVANCE YOUR ADVERTISING?
Meridian Monogram brings on-site embroidery to events
By Samantha Kupiainen news@youarecurrent.com
In February 2026, Oliver’s Twist owner Kristyn Davidson embarked on a new creative endeavor in addition to her stationary shop — Meridian Monogram. Davidson takes the Meridian Monogram mobile live-embroidery studio to various events in the Midwest and beyond. She and Rachael Cieslak stitch personalized keepsakes in minutes. Guests choose the item they’d like embroidered, as well as the font and thread color.
Each piece of embroidery takes approximately three to eight minutes to make.
“Like a lot of businesses, it started as a hobby,” Davidson said. “I bought my first machine a little over two years ago, and my best friend Rachael Cieslak kind of learned it with me. It was just for personal use. As we got to learn a little bit more about it, we knew that other parts of the country had live embroidery events. The midwest just didn’t have anything like that.”
The Carmel-based company booked its first event in March. Cieslak has previously done engraving and calligraphy at events, so combining her talents with Davidson’s creativity was a perfect fit.
“We kind of meshed those things together and created this, and we have both realized that we do those things separately, but we have more fun when we do this together,” Davidson said. Davidson has booked more than a dozen events since the business launched, ranging from corporate to seasonal parties, as well as a baby shower or two.
Visit meridianmonogram.com to request a quote. Packages start at $2,500 and can be tailored to each event. It’s suggested to make reservations four to six weeks in advance.
Kristyn Davidson, left, and Rachael Cieslak operate Meridian Monogram. (Photos courtesy of Emily Smith Photography)
An machine embroiders a monogram on a diaper bag.
DAY OF YOGA CELEBRATED
More than 75 people celebrated International Day of Yoga June 21 at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel. Volunteers from the International Hindi Association, Interfaith, Isha Foundation, Yoga Kulam and Art of Living in support from the Consulate of India Chicago arranged for a free three-hour yoga and meditation practice. June 21 is International Day of Yoga and was adopted by the United Nations in 2014. (Photo courtesy of Mahesh Goel)
How to boost natural GLP-1
Commentary by Farah Myers
Did you know that simple, everyday habits can naturally boost your body’s own GLP-1 with no prescription required? Primarily produced in the lower intestine, GLP-1 helps control mealtime blood sugars, slows digestion and signals fullness to your brain.
One of the simplest strategies I encourage with patients is to slow down at mealtimes. When you stretch a meal to 20 to 30 minutes, nutrients enter your digestive system gradually instead of all at once. This longer exposure stimulates more natural GLP-1 release and leads to longer-lasting fullness. Habit changes we focus on include eating meals with companions, avoiding screens and even taking time to appreciate your food.
Closely related is chewing food thoroughly. Chewing doesn’t just have a mechanical purpose. It sends signals to your brain and gut to prime the hormone release before food even reaches your stomach. Uniformly chewed food tells the gut that “nutrient dense food
is here” so it slows down digestion, further increasing natural GLP-1 release.
Another powerful habit is enjoying carbs at the end of your meal. Starting with fiber and protein slows digestion to allow more nutrients to reach the lower intestine, where GLP-1 is primarily produced. This simple change reduces blood sugar spikes up to 42 percent, all without reducing the overall amount you eat.
Although meds work by mimicking and amplifying GLP-1, they are costly and not for everyone. However, these simple habits tap into the same biological pathways with clear evidence to back it up. Most importantly, they are accessible, sustainable and powerful tools to improve your metabolic health, starting with your very next meal.
Farah Myers is a double board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in family and lifestyle medicine at Cool Creek Family Health in Carmel.
Carmel actress lands coveted role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Nathalie Cruz knew the “wrong” play was right for her.
The Carmel resident will appear in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” which runs from July 16 through Aug. 23 at the Indianapolis venue. The comedy follows an accident-prone theater group that attempts to stage a murder mystery.
“This was one of my favorite shows I’d seen some nine years ago in New York City,” Cruz said. “I had no idea what I was about to watch and had a ball. I’ve never laughed so hard. I said, ‘I don’t know how and when, but one day I will belong in this ensemble to do this show.’ So, having this opportunity to do it is really exciting.”
