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eCommunity.com/cancer

Byron H., patient

Amazon is seeking to renovate 7,000 square feet in the building to use as space to receive, store, stage and dispatch products for local customer delivery. Carmel’s Unified Development Ordinance requires storage and distribution facilities to receive a special use permit to operate.

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the plans to Current July 10.

Amazon Now is available in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia and Seattle and is expanding to dozens of additional cities in the U.S., according to a company press release. The expansion is expected to add tens of millions potential customers in its service area by the end of the year.

“With thousands of items available

for ultra-fast delivery, you can get ev erything from groceries for dinner, to AirPods before a flight, to household es sentials like laundry detergent or tooth paste delivered right to your door” Udit Madan, senior vice president, Amazon Worldwide Operations, stated.

FREEDOM STARTS WITH SMART SAVINGS

Amazon Now products include dairy, produce, bakery, health care and baby items and much more. U.S. Prime mem bers pay a delivery fee of $3.99 per order, and those without a membership pay $13.99 per order. Additional fees may apply for orders that cost less than $15.

A Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals hearing officer is set to review and determine whether to issue the special use permit application at a future meeting.

Carmel hires director of marketing

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The City of Carmel has hired a new director of marketing and community relations.

Erin Murphy, who previously worked in a similar capacity at Purdue University and the City of Westfield and served as press secretary for Gov. Eric Holcomb, began her new role July 13.

“Erin brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role,” Mayor Sue Finkam stated in a press release. “She will enhance our support to residents and businesses as part of a strategic and cohesive outreach plan. She has a demonstrated track record of success

and we look forward to her bringing her experience to the City of Carmel.”

In her new role, Murphy will be responsible for city branding, media relations, public information, events and event sponsorship, and other city communications.

Murphy’s past experience includes more than a decade as a television news anchor and reporter. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public relations from Ball State University. She is a Westfield resident.

She replaces Kelly Douglas, who served as the department director from July 2024 until April of this year.

Murphy

FREEDOM STARTS AT HOME

-Kathy

Beckwith: Ban call to prayer

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith is calling for the government to ban public Islamic calls to prayer.

Beckwith, who also is a Life Church pastor, made the comment during an appearance on the June 26 episode of the “Conservative Review” podcast.

“If you’re a mosque and you want to have a loudspeaker and you want to start pumping these out five times a day locally, the state can say, you’re not going to do that,” Beckwith, a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist, said on the podcast. “We’re not going to let you put these words of death and destruction throughout the city streets.”

On July 10, Beckwith confirmed his position in a social media post.

“Yes, I 100% want to ban mosques in America from blaring the Muslim call to prayer through loudspeakers 5 times a day across our cities,” he stated.

Current contacted the lieutenant governor’s office with questions about Beckwith’s reasons for supporting a ban and whether Islamic calls to prayer have been reported as problematic in specific communities and received a statement from Deputy Communications Director Graham Loughead.

“Hoosiers across Indiana are concerned about the rise of Islam, not only in our state, but across the country,” the statement reads. “Lt. Gov. Beckwith will always stand up for American values and refuses to apologize for saying Sharia Law has no place in this country and that America is now and always should be one nation under God.”

The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a July 10 statement in response.

“The adhan is a peaceful call to prayer recited by Muslims around the world for more than 14 centuries. To portray it as a call to ‘death and destruction’ is not only offensive — it is a malicious falsehood that demonizes an entire faith and the millions of Americans who practice it,” stated Hafsa Haider, communications director for CAIR-Chicago.

Beckwith

COMMUNITY

Diocese asks judge to reconsider pseudonymity

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The defendants in a civil suit that alleges unchecked bullying of a student at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Carmel have requested a judge reconsider a decision to allow the adult plaintiffs to use a pseudonym.

Attorneys for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette-In-Indiana; Trudy Schouten Young, diocese superintendent of schools; the Rev. Richard Doerr, OLMC pastor; OLMC Principal Timothy Fletcher; and OLMC Assistant Principal Deanna Cotter filed the motion to reconsider June 30.

The lawsuit, filed by the student’s parents, accuses OLMC officials and the diocese of failing to adequately address and prevent intensifying harassment of their son that became sexual in nature. The parents are identified as James Doe and Julie Doe in the suit.

The defendants argue that pseudonymity is an “extraordinary, disfavored exception” and that the plaintiffs’ seeking media coverage of the case is a contradiction to “any desire for privacy.”

“They demanded publicity, actively seeking widespread news coverage that not only broadcasted their complaint’s most ‘sensitive’ allegations to the general public, but added counsel’s inflammatory commentary going so far

as to invoke Jesus’ name in support of their claims — thus implicitly accusing Defendant of not only legal negligence, but also religious malfeasance and hypocrisy,” the motion states.

The defendants do not object to pseudonymity for the student, because he is a minor. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued in their response to the motion that identifying the parents would naturally identify the student.

“Plaintiffs brought a matter of genuine public concern to light while doing exactly what the law encourages: protecting a child from being personally identified as the victim of sexual harassment and assault,” the response states. “The Diocese’s motion would punish that responsible course.”

