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Carmel shifts left politically as most of U.S. lurches right in 2024 general election
By Ann Marie Shambaugh and Leila Kheiry AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
As most of the nation voted more Republican in the Nov. 5 general election than it did four years ago, Carmel continued shifting to the left.
Republicans scored big wins statewide Nov. 5, with Donald Trump easily clinching the state’s electoral votes in the presidential race and Mike Braun and Todd Rokita handedly defeating their Democratic challengers for governor and attorney general, respectively. But all three candidates narrowly lost in Carmel.
In 2020, 51 percent of Carmel voters cast ballots for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, but Republicans prevailed in the city in the races for governor and attorney general.
Hamilton County Democratic Party chair Jocelyn Vare said Hamilton County is no longer a “red” county — as voters in Fishers also chose the Democratic candidates for president and governor — and the numbers overall are trending toward a more bipartisan voter base.
She said 20 years ago, George W. Bush won Hamilton County by 49 points, compared to a six-point lead countywide by Donald Trump this year.
“Hamilton County, clearly, is recalibrating to be a bipartisan community,” she said. “We’re seeing that first, very dramatically, in Carmel and Fishers — the two largest municipalities — but I’m certain we’re going to continue to see that next in Westfield and Noblesville, as well.”
That shift can be attributed at least in part to the county’s growth, she said, “not only in population, but in diversity and age range and where people come from.”
Hamilton County Republican Party chair Mario Massillamany did not respond to a request for comment.
Laura Merrifield Wilson, an associate professor of political science at the University of Indianapolis who specializes in local government, de-
thought the race “would be a little bit closer.” He said the PAC, which formed in 2023, will take a close look at the election results and learn from them as it prepares for the next school board race in 2026.
“Our objective is to continuously improve – from a campaign strategy standpoint – in all aspects of the campaign. This includes all the technical aspects of the campaign, like knocking on doors and sign distribution and fundraising, particularly, getting our message out,” Young said. “One of the biggest ways to improve was getting the message out to the electorate. We can do a better job on that next time.”
Jennifer Cashin, a self-described Republican and chair of the Support CCS PAC that endorsed Shapiro and Wheeler, said she was glad that voters rejected bringing political platforms into the school board race.
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scribed Hamilton County election results as a deviation from a national trend to the right. She said high inflation in recent years likely motivated many people nationwide to vote against Democrats at the top of the ticket.
“For the larger country and for a lot of Indiana, (the Republican economic) message probably really mattered a lot to voters in ways that it might not have made the same kind of impact or dent for the more affluent communities of Hamilton County,” Wilson said.
Wilson added that Hamilton County is unique because it is one of the few areas in Indiana where elections are frequently competitive and not dominated by one party.
In the most local race on the ballot in Carmel, openly conservative school board candidates Dina Ferchmin and Robin Clark lost to Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler, who did not make party affiliation part of their campaigns. Shapiro received 30 percent of the vote, and Wheeler finished more than 6 percentage points ahead of the next-closest challenger in the four-way race for two at-large seats.
In the 2022 school board race, one of three conservative candidates was elected and the margin of victory in the other races was tighter.
Erik Young, chair of the Carmel Excellence political action committee that backed the conservative candidates, said he was surprised with the outcome and
“We were really overjoyous for the results being so strong, to clearly say that this election cycle was a win for nonpartisanship, and for placing qualifications at the forefront of decision-making really shows how much our community unites around our schools,” Cashin said. “No one, regardless of their normal political leaning, wants to see our schools used as a political pawn.”
Wilson said she expected the school board race in Carmel and HSE to be closer.
“I absolutely was surprised (by the margin of victory). The previous election cycle had been very competitive, and these races were not nearly so,” she said. “In some ways, that might be reactive to previous conversations about (critical race theory) and book banning. It felt like maybe there was strong pushback.”
Young said Carmel Excellence and its endorsed candidates do not support book banning and did not make the topic part of their campaign. Instead, he felt others frequently brought up the controversial topic rather than focusing on his PAC’s pillars built on strong academics and parental accountability.
“We are not mad or bitter. We respect the electorate, and going forward we want to understand the issues better than we did this time around,” Young said. “We lost, fair and square. (Our opponents) ran a good campaign and we want to learn from that, not for political advocacy, but to serve those three pillars which we think are nonpartisan.”
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Carmel school board candidate Dina Ferchmin speaks to Carmel Excellence political action committee supporters during an election night watch party Nov. 5 at Woody’s Library Restaurant. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
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CPD Lt.: Drones the ‘wave of the future’ in emergency response
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel Police Department is taking to the skies to enhance public safety. In August, CPD launched the Drone First Responder program, which allows officers to remotely deploy a drone to certain calls, sometimes reaching the scene first. It can then relay visual information to officers en route.
CPD Lt. Tim Byrne said the department is only one of two in Indiana — along with the Fort Wayne Police Department — to implement a DFR program.
“It’s still a relatively new technology, but increasingly agencies across the nation are beginning to see the value in this type of technology,” he said. “I really think it’s going to be a gamechanger, not only for us, but for public safety in general.”
The drone responds to five to seven calls per day, said Byrne, who oversees CPD’s DFR program. It can be used to verify traffic hazards or debris reported in roadways, track robberies or other crimes in progress and provide information about many other types of calls.
Nine CPD officers have been trained to pilot the drone. To do so, they must complete an initial 40-hour training program to pilot the drone and continue to train monthly.
The drone is kept in a centralized location and can respond within a certain radius. Byrne said he hopes the program will expand with additional drones available to respond throughout Carmel.
Byrne said CPD follows state law and Federal Aviation Administration guidelines for operating the drone and that the software can be audited for compliance.
“If there’s ever any question by the citizens about how the drone was being flown, we have data that we can show to support that the drone was being used for public safety purposes only,” Byrne said.
The drone is often operated in conjunction with CPD’s real-time information center, which collects live information from various resources to relay to responding officers.
CPD has used drones since 2018, Byrne said, with some officers keeping them in their vehicle to deploy as needed on-site. The DFR program greatly expands the potential.
“It’s the wave of the future and tapping into technology to help our officers remain safe, help us protect the community and increase the efficiency with which our department and departments across the nation operate,” Byrne said. “I’m really excited to be at the leading edge of that and to continue to innovate and be a department that is providing that world-class public safety to our citizens.”
PUBLIC SAFETY
A Carmel Police Department officer flies a drone. (Photo courtesy of CPD)
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In Central Indiana, more than 257,400 households are living in, or one emergency away from, poverty.
Carmel’s Prather Park getting new playground equipment
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Prather Park is set to have upgraded playground equipment by the end of the year.
Erica Foreman, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department resource development specialist, said the playground equipment is past its usable lifespan in the Carmel park.
“The new playground follows the National Playground Safety Institute’s standards for modern equipment, aligning with our goal to provide a safe, engaging space for children,” Foreman said.
The total project cost is approximately $200,000, Foreman said. She said the department selected CRG, a local company, after reviewing numerous submissions through a commercial bidding process.
“Their design was deemed the best to fit the needs of the community,” Foreman said.
The equipment is designed for a wide age range, generally catering to children from 2 to 12 years old, Foreman said.
The design of new playground equipment coming to Prather Park. (Rendering courtesy of CRG)
“There will be areas that are safe and engaging for toddlers, as well as more challenging features for older children,” Foreman said.
The playground will be ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility throughout the structure.
“The transfer station at the entry point allows access to most of the playground, while the freestanding pieces are designed for all kids to engage in play together,” Foreman said. “For example, the spinner piece features a large dish for sitting, even if climbing isn’t an option for some, and the Turbo Totter seesaw includes seats and a large platform for easier access.”
CCPR awarded $25K grant to plant trees, remove invasives
news@currentincarmel.com
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation has been awarded a $25,000 grant by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry.
CCPR was one of 10 organizations/communities to receive a portion of the $238,000 grant to support tree planting and maintenance, education, tree inventory and management projects.
The projects were selected by the DNR Community and Urban Forestry program and are funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Urban & Community Forestry program.
CCPR will use the grant to plant trees and remove invasive species across 36 acres in Central Park. Removing invasive species from parks and replacing them with native
plants helps improve the ecosystem and provides food and habitat to wildlife. Invasive species are non-native to a particular area, meaning they were intentionally or accidentally introduced. Invasive species outcompete native plants for resources such as water, sunlight and soil nutrients. This displacement of native species causes harm to the environment, public health and the economy.
“This project reflects our commitment to ecology and conservation,” CCPR Director Michael Klitzing stated in a press release. “Central Park is our largest and most-visited park, and our citizens trust us to continue restoring its wide variety of native environments. We value Indiana DNR’s recognition of our work and welcome their support and involvement.”
Carmel Clay Parks Foundation will donate the grant funding match.
PARKS
Klitzing
Noblesville soccer player’s confidence leads to strong finish
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Noblesville High School defensive midfielder Sadie Black’s confidence reached a high point in her final prep season.
“I think it showed in every aspect of my game,” she said. “But more specifically, I think I improved on my corners and free kicks by trying to be more consistent with my placement to give my teammates the best opportunities to score.”
That helped the Millers capture their third consecutive IHSAA Class 3A girls soccer state championship Nov. 2 by topping Center Grove 3-1 at Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.
“Winning a state title your senior year is always the dream, and so I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my soccer career at Noblesville. So, this state title is definitely extra special,” Black said. “I think we are just such a close group and it shows when we step out on the field. Coach (Mike) Brady, throughout this postseason, kept saying, ‘Do us,’ which meant to play our game, come together as a team and to play for each other, which ended
SADIE BLACK
Favorite Athlete: Trinity Rodman
Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy”
Favorite subject: Biology
Favorite vacation spot: Tybee Island, Ga.
Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen
up being the keys for coming away with a state title this year.”
Brady said Black’s defensive presence was a major reason why the Millers (19-02) gave up only seven goals in 21 games during the season.
“She plays a position that doesn’t get much recognition, but her play has been an
Noblesville High School senior defensive midfielder Sadie Black played a key role in the team’s success. (Photo courtesy of Sadie Black)
integral part of the team’s success,” Brady said.
Black was one of the team captains and was chosen to lead the team in their pregame cheer.
“This honor goes to the player who embodies sportsmanship, a competitive spirit and a desire and work ethic to improve each day,” Brady said. “In turn, she models these qualities to her teammates and expects the same from them. She has contributed to the positive culture of our team and serves as a role model to her teammates and youth in the community.”
Black started playing soccer at age 2 with Lil’ Kickers but started playing com-
petitively at age 9.
