September 16, 2025 — Current in Carmel

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

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CCS teachers concerned about impact of ‘no zeros’ grading practice, test retakes / P18

Sue Finkam proposes nonprofit to manage city events / P3

CCS bus drivers want more input / P5

CCS cites increasing strain on budget / P7

OneZone event features local mayors / P17

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2026 budget proposes reduced staff, debt

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The City of Carmel is preparing to reduce staff, increase efficiency and pay off capital leases next year to mitigate some of the financial impact caused by the state’s new property tax law.

CITY NEWS

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam and Carmel Chief Financial Officer Zac Jackson presented the city’s proposed 2026 budget to the Carmel City Council during a special meeting Sept. 8. The budget projects $144 million in general fund revenues in 2026, a 2 percent decrease from the total expected to be collected this year. Finkam and Jackson said the implementation of Senate Enrolled Act 1, which aims to lower Hoosier property taxes, means the city anticipates collecting $3.8 million less in tax revenue in 2026 than previously projected.

community to build a new model of fiscal resilience, partnering, prioritizing and creating smarter ways to sustain our future,” Finkam said.

To cut costs, the city plans to eliminate at least 11 positions, seven of which are vacant, with the other four occurring through layoffs. Proposed staffing changes include:

• Reducing one position in the mayor’s office

• Reducing one position in the Street Department

• Reducing three positions in the Carmel Fire Department by outsourcing EMS billing

• Reducing an administrative position in the Carmel Police Department

• Not backfilling the position of executive director of economic development

• Not backfilling the chief infrastructure officer position

rather than reduce their number.

“But we believe this is the best course forward given all the competing objectives that we have,” she said. “There are some decisions here that are really hard.”

The city aims to cut additional costs by increasing efficiency, such as having only one employee mark all utilities during an 811 call, and paying off or fully encumbering capital leases.

Carmel’s property tax rate of 78 cents per $100 of assessed value is not expected to increase for 2026. However, that may not remain the case in subsequent years, as the impact of SEA1 is expected to grow. In 2030, Carmel is expecting to receive $38 million less than pre-SEA1 projections.

The proposed budget includes $4 million of bonding capacity. Prioritized capital projects include design of CFD Station 47 and replacement of the energy center chiller.

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Contact Managing Editor Todd Golden at todd@youarecurrent.com or call 317.489.4444. You also may submit information at currentincarmel. com. Our print deadline is eight days prior to publication. Submissions for online accepted daily.

“We can grumble about the changes and wade through the past, or we can come together as a mayor, council and a

• Not filling two vacant positions in the Department of Community Services Jackson said remaining city employees can absorb the work done by the positions proposed to be cut. Finkam said the city would prefer to be able to add employees

Most city employees are projected to receive a 3 percent cost of living salary increase in 2026.

Learn more about the proposed budget at carmel.in.gov/government/ departments-services/finance.

Mayor proposes nonprofit to manage city events

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

As part of an effort to cut costs from the City of Carmel’s 2026 budget, Mayor Sue Finkam is reviving a proposal to create a nonprofit to manage city events.

GOVERNMENT

Finkam and Carmel Chief Financial Officer Zac Jackson presented an overview Sept. 8 to the city council of the city’s plans to move management of city events — and employees to support them — from the Marketing and Communications Department to a proposed Experience Carmel nonprofit.

four would remain with the department and the rest would transfer to other positions within the city.

Finkam said many cities have nonprofit destination marketing organizations that exist to manage and promote events and tourism. She said the city’s existing process is “incredibly cumbersome” and often requires approval at multiple levels, such as from attorneys and the city’s Board of Public Works.

“We’re slow and we’re not very agile,” Finkam said. “That’s not a function of the employees working; it’s a function of city government.”

the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. That investigation is ongoing.

Also during that meeting, the council introduced an ordinance giving itself more authority over appointments on city-affiliated nonprofit boards. The council did not move forward with the ordinance, but Council President Adam Aasen said that in light of the proposal to launch Experience Carmel he has asked the council’s finance committee to discuss it.

Aasen said he can’t support the creation of Experience Carmel without ensuring the council can make board appointments and it’s finances can be publicly vetted.

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The move is expected to save the city $1.7 million, Jackson said. The city is seeking ways to tighten its budget after the passage earlier this year of Senate Enrolled Act 1, which aims to reduce Hoosier property tax bills. As a result, Carmel is set to receive $3.8 million less in property tax revenue in 2026 than originally projected. Jackson said approximately half of MAC’s 15 employees would move to the nonprofit,

The proposed 2026 budget includes a $1.8 million grant to help launch the nonprofit. A board with members appointed by the mayor, city council and others would provide oversight.

Finkam first proposed launching Experience Carmel in May during a contentious city council meeting. During the meeting, councilors voted to launch an investigation into the city’s role in the abrupt replacement of a majority of the board of Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc., a nonprofit that runs

“All this money that used to be open to the public as part of our budget, we’re now (giving) to a nonprofit that doesn’t have the same reporting requirements,” he said. “So, if they were going to receive substantial city money, I would hope that they have the same kind of open transparency that we would expect from a city department.”

Jackson and Finkam said they expect to discuss the proposal in more detail during a Sept. 15 budget workshop.

Visit youarecurrent.com for coverage of the workshop.

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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Carmel are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

Bus drivers receive raises, want more say in how they’re paid

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

School bus drivers for Carmel Clay Schools have received a 2 percent increase in salary, to which they previously agreed, after the Carmel Clay School Board unanimously approved it Sept. 8.

SCHOOLS

The increase for the drivers also includes a change to a stipend system from previous hourly minimums.

Although the increase was approved, there still is concern among drivers that the Carmel Clay Bus Drivers Association is not being properly recognized by the administration and board and that the drivers weren’t allowed to vote on the increase.

“It wasn’t about the money. It was about not being recognized as a bargaining group like the teachers, to be able to have a say, have a vote, about our jobs,” association President Mary Swing said.

There were two July meetings and an August session, and Swing said it was during the third meeting when CCS administrators presented the compensation package as something that was not up for negotiation.

“One of the administrators said, ‘We’re offering you a benefits package, and this is what you’re going to get.’ And I asked, ‘Do the bus drivers get to vote on it?’ And they said, “No,’ ” Swing said.

The association is not a recognized union. It is a nego

(File photo)

tiating body, one that has had a 50-year history with the CCS school board.

School board members said during the meeting that the bus drivers’ concerns would not be ignored.

Swing said drivers wanted board clarification on language in the stipend compensation, field trip compensation clarified and pay restored to quarter-hour intervals. The final proposal had no changes.

“We want to make sure (you know) how valuable you are in our district, and we want to make sure that you feel

heard,” board President Kristin Kouka said.

However, no language was changed in the compensation proposal that was brought to the board and approved. Bus drivers walked out of the meeting when matters related to the bus drivers were over.

“Shame on the school board for breaking a 50-year-old relationship that they have had with the Bus Drivers Association,” Swing said.

Swing said the bus drivers would meet about what would come next.

“I’m going to get with my executive board and talk with them and probably have a meeting with the bus drivers,” Swing said. “(The administration) said that they want to try to communicate with the bus drivers via the lead drivers at the elementary schools. Some of our elementary schools don’t have lead drivers, so how is that going to work for them? There’s all different ways to communicate to the administration, and I’ll leave it at that.”

In a statement sent to Current, CCS superintendent Thomas Oestreich stated that the district is committed to continued communication.

