September 2, 2025 — Current in Carmel

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Carmel-based Merchants Bank, Indiana athletics announce 20-year, $50 million football naming rights partnership / P17

Parents raise concerns about Mohawk Trails / P3

Book your event

CCS bus drivers balk at proposed pay increase / P5

“Beehive” musical to run in Carmel in September / P24 Carmel teens find their niche in rowing / P18

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Tuesday - Friday 4:00 - 5:30 PM

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Mohawk Trails parents express concerns to CCS

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

During the Aug. 25 Carmel Clay Schools Board meeting, several parents of students at Mohawk Trails Elementary School raised concerns that Mohawk Trails is being left behind as the school corporation makes improvements to other facilities in the district.

EDUCATION

Parents’ concerns included the parking lot, the condition of the furniture and carpet at the school and maintenance issues they said have been ignored.

Several complaints also were made about the condition of the playground and the open-concept library, which some parents said is unsafe in the event of a security situation at the school, such as an active shooter.

Mohawk Trails parent Casandra Nelson highlighted the concerns.

“As parents, we see firsthand where improvements are urgently needed,” she said. “Our library is still open and exposed, raising safety concerns. There is playground equipment that is rusting and potentially dangerous to students. Classroom furniture is worn and in need of replacement.”

Another parent, Tom Staley, said that safety drills conducted at the school can get children into a safe place in 30 seconds if there is an active shooter at the school. Staley demonstrated how long 30 seconds can be by remaining silent for 30 seconds of his allotted speaking time.

“My 5-year-old, my 9-year-old, my 10-year-old … did they make it? That’s my concern,” Staley said.

Some parents noted renovations scheduled for Smoky Row Elementary as highlighted in the July 28 board meeting. Smoky Row is slated to receive $32.5

million in renovations during the 2026-27 school year. Money also is being spent on renovations at other facilities at a total cost of $63 million.

The school board prepared a series of slides that illustrated how, when and why it conducted its long-term facility planning.

In the presentation, CCS stated that it assumes a facility will need a major renovation every 34 to 37 years and a midcycle renovation every 17-18 years with the acknowledgement that facilities can become “physically or programmatically obsolete”.

The presentation also stated that “a feast or famine approach, whereby facility needs are deferred or ignored, is more costly to taxpayers and not fair to children.” It also emphasized that “a level tax rate for facility needs is fair to taxpayers and reflects responsible care of the taxpayers’ assets.”

Specific to Mohawk Trails, the presentation compared Smoky Row, Cherry Tree Elementary and Woodbrook Elementary, a school similar in age to Mohawk Trails. It noted that Smoky Row opened in 1993 and has not yet had its first major renovation. Cherry Tree opened in 1989, and its first

major renovation began in 2024. Woodbrook, which opened in 1970, had its first major renovation in 1996. Mohawk Trails, which opened in 1992, had its first major renovation in 1997. CCS said Mohawk Trails and Woodbrook are due for their second major renovation in 2029.

As for the playground, CCS superintendent Thomas Oestreich said the matter is being addressed by CCS facilities staff and that he would personally follow up on the playground problem.

On the open library, when asked by the board, CCS Associate Superintendent Roger McMichael said the preliminary estimate to close the room would be $150,000 and that it could be something the district could address.

“The preliminary estimate to close that is something that we would be able to manage, yes,” McMichael said.

The discussion on facilities was not part of the action portion of the board meeting so no immediate action was taken by the board.

The next school board meeting is 6 p.m. Sept. 8.

1st on Main nominated for Monumental Award

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Carmel’s 1st on Main development has been nominated for the Monumental Award in Real Estate Development.

HONORS

The award will be presented by the Indy Chamber Oct. 22 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Monumental Awards celebrate the region’s most noteworthy contributions to the “built environment” or human-made surroundings that provide a framework for

activities, according to the Indy Chamber.

The Awards recognize excellence in architecture, construction, engineering, innovative reuse, interior design, landscape architecture, neighborhood revitalization, public art and real estate development.

1st on Main is a mixed-use development in the heart of Carmel’s Arts & Design District, delivered through a public-private partnership between the Carmel Redevelopment Commission and Lauth Group, Inc.

The $45 million project includes office

space, luxury condominiums, upscale apartments, public art, a central plaza and structured public parking.

Since completion, City of Carmel officials said the site’s assessed value rose nearly 1,490 percent and the office and apartments components are fully leased.

Carmel has won eight Monumental Awards since 2020. Monon Boulevard and the Proscenium previously won Real Estate Development awards in 2020 and 2023, respectively.

About us

Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 41

Copyright 2023

Current Publishing, LLC

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525 North End Dr. Ste. 175 Carmel, IN 46032 317.489.4444

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Bus drivers raise concern about pay raise at CCS board meeting

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

Carmel Clay Schools bus drivers raised concern about a proposed 2 percent pay increase for the 2025-26 school year and claimed that CCS did not communicate with them about their compensation.

SCHOOL

Several bus drivers spoke during the public comment portion of the Aug. 25 CCS school board meeting. The board was set to vote on the compensation proposal during the meeting but tabled the proposal until the next board meeting.

the schools’ board of trustees are no longer meaningful, may be inconvenient and should be discarded.”

Roger McMichael, associate superintendent at CCS, said the 2 percent pay increase was consistent with pay raises for other non-teaching positions for the 2025-26 school year.

The CCS proposal called for the 2 percent pay increase, plus increment pay for daily rates and hourly schedules. It also proposed to replace minimum hours paid with a stipend, which equals the previous hourly minimums.

Bus drivers and teachers are the only employees within CCS who negotiate their own pay. Some of the drivers said the proposal was being forced upon them.

“As of today, some administrators will be proposing to the board a salary adjustment for the drivers that has not been approved or agreed upon by the (Carmel Clay Schools) Bus Drivers Association,” said Russ Harris, treasurer of the CCS Bus Drivers Association. “By taking the action, the administrators are suggesting that the long-standing agreements between the bus drivers and associations and

CCS Superintendent Thomas Oestreich echoed the sentiment.

“We are recommending that our bus drivers receive the same increase as all of our other employees,” Oestreich said. “We are committed to the meet and discuss process. We’re committed to that collaborative process.”

$60.41 per tier.

CCS contends that the total is consistent with the $50 previously added daily for three-tier drivers and also with work time spent on the third route. Some bus drivers disagree, insisting that they should be compensated the same average for each tier.

McMichael said that there has been communication with bus drivers. He said that the counterproposal made by bus drivers was a 15 percent compensation increase, although he noted that it was likely a flexible negotiating number. Compensation paid per tier, or number of bus routes driven, is one source of disagreement. Until the early 2020s, McMichael said that most CCS routes were two-tier, but when CCS changed to a majority three-tier system, $50 of compensation was added daily for bus drivers who had a third route.

In the CCS proposal, the total compensation for two tiers at the lowest pay grade is $130.25 per day, and the average compensation is $65.12 per tier. The three-tier compensation at the lowest pay grade is $181.25 daily and

CCS board member Kristina Wheeler noted the difficulty in giving one group a larger pay increase than other groups.

“I think that it’s really hard when we have already made the decision to give others a 2 percent (raise) to try and try to give our bus drivers more,” Wheeler said. “Maybe we shouldn’t have split it up that way, and I’ll certainly think about that next year, but I can’t get that toothpaste back in the tube. The only other kind of daily rate (paid to CCS employees) I’m aware of is substitute teachers, which I think is still $85 a day. And when I look at $85 a day for a substitute teacher working about seven hours and a bus driver making $130 to $180 (per day), for maybe four-and-a-half hours.

“It’s hard for me when I get asked by substitute teachers why they don’t get paid more.”

Bus drivers at the school board meeting suggested that the compensation proposal be delayed to allow time for more discussion with the school district.

The board unanimously voted to table the bus driver compensation proposal until the next school board meeting. The next meeting is 6 p.m. on Sept. 8 .

Carmel resident, Lucas Oil’s Forrest Lucas dies at 83

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

Forrest Lucas, a Carmel resident and founder of Lucas Oil Products, died Aug. 23 at age 83. Lucas Oil Products announced Lucas’s death on its social media accounts. His cause of death was not announced. He grew up in poverty in southern Indiana, but became a multi-millionaire as an adult. His career began in the trucking industry, and he later founded Lucas Oil Products, which manufactures oil additives sold worldwide.

IN MEMORIAM

Long interested in the chemistry of the oil that went into his trucks, Lucas worked with chemists to develop additives that would help deliver better reliability to engines.

Lucas Oil Products was founded in 1988 by Lucas and his wife, Charlotte Lucas. In 1989, Lucas Lines was dissolved as Lucas focused on his oil additive business. The company was originally headquartered in California but relocated to Indianapolis in 2024.

Lucas Oil is also known for the naming rights agreement it has with the Indianapolis Colts. The company entered a 20-year, $120 million agreement in 2006 for naming rights to the Colts’ retractable roof stadium. Lucas Oil Stadium opened in 2008.

“Our memories with Forrest and his family go back a long way, and we have cherished every moment of our business partnership as well as our personal relationship,” stated Indianapolis Colts co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon on the Indianapolis Colts X account.

“And, of course, our dad had a special relationship with Forrest, and we know he is awaiting him with open arms,” Irsay-Gordon added, referencing the death of her father, the late Colts owner Jim Irsay, in May.

