LIFESAVING MATCHES
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Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XIX, No. 19
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Wishing you the luck of the Irish
Vehicle tax delayed, Keystone bridge repair advances
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The implementation of the City of Carmel’s annual taxes on vehicles hit a bump in the road and will go into effect a year later than planned.
CITY NEWS
That means the city is looking elsewhere to find the more than $3.5 million the new taxes were expected to generate this year, a task complicated by ongoing discussions in the state legislature that could significantly impact municipal funding.
The Carmel City Council approved the $40 wheel tax on heavy trucks and semis and $25 surtax on passenger vehicles in October 2024, the same night it passed the 2025 budget. However, city officials didn’t realize until a week after approving both measures that they had missed the Sept. 1 deadline to alert the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles of the new taxes. This meant the taxes can’t go into effect until 2026.
According to Carmel CFO Zac Jackson, the city has identified funds to cover the one-year delay using dollars that were allocated but unspent in 2024. But first, it plans to use nearly $1.1 million of those funds to repair the 106th Street bridge over Keystone Parkway. The Carmel City Council on March 3 approved using the funds for the project.
A northbound tracor-trailer damaged beams underneath the overpass in February 2024. The repair costs will be reimbursed by the driver’s insurance, according to Jackson, but it’s not clear when.
The bridge beam will be raised three inches as part of the repair. Carmel Chief Infrastructure Officer Jeremy Kashman told the council that although the bridge was built to legal height requirements, it has been struck twice when a piece of equipment on passing trucks came untethered.
“When (the bridge beams are) getting hit, they’re only getting hit by like a half inch or an inch,” Kashman said. “So, we’re hop-
ing that this will long term help.”
Repair work is expected to begin in late April or early May and last for 60 days. Traffic on 106th Street is expected to be maintained throughout the repair, but Keystone Parkway may experience overnight closures, according to city officials.
The project is expected to be complete before other work begins on 106th Street, including the installation of a roundabout at E. Lakeshore Drive, Kashman said.
Jackson told the council the city will wait until the state legislative session ends before committing the rest of the funds to cover the road repaving shortfall. State lawmakers are considering a bill to stem the rise of property taxes that could cut deeply into municipal budgets.
The city has accepted bids for $8 million in priority paving work to be completed this year, according to Jackson. The city appropriated $10.6 million for paving in 2025 from various city funds.
DISPATCHES
Carmel recognized for fleet sustainability — The City of Carmel has been recognized with a 2025 Geotab Innovation Award for Fleet Sustainability in the small-medium size public sector category. The awards honor fleets that are leading the way in their use of connected vehicle technology and data insights to create better outcomes to support and enhance services to Carmel residents and businesses. The awards were presented at Geotab Connect 2025 in Orlando.
Assessment forms available electronically — Hamilton County property owners can submit a request to receive their Notice of Assessment of Land and Improvements/Form 11 electronically. The Assessor’s Office traditionally mails forms in April, but will make forms available by email this year. Form 11 details the assessed value of a property, which serves as the starting point for calculating annual property tax payments. Requests for electronic copies are due March 25 at bit.ly/3D8zelR
Lacrosse athlete of the week – Sophomore All-Ohio Athletic Conference midfielder Clare Alic of Carmel, a graduate of Guerin High School, of the Baldwin Wallace University women's lacrosse team was recently named the OAC Offensive Athlete of the Week for the second time in her career. The defending OAC Rookie of the Year scored a total of six goals and two assists (eight points) across two games.
HCCF appoints president – Hamilton County Community Foundation has appointed Danielle Stiles-Polk as its president. Stiles-Polk, who previously served as HCCF’s vice president of external strategy and development, has been serving as interim president and played a critical role in guiding the foundation through its new strategic plan and rebrand launch in January. HCCF’s board of directors led the search for a new
136th & Meridian
Cones mark the area above the damaged portionof the 106th Street bridge over Keystone Parkway. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Sleuths ‘move the needle’
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
They didn’t solve the mystery, but Ron Brumbarger believes Team Monocles’ months of work on a decades-old cold case could help the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department take a fresh look at its investigation.
COLD CASE
“In our work, we did move the needle,” Brumbarger said. “We were able to produce some questions for IMPD and some people they should go talk to again, so I think that’s helpful. But it’s a really hard case.”
The team of volunteer sleuths formed by Brumbarger in early 2024 used artificial intelligence to evaluate themes and possible connections within hundreds of pages of scanned police notebooks and other documents full of evidence. Because the case is still open, team members are not permitted to share details.
IMPD Capt. Roger Spurgeon said even though Team Monocles didn’t solve the case, he believes they helped demonstrate that the combination of AI and intentional problem-solving methods is a “promising strategy in the field of criminal investigations.”
“The Team Monocles experiment was groundbreaking in concept but requires much more study to truly be seen as a force multiplier for law enforcement,” Spur-
geon said. “As much as I’d love to say that it kicked some doors wide open in the test case, so far it simply provided a good reason to knock on some of them again. That in and of itself, though, is remarkable given all of the constraints — specifically time and money – that Team Monocles faced.”
The team held weekly meetings in north Indianapolis and Zionsville and concluded its efforts by compiling a whitepaper documenting its work. It identified several challenges and successes throughout the project.
“There’s so many things in that paper that we talked about that we could have done differently, but I think for the first time out with a volunteer team under the gun timewise, it went about as good as we could have hoped,” said Brumbarger, a Westfield resident who is certified in the Simplexity method of creative problem solving.
Brumbarger said he’d be interested in working on another cold case in the future and that Team Monocles’ efforts generated interest from across the globe.
As for the case Team Monocles spent the summer investigating — Brumbarger doesn’t think it’s likely to ever be solved.
“I don’t want to say never, but it’s certainly not for lack of trying or IMPD’s work,” he said. “It’s just too many missing pieces. Maybe if somebody comes forward, that might be helpful, but that’s a long putt.” Learn more at TeamMonocles.com.
St. Patrick’s Day party set
By Lauren Weidinger news@currentincarmel.com
The Carmel Fire Department will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser beginning at 1 p.m. March 15 at Brockway Pub, 12525 Old Meridian St. Proceeds will benefit the Carmel Professional Firefighters bereavement fund, which supports firefighters’ families facing unexpected loss.
FUNDRAISER
The event will begin with music from Carmel firefighter Ian Reppert with special performances by the Indianapolis Public Safety Pipes and Drums.
Additional festivities include the Pumper Pull, where teams can sign up to pull a pumper truck across a finish line, and the keg toss, where individuals can prove their strength. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in each event.
A team participates in the pumper pull at a previous Carmel Fire Department St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser. (File photo)
T-shirts featuring the Carmel Fire Department Maltese will be available for purchase.
Tim Griffin, CFD public information officer said firefighters appreciate the support of the community through the fundraiser.
“All year long, we see people wearing Carmel firefighters clothing, and it puts a sense of pride in us,” he said.