Cruz plays the role of Annie Twilloil. She has performed in three shows at Beef & Boards, with “The King and I” being the first in 2024.
“Nothing beats that first experience,” she said. “I had a great time with my cast then and the whole production team was amazing. Bringing life to the iconic Lady Thiang role was an opportunity I can’t pass up. I find her iconic song was a treat, not just for me, but for the audiences who love Rodgers and Hammerstein music. So, that left a good impression on me that maybe coming back again to the Beef would be a good idea. Then I got to be a part of ‘A Christmas Story’ and ‘Tootsie,’ which were both equally fun, and again I had fantastic experiences.”
She played Suzi in “Tootsie” in 2025. She was joined in the show by Joey Boos, who also is in “The Play That Goes Wrong.”
Cruz took a break from acting after the COVID-19 pandemic closed theaters in March 2020.
“The COVID era really did a number on me, thinking I won’t and cannot go
back to performing ever again,” she said. “Now that I’m back doing shows whenever possible while juggling my daytime work as a (beauty-personal) stylist and my travels, I find myself back at it again, like that pause never happened.”
Cruz said between commercial gigs and readings and developing new material, she performs in two or three shows a year. She said it’s not as much as she used to do with performing in back-to-back shows.
“Life-plans change over time, and traveling while young is on my agenda,” she said. “Whenever you see me on stage, I make sure it counts and it’s something I really want to do.”
Cruz performed with her husband, Ian Cruz, in “The King and I.” Then later in 2024, they were in SiteLines Indy’s production of “Side Man.” Whenever the opportunity arises, she enjoys performing with him.
Cruz said one truly enjoyable performance was when they played opposite each other as Anita and Bernardo in Civic Theatre’s “West Side Story.”
In addition, she played the title role of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and Ian was Aldolfo in the Civic Theatre production.
“That one was a hilarious experience because we can’t keep a straight face
with our scenes,” she said.
Cruz was born in Manila, Philippines. She was part of a dance company that performed in Manila.
The couple, who have lived in Carmel since 2012, are graduates of the University of the Philippines. Cruz’s degree is in broadcasting and Ian has an engineering degree.
“We both share the love for theater and performing arts,” she said. “I was a full-time dance performer while he was busy doing plays. I met him when I was hired as a choreographer for a musical play. He initially ignored me, thinking I was old, or older. He said the tight hair bun was the culprit. We’ve been laughing our buns off since then.”
The computer programming scare of Y2K in 2000 prompted the couple’s move to the U.S.
“Ian was an IT guy and I was a young 24-year-old mom of three,” she said. “I don’t know how we did it, but Ian and I were literally fearless then. I guess traveling far has been in our blood all along. Indiana wasn’t really our solid choice for us to settle in, but as months passed and years came in search for the perfect state to live in, we forged friendships here in Indy in the process. We kept looking when home really was here all along.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’
“The Play That Goes Wrong” runs July 16 through Aug. 23 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Postmodern Jukebox Presents Scott Bradlee and Miche Braden is set for July 15, followed by Dueling Pianos July 18 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘SOMETHING ROTTEN!’
“Something Rotten!” concludes July 1519 at Red Barn Theatre in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’
Main Street Productions presents “Alice in Wonderland” July 16 to 26 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
SONGBOOK SHOWCASE
The Songbook Academy performers will hold a concert at 7 p.m. July 16 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
SONGBOOK ACADEMY IN CONCERT
The Songbook Academy in Concert is set for 7 p.m. July 18 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
JOE RUSSO’S ALMOST DEAD
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead is set to perform at 6 p.m. July 17 at Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park in Indianapolis. For more, visit rocktheruins.com.
Nathalie Cruz, left, and Joey Boos perform in “Tootsie” at Beef & Boards. Both are returning to Beef & Boards for “The Play That Goes Wrong.” (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards)
Cruz
ENTERTAINMENT
ATI to host tribute to Indiana composers
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Actors Theatre of Indiana Associate Artistic Director Darrin Murrell is returning to a tribute to Indiana composers Hoagy Carmichael and Cole Porter he created nearly 30 years ago.
“Hoagy and Cole: Indiana Music on My Mind” is set for 7:30 p.m. July 22 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael. The performance is a fundraiser for ATI’s season.
