July 16, 2024 — Westfield by Current Publishing

Plans for Westfield Fire Department Station 84 unveiled / P14

Westfield’s fallen officer no longer forgotten / P2 Man sentenced to 7 years for WHS threat / P3 Monon Bridge at 191st Street project moves ahead / P4

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16, 2024

Current in Westfield currentinwestfield.com

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Founded Jan. 29, 2008, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XVII, No. 24

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Westfield’s fallen, no longer forgotten

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

MEMORIAL

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In January 1969, Westfield Deputy Marshal David Brown was fatally shot while checking on a suspicious vehicle containing two subjects behind Westfield High School. Until recently, Brown was believed to be the only WPD officer killed in the line of duty.

In April 2023, members of the Westfield Washington Historical Society contacted WPD Lt. Rory Gentry. Minutes of an old town meeting indicated an officer died on duty more than 40 years prior to Brown.

Gentry began to investigate the case on his own time. In the spring, he updated the Westfield City Council with his findings.

“After a few preliminary searches, I began to find newspaper articles stating that Westfield’s night watchman, Willliam Meade Smith, was struck and killed by a car at approximately 1 a.m. on Nov. 2, 1928. This prompted a more in-depth investigation into the matter,” Gentry said.

The investigation began with a compilation of old newspaper reports, which revealed Smith was struck by a hit-and-run driver in front of the Denny Livery Barn, at what is now 132 S. Union St.

Smith, who appeared to have been known to family and friends as ‘Meade,’ was found 150 feet away by Harry Moore, an undertaker from Kokomo who was traveling home from Indianapolis.

“Help was summoned from a nearby lunchroom where Meade was taken and Dr. Baldwin was called,” Gentry said. “Meade succumbed to his injuries within seconds of Dr. Baldwin’s arrival.”

Smith was buried at Little Eagle Creek cemetery, marked by a simple headstone that reads “Meade, 1882-1928.” He is buried next to his parents, Charles and Lillian Smith.

“Sheriff Thomas Ramsey and Coroner Frank Evans investigated this incident,” Gentry said. “At this time, it’s believed that a suspect has never been named in Meade’s death, although a grand jury may have been looking into the case at one time. An official report from the sheriff or the coroner has not yet been found.”

Smith was hired as night watchman Feb. 19, 1927, with a salary of $15 per month. Upon his death, the town board approved paying his final salary of $15.50 to his mother. Smith was killed following one year, eight months and 15 days on duty,

just seven days short of his 46th birthday. He had no wife or children.

In October 2023, Smith’s name was submitted for inclusion on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. His name was formally dedicated May 13 at the 36th Annual Candlelight Vigil during National Police Week.

“A name that was lost to history for 95 years will now be memorialized in our nation’s capital forever,” Gentry said. “The

major parts of the investigation are done.”

A photograph of Smith has not yet been found and family members have not yet been located. Anyone with information can contact the Westfield Police Department. A memorial coin honoring Westfield’s two fallen officers was made. William Meade Smith’s story was also shared on the Indiana Law Enforcement Memorial Facebook page, facebook.com/INLEM.

A memorial coin honors Westfield’s two fallen police officers, David Brown and William Meade Smith. (Photos courtesy of Westfield Police Department)

William Meade Smith is buried at Little Eagle Creek cemetery in Westfield.

Man sentenced to 7 years for WHS threat

COURTS news@youarecurrent.com

A New Mexico man who pleaded guilty to making a hoax call about a threat at Westfield High School in 2021 has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison.

On Jan. 25, 2021, a threat was called into WHS, prompting a two-hour lockdown. The Westfield Police Department later confirmed that there was no danger to the school or the public, and that the call had originated from out of state. An investigation showed similar calls were made from the same telephone number to governmental entities in other states, both before and after the incident at WHS. None of those calls proved to be credible threats.

James Thomas Andrew McCarty, 21, of Kayenta, N.M., was sentenced in June after pleading guilty to two charges of making false calls. He also pleaded guilty to two separate crimes of aggravated identity theft since he used identities of actual students when he placed those calls.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office District of Arizona, which prosecuted the case, McCarty called school officials identifying himself as a student and said he was outside the school with a rifle, a handgun and propane bottles. A similar call was made to an Oklahoma school 20 minutes later.

McCarty also pleaded guilty to two hoax calls made on April 16, 2021, and May 20, 2021.

Additionally, McCarty pled guilty to hacking a Ring doorbell account at a home in Florida in November 2020, calling local police and saying he had killed a woman and was holding a hostage at that home. McCarty livestreamed the law enforcement response and posted a message that he “thought it was funny,” according to a release from the United States Attorney’s Office.

McCarty also made multiple hoax calls to authorities in California.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the Westfield Police Department and local authorities in New Jersey, Georgia, Oklahoma and Ohio.

Monon bridge at 191st project moves ahead

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Westfield’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved a supplemental contract in June, bringing a bridge on the Monon Trail over 191st Street one step closer to reality.

CONSTRUCTION

The $614,200 contract with Lochmueller Group of Indianapolis covers project management, topographical surveys, permitting, stormwater analysis, utility coordination and bridge design coordination with United Consulting.

The bridge was included in the capital improvement plan presented to the city council in April. Lochmueller Group is the roadway design firm for the widening of 191st Street from Tomlinson Road to Grand Park Boulevard.

“With Lochmueller being the roadway designer, it made sense to make this supplemental to their already existing contract,” said Johnathon Nail, director of Public Works. “United Consulting will be doing the actual bridge design, and they will be a subconsultant to Lochmueller

with the overall contract. Lochmueller will be the engineering firm responsible for making sure that bridge jibes with Trail users cross 191st Street on the Monon Trail. (Photo by Marney Simon)

the road design that they’re working on currently.”

Nail said the fee is in line with the market rate for a pedestrian bridge, and that the city ideally would like to bundle the road widening and the bridge construction into the same construction contract, which will be dependent on how long the bridge design takes.

“We’ve been working on the road widening for a while now, so I don’t want to promise that they’ll be done at the same time,” Nail said. “Ideally, we try to lump them together because they’re in the same geographic area, we can coordinate scheduling accordingly. But, with that said, we are looking for road construction in 2025. So, if they can catch up on the bridge design side, it’s possible that (the bridge construction) starts then.”

Nail said right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation is required before bridge construction can begin.

The new bridge is in addition to a planned tunnel at the Monon and 161st Street, a project that was stalled in 2021 but restarted this year. The $8.8 million tunnel is in the design phase.

DISPATCHES

Coffee Connections – The Westfield Chamber of Commerce will host Community Health Network executive leaders as they discuss plans for a new health care campus at 8 a.m. July 25 at The Club at Chatham Hills. CEO Jason Fahrlander and Vice President/ Hospital Administrator Derek McMichael will discuss plans for the new health care facility being constructed at 196th Street and U.S. 31. The facility will offer a range of services focusing on women’s health, integrative medicine, orthopedics, primary care, behavioral health and specialty services. Register for Coffee Connections at westfieldchamberindy.com under the events tab.