“I tried playing softball, but it didn’t take me very long to figure out that softball wasn’t something that I wanted to do and that soccer was what I wanted to focus on,” she said. “When I was really little, I played forward and a little bit of goalie, but when I was about 10, I switched to defense and honestly it was one of the best decisions I ever made. As much fun as it is to play forward, I love playing defense because there is no better feeling in the world than a perfect tackle or header.”
An academic all-state selection, Black will play for Eastern Illinois University next season.
“I chose Eastern Illinois because the coaches and players immediately made it feel like a family and place that I would love to spend my next four years,” she said. “The campus is absolutely gorgeous and it’s the perfect distance from home. The moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Eastern Illinois was the place that I wanted to call home.”
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
Jaguars women’s basketball coach embraces life in Carmel
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
IU Indianapolis women’s basketball coach Kate Bruce has found a home in Carmel.
COLLEGE
Bruce and her husband, Jesse, and three children, Brenna, 8, Laney, 6, and Evan 3, moved to Carmel shortly after she took the job in May 2022.
“I absolutely love Carmel and Indianapolis, especially having my three children, it’s so family-friendly,” she said. “It’s so safe. There is so much opportunity for us and things for us to do. We can go to the (Indianapolis) Zoo, we can go to the Children’s Museum and go to Midtown Carmel. It’s just such a beautiful community, and we’ve really embraced it.”
Bruce, 39, said a favorite family activity is riding bicycles on the Monon Trail in the summer.
“We stop in Midtown Carmel and hang out in that green
“We try to take the whole team because it’s good for them to give back, but we do everything from reading in elementary schools,” she said. “We were involved with
“It brings us together and allows them to see me off the court as a human being and the same for them,” Bruce said. “It just builds that off-the-court connection with each other.”
Bruce said the name change of IUPUI to IU Indianapolis this season has been smooth.
“I think IU did a great job with the rebranding and getting the word out there,” Bruce said. “There is a lot of excitement surrounding that and also with the Caitlin Clark effect women’s basketball is just booming now. Indy is the spot to be.”
The Jaguars return seven players and three starters, including Katie Davidson, who was one of the top scorers in the Horizon League last season. Davidson, a Lawrence North High School graduate, averaged 16.4 points last season.
The Jaguars were 17-13 in the 2022-23 season and slipped to 7-23 last season. Prior to a scheduled game at Purdue Nov. 14, the Jaguars were 1-1.
“We have six transfers that we think can make an immediate impact,” Bruce said. “We had to get better at shooting the ball and we had to get more athletic, and I think we’ve been able to do that. Our leadership from our returnees has been tremendous.”
The Jaguars play in the IU Indianapolis Gymnasium nicknamed the Jungle, which seats 1,200. A new arena is being built and is set to open in the fall of 2026 with a capacity of approximately 4,500.
Like many women, Rainey’s health routine was disrupted by the pandemic. Before she knew it, three years had passed without an annual mammogram.
After getting back on track with this key screening, she was able to catch and treat her breast cancer early. And thanks to a simple mammogram and her care team at Community Health Network, Rainey is now cancer-free. It’s simple, it’s convenient and it can save your life.
Schedule your annual mammogram today at eCommunity.com/mammogram
IU Indianapolis women’s basketball coach Kate Bruce during a Jaguars game. (Courtesy of IU Indianapolis athletics)
Initial
Road construction update
COLLEGE AVENUE
Programming event to return
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com
Carmel High School’s Competitive Programming Club will host its second Indigo Coding Competition from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 23. The competition is virtual and draws high school students from across the world to compete.
EDUCATION
The Competitive Programming Club, which is composed of 10 to 20 CHS students interested in computer science and programming, is sponsored by Jacob Goodman, a computer science teacher. The club first hosted the Indigo Coding Competition in 2023 to give back to the community and connect with other high schoolers interested in coding and programming.
“Organizing this competition and writing problems is a really good way to test our own skills and just overall give back to the competitive programming community,” said Hillary Yang, logistics coordinator for the Indigo Coding Competition.
The competition will include 10 problems for participants to solve in the allotted timeframe. The problems were created by
Carmel High School students in the Competitive Programming Club meet to prepare for the Indigo Coding Competition. (Photo courtesy of Hillary Yang)
members of the CHS Competitive Programming Club, who drew from their previous math and computer science knowledge to craft them.
“These mainly involve algorithms and data structures, and they’re typically a bit more advanced than what you would see in a high school computer science class,” Yang said.
This year the competition is expected to draw upwards of 100 participants.
Prizes will be given to top finishers, and there will also be raffle prizes. Additional prizes and placing will be given to female and non-binary participants who place.
CHS students give back
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
The memory care unit at The Barrington of Carmel is holding its annual fundraiser this month and getting a huge assist from three ambitious — and generous — Carmel High School seniors.
FUNDRAISER
Wells Wright, Will Spence and Caiden O’Connell are participants in the CHS DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) chapter and will help at The Barrington’s Funds for Fun event Nov. 26. The fundraising goal is $10,000. The 2023 event raised $7,000.
The three students founded their WWC Initiative, which aims to give back in the community, over the summer as a tribute to family members who had battled Alzheimer’s. Their philanthropy began in July when Wright’s car detailing business, Essential Mobile Car Detailing, teamed up with Carmel’s Avant Healthcare to offer its services to Avant’s employees while they worked. Charging $120 per vehicle, the trio raised approximately $4,000. They donated the funds to the Alzheimers Association.
“We had a lot of clients,” Wright said.
While their service at The Barrington won’t include car detailing, Wright said his group plans to recruit an additional five to seven students to help with the fundraiser.
Their help is appreciated, said Amy Hogan, memory support coordinator at The Barrington.
“It’s logistically difficult to take people off of our unit because of our staffing levels, and it can cause anxiety to our residents,” Hogan said. “I like to bring outside people here because the residents are really receptive to it. Bringing young people in is always a big win.”
Funds for Fun will expose residents’ families to the myriad activities that transpire on the memory care unit, including fitness and dance class demonstrations and hand massages. The funds raised will be used to pay for future activities for residents at The Barrington.
“(Wright, Spence and O’Connell) are so impressive,” Hogan said. “I told them, ‘You guys are just go-getters. You are going to do great.’”
Donate to Funds for Fun at bhiseniorliving.org/foundation.
DISPATCHES
CHS to replace football coach — Carmel High School football coach John Hebert stepped down Nov. 13 after 10 seasons. He concluded with a 82-39 record, winning Class 6A state titles in 2016 and 2019 and finishing as 6A state runner-up in 2018. The Greyhounds were 3-7 this season and have not won a sectional title since 2020. Hebert, a 1989 CHS graduate who played on the offensive line at Purdue University, had been a Carmel assistant for 20 years before becoming head coach.
Coloring contest — Current in Carmel is sponsoring a holiday coloring contest. Coloring sheets may be picked up in the children’s area at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Two winners will be highlighted in Current in Carmel and receive a $100 gift card. The Christkindlmarkt runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 24 at Carter Green.
Museum volunteer orientation — The Carmel Clay History Museum, 211 First St. SW, will hold a volunteer orientation session at 5 p.m. Dec. 4. Attendees will learn about the museum and volunteer roles and have an opportunity to ask questions. RSVP is encouraged but not required to info@carmelclayhistory.org.
Cookie Exchange Fundraiser — The inaugural St. Nicholas’s Magnificent Cookie Exchange Fundraiser is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 at Lucas Estate Pavilion, 11453 Ditch Rd. in Carmel. Attendees will take home three dozen cookies selected from an assortment to try. The St. Nicholas Neighbor in Need Foundation aims to assist people in the Indianapolis area experiencing difficulty because of a disability, long-term illness or accident. Tickets cost $100. Learn more and purchase tickets at stnicholasneighborinneed.squarespace.com.
Market and craft show — Carmel-based nonprofit LittleStar Center will present the inaugural Infinity Market from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21 at West Fork Whiskey Event Center, 10 E. 191st St. in Westfield. The Infinity Market will showcase autistic and neurodiverse creators from Indianapolis and its surrounding communities selling a variety of handmade items. Admission to the market is free. Learn more at linktr.ee/ InfinityMarket2024.
Hebert
CARMEL HONORS LOCAL VETERANS
The City of Carmel presented a Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 8 at The Tarkington Theater at The Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. The event included remarks from local officials, recognition of veterans and student winners of the Veterans Day poster and essay contest, performances and a keynote address from Harold “Rock” Effron, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam and chaplain of the Carmel VFW Post 10003. See more photos at youarecurrent.com/?p=250417.
Carmel Lions Club
The Carmel Lions Club Rings the Bell for The Salvaon Army inside The Fashion Mall and you can help. 2 hour shis start on Friday, November 29th and run Mondays thru Saturdays unl December 24th.
Carmel Lions Club, 141 E. Main Street, Carmel, IN 46032 Carmel Lions Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesday of Every Month Public Welcome Public Dinner at 7pm Meeting at 7:30pm (There is no meeting 12/24/2024)
tary;
Ceremony attendees place carnations on the base of the statue at Veterans Memorial Plaza.
U.S. Army veterans stand during the “Armed Forces Medley.”
Claire Moeller, an eighth-grade student at Clay Middle School, reads her winning essay. Other essay contest winners are Emil Borissov, a seventh-grade student at Creekside Middle School, and Elizabeth Waddell, a sixth-grade student at Clay Middle School.
Harold “Rock” Effron, a U.S. Army veteran and chaplain of Carmel VFW Post 10003, gives the keynote address. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
From left, Tom Oestreich, assistant superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, introduces poster contest winners Davin Song, a fifth-grade student at College Wood Elementary, and Jackson Zhong, a fourth-grade student at Towne Meadow Elementary. Other winners are Nikhil Kumar, a third-grade student at Carmel Elementary; Vian Govindarajula, a second-grade student at Carmel Elementary; Norah Davis, a first-grade student at Towne Meadow Elemen-
and Rome Gearheart, a kindergartener at Towne Meadow Elementary.
November 19, 2024 Current
November 23, 29, 30 December
FRIDAYS 5 – 9 p.m. SATURDAYS 2 – 9
Take a ride on our free fantastic shopping, delicious magic at every turn!
3rd Ave SW will be northbound traffic only during the hours that the Christkindlmarkt is open.
Monon Greenway
Carter Green Elevators Walkways
Stairs 15 - minute loading zones
Garages include public & private parking (free)
Surface parking. Follow posted time limits. (free) Shopping/dining districts
November 23 – December 24
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
November 27, noon – 9 p.m.
December 16 & 17, 4 – 9 p.m.
December 23, noon – 9 p.m.