“With the board’s approval of the bus drivers’ benefits and salary schedule, we are committed to moving forward together. We have scheduled specific dates throughout the school year to meet with our team of lead (bus) drivers and remain available for direct conversations with any employee, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration,” Oestreich said.

CCS presents 2026 budget, cites increasing strain on revenue

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

A decline in enrollment, a change in how textbooks are funded by the state and the impact of Senate Enrolled Act 1 are among budgetary pressures Carmel Clay Schools faces as it builds its 2026 budget.

EDUCATION

CCS administrators presented the proposed 2026 $253 million budget and explained financial hurdles to the school board during a Sept. 8 workshop.

The numbers CCS presented to the board assumed no raises and no increase in benefits for 2026 within the education fund. It also assumes reduced staff because of a decline in enrollment.

“We have definite concerns this year, the most I’ve seen since I’ve been here relative to the funding for this year –or should I say, the lack of it,” said CCS Associate Superintendent Roger McMichael, who oversees district finances.

Enrollment in the district decreased this year by 174 students, which came as a surprise to CCS. McMichael said a recent estimate by the district’s consulting demographer projected enrollment to be level. McMichael said decisions and recommendations were made based on that level projection, not an enrollment decrease.

“The way the (state) formula works, that’s financially very painful,” McMichael said.

CCS provided information to Current after the meeting

that the estimated loss because of the enrollment drop is $1.2 million, but that the number could change on fall count day.

The district’s education fund, one of five CCS funds, and the fund that provides salaries and benefits for teachers, administrators and instructional assistants, is projected to take the hardest hit. It is supported by state funding.

Related to that, McMichael said that for the first time funding for textbooks is reflected in the CCS education fund as textbook costs are now rolled into the state funding formula for schools. McMichael said that textbook costs are $2.5 million.

In 2023, the state began to fund the cost of textbooks after parents had paid for textbooks previously. In the years since, the state had a separate fund established to fund curricular costs, but that fund was eliminated in favor of having the textbook costs rolled into the state

funding formula for schools.

The change in funding was partly reflected in the projected cash balance projections for the education fund, which will see a reduction in balance in the numbers presented by CCS. From a cash balance of $9.3 million on Jan. 1, 2025, the balance is expected to drop to $4.6 million by Dec. 31, 2026.

In the CCS projection, revenue for the Education Fund is expected to be $145.1 million, but expenses are expected to be $147.1 million.

School board member Greg Brown asked McMichael whether cash reserves would be needed to fund some expenditures and McMichael said that was an accurate statement.

The CCS Operations and Debt Service Funds also are expected to suffer losses because of the Supplemental Homestead Credit loss that comes because of the passage of SEA 1. Starting in 2026, homeowners will receive a credit on their property tax bill of 10 percent of the bill up to $300.

CCS estimated that the Operations Fund is expected to be down $1.3 million and the Debt Service Fund down $1.5 million from this credit.

The anticipated 2026 tax rate is expected to be 83 cents per $100 of assessed property value, which is expected to be the same as the 2025 rate.

CCS will hold a public hearing Oct. 14 on the budget and the Capital Projects Plan.

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Stabbing victim files lawsuit

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

A New York Knicks fan stabbed in May while watching an NBA playoff game against the Indiana Pacers has sued his alleged attacker and the Carmel brewery where the incident took place.

COURTS

David Leach of Noblesville filed the lawsuit in July in Hamilton County. In the suit, he claims the staff at Danny Boy Beer Works continued serving alcohol to Jarrett Funke after he was known to be intoxicated, which contributed to Funke attacking him and a friend.

knowledge of but failed to sufficiently intervene, or take proper prudent and necessary steps,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit states that Funke harassed Leach and a friend verbally and physically as they watched the game and later attacked both men on the bar’s back patio. According to a probable cause affidavit, Funke is accused of using a pocketknife to stab Leach, who suffered a broken rib and tear in his lung.

The suit also claims that the bar’s security measures did not go far enough to protect its patrons.

“Prior to David being battered and stabbed by Funke on the back patio of (Danny Boy) Beer Works, Funke, among other things, was exhibiting abnormal, unusual, and threatening behavior to David and his friend inside (Danny Boy) Beer Works, and outwardly showed dangerous propensities that could result in harm to David, which the employees at (Danny Boy) Beer Works had actual or constructive

Leach claims he has suffered temporary and permanent injuries, extreme physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, mental and emotional suffering, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages and more. He is seeking punitive damages from Funke and Danny Boy Beer Works.

Leach’s friend suffered a laceration to his leg during the altercation caused by impacting the back patio stoop, according to the affidavit, which stated that both men were “bleeding profusely.”

Police arrested Funke, a 24-year-old Carmel resident, the night of the incident. He has been charged with four felony counts and has a jury trial set for Nov. 17.

Attorneys involved with the case declined comment.

New welcome signs placed

news@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Street Department is installing 28 new ‘Welcome to Carmel’ signs across the city.

CITY NEWS

According to a spokesperson for the City of Carmel, 11 of the 28 original ‘Welcome to Carmel’ signs have gone missing over time because of road construction. The remaining 17 signs have deteriorated because of weather exposure.

According to the city, replacing the 11 missing signs with their original wooden design was estimated to cost $52,000. Replacing all the signs is expected to cost $32,000.

The new aluminum signs are more durable and are expected to last longer than the wooden signs, according to the city. The new signs also give Carmel the chance to unify its branding. The new Carmel logo, introduced in July, is featured on the signs. The signs also tout Carmel as Swim City, USA.

County council concludes 2026 budget hearings

GOVERNMENT news@currentincarmel.com

passed property tax reform legislation.

The Hamilton County Council wrapped its 2026 budget hearings Sept. 3 at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center.

Hamilton County Communications

Director Tammy Sander said over the course of two days, councilors and county staff worked collaboratively to bring the $324 million budget into line with revenue forecasts.

Sander said a major topic of discussion was the longterm impact of Senate Enrolled Act 1, Indiana’s recently

“While supporters say it will save homeowners $1.3 billion over three years, critics argue it will significantly reduce local government resources,” Sander stated.

Hamilton County Financial Consultant Mike Reuter emphasized the challenge the legislation poses for the county.

“While the effects will not significantly impact the 2026 budget, future years will see reductions in property tax revenue and limits on levy growth,” Reuter stated. “It’s important we plan ahead so Hamilton County can continue meeting the needs of a growing community despite these

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new fiscal pressures.”

Sander said the budget hearings also marked a transition in county leadership, with more than a half dozen new department heads and elected officials participating in the process for the first time.

The final 2026 budget is scheduled to be adopted at a special session of the Hamilton County Council Oct. 13, before being sent to the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance for approval. Once approved, it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Budget hearings can be viewed at youtube.com/@ HamCoIndiana/streams.

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DISPATCHES

Project Civility National Summit — The inaugural Project Civility National Summit will take place Sept. 26-27 at the Carmel Clay Public Library. The two-day event will unite civic leaders and national voices to share and demonstrate the teachings of civility through collaborative workshops, interactive discussions, and immersive experiences. The goal is to explore how principled disagreement can be a catalyst for community growth, innovation, and common good. Those interested in supporting the event can register at bit.ly/46f0itT

Carmel Film Forum to host Expo — The Carmel Film Forum will host the IFN Cinematic Arts Expo & Grant Writing Best Practices for Filmmakers at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20 at Carmel Clay Public Library. The event invites filmmakers and artistic professionals to deepen their understanding of the cinematic arts and secure funding for their projects. The event allows exhibitors to showcase their work, engage with attendees, and contribute to the collaborative spirit of the event. Admission and parking are free. Keynote speakers will begin at 1 p.m. For more, visit moriartymedia.com.