Lucas purchased the former Stephen Hilbert estate on 116th Street in Carmel in 2010. The 70-acre property includes a 25,000-square foot mansion and hosts private and charitable events.

By the time he arrived in Carmel, Lucas was a self-made millionaire, estimated by Economic Times to be worth $500 million.

Lucas was born on Feb. 1, 1942, in Ramsey in Harrison County. He grew up on a farm near Elkinsville in Brown County.

Lucas began his career as a truck driver. In 1963, he signed a contract with Mayflower Transit Company and his trucking career began.

His trucking enterprise developed into Lucas Lines – which would eventually carry freight to all 48 states when the industry was deregulated in 1980. Semi-trucks were prone to breakdowns in adverse weather conditions, and it led to Lucas developing Lucas Oil Products.

Lucas had an interest in sports, particularly motorsports. Lucas Oil has sponsored, bought naming rights or owned race series and venues and it had its own cable channel that produced and broadcasted racing-related events.

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Forrest Lucas. Forrest and the Lucas Oil company have long been deeply rooted in NHRA drag racing. A true visionary in the sport, he will be greatly missed. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” stated the National Hot Road Association on X.

Lucas’s endeavors went beyond oil products and his interest in motorsports. In 2000, he founded Lucas Cattle Company, based at a ranch he owned in ranch in Cross Timbers, Mo., which spans over 16,000 acres across three counties, according to its corporate website.

In 2011, Lucas founded Protect The Harvest, an advocacy group that sought to protect the agricultural industry. On its website, before the organization ceased operations in 2024, it stated that its mission included staying “up-to-date about the activities of animal extremist groups, anti-agriculture groups, and other organizations threatening agriculture, animal welfare, and our traditions and way of life.”

Lucas also founded Forrest Films, a film production company, in 2018. The company has produced eight films.

Lucas stepped down as Lucas Oil CEO in 2023, transitioning to becoming chairman. In 2024, Forrest Lucas’s son, Morgan Lucas, was named CEO of Lucas Oil. Katie Lucas, daughter-in-law of Forrest Lucas and Morgan’s wife, was named president of the company.

Lucas is survived by his wife Charlotte, whom he married in 1982, and seven children. Arrangements have not been announced as of publication of this story.

Commissioners OK road plan, mitigation plan contract

By Jessica Todd jessica@youarrecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Commissioners approved a supplemental agreement for the 146th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway

Interchange and a contract and addendum for the Hamilton County multihazard mitigation plan at its Aug. 25 meeting. The next meeting is at 1:45 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in Noblesville, 1 N. 8th St.

What happened: The commissioners approved a supplemental agreement for the 146th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway interchange.

What it means: The purpose of the roadway project is to improve the efficiency, safety and level of service at the intersection. The supplemental agreement with design firm Butler, Fairman & Seufert is for $504,585, and Hamilton County Engineer Joel Thurman said the bulk of the supplement is for appraising activities for the interchange. Davis said some changes were made in the agreement to reflect feedback from a public hearing for the project.

What happened: The commissioners approved a contract and addendum for the Hamilton County multihazard mitigation plan.

What it means: Hamilton County Emergency Management Director of Operations Ryan Tennessen said the emergency management department is updating the county’s multihazard mitigation plan, which is federally required and identifies hazards and outlines actions to reduce risk and increase community resilience. Tennessen said the emergency management department has identified an external contractor, The Polis Center at IU Indianapolis, to assist with the planning processes. The cost of the contractor, $23,304, is covered by a federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, grant that the board previously approved.

What’s next: The final design process is underway. The design team is evaluating intersection options to determine which configuration best meets the goals of the project. The design costs will be funded locally, and construction will be funded locally and supplemented with state funds. What’s next: Polis will soon identify a date for a kick-off meeting to describe the overall project workflow, recommend plan participants, discuss match requirements, answer participants’ questions and provide a list of general questions needed for the plan.

New home permits increase

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The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis reported a 7 percent year-overyear increase in single-family building permits across central Indiana in July. The report — issued late last month — showed 951 new home permits were issued in July, up from 856 in July 2024. According to BAGI, the year-overyear growth reflects steady buyer interest and builder adaptability amid broader economic uncertainties like interest rate variability and inflation.

“July’s permit activity demonstrates the sustained strength and responsiveness of

central Indiana’s housing market,” stated BAGO CEO Chris Hancock. “Builders continue to approach the market with discipline — balancing supply with demand, prioritizing quality, and remaining agile amid economic and regulatory shifts.”

From January through July 2025, new home permits issued in central Indiana include 782 in Westfield; 161 in Carmel; 262 in Fishers; 326 in Noblesville; 127 in Zionsville; 389 in Whitestown; 223 in Brownsburg; 61 in Lawrence; and 990 in Indianapolis. According to BAGi, an increase in the availability of newly constructed movein ready homes has helped meet buyer demand.

Learn more at bagi.com/permits.

LOVE HOW YOU LOOK.

AED SaveStation placed in Carmel

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A new potential lifesaving device is set to be placed at Coxhall Gardens.

HEALTH

The AED SaveStation is a free-standing unit that can house a defibrillator with 24/7 access.

Carmel-based non-profit Bolt For The Heart was instrumental in getting the AED SaveStation placed at Coxhall Gardens.

The mission of Bolt For The Heart is to serve Indiana, particularly those affected by heart disease, through education, financial support and direct assistance.

now able to place these units and highly traffic areas,” Bolt For The Heart President Pierre Twer stated.

An AEDSaveStation is designed to give quick access to responders to emergency equipment such as a defibrillator. (Photo provided by Bolt For The Heart)

Through its efforts, Bolt For The Heart said it is responsible for placing 3,460 AEDs statewide for law enforcement, schools, churches and other organizations.

“With the advent of these outdoor SaveStations, which keep the AED temperature controlled in an enclosed box, we are

Twer noted that IU Health has been a “tremendous” supporter of Bolt For The Heart. He also noted the support of those who take part in the annual 5K Thanksgiving run at Carter Green have also contributed greatly to Bolt For The Heart On The SaveStation unit, the SaveStation website says, “SaveStation set out to provide equal and fair access to everyone who is in the First Aid, CPR and AED industry. The goal was to inspire a group of like like-minded individuals who all share the same goal – collectively reduce death from SCA (sudden cardiac arrest).”

The device will ensure “quick access to lifesaving technology for thousands of park visitors each year” according to literature provided by AED SaveStation.

A ribbon cutting for the AED SaveStation took place at Coxhall Gardens Aug. 28.

CCS encourages world language education

By Lauren Weidinger news@youarecurrent.com

At the end of the 2024-25 school year, Indiana high school diploma requirements changed from requiring five credits in a combination of world languages, fine arts, or career and technical education to a requirement of 12 credits of personalized electives.

SCHOOLS

The legislative process that led to the passage of the requirements raised concerns among universities, the Indiana Teachers Association and educators that foreign language education might suffer as a result.

Ramona Rice, assistant director of curriculum for Carmel Clay Schools, said she expects enrollment in world language courses in the school district to remain steady within the district.

“The (Enrollment) Honors Seal of the Indiana Diploma still requires students to get at least four credits in a world language,” Rice said. “We expect to still see a lot of

our students go for that Honors Seal, so we anticipate that a lot of our students will still want to participate in our world language program.”

Andrea Yocum, Carmel High School’s World Language Department chairperson, said pursuing a world language education is still beneficial.

“World languages give students a global perspective and also make them stand out in a competitive collegiate environment as well as in today’s job market. Learning a world language develops a student’s resilience, empathy and also problem-solving skills,” Yocum said.

Carmel Clay Schools offers classes in nine different languages: Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish, American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German and Latin. Rice said that approximately 100 students obtain a Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency, a designation from the state of Indiana awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and another language.

Shamrocks soccer player getting offensive in new role

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Westfield High School senior Coltie Carson had built a reputation as one of the top defenders in girls high school soccer in central Indiana.

Now, she is working on a fresh challenge.

First-year Shamrocks coach Rachel Fulkerson has moved Carson from the center back position to attacking midfielder.

“It’s a little different, but it’s a little more fun, and I get to push forward more and have more opportunities to attack and score,” Carson said. “I’m getting more comfortable with it.”

Fulkerson said she knew Carson would be up for the challenge.

“With this (role), she is bringing another level of threat to our offense,” said Fulkerson, who replaced Hannah Eggert as coach. “Coltie is a vocal and physical presence for us on the field. Coltie is just an overall reliable, hardworking player that each team needs and we are lucky enough to have.”

MEET COLTIE CARSON

Favorite subject: Strength and conditioning

Favorite TV show: “Love Island”

Favorite genres of music: Hiphop, country, rhythm and blues

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with a beach

Fulkerson, who was previously an assistant coach for the IU Indianapolis and Indiana State women’s soccer teams, was familiar with watching Carson play for her high school and club team, FC Pride ECNL.

“She has always been a solid, physical presence on the field and a good player,” Fulkerson said. “She has been fun to watch.”

High School senior Coltie Carson has moved from a defender position to attacking midfielder this season. (Photo courtesy of WHS athletics)

Carson had two goals during the last high school season and had seven in her club season.

Carson has one goal in her first three games this season for the 3-0 Shamrocks.