December 24, noon – 4 p.m.
Choice Christmas Store provides free gifts to families
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
With the holiday season approaching, times can be challenging for people in need. The Grace Care Center, which offers free services to the community, has launched its annual Choice Christmas Store to assist people who might need a hand during the holidays.
GIVING BACK
The Grace Care Center, on the campus of Grace Church on the Noblesville/Carmel border at 5504 E. 146th St., opened in 2012 when church members identified the need for an outreach center, according to Associate Pastor Nick Pease.
“We provide several services to the community, one being a food pantry,” Pease said. “We also offer referral services, vehicle services to help give families safe and reliable transportation, a mobile pantry and English classes. We also have a thrift store.”
All the care center’s services are open to the public, and Pease said what started as a food pantry has evolved to adapt to the needs of the community. The center recently announced the opening of its 2024 Choice Christmas Store that can help families during the holidays.
“Over the years, we recognized that in the winter months, the need for our services always increased a little bit,” Pease said. “The heating bills are more expensive, the grocery bills are more expensive and then you add the holidays as well.”
Pease said the care center used to receive toy donations and put together a small store where families could choose gifts, but it has expanded in recent years. Now, an online store is up and running, and parents can choose gifts in person from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 21 and Dec 22. Pre-registration is required.
Grace Church Pastor of Digital Experience Tyler Bender said the Choice Christmas Store provided more than 10,000 gifts and served more than 1,000 families last year.
The center recently launched a website where community members can donate to stock the store with toys, gift cards and more.
Fishers resident Miranda McClary, a mother of three young children, said the Choice Christmas Store and Grace Care
Center have helped her and her family in several ways.
“I actually found the care center on Google when searching food pantries, and I have been utilizing the center for about three years now,” McClary said. “It helps me hugely with being able to get groceries in between me and my husband’s paychecks, and it helps us stretch the money for that. It has helped with the car repairs, and using the Choice Christmas Store was a huge load off our shoulders, especially when we were always tight on money.”
Pease said there are two primary ways people can support the Choice Christmas Store:
• Purchase (donate money for) specific gifts in the online store. Grace Care Center staff members will then take the money donated and purchase the items to stock the in-person shopping experience in December.
• Donate money using the ‘Shop For Me’ item in the online store. This store item allows donations in increments of $10, $50 or $100, which will then be used to purchase the most needed items for the store.
For more about the Choice Christmas Store, visit gracecarecenter.us/ christmasstore.
A volunteer helps a parent choose gifts at the Choice Christmas Store. (Photo courtesy of Nick Pease)
‘IT’S JUST TOTAL PEACE’
Carmel Salt Caves becoming a destination for locals, visitors to find healing, relax
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
When Skye Winslow transformed a house more than a century old to contain Carmel’s first salt caves, she was hopeful the therapy would attract local clients seeking relief from asthma and other ailments.
What she didn’t expect was Carmel Salt Caves quickly becoming a destination for visitors from across the state and beyond, with many bringing large groups for a relaxing corporate event or to celebrate a birthday.
“The place lends itself to sitting and talking with your friends,” Winslow said. “If you go to a restaurant, you have to eat. If you go to a movie, you can’t talk. So, (this is) a place where you can sit in a cave and talk to your friends, or you can sit in the foot spa and talk to your friends. Even the sauna is a four-person sauna, so you can talk to your friends.”
The building features two salt caves: the larger Harmony cave on the first floor, and the smaller Tranquility cave on the second floor. The cave floors, walls and ceilings are covered in 300 million-year-old salt from Pakistan, Winslow said.
During an hourlong session in the caves, a halo generator crushes pharmaceutical-grade salt and dispenses it into the air. The salt-infused air reduces inflammation and increases infection resistance, among other benefits, according to Winslow.
Amanda Faulk of Connersville has traveled 90 minutes to visit Carmel Salt Caves twice and plans to return often. She discovered the business while searching online for a different salt cave she had visited and decided to give it a try for her birthday.
“(Carmel Salt Caves) had more of a personal feel,” she said. “They want to make sure you’re comfortable. They want to make sure that you’re OK and that you understand what you’re doing, and they’re very good about explaining all the services they offer and what they do.”
In addition to the salt caves, Faulk enjoys having a foot detox. During the process, clients submerge their feet into a ceramic basin filled with salted warm water as an array attached to their arm stimulates the body to begin releasing heavy metals. At the end of the session, an attendant examines the basin and reveals which toxins were released from the body.
“After the detox, I’m so relaxed,” said Rachelle Vaughn, an Indianapolis resident who visits Carmel Salt Caves more than once a month. “You feel like a totally new person.”
The foot detox has been so popular that Winslow added a second room for it, relocating the sauna to a newly enclosed porch.
Vaughn, who often visits with her brother, said she is planning to bring a group of friends to the salt caves to
celebrate her birthday. She recommends everyone experience a salt cave at least once.
“It’s so peaceful. It’s so healing,” Vaughn said. “It is a place where I like to just talk to God while I’m in there. It’s so serene. It’s just total peace, (and) it is doing great things for your breathing and your lungs.”
Guests can relax in a zero-gravity recliner inside the caves, which are kept at a constant temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Winslow provides blankets that visitors can use in the caves.
Other services at Carmel Salt Caves include a four-person infrared sauna and a medical-grade red light therapy chamber with 41,600 lights. All services cost $45 each.
Winslow, who worked as a television news anchor and medical support hypnotherapist before opening Carmel Salt Caves, said she’s enjoyed connecting with clients from across the state, and even some international visitors who stop by while they’re in town. She said she’s been surprised but encouraged by how many people consider a visit to the salt caves a destination to explore while traveling.
“My big goal is to get an attraction sign off the highway,” Winslow said. “We meet all the parameters. You have to have a certain percentage of clients be from out of the city, from 30 miles away or more.”
Learn more at CarmelSaltCaves.com.
RENOVATING THE SPACE
In September 2023, Skye Winslow purchased a building that previously housed Polina’s Salon and Spa to renovate for Carmel Salt Caves. Cinderblocks in the home are stamped with the date 1916, and a photo Winslow has on display from the following year features the Fisher family, the house’s early residents.
To support the 22 tons of organic pink Himalayan salt in the caves, construction crews installed 20 steel rods below the building and added hundreds of structural beams inside. The building has four HVAC systems installed to help fine-tune the climate throughout the space.
Carmel Salt Caves opened in January, but renovations continued to build out the basement and add a second room for the popular foot detox services.
“Unfortunately, I had already built that room as a sauna, and I had already put hardwood floors in in December,” Winslow said. “We had to rip all the hardwood floors out and tile all the floors and then plumb all that into the floor. So, that took a long time to do.”
to install in the caves at Carmel Salt Caves. (Photo courtesy of Skye Winslow)
The walls of the newly opened four-person foot spa feature wallpaper custom made in Switzerland and a chandelier from Belgium. Both foot spa rooms offer far infrared mats and red light therapy during the detox process.
A truck delivers 22 tons of salt
ON THE COVER: Joanna John-Williams and Doniqueca JohnWillisma of Whitestown visit Carmel Salt Caves to celebrate their anniversary. (Photo courtesy of Skye Winslow)
Winslow
Carmel Salt Caves has become a destination for parties and other gatherings. The floors, walls and ceilings in the caves at Carmel Salt Caves are lined with salt to help improve breathing and provide relief for other ailments. (Photo courtesy of Skye Winslow)
Performers relish roles in Civic Theatre’s ‘White Christmas’
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Kaycee Beck seemingly was born to perform in musicals.
“On one side of my family, my grandma was in New York City Ballet, and on the other side, my grandma was a music teacher and my grandpa was a recording artist in Alaska,” Beck said. “So, I grew up in a huge musical family and ‘White Christmas’ was such a meaningful and amazing movie to watch during the holiday seasons. Honestly, this is a dream role for me being Judy and it’s very surreal I’m here.”
The Zionsville resident portrays Judy Haynes in Civic Theatre’s production of “White Christmas,” set for Nov. 29 to Dec. 24 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
The story focuses on two sisters who become connected with two performers who want to hold a surprise Army reunion to help their former general’s struggling inn in Vermont.
“I love the nostalgia and the number ‘The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,’” Beck said. “That number is so iconic and beautiful in both the movie and the musical.”
Beck, a 2019 Zionsville Community High School graduate, was active in show choirs in high school and performed with the Singing Hoosiers at Indiana University. She was the group’s varsity choreographer for three years and choreographer captain for the entire group for one year. She now choreographs show choirs for Noblesville High School.
“I think the art of telling a story and a message to the audience is my favorite part,” Beck said. “As much as I love to do it through song and dance, I think being able to touch the hearts of your audience members and connect with them and make friendships in that way is really powerful.”
This is Beck’s second Christmas show. She was in “Elf” in 2023, playing a wait-
ress and performing in the ensemble.
Beck enjoys the song “I Love a Piano,” which is in the musical but not the 1954 movie.
“It’s a seven-minute tap dance and (Civic’s) Anne Beck is an incredible choreographer, and she has choreographed such a lighthearted tap number for the group,” Beck said.
Mackenzie Foulks portrays her sister, Betty Haynes.
“I don’t dance very much,” Foulks said. “She is more of the singing sister and Judy is the dancing one.”
Foulks, a 2016 North Central High School graduate and a north Indianapolis resident, said her favorite scene is singing “Love You Didn’t Do Right by Me” while wearing a black dress with the male dancers.
“It’s very fun to perform,” she said. “I performed on cruise ships and there are those cast as just dancers. I kind of like to sing and have dancers around me to make me look pretty, that’s what I say. But I do wish I danced a little more on the show just because the choreography is so much fun and it looks so amazing.”
Austin Stodghill, who plays Phil Davis, saw the movie for the first time a few years ago.
“My parents are deaf, so I didn’t grow up with too many musicals in my life,” Stodghill said. “So, I discovered musicals later in life. What I like most is that he dances a lot. When I watch the movie, honestly, all the dancing is the most icon-
ic part of the show to me.”
Marc Coomes, a Brownsburg resident, plays Bob Wallace.
“I originally auditioned for Phil because I love dancing, but I ended up being Bob Wallace, so it’s all good,” Coomes said. “My favorite song is ‘Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.’ It’s kind of the lullaby of the show. It is really endearing to who Bob Wallace is. It reveals his softer side, not the military background, but the connection between him and the general’s granddaughter.”
This is Coomes’ first show in 15 years. He performed in three operas at IU and performed in several shows in high school in Evansville. He took time off from performing because he and his wife have five daughters.