Carey Ridge expansion – Westfield Washington Schools will host a ribbon cutting event at 6 p.m. July 23 at Carey Ridge Elementary School. The expansion project includes a new wing for the cross-categorical program and a new playground. Learn more about construction updates in the district at wws.k12.in.us/about-us/ destination-westfield-24.

New laws focus on education in Indiana

news@youarecurrent.com

New laws passed during the 2024 Indiana Legislative session took effect July 1, including several aimed at boosting opportunities for Hoosier students and teachers.

LEGISLATURE

High school students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account to pursue internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities. The $5,000 scholarship covers certain expenses like training, career coaching, driver’s education, certification and credentialing exams.

“Hoosier high school students need more opportunities to participate in work-based learning, apprenticeships and internships,” House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) stated. “Expanding these scholarships will provide young Hoosiers these experiences that are key to determining career paths and developing high-demand skills for the 21st century workforce.”

State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) authored the new law.

“All students should be able to pursue educational opportunities that prepare them for what comes after graduation,” Goodrich stated. “This program is a game changer that will help young Hoosiers achieve success, no matter their career goals.”

third-graders struggle to read by strengthening remediation efforts and offer more targeted classroom support in second grade. Schools also will be required to offer summer courses to help with reading beginning this year.

Lawmakers said a measure aimed at boosting reading proficiency will address data that shows 1 in 5 Hoosier

“Reading is such a critical skill for all Hoosier students,” State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) stated.

“Providing targeted support for students who need the most help in improving their reading will better prepare these learners for future success.”

Hoosiers looking to make a career switch to education can apply for Transition to Teaching Scholarships. One-time, nonrenewable scholarships of up to $10,000 are available to applicants with a bachelor’s degree pursuing a transition to teaching certification.

“Like many other states and other industries, we’re facing a shortage of educators,” stated State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville), who serves as a member of the House Education Committee.

“Providing scholarships to Hoosiers who are enrolled in transition to teaching certification programs is a common-sense move to boost our talent pipeline and support our students and schools.”

A measure to provide nearly 90,000 retired public servants including teachers and first responders with a $360 pension boost to cover cost-of-living expenses also became law July 1.

To view new laws, visit iga.in.gov.

DISPATCHES

APC new member – Stephanie Carlson joined Westfield’s Advisory Plan Commission, replacing Andre Maue, who exited the board following the last meeting in June. Carlson was appointed to the vacancy by Mayor Scott Willis. She is originally from Carmel and has lived in Westfield for the past seven years. Her first APC meeting was July 1. The nine-member APC serves in an advisory capacity to the Westfield City Council in zoning matters and makes final decisions in matters of reviewing and approving detailed development plans. The commission typically meets on the first and third Monday of each month.

IndyCar two-seater experience – ‘Speed for Community Need’ takes place Oct. 9 at the speedway benefiting United Way of Central Indiana. Interested parties must commit to raising $1,500. United Way has teamed up with the Indy Racing Experience for the fundraiser. Participants must be 18 or older. Learn more at uwci.org/ speed-for-community-need.

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The Perfect Place To Come Home To

Growth, progress theme at State of County address

By Jessica Todd and Conrad Otto news@currentnoblesville.com

A capacity crowd of 500 people attended the 35th annual Hamilton County State of the County luncheon June 26 at Embassy Suites in Noblesville.

COUNTY NEWS

The event’s theme was “The Way We’re Going,” referencing the county’s future. Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger was the keynote speaker.

“Today, we have over 377,000 people in Hamilton County,” he said. “That is a 242 percent growth between 1990 and 2024.”

Dillinger said Hamilton County’s annual growth has been about 3.8 percent per year since 1990, and it is now the fourth-largest county in the state.

Besides population growth, Dillinger focused on road updates and future development plans.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

HAMILTON COUNTY 4H FAIRGROUNDS IMPROVEMENTS

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In a joint effort with the Indiana Department of Transportation, Hamilton County and the cities of Fishers and Noblesville, the goal is to complete construction on Ind. 37 for a smoother and safer flow of traffic on the interchanges starting from the intersection of 126th Street and Ind. 37 to 146th Street, according to Dillinger.

Dillinger said improvements to 146th Street are needed because it was deemed the most dangerous road in the county by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office.

The $37.6 million construction project on the Ind. 37 and 141st Street interchange began last month and is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2026. Dillinger said Ind. 37 will remain open through construction, but 141st Street will not be accessible from Ind. 37.

Dillinger also mentioned construction on the 146th Street and Allisonville Road interchange, which began last spring. The $44 million project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.

Dillinger said a $37.8 million construction project will begin on the 146th Street and Hazel Dell Road interchange in the summer of 2026 and is expected to be complete in the late fall of 2028. He said the state provided $8.7 million for the project.

Construction on the Pleasant Street Bridge over the White River in Noblesville is expected to be completed in November 2024.

Dillinger said the 4H Fairgrounds are ready to undergo $65 million in renovations. Phase 1, which will replace the Winks and Annex buildings that were demolished because of Pleasant Street improvements, is already underway with upgrades to the Exhibition Hall and improvements to classrooms.

A new bicentennial building, renamed The Silos @37, will be built where the former Winks and Annex buildings were.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER

Dillinger discussed plans for a domestic violence center on Ind. 38. The county purchased 9 acres for $550,000 near Hague Road.

“We don’t have a place to put battered women and children in this county,” Dillinger said. “If we have that problem, we have to take them to Marion (County) or Madison County. That’s not what Hamilton County should be doing.”

County Commissioner Christine Altman is working with Prevail on a project design. Dillinger said there is no start date for construction. A total of $15 million was set aside to plan for the center.

HAMILTON COUNTY CHILD CARE CENTER

The county is considering a potential child care center at the Parks Department/ Coroner’s Office on Lakeview Drive. The county received a $750,000 state grant, and the project would be a partnership between the county, the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce and Riverview Health.

Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger speaks at the State of the County luncheon. (Photo courtesy of Tom Maquell)

Westfield invests in workforce

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Westfield’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved a service agreement in June between the city and Bridge Builder Strategies LLC, an Indianapolis-based firm that assists governmental bodies to improve efficiency and effectiveness in how they operate.

CITY NEWS

The one-year process will include a strategic analysis of the city’s workforce, systems and processes across all 14 departments, followed by an aligned design, creation/update and roll-out of job descriptions, competency models, performance measures, processes, policies and procedures.

Deputy Mayor Danielle Carey-Tolan said the agreement will allow Bridge Builder Strategies to assist the city with standardizing a catalog of city policies as well as identify gaps to be corrected.

“This is part of the transition plan that was laid out in Mayor (Scott) Willis’ administration coming into office and creating an environment to improve efficiencies, stan-

Bridge Builder Strategies LLC will conduct a strategic analysis of Westfield’s workforce, systems and processes across all 14 departments. (File photo)

dard operating procedures and understand job descriptions,” Carey-Tolan said. “(Bridge Builder Strategies) will sit with every department and director to understand how policies and procedures work.”