“We have a big senior class with 10 of us,” she said. “We’re really heavy on seniors and juniors. We have some soph-

EXPERT SPINE CARE NOW IN WESTFIELD

omores who are on JV and also making an impact on varsity. I’m pretty optimistic. We all have the same goal of wanting to win something, and that something is a state title. We’re all on the same page, so if we really keep pushing hard at it, we can have a go at it.”

Westfield plays in the Class 3A Zionsville Sectional, which includes Carmel, Cathedral and Zionsville.

Carson has committed to play for Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

“Oxford is just really pretty, and I wanted a big school with strong athletic programs,” she said. “The coaches are great. It felt like they really wanted me to go there. I think I can make a big impact there.”

Carson started playing soccer when she was 2 years old.

“I played volleyball and did swimming and track when I was young, but it was really just soccer that stuck with me,” she said.

Her younger sister, Ella, is a sophomore midfielder for the Shamrocks.

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

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Tickets available for World Aquatics Swimming World Cup

EVENT news@youarecurrent.com

Session tickets are on sale for the first leg of the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup at the Carmel High School Natatorium Complex.

The event is from Oct. 10-12. A reserved all-session pass is $159.50.

Carmel Clay Schools, Carmel Swim Club and Hamilton County Sports Authority collaborated to bring the event to the CHS Natatorium Complex.

final Late Night on Main that evening will provide additional entertainment during off-hours.

The World Aquatics Swimming World Cup is a major event on the global swimming calendar. Athletes from more than 50 nations will participate.

“SwimCity” will be activated throughout the competition, with local businesses participating in events and activities to welcome attendees and visitors. The city’s Oct. 11 Arts in Autumn event Oct. 11 and the

City officials hope the event will boost the local economy with the influx of hundreds of athletes, coaches, support staff and spectators from around the world.

“Hosting the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup offers a tremendous opportunity to highlight Carmel’s reputation as a one of the best places in the U.S. to live, raise a family or retire,” Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam stated in a press release. “We are thrilled to welcome the international swimming community to our city and are confident this event will not only deliver a world-class competition but also generate meaningful economic benefits for our local businesses.”

Tickets are available at gofan.co/season/136487. For more, the SwimfCity website is carmelswimcity.com/.

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Disc golf fundraiser set

By Lauren Weidinger news@youarecurrent.com

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The Will Miles Memorial Charity Event is set for Oct. 18 at the James A. Dillon Disc Golf Park in Noblesville.

EVENT

The fundraising tournament honors the life of Will Miles of Indianapolis. The 20-year-old died in a Dec. 31, 2023, car accident. He was an avid disc golf player who enjoyed cars and aspired to become an auto mechanic.

Miles attended school in the Carmel area until third grade. Later, he was a mechanic at Joe’s Auto Service and Tires Plus in Carmel.

Will Miles was the son of James Miles. The elder Miles is organizing the tournament.

All proceeds benefit STEAMCathedral Land & Speed Co., a nonprofit organization that “uses motorsports and automotive arts to teach STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) components to underserved youth in a hands-on collaborative communal environment.”

James Miles became heavily interested in disc golf on Father’s Day in 2023, when his two sons, Alex and Will, gifted him golf discs and a disc golf basket for their backyard.

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“From the time of Father’s Day to the time of (Will’s) death, I played over 35 rounds of disc golf with him, which equates to about 70 hours of 1-on-1 time with my 20-year-old so,” James Miles said. “How many fathers wouldn’t give anything to spend that kind of time with their teenage boys? So, that has been my draw into (disc golf) is being able to spend time with my sons.”

The main sponsor of the Professional Disc Golf Association-sanctioned event is Indy Refire. The course sponsor is the Residential Assisted Living Academy, and the on-site vendor for the event is the Disc Golf Mart of Indianapolis.

The tournament will consist of two rounds of disc golf beginning at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $14.50 per male player and $12 per female player.

“It is a great opportunity for parents to be able to get out with their kids and spend time with them, not in front of the screen, out in nature and doing something that they can enjoy,” James Miles said. Interested parties can sign up and learn more about the event a bit.ly/46aSpa2.

Career and Technical Education program launches in county

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

A partnership aimed at equipping students with knowledge for computer-based careers is underway in Westfield.

PARTNERSHIP

Rick Barretto of Carmel is the chief visionary officer and co-founder of Hope Training Academy. The academy has partnered with The Pursuit Institute, the career and technical education provider for Hamilton County Schools, to create new career and technical training courses in Westfield that are available to all Hamilton County students.

Barretto and his wife, Cara, an educator, founded Video Game Palooza in 2013 to use video games to promote interest in STEM research and learning.

Barretto attended the IU Kelley School of Business and was an entrepreneur in computer science. He began coding on an Atari 800 computer as a youth and naturally worked in software development as a career. Around 2000, he began working with police departments and municipalities in Illinois to provide software after the state mandated certain interrogations be recorded.

“That soon became the industry standard,” he said. “We had 5,000 installations across all police law enforcement. When we sold that company to investors a few years ago, I didn’t want to retire or anything. At the same time, over the years, I created all these other different businesses in gaming. So, I’ve been 20 years in the gaming industry, been inducted in the International Video Game Hall of Fame for some of the stuff that we’ve done for gaming and our nonprofit, which is Video Game Palooza. This is the part where it really starts coming in — where we try to tie between the kids’ passion for gaming and education.”

The couple launched Hope Training Academy in 2018 to provide formal STEM education to prepare students for jobs in IT. The nonprofit quickly invested in opportunities in Westfield, opening a competitive gaming league at Grand Park. Barretto said professional gamers can make millions of dollars over the course of their careers in e-sports and wanted to bring that to kids in Hamilton County.

“It was a great place in the Pacers ath-

Vanquish Shower Mold! Conquer Dirty

letic facility, where we had all these kids coming in to play basketball, and then we were off to the side,” he said. “It looked like a space station in there. We were doing coding camps — like for Minecraft and Roblox — and (we explained to parents), ‘Your kid can get a college scholarship. They can get a job in tech from learning this stuff.’ So, every summer, we would have these kids come in, create and play. In the morning, they were being taught new skills for coding, and they would make computers. They would design, and it was the kids that came in that were not the star football player or the basketball player, but these were the kids in robotics.”

Hope Training Academy can provide students with certifications in the computer and software development field.

Cantlon said when he heard about Hope Training Academy, he saw an opportunity for Hamilton County students. The organizations have partnered on CTE education — available for all Hamilton County students — at the Westfield Washington Schools education center at Ascension St. Vincent YMCA in Westfield.

The program in Westfield includes workbased learning, in line with Indiana’s new diploma standards. Although the classes at the Westfield YMCA are already underway for the 2025-26 school year, organizers are already looking ahead.

“We will start scheduling for next school year in November, so we won’t even get through the first semester before we start scheduling for next year,” Cantlon said.

The pair also encouraged parents to learn more about the offerings through The Pursuit Institute and have discussions with their students about their interest in CTE in Hamilton County.

Learn more at pursuitinstitute.org.

Non-profit celebrates 15 years of granting ‘Little Wishes’

By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com

Liz Lowenstein was only 16 years old when she attended the wake of her fifthgrade teacher’s 7-year-old son,

Afterward, Lowenstein was inspired to establish the Little Wishes Foundation, a nonprofit formed in 2010 in honor of Max, who battled kidney cancer for 2 1/2 years. The organization helps grant wishes to ailing children.

To help honor 15 years of wish granting, the foundation is hosting its ninth annual Golden Dandelion Gala at Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael Sept. 12. The event is soldout.

Fifteen years later, Lownstein, 31, has helped grant more than 4,300 little wishes through the Little Wishes Foundation and raised more than $4 million over the last 15 years.

“It’s been amazing to watch my little wish baby grow,” she said. “The impact means everything to me. It fills you up with so much hope as a human doing something like this, the process of it, and bringing them smiles and joy. The impact has meant so much, you know, mostly to these kids, but to me as the founder of it all, it’s just been so great.”

The wish-granting process is simple. Lowenstein coordinates with 19 children’s hospitals across 11 states and their social workers to determine which kids most urgently would benefit.

“I could not leave that wake without feeling like I was going to do something to help bring joy… just to do something,” Lowenstein said. “I just didn’t think it was fair that he’s gone. I had no idea what a foundation was at the time. I just knew I wanted to make a big impact.”

“We’re very excited about it,” Lowenstein said of the gala. “We will have various things: a final auction, a dinner and entertainment afterwards.”

For more, visit littlewishfoundation.org/.

‘Danda the Panda’ book released

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

It took a bit longer than anticipated, but Terri Roberts-Leonard – and her young co-author – have released a third book in the “Danda the Panda” series.

AUTHOR

Roberts-Leonard, who served as Carmel Clay Schools’ first and only diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator, said “Danda the Panda: Unexpected Friends” features fictional friendships between different animals to help children learn to address real-world problems.

“Sometimes, people are just going to be mean, and you have to stand up for yourself,” Roberts-Leonard said. “But you should be proud of yourself for standing up for yourself and knowing that you can be friends with anybody that you want to.”

Roberts-Leonard wrote the story with the help of her 5-year-old daughter, Jordan. Her son, Justin, helped write the previous book in the series, “Danda the Panda: Love Makes a Family,” when he was the same age.

When she launched the series, which

“Danda the Panda: Unexpected Friends” released Aug. 18 and is available to purchase on Amazon. (Image courtesy of Terri Roberts-Leonard)

is geared toward children in preschool through third grade, Roberts-Leonard didn’t intend to co-author the books with her children. But as she read Justin a draft of the second book, he provided some honest feedback.