Director Michael Lasley said this is the first time Civic has presented “White Christmas” but plans to make it part of a rotation with “Elf” and “A Christmas Story: The Musical” for the foreseeable future.
“It’s a huge production. It’s crazy to put these big old musicals together,” Lasley said. “A lot of musicals start out on stage and become a movie, and this was the other way around. We do a lot of contemporary things, but to get back to these great American standards (is rewarding). It’s all (the original music) by Irving Berlin but with a more modern orchestration. So, it’s a little jazzier than the original, but the movie musical of the 1950s was very hipster.”
For more, visit civitheatre.org.
‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs through Nov. 24 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
‘PETER AND THE STARCATCHER’
Carmel Community Players presents “Peter and the Starcatcher” through Nov. 24 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit carmelplayers.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Deceptions: An Evening of Magic and Lies” ls set for Nov. 21, followed by Dueling Pianos Nov. 22 and Murder Mystery Nov. 23 at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All three performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
AN EVENING WITH LESLIE ODOM JR.
Leslie Odom Jr. will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
CANADIAN BRASS
Canadian Brass will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Dionne Warwick will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
DISPATCH
Croce to return to Palladium — Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts announced “A.J. Croce: Heart of The Eternal Tour” is set for 8 p.m. April 4, 2025, at the Palladium in Carmel. Tickets went on sale to the general public Nov. 15. Croce, a singer-songwriter, and his band have been touring with their “Croce Plays Croce” tributes to his late father, folk singer Jim Croce, who enjoyed a string of pop hits in the early 1970s before his death in a 1973 plane crash. A.J. Croce played at the Palladium earlier this year. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org
DIONNE WARWICK
From left, Austin Stodgill, Kaycee Beck, Mackenzie Foulks and Marc Coomes perform in “White Christmas.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)
Warwick still driven to perform
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Dionne Warwick has been performing for more than 60 years. Initially, she said she figured her career would last about five years.
CONCERT
“Now, it’s 55 years later. It’s the way God planned it, I guess,” Warwick said. “I’m walking that path as long as he wants me to walk it. I love what I do and apparently people want to see me and hear me.”
nate that I’ve been able to musically fulfill those periods of time with those people that sit in the audience. They are getting exactly what they came to get. They have different favorite songs.”
Warwick
Warwick, 83, will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
Warwick said she always shares stories about her career with the audience.
“They want to get to know me like I want to get to know them,” Warwick said. “It’s like we’re sitting in my living room having a good old time.”
Warwick was at the Palladium for the inaugural gala in 2011 and was the gala headliner in 2019.
A 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, she was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame in 2016. She has a long friendship with Great American Songbook Foundation founder and Allied Solutions Center Artistic Director Michael Feinstein.
“He’s a talented, exceptionally knowledgeable person,” Warwick said. “I find it a joy whenever he calls and says, ‘Can you do it this year?’ And, of course, the answer is yes all the time.”
Even after six decades, Warwick enjoys performing for audiences.
“People have incredible ears, and whatever they feel suits that ear becomes very special to them,” she said. “I’m very fortu-
Many of Warwick’s greatest hits were crafted for her by the late composer Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David.
“It was a marriage that worked,” Warwick said. “They wrote songs with me in mind, so each one of the songs that I sing has been specifically written for me — Burt with his magnificent melodies and Hal David with the magnificent lyrics for me to sing.”
Warwick is renowned for many songs, including “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Walk on By,” “I Say a Little Prayer for You,” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love.”
The song “That’s What Friends Are For,” which Warwick recorded with Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder, raised awareness and major funds for AIDS research, which Warwick continues to support, among other causes such as The Starlight Foundation, children’s hospitals, world hunger, disaster relief and music education.
Warwick participated with other music stars in “We Are The World,” a charity single to raise funds for humanitarian aid for the famine in Ethiopia.
“It was a wonderful thing that we all decided we had the opportunity to be of service for and and showed up to do that,” Warwick said.
Warwick has worked since the mid1980s to support AIDS research.
“I support anything I truly believe in and I can be of service for and to,” Warwick said. ‘There are some things that touch me and I feel I can be of some service.”
For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org.
Band to open Fishers Event Center
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Trampled by Turtles was created as a side project by vocalist Dave Simonett.
CONCERT
“When we started, we had one show and that was going to be it,” Simonett said. “All of us were in rock bands and we wanted to try something acoustic. In the town of Duluth (Minn.,) where we started, no one else was doing that. We thought it was something to try for a local festival there.”
Twenty-one years later, the bluegrass band is still going strong.
Trampled by Turtles will open for Turnpike Troubadours at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 in the opening performance at the Fishers Event Center.
“We’re excited to see what it’s like,” Simonett said. “It’s a cool opportunity to get in front of a lot of people who haven’t seen us or heard of us before.”
Simonett said the band will perform songs from “Always Here, Always Now,” which was released in September. The album includes the same five songs
performed by both Trampled by Turtles and Simonett’s Americana band Dead Man Winter. Simonett and bassist Tim Saxhaup are in both bands.
“As the writing process fleshed itself out, I just thought I wanted to hear it with each band and see which one I liked better,’ Simonett said. “I settled on, ‘let’s record them with both,’ because I kind of envisioned both groups playing each song and couldn’t pick. My experiment was to sing the same song with the same singer and see how different people would make it sound. Both were recorded fairly live in different studios.”
For more, visit fisherseventcenter.com,
‘Noble Vision’ now streaming
By Les Morris editoriaal@youarecurrent.com
A full-length feature film with strong central Indiana bloodlines is sweeping up awards and hitting it big on streaming services.
“Noble Vision,” a movie based on the novel of the same name by Westfield resident Gen LaGreca, has racked up 28 wins in film festivals this year, including awards for best feature film, screenplay and acting in prestigious competitions such as the International New York Film Festival, the Queen City Film Festival, and the Silicon Beach Film Festival.
The movie was made entirely in central Indiana with a Hoosier cast and crew. It is available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku, Plex, Tubi, Vudu, and Hoopla, with more platforms to come.
“It’s a 19-year dream come true for me,” said LaGreca, whose novel was published in 2005.
The story is tailored for film that hits on a variety of levels – as a romance, a political thriller and a commentary on medical ethics. LaGreca wrote the screenplay two
years after the book was finished.
The film tells the story of a young neurosurgeon, Dr. David Lang (Michael Rubenstone), who develops a revolutionary procedure to repair damaged nerves. When a beautiful dancer, Nicole Hudson (Rayna Wilson), is blinded in an accident, Lang is determined to help her regain her sight, but the pair face bureaucratic and political obstacles that threaten their mission.
“Noble Vision,” a Winged Victory Foundation film, was shot at 15 different locations in three weeks during September 2023. Some of the scenes were filmed at the Noblesville courthouse and the Paramount Theater in Anderson.
Trampled by Turtles will play Nov. 22 in the opening performance at the Fishers Event Center. (Photo by Olivia Bastone)
FILM
Michael Rubenstone, right, examines Rayna Wilson’s eyes in a scene from “Noble Vision.” (Photo courtesy of Gen LaGreca)
DIONNE WARWICK
SUN NOV 24 AT 7PM THE PALLADIUM NIGHT
HOLIDAYS
SAT DEC 14 AT 8PM THE PALLADIUM
‘Something Rotten!’ at Creekside
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The lead characters in Creekside Middle School’s musical didn’t know much about “Something Rotten! Jr.” before it was selected but now, they are embracing it.
MUSICAL
“I think it’s really special we are one of the first middle schools around to do it,” eighth-grader Riddhi Dangle said.
“Something Rotten! Jr.” is a musical comedy set in 1595 about a theater troupe led by brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom who try to compete with William Shakespeare. The performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22 at 2 p.m. Nov. 23.
Zoe Lazzaro, an eighth-grader, portrays Bea.
“I love that (the) show has a lot of different things going on and love (that) my character is a really big part of the hero in the story,” she said.
Dangle plays Portia.
“I really like that Portia is a multisided character,” Dangle said. “She has so much love for poetry and that translates into her love for Nigel.”
Nigel is played by seventh-grader Dre Kubek.
“My character is not shy but sort of whiny,” Kubek said. “He’s very funny for the audience, which makes it fun to play.”
Seventh-grader Liam Teach, who plays Nick, said his character has two sides.
“He has to look like he’s a really confident guy that is leading the troupe and earning money,” Teach said. “But inside, he really has no idea what he is doing.”
For tickets, visit creeksidetheater.ludus. com.
Actresses lend authenticity
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Adrienne Reiswerg has a long history with “Fiddler on the Roof.”
BEEF & BOARDS
said all four of her grandparents were immigrants.
“I knew three of them and their stories are wildly similar to what they went through in this show,” Reiswerg said. “Two of my grandparents were from Ukraine, one from Poland and one from Belarus. Their hometowns were remarkably similar to Tevye’s town, which is made up.”
The north Indianapolis resident is appearing in “Fiddler on the Roof” in the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre production, which runs through Nov. 24. This is Reiswerg’s fifth time in the musical and fourth time playing Yente, the matchmaker, “Clearly, this show and I have some affinity for one another,” Reiswerg said. “I also enjoy bringing cultural competency to the cast and the community and correcting any misconceptions. Someone asked me if we ever have juniors, and I said, ‘No, Jews never name after the living. We only name after the dead.’ The idea of cultural competency and sharing one’s traditions is a great thing. It’s a way of better understanding through the arts.”
Besides her Jewish heritage, Reiswerg
Reiswerg said most believe the story is set in Ukraine in the early 1900s.
Reiswerg said her character, which she first played 25 years ago, could be anywhere from 40 to 100 years old.
Carmel High School sophomore Sadie Cohen plays Chava, one of Tevye’s daughters.
“It’s been such a fabulous experience so far,” Cohen said. “It’s definitely super powerful. I’m a proud young Jewish woman, so having the opportunity to play a young Jewish woman is super meaningful to me. To have the chance to tell a Jewish story as a Jewish actor is incredibly impactful.”
For more, visit beefandboards.com.
Reiswerg Cohen
From left, Dre Kubek, Riddhi Dangle, Zoe Lazzaro and Liam Teach appear in “Something Rotten! Jr.” at Creekside Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Johnson)
Indie Lux Atelier to significantly expand with move
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Indie Lux Atelier’s move translates into a significant expansion.
RELOCATION
Co-owner Joshua Frankum said the aesthetic medical business is scheduled to move the week of Nov. 25 to a new state-of-the-art facility at 1020 W. Main St. within the Signature Shoppes complex in Carmel. ILA launched in 2021 and operated from its previous location for three years, utilizing four salon suites to serve clients.