Carey-Tolan said the agreement will assist the city as Willis’ administration develops new core values for staff.

The contract totals $530,300, with $150,000 payable in 2024 and the remaining $380,300 due in 2025. Those funds were appropriated by the Westfield City Council earlier this year.

The agreement went into effect July 1.

City changes budget process

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Westfield Mayor Scott Willis said he plans a reorganization of the city’s spending habits, starting with a budget that eliminates unappropriated dollars.

CITY NEWS

Willis told residents at a town hall meeting at Westfield Washington Public Library last month that spending in 2025 will account for all revenues coming into the city.

changed municipal status from a town to a city, it has built a significant amount of unappropriated dollars and cash reserves. The mayor said the current budget left roughly $14 million in unappropriated funds.

“You have to spend a lot of time thinking about how you’re spending the taxpayers’ dollars,” Willis said. “We’re already starting to train our staff and implement a zero-based budget for 2025. When that happens, every dollar being spent — every dollar that comes into the City of Westfield — will be budgeted.”

Zero-based budgeting is when revenues minus expenditures equal zero. In other words, the city allocates an expense for each dollar received, even if the allocation is for savings. Willis said since Westfield

Willis said having too much cash on hand without allocating it for a specific reason could affect how much revenue the city can get in the future. He said a zero-based budget will mandate a fresh evaluation every year.

“We’re going to spend money in a way that aligns with the vision of the city long term,” Willis said. “Growth, infrastructure, those kinds of things are going to be heavily invested in to improve the life that we all experience here in Westfield. This will make us more efficient and more responsible with the dollars that we are collecting from (the taxpayers).”

Willis said staff are in the process of creating the 2025 budget, which will be introduced to the Westfield City Council by September. A public hearing will take place before passage. The budget must be adopted by Nov. 1.

Willis

Hamilton County Board approves safety measures

news@youarecurrent.com

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners held a 45-minute regular session July 8. The board approved a handful of measures, including an action plan for the Hamilton County 4-H fair, the creation of a safety work group and a software contract addendum.

What happened: The commissioners approved the Hamilton County 4-H event action plan.

What it means: Emergency Management Director of Operations Ryan Tennessen said the action plan was developed in coordination with the 4-H Council, Purdue Extension, buildings and grounds, safety and risk management, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Chiefs’ Round Table. Per the plan, the county will provide multiple resources to the fair, including a command trailer, sign boards, portable cameras and a generator to support overall safety at the fair.

What’s next: Hamilton County 4-H Fair is July 18 to 22. Learn more at extension. purdue.edu/county/ hamilton/hamiltoncounty-fair/4-h-fair. html.

What happened: The board unanimously approved the creation of a work group to strategize ways to improve safety at county buildings.

What it means: Safety and Risk Manager Steven Rushforth requested approval to establish a temporary work group for the sole purpose of updating the emergency action plans both for the judicial center and the old courthouse, as well as creating a standardized ‘approach to emergency’ action plan for facilities throughout the county. “I think this is very timely with (Emergency Management Executive Director) Chad Knecht coming over. He was previously our contact point with the City of Noblesville,” Rushforth said. Knecht, a 29-year veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and more recently Noblesville’s director of public safety, recently joined Hamilton County’s emergency management department.

What’s next: The work group will be selected to include individuals from several departments, including safety and risk, administration, buildings and grounds, emergency management, sheriff’s department civil division and Information Systems Services Department. The group will discuss evacuation plans for county buildings then come back to the board with a recommendation.

What happened: The commissioners approved an addendum to the contract between the Hamilton County Health Department and WizeHive, Inc.

What it means: Health department administrator Jason LaMaster said the addendum is a change to an existing contract for software services. “In August (2023), we implemented a contract with WizeHive, Inc., to help us provide software for our health sub-granting and application process, to be able to do that online,” LaMaster said. “The product has gone through a very nice upgrade, and they have a very nice, new web-based platform that we would like to convert and move over to.” Per the addendum, the contract start is amended to Sept. 1, 2024, ending Aug. 30, 2027. The contract will auto renew in one-year increments beginning in 2027 with a 9 percent subscription increase per year. The addendum includes a subscription rate of $14,000 for two programs and a flat rate onboarding fee of $2,500.

What’s next: LaMaster said WizeHive, Inc. may potentially be utilized for developing the county’s nonprofit granting program in addition to the health department’s grant program.

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and community events in the upcoming community of Harvest Trail of Westfield

Westfield Youth Assistance Program receives grant funds

The Westfield Youth Assistance Program has received a $15,000 grant from the Arthur Dean Family Foundation.

The WYAP connects Westfield youth with core services, including mentoring, tutoring, mental health support, camps and enrichment activities. The grant will enhance WYAP’s tutoring program, which supported 45 youth in the Westfield Washington School district in the 2023-24 school year and continues to make a difference in the lives of young people.

“It has been an honor and a pleasure tutoring for the Westfield Youth Assistance Program. Personally, it is so inspiring to see a child learn the educational tools to thrive and feel successful.” stated Andrea,

a WYAP tutor. “The sessions are an opportunity to enrich a child’s life through individual sessions where it is possible to hone in on the child’s needs and skills in a very comfortable and personal environment.”

WYAP youth meet with tutors weekly throughout the school year. The WYAP has seen a steady increase in the number of youths it serves. Grants allow the organization to continue meeting the needs of local youth.

The Arthur Dean Family Foundation supports organizations that provide opportunities for youth and their families in Marion, Hamilton and Whitley counties. Their mission coincides with that of WYAP, which has worked since 2009 with youth and their families facing challenging life circumstances.

Riverview Health seeks volunteers – Riverview Health is looking for volunteers to join its team at Noblesville and Westfield locations. Shifts are available in the morning or afternoon at least one day per week, Monday through Friday. Interested parties can contact the manager of Volunteer Services, Melinda Nash at mnash@riverview.org.

COMMUNITY

DISPATCHES

Veterans resource fair – The Hamilton County Veterans Corp is hosting a countywide Resource Fair from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. July 20 at Noblesville Schools Community Center, 1775 Field Dr., in Noblesville. Veterans are encouraged to stop in and learn about resources readily available to address the needs of Hamilton County residents. The fair will include 85 resource tables including providers and outreach specialists from Federal VA Benefits, Roudebush VA Hospital, County Veteran Service Officers, Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Readiness and Employment, Military OneSource, Indiana WorkOne and the Hamilton County Health Department. Learn more at hamiltoncountyveterans.com.

Support for seniors and caregivers –Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, a nonprofit organization that provides support to Hamilton County residents 55 and older, hosts a caregiver support group and an aging well discussion group at the Westfield Washington Township office, 17400 Westfield Blvd. The free programming offers support for seniors and their care-

givers within the community. The caregiver support group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 18, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 5 and Sept. 19. The aging well discussion group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 25, Aug. 15, Aug. 29, Sept. 12 and Sept. 26. Register for programs by contacting Angie Anderson, Program Manager at Shepherd’s Center, at 463-238-1703.