DISPATCHES

Cherish Center plans annual breakfast —

The Cherish Center, a child advocacy center in Hamilton County, will host its annual breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Oct. 2 at Fishers Municipal Center. This year’s breakfast will honor Cherish’s team members and their efforts fighting child abuse, including local law enforcement agencies, Department of Child Services, Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office and other community partners. The breakfast will also feature the presentation of Cherish Center’s Impact Awards. For more, visit cherishcac.org/11th-annual-breakfast.

Carmel Clay History Museum hosts gala — The Carmel Clay Historical Society will host a 50th anniversary gala from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Carmel Clay History Museum at 211 1st St. in Carmel. The gala will feature the spirit of the 1970s with 70s-inspired music. Food will also be served. The ticket link is buy.stripe.com/aFa5kDdt02Fe7L68DU8g00v or those interested can visit Carmel Clay History Museum for more information.

Donations for local humane associations — Menards stors in Carmel, Indianapolis and Avon will serve as drop sites for donations benefiting local humane associations through the month of September. Menards offers a variety of pet supplies that will be donated to a humane association including food, treats, feeders, collars, beds, storage containers and mats, located in the pet and wildlife department. A large collection box is placed near the exit doors. Donations are accepted through Sept. 30.

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ICPYAS hosts Treasure Our Kids Trivia Night — The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide will host its Treasure Our Kids Trivia Night starting at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at BASH in Carmel. The evening will feature trivia hosted by Hambone Trivia, along with dinner, drinks and raffle prizes. Proceeds benefit ICPYAS programs aimed at preventing child sexual abuse and youth suicide across Indiana. In 2024, ICPYAS provided prevention education to more than 90,000 youth and adults through programs such as Childhelp, NetSmartz, Signs of Suicide, QPR, and Stewards of Children. It is $75 for an individual ticket, $140 for a couple and $425 for a group of six. All tickets include dinner, drinks, and trivia. Registration is available at treasuretrivia.wedoauctions.com. Sponsorships are available. For more, contact Melissa Peregrin at melissa@indianaprevention.org.

Clay Township Military Museum to celebrate U.S. Air Force birthday — The Clay Township Military Museum will celebrate the 78th birthday of the U.S. Air Force from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 18 at the museum on 10801 N. College Ave. in Carmel. There will be an Air Force birthday cake cutting ceremony with traditional military protocol, historical displays, a veteran meet and greet, an Air Force trivia contest and special military ceremonies unique to the Air Force. To volunteer, contact Jon Baldwin at jonebaldwin@gmail.com or 317-435-7194.

Carmel Lions Club Golf Outing – The Carmel Lions Club Swing Fore Charity will take place Sept. 18 at Plum Creek Golf Club. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Cost is $600 per foursome and $150 per player. For more, visit carmellions.org.

Woman arrested for failing to register as a sex offender

$30,000.

Stephanie Lynn Bradshaw, who was convicted of raping a nonverbal, autistic teen in Carmel in 2022, was arrested by the Hamilton County Sherriff’s Office Sept. 3 for failing to register as a sex offender.

As of Sept. 10, Bradshaw — who is listed as a Cicero resident on her jail entry — was being held in Hamilton County Jail. She has been charged with four felony counts related to failing to register as a sex offender, including one count of intentionally or knowing that they failed to register. Her bond is

This is the second time Bradshaw has been charged with failing to register as a sex offender. In February 2024, she was arrested for failing to register and was sentenced to one year in jail. Bradshaw was convicted on one count of rape in 2022 and was given a seven-year sentence, with four years of the sentence suspended and with the time served also counting toward her sentence. She was released in January 2024.

The rape occurred at the Carmel home of the teen in July 2021 while Bradshaw was babysitting.

Myrneth H. Anderson, 96, formerly Carmel and Noblesville, Indiana, passed away on September 3, 2025, in Westfield, IN. He was born January 13,1929 to Leah E. (Huntzinger) and Clair U. Anderson in Anderson, Indiana. He graduated from Lapel High School in 1947, served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict (1948-1952). He attended Indiana Business College and graduated from Butler University in 1962. He retired from Dow Chemical Company after 26 years of service as an accountant. He was involved in many community organizations such as Junior Achievement of Indianapolis, the supervisory committee of the Dow Employees (Northside Community) Credit Union, Clay Township

Waste District, and was President of the Carmel City Plan Commission.

Myrneth was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie “Jean” (Wyant) Anderson; his parents; and a brother, Keith. He is survived by his daughter, Charone Lesher (John) of Venice FL; son, James Anderson (Sue) of Lapeer MI; four grandchildren, Kristen Anderson (Benito LaRosa), Jessica Anderson (Casey Canaday), Jennifer Goldsberry (Aaron), and Joseph Lesher (Madison); three great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy Wise, of Lapel, IN; brother, Dale Anderson (Annie), of Tucson, AZ; and nine nieces and nephews.

Information for services can be found at www.randallroberts.com

City of Carmel social media touts TV show coming to city

By Todd Golden & Leila Kheiry news@youarecurrent.com

The City of Carmel announced on its social media pages Sept. 9 that a TV reality show would be filmed in Carmel in 2026.

ENTERTAINMENT

The title was not listed, nor was the network or streaming service listed where the show would be broadcast.

A city representative said there has been a two-month dialogue with the production company. There is no contractual agreement the city is bound to.

A link provided in the post takes visitors to a questionnaire with the title “Town Love”.

The casting call advertisement linked on the City of Carmel social media pages said the show seeks “Carmel, IN residents (18+) for a brand-new relationship TV series where locals help singles find love.”

The advertisement says the show wants, “... hometown characters with big personalities, blunt advice and great life experience to match singles looking for love, decide who would make the best match, represent your community with passion and honest advice.”

The link provided on the advertisement goes to a 31-questionnaire.

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam promoted the show on her social media channels Sept. 9. During the OneZone Chamber Cocktails

and Constituents event at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts Sept. 9, Finkam elaborated on the TV show.

“(The TV show is) regarding housing, singles and love. So what they’re looking for ... they’re looking for people who are big, bold personalities, who like to weigh in on maybe some of these love matches and want to be a regular cast of characters on their show,” Finkam said.

Finkam also spoke about the production company.

“And the group that’s bringing this to Carmel has a very, very high — if I said some of the names that are associated with their other shows, you would lose your mind. So, we vetted them. They’re legit. Their experience is legit,” Finkam said. “This can be super fun. But you know, who doesn’t want Carmel on Hulu all the time, showing all the amazing things in our city, ignoring the other cities, showing the beautiful images of maybe downtown or Midtown or village of WestClay, where these singles identify living in our community,” Finkam said.

Current has reached out to the email address listed in the casting call, but has not received a response. A city representative said the production company is “holding back some details to announce amid later fanfare associated with filming and show promotion.”

Fishers senior quarterback’s work ethic leads to success

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School senior quarterback

Gage Sturgill is dedicated to his craft.