“He was like, ‘I don’t like it,’” Roberts-Leonard said. “I was shocked, and my feelings were hurt a little bit, but I said, ‘OK, what don’t you like about it?’ And he told me, so we switched those things up.”

The “Danda the Panda” books are available on Amazon and select bookstores in the Indianapolis area. The first two books in the series are available to check out from the Carmel Clay Public Library.

9/11 Fitness Event – The 9/11 Fitness Event will take place at the Carmel VFW Post 10003 at 12863 Old Meridian St, in Carmel on Sept. 11. The event will begin at 11 a.m. and is scheduled to finish at 3 p.m. Participants will bike, run, row or participate in an activity in which they’re able for 9 minutes, 11 seconds. Prizes will be given to those who can go the fastest and the furthest. A $25 donation is requested. After the event, barbeque will be served from 3 to 6 p.m. The barbeque plate costs $5 for participants and $10 for non-participants. The 2024 event raised $4,000 for the Heroes Club. Proceeds go to support first responders.

CHS Class of 1985 reunion – The Carmel High School

Virginia Lee Kerr

March 24, 1937 – August 14, 2025

Virginia Lee Kerr, beloved mother, grandmother, and community leader, passed away on August 14, 2025. Born in Kokomo, Indiana, on March 24, 1937, to Natalie Madocks Chisholm and Charles Graham Chisholm II, Virginia lived a life marked by service, faith, and love of family. She was married to Norman John Kerr, Jr. for 58 years until his passing in 2015. Together, they raised three children: Susan Lynn Kerr, John Charles Kerr (Donna Regenbaum), and David Chisholm Kerr (Julie). Virginia’s proudest accomplishment was her family, including her four cherished grandchildren—Katherine, James, Caroline, and Katelyn. Virginia is also survived by brothers—Charles Graham Chisholm III and Robert Madocks Chisholm.

Class of 1985 reunion will take place Sept. 19-20. There is a planned tailgate before the CHS football game on Sept. 19. On Sept. 20, there will be a 9 a.m. tour of CHS followed by an 11 a.m. open house at the Carmel Historical Museum. From 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the reunion will take place at The Broken Barrel at 1156 Keystone Way. For more information, email tluhrs@gmail.com.

Scotty Michael Foundation golf scramble — The 4th annual Scotty Michael Foundation golf scramble will take place on Sept. 12 at Plum Creek Golf Club in Carmel. Several features return to the scramble including the $100,000 shots, a car for a hole in one, and the guaranteed 7-night resort stay will be given away with the

OBITUARIES

Republican party, and served as a precinct committeeperson for many years.

Always an entrepreneur, Virginia cofounded Dansk Homes of America with her husband, introducing innovative Danish homes to the U.S., and, also along with her husband, developed and marketed Kensington Place, one of Carmel’s unique and beautiful neighborhoods.

Virginia’s love of God and faith were paramount to her life. She was a co-founder and devoted member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Carmel, where she helped secure the land, funding, and zoning to build the church. She served as both First Reader and Reading Room Librarian, sharing her Christian Science faith with conviction and joy throughout her life.

Virginia attended Hanover College and later graduated from Indiana University with a degree in marketing. A respected real estate agent with F.C. Tucker Company for 43 years, she became a lifetime member of the President’s Club and was fondly known by many clients as “Mom Kerr” for her warmth and care in helping families find and sell homes.

Dedicated to her community, Virginia served on the Carmel City Council and as President of the Carmel Plan Commission, where she helped lay the foundation for Carmel’s early growth. She was also a member of the Carmel Symphony Board and a Girl Scout troop leader. Her civic contributions were recognized with a Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Otis Bowen, Indiana’s highest honor for distinguished service.

Virginia’s love of community and country also took shape in her work for the local GOP organization. She had been Vice Chairman of the Hamilton County

She also realized a lifelong dream of building a family home in the mountains of Buena Vista, Colorado. It became a haven she and her husband treasured and shared with countless friends and family.

Virginia will be remembered for her deep and abiding faith in God, her pioneering spirit, and her gift for connecting people and ideas. Above all, she will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend whose love shaped those who follow in her footsteps.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 27, at 1 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Carmel, 11580 Haverstick Road. A reception will follow. You can find a link to the celebration at www. leppertmortuary.com for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to First Church of Christ, Scientist, Carmel, or please pay it forward in another way in remembrance of Virginia.

popular putting contest. A foursome costs $720, a hole can be sponsored for $300, a super ticket costs $75. For more information, visit scottymichael. org/2025-golf-scramble.

White River clean up — The City of Carmel, City of Noblesville, White River Alliance, Conner Prairie, White River Canoe Company and Hamilton County Household Hazardous Waste are collaborating to host a White River clean up event from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 14. A $15 deposit is required per registrant. The deposit will be refunded with confirmed attendance at the event. To register, visit whiterivercleanup.com.

Trudie Beth Wanchow May 11, 1940 – August 11, 2025

Trudie Elizabeth Haddon Wanchow of Carmel, Indiana, passed peacefully at home with John, her husband of 61 years, at her side. Born in Morristown, New Jersey, to the late Eleanor and Bill Haddon, Trudie was raised in Parsippany, New Jersey, and graduated from Boonton High. A registered nurse, she worked in hospitals on the East Coast early in her career, and at Ascension St. Vincent in Carmel after her children were grown.

lending her talents to crafting, Girl Scouting, her sorority, Sigma Kappa, and in many roles as a long-time member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

Trudie and John married in January 1964 in Belleville, New Jersey, and moved to Carmel, Indiana in 1968. The couple was blessed with five children. Trudie became a stay-athome mom and a volunteer extraordinaire,

Jeffery L Truster “Grimace”, 55, died unexpectedly on August 24th in Indianapolis.

Jeff was born April 8, 1970 in Rushville to George A. & Mary Jane (Meek) Truster.

Jeff was a 1988 graduate of Rushville Consolidated High School and received his Bachelor of Business and Restaurant Management degree from Purdue University in 1992 where he was an active member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He held various jobs in the hospitality industry through his career before taking over the Carmel, IN Pizza King from his brother David in 2010.

Trudie and John enjoyed travelling internationally, visiting all seven continents.

Her memory will be cherished by her husband, John; her five children: Susan (James) Dansdill, Shari (Scott) Calder, Sandee Critser, JohnAndrew, and Salli (Scott) Brown; her nine grandchildren: Timothy, Brittany, Anna, Allison, Jack, Kinsey, Elena, Ross and Brooke; her five great-grandchildren: Theadora, Emma, Patrick, David and Lilah; and a host of relatives and friends.

An extended obituary for Trudie may be viewed at www.FlannerBuchanan.com

Jeff was happiest spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed going to concerts, spending time at the family lake house, and helping on the family farm. He was an active member of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church in Carmel where he served as an elder and was a dedicated choir member. Jeff remained active in the Rush County community and attended The Pioneers Club Steam Show in Rushville every year. His many friends will remember his jokes, generosity, and love for music.

Jeff will be dearly missed by his wife; Brenda and daughter; Grace Ann of Carmel, step children; Matthew Stroup of New Castle, and Jessica (Patrick) McHenry of Somerset, KY, grandson; Jayden Davis, parents; George & Mary Jane Truster of Manilla and sister; Carol Lempke of Shelbyville. He is also survived by several nieces & nephews. Jeff was preceded in death by his brother; David Truster and brotherin-law; Steve Lempke.

A visitation will be held from 4-5pm on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church in Carmel and a celebration of life service at 5pm with Dr. Kristin Lehr presiding. A reception will follow services. There will be a visitation from 5-8 PM Friday, August 29 in Moster Mortuary, Rushville. Services will be held at 10 AM Saturday, August 30 in First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Roy Peters presiding. Burial will follow in the Moscow cemetery.. Memorial gifts may be given to Orchard Park Presbyterian Church in Carmel or the First Presbyterian Church in Rushville.

Carmel produces yoga champ

By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com

Five years ago, Marcia Hetrick saw her professional ballet career come to an abrupt end due to medical retirement.

ACHIEVEMENT

Now, the Carmel resident is the reigning USA and World Yoga Champion.z

“There’s a moment when I won (the) World (Yoga Championship) that I started crying,” Hetrick said. “When I stopped dancing, I went into a deep depression because I didn’t know what was next … I didn’t think I’d ever be on stage again.”

After hanging up her ballet pointe shoes, Hetrick moved back to Carmel and quickly started to learn how to teach yoga.

Hetrick is currently the Head of Yoga and Pilates at the IN Fitness Club in Indianapolis. When Hetrick first got back on stage, she was far from world champion material.

“I didn’t really know the rules,” she said. “I stood (in) the wrong direction and got silly deductions. The second year, I fell out of postures and didn’t do that well. Finally, last year I did really well and got fourth in

the USA.”

Carmel resident Marcia Hetrick won the 2025 National Yoga Championship in Happy Valley, Pa. on Aug. 2. (Photo submitted by Marcia Hetrick.)

Despite falling out of the top-three cutoff to secure a spot at the World Yoga Championship in Malaysia, one of the topthree finishers dropped out and swiftly bumped Hetrick into the final spot.

With the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage, Hetrick realized she would need to get a coach if she wanted a chance to win.