Program helps students with disabilities — Through Sept. 1, Hoosier parents of children with disabilities can apply for the Indiana Education Scholarship Account for the 2024-2025 school year. More than 180,000 Hoosier students in Indiana live with disabilities and are potentially eligible for funding that best meets their learning needs, such as private education, at-home learning and other non-public educational settings that qualify. Parents can use INESA dollars for a variety of qualified expenses for educational support, such as tuition and fees, transportation costs, occupational therapy, tutoring, vocational and life-skills courses, extracurricular programs and more. For more, visit in.gov/tos/ inesa/home.

2024 SUBARU OUTBACK

DISPATCHES

Downtown dinner party – Reservations are available for the 7th annual Dinner Party on Union, hosted by the Downtown Westfield Association. The event is 6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 21. Dinner Party on Union is the largest outdoor dinner party in Indiana, according to the association. Guests will enjoy dinner from Prime 47, live entertainment from The Bishops and a silent auction. Reservations are $400 per couple; $1,600 per eight-person table; and $2,000 per 10-person table. Proceeds benefit the association’s mission of endowing, enhancing and enriching downtown Westfield. Reserve seats at westfieldchamberindy.com under the events tab.

School supply kits – Westfield Washington

Schools families can purchase back-toschool supply kits for students enrolled at the early learning center, elementary schools, intermediate school and middle school. The kits include supplies indicated on the classroom supply lists by grades, including pens, pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, glue and other items, listed by both school and grade level. To order a supply kit, visit 1stdayschoolsupplies.com

and enter your ZIP code, then choose the appropriate school.

Rock the Block – The third annual “Rock the Block” returns to the soccer field at Westfield High School from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2. The free community event includes games, activities and prizes for residents of all ages. The block party aims to energize students, families, staff and the community for the 2024-2025 school year. The event will also include local vendors selling food and other goods. Businesses or organizations that would like to reserve a booth can do so at tinyurl.com/mvjruxc7.

Mayor’s Grand Gala – The City of Westfield will host the Mayor’s Grand Gala, presented by Card and Associates, Keystone Group and Indy Eleven, from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 5 at Grand Park Sports Campus. The gala will include entertainment, a live auction, a silent auction and food from a variety of Westfield restaurants. Tickets start at $200. Proceeds will benefit the Advancing Westfield Foundation. For tickets and sponsorship information visit westfieldgrandgala.com.

Courtyard community planned for equestrian ranch

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Westfield’s Advisory Plan Commission held a public hearing July 1 for a zoning change to accommodate the Courtyards of Cielo Ranch planned unit development. The project is the residential redevelopment of the Cielo Ranch, a 36-acre equestrian ranch on 161st Street just west of the Monon Trail.

DEVELOPMENT

The developer, Epcon Communities, plans to create an 80-lot, low-maintenance and age-restricted community. The structures will be single-family detached homes, each with a private courtyard. Planned amenities include a clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts, pocket parks and open space along the Kenyon drain, a Hamilton County regulated drain that runs through the property. Epcon is also the developer of Courtyards at Carmel and Courtyards at Westfield.

Epcon is seeking a zoning change from agricultural district to single-family rural district.

During a public hearing before the APC, neighbors to the proposed PUD raised concerns about density.

“Right now, it is very difficult most times of the day, not just rush hour, to make a left turn out of Viking Meadows onto 161st Street,” said Leo Spilane, a resident of Viking Meadows. “So, something has to be done or this will be a huge mess.”

Residents also voiced concerns about landscaping and pedestrian connectivity to the Monon Trail and adjoining neighborhoods.

APC members also discussed with the developer traffic mitigation needs. The petition is scheduled for a future workshop meeting before the APC.

Once approved, Epcon said site work is targeted to begin in spring 2025, with home construction starting in summer 2025.

ANSWERING THE CALL

Plans for Westfield Fire Department Station 84 unveiled

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

The City of Westfield and the Westfield Fire Department are preparing to break ground on a new fire station.

Construction is anticipated to begin soon for Station 84, a two-story, 20,000-square-foot facility at 191st Street and Chad Hittle Drive. The new station design includes three apparatus bays, living quarters, sleeping quarters and a museum. The site will house up to 12 fire department personnel for 24/7 response with a ladder truck and an engine.

City leaders said the new station is in response to rapid growth in Westfield and will support the 114-member WFD.

The WFD regularly answers 300 to 400 calls per month or more. In 2023, the department answered 4,859 calls for service, including 1,648 for fire and 4,859 for EMS. Station 81 handled 2,079 calls; Station 82 answered 1,681 calls; and Station 83 responded to 1,089 calls.

“We are woefully behind in the number of fire stations needed for the City of Westfield,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “It is a priority of my administration to provide exceptional public safety to our residents and visitors, and this is one of the first steps in accomplishing that goal. We can only advance Westfield if we get projects like these started.”

Gaylor said one way the members of the department contribute to Westfield is to interact with the community at regular events.

WFD Chief Rob Gaylor was one of the featured speakers at the Westfield Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon in June, updating those in attendance on the department’s activities. He said the department focuses on the community, which he referred to as the fire department’s “customers.”

“We value our customers and recognize that our customers are both internal and external,” Gaylor said. “We’re responsible to (residents) and we have that as a core value, being a valued partner. To be a valued partner in the community, we recognize that we’re an expensive entity. Anything, if you paint it red and put ‘rescue’ on it, it’s going to cost about six times what it should. So, we’re a high user of your tax dollars, and we don’t take that lightly. We want to be responsible.”

“I hope that if you ever see an engine or a truck out at the store or the park, you take a few minutes and walk up, ask how the day is going,” Gaylor said. “We love having that interaction with people. Too often we get called out when folks in the community are having their worst day. It’s always nice to meet and greet people when circumstances are a little different, and we appreciate that.”

As the department grows, Gaylor said he plans to rethink priorities to make sure staff are capable of answering any call, no matter the issue.

“We handle anything and everything,” Gaylor said. “We’re not just an agency that

puts out fires. We’re not just an agency that responds to emergency medical calls. We truly are an all-hazards response agency, and we have to be very good at a lot of different things.”

Station 84 will serve the U.S. 31 corridor, Grand Park and Chatham Hills. The station is expected to reduce response times by more than two minutes to those locations.

Envoy Construction is the developer/ contractor of WFD Station 84.

Construction of Station 84 is expected to cost $11 million, financed through a Build-Operate-Transfer, or BOT, bond. A BOT is a proposal to build, operate and transfer via public-private partnership for the development, design and construction of public facilities, provided for by Indiana law.

A construction timeline for Station 84 has not been released. The station is anticipated to open and be operational by

October 2025.

Gaylor said the strength of the WFD is its staff.

“We have some extraordinary people among the members of the fire department,” Gaylor said. “Our core values are one of those things that we hold near and dear to our hearts. If you don’t have core values or stand for certain beliefs, then you’re kind of misguided. In public safety, safety and performance measures are the norm. We take pride in maintaining the thought that our job is inherently dangerous by nature, so we’re going to risk a lot to save a lot and risk a little to save a little. We do that through performance measures — training and education.”