“Gage is a student of the game. He studies the game and is constantly breaking down film like a coach,” Tigers coach Curt Funk said. “He leads by example and was voted by his teammates as a team captain. I am so proud of Gage and his work ethic.”

Sturgill completed 48 of 73 passes for 774 yards and six touchdown passes in the first three games of this season.

“Gage has a strong understanding of the whole offense and the job of each position on the field,” Funk said. “Gage puts in countless hours studying opposing defenses, and this helps with his reads at the quarterback position.”

Following a season-opening loss to Carmel, Fishers defeated Lawrence North and Noblesville prior to the Sept. 12 meeting against visiting Hamilton Southeastern.

“I’m pleased with how we have responded but there is still a lot of work to do,” Sturgill said. “A team goal we have is win-

MEET GAGE STURGILL

Favorite athlete: Marcus Mariota

Favorite Movie: “Star Wars Episode III — Revenge of the Sith “

Favorite musician: Drake

Favorite Food: Ice cream

Favorite subject: Microeconomics

ning the regional.”

His personal goals are to be the Indiana Mr. Football quarterback position winner, throw for 25-plus touchdowns and complete at least 70 percent of his passes.

As a junior, Sturgill suffered a season-ending right shoulder injury in the fifth game.

“Gage was a tremendous teammate last season after the injury,” Funk said. “Gage

Fishers senior quarterback

Gage Sturgill is off to a strong start in his senior season.

(Photo courtesy of Gage Sturgill)

helped other offensive players and studied the game plan each week to make sure the team was ready for their opponent. Once cleared to throw and train, he is on a mission to be the best. His work ethic is unbelievable, and I am so proud of how he responded to adversity. The team feeds off his grit and determination.”

In the five games, he completed 83 of 135 passes for 1,156 yards with 13 touchdowns and two interceptions.

“It was very hard to have to sit out with an injury last year,” he said. “But during that time, I learned a lot about myself and learned a lot of things that have made me better at football that I don’t think I

would’ve learned if I didn’t get injured.”

Sturgill said he made the most improvement after his freshman season when he started working with former Penn State University quarterback Anthony Morelli, who runs X-Factor QB Academy in Westfield.

Sturgill said he started playing football when he was 5 or 6 in a flag football league.

“It’s always been my favorite sport, even though I did play basketball,” he said. “I knew football was what I wanted to focus my time on.”

Sturgill has committed to play for Western Illinois University, a Football Championship Subdivision program.

“The determining factor of my choice to commit to Western Illinois was the coaches,” Sturgill said. “It felt like a place where I’d be able to communicate well with my coaches and be a great place for me to develop. I also loved the vision Coach (Joe) Davis had and I could already see lots of progress after only a year (as coach) and I wanted to be a part of that success.”

To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@youarecurrent.com.

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Bounceback mission continues

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

In August 2024, the City of Carmel introduced Team Bounceback, an initiative to persuade Carmel natives who left the area to return to the city to find employment.

INITIATIVE

One year later, Team Bounceback — a volunteer committee — continues its mission to encourage Carmel to establish working careers in the city.

Attorney Carlton Anker, a Carmel resident, leads the six-person Team Bounceback committee. He said its mission is to provide insights and recommendations to city officials, ensuring that Carmel continues to grow as a community where young people want to live and work.

“Where Mayor (Sue) Finkam loves the Bounceback idea is that people who are coming back to start their families can be economically productive back in our hometown community,” Anker said.

Anker said Team Bounceback spent its first months spreading its mission to the business community and elected officials.

One of the first strategies Anker embraced was to showcase Carmel as an appealing place to start a family.

“Maybe they grew up in Carmel and went to school and then wanted to go to one of the coasts,” Anker said. “Then all of a sudden, their life situation starts to change. Maybe they’re getting ready to have a family, or they’re looking to kind of settle down into a more permanent house. What matters and what’s important to you is different from when you were 25 versus when you’re 30.”

Anker was pleased with the first invitation-based event Team Bounceback hosted in May. Anker said 60 people attended, including several local elected officials and business leaders.

The next step is to fundraise. Anker would like to seed money to fund a social media campaign talking about the city to the young adult demographic that Team Bounceback is aimed at.

Anyone interested in Team Bounceback can visit their Instagram account — @comebacktocarmel — or they can email at comebacktocarmel@gmail.com.

West Park reimagining

news@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation design partner SmithGroup received an Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Merit Award for its part in the reimagining of West Park.

PARKS

West Park’s reimagining was completed in 2022 with funding support from the Clay Township Impact Program. SmithGroup was CCPR’s partner in the project.

Upgrades to West Park at 2700 W 116th St. included a new playground; an integrated splash pad with waterfalls; an expanded parking lot; improved trails; and a restored prairie maze. The playground and splash pad were inspired by input from a focus group of elementary school students in 2019. SmithGroup created slides, water features, and canyon-like structures – creating a destination for play and exploration.

The Merit Award honors landscape architecture projects that raise professional standards, encourage public appreciation of quality design, and expand awareness of the profession. West Park was submitted in the “General Design — Constructed — Over $1,000,000 Landscape Construction Budget” category.

“The Merit Award validates our shared vision of creating spaces that spark creativity, joy, and multigenerational engagement,” CCPR Director Michael Klitzing stated in a press release.

DISPATCH

State of the Campus — Ivy Tech Community College Hamilton County will host its inaugural State of the Campus event from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 3 at The Bridgewater Club in Carmel. The event will feature Chancellor Rachel Kartz and other campus leaders as they share accomplishments, growth milestones and the vision for the future of Ivy Tech’s Hamilton County campus. The morning will feature a breakfast buffet. Tickets are $45. All event proceeds will benefit Ivy Tech Hamilton County students through the Ivy Tech Foundation. For more, visit link.ivytech.edu/IVY2025.

COMMUNITY

OneZone event features mayors

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County business leaders gathered Sept. 9 for Cocktails and Constituents, a special OneZone Chamber event that included a panel discussion with local mayors discussing their communities’ goals and challenges.

GOVERNMENT

OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell moderated the event, which featured Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, Westfield Mayor Scott Willis and Zionsville Mayor John Stehr. Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness was unable to attend because of illness.

Russell kicked off the discussion by asking the three mayors — all newly elected to their positions in fall 2024 — what it was like to start their new jobs. Finkam noted that as a previous Carmel City Councilor, walking into City Hall was a familiar feeling but at the same time was surreal. Willis said his biggest battle was the primary election, and after that he was able to focus on a smooth transition.

Stehr also won his primary and had no opponent in the general election. That said, he noted that he woke up the first day of mayor “full of piss and vinegar” and eager to get things done. He learned, with the help of other local mayors, that it can take a little time to accomplish goals. He noted that he has focused on improved communication.

“I did see in our town that there was a lack of communication between our mayor and our council, and our council

and our department heads to the mayor,” said Stehr, a former broadcast journalist. “It was kind of a mess. I looked at that, I thought, ‘Well, geez, I might be able to help with that.’”

In response to a question about leadership, Willis said his former experience as a U.S. Marine serving in combat prepared him well for the stress of elected office.

“I have to remind my staff often (if) we’re having a bad day or something on social media is not going our way, ‘Folks, nobody’s gonna’ die,’” he said. “We’re gonna’ be just fine. Take a deep breath. This will pass.”

Finkam said she focuses on using data to inform her decisions and to help the public understand them. One study showed that the public wanted to be more engaged, she said, which led to the launch of the city’s online transparency portal as well as regular opportunities for public input on different issues, big and small.