“I trained my butt off and ended up winning,” she said. “I got first in Worlds in April (at Limkokwing University in Malaysia) and then (on Aug 2) I felt more pressure at Nationals (in Happy Valley, Pa.) because I had just won Worlds and all eyes were on me — I wasn’t an underdog anymore.”

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Calendar brought to you by

SUMMER FAMILY CONCERT SERIES AT THE GAZEBO

September 3, 10; 7 – 9 p.m.

Rain Dates: September 17, 24 Civic Square

CarmelGazeboConcerts.org

MOVIES AT MIDTOWN

September 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 Tuesdays – 6 p.m. Thursdays – noon and 6 p.m. Midtown Plaza

Carmel.IN.gov

CARMEL ON CANVAS

September 5 & 6

Various Carmel Central Locations Carmel.IN.gov

ARTOMOBILIA

September 6; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Carmel Arts & Design District Artomobilia.org

9/11 CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE

September 11; 8:46 a.m. Carmel Clay Veterans Memorial Carmel.IN.gov

BIKE CARMEL

Roundabout Ride

September 13; 7 a.m. – noon Midtown Plaza

Co ee on the Monon

September 26; 6:30 – 9 a.m. Monon Greenway in Midtown BikeCarmel.com

DIA DE LA FAMILIA

September 13; 1 – 5 p.m.

Midtown Plaza

Carmel.IN.gov

CHINESE MOONCAKE FESTIVAL

September 20; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Midtown Plaza

Carmel.IN.gov

PORCHFEST

September 2 1; noon – 6 p.m.

Carmel Arts & Design District CarmelPorchFest.org

CARMEL INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

September 2 7 & 28

Carmel Arts & Design District CarmelArtsFestival.org

Contemporary mosaic artist Nancy Keating has spent thousands of hours refining her craft.

Her latest work, Butterflies on the Monon, includes 14 mosaic butterflies that were created with the help of the community at "chip-in" events.

Indicates Allied Solutions sponsored events

Indicates IU Health Hospital sponsored events

Carmel teens find niche as rowers

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel High School junior Devyn Hansen has tried several sports, but nothing has captured her love like rowing.

SPORTS

“I’m passionate about rowing because it’s so different from other sports in a way where you get so close with your teammates and get to row with such an equally motivated and welcoming crew every day,” Hansen said.

“Everyone is so hard working and pushes each other to be the best they can be. Racing is such a special experience because you know you can’t stop and the boats around you push you to be the best you can be.”

Hansen and fellow Carmel resident Lauren Raines, a Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School senior, joined Indianapolis Rowing Center teammates Saylor Hurd and Ingrid Thompson, both from Arcadia, in earning a third-place bronze medal in the Women’s Youth Quadruple Sculls races at the USRowing RowFest National Championships race in Ypsilanti, Mich., in July.

“The competition was so tight it forced

From left, Ingrid Thompson, Lauren Raines, Devyn Hansen and Saylor Hurd earned a bronze medal at RowFest National Championship event. (Photo courtesy the Hansen family)

us to find a second gear we didn’t know we had,” Hansen said. “I also love the technicality and getting to learn new things to make me faster every day at practice.”

Hurd attends North Point Christian Academy and Thompson is a Guerin Catholic student.

Raines also earned an additional bronze medal for placing third in the U23 Women’s Lightweight Single Sculls race.

“What made RowFest so exciting for me personally was getting to compete against collegiate athletes as well as club rivals,”

Raines said. “My U23 lightweight medal was a significant personal achievement because I don’t typically row in a single, and I competed in an older age group against many collegiate athletes. The U19 women’s quad medal meant the world to me and our finish, as a team, is the reason why I am passionate about the sport. RowFest is considered ‘Summer Nationals,’ so we rowed against many clubs that were top finishers at Junior Nationals in Sarasota, Fla. in June.”

Raines said the team competed against composite boats that were made up of a blend of individual rowers from all over the nation who paid to attend highly-selective residential summer training camps to compete at RowFest outside of their home clubs.

“Earning a medal in the U19 women’s quad alongside amazing athletes like Devyn Hansen, Saylor Hurd and Ingrid Thompson from IRC was a dream come true.” Raines said. “I simply can’t wait to get back on the starting line with them in the fall. IRC Junior rowers have not competed at RowFest in the past, but I was so grateful to have the opportunity to race in many competitive events.”

Coroner, genetic firm partner in Fox Hollow case

CRIME news@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office and GenGenies — a California-based investigative genetic genealogy firm — have partnered in the investigation of the identification of thousands of remains collected 30 years ago at the Westfield home of suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister.

More than 10,000 remains were discovered at Baumeister’s Fox Hollow estate on 156th Street in 1996, shortly after a criminal investigation was launched.

According to a news release, GenGenies will provide their services to Hamilton County at no cost.

Forensic investigative genetic genealogy — IGG — is an investigative tool that uses DNA analysis and genealogical research to map familial relationships surrounding unidentified DNA samples. The process generates candidate leads that point toward the identities of unknown individuals.

J.J. Beck of Fishers has been an in-house

his Fox Hollow estate performed by the University of Indianapolis Anthropology and Archaeology Department revealed the remains on his property, ranging from long bones to fragments as small as fingernails. After the discovery, eight victims were identified. All the original victims went missing after leaving gay bars in downtown Indianapolis.

IGG volunteer practitioner for the coroner’s office since 2024. Beck recently became a volunteer with GenGenies, where she will serve as the direct liaison between the organization and the coroner’s office.

Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison said the partnership is a meaningful contribution to the ongoing investigation.

“The expertise GenGenies brings to this case is invaluable,” he stated.

Baumeister died by suicide in 1996 after an investigation by law enforcement and an excavation of the wooded area behind

After the excavation of remains at Fox Hollow, the case was shelved until Jellison reopened the investigation in 2022 at the request of one of the victim’s family members. Since 2022, six new victim profiles have been discovered. Two of those victims have been positively identified.

Known victims are John Lee Bayer; Jeffrey Allen Jones; Richard Douglas Hamilton Jr.; Allen Lee Livingston; Steven Spurlin Hale; Allen Wayne Broussard; Roger Allen Goodlet; Michael Frederick Keirn; Manuel Resendez; and Daniel Thomas Halloran.

All of the victims except Halloran went missing between 1993 and 1995.

Jellison urges anyone with information regarding missing persons potentially connected to this case to contact the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office at 317-770-4415.

CARMEL CONNECTION TO IU FOOTBALL

Carmel-based Merchants Bank, Indiana athletics announce 20-year, $50 million football naming rights partnership

By Todd Golden todd@youarecurrent.com

Merchants Bank Of Indiana had long been interested in a partnership with Indiana University’s football program. But the Carmel-based company wanted to be associated with a winner before they formalized a deal.

Indiana’s 11-win football season and participation in the College Football Playoff in 2024 paved the way for that collaboration to come to fruition.

On Aug. 21, Merchants Bank and Learfield IU Sports Properties announced a $50 million, 20-year partnership that will brand Indiana’s playing surface as Merchants Bank Field. The stadium will be called Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium effective immediately.

“If (Indiana football) were to have been 4-7 last year, we wouldn’t be standing here,” Merchants Bank CEO and Chairman Michael Petrie said during a press conference at the stadium in Bloomington. “I wanted to have a brand with a winning program. So, that’s why we did it. I’m a big IU fan. I wanted to win, and so this is how we can help them to continue to win. That’s the goal.”

Petrie, an IU graduate, was joined at the Aug. 22 announcement ceremony by IU President Pamela Whitten and IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson.

Whitten noted that Petrie and Merchants Bank President and CEO Mike Dunlap are both Indiana graduates

“They recognize how central Memorial Stadium is to our campus and to our community at large. Their commitment to honoring our legacy while fueling the next chapter of excellence, really reflects the very best of what it means to be a Hoosier,” Whitten said.

Petrie repaid the compliment to the university.

“Merchants Bank takes great pride in supporting IU football and the students across all programs that represent the Cream and Crimson. We are huge fans of all of these athletes. We are a huge fan of President Whitten, (football) coach Curt Cignetti and Scott Dolson. Winning starts at the top. We have an IU president who supports athletics and wants to win,” Petrie said.

Dolson said the seeds of this partnership go back several years, as Petrie and Merchants Bank have been longtime supporters of IU athletics.

Cignetti noted that the Merchants Bank partnership is a direct effect of the financial advantages that football success can bring to a university. Indiana went from 3-9 in Tom Allen’s last season as coach in 2023 to 11-2 in 2024. It was Indiana’s all-time winningest season as the Hoosiers finished 8-1 and in second place in the 18-school Big Ten Conference.

Merchants Bank of Indiana Chairman and CEO Michael Petrie signs a document Aug. 22 that sealed a 20-year, $50 million naming rights agreement that will rebrand Indiana’s football stadium as Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium as Indiana President Pamela Whitten, left, and IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson look on.

“This is further evidence how a rising tide can lift all ships, all boats,” Cignetti said. “But this gift will enhance our ability to compete at the highest levels of the Big Ten Conference.”

For Merchants Bank, the branding provides greater exposure statewide.

“In Carmel, they knew who Merchants Bank is, right? But in Indiana, they don’t know who Merchants Bank is, and yet, we’re the second-largest domicile bank in the state of Indiana,” Petrie told Current. “So, the whole goal here is to really elevate our brand. And we think we can do it through IU.”