“It’s a new version of this show,” Murrell said. “I was actually commissioned to write the show almost 30 years ago for (former owner) Dick Pletcher at Amish Acres and the Round Barn Theatre (in Nappanee). I was doing some programming, performing and directing and various things with them.”
Murrell said Round Barn previously staged a cabaret-style revue of Carmichael and Porter.
“But Dick wanted something that fleshed out their lives a little more, so he hired me to write the show,” Murrell said. “People just loved it. The way I conceived it was to research actual articles, autobiographies, biographies, television and radio interviews with Hoagy and Cole or about them by their contemporaries. I strung together the narrative of the show using their own words, so I did little in terms of editorializing or adding very much.”
“Michael Feinstein’s commitment to the Great American Songbook is obviously legendary, and this show is nothing but Great American Songbook standards. And then to be in the Hotel Carmichael, playing Hoagy Carmichael’s music in that space, I just think it’s the perfect fit.”
– DARRIN MURRELL
in Portland. He later presented it at Muncie Civic Theatre and other venues. He said the success encouraged him to create two other shows about composers in the same style. One show is about George and Ira Gershwin and the other is about Harold Arlen and Jerome Kern.
Barber, Murrell’s wife, has performed in the Hoagy and Cole show in the past.
“It was exciting to me to have Don and Judy knowing their talents and their voices,” Murrell said. “I went back to it and reshaped it. We’ve never done it with a chorus of four. We’ve usually done it with a chorus of three. I added a couple of songs and took away a couple of songs and played to the strengths of the people we have. I’m excited to see this latest iteration of it.”
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Murrell then paired the songs with the particular stories from their lives.
“I used the music to frame some of those moments,” he said.
Murrell, ATI Artistic Director Judy Fitzgerald, Don Farrell and Julie Lyn Barber will provide the chorus. Farrell is an ATI co-founder.
“We’ll play various people in those composers’ lives as well as serve as narrators of the show,” Murrell said.
Terry Woods plays the piano on the Hoagy Carmichael parts on the upright piano, and Keith Potts plays Cole Porter songs on the baby grand piano.
“They will play, sing and do some acting as well,” Murrell said.
After the original production, Murrell produced the show for a theater
Some of the characters that appear are at a dinner party with Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, who had an Indiana connection with Porter.
“Red Skelton makes an appearance,” Murrell said. “It’s a role I’ve never got to do before and I get to do Red’s famous ‘Guzzler’s Gin’ routine.”
Murrell said Feinstein’s is the perfect setting for the show.
“Michael Feinstein’s commitment to the Great American Songbook is obviously legendary, and this show is nothing but Great American Songbook standards,” Murrell said. “And then to be in the Hotel Carmichael, playing Hoagy Carmichael’s music in that space, I just think it’s the perfect fit.”
For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
Murrell Fitzgerald
NHS grad plays biggest role
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
In her final role in a youth production, Lilah Cross faces her biggest challenge.
The 2026 Noblesville High School graduate has the title role of Alice in Main Street Productions’ presentation of “Alice in Wonderland,” which runs July 16-26 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.
“This is the largest role I’ve had in a show so far,” she said. “I’ve never played a leading role in a performance, so that’s a big change for me. It’s a lot of work, but I really love it.”
Cross said Alice is a fun character to portray.
“She’s very sassy and kind of grows throughout the show and I like portraying that on stage,” said Cross, who will double major in multimedia journalism and theater at Loyola University in Chicago. “I’m used to playing younger roles in all my performances. I really like the youthful energy there is in portraying her.”
Sydney Weitz, who will be a junior at Carmel High School next month, plays the Queen of Hearts.
“I really enjoy playing the villainous characters,” she said. “From an audi-
ence perspective, it can be really hard to justify her actions. As an actor, I like the thought process of how to justify what she’s doing.”
Carmel resident Amelie Thibodeau, a homeschooled junior, appears in two performances as the Queen of Hearts’ understudy. She is the only understudy in the production.
“I really like playing evil characters because I feel it’s different,” Thibodeau said. “She’s very loud, which I’m also very loud. My voice teacher used to call me a ‘wall of sound.’ It’s fun being a really loud character and she’s really bossy.”