ON THE COVER: Westfield Fire Department

Station 84 is expected to open in October 2025. (Image courtesy of City of Westfield)

WESTFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT EXPANSION PLANS

The Station 84 project is one of two new planned fire stations for the City of Westfield.

Designs for Station 85, a one-story, 16,000-square-foot building, are underway. Station 85 is expected to be constructed near Ind. 32 and Centennial Road/W. 31st Street. The building will house 10 fire personnel and include living quarters, sleep-

ing quarters and offices, as well as three apparatus bays. Construction of Station 85 could begin as early as March 2025, with a completion date of April 2026.

Studio Axis is the architect/designer for both projects. Stay updated with the Westfield Fire Department at facebook.com/WestfieldFire.

The City of Westfield unveiled renderings for Station 84 this month. (Image courtesy of City of Westfield)

Station 84 is one of two new fire stations expected to be built in the next two years.

Gaylor

currentnightandday.com

‘Cats’ gets new life in Civic Theatre YAP show

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Anne Beck conducted a survey of Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program members and alumni of possible future musicals.

“Cats” was listed in the top three by all 75 participants. One reason it was listed so high is because most high schools don’t attempt to present it.

“It’s incredibly challenging,” said Beck, the YAP coordinator. “It forces them to think about character from beginning to end. The program itself is all about building people up and (the performers) have to be on the side, kind of building up the character that’s in the forefront at the time. It’s a big theme about acceptance and forgiveness and being who you are and not having to apologize for it. I love the messages and it’s great for this age group.

“They are working really hard and they’re killing it. It’s just really exciting to see they love it, too.”

The Fishers resident is direct ing the YAP production of “Cats,” which runs July 25-28 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Civic Theatre has not performed the An drew Lloyd Webber classic at any level.

Beck performed in “Cats” at the Gate way Playhouse in Bellport, N.Y., in 2012 with Ken Page, who was reprising his Broadway role as Old Deuteronomy, and director Jacob Brent, who portrayed Mr. Mistoffelees in the original video production.

“Learning it from them, I know it so well,” Beck said.

There are 30 cast members — 15 males and 15 females — from 14 high schools.

Emma Hornbecker, a Lebanon High School graduate who will attend Indiana University this fall, plays Grizabella.

“I wasn’t very familiar with ‘Cats,’’’ Hornbecker said. “I don’t think a lot of theaters around here take it on because it’s very daunting. I listened to all the music before auditions and really fell in love with it.”

This is Hornbecker’s first appearance in a YAP production. She played Liesl Von Trapp in Civic’s main stage production of “The Sound of Music ‘’ in 2023.

“I think through Grizabella I’ve learned a lot about the themes of forgiveness and compassion and I really like how she teaches that to the other cats,” Hornbecker said.

Hornbecker sings “Memory,” the musical’s signature song.

Andrew Horras, who will be a Fishers High School sophomore, plays

in Junior Civic’s “Newsies Jr.” in 2023.

Noah Greer, a 2024 Fishers High School graduate who will study dance at Ball State University this fall, enjoys his role as Mongojerrie.

“He’s very energetic, very fun,” he said. “He’s mischievous.”

Greer and Horras perform an energetic number together.

“He tumbles a lot and that’s definitely kind of taxing but it’s all a part of the process,” Greer said. “It’s very hard also doing like a five-minute number with just two people on stage. You don’t have a lot of people on stage to back you up, so it’s really important that you’re locked in for the full five minutes there.”

The chemistry comes naturally as Greer and Horras are close friends.

“I think people will enjoy just watching us get into the characters,” Greer said. “It’s very different. You have to stay in character for the full two hours. I think that it’s really just fascinating getting to watch everybody do that because you just see different things in each corner of the stage. Everybody’s doing something different. I think that’s something that audiences will really enjoy.”

Taylor Smith, who will be a Lawrence North High School senior, plays Old Deuteronomy.

“I enjoy playing a character that can really command a room,” Smith said. “That’s not something that I’ve really been able to play before. I’ve often played a comedic side character, but I don’t often get to play characters that really are about like majesty and grandeur. I think it’s really cool to try something new.”

Beck said Adrienne Conces, Civic’s resident costume designer, has done an amazing job.

“She puts a unitard on a mannequin and is hand-airbrushing all the different colors and stripes and dots for each character,” said Beck, who is designing the wigs.

For more, visit civictheatre.org.

‘LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL’

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” runs through Aug. 25 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE’ Main Street Productions presents “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” at Basile Westfield Playhouse July 18-28. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

“Bubbles up! Let’s Celebrate Jimmy Buffett” is set for July 18; Dueling Pianos: ‘80s Music July 18; and Sweet Caroline: The Life and Music of Jimmy Buffett” July 20 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUSICAL’ Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “Young Frankenstein, The Musical” July 17-21 in Frankfort. For more, visit redbarntheatre. net.

SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE

“Best of John Williams” is set for 8 p.m. July 19-20 at Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Fishers. For more, visit indianapolissymphony.org.

DAN

+ SHAY

Dan + Shay: Heartbreak on the Map is set for 7 p.m. July 19 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.

EARTH, WIND & FIRE & CHICAGO

Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago’s Heart & Soul Tour stops at 7:30 p.m. July 20 at Ruoff. For more, visit livenation.com.

DISPATCH

Broadway star set for Public Masterclass — Three-time Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry will team up with Michael Feinstein at 2 p.m. July 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel for the Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy summer intensive to critique performances by 10 randomly selected students. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

MUSICAL

Clockwise from the top, Andrew Horras, Fishers, Austin Lizama, Zionsville, Lyra Montalvo, Fishers, and Emma Hornbecker, Lebanon. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Hasty)

REMODEL

Foreigner to visit Ruoff

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youcurent.com

For Foreigner keyboardist Michael Bluestein, the time is right to slow down a bit.

CONCERT

“We’re in the middle of a two-year farewell tour,” Bluestein said. “We’re not saying goodbye completely but basically we’re entering a new chapter where we’ll not be traveling as extensively as we have been because it’s been about nine months a year for about 20 years. It’s going to be considerably less, so this is a full-on, going out with a bang during these two years.”

Foreigner has paused its official farewell tour concerts to perform a Renegades and Juke Box Heroes summer tour with Styx. The tour will visit Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville at 6:45 p.m. July 26. John Waite serves as the opening act.

Foreigner brought its farewell tour with Loverboy to Noblesville in July 2024, shortly after the tour started. The tour with Styx will feature a few less songs than the farewell tour, but will include all the major hits.

“It’s a leaner, meaner set,” Bluestein said. “Instead of 100 minutes, this is closer to 80 minutes.”

Foreigner will be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Oct. 19 in Cleveland as part of the class of 2024.

Mick Jones, the band’s founder and guitarist, and former lead singer Lou Gramm co-wrote most of the band’s hit songs. Jones, the last original member, hasn’t been able to tour with the band since 2022 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Bluestein, 55, is looking forward to spending more time with his 8-month old daughter.