As part of the partnership, Merchants Bank will provide comprehensive financial literacy training to Indiana’s student-athletes. Petrie was proud that it was part of the agreement, especially since some college athletes are being paid large sums of money through name, image and likeness income.

“It’s a really important thing. We think we should start now so they can save some of this money. Start a job, you start a career, start a business, or buy a home,” Petrie said. “Our goal is to give them a financial lesson on how to manage money – because they’re going to have a lot of money.”

Naming rights for stadiums has always been allowed at the college level. The University of Minnesota’s football stadium has been named for various banks since it opened in 2009.

However, branding opportunities for corporations were enhanced last year when the NCAA began allowing corporate logos on college football fields.

Dolson said it can be a challenge to balance the tradition of college athletics – where corporate branding was traditionally not allowed or frowned upon – with the new reality of having to create revenue streams to keep up with well-funded Big Ten Conference programs.

“The financial ability to generate revenues is critical, but we’ll never do anything that really undercuts the overall mission and foundation of values we have. We’re open to different ideas, as long as we can stay true to who we are,” Dolson said.

Indiana began its football season on Aug. 30 when it hosted Old Dominion at the newly-branded stadium.

ON THE COVER: Indiana’s football stadium has been rebranded as Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. On Aug. 22, Merchants Bank branding was on the videoboard and the ribbon board as the Indiana Marching Hundred practiced on the field. (Photo by Todd Golden)

‘IT CERTAINLY WILL HELP IN A LOT OF AREAS’

For Indiana University, the partnership with Merchants Bank of Indiana provides revenue to the athletic department at a crucial time. Rule changes instituted by the NCAA and the settlement of the House v. NCAA class action lawsuit has created a landscape in which colleges will directly be paying athletes.

So-called power conference schools — IU being one of them as part of the Big Ten Conference — were obligated by the House settlement to create a structure where $20 million is allocated to student-athletes. This is a direct consequence of the legalization of NIL for college athletes by the NCAA in 2021.

While Indiana generates healthy income from ticket sales, donations, and the media rights deal with Big Ten Network that generates $75 million annually for long-term Big Ten Conference schools, universities are still looking for ways to create more revenue streams.

“We really haven’t got specific yet where (Merchants Bank revenue) is going to go, but it certainly will help in a lot of areas,” said Dolson, who cited Indiana’s commitment to players, competing in the college athletics environment and maintaining top coaching staffing as his three core principles.

Fischer Homes to open townhome model in Grand Park

By David Jacobs david@youarecurrent.com

Fischer Homes expanded into the Indianapolis area more than 15 years ago, and the home builder is still making footprints in surrounding communities.

HOUSING

In July, the company held a grand opening for its Grand Estate Custom Collection at Lindley Ridge at Chatham Hills, featuring its Nottoway floor plan with approximately 6,500 square feet. Now, the builder is set to open the Townes at Grand Park Village to the public at 404 Elite St.

“The community itself will have a total of 65 homes,” said Sean Sullivan, market president of Fischer Homes Indianapolis. “Two different floor plans will (be) offered -- the Tustin and the Meridian. The biggest difference between the two layouts is that the meridian offers an elevator option that you can either have space prepped for a future installation or you can purchase one through us. Other than that, the plans are relatively similar (in size). They’re roughly 2,200 square feet, three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths.”

With its location at Grand Park, the Townes will have several amenities, such as a dog park, several intimate gathering areas and direct access to the Monon Trail. Homeowners in the Grand Estate Custom

Collection at Lindley Ridge have an amenity package with The Club at Chatham Hills. “(The locations) are something we know our consumer wants,” Sullivan said. “The City of Westfield has done a great job cre-

ating destinations and really supporting price points that we feel we do a very good job of delivering on. Henke Development and Chatham Hills have a fantastic package that each of our homeowners will be able to enjoy as a social member included in their purchase. Grand Park itself is owned and operated by Westfield and is a major attraction for central Indiana. (Consumers) are looking for amenities that are outside of their community that they have direct access and connectivity to, and that’s something that Westfield has done an excellent job of providing.”

Townes at Grand Park Village range in price from $300,000 to $500,000-plus, while Lindley Ridge homes range from $865,000 to $1 million-plus.

“Townhome communities can be developed on smaller pieces of land, meaning they’re closer to the urban city hub, or larger attractions for us like Grand Park,” Sullivan said. “We’re very eager to continue our business in Hamilton County.” For more, visit fischerhomes.com/ find-new-homes/indianapolis/indiana/ communities

The Perfect RETIREMENT

Gala to support cancer research

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

MEDICINE

Supporting cancer research in central Indiana is the goal for a family who saw firsthand how advancements in medicine can save lives.

Tim A. Johnston of Westfield was 37 when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer seven years ago. Although the diagnosis was devastating, precision medicine — specifically drugs targeted at the mutation that was driving his tumor — meant Johnston was able to go into remission and today is cancer free.

The mutation had previously been identified by cancer researchers allowing for a clear path for treatment — something that does not happen for all cancer patients.

As a result, the Johnston family launched F3+R, Inc. F3+R is an acronym for faith, family, fellowship and research. The nonprofit funds cutting-edge precision medicine research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. To date, the organization has raised $838,467.

Funds are held in the Timothy A. Johnston Precision Medicine Cancer Research Fund and restricted to research focused on identifying ways to treat cancer based on how the individual patient’s specific tumor

is wired. Therapies are available for a variety of solid-tumor cancer such as lung, breast, pancreatic, ovarian and colon.

“Precision cancer research provides a path for cancer patients to not only live a longer life, but a more fulfilled life,” said Johnston’s father Tim L. Johnston.

Funds are currently dedicated to three projects.

The first is research by Dr. Shadia Jalal focusing on lung and esophageal cancers.

The second project is the work of Dr. Bryan Schneider, a physician and researcher focused on the development of precision therapies for a wide variety of cancer types. Money raised by F3+R funds the data collection and analysis surrounding the research.

The third project is a partnership with Dr. Schneider and Dr. Ashiq Masood to create 3D models of triple-negative breast cancer tumors, a difficult cancer to treat.

F3+R, Inc. will hold its eighth annual gala from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. The theme for 2025 is “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Although themed attire is not required, 1920s Gatsby Era dress is encouraged.

The event includes a live auction and fireside chats with Dr. Schneider and Dr. Larry Einhorn, Tim A. Johnston’s oncologists at IU Health.

Learn more at f3plusr.com.

Health strategies for school

Commentary by Dr. Bianca Maya

WELLNESS

With the new school year underway, families are adjusting to new routines, responsibilities and expectations. Establishing healthy habits early in the school year plays a critical role in supporting academic performance, emotional well-being and overall development. Adequate sleep is essential for learning, memory, mood regulation and physical health. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that children ages 6 to 12 receive 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, while adolescents ages 13 to 18 require 8 to 10 hours. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule — even on weekends — helps stabilize circadian rhythms and improves classroom performance. Families are encouraged to establish good sleep hygiene from an early age. Some simple habits to incorporate include: keeping the

room quiet, dark and cool and strictly for reading or sleeping, a wind-down routine that includes no screen time at least one hour prior to bedtime, limiting caffeine and sugar in the evening and ensuring adequate physical activity no later than three hours before sleep.

For children ages 2-5, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting recreational screen use to about one hour per day, focusing on high-quality, interactional educational programming. For children 6 and older, the emphasis should be on balance rather than strict limits.

For more, visit rileychildrens.org/ primarycare.

Blueprint for Improvement: A fresh kitchen transformation

Commentary by Larry Greene

This kitchen refresh shows how strategic cosmetic updates, without a full renovation, can breathe new life into a dated space and elevate daily living.

THE BLUEPRINT

• Replaced dated pendant lighting with bold brass fixtures for a modern statement.

• Installed sleek MSI quartz countertops to brighten and refresh the workspace.

• Upgraded to Café appliances, blending performance with stylish design.

• Introduced patterned wallpaper to add depth, texture and character.

• Painted doors black for a sophisticated and dramatic contrast.

• Updated flooring with 12x24” porcelain tile for durability and continuity.

• Added new cabinet hardware for a subtle yet refined finish.

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

After

ATI presents “Beehive,” a 1960s jukebox musical

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Kira Rangel is becoming a “Beehive” regular.

“It’s a nonstop kind of ride,” Rangel said. “It’s a lot of fun. That’s why I keep doing it.”

Rangel is part of a cast of six women in the musical “Beehive,” which runs Sept. 5 to 21 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

This will be Rangel’s third time in “Beehive,” reprising the same roles. She portrays Gina in the first act and Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin in the second act.

“I think there is something great about it being all women, just emulating what made the ‘60s great, which is the Motown girl groups, like The Shirelles, The Supremes,” Rangel said. “Just how important it was for women to have that voice, especially in the ‘60s when it was a big era for feminism and civil rights as well.”

Rangel said her favorite song performed as a group is “Where the Boys Are” by Connie Francis. Her favorite song as the main vocalist in “Proud Mary.”

“We’re emulating classic divas from the ’60s,” said Rangel, a Chicago native now based in Davenport, Iowa.

Abigail Storm, a Ball State University graduate, is the only performer who has been in an ATI production. She was in “9 to 5” in the spring, playing the role of Doralee that Dolly Parton played in the movie.

Storm plays Wanda in “Beehive.”

“I’m basically like the narrator of the story,” Storm said. “It starts out she is 13, and then by the end of the show she is 22. She grows up with these awesome rock stars and she views them as like her big sisters and her mentors. She basically takes (the audience) through all the songs of the ’60s. She tells the story and talks about each of the artists and then comes in and sings with them.”