Frankum, who is the managing partner and co-owns Indie Lux Atelier with his wife, Molly, said the space will increase from approximately 500 square feet to nearly 3,500 square feet.
“Our staff boasts a combined 17 years of aesthetic medicine experience, alongside an additional 51 years of medical expertise spanning dermatology, radiology, plastic surgery, trauma and more,” Frankum said. “This depth of knowledge allows us to offer not only high-quality, clinically-focused treatments but also the latest advancements in the field. We hold monthly research and technique meetings to ensure our clients receive the most up-to-date, effective care possible.”
ILA’s services are growing, too, Frankum said.
“The practice is adding functional medicine to its offerings, including weight loss services, and has partnered with a top local registered dietitian from Carmel to provide personalized nutrition plans,” Frankum said.
The staff includes three physician assistants, a nurse practitioner and three
licensed aestheticians. Frankum said the growing support team includes a client coordinator, marketing manager and practice director.
“These roles will be expanding to better serve ILA’s growing patient base and clientele, ensuring a seamless experience that aligns with the increased size of ILA’s new space,” Frankum said.
ILA’s new services for women’s health include hormone optimization, gut health restoration, stress and adrenal health and weight loss management.
“These additions address key aspects of women’s well-being, improving mood, energy, digestion and stress management while offering personalized weight-loss solutions,” Frankum said. “They complement ILA’s existing services, such as neurotoxins, dermal fillers and advanced facials, by creating a clinical approach to beauty and wellness, enhancing both appearance and internal health.”
The facility now features nine treatment rooms, offering everything from laser hair removal to wrinkle reduction treatments.
The grand opening is set for spring 2025. For more, visit indieluxatelier.com.
DISPATCHES
Diaper drive — The Indiana Diaper Bank is collecting diapers, training diapers, wipes and monetary donations through December in the 2024 #ShareTheLove diaper drive. The drive assists struggling families through the Indiana Diaper Bank’s social service organization partners. Organizations that wish to participate can sign up at tinyurl.com/2p8wjts6. Learn more at indianadiaperbank.org.
Dental assistance — Accessia Health, a national nonprofit patient assistance organi-
zation, has expanded financial assistance offerings to residents of Indiana who have a chronic condition and need help paying for their dental or oral care services. Accessia Health’s Oral Health Fund, funded by a grant from the Delta Dental Foundation, aims to improve access to care for those who might otherwise go without. Individuals who qualify may receive up to $650 for dental/oral care expenses and up to $100 for travel expenses related to oral care needs and treatment. Learn more at accessiahealth.org/patient-programs.
Indie Lux Atelier is moving to a larger stateof-the-art facility in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Frankum)
Man overcomes catastrophic injuries to help others
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
Jeremy Warriner’s life changed forever on an October evening in 2005 along County Road 240 in Putnam County.
GIVING BACK
While driving home to Indianapolis from his work as director of operations at The Walden Inn on the campus of DePauw University in Greencastle, he was involved in a horrific car accident.
Warriner was traveling 55 mph, heading eastbound toward Marion County, when a 16-year-old — who had possessed her driver’s license for approximately three weeks — traveling northbound turned left in front of him. Warriner’s Jeep Wrangler crashed into a utility pole, at which point brake fluid leaked out of its reservoir and ignited a massive fire.
Warriner was trapped in the burning vehicle for 20 minutes.
He was rescued just before the car was entirely engulfed and taken to IU-Methodist hospital in Indianapolis.
His left leg was completely crushed, and he suffered fourth-degree burns to both of his lower legs. Within a few days of the accident, his right leg was amputated at the knee and his left leg a little above the knee.
His face was so badly mangled that his jaw had to be wired shut. He had a compound fracture to the right wrist. While still at Methodist, he was placed in a six-week medically induced coma. He was transferred to the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health but has no memory of it. He didn’t regain consciousness until December.
Warriner was discharged to his parents’ home in Indianapolis shortly before Christmas 2005. He admits his mental state was horrible — so much so that he was in a “world of pain” and suicidal when he left the burn center.
It was in February of 2006 when he said he began to feel better, describing it as an ‘ah ha’ moment.
“What brought that about is when I read the police report of the accident,” Warriner said. “That led to me talking to everyone I could track down from the accident scene.”
Meanwhile, Warriner’s recovery journey at the Fairbanks Burn Center, the sole verified adult burn center in Indiana, was
continuing. The unit is on the fourth floor of the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in downtown Indianapolis. It includes 15 private beds; 13 clinic rooms; and two burn operating rooms that allow physicians to precisely control the room temperature to prevent hypothermia.
Warriner endured 38 surgeries before he left the burn unit, not unusual for a severe burn victim where multiple steps are required to remove the burned tissue and replace it properly.
“I prepare them to have upwards of 20 surgeries before they leave the hospital to put them in the frame of mind that it’s not going to be a one and done type of thing,” said Dr. Leigh Spera, associate director at the center.
Today, Warriner lives on the northwest side of Indianapolis with his wife Irena, who he married in 2016. He has five adult stepchildren.
Warriner is busy leading Walking Spirit, an organization he started in 2006 that provides ADA training to organizations and accessible DEIB, or diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, services to businesses and organizations. His services also include public speaking and coaching.
Warriner also is a volunteer at the burn unit, where he is still well known.
“One of the most amazing things to me has been the consistency of the staff over the years,” Warriner said. “There are still nurses and therapists who recognize me and talk to me. That means a lot.”
Warriner considers the efforts of his entire care team -- the first responders, the doctors and staff at the hospital, and certainly the professionals at the burn unit — to have given him a “gift.”
“I could not throw that away,” Warriner says. “I had to figure out how I was going to live this life because I couldn’t throw away the gifts they’d given me.”
Jeremy Warriner credits the team at the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health for the gift of life after they helped him recover from a vehicle accident.
(Photo courtesy of Jeremy Warriner)
Sudden cardiac arrest inspires couple to raise AED awareness
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
It started out as a normal September morning in 2017 in the Toussing household in Lawrence Township.
FUNDRAISER
Then 29, Kristin and her husband, Justin, had just returned with their three boys from a trip to Disney World. Justin, a police officer, was working the night shift and was taking time to attend a school field trip. She had just taken her three children to school.
“I complained a little bit of chest pain and some pain in my jaw, but we didn’t think too much about it,” she said. “He did some Googling, but with my age and health, we brushed it aside. I told him I was going to lay down for a bit and see if I felt better. He forgot something and came back, talking to me, and I wasn’t responsive.”
Justin quickly shifted into first responder mode — unlocking the front door so paramedics could get in as he called 911 — and then administered CPR for several minutes.
“It was by the grace of God those three
Kristin Toussing holds her running number for Bolt for the Heart. (Photos courtesy of Kristin Toussing)
things popped into my head,” he said.
Lawrence paramedics used an AED, or automated external defibrillator, to shock her heart, which was key to her survival. Since then, the family has been committed to running in the annual Bolt for the Heart race to raise awareness about the importance of having AEDs nearby. The family
participates in Bolt for the Heart each year on Thanksgiving Day, including this year’s 5K run/walk set for Nov. 28 in Carmel.
In addition to raising awareness of AEDs, Bolt for the Heart distributes the lifesaving devices to law enforcement officers. Kristin said her husband was one of the first Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers to get an AED from Bolt for the Heart.
Kristin, now 37, shares her story of the sudden cardiac arrest to inform others.
“(The paramedics) shocked me once and they were able to get my heart rhythm back, but I still wasn’t breathing on my own,” she said. “They took me to Community (Hospital) and I was in a coma for almost 72 hours, then woke up and was in the hospital for 11 days.”
Kristin said she learned her husband could have given her CPR for hours, but the heart wouldn’t have restarted without the AED shock.
Justin, a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate, said it’s very different performing CPR on a loved one.
“I didn’t know about sudden cardiac arrest. The only thing I really knew about
was heart attacks,” he said. “She didn’t really fit the bill for risk factors for heart attacks, so I wasn’t sure what was going on. To learn that is what happened and to see how few people survive unwitnessed sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting, it really hit home on how close we came to losing her.”
Kristin, a Noblesville High School graduate, said doctors have tried everything to determine the cause, but to no avail.
“I have an implantable defibrillator now that’s there to shock if needed. It’s able to sense my heart rhythm all the time,” Kristin said.
The couple’s twin sons, Ethan and Caleb, are freshmen at Bishop Chatard High School and Tyler is a sixth-grader at St. Pius X Catholic School. They have a 2-yearold foster daughter.
“If you have sudden cardiac arrest and someone sees you go down, you still. have less than (a) 10 percent chance of survival,” said Kristin, a Realtor with F.C. Tucker Co. “So, we just feel really grateful and blessed that I have a story I can still share.” Learn more and register for the race at boltfortheheart.com.
State’s only direct care endocrinology practice opens in Carmel
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com
Dr. Elizabeth Grethen is passionate about her patients. So much so that she opened her own practice, Impact Endocrinology, at the end of August to spend more time with them.
MEDICINE
The change came after working for a large corporate health care system for nearly 13 years. Grethen’s new practice employs a direct care model instead of a traditional insurance-based model. It is the first direct care endocrinology practice in Indiana, she said.
Grethen said the corporate medicine model didn’t allow her to spend as much time with patients as she would like.
“I love taking care of patients, but I really want to have that experience on my own terms, where I can sit down a lot longer with each patient, give education on their condition, which in turn then enables prevention of their disease and delays development of their disease,” she said.
Previously, Grethen said she saw approximately 18 patients per day. At Impact
Endocrinology, she sees four to six a day.
“For each of those people, I’m spending at least three times the length of time I would spend with patients formerly at my old practice,” she said.
Grethen is the only employee at her new practice. When patients schedule an appoint-
ment or have questions, they will speak with Grethen instead of an assistant or nurse.
“Instead of calling a clinic and going through a phone tree, patients can reach me directly, enabling me to avoid a delay in addressing medical issues,” she said. Moreover, the direct care model elimi-
nates insurance companies acting as intermediaries. It operates on patient membership fees, billed either monthly, quarterly or annually.
“This model lends itself to much more personalized care, because without the constraints of insurance, the physician is able to spend more time with the patient, focus more on preventive care,” Grethen said. “There is a misconception that this type of care can be unaffordable, but it does save costs in many ways.”
So far, Grethen embraces the new model.
“One of the things I’m really excited about in this whole process (is), it gives me room for creativity in terms of patient education,” she said. “That’s something I’m passionate about. I enjoy education on any level. With more flexibility with my time, I’ll be able to develop an avenue for that, like writing patient education articles or perhaps developing a class, or just thinking about how I can gather materials to present to patients.”