“We’re currently asking about the flower baskets — what color (do they) want for next year’s flower baskets?’” she said. “Those little things really matter because it’s their community, and they’re emotionally attached to the community. It means a lot to me for them to have a voice.”

The three mayors agreed that working together is important, because success as a region means individual cities succeed, as well. But, they agreed, each city needs to maintain their own identity.

The Sept. 9 event was the first Cocktails & Constituents event hosted by OneZone. For more about OneZone and its events, visit onezonechamber.com.

NOT GREAT EXPECTATIONS?

CCS teachers concerned about impact of ‘no zeros’ grading practice, test retakes

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

In the past several years, Carmel Clay Schools has made several changes to its grading practices, including increased test retakes and using 50 percent — rather than 0 percent — as a minimum score in middle schools, even for uncompleted work.

And many teachers are not fans.

That’s according to a survey issued in March by the Carmel Teachers’ Association, the union representing CCS educators. CTA had been considering a survey on the topic for six to eight months before it initiated one, according to CTA President Mark Wien. CTA shared the results with its 841 members — representing nearly 80 percent of CCS teachers — April 30.

Of the 275 respondents, 28.4 percent are elementary school teachers, 38.2 percent are middle school teachers and 33.5 percent are high school teachers. The grading practices the respondents found most alarming primarily affect middle and high school students.

Concerns about the grading systems include confusion for students and parents, failure to prepare students for the next level of education and creation of a “never-ending grading black hole” for teachers, according to a CTA member who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution for speaking publicly.

Other CCS teachers, who also asked not to be identified, voiced similar concerns to Current.

“We need to raise the expectations to the excellence that CCS is known for, or it will soon be going away,” the CTA member said.

CCS did not gather feedback from teachers before implementing the grading changes, the CTA member said. And the teacher is aware of “little to no meaningful dialogue” with CCS administrators regarding the survey findings. CCS administrators declined to respond directly to questions about these allegations.

The survey asked teachers to rate several aspects of the policies on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score. The results show that:

• 67 percent ranked the policies at a 1 or 2 for encouraging student accountability and responsibility for their

Survey question: The CCS grading policies encourage student accountability and responsibility for their learning.

learning. Less than 3 percent ranked it a 5.

• 6 percent gave a top ranking for policies supporting a fair and accurate assessment of learning (30 percent ranked it a 4 or 5)

• 6 percent of teachers gave a top ranking for the policies aligning with best practices (24 percent ranked it a 4 or 5)

• 55 percent of respondents ranked the policies at a 1 or 2 for providing clear guidelines for assessing student progress

• 57 percent ranked parents’ and students’ understanding of how grades are determined at a 1 or 2

Respondents gave higher rankings to the policies effectively supporting students who need additional academic assistance.

The survey also asked several open-ended questions about the policies. Many teachers took issue with CCS promoting test retakes.

“Students are not preparing for assessments and walk in expecting a retake which obviously creates a lot of problems,” one response stated. “Homework is worth nothing or very little depending on the subject/department and so the homework

that is meant to practice a skill is not happening and that shows on assessments. Additionally, the bad life habits and skills associated with these policies have made student behavior and management difficult and not something for us to be proud of.”

Some educators praised the retake

policy.

“I love that students can retake tests,” stated a response. “In my opinion, this focuses on mastery of the content and learning that students have the ability to redo something if they aren’t successful the first time.”

When asked what they like about the middle school policy of not giving 0 percent grades, one-third of respondents answered with “nothing” or a similar word or phrase. Many others responded with N/A or stated that they teach at other grade levels.

Other answers to the question included that the district’s “ultimate focus should be mastery of a subject/topic” instead of teaching to a test, that an F isn’t weighted more than other grades and that “grade inflation keeps parents happy.”

When asked for comment about the survey, Wien, a Carmel High School teacher, stated that the organization listens to teachers’ concerns and works with them and administrators to facilitate discussions and make improvements.

“This grading survey is just one example of how the CTA operates,” Wien stated. “The CTA used the results of this survey to begin discussions at the building level to ensure that our grading policies are in

Continued on Page 19

CCS, CTA ISSUES STATEMENT ON GRADING PRACTICES

and achievement scores reflect that commitment.

issued a joint statement to Current regarding the district’s grading practices.

“Carmel Clay Schools’ students consistently achieve at the highest levels in the state, earning top ILEARN scores and placing in the top 1% on SAT and ACT exams. This success reflects the dedication and expertise of our teachers and staff, who continually reflect, adapt, and grow.

“The refinement of grading practices is an ongoing process. As education experts learn and best practices evolve, we adapt. Our goal remains to provide top-tier educational excellence in the nation, and our student growth

“While this shift in grading practices has raised some questions, we remain committed to supporting strong academic growth. The goal is for students to demonstrate mastery of a subject — this is our shared priority. Surveys like this one help identify where additional support, clarification, or improvement may be needed. Building and district-level administrators are working together to address the concerns brought forth by teachers in the survey.

“Our focus remains on working together to ensure grading practices support both academic growth and continued excellence for all students.”

COVER STORY

Continued from Page 18

the best interests of students. The CTA will continue to work on this as well as dozens of other items this year to provide administration with all of the information they need so they can make decisions that support every stakeholder in the district.”

CCS officials declined an interview and did not respond to questions submitted by Current. Instead, CCS Supt. Thomas Oestreich and Wien issued a joint statement highlighting student achievement and outlining the process for refining grading practices. See the full statement on page 18.

The CCS school board did not respond to a request for comment.

At the November 2024 school board meeting, reasons given for the changes to the grading policies included removing disproportional weight given to failed assignments (any score 59 percent or below on a 0 to 100 grading scale) and encouraging students to continue work to understand a topic rather than giving up.

More than 200 survey respondents offered suggestions for improving CCS grading policies. Several recommended getting rid of the “no zeros” policy. Others focused on emphasizing responsibility.

“We need to raise the expectations to the excellence that CCS is known for, or it will soon be going away.”

– CTA MEMBER

“Teach the students accountability,” one response stated. “Deadlines are a real thing. Students who bust their tails to study for assessments and turn things in on time should not feel slighted because students who turn things in when they get to it end up with the same grade they do. It starts to diminish their work ethic.”

Another response encouraged more input from educators.

“Give teachers more freedom to determine the best ways to assess students’ understanding,” it stated. “They know their content, courses and students best.”

ON THE COVER: Many Carmel Clay Schools teachers have concerns about some of the district’s grading practices, including a minimum score of 50 percent in middle schools. (Photo Illustration by Zach Ross

BENEFITS, DRAWBACKS OF CARMEL’S GRADING SYSTEM

Carmel Clay Schools isn’t the only district that has reset minimum grades to 50 percent and encouraged test retakes.

These types of grading systems can be effective when implemented with clear guidelines and communication with teachers and parents, according to James Damico, a professor at Indiana University whose specialities include curriculum and instruction.

Damico listed the following benefits and drawbacks:

BENEFITS:

• Improving motivation, reducing hopelessness: Getting zeros can doom a student’s grade, making recovery nearly impossible, but a 50 percent keeps them in the game.

• Emphasizing mastery: The movement toward “standards-based grading” highlights multiple opportunities to demonstrate learning. It’s the idea that retakes/redos are a better way to measure what students know over time rather than on a single test day.