Storm said it’s special that a lot of the artists helped drive the women’s movement along with their music.

“It was inspiring for other women to stand up and go for their dreams,” she said. “It’s nostalgic to hear all these different girl groups.”

Storm said her biggest challenge is not using her native Texas accent because she played another role this summer that Dolly Parton played in “Steel Magnolias.” Both characters had Southern accents.

Rachel Dudt, a Pittsburgh resident, plays two legendary singers.

“I play Janis Joplin, which is what drew me to the show because I think she’s really just an iconic female powerhouse in rock music,” Dudt said. “It’s a fun challenge to sing something that seems so chaotic but is also so thought-out because she was actually really intentional with the way she sang. It’s not easy to scream it out and do it show after show.”

Dudt has experience singing Joplin’s solo songs in her solo shows on cruises. Her favorite Joplin song is “Crybaby” because it displays Joplin’s ability to sing rock and blues.

“A strong runner-up is ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ because it’s just such a good song,” Dudt said.

The main solo she has in the first half of the show is by Carole King. Dudt recently played King in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”

“It’s nice to have a little nod to having just played her and singing it again,” Dudt said. “Having all the girls back it up, it sounds really great.”

Dudt said she spent nearly all the 2 1/2hour show on stage playing King.

“It’s nice to move from something that was really challenging and heavy emotionally to this, which just radiates joy,” Dudt said. “It’s a fun contrast. This is more like a revue song with hit song after hit song. I love that in the ’60s and ‘70s they were so separate but all popular. Now, everybody sounds the same, at least to me.”

Dudt, who previously performed in “Millon Dollar Quartet” featuring 1950s legends, said the music from the 1950s through the 1970s “feeds her soul.”

For more, visit atistage.org.

‘HEARTBREAK HOTEL’

“Heartbreak Hotel” runs Sept. 4 to Oct. 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

Five After Midnight, an Indianapolis-based cover band, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘BEEHIVE’

Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of “Beehive,” featuring music from the 1960s, runs Sept. 5 to Sept. 21 at the Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit atistage.org. GRACE POTTER

Grace Potter will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers. For more, visit npdamp.com.

Fashion at The Florence set — Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre previews its season with “Fashion at The Florence” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the studio, 329 Gradle Dr., Carmel. Cocktail attire is requested for the 21-and-older fundraiser. “Fashion at The Florence” features a runway-style exhibition of costumes, music, light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The event is paired with a silent auction, with all proceeds going to the New Season Giving Campaign. This year’s runway will feature handcrafted and curated costumes that preview the 202526 season. Known for showcasing eclectic and textured themes, inspiration for the dynamic garments comes from around the world. The event is co-hosted by Gregory Hancock, GHDT’s executive artistic director, and Christine Colquitt Thacker, executive assistant and coordinator. Tickets are $125 per person. The season opens with “The Casket Girls” Oct. 24-25 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.

FOUR80EAST

FRI, SEP 12 AT 8PM THE TARKINGTON

STORIES AND SONGS WITH ROGER MCGUINN

SAT, SEP 13 AT 8PM THE TARKINGTON

AN EVENING WITH BRIAN MCKNIGHT

FRI, SEP 26 AT 8PM

PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

JAY LENO

SAT, SEP 27 AT 8PM

PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! WE WILL CHOIR YOU!

THU, OCT 2 AT 7:30PM

PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

RICK BRAUN & MINDI ABAIR

SAT, OCT 4 AT 8PM

PAYNE & MENCIAS PALLADIUM

Opera opens in the park

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Indianapolis Opera will celebrate its 51st season by holding an event each month for the first time.

MUSIC

“It’s a season of growth and classic opera presentations and continuing to bring back legendary artists,” Indianapolis Opera’s General Director David Starkey said. “We’re just building on the 50th, the afterglow is real. You keep on rising to the occasion.”

Events include performances, opera cabaret dinners and fundraisers. Following fundraisers in July and August, the 2025-26 season’s first performance will be the eighth annual Opera in the Park at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at Garfield Park in Indianapolis. The free event will be hosted by soprano Angela Brown, an Indianapolis native, and Conductor Alfred Savia.

“Angela will be doing a little singing and Alfred will be conducting,” Starkey said.

have two performances of the one-act opera Dec. 21 at the Basile Opera Center in Indianapolis.

“We’ve not done ‘Amahl’ in a theatrical presentation in many years,” Starkey said. “The opera company used to do it traditionally for many years, so we are bringing back that tradition.”

Among the other performers are soprano Cara Collins and baritone Rafael Porto, along with the Indianapolis Opera resident artists and chorus and Indianapolis Youth Orchestra.

“We’ll feature a lot of our artists of our 51st season with highlights of ‘Rigoletto’ and ‘The Marriage of Figaro,’” Starkey said. “We’ll tease the audiences with things that are in future seasons.”

“Rigoletto” will be held Nov. 14-16 at The Tarkington at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. “The Marriage of Figaro” is set for May 1-3, 2026, at The Toby at Newfields in Indianapolis.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” will

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” debuted in 1951.

“It’s young and old at the same time (in opera terms),” Starkey said.

“It’s a contemporary classic.”

Collins and Porto, who are getting married in October, will perform in “The Marriage of Figaro.”

“Rafael is from Indianapolis. His parents live here,” Starkey said. “He cut his teeth professionally in our opera company and he is now performing in big opera houses around the country. We get to bring him home and celebrate his success.”

This will be Collins’ debut with Indy Opera. Porto was in a livestream TV version of “Madame Butterfly” during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He was in “The Barber of Seville” in 2016, the first Indianapolis Opera event at The Tarkington.

“He’s been a very busy singer and we’ve finally been able to hook him in with our schedule,” Starkey said.

Another Indianapolis native, Ganson Salmon, returns to play a leading role in “Rigoletto,” portraying the Duke.

“This is his big tenor debut with us,” Starkey said.

Starkey said the Indianapolis Opera’s education programs will benefit greatly from the $25,000 raised at LobsterPalooza in July.

“So, we can go to more and more schools for free,” he said.

For more, visit indyopera.org.

Actor set for drumming role

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Alex Smith is enjoying putting his Butler University percussion performance degree to good use.

MUSICAL

The 2005 Carmel High School graduate is set to perform as Elvis Presley’s drummer, D.J. Fontana, in “Heartbreak Hotel” Sept. 4 to Oct. 12 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis

they will really enjoy ‘Heartbreak Hotel.’”

Smith said he was familiar with the “All Shook Up” musical, but not familiar with the “Heartbreak Hotel” musical until Beef & Boards announced it this season.

“Plus, there’s a tap dance number, which feels like percussion with my feet,” Smith said. “Most of the challenge comes from regaining my muscle memory for drumming again.”

Smith most recently performed in “Fiddler on the Roof” last year at Beef & Boards.

“Ever since theater started returning after the COVID-19 pandemic, every opportunity to perform has been a blessing that I do not take for granted,” said Smith, a senior software quality assurance analyst for a company based in Indianapolis “The Beef & Boards patrons are fantastic and I think

“I really enjoy Elvis songs from the late 1960s, when he had more of a big-band sound,” he said. “My favorite Elvis song is ‘Viva Las Vegas.’ The first time I heard it was in Las Vegas during a Bellagio fountain show, and I’ve enjoyed it ever since.”

Smith said the finale numbers will be the most challenging with “Trouble,” “Guitar Man” and “A Little Less Conversation.”

Smith took piano lessons at age 6 and eventually began playing percussion at 12.

“But I mostly focused on keyboard percussion, marimbas, xylophones, etc.,” he said.

At Butler, he learned to play the drum set.

“Most of my drum set experience came from playing in the band for Butler’s basketball teams,” Smith said. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

Carmel gears up for Artomobilia

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

There is an added attraction to Artomobilia this year.

EVENT

For only the second time, the Carmel on Canvas plein air painting exhibition will be held during the event. Artomobilia Executive Director John Leonard said Carmel on Canvas is a great event but will get more attention being held at the same time as Artomobilia, which he said typically draws 25,000 visitors.

“The artists from Carmel on Canvas will be out and about painting buildings, cars and people,” Leonard said.

The 18th annual Artomobilia is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Carmel Arts & Design District. Carmel on Canvas is held Sept. 5-6.

“As we have the past two years, we’ll creep into Midtown with Audis and Lotuses,” Leonard said.

Leonard said Porsche North America is bringing 30 cars that have been restored across its Porsche Classic dealer network.

Leonard said he expects more than 500

automobiles, including approximately 140 Porsches and 50 BMWs. He said cars are coming from more than 30 states.

The local distributor for Jim Beam will have drink spots that guests 21 and older can enjoy.

“That will be spread around the Arts & Design District and Midtown in combination with the restaurants that are in the district,” Leonard said.

Leonard said Artomobilia has never had food trucks because he wants to support Carmel restaurants.

“In casual conversations, I have been told that most restaurants say it’s their No. 1 revenue day every day, which is not surprising because it’s nothing but people wall-to-wall,” he said. “It’s obviously a free event and we hope everyone comes out and enjoys it.”

The Veloce+ Hangar Party, featuring 50 performance vehicles, music, dinner and cocktails, is from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Jet Access Center at Executive Airport in Zionsville. The Artistry & Elegance Ladies’ Luncheon is set for noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 6 at 1933 Lounge in Carmel.