“I’m a first-time dad. I’m looking forward to being a dad more full time, or at least half time,” Bluestein said.

Bluestein started playing classical music and then began performing more jazz in high school. Before joining Foreigner, he toured with Enrique Iglesias, Anastacia Lyn Newkirk and Boz Scaggs.

“It’s a buzz, for sure. A lot of people think it’s long overdue,” said Bluestein, who joined Foreigner in 2008. “It’s a thrill and it looks like we’ll all be there. It will be a nice reunion for the older members as well as newer members. It’s kind of hallowed ground and pretty amazing to be inducted to a prestigious institute. I think it’s going to be kind of a then-and-now scenario.”

“Versatility is something I was shooting for to have a lot of opportunities and be employed in different situations,” he said. “It’s served me well. I’ve always loved different styles of music. Duke Ellington used to say there are two kinds of music, don’t worry about genres, there is good and bad. I feel Foreigner music is really good music.”

Bluestein, who also serves as a record producer, writes music for TV and movies. Bluestein and his girlfriend Tina Terry perform as a duo called Tina Blue.

For more, visit livenation.com.

FREE EVENT THE NOBLESVILLE STREET DANCE

Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:

The Noblesville Street Dance is a family-friendly community event in downtown Noblesville from 6 to 11 p.m. July 20. Admission is free. There will be a free kids zone and live music. Food vendors will be onsite with items available for purchase.

OTHER FREE AREA EVENTS

LATE NIGHT ON MAIN: The free street party begins at 7 p.m. July 20 with food and beverage vendors opening for business. The stage where the band Country Summer will perform will be located on West Main Street and Range Line Road near The Olive Mill in Carmel.

Michael Bluestein has been the keyboardist for Foreigner since 2008. (Photo courtesy of Krishta Photography)

Filmmaker ‘pedals’ documentary at Indy Shorts

By Jennifer A. Haire editorial@youarecurrent.com

Joe Rudy considers himself a community social worker. A Noblesville resident and owner of Rudy’s Re:Cycle shop in Cicero, he is a former youth pastor and property manager of Bethel Lutheran Church and is now a bicycle shop owner.

DOCUMENTARY

“He’s everyone’s friend, and he’s a person that’s always willing to lend a hand,” said 12 Stars Media co-founder Rocky Walls, noting that Rudy’s shop focuses on bicycle repair and provides the community access to affordable bikes. Rudy is featured in the documentary short film “Bike Story,” directed by Walls and produced by his Noblesville-based company, 12 Stars Media. The film’s world premiere is at 7:30 p.m. July 23 at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival. 12 Stars Media has had a film at Indy Shorts every year since 2021. The July 23 premiere is at Living Room Theaters. There will be a showing at 12:30 p.m. July 28 at The Tobias Theatre at Newfields in Indianapolis.

maybe the ‘70s,” Walls said.

Walls said he recognized there was a story to be told through the bikes and immediately thought of Rudy, who he’s known for years through their mutual community work. Rudy was also a subject in the short they were filming at the time, “Toboggan ‘Bout Town.”

“I felt comfortable with Rocky’s vision from the very beginning,” Rudy said. “My hope is when people see this film, they might feel the importance and impact they have on their own community. When we don’t feel like we have a choice in what’s going on in the world, we can put the work in, get a little grimy, learn some new things and make some new friends right where we are.”

Walls said people use “our bikes to get places or to get together with people and go on a journey.”

While filming another local short documentary in 2022, Walls — also a Noblesville resident — received a call from a friend that the new owners of the nearby Lacy building were clearing it out and might have some things he’d be interested in. Hoping to find a unique addition to his typewriter collection among the 30-, 40-year-old untouched items, Walls paid them a visit.

“While I was there, I happened to see, and it truly was like out of a movie, there was this window where this light was kind of pouring in, and it was illuminating these four bicycles hung upside down in a corner that truly didn’t look like (they) had been touched or certainly not ridden since

The film explores “the concept of bikes as a symbol of freedom and coming of age,” said Walls, emphasizing how the importance of bicycles changes throughout people’s lives. “Adolescent experiences sort of revolve around a bicycle, often being the first means you have to explore further out into the neighborhood to go do things with friends that you couldn’t before.”

As Rudy restores the bikes, Walls said the film evokes nostalgia, encouraging viewers to restore what used to bring them joy.

“It might be picking up something from your childhood and revisiting something that you used to really love,” Walls said.

Filming took place in Noblesville and Cicero on and off for two years from January 2022 to April 2024, with a crew of six to eight people.

Walls said he plans for the film to be available in the fall on the Hoosier documentary streaming platform Hoodox, which he co-founded in 2021 with 12 Stars Media co-founder Zach Downs.

DISPATCH

Submissions due for county artists exhibit — Hamilton County artists, and those who live slightly beyond, are invited to submit work by July 26 for the 2024 Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists. The Fishers Arts Council expanded the boundary for eligible artists this year to two miles beyond Hamilton County. The top prize is $1,000 for Best in Show plus a solo exhibit in 2025 in the Art Gallery at City Hall. For more, visit fishersartscouncil.org/blog.

Walls

Rudy

Cast takes on fantasy classic

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Annalisa Schuth enjoys the camaraderie of participating in Main Street Productions’ youth plays.

PLAY

Schuth is cast as Susan in “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,” which runs July 18-28 at Basile Westfield Playhouse. Brandi Davis is the director. The play is based on the 1950 novel by C.S. Lewis and is part of a series of fantasy books called “The Chronicles of Narnia.”

and it’s really fun to play with my other (stage) siblings,” said Schuth, who will be a sophomore at Westfield High School. “It centers around these children who walk into a wardrobe and find themselves in a magical land. It’s an allegory of the Bible, which is kind of cool.”

Schuth

In 2022, Schuth performed in “30 Reasons Not to Be in a Play” and was in “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” in 2023.

“They’ve all been fun in different ways,” she said. “The first was fun because I was getting to know a lot of people and I had a lot of different characters. ‘Robin Hood’ was a fun cast to be with and a funny play. This one has a great cast, too.”

Susan is one of four siblings in the story. “It’s definitely one of my bigger roles

Nora Gapinski-Coon, who will be an eighth-grader at Westfield Middle School, plays Mrs. Beaver.

“I like that I can portray a side character, but I still have an important role in helping the children,” she said. “It’s a fun character to play.”

Gapinski-Coon, a fan of the Narnia books, acted in “Robin Hood” last year and worked on lighting and sound the previous year.

Jack Elicker, who will be a sixth-grader at Westfield Intermediate School, plays two roles.

“I like I get multiple roles,” Elicker said. Elicker said he likes that he doesn’t have a lot of lines to memorize but has to act to express his character.

For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

CHS student wins talent contest

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Krishaa Motycka didn’t expect to win the CarmelFest Has Talent competition. “To be honest, I was really surprised,” she said. “I thought everyone else did a great job.”