Impact Endocrinology is at 188 W. Carmel Dr. Patients can call 317-660-1322 or request an appointment online at.impactendocrine.com/contact.
Dr. Elizabeth Grethen at Impact Endocrinology at 188 W. Carmel Dr. in Carmel. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Elizabeth Grethen)
2 new steakhouses coming to Carmel City Center
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Two new steakhouses are preparing to open at Carmel City Center.
Lone Pine opened
RESTAURANTS
Nov. 13 at 710 S. Range Line Road. It is owned by Josh Mazanowski, whose family’s Montana ranch provided the inspiration for the menu of meat, fish, vegetarian options, classic sides with a twist and curated wines and craft cocktails.
“We are looking forward to being in the middle of great shopping and entertainment energy at Carmel City Center,” Mazanowski stated in a press release. “We hope to be a destination for friends to gather before or after a show or just on a fun Saturday night.”
Lone Pine opened in the space that
previously housed Langton’s Irish Pub and Tucci’s.
Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations can be made on Resy.
Upscale restaurant Charred is planning to open in early 2025 at 61 W. City Center Dr. The menu will feature prime steaks, specialty butcher block items, boutique wines and a selection of bourbon-based cocktails. Charred will be open to diners 21 and older. Hours will be 4:30 to 10 p.m. weekdays and stay open until 11 p.m. weekends.
Charred is moving into the space that previously housed 317 Charcuterie. In September, 317 Charcuterie began operating out of the Bash event center at 1235 Keystone Way in Merchants’ Square.
Parade of Homes set for spring
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis is expanding its reach across central Indiana, with plans to bring the Parade of Homes to the region in spring 2025. The event is set to meet the increasing demand for representation from across Indianapolis and surrounding areas and reach more potential home buying clients. The event is expected to showcase more than 60 homes and more than 20 builders and remodelers covering five geographic areas and four price points.
BAGI
The event is different from BAGI’s annual Home-A-Rama event.
“Home-A-Rama is a high-end home show that happens in one location/neighborhood in the fall each year,” BAGI Director of Communications Amanda Parker said. “The Parade of Homes will feature multiple communities across the entire greater Indianapolis area at varying price points, delivering a more personalized experience. This means guests will be able to visit homes tailored to what they are looking for whether it be price, geographic location or style. The different types of homes will also feature a variety of products and vendors for guests to be able to get home
design ideas.”
The show will include an all-access pass that allows participants to visit any home within the tour during the three weekends of the show — amounting to exclusive access to dozens of homes across central Indiana. Visitors will be able to communicate with builders and staff throughout the show.
“BAGI works diligently to not only create a brand standard for new home construction, but to aid in the effort to attain affordable housing,” Parker said. “We are so excited that this show will not only speak to attendees on that personal level, but also showcase the great work our builders and remodelers are doing throughout central Indiana.”
BAGI’s parade of Homes takes place April 25-27; May 2-4; and May 9-11, 2025.
Builders and remodelers can participate if they are active BAGI members and have something they would like to showcase within the greater Indianapolis area.
Builders who wish to participate can submit an interest form at bagi.com/ parade-of-homes or by contacting Drake Branda, chief operating officer of BAGI, at drakeb@bagi.com.
Details will be available as the event nears at bagi.com.
Show your appreciation for our community’s first responders. They put their lives on the line everyday. Your grateful support funds a $400,000 accidental death benefit to family dependents of police officers and firefighters, and grants for equipment and training to help save lives.
Silver in the City celebrates 2 notable anniversaries
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Silver in the City is celebrating two significant anniversaries.
RETAIL
“This is our 25th holiday season on Mass Avenue and 10th holiday season in Carmel,” owner Kristin Kohn said.
Silver in the City opened in July 2020 on Mass Ave in Indianapolis. It opened in Carmel in May 2015.
Prior to opening the store at 111 W. Main St., Suite 150, in Carmel, Silver in the City had two seasons of popup shops during the holidays through a project called Mass on Main in 2013 and 2014.
“We had two separate Mass Ave businesses in one storefront,” Kohn said. “That’s what helped us to find out the enthusiasm that the Carmel community had for our store. When we saw an opportunity for a permanent space become available, we decided to open up our second store there.”
Kohn said the Carmel community has shown up to support her small business, which includes jewelry, home decor and gifts.
“Having an existing brand that some people were already familiar with helped,” she said. “We were able to draw customers who used to come see us downtown from the north side who were instead coming to see us in the Carmel Arts & Design District in Carmel,” Kohn
said. “In the 10 years in Carmel, we’ve seen so much development from the city, things like Midtown Plaza, Monon Boulevard and the Chriskindlmarkt have really helped build a thriving commercial corridor.”
Although there has been turnover in the Arts & Design District, Kohn said the Silver in the City block has had two great staying powers in Joe’s Butcher Shop and Fish Market and Bazbeaux pizza. Bazbeaux also is near Silver in the City on Mass Ave.
“I think you have two solid anchors and a community that loves to come out and support their small businesses,” Kohn said.
Kohn said jewelry represents a third of her business.
“Silver jewelry is how we got our start, then we expanded to add gifts and home decor,” she said.
“There’s definitely something for everyone in our shop. We have a ton of small businesses that are represented in the product lines in our store. We do try to go out and discover things you haven’t seen anywhere else. We are trying to make sure we are bringing in new merchandise year after year, so every holiday season we have a new selection of things to choose from and it’s really fresh. We know buying gifts can be stressful or challenging, we want to do our best to connect with something they have never seen before that leads to a great gift-giving experience.”
For more, visit silverinthecity.com.
Silver in the City owner Kristin Kohn with her holiday merchandise in the Carmel store. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Kohn)
Tech CEO turns teacher at Carmel’s Midwest Academy
By Samantha Kupiainen news@currentincarmel.com
For the last five years, Scott Sego and his company, End 2 End Managed Services, have handled Midwest Academy’s technology needs.
EDUCATION
This year, Sego took on a more unique role with the school.
As the Carmel school sought to offer more class options, Sego expressed an interest in spending more time in the classroom. So, this semester he made his teaching debut with a technology elective class alongside co-teacher Chelsea Baker. The class, Production and Technology, is taught five days a week.
Typically, Sego, president and CEO of End 2 End, draws from his industry experience to teach students about technology, while Baker handles classroom management and student engagement.
“The kids come in each day and they usually get a short lesson about something in technology and how we can use it to impact and help people,” Baker said. “They have time to design and build and make things.”
Students have learned about 3D printing and will study laser cutting.
As Sego nears the end of his first semester of teaching, he said it has been an enlightening experience.
“Thus far, my experience has been exceptionally positive,” Sego said. “I did not encounter this type of learning environment during my educational journey. My schooling primarily consisted of a, ‘Come in, sit down, speak only when prompted and learn through reading and testing’
approach, which was repetitive and not well-suited to the way students today are inclined to learn. Ms. Baker, who leads the class, is an outstanding educator. Her evident passion for her work significantly enhances my experience and makes my involvement more rewarding.”
Sego said he wants to return to the classroom in the future.
“I sincerely hope to do so regarding the possibility of continuing this engagement,” he said. “As I operate my own IT business full time, this experience has also served as an important lesson in time management.”
Midwest Academy serves students in third through 12th grade with ADD/ADHD, language-based learning differences, high-functioning autism and processing challenges. Learn more at MyMWA.org.
Learn more about End 2 End Managed Services at e2emsp.com.
DISPATCHES
City selects investment advisor — The City of Carmel has selected HUB International as its investment advisor representative to support its 457(b) and 401(a) deferred compensation plan for employees, former employees and retirees. Part of a comprehensive review of all financial contracts in support of Mayor Sue Finkam’s commitment to ensure the financial well-being of the city and its workforce, the pursuit of an advisor was supported by representatives from fire and police unions, as well as specialists in retirement
education, human resources and finance. The contract with HUB International is expected to be finalized later this month, with the firm serving city employees beginning in January 2025.
Gourmet Tastings at Regalique — Regalique, 110 W. Main St., Suite 120, in Carmel, is hosting Gourmet Tastings from 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays. At the free event, guests can sample gourmet products, including chocolates, honey, cheese and more. Learn more at Regalique.com.
Scott Sego, right, works with a Midwest Academy student. (Photo courtesy of Amber Smith)
A password identity crisis
Commentary by Dick Wolfsie
My wife Mary Ellen wants me to change my passwords. All 200 of them. She reads a lot about identity fraud and password theft. She told me the dumbest password is the word PASSWORD. So, I then changed my bank account login to MYPASSWORD. Much better.
HUMOR
Changing passwords takes work. When I acquired our stray beagle in 1990, I used his name for many of my logins. Looking back, that was a really dumb decision, because not only could thieves figure it out, but when Barney got loose, he started making monthly withdrawals at the ATM — and a few deposits.
The process involves knowing your old password, but there are so many automatic or facial logins that you can forget your password just as you do your own phone number. So, to change my password, I needed my old password, which means I must start with the prompt: FORGOT PASSWORD.
Then I got a new password, but I’m far from getting it done. First, I must go through a verification process involving the website sending me a code, which never works the first time. Never. So, then they send a new code that works. Why don’t they send the second code first? I can’t be the first person to think of this. Maybe the second.
Now, I know Mary Ellen is going to panic, but I am going to share with you some of my favorite verification codes I received. Feel free to use them:
• 2jk3j47474
• 94888777722
• 8989727377?
• 975099780
I then enter the number twice to confirm I’ve done it correctly. Then it always says, “Your codes don’t match.” That sounded very familiar. Mary Ellen always tells me,
“You also get password suggestions. I received one that read “Zengiax,” and another was “Xynjaz.” So, I finally figured out how big pharma decides on names for their drugs.”
– DICK WOLFSIE
“Your clothes don’t match.”
When I enter the code, it requires a twostep verification called an account recovery contact. I use Mary Ellen’s cell number. Then they text my wife’s phone to give her another verification number, which she is supposed to provide me. But this was at midnight, and there was no way Mary Ellen was going to be awake for another eight hours. And by that time, about 34 verification codes would have expired.
One website asked if I wanted a threestep process, but I couldn’t think of a single friend who was up at that hour.
You also get password suggestions. I received one that read “Zengiax,” and another was “Xynjaz.” So, I finally figured out how big pharma decides on names for their drugs.
In the morning, Mary Ellen told me that all the passwords I picked had a problem. Either they were too easy to guess, like my middle name and age, or too hard to enter correctly, like *&^%^$#(&^^%$.
I’m not going to worry about this anymore. After reading this column, why would anyone want to steal my identity?