The St. Patrick’s Day event is open to all ages. Read the full story at
Council scraps plans for new committee
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
In January, Carmel City Council President Adam Aasen announced plans to form a three-councilor nominating committee to solicit, vet and narrow applicants for city board and commission appointments.
CITY NEWS
Now, those plans have been scrapped.
Aasen said as he and other councilors worked to codify and form the committee, some became concerned it would unnecessarily complicate the process. City code requires the full council to vote on all appointments and allows councilors to nominate anyone at any time, committee or not.
City Councilor Anita Joshi, one of three councilors appointed to a now disbanded working group formed as a precursor to the committee, said she is disappointed.
“It’s traditionally been dealt with more as a closed process, which, when you have primarily one party in control, they all know the same people, and so the same people rotate in and out of these positions,” said Joshi, the only Democrat on the council. “I don’t think it’s about necessarily saying, ‘Oh, it should be all one party or the other party.’ It’s just about trying to get the best people.”
Aasen said his goal has always been to encourage more people to apply for open positions, and he believes that will still happen. He has tasked Councilor Tony Green with working to update the city’s website with a board and commission application form.
“There’s a lot of great people in the community that could make a great nominee for a board or commission, but we don’t know them,” Aasen said. “With a better application process and letting people know (about it), then more people will apply.”
Aasen said he is aiming for the website to be ready this summer, with applications for 2026 positions closing in the fall.
Although she would have preferred the committee process, Joshi said at the Feb. 17 council meeting she hopes the website will draw a larger pool of applicants for available positions.
“I hope this will not be simply a cosmetic fix,” she said.
Classical pianist’s journey winds through Ukraine, Cuba
By Les Morris news@currentincarmel.com
For Liliia Levina de Hernandez, an accomplished classical pianist, it was a long road to a recent Sunday Vibes concert at Carmel Clay Public Library.
MUSIC
Part of the journey took her to Cuba, and the program she performed in Carmel, “Echo of Cuba,” reflected that part of her life.
lin translated. “She enjoyed what she was doing. The Cuban children were talented musically.”
She also earned a master’s degree in piano teaching and performance at the University of Arts in Havana.
Levina de Hernandez, 60, grew up in Kharkov, Ukraine, the nation’s second-largest city and former capital. She earned a bachelor’s degree in musicology and composition at the renowned University of Arts in Kharkov and fell in love with a Cuban engineering student, Jose Benitez Hernandez, whom she married in 1987.
The following year, the couple relocated to Matanzas, Cuba, on the island’s north shore. When asked in Russian by friend and interpreter Boris Gorlin how she experienced Cuba, she said, “There was a lot of contrast to what I was used to in Ukraine. It was a different culture and a different style of relationships between people. There was also a lot of poverty.”
But her music career flourished. She organized and led a children’s ensemble from 1990 to 2022 that toured abroad and throughout Cuba.
“The fact that she was engaged and worked in music was her life support,” Gor-
Liliia and her husband have two daughters, Krystyna, 37 and Natalia, 22. The move to central Indiana was motivated by the need for advanced medical care for Krystyna and the ability of an Indianapolis-area company to manufacture two cutting-edge hip prosthetics for her. Krystyna suffers from Larsen Syndrome, a rare genetic disease affecting the development of bones and joints. Natalia is a college student in New York City.
Levina de Hernandez rents a studio at The Violin Shop of Old Carmel and gives private lessons. The Indianapolis resident also works with music students at Butler University. She performs concerts like the one in Carmel and plays piano in upscale restaurants.
Of course, the war in her native Ukraine is never far from her mind. She admits to being terrified when Russia invaded the country in February 2022.
“We couldn’t believe it could happen,” she said. “We always considered ourselves to be one people.”
Two close friends, both musicians, have lost their lives in the conflict. Still, she is optimistic the war will end soon, citing a proverb, “Hope dies last.”
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‘American
By Lauren Weidinger news@currentincarmel.com
In partnership with Indiana Humanities, Carmel Clay Public Library will present an event March 19 featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Farah Stockman.
EVENT
Stockman’s book, “American Made,” follows the true story of three Indianapolis residents who lost their jobs when the local Rexnord factory closed and moved to Mexico. Their journeys demonstrate how unemployment impacts individuals and populations.
the COVID-19 pandemic, so Stockman was unable to promote the book in person.
Podcast host Aaron Renn worked with CCPL to help coordinate the event.
“It’s such an important topic and one that is still highly relevant in our state and the political climate that we’re in,” Renn said. “It’s a wonderful book – well reported and well written.”
Stockman
“American Made” was released during
Stockman graduated from Harvard University and has written for The New York Times and Boston Globe.
The presentation begins at 6 p.m. at the library, 425 E. Main St. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more and register at carmelclaylibrary.org/event/12952871.
Hernandez
CHS wins 11th straight title
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
The Carmel High School boys swimming team keeps enhancing its legacy.
The Greyhounds won an 11th consecutive IHSAA boys swimming title March 1 at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis. The Carmel girls won their 39th consecutive swimming state title Feb. 15.
SWIMMING
“It’s significant because they have a streak of their own, and it comes with challenges,” Carmel coach Chris Plumb said. “They’re not playing second fiddle to the girls anymore. They’ve got their own thing going, their own identity, their own culture, and it’s fun to see that coming together.”
Carmel won with a score of 412.5, the second-most in state finals history. The margin of 196.5 points over second-place Fishers was the fourth-most in state history. It was the Greyhounds’ 25th boys state title, 15 more than Columbus North in second place in all-time titles.
“This team is really deep at the top, which is a good place to be,” Plumb said.
Carmel sophomore William Allen won the 500-yard freestyle in 4 minutes, 20.88 seconds and the 200 freestyle in 1:37.07, both personal bests.
Allen, who goes by his middle name of Trent, said he was excited to compete in the longer distances this season.
“Last year, it was just what the team needed me to be in the 50 and 100,” Allen said. “I’m willing to do what coach (Plumb) puts me in, but I love the 500 and 200. I look forward to doing distance in practice.
Everyone else hates it but I love it.”
Carmel senior Anderson Kopp was second in the 500 freestyle.
Plumb said Allen worked hard since last season to make himself into a strong middle distance and distance swimmer.
“His drive, his work ethic and ability to handle the load that he was willing to do is awesome,” Plumb said.
Greyhounds senior Andrew Shackell captured the 100 butterfly in 47.42 seconds.
Shackell wasn’t pleased with his time but was pleased he won after finishing third last year.
“I remembered last year how disappointed I was that I wasn’t able to win,” he said. “Ultimately, the goal of every race is to try to win and do your best, and I did that.”
Shackell was on all three winning relay teams. He was joined on the 200 medley relay team by sophomore Yi Zheng, senior Michael Gorey and Kopp. The 200 freestyle relay team included Gorey, Zheng and junior Carter Hadley. Shackell was joined on the 400 freestyle relay team by Allen, Hadley and Kopp.
BREBEUF SWIMMING CHAMP TAKES UNUSUAL ROUTE TO TITLE
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
senior Jake Tarara didn’t always have a passion for swimming.