ACHIEVEMENT

Motycka sang “Fly Me to the Moon” July 3 at the Gazebo stage to win the 13-16 age division.

prize money was the same for all three divisions.

Pack finished second for the third consecutive year. He sang “Life Goes On” by Ed Sheeran.

Motycka, who will be a junior at Carmel High School in August, will be in Ambassadors, the mixed show choir, and Select Sound this school year. She was in Accents, the all-female show choir, and Select Sound as a sophomore

This was her first appearance in CarmelFest Has Talent.

“We moved to Carmel in December 2022, and I had not heard about CarmelFest, but I did do Midtown’s Got Talent last year,” Motycka said.

Motycka earned $300 for her CarmelFest Has Talent victory. John Paul Pack, Carmel, earned $200 for placing second and Henry Martinson, Indianapolis, placed third. The

“Everyone is super supportive and the sound people are great,” said Pack, a homeschooled sophomore who trains at En Pointe Indiana Ballet in Noblesville.

Motycka’s younger sister, Saanvi, placed second in the 12-and-under division. Saanvi, 12, will be a seventh-grader at Carmel Middle School,

The group Akira and the Claras won the 12-and-under division. The piano-playing Carmel girls were Akira Rana, 7, Clara Papazian, 7, and Clara Moy, 8. Pelé Zeller, Carmel, was third.

Brionna Coats, Indianapolis, was victorious in the 17-and older division. J’Lan Stewart, Kokomo, took second and sisters Jenna and Jacey Green, Columbus, Ind. placed third.

Coats, 26, who sang the “Queen of the Night” aria from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” previously placed second in the talent contest in 2019.

Motycka

Brewing up community, culture, connections

Commentary by Mark LaFay

For many people, coffee isn’t simply a morning ritual. It’s a way to connect with others. Making it is a craft to be mastered and a reflection of the community’s evolving tastes. Through conversations with several roasters in Hamilton County, I’ve discovered how coffee has become a cornerstone of community life here.

Let’s start with Indie Coffee Roasters in Carmel. In 2018, Diane McAndrews opened Indie Coffee Roasters on Main Street. Since then, it has expanded to multiple locations, including a second in Carmel at North End, at Purdue University and in Noblesville.

“Consumer interest is growing and people are getting more curious about coffee,” McAndrews said. “It is very culinary. We don’t serve food. It was our strategy from Day 1. We focus on coffee and community, knowing people.”

Jeremy Balch at Geist Coffee also emphasizes quality and community engagement. He took over an existing shop in 2018 and revitalized it. He uses beans from Utopian Coffee Roasters, known for their direct sourcing from farmers.

“Over the past few years, customers have been asking deeper questions about coffee origins and processing,” Balch said. “Our culture is shifting from blind consumerism to educated purchasing. Farmers are now able to invest in better equipment and processing methods that truly affect quality and taste in the cup.”

Allie Commons, founder and owner of RIVET Coffee Bar & Roastery in Westfield, said she started roasting beans even before the shop opened in May 2021.

“We would roast beans in the ‘garage’ while the shop was being built out,” Commons said. “Neighbors would smell the roasting, see the activity and it built a bit of buzz prior to opening,”

The staff often encourages customers to check out the roastery. Educational cupping classes are also an interactive opportunity to teach customers about the nuances of artisanal coffee.

MOTW Coffee & Pastries, established in 2021, with locations in Carmel, Fishers and Indianapolis, has made education a cornerstone of its business. With a foundation rooted in community and a commitment to local causes, MOTW trains its baristas

to share their extensive coffee knowledge with customers.

“MOTW’s foundation has always been about community,” Nasif Rahman with MOTW said. “Our baristas go through extensive training and testing to be prepared to give guests a great experience.”

Ken Julian of Julian Coffee Roasters in Zionsville has seen the evolution of coffee culture firsthand. Founded in 2004, Julian Coffee Roasters initially operated several coffee shops but now focuses on wholesale and online retail. It ensures quality through state-of-the-art roasting equipment and direct trade relationships with farmers in Honduras.

“Coffee is similar to wine in that every coffee can have a variety of flavor profiles based on how it is processed at the farms and how it is roasted,” said Julian, noting that his shop’s subscription service introduces customers to new micro-lot coffees each month, keeping things fresh and exciting.

These personal stories reveal quite a bit about our local coffee culture. The common thread running through each roaster is their passion for education, quality and community engagement. Whether it’s offering cupping classes where consumers learn to drink and smell coffee, inviting customers into the roastery, or training baristas to be coffee educators, these shops are fostering a deeper connection between consumers and the coffee they drink.

Mark LaFay is a butcher, certified sommelier and founder of Old Major Market, 4201 Millersville Rd., Suite 119, Indianapolis

Country Summer is a modern country/pop party band built for fun and here for the party. Country Summer delivers an upbeat show for singing and dancing! The street party begins at 7 p.m. with plenty of food and beverage vendors. The School of Rock band performs at 7:30 p.m.

COFFEE

RIVET Coffee Bar and Roastery in Westfield opened in 2021. (Photo courtesy of RIVET Coffee Bar & Roastery)

Park provides ‘passive nature’

By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com

Rumbling traffic along U.S. 31 and Ind. 38 can’t drown out the peaceful tranquility of MacGregor Park.

A passive nature preserve, MacGregor Park is in a conservation easement, making it protected land, immune from development. The 96-acre, dog-friendly park was donated by Sheila MacGregor Beals to Westfield Washington Township in 1999. Born in 1909 in Scotland, MacGregor Beals moved to the United States following World War II and lived on the property. The preserve’s 3 miles of trails follow the regular path she took while walking the property.

Along the prairie and wetlands trails in the northern portion of the park, visitors will find a Peace Pole — a monument that displays the message “Let Peace Prevail on Earth” in four languages.

Blossoms are plentiful in the preserve, including beebalm, cone flowers, blackeyed Susans, butterfly weed, milkweed, buttonbush, false sunflowers, crownvetch, raspberry bushes, prairie roses, daisies and clover.

TAKE A HIKE!

Visitors can bring a natural material ornament to leave on the Christmas tree near the northwest portion of the property. The origins of the tree are not fully known, only that a patron placed an ornament on an evergreen in 2004, and ever since, other hikers have added to that collection.

MacGregor Park is owned and operated by Westfield Washington Township. Learn more at westfieldwashingtontwp.us/162/ MacGregor-Park.

MacGregor Park is at Ind. 38 and U.S. 31 in Westfield Washington Township. (Photo by Marney Simon)

BJ’s Wholesale plans to open in Carmel this fall

By Adanna Mbanu adanna@youarecurrent.com

BJ’s Wholesale Club is readying to open its second location in Indiana this fall in Carmel.

RETAIL

Construction on the 100,000-square-foot building at 1440 Lowe’s Way is ongoing. The retailer aims to offer up to 25 percent lower costs than typical grocery stores and will sell fresh produce, seasonal items, operate a deli and provide other everyday essentials.