A diocese spokesperson declined to comment on an active legal matter.

Tammy Meyer, an attorney for the plaintiffs, described the defendants’ motion to disallow pseudonyms as “deeply disappointing.”

“Families should never have to fear that seeking justice will expose their children to even more trauma,” Meyer stated. “If schools respond this way when parents speak up, other families may think twice before reporting bullying. That should concern every parent.”

A hearing on the motion to reconsider pseudonymity is set for 10 a.m. Aug. 5.

CCS updates phone policy

By Spencer Durham spencer@youarecurrent.com

Starting this upcoming school year, a new state law requires Hoosier students to keep their cellphones put away for the entire school day.

In response to Senate Enrolled Act 78, the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees adopted a new bell-to-bell cellphone policy at their June 24 meeting.

Emily Bauer, CCS director of community relations, said the district will allow students to keep their phones in lockers or bookbags, rather than require them to be placed in secure storage.

Students who violate the policy will have their phone confiscated. It will be returned to them at the end of the day.

Depending on the severity or frequency of infractions, a parent may be required to pick up their child’s phone.

Although the state legislature passed the law with the intent to shift enforcement from teachers to administrators and eliminate distractions for students, school districts have been left to determine how to implement it.

A previous law prevented students from having their phones during class time. SEA 78 prohibits phone use during the entire school day, including lunch and passing periods.

Students are allowed to use their phones if given permission by a teacher for education purposes, during an emergency, if required by an Individual Education or 504 Plan or if needed for language translation.

Prevail celebrates 40 years of supporting victims

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com

For four decades, Prevail — a Noblesville-based nonprofit — has provided free, confidential services to Hamilton County residents and people in neighboring counties impacted by crime and abuse.

Founded in 1986 by former Superior Court Judge Steve Nation and Beth Gellhausen, who worked in the department of family services, the organization celebrated its 40-year anniversary July 1.

Prevail served only 43 individuals in its first year. In 2025, it helped more than 3,300 adults and 7,200 youth. Executive director Tami Wanninger attributes the growth to population increases and a shifting society where people are more willing to talk openly about domestic violence and sexual assault.

“Our county is growing, and our municipalities are growing, so we are seeing a greater need for services,” Wanninger said. “I think back to 40 years ago, and people didn’t talk about victim issues, domestic violence and sexual assault. It was something that you closed the door on. I think we’ve evolved a little bit as a society, but there’s still a stigma.”

Wanninger said staff are more educated about trauma and how to help victims navigate their healing journey than they were 40 years ago.

“I also feel like a lot of our cases are more complex than they used to be,” Wanninger said. “People are coming to us for safety, whether it’s domestic violence or whatever type of abuse it is. But there’s also a lot of modern things that are happening. We’re seeing a lot of financial and technology abuse. As technology has advanced, we’re seeing more harassment and stalking. We have also seen a huge shift to do case management work in the last seven to 10 years.”

With growth comes additional challenges. Prevail is bracing for an estimated 40 percent reduction in its largest federal funding source this year following multiple cuts. To fill the gaps and support clients, the organization is looking to diversify its funding through private grants and community donations.

“We’ve had to get creative in our approaches to serving people efficiently

and ensuring there’s no waiting list,” Wanninger said. “I think it’s about helping the community understand that we provide free and confidential services, so contributions and fundraising events help us fill the gap. We have private grants and private funding dollars that also allow us to fill in the gaps, but clients have needs and we need to make sure we’re still able to support and help them.”

When asked how Prevail has made a difference in their lives, survivors shared that the organization connected them with resources that helped them rebuild stability and independence and made them feel believed and supported.

Jessica, a survivor who keeps her last name private for safety reasons, said community members could be saving someone’s life by helping them connect to Prevail.

“It can be easy to pass judgement, but you really don’t have any idea what someone’s dealing with,” she said. “Take time to educate yourself and show up with empathy, kindness and compassion.”

Looking ahead, the organization is focused on building partnerships.

“Partnerships are so critical and important, and 40 percent of our referrals come from law enforcement,” Wanninger said. “Building up those partnerships, whether it’s with law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office, county officials or other nonprofits, allows us to be more accessible in our community.”

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

This year, Prevail’s annual gala will be replaced with a public anniversary celebration Aug. 1 at Ritz Charles in Carmel.

“It’s really a celebration of our community coming together to support survivors that are served through Prevail, and we are honoring 40 individuals and organizations that have made an impact with Prevail in the last 40 years,” Prevail’s Executive Director Tami Wanninger said.

Learn more and purchase tickets at prevailinc.org.

Wanninger

Grateful to be back in Carmel

Commentary by Donna Gray

When my family moved to Carmel in 1975, it was a very different place than the city we know today. It was smaller, quieter and still becoming. At the time, I could not have imagined the vibrant community Carmel would grow into, but looking back, I can see how much this place shaped me.