Tarara swam for a club in the Chicago suburbs before moving to Carmel in the eighth grade. He joined the Carmel Swim Club for a few weeks but soon quit because he didn’t like the morning practices and it interferred with basketball. At his mother’s suggestion, he eventually joined the Zionsville Swim Club and a love grew that resulted in a state title,
Tarara won the 100-yard freestyle in 43.93 seconds March 1 at the IHSAA boys state swimming and diving state finals at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis.
“Winning it is so surreal. If you had told me I would have done this my freshman or sophomore year, that was such a reach for me,” Tarara said. “Being able to see the board and the No. 1, I’m just happy things have gone so well this year. Being able to top it off with a victory individually, especially after that tough loss in the 50 (freestyle), meant a lot.”
Tarara placed second in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 20.09 seconds, edged out by Bloomington North’s James Stewart, who won in 20.08.
The Carmel High School boys swimming team displays its state championship trophy. (Photo courtesy of IHSAA)
Tarara
Junior guard helps trigger LN girls basketball team’s success
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Lawrence North High School junior Ke’Adriah “Keke” Butler has emerged as one of the top guards in state this season.
“Keke Butler has been phenomenal for us all season,” Wildcats coach Stephen Thomas said. “I’m blessed to have her again as a senior next season. Her teammates know how to get her in her spots (to score) and she knows how to get her teammates in their spots and they all trust each other. Between Kya Hunt and Butler, I’m biased, but those are the two best in the backcourt in the state. They’ve guarded incredible guards throughout the entire year and they just continue to answer the call.”
Butler scored 20 points and had eight rebounds and two steals in Lawrence North’s 65-59 victory over Warsaw in the IHSAA Class 4A state championship game March 1 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Butler hit all four of her free throws in the final 25 seconds to help seal the victory.
KE’ADRIAH BUTLER
Favorite subject: Algebra
Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant
Favorite TV show: “Family Guy”
Favorite vacation spot: Florida
“We practice them all week, so I knew there was going to be a time when it was going to be a close game and I was going to have to shoot those,” Butler said. “I tuned out the noise and knocked them down one by one.”
They were needed as Lawrence North (19-8) saw an 18-point lead dwindle to three with 31 seconds left.
“They (Warsaw) were here for a reason,”
Lawrence North junior guard
Ke’Adriah “Keke” Butler was the top scorer for the state championship team. (Photo by Mark Ambrogi)
Butler said. “We don’t think they are going to give up. We had to figure out what we need to do to get together.”
The Wildcats, who beat Class 4A defending state champion Lawrence Central in the sectional final, had eight losses during the regular season against top 20 teams.
“It means a lot because everyone doubted us and didn’t expect us to be here,” Butler said. “Overall, it feels great to know we worked all season for this and now
we’re getting the rewards. We continued to work hard. We didn’t let any comments bother us and no predictions bother us. We continue to stand tall, continue to work together and get the job done.”
Butler led a balanced scoring attack by averaging 13.9 points per game and 46 percent shooting from the field. She averaged 6.4 ppg as a sophomore.
“Everybody has continued to play their role and do what they are good at,” Butler said. “We have good players all the way down the bench and we knew there would be different players in different situations.”
Butler said she made the most improvement getting to her spot on the floor to shoot.
“I didn’t shoot a lot of mid-range shots (previously), but now I can get to the spot,” she said.
Butler has scholarship offers from Indiana State University, Indiana University Indianapolis, Morehead State University and University of Evansville, among others.
To nominate a high school student for Athlete of the Week, contact mark@ youarecurrent.com.
COMMUNITY
Carmel Olympian to swim for Indiana University Runner seeks repeat win
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Carmel High School senior swimmer
Alex Shackell decommitted from the University of California, Berkeley in the fall of 2024 because she planned to take a gap year to concentrate on her training for international meets with the Carmel Swim Club.
Plumb, head coach of the Carmel Swim Club and CHS’ varsity programs. Shackell said the next important meet on her calendar is the June 3-7 USA Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis.
But then the Olympic gold medal winner got an offer she couldn’t refuse. Shackell recently committed to Indiana University and will enroll in January 2026.
“I chose IU because a unique opportunity was presented to me that I couldn’t pass up,” Shackell said. “I’m super excited to get to have the college and NCAA experience. Being close to Carmel was definitely a factor.”
That will allow Shackell to compete in college while still training under Chris
Shackell, who earned two gold medals for the U.S. at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finished her high school career Feb. 15 by becoming the first girl in IHSAA history to win the 100-yard butterfly state title four consecutive years. She finished with 15 state titles.
Shackell watched in the stands as her twin brother, Andrew Shackell, won his first individual state title March 1, winning the 100 butterfly at the boys state finals. He had to adjust on the fly because his goggles fell over during the race.
“I was super happy to watch Andrew win his first title,” Alex Shackell said. “I didn’t realize his goggles snapped until after the race, though, so I was super confused why his race looked different than usual.”
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Brady Hall won the Sam Costa Half-Marathon in his first appearance in 2023 in the Carmel race.
Hall had a goal of setting the record in the Costa Quarter Marathon last year. The Carmel resident won only 43 seconds short of the race record.
“I’ll be running the quarter marathon again this year as a tune-up for the 500 Festival 5K in Indianapolis (May 3), which is hosting the USATF 5K Road U.S. Championships (on the same day),” Hall said.
The 54th Sam Costa Half and Quarter Marathon, presented by Indy Runners and Walkers, starts at 9 a.m. March 22 at Northview Church in Carmel.
“I’m grateful to have ran well in the only Sam Costa races I’ve participated in, so ‘enjoy the ride’ is the goal for 2025,” Hall said. “The Sam Costa (races) marks the inflection point between winter training and spring training for many runners, making it a great way to kick off a new season and benefits the local running
community. The courses give a mini tour of Carmel, showcasing the integration of our trail system, neighborhoods and community in a fun way.”
Zionsville resident Mike Cole will run the quarter marathon this year after winning the half marathon in his 45-49 age group last year.
“I’ve typically used this race as a tuneup for the Indy Mini in the past,” Cole said. “This year, though, I am just wanting to get out there and get a good quality 6.5 miles in. Last year, I switched to the half (marathon) and used it as a training longrun 18-miler because I was doing a marathon every month.”
For more, visit samcosta.com.
SAM COSTA
Shackell
Carmel resident Brady Hall is seeking to be a repeat winner March 22 in the Sam Costa Quarter Marathon. (Photo courtesy of Terry Townsend)
LIFESAVING MATCHES
Organ donor, blood-clot detecting dog give cancer survivor another chance
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Christy Heath spent the summer of 2022 preparing for her death.
After more than a year on the waitlist for a five-organ transplant, doctors told her to start looking at hospice care services, which they thought she would need by December of that year. So, she began preparing for that possibility and planning ahead for the holidays, creating personalized Christmas gifts for family members to remember her. She didn’t expect to be alive when they opened them.
But in the middle of the night in early October 2022, she got the call that would save her life.