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
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.
Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.
So what if we disagree?
Commentary by Jeff Worrell
Leading up to the election, there was a common view easily given voice in print, in media and with friends. We are a country divided. But what does that really mean? Did we used to be united and now we aren’t?
CIVILITY
Regardless of which lever you pulled in the voting booth, you most likely were motivated to sacrifice time and convenience to exercise your duty as an American. As I witnessed those in line, I suggest there was much more shared than divided in our corner of the world.
When the pundits tell us we are a coun-
try divided, it is important to remember it doesn’t have to be. In a time where politics tries with all its might to divide us, it’s important to remember that there’s more to our relationships than just who we vote for. We can focus on finding common ground and understanding each other rather than trying to change each other’s minds. So what if we disagree. There is more to life than being right.
Jeff Worrell is a Carmel City Council member and a civility proponent. To contact him, you may email jeff4civility@gmail.com.
READER’S VIEW
Embrace a post-election spirit of unity
Editor,
I am very disappointed that Current would publish the post-election very divisive Letter to the Editor of Shelley Carey. Rather than succumb to the temptation
to respond with a common sense rebuttal that explains Trump’s victory, I will move on in the spirit of unity. Can Current do the same?
Joe Gorzalski, Carmel
November 19, 2024 Current in Carmel
A go-getter’s world?
Commentary by Terry Anker
Nineteenth-century American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once mused that, “Without ambition, one starts nothing. Without work, one finishes nothing.” He makes a good point. We are far more likely to accomplish something when we set out with a clear objective and apply the effort required to take us there. Whether we imagined ourselves to be college educated or to earn enough to provide a college education for our offspring, a bit of chutzpah and more than a little labor are required to get us there.
ESSAY
Earlier this year, Randstad Consulting, a Dutch human resources firm, released its 2024 Workmonitor report. Among other things, it held that more than 40 percent of Americans would refuse a promotion if offered; more than half are happy to remain in a job with no prospects of mobility; and almost two-thirds see their noncareer interests as more important than their contributions at the office.
CFO.com took the data to be a significant shift for traditional U.S. workers and as an ominous horizon for replacing retiring leadership. Moreover, many of those who do work demand limited desk time along with other concessions and accommodations. Much has been said about whether we have enough leisure. Still, are we willing to accommodate a lesser lifestyle in the trade? If we care, do we look to inheritance, handouts, AI or cheap global labor to offset our increasing
VIEWS
lack of productivity? Regardless, who will pick up the slack? Employment for those 65 and older has risen from 11 percent in 1987 to 19 percent today. With the realized promise of a technological solution still out of reach, there seems to be considerable opportunity for those of us with some motivation. Will our ambition start something?
STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE HAMILTON CIRCUIT COURT ) SS: COUNTY OF HAMILTON ) CAUSE NO. 29C012409-MI-010047 IN RE THE NAME CHANGE OF: ) )
Rachel Parks Hogan ) Petitioner )
NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Rachel Parks Hogan, whose mailing address is: 804 Walkabout Circle E. Apt. 2A, Carmel IN 46032, in the Hamilton County, Indiana, hereby gives notice that Rachel Parks Hogan has filed a petition in the Hamilton Court requesting that her name be changed to Rachel Marie Parks.
Notice is further given that the hearing will be held on said Petition on January 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Rachel Parks Hogan Petititioner
September 10, 2024
Date
Kathy Kreag Williams Clerk
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS & CARMEL PLANNING COMMISSION
Docket Number: PZ-2024-00191DP/ADLS; PZ-2024-00192V; PZ-2024-00193V; PZ-2024-00194V; PZ-2024-00195V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals/Carmel Planning Commission Hearing Officers in-person meeting on Thursday, the 19th day of December 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Floor, Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:
Seek approval for four (4) variances: (i) maximum 80% lot cover allowed; 90% requested; (ii) maximum 35-ft building height allowed when adjacent to single family residences; 65-ft requested; (iii) transportation plan compliance is required; requesting Thoroughfare Plan Map, Mobility & Pedestrian Plan Map, Street Topographies, and Streetscape Facilities modifications; (iv) minimum bufferyard width shall be equal to the building height of the nearest building to each side or rear lot line, not to exceed 35’; 5’ width requested. Also, minimum planting standard shall be Bufferyard C; Requesting the planting standard be per the submitted landscape plans.
Request variance approval for increase in maximum building height, increate in maximum parcel coverage, thoroughfare plan map, mobility & pedestrian plan map, street topographic and streetscape facilities modifications, and planting standard to be per the submitted landscape plans.
For property being known as (address): 311 W Main Street
The application is identified as Docket No.: PZ-2024-00191DP/ADLS; PZ-2024-00192V; PZ-202400193V; PZ-2024-00194V; PZ-2024-00195V
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 16-09-25-16-01-003.000 ; 16-09-25-16-01-001.000
16-09-25-16-01-003.001 ; 16-09-25-16-01-002.000
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.
Petitioner: Studio M Architecture & Planning
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS CARMEL, INDIANA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION from the General Fund (#202) Ordinance D-2749-24
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, at their regular meeting place at Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Council Chambers at 6 p.m. on the 2nd of December, 2024, will consider the following appropriation in excess of the budget for 2024:
$71,900.00 from the Local Road and Street Fund operating balance TO Engineering Department (#2200) Line Item 4350900 – Other Contracted Services
The source of revenue for the above is the Local Road and Street Fund (#202).
Taxpayers appearing at the meeting shall have a right to be heard. The additional appropriation as finally made will be referred to the Department of Local Government Finance. The Department will make a written determination as to the sufficiency of funds within fifteen (15) days of receipt of a certified copy of the action taken.
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
ADVERTISEMENT / NOTICE TO BIDDERS
CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA
Well 29
Sealed Bids for the City of Carmel, Indiana’s “Well 29” project, will be received by the City of Carmel, Indiana, (“Owner”) at the following address:
1000 S. Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032
Bids will be received until 4:00 pm EST December 3rd, 2024 at the office of the Clerk, 1000 S Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana (2nd Floor) on Wednesday December 4, 2024, at 9:45 AM, local time bids will be received by the Receptionist at City Hall , One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana (Front Desk) until 9:45 am EST. Between the hours of 9:45 am and 10:00 am EST on Wednesday December 4, 2024 bids will need to be delivered to the Council Chambers.
Any Bid received after this time will be returned to the Bidder unopened. The Bids will be publicly opened and read during the Board of Public Works meeting which will start at 10:00 AM December 4, 2024. Bid envelopes should be clearly marked “Bid Enclosed – Well 29 on the outside of the envelope and as otherwise specified in the “Instructions to Bidders”. Please order the Bid such that the “Bid Summary” is the first page when opened.
In general, the work consists of constructing a groundwater well, pump platform, valve vault, associated piping, and associated electrical equipment.
Copies of the Bidding Documents may be examined without charge at the office of the Utility Director (address below) or by contacting the Engineer. Bidders are encouraged to retrieve Bidding Documents online from the Eastern Engineering Plan Room <https://distribution.easternengineering.com/View/ MultiPlanroomJobList.aspx> so that Bidders may promptly receive applicable addenda and notifications.
Any questions prior to the bid should be directed to the Engineer: Carmel Utilities 30 West Main St., Suite 220 Carmel, Indiana 46032
Philip Teague, PE pteague@jheng.com (preferred) 419-277-6039
Bids must be submitted on the forms found in the Bid package and must contain the names of every person or company interested therein, and shall be accompanied by:
(1) Revised Form No. 96 as prescribed by the Indiana Board of Account and as required in the Instruction to Bidders, including a financial statement, a statement of experience, a proposed plan or plans for performing theWork and the equipment the Bidder has available for the performance of the Work.
(2) Bid Bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total Bid amount,including alternates with a satisfactory corporate surety or by a certified check on a solvent bank in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the Bid. The Bid Bond or certified check shall be evidence of good faith that the successful Bidder will execute within fifteen (15) calendar days from the acceptance of the Bid, the Agreement as included in the Bidding Documents. The Bid Bond or certified check shall be made payable to the Owner.
Any Bid may be withdrawn prior to the scheduled deadline for receipt of Bids, but no bidder shall withdraw his Bid within sixty (60) days after the actual opening of the Bids.
All Bid Bonds and certified checks of unsuccessful bidders will be returned by the Owner upon selection of the successful Bidder and execution of the Agreement, and provision of the required Performance Bond and Payment Bond.
The Contractor must conform to the antidiscrimination provisions of Ind. Code §5-16-6 et seq.
A Performance Bond with good and sufficient surety, acceptable to the Owner and Engineer, shall be required of the successful Bidder in an amount equal to at least one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the Agreement.
The Contractor shall execute a Payment Bond to the Owner, approved by Owner and Engineer and for the benefit of the Owner, in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. The Payment Bond is binding on the Contractor, their subcontractor, and their successors and assigns for the payment of all indebtedness to a person for labor and services performed, material furnished, or services rendered. The Payment Bond must state that it is for the benefit of the subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, and those performing services. The surety of the Payment Bond may not be released until one (1) year after the Owner’s final settlement with the Contractor.
All out-of-state corporations must have a certificate of authority to do business in the State. Application forms may be obtained by contacting the Secretary of State, State of Indiana, Statehouse, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.
John Duffy
Utilities Director
Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.
LIFESTYLE
Pleased
“Lonely Boy” singer
Jefferson bills 13. Mortgage adjustment, for short
Artist Chagall 15. Golf Club of Indiana golf club
16. It may be greased or read
17. Mideast nation
18. Tit for tat, maybe?
19. Pro hockey team that will play in the new Fishers Event Center
34. CIA kin
35. Indoor football team that will play in the new Event Center
39. Had wings at Wolfies
40. Take a breather on the Monon Trail
41. Merriment
42. Helicopter parts
44. Civic Theatre stage decor
47. No longer working (Abbr.)
49. Boxing great
50. Pro volleyball team that will play in the new Fishers Event Center
53. Spanish house
55. Spot
56. Texter’s qualifier
59. Dryer fuzz
60. Border
61. Prophetic sign
62. Art Deco notable
63. “___ Poets Society”
64. Letters on the back of a Colts jersey Down
1. Org.
2. Meadow
3. CIO partner
4. Lessen
5. Surrounded by 6. Not any
7. Cheez Whiz maker
8. Procurer
9. Like British peers
10. Kind of wit
11. Alley ___ (basketball play)
12. Start for Caps, Cat or cone
20. Convent resident
21. Clear
22. Beginning
24. Not married
25. Up to now
26. Ecuador’s capital 27. Sound of a leaky radiator
29. Palladium seat finder
30. Sailor’s pal
33. New newts
36. Goofed
37. Changed the look of
38. Car starter
43. Fancy
45. Type of meat or laughter
46. Col. Lilly
48. Part of LED
50. “___ It Romantic?”