Like many young adults, I eventually left. I moved to California and spent 15 years building a life outside of Indiana. Those years were meaningful, but when it came time to decide where to raise my young family, Carmel called us back. Moving home was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I wanted my children to have what I had: a community that felt safe, welcoming and full of opportunity. What I found when I returned was both familiar and extraordinary. Carmel still had the heart and steadiness I remembered, but it had also become something bigger: A place alive with art, business, education, connection and possibility. My children have grown up in a community that is vibrant, safe and inviting. They have benefited from the same kind of structure that helped shape me, but in a city that has continued to evolve with intention and imagination. That is no small thing.

Carmel has given me more than a hometown. It has given me a place to build. Here, I created Matchbook Creative, a branding and marketing agency that helps organizations clarify who they are, tell their stories and connect more meaningfully with the people they serve. In many ways, that work has become part of how I give back.

As we celebrate 50 years, I feel deep gratitude for what Carmel has been, what it has become and what it continues to make possible.

Donna Gray is a Carmel resident, founder of Matchbook Creative

COMMUNITY

Indy Drivers hold bootcamp

By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com

The Indy Drivers professional pickleball team kicked off its upcoming season at Pickle on Penn with a bootcamp clinic July 11. The team and its coaches gave 10-minute instructional sessions to guests at the free event, giving patrons the opportunity to refine their pickleball skills and learn more about the sport.

“We’re excited to be here,” said Paula Nahmias, owner of Indy Drivers. “It’s great to introduce our team to the community here at Pickle on Penn. Our first game is July 22 in Chicago. Our team is stronger than ever.”

In addition to instructional sessions, the event included a meet and greet with Indy Drivers team members Amy Yarbrough, Chad Flynn, Jose Derisi, Karin Kochis, Lila Rawlings and Rich Lopez. A casual lunch with the team was served after the bootcamp.

“The event is more of a way to establish our presence in the community a little bit better,” said Matt Hale, Indy Drivers general manager. “We want to hold an event at a top tier facility in Indianapolis and showcase not only the

players but also get them excited about the upcoming season.”

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport across the nation. Pickle on Penn features eight state-of-the-art indoor pickleball courts.

“This event gives our members and the Indianapolis pickleball community a unique opportunity to learn from professional athletes, improve their game and celebrate the incredible growth of pickleball right here in our city,” said Kelly Bodner, owner of Pickle On Penn.

Pickle on Penn is at 11575 N. Pennsylvania St. in Carmel. Learn more at pickleonpenn.com. Learn more about the Indy Drivers at nplpickleball.com/ indy-drivers.

Foundation names director

By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com

The Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation has selected Jaime Medley as its director after Elizabeth Hamilton announced her retirement. Hamilton served as the director for more than 10 years before stepping down this month.

Prior to assuming the role of foundation president, Medley worked in the nonprofit sector at the American Red Cross as its regional officer. In that role, she worked with individual donors and supported its women’s affinity group, Tiffany’s Circle.

and read the job description, it completely married everything that I love doing.”

What excited her most about the job was more volunteer engagement, nonprofit leadership and the events aspect.

“I love fundraising events and planning events, and so that was an opportunity to take everything that I really love, that I feel that I excel in to one job,” she said.

“I have been involved with philanthropic and nonprofit organizations my entire adult life,” Medley said. “I love nonprofit work. I love working with volunteers.”

Medley learned of the job opening via social media.

“I was not unhappy in my current role,” Medley said. “As I clicked through

As she settles into her new role, Medley is excited to get to work on the library’s signature event, the Guilded Leaf author luncheon. The two-day event in October is hosted at the library and Ritz Charles and features book signings, lunch and six nationally recognized authors.

“It is not lost on me that I have really big shoes to fill and what Liz has built,” Medley said. “I’m so grateful for what she’s done and the legacy that she’s leaving. So my intent is to honor and preserve that.”

Learn more at carmelclaylibrary.org/ foundation.

Medley

Teams play alongside the Indy Drivers at Pickle on Penn. (Photo by Samantha Kupiainen)

CITY RESPONDS

Officials explain

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

reasons, plans for Concord Village infrastructure improvements

The City of Carmel is planning to upgrade roads and some other infrastructure in Concord Village, an aging neighborhood residents say has been plagued by flooding issues for years.

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam and other city officials discussed the status of infrastructure in the area, reasons for the drainage issues and $4 million in planned improvements during a July 14 town hall meeting at the Carmel Clay Public Library.

The meeting followed two others held by Carmel city councilors since July 3 to discuss the matter and gather feedback from residents. At the first meeting, City Council President Matt Snyder proposed increasing monthly stormwater fees to fund a $20 million overhaul of Concord Village infrastructure and projects elsewhere, a plan Finkam said she does not support.

At the July 14 meeting, City Engineer Bradley Pease said the city has received 13 service requests in Concord Village since 2016 and that 12 of them were found to be the responsibility of private property owners to resolve. The other complaint led to the city clearing out a blocked pipe.