For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.
McFeely gets ATI post
news@youarecurrent.com
Actors Theatre of Indiana has announced the appointment of Dan McFeely as its executive director. McFeely, a former ATI board member and past president of the organization, replaces Jim Reilly, who is retiring from day-to-day activities, but is remaining connected as executive director emeritus.
to the Sister Cities organization and co-founded the Carmel Interfaith Alliance, along with many other community organizations. He and his wife, Sue, are longtime members of the Carmel Catholic Parish community, first at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and then at St. Elizabeth Seton, where he has been a part of several ministries.
McFeely
McFeely, a Carmel resident since 2007, has been active in the city’s artistic and cultural scene for many years. After a long career as a professional journalist with the Indianapolis Star and smaller newspapers around the state, he joined the City of Carmel as a media relations and communications consultant for 10 years. While in that role, he served as president of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, the Carmel Clay Historical Society and ATI. He also briefly served on the board of the Carmel JazzFest celebration.
McFeely also served as the city liaison
“My 10 years working within city government and economic development opened my eyes to the power of Carmel’s arts and culture heartbeat that attracts many to want to live, work, play and ultimately retire here,” McFeely stated. “My goal in my new role is to explore ways to increase ATI’s presence both in the community and to our many regional and statewide fans and supporters of ‘Broadway in your Backyard.’”
Reilly initially joined ATI as a consultant in 2011, then transitioned to the role of executive director. After retiring for a brief time, Reilly rejoined ATI in 2025.
Amelie Thibodeau, left, and Lilah Cross perform in “Alice in Wonderland.” (Photo courtesy of Amber Roth)
Alcohol & Tobacco Commission
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Alcohol Beverage Board of Hamilton County, will hold a public hearing at 9:00 am on July 21, 2026 at the Hamilton Co. Judicial Center, Commissioner's Room 1 Hamilton Square in the city of Noblesville, to investigate the propriety of holding an alcoholic beverage permit by the applicants listed herein.
To watch the hearing, visit https://www.in.gov/atc/public-meetings/local-board-h earings
Appointed Board Members:
3 MICHAEL L COLBY 01/14/2019
2 Jay Dorman 12/03/2012
1 Aaron E Batt 07/09/2024
Members serve for one year and until a successor is appointed and qualified.
Board member one is appointed by the county commissioners.
Board member two is appointed by the largest city or town’s executive.
DL2910664 Beer Wine & Liquor - Package Store
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Payless Liquors Inc 445 S Rangeline Road Carmel IN
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CHARLES D KEY 6331 QUAIL CREEK BLVD
Indianapolis, President
LINDA L KEY 6331 QUAIL CREEK BLVD Indianapolis, Secretary
Payless Liquors, Inc 14580 River Road, Suite 400 Carmel IN
D/B/A Payless Liquors
CHARLES D KEY 6331 QUAIL CREEK BLVD Indianapolis, President
LINDA L KEY 6331 QUAIL CREEK BLVD Southport, Secretary
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Reeder Enterprises LTD, Inc 12995 Pettigru Drive Carmel IN
D/B/A West Clay Fine Wines & Spirits
JOHN REEDER 12802 CHAPEL SQUARE STREET Carmel, President
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Niemann Foods, Inc 2140 E 116th St Carmel IN
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Hanami Sushi & Sake Bar, LLC 703 Veterans Way Carmel IN
D/B/A Hanami Sushi & Sake Bar
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Okonori Inc 1685 East 116th Street, Suite 155 Carmel IN
D/B/A Okonori High Kitchen
Hui Zheng 19160 Scofield Farms Blvd Westfield, President
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Caliente Carmel Inc. 1400 S Guilford Road, Suites 120-150 Carmel IN
D/B/A Caliente Mexican Restaurant
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Ninety Nine Tables LLC 13080 Grand Boulevard, Suite 150 Carmel IN
D/B/A The Monks: Fusion Cuisine
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Salt Dining LLC 11 W City Center Drive Suite 101 Carmel IN
120-150
D/B/A Caliente Mexican Restaurant
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Ninety Nine Tables LLC 13080 Grand Boulevard, Suite 150 Carmel IN
D/B/A The Monks: Fusion Cuisine
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Salt Dining LLC 11 W City Center Drive Suite 101
Carmel IN
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D/B/A TAYLOR'S BAR & TABLE AT CARMEL
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Street Carmel IN
D/B/A Black Iris Estate
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Carmel City Center, LLC Location Pending Carmel IN D/B/A
BRUCE A CORDINGLEY 5323 N. MERIDIAN ST. Indianapolis, President
Maureen Hougland 57 Wilson Drive Carmel, Secretary
Alcohol & Tobacco Commission
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Alcohol Beverage Board of Hamilton County, will hold a public hearing at 9:00 am on July 21, 2026 at the Hamilton Co. Judicial Center, Commissioner's Room, 1 Hamilton Square in the city of Noblesville, to investigate the propriety of holding an alcoholic beverage permit by the applicants listed herein.