‘AN EXCRUCIATING WAIT’
Heath’s winding medical journey began in 2001 when she lived in Texas and was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. After treatment, she was cancer-free for 14 years, but when the cancer returned, it also came with a diagnosis of Stage 4 lymphoma.
The treatment worked but took a toll on her body. In July 2020, she learned the many rounds of chemotherapy had made her prone to blood clots, which can be fatal if not caught and treated quickly. Doctors told her she would need a multivisceral organ transplant, which in her case meant she needed a new pancreas, stomach, liver, small intestine and large intestine. Heath, 52, also learned the procedure she needed was only performed at three hospitals in the U.S. — none in Texas — and that she would have to move near one of them. Not only would she need to be within three hours of the hospital if and when a donor match was found, but she’d need to return frequently after surgery for routine checkups and likely some unplanned visits, too.
Her medical team recommended IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis for the surgery, so after confirming she qualified for the waitlist, she and her husband moved to Noblesville.
That’s when the hard part began.
“(It’s) an excruciating wait,” Heath said. “You go in and do bloodwork every week.
You see your doctor every couple of weeks. You’re getting sicker, so you’re not feeling well. Other things are popping up here and there, so you land in the hospital for a day or two. But you’re weaker and weaker as you’re waiting and waiting.”
According to Donate Life America, more than 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, and another person is added to the list every eight minutes. Each year, 5,600 people in the U.S. die while on the waitlist.
So, when Heath’s phone displayed
IU Health on the caller ID at 2 a.m., she thought it was a mistimed phone survey about her treatment experience and was more annoyed than anything. She certainly didn’t expect good news — but it turned out to be. A donor match had been found.
“It didn’t even cross my mind, because I’ve been waiting for so long,” she said. “I got to the point where (I believed) it just wasn’t going to happen. I wasn’t going to get (a donor) because it was too hard to match up.”
TRAINED TO SAVE LIVES
The multi-organ transplant surgery stretched over two days, but it was a success. After a month in the hospital, Heath returned home.
But soon, Heath learned that instead of forming in her digestive system, blood clots had developed in her lungs. The clots led to lung damage, requiring supplemental oxygen therapy. In addition, she visits the
Continued on Page 11
Christy Heath and Jax walk through the Carmel Clay Public Library. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Christy Heath recovers from a five-organ transplant surgery in October 2022. (Photo courtesy of Christy Heath)
Christy Heath, center, celebrates milestones a week after undergoing a five-organ transplant. (Photo courtesy of Christy Heath)
Continued from Page 10
IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel frequently for bloodwork, X-rays and other minor procedures as needed.
As Heath worked with her medical team to identify and prevent additional clots in her lungs, a friend reached out to share some information that would change her life once again. The friend sent Heath an article about dogs being trained to detect blood clots by scent, which immediately piqued her interest.
After reaching out to the organization that trains the dogs, Heath, a former middle school math teacher, learned it would be nearly a year before a dog was ready and that it would cost at least $25,000.
“(My husband) said, ‘It boils down to how much is your life worth?’” she said. “I was like, ‘Well, it’s worth more than $25,000.’”
Jax, a 2-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, joined Heath’s family in late 2023. The two quickly bonded and became inseparable.
The canine’s intensive training was put to the test in October 2024 when she
ORGAN DONOR
The night that changed Christy Heath’s life in 2022 was earth-shatter ing for a North Carolina family in a very different, but related, way.
Around the same time, William Whitlow’s family signed off to donate his organs after doctors declared him brain dead. The high-functioning special needs 19-year-old had been fatally injured after a vehicle struck him while he was riding his bicycle.
alerted Heath of a possible clot by intently sniffing and doggedly pawing at her arm. Heath had been having trouble breathing but attributed it to a recent cold. Thanks to Jax, Heath went to a medical center to check for a clot earlier than she normally would have, she said.
When the results came back, she was quickly on her way to the emergency room.
“That one wound up being the biggest clot I’ve ever had. It was in my pulmonary artery, which is the main artery that goes to your lungs, and it provides blood supply,” Heath said. “They told me, ‘If you waited another day, you’d probably be dead.’”
As she looks to the future, Heath doesn’t expect to be able to return to the classroom full time because of her medical complications. But she’d like to start a math tutoring business, which is possible with Jax at her side and her donor’s organs giving her a second chance at life.
ON THE COVER: Jax, a chocolate Labrador retriever, is constantly with Christy Heath. Jax can alert Heath if she detects blood clots by scent. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
William’s mother, Susan Whitlow, said the family has never regretted their decision to donate his organs. But it doesn’t make their loss any easier to endure.
“I’m obviously very happy that William’s organs have given Christy a second chance at life,” Susan Whitlow said. “That doesn’t take away any grief or sadness in the loss of my son but does bring some peace that God can and will bring good from very difficult situations.”
Susan Whitlow’s sister was on the organ transplant list when the accident occurred, so the family was already well aware of the impact of organ donation. William was not a match for his aunt, but she received a double lung transplant through a direct donation a week
saved as a result of donating William’s organs, and many more lives will be improved as a result of the skin and tissue donations. My sister’s life was saved as the result of her direct donation.”
According to his mother, William “never met a stranger” and would strike up a conversation with anyone. He worked a part-time job and was very committed to his faith, family and friends, she said.
“William’s Celebration of Life service was held on his (20th) birthday and was attended by several hundred family and friends,” Susan Whitlow said. “William would have been so happy with that, as he wanted to spend his birthday with everyone he knew.”
Heath and Susan Whitlow communicate occasionally online, although they have never met in person.
Learn more about organ donation in Indiana at indianadonornetwork.org.
Taste of Carmel was Taste of Carmel was a huge success! a huge success!
to you, we ’ re
William Whitlow
Faith emphasizes mutual respect
Editor’s note: For several weeks in March and April, Current in Carmel is featuring Q&As with local residents representing various faith communities.
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
Nabiha Mahmood has practiced Islam her entire life, from her birth in Pakistan to her time in Saudi Arabia and Dubai before moving to Indiana five years ago.
“It
She works in an addiction neuroscience lab at IU Indianapolis and is principal at the Indianapolis Muslim Community Association. She also serves as vice chair at the Center for Interfaith Cooperation and volunteers at Indiana Women’s Prison. Mahmood and her husband live in Carmel and have two daughters.
Why is faith important to you?
I have practiced my faith since birth, and it is the core of my identity. It shapes my appearance, conduct and daily choices, from what I eat to how I plan my day around prayer. My faith guides every aspect of my life.
How does your faith shape how you interact with those outside your tradition? My faith teaches me how to navigate life and interact with others. The Quran states, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” (49:13). This verse emphasizes the importance of interfaith connections and mutual respect.
What is an important element of your faith that has impacted you?
Living in the U.S. has deepened my understanding of engaging with people of different faiths. In predominantly Muslim countries, I was a passive Muslim, but here, I actively practice my faith. This shift has profoundly shaped my perspective and strengthened my religious identity.
What do you most want people to know about your faith tradition?