Pease said that the drainage system is primarily working as designed and that flooding in residential yards is primarily because of private improvements, such as fences or sheds, blocking or altering drainage easements.

Pease said the city plans to restore drainage easements to their original design.

“We are going to identify and remove private improvements residing within the easements that are causing a detriment,” Pease said. “By the ordinance, this is generally the homeowner’s expense. This is a situation where the city is going to do some other work, so the city is going to cover the cost to remove those obstructions.”

Finkam said despite their age, inspections show that the concrete roads in Concord Village are in good condition. This does not take into account ridability, which is less than ideal with the joints between concrete sections and patchwork throughout. The roads are also wider than newer ones throughout the city, which can lead to speeding.

So, the city is planning to replace the concrete with asphalt and add bump outs for parking, which will result in a narrowed roadway and aim to act as a deterrent to speeding. The installation of raised crosswalks is also expected to improve pedestrian safety.

Ryan Murt, senior project manager for the Carmel Street Department, said the city planned to make many of the proposed improvements in 2025, but the

project got put on hold.

A city spokesperson told Current July 15 the project was paused to collect more data to better understand the potential stormwater issues and determine a comprehensive plan to address both concerns.

Finkam said the July 14 meeting aimed to clarify some inaccurate information shared at previous meetings and elsewhere.

“There’s no stormwater system failure,” she said. “There’s no emergency access or egress or ingress problems with the school and the library. There’s no broken promises on a road extension, and no verified pattern of unresolved resident concerns.”

Allie Missler, a longtime Concord Village resident who said she has reported flooding issues to city officials for decades, said she felt “profoundly disappointed and disillusioned” by the city’s presentation at the meeting. She said after residents shared experiences, concerns and hopes for solutions at the previous town halls, the third one “felt far more like a lecture than a genuine effort to address the issues.”

“Every single concern raised during the previous two meetings appeared to be dismissed or characterized as a homeowner responsibility,” Missler said. “Despite years of repeated flooding, property damage, aging infrastructure concerns, drainage issues, deteriorating roads and sidewalks, and the significant emotional and financial toll these problems have taken on residents, there was absolutely no acknowledgment of what our neighborhood has collectively experienced and, most disappointingly, no expression of empathy.”

Missler said many neighborhood residents oppose the city’s plans for the area as presented at the meeting, which she believes will do little to address many of the concerns raised.

Worrell, who said he organized the meeting after Pease was unable to fully present the city’s plans for the area at the first town hall meeting, said he heard mixed feedback after the July 14 event.

“I could read the room, and I saw some people shaking their heads,” he said. “I did have more people come up to me after the meeting and say, ‘Thank you.’”

Watch a video of the presentation and view the slide deck at carmel.in.gov/863/ Concord-Village-Neighborhood.

ON THE COVER: The City of Carmel is planning to spend $4 million to replace concrete roads in Concord Village with asphalt and make other improvements. (Rendering courtesy of the City of Carmel)

MAYOR OPPOSES RICHLAND AVENUE EXTENSION

In addition to flooding, another topic of concern for Concord Village residents is the potential extension of Richland Avenue from its end point near Carmel Elementary to City Center Drive. The extension, which would require the removal of at least two homes, has been included as a possible project in the city’s comprehensive plan for years, but that does obligate the city to construct it.

“The worst thing we can do is buy a bunch of homes, take them down, let them sit there for several years before we build a road,” Mayor Sue Finkam said at the July 14 meeting. “That makes zero sense.”

At the previous meetings, some attendees said they support the extension to provide another access point to Carmel Elementary, saying they view the limited options to reach the school as a potential safety concern.

Finkam said officials from the Carmel police and fire departments reviewed site plans for the new Carmel Elementary building, which opened in 2021, and did not express any safety concerns.

“Our emergency responders navigate traffic and our roads every single day,” Finkam said. “If they had a concern about getting to or from something, that would be flagged immediately from them. Carmel Elementary School specifically would have never been (built or) opened had there been any concerns about getting to that school and protecting our children.”

The City of Carmel plans to replace concrete with asphalt and add parking alongside Lexington Boulevard. (Image courtesy of the City of Carmel)

Carmel residents to bike in Pan-Mass Challenge

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Two Carmel residents share a passion for supporting cancer research.

Sean Edwards and Rob Beeler are fundraising for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a leader in adult and pediatric cancer research, in the Pan-Mass Challenge Aug. 1-2, which starts in Needham, Mass. Official routes range from 25 to 177 miles.

“I lost my sister, Jenelle Callahan, to pancreatic cancer in 2016, and in 2019 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer myself,” said Beeler, 60. “I was treated at Dana-Farber, and that treatment saved my life. Pancreatic cancer survival rates are still low, so I know I was one of the lucky ones.”

His sister died three weeks after being diagnosed at the age of 53.

“I ride to help fund research that can hopefully improve those odds and give more people the chance I had,” he said. “Dana-Farber does some really important cancer research, including some groundbreaking work on treatments for pancreatic cancer. The research I benefited from didn’t happen by accident, it was funded by people doing exactly this kind of fundraising. Supporting that work is a direct way for me to help make sure more people survive this disease.”