• Closer alignment with actual knowledge: Similar to above, grades should reflect achievement of learning goals and mastery-oriented systems help achieve that.

DRAWBACKS:

• Teacher workload: policies allowing unlimited retakes or late work can significantly increase grading demands, especially without structured limits.

• Concerns about accountability: Some people worry these systems may reduce student responsibility.

• Implementation challenges: inconsistent implementation can undermine both teacher buy-in and student motivation.

County earns health honor

news@currentnoblesville.com

The Wellness Council of Indiana has designated Hamilton County as an Indiana Healthy Community.

RECOGNITION

Hamilton County was formally recognized at the 2025 Indiana Wellness Summit Sept. 11.

Riverview Health Director of Marketing and Communications Jason Kaufmann said the recognition honors the county’s commitment to improving the health and quality of life for its residents.

“This designation is a testament to a collaborative, evidence-based process that helps communities build a culture of wellbeing to promote economic vitality,” Kaufmann stated.

Kaufmann said a coalition of local stakeholders led by Riverview Health facil-

itated the achievement. The group, which includes A Healthier Hamilton County: Systems of Care; Aspire Indiana Health; Hamilton County Community Foundation; Hamilton County Health Department; Hamilton County Parks and Recreation; and Invest Hamilton County, worked together to complete a comprehensive community assessment.

Danielle Stiles-Polk, president of the Hamilton County Community Foundation, said the foundation is proud to be among the partners that helped secure the certification.

“This recognition affirms our shared commitment to creating a high quality of life where every resident has the opportunity to thrive,” Stiles-Polk stated.

To learn more about Indiana Healthy Communities, contact Chelsie Jaramillo at cjaramillo@indianachamber.com.

Eyeing healthy eating habits

Commentary by Dr. Angeline McLean

Being well fed does not necessarily correlate with being well nourished. Emerging evidence shows plant foods, by providing potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, are key in supporting better eye health.

VISION

These anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents protect against cellular damage that results in the development of some common eye conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and dry eye.

Pigments imparting fruits and vegetables with their bright colors, known as carotenoids, and vitamins A, C, E, and D, have been attributed to improved eye health and vision.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids found in abundance in spinach and kale, absorb short wave-length light, protecting the retina from the damaging effects of UV radiation and blue light. Having higher amounts of these substances in the retina can reduce the risk of developing advanced macular degeneration. Additionally, their light filtering properties can enhance vision by reducing glare and improving contrast sensitivity, a benefit in dim lighting situations.

Anthocyanin, another carotenoid found in blueberries and strawberries, has potent anti-inflammatory properties and promotes

blood flow to the retina.

Astaxanthin, found in algae and responsible for the pink color of salmon, has been shown to lower intra ocular pressure which can be of benefit in glaucoma.

Vitamins A, C and E are powerful antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that promote and regulate retinal health.

Vitamin C has additional importance as it plays a role in preventing the accumulation of waste products in the retina and loss of retinal cells.

Vitamin D contributes to the regulation and production of tears and supplementation has been found to be beneficial to individuals suffering from dry eye.

It’s never too late to start a path toward healthier eating habits. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients supplying the necessary agents to protect against disease development.

Adding plant foods to your diet is a simple but effective means to improving not only your overall health, but your eye health too.

Dr. Angeline McLean has been with Revolution EYES since March 2024. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed her residency at Indiana University, where she also served as adjunct faculty. She has been practicing primary care optometry in the Indianapolis area for 20 years.

Blueprint for Improvement: Carmel remodel elevates curb appeal

Commentary by Larry Greene

In Carmel’s Woodfield subdivision, this exterior remodel delivers timeless design and practical improvements, resulting in an entry that elevates curb appeal and long-term value.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Replaced a single front door with elegant double doors, adding symmetry and curb appeal.

• Constructed a covered porch with classic columns, delivering architectural interest and shelter.

• Installed decorative railings for safety and style.

• Introduced tiered stone steps to create a more welcoming approach.

• Refreshed landscaping with potted greenery and accent plantings for year-round appeal.

• Updated lighting and finishes to highlight the entry’s new focal point.

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

Before After

Gala co-chairs embrace Allied Solutions Center’s educational mission

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

When David Greene asked his wife, Annette, to join him on the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts steering committee for the Center Celebration three years ago, she was reluctant.

David said the gala might be too “hoity-toity” for her but she became enamored with Center’s mission of bringing the arts to everyone.”

The sold-out Center Celebration 2025 presented by Ice Miller is set for Sept. 20 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium.

David and Annette are serving their first year as the event’s co-chairs while fellow Carmel residents Caroline and Michael Garvey are in the second year as co-chairs.

“One of my favorite parts of the mission is bringing music enrichment to the schools that maybe don’t have a music program,” said Annette, a certified clinical medical assistant for Northwest Radiology. “Music was an important part of my growing up and kind of helped me make friends. I think it’s important to introduce your kids to music. I’m trying to educate people and our kids that the Center is not this big fancy building where only the elite go. Anybody can go and attend and see a great concert or benefit from any of the outreach programs that they offer.”

David, who retired as region president for First Merchants Bank at the end of 2024, got involved when then First Merchants President and CEO Michael Rechin became a Center board member.

“While he was on the board, he had the bank sign up for a program where we were the sponsors for the cocktail reception for the gala,” David said.

David has been on the steering committee for the last 10 years, helping raise money by filling tables for the gala.

David said they enjoy bringing out-of-

town visitors to the Center.

“We’ve seen Ben Folds, Sting, Dave Koz and Christmas shows,” he said. Programs supported by gala proceeds include the Peanut Butter & Jam performance series for families with young children; the Prism Project, a performing arts summer camp for youth with disabilities; free matinee performances and science presentations for school groups; a donor-funded Transportation Grant Program that reimburses transportation costs for school groups attending events; and arts classes for adults, including vocal music, songwriting, two levels of stand-up comedy instruction and three levels of ukulele instruction.

The gala revenue is generated through table reservations, corporate partnerships, direct donations and the auction for prize packages including luxury getaways and VIP professional sports experiences, donated by Allied Solutions Center supporters.

The Garveys have supported the gala for the past three years as after-party sponsors or table hosts. Michael is chief financial officer for SC Bodner Co. in Carmel, and Caroline is an Emmy Award-winning journalist familiar to Indianapolis-area TV viewers as evening news anchor

Caroline Thau.

This year’s Center Celebration features Richard Marx as the headliner.

“First, we’re so fortunate to have Michael Feinstein as our artistic director, because our supporters always love to see him and we know his opening performance will start the evening with style,” Allied Solutions Center President and CEO Jeffrey McDermott said.

McDermott said a lot of thought goes into selecting the headline performer.

“We want to create a ‘wow’ factor for our guests, but we don’t want to break the bank, because the event is a fundraiser,” he said. “It’s also important to find someone who has multigenerational appeal and can create a fun atmosphere that is still appropriate for a black-tie event. And obviously it needs to be an artist who is available on a specific date and not busy with a tour or a stage production. We’ve had wonderful experiences in the past with artists like Chris Botti, Straight No Chaser, Amy Grant and Chris Isaak, and I think we made a great choice again this year with Richard Marx, who has sold out the hall twice before and delivers a really entertaining performance with broad appeal.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘HEARTBREAK HOTEL’

“Heartbreak Hotel” runs through Oct. 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“I Want My 80s! A Totally Tubular Party!” is set for Sept. 18, followed by Dueling Pianos Sept. 19 and then club namesake Michael Feinstein Sept. 21-22 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘BEEHIVE’

Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Beehive,” featuring music from the 1960s, runs through Sept. 21 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org.