Islam is built on two fundamental relationships: one with the Creator and one with His creation. True faith requires balancing both — strengthening our connection with God through worship while treating others with kindness, justice and respect.
Mahmood
Comfort in a digital world
FRAME OF THE MONTH:
Commentary by Dr. Hannah Wilson
With our world being largely digital these days, we spend more time on devices than ever before. Aside from developmental and behavioral implications, prolonged screen use can have a profound impact on the visual system.
VISION
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Digital devices force our eyes to work harder, making us susceptible to eye fatigue. Symptoms of screen-related vision issues include eye strain, blurred vision and headaches. A multitude of factors, such as viewing angle, poor lighting, glare and uncorrected refractive error all contribute to our discomfort. Fortunately, simple steps can be taken to prevent visual symptoms before they appear.
20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Tweaks to your workspace can further decrease your risk for eye strain. For most comfortable viewing, the height of your screen should be at or slightly below eye level, and your screen should be positioned to avoid glare from overhead lights or windows. If you wear glasses, they should be made with an anti-reflective coating that offers blue light protection. Moreover, illumination of the screen should match that of the room.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Perhaps the easiest change to implement is to take routine breaks. Our eyes tire with extended periods of near viewing. Affording the visual system brief periods to relax and refocus can work wonders for minimizing ocular discomfort. Consider adhering to the 20/20/20 Rule. For every 20 minutes of screen use, look at something
Contacts
Last but certainly not least, make sure to visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam annually. Uncorrected conditions like farsightedness, astigmatism, inadequate eye teaming and aging changes within the eyes can all contribute to the development of visual symptoms when using a digital device.
Call the office to schedule your appointment today! (317) 844-2020 www.Revolution-EYES.com 14250 Clay Terrace Blvd. Suite 160, Carmel
Dr. Katherine Schuetz OD Astigmatism Contacts
Dr. Hannah Wilson is an optometrist at RevolutionEYES and Little Eyes Pediatric Eye Care in Carmel. She can be reached at DrWilson@Revolution-EYES.com.
Dr. Hannah Wilson OD Daily Disposable Contacts
Foundation provides more than $1M to Riverview Health
news@youarecurrent.com
Riverview Health Foundation recently announced that it provided more than $1.1 million to Riverview Health in 2024.
DONATION
In addition to net proceeds from various events, funds are an accumulation of donations and grants from individuals, families and businesses in the community, according to Jason Kaufmann, Riverview Health’s director of marketing and communications. Kaufmann said all funds gifted to Riverview Health will support programs and projects benefitting patients, families and staff.
Kaufmann said areas that will receive funds are the Courtney Cox Cole Infusion Center; the Help for Healing fund; the Employee Assistance fund; departments serving women and children; and the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit project.
Kaufmann said Riverview Health Foundation has raised nearly $2 million toward its $3 million fundraising goal for the expansion and renovation of the Acute Inpatient
Rehabilitation Unit thanks to the generosity of donors.
The growth and development of the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit will increase capacity to 24 beds and provide a more welcoming, spacious environment to ensure every patient receives the care they need in a setting that promotes healing and comfort, according to Kauffman. Norman and Peggy Mindrebo provided the lead gift for the renovation of the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.
Riverview Health staff begins the renovation of the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. (Photo courtesy of Jason Kaufmann)
Tuesdays Starting Feb 25, 2:30-4:30 pm
17300 Westfield Blvd. Westfield, IN
READERS’ VIEWS
Rising taxes, falling resale value
Editor,
Call to reserve your spot today
Call to reserve your spot today 317-763-1019 317-763-1019 www.cfawh.com www.cfawh.com
I moved into my house in the fall of 1980. I’m now 68 years old and am on a limited fixed budget. I’ve decided I’m going to have to sell my house because of the property taxes skyrocketing. So in my pursuit of doing that I’ve contacted some local realtors, one from Carmel, and they are telling me, “No serious interest at this time. A lot of comments being made about the property to the south.” So now my house isn’t as valuable as it once was, because of the project the Carmel City Council voted for a few years ago. The six-story building (on the former AT&T site) is being built 25 feet from my property line. In those meetings I was
told this would not hurt my property value! I’ve had to delay a vacation last year and this year because of my property tax increase and inflation in general. I do not see why Mayor Sue Finkam is against Gov. Mike Braun’s property tax reduction. It will tremendously reduce my taxes! I really doubt the City Of Carmel is going to lose any of its fine police or fire department personnel. Maybe we don’t need to purchase that new police car this year or something like that? Everyone needs to tighten their belts some. Why can’t the city do the same with the whole Carmel government?
Charlie Demler, Carmel
Civility column on forgiveness spot on
Editor,
Jeff Worrell’s columns on civility are most welcome, and we are fortunate to have Jeff as a member of our community. His recent commentary on forgiveness is spot on when it comes to our individual physical and mental health as well as the health of our city and its institutions.
There are other words that end in the letter “Y” on which citizens of our town, our state and our country might focus. Autocracy. Controversy. Oligarchy. Sycophancy. Hypocrisy. It’s not easy to forgive those who create unnecessary chaos, and history doesn’t forget the harm they cause.
Patricia Bares, Carmel
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES
Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.
The Tallison Hotel now open along Meridian Corridor
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
The Tallison Hotel opened March 6 in Carmel’s Meridian Corridor.
HOTEL
The 120-room boutique property at 10210 Pennsylvania Pkwy. includes more than 7,000 square feet of event space, a 3,500-squarefoot courtyard and work on display by local artists and photographers. It also includes VYNE, a restaurant featuring local ingredients.
“The Tallison is a modern and refined expression of the Midwest, uncovering the spirit of Hoosier hospitality,” John Tampa, president and CEO of Ascent Hospitality, stated in a press release. “Every aspect of the property reflects our commitment to creating an elevated guest experience that honors Indiana’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary luxury.”
The new hotel’s leadership team in-
cludes General Manager Adam S. Cohen, Director of Sales Bethany Somsky, Executive Chef Willie Price II and Director of Food & Beverage Greg Wisinski.
The Tallison and adjacent 112-room extended stay Element Indianapolis Carmel by Westin comprise a dual-hotel complex on the site.
A grand opening for The Tallison is planned in May. Learn more at TheTallisonHotel.com.
DISPATCHES
Carmel Realtors honored — F.C. Tucker Company recognized two Carmel residents and Realtors with its highest awards.
Angel Dean has received the Fred C. Tucker Senior Award, recognizing those who exemplify the high standards and time-honored traditions initiated by the F.C. Tucker Company’s founder, Fred C. Tucker Sr. Brian
Wignall, a U.S. Army Master Sergeant, has been awarded the Bud Tucker Volunteer of the Year – Metro Award – the organization’s highest honor for volunteerism.
enVista board appointments – Carmel-based enVista, a supply chain and enterprise solutions provider, has appointed Ana Dutra and Jay Greyson to its board of advisors. Dutra has more than 30 years of experience in governance, building and strategically advising multi-billion-dollar businesses. Greyson is co-founder and partner in Supply Chain Equity Partners.