This is Beeler’s first year riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge. He said he will ride 85 miles the first day and 25 miles on the second.

Edwards will ride both days for Team OOFOS for the second consecutive year.

“We actually added another 100-plus miles to the total with Team OOFOS,” Edwards said. “We meet at the N.Y. border and ride to the start, then I’ll be completing the full route with Team OOFOS, which is part of the larger Team Duncan.”

This is Edwards’ second year participating. Team Duncan has been participating for more than 10 years.

“The team was founded in honor of Duncan, OOFOS’ first employee, who passed away from cancer,” he said. “Last year, Team Duncan raised more than $1

million for cancer research through the Pan-Mass Challenge, and I’m honored to be a small part of that incredible effort.”

Edwards, 51, is a triathlon coach and the founder of Speed Factory Racing, so cycling is a regular part of his life.

“I train year-round and have always enjoyed endurance sports, but riding with a purpose makes every mile more meaningful and worth it,” he said. “This year, I’m riding in honor of two people who have deeply impacted my life. My friend Gary Webb is courageously living with a rare form of blood cancer, and every advancement in research offers hope for him and so many others. I’m also riding in memory of my friend Amy Cunningham, who passed away from pancreatic cancer. Their stories remind me why every mile matters.”

Edwards said cancer research and fundraising have been close to his heart for many years.

“Before the PMC, I spent years involved with the Team in Training, raising money for cancer research,” he said. “That experience was truly life-changing — it not only introduced me to an amazing community of lifelong friends, but it’s also where I met my wife, Kendra. The Pan-Mass Challenge combines everything I love: endurance sports, community, friendship, and making a real difference for people battling cancer.”

Edwards was inspired to create Miles, Mimosas & a Mission, a community brunch fundraiser benefiting the PanMass Challenge and Dana-Farber. The event is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 26 at Something Splendid, 217 Mill St. in Westfield. For more, visit linktr.ee/ milesmimosasmission.

“My hope is to bring people together around great food, music, fellowship, and a shared purpose,” he said. “We need more opportunities to connect with one another while making a difference, and this event is my way of combining community with a cause that has changed my life.”

For more on Edwards, visit profile. pmc.org/SE0114. For more on Beeler, visit profile.pmc.org/RB0388.

OUTBACK

Edwards Beeler

Parency helps families navigate divorce

By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com

After struggling to navigate co-parenting with his ex-wife, Carmel resident and Brownsburg native Mike Estridge realized the technology meant to support them and reduce conflict was actually elevating it. Instead of accepting the few options available, Estridge spent the past year developing new tools to help struggling families.

(of) people that will need it the most.”

ParencyLegal was introduced to a select group of attorneys June 1 and expanded to others July 9 at a launch event at Tiburon Coastal Cuisine in Fishers. Local family law firms were invited to test the product and begin offering its services to their clients. The sites are focused on central Indiana, with hopes to expand nationwide in the future.

Estridge

He founded Parency and ParencyLegal to help parents navigate their separation while putting children first. They use AI to analyze user-uploaded information and generate reports for parents and attorneys. The tools are designed to reduce stress for parents as they work through their separation.

“(The) divorce rate isn’t going down,” Estridge said. “There’s new custody-related situations (every day). The lawyers (will be) able to hand it into the hands

Estridge noticed his own representatives taking hours to sift through documents by hand. One goal of ParencyLegal is to help attorneys sort information more quickly and efficiently.

Kena Hollingsworth, founder of Hollingsworth Law Group and a member of the Parency development team, said people going through divorce often experience heightened emotions that make productive communication difficult.

Courts often require co-parents to communicate through court-approved apps that attorneys and judges can view when needed. Estridge said using those alongside calendars and scheduling tools creates confusion and frustration that can escalate conflict.

The Parency app allows parents to manage custody schedules, medical information and communication all in one place. An AI assistant in development will help parents manage everyday responsibilities and reminders.

The app will initially be distributed through attorneys before becoming available to the public. Court-ordered versions will include message filters and court-accessible chat logs.

Users will provide basic family information, and Estridge said uploaded data will not be used to train AI models.

Estridge’s team is also developing a continuing legal education course to teach family law attorneys about the advantages and ethical use of AI in legal practice.

Learn more at parency.ai.

BUSINESS LOCAL

Veteran, former TSA official founds consulting firm

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

After retiring from a 17-year stint with the Transportation Security Administration, Tyson Miller wasn’t sure what he wanted to do next.

That changed when his young son explained how his class conducted active-shooter drills at school. Miller, who spent a career detecting and mitigating threats, wasn’t impressed by the protocols. His former Carmel High School teacher and wrestling coach, Chuck Ford, who had become a longtime friend, encouraged him to put his skills to use as a consultant.

So, Miller, a longtime Carmel resident, launched Critical Crossroads, a firm that provides personal safety training, security assessments and consulting services for residents, businesses and organizations.