Briana Keene, senior manager of external communications for BJ’s, said the club’s goal is to provide a convenient shopping experience for its members that includes same-day delivery, curbside pickup, in-club pickup and ExpressPay. It also will operate an onsite gas station.

“We have a strong purpose that we live by,” Keene said. “We take care of families that depend on us. We’re super grateful and super excited to be immersed in this community of Carmel and help deliver on that purpose.”

BJ’s donates unsold produce, meat, dairy products and more to local food banks. It began partnering with Gleaners Food Bank

of Indiana in 2022 after the retailer opened its first location in Noblesville.

“Gleaners is responsible for (addressing) food insecurity in 21 counties, so it’s a really large scale operation. To be able to have large companies helping us out at scale is invaluable,” said Brad Carlson, Gleaners corporate and community relations officer. “We can only go as far as the community helps us get, because we’re just sharing this food with our neighbors. It’s been a really important part of what we do.”

The annual cost of membership at BJ’s is $55 for a regular Club Card and $110 for a Club Card+. Memberships can be purchased at bjs.com/Carmel.

DISPATCHES

Mayors to speak at OneZone breakfast — The mayors of Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville and Westfield will participate in a panel discussion during the OneZone’s Eggs & Issues breakfast event, starting at 8 a.m. July 19 at The Bridgewater Club, 3535 East 161st St., Carmel. For more, visit onezonechamber.com.

State chamber studies workforce mental health — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation has awarded a grant to the Wellness Council of Indiana, a subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, for research to support WCI’s Hoosier Well-Being Data Project. The grant will provide $360,000 over a two-year period. Through the HWDP, participating employers will access and analyze employee data to gain insights into workforce mental health. For more, visit wellnessindiana.org.

Indiana secures federal energy grant — Federal Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capital-

ization Grants have been awarded to five states, including Indiana, and the District of Columbia, totaling $45 million. The program enables states to provide loans and grants to residents, small businesses and public-sector buildings for energy efficiency audits, upgrades, retrofits and more.

FORUM Credit Union honors retiring executive — FORUM Credit Union celebrates the retirement and 40th service anniversary of Jenny Budreau, who started as a management trainee at FORUM in 1984 after graduating from Ball State University. Throughout her 40 years she served in a variety of roles and led multiple teams including Business Development, Retail Delivery, Organizational Development and Human Resources. Budreau served as FORUM’s chief operating officer from December 2011 through February 2023 and then transitioned to chief people officer. In preparation for retirement, she served her last few months at FORUM as chief transition officer.

BJ’s Wholesale is under construction at 1140 Lowe’s Way in Carmel. (Photo by Adanna Mbanu)

A little harmless talk?

Commentary by Terry Anker

Born the fourth of nine siblings, Kim Wayans found fame as the recurring character Benita Buttrell on the early 1990s TV sketch comedy

ESSAY

herself wasn’t a gossip. We all got a laugh from the universality of it all. Who doesn’t know someone like Buttrell and her deserving targets?

Is all tattling harmless, even if a bit tasteless? The Supreme Court of the United States has sprung an unprecedented leak of late. Its classified discussions are not being kept so confidential and appear in the media before adjudicated. So, when does a “leak” become an intentional political tool and the secrets used to gain advantage? Sharing corporate privileged news for benefit is called insider trading and will land the gossip in jail. Martha Stewart can attest. Is there likewise a reason to cage the judicial jay birds? We all use information to gain elevated status, but when does the harm move from middle school busybody to prison jailbird? Race in-person or virtually Fundraise for PAWsome prizes

“In Living Color,” which was created and produced by older brother Keenen Ivory Wayans. Her catchphrase elevated the segments onto the national stage and into our collective vernacular. “But I ain’t one to gossip, so you ain’t heard it from me,” would naturally precede some of the most toe-curling and juicy chinwags recently overheard in the neighborhood. Ms. Buttrell made it her business intimately to know everyone else’s business. She understood how to use this information to her own advantage and did.

It was all harmless enough, even funny. The skits poked fun at the bride whose choice to wear white may not have been related to purity, or the big spender whose gold watch was likely plated. She was the voice of truth, at least a sort of veracity. Still, her reliability stood in all things except for her claims that she

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.

Lost art of scamming

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

Have you noticed that scamming is attracting fewer and fewer people who are really good at it? I am beginning to note a real lack of know-how in their approach. In the past week, I have had dozens of messages in both my email inbox and my spam folder that lack the expertise required to be successful at being a fraud. Here’s one I received the other day (NOTE: ALL THE SCAM TEXTS WILL BE IN CAPS):

HUMOR

DEAR DICK WOLFSIE:

YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS HAVE REPORTED DICK WOLFSIE FOR PRETENDING TO BE YOU. WE WILL REVIEW YOUR PROFILE AND LET YOU KNOW IF IT VIOLATES OUR COMMUNITY STANDARDS. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

The nerve of me, pretending to be me. Who do they think I am? Me? I hope I’m doing a good job and not some cheap impersonation.

Here’s another: WE DETECTED SOMETHING UNUSUAL ABOUT YOUR SIGN-IN TO YOUR AOL. IF IT WAS YOU, YOU ARE ALL SET.

All set for what? Another 30 years of AOL and paying for this outdated service? That’s also the end of their text. There is no place to click or call, and nowhere do they ask for personal information. What kind of ineffective rip-off is this? The scamming profession has failed to attract the necessary talent to keep the art of the swindling business alive.

Here’s another area where these con men (and women) are slipping. These are from my spam folder”

• YOUR HULU ACCOUNT MAY BE IN JEOPARDY OF BEING SUSPENDED. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

• YOUR NETFLIX ACCOUNT COULD BE ENDING. GO TO THIS WEBSITE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.

• YOUR SIRIUS ACCOUNT MIGHT BE EXPIRING. CALL THIS NUMBER.

“The scamming profession has failed to attract the necessary talent to keep the art of the swindling business alive.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

And my favorite:

• YOU ARE IN DANGER OF OWING $10,000 IN BACK TAXES. CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION.

What a weaselly approach to swindling people. What’s with using words like MAY, COULD and MIGHT? Do you think a Chicago gangster in the 1920s would say to a bar owner, “If you don’t pay the kickback money, we might come back with a sledgehammer, and there is a small possibility that you would be in jeopardy of having your knees crushed. “

If you are going to perpetrate a scam, you need to give your targets the heebie-jeebies. Let me help you would-be criminals out. Here’s a good example of how to do it:

DEAR ED,

YOU OWE $10,000 IN BACK TAXES. WE ALSO HAVE YOUR GRANDSON TIED TO A LAWN CHAIR IN OUR BASEMENT. AND TO MAKE MATTERS EVEN WORSE, YOUR NETFLIX ACCOUNT EXPIRES IN 20 MINUTES. CLICK HERE TO KEEP YOUR ACCOUNT FROM BEING SUSPENDED,

Yes, you slime buckets. Take a course on how to write convincingly. Hone your craft and be the best you can be. For more information. Click here or call: 993-555-0100. Or else.

Dick

Wolfsie

is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

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