The Tallison Hotel opened March 6 at 10210 Pennsylvania Pkwy. in Carmel. (Image courtesy of The Tallison Hotel)
Dean Wignall
Comedian Shillue benefits from popularity of ‘Gutfeld!’ show
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Tom Shillue understands his good fortune of being a regular on a hit late night show.
Shillue, who appears on “Gutfeld!” on FOX News, will be a special guest on ‘Gutfeld Live ’25’ at 7 p.m. March 15 at the Fishers Event Center. Shillue and fellow comedian Jamie Lissow, a frequent “Gutfeld!” guest, will start the two-hour show with their stand-up routines.
Political satirist Greg Gutfeld, who also is a co-host of “The Five” on FOX News, then joins Shillue on stage.
Shillue, 58, has been in the comedy business since 1991.
“It took me about a decade to get going,” he said. “I did my first TV appearance on Conan O’Brien in 1999. I did a Comedy Central special in 2003.”
Shillue also appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and then “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
“I was also working on Comedy Central (on ‘The Daily Show’) but it didn’t really translate to selling that many (stand-up comedy) tickets, but when I started doing ‘Red Eye’ with Greg, I started getting fans out to the club, who were fans of ‘Red Eye,’” he said. “When I took over ‘Red Eye,’ that was fantastic for the audience, but nothing compares to what ‘Gutfeld!’ has become in the last 18 months or so. I go out to clubs and I sell out and it’s really remarkable. The ‘Gutfeld!’ audience is very loyal.”
Shillue performs on average one weekend a month with solo shows and another weekend with Gutfeld.
“It’s basically a Q&A, but I’m the emcee,” Shillue said. “I’m not as much asking Greg questions as I am guiding him through a series of slides of different things, his colleagues at Fox, his dog. We kind of talk about them in a funny way. It’s personal stories and political stuff, too. He runs through different politicians.
We basically talk about whatever is going on in the world today. Greg likes to keep it loose. It’s the opposite of me with my stand-up. I write it ahead of time and I come out and deliver the jokes and Greg comes out and I have to roll with the punches.”
Shillue keeps his performance schedule light.
“If I’m out there two weekends a month, that is enough for me because I have the Fox News gig,” he said. “Jamie does an amazing number of dates. He’s on the ‘Gutfeld!” show and then he’s out doing the clubs because he makes his living doing the clubs. Since I’m on Fox with Greg all week, I don’t need to be a road warrior.”
Shillue previously did a show three hours a day on Fox News radio for two years. He now regularly appears as a guest or co-host on Fox News radio shows.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
“Jersey Boys” runs through April 13 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
CIVIC THEATRE
Comedian
Tom Shillue will be a special guest on ‘Gutfeld Live ’25’ at 7 p.m. March 15 at the Fishers Event Center. (Photo courtesy of Fishers Event Center)
“They keep (me) busy,” he said. “They always find me stuff to do at Fox.”
Shillue said his Joe Biden imitation was in frequent demand on “Gutfeld!” the past several years.
But Shillue said live performing is his first love, especially stand-up routines.
“I’m a storyteller,” he said. “I tell longform stories (on solo shows) about my family.”
Shillue no longer does commercials, but still does voiceovers. He wrote a book called “Mean Dads for a Better America,” in which he discusses his childhood, his family and the traditional values he embraces.
“It’s a memoir about growing up in the ’70s in a conservative Irish Catholic town,” said Shillue, who grew up in Norwood, Mass. “It’s funny stories about growing up.”
For more, visit tomshillue.com. For tickets, visit fishersevencenter.com.
Civic Theatre presents “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” from March 14 to 29 at the Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit civictheatre.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
Kevin Cole’s “Have Fingers — Will Travel: My Unbelievable Songbook Journey” is set for March 14, followed by “Dueling Pianos” March 15 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
COMEDY
AT THE CAT
St. Pat’s Comedy at The Cat, featuring Dave Dugan, is set for 7:30 p.m. March 14-15 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more, visit thecat.biz.
HANK RUFF AND THE HELLBENDERS
Hank Ruff and the Hellbenders will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 11 in the Live at the Center series at The Tarkington at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets are $10 in person or register for a free livestream at thecenterpresents.org.
‘APPALACHIAN SPRING’
Carmel Symphony Orchestra will present “Appalachian Spring” at 7 p.m. March 16 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
DISPATCH
ATI Lab Series reading set — Actors Theatre of Indiana’s Lab Series returns with “Kannon Gets the Wiggles” at 2 p.m. March 15 at the Carmel Clay Public Library. The show is by Gavin Thomas Drew and Chapman Shields. The music is by Rolin Mains and the lyrics are by Drew and Mains. The show is adapted from the book “Sometimes I Get the Wiggles” by Andee Cooper. For more, visit atistage.org.
NIGHT & DAY
Indianapolis Opera celebrates 50th anniversary with gala
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
Indianapolis Opera CEO David Starkey jokes that it’s taken 50 years for the organization to plan its 50th anniversary — but such a celebration does take a lot of careful planning, especially in the opera world, where everything is grand and extravagant.
MUSIC
This year’s anniversary season was designed to honor the Indianapolis Opera’s longtime supporters and alumni.
“Those 50 years are all built upon legacy families and there are many of them … that have been around from almost the very beginning,” Starkey said. “And then, as the opera company grew over Its years, it engaged, it hired, it promoted young and established singers that basically created their careers here in Indianapolis and went on to sing literally all over the world … that sung in the major opera houses of Europe and the United States — the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera, Chicago, San Francisco.”
Many of those alumni will return for the Indianapolis Opera’s March 22 gala performance, set for 7:30 p.m. at the Hilbert Circle Theater, 45 Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. The gala also will feature the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Starkey said it’s been about two decades since the two organizations partnered on an artistic project.
Indianapolis Opera’s Principal Conductor Alfred Savia will conduct the gala performance. He previously worked with the Indianapolis Symphony and regularly returns as a guest conductor for symphony performances.
“He’s leading up an extravagant array — we’re going to have 15 singers from all over the world that have come up through this opera company (performing) with the Indianapolis symphony, with our opera chorus of nearly 50, in the Hilbert Circle theater, and singing an extravagant gala of opera’s most popular and illustrious selections in a grand and extravagant way,” Starkey said. “This is bigger than any kind of opera concert the city (has) ever had.”
Some of the arias concert attendees will hear include the famous duet from Puccini’s “Tosca,” performed by Angela Brown and Jim Cornelison; selections from Pucci-
ni’s “Madame Butterfly”; and pieces from Wagner’s “Die Walküre.”
“We’re going to have five tenors sing an original version of ‘Nessun dorma,’ the famous tenor aria that was made famous by Luciano Pavarotti,” Starkey said. “You know, there used to be the famous Three Tenors, (Plácido) Domingo, (José) Carreras and Pavarotti? Well, we’re going to up it to five tenors.”
“Nessun dorma” is from Puccini’s opera “Turandot.”