“Even if you are (in) the safest city, crime can always hit you at any time,” he said.

Miller said he supports and respects law enforcement officers, but he believes individuals must take responsibility for their own safety because police aren’t usually already on site when a crime occurs.

“I love our men and women in blue,” Miller said. “They do the best they can, but your security is your responsibility. It’s not the police’s. They’re not going to park a car outside your house 24 hours a day.”

Miller didn’t initially set out to become an expert in security. After graduating from CHS in 1990, he attended Indiana University to study biology. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a minor in biology with a natural mathematical concentration.

action missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and helped direct underwater security operations with the Marine Expeditionary Strike Group.

During his time with the TSA, Miller helped clear high-stakes alarms, trained government employees, conducted vulnerability assessments and served as a security consultant for major events, such as the Super Bowl, Indianapolis 500, NCAA Final Four and the Kentucky Derby.

According to Miller, the biggest personal safety mistake most people make is not paying attention to their surroundings, often because their face is glued to a smartphone.

“You have zero situational awareness,” Miller said. “So, when a bad guy sees somebody and they’re totally unaware, especially if they’re by themselves, you might as well put that target symbol right on (their) chest.”

But instead of working as a scientist, Miller became a police officer for Indiana University and later for the Westfield Police Department. Then, he briefly tried his hand as a stockbroker.

“I love the market, but being in an office, I was like, ‘I can’t do this,’” Miller said. “I can’t keep these headphones on all day.”

So, he joined the Navy. He spent eight years working in a unit specializing in identifying and neutralizing explosives. He executed more than 80 direct

Miller, a U.S. Concealed Carry Association certified firearms instructor, and Ford often work together to offer gun safety, usage and maintenance training at a shooting range.

Critical Crossroads offers two-hour seminars covering Miller’s 14-point personal security strategy and 10-point home security plan. The next seminar is set for 2 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at PrimeLife Enrichment, 1078 3rd Ave. SW in Carmel. The seminar is free to attend. Register by contacting PrimeLife Enrichment at 317-815-7000.

Learn more at bit.ly/4fffHin.

Critical Crossroads founder Tyson Miller speaks about home security during a seminar July 8 at American Legion Carmel Post 155. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

The Lazy Breakfast Bowl

Everything you love about the Lazy Breakfast Burrito, now in a bowl - Why didn’t we do this sooner?

Ice Management sold the Zotec Partners Ice Skadium July 14 to an affiliate of Podell Partners. (Photo courtesy of Podell Partners)

Carmel Ice Skadium has new owner, operator

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

She’s hot... Pineapple, Pepperoni, Jalapeños, and house made white sauce, garnished with basil.

House made Carne Asada, queso, corn salsa, and Pico - what more could you ask for?

The Zotec Partners Carmel Ice Skadium has a new owner and management team.

An affiliate of Podell Partners, a Carmel-based real estate investment and development company, purchased the 65,000-square-foot facility July 14 from Ice Management. For more than 20 years, Ice Management owned and operated the facility at 1040 3rd Ave. SW. Spectate Group, the sports and recreation division of Nicholas Family of Companies, will lease, manage and operate the two-rink facility. Spectate will manage programming, marketing, maintenance, hiring, training and dayto-day operations.

“Having spent plenty of time at local ice rinks over the years watching my own kids play competitive hockey, I know firsthand how closely tied these facilities are to the community and the groups that use them,” stated Nick Papanicholas Jr., managing director and CEO of Nicholas Family of Companies, in a press release. “As we expand our

footprint in the Indianapolis market, our Spectate team is eager to not only bring our own brand of excellence for management and programming to the Carmel Ice Skadium, which has been serving the area for more than 50 years, but also strengthen the relationships we’re already building within the local ice rink and hockey community.”

In addition to its two NHL-sized rinks, the Carmel Ice Skadium includes party rooms, a snack bar and pro shop. NFOC’s Big Fish Hospitality Group plans to operate new food and beverage options in space that previously contained an arcade.

The agreement also includes management of the ice at Carter Green, a seasonal outdoor rink previously operated by Ice Management.

NFOC, based in Mount Prospect, Ill., manages three ice facilities and is set to add another by the end of the year when a new rink opens in the Chicago suburbs. It is also set to manage the Westfield Ice Facility when it opens in 2028 at Grand Park.

Learn more at spectategroup.com.

DISPATCHES

 BuffaLouie’s gives back — BuffaLouie’s is celebrating National Wing Day July 29 by donating $1 for every bonein wing sold to Riley Children’s Foundation. BuffaLouie’s has locations in Carmel at 43 W. Main St. and in Bloomington at 114 S. Indiana Ave. Learn more at carmel.buffalouies.com.

 Taste of Carmel returns — The Carmel Education Foundation will present Taste of Carmel on 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 early bird tickets are $125 through July 4, with standard pricing beginning July 5 at $150. Learn more and purchase tickets at tasteofcarmelindiana. com.