To watch the hearing, visit https://www.in.gov/atc/public-meetings/local-board-h earings
Appointed Board Members:
3 MICHAEL L COLBY 01/14/2019
2 Bradley E Oliver 05/24/2017
1 Aaron E Batt 07/09/2024
Members serve for one year and until a successor is appointed and qualified.
Board member one is appointed by the county commissioners.
Board member two is appointed by the largest city or town’s executive.
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Spring Mill Tavern, Inc 226 W 161st Street
Westfield IN
D/B/A The Mill Tavern
CHRISTOPHER S WEILER 8320 COOPER LANE
Westfield, Secretary
KRISTIN WEILER 8320 COOPER LANE
ZIONSVILLE, President
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Los Toros Mexican Restaurant #2, Inc 14639 N Gray Road Noblesville IN
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ENRIQUE MELENDEZ 6814 DORCHESTER CT. Indianapolis, President
ALFREDO MELENDEZ 6945 N. LAREDO DR.
McCordsville, Secretary
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Lakes Venture, LLC 14727 Fresh Thyme Market
Drive
Parcel:08-10-17-00-21-004.000 Carmel IN
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Gerald Melville 180 W. Benton Ave #305 Naperville, President
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US Liquor Group LLC 220 E Main Street Westfield IN
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D/B/A Nyla's Restaurant
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H Steakhouse LLC 207 Mill Street Westfield IN
D/B/A H Steakhouse
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ODAA Enterprises Indy, LLC 1471 W Tournament
Trail Westfield IN
D/B/A Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop for Guys
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Broad Ripple Seafood Market LLC 231 Park Street Westfield IN
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Something Splendid LLC 217 Mill Street Westfield IN
D/B/A Something Splendid
DL2934595 Beer Wine & Liquor - Package Store
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City Liquor Inc 220 E Main Street Westfield IN D/B/A 21st Amendment
BALLI MADHAR 7040 Birchwood Park Court Indianapolis, President
DL2934502 Beer Wine & Liquor - Package Store
TRANSFER
Reeder Enterprises LTD Inc NE Corner Chatham Commons Blvd & Chad Hittle Dr 29-05-25-001-007.000-015 Westfield IN
D/B/A Chatham Fine Wines & Spirits
Alcohol & Tobacco Commission LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Alcohol Beverage Board of Hamilton County, will hold a public hearing at 9:00 am on July 21, 2026 at the Hamilton Co. Judicial Center, Commissioner's Room, 1 Hamilton Square in the city of Noblesville, to investigate the propriety of holding an alcoholic beverage permit by the applicants listed herein.
To watch the hearing, visit https://www.in.gov/atc/public-meetings/local-board-h earings
Appointed Board Members:
3 MICHAEL L COLBY 01/14/2019
1 Aaron E Batt 07/09/2024
Members serve for one year and until a successor is appointed and qualified.
Board member one is appointed by the county commissioners.
Board member two is appointed by the largest city or town’s executive.
Board member three is appointed by the county council.
RR2944114 Beer Wine & Liquor - Restaurant (210) TRANSFER
Allisonville Nursery by Sullivan, LLC 11405 Allisonville Road Fishers IN D/B/A Allisonville Nursery
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket Nos. PZ-2026-00147 V & PZ-2026-00148 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 27th day of July, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to seek approval for a 6-ft privacy fence and a shed on a corner lot.