‘TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD’

The Carmel Community Players production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” runs through Sept. 21 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.

DISPATCHES

Carmel PorchFest set for Sept. 21 — CarmelPorchFest, which will feature more than 60 musical acts, is set for noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 21. Performers include garage bands, jazz, acoustic folk groups and brass ensembles. The free porch concerts are on 1st and 2nd Avenue NW between 1st Street NW and 6th Street NW in downtown Carmel, near the Carmel Arts & Design District. For more, visit carmelporchfest.org.

Heartland Film trailer parties set — There will be two Heartland International Film Festival film trailer parties. The first is at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Basile Event Center at the Heartland Film Headquarters in Indianapolis with free Hotbox Pizza. The second is at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Indianapolis with free popcorn. Admission is free but registration is required at tickets.heartlandfilm. org/trailerwatchparty. The festival is set for Oct. 9-19.

SEPTEMBER 5 - 21

CARS, CROWDS FILL ARTS & DESIGN DISTRICT FOR ARTOMOBILIA

A variety of classic, unique and high-performance vehicles filled downtown Carmel Sept. 6 for the annual Artomobilia. The cars on display primarily lined Range Line Road and Main Street in the Carmel Arts & Design District. Learn more at Artomobilia.org.

CHS freshman plays ‘mean’ role

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School freshman Zaylee Jaliwala must embrace a role that is definitely out of character.

MUSICAL

Jaliwala plays Kaylee in Footlite Musicals’ presentation of “The Prom,” which runs Sept. 19 to Oct. 5 at Hedback Theatre in Indianapolis. The story centers on a fictional Indiana high school that bans a lesbian student from taking her girlfriend to the prom. Four Broadway actors come to support the banned student.

that meanness has been a challenge for me. Whenever I need inspiration, I channel my inner Regina George, the ultimate mean girl (from the ‘Mean Girls’ movie).”

Jaliwala said she was familiar with the show prior to auditioning.

“I’m playing the popular cheerleader/high school bully role,” Jaliwala said. “I’m not naturally a mean person, so bringing out

“I think it sends a great message, and I am very happy to be a part of it,” she said.

Jaliwala has been acting since she was 8 years old.

“‘The Prom’ is my second fulllength production, but I’ve been in more than 30 other shows, primarily junior versions of musicals and plays,” she said. “This show is my first one working with a mostly adult cast.”

For more, visit footlite.org.

2 & 3 Dimensional

Kristi Abbott

David Abrahamson

Eric Beauchamp

Faith Blackwell

Steve Cambronne

Amy Ferguson

Mel Fleck

Robin Frost-Bess

Ila Catherine Hofacker

Lou Hill

Amanda McGee

Jin Powell

Marie Rust

Kathy Sheldon

Anthony Slichenmyer

Ken Wilson

TO OUR TALENTED ARTISTS!

Ceramics

Judy DeGan

Savannah Jacob

Tanya Leslie

Brian Moore

Naomi Nickerson

Stephanie Pierson-Hutson

Tim Peters

Michelle Stroud

Kaname Takada

Kathy Veverka

Colleen Williams

Jewelry

Carol Bryan

Claudia Carreon

JD Davison

Mark Grosser

Amy Johnson

Kurt Kerem Kabatas

Joseph Lee

Katherine Likos

Mark Lisota

Christian Nevin

Mark Slaven

Larry Spears

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

Fiber

Jennifer Akese-Burney

Grant Anderson

Andres Arango

Ruby Ballard-Harris

Sierra Cole

Joel Fremion

Laura Gutzwiller

Nina Harris

Elizabeth Holliday

Jennifer Krcic

Rosalyn Manurung

Irena Saparnis

Steven Ward

Marzena Weber

Yuliya & Ari Wolf

Christine Young

CSO League features Dueling Pianos

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

A decade ago, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra League had 50-plus members. That number has dwindled over time, so the CSO League is seeking new members.

FUNDRAISER

“We have 32 members but we’re all up there in age,” said Pat Killen, the group’s membership director. “We want to get awareness in the community that we’re there.”

To raise funds and awareness, the CSO League will hold a fundraiser featuring Dueling Pianos with Frank Bradford and The Key Players Oct. 9 at Woodland Country Club in Carmel. The cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner and entertainment at 7 p.m.

CSO League President Barbara Crawford said membership has shrunk with older members moving away or not being in good health.

The CSO League supports the orchestra members in various ways, including supplying refreshments during rehearsals on concert dates. Crawford said her organization raises funds to support the educational mission of Carmel Symphony Orchestra. The CSO League also promotes ticket sales for the event.

“It’s a very special group,” Crawford said. “The league is just a bunch of really nice ladies. We enjoy each other and when things come for the symphony. We love to do anything we can to support them.”

Killen moved from the north side of Indianapolis to Carmel about 25 years ago.

“I’ve met so many nice people that I wouldn’t have known otherwise because most have been in Carmel forever,” Killen said.

Dues are $40 for members. The group meets the first Tuesday each month at the Carmel City Hall.

For tickets, visit our.show/pianokeyplayers. For membership inquiries, contact killentime1@yahoo.com.

A wave of sports history Walking away is sign of strength

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

In a culture that often rewards the loudest voice and the sharpest jab, choosing to walk away without the desire to harm, punish, or embarrass is not weakness

— it’s radical strength.

Project Civility teaches us that disagreement is inevitable. But what follows disagreement is a choice. Do we escalate? Do we shame? Or do we model a different kind of courage — the kind that refuses to let tribalism dictate our behavior?

Walking away isn’t a sign of defeat — it’s a deliberate choice to protect what matters most. Rather than allowing disagreement to harden into hostility, this act draws a boundary that honors both self-respect and mutual humanity.

To step back is to affirm that dignity — ours and theirs — is worth more than the fleeting satisfaction of being right. It’s a quiet act of resistance against the impulse

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2025-00185 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 29th day of September, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Front building setback line to be reduced from 10’ per the Silvara PUD, Section 5.2&6.1 and UDO Section 5.02(B) to 3’ for Blocks R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 in the Re-plat of Block R in Jackson’s Grant on Williams Creek, Section 8 as recorded as Instrument #2025017981.

Rear building setback line to be reduced from 5’ per the Silvara PUD, Section 5.2&6.1 and UDO Section 5.02(B) to 0’ for Blocks R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 in the Re-plat of Block R in Jackson’s Grant on Williams Creek, Section 8 as recorded as Instrument #2025017981.

With the property being known as 611 through 639 Exmoor Drive, Carmel, IN 46032.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00185 V.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Blocks R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 in the Re-plat of Block R in Jackson’s Grant on Williams Creek, Section 8 as recorded as Instrument #2025017981

The petition may be examined at the Office of the BZA (Carmel Dept. of Community Services) or on Public Documents - Laserfiche online.

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.

Doug Wagner – Jackson’s Grant Real Estate Co., LLC

PETITIONERS

to retaliate, a refusal to let conflict dictate character. In that silence, there’s strength. In that restraint, a kind of rebellion. And in that decision, the possibility of peace.

This belief isn’t just aspirational. It’s actionable. It’s what we teach our children when we say, “Be kind, even when it’s hard.” It’s what we hope for in our leaders.