51. Overexcited
52. Jane Austen novel
53. Cavs, on a Pacers scoreboard
54. Put on WRTV
57. Tailor-made line
58. Half and half Answers on Page 39
November 19, 2024
D-2737-24
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA CREATING THE CARMEL SURTAX FUND AND IMPOSING A MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE EXCISE SURTAX
Current in Carmel currentincarmel.com
Synopsis: Creates the Carmel Surtax Fund and Imposes a Motor Vehicle License Excise Surtax.
WHEREAS, Ind. Code §6-3.5-10-1 et seq. (the “Act”) authorizes the City of Carmel Common Council (the “Council”) to impose, by ordinance, an annual motor vehicle license excise surtax (“Surtax”) of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) on certain motor vehicles registered in the City of Carmel (“City”);
WHEREAS, the Act authorizes the Council to impose the Surtax on each motor vehicle that is subject to the tax or impose the Surtax on vehicles subject to the tax at one or more different amounts based upon the class of vehicles;
WHEREAS, the Act prohibits the Council from adopting an ordinance imposing a Surtax unless the Council concurrently adopts an ordinance under Ind. Code §6-3.5-11 to impose the municipal wheel tax;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ind. Code §6-3.5-11, the Council is concurrently adopting a municipal wheel tax;
WHEREAS, the Council may not adopt an ordinance to impose the Surtax unless the City uses a transportation asset management plan approved by the Indiana Department of Transportation (“INDOT”); WHEREAS, the City utilizes a transportation asset management plan approved by INDOT, as more specifically described in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein; and WHEREAS, the City may use the Surtax revenues (1) to construct, reconstruct, repair, or maintain streets and roads under the City’s jurisdiction; or (2) for the City’s contribution toward a grant from the local road and bridge matching grant fund under Ind. Code §8-23-30.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 2, Article 7, Section 2-402 shall be created and added to the Carmel Code of Ordinances as follows:
(a) Definitions. The definitions set forth in Ind. Code §6-3.5-10-1 are incorporated herein and shall apply throughout this ordinance.
(b) Imposition and Rate of Surtax. Effective January 1, 2025, the following vehicles, registered in the City of Carmel and subject to the Motor Vehicle License Excise Tax shall be subject a Surtax in the amount of Twenty Five Dollars ($25.00), in accordance with the provisions of Ind. Code §6-3.5-10-1 et seq. The Surtax shall be paid with the registration of each such vehicle The City Controller shall deposit revenue received from the Surtax in a fund to be known as the “Carmel Surtax Fund” and shall distribute the Surtax Fund in accordance with Ind. Code §6-3.5-10-10.
(1) Passenger motor vehicles.
(2) Motorcycles.
(3) Motor driven cycles.
(4) Collector vehicles.
(5) Trailer vehicles with a declared gross weight of nine thousand (9,000) pounds or less.
(6) Trucks with a declared gross weight of eleven thousand (11,000) pounds or less.
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
(7) Mini-trucks.
(8) Military vehicles.
(c) Carmel Surtax Fund (258). The “Carmel Surtax Fund” (Fund 258) is hereby created and shall be a non-reverting fund. The City may use the Surtax revenues
(1) (1) to construct, reconstruct, repair, or maintain streets and roads under the City’s jurisdiction; (2) for the City’s contribution toward a grant from the local road and bridge matching grant fund under Ind. Code §8-23-30; or
(3) any other allowable uses under Ind. Code §6-3.5-10.
(d) Estimate of Anticipated Surtax Revenues. On or before October 1 of each year, the City Controller shall provide the Council with an estimate of the Surtax revenues to be received by the City during the next calendar year. The City shall include the estimated Surtax revenues in the City’s budget estimate for the calendar year.
(e) Transmittal of Ordinance to BMV. The Council hereby authorizes the Mayor or her designee to send a copy of this ordinance to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Section 2. The foregoing Recitals are incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 3. Chapter 2, Article 7, Section 2-402 of the Carmel City Code is hereby added.
Section 4. If any portion of this Ordinance is for any reason declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance so long as enforcement of same can be given the same effect.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and signing by the Mayor.
PASSED, by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this 21st day of October, 2024, by a vote of 7 ayes and 2 nays.
COMMON COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CARMEL
Anthony Green, President Adam Aasen, Vice-President (opposed) Rich Taylor Matthew Snyder
Jeff Worrell (opposed) Teresa Ayers
Shannon Minnaar Ryan Locke
Anita Joshi
ATTEST: Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana this 22nd day of October 2024, at 11:15 A.M.
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Approved by me, Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana, his 22nd day of October 2024, at 11:30 A.M.
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
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November 19, 2024
Current in Carmel currentincarmel.com
ORDINANCE D-2738-24
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA CREATING THE CARMEL WHEEL TAX FUND AND IMPOSING A MUNICIPAL WHEEL TAX
Synopsis: Creates the Carmel Wheel Tax Fund and Imposes a Municipal Wheel Tax.
WHEREAS, Ind. Code §6-3.5-11 et seq. (the “Act”) authorizes the City of Carmel Common Council (the “Council”) to impose, by ordinance, an annual wheel tax (“Wheel Tax”) of not more than forty dollars ($40.00) on certain motor vehicles registered in the City of Carmel (“City”);
WHEREAS, the Act authorizes the Council to impose the Wheel Tax at a different rate for each class of vehicle subject to the Act. In addition, the Act authorizes the Council to establish different rates within the classes of busses, recreational vehicles, semitrailers, trailers, tractors, and trucks based on weight classifications established by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (“BMV”);
WHEREAS, the Act prohibits the Council from adopting an ordinance imposing a Wheel Tax unless the City Council concurrently adopts an ordinance under Ind. Code §6-3.5-10-1 et seq. to impose the annual motor vehicle license excise surtax; WHEREAS, pursuant to Ind. Code §6-3.5-10-1 et seq., the Council is concurrently adopting a Motor Vehicle License Excise Surtax;
WHEREAS, the Council may not adopt an ordinance to impose the Wheel Tax unless the City uses a transportation asset management plan approved by the Indiana Department of Transportation (“INDOT”);
WHEREAS, the City utilizes a transportation asset management plan approved by INDOT, as more specifically described in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein; and
WHEREAS, the City may use the Wheel Tax revenues:
(1) to construct, reconstruct, repair, or maintain streets and roads under the City’s jurisdiction;
(2) as a contribution to an authority established under Ind. Code §36-7-23; or (3) for the city’s contribution toward a grant from the local road and bridge matching grant fund under Ind. Code §8-23-30.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, as follows:
Section 1. Section Chapter 2, Article 7, Section 2-403 shall be created and added to the Carmel Code of Ordinances as follows:
(a) Definitions. The definitions and provisions set forth in Ind. Code §6-3.5-11-1 are incorporated herein and shall apply throughout this ordinance.
(b) Imposition and Rate of Wheel Tax. Effective January 1, 2025, the following vehicles, registered in the City and subject to the Wheel Tax shall be subject to a Wheel Tax in the amount of Forty Dollars ($40.00), in accordance with the provisions of the Ind. Code §6-3.5-11-1 et seq. The Wheel Tax shall be paid to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles each year at the time the vehicle is registered. The City’s Controller shall deposit the Wheel Tax revenues in a fund to be known as the “Carmel Wheel Tax Fund” and shall distribute the Carmel Wheel Tax Fund in accordance with Ind. Code §6-3.5-11-1 et seq.
(1) Buses.
(2) Recreational vehicles.
(3) Semitrailers.
(4) Trailers with a declared gross weight of more than nine thousand (9,000) pounds.
(5) Trucks and tractors with a declared gross weight of more than eleven thousand (11,000) pounds.
Vehicles exempt from the Wheel Tax are vehicles:
(1) owned by the state,
(2) owned by a state agency of the state,
(3) owned by a political subdivision of the state,
(4) subject to the municipal vehicle excise tax imposed under Ind. Code 6-3.5-10,
Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
(5) a bus owned or operated by a religious or nonprofit youth organization and used to transport
persons to religious services or for the benefit of its members,
(6) a school bus,
(7) a motor vehicle that is funeral equipment and that is used in the operation of funeral services (as defined in Ind. Code §25-15-2-17), or (8) any other vehicle exempt pursuant to Ind. Code §6-3.511-4.
(c) Carmel Wheel Tax Fund. The “Carmel Wheel Tax Fund” is hereby created and shall be a nonreverting fund. The City may only use the Wheel Tax revenues to:
(1) construct, reconstruct, repair, or maintain streets and roads under the City’s jurisdiction; (2) as a contribution to an authority established under Ind. Code §36-7-23;
(3) for the City’s contribution to obtain a grant from the local road and bridge matching grant fund under Ind. Code §8-23-30 or (4) or any other use allowable under Ind. Code §6-3.5- 11-14.
(d) Estimate of Anticipated Wheel Tax Revenues. On or before October 1 of each year, the City Controller shall provide the City Council with an estimate of the Wheel Tax revenues to be received by the City during the next calendar year. The City shall include the estimated Wheel Tax revenues in the City’s budget estimate for the calendar year.
(e) Transmittal of Ordinance. The Council hereby authorizes the Mayor or her designee to provide a copy of the ordinance to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Department of State Revenue as required by Ind. Code §6-3.5-11-8.”
Section 2. The foregoing Recitals are incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 3. Chapter 2, Article 7, Section 2-403 of the Carmel City Code is hereby added.
Section 4. If any portion of this Ordinance is for any reason declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance so long as enforcement of same can be given the same effect.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and signing by the Mayor.
PASSED, by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this 21st day of October, 2024, by a vote of 7 ayes and 2 nays.
COMMON COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CARMEL
Anthony Green, President Adam Aasen, Vice-President (opposed) Rich Taylor Matthew Snyder
Jeff Worrell (opposed) Teresa Ayers
Shannon Minnaar Ryan Locke
Anita Joshi
ATTEST: Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana this 22nd day of October 2024, at 11:15 A.M.
Jacob Quinn, Clerk
Approved by me, Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this 22nd day of October 2024, at 11:30 A. M.
Sue Finkam, Mayor
Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
ATTEST: Jacob Quinn, Clerk
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Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
Docusign Envelope ID: B53FB292-BE7B-4480-AA1E-62876274BE7E
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Schuyler.Nehrig@infarmbureau.com
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