Starkey said he’s humbled by the number of former Indianapolis Opera singers who were willing to return for the gala.
“I had no idea who could say yes and almost every single person has said yes in some form of fashion… that we invited because they were over the moon to come back and celebrate the company that established their career,” he said, adding that longtime former IO Artistic Director Jim Caraher was returning to the podium for the gala. “They’re coming back to celebrate him, too — that’s been a big part of the response, and he deserves it in a massive way.”
The lineup of performers can be viewed online at indyopera.org/50th-anniversarygala-cast.
Audience members can choose to attend just the performance, but organizers also have planned a gala dinner preceding the concert at the neighboring Columbia Club. Tickets for the dinner include premium seats at the concert, valet parking and a post-concert reception drink. Starkey said the dinner will honor many of the IO’s longtime supporters, including some that have been with the organization since its first decade.
For more, visit indyopera.org/50thgala concert.
Soprano Angela Brown in a 2009 production of “Ariadne.” (Photo courtesy of Denis Ryan Kelly, Jr.)
Pianist to share stories, music
By Mark Ambrogi marK@youarecurrent.com
Kevin Cole has worked with many of the greatest songwriters in Great American Songbook history.
CONCERT
So, it’s fitting he will share those stories at Feinstein’s cabaret at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Feinstein is the founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation.
The seven songwriters are George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, E.Y. “Yip” Harburg, Hugh Martin and Marvin Hamlisch.
Harburg wrote the lyrics to many standards as well as all the songs for the film “The Wizard of Oz,” including “Over the Rainbow.”
“Kevin Cole: Have Fingers — Will Travel” is set for 7:30 p.m. March 14. It is part of the Don Farrell Presents shows at Feinstein’s. Cole had worked with Actors Theatre of Indiana co-founder Farrell on “Forever Plaid” and participated in the ATI Lab Series reading of “Mr. Confidential” in 2022.
Cole and Harburg collaborated on a song that was intended for Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Harburg died in 1981, and the song never got to either Sinatra or Bennett. Farrell will sing it in the show.
“I was only 18 when I wrote the music,” Cole said. “I’ve sang it in my solo shows, but it will be nice to hear someone else sing it.”
“I had the experience of working with the great songwriters from a very early age,” Cole said. “As I tell the story of each one of the seven songwriters that have influenced my life or career, I play something that either I played for them or collaborated with them, so it’s all integrated together the story and music.”
For more, visit kevincolemusic.com. For tickets, visit feinsteinshc.com. Cole
The only one of the songwriters that Cole, 66, didn’t meet was Gershwin, who died in 1937. However, when Gershwin scholar Edward Jablonski heard Cole play at age 15, he told Cole he played like Gershwin. Jablonski and Cole are both from Bay City, Mich.
CSO presents ‘Appalachian’
By Mark Ambrogi marK@youarecurrent.com
Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Advisor/Principal Conductor Joel Smirnoff is convinced the orchestra’s final concert of the 2024-25 season is the perfect fit to launch into spring.
CONCERT
CSO’s production of “Appalachian Spring” is set for 7 p.m. March 16 at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The concert is named for Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.”
ies,” Smirnoff said.
Smirnoff said Grainger is interesting because he was Australian, but he composed and celebrated folk music.
“Aaron Copland was the most populist composer of the 20th century,” Smirnoff said. “He celebrated some of the mythological heroes of the old West with Billy the Kid. This was his way to create something that wasn’t snobbish or elitist and would appeal to the masses.”
Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 6 Pastorale” was written at the same time as his “No. 5 Symphony.”
The other main piece is Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 6 Pastorale.”
The concert also includes Perry Grainger’s “Irish Tune from Country Derry” and his other Irish piece, “Molly on the Shore.” The other piece is “Shepherd’s Hey.”
Smirnoff said what ties the works together is that they form a populist music program.
“These are three composers who were very sensitive to the culture around them and the history of culture around societ-
“The ‘Fifth Symphony’ is extremely serious,” Smirnoff said. “The ‘Pastorale’ was an attempt to leave the world of urbanization, which was happening around him.“
CSO board member Chuiyuan Meng, a music professor at Indiana University Indianapolis, is participating in a pre-concert talk.
“I think these two magnificent works are perfect for this time of the year,” Meng said.
Meng said each movement of Beethoven’s piece depicts different aspects of nature.
For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
Smirnoff
March 11, 2025
Current in Carmel
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Department: Board of Public Works and Safety
currentincarmel.com
One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
Project: Clay Center Road Path Construction and Culvert Replacement Project 22-ENG-15
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive sealed bids for the above-described “Clay Center Road Path Cosntruction and Culvert Replacement Project” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/ portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.
All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana.
A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to him.
The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:
The addition of a 10’ wide multi-use path along the west side of Clay Center Road, from Clay Spring Drive to 500’ north of Brighton Avenue. The construction of the multi-use path will include ditch grading and storm sewer installation between the path and Clay Center Road as well as 8 curb ramps. A mid-block crossing at Brighton Avenue is included to facilitate pedestrian traffic from the Springmill Streams neighborhood to the proposed path. The existing triple 84” pipes conveying Elliott Creek under Clay Center Road will be replaced with 64’ of 19’x7’ reinforced coated concrete box structure. Headwalls and wingwalls are required for the proposed structure. The pavement over the structure will be widened to provide an adequate shoulder and turn-lane taper.
Contract Documents and drawings for the Project can be found in this solicitation and the attachments section.
Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.
This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel.
A Non-Mandatory pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 10:00 am in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (One Civic Square). All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is Non-Mandatory
For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.
No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2023-00114 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day of March, 2025 at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:
We are requesting a variance for a second sign for our location. We have a monument sign that faces Michigan Rd, but we are requesting a sign for a building since our building does set very far back from the street and most of the other businesses around us including outback steakhouse and Chuys Mexican both have 2 signs. With the property being known as: 10350 N Michigan Rd Carmel IN
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2023-00114 V
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:
Acreage 4.45 Section 7, Township 17, Range 3 Parcel #: 17-13-07-00-00-005.000
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.
Daniel Majestic – Perma Pools
PETITIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2024-00219 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day of March 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: UDO Section 5.02(B)(3): Maximum Ground Floor Area Detached Garage 24’x30’ allowed; 24’x40’ requested; and the combined square footage of the ground floor area of garages and/or accessory buildings shall not exceed 75% of the ground floor area of the principal building; 125% requested. Build new garage/accessory building.
With the property being known as: 13654 Oak Ridge Road Carmel IN 46032.
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00219 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Village of Mt Carmel, Lot 348 Zoned S2/Residence.
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.
Nathan Dinges PETITIONERS
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Department: Board of Public Works and Safety
One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
Project: 121st Street Water Main extension
IFB-2024-023
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana, will receive sealed bids for the above-described “121st Street Water Main extension” via the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin, until 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 and commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.
All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana.
A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to him.
The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:
Installation of approximately 1,000 lineal feet of 12” water main, fire hydrants, and valves Contract Documents and drawings for the Project can be found in this solicitation and the attachments section.
Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.
This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel.
A Mandatory pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 1:30 pm in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (One Civic Square). All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is Mandatory.
For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.
No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket Number PZ-2025-00038 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer, at a meeting on Monday, the 24th day of March, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Square, 2nd Floor, Carmel, Indiana 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon an application to approve a development standards variance to permit signs for multi-tenant Buildings “B” and “C” that face the rear-facing parking lot for certain real estate located generally on the northwest corner of Spring Mill Road and East 116th Street within Jackson’s Grant Village.
The application is identified as Docket Number PZ-2025-00038 V.
The real estate affected by said application is located generally on the northwest corner of Spring Mill Road and East 116th Street at approximately 11675 Village Corner Court [PIN 17-09-34-00-20-050.000].
The petition and supplementary documentation may be viewed at the City of Carmel Department of Community Services, One Civic Square, 3rd Floor, Carmel, Indiana, 46032. 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, or may file written comments with the Department of Community Services prior to the hearing. The hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.
Kevin G. Buchheit, Krieg DeVault LLP, 12800 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Carmel, IN 46032, (317) 808-5820.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2025-00023 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day of March, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers Room, 1 Civic Sq., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: request a variance from the Silvara PUD Section 5.2 & UDO Section 5.02.C.7.a Minimum Side and Rear Yard Setbacks which require a swimming pool, its deck or equipment to be set back at least 10 feet from the side lot line and 43 feet from the rear lot line. Petitioners seek approval for a 5-foot side yard setback and a 40foot rear yard setback for a proposed pool. With the property being known as: 1225 Skytag Drive in Jackson’s Grant on Williams Creek Subdivision, Lot 99.
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2025-00023 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Parcel No. 17-09-34-0008-028.000.
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.
Paul and Shantell Drucker, owners
PETITIONERS
LIFESTYLE
39. Indy steak house
41. Word after “mai” or before “chi”
42. Cosmetician Lauder
44. Butler homecoming gatherings
46. “Jane Eyre” author
48. Indie Coffee Roasters order
49. Gruesome
52. Pigpen
54. Beatle bride
55. Mount McKinley, formerly 58. Swift: “Everything ___ Changed”
61. Fishers HS swimming team relay-race segments
63. Indy hospital, briefly
65. Feud fight?
66. Chicago-to-Westfield dir.
67. West Africa country 68. Nimble
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER
Docket No. PZ-2024-00220 V
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day of March 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to: UDO Section 2.06: Maximum building height accessory building 18-ft allowed; 21-ft requested. Build new garage/accessory building.
With the property being known as: 13654 Oak Ridge Road Carmel IN 46032.
The application is identified as Docket No. PZ-2024-00220 V.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Village of Mt Carmel, Lot 348 Zoned S2/Residence.
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.
Nathan Dinges
PETITIONERS
69. Tummy muscles
70. Patronize 39-Across Down
1. “Hey, over here!”
2. Guitar kin
3. Where to watch some Colts highlights
4. “Eureka!”
5. Deed
6. Smile
7. Depositor’s holding (Abbr.)
8. City known as “The Palm Springs of Washington”
9. “Thar ___ blows!”
10. Mayhem
11. Fever guard Wheeler
12. Shoulder muscles, for short
17. Black out
21. French Foreign ___
23. Pal
25. Atlantic catch
26. Mayberry boy
27. Carmel ___ & Design District
City of Carmel, Indiana
Department: Parks & Recreation
One Civic Square
City of Carmel, Indiana 46032
28. Emcee
30. Back of a Geist boat
31. Speck in the ocean
33. Cyberhandle
35. Instead, to a texter
36. Actress Turner 37. Spanish ayes 40. Breakfast cereal
43. Flow’s partner 45. Frosty
47. Black Sea port
49. Influences
50. Slightly ahead
51. IMS owner Penske
53. Bit of color
56. Aviation accident agcy.
57. Keystone and College (Abbr.)
58. Pacers foe
59. “___ and the King of Siam”
60. RBI or ERA, at Victory Field
62. Cunning
64. When doubled, a dance Answers on Page 23
Notice to Bidders
Project: Brookshire Golf Course Business Plan RFP
Notice is hereby given that the City of Carmel, in collaboration with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, is requesting proposals for Brookshire Golf Course Business Plan RFP, during regular business hours, up to, but not later than 9:00 am local time Wednesday, April 16, 2025 via the City’s e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin. No late proposals will be accepted.
This request is for proposals from qualified vendors to develop a business plan for Brookshire Golf Course..
5 Wrenches
1 Indiana’s “City of Friendship and Pride”
Proposals will be opened by Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety at the meeting starting at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 on the 2nd floor of Carmel City Hall, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN.
The specifications are attached and set forth in detailed documents on file via the City’s e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/carmelin.
Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted to the portal prior to 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. All questions and responses will be publicly posted to the portal.
No proposer may withdraw any proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving proposals. The City of Carmel reserves the right to hold any or all proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said proposals shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject all proposals or cancel this solicitation in whole or in part as specified in the solicitation when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.
Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible offeror.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Crown Castle is proposing to install a 34 foot lightpole telecommunications utility structure within the public right of way located at the following site: Near W 141st St & Spring Mill Rd, Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana 46032 (39 59 32.29N / 86 9 53.95W). The facility is not expected to be FAA lighted. Crown Castle invites comments from any interested party on the impact of the proposed action on any districts, sites, buildings, structures or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and/or specific reason the proposed action may have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Specific information regarding the project is available by contacting EBI Consulting, Project #042808-PR, 21 B Street, Burlington, MA 01803, or at (617) 715-1822.
DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES
WILL DO SPRING CLEAN UP WILL DO BOBCAT WORK
Trim/Remove trees & shrubs Building Demolitions Clean Gutters Trash Removal & Odd Jobs
Painting inside or Outdoors Property Clean Outs FULLY INSURED
Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com www.jayspersonalservices.com
C&H TREE SERVICE FIREWOOD SALE
Topping – Removal Deadwooding – Landscaping Stump Grinding – Gutter Cleaning INSURED – FREE ESTIMATES CALL STEVE 317-932-2115
PUZZLE ANSWERS
LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING
Locally Owned/operated over 43 Years
• SPRING CLEAN-UP
• LEAF REMOVAL
•MOWING
•FERTILIZING •TEAR OUT/REPLACE
FREE ESTIMATES CALL 317-491-3491
Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Characters: CHARLIE BROWN, LINUS, LUCY,
Psychotherapy Conversant with 12 Step recovery Practice limited to males Sunday hours only 317-403-8237
PIG-PEN, SCHROEDER, SNOOPY; Wrenches: ALLEN, LUG, MONKEY, PIPE, SOCKET; Coins: DIME, NICKEL, PENNY, QUARTER; Counties: GIBSON, GRANT, GREENE; Grocers: KROGER, MEIJER; City: ROCHESTER
MORE LIFE PER SQUARE FOOT