And it’s what we must practice in our neighborhoods, our city council meetings, and yes — even in the comment sections.

Civility isn’t about being nice. It’s about being principled. And sometimes, the most principled thing we can do is to walk away — not in silence, but in strength.

Jeff Worrell is a Carmel City Council member and a civility proponent. To contact him, you may email jeff4civility@ gmail.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2025-00175

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 29 day of September, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

The Property owner is seeking a zoning variance to allow for the installation of a plunge pool, pergola and permeable paver pool deck. They are seeking approval for a 52% lot cover with the current maximum being 45%.

With the property being known as 130 1ST ST NW, CARMEL, IN, 46032. 16-09-25-12-01032.000

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00175

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:

16-09-25-12-01-016.000

16-09-25-12-01-017.000

16-09-25-12-01-018.000

16-09-25-12-01-022.000

16-09-25-12-01-022.800

16-09-25-12-01-031.000

16-09-25-12-01-034.000

16-09-25-12-01-035.000

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.

Rob Shea

Chris Diasio

PETITIONERS

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

I’m a big baseball fan, and recently I met my old friend Howard in Chicago to see the Cubs play the Astros. While we were sitting there, we witnessed what has been dubbed “The Wave,” a coordinated crowd movement in which fans stand and raise their arms in sequence, creating a rippling, cascading effect across the stadium, either vertically or horizontally. While we witnessed these phenomena, Howard put down his Chicago-style hot dog, turned to me and said, “Robb Weller invented The Wave.”

HUMOR

I worked with Weller on TV in Ohio, and our TV careers crossed paths in Chicago and New York. Here’s the story. Robb was once known as the hippie cheerleader at his alma mater, the University of Washington, because in the ‘70s, in that role, he sported a beard and long hair. Weller was the yell leader. The yell leader hypes the crowd with various cheers that energize the entire stadium. Weller’s cheers were a little wild and goofy, but he brilliantly controlled the chaos. In 1971, he choreographed an early version of The Wave, but it wasn’t until 10 years later that his idea crested.

By 1981, on his way to a successful TV career, Weller accepted an invitation from the same band leader he had worked with a decade earlier to return to his alma mater and recreate his initial concept.

In the game, the future Hall of Famer John Elway was the quarterback for Stanford. The Cardinal were clear favorites to beat Weller’s team, the Huskies. No one at the event had ever seen, much less performed, The Wave, but he somehow engineered a revival, this time running along the sidelines, encouraging the crowds to rise and fall in sequence as close to one person at a time as possible.

During the frenzy, Weller’s team scored two touchdowns in under two minutes.

“Why did The Wave catch on? Dozens of stadiums, pro and collegiate, started doing it. Virtually every sport. It was even seen at the Olympics.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

Weller was encouraged to do The Wave once again, but this time it wasn’t just the students who complied; the entire stadium joined in. Elway was baffled.

The rest isn’t just history, but a mystery. Why did The Wave catch on? Dozens of stadiums, pro and collegiate, started doing it. Virtually every sport. It was even seen at the Olympics.

“Fans want to be part of the game,” Weller said. “They want interaction. Getting up to use the bathroom or get a hot dog is not enough.”

By the way, the first time you experience The Wave, it can be quite stunning when you see it headed in your direction. There is some controversy about the origin of The Wave. Others claimed to have created this worldwide phenomenon before Weller, but most of these assertions have little factual foundation or are based on concepts that resemble a form of whack-a-mole, where people stand up in groups. That’s not what it is supposed to look like.

Wave goodbye to those impostors.

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LIFESTYLE

Across

1. Sentry’s command

5. Writer Sinclair

10. Took an IndyGo bus

14. Indianapolis Opera solo

15. Butler honor: ___ cum laude

16. Tortoise racer

17. Elvis Presley musical (now through Oct. 12)

20. Indiana Basketball Hall

of Famer who became a national ski champ: ___ Folk

George

21. Requiring help

22. Possesses

23. LBJ’s successor

25. Shortage

29. Offshore

31. Part of NIMBY

34. Wide shoe size

35. Traders Point Creamery

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2025-00176 V; PZ-2025-00177 V; PZ-2025-00178 V; PZ-2025-00181 V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 29th day of September, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: Seek approval for construction of a two-car detached garage.

Maximum 35% lot cover allowed, 45% requested.

Minimum side yard setback of 10-ft easement plus 3-ft required; 3-ft encroachment requested.

Maximum 24’ x 30’ accessory structure allowed, 25’ x 39’ requested.

Maximum 18’ tall accessory structure allowed, 22’ height requested.

With the property being known as: 13727 Smokey Ridge Drive, Carmel, IN 46033.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00176 V; PZ-2025-00177 V; PZ-202500178 V; PZ-2025-00181 V.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 16-10-19-00-03-003.000

The petition may be examined at the Office of the BZA (Carmel Dept. of Community Services) or on Public Documents - Laserfiche online.

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.

Michelle and Jason Krcmery

PETITIONERS

critter

37. Old hat

41. Where to see 17- and

65-Across

44. Current headlines style

45. Neighbor of N.Y. and Minn.

46. Hoosier Motor Club letters

47. Pacers’ easy win

49. Restaurant review site

53. “Finally!”

57. Chao Vietnamese Street

Food soup

59. Scot’s denial

60. Hansel’s sister

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2025-00186V, PZ-2025-00187V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 29 day of September, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

We are requesting a variance of the lot coverage of 61% instead of the approved lot coverage of 45%.

We are requesting a variance for the garage front face setback to allow for a 10-ft setback instead of the approved 15-ft setback.

With the property being known as 120 3RD ST NW, CARMEL, IN, 46032.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00186V, PZ-2025-00187V.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 16-09-25-12-01-007.000

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.

Greg Monsey PETITIONERS

63. Parishioner’s pledge 65. Dickens holiday story (Dec. 5-22)

69. Dragon’s breath

70. Clumsy oafs

71. Cherry Wood Stables mom

72. Four six-packs

73. Church recesses

74. Drove too fast on I-69

Down

1. “Very funny!”

2. Fishers Event Center and Nicoson Hall, e.g.

3. Serve as a go-between

4. Artisan Bakery & Pastries offering

5. PC port

6. Big name in pet food

7. US Treasury agents

8. Mideast nation

9. Opposite of well-dressed?

10. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” spinoff

11. Muffin grain

12. Dr. of rap

13. Sushi fish

18. US 31 paving goo

19. “___ Haw”

24. Sinatra song that begins “And now the end is near”

26. No longer working (Abbr.)

27. Wood Wind Golf Course pegs

28. Mellencamp lyric: “Independence would daydream

and ___ pretend that some day...”

30. Got an A+ on

32. Indiana State Fair cowboy competition

33. Do some voice work

36. Frequently, to James Whitcomb Riley

38. Cornerstone Dentistry concern

39. Ex-Indiana US Senator Quayle

40. Like some Indy Film Fest indie films

41. Geist marina sight

42. Israeli airline

WFYI news inits.

44. Sheep bleat 48. Burning the midnight oil

Snare

Pakistani city 52. Removed the skin

Concur

___ Lanka

56. Castleton car dealer

58. Non-Rx

61. Sports car roof

62. Outback birds

64. Big name in pet food

65. Colts’ org.

66. Snoop grp. 67. Timecard abbr.

68. Leak sound

Answers on Page 27

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