Indianapolis Opera closes curtain on Lobster Palooza

By Piper Bailey piper@youarecurrent.com

Indianapolis Opera held its 16th and final Lobster Palooza July 11 at the Basile Opera Center in Indianapolis.

The event raised more than $28,000 to support the organization’s Fund-A-Need campaign, which will provide programming for 46 underfunded schools and libraries in Indiana.

“(Being able to perform thanks to the education program) planted such an important seed for me,” said Lyndsay Moy, Indianapolis Opera’s director of education and former resident artist. “I know, especially now when so many music programs are getting cut from these schools, that these experiences mean so much to these kids.”

The event included a cocktail hour with caricature and balloon artists, a four-course meal and a live performance by five opera singers: H. Conor Angell, baritone; Rachelle Woolston, soprano; Ganson Salmon, tenor; Angela Brown, soprano; Moy, mezzo-soprano; and pianist Elizabeth Goodenough. The concert was modeled on a jukebox. For every goal met, performances were unlocked.

Angela Brown is the organization’s artistic cultural ambassador. She won the National Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions in 1997 and has since performed as a professional opera singer on six continents. She gave a live rendition of Giacomo Puccini’s “Vissi d’arte” once donations reached $24,000.

“Opera looks like me, too,” Brown said before her performance. “Without a company like this in the state of Indiana, who else is going to do what we

do? We do it so well … I want so many of those little babies to be able to come and enjoy what we do.”

David Craig Starkey, Indianapolis Opera’s general director, hosted the event and stressed the importance of supporting arts programs throughout the fundraiser.

“(Performing arts programs are) not extra,” Starkey said. “It’s not a cute opportunity — this is essential … AI will never be able to duplicate (what live singers do) because it’s original, it’s one-of-a-kind.”

Ganson Salmon, left, and Rachelle Woolston perform “O soave fanciulla” from Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème” at Indianapolis Opera’s Lobster Palooza fundraiser July 11.

From left, Lyndsay Moy, H. Conor Angell, Rachelle Woolston and Ganson Salmon perform “Va pensiero” from Giuseppe Verdi’s “Nabucco” after donations surpassed the $25,000 fundraising goal.

H. Conor Angell, left, and Lyndsay Moy perform “People Will Say We’re in Love” from Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s musical “Oklahoma!” at Indianapolis Opera’s Lobster Palooza fundraiser July 11. (Photos by Hannah Vanlandingham)

ENTERTAINMENT

Steel Petals set for July 30

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Although the Wright Brothers retired as a group in February 2023, Tim Wright stays busy playing with a few different bands.

Wright will play pedal steel guitar when the Steel Petals perform at 7:30 p.m. July 30 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael.

Wright, a Carmel resident, is joined by vocalists Catherine Federspiel and Jenn Moe.

The trio, which formed in 2022, often performs with different band members.

“We found out we have a good harmony together,” Wright said. “It’s fun to have a group that is doing strong harmony together.”

The July 30 show is called “Nashville Nights.”

“It’s going to be all country, classics like Patsy Cline to more updated country songs, mostly from the ‘90s and early 2000s,” Wright said. “I’ll be doing a couple instrumentals on songs from Chet Atkins with David Jolley. I’m going to feature him singing the

From left, Jenn Moore, Tim Wright and Catherine Federspiel form the Steel Petals. (Photo courtesy of Tim Wright)

songs because he’s a really good country singer.”

Randy Melson plays the bass guitar, Larry Sauer plays drums, Keith Claghorn is the keyboardist and Rozlyn Turner is the fiddler.

Turner is from Carmel but has been in Nashville the last several years.

The Steel Petals played at Feinstein’s in May and have another date scheduled in October for a James Taylor tribute show.

“We sold (out) three out of four shows at Feinstein’s last year,” Wright said. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

THE SONGBOOK ACADEMY® IN CONCERT

7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

HARRY CONNICK, JR.

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

ART GARFUNKEL: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD CELEBRATION CONCERTS

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BRIAN SIMPSON, JACKIEM JOYNER AND JESSY J 8PM | THE TARKINGTON

STEWART COPELAND: HAVE I SAID TOO MUCH

7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON

GLADYS KNIGHT

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

LOU GRAMM: THE ORIGINAL VOICE OF FOREIGNER

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DEMOLA LIVE!

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE & PABLO CRUISE

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE BILLY JOEL LEGACY: CELEBRATINGTHE PIANO MAN

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS: INDIGO PARK TOUR

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE WAR AND TREATY

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE SIXTIES SHOW

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

INVINCIBLE: A GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

DANIEL EMMET: THIS THING CALLED LOVE

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

NILADRI KUMAAR: THE SPACE BETWEEN THE NOTES –HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN

7PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

HASTA LA MUERTE

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

THE FOUR PHANTOMS IN CONCERT

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BONEY JAMES

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

A CONVERSATION WITH AMY SEDARIS

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

SIMPLY THREE

7PM | THE TARKINGTON

MAVIS STAPLES

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

AN EVENING WITH BERNADETTE PETERS

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

PUNCH BROTHERS

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND: LEDBETTER HEIGHTS 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

8PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

LESLIE ODOM, JR.: THE CHRISTMAS TOUR 2026

7:30PM | PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN IN COMING HOME: THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

| PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM HOLIDAYS IN HARMONY WITH GIRL NAMED TOM

| PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM JON MCLAUGHLIN

BLKBOK

7:30PM | THE TARKINGTON

GLADYS KNIGHT BONEY JAMES HASTA LA MUERTE MARCUS MILLER

Exit without harm

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

In recent columns, I have mapped out a real-time playbook for navigating tough conversations. Now, we have reached the final stage of the exchange: the exit. This is where the fourth pillar of our framework takes center stage: No Harm.