UDO Section 5.09(B): Maximum 42-inch fence allowed in front yard with at least 25% visibility; 6-ft privacy fence requested.
UDO Section 5.02(B): On Corner Lots no residential Accessory Building shall be erected forward of any Principal Building; forward of principal building requested and Minimum Side and Rear Yard Setback: Easement plus 3-ft (10-ft and 20-ft easements exist). 13-ft and 23-ft setbacks required; 3-ft setback requested, (10-ft and 20-ft encroachments requested).
With the property being known as: 709 Howe Drive, Carmel, IN 46032
The application is identified as Docket Nos. PZ-2026-00147 V & PZ-2026-00148 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage .35, Section 24, Township 18, Range 3 ROHRER WOODS, Section 1, Lot 1. Parcel No. 16-09-24-01-07-001.000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
David L. Bishop PETITIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2026-00143 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 27th day of July, 2026 at 5:30p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: permit side yard setback variance request of 3.75ft along the side of the property.
With the property being known as: 1507 Cook Creek Drive, Carmel, IN 46033.
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00143 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel Number: 16-10-29-03-03-033.000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.
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D/B/A H Steakhouse
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ODAA Enterprises Indy, LLC 1471 W Tournament
Trail Westfield IN
D/B/A Salt
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RR2943990 Beer Wine & Liquor - River & Lake
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College Plus, LLC Location Pending Fishers IN
D/B/A College Plus, LLC
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RENEWAL
DNM Business Ventures LLC 8729 Front Street
Fishers IN
D/B/A Voodoo Brewing Co
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Inder Inc 10468 Olio Road, Suites 100 & 200
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Kole Brinegar PETITIONER
Property tax relief for vets
Commentary by Danny Lopez
Indiana takes its responsibility to care for our veterans seriously, and major property tax relief included in last session’s Department of Local Government Finance bill (HEA 1210), which I co-authored, is benefitting disabled veterans in Indiana in big ways.
The first change, which impacts veterans who are 100 percent disabled under the law, is a complete deduction of total assessed value from property taxes. This means those completely disabled veterans who have lived in Indiana for at least one year will now deduct 100 percent of the assessed value of their homestead property from their taxes, whereas previously that deduction was capped at just $14,000. Additionally, HEA 1210 removes the ceiling on which properties qualify, previously capped at assessed values of $240,000.
Second, veterans who are partially disabled (10 percent or more) are now eligible for a $350 property tax credit, and those 62 years old and above will receive an additional $250 credit on top of that.
These are real dollars that will come off of a veteran’s final tax bill, where previously these were deductions that simply reduced the taxable value of the property.
Once again, HEA 1210 also removed the provision limiting the relief to properties assessed at $240,000 or less, leaving out thousands of Hoosier veterans across the state whose property values have skyrocketed since COVID.
In total, these changes provide thousands of veteran taxpayers with tens of millions in new property tax relief. Many are on extremely fixed incomes, and rising property assessments are too often threatening to squeeze them out of their homes.
For more information or assistance, Hamilton County veterans should contact Tom Logan, Hamilton County Veterans Services officer, at 317-776-9610.
Rep. Danny Lopez is a Carmel resident and represents District 39 in the Indiana House of Representatives.
COMMUNITY VOICES
When streets feel safe, people choose to bike
Editor,
Like most people, we mostly use our car to get around. But safe pedestrian infrastructure has made it easier to choose biking more often, much to the delight of our small children and our physical and mental health.
The new raised crosswalks being installed at nearby roundabouts have completely changed how it feels to cross on foot or by bike. Cars slow naturally, and people are more visible. It’s a stark contrast to busier roundabouts without raised crosswalks, where crossing (especially on a bike with kids) can feel
stressful and unsafe.
That difference shapes behavior. When people feel safe biking a mile to the grocery store or walking nearby for errands, they actually do it. And when even a small share of short trips shift away from cars, everyone benefits: less congestion for drivers and reduced wear on our streets.
A big thank you to Mayor Sue Finkam and the Carmel City Council for investing in infrastructure that prioritizes safety.