For more, visit artomobilia.org.

The cool side of things

Commentary by Terry Anker

The “cool” kids in middle school wore the right things, said the right things and did the right things. Indiana-born actor James Dean as Jim Stark in the 1955 film “Rebel Without a Cause” evidenced it with good looks and an exceptionally well-crafted personal style. Inspiring countless teens around the world, his red Harrington jacket, white T-shirt and blue jeans, now commonplace, then were considered identifiers of rebellion, of “cool.” Most of the film’s characters were unlikely to be someone a regular kid might find amenable to sharing a lunchroom table. Cool was unattainable. Cool was aggressive. Cool was confident in the way that no 14-yearold is likely to be. By the time we mature into adulthood, our definition changes. A “cool” person is likely to be open, emotionally intelligent and humbly self-confident. Their appearance represents personality rather than trend adherence, and they tend to be passionate rather than exceedingly dominant.

ESSAY

Alas, not all of us manage to make the switch from exclusionary to inclusionary “cool.” Some of us still define our lunch table by who is not invited more than by who is. At an impossibly unattainable and high-end bar in a major urban area, our arrival is greeted with “aren’t you so happy to be here” instead of the decidedly less cool, “We are happy that you are here.” Are we supposed to thank them for allowing the reservation? Aren’t they obligated to thank us for the patronage? Are we guests or simply an inconvenience? In many cases, host stands at entries have morphed from simple podiums to a gauntlet to be run for admission. We complain before we cross the threshold but almost immediately lose pity for those still cordoned off behind the velvet rope. It is good to be “cool” even for just a minute.

Terry Anker is an associate editor

of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@ youarecurrent.com.

READERS’ VIEWS

Have your child’s medical plan in place

Editor,

For students living with chronic health conditions — including college students considering disability services — returning to school requires preparation.

I work closely with students and families managing chronic blood disorders, helping them navigate the unique challenges of balancing health and education. These tips apply broadly to many chronic conditions and can help ensure a smoother, safer school year.

Ensure all medical records on file with the school are current. This includes medication lists, emergency contacts, and physician notes. Updated documents help school staff respond appropriately in case of a health episode.

An IHP outlines a student’s specific medical needs and how they should be managed during the school day. Review and revise this plan annually, especially after any summer changes in treatment or condition.

If your student needs to travel with medical supplies or medications, a travel

You say mousse, I say moose

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Warning: There was another case of food impropriety in the news. A popular frozen dinner option is being removed from ovens over in Scandinavia in another halfbaked scandal. Families were waiting to feast on moose lasagna, but as the cheese was becoming bubbly and browned, food officials exposed that there was pork in some of these prepared selections. Everyone in Sweden is asking: What is pork doing in my lasagna? People in the U.S. are asking: What is moose doing in your lasagna?

HUMOR

letter from a healthcare provider can help avoid complications during events outside of school during the school day.

Chronic conditions can affect attendance or academic performance. Work with school counselors to develop or update 504 Plans or Individualized Education Programs to ensure academic support is in place. Teachers, nurses and administrators should be aware of your student’s condition and trained to respond in an emergency. A brief in-service or written guide can help build a supportive environment.

Starting at a new school or college adds complexity. Students and families should coordinate with both medical and academic teams to ensure continuity of care and accommodation.

Back-to-school season is a time of excitement and preparation. For students with chronic conditions, a little extra planning can make all the difference in creating a safe, inclusive and successful school year.

Mary Brunkhart, Carmel

Jews in Sweden, all 14 of them, were upset because the company revealed that the 17,000 portions sold contained 1 percent pork — which the company admitted meant the product was not 100 percent kosher.  Or as my rabbi would say, “Not kosher.” The bottom line is that even though the manufacturer is pulling the pork-tainted casserole off the shelves, the entrée is still a favorite of many consumers. After all, who doesn’t like pulled pork?

For the second time in two months, it’s the conglomerate IKEA that is responsible for this food fiasco. Wanting to be proactive in this debacle, the company set up an 800 number so customers could, in their words, “Lodge a moose lasagna complaint.”

Everyone thought this seemed like a good idea except the local Moose Lodge, where they got a lot of prank phone calls.

IKEA is basically a furniture company that also sells frozen food, a technique to expand sales like the U.S. Postal Service’s decision several years ago to sell safari hats and dorky shorts so you can look like your letter carrier. IKEA has a history of mislabeling products, once advertising futons as beds — a ruse that almost worked until people got them home and tried to sleep on them.

The details of the porcine-laced lasagna

“Everyone in Sweden is asking: What is pork doing in my lasagna? People in the U.S. are asking: What is moose doing in your lasagna?”

– DICK WOLFSIE

were first revealed by the Swedish newspaper Dagbladet. Coincidentally, Dagbladet is exactly what a Kentucky farmer says if he finds not moose, but a mouse, in his lasagna. One French newspaper scared the bejeebies out of its readers when it inadvertently mistranslated the story and Parisian diners thought there was meat in their mousse. Even hairstylists got the facts wrong and thought there was pork in their styling products.

IKEA always thought there were sales opportunities for moose-related products, and it hopes this scandal won’t depress the market. It is now looking at how to make a moose jerky. Which is like asking: How do you drive a baby buggy? I think in both cases you have to tickle something. Of course, here in America, lasagna manufacturers are basically honest about what is in the product. For example, on the Stouffer’s box in my freezer there are 54 ingredients listed— yummy stuff like sodium nitrate, BHA, BHT, disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate. As long as the entrée tastes good, I’ll consume all those chemicals, but I do have my limits – any which way but moose.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

LIFESTYLE

Across

1. Local team whose last regular season game was Aug. 31...and the start of a word ladder

6. WTTV forensic franchise

9. Prying tool

14. Make amends

15. Texter’s “Wow!”

16. Nimble

17. Loses hair

18. Ravens, on a Colts scoreboard

19. Mournful sound

20. Moontown Brewing brew letters

22. Parking ___

24. Vogue rival

25. Romantic sort

27. Is nuts about

29. A Lilly

31. Stone worker

Ordinance Z-701-25

34. Have a burger at Mash House

35. Up to now

38. Silent assent

40. Actress Longoria or Mendes

41. “The Matrix” hero

42. Rock genre

43. Hawaiian garland

44. Baited insect collector

48. Geist rowing need

49. Sly and nasty

51. “Right to remain silent” name

53. Birds of peace

56. Distributes 57. Indonesian island

60. CPR pro

61. U-turn from NNW

62. Whittle away at a White River embankment

64. Prohibit

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS CARMEL, INDIANA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE

Z-701-25

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, that the proper legal officers of the City of Carmel will meet at their regular meeting place, Council Chambers, Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, to consider the following:

Amend the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) in order to revise UDO Article 1 relating to UDO foundations and general provisions to standardize, simplify, and better define certain requirements contained therein.

Taxpayers appearing at the meeting shall have the right to be heard.

City of Carmel, Petitioner

66. Quickly

70. Bold poker bet

71. Night before

72. Apple music players discontinued in 2022

73. Blockheads

74. Narc’s org.

75. Local team whose first regular season game is Sept. 7...and the end of a word ladder Down

1. Beatles’ descriptor

2. Butler frat letter

3. Remote abbr.

4. Salad gr eens

5. Hold in esteem

6. Corn core

7. Diminutive

8. Ice house

Fall behind

Way out

Stringed instrument

Israeli airline

13. Surrealist Magritte

21. Nephew of Peyton and Eli 23. Common HBO rating

25. Brown County colorful fall display

26. Acquire

28. Place for a plug, bud or stud

29. Rod’s partner

30. Mom’s sister

32. Extra-inning score, perhaps

33. Some wanderers

36. “Quiet on the ___!”

37. Something to fill out

39. Cartoon explorer

44. Commotion

45. Campbell of “Scream”

46. Helps

47. Unimaginative

50. Words of confession

52. Syrian city

54. Firmly implant

55. Barrel part

STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE HAMILTON CIRCUIT COURT ) SS:

COUNTY OF HAMILTON )

IN RE THE NAME CHANGE OF ) BRITTANY STRADLING ) Petitioner, ) )

CASE NO. 29C01-2505-MI-005462

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Rosary piece

Singer Guthrie

Lounge about

Brittany Cierra Stradling, whose mailing address is: 10237 Central Avenue, Carmel, Indiana, 46280, in the Hamilton County, Indiana, hereby gives notice that Brittany Stradling has filed a petition in the Hamilton Circuit Court requesting that her name be changed to Brittany Cierra Baker. Notice is further given that the hearing will be held on said Petition on October 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, /s/ Brittany C. Stradling Petitioner

Date: May 20, 2025 /s/ Kathy Kreag Williams, Clerk

USN rank

Teachers’ grp.

“You’ve

Letter before tee Answers on Page 31

PUBLIC NOTICE

Kite Realty Group (30 S Meridian Street, Suite 1100, Indianapolis, IN 46204) is submitting a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management of our intent to comply with the requirements of Construction Stormwater General Permit to discharge stormwater from construction activities associated with the Republic Hotel Addition located at 20 Brickyard Lane, Carmel, IN 46032. Run-off from the project site will ultimately be discharged to Carmel Creek. Please direct questions to Alex Stephens of Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. at 317-218-9560 or by email at Alex.Stephens@ Kimley-Horn.com

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