What happens when you have done the work, listened with curiosity, and yet you still find yourselves completely deadlocked?

This is the moment for a Civil Departure.

Active Civility never asks you to compromise your deeply held convictions just to keep a fragile peace. It is about maintaining a human connection while navigating a deep divide. But when a conversation begins to cycle into toxicity, the most disciplined choice you can make is to execute a clean, respectful exit.

When you need to bring an exchange to a close, use these three steps for a Civil Departure:

1. Prioritize Connection Over Victory. Recognize when a con-

versation has run its productive course. Remind yourself that protecting the human connection matters more than getting the last word.

2. State the Value of the Exchange. Exit with clarity and respect. Say something like, “I value our relationship too much to let this disagreement damage it.”

3. Leave Without Throwing Stones. Resist the urge to fire a parting shot or a sarcastic jab as you walk away. A truly civil departure leaves the door open for future dialogue.

Debates seek a victor, but Active Civility seeks a connection. By mastering the entry, the middle, and the exit of our interactions, we turn these daily skills into a community movement. Let’s choose the disciplined way.

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

IN PORCH

COMMUNITY VOICES

Alarmed by Spartz’s support of 17th amendment repeal

Editor,

I was shocked and dismayed when I read in U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz’s recent newsletter that she has co-sponsored a resolution to repeal the 17th Amendment.

I cannot overstate how alarming I found this news. The idea that elected officials would seek to take away my right — and the right of every American citizen — to directly elect our U.S. senators strikes at the heart of representative democracy. Of all the issues facing our nation today, I was horrified to learn that a member of Congress representing me is spending time and political capital on a proposal that would reduce the voice of ordinary voters in our government.

The 17th Amendment was adopted to make senators accountable directly to the people. For more than a century, Americans have exercised the right to choose their senators at the ballot box. Repealing that right would not strengthen our republic; it would weaken public accountability and move power farther away from the citizens whom the government is supposed to serve. Meanwhile, our country faces genu-

ine challenges that deserve Congress’s full attention. Social Security requires serious, bipartisan work to ensure that current and future retirees receive the benefits they have earned. Americans are concerned about economic security, rising costs, and the long-term stability of the programs they depend on. These are the kinds of issues I expect my elected representatives to be addressing.

I also believe Congress has a constitutional duty to provide meaningful oversight of the executive branch, regardless of which party controls the White House. Protecting the separation of powers and ensuring that no president is above the law are among the most important responsibilities entrusted to Congress. At a time when many Americans are concerned about the health of our democratic institutions, vigorous congressional oversight should be a priority.

I urge Spartz to withdraw her support for repealing the 17th Amendment and instead devote her efforts to addressing the pressing issues facing constituents and our country.

Let young animals be

Editor,

hereby provides notice that on or around July 27, 2026, Duke Energy Indiana will submit revisions to its Tariff No. 6, Residential Electric Service, for approval under the Commission’s thirty-day administrative filing procedures and guidelines. This filing will correct the tariff on file at the Commission which has a slight difference ($0.000001) in the energy charge per kwh versus the amount currently charged on Residential bills.

Any objections may be made by contacting the Secretary of the Commission, or the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor at the following addresses or phone numbers:

Early spring and summer are generally the seasons many animals raise their families, from deer to rabbits to birds. Animals make it their “mission” to continue their lineage. Unfortunately, the environment and/or humans can impede them from accomplishing this goal.

It is important to know what to do if you find an injured or abandoned animal, but most importantly we need to know what not to do. For example, just because you see a bunny nest and no mother, she has not left them alone. In order to not draw attention to them she only feeds them morning and evening then she goes away. Most baby animals are being cared for even if you do not observe it. Baby robins jump from the nest before they can fly and spend up

to a week hopping on the ground and slowly going higher into bushes and then trees all while being fed by both parents.

Unless an animal is in obvious danger or injured it is best to put animals back in their nest and watch from afar for parental care. If you find an injured or abandoned animal the most important thing to know is to keep it safe and warm and do not feed it anything. For example, birds do not drink milk or eat bread and squirrels do not eat processed human food. It is best to contact a licensed Indiana wildlife rehabilitator found on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website. Rehabbers are listed by county and the animals they will take. Please help our wild animals in the safest way possible.

Nancy Tatum, Carmel

Rob Schultz, Carmel

Duke Energy Indiana, LLC