Kelly Nagy, Carmel
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
DOCKET NO. PZ-2026-00144V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 27th day of July 2026 at 5:30 pm in the Carmel City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers Room, 1 Civic Sq, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards variance application to: Allow for the construction of the proposed 515 sq ft outdoor kitchen, which with the combined square footage of the existing garage and accessory buildings comes to 114% of the ground floor area of the principal building. 75% is the maximum allowed by UDO Section 5.02(B)(3)
With the property being known as: 1550 W 96TH ST Indianapolis, In 46260
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00144V
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 17-13-09-04-05-009.000
The petition may be examined on the city’s website, through Public Documents – Laserfiche
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
EPIFANIO (FREDY) CARBAJAL (PETITIONER)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2026-00110 V & PZ-2026-0013X V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: (V) Hale Accessory Structures Variances. The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval for a 112 SF shed and 196 SF pergola.
1. Docket No. PZ-2026-00110 V UDO Section 5.02(B)(1)(a) Accessory Building Minimum Front Yard Setback on Corner Lots (and Through Lots), no residential Accessory Building shall be erected forward of any Principal Building; forward of Principal Building requested.
2. Docket No. PZ-2026-0013X V UDO Section 5.02(B)(3)
The combined square footage of the Ground Floor of a Private Garage and/or Accessory Buildings shall not exceed 75% of the Ground Floor Area of the Principal Building; 82% requested.
The 0.49-acre site is located at 9605 Greentree Drive (Green Tree Country Club Estates, Lot 4). It is zoned S-1/Cluster Platted Subdivision. Filed by Rodd Hale, Owner.
With the property being known as: 9605 Greentree Drive, Carmel, IN 46032.
The application is identified as Docket No.(s) PZ-2026-00110 V & PZ-2026-0013X V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel #: 17-13-08-03-02-015.000
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.
All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
Rodd A & Brenda S Hale PETITIONERS
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2026-00146 V Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 27th day of July 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers Room, 1 Civic Sq, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to extend the existing two-car garage to a three-car garage. The extension will make the area of the additional garage area to be greater than 75% of original base floor structure of the main house minus the attached garage space plus out building.
UDO Section 5.02.B.3: The combined square footage of the Ground Floor Area of a Private Garage and/or Accessory Building shall not exceed 75% of the Ground Floor Area of the Principal Building. The planned expansion requires a variance of 40 square feet or the allowance of 78% (+3%) of the home’s first floor square footage. The proposed extension will be in compliance of the 35-foot build line (B/L) on the west side of the property.
With the property being known as 873 High Drive, Carmel, IN 46033.
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2026-00146 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Acreage .67, Section 32, Township 18, Range 4, EDEN ESTATES section 9 Lot 234.
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
James A. Johnson, Owner PETITIONERS
Alcohol & Tobacco Commission
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Alcohol Beverage Board of Hamilton County, will hold a public hearing at 9:00 am on July 21, 2026 at the Hamilton Co. Judicial Center, Commissioner's Room, 1 Hamilton Square in the city of Noblesville, to investigate the propriety of holding an alcoholic beverage permit by the applicants listed herein.
To watch the hearing, visit https://www.in.gov/atc/public-meetings/local-board-h earings
Appointed Board Members:
3 MICHAEL L COLBY 01/14/2019
1 Aaron E Batt 07/09/2024
2 PATRICK W LONG 03/01/2009
Members serve for one year and until a successor is appointed and qualified.
Board member one is appointed by the county commissioners.
Board member two is appointed by the largest city or town’s executive.
CH2928731 Beer Wine & Liquor - Catering Hall
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Mill Top LLC 802 Mulberry Street, Suite B1 Noblesville IN D/B/A Mill Top
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Christel House International in Indianapolis, Indiana is seeking a College & Careers Collaboration Coordinator to be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the College & Careers (C&C) Collaboration Program. Duties include promoting the program and its benefits; assessing and selecting partner schools; interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, supervising, and evaluating Career Coaches; developing and implementing strategies to improve program effectiveness and quality; monitoring program outcomes and generating reports and metrics; creating and reviewing curriculum materials, templates, forms, and procedures; and managing technological and program-related information using systems such as ZOHO and ClickUp. Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Social Service, Human Resources, or a related field and experience coordinating teams. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to HR, 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 170, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
